novelapdf #581 - The smell of conspiracy
#581 - The smell of conspiracy
Li Chengfeng's method of refining corpses was a perfect fusion of corpse puppet techniques and the mysteries of the soul, allowing the puppet corpses to grow as if they were alive.
The changes on his body were happening daily, with sets of forbidden gear adorning him like battle armor; it was precisely this treasure that allowed him to advance unhindered on his path of cultivation.
With this forbidden gear, even corpses could absorb moisture and ghost energy, improving themselves; it was simply miraculous!
Li Chengfeng pondered each step carefully, as if laying the foundation for future cultivation techniques, never wasting a moment.
When he completed his work, Sima Youran suddenly stood up, a flash of intense green light flickering in his eyes, disappearing in an instant, returning to a normal state; if not for a close look, it would have been difficult to discern his true form.
Only in battle did he reveal his true zombie nature, leaving people in awe.
He bowed deeply to Li Chengfeng, his gratitude overflowing: "Thank you, fellow Daoist, for your assistance. What is the state of the Far West now? How have things changed for my Sima family?"
Sima Jiao'ao's mind flickered, and light entered his body; Sima Youran actually spat out green blood, showing that an old wound had been triggered.
Sima Jiao'ao quickly comforted him: "Father, those are past events. Now, the Sima family has regrouped and, under the leadership of President Li, will surely regain its former glory. The family's elites have all become forbidden gear cultivators, their strength greatly increased."
Sima Youran looked at his son, his eyes full of relief: "You've worked hard; after my death, the burden will fall entirely on your shoulders."
At this moment, Sima Jiao'ao's wife walked over with their young son, accompanied by Leng Xiaoyao, a handsome and imposing young man, an elder of the Forbidden Gear Research Institute, with deep ties to the Sima family.
It turned out that Sima Jiao'ao's wife was from the Demon race, once a skilled seductress trained by Leng Xiaoyao, but now she had sincerely submitted to the Sima family, working together for a great cause.
Having experienced vicissitudes, the two fought side by side, reclaiming the Far West, extinguishing the Fire Demon race, and standing on the same battle line, writing a new legendary chapter.
Beneath that vast sky, the Sima family's mansion stood tall, its former glory now resembling a flickering candle in the wind, on the verge of collapse.
Sima Youran, the elder of this family, looked at this land that once filled him with pride, a trace of unwillingness and helplessness flashing in his eyes, a bitter smile on his lips.
He slowly paced back and forth, each step seeming to bear the glory of the past and the heaviness of the present, sighing: "Even heroes of the past find it difficult to escape the allure of beauty.
Enough, let the past fade away with the wind. My Sima family will surely be reborn from the ruins, and I, Sima Qian, will never repeat the same mistakes in this life."
Having said that, he turned to look at Li Chengfeng beside him, his eyes shining with determination and expectation.
Li Chengfeng nodded slightly in respect, and then said: "Elder Sima, although the road ahead is difficult, we will walk together side by side. Facing setbacks, we should be even more courageous and forge ahead."
With that, he waved his sleeve, and ripples suddenly appeared in the air, forming a mysterious vortex, engulfing Sima Jiao'ao, Sima Youran, and himself, as if traversing a tunnel through time and space, heading to an unknown place for discussion.
Leng Xiaoyao, this elegant yet unfathomable wise man, stood aside, and after witnessing all this, smiled indifferently. With a wave of his hand, cultivators appeared like ghosts, quickly and orderly cleaning up the traces of the scene, everything appearing so clean and neat.
He gently stroked the child's hair beside him, his eyes full of tenderness and love, whispering softly: "Little one, rest assured, with me, Leng Xiaoyao, here, the things I have promised will surely be fulfilled one by one. The future of the Sima family will surely be revitalized."
Sima Jiao'ao's wife, a gentle and virtuous woman, heard this, a trace of gratitude flashed in her eyes, and she nodded gently, her voice tinged with sobs: "Thank you, Young Clan Leader, for mediating, allowing our Sima family to catch its breath."
Leng Xiaoyao shook his head, his smile carrying a hint of profound meaning: "This is not the achievement of one person, but the result of your Sima family's unity and winning the approval of my master with your actions.
Now that the old master has returned, the future of the Sima family should naturally be re-led by him.
It's just that I can't help but feel sorry for Brother Jiao'ao; he has given so much, but…"
The woman's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, but she quickly regained her composure and said softly: "I am just a woman; the major affairs of the family will naturally be decided by my husband and elders.
What I can do is to protect this home and not let my husband have any worries. Clan Leader Shao is being too serious; please do not mention this matter again."
Leng Xiaoyao laughed loudly upon hearing this, his laughter containing both admiration and some complex emotions: "I brought you out of the Demon Realm back then, intending to train you into a sharp weapon in my hands, to help me expand my territory.
Not only did you complete the task, but you also exceeded expectations, not only seducing Sima Jiao'ao, but also choosing your own path at a crucial moment, supporting him to his current position.
Now it seems that your terror lies not in your charm, but in that transcendence and tenacity. I, Leng Xiaoyao, misjudged you, but also chose the right person."
The woman's face suddenly changed drastically, a trace of vigilance and unease flashing in her eyes. She stared at Leng Xiaoyao, her voice trembling slightly: "Young Clan Leader, what do you mean by this?
I admit that I have wronged you in the past, but that is all in the past.
Now, we are all serving President Li Chengfeng, working together for the overall situation. Why do you suddenly mention this matter?"
Leng Xiaoyao remained expressionless, his tone calm but revealing an undeniable depth: "You don't need to be nervous; in fact, I didn't initially take this matter to heart.
Over the years, I have instead felt gratified by your growth and transformation.
After all, most of the hundred beauties I trained failed to escape the shackles of fate, but you not only survived, but also gained your own happiness.
However, it is precisely this difference in you that made me begin to re-examine you."
He paused, his gaze like a torch, as if able to penetrate people's hearts: "I carefully recalled the past; although those women each had their own strengths, none of them were able to walk their own path like you.
I began to realize that there was an unspeakable trait in you, a kind of… aura of conspiracy.
Until this moment, I finally clearly felt this flavor in you."
The woman's pupils suddenly shrank, and along with shock, there was more incomprehension: "The aura of conspiracy? What is that?"
Leng Xiaoyao smiled slightly, but that smile hid a hint of coldness: "In this world of the survival of the fittest, strength and means often coexist.
The reason why the master can rise is precisely because of those seemingly unbelievable but extremely effective strategies.
And you seem to have been infected with this aura invisibly.
My approaching you and helping the Sima family is actually to find the answer—why are you so different? Is there a force behind manipulating you?"
The woman retreated repeatedly, her eyes full of horror: "I don't know what you're talking about! I have never betrayed anyone!"
Leng Xiaoyao's figure flashed, and he suddenly reached out and grabbed the woman, his speed astonishing.
However, the woman disappeared from the spot like a phantom, leaving only a faint afterimage in the air.
"Leng Xiaoyao, don't force me! Otherwise, I will really kill you!" The woman's voice came from a distance, carrying a hint of decisiveness.