The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 801: A Huge Conspiracy!

A Huge Conspiracy! . . .

"Nevertheless, it's undeniable that not a single sect, throughout the extensive history spanning hundreds of thousands of years, has ever exerted control over the entirety of the Qing-Yun Realm. Should this secret organization continue with its nefarious plans, and if the powerful sects fail to preemptively prepare, we might face utter annihilation. Once the influential sects are sufficiently weakened, the clandestine organization will effortlessly seize dominion over the entire realm. It's only a matter of time. They're advancing toward a position never before achieved in history. Under the boundless heavens, within this realm, who could thwart their rise?"

Zhan Yunfei wore a somber expression, saying nothing. After a pause, he suddenly unleashed a powerful palm strike.

The pent-up rage in his chest demanded release, and his palm strike roared like a thunderclap. An area of the forest, spanning ten miles, was instantly obliterated. Countless towering trees were reduced to airborne ashes, leaving a ten-meter-deep chasm on the ground—an astonishing sight.

"If I ever discover which cursed organization is responsible, I'll annihilate them without mercy. Every living thing will meet its end!" Zhan Yunfei gritted his teeth, his resolve unyielding. "I'll show them no mercy!"

Cha Eun Xiao spoke matter-of-factly, "They're engaged in an enormous scheme. Regardless of how cautious they are, they'll inevitably leave traces. Moreover, we've already discovered one such trace. We can follow it, dig deep, and uncover the source."

"In reality, only a few individuals possess the power to orchestrate something of this magnitude."

"We were blinded, forced to contend with enemies in the shadows, making it difficult to uncover the truth. However, now we've caught a glimmer of the grand scheme. The enemy has been exposed to the light. Our task is to quietly investigate until we've unraveled the entire plot."

"After all, this is not the work of ordinary individuals. It transcends mere cruelty and malice. I've only been in this realm for a few days and have limited knowledge of the twelve great forces. I suspect a certain faction shares similarities in their modus operandi. Zhan Yunfei, you likely have some inklings as well. Although you may not have arrived at a definitive conclusion yet, with time, the pieces will fall into place."

Every word Cha Eun Xiao spoke was laden with purpose.

Zhan Yunfei's eyes sparkled. "You're absolutely correct."

"Nonetheless, we must return to the sect and report this to the Grandmaster and the Supreme Elder," Zhan Yunfei declared resolutely. "We can't tackle this alone. Chongxiao, from now on, you must remember this. Do not reveal a word to anyone unless you're questioned by the sect's leaders. Otherwise, you risk putting yourself in grave danger."

Cha Eun Xiao nodded. "Of course, I won't."

Even without Zhan Yunfei's admonition, he would have remained silent. He was not foolish. This vast conspiracy involved the most potent forces in the realm, while he was one of the weakest. Any overt involvement on his part would undoubtedly lead to his swift demise.

Even Zhan Yunfei, despite his brash arrogance, recognized his limited power in this matter. He understood that this transcended his capabilities and required consultation with the sect's leadership. He was acting sensibly.

Upon their return from the forest, Cha Eun Xiao appeared grim, while Zhan Yunfei bore a solemn expression.

Cha Eun Xiao ruminated, "This colossal conspiracy must have been underway for more than two years. I left the Qing-Yun Realm just over a year ago. I traversed this world in my previous life and never detected a trace of this sinister plot!"

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but reflect on the organization's remarkable ability to conceal their power, realizing that in his past life, he was oblivious to the formidable force that now stood before him. An unsettling question gnawed at him: could this organization have played a role in his own death?

As they rejoined the crowd, they were met with the sight of the girl, now standing, and radiating happiness with a warm smile on her face. She appeared to be a different person altogether.

Warm congratulations and kind words flowed from the onlookers, and the girl responded with grace and a beaming smile. Her transformation was striking.

Observing the genuine joy on Xiao Mufei's face, Zhan Yunfei couldn't help but be lost in thought. He began to question the recklessness of this act. Perhaps he should have given it more consideration earlier.

The enemy was a massive, meticulously organized organization with insidious plans, exploiting the weaknesses of humanity with ruthless precision. Could they have allowed this girl to leave their grasp so easily? Zhan Yunfei contemplated the possibility that this might be part of a more sinister ploy.

What if she was sent to infiltrate and manipulate Xiao Mufei's kindness? What if this was part of their plan to bring devastation to Xiao Mufei himself? What if, despite her apparent loyalty, the organization would never let her escape? What if they pursued her relentlessly until her demise?

Zhan Yunfei was intimately familiar with Xiao Mufei's tragic history. When Xiao Mufei's daughter had passed away, he had been shattered, seemingly aging ten years overnight. He had been a rising star within the sect, but the loss had crippled him, stunting his growth. In recent years, he had shown no improvement and had, in fact, grown weaker.

Now, with Rongrong, there was a glimmer of hope—a last flicker of light in Xiao Mufei's life. But what if this hope proved to be a mirage? What if Rongrong was not truly sincere in her devotion to Xiao Mufei, or, worse, met a tragic end?

If such an unfortunate turn of events unfolded, Xiao Mufei would plummet into the abyss of despair, his life irrevocably shattered. He would become a mere shell of his former self.

The organization was of immense power, harboring countless assassins and formidable cultivators. They wouldn't permit Rongrong's survival, as it could jeopardize their secrets. A Dream Origin Stage cultivator like her would be a trivial target for them, easily disposed of with a mere flick of their fingers. Even the entire Cold Moon Palace would be powerless to protect her should the organization decide to act against her.