Chapter 705: Scheme
"Right, if I remember correctly." At this time, Li Qiye seemed to recall something and looked at Tie Yi to say: "There is also an item, an amazing item in the Serene Garden. Don't tell me you didn't simply go there to ask Caihe for medicines. You also wanted to steal that thing, right?"
"No, no, absolutely not." Tie Yi immediately denied this accusation: "Young Noble, Fairy Yuan is my savior. I engraved her kindness in the depths of my heart for all of eternity, so how could I steal from the Serene Garden?"
"Really now?" Li Qiye remarked in a flat tone while still staring straight at Tie Yi as if he had nowhere to hide.
With Li Qiye's eyes fixed on him like this, Tie Yi shuddered and lowered his head, forcing out a smile to say: "Haha, I can't hide it from Young Noble, I really had that thought back then. However, Fairy Yuan is a kind person, a real goddess. She saw my grave injuries and immediately treated me without any question; she even gave me some incredible medicines. I will always keep this life debt in my heart and will definitely not commit any immoral acts at the Serene Garden."
"I see." Li Qiye slightly nodded and said: "I hope you are telling the truth, but it really doesn't matter. I just want to let you know that whether it is the Serene Garden or Caihe, you better be smart and don't try anything foolish. Otherwise, let alone someone of your strength, even if you were an Immortal Emperor, I would still look for opportunities to end you!"
This remark was presented in a calm manner, but even someone like Tie Yi was frightened. He didn't doubt Li Qiye's words since he knew, very well, that Li Qiye was someone who could back them up!
After a moment of contemplation, Tie Yi calmed down and looked at Li Qiye before laughing: "Young Noble must like Fairy Yuan? In my opinion, she likes Young Noble as well."
"Like?" Li Qiye smiled and looked towards the far distance. Eventually, he gently sighed and said: "I like many things in this world, too many to count in fact, so in the end, I don't know what I truly like."
"It's no problem as long as Young Noble likes it. Does Young Noble want this lowly one to be a helper? Creating a romantic atmosphere or something like that… This lowly one will definitely do a good job so that Young Noble can meet Fairy Yuan whenever you wish." Tie Yi quickly tried to match Li Qiye together with Yuan Caihe.
Li Qiye only laughed at Tie Yi's attempt to pull strings and said: "You really look down on me too much. If I want to court a woman, do I really need help from someone else? I would just directly win them over. Is there a woman in this world whom I, Li Qiye, cannot conquer?"
"Yes, that is only a matter of course." Tie Yi quickly sucked up to Li Qiye and said: "Young Noble is outstanding and able to tread proudly through the era. With Young Noble's dragon-among-men features, people would adore you and flowers would bloom wherever you look…"
Li Qiye looked at him with one eye and motioned with his hand to say: "Okay, stop sucking up here, go and prepare the medicinal ingredients!"
Tie Yi acknowledged this command and laughed before turning away to leave. He dug down into the ground and instantly disappeared without a trace. Who knows if it was because he was an iron ant or not. In short, he especially liked to dig holes and travel underground. It would be more accurate if he was a rat instead of an iron ant. Only a rat would love to dig holes and move around underground like this.
After Tie Yi was gone, Li Qiye opened his box and noticed that inside was a group of sealed lights. Upon a closer look, it was not light but a group of lightning bolts.
They were in constant motion but were far from being simple lightning bolts. When he looked again, he found that inside this group of bolts hid a great amount of runes as if the mysteries of the world were inside.
"Not bad, a group of lightning bolts appearing in a place like this… It is truly not easy to find." Li Qiye looked at the lightning bolts and was immediately drawn in by them. Time and time again, he pondered over the runes inside.
After a meticulous contemplation, he finally derived some clues from within the runes successfully.
"Allpine Treefather, you actually managed to obtain such a great fortune that year…" He murmured after understanding some clues.
He gazed towards the far distance and suddenly fell silent while thinking about someone, a person who he didn't want to think about too much.
"One will always need to make a choice regarding a few things in this world." Li Qiye couldn't help but sigh and say: "No matter what, you are still the one I'm most proud of out of all the Immortal Emperors I have groomed."
His expression sank after saying this. The emotions of the past were overwhelming. There was too much frustration; even though he had impeccable means, there were still things that made him feel helpless and forced him to make a choice.
Li Qiye shook his head, composing himself as he didn't want to think about the past any longer. He focused his mind on this group of lightning bolts instead. He was not satisfied with just deriving the runes inside the bolts since he needed much more.
This small group of lightning bolts actually had an unbelievable origin, and with it a frightening catastrophe. Very few people in the world had actually managed to see this type of lightning.
However, Li Qiye had seen it before since it belonged to an extremely powerful tribulation. Although opening it was not an easy matter, he still had absolute confidence in himself.
In order to solve the mysteries, Li Qiye spent two days thinking. Meanwhile, Madam Zi Yan didn't want to disturb him, so she stayed by the door for his protection. It wasn't until the evening that she left for a moment.
A bit after her departure, Li Qiye finally managed to solve the riddles behind these bolts and revealed a faint smile.
At this time, Tie Yi quickly rushed in and stammered: "Not good, not good."
"What happened for you to be so alarmed? Is someone chasing you?" Li Qiye slowly asked after seeing the panicking Tie Yi.
The ant quickly responded: "I'm not being chased, but something happened to Madam Zi Yan."
"What about Zi Yan?" After hearing this, Li Qiye immediately stood up while revealing a fierce glare. She was still outside just a moment ago and it hadn't been long since she departed.
"She is being surrounded by experts from several great lineages like the Heavenhoof Ravine, the Huangfu Clan, and the Radiant-Sea Sect at a mountain not far from here." Tie Yi hastily answered.
A terrifying murderous intent appeared in Li Qiye's fierce glare, causing Tie Yi to shiver next to him. He felt as if Li Qiye resembled a terrifying god of death with a momentum capable of killing devils and immortals.
"Some people are really tired of living." Li Qiye slowly said: "Daring to touch my people… It seems that if I am not dyed with blood, some people won't come to realize what death is."
Having said that, he immediately left the room. Tie Yi, who was still quivering, suddenly saw a scene where a sea of blood towered into the sky, creating a horrifying spectacle. After calming down, he immediately followed Li Qiye.
On a mountain not far from the valley, Madam Zi Yan was being surrounded by a group of people whose majority consisted of the previous generation experts with gray hair. Their divine rings were brought out and emitted a bright radiance. All of them had a frightening aura.
The Radiant-Sea Alchemy Saint, Heavenhoof Elders, and high elders from the Huangfu Clan… All of them were famous Heavenly Kings from the previous generation. As for the young people present, there were those who stood out, such as the Dragon Princess.
At this time, there were two corpses down by Madam Zi Yan's feet. They were both young; no one could recognize one of the corpses, but from his clothing, it had to be a disciple from the ravine. The other dead youth was also quite renowned as a young alchemist; he was the person who became enemies with Li Qiye two days ago, the Vinepill King.
However, those two were not killed by the madam. Originally, the madam that was protecting Li Qiye inside the valley suddenly found something was amiss and immediately left to give chase at the valley's entrance. She noticed that a Heavenhoof disciple was sneaking around with a companion, the Vinepill King.
However, the king was already dead at that time. It only seemed as if they were entering the valley together. This disciple seemed to want to bring the dead king into Li Qiye's valley, but he didn't expect to be caught by the madam the moment he made it to the entrance.
He was scared out of his wits the moment he saw the madam and immediately carried the king's body and ran. They made it to this mountain not far from the valley.
The madam sensed something was amiss and immediately followed them. However, the moment she made it to the mountain, she found that the disciple was killed as well.
She realized that things were going south. It was an obvious trap so she tried to escape right away, but famous Heavenly Kings like the Alchemy Saint emerged all of a sudden.
She wanted to break through the blockade, but the powerful Heavenly Kings among this group immediately halted her retreat with their collective effort.
There were guests everywhere at Allpine Mountain, so their conflict drew in many people. The moment they saw the group trapping the madam, many of them quivered inside and knew that a big event had occurred.
705 Teaser"Right, if I remember correctly." At this time, Li Qiye seemed to recall something and looked at Tie Yi to say: "There is also an item, an amazing item in the Serene Garden. Don't tell me you didn't simply go there to ask Caihe for medicines. You also wanted to steal that thing, right?"
"No, no, absolutely not." Tie Yi immediately denied this accusation: "Young Noble, Fairy Yuan is my savior. I engraved her kindness in the depths of my heart for all eternity, so how could I steal from the Serene Garden?"
"Really now?" Li Qiye remarked in a flat tone while still staring straight at Tie Yi as if he had nowhere to hide.
With Li Qiye's eyes fixed on him like this, Tie Yi shuddered and lowered his head, forcing out a smile to say: "Haha, I can't hide it from Young Noble, I really had that thought back then. However, Fairy Yuan is a kind person, a real goddess. She saw my grave injuries and immediately treated me without any question; she even gave me some incredible medicines. I will always keep this life debt in my heart and will definitely not commit any immoral acts at the Serene Garden."
"I see."
[collapse]Chapter 706: Plenty Of Ways To Frame Someone
However, no matter who they might be, no one dared to say a word. This matter involved powerful existences like the Huangfu Clan, the Radiant-Sea Sect, and the Heavenhoof Ravine, so no one dared to utter anything carelessly.
The Radiant-Sea Sect was an imperial lineage with great prestige in the Alchemy Realm. It was needless to say about the ravine since it was one sect with two emperors. Ever since the Alchemy Kingdom, the Jianlong Clan, and the Beastmaster Citadel became more seclusive, the ravine became even more famous. At this time, they were also the most tyrannical lineage. Those who offended them would meet a very bad end.
The trapped madam immediately knew that this was a trap that she had carelessly fallen into. She also understood that this trap was not meant for her, but her Young Master. However, she inadvertently ruined the scheme, so the enemies improvised and trapped her instead.
Ultimately, she was still a great Demon King, a ruler of a country, so she could remain calm. She glanced around at the Alchemy Saint's group. She knew that today would not end peacefully because her enemies were not just one or two people, but several great powers that even included an imperial lineage! Without a doubt, this plan had been in the works for a while.
"Madam Zi Yan, you are truly vicious!" The Heavenhoof Elder who was also the master of the Vinepill King cried out: "My disciple only made a bet against you guys, yet you held this grievance and cruelly murdered him today. Is there no justice?!"
The elder put on a sorrowful display as if he was particularly stricken with sadness after losing his beloved disciple.
The alerted guests were quite shaken after hearing this. Killing a Heavenhoof disciple was an earth-shattering matter. Moreover, the Vinepill King was one of the most loved disciples of the ravine!
"Elder Fu, I didn't kill your disciple, cease your accusation." The madam deepened her voice. Despite being caught in an ambush, she could still retain her calmness due to her great experience.
"Madam Zi Yan, the evidence is as clear as day, the corpse of my disciple and his alchemy helper are right there below your feet, yet you still want to argue?" Elder Fu from the ravine declared solemnly.
"As clear as day?" The madam coldly responded: "They were already dead when I arrived here. In fact, your group appearing right when I found these corpses is quite a coincidence. Too much of a coincidence."
"What do you mean, Madam Zi Yan?" The chief high elder from the Huangfu Clan retorted: "I, along with Brother Fu and the Alchemy Saint, had a plan to discuss the dao tonight while watching the moon. We brought along our disciples so that they could get to know each other as well. Who would have thought that the moment we got here, we saw you killing our nephews!"
"Madam Zi Yan, was it not enough for you and that little animal Li to scheme against our Huangfu descendant?" The high elder added in an awe-inspiring manner: "Are there no bounds to your cruelty? For anyone who ever offended you two, is there no end until they are all dead? Do you choose to not obey the laws of this world?"
"While all of you are so certain that I killed these two, where is the evidence?" The madam drily replied while standing calmly before her enemies.
"The evidence is right below your feet! Is it not evident that his corpse is laying right there beside you?!" The Heavenhoof Elder raised his voice: "Madam Zi Yan, even though you are a great Demon King, you should know that death is the punishment for murder!"
"Brother Fu, something’s not right about this matter. Perhaps not everything is as we see it." The Alchemy Saint slowly spoke at this time: "Everyone knows that Royal Lord Zi Yan listens to Li Qiye. I'm afraid the royal lord wouldn't dare to take charge of something like this, this has to be her taking orders from him."
"Your words are not without reason." The high elder from the Huangfu Clan silently pondered for a moment before gravely speaking to the madam: "Madam Zi Yan, you should know that this is not a trivial matter. Killing a disciple of the ravine is akin to opposing the ravine! Don't tell me that you wish for war between the Giant Bamboo Country and the ravine just because of that Li Qiye?"
The Alchemy Saint acted as the mediator and spoke: "Madam Zi Yan, if you were forced to kill them because of Li Qiye, then before this matter escalates to the point of no return, you still have a choice. As long as you hand over the real culprit, Li Qiye, you will be able to make up for this crime. At that time, Brother Fu and I can intercede for you so that the ravine will not put the blame on your country seeing as how the real mastermind is Li Qiye." The alchemist finished with a cough.
The spectators were watching with bated breaths. No one dared to involve themselves in such a matter because if this took a turn for the worse, it might result in an all-out war between the two countries!
"You are right." The Huangfu High Elder coldly added: "Madam Zi Yan, the mastermind is Li Qiye, he is the real culprit. We cannot allow for such a villain to be outside of the law! If you are willing to tell the truth, then maybe the ravine will let this matter go. This matter is no joke. It is not wise for the Giant Bamboo Country to go to war with the ravine."
The madam had already guessed that this was a plot against her Young Master from the very beginning, and now, the truth confirmed her speculation.
The madam snorted and shook her head, saying: "I do pity the Vinepill King. As a disciple of the ravine, he was forced to be offered as a sacrifice in the end. Even if he was a disciple of the elder, in the end, he was discarded as a pawn. It is so pitiful to come from a lineage like this. I'm afraid that even upon his death, he still didn't know what had happened."
"Madam Zi Yan, what are you trying to say?!" The Heavenhoof Elder shouted: "You murdered my disciples yet you still dare to spew false accusations towards my ravine?! Madam Zi Yan, you really think that your country is powerful enough to be so lawless? You really think that your country can do as it pleases just because of your Divine Guardian?"
"Lawless?" At this time, a laid-back voice interjected: "There is no need for the Giant Bamboo Country to act lawlessly. I am the one who is above the law, and since I am the law, I am the heavens."
At this time, a person reached the top of the mountain; it was Li Qiye. Tie Yi followed right behind him with a scared demeanor. He was hiding right behind Li Qiye as if he was afraid of being stepped on.
"Li Qiye!" Upon seeing him, the Heavenhoof Elder's group cried out and immediately rushed to him.
And it wasn't just his group. In an instant, the Alchemy Saint and the Huangfu High Elder along with a large group of experts all rushed forward and immediately surrounded him with many layers.
The madam who was trapped earlier was immediately forgotten. Judging by their actions, it seemed that Li Qiye was the real culprit.
Some of the guests were now quivering, especially the famous ones with great status; they felt that something was about to happen.
The Heavenhoof Elder shouted: "Li! You killed my disciple, hand your life over!"
Li Qiye could still retain his cool and leisurely demeanor despite being surrounded. He looked at the elder and smilingly said: "Oh? The Vinepill King is dead? That is a surprise for me."
"Li! You know this full well!" The Alchemy Saint raised his tone: "The Vinepill King only betted against you and used a few unpleasant words. However, you actually held a grudge and ordered Royal Lord Zi Yan to kill him. Someone as vicious as you who slays fellow daoists is unforgivable!"
"Yeah?" Li Qiye couldn't keep himself from laughing. He leisurely responded: "It was only a disciple from the ravine, what's the big deal? Do I need to order someone else if I wanted to take his life? I could easily crush him with a slight touch. Moreover, this Vinepill King, if I wanted to kill him, I would already have done so two days ago, so why would I have given him a chance to leave?"
"Excuses!" The Heavenhoof Elder shouted: "Do you think people will believe your explanation? It is as clear as day that my disciple was killed by Madam Zi Yan! She is your follower and obeys you without question, so only you could have commanded her to kill him!"
"So it is this type of play." Li Qiye didn't give a damn. He didn't mind even if these elders accused him of killing the Vinepill King. He brought his arms in front of his chest and acted as if he was watching a fun play while telling these elders: "I really do think the truth is just as you said… Since all of you are so into your roles, I'll join in this play as well. However, acting is quite difficult. Moreover, killing your own disciple just for this play is even more difficult, am I right? All right, I killed your disciple, the Vinepill King, how do you all want to catch me?" Li Qiye acted as if he was without a care at this moment.
The madam couldn't help but quiver. Her Young Master knew that this was a conspiracy, yet he still chose to jump right in. She wanted to say something, but Li Qiye waved his sleeve and stopped her.
"The punishment for murder is death!" The Heavenhoof Elder shouted: "You killed my disciple, so blood for blood and life for life!"
"Brother Fu, calm down, calm down a bit." The Alchemy Saint hurriedly interjected: "We are not unreasonable people who can't tell right from wrong. Li Qiye, the way you said it, do you think we are setting you up?"
The Alchemy Saint cleared his throat and continued slowly: "Although the Vinepill King's death is as clear as day, we will give you a chance to a fair trial. Plus, we are here to celebrate the treefather's birthday, so it is not good to spill blood here."
"Oh, so to say, I should be thanking all of you for your kindness and merciful ways?" Li Qiye smiled and said: "Good, then a fair trial it is, what do I have to do?"
This response didn't only surprise the Alchemy Saint's group, many spectating guests to the side were also astonished.