Game and Agreement

On the third day after Taiyi left, Kunpeng emerged from the Northern Darkness.

He did not hurry. He drifted along at an unhurried pace, leaning on his deadwood staff as his dark green Daoist robe fluttered in the cold wind. From the Northern Darkness to the Heavenly Court, a Quasi-Saint could make the journey in half a day. Yet he spent a full day flying, stopping three times along the way—once to watch the waves by the Northern Sea, once to wander around the outskirts of Kunlun Mountain, and once simply to find a cloud and nap on it for a while.

He was not putting on airs. He was thinking.

He thought about the way Eastern Emperor Taiyi had come to the Northern Darkness that day, about the Chaos Bell, and about that Time-Space Stasis divine ability. The more he thought about it, the more something felt off.

How many years had Kunpeng lived? Even he could not remember. He had existed since the creation of heaven and earth, survived the Dragon-Han Tribulation, avoided Demon Ancestor Luohu's schemes, and fought for a seat in Zixiao Palace—though he had failed to claim one. Over such a long span of time, he had seen countless people and countless events. But someone like Eastern Emperor Taiyi was rare.

It was not that Taiyi was not strong—the boy truly was strong. At the peak of the Great Luo realm, he could force back a Quasi-Saint. There was not another being like him in the Great Wilderness. But strength was one thing; temperament should not have changed.

What had Eastern Emperor Taiyi been like before? Wild, proud, with what seemed like two flames burning in his eyes. He bowed to no one. But that arrogance had been straightforward and unyielding, like an unsheathed sword—its edge fully exposed, its depths clear at a glance.

But what about Taiyi now?

He was still wild and proud, but beneath that arrogance was something more. Like a deep pool: calm on the surface, yet who knew what lay hidden below? When they had faced each other in the Northern Darkness that day, Kunpeng had glimpsed something else deep within those golden pupils—calmness, calculation, even a trace of... detachment?

That was not normal.

Kunpeng rolled over on the cloud and looked down at the endless mountain ranges below. The mountains were green, the clouds white, and sunlight spilled over everything, making it all look bright and clear. Yet a mist seemed to hang over his heart.

"Either he went through some great upheaval and his temperament changed completely," he muttered, "or... he is not the same person."

The words startled even him.

Not the same person? Then who could he be? Possession? But who could possess Eastern Emperor Taiyi? He was at the peak of the Great Luo realm, bore the Chaos Bell above his head, and carried the origin of the Sun Star within him. In the entire Great Wilderness, the number of beings capable of taking over his body without a sound could be counted on one hand.

And what would be the point of possession? Just to become the Eastern Emperor? Would that really be worth it?

Kunpeng shook his head and suppressed the thought. No matter what Taiyi had become, the most important thing now was this—what should he do after arriving at the Heavenly Court?

Agreeing to leave seclusion had been a temporary measure. The instant Time-Space Stasis descended upon him that day, he had known that fighting head-on was not worth it. Who knew where that boy Taiyi had learned such a wicked divine ability? With that added to the Chaos Bell, even if Kunpeng won, he would still lose a layer of skin.

Better to agree first and deal with matters after reaching the Heavenly Court.

But what then? Was he really supposed to obediently serve as the Demon Master and work himself to the bone for the Demon Race?

Kunpeng smiled, a cold smile. Having lived for so long, he had long understood one truth—there were no eternal friends in this world, only eternal interests. Whether the Demon Race could offer enough benefit to make him work for them depended on the terms.

He sat up and brushed the cloud vapor from his Daoist robe. In the distance, the outline of the Heavenly Court had already come into view. It floated above the sea of clouds, its palaces stretching endlessly beneath shimmering golden light. It looked imposing, but Kunpeng knew the waters inside ran deep.

It was time to move.

He rose, tapped the ground with his deadwood staff, and turned into a streak of dark green light as he shot toward the Heavenly Court.

Taiyi received Kunpeng in a side hall of Lingxiao Palace.

Not the main hall; that would have been too formal. The side hall was smaller and simply furnished, with only a long table and several chairs. Taiyi sat at the head of the table, dressed not in court robes but in his usual black combat attire. He held a cup of tea and drank from it slowly.

When Kunpeng entered, Taiyi did not even raise his eyes.

"You are here?" Taiyi set down his teacup.

"Your Majesty summoned this old man. How could I dare not come?" Kunpeng bowed, his face covered in a smile. It was still fake, but fake in a natural way—so natural it seemed real.

"Sit."

Kunpeng took the seat opposite him. The two sat across the long table, and neither spoke for a while. The hall was so quiet that they could hear the faint simmering of the tea. Light slanted in through the window, casting bright patches across the green jade floor.

"The position of Demon Master," Taiyi finally said, "holds three duties. First, to oversee the affairs of every department in the Heavenly Court and coordinate civil and military matters. Second, to advise on military affairs and formulate strategies. Third..."

He paused and looked at Kunpeng. "To inspect both within and without, and eliminate hidden threats."

Kunpeng's heart skipped a beat.

Inspecting within and without, eliminating hidden threats—this authority was too great, and too sensitive. It was practically handing him the Heavenly Court's eyes and ears, making him the one responsible for rooting out traitors.

"Your Majesty," Kunpeng chose his words carefully, "this old man has only just arrived. I fear taking on such heavy responsibility may be..."

"What are you afraid of?" Taiyi interrupted. "Afraid of offending people?"

"This..." Kunpeng gave a dry laugh.

"If you are afraid of offending people, then do not come to the Heavenly Court." Taiyi spoke bluntly. "If you come, then you must work. Do what must be done, and offend those who must be offended."

His words were forceful, but Kunpeng heard the implication—Taiyi needed a blade, one that could cut people down for him. And Kunpeng himself was that blade.

"This old man understands." Kunpeng nodded. "But the power of inspection covers a great many matters. Does Your Majesty... have any specific rules in mind?"

"You make the rules yourself." Taiyi waved a hand. "I only care about results. In the Heavenly Court, whoever is restless, whoever harbors divided loyalties, whoever is colluding with outsiders—find them and report them to me."

"Yes."

"And one more thing." Taiyi lifted his teacup again. "Bai Ze will take you to familiarize yourself with the outer formations of the Great Zhou Heavenly Stars Formation. I will give you three months. In three months, I want your understanding of the formation to be no less than Bai Ze's."

Kunpeng's heart stirred again.

Three months to comprehend the outer layers of the Great Zhou Heavenly Stars Formation—the time was tight, but it also showed that Taiyi truly intended to use him rather than merely put him on display.

"This old man will certainly do his utmost." He bowed.

Taiyi nodded and said nothing more, continuing to drink his tea. Kunpeng sat there, calculating rapidly. The authority had been granted, and the conditions had been accepted. Next, it was time to discuss... the price.

Sure enough, Taiyi set down his teacup and looked at him. "What do you want?"

Straight to the point.

Kunpeng smiled. This time, the smile was more sincere. "Your Majesty is forthright. This old man does not ask for much. Only three things."

"Speak."

"First, this old man wishes to have the right to consult the Heavenly Court treasury." Kunpeng raised one finger. "Not to take anything, only to consult it. Some formation deductions require heavenly materials and earthly treasures for reference."

"Granted." Taiyi nodded.

"Second." Kunpeng raised a second finger. "This old man has some belongings in the Northern Darkness that I would like to move to the Heavenly Court. Could Your Majesty grant me a secluded palace where I may settle them?"

This was also a test—to see whether Taiyi would grant him an independent sphere of influence.

"There is an empty Xuanji Pavilion west of Sun Palace," Taiyi said. "It is yours."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Kunpeng bowed, then raised a third finger. "Third... the resources this old man requires for cultivation must be supplied by the Heavenly Court according to the standards of the Demon Master. In addition, should this old man have any need, I hope to be able to seek an audience with Your Majesty directly, without having to submit it through others."

That final condition was a path he was leaving for himself, a direct line to the sovereign.

Taiyi looked at him for a long while. The light in the hall slowly shifted from one end of the long table to the other. Outside the window, immortal birds flew past, leaving behind clear, melodious cries.

"Very well," Taiyi finally said. "But there is one condition—you may not shirk any task I assign you. And you may not abuse the authority I grant you. Understood?"

"This old man understands."

The agreement had been reached.

But both men knew that the agreement was as thin as paper, ready to tear at a single poke. Kunpeng wanted authority, resources, and a place to establish himself. Taiyi wanted a blade, someone who could do his dirty work. Each took what he needed, yet each harbored his own schemes.

"There is one more matter," Taiyi suddenly said.

"Please speak, Your Majesty."

"As for the Witch Race..." Taiyi lightly tapped a finger against the long table. "I need to know their movements. What the Twelve Ancestral Witches are doing, how the forces of each tribe are being deployed, and... the situation at Pangu Hall."

Pangu Hall.

Kunpeng's heart stirred. He recalled Taiyi's expression when he had mentioned baleful qi in the Northern Darkness. There had been something in that gaze—desire? Or something else?

"Pangu Hall is the ancestral ground of the Witch Race and heavily guarded." Kunpeng spoke cautiously. "This old man has some methods of investigation, but entering deep within it may be..."

"You do not need to go deep inside." Taiyi shook his head. "Stay around the perimeter. Look at the guard arrangements, look at those entering and leaving, and see... whether there is anything unusual."

The words were vague, but Kunpeng understood. Taiyi was not seeking intelligence. He was looking for something. What was he looking for? Kunpeng did not ask, nor should he have.

"This old man will do his best," he said.

Taiyi nodded and said nothing more. Kunpeng knew it was time to leave. He rose and bowed. "Then this old man shall take his leave and familiarize himself with the Heavenly Court."

"Go."

Kunpeng left the side hall and walked slowly along the corridor. The Heavenly Court's passageways were broad and long, paved in white jade and supported by golden pillars. They looked grand, yet their emptiness made one uneasy. He walked step by step with his staff, while his mind spun rapidly.

Why did Taiyi want to investigate Pangu Hall?

Baleful qi? But baleful qi could be found everywhere. Why insist on Pangu Hall? That was the nest of the Twelve Ancestral Witches. Going there to search for baleful qi was practically courting death.

Unless... there was something else inside Pangu Hall.

Kunpeng narrowed his eyes. He recalled some ancient legends concerning Pangu Hall. That place had been formed from Pangu's heart. Within it lay the lingering blessings from Pangu's creation of heaven and earth, as well as... things even more ancient.

What was Taiyi looking for?

He did not know. But he knew this was an opportunity. Taiyi wanted something, which meant Kunpeng could gain something. The key was how to maximize that gain.

At the end of the corridor stood a fork in the road. The left path led to the main hall of Lingxiao Palace, while the right led deeper into the palace complex. Kunpeng stopped and looked both ways.

Then he turned and headed right.

He needed to inspect that Xuanji Pavilion first, to see just how valuable this "gift" from Taiyi truly was.

Taiyi was still seated in the side hall.

The tea had gone cold, and he did not refill it. Light slanted across the long table through the window, making the green jade surface shine brightly. He stared at that patch of light for a long time.

He seemed to have gained the upper hand in the negotiation just now—he had granted authority, accepted the conditions, and made Kunpeng yield. But he knew that old fellow was not so simple.

The more readily Kunpeng agreed, the deeper his calculations ran.

Kunpeng wanted the right to consult the treasury, an independent palace, and a direct channel to Taiyi—on the surface, those demands were reasonable enough. But on closer thought, every one of them was meant to pave a road for himself. A road forward, and a road of retreat.

Taiyi was not afraid that Kunpeng harbored divided loyalties. He was afraid Kunpeng would not know where to direct those loyalties.

"Old fox..." he murmured.

He rose, walked to the window, and pushed it open. Outside, the sea of clouds churned, while distant palaces appeared and vanished amid the mist. The wind was strong, making his robes snap loudly.

He thought of the baleful qi required by the Chaos Bell, and of Pangu Hall. The system's mission was right there before him; he had to go. But how would he get there? When would he go? And how would he return afterward?

Too many questions.

And there was Kunpeng—sending that old fellow to investigate the outskirts of Pangu Hall was a risky move. If he found nothing, it would be a waste of effort. If he found something, would the old fellow grow suspicious? Would he act first on his own?

Anything was possible.

But Taiyi had no choice. He needed intelligence, and he needed someone to scout the path for him. Kunpeng was the most suitable choice—scheming enough, slippery enough, and afraid of death enough. People afraid of death were easier to use.

As he pondered this, footsteps sounded outside the door.

They were light, but Taiyi recognized them—it was Bai Ze. He straightened his robes and returned to his seat behind the long table. The door opened, and Bai Ze entered, holding a jade slip.

"Your Majesty." Bai Ze bowed.

"Speak." Taiyi waved a hand.

"Kunpeng went to Xuanji Pavilion," Bai Ze said. "He stayed inside for half an hour. After coming out, he went to look around the treasury as well. The demon general guarding it followed Your Majesty's instructions and did not stop him."

"Mm." Taiyi nodded. "How did he react?"

"He was very calm." Bai Ze paused. "Calm enough to be... somewhat unusual."

Taiyi smiled. Calm was normal. For an old fox like Kunpeng, hiding his emotions was his true nature. If he had shown any expression, that would have been an act.

"Keep watching him," he said. "But do not watch too closely. Do not let him notice."

"Yes." Bai Ze accepted the order, but did not leave. "Your Majesty, there is something I do not know whether I should say."

"Say it."

"Kunpeng cannot be fully trusted," Bai Ze said bluntly. "He accepted the position of Demon Master today, but should any change arise in the future, he will surely be the first to turn against us."

The words were harsh, but Taiyi could hear the concern beneath them. Bai Ze was a loyal minister, loyal almost to a fault, but that loyalty was genuine.

"I know," Taiyi said. "But right now, I need him."

"Why?"

"Because there are some things," Taiyi said as he looked out the window, "that you cannot do, but he can."

Bai Ze fell silent. He understood Taiyi's meaning—there were some dirty tasks he truly could not bring himself to do. It was not that he lacked the ability, but that he was unwilling. He was Bai Ze, an auspicious omen, one who recorded history. His hands could not be stained with too much blood.

But Kunpeng could.

"This minister understands." Bai Ze bowed. "Then this minister shall take his leave."

"Go."

Bai Ze left the side hall. Once the door closed, the hall fell silent again. Taiyi sat there, staring at the sea of clouds beyond the window for a long time.

The sky gradually darkened, and the sea of clouds was dyed golden red by the evening glow. Lights lit up in the distant palaces, one after another, gradually joining into a sea of radiance.

He rose and left the side hall. The corridor was empty, with only the echo of his own footsteps. When he reached the fork in the road, he paused, then turned toward Sun Palace.

It was time to return.

To keep thinking, keep calculating, and keep moving step by step through this game of chess.