https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-173-The-Emerging-Murderous-Intent-/13026212/
Chapter 172: Scheming
Chapter 172: Scheming
Yu City.
Mystic Mechanism Pavilion.
Within the multi-story chambers of the pavilion, pairs of eyes suddenly snapped open.
"It's finally here."
On the top floor, Liu Su, the Deputy Master of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, clad in a black robe, slowly spoke, his gaze fixed on the heavens and earth beyond the window.
The Pavilion's celestial predictions regarding fate and destiny were often vague and ethereal, but their forecasts of 'disasters' symbolizing changes in the heavens and earth were remarkably accurate, with a margin of error rarely exceeding a month.
Flood Disaster.
Among the various disasters, this was a relatively unique one. Its destructive reach was usually limited to areas near rivers and streams, and the monsters would only emerge from the water, often accompanied by raging floods.
However, what the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion was concerned about was not these aspects but the fact that the Flood Disaster had a greater impact on the earth's veins compared to droughts and cold disasters!
How deep was the earth?
No one knew the answer.
The deeper one ventured underground, the denser the forces of heaven and earth became. Once a certain depth was reached, even a Martial Saint in the Blood Exchange Realm, let alone a Five Viscera Six Bowels Realm cultivator, would be blocked and unable to proceed further.
Many heavenly calamities were related to the earth's veins. For example, during severe droughts, river and well water could vanish within a single day, consumed by the shifting earth veins. The floodwaters of the Flood Disaster also surged forth from the depths of the earth.
Entering the earth's veins was one thing, but exiting was a different matter!
Since even a Blood Exchange Saint couldn't venture deep into the earth's veins, most of the heavenly treasures in the world were buried deep underground. Even if one knew their exact location, they couldn't be excavated.
However, during a Flood Disaster, when the heavens and earth turned upside down and floodwaters surged from beneath the earth's veins, the heavenly forces in some weak areas of the veins would change, creating gaps that allowed people to explore deeper!
Flood Disaster.
For common folk, it was a calamity, but for cultivators, it was an opportunity! This time, the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion had sent three direct disciples and multiple Bureau Lords to Yu Prefecture, specifically for this Flood Disaster. To prevent other sects from noticing their plan, they mostly acted during the Purple Mist Mountain Range incident.
This included the recent plot within the Inner City to mobilize the Hao Family to assassinate Chen Mu. They wanted Yan Jingqing to believe that the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion was taking advantage of the situation to create chaos in the city, seize power, and plunder wealth.
In reality, they intended for Yan Jingqing to think so.
When Yan Jingqing learned of Chen Mu's assassination, he would undoubtedly suppress the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion. In response, the Pavilion would send more people to Yu Prefecture, which seemed reasonable to everyone.
Their true goal was not just to assassinate Chen Mu, a mere Inspector General. Whether the Hao Family or the Yu Family fell, and whether Chen Mu lived or died, were all insignificant matters. It was even better if they could probe Yan Jingqing's hidden cards.
As for seizing control of Yu Prefecture, that wasn't a short-term goal.
Their most direct and immediate objective was the Flood Disaster!
This time, the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion had sent ten Bureau Lords, two Guardians, three direct disciples, and a large number of people who had quietly entered Yu Prefecture. They had an absolute advantage over any other sect.
The Flood Disaster would last at most ten to fifteen days. By the time the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect sent more people to Yu Prefecture, everything would already be over. They would have accomplished their mission and retreated, awaiting the next opportunity.
Swish! Swish!!
Silently, figures in black robes appeared within the pavilion.
"It begins."
"You should all be clear about the locations of the two rivers and six streams in Yu Prefecture. There's no need to say more. Over the next two days, quickly head to your assigned locations. When the Flood Disaster strikes, inspect the earth's veins along the rivers. Yu Prefecture is remote and not a priority for the Seven Mysteries Sect, so there should be a significant accumulation of resources in the earth's veins. This time, we must seize as much as possible."
"I'll take care of the Black Water River."
"I'll go to the Sand River."
"..."
Each figure in a black robe spoke up, confirming the locations assigned to them days ago. This gathering was merely a final check to prevent any mistakes.
Just as everyone was speaking and receiving their tasks, a figure in the corner, also clad in a black robe but wearing a mask, spoke up. His eyes revealed a deep chill. coldness as he said:
"Before going to the Dragon Gate River, I want to kill someone first."
Upon hearing these words, several figures in black robes turned their gazes towards him.
Someone frowned and said, "I know who you want to kill, but don't delay the important matter. Chen Mu is just a minor Inspector General, and you can kill him anytime. If we don't seize as many treasures as possible this time, we might not have another chance for many years. Although you are already old, our Mystic Mechanism Pavilion has secret techniques that can help you reproduce and start a new lineage in the Mystic State.
Although he was the only one wearing a mask, concealing his appearance, all the Bureau Lords and direct disciples knew who he was—the missing Hao Family great-grandfather and former Bureau Lord of the Seven Mysteries Sect.
Hao Wuyou remained silent, his eyes cold.
Reproduce and start a new lineage? Even if the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion could do it, what was the point? He was already advanced in years, and his recent injuries had taken a toll on his cultivation. In a few years, he might struggle to maintain his Five Viscera Realm strength. Starting a new lineage was a fantasy, and even if he could have more children, it would be difficult to develop them to the Yu Family's level.
His heart was filled with only one thought—revenge. He could only ease the hatred in his heart by killing Chen Mu, Yu Yujun, and eradicating the entire Yu Family.
Chen Mu!
This man was treacherous, and his talent was extraordinary. If the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion hadn't intervened, he would have sought an opportunity to kill Chen Mu long ago. He must be eliminated as soon as possible.
He Wuyou remained silent, while the other deputies furrowed their brows, smirked, or shook their heads.
"I agree. For now, we shouldn't take action against Chen Mu. Deputy Liu, you previously predicted his fate, saying that his life line is long and not destined to end. Forcing a confrontation might only bring about the opposite effect."
"Indeed. There's no need to bother with such a person. We just need to follow the natural course of events. In the future, we can easily eliminate him when the time is right. Why rush it, He Wuyou? Do you still doubt that our Mystic Mechanism Pavilion won't avenge you?"
Several people spoke up.
Just then, Liu Su suddenly said, "Actually, we could give it a try. With the impending flood disaster and the changing heavens, this is the time when celestial predictions and destinies are in disarray... Chen Mu does have the talent for true inheritance. If he becomes a formidable figure in the future, it will be a difficult task. Taking advantage of the disaster to eliminate him now might be a good idea."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room showed thoughtful expressions.
Liu Su paused and glanced at He Wuyou before continuing, "According to the intelligence, Chen Mu is not currently in Yu City. He left for Anyu County not long ago and is no longer under Yan Jingqing's protection. He should still be on his way back to Yu City, and perhaps... this is the opportune moment of heavenly timing."
After Liu Su's words, some of the deputies in the room started to contemplate.
He Wuyou's gaze remained cold and unspoken.
After a moment, a person standing at the forefront of the group, dressed in a dark black robe, slowly spoke, "Deputy Liu's words are not without reason. With the flood disaster approaching and celestial predictions in disarray, and especially with Chen Mu not being in Yu City at this moment, it might be a kind of heavenly destiny. Giving it a try is not a bad idea."
"Guardian Mingjian."
Liu Su bowed towards the dark-robed figure.
In the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, the position of Guardian was above that of the deputies, and it was truly a Six Viscera Realm expert. This time, they had come to Yu Prefecture to compete for the most crucial resources of the two rivers.
The Guardian, Duanmu Chun, glanced at He Wuyou with indifference, then withdrew his gaze and said, "Very well. As for the specifics of the action, you can discuss it among yourselves. I need to take my leave first."
He didn't have time to deal with such trivial matters.
If it were to intercept a genuine true inheritance disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, then it would be worth his attention. But for someone who hadn't officially joined the Seven Mysteries Sect and was just a minor figure from a remote area of Yu Prefecture, he didn't have much interest in paying attention.
After speaking, Duanmu Chun's figure flickered and disappeared into the building.
"Thank you, Deputy Liu."
At this moment, the coldness in He Wuyou's eyes faded, and he bowed to Liu Su.
Liu Su smiled, his face wrinkled, and said, "Deputy He, there's no need to be polite. When I previously predicted Chen Mu's fate, I felt that it was somewhat unusual. Now that the timing is right, it's best to deal with it as soon as possible."
"Hmm..."
He Wuyou nodded slightly, and his eyes once again turned cold.
Chen Mu's figure flashed through his mind, followed by Yu Jiujiang, and then the various members of the Yu Family. Chen Mu was just the beginning; he would make all the Yu Family members wait in fear for death to descend upon them!
On the imperial road...
The once smooth road was now muddy and wet.
Dark clouds filled the sky, and a light drizzle fell continuously, slowing down the carriage's progress. The wheels occasionally sank into the mud and were pulled out again by the horses' strength.
The most peculiar thing was that despite the rain, the air remained filled with thick white mist, obscuring visibility to less than ten meters.
"The flood disaster..."
Chen Mu stood at the front of the carriage, gazing around.
Drops of rain fell on him, but he didn't use his Primordial True Force to repel them; instead, he let them soak his clothes.
Compared to cold and drought disasters, the chaos caused by the flood disaster was the least severe. However, the damage it inflicted was no less than that of the other two disasters. The main issue with the flood disaster was the almost inevitable flooding that followed, which was often catastrophic!
If one were a Muscle Cultivator, they might survive in the flood, but true martial artists were scarce in this world. The vast majority were ordinary people who had little chance of escaping the flood. Farmlands, villages, and towns would all suffer severe damage.
Of course, according to his knowledge, the flood disaster also brought opportunities.
Yu Prefecture's two rivers and six tributaries would be affected, causing cracks in the earth's veins. Sometimes, things would be forced out from underground, or one could proactively explore beneath the surface through these cracks, though it was often dangerous.
"After returning to Yu City, all of you should stay within the city and avoid going out."
Chen Mu turned around and spoke to Xu Hongyu and the others.
Xu Hongyu was actually quite strong now, having reached the Bone Forging Realm and possessing the Water Hexagram Intention. During the flood disaster, her strength would be even more formidable. However, after traveling through the Purple Mist Mountain Range and pursuing the remnants of the Sky Corpse Sect, she was exhausted and not suitable for further travel. Moreover, Yu City wouldn't be peaceful during the flood disaster, and the protective river around the city would also surge. Even if the river was blocked in advance, there would still be demons taking advantage of the dense fog to enter the city and prey on people.
With Xu Hongyu's strength and her position as the Deputy Inspector General of the Demon Slayer Bureau, it made sense for her to stay and guard Yu City. Yan Jingqing wouldn't object, and as for Xiao He, there was no need to mention her as she lacked the strength to be of much use. Chen Yue wasn't even part of the government office.
As for himself...
Chen Mu's mind flashed with maps of various places in Yu Prefecture.
As an Inspector General, he couldn't stop a flood disaster like this. He could only do what he could and leave the rest to fate. If he hadn't been escorting Chen Yue, Xiao He, and the others back to Yu City, he would have likely been by the riverbanks at this moment.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
