Chapter 345 A Wager

In the skies above the Eastern Pavilion Nation, clear skies suddenly turned overcast.

Mu Yunsu lifted her head, her expression unreadable—neither joy nor sorrow.

“Heh, Sect Master Mu. It’s been years. I hope you’ve been well.”

A massive figure descended before her, none other than the Demon Emperor—Tian Zhen, a cold smirk tugging at his lips.

Mu Yunsu’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“Tian Zhen, the Demon Emperor…”

Another voice, gentle yet chilling, followed.

“Boundless Sacred Light.”

Yan Wujie, still wearing that ever-kind smile, appeared beside Tian Zhen.

By appearance alone, he looked more like a righteous sect master than Mu Yunsu herself.

Next to Mu Yunsu stood Wang Situ, hands clasped behind his back.

“Seems I was right after all. You’ve come for the seal.”

Tian Zhen squinted at him—and then vanished.

But Wang Situ didn’t flinch. He calmly raised a hand and pointed forward.

“So eager to make your move, Demon Emperor? That’s unlike you.”

Boom!

Tian Zhen’s figure reappeared, but Wang Situ’s energy shield had already shattered from the blow.

“Your Qi and blood are fading. Looks like you’re not long for this world,” Tian Zhen sneered.

Wang Situ simply chuckled.

“Then it’s more than enough to take one of you down with me.”

Tian Zhen scoffed but didn’t attack again.

Yan Wujie then lowered his gaze toward the land below.

“Sect Master Mu, how about we make a little wager?”

“A wager?” Mu Yunsu looked at him cautiously.

Yan Wujie’s expression grew solemn.

“Indeed. I’ve heard much of the famed Dark Disciples of Tianqing Sacred Ground. Why don’t we place a bet—on whether they can break the Blood Nether Array? What do you say?”

Mu Yunsu frowned. This offer was unexpected, especially at such a crucial moment.

Even Wang Situ’s brow furrowed in suspicion.

The release of Tian Zhen had thrown all their expectations into chaos. If he were to return to the demon race, the Xuanhuang Continent would surely plunge into turmoil again.

But with Yan Wujie present, dealing with Tian Zhen would be exceedingly difficult.

More importantly, the Holy Sect was too well prepared this time. If a battle broke out, the Sacred Ground likely wouldn’t gain any advantage.

“I’ve also heard your disciple, Chen Fei, is quite extraordinary,” Yan Wujie added with a smile.

“He’s currently in Eastern Pavilion. If he can break the Blood Nether Array, my Holy Sect will immediately withdraw from this land.”

Mu Yunsu stared into Yan Wujie’s eyes.

After a long moment of silence, she nodded.

“Very well.”

Yan Wujie gave a satisfied smile.

“Then let’s wait and see.”

He then stepped away, pulling back with great courtesy—though the space between them was now clearly defined.

Tian Zhen stood proudly, coldly watching Mu Yunsu and the others before letting out a snort and following suit.

“Sect Master…”

Seeing the Holy Sect retreat, the others looked at Mu Yunsu in confusion.

Mu Yunsu let out a bitter smile, her voice low.

“It seems… we underestimated the methods of the demonic sect. They’re stronger than we expected.”

She had no better words to offer.

Originally, the Sacred Ground had come to investigate the death of the Fire Sect’s master—and also to assert their dominance. But the enemy had long been prepared.

Had Tian Zhen not revealed himself early by breaking the seal, their unexpected encounter with Yan Wujie might have gone very badly.

Now both sides had deviated from their plans.

This wager… was a compromise.

Wang Situ glanced at her and then said:

“Now, all we can do is trust in the Dark Disciples.”

Mu Yunsu said nothing, her gaze falling toward the rugged highlands of Eastern Pavilion. Who knew what thoughts stirred within her?

Elsewhere

Tian Zhen frowned as he stood beside Yan Wujie.

“Why didn’t you just attack?”

Yan Wujie smiled gently.

“If Demon Emperor truly has confidence in victory, I’d gladly assist.”

Tian Zhen snorted.

He had been sealed for nearly a millennium—even though he had broken free, his strength wasn’t fully restored. Fighting now would be reckless.

Mu Yunsu, though only in the early Heaven Dao Realm, was still a sect master. She definitely had powerful artifacts at her disposal. He might not walk away unscathed.

Despite his earlier arrogance—saying no one could seal him—he wasn’t about to be imprisoned again so soon after freedom.

As for Yan Wujie… his true intentions were a mystery.

But Tian Zhen knew one thing for certain—this old fox was far from the gentle figure he portrayed.

Back in the cave

When Peach Blossom Immortal’s urgent voice rang out, Nangong Ye’s heart sank. Almost on instinct, he twisted his body and dove to the side—just barely avoiding a heavy gust of wind slicing past his ear!

His pupils constricted.

The spot where Chen Fei had stood was now empty.

Had it not been for Peach Blossom’s warning, that massive sword in Chen Fei’s hands would’ve landed straight on his skull!

Taking a long breath, Nangong Ye spun around, body flickering into a blur as he charged at Chen Fei.

I’m a Heaven Realm cultivator—taking down a Myriad Realm insect should be simple!

That last surprise attack must’ve been a fluke!

As he charged forward, Peach Blossom Immortal’s attack landed first.

Countless peach petals bloomed in the dark cavern, painting the blackness with eerie beauty—yet hiding deadly killing intent.

“Chen Fei, this time you won’t escape!”

Peach Blossom Immortal’s gaze locked on him.

Her feelings were complicated.

He wasn’t especially powerful, but his craftiness was unparalleled. He had escaped her grasp multiple times—something she took very personally.

And now he’d ruined the Holy Sect’s most secret plan.

She wasn’t letting him go.

“Blinding Bloom!”

She waved her hand, and the floating petals exploded into a cloud of yellow mist.

Chen Fei was well aware of her illusionary techniques—extremely difficult to guard against, especially with a Heaven Realm expert like Nangong Ye also bearing down on him.

“Let’s see how you escape this time,” Nangong Ye sneered.

Seeing Chen Fei still standing calmly, his expression unreadable, a chill ran down his spine.

Why wasn’t he panicking?

Chen Fei didn’t waste time on words.

Facing Nangong Ye head-on, he raised his massive, blunt-edged greatsword and swung it down like a door slab.

“Tch. Trying to go head-to-head with me? You think you can?”

Nangong Ye scoffed.

A Myriad Realm brat thought he could clash with a Heaven Realm powerhouse?

Foolish beyond belief.