novelraw Chapter 76 Hidden Hand
Chapter 76 Hidden Hand
The moment Emperor Xuehai and the gods stepped into the Rakshasa City, the endless divine runes throughout the city emitted a faint golden light, as God King Nie and God of War Su removed the protective array. On the jade path in the center of the Rakshasa City, Emperor Jun stood silently waiting. He wore dark black battle armor, its surface engraved with the mottled patterns left by millions of years of battles, exuding an aura of vicissitudes like a vast ocean. At first glance, he resembled a divine mountain that had withstood the test of countless ages.
Emperor Xuehai's gaze swept calmly over Emperor Jun, his steps steady, his voice calm and unwavering: "Senior Luo Jun, it's rare for you to show yourself. Haven't you been traveling through the many perilous places in the universe, seeking opportunities to overcome the Ninth Dimensional Tribulation? Now that you've suddenly appeared in the Divine City, it seems the Great Emperor has issued a decree to summon you back."
Luo Jun is the first war god of the Rakshasa clan. He has been cultivating for over a million years and is extremely ancient. He is one of the foundations of the Rakshasa clan. Even in the divine war that swept through the Heavenly Court and the Hell Realm 50,000 years ago, he and the Black and White Taoist, the patriarch of the Ghost Clan, did not participate. Instead, they secluded themselves in the secret realm of the universe to seek a breakthrough opportunity.
Upon hearing Xuehai Emperor's words, a fierce glint flashed in Emperor Jun's weathered eyes, and his voice was as deep as the resounding of an ancient bell: "Xuehai, the allure of the clan leader's position is irresistible to anyone in the world. I myself once coveted that supreme position, but on one condition: I would never harm the fundamental interests of the Rakshasa clan. If you disrupt the clan for power, even if you manage to ascend to the position of clan leader by chance, when Lord Tianmu returns from the Abyss of Darkness, she will personally depose you."
The Snow Sea Emperor's expression suddenly turned solemn, his imperial aura was awe-inspiring, and he solemnly said: "If I were to take the position of clan leader, I would surely restore the eternal prestige of the Rakshasa clan, protect the clan's foundation, and would never disappoint Senior Tianmu, nor would I allow the Rakshasa clan to fall into a crisis of internal strife."
Emperor Jun's eyes flickered with a complex light as he pondered to himself, "Emperor Xuehai's confidence this time must be due to that Demon Refining Master. That Demon Refining Master is a future Supreme Master of Weaponry, and his martial arts cultivation is no less than that of these old fogies. With such a prodigy assisting him, no wonder Emperor Xuehai is so fearless." Thinking this, Emperor Jun's gaze slowly shifted, landing on Ling Che, who stood out among the gods.
The young man before them stood tall and straight, his robes fluttering, his body surrounded by a faint aura of the Dao of Weapons and the aura of demonic energy. He appeared gentle and mild, yet he possessed unfathomable cultivation. He was none other than Ling Che, the personal disciple of the Auspicious God Venerable, the son-in-law of the Snow Sea Emperor, and the Demon Refining God Master.
"This is the esteemed disciple of the Auspicious God, the Demon Refining Master?" Emperor Jun stepped forward slowly, his tone tinged with emotion. "Back then, you hid in the Forest of No Return, moving in and out in a low-key manner, keeping your name hidden from the powerful figures of the entire Hell Realm. Who would have thought that such a peerless genius as you would be so low-key?"
Ling Che smiled gently as he bowed to Emperor Jun with a composed demeanor: "Senior Emperor Jun is the number one war god of the Rakshasa clan, whose fame has resounded throughout the ages. I have long heard of him. It is truly my honor to see your true face today."
Emperor Jun sighed softly, a look of regret in his eyes: "What a pity. If the two Gods of Auspiciousness and Life had not perished, the current state of the universe would certainly not be what it is now. The Great Emperor would not have suffered such severe injuries in the God War, and perhaps he would have already broken through to the Immortal Realm. My Rakshasa Clan would not be in such a chaotic and turbulent state as it is today."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuehai frowned slightly, feeling quite displeased. What chaos? This was clearly a direct attack on him, but he didn't argue. He knew perfectly well that if Emperor Luo Yan hadn't been injured in the divine battle and his position was secure, he wouldn't have had even the slightest chance of vying for the position of clan leader—that was the reality.
"Senior, there's no need for further words." Emperor Xuehai composed himself and regained his confidence. "Please, Senior Luo Jun, lead the way to the Great Luo Divine Palace to meet the Great Emperor. The Great Emperor is a hero of his time, with foresight and vision. As long as he heeds my advice, he will surely agree to let me temporarily assume the position of clan leader."
His purpose in coming here was not to engage in armed conflict, but to persuade Luo Yan to fully assume control of the Rakshasa clan. If internal strife were to erupt at this moment, even if he seized the position of clan leader, he would only be left with a mess of devastation, which was by no means the outcome he desired.
Emperor Jun nodded slightly, then turned to look at the two powerful figures beside him, Nie Shenwang and Su Zhanshen, whose expressions were hostile. Both were confidants of Emperor Luo Yan and deeply opposed to Xuehai Dijun's usurpation of the throne. Their gazes were sharp as blades, fixed intently on Xuehai Dijun and his entourage. However, bound by the Emperor's decree, the two, though unwilling, could only bow and accept the order.
Just as the gods were reorganizing their ranks and preparing to head to the Great Luo Divine Palace, Ling Che's expression suddenly changed slightly.
His soul was intimately connected to the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. His demonic body was his former form, inheriting the near-first-grade divine path he had comprehended years ago. His spiritual power cultivation was approaching the perfect state of Heaven and Earth, and his perception far surpassed that of the gods present. Just a moment ago, he sensed a dark, abyss-like power of observation that flashed past from an outer star field, swept over the divine city, and spied on their group. None of the gods noticed it, but he accurately captured this subtle malice.
Ling Che remained outwardly calm, offering a faint smile towards that star field. He thought to himself, "It seems some old fox, unwilling to remain silent, has jumped out. This spiritual power is far beyond that of an ordinary, flawless being. It must be that 'good old man' from the Temple of Destiny, the one who's been hiding the deepest. Perfect timing, I'll go and meet him."
Then, he turned to look at Emperor Xuehai and said gently, "Father-in-law, you should go with Emperor Jun to meet the Great Emperor first. I have found a rat hiding in the shadows. I will go and deal with it and return in a moment."
Before he finished speaking, ripples spread across the space around Ling Che, and the void was easily torn apart like water. With a flicker, he disappeared into the spatial rift and vanished without a trace.
Nie Shenwang and Su Zhanshen were incredulous at this sight, their eyes wide with shock.
It should be noted that since its construction, Rakshasa City has been adorned with countless ancient divine runes by generations of powerful Rakshasa clan members. Heavenly-level restrictions are spread throughout the city, and when these runes are at full power, even a Heavenly Venerable would find it difficult to easily break through. Yet Ling Che effortlessly tore through the void, ignoring all the city's restrictions, moving freely. It now seems his cultivation is far more terrifying than the rumors suggest.
Emperor Xuehai was also startled. Ling Che's words made him realize instantly that a top expert was secretly spying on them!
The thought of a hidden master lurking nearby, monitoring their group without their knowledge, sent a chill down Xuehai Emperor's spine. To evade his senses, it must be an existence with unparalleled spiritual power, but in Hell, only a handful have reached this level. Who could it be?
Worry instantly welled up in his heart. Just as he was about to speak, Princess Linglong gently took his arm and softly comforted him, "Father, rest assured. The Prince Consort is always cautious and never acts rashly. Since he dares to go alone, he must be fully confident that he will not put himself in danger."
Outside the city of Rakshasa lies a dark star field, where the stars are dim and lifeless.
The God of Fortune and Prosperity, clad in the divine robe bearing the character "量" (liang, meaning quantity) exclusive to the Emperor of Quantity, was shrouded in a layer of disguised spiritual energy that blotted out the sky. This avatar spanned tens of millions of miles of star field, resembling a colossal chaotic abyss that devoured all things, silently absorbing the light, heat, and essence of the surrounding stars. He remained hidden there, observing every move within the Rakshasa City and calculating his entire plan.
When he felt Ling Che's gaze lock onto him, Kui Lianghuang was suddenly startled: Ling Che's spiritual power had clearly not truly stepped into the Heavenly Perfection, so how could he discover his hidden spying?
Before he could think any further, the void passage in the center of the star field suddenly opened, and Ling Che stood with his hands behind his back, slowly walking out from the spatial rift to face Kui Lianghuang.
Emperor Kui Liang quickly calmed himself down, calmly examining Ling Che with a complex tone: "Mo Lian, I truly underestimated you. If you hadn't left the Temple of Destiny back then, the position of head of the Auspicious Palace would undoubtedly belong to you now."
As a high-ranking member of the Temple of Destiny, Kui Lianghuang knew that Ling Che was the last disciple of the Auspicious God, possessing extraordinary talent. Years ago, Ling Che was severely injured by the Venerable Monk Sumeru and others, and was on the verge of death. Everyone thought that he had long since perished, but unexpectedly, he was reborn from the ashes, and his cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds. Now he is a top figure in the Hell Realm, enough to stand on equal footing with them.
Ling Che remained calm, looking directly at Kui Lianghuang, and revealed the truth in one sentence: "Your Majesty went to great lengths to come to the outskirts of Rakshasa City to secretly monitor us. It seems that my father-in-law's sudden insistence on vying for the position of clan leader is because of your shadow."
He had been wondering why his usually composed father-in-law had suddenly changed his tune and was now openly declaring his intention to change the dynasty and vie for the position of clan leader. Now it seemed that it was the old fox, the God of Fortune and Prosperity, who was secretly pulling the strings.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Kui Liang threw his head back and laughed loudly, his voice resounding throughout the star field: "You are right. I did indeed secretly push things along, but in the end, it was your father-in-law who harbored ambitions for power and position. I merely released his desires completely."
His schemes were ruthless. Taking advantage of Tianmu's inability to interfere in clan affairs while she was presiding over the Abyss of Darkness, and Emperor Luo Yan's inability to control the overall situation due to his old war wounds, he used countless spies to incite a power struggle between Emperor Xuehai and Emperor Luo Yan, while he himself would hide behind the scenes and reap the benefits. If he could seize the opportunity to control Luo Yan, he could control the entire Rakshasa clan, and the entire landscape of the Hell Realm would be rewritten by him.
Ling Che nodded slightly, seemingly lost in thought: "So, you've planted your spies among the high-ranking officials of the five great divine kingdoms? No wonder they've been so eager to support my father-in-law this time; I thought it was because my influence was strong enough."
Upon hearing this, Kui Lianghuang's eyes flashed with intense admiration, and he praised Ling Che, saying, "Mo Lian, you are indeed a genius. You created the Universe Embryo Refining Method, which allows you to quickly refine and nurture supreme holy artifacts and even divine artifacts by borrowing the great power of the universe. Just based on this level of mastery of artifacts, you are already comparable to the supreme masters of artifact crafting throughout history!"
He abruptly changed the subject, revealing a recruiting intent, and confidently declared, "I have always recognized and valued heroes. Mo Lian, if you are willing to cooperate with me, I promise to help you enter the Auspicious Palace, wield power in the Temple of Destiny, and become the true ruler of the Temple of Destiny!"
Upon hearing this, Ling Che's eyes turned extremely strange, and he secretly thought to himself: This old guy is good at making empty promises, does he really think he is the Ancestor of Fate and can control the power of the Temple of Fate at will?
He shook his head slightly, his tone indifferent: "Emperor Liang should think about his own future first. These empty words are only good for fooling others. If I wanted to return to the Temple of Destiny, Xu Fengjin and the others would welcome me with open arms. With my current status and position, taking charge of a divine palace is just a piece of cake. There's no need to beat around the bush anymore. I have already sealed off the entire star field with the Heavenly Banner. Your communication methods cannot send out a single message. Don't even think about delaying me."
Seeing that all his schemes had been seen through by Ling Che, Kui Lianghuang stopped pretending and suddenly unleashed his spiritual power.
He forcibly manipulated the stars in a star field spanning nearly a billion miles, transforming them into incomparably sharp divine blades. These blades, imbued with world-destroying power, blasted wildly in all directions, attempting to break through the blockade and escape this place.
But at that moment, an invisible spatial barrier suddenly appeared, and the Star God Blade struck it, shattering completely.
In each of the twelve directions of the star field, a divine banner with overwhelming malevolent energy rose up. The banner stirred up the malevolent energy of heaven and earth, forming an impenetrable killing array. This was Ling Che's trump card, the "Twelve Capital Heavenly Gods and Demons Array".
Ling Che stood in the center of the grand formation, his robes fluttering, his voice icy: "Your cultivation is indeed slightly superior to mine, but in terms of resources and foundation, you are far inferior to me. This formation is based on twelve rudimentary divine artifacts, forged from the essence of billions of malevolent energies in the universe. The materials consumed are enough to forge a heavy weapon comparable to the Nine Cauldrons. With my personal control, even if your spiritual power reaches the peak of the ninety-second level, you cannot break through the formation in a short time!"
Kui Lianghuang's mood plummeted instantly, and his face turned ashen beneath the mask.
He never expected that Ling Che would suddenly appear as an unexpected variable. When he noticed Ling Che disappearing from the group, he had already sensed something was wrong, but he dared not make any rash moves because of Ling Che's lock on him. He clearly felt that Ling Che was hiding a deadly move that could threaten his life, and if he escaped, he would surely face annihilation.
It was this momentary hesitation that allowed Ling Che to complete the grand formation, and now he was trapped in a desperate situation. If he couldn't deal with Ling Che quickly, once the high-ranking experts of the Underworld arrived, his carefully concealed identity would be exposed, and he would truly be in a passive position.