Master of Strange Dao

The faction that suddenly emerged definitely hadn't just existed for a mere century or so.

There must have been their people within Dali as well. Many years ago, I had a brief encounter with them, but couldn't grab hold of their tail.

Over a decade ago, I hinted within the Shadow Department that I intended to step down.

I also harbored the intention of making a desperate attempt to advance again and face the Second Tribulation.

Yet, in just a few short years, some couldn't wait any longer.

When the matter with the Yin Family occurred, I realized why they were so impatient.

Later, can you guess what I got?

"What?"

"I obtained the entire White Sun Holy Scripture, personally transcribed by the White Sun Holy Mother, along with some Incense Fire Crystals."

"???"

Yu Ziqing was filled with questions.

Truth be told, he hadn't expected this.

"Unfortunately, back then, the White Sun Holy Scripture wasn't what it is now. The White Sun Holy Mother was still around, so I naturally didn't use it.

I knew this thing was a blatant conspiracy. If I used it, there was a great chance of advancing my strength and significantly increasing my hope of overcoming the Second Tribulation.

But if I used it, even if I overcame the tribulation, I would have to step down from the Chief Venerate position.

I felt the timing wasn't mature until the Yin Family incident occurred.

And after the White Sun Holy Scripture changed, I felt it was about time.

Don't look at me with that expression; I indeed practiced both the White Sun Holy Scripture now. The current White Sun Holy Scripture is the true scripture.

If I didn't advance, didn't actively trigger the Second Tribulation, how could my Devil Thought find an opportunity, how could I deceive everyone and enter into the Devilic?"

The Old Chief Venerate was frank, but the more Yu Ziqing listened, the more puzzled he grew.

"My words remain the same. How many fish do you really intend to catch? Aren't you afraid of losing control? Where did your White Sun Holy Scripture and Incense Fire Crystal come from?"

"Ye Jiuyuan gave them to me."

"And where did Ye Jiuyuan get them from, do you know?"

"I don't know. Ye Jiuyuan doesn't know himself."

"It was Ye Jiuyuan who stabbed you and left you behind, right?"

"That's right."

Seeing the Old Chief Venerate's response, Yu Ziqing was at a loss for words.

"So you knew all along that it was Ye Jiuyuan who forced me out as well. I know Ye Jiuyuan is highly likely to succeed to the Chief Venerate position. You must know too. So how dare you? How do you know that among the fish you're trying to catch, none are Ye Jiuyuan's?"

The Old Chief Venerate stroked his beard and laughed, particularly pleased.

"You are correct. Ye Jiuyuan indeed seems malevolent, ruthless, and reckless. But he has all the necessary abilities.

His chance of succeeding to the Chief Venerate position is indeed very high. Even among the two people I recommended to His Majesty, he is included.

Within the Shadow Department, I dare not trust anyone except for him."

"Is what comes next for my ears?"

"So much time has passed, there shouldn't be anything that can't be said."

"Then tell me." Yu Ziqing was genuinely curious; it was obvious someone wanted the Old Chief Venerate to step down or die.

"When I joined the Shadow Department, I changed my name, and before that, my surname was Ye, and all those who knew were long dead."

"Surname Ye..."

Yu Ziqing was astonished, eyes widened.

"I remember, Ye Jiuyuan doesn't seem that old..."

"He's not old. This year, he's just over two hundred years old. For someone of his strength, he's still very young." The Old Chief Venerate seemed very proud of this point. "I have endured for so long, with only His Majesty knowing, and today I finally dare to speak up, hahaha..."

Yu Ziqing was greatly shocked, thinking, Goodness! Two hundred years ago, the Old Chief Venerate wasn't young, yet he fathered a son and quietly nurtured him by his side.

"Does he know?"

"He naturally knows."

"Goodness, no wonder you're so confident. Aren't you afraid he might actually want to kill you?"

"If he wants to succeed to the Chief Venerate position, I would be more than happy."

Upon saying this, the Old Chief Venerate sighed.

"To tell you the truth, you might not believe it. He doesn't want to be the Chief Venerate at all, finds it too restrictive, and utterly pointless.

Once assumed, there is no escaping for life. Just the thought makes him feel worse than death.

He painstakingly helps me only to let me live longer.

While I'm around, he can continue doing what he wants, continue being reckless and living freely.

Later on, if he could advance to the Ninth Tier, with my help, he could leave the Shadow Department smoothly.

But if I died or he succeeded, there would be no such opportunity.

Honestly, I'd rather he be ruthless, using every scheme and plot to kill me, then defeat others to successfully ascend.

I've served Dali with utmost loyalty all my life, naturally hoping he'd take my place, but alas..."

Yu Ziqing set the stone tables and chairs, brewing tea while listening to the Old Chief Venerate's story.

He couldn't quite bring himself to face this father and son duo anymore.

For the Old Chief Venerate to candidly speak of this in front of him, Yu Ziqing indeed trusted him.

The father, demonized and feigned death, had begun hinting at stepping down over a decade ago, proceeding step by step.

The son, outwardly ruthless and unscrupulous in striving for power, was actually a spy.

Or perhaps, this old fellow diligently plotted for two hundred years just to root out those people, even deliberately having a son.

To ensure no problems, and that the son wouldn't stray, he kept him close, mentoring him from a young age.

Now, the Old Chief Venerate "died" at Ye Jiuyuan's hands.

Yu Ziqing surmised that if he were one of those hidden individuals, he wouldn't know that Ye Jiuyuan was the Old Chief Venerate's biological son either.

At this point, he would absolutely trust Ye Jiuyuan, the kind of trust where he is considered a core member.

Just thinking about it sent shivers down Yu Ziqing's spine, resolving to keep a distance from the beaming old "Undying" in front of him.

This old fellow told him these things surely without good intentions.

Indeed, he must be harboring some sinister motive.