Chapter 709: Once And For All
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
"Where have all the real powerhouses gone to? Are they truly not enticed by the legacy of the Seventeenth Master of the Abyss? The answer is obviously a negative. There is no need for me to say anything further - surely everybody is well informed about those few names. Dugu Chou, Ling Xiaozui, Mr. Nian, and the experts from the Four Season Tower... of course, there's still Jun Moyan and our teachers whom we are indebted to. However, after taking everything into account, that still doesn't exceed ten people. Is there any objection regarding this number?"
"Logically speaking, there is a high possibility that these individuals would show up. One of them will identify the perfect moment to seize the treasure maps and take them into their possession. With that, those who made their move a little later would miss the treasure, merely inches from their grasp. The only thing they could do was to only complain about their misfortune, yet, they will not exert themselves to the point of death. In short, if a certain group of spectacular individuals shows up, this battle would've ended ages ago. However, at present, not a single one of them has appeared, which begs the real question - why did they not show up? This is a highly enticing piece of treasure we're talking about!"
"Actually, the reason behind this is pretty simple. Ling Xiaozui, Dugu Chou and their party of four had left the Residence of Yun not too long ago, Mr. Nian being the target of their ire. If my assumption isn't wrong, it is highly likely that those experts have their movements completely restricted at present. They no longer have the energy nor the time to get themselves here. Perhaps, they are not even aware that the martial world had lapsed into such a state..."
"Everyone noticed that the ones who could make the final call weren't present; hence, a rare opportunity has appeared. Everybody believed that they stood to have a fair and equal chance in this pursuit, and the absence of the real experts only made this an opportunity even more exclusive. It was an extremely rare opportunity. Too many were plagued by a bursting confidence that they were the ones destined for this treasure, so naturally, here they came, geared with a phenomenal amount of energy. Using this strength with personal intentions, they waged their campaign only within the boundaries of Tiantang City."
"The timing – is it precise?"
"Why wouldn't Ling Xiaozui and the rest of the experts show up, you asked? Well, why would the people of the martial world waste their efforts to think up a reason for that? They only saw this as the perfect opportunity, and had since clung to it desperately, soldiering on with even more determination."
"If every man had the same thought justified by similar reasons, that would only bring Yun Yang's ploy one step closer to success by rounding up the hidden dangers of the martial world that could affect Yutang's plans of unification, eradicating them all at one go."
"Didn't Yun Yang know that those assassins had been sought out by the princes and the crown prince just to counter him? He must've known about this more than anyone else, yet he kept stalling the situation, never addressing it directly. He continued to keep the plan at bay in a neutral, controlled manner, leaving the assassins with nothing to ride on, and making it extremely hard for them to make their next move. Eventually, he stalled them all the way until this incident blew up - that's how he got rid of them in a single blow!"
"Later on, using this whole incident where the assassins had been murdered by the military, this ploy would conveniently progress, taking the crown prince down and causing Yutang's internal conflict to be reduced even further!"
"The incident that would be resolved this time around was a national crisis!"
"Don't even mention how he even planned for the ruthless slaughter of his ultimate arch nemesis, Ouyang Xiaoshe. Such a meticulously layered scheme… it constantly requires one to tread on thin ice."
"From my point of view, this ploy orchestrated by Yun Yang seemed to have considered every single aspect and factor that could affect it; the potential consequences that might arise are also within his control. Even us, the Concourse of the Underworld, are pawns in his game..."
"How are we pawns in his game? What's the meaning of all this? Are you saying he has calculated our every move? We're in league with him; if he's playing us out, that's not right of him!" The more hot-tempered of the bunch – the King of Cycle – mumbled vehemently.
"Honestly speaking, Yun Yang can't be blamed for coming up with a ploy like this. We are considered to be the unexpected variable – a huge one. Our chances of obtaining the dragonhide treasure maps will be highly unrivaled if we were to join in the pursuit for it due to our valiant strength. Nonetheless, most importantly, we have no concern over the dragonhide treasure maps. We would then have the chance to retrieve the maps, and eventually, return it to Yun Yang."
"There is a strong chance that Yun Yang had considered and planned this from the start! Why else would he promise us a chance of advancement after the end of all this? This is proof that he had already found a place that resembles a sanctuary of Yin energy, or an abuttal with an unusually high volume of Yin energy. He had definitely chosen the optimal time to release us. We shall finish his dirty work and draw all the attention from that, but there shall only be admiration - not even the slightest bit of resentment."
"Furthermore, we could continue to team up and foster an even better relationship."
"As we only take what we need, the benefits are surely immense."
King Songdi laughed grimly. "With the current outlook, you are able to discern all that? The martial world is at peace. The imperial court is stable. There's nothing to worry about and there is no chaos from all sides. The military, the government, and the people are united; there are no rats on the inside, and there are no formidable foes on the outside. The military is strong, filled with many renowned strong commanders. Add on the fact that this power struggle had been eliminated, it will be most shocking if Yutang still could not unify Tianxuan!
"If one were to think about it, the price that Yun Yang has paid to organize this scheme is in the form of those two treasure maps, yet still, it returned to him in perfect condition after going around the martial world. This is literally getting more by doing less - he's on a roll!"
"Such planning, such scheming... he manipulated the whole world in his hands – how terrifying!"
King Songdi let out a sigh filled with genuine admiration.
"Don't be impressed too quickly – how can you confirm that those two treasure maps will be produced by Young Master Yun? Also, how can you be sure that we'll definitely be able to take them back?" King Qinguang shook his head as he spoke.
King Songdi stared at his own brother with a dumbfounded gaze, as did the rest of the sovereigns. They all sighed simultaneously.
"With an IQ like this... I am truly speechless. Our average IQ level, the ten lords of the Underworld, has been lowered because of this person right here." The one who uttered this was the King of Equality, his face clearly reflecting a haughty expression of superior intelligence.
"There's is no longer any uncertainty left... my foolish brother, stop asking stupid questions, you're embarrassing us." King Chujiang sighed. "What are we Kings of the Concourse best at? Nothing other than hiding our tracks! This drawn-out battle would eventually end, so, as long as no powerful being emerges, those treasure maps will definitely be ours. All that awaits is our powerful presence in this battle!"
"I can confirm that the ones who could make the final decision are currently tied up among themselves. They are not meant to cross paths during this battle!"
"There is no longer an ounce of uncertainty!"
King Songdi made the final decision. "We shall make a move tomorrow. Let's retrieve the treasure maps and resolve this issue once and for all."
The other few promptly nodded in agreement, impatience etched all over their faces.
Yun Yang may have kept away the treasure maps in a hurry, but the rest quite anxiously wanted to enhance their abilities as well.
First Court King Qinguang gave his head a scratch. "I see."
He, too, was anxious to retrieve the treasure maps as soon as possible in exchange for the opportunity to heighten his abilities, just as Yun Yang had promised.
With one quick thought, he finally understood what it meant for the case to be completely rid of uncertainty; if I wanted something badly enough, how can I accept an answer other than getting what I wanted?
Yun Yang's words may have seemed pretty, but the items were still in his grasp – if he did not agree to give it to you, what else could you do about it?
If you can't retrieve the treasure maps, with what do you deserve the opportunity offered by Yun Yang?
The truth is simple and as plain as day - this arrangement was obviously something that would benefit both parties.
...
At this very moment, the fellows who could 'make the final decision' - the ones mentioned by King Songdi earlier - were stuck in a difficult situation. They were truly not destined for this battle after all.
Yun Yang's plans were never wrong.