Three Puppets
Shi Dengtian, Qian Shange and Wan Shuiyao suddenly showed up behind Yao Wuji. Behind the two intimidating ultimate immortals were Pill Cauldron Sect’s Ascension Realm elders, Hong Yuan and Hong Yi, who were level seven alchemists in their own rights.
“Shi Dengtian, what are you doing here?” Yao Wuji scathingly asked.
Shi Dengtian revealed a smirk. “What are you doing here?”
“Why can’t I be here when we cultivate here? You, on the other hand, have brought two outsiders into this reserved location.”
Daoist Hong Yuan reproved, “Yao Wuji, mind your manners! Qian Shange and Wan Shuiyao are our sect’s esteemed guests, not outsiders.”
“Uncles, do not forget that the rules state no outsiders are permitted to be here. Please do bear the rules in mind. As Mystic Rainbow Peak’s leader, I am empowered to report them,” Yao Wuji fired back, refusing to back down.
Qian Shange ambled forward and laughed heartily. “Alchemist Yao, this one apologises for not knowing better.”
“This place is out of bounds to everyone but out elders even if you are an ultimate immortal. Please leave now.”
Daoist Hong Yi reprimanded, “Enough from you, Yao Wuji!”
“I am a faction leader. I believe I have the authority to guard Pill Cauldron Sect’s secrets. You two, to the contrary, seem to have forgotten you are elders of Pill Cauldron Sect.”
“Sorry, Alchemist Yao. We shall be on our way,” Wan Shuiyao communicated before Daoist Hong Yi could speak again, performing a propituous salute. As Wan Shuiyao walked past Yao Wuji, he subtly finger jabbed Yao Wuji on the back, transferring soul energy into Yao Wuji, invoking Divine Soul Formation. Wan Shuiyao then questioned, “Yao Wuji, you know who I am now?”
Yao Wuji, arms hanging by his side, answered, “Please pardon this one for disrespecting you.”
“I refrained from casting the formation on you in the hall. Now, I want to know every detail of that day’s events. Was it Mu Yu who rescued you? Was shadow assassin Dong Zhi that day or not? How did he kill Jin Xiyun?” interrogated Wan Shuiyao.
“No, Mu Yu did not intervene. Zhuge Xiaosheng was the one who teleported us out of danger. Martial Uncle Yuan De gave his life to hold the rear. I do not know who Jin Xiyun is nor have I seen her. I only saw Earth Reverend.”
“Rubbish. Earth Reverend mentioned someone stalled Jin Xiyun, and I’m sure it was Dong Zhi,” verbalised Qian Shange.
“I did not see him, though.”
Wan Shuiyao extended an arm to stop Qian Shange. “He can’t lie when he’s under the influence of Divine Soul Formation.”
“I still don’t believe him. Earth Reverend’s mission was a covert job. How could Zhuge Xiaosheng be so prepared?”
“Even if there was something else to it, it’s beyond us. Yao Wuji only knows so much. His Eminence’s Divine Soul Formation is limited to three people under our control. We can’t control Daoist Yun Dan if we’re controlling Yao Wuji.”
“It’ll be handy to have Yao Wuji under our control, though. If we get his vote to force Daoist Yun Dan to abdicate, we don’t need to control Daoist Yun Dan.”
“Well, Pill Cauldron Sect used to have a formation on par with His Eminence’s. I didn’t expect Daoist Yun Dan to have such a formidable formation protecting him; I don’t see us controlling him. I agree with your statement.”
“Shi Dengtian, we’re not controlling you and supporting you as the new patriarch, so you better not let us down.”
Shi Dengtian went onto his knees and flattered them with his face. “This one is at your command. Pill Cauldron Sect is yours and Third Heaven Palace’s subject.”
“No, Pill Cauldron Sect is yours,” corrected Qian Shange.
“Thank you!” Shi Dengtian prostrated himself.
“Get up. You have seven days to prepare for your ascension. We’ll transfer the protective formation from Daoist Yun Dan to you once you’re in power,” notified Qian Shange, heading to the stairs.
Wan Shuiyao smacked Yao Wuji on the shoulder. “Do what you have to. Don’t let anyone sabotage our plans.”
With Pill Cauldron Sect under their control, Third Heaven Palace could fabricate scenarios to force individuals or sects into Pill Cauldron Sect’s debt. Accordingly, it would be easier for Third Heaven Palace to pursue their goals in Third Heaven.
“Understood,” responded Shi Dengtian, heading inside to cultivate. Upon passing Yao Wuji, he sneered, “Brother Yao, you better protect me from now.”
“Of course, Senior Brother.” Yao Wuji headed into the water screen.
Once the five on the other side of the water screen departed, Mu Yu furtively cast a formation into the cave to scour it for traps prior to revealing himself. “… Daoist Yao, you know the truth now.”
Mu Yu spawned a divine soul wood and used his superior formation proficiency to protect Yao Wuji’s meridians when he saw Wan Shuiyao attempting to cast Divine Soul Formation on Yao Wuji. To be extra safe, Mu Yu took control of Yao Wuji while the latter was still in control of himself, hence outwitting Qian Shange and Wan Shuiyao.
“Why…? Why would Third Heaven Palace do this? Why would they want to control Pill Cauldron Sect? I thought they were the force of justice!”
“… Alchemist Yao, do you still believe there is justice in this world fabricated on lies?”
“Shi Dengtian is worse than scum! Does that mean Uncles Hong Yuan and Hong Yi ar-”
“They’re under the influence of Divine Soul Formation just as you were moments ago.”
“That explains why they’re supporting Shi Dengtian…” Yao Wuji held his hands to his head and sat down onto a rock heavily as though his legs buckled. “Why…? What is the reason for these schemes? Mu Yu, you can also control me as they did?”
“Yes. I mean you no harm. To the contrary, I did not want you to be dragged into this.”
“Is Uncle Yuan De really dead?”
Mu Yu poked Yao Wuji on the forehead, restoring the altered memories to the latter.
“At least we still have one Ascension Realm adept not under their control.” Yao Wuji exhaled heavily through his nose.
“Sorry, but I had no choice. If I didn’t modify your memor-”
“You did the right thing. I would’ve revealed the truth, facilitating our downfall had you not altered my memories. I owe you again.” Yao Wuji heaved a big breath. “What do I now?!”
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