The Decaying World

Among the Fogman City Lords, apart from the few who frequently went to war, no one truly knew the depths of the others’ strength unless a real fight broke out.

After all, with lifespans of several thousand years and the resources of an entire region at their disposal, it was impossible to say what kind of trump cards they might have developed.

There was once a terrifying case of an ordinary Fogman City Lord who had lived peacefully for over two thousand years. When faced with danger, he suddenly erupted, slaughtering thirteen powerful invading Fog Spirits in a row. His strength was even greater than that of Xie Chang’an.

"So, about this matter, what do you think...?" Liu Xiao asked, looking at Lin Hui.

"Don’t worry. Xiaoliu has a special heirloom from her grandfather, and I’ve also arranged for people to protect her at all times. It won’t be a big problem," Lin Hui said with a slight smile. "Besides, this is a good training experience for her. She’s ten years old now; it’s about time she started facing some things on her own."

"Mm... you have a point," Liu Xiao nodded. "This Bright Heart Association seems to be hiding something significant. We really shouldn’t get rashly involved until we figure out their true purpose."

"Mm..." Lin Hui agreed.

The two chatted for a while longer about recent developments. Liu Xiao was, in truth, more like a man than a typical woman—a man with immense ambition. Although Lin Hui had arranged a cushy post for her with high pay and little work, she still loved to ponder grand strategies and major events in her free time.

As they talked, their conversation gradually shifted to the current external war situation. They didn’t bother to magically conceal their discussion, which ended up drawing a man and woman from a short distance away on the deck, who were also heading to the geothermal springs, into the topic.

"I must disagree with you there, my friend. The federation is in turmoil, plagued by threats both foreign and domestic. Purgatory alone isn’t the biggest issue. The key is the Northern King Jing and the Western King Hong, two major Fog People factions that have seized the opportunity to rebel simultaneously, declaring their separation from the Inner Court. That is the greatest threat to the Inner Court and the Royal City," said a handsome, powerfully built man with short hair, approaching with his hands clasped behind his back.

"The Northern King Jing? The Western King Hong? When did this happen? How come I haven’t heard anything about it?" Lin Hui was taken aback. He looked at the man and cupped his fist. "Could you enlighten me, brother?"

The man appeared to be in his thirties. He had a neat black mustache, and his face was well-groomed. His eyes held a sharp, inner light; they weren’t aggressive, but they gave the impression of someone spirited and full of vigor.

"No need for formalities. We’re just having a friendly discussion. It’s not your fault that news travels slowly here in Black Cloud. The three City Lords are likely intentionally blocking the information from spreading to prevent unrest," he said. After a pause, he continued, "But they won’t be able to hide it for much longer. Two cities have already suffered heavy losses in the battles between King Jing, King Hong, and the Inner Court. Large numbers of refugees are fleeing in all directions, following the Summoned Martial Artists. They should be reaching Black Cloud soon."

"In that case, it makes sense that news would arrive slowly, since Black Cloud is on the border," Lin Hui nodded.

"The federation is in chaos, yet for some reason, Purgatory has gone quiet. They’re neither advancing nor retreating, which is rather strange. But maybe it’s for the best. If another war breaks out, it’s us common folk who will suffer," the man sighed.

"Indeed. This peace and stability we have now is the greatest blessing," Lin Hui agreed wholeheartedly.

’I’m strong enough to protect my family, that’s true, but so what? People don’t live in a vacuum. If a disaster strikes, even if I can fight off all the enemies—and that’s a big if—our living conditions and access to supplies would plummet.’

"Speaking of which, my family lives near the Royal City. I heard in a recent letter from them that there’s a rumor going around: the Twelfth Prince of the Royal City was kidnapped and has gone missing. After an investigation, the Royal City actually blamed King Hong’s faction. King Hong’s denials were useless, his sworn brother who was in the Royal City was killed, and so he rebelled..." the girl next to the man added.

"That rumor sounds very specific. It can’t have come from nowhere. There might be some truth to it," Liu Xiao judged.

"I, on the other hand, heard a different rumor," the man said, lowering his voice. "They say King Hong was framed. The Twelfth Prince ran away on his own. He received word that his older brothers and sisters were plotting to assassinate him, so he took the first chance he got to escape."

"Is the Royal City really that chaotic right now?" Lin Hui was speechless.

’I don’t get it,’ he thought. ’Even if the Royal City is full of princes and princesses, very few have the imperial bloodline. Without it, they’re not qualified to compete for the throne. And under the current federal system, what’s the point of inheriting the throne anyway?’

’Even the Fog People Emperor was forced to spend his days researching the night fog, ignoring worldly affairs.’

"It’s all because the Emperor is planning to abdicate. The position itself holds a great secret, one that’s rumored to be related to a hidden method for increasing the success rate of fusing with the Evil Soldier Insect Scripture. Anyone who masters this secret could fuse and create the supreme imperial bloodline, just like His Majesty. Of course, this is all just rumor. No guarantees it’s true," the man said with a laugh.

"Viewed that way, it’s definitely worth fighting for..." Lin Hui could now tell that this man and woman were not of low status.

’To be precise, almost no one on this ship—people who could afford a trip to a private island for a hot spring bath—was an ordinary person.’

’After all, ordinary people didn’t have the spare cash or the courage. This world was nothing like the peaceful era of his past life.’

’The seas were teeming with monsters, and subordinates of the Fog Spirits appeared from time to time. Without some skill, going out to sea was just asking for death.’

The four of them exchanged information. Although most of it was hearsay, the conversation was still invigorating. Through the man and woman, Lin Hui quickly developed a comprehensive understanding of the Royal City and the current state of the federation.

In an era like this, in a world with such poor communication, it was impossible to gain such a clear, big-picture view without being an extremely experienced and well-traveled person.

Thus, Lin Hui felt a desire to befriend them. He and Liu Xiao hadn’t revealed their identities on the ship and were acting no different from ordinary passengers.

And just like that, the couple, showing no disdain, exchanged contact information and names with them.

When they exchanged names, both sides tacitly used aliases, but that didn’t stop them from continuing their conversations over the next two days.

「On the third day after Lin Hui temporarily left Black Cloud.」

Something happened to Lin Xiaoliu again.

*

*

*

In the northern part of Black Cloud, near a remote bay, stood a desolate Daoist Temple named Futian Temple.

The Observatory Master, his face as ancient and withered as dead wood, stood silently in the shadows. His long white eyebrows hung all the way down to his knees as he gazed at a silver sphere floating in mid-air before a headless Divine Statue.

A clear image appeared on the sphere’s surface, showing a scene far away, near the Taixu Martial Academy.

Besides him, two other figures stood in different corners of the Daoist Temple.

One was a majestic, middle-aged man wearing a purple-gold crown.

The other was a tall woman in a blue cloak, her face hidden by a black veil.

All three were watching the image displayed within the silver sphere.

The image showed the daily life and every move of Lin Xiaoliu’s classmate, Song Yunhui.

"We can now preliminarily confirm that the Twelfth Prince who was in the Royal City was an impostor. This Song Yunhui is the real prince. He was secretly brought to Black Cloud long ago to live as a commoner," the long-browed Observatory Master said coolly. "So, what are your suggestions?"

"Since the old Emperor spread the news that he intends to pass his position to the Twelfth Prince, he must have anticipated this situation. There are bound to be hidden forces protecting him," the woman in the blue cloak replied in an equally cold tone.

"We each serve our own master. The intentions of those above are not for us to consider. We do what we’re told. What’s there to discuss?" the man with the purple-gold crown said dismissively.

"Our last attempt to capture him was supposed to be foolproof, yet it was ruined by an outsider. Trying again will be much more troublesome. We might be in for a tough fight," the long-browed Observatory Master said gravely.

"The boy has learned his lesson. He’s always with that girl from last time. Capturing him now will be tricky," the woman in the blue cloak said with a frown.

"Indeed. That girl’s perception is bizarre. We tried more than ten different methods of approach, and she sensed them all in advance. But according to my subordinates, the girl’s own aptitude isn’t strong—she’s considered lower-middle tier at the martial academy. Only her perception is exceptionally powerful," the long-browed Observatory Master agreed.

"What’s so troublesome? Just send people to grab them both. If there’s trouble, we’ll end it quickly," the man with the purple-gold crown said impatiently.

"Who do you think you are? Capture them? If you want to go, go yourselves. I’m not playing along!" Suddenly, a fourth figure slowly materialized in another corner.

The figure had silver-gray eyes, long black hair, and a cold, stunning face. Her slender upper body was bound only by simple gray-white silk ribbons, and she wore loose gray trousers. A slender black sword hung at her waist, and the faint, blurry character for ’wind’ was visible on its hilt.

"Xia Si, what is the meaning of this? You took the benefits, and you signed the contract. Now it’s time to work. It’s not your place to back out," the long-browed Observatory Master said, glaring at the fourth figure.

"I admit the benefits greatly enhanced my strength, but that’s not a reason for me to walk to my death," Xia Si sneered.

"As for the Daoist Sect Master Qingfeng you mentioned, I’ve already sent people to investigate. When the next phase of the plan begins, even if he reacts and makes a move, the three guest elders sent by our master will intercept and kill him if necessary," the long-browed Observatory Master said coldly.

"Alright, alright. Since she is unwilling to go, we will make our own arrangements," the woman in the blue cloak interjected, trying to smooth things over.

"It seems Miss Xia has been traumatized by her own Daoist Master. Such a shame for a peerless talent..." the man with the purple-gold crown chuckled.

"Then it’s settled. The three of us will..."

"I said no. Are you incapable of understanding human speech?" Xia Si interrupted bluntly before the long-browed Observatory Master could continue.

"What did you say?" A murderous glint flashed in the Observatory Master’s cold eyes as he stared at Xia Si.

The other two also wore ugly expressions as their gazes fell upon Xia Si.

"If you capture Lin Xiaoliu, you will undoubtedly alert my master. When that happens, all of us will surely die." Xia Si slowly drew her sword as a dazzling, brilliant golden mist rose behind her.

"Rather than be dragged to my death by you idiots, I’ll kill you first before you can make your move..."

"Xia Si, you—!?" The Observatory Master tried to speak, but in the next instant, a golden light flashed before his eyes. A gale, filled with motes of gold, instantly engulfed the entire Daoist Temple.

"Secret Kill: Gale Annihilation Path!"

A moment later, the Daoist Temple was as it was before. From the outside, not a single tile had been disturbed.

The main gate creaked open, and Xia Si walked out slowly. She looked up at the twilight sky, which was about to turn dark.

A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth. But the next moment, it turned to gray ashes and scattered, disappearing.

’The life-ashes of these three are not enough for me to break through to the next level... I need to devour more... much more... Master, just you wait... The position of Sect Leader will be mine, sooner or later!’

SWOOSH.

The next instant, a gust of wind swept through, and she vanished from where she stood.

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