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Chapter 185: The Patriarch of the Shocking God Sect

Seeing the increasingly dark expression on Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch’s face, his superior, the old man from the Mo Sect, quickly jumped in with a joke as if he had been prepared for it, easing the tense atmosphere.

“Your Majesty, please calm down. Our General Wen is just a straightforward man with a warrior’s background who doesn’t speak much. Once he sets his mind on something, not even someone from the fairy island can make him budge.”

“But I can assure you that he is absolutely loyal to my Qiguo, a rare faithful servant. Since General Wen would rather face execution than divulge information, it must be due to some unspoken burden.”

“As you know, the Ancient Spirit Realm is tumultuous these days, with everyone stirring. This matter also involves the missing princess of the fairy island, the Spiritual Fox Priestess, perhaps…”

The other leaders of the Wuyuan Sect began to speak up in agreement.

“Indeed, Your Majesty, this matter is peculiar and requires careful deliberation.”

“That’s right. With the Four Saints Selection Tournament approaching, formidable factions gathering in the capital, how could we execute a general of Qiguo at such a time? Please reconsider, Your Majesty.”

“…”

Perhaps their persuasion worked, or perhaps the Holy Monarch was merely trying to intimidate them. The figure shrouded in shadow sat in silence for a long time before finally returning to his seat and waving his hand, signaling the guards who had barged into the hall to retreat and close the main door.

His scrutinizing gaze fell once more upon the black-armored general.

“Wen Zhengyang, let me rephrase my question. Is your inability to speak related to the Spiritual Fox Priestess?”

“…Yes.”

“Well… can I then understand that the girl named Miss Vilyric also has some close connection to the Spiritual Fox Priestess?”

“…”

This time, Wen Zhengyang chose silence.

But silence is sometimes the best answer.

“Is that so…”

Murmuring to himself, the Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch pondered for a long while, the thoughts swirling in his head.

After a while, he seemed to come to a realization and calmed down.

“Fine, since you are so resolute, I won’t press further… But remember, this is Qiguo. The Holy Sect is the true master of this land, and such matters will not be tolerated a second time. Understood?”

“Yes, thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty.”

“Well… You’ve traveled a long way; General Wen, take some rest.”

“I take my leave.”

Wen Zhengyang wiped the barely noticeable cold sweat from his forehead and turned to leave.

With the main character exiting, this meeting convened specifically to “interrogate” him naturally came to an end. The leaders of the Wuyuan Sect also stood up to take their leave. The Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch did not hinder them but watched as they filed out of the hall.

“Hmph… Old Fox, really protecting our own, afraid that I might chop him down?”

With a slightly disdainful snort, the Holy Monarch, still in the shadows, stood up and approached the wall behind his throne. He spun an item on the display case three times, and with a faint mechanical sound, a hidden door in an inconspicuous corner opened.

The Holy Monarch stepped inside, and the door shut automatically. On the inside was a finely decorated secret chamber, where someone had long been waiting for him. It seemed they had secretly observed the entire interrogation.

That person was none other than Mu Ze, the leading instructor of the Shocking God Sect, possessing superlative strength at the same level as the “Same Longevity.”

Taking a seat at the table, the Holy Monarch poured himself a cup of tea, downing it in one go to quench his thirst before speaking in a casual tone, like an old friend.

“What do you think about what just happened?”

Mu Ze nodded.

“It mostly aligns with what those kids described.”

“Is that Vilyric truly connected to the Spiritual Fox Priestess?”

Not hastily confirming this point, the leading instructor of the Shocking God Sect pondered for a moment and speculated.

“I can’t say for sure, but Miss Vilyric is indeed very mysterious. Though she has rarely fought in front of us, the minuscule display of her power is already beyond my reach.”

“Her true realm is likely at least two major levels higher than mine.”

The Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch furrowed his brow.

“Transformation Extreme? Or even Immortal Hidden? That’s impossible! Even the Lingyin Fairy Island should find it difficult to produce such powerful beings…”

Mu Ze shook his head.

“Your Majesty, neither you nor I truly understand the actual strength of the fairy island. But to be honest, I’d rather believe that Vilyric is related to the Lingyin Fairy Island and the Spiritual Fox Priestess, otherwise the situation in the Ancient Spirit Realm will only worsen. Plus, that pendant of hers, rumored to belong only to the Spiritual Fox Priestess, you have checked the records yourself—no ordinary person could possess such a treasure.”

Seemingly trusting the other, the Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch was convinced by Mu Ze’s words and continued to ask.

“What do you think about the tomb in Wangxi Basin…”

“Well, since Miss Vilyric mentioned not to investigate further, it would be best to heed her suggestion. That kind of power is indeed frightening; even I have no means to resist it.”

Sighing slightly, Mu Ze continued.

“Your Majesty, to put it frankly, ordinary folks may think that those at the ‘Same Longevity’ level are on par with immortals, unmatched in the world. But only once we reach our current level can we understand that where we stand now is merely the beginning of the cultivation path, making it easier to grasp the truly mysterious horrors.”

“In the end, we are but mortals. Even if we reach the utmost peak, it’s best to avoid meddling with things far beyond the mortal realm. It would be wise to follow the arrangements and guidance of the fairy island. Remember, even the foundations that stood for millennia were undone by disaster; what can be said of our mere thousand years of heritage?”

Listening to his trusted aide’s earnest advice, the Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch frowned, still appearing somewhat unwilling.

“You make valid points, but should my much larger Qiguo just obediently follow the instructions of a young girl? What she says goes? Even if she is connected to the Spiritual Fox Priestess, she is not the person herself. If this gets out, it will certainly be laughed at by the other three countries and ridiculed for the weakness of Qiguo!”

Understanding his position as a king, Mu Ze patiently continued to persuade him.

“Your Majesty, I’m not suggesting you wholly follow Miss Vilyric’s orders. We certainly have to act according to our plan. It’s just that handling this matter as such is the most reasonable and effective method. Since our interests align, it is cooperation—and what’s wrong with that?”

“Everything is for the greater good and the future of the Ancient Spirit Realm. I know you have always been reluctant to be subordinate to the fairy island, striving for genuine autonomy for Qiguo. But the reality is, we do not possess such strength yet, and while the fairy island may be a constraint, it indeed protects the Ancient Spirit Realm and safeguards the citizens of the world.”

“Now that the four countries unite, pooling their strength in the face of great upheaval is precisely when we need earnest solidarity. If even the Ancient Spirit Realm is destroyed, then nothing will hold meaning. Please consider the relationships involved, Your Majesty; do not act on impulse.”

“Sigh…”

Resigned, the Holy Monarch nodded.

“You can rest assured, I understand the priorities. This matter will be handled as such, but I still have my doubts about Vilyric’s identity. If she is indeed as powerful as you say, she couldn’t possibly be nameless on the Lingyin Fairy Island, yet how come we haven’t heard of her at all?”

The Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch pondered, as if speaking to himself.

“With the Four Saints Selection Tournament approaching, she will surely participate. We need to find a way to determine Miss Vilyric’s identity, at least understand her true motives to prevent unforeseen circumstances. However, we can’t just approach her casually…”

Seeing the Holy Monarch in such distress, Mu Ze suddenly smiled.

“I’ve actually thought about this issue, and I happen to have some channels that could provide useful information. I wonder if Your Majesty remembers?”

“Oh, you mean… the new disciples recruited by the Shocking God Sect? I believe one of them seems to have some insight into Miss Vilyric’s background. I think her name is Swallow; that should be a pseudonym?”

The leading instructor of the Shocking God Sect nodded slightly.

“This girl is quite extraordinary and may also be connected to the Lingyin Fairy Island, but she does not completely belong to them. I have already discreetly negotiated with her; if handled properly, she should be able to bring us some critical intelligence.”

“Is that so? Where is she now?”

“Hehe, she’s waiting for your summons in the back hall, along with those other kids who have returned from their training.”

Exhaling lightly, a smile finally appeared on the Eastern Yuan Holy Monarch’s once-frowning face.

“Thanks to your help, this solves an urgent matter. I’ve been so busy with affairs, I, this so-called patriarch of the Shocking God Sect, should go meet these new disciples.”