Chapter 729: The Eve

Hearing Qi Zhengyan’s words, Meng Qi’s heart sank as he recalled his own relationship with Gu Xiaosang, who was indeed a genuine evil cult girl!

However, dual cultivation was a method of refining essence into energy, harmonizing primordial yang and primordial yin to dissolve isolated yang and solitary yin, achieving great balance. It would leave no trace behind. Before making his decision, he had already known this. Otherwise, he would be in absolute turmoil now.

What made Meng Qi’s heart sink even more was his relief at not being blinded by lust—had he let his guard down after their dual cultivation and repeated it, he would surely have been tightly controlled by that demoness in the future. He had truly walked on the edge of a cliff!

The smoke had just begun to dissipate from the battlefield, with some faces filled with grief and others showing numbness, collectively depicting the cruelty of war.

Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan, relying on their tokens, entered the camp and went directly to the main headquarters to find Du Huaishang and Wanshi Zhenren. They recounted the entire incident involving Miao Cong and handed over Miao Hu’s life-binding talisman to Du Huaishang, demonstrating their openness and sincerity, showing they were not scheming individuals trying to secretly control the Marquis of Nine Mountains for selfish ends.

“Now that General Du’s injuries have recovered, and he can wield the divine weapon to intimidate all factions, having just repelled the imperial army’s attack, it is precisely the time when our strength grows while theirs wanes. We must consider our future plans,” Meng Qi shifted the topic, not lingering on the previous matters, and solemnly proposed.

Du Huaishang, slightly confident, paced back and forth, saying gravely, “With Shadow King’s death, the imperial court has suffered a setback, and external threats have greatly diminished. Miao Cong has been executed, and the Marquis of Nine Mountains is under control for now, so internal worries have also decreased. It’s indeed time to reorganize the rebel forces and discuss subsequent matters, all thanks to you all!”

He expressed his sincere gratitude.

Wanshi Zhenren slightly frowned, “Didn’t you just say there’s still a spy hidden within the camp, a spy capable of a Grandmaster-level threat? He is likely a key aide to Zhu Shou, Feng Jingtang, and Liu Shunshui. If he betrays us at a critical moment in battle, it might lead to our defeat. We must identify him as soon as possible.”

Through the connection between his doppelgänger and his true self, Meng Qi already clearly understood Jiang Zhiwei and the others’ situation.

At that time, Zhu Shou and other top-tier experts were engaged in intense combat with imperial masters, and Master Wanshi believed they couldn’t divert their attention to assassinate Jiang Zhiwei, Ruan Yushu, and Zhao Heng.

Before Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan could speak, Du Huaishang calmly said, “Previously, people were restless because they saw the situation turning bad and each considered their own plans. Now that the tide has turned, very few would dare to defect back to the imperial court. Investigating the spy cannot be our top priority, lest it cause panic among cultivators who have already abandoned such thoughts, forcing them to take desperate measures. We should pretend there is no spy for now and use arrangements to let those unrepentant ones expose themselves.”

This was the mindset a leader should possess, and naturally, Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan did not oppose it.

“The most important matter now is to gather Zhu Shou and the others together, unify our plans, and once again unite the rebel forces into a single cohesive force,” Du Huaishang, confident and composed, instructed Hu Zhi Gao and Hou Yue to separately invite other rebel faction leaders. Finally, he turned to Meng Qi and the others, saying, “You Masters have killed the Shadow King and uncovered spies. Your reputations will soon spread far and wide, so it’s no longer suitable for you to remain hidden among Zhu Shou’s ranks. The covert investigation into spies will now be terminated.”

“That would be excellent,” Meng Qi nodded in agreement.

…

A quarter of an hour later, in the main headquarters, the eighteen rebel faction leaders were gathered, slightly subdued in the presence of Du Huaishang, who held the “Heaven-Bearing Sword.”

Miao Hu was somewhat restless. As a cunning and seasoned warlord, he had been watching the situation with a cold eye, although he did not understand the specifics, he could roughly guess what his son had intended. However, seeing that it was beneficial to himself, he deliberately got involved in the scheme as a bargaining chip. After Du Huaishang recovered, he immediately resorted to the mysterious “Master Shi” to “rescue” his son, forcing him to completely sever ties with the other side to avoid being eliminated in anger.

After all, with his son’s strength, it would be insufficient against “Master Shi,” who would certainly be rated as a top-grade expert under Heaven. Any traps they might have set would be useless, easily defeated, and then he could vow to serve Du Huaishang with all his heart and soul, believing this would resolve his son’s issues.

But now, Du Huaishang had not approached him privately, threatening him with his son’s matter, but instead summoned all the rebel faction leaders for a meeting. The rhythm was a bit off!

Liu Shunshui looked around, not finding the two Red Army commanders who had come to invite him earlier. They had taken his adopted daughter Yun Tao to search for spies, but now no one knew where they had gone?

He needed to ask Du Huaishang about it seriously!

Feng Jingtang, with a face as red as a ripe date and a thick beard, appeared rough and forthright. He exchanged a glance with Zhu Shou, and both saw disappointment in each other’s eyes.

With Du Huaishang’s recovery, their opportunity was lost, and there would be no chance to replace him in the near future!

They were all among the most renowned experts in the land. Feng Jingtang had even been a high-ranking imperial official, with deep experience, extraordinary strength, and great prestige. How could they accept a mere middle-tier grade three cultivator like Du Huaishang?

If it weren’t for his acquisition of a divine weapon and the aid of Wanshi Zhenren, hmpf, what distinguished the Red Army from other rebel factions outside the four families?

Amidst their various thoughts, Du Huaishang spoke:

“Everyone, today Du would like to introduce several Masters first.”

He clapped his hands, and Meng Qi and the others filed out from behind the tent. Zhu Shou narrowed his eyes, filled with gloom, feeling as if he had been played. Miao Hu, on the other hand, fixed his gaze on Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan but did not see his son’s figure.

Liu Shunshui, Feng Jingtang, and others became slightly wary. Just now, they had only sensed two or three people behind the tent, which did not match the actual number present. These mysterious individuals must possess formidable abilities!

Du Huaishang introduced, “This is Master Shi…”

Meng Qi really wanted to cover his face, feeling quite ashamed.

After introducing everyone, he continued, “It was thanks to Master Shi single-handedly storming the imperial camp and slaying the Shadow King that Du was able to recover so quickly.”

Single-handedly storming the imperial camp and slaying the Shadow King? The rebel faction leaders who had not yet received this news inhaled sharply, instantly turning to wooden statues, unable to believe such a thing.

This must have required at least a top-grade expert with bizarre techniques!

And storming the imperial camp alone—words like “brave and skilled” could not even begin to describe it!

Du Huaishang did not elaborate further but continued, “These Masters have also uncovered the matter of the imperial spies. Please allow Master Shi to explain the details to everyone.”

Meng Qi, putting on a brave face, stepped forward, “The Marquis Miao’s son was kidnapped and used to threaten him into inciting internal strife. Fortunately, he understood the greater good and proactively informed General Du of the situation. Following the clues, we discovered the spy—Liu Yuntao, the adopted daughter of the Great King!”

“Heresy!” Liu Shunshui abruptly stood up, fiercely defending his adopted children, “Yuntao’s parents died long ago, and she has followed this King in rebellion since reaching womanhood. The number of royal relatives and high officials she has personally killed is countless. How could she possibly be a spy?”

He was furious, demanding justice!

Meng Qi remained composed, “That was then, this is now. Liu Yuntao had long known Miao Cong and had a secret relationship with him. She lured him to meet at the western hill by the riverbank. When he was off guard, they ambushed and captured him. Otherwise, with Miao Cong’s strength and status, who could have kidnapped him within the heavily guarded camp, under the close protection of the Marquis Miao?”

This argument gained the agreement of many rebel faction leaders. Though their strength might surpass Miao Cong by a large margin, without a top-grade expert father, if even Miao Cong could be kidnapped silently within the camp, wouldn’t everyone be in danger?

“Didn’t Master Shi also kill the Shadow King within the heavily guarded imperial camp and then escape unscathed?” Liu Shunshui used their own argument against them, displaying his seasoned skill.

Meng Qi did not directly answer but instead turned to look at Miao Hu, “Our rescue was slightly delayed, and Prince Miao was tragically killed. Liu Yuntao couldn’t escape and has already been executed.”

Miao Hu’s head spun, his voice somewhat trembling, “Tragically killed?”

If it were for the good of the realm, Miao Hu felt he could endure the sacrifice of his son, with future opportunities to reap rewards. But now, with General Du recovered and his son dead, he inevitably lost his composure.

Liu Shunshui’s restrained Grandmaster aura radiated without reservation, making many rebel faction leaders within the tent tremble. His eyes glared furiously at Meng Qi and the others.

Meng Qi clapped his hands, and Hu Zhi Gao, Hou Yue, and other Red Army commanders brought the corpses of Miao Cong and Liu Yuntao into the tent from outside.

Miao Hu and Liu Shunshui immediately rushed forward to examine the bodies.

At this moment, Meng Qi calmly stated, “Liu Yuntao, as a spy, must have recruited external experts. As long as we interrogate a few individuals, we can confirm the truth. What do you think, Great King?”

Liu Shunshui felt a chill in his heart. As he turned back to meet Meng Qi’s gaze, he found his eyes deep and unreadable, revealing no emotion. Thus, he swept his sleeve and coldly snorted, “Trying to wipe out my entire army in one fell swoop? Hmph! If not for the sake of the people, I would not let this matter rest so easily. Wait until we overthrow the tyrannical imperial court, and we’ll settle this properly!”

He decisively refused to investigate the other generals of his adopted son’s army, adopting a posture of reluctant tolerance.

Of course, Du Huaishang would not force him. He spoke soothingly, indirectly indicating that as long as no harm was done to the rebel forces, all previous incidents could be considered as never having occurred.

Many rebel faction leaders quietly exhaled in relief.

Miao Hu could not find the fatal cause of his son’s death and asked in a hoarse voice, “Where are his treasure weapon and his ring?”

“They were all taken by the imperial spies,” Meng Qi did not even blink, “Prince Miao had already been afflicted by the imperial spies’ evil techniques, his lifespan nearly exhausted, leaving only a bit to cling on. Therefore, we were unable to save him in time.”

Recalling the examination just now, Miao Hu discovered that Miao Cong had indeed died from a depleted lifespan, causing him to feel sudden shock and confusion, unable to discern what had truly happened.

At this moment, Wanshi Zhenren slightly extended his right hand, visible only to Miao Hu.

Miao Hu’s pupils constricted violently. Suddenly, he clasped his hands, “I am deeply grateful to the Masters for avenging my son. The hatred for my son’s death is irreconcilable. I will never stand side by side with the imperial court again!”

How much was true, how much was feigned, how much was genuine sorrow?

Witnessing Liu Shunshui and Miao Hu’s “submission” to Du Huaishang in such a short time, Zhu Shou and Feng Jingtang’s imposing manner was instantly deflated, and they no longer dared to act recklessly, both yielding as well.

After much effort, the rebel forces were at least outwardly united once again, and both Du Huaishang and Meng Qi secretly exhaled in relief.

“Now that the situation has turned around, what should we do next?” Du Huaishang asked humbly.

“Of course, we must hold our position and wait for reinforcements!” Zhu Shou replied without hesitation. “Now that General Du has confirmed the situation is turning in our favor, you must understand that the initiative lies with us, not the enemy. As long as we hold out for half a month, the other rebel forces south of the Nu River will have completely wiped out the remaining imperial troops and join us. Even the top-tier expert ‘Flying Clouds over Lonely Mountain’ will ensure the northern bank of the Nu River erupts in even fiercer rebellion. By then, with public sentiment turning against the court, the imperial army will collapse on its own!”

Liu Shunshui, Miao Hu, and others expressed agreement. This was the most stable approach, the only drawback being that they would have to share the “spoils” of overthrowing the imperial court with other rebel forces.

Du Huaishang turned to Meng Qi, “What do the Masters think?”

Meng Qi looked around slowly, then shook his head, “The opportunity is fleeting; missing it means certain disaster!”

He first frightened them with ominous words!

Then he analyzed, “The Shadow King’s origins are mysterious, serving an ancient ancestor who claims to be a true deity. Now that he has died by my blade, that ancestor may very well take drastic actions. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes.”

“The Shadow King, previously unknown, appeared with the strength of a second-tier expert. The terror and strangeness of that ancestor can be imagined. Even if he cannot truly descend, reversing the situation might not be difficult!”

By using the karma-infused blade to kill the Shadow King, I have merely delayed the danger. If we wait too long, the “wrath of gods and demons” might find an opportunity to descend, and then, the mission would be in peril!

“But with our current strength, we probably can’t break through the imperial camp in the short term,” Miao Hu frowned.

Meng Qi smiled, “When you all first arrived, you fought fiercely on the river against the imperial forces. What did you rely on?”

“On the imperial court’s internal divisions, the discord among several top-tier experts! Although the crown prince now wields a divine weapon to suppress the situation, if we can make them understand the current state of affairs, there might still be an opportunity to lure and turn them!”

“If they retreat into their camp, we won’t have the chance to infiltrate and sway them,” Feng Jingtang said gravely.

Du Huaishang pressed his hand down, “Before that mysterious ancestor reveals himself, the imperial court will also be wary of us holding our ground and waiting for reinforcements. They will surely choose to attack. That’s when we can find an opportunity to pass on messages.”

With Du Huaishang taking a stance, the other rebel faction leaders no longer opposed and began discussing the details.

…

Within the imperial camp, several Primordial Unity Sect’s external experts were in a state of anxiety, having spent a whole day finally setting up a small altar again, seeking guidance from their ancestral master.

Bloodlight descended mysteriously from the void, entering the mud pill palace of one external expert.

This external expert recalled all previous events in detail, allowing the ancestral master to understand the situation.

After a while, a hoarse and majestic voice echoed within his mind!

…

Once more, the night had grown late. This external expert of the Primordial Unity Sect stealthily made his way to the Nu River, drawing from his chest a sheet of yellow paper. The characters inscribed upon it were a sinister red, as though penned in blood:

“Heaven and Earth, Mysterious Yellow, the Cosmos Vast and Desolate…”

This seemingly ordinary Thousand Character Classic emitted a strange radiance, causing anyone who looked at it to feel dizzy and disoriented!

The external expert carefully placed the yellow paper on the river surface, then watched as it sank like a stone, burning without flame, unextinguished by water, visibly relieved.