Chapter 500

Chapter 500: I Have Only One Request

Canglan City, Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

"Esteemed senior, this one will take his leave," Ning Wudao announced as he bid farewell.

Having cultivated within the Time and Space domain, his cultivation had advanced rapidly. Now standing at the Half-Step true immortal stage, his power had multiplied nearly a hundredfold compared to before.

"Daoist Friend Feng, I entrust these two to your care," Ye Xu said.

Feng Wuji’s face was bruised, his words slurred through broken teeth as he responded, "Master, I wander the world—how could I possibly keep an eye on them? However, I can ask the Palace Master to assist."

"Palace Master, would this arrangement suit you?"

"Of course," Huang Zimo agreed. "Those two are within Penglai Immortal Domain—they’ll remain safe."

"Hmph." Yi Tianxing snorted coldly. His battle against Feng Wuji had ended in mutual defeat. Both had been battered and bloody, yet neither had gained the slightest advantage.

"Spare us your resentment," Ye Xu sighed. "I’ve already sealed one hundred and seven layers of his Great Dao World, yet you still couldn’t rival him."

Their power differences were like an impassable chasm. How could Yi Tianxing ever hope to overcome Feng Wuji?

"Old Bai, you belong to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. With the Master instructing you, how could you fear failing to surpass me?" Feng Wuji grinned slyly. "Next time we meet, we’ll settle this again."

"Master, you must not intervene," he quickly added.

"Enough chatter—depart at once," Ye Xu countered, exasperated. These two old rogues…

"Esteemed senior, we’re off now!"

Xixi was the most exhilarated. Trapped within Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, she’d never glimpsed the vast mysteries of the Hongmeng Dao Realm. This journey fulfilled her long-cherished dream.

The four of them departed Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, vanishing beyond the horizon.

"Master, though I serve Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, that old madman soundly trounced me. I’ve shamed you," Yi Tianxing lamented dramatically.

Ye Xu rolled his eyes. "The Transcendental methods you practice, gifted by Nuwa though they may be, still fall short by Heaven’s Secret Pavilion’s standards."

Yi Tianxing’s eyes gleamed with subtle satisfaction; his theatrical complaint had served its purpose.

"System, search for merit techniques compatible with Yi Tianxing," Ye Xu instructed mentally. After a pause, he added, "Focus on the Dao Sovereign tier. Purchase only up to the World Master Realm."

[Four million Hongmeng points.]

"Purchase!" Ye Xu commanded. As his sole reliable follower representing Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, Yi Tianxing required only the finest techniques.

[Heavenly Human All-Encompassing Scripture: A Dao Sovereign-tier merit technique…]

As the knowledge flowed into his mind, Ye Xu’s expression brightened. This scripture surpassed the Immortal Golden Body by several tiers. It forged unity through harmonizing the fate of humanity, the merit of the Dao, and the communion between Heaven and Man.

"This method is named the Heavenly Human All-Encompassing Scripture. Master it well." With a single point from Ye Xu, the cultivation method of the Heavenly Human All-Encompassing Scripture instantly surfaced in Yi Tianxing’s mind.

Ye Xu stated, "To cultivate this method, one must combine the fate of humanity and merit of the Dao. This means you must enter the world."

"Now is when Heaven’s Secret Pavilion lacks hands…" Yi Tianxing frowned. "Moreover, if this subordinate enters the world to cultivate and ends up in conflict with others, wouldn’t that violate the Master’s rules?"

"The rules were set by me. Naturally, I can change them," Ye Xu replied lightly. "Besides, while I haven’t intervened directly, many worldly affairs have originated because of me."

Yi Tianxing’s body trembled faintly.

"This old Xuan Du seeks an audience with the Master."

At that moment.

A stroke of mysterious light descended. Xuan Du Ancient Immortal, robed in white, bearing an air of immortal grace, entered Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. His expression was reverent, no trace of his former arrogance remained.

"It’s you?"

Yi Tianxing stared in disbelief. "Daoist friend, your… your cultivation…"

He had met Xuan Du Ancient Immortal several times in the Ancient Realm, yet back then, Xuan Du was merely a cultivator at the proof of the Second Primordial Spirit. Now, at this meeting, he couldn’t fathom Xuan Du’s level of cultivation.

"Daoist friend, that Xuan Du in the lower realm was merely an avatar of mine. This is my true form," Xuan Du Ancient Immortal explained with a smile. Regarding the human ancestor, he held a measure of admiration within his heart.

To single-handedly avert disaster, wielding courage that far exceeded his level of cultivation—this was something Xuan Du Ancient Immortal genuinely respected.

"So that’s how it is."

Yi Tianxing suddenly comprehended.

"No one visits this Treasured Hall without cause. Speak plainly," Ye Xu uttered lightly.

"The Master sees all," Xuan Du Ancient Immortal said. "This old one has indeed come to discuss a matter with the Master."

"Speak without hesitation."

"The Second Young Master has decided to move formally against the Canglan Merchant Alliance. However, as Canglan City is now the Master’s domain, he specifically dispatched this old one to seek the Master’s view," Xuan Du Ancient Immortal conveyed. In Canglan City, Ye Xu was invincible. While the Second Young Master wasn’t afraid, he wished to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Is this consultation, or notification?" Ye Xu asked, wearing a half-smile.

"Consultation," Xuan Du Ancient Immortal affirmed decisively.

Previously.

The Lu Family had close dealings with Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal feared that if they launched an assault on the Canglan Merchant Alliance, provoking Ye Xu to intervene, the Second Young Master would be placed in a passive predicament. Therefore, Ye Xu’s stance was critically important.

"I have no inclination for divination. Provide specifics," Ye Xu stated.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal looked surprised momentarily, but he didn’t hesitate to outline the entire plan to Ye Xu.

"One day ago, this old one succeeded in persuading the Shangguan Family and the Hong Family. They have agreed to join forces to eliminate the Lu and Yuan families," Xuan Du Ancient Immortal added. "If the Master remains uninvolved, action will commence within three days."

Yi Tianxing furrowed his brows.

"Daoist brother, since you intend to subdue the Canglan Merchant Alliance, why not recruit the Lu and Yuan Families?"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal glanced at him and said darkly, "Two more people would mean splitting the profits two more ways. The Four Great Clans wouldn’t agree, nor would the Second Young Master."

The Canglan Merchant Alliance was a fat sheep, while the Lu and Yuan Families were its two juiciest cuts.

"What does the Master advise?" Xuan Du Ancient Immortal asked.

Ye Xu’s gaze flickered.

His connection to the Lu and Yuan Families was limited to a few past business dealings.

Intervening on their behalf was impossible.

After all, the current Heaven’s Secret Pavilion remained detached from worldly affairs, and the two families lacked the capital to move Ye Xu to act.

"I have but one demand,"

Ye Xu raised a single finger.

"Please speak, Master,"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal replied respectfully.

"Not a single hair on Lu Chengfeng’s head is to be harmed," Ye Xu declared.

Lu Chengfeng possessed sharp business acumen and great talent. With the Lu and Yuan Families annihilated, he would surely perish. Ye Xu had to ensure his survival.

"This…"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s face tightened. Lu Chengfeng was the Young Master of the Lu Family, and having recently regained his full constitution, his future potential was immense if left alive.

Sparing Lu Chengfeng was like raising a tiger only to court disaster.

After all,

it was Xuan Du Ancient Immortal who had secretly planted the Demonic Seed of Doom.

"I’m not asking for your opinion," Ye Xu stated coldly. "I’m giving you a choice."

"Either spare Lu Chengfeng’s life, or leave Canglan City immediately—and never set foot in it again."

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal instantly turned deathly pale.

Pushed to this corner, he had no retreat.

"Master, do you know why the Nine Young Masters of the Hongmeng Dao Realm, mere Nine Tribulations Dao Lords in cultivation, dominate their territories unchallenged?"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s voice grew icy.

"Are you threatening me?"

Ye Xu chuckled.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal shook his head repeatedly. "This old man wouldn’t dare threaten the Master!"

"The Nine Young Masters’ mediocre cultivation but immense influence naturally stems from powerful backing," Ye Xu remarked dismissively, half in jest, half in earnest. "Shall I dig each of them out for you?"

"…"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal backed down instantly.

He had merely intended to invoke the Second Young Master’s patron to intimidate Ye Xu. Ye Xu’s retort drained all his bravado.

"This old man shall convey the Master’s exact words to the Second Young Master,"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal said, his thoughts turning to retreat. "I take my leave."

"Wait."

"What are your orders, Master?"

A drop of sweat trickled down Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s forehead. His right foot hung suspended mid-air, frozen.

"Tell your master that Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is preparing a Dao Lord ranking,"

Ye Xu announced. "He will soon find himself on it."

"…"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s cheek twitched.

Having seen the Golden List of the Unparalleled Rankings, he well understood the nature of this so-called Dao Lord ranking.

"The Second Young Master cherishes his reputation above all. Knowing he’s being used for profit, he’d storm Heaven’s Secret Pavilion." Fear gripped Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s heart. "I absolutely cannot tell him this."

Outwardly, however, he maintained a façade of deference. "This old man shall certainly relay the Master’s words."

"Mm."

"Dismissed."

"Farewell."

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal retreated from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Once outside, he drew back his sleeve to wipe away his cold sweat and exhaled a long, shuddering breath, thinking, "The release of this Dao Lord ranking will unleash a bloody storm across the Hongmeng Dao Realm."

"That Master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion truly harbors malice in his heart."