Ji Dihong watched as Chiyou and his companions departed.
Whoos.h.!.+
Four figures flew to Ji Dihong’s side at the entrance of Xuanyuan City. They were Fengbo, Xiong You, Ao Ying, and Dahong.
“Your Holy Eminence, are you letting Chiyou go just like that? We could have captured them!” Fengbo asked anxiously.
“Indeed, Your Holy Eminence. When Your Holy Eminence drives the power of the nation, even Chiyou can’t stand against you despite having four consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm helpers. If we occupy the other four, Your Holy Eminence can swiftly slay Chiyou!” Xiong You urged eagerly.
“Your Holy Eminence, it’s such a waste to let them escape,” Dahong also said worriedly.
Ji Dihong glanced at the departing Chiyou and then towards the distant Gu Hai and Ba before gently shaking his head.
“Killing Chiyou? It’s not the right time yet. I refuse to become someone else’s p.a.w.n,” Ji Dihong said calmly.
“Huh?” The four were slightly taken aback.
“Let’s go back!” Ji Dihong said in a deep voice.
“Yes!” the four responded and flew back to Xuanyuan City with Ji Dihong.
------
In Great Desolation City, Ba narrowed her eyes, a cold discomfort flas.h.i.+ng in them.
------
Borderless Heavenly Capital:
Gu Hai furrowed his brow. “Ji Dihong is incredibly patient and shrewd.”
“What do you mean? Could Ji Dihong really have taken Chiyou down?” Chen Xianer asked in confusion.
Gu Hai shook his head. “Ji Dihong may have driven the power of his nation, but he wouldn’t be able to take Chiyou down without deploying his Upper Heavenly Palace Realm subordinates. However, he was unwilling to do so.”
“Oh?”
“Once Ji Dihong’s subordinates entered the battle, we, along with Ba, would inevitably join the fray. The scale of the conflict would escalate, causing extensive destruction. In the end, both sides would suffer significant losses, only benefiting the Heavenly Demon Holy Land. Ji Dihong wouldn’t make such a foolish move,” Gu Hai sneered.
Vairocana nodded in agreement.
“Ji Dihong is undoubtedly formidable. After this encounter, who knows what will happen,” Chen Xianer said anxiously.
“Di Jihong only managed to hold his ground against five consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators by driving the power of his nation. Hah! Although strong, he is inferior to Long Zhanguo in personal strength. First Brother Chiyou cannot do anything to him while in his territory. However, Ji Dihong also cannot do anything to First Brother Chiyou while in First Brother Chiyou’s nation. Their strengths should be on a par,” Gu Hai said.
“That’s right. In my opinion, Ji Dihong and Chiyou are evenly matched in terms of strength. However, Ji Dihong has a strong support network and powerful subordinates, whereas Chiyou…,” Vairocana trailed off somewhat uneasily.
“Chiyou certainly has his connections!” Gu Hai chuckled.
“Oh?”
“His eighty-one brothers together possess the strength of a consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivator. Furthermore, I can provide troops whenever needed, and Ba can also offer her a.s.sistance. As long as Chiyou doesn’t act recklessly and overestimate himself, Ji Dihong won’t be able to defeat him!” Gu Hai said confidently.
Vairocana nodded in agreement.
------
Far away, Chiyou returned to Chiyou City accompanied by the four consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators.
Chiyou had a grim expression, but he treated the four experts with some respect.
“I appreciate your efforts. This matter has concluded on my end already. You may depart!” Chiyou said solemnly.
Hou Yi and Xingtian cast a glance at Chiyou, then turned their heads towards Great Desolation City.
Standing at the entrance of the Divine Flame Hall, Ba nodded in acknowledgment.
Hou Yi and Xingtian took to the sky, returning to Great Desolation City.
From a considerable distance, Ba stared coldly at Chiyou. They were siblings, but they no longer recognized Jiang Lianshan. At this moment, as they locked eyes from afar, neither spoke. It was as if they didn’t know what to say.
Eventually, Chiyou nodded slightly, expressing his grat.i.tude for Ba’s a.s.sistance.
Ba remained silent, reciprocating the nod before slowly retreating into the Divine Flame Hall with Jingwei.
Chiyou s.h.i.+fted his gaze away.
Gu Han took out a zither puppet, which conveyed Gu Hai’s voice.
“First Brother! Your performance in the battle was remarkable!” Gu Hai’s voice rang out.
Chiyou turned his head, gazing towards Borderless Heavenly Capital, a hint of a bitter smile appearing on his face. “I made a fool of myself. Hah…!”
Gu Hai, who was in Borderless Heavenly Capital, spoke again. “No, from my perspective, First Brother didn’t lose. If we can’t win this time, there will be other opportunities in the future. Our real concern should be Ji Dihong. Would we, as people with less to lose, fear those with more to lose?”
“Hah! Hahahaha! Second Brother is truly to my liking. If we fail once, we can try again. We will eventually defeat him!” Chiyou laughed heartily.
“You’re right. There is still a long road ahead!” Gu Hai also laughed.
“I would like to express my grat.i.tude to Gu Han and Shangguan Hen for their a.s.sistance. I have told them to return already!” Chiyou remarked with a smile.
“Sure, First Brother. Whenever you need them, just let me know, and I will send them over promptly!” Gu Hai nodded in agreement.
“However, First Brother, I might have to leave Borderless Heavenly Capital for a while,” Gu Hai added seriously.
“Oh?” Chiyou felt puzzled.
“I need to go and retrieve my other wife, Long Wanqing! She has been away for many years, and I have yet to visit her. As her husband, I have failed in my duties,” Gu Hai sighed softly.
“You can rest a.s.sured that if Ji Dihong makes a move against your Borderless Heavenly Capital, I won’t stand by,” Chiyou rea.s.sured him.
“Thank you, First Brother. If Ji Dihong launches an attack in my absence, just give a shout, and my wife Chen Xianer will send Shangguan Hen and the others to a.s.sist,” Gu Hai said earnestly.
Chiyou nodded in agreement.
Although brief, this conversation solidified an alliance between the Han Imperial Dynasty and the Nine Li Imperial Dynasty. Even without Gu Hai’s presence, there was no need to worry about Ji Dihong’s siege.
Gu Han left the zither puppet with Chiyou. Then he and Shangguan Hen bowed slightly and flew back to Borderless Heavenly Capital.
Throughout the conversation, the Unborn Man had stood beside Gu Hai, attentively listening to his words.
As the Unborn Man listened, his gaze on Gu Hai became increasingly stranger.
It had only been twenty-odd years since the Unborn Man first saw Gu Hai, a rootless and insignificant person in the Innate Realm back then. Only how much time had pa.s.sed?
Gu Hai’s faction no longer feared a heavenly dynasty. No, just recently, he had destroyed a holy land. Now, with Chiyou’s support from outside, consummate Upper Heaven Palace cultivators defending from within, and undisclosed trump cards, he remained undaunted even in the face of a heavenly dynasty.
“Unborn Man, give me two days. I need to attend to court affairs. Two days from now, I will accompany you to meet Wanqing,” Gu Hai said solemnly.
“Yes!” The Unborn Man nodded.
Two days might seem short, but with the Gu’s Immortal Firmament, Gu Hai swiftly reviewed and approved a towering stack of memorials. He then conducted a court meeting to finalize all the arrangements.
Externally, it was announced that Gu Hai would be in seclusion for a period of time, with Gu Qin serving as regent and the court officials providing a.s.sistance. Simultaneously, there was a hidden decree empowering Chen Xianer to make decisions on critical matters.
After all, Chen Xianer did not have the time to handle court affairs. However, in crucial situations, she still held authority as the Han Nation’s empress and Gu Hai’s wife.
“Xianer, envelop the surroundings of Borderless Heavenly Capital with Poison Energy after I leave and remain vigilant for unforeseen circ.u.mstances,” Gu Hai instructed solemnly.
“Don’t worry, Husband. I have already set up a toxic mist barrier outside Borderless Heavenly Capital. I will be the first to know if any powerful individuals approach.” Chen Xianer nodded.
“That’s good, but still, be cautious,” Gu Hai emphasized with grave concern.
Chen Xianer nodded and said, “Husband, if you’re concerned about us, then bring Younger Sister Wanqing back sooner!”
“Alright!” Gu Hai nodded in agreement.
“Your Reverence, it’s about time. May I ask who you will be taking along?” the Unborn Man asked.
Gu Hai glanced at the group of experts.
“Your Reverence, I will accompany you!” Shangguan Hen immediately spoke up, the first to do so.
Everyone was eager to join.
Gu Hai shook his head and said, “Those at the consummation of the Upper Heaven Palace Realm must remain in Borderless Heavenly Capital in case of emergency. This journey of mine will be highly secretive, so rest a.s.sured; there won’t be any danger!”
“Yes!” Everyone nodded.
“Your Majesty, this official wishes to accompany you. This official doesn’t want to stay here any longer!” the Mosquito Daoist requested urgently.
“Very well. Mosquito Daoist and Long Shenying, you will accompany us. The others will stay in Borderless Heavenly Capital to a.s.sist Crown Prince Gu Qin,” Gu Hai instructed.
“Yes!” everyone responded.
“Husband, return safely and come back soon!” Chen Xianer said with reluctance.
Gu Hai nodded in response.
The Unborn Man extended his hand and swiped down, opening a door to the nether realm.
Then Gu Hai, the Unborn Man, Long Shenying, and the Mosquito Daoist stepped forward and entered.
Whoos.h.!.+ The pa.s.sageway to the nether realm closed abruptly.
------
The emperor’s study, Xuanyuan City:
Ji Dihong listened as his ministers discussed Gu Hai.
“Your Holy Eminence, the Han Imperial Dynasty has become Chiyou’s ally. We must eliminate it as soon as possible!” Fengbo said in a deep voice.
On the other hand, Emperor Kong shook his head. “No, we can’t. They have formed an alliance already. If we go after Gu Hai, Chiyou will definitely intervene. Furthermore, Gu Hai is not an easy target!”
“But our target is the Divine Continent’s cardinal central position, and Chiyou stands in our way.” Xiong You frowned.
…
As the debate continued, Cangjie suddenly spoke up in the crowd. “Your Holy Eminence!”
Everyone fell silent at Cangjie’s voice.
“What is it, Mister Cangjie?” Ji Dihong asked with curiosity.
“Based on my divination, Gu Hai has left Borderless Heavenly Capital!” Cangjie revealed.
“Oh? Left Borderless Heavenly Capital?” Ji Dihong was taken aback.
Everyone was astonished.
“Men! Notify our spies in Borderless Heavenly Capital to gather information on the whereabouts of the officials!” Emperor Kong immediately ordered.
Soon, an official came forward to report.
“Reporting to Your Holy Eminence! After the morning a.s.sembly, Gu Hai announced he would go into closed-door cultivation for some time; Long Shenying, the Mosquito Daoist, and the Unborn Man also declared their seclusion,” the official reported respectfully.
“You may leave,” Ji Dihong said.
“Yes!” That official promptly exited the room.
“Mister Cangjie, your calculations were spot-on. Gu Hai is quite audacious, sneaking into the nether realm with just three individuals. Do you know their destination?” Ji Dihong looked at Cangjie.
Cangjie shook his head. “I can only divine their location; I cannot foresee their future.”
“That’s sufficient, Your Holy Eminence. Gu Hai’s secretive venture into the nether realm is a heaven-sent opportunity,” Emperor Kong exclaimed with excitement.
“You’re right. Since he has ventured into the nether realm, let’s trap him there for good,” Xiong You added enthusiastically.
After a brief silence, Ji Dihong nodded in agreement.
“Mister Cangjie, is there a way to locate them?” Ji Dihong asked.
“Yes, I can craft enchanted treasures to track their whereabouts,” Cangjie replied solemnly.
“That’s excellent! Mister Cangjie, please create them as soon as possible. Make two. One will be sent to the Heavenly Demon Holy Land!” Ji Dihong said coldly.
“Your Majesty’s wisdom s.h.i.+nes. The Heavenly Demon Holy Land bears deep animosity towards Gu Hai. Now that he has walked into their land, isn’t he seeking his own demise? Hahaha!” Emperor Kong laughed heartily.
“What about the other one?” Mister Starless suddenly asked.
“Dahong!” Ji Dihong called out.
“This official is present!” An una.s.suming official stepped forward.
“You will take the other one and follow behind the Heavenly Demon Holy Land to pursue and ultimately eliminate Gu Hai. I don’t want any more surprises!” Ji Dihong stated emphatically.
“Yes, Your Holy Eminence!” Dahong promptly responded.
Ji Dihong dispatched two groups of a.s.sa.s.sins—one from the Heavenly Demon Holy Land and the other led by Dahong—to track down and eliminate Gu Hai.
But who is Dahong?
Mister Starless was unaware, but he remembered Dahong had volunteered to battle Chiyou. His willingness indicated that he was one of Ji Dihong’s secret aces, possessing such strength and confidence that he believed he could confront Chiyou.
However, Gu Hai’s group lacked consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators; their journey to the nether realm would be fraught with immense danger.