Long Live Summons Chapter 954

Sky Execution, the Dragon Emperor, and Country Lord Qinglang, among other formidable figures on one side, reacted instantly, finding themselves surrounded by the attacker's terrifying speed.

Yet, an even stranger turn of events unfolded.

Country Lord Zhi Feng, struck in the face, didn't get sent flying by the impact. Instead, he tilted back slightly, his head and body slanting in a natural evasion of the incoming punch. This movement seemed less like a response to a powerful assault and more like an instinctual reaction born from shock and fear. The silver-clad assailant, having targeted Country Lord Zhi Feng, then vanished in a blur, reappearing beside the Liberty Queen's prison carriage.

His Sword Qi surged towards the heavens.

With a single, swift sword stroke, the attacker severed the Liberty Queen's head.

Before Country Lord Zhi Feng, Sky Execution, and the others could even process the attack, the silver man transformed into a meteor, streaking away. His speed was so extreme that their eyes could barely track his movement. In an instant, he was gone, vanishing into the sky.

So, the true target was indeed the Liberty Queen?

“It must be the Vengeance Domain Emperor! It has to be the Vengeance Domain Emperor!” Country Lord Wanjiao bellowed with absolute certainty.

“Are you alright?” The Dragon Emperor's immediate concern was for Country Lord Zhi Feng.

“I took a blow to the face, yes, but the opponent likely used only about thirty percent of their power. It’s just a minor injury. Furthermore, there were no peculiar techniques like poison or curses involved. So, I am completely fine,” Country Lord Zhi Feng stated, touching his face. Although it was a preemptive strike from the enemy, the real loss was the Liberty Queen. The bridge of Country Lord Zhi Feng's nose had cracked, and blood trickled from his ears due to the concussive force. Despite this, to him, it was merely a slight discomfort. If there were no lingering effects beyond physical damage, the injury would heal rapidly.

However, had the opponent truly unleashed their full might, even if Country Lord Zhi Feng wouldn't perish, he would undoubtedly have suffered severe injuries.

With such incredible speed, the enemy first struck Country Lord Zhi Feng. While everyone's attention was diverted to the injured man, the attacker seized the opportunity to strike the Liberty Queen. It was undeniable that the silver man who appeared was a top-tier ranker, surpassing even a Country Lord in power.

Even facing him two-on-one, the Dragon Emperor and the Underworld Emperor lacked the confidence to claim victory against such an adversary.

Sky Execution, meanwhile, proceeded to examine the Liberty Queen's corpse.

The Liberty Queen had been successfully killed.

Yet, Country Lord Zhi Feng let out a laugh. Amidst his laughter, the Liberty Queen's corpse began to distort, transforming into the appearance of a green-skinned slug woman. The slug woman's body wriggled, and a pool of strange-smelling green liquid oozed from her neck. This liquid flowed towards the severed head, eventually forming green tubes that reconnected the head to the neck.

These green tubes writhed and contracted with alarming speed.

As the head rejoined the neck, the slug woman rose from the ground, her body reverting to its original human form, completely unharmed by the beheading.

“What is happening?” Country Lord Wanjiao and Louluo stared in utter disbelief.

“She is one of my maids. Why would I bring so many of them to Central Island? The purpose was to keep the true Liberty Queen hidden from public view. I had already arranged for Young Master Titan to safeguard the actual Liberty Queen within his storage ring, so how could I possibly leave her vulnerable out here for the enemy to assassinate?” Country Lord Zhi Feng explained with a chuckle.

“A commendable strategy,” Chief Steward Ye and Leader Jin chimed in with praise, attempting to curry favor with their master.

“You even managed to deceive us. Nevertheless, this substitution is truly an ingenious idea,” the Dragon Emperor added his own commendation.

“It is fortunate we employed a decoy, but you should not have kept it from us. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest from sheer terror just now. You know as well as I do that the key to breaking the curse rests with the Liberty Queen. If she had been assassinated, what would our next steps be?” Country Lord Qinglang voiced his complaint, though he too was secretly relieved that the Liberty Queen was safe.

Country Lord Zhi Feng would surely handle matters concerning the Liberty Queen; with her safe now, we can all be at ease. However, we must not forget that our enemy has revealed themselves to be the Vengeance Domain Emperor. Facing such a formidable opponent, how can we proceed with our original plans? It appears the Vengeance Domain Emperor is determined to obstruct us, as his immediate action was to target the Liberty Queen,” Country Lord Wanjiao offered his analysis.

“Are you certain it was the Vengeance Domain Emperor?” the Dragon Emperor inquired.

“Aside from him, is there any other powerhouse possessing such incredible speed and swordsmanship?” Country Lord Louluo countered.

“If it truly was the Vengeance Domain Emperor, then why did he spare Country Lord Zhi Feng? Had he eliminated the Country Lord first and then assassinated the Liberty Queen, we would have been powerless against him. So why reveal himself prematurely and depart so hastily?” The Underworld Emperor voiced his persistent question.

“This... How am I to know?” Country Lord Louluo found himself struggling to provide a satisfactory explanation.

“Perhaps someone intends to frame the Vengeance Domain Emperor, or perhaps they are using his name to commit these heinous acts, hoping we’ll direct our animosity towards him. I even suspect the true culprit may be lurking in the shadows, employing similar tactics against the Vengeance Domain Emperor – using our sect’s name or distinctive techniques against him to incite his rage towards us. This could explain why we must convene at the Central Island and nowhere else,” the Dragon Emperor, with his keen senses, already felt that something was amiss.

“What exactly is located at the Central Island?” Sky Execution’s sole desire was to resolve this mystery.

“Legend has it that a deity perished in the Wind-stopping Swamp ten millennia ago. Yet, for countless ages, no anomalies have occurred here, save for the perpetual stillness of the wind. Generations of powerful cultivators have scoured this place without success. As for the Central Island itself, beyond a spatial rift connecting various parts of the Heavenly Splendour Territory, no other significant features have been discovered,” Country Lord Zhi Feng implied that the tale was merely a legend, unverified.

“To uncover the truth, we must summon Young Master Titan! Let us depart at once!” Country Lord Wanjiao proposed.

“...” Country Lord Zhi Feng cast a scrutinizing look at Country Lord Wanjia before abruptly asking, “Why did you definitively state the attacker was the Vengeance Domain Emperor on both occasions?”

“Do you not agree? For both assaults, if the first was not the Vengeance Domain Emperor, then the second, an unseen assailant whose power and visage we could not discern, must surely have been him, must it not? Even if the initial attack was an ambush, who would risk a repeat knowing we would be on heightened alert? We are not fools; why would we be deceived twice?” His demeanor suddenly darkened, “Do you suspect my involvement? I understand your apprehension amidst this enemy's actions, but do not forget, I too am afflicted by the curse. I am also cursed and must now seek relief by journeying to the Central Island!!”

“Zhi Feng, Wanjiao, when faced with a formidable adversary, we must unite,” Country Lord Wanjiao intervened, attempting to mediate.

“Regardless of whether the assailant is the Vengeance Domain Emperor, they are not an opponent we can face alone,” Country Lord Louluo also sought to calm Country Lord Wanjiao, urging him to temper his anger. The events had shattered Country Lord Zhi Feng’s favorite concubine’s birthday banquet, turning a celebration into a disaster. He had lost the Divine Blood, his beloved had been taken, and he had narrowly escaped death multiple times – it was only natural for him to harbor suspicions about anything uncertain.

“I offer no apologies, but given the dire circumstances, we can still fight as allies,” Country Lord Wanjiao conceded, choosing to set aside his grievances and acknowledge the grave situation, forming a reluctant partnership with Zhi Feng.

“...” Country Lord Zhi Feng let out a cold snort, suppressing his indignation.

Yet, it was undeniable—he could not afford to act too rashly.

After all, the situation had not yet reached its absolute worst, and thankfully, powerful individuals like the esteemed Young Master Titan and Sky Execution were present to lend their support.

Following the incident, Country Lord Zhi Feng approached Sky Execution and expressed his regret, “It is fortunate that Young Master Titan has retired for the evening; otherwise, Zhi Feng would be unable to seek your esteemed forgiveness.”

Sky Execution remained silent.

The Dragon Emperor, speaking for Yue Yang, offered a measure of comfort to Country Lord Zhi Feng.

With the night's events concluded, it wasn't until noon the following day that the slumberous Young Master Titan, fond of his rest, finally stirred.

Country Lord Wanjiao, Louluo, and the others remained silent, a testament to the Young Master's extraordinary status. Had anyone else caused dozens of Heaven Rankers to wait an entire morning, they would have been utterly annihilated.

"You all rose quite early," Yue Yang remarked, stretching with a yawn. "Did anything noteworthy occur last night?"

"An attempt was made to assassinate the Liberty Queen," Country Lord Zhi Feng responded.

"Impossible, the Liberty Queen is currently residing within my storage ring," Student Yue Yang declared, shaking his head. With a flick of his hand, he released the Liberty Queen from the ring. He then inquired with an amused smile, "Where is this assassin? Did you subject them to torture? I heard the flavor of flesh seared on a soldering iron is quite similar to that of roasted donkey skin. Hurry, bring forth the assassin and try burning them!"

"..." A bead of sweat trickled down each of their faces.

Truly, this Young Master was unlike any other.

Yet, this observation was hardly surprising. They surmised that Young Master Titan had maintained a demeanor of exceptional good behavior for an extended period, which likely explained his lack of firsthand experience with the sensation of burning human flesh.

Had Country Lord Zhi Feng successfully apprehended the assassin, he would have gladly fulfilled the Young Master Titan's peculiar request. Regrettably, such an opportunity would not arise.

Upon hearing that the assassin had managed to escape, Yue Yang's displeasure was immediate. "What? The assassin escaped? How were you all so inept? The assassin took the time to pay us a visit, and you still allowed them to slip away? My goodness, I am utterly disappointed!"

A collective silence fell upon the assembly.

Country Lord Zhi Feng felt compelled to placate the Young Master Titan, who seldom ventured beyond his comfortable existence. "Brother Titan, should the assassin dare to return, we shall most certainly..."

Before he could finish, a sword, radiating a brilliance akin to the sun, pierced directly through Yue Yang's vest.

Country Lord Zhi Feng instinctively reached out, intending to shove the Young Master Titan aside, but the sword's speed was too great, evading his grasp.

However, this seemingly fatal act of assassination was merely the prelude. Far more insidious and cunning than a mere blade, a flying needle, shimmering like starlight, embedded itself in the back of Young Master Titan's head. The assailant, possessing power comparable to the sun itself, employed such a treacherous, sneak attack with a venomous flying needle to penetrate the brain – an act as inconceivable as a wealthy individual seeking sustenance from a pigsty. Just as Country Lord Zhi Feng prepared to rush forward, risking his own life to save Yue Yang, the formidable god-like foe produced a Soul-Breaking Bead. With a swift crush, the bead shattered, irrevocably destroying Young Master Titan's soul and obliterating any possibility of revival or resurrection.

The mighty celestial enemy effortlessly repelled Country Lord Zhi Feng with a single kick, while simultaneously parrying the assaults of Sky Execution and the Dragon Emperor with both hands. Then, with a force reminiscent of a volcanic eruption, his form ascended into the heavens. Ultimately, he transformed into a golden star and vanished at an astonishing speed.

"The true target of the assassin was always, and has remained, Young Master Titan..." Only at this moment did Country Lord Zhi Feng grasp the full extent of the enemy's treacherous machinations. With their objective achieved, the Heavenly Splendour Territory was plunged into unprecedented chaos. The moment the noble warriors of the Upper Heaven Realm learned of these events, this realm was destined for utter devastation.

Whether it be himself or the Three Domain Emperors, all would inevitably face the inescapable grasp of death!

Even if the influential family behind Young Master Titan, in their magnanimity, chose to overlook the incident and refrain from imposing punishment, the Central Palace would seize this opportunity to declare the elimination of the entire Heavenly Splendour Territory under the guise of 'purifying evil.' Such a pretext would leave no room for existence within the Heavenly Splendour Territory. Country Lord Zhi Feng immediately raised his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and prepared to use his utmost strength to shatter his own head, resolute in his decision to commit suicide and be buried alongside Young Master Titan!

"Wait!" Sky Execution extended his hand, intercepting Country Lord Zhi Feng's motion.

“Brother Titan treated me as a true friend, yet I was unable to shield him. If I don't perish alongside him, how can I, Zhi Feng, find peace again!” Tears streamed down his face as he spoke. It was undeniable that Zhi Feng had few, if any, friends before or after becoming Country Lord. How could he stand by and watch Young Master Titan, who had shown him such kindness without expecting anything in return, meet a tragic end before his eyes without being consumed by immense guilt and regret? How could he possibly continue living after witnessing such a horrific death?

“Your utmost priority should be vengeance!” The Dragon Emperor also stepped forward, attempting to dissuade him. He shook his head with a gentle smile and said, “Please have faith in your friend, Country Lord Zhi Feng. If Young Master Titan could be so easily assassinated, do you believe we would have dared to accompany him?”

“What?” A wave of shock rippled through the assembled audience.

Was the Liberty Queen from before merely a decoy? Could it be that this particular Young Master Titan, who claimed to be holding the Queen within his storage ring, was also a fabricated persona?

Yet, it seemed impossible; it had to be his actual form. Otherwise, how could he have produced the Liberty Queen?

The three Country Lords, Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo, hurried to the very spot where Young Master Titan had met his supposed demise.

They discovered that the corpse, which had appeared so lifelike moments before, had dissolved into mere phantoms. At that precise moment, the real Young Master Titan emerged from the shadows, a smile gracing his lips as he savored a bowl of steaming hot soup dumplings. Noticing the astonished gazes directed his way, he gestured proudly. “Don’t stare at me like that; it was merely my phantom. No one can assassinate this Young Master while under the protection of my Guardian Beasts and Innate abilities, haha! I am quite formidable, you see! Though, I must admit, that assassination attempt was rather thrilling!”

Upon hearing his words, everyone present experienced a sudden realization.

It dawned on them that Young Master Titan's Innate ability was none other than 'Phantom'.

When faced with the assassination attempt, he had employed a skill akin to shapeshifting, thereby evading the fatal blow while simultaneously deceiving his assailant.

“That nearly gave me a heart attack...” Country Lord Zhi Feng clutched his chest, realizing his heartbeat had only just returned to normal. He had been so utterly terrified that it had apparently stopped beating altogether.

“It's wonderful that Young Master Titan is unharmed,” Country Lord Wanjiao, along with everyone else, expressed their immense relief and stepped forward to congratulate Yue Yang on his miraculous escape.

“Naturally, I am fine. However, you, on the other hand, do not seem to be,” Yue Yang retorted with a smile, observing Country Lord Wanjiao's reaction. By this point, Country Lord Zhi Feng, Sky Execution, the Dragon Emperor, and the other formidable figures had already converged around Country Lord Wanjiao. As Yue Yang broke free from the encirclement, he commanded, “Everyone, give it your all, show no mercy!”

“W-what is happening here? I’ll go so far as to say there must be some grave misunderstanding!” Country Lord Wanjiao’s face paled as he bellowed in outrage.

“Traitor!” Country Lord Zhi Feng’s fury erupted, incandescent and volcanic.