Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1587 - 966: Desperate Ambition
Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
Within the Bronze Gate, time and space exist in utter chaos.
Baili An discovered half a Blue Emperor’s Jade amidst the skeletal remains of a colossal serpent. This, in itself, was not particularly astonishing. However, the grave implication arose when the owner of those very skeletal remains bore an uncanny resemblance to himself.
Could it be that the prophesied Blue Emperor was… himself? And that this fragment of the Blue Emperor’s Jade originated from a future yet to unfold?
Initially, Baili An understood the jade belonged to some distinguished Immortal Lord from the Immortal World. Though a seed of doubt, hinting at a truth too extraordinary to grasp, had been planted in his heart, he had entertained more mundane explanations.
Perhaps the skeletal remains belonged to an ancestor who merely looked like him, or some other convenient explanation. But the evidence clearly pointed otherwise.
The emergence of the Black Jade in the North had bathed the world in a continuous purple aurora for nine days, influencing celestial phenomena across all Six Realms. If the Blue Jade were to surface, the world would undoubtedly take notice.
His original intention was to wield this jade as leverage against Fang You, to dissuade him from relentlessly pursuing suitors for Fang Geyu. Tonight, Baili An had irrevocably stolen the spotlight, and knowing Fang You’s apprehensive and suspicious nature, a thorough investigation was certain to follow.
Despite Baili An’s meticulous efforts to conceal his true identity, Shifang City was renowned for its unparalleled intelligence network.
He had reasoned that by fabricating an identity within the Immortal World using this jade, he could circumvent considerable trouble. Unexpectedly, this path had unraveled such a bewildering revelation.
Even more perplexing was Baili An’s recollection: Lin Xi, the Hall Master of the Immortal Music Palace within Cangwu Palace, also possessed the other half of this Divine Jade. What, then, was her role in this unfolding mystery?
Despite the internal turmoil, Baili An maintained an outward appearance of serene composure, betraying no hint of his inner state. He held the Blue Jade, idly turning it over in his hand, his gaze, subtly restrained, deliberately projected an air of unconcerned ease.
"City Lord Fang You, there is no need for apprehension. My presence here is unknown to the Emperor," Baili An stated, his voice calm.
Fang You’s countenance registered pure astonishment, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Baili An observed him, casually crossed his legs, and settled into a seat, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
"Across the Six Realms and Four Seas, there are clear signs of the Demon World’s resurgence. A century prior, I came into possession of the Blue Jade from the mouth of the celestial Mystic Bird, unofficially assuming the mantle of an Immortal Lord and Heavenly Official. The Emperor’s position remains untit; this is, in essence, Heaven’s strategic defense against encroaching adversaries. My identity carries significant weight; therefore, I trust City Lord Fang You will maintain its utmost confidentiality, ensuring no third party becomes aware."
Witnessing the turn of events, City Lord Fang You felt a jolt of realization, suspecting he had inadvertently stumbled upon a pivotal secret of the Upper Pure Immortal Realm. He intuitively understood the gravity of the situation, knowing that any careless utterance could invite catastrophic repercussions.
"I would never dare! I would never dare! I am fully aware of my place. Immortal Lord, you may rest assured that the events of this night will remain unknown to any third party. However, may I inquire… what brings an Immortal Lord to Shifang City on this occasion?"
Fang You’s inquiry was carefully phrased, his curiosity palpable as to why a Heavenly Immortal Lord, a potential future Emperor, would grace a mortal girl’s courtship banquet.
He wasn’t so arrogant as to believe an alliance with Shifang City could sway such a monumental figure’s affections. Unless… the reason was something else entirely.
"Since I am already present, there is no need for City Lord Fang to continue with your deception. Shifang City is secretly engaged in the research of Forbidden Techniques, infusing sentient consciousness into 'puppet weapons.' Before embarking on such perilous endeavors, did City Lord not contemplate the potential ramifications?"
Baili An had, with this statement, struck directly at the heart of Fang You’s most profound anxieties.
Fang You’s expression contorted drastically. Upon hearing Baili An’s words, he felt an icy dread envelop him, his eyes reflecting utter despair. He had clearly never anticipated that this matter would be exposed to the Immortal World so swiftly, nor that it would precipitate the appearance of a future Emperor.
As despair and fear washed over him, Fang You grasped a startling truth.
He bit his lip, looked towards Baili An, and whispered, "Although the Immortal Lord is aware of this situation, it appears you have not yet reported it to Immortal Venerable Zhu Zhan, nor have you made it public knowledge. Otherwise… why would Shifang City remain so undisturbed?"
"You have come personally, even concealing your celestial designation, clearly intending a private descent. Do you perhaps wish to resolve this matter discreetly before it escalates, thereby granting Shifang City a chance for survival? Is that not the case?"
Baili An's identity was entirely fabricated, and further pronouncements would only risk compounding his deceit. He chose not to directly address Fang You’s pointed question, neither confirming nor denying, but instead deflected it back.
"The Witch Plague is rampant, and the puppets have awakened their spiritual senses, leading to this chaotic state. Such a situation could not have arisen overnight. As the City Lord, I diligently manage the city's affairs daily. I find it hard to believe you were entirely oblivious to the genesis of this crisis." Baili An's question was direct, leaving no room for evasion. Despite feeling intimidated, Fang You's eyes still held a trace of bewilderment, coupled with a subtle wariness. "Shifang City dared to commit a grave taboo, an act beyond forgiveness. The Immortal Lord, holding a position of great honor and responsibility to the world, decreed punishment for Shifang City's transgressions. The most straightforward and immediate course of action would have been to report to the Immortal Venerable for a grand heavenly retribution! Yet, the Immortal Lord chose not to do so..." Fang You's gaze was deeply respectful, yet he couldn't help but assess Baili An with a swift glance. "The Immortal Lord is not surrounded by the immortal Qi of the Upper Pure Realm. The aura of your cultivation appears subtle and unadorned, as if you have descended from the Nine Heavens, requiring you to shed your immortal form and transform into a mortal guise. I presume a minor place like Shifang City would not compel an Immortal Lord to go to such extraordinary measures. I venture to ask, for what purpose have you graced us with your presence here?"