Chapter 2245: A Treacherous Storm
The Celestial-hunting Festival was of great importance. Zhang Ruochen had to treat it seriously, so he stayed behind. Perhaps he could learn some important information from Luo Sha.
Only by knowing yourself and your enemy could you win every battle.
Zhang Ruochen was carelessly led to the Arena of Life and Death by Warlord Mara mainly because he knew too little about his enemies in Infernal Court.
Luo Sha seemed to be deliberately keeping him in suspense. She did not get down to business right away. Instead, she poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward Zhang Ruochen. She started to make conversation with him, “Although you took off my Holy Cambric Robe and became the one in the prophecy. But you belong to the Celestial Court and I belong to Infernal Court. Deep in my heart, I have never believed this prophecy.
“Until you followed True G.o.d Qingyin to Infernal Court, then I was finally convinced.”
Luo Sha gazed at the horizon and spread out her hands. She said with a devout expression, “Fate has already been written. Nothing can go wrong. Zhang Ruochen, do you believe in fate?”
She looked in the direction of the Fane of Destiny.
Zhang Ruochen recalled the scene he saw in the Destiny Pool. His handsome face became bitter and did not speak for a long time.
‘If fate has decided everything, what’s the point of us living? What’s the point of cultivating? What’s the point of war and killing?’ he thought.
Zhang Ruochen picked up the teacup and took a sip. It was fragrant. When it entered his stomach, a cool air current rushed to the top of his head, making his mind clear.
Luo Sha said, “I believe in fate. I believe that everything in the world is destined. Just like how we met and knew each other, there are too many coincidences and karma. If fate had not arranged everything, why would you come to the Infernal Court? How can we sit here and have tea together?
“As for the meaning of life, no one can be certain of it. We only need to follow the arrangement of the G.o.d of Destiny and constantly become stronger. Naturally, we can understand the ultimate mysteries of the universe.”
Zhang Ruochen stared at Luo Sha. He thought to himself that there must be countless devotees like Luo Sha in Infernal Court. That was why the Fane of Destiny was so prosperous.
The power of faith was too terrifying. It was enough for the Fane of Destiny to surpa.s.s the center power of the ten clans and become the decision-maker of Infernal Court.
In Celestial Court, only the Fane of Truth, the Fane of Merit, and the Fane of Light had the chance to achieve such terrifying influence.
Among them, the Fane of Truth had the greatest chance. However, they did not publicize and promote their faith. Instead, they allowed cultivating the Path of Truth to the cultivators of all clans in the world according to the most reasonable method they thought. They even gave away the Canons of Truth.
If not for that, the cultivators of Truth would spread throughout the world.
The influence of the Fane of Truth would even surpa.s.s that of the Celestial Palace.
As for the Fane of Merit, it was dragged down by the endless Battle of Merits. It did not have any forces left to spread its faith.
The Fane of Light was also spreading its faith. However, only the major worlds in the sects of the Heavenly Realm were affected. Taoist Clan, Buddhist Sect, Confucianists, Demon G.o.ds, Demons, and Evilists… many orthodoxies were fighting back and would not allow the Fane of Light to expand.
Luo Sha smiled and said, “I can tell from your impatient look that you don’t agree with my beliefs. I’m telling you about fate because I also want to tell you about the factions in the Infernal Court.”
Zhang Ruochen looked interested and asked, “There are other factions besides the ten great clans?”
“The ten great clans have their center of power and rule independently. However, if the ten clans are completely independent and have no other power to restrain them, then the war between the ten clans will break out in an instant.”
Luo Sha added, “The conflicts between the clans have been pent up for a long time. Fortunately, Celestial Court is a huge threat, so the ten clans in Infernal Court can maintain their outward friendliness and unity.”
Zhang Ruochen had always thought that the ten clans of Infernal Court were a whole. He had never thought that there would be conflicts between the clans. Moreover, they had reached the point where they would start a war.
“Celestial Court and the myriad realms have been struggling to survive. How did they become a great threat to Infernal Court instead?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Luo Sha said, “Zhang Ruochen, how many battles have you experienced since you first cultivated until now? How many enemies have you encountered? Do you know the saying, never underestimate your opponent, even if he is much weaker than you?
“Celestial Court is Infernal Court’s opponent, and it is not a weak opponent.
“If it was weak, it would have been destroyed long ago. How could it exist until now?”
Zhang Ruochen thought about it silently and digested what Luo Sha had just said.
Luo Sha stood up and looked at the scenery on both sides of the river. She asked, “Did you know that 100,000 years ago, Infernal Court was divided into War Hawk and Neutral?”
“There are even Neutrals?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
He had always thought Infernal Court’s motto was destruction, war, and slaughter. Naturally, he was surprised.
Luo Sha nodded and said, “100,000 years ago, the War Hawk was led by the Fane of Darkness. The Nether Clan, Ghost, Bone Clan, Stone Clan, and Asura were all strong supporters. They were front liners in the earlier stages of the war. They were at a stalemate with the various worlds of the Celestial Court.
“The Neutral was led by the Fane of Destiny. They did not want to partic.i.p.ate in the war nor did they stop it.
“It wasn’t until the two of the Twelve Reverends of the Fane of Destiny, Life Reverend and Auspicious Reverend suddenly died. After that, Death Reverend and Ferocious Reverend took charge of the Fane.
“Not long after, the Fane of Destiny announced to the outside world that an all-out war was going to break out with Celestial Court and all living beings in the realm would be exterminated.
“You should know that the Immortal Vampires and the Rakshasa are also living beings. The order given by the Fane of Destiny made us feel a great crisis.
“If all the living beings in the realm were exterminated, how long would the Immortal Vampires and the Rakshasa survive?
“Just as the Immortal Vampires and the Rakshasa were hesitating, the Fane of Destiny made an announcement to the outside world again. It was Saint Monk Xumi and Lord Wentian of the Ten Tribulations of Kunlun who had crossed s.p.a.ce-time and sneaked into the Fane of Destiny to kill Life Reverend and the Auspicious Reverend.
“It was also revealed that Kunlun had used the Power of Time to attract the Marks of Time of the entire galaxy. The River of Time had become extremely unstable. The strength of Kunlun was rising rapidly. It wanted to destroy Infernal Court and become the overlord of the universe. The ten clans of Infernal Court were on the verge of destruction.
“Forced into a corner, an all-out war broke out between Celestial Court World and Infernal Court. The Immortal Vampires and the Rakshasa had no choice but to partic.i.p.ate in the war. Kunlun became the center of the Yuanhui tribulation-level war. You should know the outcome of Kunlun better than I do.”
Zhang Ruochen did not expect that there would be such a secret behind the war. It could be said that the situation was treacherous.
Zhang Ruochen said, “How can you believe the one-sided story of the Fane of Destiny?”
“This matter is peculiar indeed. Quite a mystery as well. Life Reverend and Auspicious Reverend were both among the most powerful deities in the realm. No matter how powerful Saint Monk Xumi and Lord Wentian of the Ten Tribulations were, they couldn’t kill them silently and they might not even be able to kill the two deities. But 100,000 years have pa.s.sed. Everything has been set. Who would investigate what happened then?”
Luo Sha continued, “In fact, it’s said that there was a Peacemonger in addition to the War Hawk and the Neutral.”
“How is that possible? There’s a Peacemonger in Infernal Court?”
Zhang Ruochen was stunned for a moment. Then he shook his head with a smile. He did not believe it at all.
Luo Sha said, “Actually, I don’t believe it either. But since there’s such a legend, it can’t be groundless.”
“Who’s the Peacemonger?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
“The previous leader of the Yanluo clan.”
Luo Sha continued, “Someone claimed that on the day of the great change in the Fane of Destiny, the leader of the Yanluo clan went into seclusion in the Abyss of Darkness. He hasn’t come out since then.”
“In Infernal Court, there are some conspiracy-like legends. Legend has it that the leader of the Yanluo clan was imprisoned by the G.o.ds of the Fane of Darkness and they sealed him in the depths of the Abyss of Darkness.”
“There are also legends that he did not enter seclusion in the Abyss of Darkness but was killed by the new leader of the Yanluo clan.”
“In short, in the eyes of the conspirators, all the G.o.ds who prevented Infernal Court from attacking Celestial Court 100,000 years ago died in internal strife. However, who can tell the truth? Just like the previous leader of the Yanluo clan, his cultivation was so high that he couldn’t be imprisoned. How could he be imprisoned? Could he be killed just because he said so?”
“Although few cultivators would believe the words of the Peacemonger. However, the Yanluo clan really didn’t care about the war with Celestial Court. Until now, they have been neutral. They put more power into the Abyss of Darkness. They’ve always wanted to push to the end of the Abyss of Darkness and find the last Yanluo clan leader.”
Zhang Ruochen sighed and said, “Infernal Court isn’t as simple as it seems. There are all kinds of hidden conflicts.”
Luo Sha smiled and said, “The internal conflicts in Infernal Court aren’t that simple. There are conflicts between the legitimate and illegitimate children, between living beings and dead souls, and countless conflicts between the clans.”
“There is also the conflict between superiority and inferiority. The strength of Rakshasa, Immortal Vampires and Asura are no weaker than any clan in Infernal Court. How can they be called the lower three clans? The population of the Yanluo clan is less than one millionth of Asura. How can they become the Supreme Clan?”
“So, Zhang Ruochen, although you have countless enemies in Infernal Court, as long as you understand these conflicts, you can find your own allies.”
“As the saying goes, the enemy of the enemy is a friend.”
Zhang Ruochen felt that staying was the right choice after he heard what Luo Sha had said.
At this moment, a golden saints.h.i.+p spread its eight golden wings and broke through the blood-colored waves. It quickly caught up with Luo Sha’s saints.h.i.+p.
The two s.h.i.+ps were less than 30 meters apart.
At Zhang Ruochen’s seat, he could clearly see the various decorations and figures on the opposite s.h.i.+p.
A Nine-Step Saint King Immortal Vampires with six blood wings on his back stood on the s.h.i.+p. He bowed and said, “Greetings, Princess Luo Sha. is the Supreme Saint Ruochen on your saints.h.i.+p?”
Luo Sha stared at Zhang Ruochen and said, “He’s looking for you.”
“I don’t know him.” Zhang Ruochen answered and shook his head. A look of confusion appeared in his eyes.
Han Ying took Luo Sha’s place and sent a message to the other side. “The Supreme Saint Ruochen is indeed on the princess’s s.h.i.+p. Who are you?”
“I am Yan Beijun of the Yellowsky Clan. My senior sister has admired Supreme Saint Ruochen for a long time. She wants to invite him on the s.h.i.+p for a chat,” the Nine-Step Saint King of the Immortal Vampires said loudly.
Luo Sha smiled at Zhang Ruochen, “Hehe, Yan Beijun is quite famous below the Supreme Saint. His senior sister apprentice, Lady Wind, had only cultivated for more than 400 years. She was already a powerhouse at the completion of the Hundred-Shackle Realm. She was also one of the candidates for the three G.o.ddesses of the Fane of Destiny. Her ident.i.ty, status, and talent were top-notch in Infernal Court. Very few cultivators can be invited by her. I didn’t expect you to be so lucky to come to Infernal Court.”
Zhang Ruochen stared at Han Ying and said, “Tell him that I want to accompany your princess and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the River of Present. I can’t get away.”
Although Luo Sha knew that Zhang Ruochen was just using her as a s.h.i.+eld, she was inexplicably happy.
However, Luo Sha did not understand and said, “Lady Wind must be looking for you to be a supporter of her ascension. You should know that this Celestial-hunting Festival is likely to officially confer the t.i.tle of a G.o.ddess.
“Lady Wind needs you, and you need her. She can be your important ally at the Celestial-hunting Festival. You should know this. Why did you choose to refuse?”
Zhang Ruochen played with the teacup in his hand and he said, “There are many powerhouses at the Celestial-hunting Festival. There are also a large number of powerhouses at the completion of the Hundred-Shackle Realm. I have just reached the Neverwilt Realm. My status is too little. I don’t think Lady Wind will think much of me.”
Luo Sha covered his mouth and smiled, she said, “I didn’t expect the arrogant Zhang Ruochen to be so humble. However, what you said is the truth. As far as I know, Lady Wind values three supporters the most. Lord Bladeh.e.l.l of Qitian Clan, Yin Wei of the Fane of Destiny, and Mad Whitejade Lion of Stone clan. Each of them is a powerhouse at the completion of the Hundred-Shackle Realm.
“This time, there are forty-seven powerhouses at the completion of the Hundred-Shackle Realm partic.i.p.ating in the Celestial-hunting Festival. All three of them can be ranked in the top twenty. Among the partic.i.p.ants, Lord Bladeh.e.l.l is known as the number one powerhouse below the Thousand-Koan Realm of Immortal Vampires and he is ranked ninth.
“Of course, these are only superficial figures. There will also be some powerhouses that hide their cultivation. The number of powerhouses at the completion of the Hundred-Shackle Realm is definitely more than this number.”
Zhang Ruochen was surprised. “There’s a ranking? What’s Warlord Mara’s rank?”
“This ranking is compiled by the Realm of Star Ocean based on the partic.i.p.ants’ past achievements and their own abilities. Moreover, Warlord Mara hasn’t reached the completion of the Hundred-Shackle Realm, so he’s not in the ranking.”
Zhang Ruochen asked, “Where is your Royal Brother?”
“My Royal Brother is in fourth place,” said Luo Sha.
Zhang Ruochen could not calm down.
Although Luo Shengtian did not show his real combat power on the Arena of Life and Death, Zhang Ruochen had an a.s.sessment in his mind.
If Luo Shengtian was only in fourth place, then the Celestial-hunting Festival would be more difficult than imagined.
Luo Sha said, “The top 10 powerhouses of the completion of the Hundred-Shackle Realm have all defeated or killed the Thousand-Koan Realm Supreme Saint. Yan Wushen was known as a genius that only appeared once in the Yuanhui period. However, before he reached the Hundred-Shackle Realm, he could only retreat when he encountered the top ten powerhouses. Yan Wushen hasn’t shown up. Maybe he’s in seclusion to breakthrough.”
Zhang Ruochen felt even more pressure in his heart. He had to condense the saintwill before the Celestial-hunting Festival.
He even had to try his best to break through to the Hundred-Shackle Realm.
After Han Ying pa.s.sed the message on behalf of Zhang Ruochen, the eight-winged saints.h.i.+p still sailed not far away.
The two s.h.i.+ps entered the River Market District almost side by side.