Chapter 97: Preparations Begin

Within the grand courtyard of the Wu Manor, Wu Hao was immersed in his cultivation.

The entire estate was silent as a tomb, not even the servants were present.

Before him, a long sword hovered quietly, emanating an aura of primordial chaos.

Terrifying sword energy continuously surged and ebbed, and at the same time, his body was enveloped by a formidable sword intent, radiating a dangerous aura.

His presence grew stronger and stronger, but just as he was about to reach his peak, it suddenly halted. He snapped open his eyes.

"Another message?"

He reached into his robes and retrieved a jade slip, frowning.

This was a Sound Transmission Jade, also known as a Message Slip, which “he” had given to that person.

"Annoying!"

A cold gleam flashed in his eyes. The sword floated above the Message Slip, poised to strike, but he hesitated and stopped.

When he finally read the contents, his expression changed dramatically!

"What!"

"An unfinished divine embryo, nearly perfected holy seed!"

He took a deep breath. After a moment, the corners of his lips curled upward and he burst into hearty laughter.

"To think such a treasure exists, it’s no wonder ‘he’ spent so many Thunderstones. It was worth it. This divine embryo will bear the name Wu!"

At this, a sharp light flickered in his eyes.

Yet suddenly, his expression shifted once more, as if awakening from a trance. He gritted his teeth and muttered, "No, that's not the main point. What matters is that Purple Camel Peak must not succeed. If the chance presents itself, even destroying the divine embryo would be acceptable!"

But in the next moment, his expression changed again, his voice cold as ice. "No! Divine embryos are rare. If missed, there may never be another opportunity. Seizing the divine embryo must be the priority!"

A fierce struggle played out in his eyes, but finally they hardened into a steely gleam.

Meanwhile, in the Xu Manor and in a modest inn, Xu Feng and Zhang Cheng received the same message.

"Divine embryo, holy seed!"

Both men were shaken, understanding instantly the gravity of this. They sprang into action without hesitation.

...

At the same time, the main body in the provincial capital’s private estate remained calm and composed, quietly awaiting contact from Purple Camel Peak.

He was confident.

After all, even he himself wasn’t certain he could succeed with that inscribed talisman, let alone anyone else.

Should it fail, if Purple Camel Peak still sought success, he would surely come to him!

Outside the estate, Zhang Cheng and his companions met once more with Tu Lu, this time in greater secrecy.

And so, another day passed.

Underground.

Zhao Yuyang paced back and forth, clutching the inscribed talisman that Tu Lu had provided, biting his thumb, his face full of disbelief.

"What’s wrong?" Purple Camel Peak asked with a frown.

Zhao Yuyang took a deep breath, handed the talisman back to Purple Camel Peak, shook his head, and let out a bitter laugh.

"Master Tu truly deserves his reputation. The internal structure of this talisman is so ingenious, it leaves one utterly astonished—no, it is nothing short of a miracle!"

"But... this miracle presents some awkwardness."

"Is there a problem with the talisman?" Purple Camel Peak’s brows knitted.

"No, no, no!" Zhao Yuyang shook his head hurriedly. "It’s flawless, perhaps too perfect, but how should I put it—it's delicate.

The balance is maintained in an extremely dangerous state, like walking a tightrope, and not just in one place, but throughout the entire talisman!

Holding it is like grasping an explosive rune ready to detonate at any moment. In my humble opinion, even a master of the craft might not be able to affix it safely to the divine embryo."

Purple Camel Peak’s expression changed slightly.

Was this not to say that the inscribed talisman was all show and no substance, little more than scrap paper?

He knew nothing of talismanic inscription, but Zhao Yuyang had explained it so thoroughly that he could hardly fail to understand.

"The reason I admire Master Tu is that, in such circumstances, a single misstep—even half a step—would lead to failure, yet he succeeded!"

Zhao Yuyang stroked his long beard, smiling bitterly.

But Purple Camel Peak was considering something else. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

"Is it possible this was done deliberately?"

Zhao Yuyang’s hand froze mid-stroke of his beard.