Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Dead?” Bai Mu echoed, his face lighting up with joy, resembling a vibrant display of fireworks.
“Second Master, didn’t I tell you?” Bai Si said with a confident grin. “Selling them all wasn’t an issue at all. The nine kings are powerful, making the small region of Qingzhou insignificant. Even if the three major sects were to split up, they would be easy to overcome.” He couldn’t help but boast about their cunning plan, although a hint of regret also lingered.
“What a shame,” Bai Si lamented. “The ancestral blood will likely be distributed among the nine kings now. You missed an opportunity to reach a higher level with the ancestral blood.” He shook their head, looking genuinely sorrowful.
Regret gnawed at Bai Mu as he absorbed Bai Si’s words. He wished he could have been braver and more decisive in his actions. Having more ancestral blood could have improved his talents. The ancestral bloodline played a crucial role in enhancing their abilities, a fact that was more pronounced in their transformed human forms.
Determined not to repeat his mistake, Bai Mu said with a serious face,
“Advisor, I promise to heed your advice from now on. I trust you to guide me.”
Bai Si adopted a solemn expression as well, reassuring Bai Mu, “What are you talking about, Second Master? I am here to help you.”
Despite the grave facade, Bai Si couldn’t suppress a triumphant smile inwardly. It seemed they had successfully manipulated the Second Master, making the path to power clearer.
So, when Bai Mu inquired about the next steps in their plan, Bai Si was ready with an answer. “We wait. With the Ninth Prince taking possession of the ancestral blood and eliminating Qin Huai, he will undoubtedly gain favor with the six royal families. Many will be eager to align with him.”
Bai Si explained further, foreseeing a power struggle amidst the seemingly united front of the nine kings and the six royal clans. This was an opportunity for them to shift from being a minor branch to becoming a powerful voice in their clan.
Bai Mu, catching onto the idea, wondered aloud, “Then our role is to…”
“Form a secret alliance with the nine kings,” Bai Si quickly filled in. “Qingzhou is currently a hotbed of talent and resources, an asset the nine kings will be reluctant to abandon. If we forge a connection with them, we could have a steady inflow of resources from Qingzhou. This will certainly earn you praise from the clan leader.
Bai Mu agreed enthusiastically, his face lighting up as he repeated, “Yes, that makes perfect sense!”
Meanwhile, in a concealed chamber, the leaders of the six royal clans convened once again. This time, the atmosphere was noticeably more upbeat compared to their previous meeting.
The leader of the Qiongqi clan commented coldly, acknowledging the success of the nine kings’ recent maneuver, “On the whole, the operation to eliminate Qin Huia went quite smoothly.”
The leader of the phoenix clan said, “Indeed, the outcome was better than anticipated. Only Wu Wang and two others fell before we managed to kill Qin Huai. The nine kings worked together seamlessly.”
Qiong Mou, not to be left out, chuckled before adding, “But we must acknowledge that Qin Huai was a strong enemy, truly deserving of his emperor title. Even facing our combined forces, he managed to take three of our men with him.”
The leader of the Nine Supremes clan couldn’t help but grin as he spoke, “Well, he merely harnessed the ancient power at his disposal. It wasn’t surprising that he met his end. However, the lingering potency of the array created by the Qingzhou Emperor ten thousand years ago did give me a bit of a scare.”
Bai Wuya interjected with a thoughtful remark, “History has repeatedly demonstrated that prodigies who don’t get the chance to fully develop are like young trees at the roadside, effortlessly crushed underfoot.”
Taking a more somber tone, the leader of the black tortoise clan mentioned a brewing issue, “Now we face a new challenge. The remaining six kings seem reluctant to relinquish control over the fertile grounds of Qingzhou…”
With a dismissive snort, Qiong Mou responded, “It’s to be expected. I wouldn’t easily give up such a prosperous land and the ancestral blood either. Let them hold onto it for now. Once we subdue the three sects and the Sacred Heart Sect, we will turn our attention to settling the affairs in Qingzhou.”
After this exchange, the leaders of the six royal clans vanished once more.
In Dongqing county, situated in Jiang county, a scene unfolded at the back of the Nine Dragons Mountain, within the confines of the Nine Dragons Sect.
Qin Huai was seated in a meditative position on the peak, flanked by Gou Jie, Xiang Mingfeng, Le Ji’an, and other members of the Qingzhou Alliance, forming a triangle behind him.
Above them, birds continuously descended from the sky. One of them carried a grim headline, “Le Ji’an has fled to the previous stronghold of the Ghost Ox Sect in Qingzhou City, only to be slain by three kings. His death was accompanied by eerie wails and cries echoing for miles.”
Hua Yanli relayed the message with a twisted smile, while Yun Qi brought in another update, his voice tinged with sorrow, “Today, I found that the Skyglow Sect disciples were summoning their leader, Yunqi, in Tomb City. However, the Heavenly Night King discovered this gathering and unleashed heavenly fire upon them, scorching the land.” His face turned somber as he finished, “Today, it seems I am the one who died.”
A third report came from Xu Tong, detailing more bad news, “The divine weapons of the six kings have descended from the heavens, announcing their presence in Qingzhou. Despite the upheavals, the Nine Dragons Sect maintains control over the territory, vowing to eliminate evil forces… There have been uprisings in ten districts of Qingzhou, but they were swiftly quelled by the Nine
Dragon Guards.”
A series of unfortunate events engulfed the world as the news spread. The formidable Qingzhou Alliance seemed to have crumbled in the wake of Qin Huai’s death, with many fleeing to avoid the chaos. Dark clouds seemed to loom over Qingzhou once again.
Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope remained. The Nine Dragons Empress persisted in her rule, providing some solace to the distressed populace of Qingzhou.
Gou Jie approached Qin Huai, offering a fragment of encouraging news amidst the gloom, “Our reports indicate that, despite the Qingzhou Alliance’s downfall causing a dip in arrivals at various checkpoints, the overall traffic is showing a rapid growth..”