Chapter 146: The Vile Scheme

In the dead of night, a thousand miles away, the moon hung high in the heavens, silently watching over the mortal world.

On the wild plains, there was a figure looking up at the cold moon. He wore a long, flowing robe, still in the traditional attire of a Taoist, his chiseled face exuding an aura of quiet authority and sternness.

The night breeze blew softly across the fields, causing the grass to sway. In the fluttering of robes and the silence, it seemed as if time itself had stopped.

But who could truly halt the passage of time? In the blink of an eye, ten years had already passed.

A sigh, faint and fleeting, drifted away with the wind.

In the midst of this stillness, a voice suddenly came from afar, tinged with a hint of amusement. “What a beautiful night, Master Taoist, enjoying the moon all alone. Must be in a good mood, aren’t you?”

The voice, which began far off, reached the man’s side by the end of the sentence. The Taoist took a deep breath and turned around. Under the moonlight, it was none other than Elder Cangsong, who had betrayed Azure Ethereal Conclave and allied with the demon cult a decade ago.

Standing a short distance behind him was the smiling Lord Ghost King, the leader of the Ghost King Sect. His face, though as usual, bore a new head of white hair, making him look haggard, but his eyes gleamed with a fierce light, more intense than ever before.

Elder Cangsong glanced at Lord Ghost King’s hair, his composed demeanor faltering. He stammered, “Lord, your hair… how…?”

Ghost King smiled faintly. This reaction was expected. As a deeply cultivated individual, even after a hundred years, his appearance would not change much. But his sudden graying over three days was shocking to someone like Cangsong, who thought he must have encountered some problem in his cultivation.

Ghost King did not explain, nor did his expression change much. He merely smiled and said, “Though we are cultivators, we are still mortals. The joys and sorrows of life often bring us pain.”

Cangsong’s face grew serious. “Indeed, I spoke too much.”

Ghost King shook his head with a smile, walked over, and said, “Let’s not dwell on that. I heard that after the battle at Azure Ethereal Conclave ten years ago, you were honored as an elder by the Venomous Gates. Why did you invite me here tonight? If the Old Poison knew, I wouldn’t mind, but it might be inconvenient for you.”

Elder Cangsong stared at Ghost King for a long while. Ghost King, unfazed, waited with a smile. Finally, Cangsong sighed, “Lord, you are indeed no ordinary person. I must confess, I have something important to discuss.”

“Please, go on,” said Ghost King.

Cangsong met his gaze. “Do you know, Lord, that the Poison Emperor, the leader of the Venomous Gates, passed away three days ago.”

Cangsong’s words, though softly spoken, struck like a thunderbolt. Even the composed Ghost King couldn’t help but shudder, his face contorting in shock. “What?”

Cangsong continued, “The Poison Emperor passed away, leaving his youngest disciple, Qin Wuyan, to take over as the new leader.”

Ghost King gradually regained his composure, but his brow remained furrowed. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The Venomous Gates, one of the three major sects, were a constant threat. With the Poison Emperor’s death, the Ghost King Sect saw a rare opportunity to usurp their position.

Taking a deep breath, Ghost King’s eyes returned to Cangsong’s face. He smiled. “The late Poison Emperor was a respected elder of our holy sect. His passing is indeed saddening.” Yet, his smile held no trace of sorrow.

Cangsong, too, showed no emotion. Clearly, neither of them felt any attachment to the deceased.

“But,” Ghost King added, a hint of seriousness in his tone, “how come I didn’t hear about this until now? The Venomous Gates have been quiet, but no news has leaked out.”

Cangsong smirked, “The old man left orders for Qin Wuyan to take over, but his other disciples refuse to accept it. They are fighting over the position, and so the news of his death has been suppressed. Only a few, including myself, know the truth.”

Ghost King, understanding, smiled. “This is no small matter. Your informing me of this is greatly appreciated.”

Cangsong nodded. “It’s my duty.”

Ghost King’s eyes gleamed. “Is there anything else, Elder Cangsong? Speak freely.”

Cangsong huffed. “Lord, I won’t beat around the bush. The Venomous Gates have no place for me anymore. I hope, for the sake of our past, you will take me in.”

Ghost King was taken aback. “Elder Cangsong, a man of your caliber, I would gladly welcome you. But given your position in the Venomous Gates, I hesitated to invite you. Is there something else going on?”

Cangsong nodded. “Your insight is sharp. Though the Poison Emperor treated me well, Qin Wuyan and I do not get along. The current power struggle in the Venomous Gates will leave them weakened, no matter who wins.”

Ghost King laughed heartily. “Rest assured, Elder Cangsong. Qin Wuyan is a mere youth, unworthy of your talents. Join the Ghost King Sect, and you will be treated with the utmost respect.”

Cangsong smiled. “Thank you, Lord.”

Ghost King, eyes twinkling, asked, “Now that we are one, may I ask, among the Poison Emperor’s disciples, who is most likely to succeed him?”

Cangsong pondered. “Despite the ongoing power struggles, I believe Qin Wuyan has the best chance. Though young, he is cunning and has inherited the Poison Emperor’s true teachings. However, he was injured by Ghost Li months ago, and has yet to recover fully. This is why his fellow disciples have seized the opportunity to rise.”

Ghost King, surprised, recalled the incident. “Ah, I see. You’re right. Ghost Li’s strike in the Western Swamp was unexpected.”

As Ghost King’s eyes flashed, Cangsong noticed. “Lord, what’s wrong?”

Ghost King, realizing his mistake, smiled. “Nothing, just pleased to see Ghost Li’s growth.”

Cangsong, indifferent, did not press further. But his thoughts wandered to the events of ten years ago, and he couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.

At the Fox Ridge, the headquarters of the Ghost King Sect, the glowing staff returned to its sleeve, and Ghost Li appeared once more at the entrance.

The guards, startled, quickly moved aside, calling out, “Deputy Sect Leader.”

Ghost Li, expressionless, walked in, Little Gray perched on his shoulder, scanning the surroundings. After a moment, he looked away, having seen it all before.

Ghost Li slowly entered his room, everything as he left it. He stood there, lost in thought, a rare hint of hesitation and fear in his eyes. Little Gray hopped off his shoulder and played on the bed.

Sighing, Ghost Li made a decision, turned, and headed towards the icy stone chamber.

Along the way, he met many disciples, all of whom kept their distance. Ignoring them, he soon reached the chamber, where Youji stood.

Youji, seeing him, was slightly surprised.

Ghost Li nodded, then walked past her, stopping at the door.

“Yu—”

He paused, uncertain how to address her.

Youji, sensing his unease, said, “Call me what Biccao did.”

Silence fell. Finally, Ghost Li spoke, “Youji, I asked Qinglong Shengshi to return the Great Sorcerer’s ashes to the Southern Frontier.”

Youji nodded, concern in her voice. “Qinglong has delivered them, but he hasn’t returned. The demonic beasts are rampant, and I’m worried.”

Ghost Li frowned. “Qinglong is strong. The beasts can’t harm him. I must go in now.”

Youji, silent, watched him enter the chamber.

Inside, the heavy stone door creaked open and closed, and Ghost Li found himself once more in the icy room, staring at Biccao’s serene form. The swirling mist, the faint traces of the ritual, and the haunting memories all came flooding back.

His lips trembled, and he walked closer, his steps heavy. As he knelt, his sobs echoed in the chamber.

Suddenly, he struck himself, the sound of flesh hitting flesh reverberating. “I’m sorry, Biccao, I’m so sorry…”

Time passed, and finally, the stone door opened. Ghost King, with his silver hair, stepped in. Seeing him, Ghost Li rose, turning to face him.

Their eyes met, both shocked. Ghost Li saw Ghost King’s white hair, and Ghost King saw the red marks on Ghost Li’s face.

“You’re back,” Ghost King said, his tone strange, a mix of relief and something unnamable.

Ghost Li nodded. Ghost King, used to his nature, continued, “An old friend is here. We have a big event coming up.”

Curious, Ghost Li turned to look at Biccao one last time before following Ghost King out.

Ghost King, glancing at his daughter, then led them to a secluded room. Inside, two figures awaited: the mysterious Ghost Mister and Elder Cangsong.

Cangsong and Ghost Mister turned to look as they entered.

When Ghost Li and Cangsong’s eyes met, time seemed to freeze. Ten years had passed, and yet, here they were, under such circumstances.

In the tense silence, Ghost King broke the ice, “It’s been a while. Let’s sit and talk.”

With that, the tension eased. Cangsong and Ghost Li sat, their expressions unreadable.

Ghost King addressed Ghost Li, “Elder Cangsong is now our guest. Treat each other well.”

Ghost Li, curious, asked, “Why are you here, Elder Cangsong, and not with the Venomous Gates?”

Cangsong, unperturbed, said, “The Venomous Gates are in turmoil. The Poison Emperor is dead, and Qin Wuyan is the successor. But the other disciples are rebelling.”

The news, especially to Ghost Li, was shocking. Ghost Mister and Youji, too, were visibly shaken.

“Who is the successor?” Youji asked.

Ghost King smiled, “The Poison Emperor is dead.”

The room fell into stunned silence. The implications were clear to all.

Ghost King, looking around, smiled. “We have an opportunity.”

Ghost Li, after a moment, asked, “This news, it’s from Elder Cangsong?”

Ghost King nodded. “And I’ve confirmed it.”

Ghost Li, breathing deeply, asked, “What is the situation now?”

Cangsong explained, “Qin Wuyan is the heir, but the others are fighting, and the gates are in chaos.”

Ghost King interjected, “Chaos is good. The perfect time to unite the Holy Sect.”

Ghost Li, noticing Ghost King’s piercing gaze, remained silent.

Ghost King, undeterred, continued, “Elder Cangsong has a plan to crush the Venomous Gates.”

All were intrigued. Even with the Poison Emperor’s death, the Venomous Gates were formidable.

Cangsong, without hesitation, shared his plan. “What people fear most now are the demonic beasts. If we can make the Venomous Gates and the beasts fight, it will weaken them.”

Ghost Li, nodding, asked, “How?”

Cangsong smiled, “Simple. The beasts are drawn to human flesh. We just need to…”

His voice lowered, revealing the plan. Time passed, and finally, the meeting ended. As they left, only Ghost Li and Cangsong remained.

In the silence, Ghost Li spoke, “Do you have something to say?”

Cangsong, after a long pause, said, “Yes, but I don’t know what now.”

Ghost Li, understanding, asked, “Have you visited Azure Ethereal Conclave?”

Cangsong, his expression unchanged, replied, “I have, but only from afar. And you?”

Ghost Li, standing, said, “I have. The mountains and rivers remain, but the people… they have changed.”

Cangsong smiled bitterly, “Indeed, only people change…”

Ghost Li, leaving, heard Cangsong mutter, “Azure Ethereal Conclave… Azure Ethereal Conclave… Ah, Azure Ethereal Conclave…”

Back at the blood pool, Ghost King and Ghost Mister walked the bridge, the air thick with the scent of blood. The Yellow Bird and Kui Ox lay listlessly in the pool, while the Dragon Subduing Cauldron glowed red.

Ghost King, musing, said, “These two are nearly subdued, correct?”

Ghost Mister nodded, “Yes, the cauldron’s power is genuine. Once we capture the other two, our plan will succeed.”

Ghost Mister, hesitant, asked, “Do you trust Elder Cangsong’s plan?”

Ghost King, eyes flashing, smiled, “Elder Cangsong is different now. He needs our protection, and his plan will cost us only minor losses.”

Ghost Mister, thoughtful, suggested, “If you don’t mind, I have another plan. We can use this to also deal with the Joyful Union Sect.”

Ghost King, intrigued, said, “Go on.”

Ghost Mister, bowing, said, “If you don’t mind sacrificing some disciples, we can lure the beasts to fight the Venomous Gates, then convince the Joyful Union Sect to join us, claiming we cannot stand idly by. After, we can let the beasts finish them off.”

Ghost King, considering, said, “Lady Sanmiao is cunning. She won’t believe it.”

Ghost Mister, calm, said, “If half of the Ghost King Sect is dead, she will believe it.”

Ghost King, stunned, considered the implications. Finally, he said, “You are right. But what if Lady Sanmiao turns against us?”

Ghost Mister, chuckling, said, “No one in the Demon Cult is loyal. They would seize the opportunity.”

Ghost King, impressed, said, “Truly a brilliant plan. What of the other two beasts?”

Ghost Mister, pleased, said, “Once we capture the Zhu Long, only the Taotie remains. With the Four Spirits Blood Array complete, who can stop us?”

Ghost King, stepping forward, felt the power of the cauldron. Laughter, loud and maniacal, filled the air, echoing through the chambers, a promise of dominance and control.