Chapter 730: Emerging from the Coffin

In a secluded valley, Yang Chuan spat out a turbid breath as he opened his eyes.

Beside him, Black Dog's eyes lit up. He rushed forward. "Master, have you recovered?"

"More or less," Yang Chuan replied, nodding. "Has anything happened in these last few days?"

"The day after we emerged from the black coffin hidden realm, a group of cultivators made it out as well," Black Dog said.

"Oh?"

"Apparently, after Xiao Nanfeng lured away the zombie kings with your body, Master, the cultivators surged into the valley and saw a red-robed figure fleeing with a golden-crowned zombie king. All the cultivators gave chase."

"That red-robed figure must be the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue."

"He didn't reveal himself, but many suspect that that's the case. They chased after him for a day before a giant vortex suddenly appeared in the sky leading out of the black coffin hidden realm. At once, many of the cultivators gave up on the chase and rushed out of the hidden realm."

Yang Chuan frowned as he analyzed the situation. "In other words, the cultivators were bothering the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue at a crucial stage of his plan. To prevent them from chasing after and disturbing him further, he had no choice but to reveal the exit to the hidden realm and allow them out."

"That's what we suspect. The exit closed after just half a day, and many cultivators who weren't able to flee in time were trapped within. Then, yesterday, a Boundless Immortal cloaked in black fog emerged from the black coffin, knocking aside those surrounding him before flying away."

Yang Chuan cursed. "Damn the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue."

"Master, plenty of us died in the black coffin hidden realm, and the rest are worried about you. They keep asking me for more information. Shall I inform them that you're well?"

Grief flitted across Yang Chuan's face. "Let's go. I'll pay their families a visit myself."

"Master, you aren't to blame for the deaths," Black Dog said immediately.

Yang Chuan shook his head and didn't speak. He flew off with Black Dog.

In the capital of Hongyue, the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue suddenly reappeared.

"You're finally back, Husband! I'm afraid I've ruined things," Tu Jiuniang cried out.

"What's the matter?"

Tu Jiuniang recounted what had happened in his absence.

"You all lost?" The Immortal Emperor of Hongyue frowned.

"I did. To think the Demon Child would side with Xiao Nanfeng! The Divine Emperor was slightly stronger than I was, but she's sure to be no match for you, Husband. It's just her relic that's the problem. That bell was so strong that it crippled my Bloodbell Aegis."

"The Demon Child's not a concern. As for the Divine Emperor, she reminds me of a powerful cultivator of the same name who was active fifty thousand years ago. She may have revived as a cursed effigy, but it's true that her strength pales in comparison to mine. She's not a huge problem either. I'll finish her off quickly enough."

"Was your scheme in the black coffin hidden realm a success?" Tu Jiuniang asked.

"There were a few small issues, but things ultimately worked out. After I make a few more arrangements, we'll be in control of a zombie army. It's a pity that I had to release a large number of cultivators thanks to that meddlesome Yang Chuan, though."

"I heard that a few of the Martial Aspects of the Imperial Court perished in the black coffin hidden realm. It's no small matter, and you'll be enemies with Yang Chuan, himself the Southern Aspect, from now on. What if he takes advantage of the situation to bring down the Imperial Court on us?" Tu Jiuniang exclaimed in worry.

"The zombies were the ones who killed the cultivators. It's none of my business, and it's not as if I forced them to enter the black coffin hidden realm to begin with," the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue replied disdainfully.

"But Yang Chuan knows that you're responsible! What if he starts keeping an eye on us?"

The Immortal Emperor of Hongyue pursed his lips. "We can't allow that, of course. Isn't Tu Feng a Martial Aspect himself? Have him handle any negative attention."

"My third brother? It took him tremendous effort to get a position as a Martial Aspect. If he's exposed, wouldn't our plans in the Imperial Court go to waste?"

"I don't intend to have him expose himself. Rather, get him more power in the Imperial Court. Didn't a few Martial Aspects die? We'll help supplement their number, then. They'll listen to Tu Feng and take on Yang Chuan."

"You really have thought of everything, Husband." Tu Jiuniang smiled.

"That said, don't expect Tu Feng to be able to remain hidden for long. Perhaps he's already been exposed," the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue said.

"Oh?"

"He was responsible for protecting the Southeastern Aquatic Palace several times, and we sent Li Qianjun to assist the Southeastern Aquatic Palace. There's a clear connection between us and the Southeastern Aquatic Palace. What's more, I asked him to change his surname before sneaking into the Imperial Court, but he insisted on using the surname Tu. That's only going to deepen his association with us through you."

Tu Jiuniang grimaced. "I apologize. My third brother was stubborn, and I couldn't change his mind."

Days later, in Shenfeng's capital, Xiao Nanfeng rested on a grassy slope as the Divine Emperor peeled some fruit beside him. She fed them to him one after another.

"No, no more! I'm going to become a pig," Xiao Nanfeng replied, laughing.

"I like seeing you eat. I'm going to make you fat!"

Xiao Nanfeng rolled over and kissed the Divine Emperor. "How dare you! It seems like I'll have to teach you a lesson."

"Don't," the Divine Emperor said, blushing. "We're outside, and there are quite a few palace maidens around who might see."

"I'll just hug you. Will that do?"

The Divine Emperor inclined her head fractionally.

"I'm surprised Ye Sanshui beating up his nephew rather than returning to his wife and unborn child now that he's been granted a new lease on life," the Divine Emperor murmured, laughing.

Xiao Nanfeng smiled. "As a zombie, he'd scare his wife to death. Far better for him to beat up Ye Dafu and the others to train them and familiarize himself with his newfound body. He'll need to gain control over it if he wants to manipulate his form at will."

"And once he acquires that control, we'll have another combat-ready asset to assist us in taking on the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue," the Divine Emperor replied.

Xiao Nanfeng nodded. "Don't worry. There's no rush. We'll have to digest the territory we just claimed during the war, first. It's important to make sure that the empire's stable before we take on external powers, or others might easily take advantage."

The Divine Emperor nodded again.

"From the news we received, it seems like the Immortal Emperor of Hongyue succeeded, after all. All the zombies in that black coffin hidden realm are under his control now. That'll be problematic." Xiao Nanfeng frowned.

"What should we do?"

"Many cultivators died at those zombies' hands. The Immortal Emperor of Hongyue must be fearful of exposing his army, so he won't use it in the short term. Let me come up with a countermeasure in the meantime."

"Very well!" The Divine Emperor smiled and fed Xiao Nanfeng another fruit.

Just then, a shadow cursed effigy flew over.

"Your Majesty," the shadow began, its head bowed, not daring to witness the affections between the Divine Emperor and her consort.

"What's the matter?" the Divine Emperor asked.

"There's someone calling himself Black Dog outside hoping to meet with you, sir," the shadow said.

The Divine Emperor glanced at Xiao Nanfeng.

"Me?" Xiao Nanfeng was surprised as well.

In the Sieve of Heaven, within Ao Canghai's manor, a Martial Aspect reported, "Eastern Aspect, I heard that Yang Chuan has been visiting his dead subordinates' families and paying his respects ever since he return. Many are praising him for his virtuous actions."

Ao Canghai gave him a cold smile. "Five of his subordinate Martial Aspects were killed, and he suffered significant losses. He has few confidantes remaining among the Martial Aspects of the southern quadrant. Considering how badly the situation went for him, even his position as Southern Aspect might well be in question. If he doesn't do so, the other Martial Aspects could easily revolt."

"It really was dangerous. Two of our Martial Aspects died, too. Fortunately, they're not in our inner circle," the Martial Aspect murmured.

"They're not my confidantes, so I don't intend to protect them. Better that they die. Prepare some candidates from our side to fill their positions," Ao Canghai said.

"Understood!"

"On the Heavenly Emperor's orders, seven new Martial Aspects are to be selected within ten days. Make your preparations quickly," Ao Canghai said.

"Understood! Right, do we need to inform Xiao Nanfeng and the others?"

"We're obligated to. That said, they don't have any nominations left, so it's hardly as if they can do anything about it. Let them know," Ao Canghai said.

"Understood!"

Ten days later, outside the violet drill grounds in the Sieve of Heaven, Xiao Nanfeng and his twelve golden cultivators arrived on the scene.

Xiao Nanfeng encountered one of Ao Canghai's subordinates helping to vet the incoming candidates' background.

"What are you doing here, Xiao Nanfeng?" the Martial Aspect exclaimed.

"I'm here to sponsor some of my nominees, of course."

"You don't have any nominations! How could you have any nominees?" the Martial Aspect exclaimed.

"Here are seven nominations for seven nominees," Xiao Nanfeng replied, handing over seven documents for the seven golden cultivators that he pointed out.

The Martial Aspect was taken aback. "Without a Cardinal Aspect's approval and the agreement of ten Martial Aspects, your nominations are invalid."

"And who says that my nominations are invalid?" Xiao Nanfeng pressed.

"The Eastern Aspect would never have signed them. Don't cause trouble," the Martial Aspect warned.

"I signed them," a voice replied from behind Xiao Nanfeng.

The Martial Aspect raised his head to see Yang Chuan walking over.

"Southern Aspect Yang?" the Martial Aspect exclaimed.

He blanched. Xiao Nanfeng had sought Yang Chuan's support, not Ao Canghai's!

"Well? Are these nominations invalid, as you claim?" YAng Chuan demanded.

The Martial Aspect sucked in a deep breath as he panicked. "Southern Aspect Yang, how could you help him?"

"And why can't I help him?" Yang Chuan replied coolly.

Flustered, the Martial Aspect was at a loss for words.