Chapter 152

Chapter 152

The already turbulent mystic world was now roiling under the surface due to the sudden appearance of the three great immortal mountains.

Shi Yan, already immensely stressed, now saw Shen Wang and Gu Dongting, marked by the immortal mountains yet appearing relaxed, and felt even more of a headache. His face was a mix of resignation and irritability: “Those people are very powerful. Be careful not to be too conspicuous in your actions...”

His tone was resigned, like that of a helpless father.

Shen Wang, showing no empathy for his mood, found a place to sit and casually asked, “Aren’t those cultivators from the immortal mountains supposed to be lofty and superior, living beyond worldly concerns? Why have they all suddenly come out now?”

Hearing this, Shi Yan's expression subtly changed. He hesitated for a few seconds before slowly saying, “You might not believe it, but they came out because of one person.”

Shen Wang and Gu Dongting exchanged a glance, speaking in unison, “Tang Jiu?”

“Exactly,” Shi Yan wasn’t surprised at their guess. He sighed deeply, “Somehow, Tang Jiu learned an impressive array technique and inadvertently broke the seal of the three great immortal mountains, allowing the cultivators to leave and return to the secular world.”

Through recent interactions, the mythical immortal mountains, once only part of legends, had started to reveal their mysterious veil.

About five hundred years ago, a faction skilled in divination foresaw that the world would soon run out of spiritual energy, leading cultivators to a dead end and severing their lineage.

At that time, the spiritual energy was already much weaker compared to earlier eras, and cultivators couldn't even bear to think how terrifying the real age of decline would be.

To resist the age of decline, almost all prestigious sects united, pooling the entire mystic world’s strength and using various methods to confine the spiritual energy to three small islands overseas.

This was the origin of the three great immortal mountains.

After several centuries, most of the original founders of the immortal mountains had passed away, leaving their descendants to continue cultivation there... The formations of the immortal mountains trapped both the spiritual energy and the cultivators, preventing them from leaving.

Shi Yan said this with an unchanged tone, but his eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions.

Shen Wang sneered and bluntly said, “So much for recluses and lofty figures... nothing but selfish fools trapped in their own prison.”

"The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is closely linked to all living beings. These people seized so much of it, the damage they caused to the world at that time must have been immense."

"If the dissipation of spiritual energy is inevitable, their actions undoubtedly hastened the process."

Gu Dongting's eyes turned slightly cold: "Five hundred years ago, it was still the Ming Dynasty... In the late Ming Dynasty, natural disasters and human calamities were frequent, and the people could hardly survive..."

Shi Yan didn’t voice agreement, but he completely concurred in his heart.

"These self-proclaimed recluses from the immortal mountains, in my eyes, are just like the Mysticism Association of old. In the country's darkest hour, they chose to flee, and now that things have settled, they reappear."

"Truly contemptible."

"The three great immortal mountains are three islands. Initially, there were many sects, but now only three remain, each occupying one mountain," Shi Yan continued, "Penglai, skilled in alchemy; Fangwai, experts in divination; and Yingzhou, masters of array formations."

"They were originally trapped by the formation and couldn’t leave, but somehow Tang Jiu disrupted the formation and released them all."

"The first thing they did after coming out was to attempt to kill Gu Dongting, and the second was to issue a warrant for Shen Wang, dead or alive."

Hearing this, Shen Wang’s eyes flickered slightly.

Oblivious, Shi Yan continued ranting, "Their alchemy skills have completely overshadowed the Bai family, infuriating them to no end. Bai Fuchun's typically lazy demeanor was even provoked into seclusion for cultivation."

"Not to mention divination and array formations... in the mystic world, they reign supreme."

"Now that I’m a minor head of the Special Department, I have to maintain my image in front of subordinates and colleagues. But in front of Shen Wang and Gu Dongting, I just can't help but reveal my true self."

"The arrival of the three great immortal mountains bodes ill, and there's likely a hidden secret behind their actions."

After pondering for a while, Shen Wang stopped Shi Yan's continuous ranting and shared with him the information he and Gu Dongting had gathered abroad.

Shi Yan's eyes widened in shock when he heard about the connection between the foreign blood clans and the domestic cultivators.

His anger flared upon learning that the island country had planted many spies within their borders.

"Damn it!" Shi Yan cursed loudly, "No wonder there are so many ‘cockroaches’ at home, it's all the island country's doing!"

Recalling something, he added, "We tightened our investigation domestically because of the ancient battlefield, and following various leads, we found it connected to Baiyun Temple..."

Hearing about Baiyun Temple, Shen Wang also became contemplative: "The Mysticism Association in the island country has intricate ties with the one here, and Baiyun Temple is deeply connected with our Mysticism Association..."

Thinking of the Mysticism Association, Shi Yan's frown deepened.

"As one of the top two organizations in the domestic mystic world, the Mysticism Association is linked with all sects here. If they are indeed compromised, then there might be no secrets left in Huaxia's mystic world."

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Shi Yan didn’t dare delay and hurriedly left to report to his superiors, leaving Shen Wang and Gu Dongting in the office.

Shen Wang and Gu Dongting were left facing each other in the office.

Shen Wang turned to look at Gu Dongting, his eyes narrowing slightly.

With his mask removed, Gu Dongting’s face, as exquisite as carved jade, was fully exposed, his eyes like cold pools, radiating a chilling aura that kept people at bay, only to be admired from afar.

The only break in his aloof demeanor was the faint crimson birthmark under his eye, adding a touch of enigmatic allure to his otherwise indifferent expression.

Gu Dongting's long eyelashes fluttered, and he seemed to come to life like a jade sculpture, his eyes flowing with emotion. When his gaze landed on Shen Wang, the icy waters in his eyes suddenly warmed into a spring.

Shen Wang quietly watched Gu Dongting, his face expressionless.

Unaware, Gu Dongting's lips curved into a subtle smile, greeting him: "Shen Wang, long time no see."

Seeing this, Shen Wang almost laughed out loud.

Despite being partners in crime just yesterday, today Gu Dongting acted as if nothing had happened. If Shen Wang hadn't already confirmed he and Xiao Hei Ge were the same person, he would have been fooled by Gu Dongting's act.

Not awarding him the Best Actor would truly be a waste of talent.

Having left the island country, Shen Wang felt much more relaxed, but the suppressed anger of being fooled surged up, just as he was about to confront Gu Dongting, the office door was violently pushed open.

Someone blurted out: "Minister Shi, Tang Jiu and his people have gone to the Gu residence!"

Hearing this, both Shen Wang and Gu Dongting's eyes sharpened as they looked at the newcomer: "What did you say?"

The man, recognizing Shen Wang and Gu Dongting, paused, then instinctively answered: "Tang Jiu led those from the immortal mountain to the Gu residence... to force them to hand over Brother Gu."

Gu Dongting's face changed, and he vanished from the spot in an instant.

The person who came to warn them realized, slapping his forehead: "They just want to force Brother Gu to show up, and now he's rushing over..."

By the time he finished speaking, Shen Wang had also disappeared.

"Oh no, Brother Gu and Brother Shen have gone to confront those from the immortal mountain!"

On his way back to the Gu residence, Gu Dongting's mind was flooded with images - the tragic deaths of his family in his past life, then their lively and healthy faces in daily life.

He also recalled the assassination attempts he had survived, the fire that destroyed the Gu family, Tang Jiu's smug smile, and the indifferent look in Gu Manting's eyes as she stood beside Tang Jiu...

Countless memories intertwined, Gu Dongting's breathing became rapid, his eyes no longer cold and calm, only a seemingly calm madness remained. The red mole under his eye, now more vivid than ever, was as bright as a drop of blood on white jade.

Having been reborn, Gu Dongting's greatest obsession was to ensure the safety of his family.

But just a moment of inattention had allowed Tang Jiu, whom he'd underestimated, to emerge suddenly, just like in his previous life, intending to destroy the Gu family and harm his loved ones.

"It's my fault." Gu Dongting's eyes reddened as his aura surged.

"I should have eliminated Tang Jiu completely, a simple truth I overlooked." Thoughts flashed through Gu Dongting's mind, his murderous intent almost tangible.

This time, he would not let Tang Jiu harm his family.

Nor would he allow Tang Jiu to leave alive.

No matter the cost.

Shen Wang followed Gu Dongting from a distance, sensing the ominous aura ahead, his brow furrowed slightly, "Has he lost his mind?"

Shen Wang suddenly remembered that the red mole under Gu Dongting's eye was actually a Demon-Inducing Gu.

This thing could stir up the darkness in a person's heart, causing a cultivator to lose their mind and enter a state of frenzy... but it was ineffective against those with pure thoughts and no darkness in their hearts.

Previously, Shen Wang hadn't paid much attention to the Demon-Inducing Gu, as Gu Dongting was as clear and straightforward as the wind after a storm.

But now, realizing that Gu Dongting and "Little Black Brother" were the same person, Shen Wang couldn't help but worry, hastening his pace.

Soon, the two arrived at the Gu family home, one after the other.

Shen Wang had visited the Gu family once before when Gu Dongting was injured and had met several of his relatives. Now, returning, he saw that many people had gathered in front of the Gu family house.

Gu Dongting's parents also appeared haggard, a stark contrast to when Shen Wang had seen them before.

Even Shen Wang, an outsider, felt a twinge of pity, let alone Gu Dongting, their own son.

Half an hour earlier, the Gu family had been surrounded. In unspoken agreement, the elders kept the younger members inside while they confronted the immortals at the door.

Faced with the aggressive immortals, Gu's sister-in-law was filled with anger but helpless, trying to reason with them, "Everyone knows the good Gu Dongting has done for the mystical world. We don't need gratitude, but his contributions are undeniable. You can't harm him based on some baseless prophecy."

Gu's elder brother spoke firmly, "If he truly were evil, I would deal with him myself, but I won't accept you harming him over a groundless prophecy!"

Grandfather Gu stood at the forefront, silent but resolute, his stance clear.

Tang Jiu sneered, "A born demon won’t show signs until it's too late. When he turns, it will bring a bloodbath. Can your family bear that responsibility?"

Grandfather Gu merely glanced at him.

Having long held a position of authority, Grandfather Gu's mere glance forced Tang Jiu to unconsciously step back three times.

Realizing this, an embarrassed and angry Tang Jiu blurted out, "If you don't hand over Gu Dongting, don't blame us for treating you as accomplices!"

If the Gu family weren't so influential in both the secular and mystical worlds, Tang Jiu wouldn’t have bothered with talk and would have already attacked to coerce Gu Dongting.

Grandfather Gu scoffed, "Let's see who dares."

For a moment, both sides were at a standoff.

Then, a voice from inside the Gu residence: "Grandfather, are you really willing to sacrifice our entire family for my brother?"

Grandfather Gu, unflinching before enemies, visibly winced at the voice, his once clear and wise eyes suddenly dimming.

Gu Manting slowly emerged from inside, stepping past her family members to Tang Jiu's side.

Her parents followed closely, joining her by Tang Jiu, forming a confrontational front against their own family.

The Gu family was taken aback, with Gu's father asking in a daze: "Third brother, what are you doing over there?"

Gu's father, usually decisive and commanding in business, was showing this kind of expression for the first time.

Gu Da was the same, his usually calm and composed eyes now filled with disbelief.

In the Gu family, Gu San was the most mediocre one, but nobody ever rushed him or expected him to be a certain way; they just wanted him to live happily.

Gu Da protected him, ensuring his safety, and Gu Er provided him with money, making his life worry-free.

In everyone's eyes, the three Gu brothers were the epitome of fraternal harmony. No one could have imagined that Gu San would betray the Gu family at such a critical moment.

Gu Manting spoke slowly: "Big brother's life is important, but so are the lives of the rest of us. Grandfather, my younger brother and I are also your grandchildren, you can't sacrifice us for the sake of one grandchild."

Gu San feigned a sigh and shook his head: "Second brother, don't blame me for being heartless. How can Gu Dongting's life compare to that of the entire Gu family? I'm doing this for everyone's good."

"Just by handing over Gu Dongting, we can trade his life for the safety of the entire Gu family. Isn't that a worthwhile deal? Second brother, you and your wife are still young, you can have more children..."

Gu San's words infuriated everyone in the Gu family, changing their expressions dramatically.

At this critical moment, the people from the immortal mountain were closing in. Gu Da looked into the distance; he had notified the special department, but now he wondered if they would arrive in time for rescue.