Chapter 94: Teaming Up to Deceive

Liu Junhuai and a group of female cultivators arrived at the place where Shen Duoduo usually practiced. He took out a pile of treasures for Shen Duoduo, her sisters, and Wu Bini to choose from. Mo Sitong took out three blossoms of Illusory Pink Starfire and distributed them among the three. The petite, rosy flames immediately caught everyone’s attention. Since none of them had yet reached the Foundation Establishment stage, their divine sense was not fully formed within their spiritual sea, nor could they refine the Illusory Pink Starfire. Mo Sitong had only brought them out to amuse the others.

They could barely wrap the flames in their true essence, holding them in their hands, but even so, Shen Duoduo and Wu Bini were delighted, their faces beaming with joy.

A few hours later, daylight had broken. After instructing Wu Wanren to continue cultivating, Liu Junhuai left the chaotic space alone and, piloting the Cloudpiercer Skiff, headed straight for the Celestial Mechanism Sect.

A day later, as dusk approached, Liu Junhuai arrived near the Celestial Mechanism Sect. He put away the skiff, found a secluded spot, and reentered the chaotic space.

He found Wu Wanren and asked him to quietly visit his master and briefly explain the situation, leaving the details for Liu Junhuai to discuss in person the next day.

Wu Wanren, knowing that Yun Jiezi was surely watching his movements, parted ways with Liu Junhuai and stealthily made his way back to the Celestial Mechanism Sect.

Liu Junhuai met with several elders for a brief discussion, then brought Mo Sitong to the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion.

After briefly recounting Fang Keyin’s advancement to the old steward, Liu Junhuai said, “Steward, you haven’t entered the chaotic space in some time. Perhaps you should meet with them as well?”

The old steward shook his head. “The time isn’t right. The Myriad Phenomena Pavilion is the tower lord’s most private domain—few know of it, and so it remains safe. You have only just begun your path of cultivation; the journey ahead is long and fraught with uncertainty. It’s wise to keep some secrets.”

Liu Junhuai nodded. “I haven’t practiced the Ghost-Eye Blood Blade yet, and you haven’t seen my two minor divine abilities. Would you care to come with me into the training space and help identify any shortcomings?”

The old steward smiled. “That’s just what I was about to suggest. It seems we think alike. Let’s go together—truthfully, I want to see your true strength for myself.”

With that, the three of them entered the training space.

They found a place where jagged boulders loomed. Liu Junhuai took out the Ghost-Eye Blood Blade. As if sensing its new master’s intent, the blade trembled, and as Liu Junhuai’s true essence poured in, the blade became increasingly lively. Through his celestial sight, Liu Junhuai could vaguely see a translucent blade soul darting back and forth within the steel.

Once the true essence was fully infused, the ghostly eye on the hilt snapped open, linking with Liu Junhuai’s mental power. As his will shifted, the blade lifted and slashed into the void. Weighing over three hundred pounds, the Ghost-Eye Blood Blade felt like an extension of his own arm. It swept a graceful arc through the air, ripping the void with a sizzling sound. The blade exuded a terrifying aura of slaughter, dragging a bloody radiance down to the earth, where it carved a gash more than a foot deep into the ground with a harsh tearing noise.

“Hiss…” The old steward drew a sharp breath. The blade’s murderous aura was so overwhelming, it left him panic-stricken. Truly worthy of being the most fearsome weapon under heaven: with a mere stroke, it gouged such a deep trench in the earth, relying on raw power alone, without the slightest finesse.

Suppressing his own astonishment, Liu Junhuai swung the blade again. As he leapt into the air, the blade’s radiance howled toward a massive boulder, a dozen yards tall. The stone was cleaved in two before the blade even touched it, the brutal aura of slaughter smashing the halves apart and sending fragments flying, pulverizing them mid-flight.

“So domineering! This blade’s aura is terrifying beyond belief—too powerful!” Liu Junhuai’s voice trembled with awe.

Mo Sitong clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a cry, her eyes frozen wide in shock.

Apparently pleased with its own display, the blade soul within the Ghost-Eye Blood Blade darted back and forth like a spirit snake, while the blade itself emitted a faint buzzing. The ghostly eye on the hilt even seemed to wink at Liu Junhuai, startling him so much he nearly dropped the weapon.

“Tower Lord, this is a true peerless weapon! The murderous aura within the blade has gained a spirit of its own and won’t turn against you. In other words, this savage, chilling aura will not affect your state of mind—you won’t be plagued by inner demons of slaughter,” the old steward said, brimming with excitement.

Hearing this, Liu Junhuai’s confidence surged. In a flash, his figure vanished and reappeared a hundred yards away among the rocks, swinging the Ghost-Eye Blood Blade wildly.

For a moment, dust billowed and mountains of stone were reduced to powder beneath the blade’s relentless movement. The overwhelming aura of slaughter formed a domain within the blade’s reach, where ripples of energy twisted the air, like a mirage both visible and untouchable.

After half a stick of incense’s time, Liu Junhuai’s figure abruptly reappeared before the others, startling Mo Sitong and the old steward, who hadn’t realized he’d returned.

“Hmm, your teleportation divine power is coming along nicely, Tower Lord. Coupled with the Shadowless Gale Step, you’re practically a ghost—here one moment, gone the next!” the old steward remarked with a grin.

Mo Sitong added, “The two of us have only just mastered the Shadowless Gale Step. We’re still getting used to it; each time we hide ourselves, it takes over ten breaths to fully conceal our forms. Fortunately, in combat that’s not a huge drawback, and during travel we have enough time to use it.”

“Tower Lord, try the Ninefold Transformation technique again. Exhaust your true essence completely, then recover,” the old steward suggested.

Liu Junhuai complied, leading the two into a forest and cycling through the transformations from first to third, back and forth. At first, he performed for the steward’s observation, but gradually, his consciousness became immersed in the technique, his movements evolving. Before long, the trees for dozens of yards around had been destroyed, and Liu Junhuai’s true essence was depleted. At last, he stopped.

The night passed in cultivation, and Liu Junhuai and the others returned to the chaotic space.

By then, he had received a communication talisman from Wu Wanren. Gathering everyone, they exited the chaotic space, boarded the Cloudpiercer Skiff, and sped toward the Celestial Mechanism Sect’s mountain gate.

Except for Wu Shaoyuan, the others donned thin masks, changing their appearances. Fang Keyin also concealed his aura at the late Nascent Soul stage.

Several dozen miles from the Celestial Mechanism Sect, Liu Junhuai spotted Wu Wanren and his master approaching on flying swords. He landed the skiff.

Wu Wanren’s master, Jiao Yihan, was at the early Core Formation stage. Although equal in rank to Liu Junhuai, he considered himself a senior and had initially been reluctant to meet a junior like Liu Junhuai. Yet aware of the gravity of the situation, he had grudgingly agreed to come.

But when a succession of cultivators stepped off the Cloudpiercer Skiff, each at a higher realm than himself, Jiao Yihan’s back broke out in cold sweat. He hurriedly greeted the elders, inwardly cursing his disciple for not warning him sooner.

As he observed the deference the elders showed Liu Junhuai, Jiao Yihan’s mind was thrown into turmoil. Any contempt he’d felt for Liu Junhuai vanished, replaced by a growing sense of awe.

Liu Junhuai said, “I’ve taken the liberty of asking Uncle Wu to invite you here, senior, because the matter is of great importance. If there’s any impropriety, I beg your pardon.”

Looking at Liu Junhuai’s calm and dignified demeanor, Jiao Yihan began to suspect that much of what he’d learned about Liu Junhuai’s background was false. Such a young Core Formation cultivator—no matter how extraordinary his talent—should never have reached this stage without the careful nurturing of a powerful sect and the aid of rare resources.

“Not at all, not at all, young friend, you overthink it! This is a matter of utmost secrecy—such arrangements are only prudent. There is no impropriety,” Jiao Yihan replied hastily.

Liu Junhuai smiled. “This isn’t a place we should linger. Shall we speak elsewhere, senior?”

Jiao Yihan waved his hand. “No problem! Let’s talk aboard your skiff.”

“Then please, senior, this way.” Liu Junhuai gestured.

Everyone boarded the Cloudpiercer Skiff, which Wu Shaoyuan piloted swiftly in the opposite direction.

On board, Liu Junhuai introduced the others to Jiao Yihan. “These are my master’s people. I can assure you of our safety. May we discuss matters in detail now?”

Jiao Yihan grew solemn. “I heard a little from Wanren last night, but he doesn’t know the full story. Please, enlighten me.”

Liu Junhuai recounted everything he knew and his own suspicions. Jiao Yihan’s expression grew increasingly grave, sweat beading on his brow.

After some silent contemplation, Jiao Yihan spoke: “The third elder of the Sea God Hall is named Zhi Kejian. When Yun Jiezi’s new disciple arrived at the Celestial Mechanism Sect, I met him briefly. Since both he and Cheng Kelei from Yanfu Palace appeared at the Dragon Sacrifice Pool but later denied it, there must be secrets involved. During those days, Yun Jiezi was indeed sent on official business to the State of Mojue by the sect, but exactly when he arrived requires further investigation.”

Liu Junhuai said, “The matter of Yun Jiezi will be investigated by the Celestial Mechanism Sect. My greatest suspicion actually concerns his new disciple. This Ye Qili must be one of the seven survivors—otherwise, the Sea God Hall wouldn’t go to such lengths to conceal the truth. I’ve seen him with my own eyes. But there’s something odd about his survival. Think about it, senior: without inside help, how could a mere Qi Condensation disciple escape such a dragnet? Even if he got lucky, why wouldn’t he step forward to clear his name when questioned? And another thing—how did word of the seven survivors get out? Why exactly seven?”

After a moment’s thought, Liu Junhuai continued, “I suspect Yun Jiezi because he definitely knows Ye Qili’s real name. That’s no secret—I heard it from other sect cultivators. So, why hasn’t Yun Jiezi reported Ye Qili’s true identity to the sect? He can’t be ignorant of Ye Qili’s significance; neither the victimized sects nor the black-clad assassins would let him go. The only explanation is that Yun Jiezi doesn’t want anyone to know Ye Qili is hiding in the Celestial Mechanism Sect—which is also why he gave him a new name.”

Jiao Yihan replied, “That only proves Yun Jiezi deliberately concealed Ye Qili’s identity. How does that connect him to the Dragon Sacrifice Pool massacre?”

Liu Junhuai smiled. “Proving that is simple. You know I plan to seek vengeance against the Shen family. That day will reveal the truth, for I’m certain Cheng Kelei of Yanfu Palace is involved. I won’t kill him then—I’ll make a show of interrogating him. At that moment, someone will try to intervene or silence him. I expect Yun Jiezi himself will step in, and my people will act against him. That’s how we might inadvertently offend your sect. This is the true reason I’ve come to speak with you, senior.”