Dashing Student Chapter 1383: Caught Red-Handed

"Master, could you calculate for me when I will find a Dao companion?"

Within the encampment, a cultivator who had reached the perfection of the Golden Core Realm approached Chen Nan, his insistence clear as he requested a fortune reading.

Chen Nan recognized this individual; his name was Yuan Xi, a trusted subordinate to Guo Yun.

A shadow crossed Chen Nan’s face as he regretfully shook his head, stating, "Apologies, this humble monk is incapable of fortune-telling."

Yuan Xi’s eyes widened in disbelief: "Master, how can you not possess this skill? Your Dao title is ’Divine Calculator,’ and Lord Guo Yun holds you in such high esteem. You surely must have some remarkable abilities."

"Master, please do not withhold your talents. I am aware of the customs; should you assist me in discerning my fate, I shall undoubtedly present you with a substantial gift!"

Chen Nan felt as though an incessant sparrow was chirping right beside him, struggling to comprehend how someone as thoughtful as Guo Yun could have such a garrulous subordinate.

"If Master Yuan can remain silent for a duration of three days, then I shall assist you in this calculation."

Yuan Xi’s face instantly lit up with joy: "Truly?"

However, a sudden realization struck him, and he hastily clapped both hands over his mouth.

Chen Nan imagined a welcome quietude had finally descended upon the world, but to his astonishment, Yuan Xi trailed him everywhere he went. Unable to dislodge the persistent follower, Chen Nan was compelled to retreat to his own quarters, leaving Yuan Xi to linger outside his door.

Yuan Xi remained undeterred; he simply took a seat by the entrance, a foolish grin plastered across his face.

...

Meanwhile, in another location, Guo Yun arrived at the designated meeting point accompanied by four of his fellow disciples.

Not long after their arrival, cultivators from the Demon Sect made their appearance. They were led by an individual in the Nascent Soul Realm, whose countenance bore dark markings that lent him a distinguished and enigmatic presence.

Guo Yun’s expression faltered slightly: "Why is it you? Where is Elder You Gu?"

The reason he had sought assistance from the Demon Sect stemmed from a prior chance encounter with Elder You Gu. Prior to Chen Nan’s arrival, You Gu had been his primary point of contact.

Following Chen Nan’s arrival, he had severed ties with You Gu, presuming it would be You Gu he encountered this time around.

The man with the dark markings let out a soft chuckle: "I am Evil Shadow; Elder You Gu is occupied with other urgent matters, thus he dispatched me in his stead."

"I understand," Guo Yun replied, harboring no suspicion. After all, the individuals before him possessed the clear appearance of demon cultivators; what benevolent person would bear dark markings upon their face?

"Now that we have convened, it signifies our earnest intentions. What demonstrates the sincerity of your Demon Sect?"

Evil Shadow chuckled again: "To eliminate Jiang Wuyue requires the personal intervention of our Demon Sect Master, a feat not easily accomplished. However, we can certainly assist you in eradicating Jue Mingzi."

"Hmph, that individual is merely an insignificant ant; we are fully capable of dispatching him ourselves, we simply couldn't locate him!" Lin Didi retorted with indignation.

Evil Shadow’s smile held a trace of confidence: "Rest assured, we shall aid in his discovery and inform you once he is found."

"That would be most satisfactory," Guo Yun’s tone shifted. "In the past, Jue Mingzi colluded with your Demon Sect operatives, leading to the demise of our junior brother. My desire is for him to meet his end!"

At that time, aside from Chen Nan, very few were privy to the intricate details, but Guo Yun and his associates recognized the truth of the situation. Had it not been for Chen Nan’s clandestine cooperation with the demon cultivators, how could Yi Mingzi have been slain?

Evil Shadow emitted a sigh: "This particular undertaking may prove challenging."

"Challenging? Are your fellow disciples inferior to a mere demon cultivator from your Demon Sect? A trade of one for five would hardly be a loss for you!" Guo Yun questioned icily.

Evil Shadow shook his head with an air of resignation: "Very well, since you are insistent, upon our return, we shall dispatch Wu Hong and inform you of the outcome."

"That would be splendid," Guo Yun conveyed his final satisfaction. "When the inevitable conflict between the righteous and the demonic factions erupts, I shall orchestrate our cultivators into betraying the Righteous Alliance. I trust you will lend your support then."

"Have no concern, I shall attend personally," Evil Shadow pledged with apparent accord.

The agreement was nearly sealed with a Heavenly Dao Oath when, abruptly, figures materialized in the sky, accompanied by an overwhelming pressure that descended swiftly.

Guo Yun looked upwards, his heart seizing with apprehension, for he recognized the newcomer as the Law Enforcement Elder of the Righteous Alliance, Xu Yan.

Xu Yan was known for his fiery disposition, his unyielding principles, and the respected yet feared status he held as Law Enforcement Elder.

Previously, Liu Hanyue had reported Guo Yun and his cohorts’ treachery to Jiang Wuyue, who subsequently dispatched Xu Yan to keep a watchful eye on Guo Yun.

Now, confronted with undeniable proof of Guo Yun’s complicity with the demon cultivators, Xu Yan’s fury ignited: "Guo Yun, your collusion with the Demon Sect to backstab us marks you as utter filth, a complete disgrace!"

"Today, I shall cleanse our Sect on behalf of your master!"

The enraged proclamation echoed widely, causing Guo Yun’s countenance to pale drastically; there would be no recourse for explanation, even with the ability to speak endlessly.

In the meantime, Evil Shadow and a contingent of demon cultivators were also looking quite displeased. "Very well, so you lured us here, didn’t you? Guo Yun, stop playing games!"

"When I get back, I will make sure the Demon Sect places you on their wanted list. You are finished!"

With those declarations, the demon cultivators produced instant teleportation talismans and vanished without a trace.

This turn of events left Guo Yun in a state of shock; he hadn't even managed to offer an explanation before the demon cultivators were gone. He was now branded a traitor by the Righteous Alliance and had also incurred the wrath of the Demon Sect.

Furthermore, he had the unsettling feeling that the Demon Sect had been prepared for this. Otherwise, how could every single one of them possess an instant teleportation talisman?

"Damn it all, someone must have played a trick on us!"

He cast a furious gaze upon his fellow disciples, but quickly realized that they were as close as brothers; none of them would ever betray the group.

Therefore, the only remaining possibility was the Divine Calculator!

"Blast it, I knew that fellow was shady!"

He retrieved a communication jade talisman and dispatched a message.

By this time, Xu Yan had already surrounded the area with his own forces. Not only was Xu Yan an expert at the Sixth Level of the Nascent Soul Realm, but the elders from the Law Enforcement Hall were equally formidable.

After all, without considerable strength, they would be unable to assert their authority over other cultivators.

Guo Yun clenched his teeth, his voice a low growl. "Escape if you can. And if you happen to come across that traitor, the Divine Calculator, make sure you kill him!"

A fierce battle commenced.

Meanwhile, Chen Nan continued his cultivation within his chambers. He glanced towards the sky outside and let out a soft chuckle. "Based on the timing, Guo Yun and his group should have been captured by now, shouldn't they?"

Suddenly, a knock echoed at his door. Chen Nan extended his divine sense, identifying Yuan Xi, and sighed deeply.

He hadn't anticipated that Yuan Xi would actually heed his words and wait patiently outside his door with such remarkable persistence.

However, he genuinely possessed no talent for fortunetelling.

With a sense of resignation, he exited to address Yuan Xi.

"My friend, I have already informed you. This humble Daoist truly cannot divine fortunes. You should depart."

Yuan Xi chuckled, "Master, I am not here for you to divine fortunes. I have a question for you."

"Oh? What question might that be?" Chen Nan inquired reflexively.

Yuan Xi flashed a grin, revealing his pearly white teeth, his smile transforming into something cold and sinister.

"I wish to ask you... Why did you betray Lord Guo Yun?!"