Chapter 879: News

Chapter 879: The Message

In the dimly lit cave, Master Lü collapsed heavily to the ground, his body weighed down by an invisible burden. With one hand, he struggled to prop himself up, trying desperately to lift himself from the earth.

Yet at that moment, it felt as though his back truly bore the weight of a white donkey, crushed beneath the oppressive force of the tattoos adorning his skin. The radiant white light that emanated from them was as heavy as iron.

"How could this... be possible!"

Why would the Mother of Infinite Life hinder him? That was a creature that devoured people! They were all evil!

Master Lü stood in disbelief, feeling that everything he had ever known crumbled before his eyes.

Just as he struggled, the writhing centipede beside him recovered first. With a sudden burst of movement, she raised her carriage-sized head and slammed it toward him with all her might.

If that blow connected, Master Lü's recently restored body would collapse once more into a heap of flesh and bone.

At the last second, the centipede's segmented body twisted unexpectedly, forcing her massive head to change direction. It crashed hard against the floor, missing its target by mere inches. Both man and beast stared at each other, their eyes wide with shock.

Only now, so close, did Master Lü notice details he had overlooked before.

Inside the centipede’s head, within the four limbs, was etched a white donkey—just like him!

They both froze, staring at each other in disbelief.

And in that moment, they understood why the Mother of Infinite Life helped both sides. She simply didn’t want her followers to destroy one another.

As the white glow on his back faded, Master Lü painfully rose to his feet, scanning the darkness around him—those watching eyes, those twisted centipede bodies scattered about.

He said in disbelief, "So you really are the White Lotus Sect? How is this even possible?! You’re monsters who devour humans! What right do you have to believe in the Mother of Infinite Life?"

The black cloth on the shoulders and white cloth on the heads of the cultists in his memories had now been replaced by the White Lotus mark.

Nothing in the cave answered his questions. Seeing that their revered Mother of Infinite Life forbade them to kill this man, the faithful gradually disappeared into the shadows.

When even the last centipede retreated underground, the entire cave became as empty inside as Master Lü’s heart.

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"So the people of Great Qi really said that? Are they now on our side?" Emperor Gao Zhijian, seated upon his dragon throne, asked calmly.

"Yes. If you don’t trust what I say, send some eunuchs to speak with them directly." As Li Huowang pulled out the spine sword from his back, the imperial guards and eunuchs around him tensed instantly.

"No need. I believe Brother Li won’t deceive me," replied Emperor Gao Zhijian, clearly delighted by the news. His face softened with warmth.

Since Great Qi sought the dragon veins of Tianchen, their conflict was an irreconcilable one. He no longer needed to worry about Great Qi turning against Tianchen.

With Great Qi firmly standing in front, the days for Great Liang would become much easier.

"Excellent. If Great Qi and Great Liang stand united, we can surely foil the treacherous plans of the Tianchen Kingdom."

"Saying good words won't help. Relying solely on Great Qi won't hold against Tianchen. Think about what I told you about the invincible army," Li Huowang continued.

Emperor Gao Zhijian’s smile slowly faded. The strength of the Invincible Army that Li Huowang spoke of—had it not been for the fact that this man was his senior brother, he would have thought it nothing but a fabrication.

"I’m certain the Invincible Army has far more than a hundred men. A mere hundred wouldn’t even defeat the incarnation of Doumu, let alone challenge Heaven itself, which once stole the Mother of Infinite Life."

"And that’s only the army born from the Mother of Infinite Life’s dantian. We still don’t know what the traitorous descendant of the royal blood looks like."

Though they had gained a small victory, Li Huowang was far from complacent. In fact, his heart grew heavier.

Hearing this, Emperor Gao Zhijian’s expression darkened. “Indeed, the people of Tianchen possess extraordinary power. They’ve even managed to touch Heaven with divine arts.”

"Brother Li, rest assured. Great Liang will support our allies wholeheartedly. Moreover, I will persuade the emperors of other realms to aid them with all my strength."

"Just sending gifts isn’t enough. No matter how many magical artifacts we give, someone must use them. This time, Great Qi lost too many lives."

"Make sure the Supervisory Bureau prepares enough personnel. Just in case Tianchen attacks, you’ll be able to assist."

"Can’t the people of Great Qi come here? Can’t Great Liang send people to Great Qi?"

"Of course. If not, just wrap them in dragon energy before sending them. The dragon veins aren’t bound to one era anyway."

"Gao Zhijian, I know dragon energy is precious, but don’t save it now. To deal with Tianchen, we may have to borrow the power of the Fates."

Other Fates might not help, but at least Ji Zai could offer some assistance.

"This..." Emperor Gao Zhijian hesitated, his face showing reluctance. Other matters were fine, but the dragon veins were tied to Great Liang’s fate and fortune.

Dragon energy had been accumulated generation after generation by emperors. Unless he died and hung from the dragon veins, it diminished with every use.

"Don’t be stingy. Once we conquer Tianchen, there’ll be plenty of dragon energy. A few hours’ loss from Great Liang can be made up later."

Though he said it, Emperor Gao Zhijian didn’t want to waste the dragon veins recklessly. He reluctantly agreed. "Fine. I’ll discuss this with other rulers."

"Give me a quick answer. Tianchen suffered heavy losses this time—they won’t be deterred for long. If they refuse to back down, next time they strike, they’ll go all in."

"Mm, I understand, Brother Li."

"When you're done discussing, have Xuanpin contact me," Li Huowang said, turning to leave.

"Brother Li, have some food before you go."

"No thanks. I’m not used to your palace cuisine."

Li Huowang stepped out of the hall, preparing to draw his spine sword and return to Great Qi.

Tianchen could attack at any moment. He couldn’t rest easy without watching over there.

But just as he was about to act, a grand procession approached from the side.

Court ladies and eunuchs parted ways, quickly walking past Li Huowang from both front and back.

"You're Li Huowang?" A sultry yet haughty voice rang out.

Li Huowang turned to look and saw a fox-like girl adorned with an ornate phoenix crown, stepping down from her sedan chair with pride.

Two little eunuchs held her long skirt low, one on each side, following their lady as she walked toward Li Huowang.