Chapter 1823: A Wild Card
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Zhao Ji had already made preparations to come up with an excuse for the rise of his cultivation base while he made his way back to the Mystical Sky Mansion from the remote areas in the western side of the Lower Province of Dao Martial Saint Land. He would say he had obtained an Inheritance from a Prehistoric Devil Beast.
That would also provide a good cover for his conversion to a Devil Cultivator. No one would suspect he was only able to break through to the Early Divine Saint Stage from the Refined Saint Stage within two years because of the Devouring Dark Devil Technique.
“My son, Zhao Ji, when did you obtain the Inheritance?” Zhao Deng’s expression turned solemn suddenly. He had heard of Inheritances from Prehistoric Relics from ancient times. Moreover, the Mystical Sky Mansion’s records also recorded changes after obtaining an Inheritance. However, none of the known changes were as drastic as his son’s change. His son, Zhao Ji, went from a Refined Saint Stage cultivator to an Early Divine Saint Stage cultivator within two years.
“I found the Prehistoric Relic that contained the Inheritance about a month after I left the Mystical Sky Mansion… Do you think my cultivation base had risen to rapidly, father?” Zhao Ji asked his father after he told him about his encounter.
“Yes.” Zhao Deng nodded. “Your current cultivation speed is comparable to the Devil Cultivators who cultivates the Devouring Dark Devil Technique.”
The Devouring Dark Devil Technique!
Although Zhao Ji felt slightly uncomfortable when he heard Zhao Deng’s words, he did not show it on his face. The person standing in front of him might be his father, but Zhao Ji did not dare to tell his father that he had cultivated the Devouring Dark Devil Technique. He was certain once his father found out about it, he would force him to destroy his cultivation since people who cultivated the Devouring Dark Devil Technique were despised and ostracized in both the Upper and Lower Province of the Dao Martial Saint Land.
As the sole heir to the Zhao Clan, both his father and grandfather would not allow him to take such risk no matter what.
Zhao Deng suddenly stared at Zhao Ji in an imposing manner and said, “Zhao Ji, my son!”
Zhao Ji became anxious when he saw his father’s stare. ‘Does father suspect my lies about the Devil Beast’s Inheritance? Does he know I cultivated the Devouring Dark Devil Technique?’
Zhao Ji still had a guilty conscience after all. However, he felt relieved as soon as he heard what Zhao Deng said next. It seemed like his father did not suspect him of cultivating the Devouring Dark Devil Technique.
“The technique that you inherited from the Prehistoric Devil Beast raised your cultivation base so rapidly. Tell me honestly, my son. Are you taking shortcuts? Is the method in any way similar to the Devouring Dark Devil Technique?” Zhao Deng asked earnestly before he said, “If that’s the case, I hope you’ll destroy that Devil Cultivation Method you inherited from the Prehistoric Devil Beast… You’re my only son and the only heir of Zhao Clan, you’re not allowed to take unnecessary risks!”
Zhao Ji felt relieved he did not reveal the truth to his father after listening to his words. However, Zhao Ji still paid lip service to his father. “Relax, father! Although the technique I inherited from the Prehistoric Devil Beast is slightly cruel but it’s only to wild beasts, not humans. The more wild beasts I slay, and the more of their hearts I obtain, the faster the speed of my cultivation will be.”
“Alright, then.” Zhao Deng sighed in relief after he heard Zhao Ji’s words.
“Father, where’s grandfather?” Zhao Ji had planned to look for his grandfather, but he did not see him anywhere.
“Your grandfather and Guardian Gu have left the Mystical Sky Mansion to search for Zhu Lu Qi in the west,” Zhao Deng said.
“Palace Master Zhu? Why are they suddenly looking for him again?” Zhao Ji asked, feigning surprise.
“The Devouring Dark Devil Technique that Xu Jing cultivated must have fallen into the hands of Zhu Lu Qi, and he must have begun to cultivate it. Many people have died in remote areas in the west. Many corpses of young women were turned into dried corpses after their vital energies and blood had been absorbed,” Zhao Deng said, “Currently, Zhu Lu Qi has become the public’s enemy in the Lower Province. Together with the other quasi third-rate forces, we have sent out powerhouses to look for him! Everyone’s worried that he’ll be like Devil Cultivator in the past if he continues to cultivate the Devouring Dark Devil Technique!”
Zhao Deng’s expression was solemn as he continued to say, “However, your grandfather and the others will have a hard time finding Zhu Lu Qi if he intends to hide!”
“Palace Master Zhu has already begun to cultivate the Devouring Dark Devil Technique?!” Zhao Ji continued to feign surprise as he said, “It seems like revenge is the only thing that’s left in his mind now. It’s uncertain if Feng Bu Yi, the Deputy Leader of Mountainshade Black Market, will be a match for Palace Master Zhu in the future.”
“If Zhu Lu Qi hides well and doesn’t reveal himself before he raises his cultivation base, killing Feng Bu Yi would be as easy as slaying a chicken in just a few years!” Zhao Deng said with certainty, “After all, he’s cultivating the Devouring Dark Devil Technique!”
Zhao Deng could not hide his admiration for the Devouring Dark Devil Technique as he spoke. However, his fear was equal to his admiration for the technique.
A few days later, a rumor spread to Zhao Deng and his son.
“Duan Ling Tian plans to leave the Mystical Sky Mansion alone? Father, is this rumor true?” Zhao Ji asked excitedly as he looked at Zhao Deng.
“Yes.” Zhao Deng nodded. “Although it’s not certain where his destination is, it’s certain that he’ll be leaving the Mystical Sky Mansion… A disciple from Zhao Clan heard this when he was talking to w.a.n.g Fei Xuan.”
“Good! Good!” Zhao Ji laughed as his eyes sparkled. He was excited after finding out Duan Ling Tian was going to leave the Mystical Sky Mansion alone.
He had given up in the past since he was no match for Ling Tian. However, he was no longer the weakling he once was. With his Divine Saint Stage cultivation base, he was as powerful as Gu Li, the strongest person on the Mystical Sky Ranking.
In his opinion, it would be easy for him to kill Ling Tian with his current strength.
“However… Recently, Gu Li has been frequently contacting a few Vice Mansion Masters and some elders who are close with his father. It seems like he intends to monitor all the Divine Saint Stage cultivators from the Zhao Clan and prevent them from leaving the Mystical Sky Mansion!” Zhao Deng said in his low voice, “I didn’t expect Ling Tian could convince Gu Li to use his father’s connections in such a short time. Gu Li plans on keeping an eye on all the Divine Saint Stage cultivators from our clan to prevent them from attacking Ling Tian after he leaves the Mystical Sky Mansion!”
“Monitor all the Divine Saint Stage cultivators from our clan?” Zhao Ji closed his eyes, deep in thought, after he heard his father’s words. Subsequently, he asked, “Father, does that include you?”
“Yes,” Zhao Deng nodded and said solemnly, “Ling Tian’s actions prove that he has grown stronger in the past two years. He’s most likely a Divine Saint Stage cultivator now. Unfortunately, your grandfather’s not around since he has a great number Divine Saint Stage cultivator that can’t be monitored by Gu Ci Yun’s friends!”
“After Gu Li had acted, the Divine Saint Stage cultivators from our clan find it hard to even leave the Mystical Sky Mansion, let alone killing Duan Ling Tian,” Zhao Deng said as his expression turned grimmer.
“Father, you’re the only one I told about my breakthrough to the Divine Saint Stage… Did you tell anyone about it?” Zhao Ji asked with a glint in his eyes.
“No,” Zhao Deng answered as he shook his head.
After a while, his eyes brightened when he caught on to the meaning of Zhao Ji’s words. He said with a sly smile, “My son, how could I have forgotten about you! You’re now an Early Divine Saint Stage cultivator. It’ll be easy for you to kill Ling Tian.”
“You finally remember me, father,” Zhao Ji said with a laugh.
“Gu Li would never see this coming even in his wildest dreams. You’re like a wild card that n.o.body expects. Apart from those that only take orders from your grandfather, Gu Li’s monitoring all the Divine Saint Stage cultivators from our clan apart from you.” The smile on Zhao Deng’s face became more and more radiant.
“Perhaps, in Gu Li’s eyes, I’m still a worthless Refined Saint Stage Martial Cultivator,” Zhao Ji said with a sneer.
“Isn’t this even better? Not only will you be able to trick him, but you’ll also catch Duan Ling Tian by surprise… My son, Ling Tian is all yours this time. You’ve always wanted to personally kill him to avenge yourself, right?” Zhao Deng said.
“Relax, father. I’ll make sure Ling Tian dies this time!” Zhao Ji said coldly as his eyes flashed.
“I have faith in you. I’ll wait for your good news!” Zhao Deng nodded.
A few days later, three figures stood at the periphery of the Mystical Sky Mansion’s estate. At one side was a handsome young man while a robust young man and a pretty young woman stood on the other side. Duan Ling Tian was the former while the latter was Gu Li and w.a.n.g Fei Xuan.
“Are you sure you want to leave alone?” w.a.n.g Fei Xuan said worriedly, “Those people from Zhao clan are not to be trifled with… I’m afraid they’ll start pursuing you the moment you step foot out of the Mystical Sky Mansion’s estate. Since they can’t kill you in the estate, I’m sure they won’t hesitate to kill you once you leave!”
“Relax. Senior Brother Gu Li has made arrangements for me,” Duan Ling Tian said with a laugh.
“Yes, Junior Brother Ling Tian. All Divine Saint Stage cultivators who are under Zhao Deng’s command won’t be able to leave the Mystical Sky Mansion for three days after your departure!” Gu Li said confidently.
Originally, he planned to leave together with Duan Ling Tian to the Azure Cloud Mansion before going to the Upper Province of the Dao Martial Saint Land. However, his plan was rejected by Duan Ling Tian. Duan Ling Tian felt that Gu Li should inform his dad, Gu Ci Yun, before leaving the Mystical Sky Mansion. Furthermore, Duan Ling Tian planned to stay in the Azure Cloud Mansion for some time before making his way to the Upper Province of the Dao Martial Saint Land. At that time, when Gu Ci Yun returned, Gu Li would inform his father about his intention of going to the Upper Province before meeting Duan Ling Tian in the Azure Cloud Mansion.