Volume 4: Hidden Struggles, Chapter 293: The Earth-Shattering Secret

The negotiations between the two sides proceeded smoothly; facing a common enemy, they reached an agreement instantly!
Tiansheng Gate lacked the powerful strength to deliver a fatal blow, as their number of Sacred Blood Bearers far exceeded those of the opponent’s Tianhuan Bearers. On the other hand, Chutianyu lacked the strength to counterDomain of the Underworld Domain. With Tiansheng Gate’s support and their combined resources, Xuanji Sect’s actions would be far more secure, allowing them to avoid being crushed by the enemy in one strike and thus gain sufficient time for rescue. Otherwise, they would end up like a few days ago—arriving only to find corpses everywhere.
During this time, Chutianyu also subtly inquired about the situations ofDomain of the Underworld Domain and Tiansheng Gate, stating that he had learned about the Tianhuan Bearers and Tiansheng Gate’s Sacred Blood Bearers from a captive named Taiye. This reassured Ao Xue’s master, who otherwise might have suspected someone else—perhaps even the impostor pretending to be the Holy Lord. After all, having the strength to rival five Sacred Blood Bearers was almost on par with the person who had easily killed two Tianhuan Bearers that night!
Moreover,Domain of the Underworld Domain’s reckless actions had already drawn attention from all sides. Aside from Tiansheng Gate and Xuanji Sect, which could resist somewhat, other forces were powerless even if they knew the ins and outs, left only to watch helplessly.
Thus, the spread of certain news was entirely reasonable.
Regarding Chutianyu’s questions, Ao Xue’s master didn’t hide much, recounting in detail the information Chutianyu already knew and the long-standing grudges between their two sides.
“Yun Qing, I wonder if I could pay a visit to the Holy Lord Qingtian to exchange opinions on some matters?” Chutianyu pretended to be clueless.
“Mr. Mo, we are also searching for the Holy Lord’s whereabouts. The sect has already released the token as recorded. Once the Holy Lord sees it, he will surely contact us. After all, the Holy Lord hasn’t interfered in worldly affairs for hundreds of years. Surely Mr. Mo must be over a hundred as well?” Yun Qing asked.
“Hmm, I’m already nearly 180 years old!” Chutianyu bluntly revealed his master’s age.
“Hehe, that’s good. Then you should understand how worried we are. After all, times change unpredictably. It’s unknown where the Holy Lord is in seclusion or whether he can sense the token!” Yun Qing said honestly.

Chu Tianyu nodded sagely and asked, “Is it the same with Shi Tian from the Nether Realm?”
Yun Qing shook her head and said, “I’m not sure about that. To be honest, whichever of the two appears first can achieve an overwhelming victory instantly. Their strength is far beyond what mere mortals like us can match!”
Following Yun Qing’s words, Chu Tianyu also spoke with great longing, “Yes, what an incredible strength that must be. I really look forward to seeing it. Ah, but then again, maybe right now they’re not failing to appear, but rather are somewhere else, holding each other back and fighting.”
“Mm. Perhaps…” Yun Qing shared the same thought.
Since there were no better topics or news to discuss, Chu Tianyu got up to leave. Yun Qing tried to hold him back, but they agreed on a time and place to meet the next day to discuss more details and strategies against their enemy.
Their cooperation plan was successfully launched on the third day. Over the following time, they launched a series of attacks against the Nether Realm, engaging in several fierce battles against its key forces. Almost every time Chu Tianyu was involved, they emerged victorious. After suffering several heavy losses, the people of the Nether Realm became more cautious, avoiding direct confrontations with the forces of Tian Sheng Gate and Xuan Ji Sect. Especially when it came to Chu Tianyu, they would flee at the sight of him, never daring to stand in his way.
This made Chu Tianyu’s image as a middle-aged warrior deeply rooted in both sides’ minds. For a time, it seemed as though no one could rival him once he appeared!
However, Chu Tianyu was still just one person. After consecutive defeats, the Nether Realm changed its tactics, withdrawing its ordinary experts and replacing them with a large number of Tian Huan warriors who seemed to appear out of nowhere. They usually operated in pairs, with unpredictable movements, striking quickly and leaving without lingering.
Although they were sometimes ambushed by Chu Tianyu and Yun Qing together, it didn’t change the overall situation. Now, aside from Chu Tianyu, only the Holy Blood warriors of Tian Sheng Gate could hold their own against them, but the numerical disparity was insurmountable.
Thus, forced into a corner, Chu Tianyu’s Xuan Ji Sect and Tian Sheng Gate had to either reduce their forces or allocate personnel more wisely, prioritizing Holy Blood warriors to provide protection at major gathering places or before operations. But such reductions erased the earlier gains and advantages, leaving the entire capital once again in a state of panic.

These past few days, Chu Tianyu has been utterly at a loss. Despite possessing great energy, he could only do nothing but watch helplessly, filled with frustration. At that moment, he was pacing back and forth outside a branch of the Xuanji Sect’s martial hall. Those damned Illusionists had just swept through this place moments ago, leaving none of the seventeen disciples present unharmed. Watching the disciples clean up the bloodstains and tidy up the ruins, Chu Tianyu felt a surge of guilt. Was his decision correct? Was it worth it? The thrill of his previous victory was satisfying, but after that, had he anticipated the difficulties ahead? His invincibility relied solely on his own strength. Faced with this ancient sect with a thousand-year legacy, Chu Tianyu couldn’t help but feel deep helplessness.

Just then, a very faint sound of something breaking through the air came. With a thought, Chu Tianyu raised his head to look north, sensing carefully. Sure enough, he detected several fluctuations in energy. Though faint and unable to determine the nature of the energy, he was certain that someone with cultivation skills was active—just too far away to make out details.

Frustrated to the extreme, Chu Tianyu didn’t hesitate. His figure transformed into a streak of light, shooting across the sky like a meteor. In an instant, he arrived at the site of the energy fluctuations. But when he saw what was happening, he was shocked!

The pursuers were none other than the Ao Xue and Ning Shuang sisters and their master, Yun Qing. By the time Chu Tianyu arrived, he happened to hear Yun Qing shouting angrily, “Ao Xue, how dare you defy the orders of the Tian Sheng Sect and go against your master’s wishes by taking Ning Shuang away! What crime do you deserve?”

Yun Qing’s outburst sounded furious, but it also carried a hint of helplessness and sorrow. Before Ao Xue could respond, everyone’s attention turned to Chu Tianyu. “Mr. Mo, what are you doing here? I was just looking for you!” Yun Qing exclaimed in surprise.

“Uh, the Illusionists attacked another of our halls just now, so I rushed over. I heard some activity here and thought they hadn’t gone far, so I came right away. By the way, what’s going on here? Isn’t Ao Xue your disciple?” As he spoke, Chu Tianyu didn’t look at Ao Xue. Even after their first collaboration, Yun Qing had introduced her two disciples to him. He remembered that before Ao Xue could even glance at him, Chu Tianyu had already silently conveyed his identity.

At this moment, faced with such a situation, something must have happened between Aoxue and her master, so the two needed to remain discreet and wait until the situation was clarified.
“Nothing much, just handling some internal affairs. By the way, Mr. Mo, we finally have news from our Holy Lord. I conveyed your wish to meet him, and he agreed gladly, saying he also wants to meet you and discuss important matters with you!” Yun Qing said, clearly trying to change the subject and prevent Chu Tianyu from getting too involved in the current situation.
If it were anyone else, it might have worked, but for Aoxue, despite hearing such exciting news, Chu Tianyu couldn’t be distracted. Thus, Yun Qing’s attempt was in vain.
“Oh, that’s great! It seems there will be a turning point in the affairs of the Nether Realm! Oh, by the way, you still haven’t answered me—what exactly is going on here? Why are people from our own side fighting each other?” Chu Tianyu brought up an unrelated topic.
Seeing Chu Tianyu’s lack of tact, Yun Qing frowned slightly but still kept her voice calm. “Mr. Mo, this is our family matter. There are some things we’re not yet ready to discuss…”
But before she could finish, the pursued Aoxue removed her mask and shouted at Chu Tianyu, “Sir, save us! They want to use Ningfang’s innate sensitive body to offer it to the Blood-Devouring Gate, in order to awaken more Holy Blooded ones! I… I can’t bear to see my sister…” By the end, Aoxue was in tears, looking heartbroken.
“Dare you! How dare you use seduction tactics!” Yun Qing angrily shouted again, trying to draw Chu Tianyu’s attention away from Aoxue.
Chu Tianyu wasn’t expecting Aoxue to be so clever, using such a trick. It seemed that this Mr. Mo would also be tempted and confused, thus creating an opportunity to rescue them.
Thinking this, Chu Tianyu deliberately pretended to be confused and turned to Yun Qing. “What? Do your Holy Blooded ones still need some sensitive body to be awakened?”
Seeing that things had progressed this far, Yun Qing gritted her teeth and said, “That’s right. Every time our Holy Blooded ones emerge from seclusion, there’s a certain procedure… Sending Ningfang? Do you think I wanted to? If it weren’t for the current desperate situation—due to the insufficient number of Holy Blooded ones, allowing the people of the Nether Realm to run amok—would I resort to such a measure? I was the one who brought them under my master’s guidance!”
“Then how did the previous Holy Blooded ones emerge from seclusion?” Chu Tianyu asked calmly, moved by her words.

“There are other disciples. It’s Ning Shuang’s turn now, that’s all! This is also the mission Ning Shuang has carried since childhood, and no one can change it!” Yun Qing also put aside her sorrow, wearing a helpless expression as if it were fate’s will.
“I can change it!” With that, Chu Tianyu reached out and pulled Ao Xue and the stunned Ning Shuang to his side.
“Mr. Mo, what… what do you mean? Have you really been influenced by this girl’s bewitching charm?” Yun Qing stared in shock at Chu Tianyu, whose attitude had suddenly become so firm.
Chu Tianyu grew even more determined upon hearing this. He put on a strange expression and insisted, “Whatever happens, I will protect these two girls today!”
“You…” Yun Qing was furious and could only stammer out the word “you” before losing her words.
Just as Chu Tianyu prepared for her outburst, at the moment her anger reached its peak, she suddenly calmed down as if by magic. She glanced coldly at Chu Tianyu and the Ao Xue sisters, seemed to ponder for a moment, then slowly said to Chu Tianyu, “Alright, I won’t pursue matters related to these sisters anymore. You take care!”
With that, she turned around. To Chu Tianyu’s and the Ao Xue sisters’ surprise, she prepared to leave. Before going, she turned back and added, “By the way, Mr. Mo, I forgot to mention earlier. Our Holy Lord has asked you to meet him at the top of Pan Shan Xiu Feng the day after tomorrow at noon. He says Shi Tian from the Nether Realm is about to emerge from seclusion as well. The Holy Lord has been observing the stars lately and sees great upheaval coming. If we don’t prepare in advance and let Shi Tian master the highest secret technique of the Nether Realm—‘Unity of Mind and Realm’—it will be even harder for our Holy Lord to control him. He will surely cause chaos and disaster once again!”
Chu Tianyu was filled with shock after hearing this. He never expected two extraordinary figures to appear one after another. According to Yun Qing, it seemed that Shi Tian from the Nether Realm was about to break through some limit, disrupting the balance that had existed for thousands of years. He quickly regained his composure and said solemnly, “The day after tomorrow, at noon, at the top of Pan Shan Xiu Feng?”
“That’s right. Since the Holy Lord already has the body of a half-immortal and has left the natural world, he can only meet you in the mountains. He asks you to forgive him!” Hearing Chu Tianyu’s words, Yun Qing, who had already started to walk away, paused and replied without turning around.

Panshan, located 90 kilometers east of Beijing, is renowned both at home and abroad as “the number one mountain in eastern Beijing.” With its beautiful mountains and stunning landscapes, Panshan combines natural scenery with historical sites. Dense forests, ancient caves, peculiar peaks, and serene waters create a natural wonderland. Fruit trees such as plums, apricots, and persimmons are widely planted on the mountain, turning it into a picturesque sight in spring, attracting numerous visitors who are captivated by its enchanting scenery at every step.

The summit of Xiufeng is particularly remarkable in Panshan. It forms its own distinct range, standing in contrast to other mountains. Due to its steep slopes, it is utterly impossible for anyone to climb to the top; even the most experienced herb collectors could only reach about one-third of the way up, giving an idea of its sheer difficulty.

It is now the cold winter months of the twelfth lunar month, with few visitors. Not to mention the summit of Xiufeng, even other areas appear desolate with barren mountains in sight…

It was nearly noon, and Chu Tianyu had arrived. Standing on the summit of Xiufeng, despite the pleasant weather with sunny skies, the cold wind at the top was beyond what most people could endure. Yet Chu Tianyu felt nothing of it, as his mind was focused on the Sacred Lord Qingtian of Tiansheng Gate, whom he was about to meet.

At this moment, Chu Tianyu couldn’t quite describe his feelings. Since he had obtained the energy of the Purple Void True Dragon, aside from encountering the Black Dragon and Illusionary Flame, he had suffered no major setbacks, nor had anyone been able to match him or pose a real threat. So when he heard about the existence of Qingtian and Shitian, he felt indescribable joy and anticipation at the thought of facing peers of his own level—emotions that ordinary people could not understand, reflecting the solitude of a master warrior.

Chu Tianyu checked the time—it was already noon. There was not the slightest sign of activity around. He silently released his energy senses, which extended like living tentacles to scan for energy entities within a hundred miles.

To his disappointment, there was not even a trace of Qingtian, let alone any strong energy entities or cultivators.

Just as Chu Tianyu was about to withdraw his energy, he suddenly felt a massive flow of energy approaching from a hundred miles away. This caused Chu Tianyu, standing atop the peak, to stagger abruptly and unpreparedly. At the same time, a figure shot over like lightning. In the blink of an eye, a person stood in front of Chu Tianyu with his hands behind his back, as if he had been there for a long time. A powerful aura of heaven and earth surrounded him, his traditional robes fluttering in the wind, resembling an immortal descending from the heavens, evoking a sense of reverence in those who saw him.

Chu Tianyu was shocked by the sudden appearance of this person and carefully observed his face, but only saw a layer of misty red light covering him, making it impossible to see clearly. Overall, however, he exuded an air of immortality, with a calm and serene aura that even influenced Chu Tianyu, filling him with a feeling as gentle as a spring breeze.

“Mr. Mo, hello! Qingtian is a bit late—please forgive me!” The person was indeed Qingtian.

Chu Tianyu didn’t mind Qingtian’s strange accent, knowing that it was remarkable for someone isolated from the world to still speak so clearly!

Before Chu Tianyu could speak, Qingtian suddenly let out a resonant laugh and said, “Hehe, maybe it would be more appropriate to call you Young Master Chu or Little Chu. Mr. Mo sounds so old, haha… It’s so delightful to meet you today! You know, we’ve been waiting for this moment for a thousand years!”

Upon hearing these words, Chu Tianyu was stunned. He stared at Qingtian in disbelief, his mind tangled in confusion.

Regardless of how Qingtian knew his identity, the statement that he had been waiting for a thousand years was enough to shock Chu Tianyu!

“Are you really Qingtian?” Chu Tianyu asked, unable to hide his astonishment and confusion.

“100% genuine. Of course, if you want to call me Shitian, it’s still these four characters—100% genuine!” Qingtian replied leisurely.

“What!?”