Chapter 3653: Test It Out

After watching the siblings leave, Lu Yin took out his spirit cloudstone. It was time to get an update.

In the Wisdom Domain, a spirit cloudstone trembled in Yong Heng’s hand, and he answered the call.

“How did it go?”

Yong Heng was still sitting on the small boat. A breeze stirred the nearby reeds, giving the lake a relaxing look. “Yue Ya was lured in.”

“Yue Ya again?”

“It’s no surprise,” Yong Heng said. “Yue Ya wants me to take you to the Morrow Behemoth’s hand. In exchange, I will receive the Nine Heavens Transformation and a place when a megaverse is reset.”

The man suddenly laughed. “It’s quite tempting.”

Lu Yin chuckled. “You can’t do it.”

Yong Heng gave a frustrated sigh. “True. If only I could.”

“You don’t want to follow after Emperor Wu, do you?”

Yong Heng nodded. “That’s why Emperor Wu died. You said before that Xing Fan forced Emperor Wu to try to lure you to the Morrow Behemoth’s hand. Now, Yue Ya appears to want the same thing. Both of them are Lesser Sancti, and it looks like they’re working together.”

“What happened to the River Domain wasn’t accomplished by a single Lesser Sancte.”

“That’s reasonable. If one Lesser Sancte could do that, the Spirit Nidus would have never been able to remain unscathed for all these years. Some constraints must be in place.”

In the Roaming South Realm, Lu Yin looked up at the sky. “Jiu Xian’s working for Dan Jin.”

Yong Heng was surprised. “Dan Jin? I see... I heard Feng Bo mention that woman before. She’s a highly respected individual in the Nine Odysseys Megaverse.”

After a pause, True God continued to say, “The Wisdom Domain is backed by the Ru family.”

Lu Yin’s expression instantly changed. “The Ru family?”

“Indeed,” Yong Heng responded. Feng Bo went to the Tianyuan Megaverse so long ago that it was possible that much of what he knew about the Nine Odysseys Megaverse was no longer accurate. For that reason, Yong Heng had not said much to Lu Yin, as he did not want to give false information. On top of that, True God did not want to share too much with Lu Yin. Their cooperation was only a temporary thing, and it did not erase any of their enmity.

Humanity and Aeternus were irreconcilable enemies. There was no way to peacefully resolve their conflict.

Lu Yin’s expression fell.

The Ru family? How can it be them? Ru Mu tricked me

.

Ru Mu had told Lu Yin that the Ru family was the Wisdom Domain’s spy within Heavenspire, which was why Old Yu trusted her. However, if the Ru family was the one behind the Wisdom Domain, then what was the explanation for their presence in Heavenspire?

Was Heavenspire not under the High Seraph’s control? How could the Ru family be from Heavenspire? If they were, then how could they not realize that Heavenspire was actually a different megaverse? Or... was it possible that only the Spirit Nidus was ignorant of that megaverse’s existence and that it was actually under the Nine Odysseys Megaverse’s control? Was it possible that it was not a separate megaverse at all?

However, if the Lesser Spirit Megaverse was not a megaverse, then why had the High Seraph exiled Yuan Qi to the Tianyuan Megaverse?

The situation regarding the Ru family completely disrupted all of Lu Yin’s reasoning, as it introduced too many contradictions. Something was clearly off.

“The Ru family is all bark and no bite these days. Yue Ya’s representative didn’t even acknowledge them. I believe that their Lesser Sancte can’t be much to speak of,” Yong Heng continued.

Lu Yin understood. “So, the Wisdom Domain is putting out feelers everywhere, searching for allies in order to expand their influence. Old Yu puts on a show of trying to forge alliances, and even of plotting against the High Seraph, but it’s all for show. The Ru family alone might not be enough to protect even the Wisdom Domain. That domain’s mere existence is a performance for the Nine Odysseys Megaverse.”

Yong Heng agreed. “The Wisdom Domain is no longer worth very much. However, the Ru family behind it... I’d still like to see that for myself. No matter what, a Lesser Sancte shouldn’t be dismissed so easily.”

“You could visit Heavenspire,” Lu Yin suggested.

Yong Heng laughed. “The High Seraph won’t let me in. The ones watching from the shadows have already been revealed, though neither of us has the strength to do anything about them.”

“We don’t need to do anything. The megaverse doesn’t revolve around us. Everyone believes that they’re the center of the world, so let them play their own games,” Lu Yin retorted before hanging up.

Yong Heng set his spirit cloudstone down and stared off into the distance, lost in thought. He could not help but feel that Lu Yin’s presence was growing stronger and broader, which was not necessarily a good thing.

In the Roaming South Realm, Lu Yin’s thoughts were in complete chaos. He had many clues, but a key piece was still missing. That detail was crucial if he wanted to make sense of it all.

Was Heavenspire really a separate megaverse? Why had Yuan Qi been exiled to the Tianyuan Megaverse?

With the Ru family present in Heavenspire, if it was really a separate megaverse, then there was no reason for the High Seraph to fear others learning about it. The Nine Odysseys Megaverse could easily suppress any leaks. In that case, why exile Yuan Qi to the Tianyuan Megaverse? Given that man’s status, he had long since been qualified to learn certain details, and yet the High Seraph had given no explanation whatsoever.

Whether Heavenspire was actually a megaverse or not, it should not be a weak point for the High Seraph. Why was Yuan Qi so confident that it was? Because the High Seraph refused to give an explanation; he seemed to be extremely wary of something.

Could the High Seraph be afraid of Yuan Qi? The Seraph was certainly strong, but not to the point where the High Seraph would fear him.

No matter how Lu Yin looked at the situation, it looked more like the High Seraph had deliberately given Yuan Qi leverage.

What kind of person would intentionally give someone else leverage over them?

Yi Shang had done the same with Lu Yin, and he deliberately given him a bargaining chip.

Yuan Qi was not qualified to uncover the High Seraph’s weaknesses on his own.

Lu Yin took his spirit cloudstone back out and called

Boundless

. “Let me speak to Zhan Yan, but don’t let Yuan Qi get close.”

He soon heard Zhan Yan’s voice. “I’m here.”

“What’s the story with Yuan Qi being cheated on?”

Zhan Yan froze. She had assumed that something very serious had happened, given how solemn Old Tao had looked. Maybe Zhan Ming had died, or something else along those lines. She had mentally braced herself for the worst... but what was Lu Yin asking about?

“What?”

“You told me that Yuan Qi was cheated on, right?”

Zhan Yan gulped and instinctively looked off into the distance where Yuan Qi was pacing with his hands clasped behind his back. He presented the perfect image of the master of

Boundless

. “

Cough

... Yes, I said that. A lot of people know about it now.”

“Give me the details.”

Zhan Yan found this very strange. Lu Yin had not cared about this story at all when she had first mentioned it, so where had his sudden interest in gossip come from? Still, since Lu Yin was the one asking, Zhan Yan would answer. She moved away, opening up more distance between herself and Yuan Qi before answering.

“Yuan Qi had a son named Yuan Tu, born after Yuan Qi ascended to the rank of Seraph. However, the boy had poor innate talent, and his cultivation progressed at a snail’s pace. Even dumping massive resources into him did nothing. Normally, a Seraph’s child wouldn’t be this lacking—maybe not an unrivaled prodigy, but at the very least, they’d be considered gifted. But Yuan Tu? He was just plain terrible.”

“As time passed, people started mentioning how Yuan Tu looked nothing like Yuan Qi, and then rumors started spreading that he was not truly Yuan Qi’s son. Finally, just a few days before Yuan Qi was exiled to the Tianyuan Megaverse, those rumors were finally verified: Yuan Tu was not Yuan Qi’s biological son. Of course, this information was revealed only within the Yuan family. After Yuan Qi left for the Tianyuan Megaverse, Yuan Tu’s entire line quietly disappeared. Everyone knew that the Yuan family had cleaned house.

“However, when that happened, Yuan Qi had already left for the Tianyuan Megaverse.”

Lu Yin frowned. “Wait, are you telling me that it was proven that Yuan Tu wasn’t Yuan Qi’s son

before

he left for the Tianyuan Megaverse?”

“Yes.”

“Then what was Yuan Qi’s reaction? Did he not know about it?”

Zhan Yan replied, “Logically, he shouldn’t. If he had known, he wouldn’t have stayed completely silent about the matter. However, it’s also impossible that he didn’t know. It’s impossible for anything major to happen within the Yuan family without him knowing about it as he’s a Seraph. Something so big couldn’t possibly be kept from him. There was also no reason to keep it a secret. Plenty of women wanted to marry into the Yuan family. Oh, also, before his Dao Bell was shattered, Yuan Qi still had a very young appearance.”

That was something that Lu Yin already knew. Yuan Qi might have an aged and worn appearance at the moment, but when he had fought at the Immemorial Citadel, he had looked completely different.

In that case, did Yuan Qi actually know about Yuan Tu or not?

“Yuan Tu’s entire line was completely erased, but word eventually leaked. Over the years, outsiders stopped treating the Yuan family seriously. While the given reason was that people desired the Yuan family’s wealth and didn’t believe that Yuan Qi would ever return, the truth was that this scandal also played a major role. People treated it as a joke, and eventually, the Yuan family was isolated.

“Such scandals can be devastating to a big family, especially when a Seraph is involved. Many people even claimed that Yuan Qi didn’t deserve the title. His reputation was horribly tarnished.”

Lu Yin’s eyes flashed. “Let me speak to Old Tao.”

“Yes, Third Boss. I’m here,” Old Tao’s voice came through.

Lu Yin ordered, “Find out for me if the Yuan family informed Yuan Qi about the truth regarding Yuan Tu.”

Old Tao had not realized what Zhan Yan and Lu Yin had been talking about, but the old man had an immediate response for Lu Yin’s order. “Yuan Qi absolutely knew.”

Lu Yin was surprised. “Why do you say that?”

Old Tao explained, “Because the order to wipe out Yuan Tu’s line was given by Yuan Qi himself. Without that, no one in the Yuan family would have ever dared to touch those people. Yuan Tu was with Yuan Qi for many years, and during much of that time, his mother was still alive. Even if the family killed Yuan Tu, no one would have had the courage to do anything to his mother without permission. No one would have taken such a risk.

“The entire matter was recorded in the Phantom Reach’s internal documents. Outsiders won’t know this, and the Phantom Reach never publicized anything, as it was not considered a major incident. At present, Yuan Qi’s nephew, Yuan Hong, is acting as the Yuan family’s patriarch. If he had not acted on Yuan Qi’s orders, he would’ve already come here to beg for forgiveness by now.”

Lu Yin frowned. “Why didn’t Yuan Qi take care of things himself?”

Old Tao replied, “That, I can’t answer. Even those who were aware of the situation found that odd. Also, after returning, Yuan Qi has not once shown any intention of returning to the Lushan Domain. Most people believe that he just doesn’t want to dredge up the past. That entire matter was a great humiliation, after all.”

Lu Yin fell silent for a moment, and then said, “Old Tao, I need you to do something.”

Old Tao instantly grew excited. “Say the word, Third Boss! If you so command, I’ll walk through fires and blades without any hesitation! I will clear all obstacles for you, or even serve as a mere speck of dust under your feet, if doing so will highlight your peerless might and unmatched glory!”

“Alright, that’s enough. It’s nothing much, but I want you to test Yuan Qi. Find out if he knows about Yuan Tu,” Lu Yin instructed.

Old Tao froze. “Uh, Third Boss, Yuan Qi definitely knows. I swear this on my life.”

“Go test him,” Lu Yin repeated.

Old Tao cradled his head. How was he supposed to test something like this? Did Lu Yin think that Old Tao wanted to die?

Had Lu Yin not noticed that no one else had the courage to speak about this matter? Even if Yuan Qi had betrayed the Spirit Nidus, what did that matter? His strength remained undeniable, so no one would dare to offend him in such a manner unless it was absolutely necessary.

The entire matter was considered forbidden. How was Old Tao supposed to bring it up and test Yuan Qi? Old Tao was afraid that he would instantly be slapped dead.

“Third- Third Boss... I, uh... I really don’t know how to go about that.”

“Then get off of

Boundless

,” Lu Yin coldly retorted before hanging up.

Old Tao stared at the spirit cloudstone, dazed. He then slowly turned to stare off into the distance. He saw Yuan Qi standing with his hands clasped behind his back, peacefully admiring the scenery. The man looked completely relaxed at this moment. He no longer resisted being a part of

Boundless

. He appeared to have fully embraced a “whatever happens, happens” attitude. If one wanted to be a bit crude, it looked like the old man simply no longer cared.

Indifference could be much more relaxing.

A bitter taste filled Old Tao’s mouth as he continued to simply stare at Yuan Qi.

Yuan Qi sensed something, and he looked back at Old Tao, wondering why the man was staring at him.

The attention startled Old Tao, and he guiltily bowed his head. He did not dare to meet Yuan Qi’s gaze.

The Seraph frowned, completely baffled by the reaction.

Old Tao wrestled with himself for a long time. He had no idea how to test Yuan Qi. Whoever brought up this old wound would end up in trouble. Perhaps, would it be best to let someone else do it?

Old Tao looked around, scanning

Boundless.

He felt that this was something that only someone from the Tianyuan Megaverse could bring up without receiving a beating.