"There’s news saying that there’s a secret chamber beneath Huangli Temple, and inside lies the Tree of Life Coffin," the spy replied.
Upon hearing this, Prince Pingbian’s pupils shrank, and he immediately took a deep breath: "Where did the information come from? Is the news reliable?"
Upon hearing this, the spy said, "The information was obtained from a dying traitor within the Inspection and Supervision Department, and in relaying this message, a brother lost his life. Furthermore, the Inspection and Supervision Department has already begun actions in secret, and their ground moles appeared near Huangli Temple today..."
At this point, the spy paused and then solemnly added, "According to the mysterious monitoring obtained from the great tomb, there is indeed such a mysterious secret chamber beneath Huangli Temple, shrouded by a mysterious power. Even ’Tidings’ cannot see through its hidden secrets."
Hearing this, Prince Pingbian took a deep breath and didn’t continue to inquire further, as he knew that the information provided was enough for Prince Pingbian’s Mansion to take action.
In such matters, it’s a mindset of rather wrongfully killing a thousand than letting one slip away.
The Tree of Life Coffin is exceedingly important; it’s the closest step Prince Pingbian can take towards immortality.
"Mr. Wuliu!"
Prince Pingbian called Mr. Wuliu out of the hall, who greeted him with a bow: "Prince."
Prince Pingbian didn’t mince words, narrating the entire process. Upon hearing this, Mr. Wuliu’s pupils shrank; the Tree of Life Coffin stirs too many hearts, Prince Pingbian’s Mansion cannot easily let go.
"The Northern Land has already been investigated thoroughly by spies from all sides; even an ant should’ve been uncovered, yet the Tree of Life Coffin remains without clues. In this case, the suspicion towards Yellow Heaven Dao is significant," Mr. Wuliu said.
"But presently Prince Pingbian’s Mansion and Huangli Temple have established multi-layered cooperation, especially with the Old Prince’s aspiration to transform into a Divine Dragon, relying heavily on Yellow Heaven Dao for assistance. To turn adversarial over this matter could be costly," Mr. Wuliu’s voice was full of fear and concern.
Mr. Wuliu felt that Prince Pingbian’s Mansion was somewhat cautious, as Yellow Heaven Dao and Prince Pingbian’s Mansion were already on the same side, particularly with Old Prince Zhang Shicheng starting down the path of Dragon Transformation with Yellow Heaven Dao. Old Prince Zhang Shicheng is the greatest assurance of Prince Pingbian’s Mansion, the strongest trump card. If anything were to go awry, delaying Zhang Shicheng’s Dragon Transformation, then that would be truly fatal.
Prince Pingbian’s Mansion can tolerate all mistakes, but the Dragon Transformation of the Old Prince Zhang Shicheng cannot afford any errors. Since Prince Pingbian’s Mansion has already gone opposed to the court, if Zhang Shicheng’s Dragon Transformation were to have even the slightest mishap, the consequences could be dire, as the court would surely strike mercilessly, not granting the Northern Land any chance.
How could Prince Pingbian fail to understand Mr. Wuliu’s words?
Though understanding is one thing, but that’s the Tree of Life Coffin! Regardless of whether it’s the ancestors’ Dragon Transformation or Yellow Heaven Dao’s Divine Enthronement, what does it have to do with him? If he could seize the Tree of Life Coffin, it would be a tangible benefit he’d experience firsthand.
Thus, Prince Pingbian felt conflicted at the moment, his eyes filled with longing: "But that’s the Tree of Life Coffin!"
Upon hearing this, Mr. Wuliu fell silent; he too desired to seize the creation of the Tree of Life Coffin, longing for immortality.
"Does the Prince require the Tree of Life Coffin no matter what?" Mr. Wuliu asked again.
Prince Pingbian sighed softly: "As a solitary prince aged fifty-two, although appearing youthful, how much life remains?"
Though he didn’t answer outright, the subtext was clear.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Wuliu contemplated for a long time before saying: "I have an idea, though it carries significant risk."
"What idea?" Prince Pingbian asked expectantly.
"Since we can’t directly compel or seize within Huangli Temple, we can make Huangli Temple come to us, willingly sharing the Tree of Life Coffin," Mr. Wuliu said with a smile.
"Huangli Temple isn’t foolish, why would they share their benefits?" Prince Pingbian didn’t believe it.
"We’ll spread the news that Huangli Temple obtained the Tree of Life Coffin, and then martial world experts, divine beings from major families, and court forces will surely rush in. If Huangli Temple can’t guard it, they’ll naturally invite Prince Pingbian’s Mansion to help guard it. Yet there’s a flaw: if too many experts arrive and we can’t withstand the pressure, failing to guard it, the Tree of Life Coffin might be stolen," Mr. Wuliu explained with a grin.
"Hehe! This is the Northern Land, where I’m destined by fate; who can rival me? Mr. Wuliu, proceed as planned; I’m waiting for good news," Prince Pingbian said, his mind eased.
This is his domain; he possesses an army of a million, with such amassed strength, who can compete with him?
Even a Yang God expert would retreat.
Meanwhile, Zhang Chen returned to the Daoist Temple, continuing his daily life of muddling through, besides stealing incense faith and pondering the refining of the Blood Transformation Divine Saber.
As of now, he has gathered three types of blood: the blood from the Sea of Blood counts as one, the blood of the Old Flood Dragon another, and the Innate Mosquito’s blood as the third. The remaining fifteen types of blood, however, leave him wondering where to acquire.
For some reason, Zhang Chen thought of the Great Freedom Celestial Demon; he wondered if this guy could provide any blood. If he could utilize the Great Freedom Celestial Demon’s blood, maybe he could scrape by.
It’s just that, as Zhang Chen observed, the Great Freedom Celestial Demon lacked a physical form; without a body, where would there be blood?
Thinking of this, Zhang Chen summoned the Great Freedom Celestial Demon outright: "I say, do you have any blood, old guy?"
Hearing this, the Great Freedom Celestial Demon was taken aback, then looked at Zhang Chen with full vigilance: "What do you want to do?"
"Just tell me whether you have blood or not," Zhang Chen replied in irritation.
The Great Freedom Celestial Demon’s eyes fixed on Zhang Chen for a while, ultimately deciding not to lie because he knew that as Zhang Chen’s cultivation grows, his lies would eventually be uncovered.
By then, the repercussions would return to him unexpectedly, so the Great Freedom Celestial Demon could only say: "Of course, I have blood; my blood is the essence of the Celestial Demon, extremely precious. What are you asking this for?"
"I want to refine a secret technique called the Blood Transformation Divine Saber, requiring the collection of eighteen types of blood. I was hoping for a drop of your blood to use, not sure what the ancestor’s thoughts are?" Zhang Chen asked with a smile.
Upon hearing this, the Great Freedom Celestial Demon frowned: "Nonsense! The ancestor’s blood is so precious, how can it be used to refine the Blood Transformation Divine Saber? It’s a waste. If you want to refine the Blood Transformation Divine Saber and collect eighteen mysterious blood types, the ancestor can guide you a path. You can go to the spiritual world, which consists of thirty-three heavens; whatever blood you’re seeking can be found there. Why use my blood?"
"The spiritual world, huh?" Zhang Chen pondered as he looked at the Great Freedom Celestial Demon: "It seems you, old chap, are quite knowledgeable about the spiritual world, withholding information. Otherwise, why would you know various blood types exist in the spiritual world?"
The Blood Transformation Divine Saber thrives on diversity; the greater the variety, the more powerful. Although quality holds significance, it’s not paramount.
Nowadays, he’s busy stealing incense points daily, having been a long time since he explored the spiritual world.
"Boy, I advise you when you have time to frequently walk within the spiritual world; it’s where your exploration lies. As for the real world, it’s merely a barren place of the End of the Dharma, not worth your time." With that, the Great Freedom Celestial Demon’s gaze fell upon Zhang Chen’s white hair, his eyes suddenly brightened:
"Hey, why’s your lifespan burning? Come, let me see what’s happening? Who could force you to burn your lifespan? It’s beyond odd."
Facing the jubilant Great Freedom Celestial Demon, Zhang Chen didn’t speak.
The Great Freedom Celestial Demon circled Zhang Chen, then exclaimed: "You only have four years of lifespan left? Does that mean after four years no one can restrain me? Will I be free?"