Chapter 407: The Schemes of Ants, Extinguished to Ashes

Chapter 407: The Schemes of Ants, Extinguished to Ashes

In the sky outside the capital of Dayue Kingdom, a figure approached quietly, blending seamlessly with the clouds. Even the Dayue Emperor, a formidable existence, was unaware of this intruder's presence.

It was challenging for an Immortal Revered to conceal their presence from their peers due to their profound connection with the heavens and earth, granting them dominion over a realm.

Thus, for someone to infiltrate another Immortal Revered's domain without detection was extraordinary.

Yet, at this moment, someone had achieved precisely that!

"This is getting interesting," Li Xuan remarked, intrigued by the powerful entity backing the Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow.

The figure in the clouds was an Immortal Revered, weaker than the Dayue Emperor but stronger than Sui Hongwu. While not the pinnacle of their kind, they were far from the weakest.

A gloomy mask adorned their face, engraved with seven leaves.

"Seven-Leaf Heaven's Wrath? No, Little Toad mentioned a malevolent mask, not a gloomy one," Li Xuan mused, his gaze fixed on the black robe the figure wore, which faintly resonated with the Dao patterns.

It was this robe that isolated the wearer from the heaven and earth's power, shielding their presence from detection by the Immortal Revered ruling over this domain.

"An Immortal Revered couldn't create this robe. It must be imbued with Dao pattern resonance to function effectively," Li Xuan deduced, certain that the powerful entity backing Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow had crafted this robe for their agents to use during their missions.

Aside from the robe, this Immortal Revered was also highly skilled in stealth.

Like a dark cloud, the assassin melded with the clouds, drifting over the capital of Dayue Kingdom. After scouting the area, their gaze locked onto the Qimen Court and Dan Medicine Court.

Instead of making a move, the assassin remained patient, as if waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

"If they get any closer to the Dayue Emperor's palace, even with the robe's concealment, they won't escape his notice. However, at this distance, unless an Immortal Revered intervenes, a single attack from them would be enough to kill everyone in the Dan Medicine Court and Qimen Court," Li Xuan observed with interest.

He then looked up at the sky, wondering, "I wonder where the mastermind behind all this is. Are they in the Divine Realm? And how do they compare to me now?"

A cold smile played on his lips as he continued, "I may only be at the Broken Void realm, but above the Immortal realm, even if I can't kill them with a single palm strike, they may not be my match either."

He was eager to show these people the consequences of provoking a powerful expert like himself once his strength increased.

"Now this Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow is truly insidious," Li Xuan remarked, his eyebrows furrowing.

An Immortal Revered from the Nine Mountains Realm had come to visit the Dayue Emperor, bearing what seemed to be important news.

Feng Yan's eyebrows knitted together in surprise. "Ping Qiu from Duanxia Mountain? What brings him here? Has something happened?"

Duanxia Mountain was one of the nine mountains of the Nine Mountains Realm, and Ping Qiu was an Immortal Revered from there.

"Should we go and see?" Feng Yan asked, intrigued.

"We can't leave!" came the firm reply as he suppressed his curiosity and maintained his position.

"Brother Ping Qiu, what brings you here?" the Dayue Emperor inquired as he received Ping Qiu.

"Your Majesty, a major incident has occurred," Ping Qiu said gravely.

The Dayue Emperor asked curiously, "What is this incident? Do you require support for the Heavenly Pit in the Nine Mountains Realm?"

"It's not about the Heavenly Pit," Ping Qiu replied, his expression growing more solemn. "Your Majesty, have you heard of Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow?"

The Dayue Emperor's face scrunched up in confusion. "Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow? I've never heard of them."

"Duanxia Mountain has received intelligence that Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow intends to incite conflict among the Nine Mountains Realm, and they have a sinister plan for the Qinghua Realm..." Ping Qiu proceeded to divulge Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow's plans, which closely aligned with the information Little Ha had brought back. He even revealed some details that Little Ha was unaware of.

The Dayue Emperor was taken aback by the news. "Is this true?"

"Absolutely," Ping Qiu affirmed, his face grim. He then dropped another bombshell, leaving even the Dayue Emperor shocked.

"It seems that Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow has secretly reached an agreement with the Heavenly Pit. The disturbances in the Nine Mountains Realm have ceased, and some of the external enemies have even withdrawn from the Heavenly Pit. Moreover, Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow will soon create chaos in the Divine Realm," Ping Qiu revealed.

This news unsettled the Dayue Emperor.

Could Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow be planning to collude with the Heavenly Pit for a coordinated attack, leveraging external forces to achieve unity of heaven and earth?

Ping Qiu's arrival and the information he brought caused quite a stir among the Immortal Revereds. After sharing his news with the Dayue Emperor, he departed in haste for Tianwu Gate and Wanlei Sect.

"Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow doesn't seem to care if their plans are exposed. Their sole purpose is to create chaos in the Divine Realm, whether through mutual slaughter or a united effort to eradicate them..." Li Xuan marveled at the fanaticism of Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow, driven by their obsession with achieving unity of heaven and earth and restoring its former glory.

"Is the time still not right? What are they waiting for?" Li Xuan wondered, his gaze fixed on the assassin lurking in the clouds.

Several days later, Ping Qiu returned, this time from Wanlei Sect.

This series of actions dispelled any suspicions the Dayue Emperor and the others might have had, leading them to believe that he was genuinely there to deliver information.

"Indeed, they are quite clever," Li Xuan acknowledged, now curious about their next move.

These two Immortal Revereds, one shrouded in secrecy and the other more overt, were they targeting him? Were they planning to assassinate him?

"Could they really be after me?" Li Xuan muttered, his interest piqued.

"Let's see how you plan to make your move," Li Xuan said, feigning ignorance as he waited quietly.

Soon after, Ping Qiu arrived with the Dayue Emperor.

Ping Qiu had requested this visit after learning about the efficacy of the array formations and Elixir medicine. He implored the Dayue Emperor to allow him to meet with Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu personally to purchase the array plates and Elixir medicine.

His goal was to strengthen Duanxia Mountain's defenses in anticipation of an attack by Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow.

The Dayue Emperor hesitated but eventually agreed, considering Ping Qiu's status as an Immortal Revered and the goodwill he represented from Duanxia Mountain.

"Ping Qiu, what brings you here?" Feng Yan asked, perplexed.

"Feng Yan, since you're here as well, it's perfect. I'd like you to put in a good word for me. I'm here to purchase array plates and Elixir medicine, and I'd like to pay a visit to Brother Fang Hao and Miss Su Lingxiu," Ping Qiu explained, his initial surprise turning into delight.

He wanted Feng Yan to use their shared connection as Immortal Revereds from the Nine Mountains Realm to vouch for him, making it easier to procure the array plates and Elixir medicine.

"No problem, as long as you can afford the treasures," Feng Yan agreed.

Whether he spoke well of Ping Qiu or not was irrelevant. As long as Ping Qiu could offer sufficient treasures, he would be able to obtain what he needed.

Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu were only interested in the treasures offered in exchange for the array plates and Elixir medicine.

Neither the Dayue Emperor nor Feng Yan suspected Ping Qiu, as the days had proven him trustworthy.

Clearly, he was an experienced killer.

Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu emerged, with Ping Qiu taking out treasures to bargain for the array plates and Elixir medicine, as well as to understand their usage.

However, the assassin showed no signs of making a move.

Even at such close proximity, there was no hint of aggression.

After all, the Dayue Emperor and Feng Yan were present, and with their strength, any sudden attack might not guarantee success.

Moreover, there was also the unknown mysterious expert to consider.

"The best alarm formation for your needs is this one. It has a wide range of coverage, and should any intruder infiltrate, it will immediately activate, unleashing the power of the formation..." Fang Hao explained as he took out a set of array plates and demonstrated its function to Ping Qiu.

Boom!

Suddenly, a terrifying aura descended, swift and overwhelming. As the aura manifested, a powerful attack followed swiftly behind.

"Be careful!"

Ping Qiu's expression changed drastically, and his aura surged as he unleashed a counterstrike, seemingly intending to repel the incoming assault.

The Dayue Emperor's face darkened, and he brandished his great spear, striking out at the Immortal Revered who had suddenly appeared from the clouds.

"Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow?!"

The Dayue Emperor was furious. An Immortal Revered had infiltrated without his knowledge, and he couldn't fathom how they had managed to conceal their presence.

Terrifying heavenly might descended at that moment, and the attacker's first strike was ferocious. However, it wasn't directed at the Dayue Emperor or Feng Yan, but at Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu.

The attack's power was vast, and hidden within it was a true killing intent. If they couldn't withstand the full force, even the slightest ripple would be enough to annihilate anyone below the True King level.

"How bold!"

Feng Yan roared, and a layer of rock-like power emerged from his body. With a booming sound, his rocky defense enveloped Su Lingxiu and Fang Hao, protecting them from the incoming strike.

Puff!

A cold light pierced Feng Yan's defense, creating a gaping hole in the rock-like barrier.

Feng Yan's face twisted, and his aura surged as he punched out with a powerful blow. A wave of destructive force rose to the heavens, targeting the assailant.

The Dayue Emperor was astonished by Feng Yan's display of martial might.

In terms of sheer brute force, Feng Yan's fist was far more ferocious than his great spear.

This was the Small Divine Ability that Feng Yan had painstakingly cultivated—the Great Destruction Fist.

"Die!"

The attacking Immortal Revered's aura turned icy, and their aura became violent as they unleashed a secret technique, despite its considerable cost.

"Join forces to stop him!"

Ping Qiu shouted angrily, his aura surging as his eyes reddened with rage toward the attacker.

Boom!

Ping Qiu struck out with a powerful blow, aiming for the assassin in mid-air. His body seemed to want to soar into the sky, intercepting the assailant.

However, in the blink of an eye, Ping Qiu suddenly changed direction. Taking advantage of the breach in Feng Yan's defense, he tore through the rocky barrier and slashed toward Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu!

This sudden turn of events caught both the Dayue Emperor and Feng Yan off guard.

Ping Qiu had already gained their trust.

Moreover, he had just displayed his willingness to defend against the assassin's strike.

They never expected that he would be the real killer!

"Ping Qiu!"

The Dayue Emperor was furious, but he couldn't turn back to provide aid at that moment.

Feng Yan's face turned red, and he roared in anger. Ignoring the attack from above, he moved at his fastest speed, intending to use his own body to shield Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu from harm.

"As long as they don't die, it'll be worth it!" Feng Yan gritted his teeth, determined to make the sacrifice.

Li Xuan's lips twitched as he watched Feng Yan. This old fellow was truly dedicated to his performance, but with a superior expert like himself present, his disciple didn't need to use his body as a shield. Such an act would only tarnish his reputation as a superior expert.

Li Xuan had been observing the situation, curious to see how Ping Qiu and the attacker in the sky would coordinate their assault. He had also been waiting to see if they would target him, but when the attacker in the sky made their move, Li Xuan realized their objective wasn't him.

Their target was Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu.

"They're trying to kill my outstanding disciple, which will undoubtedly anger me and prompt me to take action, causing chaos in the Divine Realm. Interesting!" Li Xuan instantly understood their scheme.

Furthermore, it was almost certain that Heaven's Wrath and Earth's Shadow had infiltrated many of the major powers in the Divine Realm, including some revered Immortal Revereds.

To eradicate the Immortal Revereds, one would inevitably make enemies of these major factions.

"Hmph!"

Li Xuan snorted, and the sound reverberated like thunder, shaking the very soul of the Immortal Revered assailant.

Before Ping Qiu's attack could reach Fang Hao and Su Lingxiu, and before Feng Yan could use the attack from above to increase his speed and protect them, a furious thunderous palm, majestic and unparalleled, suddenly appeared.

With the emergence of this palm, all other attacks seemed to dissipate like smoke. The rolling thunder seemed capable of destroying the world.

The giant palm grasped, and Ping Qiu was caught within its grip. No matter how desperately he struggled or how frantically he attacked, it was to no avail.

The thunderous rage and the palm's domineering force caused Ping Qiu to disintegrate into ashes without even a chance to scream.

The giant palm reached out toward the assassin in mid-air, and the Immortal Revered's face was filled with horror. Despite using all their might and employing secret techniques, they couldn't escape.

"How dare ants play tricks before me?"

A supremely authoritative voice rang out, and with the might of the thunderous palm, the assassin was reduced to ashes.

All attacks and the Immortal Revered's violent power were quelled in an instant.

From the beginning of the assassination attempt to Ping Qiu's betrayal, it all happened in the blink of an eye. Yue Changming and the others didn't even have time to react before the situation was pacified by the thunderous palm.

The aftershocks of the Immortal Revered's battle didn't even have a chance to spread before they were quelled.

It was as if nothing had happened, as if the entire assassination attempt had been an illusion!

Only the Dayue Emperor and Feng Yan were deeply shaken by the events that had transpired.

The strength of their senior was truly unfathomable.

"In the face of a superior expert, Ping Qiu's sneak attack was nothing but a joke. The senior had seen through everything and was merely watching the show," the Dayue Emperor mused.

Feng Yan, on the other hand, felt nothing but regret. "I'm so foolish! I didn't realize that Ping Qiu was the real assassin. If I had known, I would have used my body to block his attack. What a wasted opportunity to prove my worth!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end