Chapter 374
"There's one last point," Dan Heng added, "Even if the Buli can disguise themselves as fox people, it will be difficult for them to move freely within Luofu and enter various places, because they lack the corresponding identity. And only those in high positions can solve the identity problem."
"It seems the result is already quite clear." Jing Yuan nodded. "Let's take this evidence and ask the Dragon Master for their opinions."
"If General Jing Yuan goes in person, I'm afraid it will be difficult to get the answer you want from the Dragon Master, right?" As a member of the Chiming, Ling Sha naturally understands the internal situation of the Chiming better than Dan Heng, who was unlucky enough to be exiled after reincarnation. "Even if the evidence is irrefutable, they will have ways to deal with you. Once you are held up by them, you will probably have a big headache, right?"
"And what does Miss Ling Sha mean?" Sensing Ling Sha's implied meaning, Jing Yuan couldn't help but show interest. "Could it be that you intend to help me?"
"I'm not helping you, it's just that this will help me complete my mission." Ling Sha shook her head slightly, rejecting Jing Yuan's words. "Ever since I returned to Luofu, the Dragon Master has repeatedly extended invitations to meet with me. I think this is probably related to their plan. Anyway, someone has to contact the Dragon Master, and obviously I'm easier than you to make them lower their guard."
"Is it really that complicated?" Hearing everyone still discussing how to find the Dragon Master's weakness, Ai Yue immediately showed a speechless expression. "No, I've already gone to this much trouble, and it still has to be this complicated? Then what's the point of all this effort?"
"What did it take to achieve this level?" Hearing Ai Yue's complaint, Jing Yuan keenly noticed something. "Mr. Ai Yue, could it be that you were involved in this?"
"Otherwise, how do you think Hulei got trapped? Did you really think the gates of the Prison of Chains could stop him?" Ai Yue shook his head slightly. "If I wasn't thinking about helping you with procedural justice, would I have arranged all this? Now it seems the simplest methods are the most effective."
With that, he turned and walked towards the door. "Miss Ling Sha, and Dan Heng A Xing, come with me."
"Brother Yue? Don't be impulsive, Brother Yue!" Xing sensed something was wrong and immediately grabbed Ai Yue's arm. "Let's talk this out, don't fight!"
"Why would I need to resort to violence to solve this kind of problem?" Ai Yue revealed a slightly cold smile. "Wouldn't it be better if I just hypnotized the Dragon Master and made him turn himself in?"
Chapter Sixty-Five: Become the Mother of Vidyadharas (Not really)
Ai Yue certainly had reason to be speechless, because Jing Yuan and the others didn't know how much he had sacrificed for today's situation—although most of the factors stemmed from his own needs, no one could deny that only under Ai Yue's operation could such a sudden disaster be accomplished with "zero casualties."
Of course, all of that is in the past. Ai Yue had no intention of showing off his efforts to Jing Yuan and the others, because in his view, these were just ordinary things. But he absolutely would not allow these guys to continue wasting time.
The Stellar Train has lingered on the Luofu Xianzhou for far too long; it's time to resolve the current situation and set sail again.
However, just as he decided to leave the Prison of Chains and force the Vidyadhara Dragon Master to surrender, a terrifying energy that sent chills down his spine emanated from outside the Prison of Chains's gates.
For a fleeting moment, Ai Yue seemed to feel a pair of cold yet rational eyes linger on him, but as soon as he realized what was happening, the gaze vanished.
That was a glance from the Hunt God.
"It seems General Feixiao has succeeded." Jing Yuan seized the opportunity to persuade him, "Mr. Ai Yue, I understand your concerns, but please leave this matter to us. I guarantee you will receive a satisfactory result soon."
Ai Yue paused for a moment, then finally nodded.
It wasn't that he chose to back down, but rather that Ai Yue sensed something discordant in his impulsive actions earlier.
In the original storyline, when faced with Ling Sha and Dan Heng's appointment, Dragon Master had no intention of hiding anything and directly revealed all his plans, because in his eyes, Ling Sha and Dan Heng were people who could understand his good intentions.
This means that whether I intervene proactively at this time or act according to the results discussed with Jing Yuan and the others, the outcome will be exactly the same. So why should I act impulsively?
Could it be that something has affected it?
While everyone else rushed towards Feixiao, Ai Yue quietly lagged behind. He took out the sphere that imprisoned Phantylia from his pocket, looked at the Great Extinguisher frozen inside, and revealed a thoughtful expression.
Could it be that Phantylia can affect me even through the seal I set up?
"Congratulations, General Feixiao."
Outside the Prison of Chains, Jing Yuan looked at the spirited, seemingly rejuvenated white-haired fox-man and couldn't help but smile from the bottom of his heart, "Judging from your appearance, you must have gained quite a bit, right?"
"I was fortunate enough to receive a glance from the Lord of the Empyrean Bow, which can be considered a complete resolution of my inner demons." Fei Xiao was a very straightforward person, so he didn't intend to hide anything and said frankly, "I also want to Mr. Ai Yue for giving me this opportunity to completely resolve the unstable factors within my body."
"Don't thank me yet, this isn't over yet. This is just the beginning." Ai Yue walked over and said, "While Jing Yuan and the others are cleaning up the mess, I can study the changes in your body and see if I can resolve the Moon Frenzy Curse that has appeared on other fox people."
"That would be perfect!" Fei Xiao immediately showed a grateful expression upon hearing this, and then breathed a sigh of relief. "If we can return to Yaoqing with such a result, it should quell the resentment of those who couldn't bring Hulei back, right?"
Thus, with Hulei's death, the crisis on the Luofu Xianzhou finally came to a relatively satisfactory conclusion.
Thanks to the efforts of Yanqing, Yun Li, and March 7th, the Martial Arts Ceremony was successfully held. Jing Yuan, who had just left the Prison of Chains, also gave a speech at the closing ceremony, bringing this grand event showcasing the heritage of Luofu to a perfect end.
Meanwhile, just as Ai Yue had predicted, the meeting between Ling Sha Dan Heng and Long Shi Tao Ran also followed the original plot development. Under General Fei Xiao's entrapment, Long Shi Tao Ran confessed to all his crimes and was eventually secretly imprisoned, awaiting General Jing Yuan's decision.
He was originally full of confidence and wanted to use the oath of the Immortal Boat as a cover to demand that the internal judgment of the Ming Dynasty be carried out on him, and to carry out the punishment of "removing scales and reincarnation". In this way, as long as he could use the secret method in the hands of the Dragon Master, he could retain his memories and be reincarnated, and naturally escape all punishment.
Little did he know, an even more terrifying outcome awaited him.
"The problem of Chiming's reproduction is not actually unsolvable." When Jing Yuan informed Ai Yue of the results and asked for his opinion, Ai Yue replied in a very casual tone, "Since Dragon Master is so willing to sacrifice himself for Chiming's future, I do have a way to fulfill his wish."
At this moment, Ai Yue was in his laboratory, researching the Moon Frenzy Curse of the fox people. After changing into the simplest white lab coat, for some reason, he exuded an even more exaggerated sense of oppression in Jing Yuan's eyes than before.
Well, after changing into this outfit, Ai Yue's "mad scientist" aura became even more pronounced.
"Ruan Mei has research findings on the path of reproduction. Perhaps I can combine the powers of reproduction and immortality to create a way for Chiming to reproduce."
Ai Yue, of course, had no idea what kind of image he had in Jing Yuan's mind, and continued to explain incessantly, "Didn't Taoran say he was willing to shed his scales? Then let him reincarnate as a woman with his memories intact, and then take on the task of procreating for the Holders of the Dragon."
Are you here to breed a sow?
"This, this isn't good, is it?" Jing Yuan, who had fully understood Ai Yue's meaning, couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, confirming his feeling once again. "Well, my idea is to hand over Long Shi Tao Ran to General Xuan Quan of Fang Hu Immortal Boat. She not only hates evil as if it were her enemy, but she also comes from the Chi Ming clan. She will surely be able to give Luo Fu a fair explanation."
"Oh, that's fine then." Although Ai Yue was somewhat disappointed, this was, after all, a matter within the Xianzhou Alliance. He could only offer a few words of criticism and leave it at that. He couldn't expect Jing Yuan to actually risk angering the entire Holders of the Dragon by doing such a thing. "In that case, you can send this over as well."
After saying that, Ai Yue took out a thin, transparent tube from his pocket and tossed it to Jing Yuan.
Jing Yuan carefully caught it, then looked at the pale blue liquid flowing inside and asked curiously, "Mr. Ai Yue, what is this?"
"After studying the Vidyadharas like Dan Heng, Ling Sha, and Bailu, I invented a potion," Ai Yue said casually, still focusing most of his energy on his current research. "This is a 'Truth Serum' specifically for the Dragon-Scythe Clan. Not only will it ensure that guy answers all questions, saving time, but it also has special effects, hehe."
In the end, Ai Yue couldn't help but reveal a slightly malicious smile, unaware that his behavior had startled Jing Yuan.
This is an existence on par with the Star God; if he harbors malice, the consequences are unimaginable.
Thinking of this, Jing Yuan held the potion in his hand, feeling a bit conflicted. It wasn't that he doubted Ai Yue's words; on the contrary, it was precisely because he trusted Ai Yue so much that he dared not use this stuff lightly.
Who knows what kind of special effect Ai Yue is talking about? Given his demonstrated abilities, it's entirely possible he could conjure up a memetic virus specifically targeting the Holders of the Dragon. What if he injects Taoran and turns all the Holders of the Dragon into women? Wouldn't that be disastrous?
"Look at you, so apprehensive, it's like you're holding the activation button for some world-destroying weapon." Ai Yue glanced at Jing Yuan and immediately sensed his unease. He shook his head. "Don't be nervous. It's nothing exaggerated. It just ensures that the secret technique for preserving memories and reincarnation won't work on him."
"Didn't he want to shoulder all the blame himself? Then let him carry it." Thinking of the Dragon Master's arrogant demeanor in the report just now, Ai Yue couldn't help but sneer. "By the way, this thing can be mass-produced. I've given the formula to Ling Sha; go find her if you need it."
"This really is... specifically targeting the Dragon-Scythe Clan." After receiving Ai Yue's explanation, Jing Yuan finally felt relieved, and then realized just how terrifying the effects of this inconspicuous potion could be. "Now, the Dragon-Scythe Clan is truly about to undergo a major upheaval."
If there were only this one tube of Truth Serum, it would probably only be able to completely eliminate the hidden dangers of the Luofu Xianzhou. But since it can be mass-produced, Jing Yuan has no doubt that the Alliance can use this thing to "cleanse" the entire Dragon-Scythe Clan.
After all, although the Xianzhou Alliance is a kingdom where Immortal Boat people, Fox people, and Chiming people coexist, the Dragon-Scythe Clan, relying on their long lifespan and great strength, has long been deeply rooted in the foundation of the alliance. Such behavior has long aroused the dissatisfaction of the other two races.
If this opportunity cannot be seized to restore a "balance" of power within the alliance, it is unlikely that anyone will easily give up.
As for the Dragon-Scythe Clan will be dissatisfied and thus take any dangerous actions...
Jing Yuan watched Ai Yue's busy figure and couldn't help but shake his head.
Before that, the Dragon-Scythe Clan might actually do something shocking, after all, some of them have already dared to collude with the abundant evil creatures, and it's not impossible for them to go even further.
But now, even without using his brain to think carefully, Jing Yuan could make a judgment—that the Dragon-Scythe Clan would not only not put up a stubborn resistance, but might even actively accept such a purge and help outsiders deal with their own people.
Because, on the Luofu Xianzhou now, there exists a top genius who can resolve the Immortal Ship's Mara-struck and the fox-human Moon Frenzy curse. He even just announced that he can solve the problem of the Dragon-Scythe Clan's inability to reproduce.
It should be understood that the cause of the disaster that the Luofu Xianzhou encountered was actually that the Dragon-Scythe Clan, due to the problems of reproduction and the aftermath of the Invasion of the Abundance, resorted to desperate measures and chose to control Luofu in this way, thereby using power to promote their so-called "method of reproduction".
In other words, the issue of reproduction is absolutely the most serious problem that the entire Dragon-Scythe Clan needs to face. As long as this problem can be solved, it will be equivalent to holding the lifeline of the Dragon-Scythe Clan in their hands. If Ai Yue can really solve this problem, the Dragon-Scythe Clan will probably be the most loyal group to him in the Xianzhou Alliance.
Although this Mr. Ai Yue probably doesn't care about such things at all.
Thinking of this, Jing Yuan couldn't help but look at Ai Yue again.
At this moment, Ai Yue had stopped what he was doing and was just waiting for the equipment to finish the last step of the drug processing. As the device in front of him emitted a pleasant prompting sound, it slowly opened from the middle, and a tube of light red medicine appeared in front of the two of them.
"Done!" Ai Yue took out the potion, first carefully examining it under the light, then placing it into the nearby testing device for a second check. Only after confirming that all the properties presented were identical to the preset expectations did he finally smile. "As expected of me, you solved it so quickly!"
"Is this the potion that can eliminate the Moon Frenzy Curse of the Fox People?" Hearing Ai Yue's words, Jing Yuan couldn't help but quietly lean closer, a hint of relief on his face. "With this, do the Fox People no longer need to worry about the Moon Frenzy Curse erupting?"
As one of the three giants of the Xianzhou Alliance, the Fox People are not limited to the Yaoging Xianzhou. Many Cloud Cavalry soldiers on the Luofu Xianzhou are also from the Fox People clan, and they also need to be wary of the Moon Frenzy Curse within them.
Therefore, with the invention of such a medicine, Luo Fu was naturally able to benefit from it as well.
With this potion alone, Ai Yue could gain extremely high prestige within the Xianzhou Alliance. Once his deeds spread, it wouldn't be impossible for him to surpass the Marshal.
Of course, Jing Yuan was well aware that Ai Yue's final status would only be equal to that of Lord of the Empyrean Bow. Both his help to the Xianzhou Alliance and the great power he himself displayed were worthy of such treatment from the Xianzhou Alliance.
"When did I say this was targeting fox people?" Ai Yue raised an eyebrow at Jing Yuan's question, a smug expression on his face. "Does the Moon Frenzy Curse discriminate between fox people and Buli?"
"You, you mean..." Jing Yuan understood Ai Yue's implied meaning, and his heart suddenly began to pound wildly, "It's equally effective against Buli's Moon Frenzy?"
"Of course, otherwise I would have solved it long ago," Ai Yue waved his hand. "What's so difficult about developing a special medicine for fox people? The difficulty, of course, lies in how to directly target Moon Frenzy himself."
At this point, he smiled again, "Just imagine, when we go to besiege the Buli, we'll first spray them with a hundred tons of this medicine to break their Moon Frenzy, and then we'll fight. The scene..."
In fact, Ai Yue didn't need to bring this up at all. Jing Yuan had fought against the bountiful creatures more than a hundred times, so he naturally knew exactly how effective this potion was on the battlefield.
Buli regards Moon Frenzy as a blessing because Moon Frenzy can greatly amplify their combat power, which is also their strongest trump card to fight against the Xianzhou Alliance.
However, once the Moon Frenzy's Blessing is broken, they will become weak and vulnerable prey, only able to wait to be completely annihilated by the Xianzhou Alliance. At that time, Buli will not even have the ability to fight back, let alone cause any damage to the Xianzhou Alliance.
Even more concerning is that similar plagues exist not only within the Buli, but also among the Huiyin Clan, the Wing Builders, and even other fox-people who choose to worship the Star God of Abundance... This potion is undoubtedly the final straw that breaks the camel's back in the face of the Abundance evil!
Jing Yuan took two deep breaths to calm his excitement, then bowed deeply to Ai Yue.
"We will forever remember Mr. Ai Yue's help to the Xianzhou Alliance and repay him with all our might!"
"Alright, alright, it's not like I'm doing this for your benefit." Ai Yue waved his hand dismissively. "Don't overthink it. Overcoming this problem will benefit me too. Instead of worrying about these things, let's finish the preliminary work on Jianmu and then solve the most crucial issue."
Chapter Sixty-Six: I'm Here to Join This Big Family
With the last stumbling block removed, Jing Yuan's power on the Luofu Xianzhou finally reached its temporary peak. Without the Dragon Master deliberately trying to annoy him, many of his previous arrangements finally began to take effect.
The most crucial aspect was paving the way for the plan to transform Jianmu.
Long before he obtained the purification device from Ai Yue, which could eliminate Mara-struck on a small scale, Jing Yuan had already begun making secret preparations. He used the device to gradually restore the soldiers who had been infected by the Medicine Master's Legacy and turned into Mara-struck. Relying on this method, he successfully gained the support of the Cloud Cavalry.
In fact, given Jing Yuan's prestige in Luofu, the loyalty of the Cloud Cavalry to him was beyond question. However, this matter was of great importance and could even become the third critical turning point in the history of the Xianzhou Alliance. Therefore, Jing Yuan only felt at ease after carefully confirming that there were no hidden dangers.
With the support of the Cloud Cavalry and the retreat of the Dragon-Scythe Clan, Jing Yuan was able to quietly seal off Luofu after the Martial Arts Ceremony ended. In this way, even if there were still people with ulterior motives within Luofu who wanted to sabotage their plans, they would have no way to send out the message.
As long as no external force can be attracted, Jing Yuan will not fear other scheming and despicable people inside the Luofu Xianzhou.
Not to mention, the generals of the two immortal ships, Yaoqing and Zhuming, are also here. Under the secret instructions of Huai Yan and Feixiao, these two immortal ships are gradually changing their course, forming a pincer movement with Luofu.
Now, half of the Xianzhou Alliance's armed forces have gathered here, and with the addition of the unfathomable Ai Yue, they have clearly made thorough preparations. However, at this moment, something unexpected still happened to Jing Yuan.
"So, what did you call me here for?"
Inside the Divinity Manor, Ai Yue looked at the three Generals gathered together and couldn't help but reveal a subtle expression. "I'm busy with the final adjustments, so I don't have time to attend a meeting with you."
"If it weren't for its importance, we wouldn't want to bother you at this time, Mr. Ai Yue." Jing Yuan gave a wry smile, then looked at Huai Yan beside him, "Please let Elder Yan explain the specifics."
"This matter concerns each and every one of us, as well as the future of the Luofu Xianzhou and even the Xianzhou Alliance. That is why I wanted to invite Mr. Ai Yue to witness this," Huai Yan nodded and then stepped forward to say, "Before I came, the Marshal had already ordered General Yao Guang to calculate day and night, and today is the time to share the results with us."
"It's not that I'm bragging, but based on the current situation, I haven't seen any diviner who can accurately predict anything involving me, not even Elio of the Stellaron Hunters, or even the Boshizun," Ai Yue shrugged upon hearing this. "That machine head is probably still down. Are you sure that Yao Guang will work?"
"Of course it's uncertain. In fact, I would say that General Yao Guang's success rate is not high. But the important thing is the divination itself," Huai Yan shook his head. "No matter what answer she brings, I think you should also know, Mr. Ai Yue. After all, General Yao Guang may also bring news of the Marshal."
"Alright, this is getting interesting." Ai Yue nodded. "When do we start?"
"Right now," Huai Yan was a decisive person. Seeing that Ai Yue no longer questioned him, he looked at Jing Yuan beside him and said, "Jing Yuan, let's borrow the Divinity Manor's 'chessboard'."
The moment the "chessboard" was activated, a dazzling light burst forth from it. Ai Yue curiously immersed his consciousness in it and heard a bell ringing from countless light-years away.
The sound lasted only a brief moment before disappearing, leaving behind only a glimmer of light that transformed into a seal, representing the name "General Rong Tao" Yao Guang.
Soon, a cheerful female voice rang out. "Gentlemen, it's been a long time. It's been over thirty years since I last attended this meeting. I've been thinking of you generals day and night during this time."
Although his wording was somewhat mature, Yao Guang's voice sounded surprisingly young, and his tone was full of playfulness and teasing, easily conjuring up a quirky and mischievous image in one's mind.
Upon hearing Yao Guang's words, Fei Xiao couldn't help but chuckle, "Is General Rong Tao talking about us, or about the course of our fates?"
"Haha, General of the Skyfall is still as blunt as ever, which isn't very endearing," Yao Guang retorted playfully, even though his thoughts had been exposed. "It's a pity I didn't get to see the meeting. But thinking about it, I doubt General of the Skyfall would have said anything good about me."
"It sounds like even the 'Ten Directions Light Reflection Dharma Realm' failed this time?" Jing Yuan interjected at the opportune moment. "That's good, no need to worry about gossip -- but doesn't that mean that, besides the two generals, the marshal has arranged a third guest?"
"Oh dear, can't you say that out of concern for General of the Divine Might? After all, the Alliance always says that Mr. Jing Yuan's wisdom is 'bright and brilliant, no less than that of a military strategist.' When Luofu is in trouble, Yuque can't just sit idly by, can it?" Yao Guang replied with a smile. "Oh, I almost forgot, the gentleman who caused all my divination methods to fail should be here too, right? May I ask his name?"
"Just call me Ai Yue." Ai Yue finally found a chance to speak and couldn't help but ask, "But in the end, you couldn't even figure out a name?"
"Oh dear, Mr. Ai Yue, you've really hit a nerve!" Seemingly provoked, Yao Guang couldn't help but pour out his grievances, "From the moment I started practicing divination until today, I've never suffered such an injustice! Who exactly are you, possessing such a powerful Schicksal that you can shield all divination and prying?"
Before Yao Guang could finish speaking, Huai Yan stopped him. "General Rong Tao, the Huang Zhong System can only be maintained for a limited time. Let's get to the point."
Clearly, putting aside the need for them to have reverence for Ai Yue's current situation should be kept secret within the Xianzhou Alliance. Even Yao Guang, who is also a general, should not be easily informed, lest any news leak out from him.
"Sorry, sorry, I got carried away for a moment and couldn't control myself. Please don't take offense," Yao Guang realized his behavior was inappropriate and had to suppress his curiosity to get down to business. "Like I said before, I really can't deduce the situation on your side, so I won't mention it. But I can talk about those two prisoners from before."
"The current results are roughly in line with Mr. Jing Yuan's prediction. The so-called 'sending the star core into Luofu' is nothing but a self-made smokescreen. The real goal is to take this opportunity to make contact with the marshal and then offer the so-called 'Strategy to Contend with Gods'."
"We know the rest," Jing Yuan glanced at Ai Yue, from whom he had already obtained most of the details of Jingliu and Otto's plans. "That blond stranger's coffin is part of the remains of the Locust Calamity Ancestor, right?"
"Since you knew, you should have said so earlier. I was trying to keep you in suspense," Jing Yuan's confession only made Yao Guang complain. "But you definitely don't know what happens next. In order to deal with the God War, we need a larger alliance, so those two recommended an ally to us."
"An ally?" Jing Yuan glanced at Ai Yue again, a subtle expression on his face. "To be honest, I don't think it's that significant..."
"Putting the matter of allies aside for now, what I'm concerned about is the Marshal's attitude towards the situation of the Luofu Xianzhou," Fei Xiao couldn't help but ask from the side. "'Achieve results,' is that really just what it says?"
"More or less. Actually, I don't quite understand either, but I think Mr. Jing Yuan should understand," Yao Guang's voice became more serious when he mentioned the Marshal. "Simply put, in order to maintain balance within the Xianzhou Alliance, the Marshal cannot show too obvious a preference for the Luofu Xianzhou, to the point that even abnormal contact is not allowed."