CHAPTER 754: CHAPTER 750: COUNTERMEASURES

The dusk was deepening, and the remaining light bathed the glazed tiles of the Prince Nine’s Mansion in a warm golden hue.

As Chu Zhiyuan stepped out of the Light Gate, You Lan, accompanied by Xiao Zhu and two other maids, was already waiting in the courtyard.

The three women stepped forward to attend to his dressing and washing.

After freshening up, he went to sit in the small pavilion within the garden.

Several maids glided in gracefully and quietly, their movements effortless, quickly filling the stone table with an array of aromatic, enticing dishes.

The jade cup was already filled with fine wine, emanating a rich fragrance and warm sheen in the sunset.

As he was about to enjoy his evening meal, Li Ningcui arrived.

In recent days, Zhu Yijing and Li Ningcui had been frequenting the Prince Mansion often; although they covered their tracks well each time, the frequent visits risked exposure.

A brief absence could be concealed, but repeated visits would eventually be discovered.

He did not wish to reveal his connections with the Demon Sect, especially not with the Qianji Tower.

Li Ningcui, in a lake-green silk robe, looked lively and full of cheer.

Chu Zhiyuan gestured for her to sit and dine with him, speaking as they ate.

Li Ningcui, being straightforward, seeing Chu Zhiyuan’s sincerity, did not decline and sat down calmly.

"How are things at the Cangming Sect?"

"They have conducted their own investigation and won’t reveal her identity. They have already informed her of their decision."

"Paper cannot wrap a fire after all." Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, "No matter how profound the mental method of the Cangming Sect is, it still derives from the Demon Sect."

"Rest assured, Your Highness, the founding ancestor of the Cangming Sect once had an extraordinary encounter."

Chu Zhiyuan looked at her with curiosity.

"He obtained some sort of inheritance in a Cave Mansion, exquisitely blending two mental methods. The method they practice now cannot be purely classified as a Demon Sect method, even upon thorough investigation, there are various explanations."

"That’s good." Chu Zhiyuan did not press further.

His current actions aimed to align with the Realm of Light.

As for whether others complied, it was up to their own fate and fortune.

Ultimately, this female disciple of the Cangming Sect did not truly trust the Third Prince, Chu Liyang.

Deep down, she still harbored doubts, and had contingency plans for retreat.

If Chu Liyang treated her poorly or lashed out at her, she would leave directly.

The world is vast, and there is nowhere she cannot go. Chu Liyang was not the Emperor, merely a Prince, and could not find her.

Li Ningcui said, "Your Highness, the Sunset Sect is currently closely associating with the Yuan Meng Sect these days, and they have even drawn in a few small sects, determined to form an alliance against us."

"And you?"

"We also plan to accept a few sects," Li Ningcui said. "Many sects want to join us."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

The Feiyun Sect, though like an insect with one hundred feet, was not yet completely dead; the lean camel is bigger than a horse, and its residual influence remains.

The Bamboo Sect, on the other hand, has risen like a phoenix, suddenly emerging with several Venerables.

The two combined have overwhelming strength, and in this strength-oriented world, naturally, they will attract many followers.

"But we are not planning to accept every sect." Li Ningcui said, "Those that are extreme and obstinate, we will ignore."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Aren’t you concerned that they might join the Sunset Sect side and disadvantage you?"

Li Ningcui said, "Better they become adversaries than be dragging allies."

Chu Zhiyuan nodded in satisfaction, "That idea is rather good."

Such extreme and obstinate people are the easiest to spoil things and the easiest to exploit. Better to have them as opponents than allies.

Li Ningcui smiled, "Your Highness is wise."

She was most afraid that Chu Zhiyuan would dismiss this approach and insist the two sects expand quickly.

This would only ruin things.

Now it seemed that both she and Master Zhu were worrying needlessly, as the Ninth Prince was not impulsive or impatient, but rather deeply strategic.

The Princes, none of them are simple.

Who would have thought that this impulsive, hot-tempered, foul-mouthed Ninth Prince would be someone of deep strategy and keen foresight?

We can only say that he conceals himself too well.

Chu Zhiyuan raised the jade cup, sipped the fine wine, and pondered, "The Sunset Sect..."

Li Ningcui watched him curiously.

Chu Zhiyuan looked at the crimson sky.

The white clouds were dyed golden, like a majestic golden peak rising in the sky, breathtaking in its grandeur.

Chu Zhiyuan turned to Li Ningcui, "What is the origin of the martial arts heart method of the Sunset Sect?"

"Just as Your Highness surmised, it is said that the founding ancestor of the Sunset Sect comprehended the Can Yang Divine Palm from the setting sun, and its power is astonishing."

"Which demon technique?"

"Red Sun Demon Skill."

"Hmm, it happens to align perfectly with their divine skill, their luck is exceedingly good."

"It’s precisely because their martial skill and demon skill harmonize that they can prosper as they do now."

"Red Sun Demon Skill..." Chu Zhiyuan contemplated the method to break it.

The Martial Arts in the Soul Enlightenment Pearl belonged to the Human Race and Demon Clan, and did not include the Demon Clan.

The Haoyang Demon-suppressing Mirror, however, could completely strip away the inheritance of the Demon Clan.

While having the inheritance, it could not be cultivated—without the Demon Abyss, the Demon Clan inheritance could not be practiced.

The demon techniques practiced by the Demon Sect and Demon Gates were those recorded in the Supreme Heavenly Demon Strategy.

According to his knowledge, the demon techniques and the inheritance of the Demon Clan were entirely different.

But despite the difference, why are they still called demon techniques?

Because demon techniques also absorb the power of the Demon Abyss.

Compared to the Demon Clan’s use of the Demon Abyss’s power, demon techniques seem insignificant.

But human and demon clan’s physique differ, and even this little bit of Demon Abyss’s power already has a significant effect.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Lord Li, have you been able to ascertain the origins of the Supreme Heavenly Demon Strategy?"

Li Ningcui shook her head helplessly, "Forgive me, Your Highness, it seems there is no record of it, as if the Supreme Heavenly Demon Strategy appeared out of thin air, quite strange."

"Find a way to figure it out," Chu Zhiyuan said, "This is a matter of great importance."

"Yes, I will continuously keep an eye out for any news on this."

"Since the Sunset Sect is expanding aggressively, let’s send some insiders over."

"Your Highness is wise."

"You have already started doing that?"

"Yes, we’ve already sent more than a dozen of our people over."

"Very good." Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Now I can rest easy."

Li Ningcui quickly said, "We need your guidance, Your Highness."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "In two months, I will go to the Phoenix Dynasty. You and the others here should consult with each other, and if there are any difficulties, go to my Second Brother, don’t hesitate to trouble him."

"Understood." Li Ningcui agreed solemnly.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Find a way to strengthen the Demon Sect over there."

"Rest assured, Your Highness, we have already begun relocating some disciples over."

"Good, very good." Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

---

Divine Martial Bureau

Before the steps of the main hall, eight young men had already gathered together.

Unlike the last time Chu Zhiyuan was here, when they were clustered in small groups, this time they gathered together, whispering amongst themselves.

They wore solemn expressions, their eyes burning with intensity, their voices low, yet failing to hide their excitement.

Standing on the steps, Chu Hongfeng with his hands clasped behind his back, dressed in a blue-green robe, exuded a stern demeanor.

He lifted his eyes to check the weather, frowning slightly.

At that moment, a figure suddenly appeared beside Chu Hongfeng.

Chu Hongfeng turned his head, "Fifteenth Brother, what time do you think it is!"

Chu Honglin smiled apologetically, "Sixth Brother, something delayed me."

Chu Hongfeng snorted, "What could be more important than opening a Cave Mansion?"

"I was discussing the matter of the Grotto Heaven with Zhao’er."

"What did Zhao’er have to say?"

"He advised bringing more defensive treasures for them."

"Is that all he aspires to?" Chu Hongfeng snorted, "They are going in to destroy the Demon Clan, not to hide like turtles!"

"Preserve life first, then seek other goals," Chu Honglin replied, "I even went on a trip to the Imperial Palace and got some treasures from Elder Brother."

He glanced at the eight young men below who had fallen silent, listening to their conversation, and snorted, "You are quite lucky."

"Thank you, Prince Gan!"

"What kind of defensive treasures are these?"