Game and Agreement

Chapter 12: The Game and the Agreement

Three days after Taiyi left, Kunpeng emerged from the Northern Darkness.

He didn't rush his journey, flying leisurely, leaning on his withered wood staff, his dark green robes fluttering in the cold wind. From the Northern Darkness to the Heavenly Court, a Quasi-Saint could make the trip in half a day. Yet, he flew for a full day, stopping three times in between—once to watch the waves by the North Sea, once to circle the outskirts of Kunlun Mountain, and another time, he simply found a cloud and took a nap.

It wasn't to put on airs; he was thinking.

He thought about how Eastern Emperor Taiyi looked when he visited the Northern Darkness, about that Chaos Bell, about the Divine Ability of Time-Space Stasis. The more he thought, the more uneasy he felt.

How many years had Kunpeng lived? He couldn't even remember. He had existed since the creation of heaven and earth, experienced the Dragon-Han Tribulation, evaded the schemes of Demon Ancestor Luohu, and vied for a seat in Zixiao Palace—though he didn't get one. In all that time, he had seen countless people and events. But someone like Eastern Emperor Taiyi was rare.

It wasn't that Taiyi wasn't strong—the kid was indeed powerful, able to push back a Quasi-Saint at the peak of Grand Unity, a feat unmatched in the Great Wilderness. But strength aside, his demeanor shouldn't have changed.

What was the old Eastern Emperor Taiyi like? Arrogant, proud, with eyes like burning fire, looking down on everyone. But that arrogance was straightforward, unyielding, like a sheathed sword, its sharpness exposed, yet its depths easily seen.

And the current Taiyi?

Still arrogant, still proud, but beneath that arrogance, there was something else. Like a deep pool, calm on the surface, but hiding unknown depths. That day in the Northern Darkness, when their eyes met, Kunpeng saw something else in those golden pupils—calmness, calculation, even a hint of... detachment?

This was not normal.

Kunpeng flipped over on the cloud, looking at the sprawling mountain range below. The mountains were green, the clouds white, and the sunlight streamed down, making everything seem bright. Yet, his heart was shrouded in mist.

"Either he's been through something major and his temperament has drastically changed," he murmured to himself, "or... it's not the original person."

He startled himself with his own words.

Not the original person? Then who could it be? Possession? But who could possess Eastern Emperor Taiyi? He was at the peak of Grand Unity, the Chaos Bell above his head, the Origin of the Sun Star within him. In the entire Great Wilderness, those who could possess him silently could be counted on one hand.

And for what purpose would someone possess him? Just to be Eastern Emperor? Worth it?

Kunpeng shook his head, suppressing the thought. No matter what Taiyi had become, the most important thing now was—what to do when he reached the Heavenly Court.

Agreeing to come out of seclusion was a temporary measure. The moment that Time-Space Stasis descended, he knew a direct confrontation was not worth it. That kid Taiyi had learned some strange Divine Ability from somewhere, and with the Chaos Bell, if a real fight broke out, he'd lose a layer of skin even if he won.

It was better to agree for now and deal with things once he was in the Heavenly Court.

But what then? Would he honestly serve as the Demon Master? Work for the Demon Race?

Kunpeng smiled, a cold, humorless smile. He had lived for so many years and understood a fundamental truth—there were no eternal friends in this world, only eternal interests. Did the benefits the Demon Race could offer him justify his service? That remained to be seen.

He sat up, brushing the cloud energy off his robes. In the distance, the silhouette of the Heavenly Court was visible, suspended above the sea of clouds, its palaces stretching endlessly, shimmering with golden light. It looked grand, but Kunpeng knew the waters within ran deep.

It was time to move.

He stood up, tapped his withered wood staff on the ground, and transformed into a dark green streak of light, soaring towards the Heavenly Court.

Taiyi met Kunpeng in a side hall of Lingxiao Palace.

Not the main hall; that was too formal. The side hall was smaller and simply furnished, with a long table and a few chairs. Taiyi sat at the head of the table, not in his court attire, but still in his black combat clothes. He held a cup of tea, sipping it slowly.

When Kunpeng entered, he didn't even lift his eyelids.

"You're here?" Taiyi put down his teacup.

"Your Majesty summoned me, how could this old servant dare not come." Kunpeng bowed, a smile plastered on his face. The smile was still fake, but it was natural, as if it were real.

"Sit."

Kunpeng sat down opposite him. They were separated by the long table, and for a moment, neither spoke. The hall was quiet, the faint sound of boiling tea audible. Light slanted in from the window, casting bright patches on the jade-green floor.

"The position of Demon Master," Taiyi finally spoke, "comes with three authorities. First, to oversee the affairs of all departments in the Heavenly Court and coordinate civil and military matters. Second, to advise on military strategy and formulate plans. Third..."

He paused and looked at Kunpeng: "To monitor internally and externally, and eliminate hidden dangers."

Kunpeng's heart skipped a beat.

Monitoring internally and externally, eliminating hidden dangers—this authority was too great and too sensitive. It was equivalent to handing over the eyes and ears of the Heavenly Court to him, making him the one responsible for rooting out traitors.

"Your Majesty," Kunpeng chose his words carefully, "this old servant is new here, taking on such a heavy responsibility, I fear..."

"Fear what?" Taiyi interrupted him. "Fear offending people?"

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

"If you fear offending people, then don't come to the Heavenly Court," Taiyi said directly. "If you come, you must do things. Do what needs to be done, and offend those who need to be offended."

His words were harsh, but Kunpeng heard the underlying meaning—Taiyi needed a knife, a knife to do his cutting for him. And he, Kunpeng, was that knife.

"This old servant understands," Kunpeng nodded. "However, this authority of supervision involves a wide scope. I wonder if Your Majesty... has specific regulations?"

"You set the regulations yourself," Taiyi waved his hand. "I only look at the results. In the Heavenly Court, whoever is restless, whoever harbors ill intentions, whoever is colluding with outsiders—find them out and report them to me."

"Yes."

"Also," Taiyi picked up his teacup again, "Bai Ze will take you to familiarize yourself with the outer formations of the Great Zhou Heavenly Stars Formation. I'll give you three months. After three months, I want to see your understanding of the formation not inferior to Bai Ze's."

Kunpeng's heart stirred again.

Three months to comprehend the outer formations of the Great Zhou Heavenly Stars Formation—the time was tight, but it also indicated that Taiyi genuinely intended to use him, not just make a show of it.

"This old servant will do his best," he bowed.

Taiyi nodded and said no more, continuing to drink his tea. Kunpeng sat there, his mind rapidly calculating. The authority had been granted, the conditions agreed upon, the next step was to discuss... the price.

As expected, Taiyi put down his teacup and looked at him: "What do you want?"

Directly to the point.

Kunpeng smiled, this time with more sincerity: "Your Majesty is straightforward. I don't ask for much, just three things."

"Speak."

"First, I want the right to consult the Heavenly Court's archives." Kunpeng raised one finger. "Not to take, but to consult. Some formation deductions require heavenly materials and earthly treasures as references."

"Agreed," Taiyi nodded.

"Second," Kunpeng raised his second finger, "I have some assets in the Northern Darkness and wish to move them to the Heavenly Court. Could Your Majesty allocate a secluded palace for me to settle in?"

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

"There's a 'Xuanji Pavilion' west of the Sun Palace, it's vacant," Taiyi said. "It's yours."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Kunpeng bowed and raised his third finger. "Third... for my cultivation resources, the Heavenly Court needs to supply them according to the specifications for a Demon Master. Additionally, if I require anything, I hope to be able to meet Your Majesty directly, without needing to go through others."

This last point was to leave himself a direct channel to the imperial ear.

Taiyi looked at him for a long time. The light in the hall slowly shifted, moving from one end of the long table to the other. Immortal birds flew past the window, leaving behind clear calls.

"Alright," Taiyi finally said. "But on one condition—you must not shirk the tasks I give you, and you must not abuse the authority I grant you. Understand?"

"I understand."

The agreement was reached.

But both knew in their hearts that this agreement was as thin as paper, easily torn. Kunpeng wanted power, resources, and a place to stand. Taiyi wanted a knife, someone to do his dirty work. Each took what they needed, yet each harbored their own intentions.

"One more thing," Taiyi suddenly said.

"Please speak, Your Majesty."

"The Witch Race," Taiyi tapped lightly on the long table with his finger, "I need to know their movements. What the Twelve Ancestral Witches are doing, how their troops are being deployed, and... the situation at Pangu Hall."

Pangu Hall.

Kunpeng's heart stirred. He remembered Taiyi's gaze when he spoke of malevolent energy during his visit to the Northern Darkness that day. There was something in that gaze—longing? Or something else?

"Pangu Hall is the ancestral land of the Witch Race, heavily guarded," Kunpeng said cautiously. "Although I have some means of investigation, to delve deep inside, I fear..."

"No need to delve deep," Taiyi shook his head. "Just the periphery. Observe the guard deployment, the personnel coming and going, and... if there's anything unusual."

The words were vague, but Kunpeng understood. Taiyi wasn't looking for intelligence; he was looking for something. What was he looking for? He didn't ask, and he shouldn't.

"I will do my best," he said.

Taiyi nodded and said no more. Kunpeng knew it was time to leave, so he rose and bowed: "Then I shall take my leave and familiarize myself with the Heavenly Court."

"Go."

Kunpeng exited the side hall and walked slowly along the corridor. The corridors of the Heavenly Court were wide and long, paved with white jade and supported by golden pillars. They looked magnificent, but also unnervingly vast and empty. He leaned on his staff, walking step by step, his mind racing.

Why did Taiyi want to investigate Pangu Hall?

Malevolent energy? But malevolent energy was everywhere; why specifically Pangu Hall? That was the lair of the Twelve Ancestral Witches. Going there to find malevolent energy was akin to seeking death.

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

Kunpeng narrowed his eyes. He recalled some ancient legends about Pangu Hall. That place was formed from Pangu's heart, containing the remnants of Pangu's creation of the heavens, and also... some more ancient things.

What was Taiyi looking for?

He didn't know. But he knew this was an opportunity. Taiyi had a need, and he could gain something. The key was how to maximize this "gain."

He reached the end of the corridor, where a fork lay ahead. The left path led to the main hall of Lingxiao Palace, and the right path led deeper into the palace complex. Kunpeng stopped and looked at both directions.

Then he turned and walked to the right.

He had to go and see that Xuanji Pavilion first, to see how substantial this "gift" from Taiyi truly was.

In the side hall, Taiyi was still sitting there.

The tea had gone cold, and he hadn't refilled it. The light from the window slanted onto the long table, illuminating the green jade surface. He stared at the light for a long time.

In the negotiation just now, he seemed to have the upper hand—he had granted authority, agreed to the conditions, and Kunpeng had conceded. But he knew that old fellow wasn't that simple.

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

Kunpeng wanted the right to consult the archives, an independent palace, and a direct channel to the imperial ear—these demands, while seemingly reasonable on the surface, were, upon closer inspection, all paving the way for himself. Paving a fallback, paving a retreat.

Taiyi wasn't afraid of him having ulterior motives; he was afraid of him not knowing where to direct those motives.

"Old fox..." he murmured.

He got up and walked to the window, pushing it open. Outside, clouds surged, and distant palaces loomed in the mist. The wind was strong, making his robes flutter.

He thought of the malevolent energy the Chaos Bell needed, and he thought of Pangu Hall. The System's quest was there, and he had to go. But how? When? And how to return after going?

A pile of questions.

And then there was Kunpeng—asking this old fellow to investigate the periphery of Pangu Hall was a risky move. If he found nothing, it would be a waste of effort. If he found something, would this old fellow become suspicious? Would he make a move himself?

Both were possible.

But Taiyi had no choice. He needed intelligence, someone to scout ahead for him. Kunpeng was the most suitable candidate—cunning, sly, and also very afraid of death. People who feared death were, paradoxically, more useful.

As he was thinking, footsteps could be heard from outside the door.

They were light, but Taiyi recognized them—it was Bai Ze. He straightened his robes and sat back down behind the long desk. The door opened, and Bai Ze walked in, holding a bamboo slip.

"Your Majesty," Bai Ze bowed.

"Speak," Taiyi waved his hand.

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

"Mhm," Taiyi nodded. "What was his reaction?"

"Very calm," Bai Ze paused. "So calm... it's a bit abnormal."

Taiyi smiled. Calm was normal. Kunpeng was an old fox; not showing his emotions was his true nature. If he had actually shown any expression, that would have been fake.

"Keep watching him," he said. "But don't watch him too closely, let him notice."

"Yes," Bai Ze acknowledged, but he didn't leave. "Your Majesty, there is something, and I don't know if I should say it."

"Say it."

"Kunpeng cannot be fully trusted," Bai Ze said directly. "He agreed to the position of Demon Master today, but if something happens in the future, he will be the first to betray us."

These were heavy words, but Taiyi could hear the concern in them. Bai Ze was a loyal minister, perhaps a bit too rigid, but his loyalty was genuine.

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

"Why?"

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

Bai Ze fell silent. He understood what Taiyi meant—there were some dirty jobs he truly couldn't bring himself to do. Not that he couldn't, but that he wouldn't. He was Bai Ze, an auspicious omen, a recorder of history. His hands could not be stained with too much blood.

But Kunpeng could.

"I understand," Bai Ze bowed. "Then I shall take my leave."

"Go."

Bai Ze exited the side hall. After the door closed, the hall fell silent again. Taiyi sat there, looking at the sea of clouds outside the window for a long time.

The sky gradually darkened, and the sea of clouds was dyed a golden red by the sunset. Distant palaces lit up, one by one, gradually forming a continuous glow.

He stood up and walked out of the side hall. The corridor was empty, with only the sound of his own footsteps echoing. When he reached a fork in the road, he paused, then turned and walked towards the Sun Palace.

It was time to go back.

Back to continue thinking, continue calculating, continue taking one step at a time in this game.