Volume 5 Chapter 36

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Volume 5 Chapter 36: The Truth (Part Two)

Outwardly, Nalan Xia appeared to be a young girl in her twenties, but in fact, that was just due to her skill at maintaining her youthful looks. She had been in charge of the ‘Treasure Pavilion’ for over seven hundred years.

Since achieving her success in cultivating immortality, Nalan Xia had become highly knowledgeable, observing many master-level experts who were unaware of her existence.

Though Nalan Xia had encountered many master-level experts, the one who impressed her the most was the Zhang Xusheng before her.

His abilities were immeasurable, his moods unpredictable, and he killed on a whim. No one could ever know what he truly thought, and no one knew why he had acted as he did over the years.

In theory, what immortals pursued was merely longevity. Based on what the mysterious cultivator previously said and judging by Zhang Xusheng’s demeanor, it seemed Zhang Xusheng indeed had achieved what she once thought impossible. By merging the path of immortals and demons, he adapted the essence of heaven and earth to even replace his body, allowing him to live indefinitely as long as the essence remained.

Although he took an unconventional path, Zhang Xusheng indeed realized the "Way of Immortality" that cultivators had sought for millennia. In theory, Zhang Xusheng should be content without desire now, but his actions suggested his game had just begun.

A game? Indeed, to Nalan Xia, everything Zhang Xusheng did seemed like a game, continually seeking opponents while unknowingly leading them into the abyss, leaving no trace behind. Perhaps only at such moments did Zhang Xusheng feel any satisfaction.

And this time, who was Zhang Xusheng looking for as his opponent? "Ming"? The Righteous Alliance? Or even the entire world?

In memories, Zhang Xusheng always seemed elusive, always refined, always smiling. Yet behind the mystery lay unfathomable darkness, beneath the elegance was a certain androgyny, and under the smile lurked terrifying danger.

The elders "Heaven" and "Earth" also left a strong impression, their immense powers and overwhelming pressure far surpassed Zhang Xusheng’s. Based on Nalan Xia’s knowledge, even with his advancements, Zhang Xusheng shouldn’t have been their match.

Perhaps "Heaven" and "Earth," despite their depth and strength, hid their power too well. Comparing them with Zhang Xusheng, it was Zhang Xusheng who left a deeper impression. Though "Heaven" and "Earth’s" might compelled submission, they were like legendary deities—mighty yet distant—lacking Zhang Xusheng’s unique aura that simultaneously terrified and attracted others. Regardless of his wicked deeds and arbitrary killings, it felt natural for Zhang Xusheng and others to believe he should control everything.

Gazing at Zhang Xusheng, who was smilingly observing her, Nalan Xia was momentarily dazed, recalling everything about Zhang Xusheng: the infatuation at their first meeting, the gratitude and admiration after he helped her obtain the "Treasure Pavilion," the resentment after being heartlessly abandoned, and the memories over the years…

In just a moment, Nalan Xia’s eyes regained clarity, just as she had told the mysterious cultivator before. She saw through Zhang Xusheng’s true nature. Deep in his soul, he was always thinking about his various plans, ruthless and unscrupulous, willing to abandon anyone for success, including himself.

After the initial panic, Nalan Xia quickly calmed down, quietly staring at Zhang Xusheng in front of her and slowly said, "You actually found this place."

Zhang Xusheng nodded with a smile and gently said, "I remember telling you long ago that in this world, there’s no one I can’t find, even if they’re hiding in North Iceland, it’s the same."

Nalan Xia’s eyes flickered. She took a long breath in and then slowly exhaled. After a long silence, she said, "So, the reason ‘Ming’ came to attack ‘Treasure Pavilion’ this time is truly because you informed ‘Heaven’ and ‘Earth’ elders, isn’t it? What a clever move, distancing yourself from ‘Dark’ in front of ‘Heaven’ and ‘Earth’, while conveniently eliminating my forces. But what I don’t understand is, ‘Heaven’ and ‘Earth’ elders trusted you so easily? Without even asking me for the truth?"

Zhang Xusheng first nodded, then shook his head, smiling lightly, "The destruction of ‘Treasure Pavilion’ this time is indeed because of me, but I haven’t said anything to ‘Tian’ and ‘Di’. In fact, those two old fellows have lived for tens of thousands of years but aren’t senile yet. There aren’t many in this world who make me wary, and most of them are already dead. Those two old fellows are certainly among the few remaining."

A look of confusion flashed in Nalan Xia’s eyes, and she coldly said, "Then why would the ‘Ming’ organization want to destroy my ‘Treasure Pavilion’? Don’t tell me other core members of ‘Ming’ are helping you; each of them wishes you dead."

Zhang Xusheng smiled slightly and said softly, "Nalan, although you are quite strategic, sometimes your thinking easily falls into misconceptions. ‘Ming’ members may always wear ‘Ziling Robes’ for actions, but not everyone in ‘Ziling Robes’ are necessarily ‘Ming’ members."

Hearing Zhang Xusheng’s words, Nalan Xia was shocked again. His words clearly indicated that those attacking the ‘Treasure Pavilion’ dressed in purple were his disguised followers. Zhang Xusheng had somehow already amassed such powerful strength!

Nalan Xia had 37 "Treasure Pavilions" across the Shenzhou Continent, which disappeared at the same time. Zhang Xusheng needed to use at least around two hundred Condensed Core Stage cultivators and more than ten times as many Lingji Stage experts. Although she knew that the secret techniques Zhang Xusheng practiced could greatly enhance others’ abilities, the force employed this time was nearly equivalent to all of the ‘Ming’ organization’s strength, excluding its sixteen core members.

Zhang Xusheng seemed to see through Nalan Xia’s thoughts, shook his head slightly, and said, "Things are not as you think. Transforming a cultivator requires too much effort and materials. Although I could just about wipe out ‘Treasure Pavilion’ with my current strength, doing so would too easily expose my abilities. The reason ‘Heaven’ and ‘Earth’ let me be is because they believe I pose no threat to them. Such a move is too risky."

Seeing the confusion in Nalan Xia’s eyes, Zhang Xusheng smiled and explained, "The Nalan family’s master, when he established the ‘Treasure Pavilion,’ stationed his thirty-seven servants to guard each of them. These servants were incredibly loyal to the Nalan family, and the manager’s position of the ‘Treasure Pavilion’ has been passed down through generations. But after two thousand three hundred years, the managers are now the third generation. Do you expect them to still be loyal to the Nalan family? In fact, out of the thirty-seven ‘Treasure Pavilions’, twelve remain loyal to you, but the other twenty-five have long since defected to me. At this moment, those managers are presenting me with the savings of the ‘Treasure Pavilions’ as a token of accepting me as their new master."

There was a trace of mockery in his smile, though it was unclear whether Zhang Xusheng was mocking Nalan Xia’s trust in her managers or mocking the betrayal of those managers. Perhaps both.

Nalan Xia, however, became calm instead and asked coldly, "How long have you been preparing for this?"

Zhang Xusheng nodded and smiled, "When I supported you as the master of ‘Treasure Pavilion,’ I had already planted those seeds."

As he spoke, Zhang Xusheng sighed softly and said, "You’re too rational, not as easily deceived as others, so even though I value you, I had to have a backup plan."

Nalan Xia stared intently at Zhang Xusheng and slowly said, "Aren’t you afraid that the two elders, ‘Tian’ and ‘Earth,’ will find out? The ‘Treasure Pavilion’ has been one of ‘Nether’s’ main sources of spirit stones and various materials over the years. They won’t give it up so easily."

Zhang Xusheng sighed again but his eyes showed happiness as he said, "Nalan, you still don’t understand. At this moment, ‘Tian’ and ‘Di’ are focused on preparing for the final catastrophe. To them, this is the most important thing. They only seek stability. All other matters can be sacrificed, including the ‘Treasure Pavilion’. This is why I’ve been able to recklessly kill ‘Nether’ members over the years without fearing revenge from those two elders. They need stability, and I need to eliminate their loyal forces before the catastrophe arrives. It’s a mutual need."

Hearing this, Nalan Xia finally fell silent.

Yet Zhang Xusheng was keenly observing Nalan Xia, and after a moment, he suddenly said, "It seems you are determined to be my enemy, even now trying to send a message to those two old fellows, ‘Tian’ and ‘Earth.’"

As he spoke, a shimmering little insect appeared in Zhang Xusheng’s palm, its wings flapping in vain, unable to take flight.

"It seems you’re tired of our conversation, so be it. Let me personally send you on your way."

Saying this, Zhang Xusheng slowly stood up and walked calmly towards Nalan Xia.