Chapter Forty-Five: The Decision

First (1/3) page

First of all, Gongsun Yan’s plan could only be executed when the Prime Beast was severely wounded and its cultivation unstable. Otherwise, the Dragon Soul’s Lament would never cause the Prime Beast’s realm to fall. Yet, Yin Zhi had returned from the front precisely because the Prime Beast was not badly injured.

If Yin Zhi hadn’t lied, then Gongsun Yan, knowing full well that the Prime Beast was not grievously wounded, was still intent on using the Dragon Soul’s Lament to affect the opponent’s cultivation—something was amiss! Just as Yin Zhi had said, this was tantamount to burying Shenfeng City. But that wasn’t right either. If the Prime Beast hadn’t been injured, destroying Shenfeng City would be effortless; there’d be no need to conspire with Gongsun Yan. This made no sense!

However, it reminded him of the situation at the front. Their bitter defense was possible not only because of the city’s century-old array barriers, but also due to his own inscription artifacts. Yet, most crucially, the Prime Beast had not acted! Even those two ancient beasts rarely attacked. Now, reflecting on it, it seemed they were deliberately stalling, cooperating with Gongsun Yan, waiting for something.

Waiting for his inscription to succeed?

“But what’s the point of that?”

“What do you mean?” Yin Zhi asked, his brow furrowing.

Tu Lu shook his head.

The Prime Beast’s might could obliterate all resistance. If Gongsun Yan and the Prime Beast were truly allied, then under Shenfeng City’s blockade—where no news escaped, no cultivators could leave, and all hidden cards would be exhausted—even the three great factions would be doomed.

What could they possibly be waiting for? His inscription merely strengthened Gongsun Yan’s arsenal; it was by no means the reason.

Wait!

At this thought, a jolt ran through him, and his mind cleared instantly.

Indeed, once Shenfeng City was sealed, under the Prime Beast’s assault, the three great factions—Immortal Pavilion and Trade Court—would surely collapse, but Tianlong Court might not! The Dragon Soul’s Lament, formidable as it was, was only one of their trump cards. Even the Wangdao Sect had remarked that, should their counterattack fail, Tianlong Court had means to preserve itself.

If Gongsun Yan and the Prime Beast had conspired for all this to deal with someone—or some power—that neither could defeat alone, then it could only be Tianlong Court.

Yet, the motive became hazy.

Second (2/3) page

There’s a saying: your enemy knows you best. Indeed, in her words, Gongsun Yan seemed thoroughly acquainted with Tianlong Court, but this was only considering her as their adversary. As for her reasons and motives, he hadn’t the slightest clue.

With this realization, Tu Lu gave his head a vigorous shake, trying to dispel the confusion.

All of these conclusions hinged on the premise that Yin Zhi hadn’t lied, that Gongsun Yan and the Prime Beast had colluded, and that her capriciousness was mere pretense. Altering any premise would change the truth entirely.

So, ultimately, it was just speculation—without a shred of evidence.

Having thought it through, Tu Lu raised his head. “Senior Yin, I’m but a small voice—even with some standing, if I say such things, no one will believe me. More importantly, time is short; even if someone suspected, there’s no time to verify it. Stirring unrest is a grave offense; I fear my fate would be as yours!”

“So, what do you want me to do, Senior? Rescue you?” His pupils contracted.

“No,” Yin Zhi shook his head.

...

Moments later, Tu Lu emerged from the prison, gazing up at the bright moon overhead, his brows knit.

Yin Zhi's refusal to be rescued was simple. Gongsun Yan herself had sealed his cultivation—Tu Lu couldn't break it. Without that, Yin Zhi was little more than a mortal with a strong body; no mortal could escape the City Lord’s residence by force, so saving him was pointless.

Yin Zhi’s idea was for Tu Lu to pass this information to Tianlong Court. Considering efficiency and impact, in the current situation, Tianlong Court was indeed the best recipient, and it would even help keep him from exposure.

But... leaving aside whether Yin Zhi’s claims were true, if false, there was nothing to discuss. If true, and Gongsun Yan had feigned ignorance for so long just to deal with Tianlong Court, then acting on this would be courting death.

“Besides, the truth may be different. Even if it’s not a misunderstanding, Tianlong Court is no saint. I don't know the intricacies here—I absolutely can't meddle. Besides, Gongsun Yan’s been good to me, promised to help me leave Shenfeng City; I won’t betray her!”

Tu Lu took a deep breath, glanced once more at the prison, shook his head, and walked toward his chamber.

“If I were a Purple Mansion cultivator, perhaps I’d try to intervene—but not rashly. As it stands, I am but at the Body Tempering Stage. Though branded as Shenfeng City’s savior, I’m not about to risk my life on the word of a single man. Senior Yin, you overestimate me.”

He walked on, silently convincing himself.

What he didn’t know was that, in the City Lord’s hall, Gongsun Yan watched him through a bronze mirror, her gaze following him until he returned to his chamber. Only then did a faint smile touch her lips.

“City Lord, if he truly passes this information to Tianlong Court, what will you do?” The Blue-faced Leopard stood respectfully behind Gongsun Yan.

“Of course, I won’t kill him.”

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Gongsun Yan put away the bronze mirror, closed her eyes to rest, and spoke slowly, “You know why he matters.”

The Blue-faced Leopard nodded, “A backup.”

“Correct.” Gongsun Yan’s lips curled into a smile. “Even I cannot predict the outcome of this battle—death is possible. We must prepare for the worst. If all fails, keeping a backup lets me send him away, and with him, the hope of turning the tables.”

“Blue-faced Leopard, you should know—death in battle is not the worst for me. If my goal is achieved, it’s all worth it. For this, I’ve prepared for three hundred years, choosing this remote city.”

Blue-faced Leopard bowed, “Yes!”

Seeing this, Gongsun Yan laughed softly again. “Still, if he truly means to inform Tianlong Court, I can’t let him off so easily. Were it not for the backup right at his side...”

A cold glint flashed in her eyes.

Blue-faced Leopard sighed, “That means he really is lucky...”

“Blue-faced Tiger said the same once,” Gongsun Yan smiled lightly.

Blue-faced Leopard started, then suddenly understood, nodding gently.

“All right, notify Thunder Tiger—let him act.” With a pause, Gongsun Yan’s expression grew cold again as she gave the order.

“Yes!”

...

On the other side, Tu Lu, after leaving the prison, returned straight to his room and sat to rest.

His trip to the dungeon had stirred up a storm in his heart, especially Yin Zhi’s words, which left him confused. Yet, it had distracted him—he no longer dwelled on Xiaoci and Xiaocai. As for Yin Zhi’s revelations, having thought them through, he simply let them go and felt much lighter.

...

The night passed. At dawn, having finished his meditation, Tu Lu had just opened his eyes when Gongsun Yan’s voice sounded in his ear.

“Bring those you wish to take with you—assemble in the main hall!”