There was a strange tension in the air.

Han Shuang’s heart pounded. She’d been forced to open up about her secrets. The only thing she could do now was to wait for Elder Zhen’s response.

She’d be doomed if Elder Zhen had something to do with the villain responsible for the chaos, and so would her plans. Fortunately, the godkings pulling the strings would remain in the dark. Her demise would disrupt the overall plan, but the others would be safe.

Finally, Jiang Chen laughed and applauded. “This subordinate would like to express my deepest respects, Sectmistress. Whether your plan succeeds or not, you’ve won my admiration. Don’t worry. I’ll do all I can to help you. It’ll indeed be a wondrous feat for you to rescue Celestial Emperor Taiyuan.”

Han Shuang’s face lit up. “Are you telling me the truth, Elder Zhen?”

“I told you that I wanted a capable celestial emperor to rule over Taiyuan,” Jiang Chen responded solemnly. “Based on what you’ve said, Celestial Emperor Taiyuan is indeed the most suitable candidate.”

“That’s right. I said that roughly eighty percent of the public nurses the same belief. They’ve been simply too scared to take a stand under the circumstances.”

Jiang Chen nodded. “Are the prison foundations hidden within the forbidden grounds of the Heavenly Crimson Lake?”

“Yes, one’s at the bottom of the lake, where a volcano lies buried. Within the volcano is a spirit vein, one of the five connected to the Divine Prison of Eternity. We don’t have to destroy all five of them. Destroying just three will compromise the prison’s structure. Five, and His Majesty will be able to stroll right out.”

“That’s right. One spirit vein destroyed will impact the prison. Two will undermine its foundations. Three will damage its structure. Four will destroy eighty percent of the architecture. Five will collapse it all.”

“I didn’t expect you to be so knowledgeable!” Han Shuang’s face lit up.

“Are you confident that you’ll be able to enter the volcano, Sectmistress?”

“Of course. The godkings in charge have been preparing for tens of thousands of years, picking the right people and laying the groundwork. I’m the one chosen to deal with the spirit vein in Heavenly Crimson Lake!” Han Shuang burst with pride. She clearly felt it a great honor to be entrusted with this mission.

“The fact that there are godkings behind the scenes makes the plan more viable. They must have gifted you with godking-level treasures, which should make it easy for you to destroy the spirit vein.

“However, it won’t be as easy to sneak into the volcano from the Heavenly Crimson Lake.”

“Hmph, we’ve considered that as well. Don’t worry. The only problem is how I’m going to enter the forbidden grounds without alerting anyone. You know how heavy the godking’s guard is on the place? Even I have trouble sneaking in.”

That was what frustrated her the most.

Jiang Chen smiled faintly. “I told you I can help. It may be difficult for you, but not for me.”

“Oh?” Han Shuang’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

Jiang Chen didn’t respond immediately. “When do you plan to sneak in, Sectmistress?”

“During the godking conference. That’s when defenses will be the weakest since Godking Crimsonwaters won’t be around.”

“Haha, that’s not the full story, is it?” Jiang Chen smiled. “It’s also the best time for you to rescue Celestial Emperor Taiyuan and make his presence known. The godkings behind the rescue plan will be there to support the Celestial Emperor, won’t they?”

Han Shuang rolled her eyes. “Aren’t you clever. I can’t hide anything from you, can I?”

“This is undeniably a fine plan. However, there’s no guarantee that it’ll work. I worry that after His Majesty is rescued, the number of godkings who are brave enough to take a stand will still be limited.”

“You underestimate their wisdom. Most godkings support the Celestial Emperor. They simply dare not show their support openly, but his return will give them the confidence to do so. I’m sure plenty of them will take a stand then.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am. We know Taiyuan Plane and how the godkings think. They hate the current climate more than anyone. Their numbers drop continuously, coupled with an overall decline in the plane. If nothing is done, doom will be the only thing written in our future. The godkings will either die or become wandering ghosts. That’s not something anyone would want, is it?”

Jiang Chen nodded. “The world was a better place when Celestial Emperor Taiyuan sat on the throne.”

“That’s right. Celestial Emperor Taiyuan was always a wise leader. The only mistake he ever made is refining the Sun Moon Pill. Even that was an act out of his love for his son, and he’s willing to hold himself accountable for it. He’s miles better than whoever is responsible for his fall!”

Han Shuang struck a chord in Jiang Chen’s heart. “Well said! Celestial Emperor Taiyuan is the man I respect the most in my entire life. I’ll be the first to support his return to power!”

His enthusiasm pleased Han Shuang.

“Then it seems our goals are in line, Elder Zhen.”

Jiang Chen nodded with a smile. “Indeed, what we want are exactly the same!”

“Exactly the same? Are you going to the godking conference in order to rescue His Majesty?” Han Shuang blinked curiously.

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

It suddenly dawned on her how powerful the young elder must be. There must be a good reason for a mysterious figure like him to join the Fiendstar Sect.

Jiang Chen smiled. “Allow me to keep that a secret at the moment, but I can tell you that we share a common goal, and we’re working toward the same thing. Let us execute our plans respectively, and our paths will end up crossing!”

Han Shuang nodded without hesitation. “Alright, I’ll stop asking. I did lose the bet. Now I realize you’re more powerful than I am, Elder Zhen. The domain you’ve created to trap me must be at godking level. Are you... a godking senior?”

Jiang Chen shook his head and answered slowly, “I’ll become one sooner or later. Although I’m not yet one, I don’t fear any regular godkings.”

He wasn’t exaggerating. With the four sacred beasts at his side, an average godking wouldn’t be much of a problem.

With the progress he’d made in assimilating bloodlines, his cultivation had reached astounding heights, making him a half-step godking. He would cross the threshold soon.