Chapter 1602: Adding Insult to Injury Everywhere, Desperate Dog Jumps the Wall and Wields an Axe

Dao Qiong Cang, have you truly become Xu Xiaoshou's subordinate?

This sudden shift in allegiance was dramatically ironic, so contrived that it made people wonder if some hidden force was pulling the strings.

No matter how you looked at it, how could Sheng Shen Diantang possibly get entangled with the Sheng Nu?

"Dao Qiong Cang, are you serious?"

In the midst of the chaos, it wasn't just Yue Gongli who was stunned—everyone affiliated with Sheng Shen Diantang was bewildered, anxiously questioning the situation.

We were ready to fight to the death, so why are you siding with the enemy?

On the Feng Shen Guan, Xu Xiaoshou welcomed Dao Qiong Cang's embrace with open arms, laughing as he mocked:

"How could it not be real?"

"First, you've got a few things wrong. One, he's no longer Dao Qiong Cang of Sheng Shen Diantang—he was already ousted by your own people."

Everyone's thoughts jolted.

That's right, we were the ones who sent him away.

Having supported Xuanji Dianzhu before, wasn't that a betrayal of Dao Qiong Cang?

"Two, a master strategist as enigmatic as he is, who held his position for over thirty years and achieved legendary feats, was so easily kicked out."

"Why not think about it the other way around? In a narrow-minded place like Sheng Shen Diantang, could such a grand figure truly have a lasting home?"

The crowd was struck like lightning again.

That's true. Gou Wuyue lost an arm at Wuxiu and wasn't honored but demoted after his death; Yao Yao fought fiercely at Xukong Island and met the same fate. So why should Dao Qiong Cang's departure seem so surprising?

Under Sheng Shen Diantang's warped and twisted rules, those in power were destined for such an end!

"Three, as the most outstanding Tianji Shu master in the world, what's wrong with him researching the future development of Tianji Shu?"

"Why won't Sheng Shen Diantang allow it? Why won't the Five Great Sheng Di families? Why won't the entire world, forcing him to hide and develop in secret?"

"Can talent really be buried forever? Will gold never shine? Dao Bu, Hong Yi, Sheng Shan guardians... Did he have to go to such extremes just to pursue his path?"

Xu Xiaoshou grew more impassioned as he spoke.

The entire scene fell into dead silence, with everyone staring dazedly at Lord Shou on the Feng Shen Guan, their thoughts trembling in rhythm with his words.

Even Dao Qiong Cang widened his eyes... High mountains and flowing waters seek a kindred spirit—turns out, Xu Xiaoshou understands me!

"The humiliation you endured in Sheng Shen Diantang won't happen under me, Xu Xiaoshou."

"The research blocked by the Five Great Sheng Di families, I will fully support."

"If the world chooses to oppose you, then my friend, I will tell you—I will stand against the entire world for you!"

"Everyone!" Xu Xiaoshou jumped down from the Feng Shen Guan, spreading his hands and asking emotionally:

"Tell me, if you were Dao Qiong Cang, what would you choose?"

I choose you, stop saying more... Countless people teared up, feeling that Lord Shou's words were spot-on.

So Dao Qiong Cang suffered so much during his time in power.

And the world, enjoying decades of peace, never realized it was because someone was safeguarding it all along.

Even Dao Qiong Cang himself...

"No!"

Dao Qiong Cang glanced at the crowd's emotional outburst and instantly realized he had been influenced by Xu Xiaoshou.

This guy is incredibly skilled at manipulating momentum, intent, and guiding forces—subtle as a spring breeze or gentle rain, leaving no trace.

"Impressive!"

Killing someone is one thing, but this is slaughtering hearts.

Sang Lao looked around and saw that Xu Xiaoshou was essentially destroying the resolve of everyone present. In fact, he could faintly discern another layer to it.

If earlier Dao Qiong Cang could deliver a passionate speech that won over all the Sheng Nu intelligence agents,

Then Xu Xiaoshou was doing the same now. He was using this explanation to plant the seeds of doubt deep in their hearts, making everyone understand that the root of the problem wasn't Dao Qiong Cang's change of sides, but the inevitable decline of Sheng Shen Diantang.

More than that, he was telling all the Sheng Nu intelligence agents that Dao Qiong Cang chose to come here and accept his former enemies not because Sheng Nu was stronger than Sheng Shen Diantang,

But because Xu Xiaoshou was here—even someone as captivating as Dao Qiong Cang was drawn to him!

So, what do I have to worry about... Sang Lao looked at his disciple with complete satisfaction. As the saying goes, when the dao rises one foot, Shou rises ten; it's exactly like that.

"This can't be, this can't be..."

On the other side, Yue Gongli, directly hit by these heart-wrenching words, was trembling, his lips quivering uncontrollably, his eyes fixed on Xu Xiaoshou as if he'd lost his most cherished possession.

Of course, he could read the deeper meaning in Xu Xiaoshou's words and knew this was all about winning hearts and swaying public opinion.

But he only cared about Dao Qiong Cang!

His entire plan had collapsed with Dao Qiong Cang's switch in allegiance—what was he supposed to do now?

Yue Gongli's mind was a chaotic mess. Even with Xu Xiaoshou's clear explanation, he still had a hundred questions.

Finally, he turned his gaze to his former close brother standing beside Xu Xiaoshou, shakily extending another finger, tearfully pleading one last time:

"Others may not understand you, but I do, don't I?"

"Xu Xiaoshou is just a sycophant. We're sworn brothers—how can you forget our old friendship and submit to a flatterer like him..."

Dao Qiong Cang stiffened.

Xu Xiaoshou swiftly wrapped an arm around shoulders that Yue Gongli could never reach, his ten-segment sword fingers slashing through the air.

"Shh!"

Yue Gongli's finger hit the ground.

"Consider that a warning—don't point your finger at my friend." Xu Xiaoshou's face turned cold.

Yue Gongli opened his mouth, tasting the bitter mix of snot and heartbreak, completely drained.

So, childhood sweethearts really can't compare to a sudden arrival?

So, Xu Xiaoshou used those words to win you over and pull you to Sheng Nu or his so-called top-floor-in-the-sky?

"I don't believe it!"

With two fingers severed, Yue Gongli clutched his hand and broke down, screaming: "Dao Qiong Cang, I don't believe Xu Xiaoshou's words. You must have some leverage over you. Tell me, say it yourself, give me a solid reason, and I'll help you get revenge. Just come back, okay? Wahhh..."

This sounds a bit like desperate pleading... Xu Xiaoshou looked at Dao Qiong Cang beside him with a strange expression, subtly stepping away from the man.

What's their relationship, anyway? Quite complicated?

"If I have to give a reason..." Dao Qiong Cang said calmly: "Yue Gongli, Xu Xiaoshou and I are already friends. I've paid the friend fee."

Yue Gongli dropped to his knees, his upper body collapsing forward.

"Why... why..."

His mind was a jumbled mess of thoughts, mixed with tears and snot, until all the confusion boiled down to one question:

What's a friend fee?

Is this the joy of stealing someone's love? ... Xu Xiaoshou felt a twisted pleasure built on others' pain—it was a bit too enjoyable.

But soon, he realized this mindset was unhealthy, rubbed his nose, and asked:

"Has he always been like this?"

Yue Gongli seemed to be overacting, his dramatic outburst far beyond what Xu Xiaoshou's momentum had intended.

"Like what?" Dao Qiong Cang tilted his head and asked.

"A bit..." Xu Xiaoshou frowned, not sure how to put it, and kept rubbing his nose.

Not far away, Yue Gongli was still wailing hysterically, crying so hard he couldn't lift his head, as if Bei Huai had arrived.

Sang Lao glanced sideways and furrowed his brow.

What was Xu Xiaoshou doing? He'd rubbed his nose red and swollen—was there some deeper meaning?

He parted his lips, about to ask, but quickly held back.

No, that was too obvious a trap. If he fell into it, he might not get out, as this kid always unleashed without distinguishing friend from foe.

Dao Qiong Cang also noticed the odd change.

Without overthinking, he said bluntly: "Xu Xiaoshou, why is your nose red?"

"Huh, is it?"

Xu Xiaoshou paused, lowering his hand.

Everyone looked up, including Feng Yujin who had returned and Yue Gongli who was still sobbing.

There stood the black-clad youth by the Feng Shen Guan, his nose swollen and bright red, looking comically out of place on his handsome face.

But in a flash, it was like an illusion.

Lord Shou was still Lord Shou, standing there with striking presence, smirking as always with that roguish charm, grinning at everyone:

"Do I have a red nose?"

"The one with the red nose is the clown, not me, Xu Xiaoshou."

As soon as he said that, Sang Lao inhaled sharply, his face showing relief like he'd survived a disaster.

Not far away, Feng Yujin froze in place, suddenly fuming from all seven orifices, furious beyond words.

Fine, I didn't expect you, Xu Xiaoshou, to turn Dao Qiong Cang to your side, but is this necessary?

We're on the same team, more or less, and you're mocking me too?

"Hic?"

Tears streaming, Yue Gongli let out a chicken-like hiccup. After accidentally swallowing some snot, he snapped back to reality and exploded.

A clown?

Who’s the clown?

You stole my friend and now you're mocking me, on top of throwing shade?

Back in the Ying Sheng Zhu Shen Court prototype, we were allies fighting side by side! Now you're burning bridges and kicking me while I'm down—how could you be so heartless?

They say leave a way out for others, so we can meet again, but you're not even leaving room to be human—you're just a dog!

"Xu Xiaoshou, I've had enough of you!"

Yue Gongli could hold back no longer. He wiped his nose, pulled out a massive axe taller than himself, kicked off the ground like a cornered dog, and swung down fiercely:

"You're the clown!"

"Your whole family are clowns!"

Whoosh...

Sang Shui Cen, Bai, and the others reacted instantly, turning as one to intervene.

"Stand down."

But at the same time, Xu Xiaoshou's stern voice echoed in their minds, followed by his teasing whisper:

"Oh? Getting defensive already?"

"I didn't say who the clown is— whoever reacts is the clown."

With a hiss, a torrent of demonic energy exploded behind Yue Gongli as he charged, forming a ferocious, fanged ghost-eyed demon head that boosted his speed even further:

"Die!"

Cen Qiaofu, having received the order, was about to retreat when he stared at the axe and suddenly cried out in alarm:

"Lie Mo Fu!"

Lie Mo Fu?

That one from the Ten Extraordinary Weapons?

Yue Gongli has it? From that Si Ming Shen Dian plaque?

Xu Xiaoshou had been thinking of teaming up with Dao Qiong Cang to take down this Yue Fox, but upon hearing that, he lost all desire to fight. Silently reciting his vanishing technique, he formed hand seals and shouted:

"Tianji Thirty-Six Styles, Great Displacement Technique!"

Compared to Cen Qiaofu, Dao Qiong Cang's mind worked even faster, with a vast knowledge of weapons.

He recognized the Lie Mo Fu almost the instant it appeared and deduced Yue Gongli's new opportunity.

The trouble was caused by Xu Xiaoshou,

So naturally, he should handle it.

Running became Dao Qiong Cang's first instinct.

But when he heard "Tianji Thirty-Six Styles," Dao Qiong Cang paused briefly, lost in thought due to his calculations...

"When did I teach him the Tianji Thirty-Six Styles? I only explained the Great Divine Descent Technique."

"And in the Tianji Thirty-Six Styles, where's the 'Great Displacement Technique'?"

A thousand miles away in an instant.

When he came to, Dao Qiong Cang found himself displaced back to the original spot.

The Xu Xiaoshou who had been right beside him, calling him a "good friend"... In the face of disaster, I fly first—you hold the rear.

Along with the Sheng Nu saints and everyone else, they had all pulled away from the battlefield, leaving only Dao Qiong Cang and the raging Yue Gongli.

—A premeditated move!

"I..."

Fuming with anger, Dao Qiong Cang finally realized.

Am I the clown too?

"Little A-Li, stop! It's me!"

But saying that only made things worse. Yue Gongli was furious.

Fine, fine, when I wasn't attacking, you called him "my Xu," and now that I'm about to strike, you call me "Little A-Li."

Have you fed your conscience to the dogs?

If not you, then who?

The Lie Mo Fu came down without mercy. Caught off guard by the Great Displacement Technique, Dao Qiong Cang could only cross his arms in defense.

"Boom!"

A thousand miles of land cracked with demonic patterns.

The ground shattered, and torrents of demonic energy erupted from below.

From afar, the saints could see a white-robed figure inside, nearly falling apart as he was sent flying.

"What a tough Dao Qiong Cang..."

In his vanished state, Xu Xiaoshou perceived the whole scene.

He could clearly see that at the critical moment, Dao Qiong Cang's arms had only glowed faintly with Sheng Shen power, yet he withstood the attack from one of the Nine Supreme Divine Weapons, the Lie Mo Fu.

"Even though Yue Gongli and Lie Mo Fu don't match well, that showy old Dao's body is ridiculous."

"That's one of the Nine Supreme Divine Weapons—has he really gone down the Tianji Ascension path and turned himself into some monster?"

The Lie Mo Fu sent Dao Qiong Cang flying but didn't fully break him, only leaving deep wounds on his arms that exposed the bone.

Even with the demonic ancestor's power halting the healing, the wounds were recovering at a visible rate.

But Yue Gongli was relentless.

"Boom!"

As his close companion, he knew exactly how tough Dao Qiong Cang was. Without pausing, he chased and struck again.

Dao Qiong Cang couldn't block in time and was blasted from the ground into the sky.

"Boom!"

Before he could turn, another hit landed on his back, making him vomit bile, then slamming him from the sky into the spatial fragments.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

The two figures tore through space from south to north, west to east, space collapsing and demonic energy raging everywhere, leaving Dao Qiong Cang covered in wounds.

"Stop! I'm not Xu Xiaoshou!"

He finally caught a breath and wailed, trying to shift the blame.

But Yue Gongli wouldn't give him a chance, knowing Xu Xiaoshou was probably watching from afar. He had to take down one if he could, so he pursued and slashed right in his face:

"Stop what? What Xu?"

"I'm chopping you, the traitor! Even the heavens and earth can't save you!"

Like a mad dog...

In his vanished state, Xu Xiaoshou watched with chills, quickly warning everyone not to help out of misplaced loyalty—no one wanted to anyway.

The Nine Supreme Divine Weapons were indeed overpowered.

Unless it was something special like Shangxuan Sword that ignored defenses, or weapons with ancestral origins,

Yue Gongli, already wielding the powers of Tian, Sheng, and Xie ancestors, now had the demonic ancestor's power from Lie Mo Fu—truly like a tiger with wings.

As for whether he used axes before or if this heavy weapon suited him...

In the face of absolute strength, techniques were meaningless—just charge ahead.

Wild swings that land would stack negative effects; even Tai Xu with Lie Mo Fu could suppress a semi-saint to death bit by bit!

"This is getting hard to intervene in. My Dao, let him vent for now."

As the battlefield drifted farther, Xu Xiaoshou could only watch gleefully... wait, no, anxiously, and mentally wish Dao Qiong Cang the best in holding out.

But soon, Xu Xiaoshou felt something off.

Trusting his instincts, he scanned around and spotted the anomaly.

If you drew a line from their current spot to the distant battlefield, Yue Gongli's path wasn't entirely mindless rage—it seemed aimed at somewhere specific.

Extending the line...

Xu Xiaoshou glanced over and saw Yue Gongli's ultimate destination, unnoticed by anyone in his frenzied state.

"Lunhui Tian Sheng Zhu?"