Chapter 1813: Offend

“Are the people of Cloud Mountain Imperial Realm insane?”

A single phrase, “at your own risk,” echoed for thousands of miles.

Throughout Welcoming Peak, from the servants sweeping the paths to the mountain guards and the clansmen of Cold Palace Imperial Realm living nearby, everyone heard it.

Everyone was utterly astonished.

Following the shock came an uncontrollable fury, which almost ignited the noble bloodline of the Cold Palace Imperial Realm’s people:

“What a Cloud Mountain envoy, what an arrogant tone!”

“Why don’t the Cloud Mountain people take a good look at themselves? Who gave them the audacity to send an elder to demand an audience with our Sacred Emperor?”

“In this old man’s opinion, they don’t come in peace…”

“Regardless of their intentions, I say based on those few words, we should seize him, beat him senseless, and then lock him in the Cold Prison. We’ll specifically demand the Cloud Mountain Sacred Emperor to come here himself, or we won’t release him!”

“Exactly! Is it truly ‘when the tiger’s away, the monkey plays’? They clearly know our Sacred Emperor is in seclusion, and they’re taking advantage of the momentum from slaying the Kunpeng Sacred Emperor to come to our Cold Palace and throw their weight around. How audacious!”

“Lawless, disrespectful, they deserve to die!”

“Cloud Mountain’s trash, utterly disgusting!”

“A storm is brewing… Quick! Go quickly to the Rain Listening Pavilion and invite Young Master Li…”

Despite the indignation, there were still many rational individuals within the Cold Palace Imperial Realm.

Everyone knew that even if their Sacred Emperor wasn’t in seclusion, they couldn’t lower their status to meet a mere elder from another realm just because of a few words.

Therefore, if this matter were to be settled, ultimately, it would require Young Master Li, the young family head whose status was below the Sacred Emperor but far above an elder, to step forward for a resolution.

“The fear is that Hua Zhiyao, the Elder of the Penal Hall from Cloud Mountain, isn’t here for discussion, but to cause trouble…”

“What’s there to fear? Discussions are easy, but if they want trouble, then kill!”

“The Cloud Mountain Sacred Emperor has ascended swiftly and even slew the Kunpeng Sacred Emperor with his sword, gaining immense momentum recently. While other clans may fear him, our Cold Palace remains unfazed!”

A maid from the Rain Listening Pavilion received the summons and, having no choice, ended her holiday early to find Yue Gongli, who was enjoying wine and music in the pavilion.

Yue Gongli had left Desolate Mountain half a year ago.

His self-detonation had caused quite a stir within the clan at the time.

However, the main issue wasn’t the self-detonation itself, but rather the unrest that occurred in the Cold Palace Imperial Realm during that period.

His elder sister had vanished from the Cold Prison!

This matter was significant, yet it was also deceptively minor. Immediately after emerging from seclusion, Yue Gongli suppressed it.

He offered no further explanation.

Soon, the people of the Cold Palace Imperial Realm no longer dared to discuss it.

Occasionally, when it was mentioned, they would only perceive it as a casual move made by Young Master Li before a period of upheaval.

However, Yue Gongli usually wouldn’t make a move that affected his own family members so idly. He later privately traced the clues.

It was likely Dao Qiongcang who was pulling strings.

Or perhaps Dao Qiongcang was orchestrating a frame-up using his sister, Dao Xuanji.

But having his sister taken from the Cold Prison was exactly what Yue Gongli wanted. The only regret was Dao Qiongcang…

Yue Gongli now strongly wished to avoid Dao Qiongcang – after his self-detonation and physical reconstruction, he still felt defiled.

Things of the mind, no matter how much you try to cleanse them, never truly become clean.

However, the son’s debt must be paid by the father!

As things stood, the Ghost Buddha later appeared on the Sacred God Continent, severing the Celestial Ladder and making it impossible to meet Dao Qiongcang.

Yue Gongli simply paid a personal visit to the Gan Shi Imperial Realm, sought out the Gan Shi Sacred Emperor, and successfully obtained many benefits… It was almost as if he were selling his sister?

On one hand, Yue Gongli could sense his bloodline connection with his sister was still present, indicating she was likely safe. On the other hand, after his self-detonation, he inexplicably received a significant favor from the Gan Shi Sacred Emperor upon emerging from seclusion.

“Confused…”

“But it all feels like good fortune?”

There were too many inexplicable things in this world.

Since he couldn’t figure it out, he decided to let time reveal the answers.

Just like now, Yue Gongli was still soaking his feet and listening to opera in the Rain Listening Pavilion. The maid’s sudden report about this move from the Cloud Mountain Imperial Realm completely baffled Yue Gongli, and his first reaction was to stall.

“What’s Hua Changdeng up to?”

Considering the most outrageous possibility…

If Hua Zhiyao was a manifestation of Dao Qiongcang’s Heavenly Secret Puppet, used to sow discord, Yue Gongli could accept that.

Other than that, he racked his brain but couldn’t fathom what Hua Changdeng was trying to achieve.

“He’s not that kind of person, is he?”

Hua Changdeng had wandered the martial world for a long time. Dressed in white with a sword, he would draw his blade to help those in need, possessing a touch of chivalry.

Yue Gongli most enjoyed befriending people like him.

Because there was no suspicion; even after becoming the family head, he might have to be more calculating for the Cloud Mountain clan, but fundamentally, Hua Changdeng was a straightforward person.

Ancient sword cultivators were all straightforward.

Oh, except for that fellow Xu Xiaoshou.

He couldn’t even be considered an ancient sword cultivator; like Dao Qiongcang, he wasn’t human!

The maid, who was massaging Yue Gongli’s feet, saw his troubled expression and asked, “Young Master Li, do you wish to meet him?”

Being a maid didn’t require racking one’s brain over difficult problems.

She only needed to provide some emotional value when Young Master Li needed it, or pose a yes-or-no question when he was undecided.

The intelligent Young Master Li would handle the rest of the thinking himself.

“Not really inclined to meet…”

“But Young Master Li, he said a quarter of an hour. If you don’t meet him, it’s at your own risk.”

As soon as this was said, with a splash, Yue Gongli immediately pulled his feet from the medicinal bath tub, waved for the performers to retreat, and sighed:

“Then let’s meet.”

“Leaving him hanging isn’t good. From his tone, as you described it, he must have something very important or urgent to discuss with me.”

The maid replied without thinking, “He’s looking for the Family Head.”

Yue Gongli laughed heartily, reached out to pinch the maid’s adorable cheek, and after standing, someone naturally draped a robe over him:

“The true intention isn’t in the wine, my little Bottle!”

“No, my little silly pig.”

“Brother Zhiyao, a message has come from the Rain Listening Pavilion. Young Master Li will arrive soon; please wait a moment.”

Inside the reception hall, Yue Gongkui personally brought a plate of exquisite pastries from the main seat and, smiling, placed them on the table beside Hua Zhiyao.

“Here, have some Osmanthus pastries from Osmanthus Folded Sacred Mountain, Brother Zhiyao.”

He didn’t take the main seat but stood by the adjacent table.

After gesturing for Hua Zhiyao to try, he first picked up a pastry himself and ate it with tea.

He looked like an old friend casually chatting.

Hua Zhiyao didn’t even twitch an eyelid; his expression was extremely solemn, as if he were ready to face death.

This is tricky…

Yue Gongkui’s head ached.

If the Cloud Mountain envoy maintained this demeanor, it meant the matter was no longer simply “big”; it was beyond ordinary description.

He half-squatted by the table, level with Hua Zhiyao, and spoke in a gentle tone:

“Brother Zhiyao, there’s truly no need for us to maintain such a distant formality between us.”

“What exactly is the matter? Give me a heads-up beforehand. When Young Master Li arrives, I can assist you a bit, speak on your behalf, right?”

Hua Zhiyao cast a cold glance: “My Family Head wants me to see the Cold Palace Sacred Emperor.”

“Oh, Brother Zhiyao, what are you doing!” Yue Gongkui slapped his thigh upon hearing this. “You know, our Sacred Emperor is in seclusion. Meeting him is certainly not possible.”

“Heh heh.” Hua Zhiyao sneered.

Yue Gongkui sighed repeatedly, feigning difficulty. “Besides, Young Master Li is the young family head. His words are our Sacred Emperor’s words. It’s a recognized fact, so what’s wrong with that?”

“I will only wait for a quarter of an hour and only complete the task assigned by my Family Head. Once the time is up, I will leave immediately, without delay.”

His words were decisive.

Yue Gongkui’s heart stirred.

He’s giving in, this stubborn old mule’s defenses are weakening; it’s an an opportunity for a breakthrough… He wasn’t in a hurry. After taking another sip of tea, he said:

“Brother Zhiyao, with so many years of friendship between us, you truly can’t tell me even a word or two about this task?”

He then reminisced about their old friendship:

“Six years ago, when I was an envoy to the Cloud Mountain Imperial Realm, I vividly remember how you treated me, and I’ve always hoped for a chance to repay that kindness.”

“If you don’t say anything, when Young Master Li arrives, even if I want to help a little, I’ll find it hard to interject!”

Hua Zhiyao gazed deeply at him, shook his head slightly, and remained silent.

“Oh dear!” Yue Gongkui grew anxious, clenched his fist, and finally only managed to tap the table lightly. “Brother Zhiyao, please don’t have that ‘ready to die’ expression; it’s truly upsetting for your younger brother to see.”

“Yue Gongkui, I’m afraid I truly am going to die.”

“What?”

At these words, Yue Gongkui’s expression froze, and he urgently asked, “Brother Zhiyao, why do you say that?”

“And likely, I’ll die in your Cold Palace Imperial Realm.”

“What is he saying now!”

Yue Gongkui felt a chill in his heart and quickly said:

“Brother Zhiyao, please don’t scare your younger brother!”

“As an envoy of Cloud Mountain, your safety in the Cold Palace Imperial Realm is absolutely guaranteed.”

“Leaving everything else aside, even if Brother Zhiyao were to die, your younger brother would only precede you… The Cold Palace Imperial Realm is by no means a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair. Even if it were, and there were danger, I would shield you; I would die before you! Does that reassure you, my brother?” Yue Gongkui’s words rang with conviction.

Hua Zhiyao looked at him, his expression softening slightly, and a hint of emotion appeared in his eyes.

Yue Gongkui was about to feel pleased.

However, he saw Hua Zhiyao slowly close his eyes again, gently shake his head, let out a long sigh, and remain silent.

Oh, come on…

Speak up…

I’ve gone this far, and you’re still acting like this. What am I supposed to do!

“Brother Zhiyao, setting aside our positions and only considering our friendship, do you trust me?”

“I do.”

“Then do you believe that I, Yue Gongkui, cannot protect you here in the Cold Palace Imperial Realm?”

“Yes.”

“In that case… Huh? Yes? Brother Zhiyao, what does that mean?” Yue Gongkui felt a jolt.

Hua Zhiyao sighed, “What if the one who wants to kill me is Young Master Li?”

The reception hall fell silent.

Awkwardness spread in the silent stillness.

Yue Gongkui’s lips twitched a few times, and he forced a smile. “Without any reason, why would Young Master Li kill you, Brother Zhiyao? You must be joking, ha ha, ah ha ha…”

He picked up his teacup, took a tiny sip, finding it hard to swallow.

This tea was truly bitter.

So, it wasn’t a “ready to die” attitude, but he was truly going to die?

What kind of suicidal mission had Hua Zhiyao taken on? What exactly was the Cloud Mountain Imperial Realm trying to do!

If before he was merely curious, now Yue Gongkui felt that if he didn’t discreetly inquire about Hua Zhiyao’s mission for the Cold Palace Imperial Realm, he would have served as an elder in vain.

He cautiously asked, “Brother Zhiyao, are you here concerning the Wurao Imperial Realm matter?”

After a moment of thought, Hua Zhiyao nodded, then shook his head, remaining noncommittal.

Judging solely from his expression, he was so indifferent that he seemed to not even know what the “Wurao Imperial Realm matter” was.

Yue Gongkui pondered, then tentatively suggested:

“Actually, regarding the Wurao Imperial Realm, our Cold Palace taking one tenth isn’t out of greed for that portion. It’s simply that if we don’t take it, Cloud Mountain might take too much and mistakenly believe our ‘not wanting’ actually means we want more.”

After finishing the long sentence, without waiting for Hua Zhiyao’s reply, Yue Gongkui waved his hands repeatedly:

“But Brother Zhiyao, you must understand, it’s absolutely not like that!”

“The Kunpeng was slain by the Cloud Mountain Sacred Emperor alone; this is known to all four families. We merely contributed a little intelligence.”

“By rights, Cloud Mountain should take the lion’s share of the Wurao Imperial Realm. Let alone eighty percent, even taking all of it wouldn’t be excessive!”

His tone softened, becoming like a casual chat among friends. He sighed and sat down on a lower chair nearby:

“But you and I, being from Sacred Emperor families, deeply understand that this is completely impossible.”

“Fairness is impossible, absolute fairness even more so. There must always be give and take, reciprocity, for long-term balance.”

“Let me put it this way!”

He hesitated, seeing Hua Zhiyao’s continued impassive expression, then revealed a look of having made a decision, and lowered his voice, saying:

“Brother Zhiyao, I’ll give you the bottom line.”

“Our Cold Palace’s stance involves two options.”

“First, if we only take one tenth, then Cloud Mountain’s affairs hereafter, no matter how they develop or how they contend with other clans, we will not participate, as we’ve already received what we’re due.”

“However, if our Cold Palace can receive three tenths, then even if Cloud Mountain becomes an enemy of Gan Shi and Lamenting, our Cold Palace Imperial Realm will absolutely provide assistance when necessary.”

“But you must understand, those extra two tenths aren’t just two tenths; they represent a friendship, a thousand-year friendship!”

“It can be sealed with a Sacred Emperor’s Golden Edict!”

Yue Gongkui was genuinely speaking from the heart.

He didn’t want Hua Zhiyao to die. Although their positions were opposing, Hua Zhiyao today might be himself tomorrow.

By revealing the Cold Palace’s true stance, he sought not only to foster friendship between Cold Palace and Cloud Mountain but also to deepen his bond with Hua Zhiyao.

Only with mutual support could each achieve better development within their respective clans, right?

Hua Zhiyao was not foolish.

On the contrary, he was very intelligent; otherwise, he wouldn’t hold the position of Elder of the Penal Hall. He naturally understood the implications of Yue Gongkui’s words.

“Three tenths…” Hua Zhiyao murmured softly.

“Yes!”

Yue Gongkui awaited his response.

But after a while, Hua Zhiyao remained silent after his murmur, still wearing a deathly expression.

“Brother Zhiyao, just say something, yes or no, it’s just a word. Why do you have to be so stubborn!” Yue Gongkui’s tone was resentful, expressing a slight, calculated irritation, feigning disinterest to draw him out.

Hua Zhiyao showed no inclination to open up.

On the contrary, as soon as Yue Gongkui spoke, he reverted to his previous distant and indifferent demeanor, even his address becoming stiff:

“Yue Gongkui, this is no longer about one tenth or three tenths. It’s about me dying here.”

He pointed at the floor, his voice low, echoing through the hall:

“Dying right here in your clan’s reception hall!”

“I’m already thinking of dying, Hua Zhiyao, can’t you reveal just a bit more?” Yue Gongkui’s tone also turned cold, yet he said:

“Fine, then I’ll wait and watch you die. But if necessary, Brother Zhiyao, I will save you. This is my unilateral wish!”

Hua Zhiyao looked at him, his lips twitching twice:

“Thank you.”

“Just watch me save you and make you grateful!”

Yue Gongkui’s posture stiffened with determination.

“Even if Young Master Li arrives today, he won’t be able to kill you.”

“I will use all my might to rescue you from this perilous situation, hoping you will repay me in kind someday.”

“Young Master Li has arrived.”

Outside the reception hall, a guard’s loud announcement echoed.

The entrance to the grand hall seemed to brighten considerably as a dapper young master, beaming with a triumphant smile, strode in.

He wore a white open-chested cardigan with a mink fur cloak over it, his attire casual and unrestrained, exuding an air of nonchalance.

Upon entering the hall, he burst into hearty laughter.

Then, accompanied by two rows of beautiful maids carrying refreshments and holding pipas, he strode confidently to the main seat, sat down, and announced loudly:

“Elder Hua, it’s been a few years, how have you been?”

“Let’s not talk business just yet. A distinguished guest has traveled so far; our Cold Palace is truly honored. I have a piece I composed myself, ‘East River’s Laughter,’ which I’d like Elder Hua to enjoy first.”

He clapped his hands and gestured with his chin towards the maids:

“Someone, play the music!”

The musicians, like graceful celestial maidens, arranged themselves and, with charming smiles, were about to begin plucking their pipas.

Hua Zhiyao paid them no heed. Seeing that the main person had arrived, he immediately stood up and spoke solemnly:

“Young Master Li, I shall not enjoy ‘East River’s Laughter’ for now. I am here today on behalf of my Family Head, seeking only one thing.”

Yue Gongli suppressed a smile, waved his hand for the maids to wait nearby, indicating they didn’t need to retreat.

As for this “East River’s Laughter,” if I tell you to enjoy it today, you must enjoy it.

If I tell you to laugh, you must laugh.

“What is it?”

Yue Gongli smiled, his fox-like eyes narrowing into slits.

Hua Zhiyao, with a cold face, cupped his fist and respectfully said, “Young Master Li, please descend from your seat and come closer to this old man.”

“Interesting.”

Yue Gongli popped the remaining half of the pastry into his mouth, snapped his fingers, stood up, patted his rear, and strode towards Hua Zhiyao, still chewing.

Hua Zhiyao instantly drew the long sword from his waist.

No one in the reception hall reacted unusually; no one even cried out “Protect the Master!”

No one believed this sword was meant to stab Young Master Li—Cloud Mountain Imperial Realm would have to be insane to send an elder to “assassinate” him!

And indeed, it was so.

Hua Zhiyao merely offered the first-grade spirit sword in his hand and sincerely said, “Young Master Li, please grant me death.”

“Oh?”

Yue Gongli chuckled as he took the long sword, without asking for the reason.

He held the sword to Hua Zhiyao’s neck; the sharp blade instantly cut through Hua Zhiyao’s unprotected skin.

Blood flowed down.

“No!”

Yue Gongkui cried out in alarm.

Others might not know, but Young Master Li genuinely might, on a whim, sever Brother Zhiyao’s head with a single sword stroke.

Yue Gongli, however, had no such inclination today.

What interested him was, what brought this about?

“Tell me, why do you seek death?”

“Because of an offense.”

“Oh? You haven’t even spoken, yet you claim to have offended. I’m curious then, how offensive can you be?”

“Just offensive.”

Yue Gongli stared at Hua Zhiyao, who seemed ready to die, the maid’s words from the Rain Listening Pavilion echoing in his mind, deep in thought.

He lowered the long sword, threw it to the ground, raised his chin, still chewing the pastry, and, with a mocking glance at Hua Zhiyao, sneered:

“Come on, offend me.”

No sooner had the words left his lips than Hua Zhiyao delivered a resounding slap to Yue Gongli’s fair left cheek, causing him to stagger three and a half steps sideways, spitting pastry all over the musicians.