nashuaworldcup Chapter 316 Acting and Scheming
Chapter 316 Acting and Scheming
Chapter 316 Acting and Scheming
Huo Yuan Zhenjun's remaining three-inch nascent soul hung in mid-air. Having lived for hundreds of years, he naturally knew how to read people's expressions.
Although Master Crane-Crowned True Lord did not say it explicitly, the hesitation and ambiguity in his tone made it clear to True Lord Fire Element what his master meant.
Are you feeling wronged?
Of course I feel wronged.
His physical body shattered, and his cultivation of the Dharma body over hundreds of years vanished into nothingness, leaving only this frail nascent soul clinging to life. If it were anyone else, he would have loved to devour their flesh, sleep on their skin, and grind their bones to dust.
Although he felt wronged and wanted to kill the person who had harmed him to take revenge, he also understood that the situation was beyond his control.
That Yuanzhen is a true disciple of the Vajra Temple, and his master is the renowned Master Xuangang. Both are likely to succeed as the head of the academy in the future.
This identity weighed heavily on me, making it harder to breathe than any magical artifact.
This is not comparable to Chen Yi.
Chen Yi was just a rootless, wandering cultivator with no connections, and he was also involved with the demonic sects, making him a character that everyone hated.
If someone is killed, that's fine; no one will bring up old grievances for a dead person.
But to touch Yuanzhen is to slap the face of Jingang Temple.
Killing Yuanzhen to avenge himself is extremely difficult.
Moreover, he only has a nascent soul left now. If he wants to rebuild his physical body and restore his cultivation in the future, he will have to rely on his master's approval for every step of the way.
Everything from now on depends on Master. Actually, what suggestions he makes isn't that important.
At this point, if we don't follow Master's wishes and force Master to fight Vajra Temple to the death, we might not even be able to find a suitable physical body later.
If one becomes the "blemish" that causes trouble for their master, the consequences will be unimaginable.
Silence spread through the air, and the spiritual light on the Fire Element Nascent Soul trembled slightly.
A sigh escaped Huo Yuan's heart. On that illusory little face, the features twisted for a moment, then were replaced by an almost desperate "understanding".
Then he replied, "Master, whether it was Fellow Daoist Yuanzhen's doing is currently only speculation and needs further investigation."
"Besides, even if it was him who did it, I only lost my physical body. As long as I'm alive, I can always make a comeback."
Huo Yuan paused, his tone becoming even more earnest: "If the Vajra Temple is willing to compensate for some of the resource losses and help me rebuild my foundation, I will find another physical body to cultivate back to my former self."
"Master, please don't go to the Vajra Temple to fight for your life over something as trivial as this. If you are injured because of this, I will be guilty even if I die a thousand deaths."
Upon hearing this, the previously tense corners of the Crane-Crowned True Lord's mouth visibly relaxed, but his expression immediately became even more grave.
Finally, he sighed deeply, revealing that he had originally wanted to fight to the death, but upon hearing his disciple's consideration for the greater good, he had no choice but to respect his disciple's opinion: "Very well. Since my disciple insists, then so be it."
This was an extremely difficult statement, as it preserved the teacher-student relationship while conveniently avoiding the most problematic option.
After finishing discussing matters concerning his disciples, True Monarch Crane Crest turned his gaze to the figure of Fairy Xuan Yin, who had been observing coldly from a distance.
A hint of apology appeared on his face as he cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Xuanyin, I acted rashly earlier, in my eagerness to save my disciple, and misunderstood your disciple, almost offending the fairy. I apologize for this."
"snort!"
Xuan Yin snorted coldly, not even lifting his eyelids, completely unwilling to pay attention to this person.
He Ding is clearly a bully who preys on the weak. When he found out that Yuan Zhen was responsible, he was unwilling to investigate further. Doesn't his disciple's life matter?
The apologies from people like that are disgusting to hear.
He Ding didn't say much to Xuan Yin, and wasn't annoyed that the other party wasn't giving him face.
His gaze shifted, and he turned to look at Chen Yi. A warm smile instantly bloomed on his old face, as if the murderous man who had just threatened to tear Chen Yi to pieces was not him at all.
"Young Friend Chen".
The Crane-Crowned True Lord spoke in a kind tone, even with the concern of an elder for a junior: "There is indeed a misunderstanding in this matter."
"It seems highly likely that Yuanzhen secretly harmed his disciple and tried to frame you. His intentions are malicious."
"This karmic debt now belongs not only to my disciple, but also to you."
At this point, True Monarch Crane-Crest changed the subject, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Young friend Chen, would you be willing to accompany me to the Vajra Temple to capture Yuanzhen and demand an explanation?"
"When the time comes, after Yuanzhen has compensated my disciple for the loss of his physical body, it will be up to you, my friend, to decide whether to beat or kill him."
He Ding's words seemed to be well-thought-out, showing that he had not forgotten any of the victims in the process, and even gave Chen Yi a lot of face.
In reality, they were throwing a hot potato at Chen Yi.
Against Kongo-ji, he could take as many people as possible.
Chen Yi already had a grudge against the Vajra Temple, and if they were to call him in now, Chen Yi would be the perfect cannon fodder if a fight broke out.
Before Chen Yi could speak, Ning Bu'er beside him had already made a move.
Her eyebrows shot up, and the hilt of her sword creaked under her grip.
She wanted to say, "Yuanzhen, you can let us go, but this monk dares to harm us like this! He must be killed!"
These people actually want to downplay this? That bald monk dares to do such a despicable thing; he deserves to be torn to pieces!
However, just as Ning Bu'er was about to step forward, she felt a warm palm gently cover the back of her hand.
Chen Yi sensed her meaning and gently pulled her small hand to persuade her to stop.
At the same time, a gentle yet extremely calm voice resounded directly in Ning Bu'er's mind: "Bu'er, don't be anxious."
"The conversation here concerns who will be the first to stand in opposition to Kongo-ji Temple, and has nothing to do with how to deal with Enjin."
"That old monster with the crest of a crane is trying to use us as pawns. Don't fall for it."
Sometimes, we don't need to say what we're going to do, so that everyone knows.
"Some things can be done, but not said."
Ning Bu'er's body stiffened slightly, and she turned to look at Chen Yi. Her previously restless heart miraculously calmed down in that instant.
After calming Ning Bu'er down, Chen Yi slowly raised his head to meet the calculating gaze of the Crane-Crowned True Lord.
He didn't answer immediately, but coughed twice, his breathing sounding quite disordered, and his face was as pale as paper.
"Senior Crane-Crowned Crane, what are you saying?"
Chen Yi's voice was somewhat hoarse, revealing a weariness from surviving a calamity: "I told you all before entering the secret realm that if we encounter any opportunities, we should not compete with others."
"I am a person without great ambitions. All I seek is to slowly cultivate the Green Wood Longevity Technique and try to live a little longer."
"Now that Fairy Kongling has proven that the person who murdered your disciple was not me, Chen."
"In fact, Chen is already content that he has been exonerated and his name has been cleared."
"As for holding Yuanzhen or the other perpetrators accountable, I'll leave that aside."
The smile on Crane-Crowned True Monarch's face froze slightly, not expecting Chen Yi to refuse so decisively.
Chen Yi didn't give him a chance to interrupt and continued, "I am just a rogue cultivator who practices the Green Wood Longevity Technique. I emphasize cultivating my inner energy and body, and I dislike fighting with others the most."
"and----"
Chen Yi pointed to his brow, his face contorted in pain: "I suffered a serious injury in the secret realm this time. My spiritual sense and magical power were severely depleted, and my foundation was shaken. It will take at least ten or twenty years to recover."
"After Chen got out, he only wanted to find a safe environment to recuperate and cultivate himself. He had no energy to care about such trivial matters."
'
"I just hope no one will misunderstand me anymore; I don't want to cause any more trouble."
At this point, Chen Yi changed the subject and passed the buck back: "Besides, the image just now was blurry, which only proves that the person who made the move was a master of the Vajra Skill who was close to the mid-stage of the fourth level."
"As for whether it is Yuanzhen himself, we still need to verify. What if someone is impersonating the Vajra Temple and framing him?"
"Regardless of whether it is Yuanzhen or not, your disciple is the biggest victim and suffers the most severe losses. It is up to you and your disciple to decide how to deal with and hold Yuanzhen accountable."
As Chen Yi spoke, he no longer deliberately concealed his aura, fully revealing his weakened spiritual fluctuations.
In that instant, his aura seemed to collapse.
The once-condensed divine sense was now like a flickering candle in the wind, uncertain and even carrying a sense of depletion on the verge of collapse.
He didn't lie about that.
Previously, in that mysterious and unpredictable inheritance space, in order to cultivate the origin of space, he forcibly received the inheritance of the Void Thunder Soul Talisman containing the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. The pressure on his soul was like carrying a mountain, and it was indeed extremely taxing.
At this moment, he pretended to be injured, which was seven parts true and three parts false, so everyone would naturally believe him.
Seeing Chen Yi's appearance, as if he might faint at any moment, the Crane-Crowned True Monarch's eyes twitched twice. "Young friend Chen, do you really not want to pursue Yuanzhen's fault any further?"
The voice of the Crane-Crowned True Lord was still seductive: "He is framing you! If you weren't so capable, you would be the enemy of the whole world if this bucket of dirty water were poured on you today."
[You old bastard, trying to scam me again? I'm not falling for it.]
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi's face grew even paler, his breath became weak, and he was almost at the limit of exhaustion in both his magical power and spiritual sense.
Upon hearing this, he simply shook his head with a wry smile, raised his hand to bow to the Crane-Crowned True Lord, and the movement appeared somewhat labored.
"Senior Crane Peak, you flatter me. It's not a frame-up at all."
Chen Yi spoke calmly, but with a hint of despondency: "I am not one to hold grudges. Besides, putting aside the truth, even if it was Yuanzhen, so what? Fellow Daoist Yuanzhen may have his own unspeakable reasons."
In the world of cultivation, eight or nine out of ten things are beyond one's control.
"
At this point, Chen Yi glanced at the several Nascent Soul cultivators with different expressions not far away, and lowered his voice a bit: "And the one who is most seriously injured here is your disciple. Even he is unwilling to investigate further, so I have even less need to make another powerful enemy."
The Vajra Temple is powerful, and Chen, being all alone, only desires peace and quiet.
He paused, a sincere apology on his face: "I have no hostility towards Fellow Daoist Yuanzhen."
Mr. Chen will no longer be involved in this matter.
I apologize that I cannot accompany you to the Vajra Temple to seek justice.
These words were perfectly crafted, vividly portraying the image of a timid, cowardly, and self-preserving rogue cultivator.
Crane-Crowned True Lord opened his mouth, but ultimately failed to utter a rebuttal.
The victim himself has already admitted defeat, so what can he say?
Chen Yi stopped looking at the complicated expression on Crane-Crowned True Monarch's face, turned around and pulled Ning Bu'er, who was also weak beside him, and called out to Xuan Yin Fairy on the other side: "Aunt Xuan Yin, Bu'er and I are going back to recuperate first."
The Mysterious Yin Fairy, dressed in a black dress, stood in the void, exuding the unique oppressive aura of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
She will remain in this location for some time to handle subsequent matters.
At the same time, she heard Chen Yi's telepathic instructions.
Seeing Chen Yi's "incompetent" state, the coercive intent in the eyes of the Crane-Crowned True Lord dissipated, replaced by a helpless disappointment.
The Nascent Soul True Monarchs around them, who had been tense, visibly relaxed at this moment.
Several things are linked together, forming a logical loop.
First, footage of Chen Yi being ambushed was shown, proving that he had been framed;
Then, in order to prove his innocence, Chen Yi did not hesitate to waste precious materials;
Now, facing the murderer who framed him, he actually chose to swallow his anger.
This is hardly a ruthless killer; he's clearly just an honest man with a bit of luck, but who's timid and cowardly.
Chen Yi previously said before entering the secret realm that he "does not compete with others," and it seems that this was not an empty statement.
"It seems that Chen Yi is not quite like the rumored vengeful persona."
A Nascent Soul cultivator in a green robe secretly transmitted his voice to his companion.
"Perhaps the Black Serpent True Lord was killed for something else, or maybe Chen Yi didn't kill him at all. Rumors are misleading." His companion agreed wholeheartedly.
Upon hearing Chen Yi's telepathic message, Fairy Xuan Yin's clear, cold eyes flickered slightly. She nodded gently, her voice clear and cold, echoing throughout the entire area: "Then go back and recover well. Don't worry, since you've been wronged, so many of us can testify for you."
As she spoke, her gaze shifted, piercing towards Lord Crane-Crested True Monarch like a sharp sword: "No one will bother you anymore, right, Crane-Crested True Monarch?"
When True Monarch Crane-Crest was locked onto by the aura of the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, his heart skipped a beat, and he quickly nodded: "Of course. Young friend Chen has been wronged, and if anyone tries to make things difficult for him again, I will be the first to object."
"besides."
Xuan Yin Fairy seemed to recall something, a playful smile curving her lips. She added, "The spatial serration my junior just produced to prove his innocence is a rare item. How about the cost of the materials?"
This was a message that Chen Yi specifically conveyed telepathically.
If you're going to act, you have to go all the way.
Chen Yi didn't care about this matter, and it was most appropriate for Xuan Yin to say it. If they cared about such a trivial matter, it would mean that they were really not interested in taking revenge on Yuan Zhen.
The expression on the face of the Crane-Crowned True Lord was slightly taken aback.
That's true.
Those spatial saw teeth are top-grade spiritual materials capable of cutting through spatial rifts, and are extremely valuable.
After a moment's thought, he immediately declared: "Since it was young friend Chen who was misunderstood and had to prove himself, and also to find out the truth about my disciple's attack, I will ask the Vajra Temple for an explanation."
I'll definitely give Chen Xiaoyou a satisfactory compensation later.
Fairy Xuan Yin nodded in satisfaction: "Alright, you said it yourself. I'll come find you later."
My junior, Chen Yi, is a generous person, but he's too shy to ask for help. I'm not that generous. We can ignore the people, but we can't afford to cover the loss of spiritual materials as well.
At this point in the drama, Chen Yi's identity as a "victim" has been definitively confirmed.
Seeing that the time was right, Chen Yi did not linger.
He flipped his hand, and a piece of charred wood, shimmering with purple-gold lightning, appeared in his palm.
A top-grade magic weapon: Lightning-struck wood.
"rise."
Chen Yi let out a low shout, and his magical power surged.
The lightning-struck wood grew taller in the air, transforming into a small boat about ten feet long, its surface crackling with lightning and radiating a chilling pressure.
However, he did not unleash the offensive power of the magic weapon, but instead pulled Ning Bu'er up with him.
The two sat down cross-legged.
The thunder-struck wood emitted a muffled hum, flashing with purple light, and flew away unsteadily into the distance at a pitifully slow speed, which seemed to the Nascent Soul cultivators of this place.
His escape speed was even slower than that of some ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.
The Nascent Soul cultivators who remained behind watched the two figures disappear into the distance, their expressions varying.
"Tsk tsk, so you can no longer use your Nascent Soul Escape Light on your own and have to rely on the power of a magic weapon to escape?"
Someone stroked their chin thoughtfully: "It seems he is indeed seriously injured; he even has to conserve his magic power to control the escape light."
"Yes, and we're also dragging along Fairy Ning, who is also seriously injured. We'll have to be careful on this journey."
A strange glint flashed in the other person's eyes: "He doesn't cause trouble for others, but that doesn't mean everyone thinks that way. That's a top-grade magic weapon—"
"What a pity."
Some people shook their heads and sighed: "Although top-grade magic treasures are powerful, taking them out to travel at this moment will not only consume a lot of resources, but it's also like a child carrying gold through a bustling market."
In a real fight, given his current condition, I'm afraid—"
The words were left unsaid, but the meaning was self-evident.
A top-tier magic weapon is enough to tempt many people, especially when faced with two "wounded fat sheep".
This is exactly the effect Chen Yi wanted.
Leaving the magma-filled earth and passing through layers of crustal cracks, a long-awaited cool breeze swept over us.
Chen Yi rode the lightning-struck wood and brought Ning Bu'er back to the ground.
But instead of returning to Qingfeng Ridge in a straight line, he took a roundabout route, deliberately choosing those desolate and deserted paths.
They fled a distance of 20,000 li.
In a secluded, uninhabited valley.
Chen Yi abruptly pressed down on the lightning-struck wood, causing his escape light to stop abruptly, and he landed in a pile of rocks.
Ning Bu'er's face turned pale. Just as she was about to ask a question, she saw Chen Yi raise a finger to his lips.
-
"Perceive the heavens and the earth."
Chen Yi closed his eyes slightly, and his divine sense spread out like mercury, instantly covering an area of five thousand miles.
The swaying grass and trees, the crawling insects, and the subtle sounds of the wind blowing through the rocks are all within sight.
A moment later, he opened his eyes, and his previous weak and timid expression vanished instantly.
Instead, there was a bottomless, chilling abyss.
"No one can track our movements anymore."
Chen Yi spoke very quickly, then slapped his storage bag, and a humanoid puppet flew out and landed on the ground.
He forced out a drop of essence blood from his fingertip, mixed with magical imprints, and injected it directly into the puppet's brow.
Click click click.
After a series of mechanical sounds, the puppet's facial muscles twitched, its body grew taller, and in the blink of an eye, it transformed into the appearance of "Chen Yi," even perfectly mimicking the weak aura emanating from its body.
Immediately afterwards, Chen Yi handed the lightning-struck wood in his hand to Ning Bu'er.
"Bu Er, you go back to Qingfeng Ridge first."
Chen Yi's voice was frighteningly calm, carrying an undeniable decisiveness: "Take this puppet with you and have it sit behind you. If you encounter anyone on the road, stay far away and don't let them see your figure clearly."
Ning Bu'er took the lightning-struck wood, his fingertips touching the cold wood grain, and his heart tightened.
Looking into Chen Yi's unwavering eyes, she realized what was about to happen.
"What if someone robs us?" she asked.
"escape."
Chen Yi uttered a single word, then added, "You don't need to get bogged down in the details. Just bombard it from a distance with this lightning-struck wood. After each strike, don't look back; just escape as far away as possible."
Ning Bu'er gripped the lightning-struck wood in her hand and looked at the man in front of her.
Just now, in front of the Crane-Crowned True Lord, he was still that "Young Friend Chen" who swallowed his anger and had a forced smile on his face.
At this moment, this is the real Chen Yi.
"Chen Yi, you?"
Ning Bu'er hesitated, her eyes filled with worry.
Now that you've escaped, why don't you leave together?
Chen Yi straightened his sleeves and looked into the distance, in the direction the monks of Jingang Temple had left.
A cold smile curved at the corner of his lips.
"I'll go do some work."
He patted Ning Bu'er on the shoulder, his tone calm, yet carrying a chilling, bloodthirsty air: "Some things are better said than done."
That's a play for the living.
"But some things, once done, cannot be spoken of."
Those are paper offerings burned for the dead.
Then, Chen Yi activated his perception of heaven and earth, sensed the direction Yuan Zhen had left in, and immediately used his concealment technique, transforming into an invisible wind and thunder, instantly disappearing into the distance.
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