96: Chapter 96 A Nighttime Conspiracy, A Lurking Intent

In Tiandu City, within a secret manor of the Skyfire Sect, in an underground secret chamber.

The isolation Restriction was fully activated.

Under dim lighting, several figures sat around a pitch-black, long table made of neither metal nor wood, the atmosphere oppressive and heavy.

At the head of the table sat Emperor Yan.

He had shed the flamboyant crimson-gold imperial robes he wore during the day at Chaotian Palace, replacing them with dark red combat attire.

However, his Soul Transformation Late Stage aura, hot and tyrannical like a flame, still filled the entire secret chamber, though at this moment, a trace of sinister determination was faintly mixed into it.

To his left was Old Ancestor Guyou of the Northern Plains' "Yin Sha Alliance," still shrouded in a wide black robe, revealing only a pair of eyes flickering with ghostly green flames.

His whole body was deathly still, like a skeleton that had just crawled out of a grave.

To his right was the Grand Elder of the Skyfire Sect, an old man with gray hair and a withered face, but whose hands were exceptionally steady, as if they contained the power to split mountains and shatter rocks.

Known as "Tiangongzi," he was also at the Soul Transformation Middle Stage, and at this moment, he was squinting, toying with a small metal ball that constantly changed its shape in his hands.

Most striking of all were the two mysterious individuals sitting opposite Emperor Yan, shrouded in pure black cloaks that seemed to swallow all light.

Their faces were invisible, and even their auras were faint, as if they had merged with the surrounding shadows.

"Emperor Yan, are you sure you want to do this?" Old Ancestor Guyou's voice was like sandpaper rubbing together, filled with heavy doubt and a trace of undisguised greed.

"That Lin Wan is currently at the height of his popularity, valued by Emperor Yan and others, and his own strength is unfathomable; even three 'Apostles of the end' have fallen at his hands.

To move against him now carries too much risk.

Moreover, the Alliance has just established the charter for the 'Demon-Slaying Team,' and if we act now, wouldn't we be walking right into a trap?"

"Risk?" Emperor Yan sneered, crimson-gold flames dancing in his eyes.

"Without taking risks, how can one achieve great things?

Are we to wait for Lin Wan to bring the 'Demon-Slaying Team,' wielding the Alliance's imperial sword, to my Skyfire Sect to investigate Burning Flame Valley, to investigate this Emperor?

By then, it will truly be a dead end!"

He looked toward the two black-robed mysterious figures opposite him, his tone carrying a trace of respect, but mostly a transactional indifference: "Two Envoys, does the condition your 'Holy Master' promised this Emperor still stand?"

The taller black-robed figure on the left slowly raised his head.

Under the shadow of his cloak, two cold, indifferent gazes that seemed devoid of any emotion swept over Emperor Yan.

A dry, hoarse voice, as if from the nine Hells, sounded:

"The Holy Master's promise never changes.

As long as you assist the Holy Master in opening a stable 'Descent Portal' in this Realm and eliminate Lin Wan, the greatest 'variable,' the Holy Master will bestow upon you... the true 'Origin of the Eternal Fire,' helping you achieve a Breakthrough to Void Refining, or even glimpse a higher Realm.

After this Realm is destroyed, you may also serve under the Holy Master, ruling over a newborn 'Territory of the end'."

"Eternal Fire..." A trace of fanaticism flashed in Emperor Yan's eyes.

The "Dao of Imperial Flame" he Cultivated, though tyrannical, had already reached a Bottleneck; without a heaven-defying Opportunity, Void Refining was hopeless.

And that "Eternal Fire," according to these two "Envoys of the End," was the supreme divine fire condensed after the power of "the end" had eroded and devoured countless flame worlds and fire-attribute living beings, containing the Origins of "End" and "Eternal Burning"!

If he could obtain it, he could not only achieve a Breakthrough to Void Refining but perhaps even touch the legendary Realm of "Dao Fire"!

For this, what was a little risk, or even dealing with the devil?

"Good!" Emperor Yan slapped the table, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.

"In that case, this Emperor will do it!

However, the strength of this brat Lin Wan is indeed strange, and he possesses the chaos dao sword, so ordinary means may not be effective.

I wonder if the two Envoys have a good strategy?"

The shorter black-robed figure on the right also spoke slowly, his voice equally cold and hoarse, yet carrying a strange rhythm: "Lin Wan's Dao has already touched the edge of 'Reincarnation,' which indeed has some restraint against my Lord's power.

However, his Dao Fruit is newly born, his Realm is unstable, and he has many attachments—these are his fatal weaknesses."

"My Lord has bestowed three 'Void Burial Talismans,' formed from the full-strength strike of an 'Apostle'-level existence.

They contain the Law of 'Void Burial' and can briefly form a Domain of 'Absolute Void,' isolating the inside from the outside and restraining his 'Reincarnation' Dao rhyme.

Additionally, there is a bottle of 'Soul-Erosion Magic Seeds.' This item is intangible and formless, and can imperceptibly erode the Divine Soul of Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Cultivators, triggering their Heart Demon and amplifying their negative emotions.

At critical moments, it can cause their Dao Heart to falter, greatly reducing their combat power."

"Old Ancestor Guyou's 'Ten Thousand Ghost Soul-Devouring Banner' combined with the 'Soul-Erosion Magic Seeds' will be even more effective.

Tiangongzi's 'Tiangong Divine Puppets' can restrain his companions and disrupt the battlefield."

"The two of us will carry the 'Shadow Veil' bestowed by the 'Holy Master' to hide on the side, waiting for the Opportunity to launch a fatal strike and completely end his 'existence'!"

A detailed, vicious, and lethal plan tailored to Lin Wan's strengths and weaknesses was slowly spoken by these "Envoys of the End."

Clearly, their study of Lin Wan was extremely thorough.

Old Ancestor Guyou and Tiangongzi looked at each other, a flash of fear in their eyes, but even more so, the greed and madness ignited by the promised benefits.

"Since the Envoys already have a foolproof plan, this old man will naturally serve as a loyal dog!" Old Ancestor Guyou laughed sinisterly.

He Cultivated the ghost path, which was somewhat similar to the "deadly silence" power of "the end."

If he could obtain a purer "Death" Origin from the "Envoys of the End," perhaps he could also break through his Bottleneck.

"My 'Tiangong Divine Puppets' are crafted using star gold and Void Realm jade as primary materials, refined with a hundred years of heart's blood.

They can briefly display Soul Transformation Middle Stage combat power, and they are fearless of death; the power of their self-detonation is enough to threaten a Soul Transformation Late Stage.

Restraining a few Nascent Soul or Soul Transformation Early Stage small fry is more than enough." Tiangongzi stroked his beard and said, a flash of heartache in his eyes, but thinking of the lost ancient Artifact Refining secret techniques from other Realms promised by the "Envoys of the End," he felt it was worth it.

"Very good." Emperor Yan nodded with satisfaction, murderous intent exposed in his eyes.

"Then, let's set it for three days from now!

The location will be..."

He dipped his finger into the spiritual tea in his cup and drew a location name on the pitch-black tabletop.

"...Liangjie Mountain, the original crack ruins!"

"Liangjie Mountain?" Old Ancestor Guyou was stunned.

"That place has just been pacified by Lin Wan, the Alliance must have heavy troops monitoring it, and the space is unstable.

Why choose there?"

"Precisely because it has just been pacified, it seems safe, but it is actually the most lax." Emperor Yan sneered.

"The Alliance's attention is now on Tiandu, on the 'formulation of detailed rules.' The residual 'End' Qi at Liangjie Mountain can also interfere with investigations and confuse heavenly secrets.

More importantly..."

A trace of trickery flashed in his eyes: "This Emperor has received confirmed news that three days from now, Lin Wan will personally go to Liangjie Mountain in the capacity of 'Inspection Envoy' to inspect the progress of the purification and investigate whether there are any remaining 'End' hazards.

This is an excellent Opportunity!

Sending him on his way in the place where he just 'performed a meritorious service,' isn't that... a special kind of pleasure?"

"Wonderful!" Old Ancestor Guyou laughed weirdly.

"It is indeed a good place; the chaos of the residual space can also interfere with his escape." Tiangongzi nodded.

The two "Envoys of the End" were also silent, seemingly approving of this location.

"Then, it is decided." Emperor Yan raised his teacup, using tea in place of wine.

"Three days from now, at Liangjie Mountain, send Lin Wan on his way!

After it is done, everything this Emperor promised you all will be delivered without fail!"

"Cheers!"

Several teacups collided gently, making a crisp sound, yet it seemed to toll the death knell.

At the same time, in another part of Tiandu City, in an equally secret quiet room.

Lin Wan, Master Liaoyin, Sword Master Jian Wuming, and Fairy Yaoxi sat at the four cardinal points.

There were no lights, only moonlight passing through the window lattice, casting a clear brilliance.

"Little Friend Lin invites us in the middle of the night, and chooses such a secret place, surely there is an important matter to discuss?" Master Liaoyin put his hands together, wearing a gentle smile, and spoke first.

Sword Master Jian Wuming held his ancient sword and closed his eyes to rest, but the faint, sharp Sword Intent around him showed that he had not lowered his guard.

Fairy Yaoxi wore a light veil, her eyes clear and cold, quietly watching Lin Wan.

"I dare not deceive the three Seniors." Lin Wan bowed, his expression solemn.

"This Junior received a secret report that after the Alliance meeting ended, Emperor Yan secretly met with Old Ancestor Guyou, Tiangongzi, and... two mysterious people with unknown identities whose auras were extremely similar to 'the end.'

The content of the secret meeting is unknown, but I fear... it is a conspiracy aimed at this Junior, or perhaps even the Alliance."

"Oh?" Master Liaoyin frowned slightly.

"Emperor Yan dares to do such a thing?

Colluding with evil spirits from outside the Realm, harboring evil intentions?"

"What are the auras of those two mysterious people like?" Sword Master Jian Wuming opened his eyes, a flash of sword light in his pupils.

"According to the description of the secret agent, it is cold, dead, and can corrode vitality, extremely similar to the erosion characteristics of 'the end'." Lin Wan said in a deep voice.

Fairy Yaoxi's cold voice sounded: "Emperor Yan is ambitious, obstinate, and hates you, Inspector Lin, to the bone.

He cannot escape responsibility for the Burning Flame Valley affair.

Now that your reputation is growing daily and you are pushing for Alliance reform and the establishment of the 'Demon-Slaying Team,' touching his fundamental interests, it is not impossible that he would act like a cornered dog and collude with 'the end'."

"He wants to eliminate you, clear the obstacles, and perhaps even wants to use the power of 'the end' to subvert the Alliance and seize power." Sword Master Jian Wuming said coldly, his tone carrying a trace of murderous intent.

He had Cultivated the sword all his life and hated such wretches who betrayed their race and colluded with foreign enemies.

"This Junior suspects the same." Lin Wan nodded.

"Therefore, this Junior would like to ask the three Seniors for help to set a trap, lure the snake out of its hole, and wipe them and those lackeys of 'the end' out in one fell swoop!"

"How to lure them?" Master Liaoyin asked.

"This Junior has received news that three days from now, Emperor Yan and the others may make a move on this Junior at Liangjie Mountain." Lin Wan's eyes flashed with cold light.

"They probably think this Junior will go to inspect the purification progress of Liangjie Mountain.

Since that is the case, this Junior will do as they wish and go there personally!"

"You want to put yourself in danger?!" Master Liaoyin was shocked.

"It is not putting myself in danger, but playing along with their plan." Lin Wan said calmly.

"Since they have a conspiracy, they will surely go all out.

Emperor Yan, Old Ancestor Guyou, and Tiangongzi are all Soul Transformation.

Those two 'Envoys of the End' likely have extraordinary strength as well.

If we clash head-on, although this Junior has confidence in self-preservation, it would be difficult to keep them all.

And it would be easy to alert the enemy, making the 'End' forces behind them vigilant."

"Therefore, this Junior would like to ask the three Seniors to secretly lurk near Liangjie Mountain.

Once they make a move, this Junior will try my best to lure them into the 'Five Elements Returning to Ruins Reincarnation Formation' that I have set up in advance.

At that time, the three Seniors will suddenly attack, and with this Junior working from the inside and outside, we will completely encircle and kill them!

This Formation is created by this Junior using the 'Reincarnation' Dao rhyme, combined with the power of Five Elements Returning to Ruins, which can greatly suppress the power of 'the end,' interfere with space, and prevent them from escaping.

As long as they enter the Formation, they will not be able to fly away!"

"Five Elements Returning to Ruins Reincarnation Formation?" A flash of brilliance crossed Fairy Yaoxi's beautiful eyes.

"You are already able to set up such a Formation?"

"I have gained some insights." Lin Wan said modestly.

In fact, this Formation was based on his Chaos Return-to-Ruins Dao Fruit, incorporating his insights into "Reincarnation," and combined with the Formation Legacy of the Five Elements Barrier, it was a rough creation.

As for its power, it still needed to be tested in actual combat.

But to trap a few Soul Transformation Cultivators, he felt he had the confidence.

"Great courage! Great calculation!" Sword Master Jian Wuming's Battle Intent rose.

"My sword has not tasted the blood of a Soul Transformation for a long time.

That scoundrel Emperor Yan is just right for testing my sword!"

"Amitabha, subduing demons and eliminating evil is the duty of our Buddhist sect.

That Old Ancestor Guyou shall be left to this poor monk." Master Liaoyin also nodded in agreement.

"This Palace can deal with that Tiangongzi.

Although his Puppet techniques are clever, they can do little under my Yaochi's 'Purifying World Immortal Light'." Fairy Yaoxi also expressed her support.

"Thank you, three Seniors!" Lin Wan felt relieved.

With these three powerful helpers, two of whom were under the tutelage of Void Refining (Sword Master Jian Wuming, Fairy Yaoxi), the chances of this battle were much higher.

"It is just that Emperor Yan is, after all, one of the 'Five Directions Council Elders.' Without conclusive evidence, acting rashly to encircle and kill him might provoke criticism, or even trigger internal chaos in the Alliance." Master Liaoyin reminded.

"Therefore, this battle must catch them red-handed!" Cold light grew stronger in Lin Wan's eyes.

"This Junior will try to force them to expose the evidence of their collusion with 'the end' voluntarily, and it would be best to capture an 'Envoy of the end' on the spot!

By then, with ironclad evidence, let's see who can still exonerate Emperor Yan!

Even if we cannot uproot the forces behind him for the time being, we can still clip his wings, severely damage his conspiracy, and clear a major obstacle for the Alliance's reform!"

"Good!" The three giants all nodded.

Lin Wan was thoughtful, decisive in killing, and yet steady; he truly had the demeanor of a leader.

"Then, it is decided.

We will deliberate on the details later." Lin Wan stood up and bowed deeply to the three.

"This matter is of great importance, so I ask the three Seniors to keep it secret for the time being."

"Rest assured." All three promised solemnly.

Under the moonlight, the four figures dispersed silently, as if they had never gathered here.

A lethal trap against Emperor Yan and the "End" forces was thus quietly set.

The storm was about to rise again at Liangjie Mountain.

And this time, Lin Wan would no longer be the prey, but... the hunter.