[Vol. 6] Chapter 221: Shadows of Conspiracy
The prophecy declaring the arrival of [Destruction]… These guys sure know how to make an impact when they finally act.
Violet glanced at Mu Ze, who stood behind the Saint, and quickly pieced things together.
From the moment they realized the [Heaven’s Eye] system had been hijacked, despite the tournament broadcast screens still functioning, he must have already suspected such an event might happen.
However, with the enemy’s actions carefully coordinated and seamless, there was little that could have been done to stop it. It was clear that the chaotic forces had been preparing for this for a long time.
The impact of this move was undeniable.
It wasn’t just about destruction and chaos. For malevolent forces like these, targeting the stability of the [Ancient Spirit Realm] meant attacking both its physical strength and its symbols of prosperity. Spirit Veil Immortal Island and the four nations were emblematic of order and power, but their need to balance fighting this threat while maintaining public trust and stability was a weakness.
The [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony], a celebrated event symbolizing wealth and progress, was also its most vulnerable point.
An incident like this, occurring during the finals, would inevitably lead the public to doubt the competence of the authorities. Whether the so-called prophecy was a baseless spectacle or rooted in truth, it would shake the people’s trust, spreading fear and uncertainty.
Once public opinion spiraled, with some opportunists intentionally fanning the flames, social order could descend into chaos. The four nations of the [Ancient Spirit Realm] would be forced to divert more resources to pacify and suppress unrest, leaving less to combat the true threat of these chaotic forces.
Unless… the authorities could find a way to restore trust and rally the people. At least enough to reignite their spirit.
“So, how has Spirit Veil Immortal Island responded to this? Don’t tell me they’re just sitting back and doing nothing,” Violet asked.
Shangguan Qiuyue pondered for a moment before replying.
“I’ve already sent word to the envoys of the island, informing them of the situation. So far, we haven’t received a reply. Even if they are willing to step in, it’s unlikely they can fully undo the damage. To regain public trust, we’ll need something far more direct and visible.”
“Something like… certain legendary figures.”
Violet smiled knowingly. Her tone wasn’t questioning but confident.
“So that’s why you need my help.”
The Saint smiled as well.
“Talking to smart people is indeed easier. Don’t worry. You won’t do this for nothing. I once promised that if Miss Violet could win first place in the finals, I would give you a grand gift. That promise still stands and will not conflict with the official rewards,” Shangguan Qiuyue said with calm assurance.
“Furthermore, if this matter succeeds, the Holy Sect will grant you one unconditional request within our power. How does that sound?”
“Hmm…”
Violet nodded silently to herself.
Such a promise was indeed generous. Enough to show the Saint’s sincerity in this collaboration.
“So, you’re planning to continue hosting the tournament?”
Shangguan Qiuyue nodded decisively. His sharp, authoritative demeanor was unmistakable, even as his youthful and handsome appearance suggested he was barely in his thirties.
“Of course we will! And we’ll make it even grander and more successful! Otherwise, wouldn’t it be like admitting defeat before the fight even begins? If these scoundrels want to play, then I’ll play along. Until they’re utterly crushed and scattered!”
“Quite the determination…”
After a brief moment of thought, Violet decided it was time to reveal her true purpose for being there. Her eyes glinted with calculated intent as she spoke.
“I understand what you mean. Here’s the deal. I’ll guarantee victory in the finals, and I’ll do it in a way that delivers the spectacle and morale boost you need. But… I have one additional condition. Consider it an early fulfillment of that promise you made.”
“Oh? You’re that eager? Well, it’s not impossible. Let’s hear it,” Shangguan Qiuyue replied, intrigued.
Pleased by his agreement, Violet gave a faint, satisfied nod.
“It’s simple. I want to know what you and Spirit Veil Immortal Island are really planning, and what the true purpose of this [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony] is. And most importantly, I want to meet the [Immortal Envoy] in person.”
………………………..
Deep in the mountains of Yide County, Eastern Kingdom
A group of cloaked figures, their appearances obscured by robes, gathered in secret.
“How’s it going on your side?” one of them asked in a low voice.
"Yes, [Eyeless] just sent word. It has successfully destroyed all the surveillance eyes scattered across the [Ancient Spirit Realm]’s four nations. According to plan, it also showed the prophecy to the public. The world is now in chaos, and those people will be too busy to interfere with our actions."
"Good… The high walls are about to collapse, and the great moment of the Master's return is drawing near. Before that, we must make thorough preparations and clear the path as much as possible."
"This node must be destroyed. If it’s convenient, eliminate the Watchers as well. Don’t worry about being exposed. Soon enough, we’ll be operating openly."
"No problem. When do we act?"
"Wait a little longer. Nightfall is near, and the dense yin energy will be to our advantage..."
Then, a clear voice abruptly joined their conversation.
"It’s a shame. You won’t live to see nightfall~."
"…Who’s there?!"
A crisp and clear voice rang out suddenly from the forest, startling the cloaked figures. Their bodies tensed as they looked around warily.
Flames began to flicker from deep within the woods, illuminating the dimming sky as night approached. Emerging from the shadows were several young men and women with black hair, white robes, and triangular fox ears atop their heads. They carried torches, and more figures followed behind them, surrounding the cloaked figures in the center.
"It’s us. The ones you hate and fear the most."
The cloaked figures instinctively bristled at the sight of the fox-eared youths, their bodies coiling as if ready to strike, baring their teeth like feral beasts about to attack.
"Foxes from Spirit Veil Immortal Island?! Impossible! That cursed island hasn’t fully awakened yet! How can you be here?!"
The fox-eared girl leading the group smiled faintly, reaching for a white jade flute at her waist and spinning it deftly between her fingers.
"Come now, we’re already at the point where it’s you or us. Do I really need to explain anything to you? So, what’s it going to be? Surrender and kneel, or shall we help you with that?"
"ROAR!!!"
With a ferocious roar filled with rage and malice, the cloaked figures ripped off their outer robes, revealing grotesque and terrifying forms beneath.
"Fight them to the death!!!"
“Activate the formation! Destroy evil spirits!!"
*Buzz!!!*
A dazzling, intricate array of magical formations suddenly lit up the forest floor, marking the beginning of a fierce life-and-death battle.
……………………….
At the same time, in Xingyuan City.
Although Shangguan Qiuyue initially seemed difficult to deal with, once the terms were agreed upon, he showed remarkable sincerity in collaboration. True to his word, he fulfilled Violet's request and arranged for her to meet the [Immortal Envoy]. The one responsible for assisting with the [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony] in the Eastern Kingdom. This envoy had only made a brief public appearance at the opening ceremony.
As it turned out, the so-called Immortal Envoy was a member of the Spirit Veil Tribe. Contrary to Violet’s expectations, the envoy wasn’t cryptic or overly fond of riddles. Their conversation was surprisingly straightforward, and Violet also learned a lot of explosive news from the other party that was not too secret but still few people knew.
“You’re saying… Spirit Veil Immortal Island isn’t unwilling to act but is being held back by something, preventing them from sending more people to the [Ancient Spirit Realm]? What does that mean?”
Sitting across from Violet in a quiet chamber, the noble envoy, a veiled young woman, nodded.
“It’s exactly as it sounds. For most of the time, Spirit Veil Immortal Island is in a sealed and isolated state, cut off from the outside world. We can only occasionally use certain controlled passages to send small numbers of our people out. In the grand scheme of the [Ancient Spirit Realm], this is like trying to quench a fire with a cup of water.”
“Because of this, Spirit Veil Immortal Island has always adhered to a policy of *guidance and education*, encouraging the beings of the [Ancient Spirit Realm] to grow and develop on their own. We stay hidden, avoiding direct interference as much as possible.”
“However, this isn’t an absolute rule. At certain times, we can… free up some resources, open parts of the seal, and invite outsiders to visit the island.”
“During such opportunities, we try to share as much knowledge and technology as possible with the relatively underdeveloped lower realms, helping them progress. We also select outstanding individuals to form organizations that assist us in monitoring unstable factors in the [Ancient Spirit Realm].”
“This was the original purpose of the [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony].”