Chapter 509: Counterattack
The Dragon Sect didn’t believe the news released by Piaomiao Palace in the slightest.
Everyone in Piaomiao Palace was frustrated. Long Ao was clearly being hunted by a Divine Dao Martial Artist, so why did no one believe them?
A year ago, if Piaomiao Palace had said such a thing, ninety-nine out of a hundred people would have believed them. But ever since their war with Long Ao began, their credibility had been all but destroyed.
Piaomiao Palace.
"What in the world is going on?"
"Elders, we don’t know what’s happening. Recently, many of the Sect’s most outstanding disciples have been assassinated. Even some of the Elder Guardians haven’t been spared."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of both Feng Wuyi and Liu Boming turned extremely grim.
’Could it be him?’
The two of them simultaneously thought of the same person: Long Ao.
"Impossible. Long Ao is being hunted by a Divine Dao Martial Artist. He’s as good as dead, no matter how capable he is."
"You’re right, it can’t be Long Ao. But other than him, who else would dare to make a move against our Piaomiao Palace?"
The two of them fell silent. They had no idea what was happening from the very beginning. They couldn’t fathom who could be so fearless as to provoke them—it was like pulling teeth from a tiger’s mouth.
Sighing deeply, Feng Wuyi said helplessly, "The Sect lost two Divine Fruits this time. The Old Ancestor is furious."
"Alright, perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. Two of our Elders were killed. If you think about it, we know what must have happened at the Waterfall Cave."
"Are you saying there was a Divine Dao Martial Artist at the Waterfall Cave?"
"I can say with certainty that when Long Ao went to the Waterfall Cave, he encountered a Divine Dao Martial Artist seizing the Divine Fruits. I don’t know why the Divine Dao Martial Artist is hunting him now, but it’s the only logical explanation."
While Feng Wuyi and Liu Boming were still trying to figure things out, Long Ao had already left Piaomiao City, speeding toward the Imperial City.
In the Imperial City, Duan He and Duan Kai were somewhat surprised to receive news of Long Ao’s arrival. After all, the Dragon Sect and the Imperial City were still allies, at least on the surface. They had yet to have a complete falling-out.
If their alliance could be broken so easily, Duan Kai and Duan He would never have chosen to partner with the Dragon Sect in the first place.
"Sect Leader Long, what an honor. Please forgive us for not giving you a more proper welcome."
Seeing the two of them, Long Ao felt a surge of contempt. ’But,’ he thought, ’the situation doesn’t allow for a complete break just yet. I must wait until the Dragon Sect has fully established itself.’
"Brother Duan, I came today for one reason. I want to ask you both: are the Imperial City and the Dragon Sect still considered to be in an alliance?"
The two men sneered inwardly, having long predicted Long Ao would do this.
Duan He smiled and said, "Sect Leader Long, you must be joking. Of course the Imperial City and the Dragon Sect are still in an alliance."
"In that case, I have another question. If we are allies, why didn’t the Imperial City offer any assistance when the three great forces attacked the Celestial State? Is that what you call an alliance?"
Long Ao’s tone was clearly an accusation, causing the expressions on Duan Kai and Duan He’s faces to shift slightly. In the end, however, they held their tempers in check. Duan He spoke, "Sect Leader Long, it seems you don’t quite grasp the situation. Since our two families are in an alliance, why didn’t the Dragon Sect lend its aid when we, the Imperial City, were fighting with the other three powers for control of Kyushu and sent the Dragon Sect an invitation?"
Of course, Long Ao was perfectly aware of this, which was precisely why he felt so frustrated. ’If I had been at the Sect,’ he thought, ’I definitely would have sent a small group of people just to make a token effort, even if it was only for appearances.’
"Regardless of who was right or wrong, I wasn’t at the Sect then. I just want to know one thing: going forward, will the Imperial City and the Dragon Sect remain allies?"
"Of course. Sect Leader Long, I hope you understand that an alliance isn’t a one-sided affair. If the Dragon Sect no longer wishes to be in this alliance, then there is nothing we can do."
Seeing that the talks were about to break down, Duan Kai, who had been silent all this time, suddenly laughed heartily. "Sect Leader Long, this is all a misunderstanding. Please, sit down. Let us discuss the future."
The three of them entered a pavilion and took their seats.
"Sect Leader Long, we heard a rumor that you are being hunted by a Divine Dao Martial Artist. I wonder, is there any truth to this?"
Both Duan Kai and Duan He were extremely curious about this matter. After all, Divine Dao Martial Artists were legendary beings, and practically no one had ever seen one in the flesh.
In truth, the two of them already had an answer in their hearts. If Long Ao were truly being hunted by a Divine Dao Martial Artist, would he have come to the Imperial City?
Shrugging helplessly, Long Ao said, "I don’t know who started that rumor, but I’m sitting here perfectly fine. If I were being hunted by a Divine Dao Martial Artist, do you two really think you’d still be able to see me?"
Nodding, Duan Kai said, "It seems Piaomiao Palace did that on purpose, merely as a pretext to occupy the Celestial State and the Dragon Sect. Sect Leader Long, I trust you’re now clear on the situation in Kyushu. Since that’s the case, we’re very interested to hear what you plan to do next."
"Counterattack."
"Counterattack?"
"That’s right, counterattack. In truth, the Third Level Long Family, Piaomiao Palace, and Netherworld Mansion have always been at odds. They fought a great war before with innumerable casualties. If we can sow discord among them, I believe the three powers will quickly fall apart. Then, we can defeat them one by one, which should be much easier."
"Sect Leader Long, to be perfectly honest, sowing discord will not be an easy task. The three great forces have each seized control of two states. Barring some major incident, I doubt the three of them will make a move so easily, let alone fight to the death."
"You can leave that to me. However, I have one condition: the Imperial City must assist me."
Though they seemed somewhat surprised, Duan Kai and Duan He nodded. They, too, were very curious to see what method Long Ao planned to use to sow discord among the three great forces.
Next, Long Ao explained his plan. After listening, both men inwardly cursed him for being so despicable, but Duan He still agreed.
In any case, succeeding against the three great forces would absolutely benefit the Imperial City as well.
And just like that, the Imperial City and the Dragon Sect allied once more. This time, however, both powers kept a low profile and didn’t let the news spread. Precisely because of this, everyone believed the Imperial City and the Dragon Sect had split for good.
「Kyushu.」
Kyushu had been completely carved up by the Four Great Forces. However, the Imperial City had not set foot in the Celestial State. To contend for supremacy over the Celestial State, the other three great forces had become mutually hostile, on the brink of war at any moment.
Even so, ten full days passed, and the three great forces showed no intention of making a move. Those who were hoping to watch a good show cried foul, completely baffled by the three powers’ intentions.
But then, for reasons unknown, the three great forces, which had been coexisting peacefully, suddenly erupted into a massive war. The battle was extremely fierce, a true fight to the death.