Report Tang Hao!!

"Slaughter City?"

Cao Kun's eyes flashed, and he sat up straight. "Just as I thought."

Tang Hao had taken the blind Tang San to Slaughter City. His purpose was obvious.

First, he hoped to use the city's brutal environment and its unique system of cultivation through killing intent to find another way to restore Tang San's sight—or at least help him adapt to fighting blind.

Second, he wanted to hide from his enemies in Spirit Hall and from other potential threats.

Chaotic and lawless, Slaughter City was an ideal hiding place.

And third... he was probably gathering strength for revenge.

"Tang Hao has it all planned out."

Cao Kun chuckled and tapped a finger against the armrest. "Slaughter City is a place of chaos, partly governed by the Asura God's Rules. It certainly makes a fine refuge and training ground. Unfortunately..."

A cold glint crossed his eyes.

"My lord, should we take action?"

Dugu Yan sought his instructions. "Some of our scouts are skilled at tracking and concealment. They could try slipping into the outskirts of Slaughter City to confirm where Tang Hao and Tang San are, or even..."

"No need."

Cao Kun waved a hand, cutting her off. "Slaughter City is unusual. Its Rules are chaotic, and killing intent eats away at the mind. Sending our people in without preparation would be too risky. It isn't worth it."

"Besides, now that Tang Hao and Tang San are inside, they probably won't come out anytime soon. Let them 'train' in there."

He paused, and that knowing smile returned to his lips. "But while we won't go in ourselves, we can still arrange a little 'entertainment' for them."

Dugu Yan looked at him questioningly.

"We aren't Tang Hao's only enemies."

Cao Kun spoke slowly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Spirit Hall has certainly never 'forgotten' him."

"Qian Xunji died because of him. Qian Xunji brought it on himself, of course, but Spirit Hall—and His Holiness the Pope, Bibi Dong, in particular—has always 'kept that grudge close to heart.'"

"My lord, you mean..." Understanding dawned on Dugu Yan.

"Use someone else to do the killing, and place a piece on the board while we're at it."

Calculation flickered in Cao Kun's eyes. "Yan'er, find a reliable operative willing to die for the cause, preferably one who's close to breaking through. Send him to Spirit City with accurate intelligence that Tang Hao is heading for Slaughter City. He's to report it directly to the Papal Hall."

He gave her detailed instructions. "Make sure his background stands up to scrutiny. Ideally, he should appear to be an independent Soul Master of humble birth with some talent and a desire to join Spirit Hall."

"When he makes the report, he should show 'hatred' for Tang Hao, along with 'admiration' for Spirit Hall and a wish to serve it."

"Afterward, he should ask to join Spirit Hall and request help breaking through his current bottleneck. He could be a level-fifty-nine Soul King or a level-sixty-nine Soul Emperor, for example. His manner must be sincere, and his reasons believable."

"Spirit Hall has plenty of plans underway in secret and needs capable people, especially talented Soul Masters with clean backgrounds."

"They'll most likely accept a level-fifty-nine Soul King who comes to them willingly and brings valuable intelligence."

"Even if they're suspicious, they'll keep him under watch first. They won't simply turn him away or kill him."

"After all, information on Tang Hao is immensely valuable to them."

Dugu Yan listened closely. She understood the full scope of his plan now.

It would accomplish three things at once. First, Spirit Hall would cause Tang Hao enormous trouble, perhaps even hunt him down. Whatever the outcome, it would drain his strength and delay his recovery and revenge. Second, they would plant an agent inside Spirit Hall. His position would be low at first, but his cover would be convincing and discreet. He might prove useful in unexpected ways later. Third, it would further muddy the waters across the continent, drawing more of Spirit Hall's attention to Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Sect and giving Mount Buzhou more time and room to develop in secret.

"A brilliant plan, my lord."

Dugu Yan praised him sincerely. "I'll make the arrangements at once. As for the candidate... a few of our scouts fit the requirements."

"One of them, codenamed Shadow Seven, is a level-fifty-nine agility-type Battle Soul King. His Martial Soul is the Shadow Leopard. He was born poor, and his parents were killed by Soul Beasts when he was young. Mount Buzhou raised him afterward, so his loyalty is beyond doubt. He's also skilled at concealment and speed—perfect for this mission."

"Yes, send him."

Cao Kun nodded. "Tell him that once the mission succeeds, he'll be Dark Star, Mount Buzhou's agent inside Spirit Hall."

"His priorities are to stay alive, earn their trust, and rise through the ranks. Unless it's necessary, he must not contact us."

"Mount Buzhou will provide some of the resources he needs for his breakthrough through discreet channels."

"And have him pay particular attention to information concerning Pope Bibi Dong, the Elder Hall, and the Golden Generation—Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan."

"Yes!"

Dugu Yan accepted the order solemnly, excitement flashing in her eyes.

Planting an agent near the heart of Spirit Hall would be a major step in Mount Buzhou's plans for the continent!

She wasted no time. After bowing to Cao Kun, she turned and hurried away, soon disappearing beyond the courtyard gate.

Cao Kun leaned back in his chair and gazed north, as if he could see through the mountains to Spirit City, that grand symbol of Spirit Hall's supreme power.

"Bibi Dong... I wonder whether you'll like this 'gift.'"

He murmured to himself, a complicated light in his eyes.

He bore little ill will toward the pope whose fate in the original story had been so troubled. Ruthless as she was, she had ultimately become a god only to meet a tragic end. He even admired her ability and ambition.

But they stood on different sides, and conflict would likely be unavoidable.

There was nothing wrong with placing a piece on the board early.

"Tang Hao, Tang Hao. Do 'enjoy' Spirit Hall's 'warm welcome.'"

Cao Kun's smile grew more pronounced.

"I hope you can withstand their pursuit. Don't disappoint me."

"After all, you'll make a fine 'whetstone' for my plans."

The following afternoon.

Spirit City, the Papal Hall.

The hall, a symbol of Spirit Hall's highest authority and glory, stood imposing and solemn. Its walls were built entirely of white stone.

Countless angels and sacred patterns were carved into the stone. They gleamed in the sunlight, lending the hall a majesty that inspired awe.

Deep inside lay the pope's private council chamber.

Light streamed through tall stained-glass windows, casting vivid, sacred patterns across the room.

Bibi Dong sat high on the papal throne, dressed in magnificent purple robes and wearing the Nine-Curved Purple Gold Crown.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, with a noble, cool bearing. Her violet eyes were as deep as the starry sky, yet seemed to hold boundless authority and a trace of weariness too deep to notice at a glance.

Time had left few marks on her face. Only the occasional sharpness and world-weariness that crossed her brow hinted at the storms she had weathered while ruling Spirit Hall.

Below her, several cardinals stood with their hands at their sides. The atmosphere was tense.

Just then,

A respectful voice called from outside the chamber. "Your Holiness, a Soul Master outside claims to have come from a remote region and requests an audience on urgent business."

"He says it concerns... Tang Hao."