Chapter 2561: Concealed Dangers
Luo Lao'er turned back to look at Fenglei Guishan. "What's the current situation? It seems we've lost a lot of territory. Even Mu Bao had the audacity to show himself. How did this end up happening?"
A bitter expression appeared on Fenglei Guishan's face. "I'm not sure of the specifics myself. Let's return home, where Ancestor can explain things to you."
Luo Lao'er nodded.
The Fenglei clan's residence was not far from the destroyed brothel, so the three men soon arrived.
As they traveled, Luo Lao'er shared the Fenglei clan’s former glory with Lu Yin. At the moment, the clan possessed less than ten percent of their original holdings.
"There was a time when the Fenglei clan was regarded as the most powerful clan in the entire Lower King Domain. That's why they were able to establish a connection with Monarch Luo. My mother was placed within the Fenglei clan by Monarch Luo..." Luo Lao'er shared the specifics of the clan’s history, but as far as Lu Yin was concerned, the sordid details seemed all too common, as all that had happened was simply the results of a power struggle.
Fenglei Zhao's passing had allowed the Mu family to start targeting the Fenglei clan in order to gain control over the Lower King Domain, which was not unexpected.
Still, as far as the Fenglei clan was concerned, this was a conflict they had to stop.
Normally, such internal struggles would take place rather discreetly and outside of the public eye. However, the members of the Mu family had openly joined forces with the Wu family in order to deal with the Fenglei clan, which was quite unusual.
It was not long before Fenglei Guanqin provided an explanation. "It all started with the sudden appearance of a Monarch by the name of Xia Shenji."
Lu Yin kept his composure. Luo Lao'er was sitting right in front of Lu Yin, while Fenglei Guanqin sat at the head of the table.
It was only thanks to Luo Lao'er that Lu Yin was allowed to be present.
Fenglei Guanqin sighed. "Little Zhao was Monarch Luo's woman, so initially, no one dared lay a hand on the Fenglei clan, even after her demise. At most, the Mu family would make some covert moves that didn’t cause any significant harm. However, Xia Shenji’s sudden appearance changed everything.
"How can the Three Monarchs tolerate the presence of a foreign powerhouse? There was a major battle in the Emperor Domain after Xia Shenji suddenly appeared there. That battle destroyed a massive area, yet Xia Shenji managed to escape. He fled past the border. We don't know any of the specifics, but we do know that Monarch Mu was stationed at the eastern border to guard against Xia Shenji. We don't know what Mu Bao did after that, but surprisingly, Xia Shenji somehow made amends with the three Monarchs, and then Mu Bao rapidly started expanding his influence. Since then, the Mu family has started acting exceptionally arrogant, and it’s entirely related to Monarch Mu and Xia Shenji.
"While it remains unclear exactly what Monarch Mu has done, Mu Bao is daring to openly confront my Fenglei clan. Monarch Mu's involvement in what is happening is not a simple matter. Whatever happened, it was enough to have Monarch Luo turn a blind eye to everything that the Mu family is doing. I suspect that..."
Fenglei Guanqin directed a weary look towards Luo Lao'er. "Even if Luo Zang attacks you or genuinely tries to kill you, Monarch Luo may no longer intervene, because of Monarch Mu."
Lu Yin remained as composed as ever, though inwardly, he felt a sinking sensation. He was seeing the worst-case scenario unfold before him. Xia Shenji had somehow reached an agreement with the three Monarchs, which had also managed to greatly elevate Monarch Mu's status. This implied that Xia Shenji might soon manage to leave the Three Monarchs Universe and return to the Fifth Mainland.
Was Xia Shenji even still in the Three Monarchs Universe, or had he already returned to the Fifth Mainland?
In order to deal with Nutjob Lu, Lu Yin had banished Xia Shenji to the Three Monarchs Universe. At that time, he had already considered the possibility of the current situation. However, when compared to the threat of Nutjob Lu, the threat of a parallel universe had seemed rather insignificant at the time. Only later had Lu Yin learned of the Sixverse Association's ability to enter the Origin Universe, but such knowledge could only provide understanding in hindsight.
Lu Yin grew increasingly uneasy. He needed to return and check on the Fifth Mainland no matter what. If Xia Shenji announced his return, things would be fine due to the presence of Mu Xie and Arch-Elder Zen, which would prevent retaliation. However, if Xia Shenji conspired with the Three Monarchs Universe and returned in secret, it would be a huge problem for Lu Yin.
The Cyclic Universe was about to force the Fifth Mainland to resume fighting against the forces of Aeternus, which would divert the war away from the other universes. If Xia Shenji lured the Three Monarchs into the Fifth Mainland, Lu Yin would face true danger.
"My father has always excelled at weighing the pros and cons of a matter. Since the Mu family dares act so boldly, it means he won't interfere," Luo Lao'er said indignantly. He looked at Fenglei Guanqin. "Uncle, you should leave. Come with me to the Transcendent Universe. You need to escape from the Mu family's reach."
Fenglei Guanqin sighed. "Leaving is easier said than done. No matter what, I will ensure your safety and send you away first. It's too dangerous for you to remain here."
"Staying here will guarantee your death! Luo Zang is merciless enough to murder even his own brothers, let alone the Fenglei clan," Luo Lao'er argued.
Fenglei Guanqin repiled, "Even if we escape to the Transcendent Universe, what then? You are a hostage there being protected by the Transcendent Universe, while we would be nothing more than traitors to our own universe. If we flee, we won't just face the Mu family, but the Transcendent Universe itself coming after us. According to the Sixverse Association's treaty, traitors will be hunted down by the entire association."
Lu Yin's heart skipped a beat. Traitors would be hunted down by the entire Sixverse Association? The association appeared to be quite stable. Did this mean that if the Origin Universe joined the Sixverse Association as a member, and he remained the ruler of the Origin Universe, any who he labeled as traitors would be hunted down by the entire Sixverse Association?
Luo Lao'er quickly changed tact, "Then don’t go to the Transcendent Universe. We’ll go to a parallel universe instead. Any universe will do, as long as we can leave this place."
Fenglei Guanqin smiled, feeling reassured. "Your intentions are enough. Uncle appreciates your concern for the Fenglei clan, but if we leave, what will become of you?
"You were already isolated and left without any allies before you were sent to the Transcendent Universe to be a hostage. If we leave as well, you won't be able to remain a hostage. You'll be forced to return to the Emperor Domain, and there you will face a fate worse than death. Luo Zang will have his way with you, and you will have no means to protect yourself."
Luo Lao'er turned to Lu Yin and reminded, "Brother-in-law, remember what you promised me."
Fenglei Guanqin looked at Lu Yin in confusion. What sort of promise could this young man have made to Luo Lao'er that could shield him from Luo Zang? After all, this unknown youth was only as strong as a Servant. Was it possible that he held some sort of impressive position in the Transcendent Universe?
As the two men stared at him, Lu Yin straightened up and replied, "I won't go back on my word. As long as Zi Jing is able to do so, I will ensure that she protects you, even if pressured by Monarch Luo."
Fenglei Guanqin was left puzzled. "Zi Jing?"
Luo Lao'er smiled. "As long as you carry out your promise, Brother-in-law, it will be enough."
"Lao’er, he…?" Fenglei Guanqin felt terribly confused. All he had heard Luo Lao’er mention upon his return was the name Xuan Qi, but nothing about the stranger’s identity or status. Luo Lao'er had also said that there were no secrets between the two of them, which was why Fenglei Guanqin had assumed the two were friends who had survived life and death experiences together. However, it was starting to seem that things were not how they appeared.
Luo Lao'er coughed and said, "Uncle, let me formally introduce you two. This is my brother-in-law, Xuan Qi. Zi Jing is part of the Transcendent Universe Energy Research Group, and is his woman. He is also the Voidforce Universe’s treasure, and he’ll eventually have a peak powerhouse take him as their disciple. No, it’s even possible that he might become the Cyclic Universe’s next Sage Stone."
"Sage Stone?" Fenglei Guanqin shot to his feet as he stared at Lu Yin in disbelief. "Are you a part of the Stone Gate?"
Lu Yin replied, "Not right now."
Luo Lao'er continued, "My brother-in-law is currently being targeted by both the Transcendent Universe and the Cyclic Universe. Regardless of which universe he eventually joins, he has the potential to become a pinnacle powerhouse at the same level as the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages. As for Zi Jing, her status in the Transcendent Universe will soon be comparable to the You family’s ancestor."
Fenglei Guanqin’s confusion only mounted. The Transcendent Universe, the Voidforce Universe, Stone Gate; the man was left completely lost. Had his nephew been scammed?
Lu Yin stood up. "You two keep talking. Please show me somewhere I can rest."
Luo Lao'er hastily asked Fenglei Guishan to have someone escort Xuan Qi to another location where he could rest, while also reminding the patriarch not to be negligent.
After Lu Yin was gone, Fenglei Guanqin frowned. "Lao’er, who is that man really? Are you sure you haven’t been deceived? The Mu family has its own connections to the Transcendent Universe."
Luo Lao'er dismissively waved a hand. "No, Uncle. Let me explain..."
As Luo Lao’er spoke, Fenglei Guishan led Lu Yin to a serene courtyard.
Lu Yin had excused himself so that Luo Lao'er and Fenglei Guanqin could be allowed to speak without any reservations. While the two spoke, Lu Yin started considering how he should go about returning to his own universe, as well as what sort of agreement Xia Shenji might have made with the three Monarchs. Lu Yin was very curious about that matter.
It would be impossible to learn anything from the three Monarchs, which meant that the only potential avenues of information would be Luo Zang or others who were able to approach the three Monarchs.
However, Lu Yin had already thrown any such people into various parallel universes before Luo Lao'er had woken up. The parallel universes had been chosen at random, and it was up to each individual to figure out how to return to the Sixverse Academy.
With his identity as Xuan Qi, Lu Yin had already left a deep impression on the Sixverse Association. He was unwilling to erase that so quickly, especially since his alias was closely connected to Zi Jing.
If not for that, he would already have imprisoned the students in Zenith Mountain, similar to what he had done with Long Xi and the others from the Perennial World in the past. However, letting those people go did not matter, as he could capture them whenever he wished.
In the absence of Luo Zang, the person who was most likely to have access to the information Lu Yin sought was... He looked up and glanced towards the Mu residence.
Lu Yin did not know what Luo Lao'er had shared with Fenglei Guanqin, but when Lu Yin met with the patriarch the next time, the old man’s enthusiasm rivaled that of Xu Xiangyin's. Fenglei Guanqin looked at Xuan Qi with indescribable awe, as though seeing one of the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages.
The man’s attitude had completely changed, and a deep respect was readily evident.
"My Fenglei clan is not a noble family, but rather the family of hardworking commoners. I'm afraid I must have embarrassed myself before you, Mr. Xuan Qi," Fenglei Guanqin said politely as he invited Lu Yin to sit next to him.
Lu Yin replied, "Your dedication is commendable. I, Xuan Qi, am also an independent cultivator. In my own universe, I’ve been pursued by a peak powerhouse for many years. If not for my luck in being taken to a different universe, my life would never have changed. My successes pale when compared to those of the Fenglei clan."
"Brother-in-law, which universe are you from?" Luo Lao'er asked curiously. He had already asked this question many times before.
Fenglei Guanqin quietly scolded, "Show some respect, you little brat!"
Luo Lao'er grumbled, "I was only thinking that when my brother-in-law eventually becomes a formidable figure, he should take me with him when he returns to his own universe to get revenge. I truly enjoy watching a gentleman seek vengeance. It's inspiring."
Fenglei Guanqin turned to apologize to Lu Yin, "Mr. Xuan Qi, please forgive his insolence. This is simply how the young brat is. He didn't mean to pry into your privacy."
Lu Yin waved a hand. "I'm already used to it."
"That’s right, Uncle. There's no need to treat him like a stranger. My brother-in-law and I have already survived hardships together," Luo Lao'er proudly declared.
Hearing this reminded Fenglei Guanqin of the current situation, and his expression instantly became somber. "Considering that you were both captured by that Aeternus spy, why were you set free? It doesn't make any sense."
Lu Yin replied, "We can’t answer that ourselves. It’s possible that we weren't the primary target."
Fenglei Guanqin glanced at Luo Lao'er and asked, "Who all did they capture?"
Leaning closer, Luo Lao'er whispered, "One of the captives was Bai Qian!"
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