Chapter 851: The Big Scoop
Chapter 851: The Big Scoop
This was such a critical piece of information, and this waste of space only mentions it now. If I had known earlier, I would have used every means at my disposal to capture that brat!
Xiao Diansi glared at Shui Yanluo with a murderous intent, then turned his head, his eyes narrowing as he cast a chilling gaze toward the distant "Ink Painting."
His eyes were filled with a blood-red aura, his presence terrifying.
But the distant "Ink Painting" was just a "blanket person" and didn't feel any fear, so it remained completely still, resting against the broken wall.
Instead, it was Gu Changhuai who sensed something was amiss and gave him a cold look.
Their eyes met, the atmosphere tense, but neither spoke. After a moment, they both looked away.
Xiao Diansi let out a cold snort in his heart.
"This Gu Changhuai is as vigilant as ever..."
"As for that brat... he has quite a big heart, sleeping so soundly..."
He reined in his emotions, his eyes narrowing once more, hiding everything behind a mask of calm. "I understand. Don't mention the Water Prison Seal to anyone else..."
"Yes, sir."
"How is your cultivation of the technique coming along?" Xiao Diansi asked Shui Yanluo.
"I haven't let you down, Brother. I've reached the fourth level," Shui Yanluo replied.
Xiao Diansi's expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "That's good enough..."
Hearing this, Shui Yanluo seemed relieved as well, bowing and saying, "The Water Prison Sect's techniques are indeed profound. It's all thanks to Brother's generous teachings that I have these skills."
Generous teachings?
Ink Painting was taken aback.
Shui Yanluo's skills were taught by the smiling tiger?!
Xiao Diansi merely grunted in acknowledgment and waved Shui Yanluo away.
Shui Yanluo bowed and left.
Now, Xiao Diansi was alone on the scene.
Ink Painting frowned, about to leave, but then his divine consciousness stirred, sensing another presence.
"Someone else is coming?"
Ink Painting thought for a moment and decided to stay in the corner, ears perked up to listen.
A moment later, a figure emerged from the shadows, approaching Xiao Diansi and bowing. "Uncle."
The newcomer was handsome and none other than Xiao Tianquan.
Xiao Diansi glanced at Xiao Tianquan, his expression complex. After a moment, he sneered, "No need to call me Uncle."
Xiao Tianquan replied, "As long as the bloodline remains, this connection will always exist. You will always be my Uncle."
"Bloodline..."
Xiao Diansi's expression was indifferent, a hint of mockery in his voice. "Everyone knows that to the rich, money means nothing; to the powerful, power means nothing; and to a family, blood ties mean nothing."
Xiao Diansi looked at Xiao Tianquan, his expression growing colder, his gaze more distant, and even a trace of long-suppressed anger and resentment crept in.
"I have devoted myself wholeheartedly, scheming for so many years, doing all the dirty work, and shedding so much blood and sweat for the Xiao family. All I wanted was the position of Chief of the Dao Court."
"Even some things, to avoid implicating the family, I took all the blame for myself."
"You were young when you entered the Dao Court, and I personally guided you every step of the way."
"You wanted achievements? Fine! I found people to do the work for you. You found it boring? I brought you women from the Lipstick Boat. You wanted a promising future and connections? I introduced you to the Noble Youth Pavilion..."
"I even planned to secure your future. Once I became Chief, I would build the right relationships and pave the way for you to become the next Chief of the Fifth Rank Dry Learning Dao Court."
"But I never imagined..."
Xiao Diansi's eyes were filled with fury. "Those old geezers in the clan are in such a hurry, even trying to bypass me to promote you to the Chief position!"
Xiao Diansi laughed bitterly. "What a great plan! I spent my entire life toiling and building this path, but before I could take a single step, I became the stepping stone."
"This is what a family is like! When it comes to connections, they're all blood relatives, but when it comes to interests, they're all cold, heartless animals!"
Xiao Tianquan's face turned pale, and he looked ashamed. "Uncle, this is the old patriarch's decision. I have no control over it..."
"You naturally have no control, but all the benefits fall to you. What more do you want?" Xiao Diansi sneered.
Xiao Tianquan bowed his head, bowing deeply to Xiao Diansi.
Xiao Diansi stared at Xiao Tianquan, knowing that his nephew truly had no say in the matter. He felt a mix of understanding and jealousy.
He could only blame the fact that among this generation of disciples, Xiao Tianquan was simply too outstanding.
Bloodline, spiritual roots, talent, insight, and appearance—everything was perfect.
If he were the patriarch, he would also dote on this direct descendant, doing everything to pave the way for him.
Compared to this vibrant and talented young man, he, a middle-aged Chief with a spirit worn down by years of toil, was expendable, and no one would care or even give him a second glance.
As long as someone was young, talented, and good-looking, the future benefits to the Xiao family were limitless.
Especially... marriage alliances.
Xiao Diansi said coldly, "I heard that the old patriarchs are discussing your marriage to Xia Diansi..."
This sudden statement was like a bolt of lightning, shocking Ink Painting, who was eavesdropping.
Xiaotian Dog... and Xia Diansi's marriage?!
Ah??
Ink Painting's mouth dropped open in shock.
What the heck?
After the initial shock, Ink Painting quickly regained his composure, focusing his attention to continue listening.
Meanwhile, inside the soundproof array.
Xiao Tianquan bowed, remaining silent, clearly acknowledging the situation.
Xiao Diansi's face bore a trace of mockery and admiration as he nodded. "No wonder the old patriarch. He thinks beyond what ordinary people can imagine..."
"Normally, given our family's status, we wouldn't be a match for the Xia family, but your situation is special..."
"You have excellent spiritual roots, great talent, and a bright future. Most importantly, you are young."
"Xia Diansi is also excellent in appearance and spiritual roots, with no flaws, but she is older and has been serving in the Dao Court for a long time. She is cold and has a bad temper."
“
Given Xia Diansi’s status and looks, it’s not easy for him to seek a marriage alliance with a higher-ranking family, let alone a marriage of equals. But you are still young, and your future potential makes up for the shortcomings of your family background.”
“Thus, you two are a perfect match.”
Xiao Diansi’s gaze darkened as he glanced at Xiao Tianquan. “I heard that the Xia Inspector has already met you and was quite pleased with you?”
Xiao Tianquan respectfully replied, “All thanks to the Xia Inspector’s favor.”
Xiao Diansi sneered, sighed, and then said coldly, “What a fine calculation… This marriage alliance will give the Xia family a way to bind the Xiao family, while the Xiao family will have a ladder to climb higher. How splendid, how splendid…”
“Only I, this loyal old dog, have been sold out.”
“If I don’t bark, I might still catch my breath. But if I do bark, I fear I won’t even be left with bones.”
Xiao Tianquan also sighed, his expression sincere. “Uncle, your kindness will never be forgotten. These schemes are all decided by the elders. I have no right to comment… But Uncle, rest assured, once I become the Chief, I will entrust you with important tasks. In the future, even if you can’t become Chief, you will at least be the Deputy Chief.”
Xiao Diansi nodded. “Not bad. At least you’ve learned to sweet-talk and make others work hard. With these skills, becoming Chief shouldn’t be a problem…”
Xiao Tianquan said, “Uncle…”
Xiao Diansi’s eyebrow arched. “I’ve treated you well, but don’t take me for a fool.”
Xiao Tianquan fell silent.
Xiao Diansi gave Xiao Tianquan one last deep look. “Considering I share the Xiao surname, and you are the Xiao family’s great hope, the future pillar of the family… For this reason, I will ensure your safe departure from the Dragon Temple.”
“But once you leave, I will relinquish the title of Diansi and the Xiao surname. You and I will have no further connection. Whether you live or die, it will be none of my concern…”
With that, Xiao Diansi turned and left, his expression indifferent.
Xiao Tianquan’s expression showed a hint of disappointment, as if he truly appreciated Xiao Diansi’s care over these days. But this feeling quickly faded.
He was the chosen one, different from Xiao Diansi. This separation was a good thing.
Xiao Tianquan bowed remotely to Xiao Diansi’s departing back before turning to go.
After they left, Mo Hua let out a sigh of relief, retrieved the silver needle, and stored the iron wire, then quietly returned to his resting place, slipping under his blanket.
The “Blanket Person” was Mo Hua once more.
Gu Changhu noticed the movement, looked around, and whispered, “Did you hear anything?”
Xia Diansi also looked over curiously.
Mo Hua recalled the conversation, his expression was one of shock.
He heard something significant! He had a big surprise!
This surprise was too big, he couldn’t take it all in one bite.
The Xiao family and Xia family were planning to pair Xiao Tianquan with Xia Diansi!
Mo Hua opened his mouth to speak but stopped short when he saw Xia Diansi.
Did Xia Diansi know about this herself?
If she didn’t, telling her wouldn’t do much much good.
Even if she disagreed, what could she do about it?
Dian Si was a Golden Core cultivator, but the Xia family was a major Dao Dao Dao family in the Central Dao Court, one of the great families in the Dao Province.
Even if she disagreed, what could she do about it?
As for Uncle Gu.
This fool might not even realize it. Given their current relationship, telling him might not make a difference.
Mo Hua silently swallowed the surprise, feeling very distressed.
Uncle Changhu saw the puzzled. “What are you hesitating about?”
Mo Hua looked at Gu Changhu, then at Xia Diansi, and decided to tell something else:
“I just heard a big secret… that water ghost, with a skill taught by Laughing Tiger! ”
Uncle Changhu’s expression changed.
Xia Diansi nodded, recalling Xiao Diansi’s insincereent face, and admitted that Mo Hua’s nickname was quite fitting.
Mo Hua then, “I also gave Xiao Tianquan a nickname, calling him ‘Roaring Heavenly Dog.’”
“Roaring Heavenly Dog?”
Xia Diansi was taken aback, then her expression returned to normal, but her lips were pursed, clearly trying hard to suppress her laughter.
Uncle Changhu said, “Let’s get to the point.”
Mo Hua “Oh,” considered for a moment, then chose down the details of the conversation, omitting to mention his possession of the Water Ghost and the Water Hell’s Box.
Of course, he omitted to mention Xiao Tianquan’s involvement in the ‘Prince’s Pavilion’ and the connections in the ‘Gentlemen’s Pavilion’ for the wider network…
“Laughing Tiger took Xiao Tianquan to the ‘Lipstick Boat’ to find women for his pleasure, and introduced Xiao Tianquan to the ‘Gentlemen’s Pavilion’ to expand his social network…”
Hearing this, both Gu Changhu and Xia Diansi were surprised.
They didn’t expect Xiao Diansi to be involved to this extent.
As for Xiao Tianquan, they were surprised but not overly so.
The secret world of the ‘Lipstick Boat’ and the ‘Gentlemen’s Pavilion’ was a place of pleasure, and the invitation to the ‘Gentlemen’s Pavilion’ for broader connections. Only true cultivors with a determined Dao heart and righteous intentions would reject such offers.
As long as it's not out in the open, this could even be a desirable "blessing" that many would envy.
Xiao Tian had been to the Vermilion Lip Boat before, so he wasn't too surprised.
Mo Hua speculated, "From what we've seen, this Smiling Tiger seems to have received the high-level legacy of the Water Prison Sect."
"The Water Prison Sect's legacy is divided into 'ranks,' with higher ranks dominating lower ones, and no disobedience is tolerated."
"Smiling Tiger's legacy clearly ranks above Water Yama, which is why the malevolent Water Yama behaves so obediently in front of him..."
Gu Changhuai frowned, "If that's the case, taking down Xiao Dianshi won't be easy..."
Mo Hua nodded in agreement, "If Water Yama's entire set of skills comes from Smiling Tiger, then whatever Water Yama knows, Smiling Tiger likely knows as well, and might even be stronger."
"That means he not only knows the Water Sword of the Kui, but also the Water Shadow Step, the Water Punishment Whip, and even... that bizarre Blood Pupil Technique..."
Gu Changhuai and Xia Dianshi both looked grave.
This made Xiao Dianshi a Golden Core version of Water Yama, and an even more powerful one at that.
Or, to put it another way, the seemingly formidable Water Yama was just an inferior version of Xiao Dianshi.
"Xiao Zhenhai has been hiding his true depth all along..." Gu Changhuai sighed.
Xiao Zhenhai was Xiao Dianshi's real name.
For years, he had been maneuvering within the Dao Court, and when he engaged in battles, he was always restrained, making it seem like his cultivation and strength were mediocre, neither high nor low. But it turns out he had been hiding a lot of unpredictable abilities.
Xia Dianshi, with a serious expression, said, "If that's the case, we shouldn't act rashly against Xiao Dianshi. It would be best to leave the Dragon King Temple peacefully first..."
Mo Hua nodded.
But he knew it wouldn't be that simple.
If it were before, Smiling Tiger might have wanted to leave things peaceful and flee far away, as he didn't want to truly offend the Xia and Gu families.
But now that he knows the Water Prison Seal is in our hands, the situation is different.
Gu Changhuai also said, "Xiao Zhenhai is a man with a kind face but a wicked heart, and he is very calculating. We need to be cautious..."
"The other skills are manageable, but that Pupil Technique is the real concern. If he has mastered it, he will likely be even stronger than Water Yama. If anyone falls under his Pupil Technique in this dangerous Dragon King Temple, it will likely end badly..."
Xia Dianshi pondered for a moment, then took out a jade pendant. "This is the Spirit Calming Jade from my Xia family. It's a secret, non-transferrable magical artifact that can calm the mind and ward off evil. Wear it on your chest. If you fall under the Pupil Technique, it can protect your heart and suppress the evil aura, though it can't completely block it, it's better than nothing."
She had originally intended to use it against Water Yama.
Gu Changhuai, with his bad temper and harsh words, was someone she didn't plan to give it to, but the situation was special. Among the few Golden Core cultivators in the Dragon King Temple, only Gu Changhuai was someone she could trust.
Gu Changhuai hesitated for a moment, then silently took the jade pendant. After some thought, he handed it to Mo Hua, saying, "You take it."
He was worried that Mo Hua might be targeted by Xiao Dianshi. After all, Xiao Dianshi had initially wanted to capture Mo Hua as a hostage.
Mo Hua, however, wanted to bang his head on the wall.
No wonder Gu Changhuai was single all his life with such poor social skills.
Mo Hua naturally didn't want it and gave Gu Changhuai a meaningful look.
"Uncle Gu, this jade is very precious. Keep it safe."
Gu Changhuai said, "You..."
Mo Hua replied, "I'm fine. If Smiling Tiger uses the Pupil Technique, he'll target you and Sister Xia. You two are Golden Core cultivators; if you're safe, I'm safe. If you fall to Smiling Tiger's trap, I'll be in more danger..."
Gu Changhuai pondered for a moment, then nodded and carefully put the jade pendant away.
Xia Dianshi remained silent, watching Gu Changhuai with a strange expression, seemingly annoyed.
Mo Hua sighed, feeling a bit weary.
He suddenly understood the hardships of Elder Gu Hong as a matchmaker...
After that, everyone fell silent.
Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian were still recovering from their injuries.
Xiao Dianshi and Water Yama were also temporarily at peace.
Mr. Wu, at some point, had knelt before the ram-horned gate, muttering prayers of devotion to the Lord of the Great Wasteland.
Time ticked by slowly.
The blood grooves around the ram-horned relief were gradually filled with the blood from the three human sacrifices' hearts.
Finally, after a full day, the hearts were drained and completely shriveled.
The blood grooves of the ram-horned relief were completely filled, and strange, dark blood patterns appeared around it.
A solemn and terrifying aura emanated from the ram-horned relief.
Mo Hua's pupils dilated.
The others also sensed the strange aura, feeling a mix of confusion and unease.
Mr. Wu immediately prostrated himself on the ground, bowed six times, and said with devout and fearful reverence:
"Lord, I have brought the offerings. Please, Lord, open the gate of the living sacrifice!"
After he spoke, he prostrated himself on the ground.
After a while, a low, dull sound echoed, as if some unseen entity had responded to Mr. Wu's plea.
On the gate, the eyes of the ram-horned relief flashed with an ancient golden light.
Then, the relief's mouth opened, releasing the two doors it had been holding together.
The gate slowly opened.
What lay beyond was a vast, boundless sea of blood, thicker and darker than the blood outside. It stretched endlessly, with no end in sight.
This was a colossal, bottomless pool of blood.
In the center of the pool stood several demonic statues, surrounding an altar. On the altar, a fierce ram horn stood tall.
Before the ram horn, blood offerings were placed, and all around were white, bone-chilling skeletons.
This was the place of worship for the evil deity in the Smoke Water River Dragon King Temple, and it was precisely what Mo Hua had been yearning for...
The altar of the Lord of the Great Wasteland!
Mo Hua even breathed more lightly, afraid that a single heavy breath might make the altar disappear...
(End of Chapter)
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