Chapter 2238 The Intention of Battle Emperor Hunxue

Amid their conversation, a majestic and towering black mountain appeared in the distance, stretching endlessly across the horizon. Blood-red chains as thick as buckets coiled around the boundless mountain, cascading like waterfalls and exuding waves of chilling restrictive force.

“That’s Heavenly Forbidden Mountain. Any clansmen who commit serious crimes are imprisoned, confined or suppressed there.” Ao Xuanfeng said indifferently, “Back then, my seventh younger brother made the grave mistake of falling in love with a lowly human woman. As a result, Father issued an order to confine him there, and no one has visited him in nearly ten years.”

Lin Xun’s brows furrowed ever so slightly. He immediately realized that Ao Xuanfeng was referring to Yin Huan!

“Come with me.” Ao Xuanfeng flew towards Heavenly Forbidden Mountain in the distance.

Lin Xun followed behind him, gazing at Heavenly Forbidden Mountain from afar. He could sense the dark and ominous atmosphere emanating from its depths, shrouded in waves of restriction forces. Within the mountain, countless powerful and menacing auras lay imprisoned.

At the foot of Heavenly Forbidden Mountain stood clusters of buildings, where numerous servants bustled about, each absorbed in their tasks.

“Fourth Prince, what brings you here?” An old man in black daoist robes and gray hair and beard approached upon seeing Ao Xuanfeng.

He was Battle Emperor Hunxue, an Emperor from the Pulao Imperial Clan, who served the True Dragon Clan as an elder attendant. Stationed here year-round, he oversaw all matters concerning Heavenly Forbidden Mountain.

Despite being an Emperor, Battle Emperor Hunxue still displayed respect when facing Ao Xuanfeng.

It suddenly occurred to Lin Xun that this was likely because Battle Emperor Hunxue had signed the Life Talisman to ascend to the Emperor Stage, thereby surrendering his fate to the control of the True Dragon Lineage.

As a high and mighty Emperor, he would inspire fear and awe among all beings in the Ancient Nebula Road. Unfortunately, within the territory of the True Dragon Clan, he had been reduced to the role of a mere prison guard.

“I’ve brought this friend from the Imperial True Hou Clan here to see my seventh younger brother. Lead the way.” Ao Xuanfeng said casually.

“Please, this way, Fourth Prince.” Battle Emperor Hunxue said and led the way.

Buzz!

He took out a golden array plate, which emitted a beam of golden divine light that swiftly opened a passage into Heavenly Forbidden Mountain. Everyone followed behind and entered.

Heavenly Forbidden Mountain exuded a dark, oppressive atmosphere, with waves of restrictive power rippling through the air. Even walking within it made one’s heart race with fear.

“Fourth Prince, the seventh prince is confined in the palace hall at the end of this mountain path.” Battle Emperor Hunxue said as they reached the entrance of a vast cave, “But the cave is dark, cramped and filled with foul, bloody stench year round. Why don’t I go and bring the seventh prince out here?”

Ao Xuanfeng frowned. “No need. I’m only guiding this friend here. I have nothing else to do, so I’ll take my leave. You can take him in.” He gestured toward Lin Xun.

Battle Emperor Hunxue nodded and turned to Lin Xun, “My friend, please follow me.” As he spoke, he walked into the dark and deep cave.

“Thank you Fourth Prince for your care along the way.” Lin Xun bowed to Ao Xuanfeng, then followed Battle Emperor Hunxue into the cave.

As he watched their figures fade, Ao Xuanfeng smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. He then sent a voice transmission to those around him, saying, “Soon, there will be a good show!”

The attendants were momentarily stunned before realizing that Ao Xuanfeng, who had always been arrogant and proud, had brought the guy from the Imperial True Hou Clan here for another purpose!

An attendant couldn’t help but ask, “Fourth Prince, is there a problem with that guy?”

“Foolish,” Someone spoke up first, “Everyone in the clan knows that Lord Sea Conqueror Dragon Emperor despises the seventh prince more than anyone. How could he possibly allow that guy from the Imperial True Hou Clan to meet the seventh prince? That’s one issue.

“The second is that for years, it’s been known that the seventh prince has been confined and cut off from everyone. Yet this person from the Imperial True Hou Clan suddenly shows up and requests to see him. That’s truly strange.”

As the person finished speaking, the other attendants nodded in agreement, their expressions thoughtful.

Ao Xuanfeng spoke calmly, “Just wait a moment. I’ve already sent a message to Battle Emperor Hunxue. Once that guy enters this cave, he’ll be trapped with no way out. Then, I’ll make him tell me why he’s here!” A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes as he finished speaking.

Do you really think I, Ao Xuanfeng, would waste my time like that?

If I hadn’t sensed something suspicious this time, with my identity and status, I wouldn’t even spare a glance at a minor clan like the Imperial True Hou Clan.

......

The cave was dark and the damp air was thick with the nauseating stench of filth and blood. A faint, terrifying aura of restriction power lingered in the atmosphere.

Lin Xun, a powerful cultivator, immediately recognized that the restriction power enveloping the cave could threaten even the average Emperor-level expert!

Lin Xun asked, “Fellow Daoist, how could someone like the seventh prince end up confined in such a sinister place?”

Without even turning his head, Battle Emperor Hunxue responded, “I’m merely here to guide you. I know nothing about what you’re asking.”

Lin Xun hummed in response, then suddenly asked, “It seems like the seventh prince has not yet become an Emperor, am I right?”

The question caught Battle Emperor Hunxue off guard and he kept quiet, his expression making it clear that he had no intention of continuing the conversation with Lin Xun.

Lin Xun smiled faintly, “How peculiar. The seventh prince is a direct descendant of the True Dragon Clan and has yet to step into the Emperor Stage, but he is confined to a place meant for Emperor-level experts. Could it be that...he committed some heinous crime?”

Battle Emperor Hunxue remained silent and continued forward without a word.

Lin Xun frowned, and just as he was about to speak further, a voice suddenly rang in his ear, “Have you heard of Lin Daoyuan?”

Lin Xun trembled inwardly and almost killed the man on instinct.

It should be noted that the True Dragon Lineage might know of Lin Xun’s existence, but it was absolutely impossible for them to know the name Lin Daoyuan!

In the True Dragon World, only a handful of people such as An Zheng, An Xue and An Tianshui from the Bi’an Imperial Clan knew about it.

After a brief pause, Lin Xun suppressed the murderous intent rising in his heart and replied, “Fellow Daoist, I won’t hide it from you. I am Lin Daoyuan.” He spoke calmly but his words carried an air of testing.

The moment he sensed something wrong, he would not hesitate to strike!

However, Battle Emperor Hunxue visibly slowed his pace, but he still did not turn back. He sent another voice transmission, “If you can prove that you are Lin Daoyuan, then perhaps there is something we can discuss.”

“I once stayed on Jade Rainbow Island of the Bi’an Imperial Clan for many days...” Lin Xun paused thoughtfully before continuing, “If I’m not mistaken, only members of the Bi’an Imperial Clan would know my name.”

Battle Emperor Hunxue suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned to face Lin Xun, and sent a voice transmission, “Did you abduct Sea Conqueror Dragon Emperor?”

Lin Xun narrowed his eyes sharply and quickly deduced that this information was most likely leaked by An Tianshui, An Tianlin, and others from the Bi’an Imperial Clan!

He just did not expect the news to spread so quickly. Even an attendant elder who guarded Heavenly Forbidden Mountain had heard about it!

Unbelievable!

It was clear that something unexpected had happened after he left Jade Rainbow Island.

After a moment of silence, Lin Xun met the gaze of Battle Emperor Hunxue and nodded. “That’s correct.”

Battle Emperor Hunxue seemed relieved, his expression softening as he relaxed. “Fellow Daoist Lin, I have confirmed your identity, so you don’t have to worry.

“As for your visit to the Dragon Palace, the core figures of the nine imperial clans are all aware of it and they’ve all sent word that they will lend a hand if there’s an opportunity to do so.”

Lin Xun was taken aback, and said after a pause, “All nine imperial clans know about this?”

“That’s right, Fellow Daoist. You possess the Tribulation Dragon Nine Transformations inheritance, which has the power to change the fate of our nine imperial clans. How could we not offer our help in such an important matter?”

Battle Emperor Hunxue continued walking as he spoke, “I’m not afraid to tell you that the nine imperial clans have formed a secret alliance and issued an order to the experts from the nine imperial clans who serve as attendant elders in the Dragon Palace. They are all instructed to assist you if they encounter you, Fellow Daoist Lin.

“Of course, help can only be provided in secret. If our plan is exposed, we will be forced to stand aside and take no action. I hope you can understand.”

Understanding finally dawned on Lin Xun. It turned out that all of this was related to the Tribulation Dragon Nine Transformations inheritance!

He had long realized that the Tribulation Dragon Nine Transformations inheritance was akin to a formidable power wielded by the True Dragon Lineage, firmly controlling the nine imperial clans and forcing their members to surrender their fate to the True Dragon Lineage in return for the opportunity to become Emperors.

As a result, the nine imperial clans had no choice but to yield and submit to the True Dragon Clan!

However, Lin Xun’s appearance provided the nine imperial clans with an opportunity to break the shackles that bound them and reshape their clan’s fate!

“I understand. Regardless of the outcome of this trip to the Dragon Palace, as long as I leave safely, I will not forget the kindness shown by the nine imperial clans.” Lin Xun sent a voice transmission, his voice firm and sincere.

This unexpected turn of events came very suddenly, but it was also a blessing. Lin Xun certainly would not refuse the kindness and assistance offered by the nine imperial clans.

This was exactly what Battle Emperor Hunxue wanted to hear. He glanced towards the entrance of the cave and whispered, “Fellow Daoist Lin, don’t be too happy too soon. The moment you entered the Dragon Palace, you triggered the suspicion of Fourth Prince Ao Xuanfeng, and your situation is already quite precarious!”

Lin Xun raised his eyebrows, and Battle Emperor Hunxue continued, “Your earlier suspicion was right. This cave is indeed where the True Dragon Lineage specially suppresses prisoners at the Emperor Stage. Although the seventh prince you wish to see is indeed confined, he is still a legitimate prince. How could someone of his noble status be confined in such a place?”

“It seems that this is what Ao Xuanfeng is planning to use to deal with me...” Lin Xun’s dark eyes became inscrutable. He had sensed something was off for a while, but if Battle Emperor Hunxue hadn’t revealed the truth, he would have likely walked right into Ao Xuanfeng’s trap!

“What does he want to do?” Lin Xun asked.

Battle Emperor Hunxue replied, “The fourth prince sent a message earlier, saying that your identity is suspicious, and instructed me to lead you into this cave, where the restriction power would suppress you.

“After that, he plans to personally interrogate you!”

Upon learning this, Lin Xun couldn’t help but frown.

When did I show a flaw that allowed that little worm Ao Xuanfeng to see through me and nearly trap me?