Chapter 1222: Off on a Treasure Hunt

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The old man placed the map in his ring, pointing out as he looked at the Emperors, “You all should take the Demonic Emperor’s example and be sincere. Understand what you can and can’t have, to not overstep your bounds in your schemes.”

“Yeah, yeah, sir is absolutely right, ha-ha-ha…”

Beaming and bobbing their heads, the Enchanting Empress and Sword Emperor felt their hearts sink, reporting, “Sir, we happened to get a copy from the Demonic Emperor, now resting in the Gambling Emperor’s care. We leave it at sir’s discretion.”

The old man grinned knowingly.

The Gambling Emperor’s heart froze and presented the copies with nothing but respect as absolute power demanded, “Here are their copies, sir.”

“Right.”

The old man huffed and took them, giving the papers but a glance, as he snickered, “You’ve been the first holder of the Nether Sea map, is there anything else you would like to add?”

The Gambling Emperor offered another white paper, “I had made another copy, sir.” 

“Gambling Emperor, you’re the sharpest of the Eight Emperors. The Nether Sea map had been with you for so many years yet not one word went around that you had it…”

“I’m flattered, sir, but I meant not to hide it. It was to research it and find Nether Sea’s location, to offer it…”

The Gambling Emperor shivered under the old man’s stare as he explained himself, but the former cut him off, “That’s enough. I’m well aware what it’s on all of your minds. A word of advice, don’t be too smart for your own good. Your little games are known to Sacred Mountains. I’d rather avoid having you end up like the Demonic Emperor of old.”

The Eight Emperors lowered their heads in respect and fear. None could defy the Saints.

Zhuo Fan squinted and hatred burned inside.

“The matter is settled, you may go. I and He Xiaofeng have matters to discuss. Do keep in mind that there might be some changes among the Eight Emperors recently and you should have an idea about it.”

The old man’s remark had everyone looking grave at the implications.

[Changes in the Eight Emperors, does he mean someone will replace us?]

The people bowed and withdrew. He Xiaofeng recalled something and shouted, “Enchanting Empress, stay!”

The Enchanting Empress looked at the rest as she was the only one left with the two Saints, bowing, “How may I assist you, sir?”

“Enchanting Empress, you’re one of the Eight Emperors my father groomed.” He Xiaofeng hooked his finger, “Father trusts you the most. What of the matter you reported to father a hundred years ago?”

Enchanting Empress smiled and nodded, “Sir, Qingcheng is good.”

“Shouldn’t you arrange a meeting then?”

He Xiaofeng’s eyes shone, “You raised the girl for so long, so don’t you think it’s time for her to come with me to Sacred Mountains?”

“It’s too sudden!”

“Perhaps, the ancient records do say her refusal will complicate things.”

He Xiaofeng sighed, “My unique position and fear of arousing suspicion prevented me from bringing her into Sacred Mountains from the beginning. It would’ve been so much easier if we had just grown up together.”

Enchanting Empress nodded, with the old man smiling, “Xiaofeng, don’t worry, as the young lord of the 6th Sacred Mountain, capturing a girl’s attention can’t be easier. Am I right, Enchanting Empress?”

“Uh, yeah, ha-ha-ha…”

Enchanting Empress bobbed her head, feeling conflicted.

[That was before. Now the girl is only getting closer to another man. Maybe… no, it should work. That kid is nothing before the lofty young lord of Sacred Mountains!] 

The seven Emperors left the hall and gathered around to brainstorm the reason behind keeping the Enchanting Empress. Sure, they all clashed on an average basis, with even having a war not a month ago, but before Sacred Mountains, they found a common ground to unite them and discuss their situation.

“What’s the Enchanting Empress’ connection with the two Saints? Why do they keep her back every time?”

“Who knows? The broad has a large circle of friends. When dealing with Zhuo Yifan, we were the only ones who knew about him. Even with our swift speed, somehow the Saints got wind of it a bit too fast. Something tells me that she was the one who leaked it.”

“Her? No way? With the coming of a Saint, none of us would get anything from the Nine Serenities Secret Records. Why would she do something that got her nothing instead?”

“What’s the point in bringing up the past? Now it’s what matters. Sacred Mountains said they want to reorganize the Eight Emperors. We need to consider our course…”

…

They went silent as they sighed. Zhuo Fan eavesdropped from the side, glancing at the closed hall’s doors.

[Those rotten broads are with the Sacred Mountains?]

“Regardless of Sacred Mountains intent for us, we have no power. Rather than shake in our boots over what might come, we should go home, meditate, and clean house.”

Zhao Chen spoke first, cupping his hands, “Goodbye!”

Zhuo Fan left with him. The others got curious. They knew the Demonic Emperor to be a powder keg ready to blow most of the time, so why was he so fine with how things turned out?

[Peculiar.]

The Gambling Emperor watched them go with a glimmer in his eyes, “Something must be up. Maybe they don’t care about Sacred Mountains’ decision? That just can’t be…”

A week later, Zhao Chen was back in his hall on Devil Mountain, alone with Zhuo Fan.

“Ha-ha-ha, Sacred Mountains? Once I find the Nether Sovereign’s seat of enlightenment and gain his legacy, they’ll be nothing! The age of a Sacred Domain dominated by Sacred Mountains is over. The time for my rule has come!

Zhao Chen said with excitement, “Steward Zhuo, gather the men at once, but only the most loyal, to go with me in search of Nether Sea!”

Zhuo Fan bowed and shook his head, “Sir, there’s no rush. The Saints have yet to leave. They might just be coming for us once we move.”

“Right, right, Steward Zhuo. With those bastards here, they’ll be sure to mess things up. I don’t want to end up like my master.” 

Zhao Chen said, “Steward Zhuo, when should we act then?”

“We can take our time since no one can resolve Nether Sea’s riddle overnight. Waiting won’t change anything. Once the annoyances are gone, we can start then. In the meantime, sir is to be on your best behavior in looking after your lands to raise no suspicion.”

“Right, we’ll do as you say. Guard…”

Zhao Chen followed Zhuo Fan’s proposal and gave another thirty cities in the Luo clan’s care, besides the hundreds of rich lands and spiritual thick mountains.

The Luo clan became Devil Mountain’s number one figure. Everyone under the Demonic Emperor knew that the first Demon Guard by his side held half of Devil Mountain’s power. Zhuo Fan, the steward, was even more powerful, despite the lousy cultivation.

The Luo clan was outstanding as well, handling these new places with precision and honor.  In only three months, the Demonic Emperor’s cities were transformed and lively, with all the efforts focused on their rightful administration.

To the point that the Saints looked impressed, leaving for Sacred Mountains with ease.

The moment they were gone, Zhao Chen’s ambition knew no rest, “Steward Zhuo, we can begin!”

“Let’s wait three more months, just in case.”

Zhuo Fan remarked, making the rash Zhao Chen fretful and anxious.

Zhuo Fan not just had the Demonic Emperor’s ear now, but even got him to listen. This was the devious and twisted methods of the great Zhuo Fan. Zhao Chen had a great adviser by his side and not listening now would only leave himself to blame when he lost everything.

Zhao Chen knew this as well, which was why he did not flatten him on the spot in a fit of rage like he did with all the other fools he had under him.

[Who’s the Demonic Emperor here, you or me?]

The three months passed quietly and Sacred Mountains showed no sign of moving. Zhao Chen’s limited patience was running out, “Steward Zhuo, now should be good!”

“Sir, let’s be off in search of Nether Sea!” Zhuo Fan nodded.

Zhao Chen was bouncing in joy, laughing like he already got the Nether Sovereign’s precious cultivation method.

Zhuo Fan smiled at his childish act, looking at the sky, “So peaceful, like the calm before the storm, ha-ha-ha…”

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