Chapter 1799: Give the Master Hall an Explanation

"So what do you suggest we do?" After a moment of silence, Ancient Sage Yan Qing looked over again.

"It's simple," Zhang Xuan replied. "Not only must Emperor Chen Yong not die, but we must also help him recover from his injuries. Then... let him return to his clan for revenge! Although Emperor Chen Ling and Emperor Chen Xing are somewhat weaker, they have contended with each other for many years, so they aren't easily dealt with. Once the three factions engage in a chaotic battle, humanity will be able to recuperate, and might even find an opportunity."

Their conversation was conducted via spiritual transmission, and Ancient Sage Yan Qing had even isolated the space beforehand, so Emperor Chen Yong did not hear what was discussed.

"Furthermore, Emperor Chen Yong's life and death are currently in our hands," Zhang Xuan continued. "Right now, his greatest hatred is undoubtedly directed at the other two emperors; he dreams of seeing them dead! If we sign a non-aggression pact with him at this moment, it will be greatly to our advantage once he regains control of the Fae clan."

"Indeed!" Zhang Hongtian's eyes glinted.

Since they could sign an agreement with Emperor Chen Ling and the others, they could naturally do the same with Emperor Yong. Given Emperor Yong's prestige within the clan, if he truly agreed, the effect would likely be much better than the previous one.

"What you say makes sense; it seems Emperor Chen Yong truly cannot die for now. However... there are a few points I must make you aware of beforehand!" After a moment of thought, realizing Zhang Xuan was entirely correct, Ancient Sage Yan Qing shook his head and looked at him. "First, once Emperor Chen Yong recovers, his strength will far surpass ours. If he were to launch a full assault, the Master Teacher Pavilion and the Hundred Schools of Philosophers would be almost powerless to stop him, short of holding their main strongholds. Second, he is resourceful and an exceptional strategist, and he has fought against humanity for many years, even visiting human lands and entering the Master Teacher Pavilion. He knows us inside and out... if he survives, even if he doesn't attack for a short period, any future attack would inevitably be the greatest disaster!"

"Third... we are all severely injured this time. Without sufficient Ancient Sage power to recover, our lifespans are all approaching their limits. We won't be able to protect humanity many more times."

In truth, they knew that ambushing Emperor Chen Yong was not a permanent solution and could even lead to greater trouble. But there was no other path.

Ten thousand years ago, the power of the Ancient Sages disappeared, forcing human Ancient Sages to rely on deep slumber to prolong their lives. This meant that among their group of Ancient Sages, even the youngest, Zhang Hongtian, was over 10,500 years old. Without severe injuries, they might have been able to awaken a few more times, but now, they would perish completely after no more than two more awakenings.

Now, without the Spring and Autumn Annals, humanity was at its weakest point in tens of thousands of years. If Emperor Chen Yong were to die, that would be one thing; the remaining two emperors were slightly weaker in both strength and strategy, so humanity, even in its current state, could still contend with them. But if he didn't die, they truly wouldn't know what to do.

All the Ancient Sages present grew despondent.

Humans naturally had shorter lifespans than Fae, and there was nothing they could do about it. With limited lifespans and no Ancient Sage power, new Ancient Sages could not emerge, meaning humanity would eventually be worn down and defeated by the Fae.

"That's simple," Zhang Xuan said. "I can administer an insoluble poison to him. If he ever dares to break the agreement and attack humanity in the future, this poison will be enough to kill him! At that point, all three emperors will be gone, and humanity, even without Ancient Sages, won't be as imperiled! Moreover, Master Yang has just broken through, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, new Ancient Sages will emerge from the opportunity at the Temple of Confucius this time, so there's no need to worry excessively about safety!"

Although his Spring and Autumn Painting contained Ancient Sage power, the amount was limited. It might not even be enough for his own parents, himself, and his many disciples to break through, so it wouldn't be convenient to share it with others.

"What kind of poison could affect even a blood-rebirth expert?" Ancient Sage Yan Qing was stunned.

Blood-rebirth experts could re-evolve life from a single drop of blood. Both their physical bodies and souls were long since pure and immaculate, making them immune to all poisons. Could there really be a potent poison in this world that could affect such an expert?

"You don't need to worry about that," Zhang Xuan smiled. "Since I dare to say it, I naturally have something."

Ordinary poisons were indeed useless against such powerful individuals, but... Heaven's Path zhenqi was incredibly fine, capable of penetrating any part of the body. Even with blood-rebirth, it could disperse and hide within every drop of blood, making it impossible to guard against. While a blood-rebirth expert with recovered strength might not fear the punishment of the Heavenly Path, they would certainly find this life-essence-destroying zhenqi a persistent headache and incredibly difficult to remove. As long as it couldn't be removed, he would forever be constrained.

Hearing that he had everything ready, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Ancient Sage Yan Qing looked back at him, his gaze stern: "We can handle his matter as you suggested, and Emperor Chen Yong can temporarily remain alive, but... isn't it time you also gave an explanation to humanity regarding your actions?"

"Me?"

"You led the Fae's Spirit God into the main hall, allowing her to successfully refine the Spring and Autumn Annals, and you stood by indifferently, causing humanity to lose its most treasured artifact... This matter cannot be concealed, even if we wanted to. In fact, Emperor Chen Ling and the others who escaped have already spread the news. If you don't provide an explanation, I fear that all master teachers and all of humanity will treat you as an outcast, and the Master Teacher Pavilion will no longer be a place for you!" Ancient Sage Yan Qing said.

Zhang Xuan fell silent.

He hadn't known Luo Ruoxi's true identity was that of a Spirit God.

However, such an explanation would never be believed by the world.

The Spring and Autumn Annals, the most treasured artifact left by Master Kong and the strongest belief of humanity, had now fallen into the hands of the Fae. This single fact made forgiveness impossible. Once the news spread, it was foreseeable that all master teachers and all of humanity would regard him as an outcast, leaving him utterly unable to defend himself. Taking a Spirit God as a girlfriend... what else could it be but betrayal? He had even held her hand at the time; why didn't he bring the Spring and Autumn Annals back? Regardless of how great his past contributions were, this one point, through moral condemnation, would make him an outcast, with no chance of redemption.

"I... will give an explanation to the world, and to the Master Teacher Pavilion!" Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, his gaze resolute.

"Good then..." Seeing that he had understood, Ancient Sage Yan Qing nodded, saying no more. The other party was merely at Golden Body realm; he disdained to act personally.

After the discussion, the rest was simple. Zhang Xuan channeled his Heaven's Path zhenqi into Emperor Chen Yong's body, concealing it, while also taking out some pills and spiritual energy to help him recover from his injuries. However, the emperor's injuries were too severe, having damaged his foundation and lifespan; ordinary pills were no longer very effective.

"Thank you for saving my life, Young Master... My death would not have been a pity, but even if I were to die, I must avenge myself!" Although he didn't know what had been discussed, Emperor Chen Yong knew it was Zhang Xuan who had interceded to save his life. He rose and cupped his fists. He hadn't paid much attention to Emperor Chen Ling and Emperor Chen Xing before, but he hadn't expected to suffer such a great setback this time. Since he could return alive now, he would surely make them bear his wrath and pay a heavy price.

"You're welcome!" Saving him was for humanity, not for personal gain. Zhang Xuan shook his head, then looked at him with an inquiring gaze: "What is your relationship with the Vicious one?"