Chapter 342 - Yuwen Taijis Shadows
The Aircloud Godcrane naturally couldnt take a punch from Zhao Zhiyuan without any preparation. When traveling at high speed, even the slightest movements from the Aircloud Godcrane could throw someone off, not to mention spinning around from a punch. Including Tianming, everyone was freefalling like meteorites.
But with their cultivation in the Saint stage, it wouldnt be a problem for them to land safely on the ground from a few thousand meters in the air. A few elders immediately surrounded Tianming. Shangguan Yunfeng and Zhao Lingzhou also had someone receiving them, so they were all basically fine. But when Zhao Zhiyuan landed on the ground with his lifebound beast, a Blackfiend Ape, out, he charged at Ye Shaoqing like a lunatic. At the same time, his Blackfiend Ape faced Ye Shaoqings Azureflame Dragon.
Zhao Zhiyuan, are you insane?! You want to snatch the Grand-Orient Sword? Theres no benefit in it for you! Huangfu Fengyu roared.
Dont bother about it. Yuwen Taiji mustve promised him something. Ye Shaoqing didnt take out the Grand-Orient Sword. When he spoke, Ye Qing and the other elders went up to surround Zhao Zhiyuan.
Zhao Zhiyuan, why are you doing this?! The junior sect master is such a talent, so why do this?!
Thats right! Old Zhao, weve been friends for so many years! Dont be silly!
Ye Qing was in the same generation as Zhao Zhiyuan, and they even had a good relationship. So he couldnt believe Zhao Zhiyuans betrayal.
Lets stop! Zhao Zhiyuan, what did Yuwen Taiji give you for you to be his lackey?! Huangfu Fengyun roared. But Zhao Zhiyuan didnt utter a single word. He was focused on Ye Shaoqing no matter who tried to stop him.
Grandfather, whats wrong with you?! Of everyone, Zhao Lingzhou had taken Zhao Zhiyuans betrayal the hardest. He was dumbfounded. Was this still the man he revered since he was a child? But no matter how others tried talking to Zhao Zhiyuan, he was only focused on chasing Ye Shaoqing.
Doesnt he know that he cant succeed? Tianming narrowed his eyes into slits. He was baffled as he watched the scene playing out in front of him. Truthfully speaking, not even Yuwen Taiji could snatch the Grand-Orient Sword away with so many elders here. So Tianming couldnt figure out why the friendly elder had changed into another person all of a sudden.
He wont even be able to touch me, let alone the Grand-Orient Sword... WAIT! Tianming was protected by elders like Huangfu Fengyun and Shangguan Jingshu. But he suddenly felt his scalp tingle because he found something amiss about Zhao Zhiyuan. Zhao Zhiyuans method of snatching the Grand-Orient Sword was too stupid, and it would be impossible for him to succeed. After all, shouldnt Zhao Zhiyuan come up with a fail-proof plan if he wanted to snatch it?
Right now, he just seemed to be trying to draw everyones attention. No one could think of what Yuwen Taiji had given Zhao Zhiyuan, but Tianming thought of another problem. Were there others like Zhao Zhiyuan? When he suddenly thought of that, danger descended in the next moment. It came from half a meter away from him, so how could he react to it in time? Not to mention that all the elders were Saints who had cultivated for over a hundred years. This time, it was someone that Tianming had never expectedthe fourth elder, Shangguan Jingshu! She was someone from his great grandmothers generation, and suddenly appeared behind Tianming, reaching her hands for his neck.
Dont move! her hoarse voice rang out beside Tianmings ears, sending chills down his spine. She was a longtime friend of Huangfu Fengyun, and she projected the image of an amicable old lady, even showing care and concern for Tianming. Back then, she had gone with Huangfu Fengyun to protect Tianming when hed killed Yuwen Shendu. So Tianming had suspected everyone, except for Shangguan Jingshu and Huangfu Fengyun, who had been protecting him.
But funnily enough, her nails had dug into his neck. Someone like her only needed a split second to decapitate him; his life was entirely in her hands. The scene made many people baffled, including Huangfu Fengyun.
Jingshu, what are you doing.... Disbelief filled in his eyes as he watched Shangguan Jingshu take Tianming away from the crowd. The other elders were also left dumbfounded by this scene, and no one dared to move. Shangguan Jingshu, are you insane too?!
The elders all felt a chill in their hearts. They were facing the threat of Heavens Elysium, and they were going back to make preparations for a war. But they never expected that they would have to face betrayal along the way. As the second figure among the elders, they all felt it unbelievable that a senior like Shangguan Jingshu would go after Tianming.
Or maybe this had been the plan that Shangguan Jingshu had discussed with Zhao Zhiyuan. Zhao Zhiyuan would act as a decoy to give Shangguan Jingshu the rightful excuse to protect Tianming. When everyone was distracted by Zhao Zhiyuan, it would be easy for Shangguan Jingshu to capture Tianming as a hostagethe perfect plan. Then again, this also had to do with Shangguan Jingshus usual behavior. No one wouldve imagined that someone like her would be a traitor; even Huangfu Fengyun was stunned.
The two were great friends, sharing over a century of friendship. But that was also the reason why he didnt have his guard up against her. Shangguan Yunfeng was the same as Zhao Lingzhou; the two were stunned when they saw this scene unfolding. Shangguan Yunfeng couldnt believe what he saw and asked, Great grandmother, are you playing a joke on us?
But no one replied to him. Shangguan Jingshu looked at Ye Shaoqing coldly and said, Cut the nonsense. Hand the Grand-Orient Sword to Zhao Zhiyuan, or Ill kill Tianming right here.
Jingshu, dont be impulsive! I believe you have your own difficulties in doing this. Does Yuwen Taiji have something against you? You can just tell us about it! Well help you! Huangfu Fengyun quickly spoke out.
Shangguan Jingshus nails dug deeper into Tianmings neck. It felt like he was being stabbed with five swords; the pain was horrible, and Tianming was even struggling to breathe. When the other elders saw that, they immediately called out, No!
Tianming naturally wanted Li Wudi to have the Grand-Orient Sword. But judging from the current situation, Shangguan Jingshu didnt seem to be messing around.
Ye Shaoqing, dont force me! Hand it over immediately! Shangguan Jingshu yelled. They had already experienced everything in life at their age, so they definitely wouldnt hesitate once they made up their mind. Not even the Prime Tower could stop Shangguan Jingshus nails from digging into Tianmings neck.
Let him go, said Ye Shaoqing. His eyes were blazing with azure flames as he took out the Grand-Orient Sword while everyone was still thinking about it, then Zhao Zhiyuan snatched it and immediately fled.
Dont chase after him. Ill let him go in half an hour. Dont worry, I wont kill him. Shangguan Jingshu began tearing up once Zhao Zhiyuan had left with the Grand-Orient Sword. She loosened her grip, but still kept Tianming beside her. She wanted to give Zhao Zhiyuan the time to deliver the Grand-Orient Sword to Yuwen Taiji. From the tears that rolled down her cheeks, everyone could see that she wasnt voluntarily doing this. At the very least, she hadnt harmed Tianmings life.
Dont chase after him! she emphasized once more. It was clear that she would take Tianmings life hostage again if anyone dared chase after Zhao Zhiyuan, which made many elders burst into rage.
Jingshu, are you stupid?! Huangfu Fengyuns eyes had turned red. He had so much anger pent up within him that he wanted to spew blood. On the other hand, Shangguan Jingshu clenched her teeth as tears streamed down.
Elder Shangguan, why dont you tell us how Yuwen Taiji made his comeback? We still have no idea whats going on. Ye Shaoqing smiled. He had chosen Tianming over the Grand-Orient Sword without any hesitation, but this scene had impacted them significantly.
Yeah. Theres no point in hiding since youve already done it.
Under everyones furious and helpless gazes, Shangguan Jingshu sighed. Shaoqing, you wont be able to win against Yuwen Taiji. He isnt just powerful, but he also has meticulous thoughts. He had many plans laid right from the start, and the only mistake he made was allowing Tianming to kill Shendu. But since he already had everything laid out, how will he lose so easily? For example, Zhao Zhiyuan and I were poisoned by the nethermare venom he made from ancient records. Only he has the antidote to set us free... otherwise, we have to suffer the torture of having our hearts burned. So what do you think Id choose? Shangguan Jingshu said with tears streaming down her face.
The nethermare venom?! Isnt that a spirit herb with over thirty saintly heavenly patterns?
Ive heard of this poison. Its famed for torturing its victim, and when it breaks out, the victim will experience having their internal organs burned, and only the maker has the antidote. Everyone now knew why theyd lostthey had underestimated Yuwen Taiji.
Shaoqing, just give up. The Ye Clan wont be able to win against Yuwen Taiji. With him holding the Grand-Orient Sword, he can protect the Grand-Orient Sect better than you. The Li Saint Clan is already history. So if you want to protect the junior sect master, you should leave with him right now, said Shangguan Jingshu.
When the other elders heard that, all of them fell silent. Shangguan Jingshu was right that Yuwen Taiji with the Grand-Orient Sword could better protect the Grand-Orient Sect.
Yuwen Taiji wont lose, and theres something even more terrifying. Zhao Zhiyuan and I didnt have a choice but to snatch the Grand-Orient Sword today, but how do you know there arent others hidden among us? Theyre all under Yuwen Taijis manipulation, and they can stab you in the back any time. Even I have no idea about their identities. Yuwen Taijis schemes far surpass your imagination, so run while you still can.