Chapter 484

Chapter 484: A Deal Gone Sour

"Fellow daoist friends, why so tense?"

Ye Xu expressed surprise. "Do I look like a cannibal?"

The Dao Lords nodded, but their bodies jolted as if shocked by electricity before frantically shaking their heads.

After this ordeal, they had come to deeply understand the terror of the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

"Master, it’s been too long. I never imagined we’d reunite in Canglan City today—this is the happiest moment of my three lives." Xuan Du Ancient Immortal stepped forward, cupping his hands toward Ye Xu.

"So it’s Daoist friend Xuan Du."

Ye Xu chuckled. "Ever since we parted in the lower realm, your avatar was slain by the Ninth Young Master. Truly lamentable."

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s face darkened.

The others exchanged strange glances.

It was well known that within the Hongmeng Dao Realm, apart from the First Young Master who secluded himself for cultivation, the remaining eight young masters harbored deep grudges among themselves, with minor frictions occurring constantly.

At this moment, followers of no fewer than one young master were present in Canglan City; hearing Ye Xu’s words, their eyes flickered with a strange light.

"Daoist friend, long time no see."

Ye Xu turned to Feng Wuji.

"You humble me, Master." Feng Wuji forced a bitter smile. In the lower realm, he might still barely address Ye Xu as a fellow daoist, but after witnessing Ye Xu’s peerless prowess today, how dare he overstep?

"Between you and me, such formalities are unnecessary." Ye Xu smiled easily.

The gathered Dao Lords watched with astonishment.

Feng Wuji’s cultivation level was plainly visible to them—

A mere Sovereign of the World.

No different from an ant.

Yet this ant could converse so calmly with the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?

"So the rumors of the Master’s approachability weren’t unfounded," mused Dao Sovereign Penglai inwardly. Had it been him handling today’s affair, not one of those secretly coveting would have survived.

But Ye Xu had simply killed one chicken to intimidate the monkeys—proof of a merciful nature.

Ice Phoenix Demon Lord studied Feng Wuji’s profile with a puzzled gaze.

She burned with curiosity about the connection between Feng Wuji and Ye Xu.

"Come in, all of you."

Ye Xu turned and re-entered Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. Without a moment’s hesitation, they crowded after him, nearly stepping on his heels, terrified he might act without virtue again.

"Take your seats."

Before the words finished echoing, stools materialized beneath each of them.

Within Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, all beings are equal.

The Dao Lords sat down uneasily, none daring to utter a sound.

After all, seated before them were six Dao Sovereigns.

"Master, you must be well aware of the purpose of our visit," said Dao Sovereign Penglai after pondering for a moment.

"I know."

Ye Xu, unconcerned, smiled and said, "You’ve come here to capture Luo Nishang, to pry from her mouth the truth about the fall of Dao Sovereign Ziyang."

"Just…"

Ye Xu trailed off.

The others leaned slightly forward, listening attentively.

Ye Xu sighed and said, "I’ve promised Miss Luo to let her stay at Heaven’s Secret Pavilion for a year. As long as she’s here, I must ensure her full protection."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions turned complex.

Ye Xu had already revealed his strength; who would dare to act recklessly now?

"Actually…"

Ye Xu drew out his voice, heightening everyone’s anticipation, and said slowly, "I understand the secret of Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s fall even better than Miss Luo does."

"Truly?"

A Dao Sovereign looked stunned.

"Xuan Du Daoist, you’re my regular client; you should enlighten dear friends here," Ye Xu also couldn’t be bothered to elaborate and passed the topic to Xuan Du Ancient Immortal.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal wore a strained expression.

"Hurry up and tell us."

Confronting Xuan Du Ancient Immortal, the six Dao Sovereigns lost patience and barked harshly.

Though the Second Young Master’s status was lofty, and even the Dao Sovereigns had to respect him, Xuan Du Ancient Immortal was merely the Second Young Master’s subordinate, so naturally they weren’t polite.

"Yes."

With bitterness in his heart, Xuan Du Ancient Immortal said, "The couplet at Heaven’s Secret Pavilion’s entrance alone proves Master’s skill. In the Hongmeng Dao Realm, there’s nothing Master doesn’t know."

"I’ve traded with Master several times before, always getting satisfying answers."

"Plus, Master is approachable and doesn’t charge outrageous prices."

"Whatever you dear seniors want to learn, just ask Master directly."

"So that’s how it is."

Dao Sovereign Penglai’s eyes flickered.

He remained skeptical.

And not only him—the other five Dao Sovereigns’ faces held similar doubt.

A pair of eyes seemed to ask, is it really so incredible?

"Master, could you ask dear friends to step away for a bit?"

Suddenly, a Dao Sovereign in Blue Robe spoke up.

"Daoist friend Tianxuan, what’s your meaning?" challenged another Dao Sovereign, his face darkening. "Do you plan to cut us out and buy alone the truth about Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s fall?"

"Exactly."

Dao Sovereign Tianxuan declared calmly.

"A single monk has water to drink, but with three monks, there isn’t enough. Do you not understand such a simple truth?"

His green robe billowed imposingly as he sneered. "Out of the six of us, only one will ultimately acquire Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s secret. Could it be that you expect all six to share it?"

"Daoist friend Tianxuan makes a valid point."

Dao Sovereign Penglai wholeheartedly agreed with Dao Sovereign Tianxuan’s view.

Who would willingly share the Heavenly Books?

Despite this, Dao Sovereign Penglai and the other three Dao Sovereigns offered no further opinion, maintaining their watchful stance.

The group of Dao Lords from Xuan Du Ancient Immortal cursed internally.

Without a word, the six Dao Sovereigns had already excluded them from the circle of those in the know.

Ye Xu remained silent, quietly observing the assembly.

Time was on his side.

He felt not the slightest urgency.

Feng Wuji kept his eyes lowered, focused inward.

Such debating could drag on for a full day and night without resolution.

"Daoist brother Penglai, Daoist friend Tianxuan, why the haste?"

A female Dao Sovereign, no less powerful than Dao Sovereign Penglai, spoke up. Stunningly beautiful, she possessed an ethereal grace.

"Rumors claim Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s death involves the Heavenly Books’ secret, yet whether that holds true remains uncertain," she stated, her voice pure as spring water and melodious to the ear.

Meng Qingluo turned to Ye Xu with a serene smile. "If the Master can verify this rumor, then we may proceed with our plans without delay."

Ye Xu smiled.

"Proving it is not difficult. What is difficult is whether any of you trust me."

Meng Qingluo’s smile remained tranquil. "Master, please enlighten us."

"One hundred million divine stones."

Ye Xu named his price.

"Should you produce one hundred million divine stones, I shall not only disclose Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s place of demise but also reveal the cause of his death."

One hundred million divine stones equaled one hundred million Hongmeng points.

Completing this transaction would advance his cultivation to the peak of the Eight Tribulations Dao Lord.

"Master, that is unreasonably exorbitant."

Dao Sovereign Tianxuan’s expression darkened.

"It concerns the Heavenly Books’ secret. I leave it to your discretion," Ye Xu continued. "In truth, should you pay the required price, I can even reveal the whereabouts of all Nine Great Heavenly Books."

As these words left his lips, the expressions of the assembly shifted into startled incredulity.

"Master, this young lady takes her leave."

Meng Qingluo suddenly stood up, performed an elegant bow, and surprisingly prepared to leave Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Ye Xu was stunned.

A flash of understanding appeared in Dao Sovereign Penglai’s eyes as he leisurely rose, chuckling, "Master, it seems this deal can’t be completed for the time being."

"Little Seven, follow your master back to Penglai."

Dao Lord Long Yuan was bewildered.

But he still left alongside Dao Sovereign Penglai.

Three other Dao Sovereigns also departed with them.

Dao Sovereign Tianxuan, who had just offered to buy the information alone, hesitated but ultimately strode away proudly.

"The deal fell through?"

Ye Xu’s brow furrowed tightly.

He neither stopped them nor could he possibly stop them.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal appeared to guess the reason for everyone’s departure, stood tall, and bid farewell.

"Why is everyone leaving?"

The Beast Sect Master felt utterly confused.

At this moment.

Only Ice Phoenix Demon Lord, Feng Wuji, and the Dao Lord of the Ten Thousand Beasts Immortal Sect remained in Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Numerous Dao Sovereigns and Dao Lords simultaneously exited Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

"Could it be I overdid my boasting?"

Ye Xu thought to himself.

However, he knew perfectly well he hadn’t exaggerated, and the price he set was extremely reasonable.

One hundred million divine stones were absolutely pocket change for those six Dao Sovereigns.

Only.

The group didn’t seem to trust him.

"Heh…"

Ye Xu’s gaze deepened, "Seems milking these fat sheep won’t happen overnight."

Heaven’s Secret Pavilion’s credibility truly was an issue.

After all, he’d only just started establishing himself in the Hongmeng Dao Realm.

His lone client, Lu Chengfeng, couldn’t be exposed anytime soon either.

"Master, why did we leave?" Dao Lord Long Yuan remained baffled, "Didn’t you travel far precisely to learn the secret behind Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s death?"

"Now just paying money would buy that answer, so why depart again?"

Dao Sovereign Penglai solemnly stated, "In this world, no one knows the whereabouts of the Nine Great Heavenly Books."

That statement from Ye Xu made him dare not trust Ye Xu any longer.

Dao Lord Long Yuan deeply agreed.

From ancient times to the present, the number of people who had witnessed the Nine Great Heavenly Books could be counted on one hand.

Yet, Ye Xu could declare outright that he knew their whereabouts; no matter how you looked at it, it was sheer bragging.

"Moreover, there are too many people here today; no one could possibly hoard the information," Dao Sovereign Penglai stated another reason, saying, "Therefore, it’s unnecessary to stay any longer."

"But you must remain in Canglan City and monitor every move of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

Dao Lord Long Yuan understood.

Even if the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion couldn’t possibly know the whereabouts of the Nine Great Heavenly Books, given that Luo Nishang was in Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, the truth about Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s demise was bound to be no secret to him.

"If there’s any unusual activity, inform me immediately."

Dao Sovereign Penglai transformed into a streak of light and vanished.

A moment later.

He abruptly halted and gazed at a graceful figure up ahead.

"Daoist friend Qingluo."

Dao Sovereign Penglai appeared startled.

"I’ve been wondering why Daoist friend Qingluo has departed; could you enlighten me?"

Meng Qingluo turned and said, "In the Hongmeng Dao Realm, those capable of calculative heavenly mysteries are rare; the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is too enigmatic and his arrival too suspicious—I cannot bring myself to trust him."

"That’s not a reason."

Dao Sovereign Penglai shook his head, knowing well that Meng Qingluo’s departure must stem from a deeper motive.

"Daoist friend, since you’re waiting here, I suppose you have no desire for idle chatter."

He fixed his gaze on Meng Qingluo as though piercing her thoughts, "Just say it plainly."

"Daoist friend, have you considered—who spread the news of Dao Sovereign Ziyang’s fall?" Meng Qingluo’s eyes flashed intensely, "And who is propagating rumors that his death is tied to the Heavenly Books?"

Dao Sovereign Penglai felt a chill creep over his scalp.

The secret behind the Heavenly Books was overwhelmingly forceful.

Such a connection had genuinely never occurred to him.

Nor had he ever contemplated it.

"You… you mean this is related to the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?"

"I have no proof, but this affair demands an investigation."

Meng Qingluo declared, "That is why I departed."

The price of one hundred million divine stones set by Ye Xu was one thing that made Meng Qingluo suspicious as well.

Regarding the Heavenly Books’ secret, one hundred million divine stones was unreasonably low.

"What if it really is a trap…"

Meng Qingluo trailed off, yet Dao Sovereign Penglai grasped her implication.

In any case.

They could not so readily trust Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

"Let’s first discern the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion’s intentions; if he truly possesses such divine power, we can seek him at Heaven’s Secret Pavilion at a later time," Meng Qingluo gave a light laugh and faded away, "Then, we may combine forces and plot together."

Dao Sovereign Penglai gave a nod.

They had weathered endless eons, and time for them was merely a number of little significance.