Chapter 268

Chapter 268: The Immortal King Humiliated

"Everything I have today, Master, was given by the Patriarch and the Taihao Heavenly Sect; I shall naturally dedicate it all to the Patriarch," Dao King looked at Li Ruoshui, his eyes filled with pure sincerity and fealty.

Li Ruoshui nodded lightly.

"How fares the situation in the Lower Realm?"

"I have already unified the Spirit Realm and the Mysterious Realm, refined the luck of both realms into myself. In a short while, I can launch an assault on the Shadow Realm and seize the Yama Court," Dao King declared resolutely.

"Such trivial matters bore me," Li Ruoshui said lightly. "I preside over the Taihao Heavenly Sect. If my intervention is needed, I shall act."

Her gaze settled on Dao King. "On this descent into the Lower Realm, I had an exchange with the Patriarch," she said with a knowing, faintly mocking smile. "I heard… someone injured you?"

Anger flashed across Dao King’s face, tinged with fear.

Li Ruoshui observed all of this clearly.

"It seems you fear him," Li Ruoshui noted, a hint of interest appearing in her eyes.

Dao King had attained immortality, yet someone had still injured him; that person’s strength was truly unusual.

Dao King nodded. "Master, you may not know this person. He is the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion in the Yuan Realm, appearing mysteriously around half a year ago, claiming to know everything."

"I was severely wounded by the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion precisely when contending for the origin of the Yuan Realm and the Epoch Golden Book."

"This man targets the Taihao Heavenly Sect at every turn, targets me, and has fostered deep enmity against our sect."

"Know everything?" Li Ruoshui scoffed. "Over these millions of years, I’ve seen countless masters of the art of calculations. None dared to boast so arrogantly."

"He dares to be so insolent, opposing our Taihao Heavenly Sect? A mere master of some small Heaven’s Secret Pavilion in a Lower Realm? Truly seeking death."

"Master, do not underestimate him," Dao King hesitated for a second before adding, "The current situation unfolding across all realms today arose solely from the handiwork of the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. When he severely injured me, he did it from millions of miles away, without ever stepping foot outside Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

Hearing this, Li Ruoshui’s expression shifted subtly.

"It seems he possesses some true skill."

Still, Li Ruoshui wasn’t overly concerned; a feat like that was within her power as well.

"Moreover," Dao King continued, "in my humble opinion, our focus should remain fixed on Nangong Zhandao."

"He is the very one I mentioned before, the individual who embodies the luck of the Yuan Realm?" Li Ruoshui’s gaze turned cold. "After all this time, you still haven’t secured him?"

"I have been incompetent!" Dao King knelt to the ground, trembling with fear and anxiety.

Yan Duxing stared blankly. Was this the same master who had once proclaimed, ‘If Heaven does not give it, I shall take it myself’?

He had never imagined he would witness Dao King bowing and scraping like this.

"It seems I must personally make a trip to the Yuan Realm," Li Ruoshui stated coldly. The fortune of the ancestral home represented the most crucial component in the Patriarch’s grand design.

Therefore, Nangong Zhandao could not be lost.

"One more matter requires reporting to the Master and the Sect Master," a senior elder stepped forward then, kneeling. "It concerns Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

"Speak."

Having received permission, the elder continued, "Yesterday, the person from our sect stationed at Linglong City sent a message that Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is about to establish Heaven’s Machine Bank and issue a currency called Star Yuan."

"Heaven’s Secret Pavilion has dispatched people to send out Invitations, inviting the major forces of the Yuan Realm and the emissaries guarding each major world to witness the event at Heaven’s Machine Bank."

Dao King’s expression froze slightly; he was hearing this news for the first time.

"To issue currency?"

Li Ruoshui showed her mocking expression without hiding it, "This master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion appears to be a man with ruthless ambition, daring to imitate the Ancient Heavenly Court."

"Come with me to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

"Yes."

Dao King stood up, summoned Yan Duxing, and said, "While I am away, you will be stationed at the core to handle the sect’s affairs."

"Disciple complies."

Whoosh!

Li Ruoshui and Dao King dispersed into streams of light.

Several hours later, the two crossed the Sea of All Realms and descended into the Yuan Realm.

"Long ago, when I first came to the Yuan Realm, it was a barren land. I never imagined that returning to this realm would bring such complete change,"

Li Ruoshui lamented, "It truly deserves to be called the land where emperors rise."

"The day the seal on Godfall Ridge was lifted and the origin of the Yuan Realm revived was predicted by the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, without any error," Dao King said solemnly.

"Since we are in the Yuan Realm, let’s first meet this master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

Li Ruoshui strode towards Linglong City.

After a stick of incense, the two arrived at Linglong City.

Due to the imminent establishment of Heaven’s Machine Bank, Linglong City was packed with people, extremely noisy, and representatives of every major power had gathered there.

"Master, this is Heaven’s Secret Pavilion." As Dao King stood before Heaven’s Secret Pavilion with Li Ruoshui, gazing at the ancient and mysterious building, fear welled up from the depths of his heart.

To this day, he did not dare or wish to step into Heaven’s Secret Pavilion again.

"Waste!"

Li Ruoshui scolded, "As a dignified sect leader, if you’ve been scared witless, how can you manage the sect?"

"I will see for myself just how capable this master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is!"

With those words, Li Ruoshui began walking towards Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Deep in Dao King’s eyes lingered a gloom, his fist clenched tightly in his sleeve, killing intent surging in his heart.

But the next moment, Dao King spoke up to dissuade her.

"Master, the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is unfathomable; for safety, don’t go there physically," Dao King said sternly.

The founder of Taihao Heavenly Sect sent Li Ruoshui down to the mortal realm under the pretext of helping, but actually to monitor him.

Moreover, as soon as Li Ruoshui descended, she gave arrogant commands, sparking killing intentions in Dao King.

However, Li Ruoshui could not die at this time.

Dao King could not let her go to her death.

Li Ruoshui was monitoring him, but couldn’t he also use her for his purposes?

Hearing Dao King dissuade her, Li Ruoshui’s steps paused briefly.

She gently plucked a strand of her black hair, infused it with magic power, and it transformed into a woman identical to Li Ruoshui—graceful and dignified. With measured steps, the hair-clone walked towards Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Upon entering the pavilion, Li Ruoshui saw a handsome young man playing chess with a girl in the bloom of youth, who seemingly hadn’t noticed her arrival.

"Are you the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?"

Li Ruoshui fixed her gaze on Ye Xu, her eyes sharp as swords.

Ye Xu remained motionless, continuing his game with Ye Xian’er.

"Damn girl, who would’ve thought after some time in seclusion, not only has your strength advanced, but your chess skills have improved too," Ye Xu clicked his tongue in admiration. "Impressive, impressive."

Ye Xian’er had just successfully advanced to the Divine God Realm during her latest seclusion, facing a tribulation merely half an hour ago.

"All thanks to your careful guidance, Senior," Ye Xian’er giggled. As she spoke, she placed her chess piece, forming five pieces in a row, and won the game.

"Senior, you lost, hehehe…"

Watching the two of them absorbed in their own game, Li Ruoshui’s expression turned annoyed.

She was an Immortal King of the Upper Realm, a ruler, someone who had never been ignored before?

"To be disregarded? Is this how Heaven’s Secret Pavilion treats its guests?" Li Ruoshui’s anger flared as she said coldly, "Or perhaps, sir, you look down on me?"

"Having an Immortal King visit in person is naturally something I welcome," Ye Xu turned around to look at her, and said lightly with a smile. "However, Heaven’s Secret Pavilion welcomes guests, but not enemies."

Li Ruoshui’s pupils contracted minutely. Her actual body had not even arrived yet, and Ye Xu could see her cultivation level and status? Even discern her intentions? Could it be true, just as Dao King said, that the Master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion could read minds and perceive the heavenly secrets?

"Daoist friend," Ye Xu said, wearing an innocent smile, "since you intend to avenge Dao King, why not send your true self inside? A mere avatar is far from sufficient."

The way Ye Xu looked at her made Li Ruoshui’s scalp tingle. She had been seen through.

Li Ruoshui forced herself to appear composed. "I came to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion today wishing to make a transaction with the Master. Since the Master has no interest in trade, I shall take my leave."

Li Ruoshui didn’t give Ye Xu a chance to speak and immediately turned to leave.

Dong!

Suddenly, it was as if a barrier had sealed Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. Li Ruoshui bumped into an invisible wall of energy and stumbled back several steps.

Outside the pavilion, Dao King witnessed this scene and instinctively retreated. On Li Ruoshui’s real face, horror washed over her.

This avatar of hers absolutely possessed power at the late stage of the True Immortal Realm. Yet before Ye Xu, it had no power to resist whatsoever. What was most frightening was that Ye Xu hadn’t appeared to lift a single finger the entire time.

"Daoist friend, you were always determined to kill me, yet now that you see me, you want to leave without a word. That’s far too disrespectful," Ye Xu said leisurely, muttering to himself.

"Do whatever you want; kill me or slice me apart. I submit to your will," Li Ruoshui said coldly.

"Why would I kill you?" Ye Xu retorted indifferently. "This Heaven’s Secret Pavilion urgently needs a servant girl. You will stay to serve tea, wash clothes, and make the bed."

"A warrior can be killed but not humiliated!" Li Ruoshui mobilized her magic power, attempting to destroy her avatar.

But she suddenly discovered that all her magic power had vanished.

"I allow you to die only when I permit it," Ye Xu said with a laugh. "Remember, you are the servant girl of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. From now on, whether you live or die depends entirely on my whim."

Ye Xu walked to the entrance of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion and looked towards Dao King and Li Ruoshui.

Dao King was stared at by Ye Xu and felt a chill in his heart, not daring to meet his gaze.

The more frequently Dao King met Ye Xu, the heavier his fear grew.

After nearly being instantly killed by Ye Xu the last time, Ye Xu had almost become Dao King’s inner demons.

"Sir, to humiliate me so profoundly," Li Ruoshui said with a venomous look. "I have remembered this. I will surely repay this debt."

"Let’s go." Li Ruoshui did not dare to linger for another moment, taking Dao King and fleeing together.

She was also deeply afraid.

Ye Xu had severed the connection between her and her avatar in an instant, making her lose all control over the avatar. She couldn’t destroy it, and it had to remain at Heaven’s Secret Pavilion to suffer humiliation.

This method was truly unfathomable by spirits.

If she stayed any longer and Ye Xu didn’t let her go, her life would have been over.

"Xian’er, this person is entrusted to you to command. Do as you wish with her," Ye Xu said, glancing sidelong at Li Ruoshui’s avatar as he instructed.

"Understood, Senior," Ye Xian’er replied, staring maliciously at the avatar.

Li Ruoshui was filled with resentment and rage.

Although she had not a trace of magic power, she was mentally connected to her original self. Everything she experienced was felt by her original self.

Ye Xu’s actions clearly aimed to retaliate and humiliate her.

Taihao Heavenly Sect’s foundation in the Immortal Realm seemed not shallow, Ye Xu pondered inwardly.

Earlier, Dao King had contacted the Immortal Realm and acted on secret orders. Now, an Immortal King had descended to the mortal realm, obviously making arrangements in advance for future events.

"The great change in the ancestral home isn’t only related to the all realms, but also to the Immortal Realm," Ye Xu murmured to himself.

"It’s been such a short time, yet an Immortal King could already descend. I fear that before long, the scene of multitudes of immortals descending would appear."

"The all realms are not far from great chaos now."