346: Chapter 346 Not in Control of One's Own Fate

Qin Changsheng, far away in his small courtyard, had already seen everything clearly.

Sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat, he had already devised a plan in his heart.

That was to splash the dirty water onto the Yao Race.

Thinking of this, Qin Changsheng issued an instruction to Wang Cheng.

“Teacher, since you have already noticed, I do not dare to hide it... It's just that, I was also acting beyond my control,” Wang Cheng spoke up.

Shen Guhong said coldly, “Oh? Beyond your control? Tell me then, who forced you?”

Wang Cheng lowered his eyes, feigning a look of struggle and guilt, and slowly asked, “Teacher, who in the Southern Region do you think has the ability to dispel the effects of the puppet pill and the Demon Spirit Pill?”

As soon as these words were spoken, Shen Guhong’s entire body shook. The doubt in his eyes was instantly replaced by shock as he took a sudden step back and blurted out, “The Grand Elder?!”

In the Southern Region, the puppet pill and the Demon Spirit Pill were secret concoctions of the Yao Race. Only a handful of people knew the method to break them. Among them, only the Yao Race Grand Elder was not only proficient in the Dao of Alchemy but also possessed a unique secret technique to dispel the puppet pill.

This was something known to the entire upper echelon of the Yao Race.

Shen Guhong had also subconsciously thought of the Grand Elder.

At this moment, Shen Guhong already believed Wang Cheng's words.

After all, he and the Yao Race Grand Elder held a grudge against each other.

Years ago, while fighting for the position of leader of the Yao Race, he had accidentally killed the Grand Elder's son.

Although he successfully became the leader of the Yao Race, the Grand Elder opposed him at every turn.

Now that Wang Cheng could break the effects of the puppet pill, there was no other possibility besides the Grand Elder lending a hand.

After pondering for a moment, Shen Guhong's expression turned cold. He raised his hand and gave a light wave. A pitch-black Medicinal Pill instantly appeared in his palm, surrounded by a faint black Qi.

“Since you were forced and had no choice, this Clan Chief will spare your dog life.”

Shen Guhong's voice was bone-chillingly cold, devoid of any warmth. Before his voice had even faded, he waved his hand again. The puppet pill in his hand seemed to possess a spirit of its own as it whistled through the air toward Wang Cheng, fast as lightning.

Before Wang Cheng could react, it flew straight into his mouth, instantly turning into a cold medicinal power that slid down his throat into his body.

“Ugh!” Wang Cheng let out a muffled groan, his entire body trembling violently as another wave of sharp pain hit him. The pitch-black medicinal power spread through his body, and a faint black Qi instantly rose around him as his complexion gradually turned dark and dull.

Shen Guhong looked at the black Qi emerging around Wang Cheng, a flash of satisfaction crossing his eyes. He then shouted sternly, “Someone, come! Take Wang Cheng away and lock him up under strict supervision!”

As his voice fell, two Yao Race guards dressed in black with powerful auras strode into the hall. After bowing, they stepped forward to grab the weakened Wang Cheng and led him outside.

Watching Wang Cheng being dragged out of the hall, the Demonic Qi around Shen Guhong still did not dissipate, and his eyes were full of coldness. He knew that Wang Cheng was only a small character; the real hidden danger was the Grand Elder, who was laying out the pieces in the shadows.

The Grand Elder held a grudge against him, and now he had planted a spy and broken the puppet pill. It was clear he had long been prepared to plot something nefarious; he absolutely could not let his guard down.

At that moment, Shen Bing stepped forward quickly. “Father, since the Grand Elder dared to plant a spy by your side, there will surely be follow-up actions. We must be on guard!”

Hearing this, Shen Guhong nodded slowly. He also knew that the Grand Elder would never let things rest. This incident was only the beginning.

He pondered for a moment before instructing Shen Bing, “Immediately send a letter to the Third Elder. Have him secretly watch the Grand Elder's every move. If there is any unusual activity from the Grand Elder, report it immediately.”

After a pause, he added in a sharp and firm tone, “Additionally, have the Third Elder send over a Golden Core Realm expert!”

“Yes, Father!” Shen Bing hurriedly cupped her hands in response. Knowing the urgency of the matter, she did not dare to delay for a moment. After bowing, she quickly turned to leave.

Far away in the small courtyard, Qin Changsheng's heart suddenly stirred.

He had been worrying about how to arrange for someone to enter the core of the Yao Race. Now that the Yao Race's Third Elder was sending a Golden Core expert, he could simply have Wang Cheng use Disguise and the Golden Trait camouflage to take on the appearance of that Yao Race expert.

This way, he could easily stay by Shen Guhong's side without being suspected by Shen Guhong and the others.

However, before that, he still had to make a trip to the Azure Cloud Sect to attend the Golden Core Cultivator gathering.

Then, at the gathering, he would exchange for the Golden Core upgrade secret method that Shen Hu had brought.

...

Azure Cloud Sect.

In front of Qingyun Tower.

Qin Changsheng controlled Hu Nan to arrive here.

Qin Changsheng had Hu Nan come here to have him scout for major events in the Three Realms.

And to hand over Shen Shuying's long saber to her.

Then to see if there were any treasures at the trade assembly.

Finally, to exchange for Shen Hu's Golden Core upgrade secret method.

Qin Changsheng did not enter directly; instead, he opened the Heavenly Dao Entry Intelligence and began searching.

[heavenly dao fragment: A special treasure that can upgrade a Golden Trait into a Heavenly Dao Trait!]

[Possessor: Liu Feng]

[Location: Azure Cloud Sect, Wangxian Valley]

[Acquisition: The Yao Race's Third Elder bestowed the heavenly dao fragment upon Liu Feng]

Looking at the information on the trait, a flash of joy crossed Qin Changsheng's eyes.

Not long ago, he was still thinking about how to find Liu Feng and then kill him so that Wang Cheng could replace him to enter the Yao Race.

But he hadn't expected that this Liu Feng would actually come directly to the vicinity of the Azure Cloud Sect.

And he even came carrying a heavenly dao fragment.

Qin Changsheng only hesitated for a moment before deciding to go to the outskirts of Wangxian Valley first to ambush Liu Feng.

Then he would have Wang Cheng Disguise himself as Liu Feng and come to the Azure Cloud Sect.

Thinking of this, Qin Changsheng directly activated the Golden Trait: Teleportation.

In the next instant, Qin Changsheng appeared not far from Hu Nan.

As soon as he appeared, Qin Changsheng headed toward Wangxian Valley.

Hu Nan's figure also followed behind Qin Changsheng.

Regarding how to ambush Liu Feng this time, Qin Changsheng already had a strategy.

This Liu Feng had just returned from the Yao Race and certainly would not recognize Hu Nan and the others.

He would have Hu Nan use a Golden Trait to camouflage himself with the aura of a Yao Race powerhouse.

Then he would approach Liu Feng, and after gaining his trust, launch a sneak attack.

A quarter of an hour later, Qin Changsheng and Hu Nan arrived together outside Wangxian Valley.

Just as they arrived, Qin Changsheng discovered a young man dressed in brocade robes sitting inside Wangxian Valley.

This man had a handsome face but bore a hint of arrogance and laziness. He wore luxurious brocade robes, and a jade pendant engraved with demonic patterns hung at his waist. His body was enveloped in a faint but exceptionally thick Demonic Qi.

Qin Changsheng only needed to take one glance to reach a conclusion in his heart.

This person was definitely Liu Feng, who had come from within the Yao Race.

Furthermore, the heavenly dao fragment was on this person's body.

Qin Changsheng did not step forward rashly but instead gave a light wave of his hand to Hu Nan beside him.

Hu Nan understood the intent and nodded slightly; the Golden Trait camouflage was instantly activated.

In the next instant, a wave of Demonic Qi emerged from Hu Nan's body.

Looking at the emerging Demonic Qi, Qin Changsheng nodded with satisfaction.

Seeing Qin Changsheng nod, Hu Nan dashed toward Wangxian Valley.

“Who is it?!” Liu Feng had been resting with his eyes closed. Sensing a sharp aura rapidly approaching, he instantly opened his eyes. A flash of alarm, anger, and vigilance crossed his eyes as he abruptly stood up from the bluestone.

In the next instant, Hu Nan's figure appeared not far away.

Looking at the appearing Hu Nan, Liu Feng's eyes were filled with astonishment.

Because he discovered that Hu Nan's body carried a powerful Demonic Qi.

This Demonic Qi was an aura that only members of the Yao Race nobility possessed.

“Are you Brother Liu, sent by the Third Elder?” Hu Nan sized up Liu Feng and asked directly.

“I am indeed Liu Feng!” Liu Feng instantly lowered his guard, though the look he gave Hu Nan was still full of confusion.

“I am Shen Cheng. By order of the Sect Head, I have come to receive you, Fellow Daoist, and escort you to the Flowing Fire Sect!” Hu Nan spoke up.

“Wasn't the appointed day tomorrow?” Liu Feng looked at Hu Nan with some confusion.

Hu Nan hurriedly explained, “I was afraid Brother Liu would wait too long, so I arrived early!”

Liu Feng nodded and did not suspect anything.

“Brother Liu, having just arrived in the Human Race territory, the journey must have been arduous. I will host a meal at a nearby restaurant to welcome you,” Hu Nan continued.

Hearing this, Liu Feng waved his hand. “No need, thank you for your kindness. I have important matters to attend to and must head to the Flowing Fire Sect as soon as possible. There can be no delay.”

Hu Nan did not insist at all. He reached into his robes and pulled out a sealed letter. The letter was stamped with the exclusive seal of the Yao Race, hinting at its secrecy.

This letter was the one Granny Qing had given to Qin Changsheng years ago.

Qin Changsheng had not destroyed it but had kept it on him all along.

“Chief Shen has a letter to give to Brother Liu.” As he spoke, Hu Nan stepped forward and handed the Yao Race secret letter toward Liu Feng.

A flash of doubt crossed Liu Feng's eyes. Why would Shen Guhong specifically have Hu Nan deliver a letter?

But he didn't think much of it; after all, Hu Nan was also of the Yao Race, and that secret letter bore the unique aura of the Yao Race.

Liu Feng suppressed the doubt in his heart and reached out to open the secret letter to see what instructions Shen Guhong had.

But at the very moment his hand touched the seal of the envelope, the look in Hu Nan's eyes beside him changed abruptly. The warm smile instantly faded, replaced by coldness and sharpness.

Before Liu Feng could react, a longsword glinting with cold light had already appeared in Hu Nan's hand. The blade shimmered with a faint spiritual light, and with the Speed of lightning, it pierced straight into Liu Feng's heart.