Dashing Student Chapter 1381: Demon Sect Envoy

~5 minute read · 1,352 words
Previously on Dashing Student...
Chen Nan refines Demon Spirit Pills and masters the Demon Ape Form, strengthening his physique. He is greeted by grateful female cultivators on Golden Sun Island, but quickly departs with his disciple Zhong Ling upon hearing that the Righteous Alliance has declared war on the Demon Sect. Disguising himself as a stout Daoist named "Divine Calculator," Chen Nan enlists in the Righteous Alliance's forces. He learns from Tu Susu that Master Canglan's disciples have defected and plan to betray the Righteous Alliance during the upcoming war.

Within a specific encampment of the Righteous Alliance, Guo Yun, the foremost disciple under Master Canglan, found his attention frequently drifting outwards. He had just received intelligence indicating the Demon Sect's intention to dispatch an operative to his location. While aware this was likely a move to monitor him, Guo Yun remained unconcerned.

"As long as I can eliminate Jue Mingzi and his supporters, the method matters little!" Guo Yun's voice dripped with animosity. The news of his junior brother's demise had initially ignited a fierce desire within him to confront the Righteous Alliance's headquarters for an explanation. However, such matters now seemed secondary.

Presently, a flying ship docked within the camp. An envoy from the Righteous Alliance then presented Guo Yun with several cultivators who had volunteered for the conflict before departing.

A portly Taoist approached Guo Yun with a chuckle, introducing himself, "I am the Divine Calculator. Greetings."

Guo Yun regarded him with a hint of suspicion. Could this be the individual dispatched by the Demon Sect to observe him? The man's demeanor did not align with his preconceptions of a demonic cultivator.

This 'Divine Calculator' was, in reality, Chen Nan in disguise. He was privy to the significant influence Master Canglan's disciples wielded within the Righteous Alliance and understood that their defection would represent a severe blow to the alliance. More critically, their intention to assassinate Chen Nan himself posed a considerable risk, as their methods for verifying allegiance remained unknown.

Consequently, Chen Nan, in collaboration with Tu Susu, devised a strategy to leverage the Demon Sect's resources to eliminate these potential threats, thereby removing a major danger to himself. Thus, he adopted the persona of a Demon Sect envoy to approach Guo Yun.

Noticing Guo Yun's bewilderment, Chen Nan offered a knowing smile. "If it were easy to discern my true nature as a demonic cultivator, I would have met my end long ago."

This reassurance seemed to satisfy Guo Yun, who nodded swiftly. "Indeed. Master Canglan has labored diligently. Please, follow me."

They entered the tent, where Guo Yun promptly activated a formation to ensure their conversation remained private.

"Master Envoy," Guo Yun inquired with palpable eagerness, "how does the Demon Sect intend to assist us? We have already demonstrated our sincerity!"

Chen Nan maintained a serene expression, his demeanor calm. "Esteemed Guo, rest assured. In dispatching me, the Demon Sect has already conveyed its trust in you."

"Yes, however, you are aware of the conditions for our allegiance to the Demon Sect: the elimination of Jue Mingzi and Jiang Wuyue. This necessitates the assistance of your revered Demon Sect."

Chen Nan felt a jolt of surprise internally. He had not anticipated that Master Canglan's disciples would harbor ambitions of assassinating the supreme leader of the Righteous Alliance. Truly, animosity could cloud judgment. The prospect of challenging Jiang Wuyue, a cultivator at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, was indeed formidable.

Nevertheless, he masked his astonishment, nodding slowly. "Naturally, the Demon Sect will offer its aid. However, you must comprehend that confronting the Righteous Alliance's supreme leader is no simple matter for your faction alone."

Guo Yun's brow furrowed. "What do you imply?"

"The implication is straightforward: we require a pledge from your master, Master Canglan, of his defection to the Demon Sect. Only then can we offer our full assurance," Chen Nan stated deliberately.

Guo Yun's eyes widened in disbelief. "How could that be possible? My master is entirely unaware of this plan. If we were to inform him, he might very well oppose it."

Chen Nan experienced a moment of surprise; he had assumed Master Canglan was the mastermind behind this betrayal. It appeared his assumption was mistaken, and Master Canglan was merely a protective elder who still adhered to principles of righteousness.

"In that case, allow me to consult with the elders."

"Thank you, Master Envoy," Guo Yun replied with a slight bow, though inwardly, he scoffed.

"A mere Golden Core cultivator dares to surveil me? Once I have dispatched Jue Mingzi and Jiang Wuyue, I shall eradicate all of you!" As a seasoned cultivator in the Nascent Soul Realm, Guo Yun was certainly not inclined to be subservient. He recognized that joining the Demon Sect would invariably lead to their contempt.

Therefore, he had conspired with his junior siblings to align with the Demon Sect for the express purpose of eliminating Jue Mingzi and Jiang Wuyue. Following this, he intended to lead his siblings away from the Righteous Alliance towards the Nine Provinces Continent. With their cultivation at the Nascent Soul Realm, securing a peaceful existence would be far more appealing than remaining under the dominion of the Demon Sect.

Chen Nan, naturally, remained oblivious to Guo Yun's ulterior motives. Even had he been aware, it would not have deterred him, as his objective was to ensnare Guo Yun and his cohort in a single, decisive action.

He then retreated to the quarters prepared for him and retrieved a communication jade talisman, a gift from Liu Hanyue.

"Husband, where are you? Are you in peril?" Liu Hanyue inquired with evident concern upon re-establishing contact.

"I am unharmed, but I require your assistance with a matter," Chen Nan stated, forgoing pleasantries as the use of the communication jade talisman depleted Divine Soul Power.

He recounted Guo Yun’s treachery in its entirety to Liu Hanyue, igniting her fury.

"These ungrateful wretches, do they not comprehend that their attainment of the Nascent Soul Realm was, in part, a blessing from Old Dog Canglan? Was it not primarily due to the backing of the Righteous Alliance?"

"And now they harbor intentions of betrayal. Such blatant ingratitude!"

Chen Nan offered words of gentle solace, "Calm yourself, it’s not worth this level of anger. The most crucial matter is to excise this malignancy swiftly. Inform Master Wuyue of this situation so he may dispatch individuals to keep tabs on Guo Yun."

"They will soon unearth definitive proof."

Liu Hanyue readily assented, and upon concluding their conversation, she proceeded directly to the headquarters of the Righteous Alliance, where Jiang Wuyue was presently engaged in discussions regarding military strategies with Master Canglan and other esteemed elders.

Although Liu Hanyue also held the esteemed position of an elder, her aversion to constraints led her to frequently assume the role of an enforcer. Consequently, she remained uninvolved in sensitive matters, such as those pertaining to the Demon Clan.

"Master Hanyue, do you require my immediate attention?"

Liu Hanyue directed a cold snort towards Master Canglan, stating, "Alliance Hierarch, I have a private report for you. I trust that all extraneous individuals will vacate the premises."

Master Canglan’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Liu Hanyue, what precisely is the meaning of this? And who precisely do you deem to be irrelevant?"

"You are all aware of your own standing. Depart swiftly; there is no need for further inquiries," Liu Hanyue responded with palpable impatience.

Master Canglan departed in a fit of pique, and the remaining elders also rose and exited the grand hall.

"Master Hanyue, what is the nature of this urgent matter? While Master Canglan may show some favoritism towards his disciples, he remains a cornerstone of our Righteous Alliance."

Jiang Wuyue offered a placating smile, attempting to bridge the growing rift between Liu Hanyue and Master Canglan, a conflict primarily stemming from their differing views on Jue Mingzi. He reasoned that with the impending major conflict, internal unity among the elders would render the Demon Clan a trivial concern.

"Alliance Hierarch, I implore you to reconsider. There is a critical detail you may be unaware of..."

Liu Hanyue emitted two derisive sneers before proceeding to recount the entirety of Chen Nan's revelations.

Outside the hall, Master Canglan pondered Liu Hanyue's intentions for her private audience with Jiang Wuyue. A premonition struck him that the discussion might somehow involve him. After careful reflection, he could not recall any recent grievances he might have with Liu Hanyue.

"Has that woman taken leave of her senses?"