140: Rumors suddenly arose

His Divine Thought withdrew from the Jade Slip. Gao De remained silent for a long time, his heart surging with waves, though not entirely out of greed, but more from a sense of melancholy regarding the passage of time and the fickleness of opportunities.

The Legacy of the Yushui Sect sounded truly enticing—wielding authority over the water element and peering into the secrets of heaven and earth. Any water-attribute Cultivator would likely feel their heart race upon hearing of it.

However, Gao De was no ordinary member of the Yao Race.

He possessed the [Swallowing Evolution System], a broad path leading directly to his Bloodline Origin, and the "Purple Heaven Dragon Transformation Art," an orthodox Dragon Clan Legacy.

For him, the path to dragon transformation was the ultimate goal. The Yushui Sect's Legacy was more like a "shortcut" or "supplement" filled with unknown risks, rather than something indispensable.

"An ancient cataclysm... the Black Tide drowning the world... even a Sect like this was destroyed in an instant. How could the place where its Legacy is kept be easy to enter?"

Gao De calmly analyzed the risks. "Not to mention the three missing fragments. Even if I were lucky enough to gather them all, the depths of the 'Yunmeng Water Eye' are likely far from safe. That Pure-blood Black Tortoise might have just been a guard for the outskirts. Who knows what horrors are hidden in the true core area?"

He weighed the Jade Slip in his hand, feeling its cool, smooth texture.

"Even after obtaining this slip, the Yunhe Sect didn't produce any world-shaking figures and eventually vanished into history. Was it because they couldn't gather the fragments, or... did they meet with disaster in the depths of the Water Eye?"

At this thought, the heat in Gao De's heart brought by the shocking secret quickly cooled down.

"For now, this item shall remain a reserve of knowledge, a possibility for the future."

He carefully put away the Jade Slip, placing it with the blue jade pendant and the black command token he had obtained from the main hall.

"Right now, improving my own strength and consolidating the foundation of Qianjiao Cliff is the fundamental task. Once my strength is sufficient in the future, if I happen to encounter the Sea-Suppressing Monument fragments by chance, I can consider it then. If not, it's no great loss."

His Dao Heart was firm, and he was not swayed by this sudden "heavenly Opportunity."

On the path to dragon transformation, taking it one step at a time is the Righteous Path. Coveting shortcuts often means facing greater risks.

Leaving the Yunhe Sect ruins, Gao De focused his energy back on managing Qianjiao Cliff and his own cultivation.

He continued to deepen his study of the "Water Vein Surveying Secret Art," combining it with his own dragon-like characteristics, which made his control over the waters increasingly exquisite.

At the same time, he did not give up on optimizing his transformation technique. Although the simulated complex energy pathways progressed slowly, they improved his micro-manipulation of power in his Half-Jiaoren form.

The forces under his command were also developing steadily. The nesting plan for the Giant Demon Bee Swarm yielded significant results; the quality and quantity of the "blood honey" and "royal jelly" they provided were increasing, becoming a hard currency for Qianjiao Cliff's external trade and an important resource for internal rewards.

Turtle Three Thousand managed the market in an orderly fashion, with stable income providing sufficient Spirit Stone support for the expansion of their forces.

Under the training of Crab Eighteen and Shrimp No Shadow, the combat power of the Demon Soldiers legion grew day by day.

One day, deep within the Water Mansion, Gao De was attempting to integrate a newly comprehended trace of Water Rhythm Intent into the [Heaven-Confusing Illusionary Mist], hoping to make the illusory miasma more varied and deceptive.

Turtle Three Thousand came to report, his expression carrying a hint of gravity.

"My Lord, in recent days, a piece of news has suddenly spread like wildfire across several markets frequented by external Cultivators, especially those near the Wu-Yue Border."

Turtle Three Thousand presented a Jade Slip. "The source of the news is unknown, and the publisher cannot be traced. It seemed to become common knowledge overnight. The content says that in the depths of the Yunmeng Marsh near the Wu-Yue Border, unusual spiritual energy fluctuations have been intermittently detected recently. Rays of light have appeared, and the earth's veins have hummed. It is suspected that an ancient Cultivator's Immortal Cave or a natural Secret Realm is about to appear."

Gao De took the Jade Slip, his Divine Sense scanning the nearly identical reports gathered from various channels.

An ancient Cultivator's Immortal Cave? A Secret Realm?

His eyes flickered. His first reaction was not joy, but vigilance.

Compared to the ethereal and dangerous Yushui Sect Legacy, this kind of Opportunity that might appear soon and seemed to have relatively controllable risks was indeed more in line with his current needs.

But... for the news to spread so quickly and widely was somewhat abnormal.

"The news came in a strange way." Gao De put down the Jade Slip, a cold light flashing in his Purple Lightning vertical pupils. "It's as if someone deliberately spread it, fearing that the world wouldn't know."

"Your Lordship is wise." Turtle Three Thousand nodded. "This old servant also feels there's something strange about this. If an Opportunity were truly appearing, most discoverers would keep it secret and plot in the shadows. Making such a grand display seems more like... wanting to muddy the waters and attract more people."

"The Wu-Yue Border... it's still some distance from us, but if the commotion is too great, it might inevitably affect us."

Gao De pondered for a moment, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the throne's armrest. "Is someone trying to kill with a borrowed knife, or fish in troubled waters? Or perhaps, the place that is about to appear is extremely dangerous, requiring a large number of Cultivators to scout and fill the pits?"

He quickly made a decision: "Pay close attention to the developments of this matter. Send more people to gather relevant intelligence. Not only should you focus on the specific location and characteristics of the spiritual energy fluctuations, but also note which forces are most active in this regard, and... if there are any clues about the source of the news."

"Yes!" Turtle Three Thousand took the order.

Gao De did not immediately decide whether to participate, but this sudden change, full of doubts, had already become a new variable that had to be taken seriously.

The forces near the Yunmeng Marsh were never a stagnant pool of water; new storms were brewing, whether man-made or otherwise.

As for Gao De, whether to watch from the sidelines, wait for an Opportunity, or be wary that this might be a trap targeting certain forces would all depend on subsequent intelligence and his own judgment.

After Turtle Three Thousand took his leave, Gao De sat alone on the Water Mansion throne, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest. The news about the ancient Cultivator's Immortal Cave was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in his heart.

"Publicly spreading news... the goal is not small."

He whispered to himself, a calculating light flashing in his Purple Lightning vertical pupils. "Either that place has powerful Restrictions and needs a lot of cannon fodder to wear them down, or someone wants to use the Opportunity to set a trap, eliminate rivals, or... stir up the situation to make it easier to fish in troubled waters."

Just as he was deep in thought, Shrimp No Shadow, who was responsible for gathering intelligence, silently glided into the Water Mansion, bringing a new, more definite, and eye-catching piece of information.

"My Lord, important news regarding the 'Heavenly Sword Sect' has arrived!"

Shrimp No Shadow's voice was grave. "According to reliable sources, the Heavenly Sword Sect Ancestor officially came out of seclusion half a month ago. Not only has the severe wound he suffered decades ago from the ambush by Wu and Yue Cultivators during the 'Guiche Immortal City' incident completely healed, but his cultivation has also broken through the Core Formation Late Stage Bottleneck, reaching the Peak of the Core Formation stage!"

"Peak Core Formation..." Gao De's finger tapping stopped completely, a flash of realization and wariness in his eyes.

The Heavenly Sword Sect was the strongest cultivation Sect in the State of Chu, with three Core Formation experts at the Early, Middle, and Late Stages respectively. Its Old Ancestor was originally the strongest person on the surface of the three countries' cultivation world.

Decades ago, because of the Opportunity at "Guiche Immortal City," he was ambushed by the combined forces of experts from Wu and Yue, returning with severe injuries. This matter had caused a sensation at the time.

Now, this Old Ancestor had not only fully recovered but had also gone a step further, stepping into the Peak of Core Formation, only one step away from the legendary Nascent Soul Dao!

"It seems some kind of extraordinary healing medicine must have flowed out from the Nine Dragons Chamber of Commerce." Gao De immediately linked this matter to the vast resource network of the Nine Dragons Chamber of Commerce.

Only such a large chamber of commerce spanning multiple provinces could possibly obtain a precious medicine capable of healing a Core Formation Late Stage Cultivator's severe injuries and allowing a Breakthrough.

A Peak Core Formation Sword Cultivator who had recovered his strength and advanced further, while harboring suppressed rage, had a deterrent power that was incomparable to decades ago!

Gao De quickly connected the two pieces of information: rumors of a Secret Realm of unknown Origin were spreading at the Wu-Yue Border, followed closely by the Heavenly Sword Sect Ancestor's Breakthrough and aggressive emergence... This was definitely no coincidence!

"The Heavenly Sword Sect's mountain gate is located in the southeast of the State of Chu, bordering Wu and Yue, and is very close to the area where the spiritual energy fluctuations are rumored to be."

Gao De's gaze was as sharp as a blade. "A powerful Sect that has been suppressed for decades, now with skyrocketing strength and an urgent need to re-establish its prestige or even seek revenge for old grudges, and a suddenly appearing unknown Secret Realm that attracts countless eyes..."

A clear picture unfolded in his heart: the Heavenly Sword Sect was very likely one of the masterminds behind this Secret Realm news, or at least they were happy to see it happen and were prepared to intervene forcefully!

They wanted to use this Opportunity to both explore the Secret Realm's opportunities and, more importantly, announce the return of the king to the entire cultivation world of the three countries, especially to the forces of Wu and Yue that had participated in the ambush!

This struggle for the Secret Realm could very well turn into a battlefield for the Heavenly Sword Sect to establish its authority and seek revenge!

"The water isn't just muddy; a hungry evil flood dragon with even sharper fangs than before has entered the water!" Gao De felt unprecedented pressure.

A Peak Core Formation expert, especially a Sword Cultivator known for killing, possessed strength that he could not currently contend with.

Once caught in a struggle of this level, it would not be easy for even him to escape.

"Pass down the order!"

Gao De's voice carried an unquestionable decisiveness. "All exploration activities regarding that Secret Realm are to stop immediately, and all personnel are to be withdrawn. Strictly order all departments under my command not to approach the disputed waters of the Wu-Yue Border for any reason in the near future, especially the rumored area.

At the same time, use all connections to closely monitor every move of the Heavenly Sword Sect and all its affiliated forces, including their personnel movements and resource stockpiles. Even the slightest anomaly must be reported immediately!"

"Yes!" Shrimp No Shadow felt the gravity in Gao De's tone and did not dare to delay, immediately taking the order and leaving.

Gao De stood up and walked to the edge of the Water Mansion, his gaze seemingly piercing through the layers of water curtains to see the impending storm of blood at the Wu-Yue Border.

The situation had escalated instantly, from a potential scramble for opportunities to a dangerous game where top-tier forces were clearing the field.

"At this moment, one should keep a low profile and watch the changes quietly."

He took a deep breath, completely suppressing any trace of wishful thinking. In the face of an absolute strength gap, acting rashly was seeking self-destruction.

What he needed to do now was to firmly hold onto the basic territory of Qianjiao Cliff and, like the most patient hunter, hide in the shadows and carefully observe this storm stirred up by giants. Perhaps... he could only find those insignificant yet possible scraps in the gaps of the storm, or simply ensure that the storm would not affect him.

After Shrimp No Shadow left, silence returned to the Water Mansion, leaving only the faint sound of Gao De's fingertips unconsciously tapping the throne.

The news of the Heavenly Sword Sect Ancestor's Breakthrough to Peak Core Formation indeed brought immense pressure, but in Gao De's eyes, besides wariness, there was a trace of cold sharp-wittedness and calculation.

"Peak Core Formation... truly powerful, enough to sweep through the three countries' cultivation world on the surface."

He slowly stood up, purple electrical lights faintly flowing around him—a symbol of power that was full yet unreleased. "But this King is no longer the same as before."

After ten years of seclusion, his Bloodline had reached 15%, he had awakened [Heaven-Confusing Illusionary Mist], and his strength was stable at Third Order Mid-Stage. Combined with his increasingly growing natal demon artifact and the gradually forming forces under him, Gao De had his own confidence.

He might not be able to confront a Peak Core Formation expert head-on, but when it came to self-preservation, maneuvering, or even snatching chestnuts from the fire within this Yunmeng Marsh, he might not be without a chance.

"Knowing fear when one's strength is small is not cowering, but knowing oneself and the enemy, and acting only after a plan is set."

Gao De paced to the light screen at the edge of the Water Mansion, looking at the patrolling Demon Soldiers and the busy Giant Demon Bees outside. "The Heavenly Sword Sect wants to use this Secret Realm to establish authority and seek revenge. Since the various Sects of Wu and Yue could join forces to ambush their Old Ancestor back then, they certainly won't sit idly by and watch them act willfully now. This pool of water will only be muddier than imagined."

The Water Mansion was deep and quiet, with spiritual light like waves.

Gao De coiled upon the black jade throne, the lightning patterns faintly appearing around him making his dragon-like eyes seem even deeper.

His fingertips tapped the jade throne, splashing tiny sparks of electricity as his thoughts spread out like a spider web—

First, sit and watch the clouds. With the Heavenly Sword Sect returning with the momentum of thunder, how could the various Sects of Wu and Yue wait for death? Since they could join forces to severely wound the Sword Ancestor back then, they will surely set an inescapable net now. The muddier this pool becomes, the better this hidden flood dragon can conceal his tracks.

Second, weave an intelligence network. Not only must he keep a close eye on where the Heavenly Sword Sect's blade is pointed, but he must also understand the countermeasures of the various Sects in Wu and Yue. He must have a clear understanding of when the Secret Realm's Restrictions loosen and how the spiritual tide ebbs and flows.

Third, play to his strengths. All the thousands of water veins in the Yunmeng Marsh are his ears and eyes. [Heaven-Confusing Illusionary Mist] can turn a hundred miles of water into a mirage, and the Giant Demon Bee Swarm can probe into dead ends that Cultivators find hard to reach. In these waters, he is the hunter in the dark of night.

Fourth, act within his means. He would not covet core treasures or fight for temporary pride. He would only take the pearls at the edges, observe the clashes of Daoist methods, and if he encountered a severely wounded enemy... He licked his fangs, his Demon Core faintly burning.

"Green Edge, Iron Pincer!" His voice was like a cold spring striking stone.

Two demon figures appeared in response, the water ripples undisturbed.

"Select three elite squads and carry the Mirage Talismans I've refined." Three crystals shimmering with misty vapor condensed between Gao De's claws. "Set up hidden posts a hundred miles away. You are only allowed to watch, not move. Remember the methods of each Sect clearly and keep an eye out for any fish that slip through the net."

His dragon head lowered slightly, the lightning light at his unicorn horn gathering into a vertical pupil-like pattern: "If you see a Human Cultivator fleeing with severe injuries..." His voice trailed off in a meaningful vortex of water.

The two generals' scales clanged as they took the order and left.

"Turtle Chancellor." Gao De turned to the old turtle. "On the Chamber of Commerce's side, use the thousand-year blood honey to pave the way. This King wants every change in the Secret Realm's Restrictions and every dangerous mechanism."

"Your Lordship is brilliant." Hexagram patterns flowed on Turtle Three Thousand's shell. "This old servant has already prepared three jars of royal jelly, enough to exchange for a handwritten note from an Array Grandmaster."

When the Water Mansion returned to silence, Gao De coiled up a jade pillar, his claw tip sweeping across the water curtain to reveal the distant scene.

Various spiritual boats were gathering like bloodthirsty shark pods, and the light of swords and talismans had already dyed half the sky in magnificent yet dangerous colors.

He suddenly chuckled, the electrical snakes escaping from the gaps in his scales vanishing into the darkness.

"Let you all fight until the world is turned upside down first." His dragon tail swept across the water curtain, his cold vertical pupils reflected in the ripples. "When blood stains the Yunmeng, only then will it be known who the true hunter of this marshland is."