Undying Life

Chapter 661: Chapter 661: Yi Lanque

Under the onslaught of the Ling Stones, Zhong Shan's strategy was quickly implemented.

The first step was to destroy Tian Xiao's reputation to provoke Shenxiu.

To storm the Tian Family again, Shenxiu was indispensable. Feng shui masters were unique; without one, they would be at a severe disadvantage in the Tian Family, which had a master of the Feng Shui branch. Zhong Shan was certain Shenxiu was in the Xingdou Empire because the Immortal World and Xing Tai Dou had visited recently. That time, the Immortal World had gone with a plan, undoubtedly bringing a feng shui master, likely Shenxiu.

After their recent defeat against the Tian Family, Shenxiu, being cautious, would not want to go again. Zhong Shan intended to force him into it, using the future reputation of the Tian Family's heir to provoke Shenxiu.

The many powerful individuals who had lost everything due to the Heaven Collapse Plan became the best workforce for Zhong Shan. He had plenty of Ling Stones and the task was simple. Numerous strong individuals were sent out by Zhong Shan, spreading exaggerated rumors that discredited Tian Xiao.

The news spread quickly, reaching the camps of the two empires.

In the palace where Xing Tai Dou resided, Ye Qingcheng and Shenxiu were playing chess.

"Master Shenxiu, your chess skills are impressive!" Ye Qingcheng said with a smile.

"Lord Ye, when are we leaving? We have already tried to break into the Tian Family, but it's impossible. The Feng Shui master of the Tian Family, Tian Lao, is as skilled as I am. There's nothing we can do," Shenxiu said, frowning as he placed a piece.

"Since we're here, let's wait a bit longer. Didn't we agree on this earlier?" Ye Qingcheng replied, frowning slightly, having noticed Shenxiu's desire to leave.

"Lord Ye, are you using Xing Tai Dou to test the Tian Family?" Shenxiu asked, looking at Ye Qingcheng.

"Heh, test?" Ye Qingcheng smiled without answering.

"The Immortal World and the Eternal World have been around for nearly ten thousand years. Are you becoming discontent with being a regional power?" Shenxiu asked, frowning.

"What makes you think that?" Ye Qingcheng frowned.

"I don't want to get involved in this. The struggle between the Immortal World and the Tian Family is your problem. I can't help you," Shenxiu said decisively, his desire to leave clear.

Just as Ye Qingcheng's expression turned sour, another person appeared beside them: the former Emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty, now the Emperor of the Xingdou Empire, Xing Tai Dou.

"Ha ha ha, Master Shenxiu, your reputation is growing!" Xing Tai Dou laughed as he arrived.

"Huh?" Shenxiu frowned at Xing Tai Dou.

"Everyone now knows that Master Shenxiu's feng shui skills are unmatched, manipulating the young master of the Tian Family like a puppet. The future heir of the Tian Family is just a puppet under your control," Xing Tai Dou laughed.

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"What do you mean?" Shenxiu frowned, sensing something was wrong but unable to pinpoint it.

"I just received this jade slip. Take a look for yourself," Xing Tai Dou said, handing over the jade slip.

As an emperor, Xing Tai Dou saw through Zhong Shan's plan despite its layers of deception. It was aimed at Shenxiu, to provoke fear and madness.

Shenxiu immediately examined the jade slip.

"This article is well-written, showcasing Master Shenxiu's unparalleled feng shui skills. Even the highly esteemed young master of the Tian Family is under your control. Once Tian Xiao inherits the Tian Family, it will further highlight your strength. The five branches of Heaven, Earth, Man, Spirit, and Ghost will surely re-rank, recognizing you as the top feng shui master," Xing Tai Dou laughed.

Next to him, Ye Qingcheng also understood. If Tian Xiao's reputation was ruined, he would undoubtedly seek trouble with Shenxiu once he became the patriarch.

"Top feng shui master of the current era? Manipulating the Tian Family's head?" Shenxiu began to sweat profusely.

"Where did this come from?" Shenxiu stood up anxiously.

"It's spreading throughout the Xingdou Empire. It seems to be reaching Tian Xiao's empire as well. Within three days, all the Tian Family members in the vicinity will know, and it's likely to spread further. I don't know who is helping us, but once these 'facts' are known, our morale will soar while Tian Xiao's troops' morale will plummet," Xing Tai Dou said with a smile.

"Quick, stop them!" Shenxiu shouted in panic.

"It's too late. The word is already out," Xing Tai Dou shook his head.

"Pa!" Shenxiu slumped back into his seat, looking utterly dejected.

Ye Qingcheng and Xing Tai Dou exchanged a glance and left Shenxiu alone.

"Who could be behind this?" Ye Qingcheng asked.

"Hmm, I've already sent people to investigate. However, these facts benefit us. At least, Shenxiu won't be in such a hurry to leave anymore," Xing Tai Dou nodded.

"Indeed."

In Tian Xiao's camp.

Tian Xiao reviewed the reports, admiration evident in his eyes. In front of him stood two rows of trusted aides.

"Xiao Wang, did Zhong Shan really come up with this?" Tian Xiao asked in amazement.

"Yes. In the Yang Realm, he devised the 'Heaven Collapse Plan' that destroyed the powerful Great Yu Empire. The plan spread across the world, causing other empires to take precautions. You could say Zhong Shan earned his place as one of Shenzhou's top military strategists with that plan. He used a small amount of spirit stones to bring down an entire empire. Such strategic use of commerce in warfare is unparalleled," Xiao Wang replied, full of admiration.

"Wasn't this 'Heaven Collapse Plan' against the Xingdou Empire your doing?" Tian Xiao asked with a smile.

"I merely followed Zhong Shan's example. The original plan was entirely his creation," Xiao Wang replied modestly.

"No, while Zhong Shan is undoubtedly brilliant, you also deserve credit. This 'Heaven Collapse Plan' is not something anyone can execute. The precision required is immense, with no room for error," Tian Xiao said, smiling.

"Thank you for the compliment, young master," Xiao Wang said, shaking his head.

"Zhong Shan? Heh, do you know about the recent rumors in the city?" Tian Xiao asked.

"Yes, I've heard bits and pieces. It's about Shenxiu," Xiao Wang nodded.

"Commander, it's a ploy by the Xingdou Empire to weaken our troops' morale," a subordinate said.

Tian Xiao shook his head.

"No? Then why are they slandering you, commander?" the subordinate asked.

"The information was leaked by a third party," Xiao Wang said immediately.

"A third party? Who?" the subordinate asked.

"We haven't pinpointed it yet," Xiao Wang replied.

"Do you know Zhong Shan has already visited the Tian Family?" Tian Xiao said with a peculiar smile.

"Zhong Shan went to the Tian Family?" Xiao Wang asked in surprise.

"Yes, a few days ago, to see my father. Unfortunately, they had a falling out, and Zhong Shan threatened to turn the Tian Family upside down," Tian Xiao said with a smile.

"Hahaha!" The subordinates laughed loudly, finding Zhong Shan's threat ridiculous.

"Young master, are you suggesting that this third party is Zhong Shan?" Xiao Wang frowned.

The laughter stopped abruptly.

"It must be him!" Tian Xiao said with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"What is your plan, young master?" Xiao Wang asked, concerned.

"You've spoken highly of Zhong Shan, but these are just rumors. Let's see what Zhong Shan is truly capable of," Tian Xiao said, a look of assessment on his face.

"But the Tian Family..." Xiao Wang expressed his worry.

"The Tian Family's foundation cannot be easily shaken by outsiders. However, I doubt Zhong Shan's abilities are limited to what we've seen. There must be more to come. Let him stir things up; it'll also serve as a wake-up call for my father, whose complacency needs to be checked," Tian Xiao said thoughtfully.

"Understood!" Xiao Wang responded.

"Keep a close watch on any movements across the land. With the Heaven Collapse Plan as a precedent, I want to see what new strategies Zhong Shan will employ!" Tian Xiao said with appreciation.

"Yes!" The subordinates responded immediately.

Back at the inn where Zhong Shan was staying.

Zhong Shan and Yin Luoyue sat in the main hall, listening to the innkeeper talk about the happenings outside.

"Innkeeper, we will leave this afternoon. Thank you for your hospitality these past few days," Zhong Shan said.

"You're leaving, sir?" The innkeeper said with regret.

"People have to move on. The spirit stones I gave you for the task can also cover the costs of our stay," Zhong Shan said.

"Understood! I won't disturb you any further," the innkeeper said with a hint of disappointment before leaving.

After the innkeeper left, Yin Luoyue looked at Zhong Shan, "Has the propaganda worked?"

"Of course. By now, Shenxiu must be panicking, eager to see the whole world rise against the Tian Family," Zhong Shan said with a smile.

"What's our next step?" Yin Luoyue asked again.

"It's a pity that I don't have my own people in the Xingdou Empire, making things less convenient. The first step, ruining Tian Xiao's reputation, is easy. The second step will have to wait until we reach the capital. Besides, there will be many people seeking us out here," Zhong Shan said.

At that moment, the innkeeper returned.

"Two sirs, someone outside is looking for you!" the innkeeper announced.

"See? They've come!" Zhong Shan said with a smile.

"Let them in," Zhong Shan instructed.

Soon, the innkeeper returned with a man in blue robes. The man was strikingly handsome, with his hair tied back neatly, exuding a charming and elegant aura. His blue robe was embroidered with unknown flowers, and he held a folding fan that he never opened.

"I am Yi Lanque. Greetings to Emperor Zhong Shan and Supreme Yin," the man said upon entering, immediately recognizing Zhong Shan and Yin Luoyue.

After a polite bow, he smiled at the two.

"You know us?" Yin Luoyue raised an eyebrow.

"Your names are well-known, resounding like thunder in my ears. How could I not recognize you? I've long wished to meet you. Learning that you were in this city, I took the liberty to come. I hope you don't mind," Yi Lanque said with the demeanor of a refined gentleman.

"Oh? How much do you know about us?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Once, when the Great Luo Heavenly Dynasty used ancient divine powers to open a rift between the yin and yang realms, someone fell right before me and became my friend. Emperor Zhong Shan, your Heaven Collapse Plan that toppled the Great Yu Empire and involved the 'Elixir of Immortality' is well-known. It stirred the world and even affected the Blissful Land of the Holy Place. I was very impressed. I run a business association and heard there was another Heaven Collapse Plan here, so I rushed over. Unfortunately, it wasn't your doing. But to my surprise, you are indeed here. A loss on one side, a gain on the other," Yi Lanque explained.

Yi Lanque's tone gradually shifted to focus on Zhong Shan, seemingly ignoring Yin Luoyue, who was a formidable Heavenly Extreme Realm expert. Zhong Shan quickly deduced that this visitor must hold a significant position and was well aware of his Great Zheng Dynasty.