Starting Reward – A Three Thousand Assassin Network - Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Nangong Ruoshui, Liuyun, Kongming

The existence of the Rakshasa Hall, aside from providing intelligence to the imperial family and intimidating the martial world, had its main purpose in selecting the Heavenly Dragon Guards.

Now that the Rakshasa Hall has been annihilated, it unexpectedly disrupted Xia Cangyun’s plans.

At this moment, Xia Cangyun threw a token towards Emperor Xia.

Receiving the token, Emperor Xia glanced at it. One side was engraved with the character “Xia,” and the other side featured a cloud.

“Hold this token and find Tian Jue; he knows what to do.”

Emperor Xia was somewhat puzzled. Although he had heard this person’s name several times from the Patriarch, he had never heard about him before. He couldn’t help but ask, “Patriarch, who is Tian Jue?”

“Hehe, when you meet him, his true identity will surprise you! Leave now!” Xia Cangyun waved his hand, and an invisible force pushed Emperor Xia out.

The door slammed shut instantly.

Looking at the token in his hand once again, Emperor Xia became even more curious. However, considering that Tian Jue was the master of the Heavenly Scourge and Earth Scourge, his strength must be extraordinary.

At this moment, Emperor Xia had a faint sense of anticipation. He looked forward to a real confrontation between the Rakshasa Hall and the Heavenly Net.

Meanwhile, a figure appeared beside Emperor Xia, bowed, and said, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”

Observing the sudden appearance of the figure, Emperor Xia asked, “Are you a member of the Heavenly Dragon Guards?”

“Yes!” The person uttered a single word and remained silent.

Confirming the person’s identity, Emperor Xia nodded and handed the token to him.

“Deliver this token to Tian Jue!”

Taking the token, the Heavenly Dragon Guard turned and left.

“Hehe, Tian Jue, Heavenly Dragon Guards, intriguing!” Saying this, Emperor Xia left the place.

…

The next day.

Cangzhou, Beizhu Peak, Tianji Pavilion!

Today, the Tianji Pavilion was exceptionally lively.

Daoist Xiaoyaozi, Nangong Ruoshui from the Divine Water Palace, Liuyun from the Ethereal Palace, and Kongming, the Zen Master from the Zen Sect—four peak experts in the martial world gathered here.

At this moment, the Master of Tianji sat in the central seat, stroking his beard and looking at Xiaoyaozi beside him, waiting for him to speak.

Seeing this, Xiaoyaozi’s expression became slightly serious. “You all came from afar, and the old Daoist and Brother Tianji feel greatly honored.”

Upon hearing this, Liuyun and Nangong Ruoshui exchanged glances, then spoke, “Old Daoist, just speak your mind. What do you want to say?”

The Zen Master Kongming also nodded in agreement. “Master Xiaoyao, feel free to speak; those who can come here are trustworthy individuals.”

Xiaoyaozi nodded. “Since that’s the case, the old Daoist will be straightforward. I believe you have heard about recent events in the martial world. The struggle in the court has seriously spread to the martial world. Many innocent lives are implicated, and four major sects have been successively wiped out. Thousands have died unjustly, and now people live in fear. To prevent further tragedies, I have shamelessly invited you all to gather here to discuss a strategy together!”

They were aware of the recent events in the martial world, especially the notorious Heavenly Net.

At this moment, Liuyun spoke, “Regarding the Heavenly Net, how much do you know? Is it really a force cultivated in secret by the Ye family?”

The Heavenly Net was too mysterious, with not only a massive influence but also numerous formidable experts. They sent their disciples to investigate, but no information was obtained, as if the group had vanished from the mortal realm!

Upon hearing Liuyun’s words, all eyes turned to the Master of Tianji, as he was probably the only one who could know.

Seeing this, the Master of Tianji sighed and shook his head. “I thought the information from the Tianji Pavilion was the best in the world, but after several days of investigation, there have been no results. Simultaneously, I attempted to deduce, but it seems there’s a mysterious force hindering the exploration.”

This statement caused frowns among the people present.

“Hindering exploration? What does that mean?” Liuyun was curious.

“Just as the literal meaning suggests, there seems to be a mysterious force preventing me from continuing the deduction!” Tianji Master truthfully explained.

“Looks like this force is extraordinary!” Nangong Ruoshui commented softly and then asked, “Does this mean even the Tianji Compass cannot deduce their details?”

“Indeed, this is the first time I have encountered such a situation!” Tianji Master said with a furrowed brow.

“What! Even the Tianji Compass can’t deduce their background!” The faces of the four individuals changed slightly, expressing deep shock.

“Although I cannot deduce the Heavenly Net, I can deduce the Ye family!”

“And what is the result?” Liuyun asked with curiosity.

“A hidden dragon in the abyss!” Tianji Master slowly uttered four words.

These four words surprised everyone even more.

Did this mean that in this conflict, the Ye family would emerge victorious?

“What about the imperial family?” Liuyun inquired again.

“A dragon swimming in shallow water!” Tianji Master again spoke four words.

“This …” Xiaoyaozi and the others exchanged glances, feeling puzzled.

“Does this mean that the imperial family will be overturned by the Ye family?” Nangong Ruoshui questioned.

Shaking his head, Tianji Master explained, “Although the Ye family has a hidden dragon, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want to replace the Great Xia imperial family!”

“What does that mean? To win but not enjoy the fruits—what is the Ye family planning?” At this moment, everyone was bewildered!

Even Xiaoyaozi, despite not expressing any stance, couldn’t help but feel puzzled. The deductions presented contradictions.

The Ye family won, but they didn’t seem interested in seizing power. The Great Xia imperial family lost, but the national fortune didn’t dissipate.

Without losing the national fortune, the Great Xia imperial family wouldn’t be defeated.

This was truly strange!

“Now, the Ye family and the Great Xia imperial family are secretly fighting. It’s only a matter of time before they tear off their masks. As people in the martial world, what are your thoughts?” Xiaoyaozi spoke at this moment.

“Humph, in my opinion, if they want to fight, let them do it on their own turf. We martial artists should not get involved!” Liuyun snorted.

Nangong Ruoshui also nodded in agreement. “Right, the martial world is the martial world, and the court is the court. The two should not be mixed; otherwise, great disasters will occur!”

“Just like the current situation, those people are clearly being used as tools, yet they are oblivious!” Kongming, the Zen Master, added.

“Venerable monk, I wonder what your thoughts are?” Nangong Ruoshui looked towards Kongming.

“Amitabha, the Zen Sect does not meddle in worldly affairs. This humble monk naturally does not participate!” Kongming chanted a Buddhist mantra and expressed his attitude.

“Erm …” Xiaoyaozi was momentarily speechless.

If you don’t participate in worldly affairs, why did you come to the Tianji Pavilion?

Of course, Xiaoyaozi couldn’t say such words. Although Xiaoyaozi did not express a clear stance, Nangong Ruoshui cast a glance at Kongming with a hint of dissatisfaction.

Some things are better kept in one’s heart; once spoken, they may lead to complications.

“Then, Master Tianji, what are your thoughts?” Nangong Ruoshui turned to Tianji Master.

“The choice of the Divine Water Palace is also the choice of the Tianji Pavilion!”

This statement indicated that the Tianji Pavilion and the Divine Water Palace were on the same side.

Nangong Ruoshui nodded. “Xiaoyaozi, now that three of us agree not to participate in the court’s struggles, what do you think?”

Hearing this, Xiaoyaozi said thoughtfully, “Since you have made a choice, the old Daoist can only follow suit.”

“At present, to prevent another tragedy, I request that you all restrain the martial forces in your sects. If someone refuses to heed advice, then we cannot be blamed!” Nangong Ruoshui’s tone was extremely light.