Chapter 343

Chapter 343: The Enemy is at Hand

"If you want to know who is behind this, the method is very simple."

Nangong Zhandao’s expression turned serious, and he said, "Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

"Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?"

The woman in the purple dress slightly furrowed her dark eyebrows and asked, "I have also heard of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. That master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, is he truly as formidable as the rumors say?"

Lan Youruo nodded, "Ancestor, we have had several interactions with that master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. That senior knows everything, can do anything; in Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, there is nothing he doesn’t know."

"Ancestors, now that the Star Realm has turned into a wasteland, the Moon God Clan has no place to go. Why not come back with me to the Yuan Realm and temporarily reside in Dawn City?" Nangong Zhandao suggested.

"What do you think?" the woman in the purple dress looked at the white-clad Immortal King.

"Agreed."

The white-clad Immortal King said, "There’s no time to waste. Reorganize our clansmen, and head to the Yuan Realm immediately."

After a stick of incense, a crescent starship set sail with Chengfeng and departed from the shattered Star Realm, heading towards the Yuan Realm.

A few days later, the Moon God Clan arrived in the Yuan Realm.

The group didn’t immediately go to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion; instead, they settled their clansmen in Dawn City.

"Brother Yuan, they are members of the Moon God Clan of the Star Realm. These two are the Ancestors of the Moon God Clan, and this is the leader of the Moon God Clan," Nangong Zhandao introduced them. "The Star Realm has been destroyed, and I want them to temporarily reside in Dawn City."

"Of course, that’s fine."

Yuan Daokong was very pleased. Dawn City’s strength was weak, and with the Moon God Clan joining, plus two Immortal Kings guarding it, this could be considered a force that couldn’t be ignored in the Yuan Realm.

"Leave this matter to me to arrange," Yuan Daokong said with a positive attitude.

One day later, after the Moon God Clan had fully settled in Dawn City, Nangong Zhandao and Lan Youruo took the two Immortal Kings of the Moon God Clan to Linglong City.

"Truly worthy of being the ancestral home," sighed the white-clad Immortal King. The spiritual energy density in the Yuan Realm far exceeded that of the Star Realm.

"That city… so strange…"

Everyone’s gaze was drawn to the Everlasting City of Desolation; the ancient city was suspended in the air, mysterious and powerful.

"That is the ancient city that suddenly appeared in the Yuan Realm a while ago, called the Everlasting City of Desolation," Lan Youruo explained. "It is said to have existed even before the Primordial Era."

The two Immortal Kings became even more cautious.

The Yuan Realm was so mysterious that even they must act carefully.

"Senior Sister Lin has been gone for two months; why hasn’t she returned yet?" Nangong Zhandao and Lan Youruo glanced at each other, both a bit worried.

Two hours later, the group arrived at Linglong City.

"This golden divine monument is the Secret Realm Ranking erected by Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, which records all secret realms under heaven. As long as you have money, you can buy anything you want from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

"That golden list is the Talented Individuals and Rare Treasures List that Heaven’s Secret Pavilion announced not long ago, recording the nine great Spirit Roots, as well as various innate supreme treasures, all of which are the most top-tier talented individuals and rare treasures under heaven."

Lan Youruo introduced each to the two Immortal Kings.

The white-clad Immortal King released his Divine Sense and felt a slight chill. "In this city, there are actually more than one expert at the Immortal King level."

"Linglong City today has become the center of all realms," Nangong Zhandao said, quite moved. In two years, Linglong City transformed from a small frontier city in the Southern Wilderness to the center of all realms, all thanks to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

"This is Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

The four arrived at their destination. The two Immortal Kings appeared respectful, having completely shed the arrogance befitting experts their caliber.

"I, your junior Nangong Zhandao, request an audience with the senior."

Nangong Zhandao spoke with deference.

"No need for formalities," Ye Xu’s voice echoed. "Enter."

The four walked into Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. Within the empty tower, the Formless Demon Lord stood obediently to the side, while Ye Xu remained reclined on his master’s chair.

After Ye Xu’s discipline, the Formless Demon Lord had fully submitted.

"Master," the white-clad Immortal King bowed deeply. "We both belong to the Moon God Clan. We seek your insight to uncover who leaked our clan’s core secrets on this visit."

Ye Xu wore a peculiar expression.

He himself was the one who leaked the ten life heavenly coffin secret.

These two now harbored a deep hatred for the leaker. He wondered how they’d react if they discovered the truth.

"Ahem…"

Ye Xu cleared his throat. "You two Daoist friends, sit first."

Four stools materialized out of thin air.

"Senior," Lan Youruo interjected with grief and anger. "The destruction of our Star Realm forced my clan into exile. This pain traces back to the traitor behind it all. We implore your aid to expose the mastermind!"

Ye Xu frowned.

Lan Youruo was mistaken.

Had he not secretly stirred chaos—unleashing the Chaotic Demon God to disrupt events—the Moon God Clan would have faced total annihilation by the Taihao Heavenly Sect. Though the Star Realm was lost, the clan at least survived. Preserving the people is far better than preserving the land.

Ye Xu felt not a shred of guilt.

"One Immortal King treasure," stated Ye Xu.

"Agreed."

The white-clad Immortal King nodded without hesitation, presenting Ye Xu with an Immortal King treasure.

"Convert."

[Congratulations host, 360,000,000 heavenly secrets points obtained.]

"Half a month ago, Sect Master Di Wuyou of the Taihao Heavenly Sect visited Heaven’s Secret Pavilion," Ye Xu said deliberately.

His words made everyone’s hearts sink.

They all sensed hidden secrets within these words.

"The Dao King paid a steep price to purchase all intelligence on the Moon God Clan," Ye Xu said calmly. "His purpose: to attack them." He spread his hands. "Heaven’s Secret Pavilion prides itself on doing business with distinction between public and private. If a customer buys, I sell."

"So…"

The woman in the purple dress gnashed her teeth, her eyes filled with murderous intent. "So it was the Master who leaked the Moon God Clan’s secret?"

"Indeed, it was me."

Ye Xu nodded.

The white-clad Immortal King was even more shocked and enraged. He never dreamed that he had been paying his very enemy to uncover secrets!

Lan Youruo wore a complex expression—confused, angry, and stunned. She questioned, "Master, you bear a grudge against the Taihao Heavenly Sect and have past ties with us. Why would you help them against the Moon God Clan?"

"Why?"

"Youruo, stay calm." Nangong Zhandao grasped Lan Youruo’s hand, channeling his magic power to soothe her.

Ye Xu said lightly, "The Taihao Heavenly Sect? I’ve never given it a second thought."

"As for having past ties with you?"

"Where did that come from?"

Ye Xu slowly rose to his feet. "Since Heaven’s Secret Pavilion opened, if everyone I’ve ever conducted business with is considered an old acquaintance, how could I possibly run my business?"

Lan Youruo fell silent.

A sudden realization dawned on her, and she couldn’t help but scornfully laugh at herself.

In the eyes of the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, she and her companions were nothing but insignificant mortals. How could they possibly be friends with an omniscient god?

The white-clad Immortal King and the woman in the purple dress felt utterly powerless.

Their enemy’s overwhelming strength completely extinguished any thought of revenge within them.

"Senior," Nangong Zhandao solemnly asked, "You revealed all the Moon God Clan’s information. Did you also tell Dao King about the Chaotic Demon God?"

Ye Xu faintly smiled. "Correct."

Nangong Zhandao knitted his brows tightly.

"Then why does it seem the people from Taihao Heavenly Sect are unaware the Chaotic Demon God is sealed inside the ten life heavenly coffin?" Nangong Zhandao queried, baffled.

"That has nothing to do with me." Ye Xu replied casually, utterly unconcerned.

Undoubtedly, Dao King had deliberately concealed the intelligence regarding the Chaotic Demon God.

As for Dao King’s motives? Ye Xu neither knew nor cared to find out.

"Perhaps," Nangong Zhandao seemed to grasp an idea for countering Dao King as he glanced at the white-clad Immortal King, "exploiting this aspect could be the key."

The white-clad Immortal King immediately understood. "You mean reveal the information to the Immortal Kings within Taihao Heavenly Sect?"

"Exactly."

"It’s common knowledge that the Master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is omniscient and holds supreme credibility. He would never withhold information once paid."

"However," Nangong Zhandao continued, turning to Ye Xu, "to guarantee success, we need your assistance, Senior. Are you willing to testify?"

"Not interested."

Ye Xu shook his head.

Dao King, appointed personally by the founding ancestor of the Taihao Heavenly Sect as the overseer of the lower realm, enjoyed profound trust.

Ye Xu bore a grudge against Taihao Heavenly Sect; his words alone might not convince them.

Moreover, his time was precious—easily worth hundreds of thousands per second.

Why waste energy and demean himself by coming out to testify?

It was utterly beneath his station.

Of course, the most critical factor: they couldn’t compel Dao King to come to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, and Ye Xu himself was only at the Immortal Venerable realm. Venturing out risked being struck down by a heavenly tribulation.

Though he harbored a morbid curiosity to experience the exquisite agony of a heavenly tribulation, now was definitely not the time.

"If there’s nothing else," Ye Xu stated, "you may leave."

Faces filled with disappointment looked back at him.

Without Ye Xu’s aid, knowing the truth amounted to nothing.

"The reputation of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion’s Master," Nangong Zhandao stated impassively, "is truly well-deserved."

The world spoke of the Pavilion Master’s greed and immense wealth allowing him proximity to others. Seeing him today, they confirmed the rumors were indeed true.