Chapter 1689: Doubt

The old woman approached Wang Wuxie. “Who are you?”

“I am… Wang Wuxie…” Wang Wuxie’s eyes were hollow, responding like a machine.

“From now on, you will obey me. Do whatever I tell you to do,” the old woman, named Wu Wuyan, said in a rough voice.

“I…” Wang Wuxie’s face twisted in struggle, and his whole body began to tremble uncontrollably. Clearly, even in this dazed state, he was unwilling to become a slave.

Seeing this, Wu Wuyan took out a straw doll, bit her finger, and flicked a drop of blood onto the center of Wang Wuxie’s forehead. She then smeared a drop of blood on the straw doll’s head, muttering incantations and emitting obscure, incomprehensible sounds.

Gradually, black runes swirled around Wang Wuxie’s body, and then his eyes fell completely into a chaotic blankness.

This time, Wu Wuyan spoke again: “From now on, you will obey me.”

Wang Wuxie’s expression was wooden. “Yes!”

The others nearby watched with apprehension, thinking that the methods of the Wu Gate were truly terrifying. Although Wang Wuxie had first been severely wounded, and Feng Wuchang had collected his hair, birthdate, and personal belongings to hand over to Wu Wuyan to achieve this control, he was still Wang Wuxie—the esteemed foremost figure of the Daoist sect. Now, he had become Wu Wuyan’s puppet!

No wonder Wang Wuxie’s first reaction upon seeing her was to commit suicide. Clearly, he was worried about being controlled in his heavily injured and weakened state. Unfortunately, he was a step too slow.

They wondered if they were in his shoes, if they ever fell into the hands of the Wu Gate, wouldn’t the opponent be able to turn them into puppets using the same method?

Noticing their gazes, Wu Wuyan let out a strange laugh. “Rest assured, it was only with the right time, place, and people that we managed to control the man named Wang. This old woman doesn’t have the power to control you all.”

Hearing her say this, their expressions eased slightly.

At this moment, Wu Wuyan looked at Feng Wuchang, taking out a dark porcelain bottle and handing it to him. “Peak Master Feng, the rest is up to you. Add these Gu poisons to the food and drink of the other peak masters. I’m sure you can manage it.”

Master Jianhuang, looking puzzled, said, “Heaven is benevolent and cherishes all life. These Gu poisons won’t take their lives, will they?”

“You old monk are truly hypocritical,” Wu Wuyan scoffed. “Don’t worry, these are merely drugs to prevent them from causing trouble and disrupting our plans. They won’t be fatal.”

Only then did Master Jianhuang clasp his hands together. “Namo Amitabha.”

Feng Wuchang took the black porcelain bottle, then spread his palm. “Where’s the antidote?”

Wu Wuyan’s pale eyes stared fixedly at him. “Why do you want the antidote?”

Feng Wuchang snorted. “I need some security, don’t I? Otherwise, if you give me some of this Gu poison, won’t I be utterly doomed?”

Guan Chouhai spoke up. “Brother Feng’s concerns are not unfounded, Elder Wu. Just give it to him.”

In truth, with their current cultivation, ordinary poisons posed no challenge to them. But if it was a poison personally concocted by the Grand Elder of the Wu Gate, their confidence was not so high.

If not for his own status, he might have also asked for the antidote himself.

Now, by using Feng Wuchang’s request, confirming the antidote’s existence would serve as a backup plan.

Wu Wuyan snorted, then handed over two red pills. “Use them sparingly. I don’t have any more once these are gone.”

Feng Wuchang’s expression changed. “Only this much?”

He certainly dared not trust the other party completely and would need to secretly find someone to test the antidote. With only two pills in total, he might not be able to confirm their safety.

Wu Wuyan chuckled. “What if I gave you more, and you secretly cured the other peak masters?”

Guan Chouhai and the others nodded, agreeing that her concern was not unreasonable. This gathering was for a major undertaking, and there was no room for any mistakes.

Feng Wuchang’s face showed several shifts in emotion, but he eventually put the antidote into his robe, no longer insisting on more.

“By the way, was that girl from Kongming Island captured by you?” Li Changsheng asked, looking at Wu Wuyan and Xuan Bajing.

“What girl? We were focused on dealing with Wang Wuxie, afraid he’d discover our flaws beforehand. Why would we cause any unnecessary trouble?” Xuan Bajing replied.

Wu Wuyan also shook her head in denial.

Guan Chouhai and Li Changsheng exchanged glances. “Could it truly be Yun Jianyue from the Demonic Cult?”

Master Jianhuang said gravely, “There seems to be a third force hidden on Purple Mountain. Everyone must be vigilant.”

Guan Chouhai acknowledged. “It would be best if we secretly investigate during this period. The major event is imminent; any hidden dangers must be eliminated.”

The others nodded in agreement, and after discussing, they dispersed.

Wu Wuyan took out a bell and gently shook it. Wang Wuxie’s eyes gradually returned to normal. He then silently headed towards the Golden Summit Pure Yang Hall. Many disciples along the way bowed to him, and he nodded in return as usual, showing no signs of abnormality.

In Yi Commandery, Zu An had originally planned to return directly to Purple Mountain, but with the arrival of Yun Jianyue and Qiu Honglei, they were in no rush to leave as they caught up.

The group was discussing who might have dared to harm Zhao Hao when suddenly, a subordinate came to report: “Lord Eleven, there’s a young woman named Tang outside who wishes to see you. She said you would agree once you heard her name.”

Zu An was startled. “Lead her to the reception hall. I’ll be right there.”

The man acknowledged the order and withdrew. Then, Yun Jianyue said with a half-smile, “Our Lord Zu, wherever he goes, there are always beauties throwing themselves into his arms.”

Qiu Honglei also looked at him suspiciously. “Who is this Miss Tang?”

“Who else? The one from Carefree Pavilion,” Yun Jianyue rolled her eyes.

Qiu Honglei immediately looked surprised. “Brother Zu actually has such a close relationship with that woman?”

Having long cooperated with the Prince of Yan, she naturally knew the Miss Tang from Carefree Pavilion. Many of their ventures competed with the Prince of Yan’s estate, and this Tang Tian’er had a rather mysterious identity, seemingly having deep connections with both Carefree Pavilion and the Zhenyuan Chamber of Commerce.

Zu An gave an awkward laugh. “It’s not what you think. It’s purely a friendship. She probably has something important to discuss with me. I’ll explain to you later.”

After speaking, he apologized and left.

Yun Jianyue then explained Zu An’s relationship with Tang Tian’er to Qiu Honglei. This was also why the Prince of Yan’s attempt to frame Carefree Pavilion had failed earlier.

As Qiu Honglei suddenly understood, she couldn’t help but complain to Yun Jianyue: “Master, it’s all because you made me leave him for the past two years to focus on cultivation. I was here first, but it feels like so many seductive vixens have taken advantage.”

Yun Jianyue’s eyebrow twitched. She felt as though she might have been included in the insult.

She snapped, “Your man is a philanderer. Is that my fault?”

“Master, do you think there’s any poison that could make him wholeheartedly love only me? I heard the Wu Gate has some love Gu. I wonder if they work,” Qiu Honglei mumbled.

Yun Jianyue was startled. “Don’t ever get involved with those who practice Gu from the Wu Gate! And your current thoughts are not right. The man named Zu is someone who values relationships and loyalty. His relationships with Chu Chuyan and his other confidantes are very good. Your thoughts will lead you to eternal damnation.”

Qiu Honglei looked at her strangely. “Master, you used to teach me that men are mere playthings, and you wished to kill all men in the world. How is it that now you sound more like you’re advising me to get along peacefully with his other women?”

Yun Jianyue’s face flushed, then she said angrily, “Your own business. I don’t care if you die. Don’t come asking me again.”

Qiu Honglei quickly linked her arm with Yun Jianyue’s. “Master, I was just joking, don’t be angry… Oh, Master, you seem to have grown bigger. How did you do it? Teach me.”

Zu An’s stimulation flashed through Yun Jianyue’s mind. She dared not tell the truth. “You’re not small, why are you concerned about that?”

Qiu Honglei grumbled, “It’s because that Pei person is just too formidable…”

At this moment, Zu An arrived at the reception hall. A beautiful figure was seated there, sipping tea. Perhaps it was because she was used as the image representative of Carefree Pavilion, her demeanor and posture were truly impeccable. Just watching her drink tea was a visual treat.

“Miss Tang, what can I do for you?” Zu An asked.

“When you need something, I’m ‘Sister Tian’er,’ but when you don’t, I’m ‘Miss Tang.’ Ah, men are all such scoundrels,” Tang Tian’er put down her teacup, her usual sweet smile replaced by a hint of resentment.

Zu An’s breath hitched. He could only say, “Are you here about the matter of Zhang Jie? I truly apologize for that.”

Tang Tian’er shook her head. “Zhang Jie isn’t my subordinate, so there’s nothing to apologize for.”

Zu An was surprised. Based on Zhang Jie’s words, he had always thought Zhang Jie had some connection to the former imperial family, and Tang Tian’er seemed to be part of that faction.

“However, in a way, he is indeed my ally, so I’ve been quite troubled by what has happened these past few days,” Tang Tian’er suddenly paused. “Lord Eleven, knowing our connection, will you also try to apprehend me?”

Zu An said exasperatedly, “You’re my good friend. How could I possibly apprehend you?”

Hearing the words “good friend,” Tang Tian’er’s eyes filled with a smile. “I didn’t come for anything else this time. I just wanted to ask, are you planning to remain loyal to the Emperor indefinitely?”