PHS Chapter 111 (Patreon)

Chapter 111: A Well-Laid Scheme

While the two Sacred Lands, having both deployed their Imperial Weapons, were locked in a stalemate…

Great Desolate City.

Before the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

Two figures approached, walking side by side.

The one in the lead was an old man, ancient and frail, his body like skin stretched over bones. A full head of white hair hung in disarray over his shoulders. With his hands behind his back, he shuffled forward, each step so unsteady he seemed ready to collapse at any moment. Beside the old man followed a middle-aged man.

It was none other than the Sect Master of the Nine Nether Demon Sect, Yang Qiu. He extended his hands to support the old man, his every move cautious and deeply respectful. Those who didn't know him would assume Yang Qiu had undergone a complete transformation. It was difficult to reconcile this careful attendant with the ruthless man of the demonic path who had dared to strike down his senior martial brother.

"Ancestor, please slow down. We've arrived at the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets," Yang Qiu said softly.

"Have we arrived?"

The old man stopped, raising his head to look forward. His eyes had no pupils, only two black holes like cosmic voids, utterly terrifying. Within those dark depths, terrifying principles of the Dao seemed to bloom with divine radiance.

"Worthy indeed of the one who guided you to Sainthood," the old man remarked. Just now, with a single glance, even someone as powerful as him could not see through this Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets. It was right before him, yet it felt as if it were a world away. The entire pavilion was shrouded in a layer of mist—ethereal, mysterious, blocking all attempts to pry.

"Senior Pavilion Master is, naturally, no ordinary person," Yang Qiu said flatteringly.

At this moment, they had reached the entrance of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.

He figured the Pavilion Master could surely hear his flattery. Such a perfect opportunity to curry favor couldn't be wasted.

"Ancestor, watch your step. There are stairs."

Yang Qiu supported the old man as they walked step by step into the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets. As he looked up, he saw Li Yun with a peculiar expression on his face.

"This junior, Yang Qiu, greets Senior."

"This old one, Meng Qingzhi, greets the Pavilion Master."

Yang Qiu and the old man cupped their fists in unison.

"Hmm?"

Seeing his ancestor bowing alongside him, Yang Qiu's heart skipped a beat. Others might not know this ancestor's strength, but he did. This was a genuine Quasi-Emperor, though his age was great. His vital energy and blood had already begun to fade, making him slightly weaker than a Quasi-Emperor at their peak. Because his time was nearing its end, he often sealed himself within a coffin. 

Very few in the entire Nine Nether Demon Sect even knew this ancestor was still alive. But even a dying Quasi-Emperor was still a Quasi-Emperor! For such an ancient and terrifying figure to address the Senior Pavilion Master before him with the humble "this old one," not daring to show the slightest arrogance—what did that mean?

It meant that the Senior Pavilion Master's strength was greater than his own ancestor's! It was highly likely he was a Great Emperor! Because if the Senior Pavilion Master were also a Quasi-Emperor, his ancestor would not be so respectful! Could it be... that the Master of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets is truly a Great Emperor?

At this moment, Yang Qiu was completely stunned. Although he had long suspected it, seeing this scene before him was still hard to believe.

Beside him, Meng Qingzhi was also filled with emotion. This world truly had many hidden masters. Who would have thought that such a small city as Great Desolate City would hide a figure whom even he could not see through?

"Please, have a seat, you two."

Li Yun gave Yang Qiu a strange look. He truly hadn't expected it. The usually low-key Yang Qiu had brought out his ancestor, and a Quasi-Emperor at that, though this Quasi-Emperor was not in good condition. He didn't have much lifespan left; it looked as though a single battle would be enough to cause his fall. To be out and about at a time like this, he was either choosing his own grave or plotting something!

After Meng Qingzhi and Yang Qiu sat down, Liu Chengxue served them tea, then turned and withdrew.

Meng Qingzhi reached out a trembling hand, lifted the teacup, took a sip, and said slowly, "This old one has come today specifically to thank the Pavilion Master for his previous guidance. If not for the Pavilion Master's intervention, I fear the Nine Nether Demon Sect would not have gained another Saint."

As he spoke, Meng Qingzhi looked at Yang Qiu with great satisfaction, causing the latter to feel deeply ashamed.

"It was a mere trifle."

Li Yun waved his hand, his expression light and unconcerned. He didn't believe a single punctuation mark of Meng Qingzhi's words. For a junior to advance from the Sacred Lord realm to become a Saint was indeed worth celebrating.

But for a Quasi-Emperor on the brink of death to make a special trip to express thanks was a bit excessive. What if this Quasi-Emperor died on the way here? Everyone in the Nine Nether Demon Sect would probably cry their eyes out.

"This old man heard recently that someone set up a killing formation outside Great Desolate City. Dare I ask the Pavilion Master if this is true?" Meng Qingzhi asked again.

"Correct."

Li Yun nodded. This matter was no secret; it had long since been reported back by the spies of the major powers. It was only natural that Meng Qingzhi knew.

"To think there is such an arrogant person in this world, wishing to harm the Pavilion Master! I ask that the Pavilion Master tell this old one their name. Regardless of their background, my Nine Nether Demon Sect will surely fight them to the death!" Meng Qingzhi erupted in fury. His withered body trembled, as if truly overcome with rage, but a dark glint flashed in his eyes.

Before coming, he had already learned about the Master of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets from Yang Qiu. Any information required an equivalent exchange. By making such a declaration now, he thought, he could surely improve the Pavilion Master's impression of him. 

Later, he could smoothly propose purchasing the method to break the Shimmering Light Sacred Land's guardian formation. Wouldn't the price be much cheaper then? After all, how many people could ruthlessly fleece someone who was wholeheartedly trying to help them?

His calculations are quite shrewd.

Li Yun glanced at Meng Qingzhi's template, smiled to himself, and slowly uttered a few words: "The one who set up the formation was the Shimmering Light Sacred Lord!"

"Oh?"

Hearing these words, Meng Qingzhi's pupil-less eyes lit up completely!

Such a good thing exists?

This was a case of "speak of the devil, and he shall appear"!

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