The Plot Underway
The Plot Underway
"Cao Guofeng! You are really too much! On what basis are you accusing me of destroying talent?" Zhan Mubai had an infuriated look. "Today, you must give me an explanation!" He had already made up his mind; he couldn't be bothered anymore. He only needed to find the right opportunity to grab the youth and go. If we have to fall out, then so be it! As long as I can get this heaven-defying lad in my hands, anything is worth it! He was willing to give up on the Elusive World of Immortals and even the whole Zhan Family. He'd find a secret place and hole up inside, focusing wholeheartedly on nurturing this disciple. This concerned a glory that lasted for ages, and any sort of sacrifice would be worthwhile…
Although the other six people also had the same inclinations, Cao Guofeng was still ultimately the leader of this operation for the Misty Illusory Manor, so they could not necessarily insist on vying for the boy. So all in all, only Cao Guofeng and himself were the ones vying for this disciple!
Strike first and gain the upper hand!
"Excuse me, all the elders here, could you allow this junior to say something?" A meek voice came from the side. It was Young Master Jun. While the eight of them were arguing here, Young Master Jun's mind had been thinking, not stopping for a moment. But he was pondering over how to utilize such an awkward situation or even gain an advantage out of it.
"Speak!" Cao Guofeng and Zhan Mubai said simultaneously, but they were just trying to achieve a good image in the eyes of their future disciple.
"Um… My master once seriously warned me that to choose a master, first and foremost, that person must have shocking prowess. Why must both seniors be caught in this wrangle? I'm right here; it's not like I can run away, and I'll end up under either one of you. Since I need to make someone my Master, naturally I'll pick one who is more powerful… Why don't the two of you… exchange a few strokes on the spot? Who is stronger than the other will be obvious, and the defeated party will also have nothing else to say, right?" Jun Moxie stammered, cowering as he spoke.
"Hm?!" Both of them were convinced upon hearing Jun Moxie's words. His words did make sense. No matter how much the loser had to offer, it was all useless if he lost this fight. The two exchanged looks and saw the determination to win in each other's eyes!
"That's right, that's right. The winner is King; the winner decides it all. If you are willing to take the gamble, you'd be willing to pay the price. It is indeed a good solution to resolving this argument!" All the other six people began to egg the fight on. They naturally had full confidence in Cao Guofeng. Cao Guofeng was a third level Saint Emperor. Although Zhan Mubai was not ordinary, he was only a second level Saint Emperor! This was a huge distinction!
The outcome of this battle determined who the disciple would belong to. This was the equivalent of allowing Cao Guofeng to hold an invincible position!
Beads of perspiration began to form on Zhan Mubai's face. He gritted his teeth and held back that "fine! A fight it is!" that was in his throat.
If they really began to start this battle, he was determined to lose. And the relationship between three Holy Lands and Cao Guofeng as well as the rest would also be destroyed because of this…
"Perhaps there is no need to rush for this matter. Brother Cao, there is still some time before you must return to the Illusory Manor. Why don't we test this lad's receptivity during this period as a form of serious consideration? If this lad only has the physique but not the corresponding perception, then wouldn't we have argued for nothing… As to who shall keep the disciple, we can discuss this matter afterwards. How is that?" Zhan Mubai was extremely willy, churning out something that was reasonable.
"That's alright too!" Cao Guofeng also understood that now was not a good time to fall out with Zhan Mubai. If there was no room for saving the situation, he would have already begun exchanging blows. But Zhan Mubai had relented first; if he insisted, then he was the one being unreasonable, so he agreed reluctantly. But he also realized that after Zhan Mubai returned, he would definitely contact the other Saint Emperors of the three Holy Lands to come forth and put greater pressure on himself. It would be difficult for him to achieve anything without support, and the longer this matter dragged out, the more the situation would turn unfavorable.
But within a few thoughts, he had already found a solution. He turned around and looked at the other six Saint Emperors present with him and solemnly said, "My six brothers, we all came upon this great talent together. If I'm the only one who takes possession of this enormous advantage, I will also sincerely feel bad, knowing how you guys fancy this lad. How about this… If I have the opportunity to make this child my disciple, then aside from being my successor, he will also have to treat the six of you as his masters? In other words… this child shall be the disciple of all seven of us combined! What do the six of you think of this?"
Not only did he occupy the position of the main leader, he had also given all six of them a favor, obtaining numerous gains from this speech alone. And he was confident that all six of them would not refuse! You must be kidding; this concerns becoming the Master of the future number one expert in the world… Even if it was just in title, it is still a grand achievement and glory!
As expected, all six people expected to back off, seeing that a fight was about to break out and had all decided to view this matter as something that no longer concerned themselves. But now Cao Guofeng had unexpectedly given them this sort of favor, so their attitudes changed again, and they were extremely elated!
"Brother Cao, do you really mean what you say?"
"How could I not really mean it at this point in time. Did you think I'm really willing to share this great disciple equally?" Cao Guofeng laughed bitterly and continued. "With the current situation, if we do not join forces, this disciple will be snatched away by the three Holy Lands. This place is still ultimately their turf. If they really succeed, then in one to two hundred years later, the Misty Illusory Manor will no longer be able to keep our position! Be it for the sake of passing on our legacy for Illusory Manor, the seven of us must escort this prodigal son back to Misty Illusory Manor! Although I have the intentions to monopolize him, I am still a part of Illusory Manor, so I must do my best for the future of the Misty Illusory Manor!"
He paused for a while. "I have no regrets in saying this, since I've said that he shall be the disciple of the seven of us, then there shall be no change to this fact from now onwards! My only request is that in terms of status, he is still my successor. I only have this request and I hope you will allow this!"
His sincerity was obvious through his words, and the other six people instantly felt a little guilty for forgetting the bigger picture. Although this disciple would have the status of Cao Guofeng's successor, he would also be the disciple of all six of them. This was so much better compared to the situation before where they could only look on with desire and not have a single share over him. They all agreed synchronously.
"There is absolutely no problem with Brother Cao's request; you can rest assured. Since he is the shared disciple between the three of us, then even if the three Holy Lands want to try and snatch him away, the few of us are no pushovers!"
Zhan Mubai cried from anguish internally. This was a beautiful move by Cao Guofeng—now he had six more extremely powerful supporters. This raised the difficulty of Zhan Mubai's plans by numerous folds. Even if any one of the three Holy Lands brought out their full forces, they might not be able to stand up against a force like this.
But Zhan Mubai was not going to let go just like this. The Misty Illusory Manor was fearful that the three Holy Lands would use this child to oppress them a few hundred years later. So he hoped that he could use this child to free the three Holy Lands from the shadows of the Misty Illusory Manor!
Free and Natural Physique… The physique of the Nine Nether First Young Master! The achievements of Nine Nether First Young Master back then… Zhan Mubai's agitated chest was about to explode just by thinking of this. He would not let go no matter what!
The discussion had been set, so these few old men didn't even bother eating, simply making payment and heading back to the Chen Manor.
Jun Moxie was escorted in the middle of the seven Saint Emperors from the Misty Illusory Manor, completely revolving around him.
Saint Emperor opening the path, Saint Emperor guarding from the back, and Saint Emperor bodyguards on life and right…
The extent of the pampering that Young Master Jun was receiving currently would leave the Nine Nether First Young Master from ten thousand years ago exclaiming in awe…
Unbeknown to Jun Moxie, these eight Saint Emperors, including Zhan Mubai, were also secretly observing him.
Despite the lad being surrounded by the aura of these eight experts, although he had no idea what was happening, his expression remained untroubled and he wasn't flustered in his behavior as well, maintaining a calm and reserved disposition.
Truly extraordinary! No wonder it is the Free and Natural Physique! The eight Saint Emperors' appraisal of Young Master Jun had risen again!
The aura of eight Saint Emperors could easily make ten thousand of Mystic Beasts shun away even if it is in the Heavenly Punishment Forest. How powerful was that? Although they did not intentionally release any malice or oppressing aura, it was not something that any regular person could bear!
These eight people returned to the Chen Manor, each with their own ulterior motives. Jun Moxie and this fake 'Super Longevity Meat' was settled into the room right in the center of all the other rooms in a small courtyard that the Chen Family had specially prepared for the Saint Emperors from the Misty Illusory Manor.
And Cao Guofeng was staying right next door.
Cao Guofeng clearly could not wait to make Jun Moxie his disciple and impart him some skills. But seeing that hint of hesitation in his mind that Jun Moxie had portrayed, although he had forced himself to be calm and steady, he still couldn't conceal that tinge of helplessness, Cao Guofeng couldn't help but feel some tender affection in his heart. Sigh, he is still a member of the secular world and is too young. He hasn't seen much of the world yet and is still lacking in experience. He has gotten a little dizzy from the glamor of the Chen Manor…
We'll need to let him adjust to things properly first. Tomorrow, I'll have the Chen Family members come over to pay their greetings. First, to reaffirm him of my supreme status, and second, to eradicate the anxiety and fear in his heart. He is the future disciple of the seven of us; how could a mere Chen Family stand for anything? Letting them host us is already giving them a lot of face…
He wanted to carefully comfort Young Master Jun and treat him affably, making sure Jun Moxie was feeling extremely comfortable. He even used his skills to create a special atmosphere that would help Jun Moxie calm his 'panicked' state of mind…
When everything was over and Jun Moxie's emotions were clearly more at ease, these seven great Saint Emperors then returned to their room to practice. At their level, not sleeping was simply a small matter.
Besides, these seven people's hearts were even more agitated than Jun Moxie's!
But they did not realize that right after their departure, a cunning and scheming look flashed in the eyes of this 'prospective disciple'… This was the perfect opportunity to sow discord… If this prospective disciple of theirs suddenly died… What would happen?
Jun Moxie was full of anticipation…
On the surface, these seven Saint Emperors had returned to their respective rooms to meditate, but they had already secretly started a group conversation using the voice transference technique, the seven of them getting more excited as they talked. They had even started discussing how to help this precious disciple of theirs build up his foundation when they returned to back to the Illusory Manor. Which type of rare medicines to use first, building the foundations, in teaching him the unique points of each of their skills, who would follow to add on, enhance and strengthen further…
Until a certain stage, then what other method to use to level it up more… They had even discussed using the Seven Color Sacred Fruit in the Misty Illusory Manor during a certain point in his training to cleanse his meridians… To create an invincible and unrivalled expert within the shortest period!
The higher the cultivation level of the disciple, the earlier he graduated from his master, and the greater the glory for the Master!
They believed that with this disciple, there would be no possible problem if the Misty Illusory Manor wanted to completely oppress the three Holy Lands. It was not excessive to think that he would even surpass their elders and ancestors. The real goal would be working hard in the direction of the Nine Nether First Young Master's level, which was not something completely impossible…
The seven of them were in high spirits as they discussed, and each of them had drawn out a blueprint for their grand plan. They all couldn't help but feel extremely excited thinking about the future glory to come.
In the pugilistic world, a youth with good physique would still need affinity to be accepted under a good Master. But it was a difficult task if a top expert wished to accept a disciple who completely satisfied his requirements!
Perhaps these few Saint Emperors were unaware and had no way to confirm if there was anyone with the Free and Natural Physique in this world and how many were there, but Jun Moxie knew that the Nine Nether First Young Master was definitely not the only one with the free and natural physique in ten thousand years!
How many talents had been buried in history? No one was truly sure of it, but if they were to really be added up altogether, they may possibly form an army of a million men! How many talents did not have the right opportunities, turning into farmers, businessmen, and even died in poverty…?
Talents were hard to find, but how many people were aware of their presence? The greatest meaning to both was that they cannot be without the other!
Time crept silently past.
There were no stars or moon in the sky. It was the darkest period before dawn broke in half an hour.
The darkness before dawn, the time before the first rays of light shines, the darkest period!
Now, Cao Guofeng and the rest all noticed something unusual.
Although these seven were merely exchanging conversations secretly, all of them were extremely uptight. That was the legendary 'Free and Natural Physique'. Zhan Mubai drooled at the sight of it, and now that he had suffered such a great disadvantage, how could he take it lying down?
It was hard to promise that he wouldn't try something funny.
So as these seven people were talking, they kept their guard up. The night was just about to pass, and daybreak was about to come. Everyone was just about to heave a sigh of relief, but just at this timing, something was off…
There was a subtle drifting sound of the wind. Even if someone was listening closely, they'd just brush it off as the sound of wind blowing past. But on this night, the seven of them were extremely familiar and clear of the sound of the surroundings outside. This seemingly 'natural' sound of wind blew past was a stark contrast and… it was already in the Courtyard!
The movement was really fast!
Had it been any ordinary person, how could they get past the senses of the Saint Emperor experts? They'd be discovered the moment they were a thousand feet away, not even when they were near the courtyard!
This person's cultivation was definitely not beneath any single one of the seven of them!
Zhan Mubai! You old thing really came!