Chapter 2314: Crocodile Tears

He wanted to profit from it, and that "profit" was the brain core of a fellow creature.

"Maybe he wants to collect it?" Frost Leaf shrugged, speaking easily. "For example, I like to collect unique pieces, preferably those that are one of a kind in the world."

There was likely no other brain core from an Abyssal Eater in existence, except his own.

He Lingchuan, of course, knew he wasn't being truthful. He merely tilted his head, scrutinizing him. "You’d venture deep into Cangyan and stir up trouble right under my nose, all for a single collectible?"

"To each their own. What's wrong with taking a little risk for something you desire?" Frost Leaf shrugged. "Besides, didn't you break into the Mountain of Ruins and cause chaos in the Heavenly Palace back then, all for a single spider shedding? Because of that incident, you truly caused me a great deal of trouble."

Frost Leaf was no ordinary person. After He Lingchuan caused such widespread havoc, Frost Leaf, upon review, realized he had unwittingly become a part of the young man's scheme.

As a result, he found himself briefly tied to He Lingchuan, forced to cover up some tracks for him. This included erasing many of He Lingchuan's traces in the states of Fu and Baoshu, making it impossible for Qingyang and other Beijia forces to trace him.

Of course, Qingyang eventually discovered it and severely denounced him to the Emperor and the Celestial Deities. Although Frost Leaf held significant power at the time, and Qingyang, being thousands of miles away, couldn't shake his foundations, it still caused him considerable annoyance.

Come to think of it, wasn't all of this thanks to He Lingchuan?

Revenge, for a gentleman, is never too late, even after fifteen years. So, he made his move.

Before, He Lingchuan infiltrated Lingxu City to cause mischief. Now, it was Frost Leaf's turn to infiltrate He Lingchuan's city and create trouble.

Tit for tat—that's fair.

Wasn't this simply karma? Frost Leaf felt entirely justified.

"Speaking of those old times," He Lingchuan chuckled, "if it weren't for me, Qingyang would still be comfortably serving as the Master of the Azure Palace. Could you have possibly overthrown her?"

"That's why I allowed you several peaceful years in the Yangshan Archipelago," Grand Preceptor Frost Leaf said, shaking his head. "It was ultimately a misplaced favor."

If he had known that He Lingchuan would later become the Great Emperor of Nine Serenities and unify the entire Glistening Gold Plain, would his decision to spare the Yangshan Archipelago back then have been a wise one or a mistake?

"You're quite the benevolent one." He Lingchuan couldn't even be bothered to call him out. The truth was, after Qingyang's downfall due to the elixir of immortality incident, Frost Leaf became the primary beneficiary. While He Lingchuan was occupied with developing the Yangshan Archipelago, Frost Leaf was equally busy consolidating power within the Beijia court, swiftly filling the void left by Qingyang.

One could say they were both swamped with their own affairs. How could Frost Leaf have found the time to personally come and deal with him?

However, this also highlighted the immense importance Grand Preceptor Frost Leaf placed on the golden core before them, so much so that he was willing to risk venturing into danger alone for it.

Alone? Hmm…

Frost Leaf spoke gravely. "Furthermore, Grand Preceptor Qingyang formed factions for personal gain, corrupted court discipline, and repeatedly infringed upon the interests of the Celestial Deities. Her network grew ever wider, involving more and more officials, and the evidence against her, held by others, steadily accumulated, merely awaiting the opportune moment to erupt. Even without He Xiao back then, she was already too deeply entrenched to recover and would eventually bring about her own downfall! Of course, your sudden appearance, delivering a decisive blow, caught her entirely off guard. Otherwise, she might have enjoyed a period of splendor for a while longer."

Qingyang had sealed her own fate; whether He Lingchuan was involved or not, her end was predetermined, only a matter of time. Therefore, Frost Leaf saw no reason to feel grateful.

He Lingchuan understood that the "others" Frost Leaf spoke of was himself. Frost Leaf had been secretly gathering evidence against Qingyang, accumulating it day by day, simply waiting for an opportunity.

The opportunity arrived only when He Lingchuan appeared.

Otherwise, he could have continued to wait.

What was there to rush? He had all the time in the world.

"Is that so?" He Lingchuan poured a cup of wine for each of them. "I, on the other hand, believe Grand Preceptor Qingyang was an unparalleled talent who dedicated herself wholeheartedly to supporting the new Emperor. Considering Beijia's circumstances, her use of personal gain to form factions was a shortsighted yet unavoidable measure. And after Qingyang lost power, the Demon Emperor, not forgetting their past connection, still secured a place for Grand Preceptor Qingyang to retire, despite immense pressure from the entire court. That, too, showed true sentiment and righteousness."

Anyone can twist words. Look at how well Grand Preceptor Qingyang and the Demon Emperor worked together; then look at yourself, secretly harboring ulterior motives and acting deceitfully. Isn't there a vast difference?

"Qingyang possessed great talent; her death is indeed regrettable," Frost Leaf echoed with a sigh. "She probably never understood, even on her deathbed, why she fell into your hands *again*. Truly lamentable."

Why "again"? Because He Lingchuan had defeated her twice!

Qingyang had been perfectly content as the Master of the Azure Palace in Lingxu City, but He Lingchuan forcibly pulled her down!

Qingyang had been perfectly content serving as Grand Overseer in Yao State, and once again, it was He Lingchuan who defeated her in court and on the battlefield, ultimately leading to her demise!

The one named He first ruined her, then killed her, and now he was hypocritically mourning her and speaking well of her?

Heh, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them "crocodile tears," would it?

He Lingchuan lazily shifted his position.

Why would someone as composed as Qingyang lose her composure when facing Frost Leaf? He Lingchuan finally understood firsthand today.

This Frost Leaf fellow was truly outwardly charming and affable, yet inwardly exceptionally sinister and malicious. He was constantly scheming against others, while they could never truly grasp his stance or understand his ultimate intentions.

Only he himself knew his true direction and objectives.

Born evil, with a powerful and exceptionally resolute mind. Isn't this type of person the most terrifying?

He had served as Grand Preceptor of the Autumn Palace for over a century. He Lingchuan had initially assumed he was suppressed by Qingyang, but after their conversation today, he realized that Frost Leaf was never in a hurry to overthrow Qingyang; he had simply kept a constant, watchful eye on her.

Even Grand Preceptor Qingyang, knowing that a malevolent presence constantly shadowed her, actively collecting damaging evidence and poised to strike at any moment, could not have felt at ease.

This was a century-long struggle. Frost Leaf, whom Qingyang considered a formidable adversary, had built his power from the ground up.

"At this very moment, you're supposed to be on an official visit to four or five places, including Yi State. Instead, you've traveled thousands of miles to suddenly appear, alone, in Cangyan. Hmm—" He Lingchuan scrutinized him. "Grand Preceptor Frost Leaf, does the Demon Emperor know you've played truant?"

He emphasized the word "alone."

Given Frost Leaf's stature, did Beijia lack other talented individuals to cause trouble? He Lingchuan simply didn't believe the Demon Emperor would directly dispatch him to Cangyan to cause mischief. Therefore, this journey was most likely his unannounced, private itinerary.

Frost Leaf replied courteously:

"Nine Serenities concerns himself for my sake. Our Emperor is omniscient."

With the verbal sparring having reached its peak, it was time to address the real matter at hand. He Lingchuan, enjoying the advantage of being on his home ground, was in no rush, and thus waited for Frost Leaf to speak first.

Since the Great Emperor of Nine Serenities was present, it would be difficult for Frost Leaf to take the golden core as he had originally planned. Therefore, he could only say, "This golden core is of no use to Nine Serenities. Why don't we make a deal and both be satisfied?"

He Lingchuan raised an eyebrow:

"What do you intend to use it for?"