This novel has been finished on Patreon! Thank you to all my Patrons for the support over this and the other novels <3
------------------------------------------------------
Sky Sword Sect.
After traveling with Ning Rongrong across the continent for a long time, Ning Tianchen had gained some insights and returned to the sect to refine his Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit into a new super divine artifact.
The Asura God governed slaughter and judgement, and inspired by this concept, he decided to transform the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda into an eighteen-layered representation of hell.
Each layer of the pagoda would correspond to two layers of hell, with the nine tiers of the pagoda matching the eighteen levels of hell perfectly.
When the divine technique "Asura Judgment" was cast through this artifact, its power would undoubtedly double.
The more complex the divine artifact, the more intricate the crafting process and the greater the materials required.
Fortunately, with the help of the Asura God and the Goddess of Kindness, Ning Tianchen was able to put his idea into practice.
Meanwhile, Dai Weisi once again sent Zhu Zhuyun to visit the Sky Sword Sect.
Ning Tianchen was in seclusion, and after breaking through to level 100, he no longer involved himself in sect affairs.
Though he was nominally still the leader of the sect, actual power had long been transferred to Dugu Bo.
Since Dai Weisi had officially been established as the crown prince, as the future ruler of the empire, he had the authority to negotiate with the Sky Sword Sect.
In the reception room, Zhu Zhuyun got straight to the point. "Your sect has thrived in the Star Luo Empire's commercial market, and Weisi hasn't hesitated to lend covert support."
"I've come here today to request your sect's assistance with one matter."
Her words didn't provoke opposition from Dugu Bo.
Indeed, the expansion of the Sky Sword Sect, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Snow Mountain Sect in the Star Luo Empire hadn't faced much resistance.
However, this didn't mean they were accepting Dai Weisi's goodwill.
Securing territory at this stage wasn't for profit—it was to prepare for rapid post-war reconstruction once Ning Tianchen and the Spirit Hall's plans were completed.
"Let's hear it," Dugu Bo said with interest.
Zhu Zhuyun's secret purchase of poison from the Medicine Department was well-known to the sect's higher-ups.
But if their demands grew excessive and they dragged the Sky Sword Sect into a palace coup plot, wouldn't the sect become a target for everyone?
Zhu Zhuyun smiled. "Dugu, there's no need to be alarmed. We simply hope your sect can assist us covertly by eliminating Dai Mubai."
"Oh? Isn't Dai Mubai already imprisoned? Hasn't his crime of treason earned him a death sentence?" Dugu Bo feigned ignorance.
The intelligence capabilities of the top three sects far surpassed those of the Tang Sect.
After sharing information, the causes and consequences of Dai Mubai's imprisonment were already clear.
Zhu Zhuyun sighed. "Yes, we subjects can hardly fathom His Majesty's thoughts."
Dugu Bo sneered. "You want the Sky Sword Sect to break into the dungeon and kill someone? Do you think we'd agree to that?"
"Before I lose my temper, kindly see yourselves out!"
Zhu Zhuyun forced a smile and hastily replied, "Breaking into the empire's dungeon is akin to declaring war on the empire. Of course, we wouldn't place the Sky Sword Sect in such an unjust position."
"But what if someone else breaks him out? If the Sky Sword Sect's experts step in to uphold the empire's dignity and slay the fugitive, wouldn't that make for a good story? Of course, whether you agree depends on your young master Ning and you, Dugu."
After breaking through level 100, Ning Tianchen's perception abilities underwent a qualitative change. The entire sect was within his awareness, including this conversation.
Based on Ning Tianchen's previously established strategies and plans, Dugu Bo was somewhat tempted.
On the surface, the Sky Sword Sect would respond to Dai Weisi's call and eliminate Dai Mubai during his escape.
But in reality, they could secretly rescue him instead.
Once "killed," Dai Mubai would no longer face prosecution, and his royal status wouldn't be revoked.
With this connection, using Dai Mubai's name to wage war against the Star Luo Empire in the future would be both efficient and convenient.
This matter was significant, so Dugu Bo didn't make a decision immediately. Instead, he decided to consult with the other elders.
At that moment, Ning Tianchen's voice echoed in his mind.
"Don't get involved in this. If you send anyone, there will be heavy casualties!"
The actions of the Rakshasa Goddess were under the close watch of the Asura God, including Tang San's progress in his divine trials.
Although Tang San appeared to be a low-level Title Douluo, he wielded the Trident of the Rakshasa Goddess (a modified version of the Sea God's Trident). In direct combat, only an Ultimate Douluo could match him.
Aside from Ning Tianchen, the Sky Sword Sect only had Dugu Bo as a Title Douluo available for deployment.
If Dugu Bo personally went and something happened to him, it would be a massive loss for the Sky Sword Sect.
Moreover, compared to Dai Weisi becoming emperor, Ning Tianchen preferred Dai Mubai.
Dai Weisi had been involved in politics for years without any major mistakes and would undoubtedly become a capable and ambitious ruler.
Of course, Ning Tianchen hoped his future enemy would be a fool rather than a visionary monarch!
With Ning Tianchen's instructions, Dugu Bo naturally abandoned his own ideas and stood up.
"Your offer is indeed tempting, but it doesn't align with the Sky Sword Sect's interests. Please leave. As far as I'm concerned, this meeting never happened."
With that, he turned and left.
Zhu Zhuyun stood frozen in place.
She had offered a generous deal, and Dugu Bo had seemed interested—why did he suddenly change his mind?
Unwilling to give up, Zhu Zhuyun chased after Dugu Bo, trying to persuade him.
Dugu Bo ignored her completely and instead pointed her in another direction. "Go ask the lower four sects—they might be eager to get involved."
After Bibi Dong's personality changed drastically, her relationship with the lower four sects gradually deteriorated.
Over the years, to assist the Spirit Hall, the lower four sects had offended many people. Losing the Spirit Hall as a major backer, they feared retaliation and were bound to seek new patrons.
Otherwise, why would Feng Bailong take the initiative to contact the Tang Sect?
The Tang Sect might not be prominent now, but if Dai Mubai ascended the throne, it would instantly become the most influential sect in the Star Luo Empire.
After all, they were Dai Mubai's staunch supporters.
Feng Bailong was naturally willing to take the risk. If things went south, he could always cut ties with the Tang Sect—they wouldn't lose anything.
…
Star Luo City.
Tang San handed over duties to Meng Shu, who immediately set off to return to the Tang Sect.
Tang San wasn't skilled in intelligence work, but he knew how to play to his strengths. Using his excellent leadership skills, he quickly located the dungeon.
Of course, this information might have been deliberately leaked by Dai Weisi.
All the guards and officials in the dungeon were personally appointed by Dai Tianfeng and didn't participate in any political affairs.
Bribing the guards to kill Dai Mubai was almost impossible.
At the same time, Dai Weisi was aware that Dai Tianfeng's suspicions about him hadn't dissipated. Extending his reach into the dungeon now would be suicidal.
By sending Tang Sect members to attempt a prison break and setting up ambushes along their retreat route, he could kill Dai Mubai without being held accountable afterward.
Tang San acted very cautiously. Even though he knew the location of the dungeon, he didn't immediately arrange for a jailbreak. Instead, he personally scouted the area, silently releasing his Blue Silver Domain to investigate the situation inside the dungeon.
The Star Luo Empire's dungeon housed not only vicious criminals but also nobles who had violated the law.
The internal layout of the dungeon was complex, with many dead ends. To rescue someone, at least one or two escape routes needed to be mapped out.
Inside the dungeon.
After Tai Long's death, his body remained unattended, left in Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin's cell.
Fortunately, the dungeon was underground, and the temperature wasn't high, or it would have started to smell by now.
Yu Tianheng and the others had considered asking the guards to bury the body, but unfortunately, the guards wouldn't listen until they explained the full story.
Dai Tianfeng wanted the guards to determine whether they were involved in the poisoning and, if so, to what extent.
During interrogations, Yu Tianheng and the others refused to cooperate, resisting outright.
Of course, they wouldn't admit to something they hadn't done.
But their uncooperative attitude greatly displeased Dai Tianfeng.
Under pressure from Dai Tianfeng, the guards had no choice but to keep applying torture.
The severe torture only deepened Yu Tianheng and the others' resistance.
A vicious cycle began, with both sides growing increasingly hostile toward one another.
That night, Dai Mubai noticed a strand of Blue Silver Grass sprouting from the corner of the wall.
The dungeon was underground, and much of its structure was made of earth, so the appearance of Blue Silver Grass wasn't particularly strange.
However, this strand of Blue Silver Grass was markedly different from ordinary ones—its stem and leaves bore faint golden patterns.
He knew that Tang San's spirit was the Blue Silver Emperor, so this strand of grass must have come from him.
Tai Long's death had successfully "awakened" Dai Mubai.
Over the past few days, he and Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng had discussed through the walls why they had been thrown into the dungeon.
At the same time, they were also trying to find a way to escape.
If this Blue Silver Grass was indeed from Tang San, their escape from the dungeon wouldn't be far off.
With this in mind, Dai Mubai carefully observed the guards' patrol patterns.
When the guards turned their backs, he gently nudged the Blue Silver Grass and whispered, "Xiao San, is that you?"
Outside.
After activating the Blue Silver Domain, all the Blue Silver Grass within its range became Tang San's eyes and ears.
Dai Mubai's guess was correct, and his actions quickly reached Tang San's perception.
"Mubai!"
Tang San's brows furrowed.
Since undergoing the Rakshasa Goddess's trials, his emotions had become increasingly volatile.
Though he restrained himself somewhat when facing Tang Xiao or Yu Xiaogang, he had little patience for others.
Before leaving, he had already devised a plan for Dai Mubai to protect himself, yet the latter still ended up captured—how utterly foolish!
If not for Dai Mubai's identity still being useful, Tang San wouldn't have bothered coming to rescue him at all!
Blue Silver Grass couldn't transmit sound, so Tang San couldn't respond to Dai Mubai.
Through his perception, he had already pinpointed Dai Mubai's location.
Inside the dungeon, Dai Mubai noticed the Blue Silver Grass swaying slightly and knew it was Tang San's response.
After a moment of thought, he finally acted wisely. "Xiao San, Tianheng and Tianxin are locked in the cell next to mine."
Then, his tone grew somber. "However, Tai Long couldn't withstand the guards' interrogation and has already passed away. His body is now in Tianheng and Tianxin's cell."
"Xiao San, I know you can hear me. The accusation of poisoning Father Emperor is completely false—it's definitely a frame-up by Dai Weisi. If I get out, I will make Dai Weisi pay with blood."
"Xiao San, if I manage to escape and still have a chance to ascend to the throne, you will be the empire's only non-royal Duke, equal in status to me. From then on, I'll do everything according to your wishes."
Dai Mubai understood that this was his only bargaining chip at the moment.
Outside, upon hearing this, Tang San couldn't help but sneer.
This fool Dai Mubai didn't offer empty promises to his supporters but instead tried to bribe him.
For Tang San and the Tang Sect, their ultimate goal was to use the Star Luo Empire's power to take revenge on the Spirit Hall.
In the future, whether Dai Mubai lived or died didn't matter. As long as the imperial power fell into their hands, he would have fulfilled his purpose.
However, Tai Long's death did take Tang San by surprise.
If this matter wasn't handled properly, Tai Tan and the disciples of the Power Clan might cause unforeseen trouble.
The disciples of the Power Clan were the foundation of the Tang Sect—nearly sixty percent of the sect's members came from them.
If Tai Tan were to develop second thoughts, it would be unacceptable for the Tang Sect.
"Damn Mubai, what kind of mess have you gotten yourself into this time!" Tang San couldn't help but curse.
Every time Dai Mubai caused trouble, Tang San had to clean up after him!
…
Having located where Dai Mubai and the others were imprisoned, Tang San next focused on mapping out an escape route, using the prison as the center.
The dungeon was located in a desolate area outside Star Luo City. Originally, there had been a natural deep pit here, which was filled in after being converted into a dungeon. Its interior was filled with a complex network of passageways designed to prevent prisoners from escaping.
To avoid detection, the Star Luo Empire hadn't set up external defenses around the dungeon.
However, the location was situated between Star Luo City and Tiger Roar Camp. If anyone attempted a jailbreak, reinforcements from both inside and outside the city could arrive quickly.
Still, the lack of visible defenses was just a facade—there were people secretly monitoring the area at all times.
The range of the Blue Silver Domain was limited, so to fully understand the internal layout, Tang San had to move back and forth across the top of the dungeon.
His movements were quickly noticed by these people and marked him as highly suspicious.
Through the Blue Silver Domain, Tang San also detected their presence.
After gaining a general understanding of the dungeon's layout, over the next two days, he stayed in the city, studying the map of the dungeon he had previously scouted and contemplating rescue strategies.
This time, they had brought elite forces, most of whom were originally soul masters from the Dragon-Serpent Family.
Tang San knew that given Meng Shu's temperament, if many of their original family disciples were killed, he would undoubtedly feel deeply displeased.
And Meng Shu was inherently opportunistic. A large loss of family disciples would weaken his influence within the Tang Sect, potentially causing unnecessary trouble.
On the surface, the Tang Sect appeared prosperous, but over the past few years, they had recruited very few new disciples—less than twenty in total.
The sect's population was primarily composed of former disciples from the Power Clan, with those from the Dragon-Serpent Family as a secondary group.
To put it bluntly, the Tang Sect was like a hastily assembled troupe.
They weren't like the Sky Sword Sect, which had numerous benefits to distribute.
Moreover, the Defense, Breaking, and Speed Clans were brother clans, living harmoniously and easily forming a single large family.
The Tang Sect, however, was different. There was no prior relationship between the Power Clan and the Dragon-Serpent Family. Everyone was eyeing the same pie, maintaining a superficial peace but harboring hidden conflicts.
A significant reduction in the number of Dragon-Serpent Family disciples would inevitably lead to a sharp decline in their share of benefits.
To prevent the painstakingly built Tang Sect from falling apart, Tang San decided to act alone this time.
As for the elite disciples he had brought along, he decided to send them back to the sect to report and avoid involving them further.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)