Zhu Xie Chixin was up against Guan Chouhai, a grandmaster renowned for many years. Having just ascended to the grandmaster realm himself, Zhu Xie Chixin managed to hold his own against Guan Chouhai using a unique death aura. However, he knew that in a prolonged battle, he would certainly be no match for him. Though he had only momentarily fended off Li Changsheng, Zhu Xie Chixin had believed he still had enough time to counter Guan Chouhai. However, he had severely underestimated the depth of a Daoist sect leader's capabilities.
Guan Chouhai seized this fleeting opportunity, activating his twin Vajra Bracelets to deliver a fatal blow. A more terrifying death aura erupted, spiraling completely out of control. Even formidable figures like Li Changsheng and Guan Chouhai hastily retreated to avoid it. Enveloped by the death aura, flora within dozens of meters instantly withered and turned yellow. Zhu Xie Chixin remained half-kneeling in the center, his breathing shallow and ragged, his life force evidently severed.
The expressions of everyone else in the vicinity shifted. Li Changsheng, his face grim, commented, "To amass such a potent death aura, how many lives must have been taken by your hand?" While Zhu Xie Chixin was the Grand Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and countless officials had perished by his hand, it was inconceivable that he could have cultivated such a death aura solely from that; even the massacre of every court official would likely not suffice.
Zhu Xie Chixin undoubtedly knew the reason, but he had no breath left to answer. Instead, his gaze fixed on the distant emperor, his eyes clouded with utter bewilderment. "Amitabha," Master Jianhuang intoned, pressing his palms together. "Your body is steeped in karmic slaughter, benefactor; this is your just retribution." As a Buddhist monk, he typically espoused compassion, often extending a few words of pity even to the most wicked individuals before their demise. Yet, sensing the profound death aura emanating from Zhu Xie Chixin, he found himself, for once, genuinely feeling that Zhu Xie Chixin deserved his fate.
Zhao Jing's gaze was fixed intently on Zhao Hao, his eyes mirroring a similar doubt. "You clearly had the opportunity to save them just now," he questioned, "yet you merely stood by, doing nothing?" Zhao Hao replied calmly, "Considering Wang Wuxie's cultivation, for him to fall to such a state, he must have been betrayed by someone close—indeed, by his most intimate and trusted confidant—for such an effect to occur. Given that precedent, how could I not be cautious? Only through such observation can one discern loyalty from treachery."
It was then that everyone understood: he had harbored suspicions that either Zhu Xie Chixin or Eunuch Wen might betray him, which was why he had remained a cold, silent observer. Upon hearing Zhao Hao's response, Zhu Xie Chixin's face contorted with a mixture of surprise and rage, followed by a look of grim realization. He could hold on no longer, and his head slumped forward.
Wu Wuyan couldn't help but sigh, "Indeed, utterly cold and heartless, watching so many loyal individuals perish for your sake. It's often said there are three kinds of people in this world: men, women, and emperors. Today, I finally comprehend the meaning of that saying." At this point, Prince Qi, Zhao Jing, interjected, "Grand Elder, you are mistaken. This merely reflects Zhao Hao's exceptional callousness. Were I emperor, I would never possess such a heart of stone." Since full cooperation was still required from everyone, he naturally wished to prevent any lingering resentment.
Meanwhile, at a considerable distance, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Imperial Bodyguards were engaged in a fierce battle with Daoist masters, led by Elder Xuandu and the young monk Jiese. They were evidently aware that the main confrontation was a clash of titans, where even the slightest ripple of energy could reduce them to dust. Consequently, they did not notice the events unfolding nearby, which was fortunate, as their morale might have otherwise crumbled.
Zhao Hao sneered, "It's easy to speak grandly, but once you ascend to this throne, you will naturally act in the same manner. Emperors are destined to be solitary."
"I will prove myself different from you," Prince Qi retorted coldly, then turned to Wu Wuyan. "Grand Elder, proceed."
Wu Wuyan nodded, forming intricate hand seals in the air as obscure, unintelligible syllables emanated from his lips. Instantly, a translucent straw effigy materialized before him. Zhao Hao scoffed, "You intend to use a Voodoo Curse against me? Wu Wuyan, have you lost your mind?"
Without answering, Wu Wuyan suddenly conjured seven luminous needles in his hand, which he thrust directly towards the translucent effigy. A wave of ripples, barely perceptible to the naked eye, spread outwards. Zhao Hao, who had been observing with a detached air, suddenly changed expression. Almost simultaneously, his body trembled, and several rings of dark light materialized around him, within which faint black runes could be seen swirling through his form. His previously serene expression finally wavered. "Why does this affect me?" he demanded.
Wu Wuyan's expression was tinged with pride. "As long as we possess one's birth data, along with personal effects like hair or skin, our Wumen secret arts can take effect. Such is our rule."
"Where did you obtain my hair or skin?" Zhao Hao demanded in a low voice. With Zhao Jing present, his birth data was likely provided by the prince. However, Zhao Hao was always extremely cautious about his personal effects like hair and skin; Prince Qi could not possibly have had the opportunity to acquire them. "Does His Majesty not know everything already? Why ask me?" Wu Wuyan said with a smile.
Zhao Hao's face darkened. His gaze fell upon the lifeless body of Eunuch Wen, and he thought, "This wretched slave truly did betray me!" Eunuch Wen was usually responsible for his daily care. If anyone had the opportunity to acquire such personal items, it could only have been that eunuch. He had just felt a flicker of regret for not saving him, but now, it seemed fortunate he hadn't intervened; otherwise, he might have been ensnared in a trap.
At this moment, Prince Qi, Master Jianhuang, Li Changsheng, and the others all turned to Wu Wuyan in astonishment. They had harbored little hope, yet the outcome was unexpectedly effective. Could the Wumen's Voodoo Curse truly possess such immense power? Wang Wuxie's downfall earlier had been the result of their collective efforts, so while they felt some emotion, it hadn't elicited such profound alarm. But now, the hitherto invincible Emperor had also fallen prey to this Voodoo Curse. A strong sense of alarm rose among them, as they pondered what they would do if Wu Wuyan were to wield such a technique against them in the future. Would he be cursed to death outright, or become a puppet like Wang Wuxie?
Noticing their gazes fixed on him, Zhao Hao sneered, "Do you truly believe these dark arts can contend with me?" The moment he spoke, a golden radiance surged from his body, instantly shattering the dark rings that enveloped him.
Wu Wuyan, who had moments ago been somewhat self-satisfied, suddenly blanched. He coughed up a mouthful of blood, instantly becoming listless, his face ashen like a corpse. Unable to stand, his body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground. Prince Qi and the others were aghast. They hadn't even witnessed Zhao Hao make a move, yet the formidable Grand Elder of the Wumen had been rendered incapacitated just like that?
Wu Wuyan quickly interjected, "While my secret art did not fully succeed, he was not entirely unaffected. He has been weakened by at least twenty percent of his cultivation, and it's unlikely he'll recover in a short time. The rest is up to you all."
Zhao Jing was overjoyed. In truth, when he first witnessed Zhao Hao fall victim to the Voodoo Curse, he had been skeptical; how could his invincible Imperial Brother be so easily overcome? It had, in fact, made him suspect it was all part of Zhao Hao's scheme. The current outcome was far more plausible: while Wu Wuyan was incapacitated, he had managed to weaken Zhao Hao by twenty percent of his power, a considerable achievement. Previously, he had felt uncertain facing the invincible Zhao Hao, but now, his confidence was greater than ever before.
[35 minutes ago] Chapter 555: Identity Change, Protector of Penglai Mountain
[1 hour ago] Chapter 1764: Ancient Saint Divine Stele
[2 hours ago] Chapter 2317: Yangguandao
[2 hours ago] Chapter 4934
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