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Chapter 342: Chongguang's Calculations
Chapter 342: Chongguang’s Calculations
As Chongguang’s words faded, his aura underwent a drastic transformation.
Earlier, having perfected his Divine Abilities, he had claimed the Undying Camphor, Veiled Dragon Water, Axe-Resistant, and Fierce Flame Crucible—all directly leading toward the Lampfire of Restoration.
Yet now, his Divine Abilities had shifted.
The radiant signature of the Lampfire of Restoration abruptly dissolved, as if extinguished by the wind. In its place emerged a cascade of hazy, multicolored Divine Abilities.
“Multifloral Marrow, Sea of Sorrowful Affliction, Lost Ford Passage, Song of Endless Sorrow!”
Four Supreme Heaven Divine Abilities. The sight surprised even Ang Xiao: “Each is top-tier. You’re not afraid Mu Changsheng will attempt soul possession to claim them?”
“It depends on you, esteemed elder,” Chongguang replied calmly.
“Hahah!”
Ang Xiao couldn’t help but clap in amusement.
Chongguang’s choice was brilliant.
The No Heaven Realm itself was already a forbidden path, despised by the True Monarchs of the world. They’d never allow Mu Changsheng to ascend unchallenged through it. Under such circumstances, no one else would dare aid him. Worse, his current path contradicted the Lampfire of Restoration, meaning even former supporters like True Monarch Qingcheng Feixue would withhold help. Only Ang Xiao, an enemy of the True Monarchs, had both motive and power to intervene.
After all, the enemy of an enemy is a friend.
By seeking the No Heaven Realm, Chongguang ensured no True Monarch would obstruct him—Ang Xiao was the greater threat.
‘Clever. Using me as a shield.’
Yet the thought only amused Ang Xiao, who smiled: “I can block Mu Changsheng’s soul possession. But tell me, young friend—what do you offer in return?”
“You lack time.”
Chongguang pierced the crux of Ang Xiao’s dilemma. The latter hadn’t acted earlier because part of his consciousness was sealed in the Heaven’s South Gate, leaving him blind to the Modern Realm’s developments. By the time he realized the threat, Mu Changsheng had already begun attracting Fruit Position attention—leaving no room for counterplay.
True Monarch Qingcheng Feixue had orchestrated this perfectly.
But reversibility was key:
“If I reclaim that lost time for you, I’m certain you can break free on your own.”
So saying, Chongguang revealed his bargaining chip.
A radiant glow surged from him, making Ang Xiao narrow his eyes: “The Lampfire of Restoration’s ritual?”
“I embody the concept of Inversion,” Chongguang declared. “Mu Changsheng is ensnared in your scheme. By aiding his escape from certain death, I create the ultimate Inversion—enough to draw Fruit Position scrutiny!”
If Lv Yang were here, he’d understand instantly.
The earlier transaction!
Before entering the Heaven’s South Gate, Chongguang had struck a deal with Lv Yang, urging him to linger inside to bait Ang Xiao. Without that move, Lv Yang might have cleared the gate too quickly, alerting Ang Xiao early and triggering chaos.
This was Chongguang’s true aim—not just to trap Ang Xiao, but to position himself as a critical counterweight.
“This won’t stop Mu Changsheng’s ascension,” Chongguang admitted, “but it’ll buy me enough leverage to delay him half an hour. That should suffice for your intervention.”
Cloaked in light, Chongguang’s expression remained inscrutable. His final leverage? Ang Xiao couldn’t afford his death—not while maintaining the Lawkeeper conflict. If Chongguang fell, Mu Changsheng would face no opposition.
An unspoken warning: Don’t double-cross me.
Ang Xiao studied him, his own face unreadable. Finally, he chuckled: “Killing you isn’t my goal. I have other methods.”
Chongguang nodded. “You could gamble, but why would you?”
A fair question.
Should Mu Changsheng ascend, Ang Xiao’s millennia of plots would collapse, and his cultivation base would plummet. This wasn’t a risk he’d take.
“Bravo.” Ang Xiao’s smile deepened. “You’re the first to dare challenge me in centuries. Boldness suits you.”
“We share no irreconcilable conflict,” Chongguang said. “Assist me, and when I succeed, I’ll aid you. A mutual gain. The choice is yours.”
As their negotiation concluded, Mu Changsheng’s ascension rite continued. Time was short.
Ang Xiao abandoned pretense, retrieving a golden lamp from his sleeve. With a flick of divine energy, he ignited its dim flame. The light spread, exuding a serene, clarifying aura.
“This artifact, the Sun-Obfuscating Golden Lamp, is a Fruit-Rank treasure forged from Great Forest Wood. While lit, it grants the power to conceal one’s consciousness under the ‘Sun-Obfuscating’ veil—shielding you from Mu Changsheng’s soul possession.”
“But my protection lasts only as long as the lamp burns. By then, I’ll have dealt with Mu Changsheng. Afterward, I’d gladly claim another No Heaven Realm as a bonus.”
Chongguang bowed deeply: “Gratitude, esteemed elder.”
A seasoned Holy Sect True Man, he understood Ang Xiao’s words carried rare sincerity.
For True Men, the most reliable transactions weren’t based on trust, but mutual profit. Both had grasped this truth.
The previous Dragon Sovereign had failed to comprehend Ang Xiao’s motives, leading to miscalculation. Chongguang, however, was far sharper—he’d even engineered Ang Xiao’s current desperation. Without his interference, Mu Changsheng might never have reached this summit.
Hence the label: blackmail.
To pressure a Golden Core Late True Man as a mere Foundation Builder? Opportunism, perhaps—but seizing such chances was its own mastery.
Chongguang closed his eyes.
His radiant aura erupted skyward, drawing the Lampfire of Restoration’s gaze. His consciousness vanished into the No Heaven Realm.
(End of Chapter)
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