Chapter Ninety-Seven: You Are Truly Despicable

Page (1/3)

After thoroughly recounting everything Liu Junhuai knew to Xiao Qingtian, Xiao fell into deep contemplation for a long while.

This matter was too significant. If the men in black were truly connected to the Dragon Sacrifice Pool massacre, it was no simple affair—there must be a greater conspiracy at play.

The entire Western Region and perhaps even other domains could be entangled in their scheme; a great storm was about to sweep through the cultivation world.

But the immediate priority was to first confirm the truth of this matter. Liu Junhuai’s upcoming battle at Pingdu City would be the best opportunity to test its validity.

The men in black had not yet committed another massacre, so the Pingdu City battle could temporarily divert their attention. If news leaked and several suspects disappeared, all leads would be severed, leaving them to wait for the men in black to act again before pursuing new clues.

Originally, this had nothing to do with the Celestial Secrets Sect. However, because Ye Qi had appeared within the sect and news of his presence spread, the sect could no longer remain uninvolved.

Preventive measures or crushing the threat at its cradle was the first challenge the Celestial Secrets Sect had to face. Since the second solution was already undermined by Liu Junhuai’s subordinates, implementing the first plan became urgent. Yet this plan’s scope was vast, which was why Xiao Qingtian hesitated to decide.

Liu Junhuai understood the sect’s predicament and knew he must not act hastily. They needed to come forward willingly, not be forced by him. So he waited patiently for the sect’s move.

Sure enough, half an hour later, Xiao lifted his head and asked, “Young friend, we might trouble you to help us with something. When you go to the Shen family, some of our men will infiltrate your group. This way, we can openly make direct contact with those three suspects.”

Liu Junhuai showed reluctance. “It’s not that I’m being difficult, but my sect strictly forbids disciples from getting involved. However, this battle with the Shen family is crucial. I will try my best to catch one of them and lure the others out. Please ensure your men do not interfere with my actions. If the sect finds out, it will be hard for me to explain.”

Xiao Qingtian replied, “Thanks for the reminder, young friend. This matter is of great importance. The Celestial Secrets Sect will organize a sect alliance, but only if this matter is proven true. Your battle with the Shen family is key to confirming it. Such an opportunity is rare, so we must act cautiously and ensure those suspects reveal the truth.”

Liu Junhuai shook his head. “First, I hope your sect will not take the lead in forming the alliance. Those men in black are powerful behind the scenes and would pose a great danger to your sect. At least, your sect should not be the first to propose this. Secondly, I suspect many sects have spies among them. If we act prematurely, it could backfire.”

Xiao Qingtian said, “Even if we don’t take the initiative, we cannot stand aside. That despicable Yun Jiezi has dragged the Celestial Secrets Sect into this. Without your information, we might still be in the dark. Perhaps by the time we discover the truth, it would be too late. Whether we stick our head out or hide it, danger awaits. Better to take the initiative so we can prepare early.”

Liu Junhuai said, “I admit it’s personal. Since learning Yun Jiezi’s involvement with the Shen family, I feared he might create enmity with your sect, which is why I reluctantly revealed this. Otherwise, I would never defy the sect’s strict orders. For the upcoming Pingdu City battle, senior, you may arrange your men to spy around. I will only target Cheng Kelei from the Yanfu Palace. Please don’t interfere. Once the truth is clear, your men can handle your own affairs. It has nothing to do with me.”

Jiao Yihan interjected, “Don’t worry, young friend. Our sect will soon contact related sects. We won’t reveal our source, but please give us the necessary help. Since you are openly involved with the Shen family, it’s impossible to conceal our people. If news leaks, this operation will fail and the truth will be lost.”

Page (2/3)

Liu Junhuai pondered for a moment and said, “Two seniors, how about this? There’s less than a month before the Shen family mission. Your sect can proceed with your preparations while I try to negotiate with my sect. Even if they refuse, I’ll find a way to resolve this. When the time comes, you may send Uncle Wu to contact me, but please don’t tell me your specific plans—I truly dare not participate.”

Xiao Qingtian and Jiao Yihan exchanged glances. Xiao said, “That’s fine. There will be a suitable solution. We won’t ask you to stay overnight. In critical moments, caution is paramount.”

After bidding farewell to the two, Liu Junhuai arranged a meeting with Wu Wanren. The group quietly left Celestial Secrets Sect and, after traveling ten miles from the mountain gate, entered a Cloud Piercer shuttle, returning to Cloud Dispersion Valley.

Two days later, Bian Yanshan successfully advanced to late Nascent Soul stage.

Ten days later, Wu Shaoyuan advanced to mid Foundation Establishment stage.

Fifteen days passed. Liu Junhuai trained daily in the Myriad Phenomena Tower, growing ever more skilled with the Ghost Eye Blood Saber and Sky-Shrouding Seal, deepening their connection with his mental force.

Receiving a jade talisman message from Wu Wanren, he learned that Celestial Secrets Sect had begun communicating with other sects. He exited the chaotic space to bring him in.

Wu Wanren said, “Celestial Secrets Sect has reached a preliminary consensus with Sea Heaven Pavilion, the King of Hell Hall, Long Whale Island, the Northern Domain’s Chu family, and several other cultivation sects represented by the Shangyu Chamber of Commerce. Together, we will fully investigate the masterminds behind the two massacres. These are the sects that suffered the greatest losses and have the least chance of harboring traitors. The sect leader sent me mainly to discuss the detailed plan for the Pingdu City mission with you.”

Liu Junhuai laughed, “Uncle Wu, Sect Leader Xiao certainly instructed you to discuss how to embed your men with me!”

Wu Wanren said, “Of course. We must place many agents. Several sects are determined to expose the mastermind. They value this opportunity highly.”

Liu Junhuai said, “Actually, there’s no need to embed anyone. There are too many people and their strength is overwhelming—it might scare off those the Shen family hired. I’ll go alone to stir chaos within the Shen family and lure their hidden allies out. Then your men can block all entrances and exits of Pingdu City. I’ll give the Shen family a fair chance to duel. At that moment, your agents can blend into the crowd and act when the time is right.”

Wu Wanren’s eyes brightened. He knew Liu Junhuai would never want outsiders meddling in his revenge for his mother. He was just about to find a way to persuade him, but hearing Liu’s plan, which also preserved the sect’s dignity, he felt reassured. Besides, the ultimate goal for all sects was to capture the three suspects. As long as they could ensure none escaped, they were happy to watch the fight unfold.

Liu Junhuai continued, “This is just my preliminary idea. Let’s go find the elders and hear their opinions.” With that, he took Wu Wanren toward Qingyun Lake.

Fang Keyin and his wife were in Shen Yihuan’s herb garden. Only Bian Yanshan senior and Wu Yaohan were training in the courtyard. They summoned Ajiu and instructed it to send messages to the herb field. The group took out mulberry fruit wine and sat in the pavilion chatting.

At the edge, Bian Jizhong pulled Liu Junhuai aside and said, “We must go to Pingdu City, big brother. My mother is your mother too—how can we not go? Also, Sitong told me if you don’t let her go, she won’t agree...”

Page (3/3)

Liu Junhuai said, “We’re family. There’s nothing we can’t discuss. Why haven’t they communicated with me? Are they afraid I’ll block their retreat with a single word? Actually, I carry the Mountain River Gourd with me, which means all of us are going. You’re so old-fashioned, really old-fashioned!”

Bian Jizhong hurriedly said, “Can it be the same? Second brother, you really can’t blame them. They all want to contribute. I’m different—first, avenging my mother is only right; second, I’m always training with my head buried, so I desperately need a chance to gain experience; third is...”

“Stop! Stop!” Liu Junhuai quickly cut him off, fearing what else he might say. “Don’t worry, big brother, you’ll have your grand moment! Uncle Wu and I are here for that day’s mission. Let’s listen to the elders’ opinions first.”

Just then, Mo Sitong and Shen Duoduo hurried over, and Fang Keyin and his wife arrived. Liu Junhuai quickly left Bian Jizhong behind and greeted them, while Bian Jizhong ground his teeth in frustration behind him.

Seeing Wu Wanren present, Fang Keyin understood Liu Junhuai’s purpose in gathering everyone. He spoke first, “The Pingdu City matter is imminent. Wanren has arrived, so Celestial Secrets Sect must be ready. Everyone is eager to join the fight, but we need a precise plan to ensure success. Let’s hear Junhuai’s thoughts first and then refine them.”

Liu Junhuai repeated the plan he had discussed with Wu Wanren. Mo Sitong immediately voiced dissatisfaction.

“Junhuai, I must go with you. I want to fight alongside you. Duoduo and Nini are still young, and I represent them. We must avenge our mother. Most importantly, if you go alone, they’ll suspect you’re hiding your true strength.”

Bian Yanshan said, “Sitong’s point is valid. Concealing strength is fine, but you must convince the Shen family you lack major backup. They know they can’t avoid this and will fight desperately, but the helpers they hired include experts who will sense danger. That could complicate your plan.”

Fang Keyin also supported his granddaughter. “Junhuai, we all understand your feelings, but there’s a proper way to handle this. Every detail must be considered. You usually show careful strategy—why be less thoughtful now? Grandpa won’t intervene further. Think of yourself as an outsider and plan again. See if anything changes.”

Liu Junhuai smiled. “Grandpa, you and everyone else misunderstand me. My plan unfolds step by step. You’re all inside my Mountain River Gourd and can come and go freely. I’ll appear alone on the first day to raise doubts in the Shen family. Then Sitong will join on the second day. Thirdly, my older brother will participate. They must not know there are three Golden Core stage experts involved. My plan is to arouse suspicion, escalate it, and then provoke their fury.”

He then detailed his plan to everyone, finally putting their minds at ease. Even the simple Shen Duoduo saw the subtlety and exclaimed, “Brother Junhuai, you’re so devious!”

Everyone fainted.