13: traitor

Gu Yuchuan stared at the Golden Carp, feeling as though the other party was joking. However, the carp blinked its large eyes with an air of absolute sincerity. In a moment of inexplicable impulse, Gu Yuchuan nodded.

“I know now that someone is plotting against me. I have three names on my list, but I don't know which one it is specifically. Can you help me determine who it is?”

The Golden Carp wagged its tail happily. “Of course! As long as I activate my innate Divine Ability, I can always make the right choice.”

Although Gu Yuchuan felt it sounded far-fetched, he had already agreed and decided to treat a dead horse as if it were alive. He prepared three shells, representing the Black Snake, the Shrimp Soldier, and the Clam Maiden from left to right, and let the Golden Carp make its choice.

A misty white light shimmered from the Golden Carp's body. The light wasn't piercing; in fact, it looked quite gentle. This display made Gu Yuchuan raise an eyebrow. It seemed this Golden Carp really had some skill; the little guy had been hiding such a Divine Ability.

After a moment, the carp pointed to the leftmost shell. “Fellow Daoist Green Snake, although I don't know what you were asking about, it is definitely the one on the far left. However, I sensed that what you are about to do next is very dangerous. You must be careful; your own life is the most important thing.”

The more Gu Yuchuan looked at the Golden Carp, the more satisfied he felt. How wonderful would the world be if all little Yao were as kind as this? He wouldn't have to spend his time plotting and scheming here. He patted the little guy's head.

“Alright, I understand. Don't worry about me, I know what I'm doing.”

He looked at the Golden Carp, who now appeared somewhat lethargic. Both its expression and the Aura on its body showed that it was extremely exhausted. It made sense; how could such a Heaven-Defying Divine Ability not take a heavy toll? It was just that he didn't have any good items on hand to give him. Forget it, he'd save it for later.

“Fellow Daoist Golden Carp, I see you're tired. Why don't you go back and rest? Rest assured, I won't forget your help today. Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll bring you some spiritual fruits to eat.”

At the mention of spiritual fruits, the carp's eyes lit up. “Really? That's great! I am indeed a bit tired, so I'll head back first. Oh, right, Fellow Daoist Green Snake, remember to eat the sea grapes; they're only good when they're fresh.”

With that, he left, leaving Gu Yuchuan alone staring at the sea grapes. Wait, this was fresh water! Where did these sea grapes come from? His small eyes were filled with great confusion. Forget it, he'd try one—wow, they were delicious, though a bit salty.

After lying down, he began to think about his next move. Was the Great King Black Snake really a traitor to the Human Race? He was the only Late Stage Qi Refinement powerhouse in Yunxi Palace besides Great King Hui She, and held a high status. Supposedly, he even shared a bit of blood relation with Great King Hui She. Gu Yuchuan understood the principle that 'estrangement cannot come between relatives'; if he wanted to pursue this matter, he would have to set a trap.

However, looking at his one remaining Simulation point, he felt it wasn't the time to use it yet. It was better to save this use in case he reached a truly dangerous point and needed a Simulation to find a way out. As for how to expose the Black Snake, he already had a certain plan in mind.

What he needed to do now was to report the news of the Crab General's death. Otherwise, if he delayed too long, it might not look good for him when he finally did report it.

He swam all the way to Yunxi Palace, where a Clam Maiden received him.

“Fellow Daoist Clam Maiden, I am here by the order of Lord Crab General to see Great King Hui She. I have a very important matter, so please, you must pass word through.” After speaking, he handed over a fragment from the Crab General's pincer to represent the Crab General's intent.

The Clam Maiden was a bit conflicted. Logically, this was against the rules; even the Crab General didn't have the authority to bring an outsider to see Great King Hui She. But Gu Yuchuan said it was an urgent matter, and if she truly delayed something important, she wouldn't be able to handle the consequences.

“Fellow Daoist Clam Maiden, I am only asking you to pass word. As for whether he sees me, that will naturally be for Great King Hui She to judge. Please help me; it really is an urgent matter.”

At that moment, Gu Yuchuan suddenly felt a surge of malice. It was Great King Black Snake, who stepped out from the shadows. “What matter do you have that requires seeing the Great King?”

He instinctively became extremely cautious. He knew the other was a traitor, so naturally, he wouldn't let anything slip. However, Black Snake, since you've delivered yourself to my door, it would be a waste of your stupidity not to plot against you.

He swam over to the Black Snake's side. “Great King Black Snake, Lord Crab General said he discovered traces of Human Race Cultivators in the lower reaches of the Yunxi River. He didn't dare to alert them and sent me to report it to the Great King.”

The Black Snake forced himself to remain calm, but Gu Yuchuan saw clearly that he trembled slightly. If he had been half-doubting the fact that he was a traitor before, he was now completely convinced. This guy was a traitor and was still trying to act before him. You stinking worm, just watch how this snake grandpa plots you to death—wait, that's not right, how can I curse myself when I get angry? That won't do.

The Black Snake left without saying a word. Gu Yuchuan immediately urged the Clam Maiden: “Quickly, tell Great King Hui She that I have discovered a Human Race spy and beg him to see me.”

Not long after, the Clam Maiden came out again and let him in.

This was Gu Yuchuan's first time seeing Great King Hui She in reality. It had to be said, a Spirit Beast Bloodline was indeed a Spirit Beast Bloodline; he felt his breathing become labored.

The Serpent was entirely black, but some Dragon scales had grown behind its head, making it look very majestic. This was the Bloodline of a Serpent that had already started on the path to becoming a Dragon—the same path Gu Yuchuan would take in the future. Legend says a snake becomes a Serpent after a hundred years, and a Serpent transforms into a Flood Dragon after five hundred years. This Serpent was the precursor to a Flood Dragon, but the gap was immense; moving from a Serpent to a Flood Dragon was an incredibly difficult task.

There was a massive Aura in the Serpent's eyes, making Gu Yuchuan's breathing even more difficult.

“Speak. What business do you have seeking an audience with this King?”

Gu Yuchuan made his attitude respectful.

“Great King, I indeed have several matters. First, in the Monkey Forest not far from the banks of our Yunxi River, that group of monkeys has colluded with the Beast Taming Sect. Lord Crab General discovered this and has been murdered. Second, Lord Black Snake is also a member of the Beast Taming Sect.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the pressure from the Serpent's body became so heavy that Gu Yuchuan could hardly breathe. The Serpent's voice rang in his ears.

“In consideration of your merit, I will not hold your false accusation against my brother against you. Black Snake is my brother; he would certainly never betray me.”

Gu Yuchuan was cursing in his heart. How could there be such nepotism even among the Yao Race? Wake up, Serpent!

Though his mind was racing, his speech remained orderly: “I just said there were human traces downstream, and Great King Black Snake hurried off anxiously without notifying anyone. Isn't that suspicious? I have said my piece; I ask the Great King to investigate carefully.”

[Congratulations on achieving the achievement: Stirring the Winds and Clouds. Reward: Two Simulation uses.]