Cultivation: Fortune by Lots-Chapter 380 - 220. New Clue for the Celestial Master’s Robe

Mr. Yang Tai’s expression remained composed. But his current mood was far from the calm shown on his face. After the unexpected incident at Zhu’an Mountain, Yang Tai’s sacrifice ritual was on the brink of success yet ultimately failed. Later, at Sleeping Dragon Lake, when he met the Lord of Blood River, Wei Ancheng, it added insult to injury for the already frustrated Yang Tai, making his mood even worse. Yuan Shanji and Xiong Gang, two great masters, felt like they had eaten flies, just like Yang Tai.

But Yuan Shanji had no choice but to stop running, turn around to counterattack Sang Lu and Li Tianqing, and hold them off at Sleeping Dragon Lake. After all, he was dealing with formidable enemies who directly affected his own interests. Now that he had the opportunity to eliminate Sang Lu, even if it meant being used by Wei Ancheng, Yuan Shanji was willing to do so. Xiong Gang also had no choice but to bow to Wei Ancheng, the Blood River Sect Leader whom he had never truly respected, and cooperate with him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have such a good opportunity again.

Wei Ancheng conveyed his message with a rather calm demeanor, not as domineering as usual. But his ability to command forces from all sides and coordinate the power of various families left Yang Tai feeling helpless and even angry.

Shaking the earth veins of the Southern Wilderness and establishing a new National Fate Dragon Vein to contend with the Central Earth Great Tang was an endeavor the direct descendants of the Sui Dynasty had managed for many years. They had sacrificed the efforts of more than one generation and nearly all their resources to achieve their current success. Otherwise, why would Yang Yuqi, Yang Tai, and others be in such a difficult position, dragged into the game by Wei Ancheng? If it weren’t for the actions of the direct descendants of the Sui Dynasty shaking the earth veins, Wei Ancheng could unify the Southern Wilderness as he pleased. Let him do it; it was perfect for drawing the outside world’s attention overtly. They, the direct descendants of the Sui Dynasty, could develop in the dark, sitting calmly and awaiting the outcome. But given their years of secretive efforts in managing the Mountain and River Ley Lines, they naturally didn’t wish to be too high-profile.

However, in recent years, news had spread from the Southwest about the activities of the Shengkang King’s bloodline, drawing people from Mount Shu and the Tang Imperial Court to travel through the Southwest into the Southern Wilderness. But those were not the forces of the direct descendants of the Sui Dynasty! Wei Ancheng, that super bastard with long-standing ambitions! 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Afterwards, although Yang Yuqi used the Jinzhou Ye Clan to spread news and expose Wei Ancheng’s background, thereby drawing more external attention to Wei Ancheng, the influx of many masters from the Central Plains into the south caused great chaos in the Southern Wilderness. This resulted in many matters slipping beyond the control of the direct descendants of the Sui Dynasty. Now, Wei Ancheng held command over many affairs.

Upon his arrival near Sleeping Dragon Lake, in front of Yang Tai, he contacted Yang Yuqi: "At this crucial moment, we should unite from top to bottom and cooperate with sincerity. Then there is hope for the imperial dynasty’s revival. I ask the Crown Prince to lend me a helping hand."

Wei Ancheng spoke politely and didn’t make things difficult for Yang Tai. Instead, he instructed him to stay away from Sleeping Dragon Lake, which would become the epicenter of a great battle. After a brief silence, Yang Yuqi responded calmly, "Master Wei speaks sensibly."

After leaving Sleeping Dragon Lake, Yang Tai rushed to meet his father, Yang Yuqi. Joining Yang Yuqi was Gao Pu, an Elder from the Golden City Stronghold. Together, they planned to change course and head north to proactively intercept a formidable enemy: the commander-in-chief of the Great Tang Shenji Army, Grand General Shangguan Yunbo. To be precise, it was Shangguan Yunbo, descending south with the Martial God Weapon, the Expelling Invaders Halberd.

In fact, Yang Tai also knew that Shangguan Yunbo personally led many skilled fighters from the Shangguan Clan into the Southern Wilderness because his most valued relative, Shangguan Peng, had perished there—perished at the hands of Yang Yuqi and Gao Pu. Under normal circumstances, Yang Yuqi would not easily act against such a person, as it could lead to instability and trouble. Targeting Shangguan Peng was, firstly, because Gao Pu urgently needed to refine Evil Souls and the Walking Corpses were nearly starving; secondly, it was a preparation for Wei Ancheng.

But clearly, Wei Ancheng had his own plans. Of course, he did not fear battle. But he must be the one who could call the shots!

Most of the sacrificial offerings were destroyed, and Yang Yuqi had little left to lose. If it were anyone else, they could just walk away and ignore Wei Ancheng. But not him. He was of the Sheng Kang bloodline, bearing the responsibility to one day restore the glory of the Sui Dynasty and contend with the False Tang for supremacy once again. He could operate in the shadows and plan quietly, accumulating strength in silence, but he could not live only in darkness, afraid to be seen in the light, especially now with Wei Ancheng present, in a situation where the branch is strong and the trunk is weak.

"I just regret that the ritual was not completed. Although the Dragon Eye Point was saved, most of the other treasures and materials were ruined!" Yang Tai said, full of shame when he saw his father, Yang Yuqi.

Yang Yuqi was quite calm. "Those who aspire to greatness must persevere against all odds. The current turbulence is insignificant." He instructed Yang Tai to withdraw, while he and Gao Pu, the Elder from Golden City Stronghold, proceeded north with some trusted followers.

Yang Tai felt lousy, but being of steady nature, he didn’t show any emotion on his face as he headed to Jinxi Cliff, another stronghold of the direct descendants of the Sui Dynasty.

The troops stationed at the Jinxi Cliff camp saluted and welcomed Yang Tai into the stronghold. "Your Highness!" they greeted.

Yang Tai retained his usual stern countenance and commanding presence. "This place should also start packing up, preparing for relocation."

The soldiers were already mentally prepared. "Yes, Your Highness."

Yang Tai nodded and was about to step forward when suddenly he felt something was amiss. "...What’s going on?" He felt as if strands of Primordial Magnet Force were converging, certainly not produced by the earth vein rituals of Jinxi Cliff...

BANG! CRACK!

Just as Yang Tai became alert, a staff unexpectedly appeared behind him—a tremendously large staff. Jet-black in color, its surface streaked with veins of blood, over three feet in length, thick at one end and thin at the other. As the staff swung through the air, it seemed to crackle with sparks of thunder, snapping and popping. By the time Yang Tai took notice, the staff was nearly poised to strike his head.

Then, Wenhua Qi suddenly flashed on his body. A thick, dark ink automatically appeared, forming into a piece of text akin to a barrier, enveloping Yang Tai’s body and also shielding him from the incoming blow from behind.