236: Chapter 236 The Hidden Secrets of the Divine Ruins

The atmosphere was even more oppressive than yesterday.

Furthermore, the number of attendees was clearly insufficient; apart from that Seven-Pointed Star Angler, at least one or two people were missing.

Xu Chaoyang had joined for quite a while, yet no one had spoken.

Xu Chaoyang couldn't help but ask, "What is going on with you all? You were so eager to convene a meeting, yet the host is late?"

"Are you all so idle? Gathering together to hold meetings every day?"

"Even if you have the time, I don't have that much time to waste with you."

"Five minutes. If the Angler doesn't show up, I won't be sticking around."

A shadow couldn't help but sneer, "Xu, what are you being arrogant about?"

"I've heard a little about your affairs in Song City."

"The imperial court is digging up your roots, and the Wei Family has been suffering one incident after another; I heard Wei Lao-wu died today. You can't even protect your own brother-in-law, so what are you posturing for in front of us?"

The other shadows also spoke sarcastically, "Those who don't know better would think you've already become the Emperor of Dongyu."

"There is never a shortage of people in this world who dream of being emperor."

"Him? Not a chance. His little schemes are obvious to anyone; it would be a miracle if he succeeded."

"Right now, apart from us, no one is willing to deal with him, yet he still thinks quite highly of himself."

"Strange. It's one thing for the Minister to be late, but why hasn't Stinger come either?"

As the voice trailed off, a ball of black mist suddenly appeared in front of them, enveloping the seven-pointed star that was gleaming with black light.

The shadows bowed in unison, "Minister."

Xu Chaoyang also sneered, "You're quite busy, Minister."

The Angler seemed to be in a bad mood and said quickly, "I am reporting an emergency situation: Stinger died last night."

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately drew gasps from the shadows.

"What! Stinger is dead?"

"Although Stinger was a Lower Realm Spirit Map, his cultivation technique was unique, and his combat power was not weak. How could he have died so easily?"

"It's too sudden."

"Minister, what exactly happened?"

The Angler gave a bitter smile, "It's not just Stinger. Last night, the Fengcheng Sect and Ye Baiming joined forces and suddenly launched a massive sweep. The entire Fengcheng Sect was uprooted; only four people from the Feng City branch survived."

"According to the intelligence received so far, those who struck last night included not only the four bishops of the Fengcheng Sect and Ye Baiming's lackeys, but also several bishops from the Songcheng Sect."

"After careful analysis with my superiors, we unanimously agree that Tang Long, the Holy Messenger of the Songcheng Sect, has a decisive connection to this matter."

"If this matter is not resolved immediately, the other four branches in the Dongyu Kingdom must all retreat outside the cities to hide."

"Therefore, Governor Xu, I have invited you here for only one thing: to execute Tang Long immediately."

"Our people have already entered Song City, but they are unfamiliar with it. I hope you can provide accurate intelligence regarding Tang Long."

Xu Chaoyang frowned, "Kill only Tang Long?"

The Angler sighed helplessly, "Governor Xu, Shi Chengyu from the Imperial Academy, the Seventh Apostle under the Pope, and even the Crown Prince's Tutor Grand Preceptor Qian Wenzhao are all arriving in Song City today. Your location is a massive whirlpool right now."

"Tang Long must die today; this is the primary task. Since you want to utilize our power, you can't just watch him destroy our network in every city, can you?"

"As for other targets, we will see."

Xu Chaoyang was silent for a moment, "I can understand your situation, and I can help with this. However, there are conditions."

The Angler nodded slightly, "Speak."

"That foolish monarch must have already targeted me. Therefore, the time for my originally planned uprising must be moved up. However, my allies in Sang City and Yu City have not yet made up their minds."

"I hope you can exert your influence in Sangyu to have their delegation depart early."

"It would be best if the delegation's level is high enough to have the authority to make the negotiations a success in one go."

"A success in one go?" The Angler laughed, "Governor Xu, aren't you being too impatient? What bargaining chips do you have that could make the governors of those two cities make up their minds immediately?"

Several shadows also laughed.

One of them said, "Forgive my bluntness. Given Governor Xu's current situation and control over Song City, it is highly likely that Governor Gao and Governor Huang will abandon you."

Another said, "You should shrink back and lie low now, abandon what needs to be abandoned, and don't let anyone catch any leverage. Moving against the wind is courting death."

"You must not court death, Governor Xu. Ye Qingcang is destined to have a short life; perhaps in a few years, you will outlive him."

"That's right. If you outlive all your opponents, you will be His Majesty the Emperor."

"Haha~~"

The Blasphemers laughed again.

But Xu Chaoyang was very calm. He glanced at them briefly, then his gaze returned to the Angler.

"I know the location of a Divine Ruins."

As soon as these words were spoken, the surroundings immediately fell silent.

The Angler was stunned for a few seconds before asking, "Are you sure it hasn't been opened?"

"Of course. If it could be opened, I would have done it myself; why would I tell others about the hope of advancing to Huagai Realm?"

"That seal cannot be shaken by three or five Spirit Maps; I estimate it requires at least thirty people."

"Everyone, why are we standing in the shadows right now? Isn't it because our strength is insufficient?"

"Why can the various Sects be independent, and the Pope doesn't even make a peep? The answer is two words: Huagai Realm!"

"As everyone knows, the opportunity to advance to Huagai Realm is hidden within the Divine Ruins!"

"Gao Gong cannot refuse this opportunity, and Huang Weiyi cannot refuse it either. I'm afraid none of you can refuse it, right?"

The Blasphemers remained silent, but they couldn't help but turn their gaze toward the Angler.

The Angler sighed, "It is indeed as Governor Xu says. The secret and opportunity to advance to Huagai Realm are hidden within the Divine Ruins, but one cannot say that everything will be fine after advancing to Huagai Realm. After all, the High Priests of each city, the Pope, and the Grand Secretary are all Huagai Realm."

"Can the High Priests and the Pope be considered true Huagai Realm? Huagai Realm experts roam the universe freely, so why do they rarely even leave their cities?"

The Angler narrowed his eyes, "Governor Xu, how do you know about such secrets?"

Governor Xu shrugged, "That, I cannot tell you. Now, tell me your decision."

The Angler asked again, "Then you should at least provide some evidence and explain which ancient god your Divine Ruins belongs to, right?"

Xu Chaoyang straightened his body slightly and took a white crystal with swirling strange light from his pocket.

"This is a crystal we took from the edge of the seal last time. After multiple analyses, I believe it should belong to... Consort Crystal. It still retains part of the sealing power; look."

Xu Chaoyang held up the crystal, and it immediately emitted rays of light. Wherever the white light reached, the space was segmented into outlines, as if it were about to be frozen.

Furthermore, the segmenting light was constantly extending toward the Blasphemers, and all of them couldn't help but show looks of shock.

"Stop! That's enough!"

The white light dissipated, and the Angler breathed a sigh of relief.

"From now on, we will do our best to help you."

"Very well! After you take care of Tang Long today, I want the Seventh Apostle dead. Before dawn, take care of Qiguang Sect. Three days later, I hope to see the Sangyu delegation arrive."