Mutated Tao

Zhao Shuangdian and Qing Wanglai faced each other, their respective followers standing firm behind them. The atmosphere in the study grew tense.

As an outsider, Yi Donglai hesitated as he watched the situation unfold. He seemed to be contemplating the implications of what was happening before him.

Qing Wanglai suddenly chuckled and turned to Zhao Shuangdian. “I have my secrets, and I am within my rights not to share them. I suggest we set this matter aside for now. After all, no matter who dies, it will only weaken us in future battles.

“Zhao Shuangdian, don’t forget about our previous collaboration. Let’s not jeopardize the bigger picture over a minor, unsubstantiated issue, shall we?”

Zhao Shuangdian remained silent, as if weighing something in her mind.

Since she didn't speak, Li Huowang stepped forward. “You didn’t just kill Zuoqiu Yong, did you? Wasn’t the death of Qian Fu, the Siming of Death, also related to you?”

Li Huowang approached Qing Wanglai and locked gazes with him. “You’re also after the Heavenly Dao of Death, aren’t you? Qian Fu was on your side, but you didn’t hesitate to take action just for the Heavenly Dao.

“Qing Wanglai, you’re truly cold-blooded.

“Unfortunately for you, Qian Fu wasn’t as foolish as you thought. When Zhao Shuangdian came to help, he passed the Heavenly Dao of Death to the Heavenly Mater!” Li Huowang said, gripping Yang Na’s hand tightly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Qing Wanglai slightly lowered his head, his glasses reflecting the dim light and obscuring his eyes. “I’m naturally on our side, no doubt about that. However, I have plans that I can't share with you.”

“Why? I just want to know why! Do you always talk in riddles because you control the Heavenly Dao of Secrets? The enemy is at the gates, and you're still hiding things!”

“Because I don’t trust you,” Qing Wanglai replied. “Why should I? You’re a madman.”

The words struck Li Huowang, leaving him frozen.

“Haha... you don’t trust me...” Li Huowang shook his head, slowly backing away. “You don’t trust me... I should have known...”

“That’s right, I don’t trust you. Satisfied now?” Qing Wanglai asked with a smile.

“I have my own plans. Besides, the only reason we’re even working together is because of the circumstances, isn’t it? It makes sense that I wouldn’t share my plans with you.

“Besides, now that you’ve joined Zhao Shuangdian’s side, do I still need to get your approval for everything?”

Noticing that Li Huowang’s expression was growing increasingly twisted, Chen Hongyu stepped in to mediate. “Alright, alright, let’s stop this. We haven’t even fought yet, and you two are already at each other’s throats. How is that going to work?

“We’re here to treat Li Huowang, aren’t we? Why are we getting more and more off track? Let’s focus on the main issue.”

With that, everyone turned to look at Yi Donglai. He was sitting while holding a notebook, seemingly jotting down notes on everyone.

“What are you writing? Stop it. Let’s get this treatment over with so we can leave.”

As the conversation shifted to Li Huowang’s condition, a voice suddenly called out, “Wait!”

It was from Li Huowang. The same Li Huowang who had just been shaking his head now wore a look of intense hatred and disgust as he stared at Qing Wanglai.

“It wasn’t just Zuoqiu Yong or Qian Fu! What you’ve done goes far beyond that! You’ve been preparing for this for a long time! I finally understand!”

Qing Wanglai smiled faintly. “Whatever I’m planning is none of your business, Li Huowang.”

“Not my business? Really? Then why did you change my name? Why did you steal the ‘Wang’ from my name?”

“You didn’t just target Zuoqiu Yong and Qian Fu. You’ve been plotting against me for a long time!” Li Huowang’s expression became increasingly ferocious. “And you did it by using your Twisted One Zhuge Yuan! Tell me! What did you take from me?!”

Li Huowang was sure that having a Siming’s name altered wasn’t as simple as losing part of it. The Three Pure Ones had greater ambitions, and the removal of the “Wang” from his name surely represented something important.

“Hey, calm down. We’re all on the same side. Let’s sit down and talk,” Wu Qi intervened to calm the situation.

“Sister Wu, are you really helping him? Are you overwhelmed with managing five worlds as a Siming? The Three Pure Ones even placed Zhuge Yuan’s statue in the Righteous Monastery! And you’re still helping him! Don’t you realize that he’s also secretly tampered with your Heavenly Dao?”

The thought of the statue of Zhuge Yuan with the cinnabar mark on its forehead made Li Huowang seethe with rage.

Zhuge Yuan was his brother, but the Three Pure Ones had manipulated him like a puppet. The Three Pure Ones exploited Zhuge Yuan's reputation for saving the Great Qi even after his death, all to seize the Heavenly Dao of the Five Dhyani Buddhas.

He had insulted Zhuge Yuan and toyed with Li Huowang like a fool!

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Li Huowang. Your condition is worsening. You should get treated soon.”

Li Huowang shook his head. “No, your schemes are far more important than my illness! If we don’t deal with you, the entire Baiyu Capital could be destroyed!”

“Growth, death, bewilderment, flesh… Do you think I haven’t noticed? You’ve been systematically stealing all our Heavenly Daos! You’re willing to kill us all if necessary! You’ve wanted everything from the start!”

Zhao Shuangdian began calculating rapidly, and the sound of tapping filled the room.

Everyone turned their eyes to Qing Wanglai, waiting for his explanation.

“I truly don’t know what you’re talking about. Everyone, do you really believe him over me?” Qing Wanglai adjusted his glasses. “Do you really think I would sacrifice all of you for the sake of some Heavenly Dao?”

Ba Nanxu approached Li Huowang with her brother, laughing softly. “He may be mad, but he couldn’t make up something this elaborate. He’s not smart enough.”

Wu Qi hesitated and looked at Qing Wanglai. “Qing Wanglai, could you explain your plan? Is it really related to the Heavenly Daos, like Li Huowang said? If there’s a misunderstanding, clear it up.”

Under everyone’s gaze, Qing Wanglai took out two dice and began swiftly spinning them between his long, pale fingers.