LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 78: Sacrifice of the Blue Silver King, Tang Hao’s Collapse
Chapter 78: Sacrifice of the Blue Silver King, Tang Hao's Collapse
After a long time, Qin Xiao's vision suddenly cleared.
He had reached the deepest part of the cave, inside a simple stone chamber.
The chamber was empty all around, but at its very center, there was a small mound of earth.
On the mound, a slender blue silver grass swayed in the wind.
This blue silver grass appeared longer than the leaves of ordinary grass.
A beam of light, coming from a hole at the top of the cave wall, shone down precisely on the blue silver grass, displaying the golden patterns on the leaves to Qin Xiao.
"The Blue Silver Emperor, no doubt about it."
Qin Xiao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a satisfied smile.
He strode forward to the mound, bent down, and plucked the Blue Silver Emperor, roots and all.
Then, he took a flowerpot out of his spatial soul-guiding device and planted it inside.
"Wait."
"Just like this, when Tang Hao sees it, he will surely be furious. But."
"Seems a bit too easy on him?"
Qin Xiao's eyes twinkled with a scheme in mind.
Whoosh.
The next moment, he disappeared from the spot in a flash of lightning.
After just two breaths, he reappeared inside the stone chamber.
However, he now held another stalk of blue silver grass in his hand.
Without a doubt, this was an ordinary blue silver grass that could be seen everywhere.
Planting the blue silver grass in the mound, Qin Xiao restored the surroundings to their original state.
Snap.
He snapped his fingers, and a faint blue arc of electricity streaked through the air, landing on the blue silver grass.
Instantly, the blue silver grass turned scorched black.
"Heh, that's more like it."
Qin Xiao smirked maliciously, "When Tang Hao discovers the blue silver grass has been struck by lightning, he will surely fall into deep regret, won't he?"
"I wonder if he will impulsively choose to end his own life to join Ah Yin?"
Of course.
This was merely a thought; Qin Xiao knew Tang Hao wasn't that kind of person.
"Enough, what needed to be done has been done, it's time to search for the Blue Silver King."
"The original work mentioned that the Blue Silver King is also within the territory of the Star Luo Empire, not too far from here."
As Qin Xiao thought this, he left the place, dragging the flowerpot with the Blue Silver Emperor planted in it.
Elsewhere.
Haotian Sect.
In the sect's grand hall.
The Second Elder, along with the Fourth Elder, sat in their respective seats.
However, the four great elders no longer possessed their previous vigor.
Most of them looked dejected, clearly having paid a price to withstand Tang Hao's explosive attack.
But there were exceptions.
The Seventh Elder's face was full of anger, "Second brother, I can't swallow this grievance."
"That bastard Tang Hao, we Haotian Sect raised him from nothing. He actually turned against us, and with such a vicious attack?"
His chest heaved like a bellows, nearly bursting with rage.
"Seventh brother, calm down."
"Have you forgotten? Tang Hao has already expelled himself from the sect, hasn't he?"
The Fourth Elder took a deep breath and said solemnly.
"Fourth brother, you are mistaken."
"That was merely an unspoken agreement. He expels himself just because he says so?"
The Seventh Elder said emphatically, "Has the spirit of the Haotian Hammer been destroyed? Have the secret techniques taught to him by the Haotian Sect been reclaimed? Only when these matters are settled can he no longer be considered a disciple of our Haotian Sect."
"Moreover, he brought so much trouble to the Haotian Sect back then. Even now, the sect has had to hide away because of him. How much has the sect sacrificed for him? Can he sever ties with just a few words?"
"Even if he wants to sever ties, it doesn't matter if we agree or not, but does the Spirit Hall think the same?"
Ah, this...
The faces of the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Elders stiffened.
Because the Seventh Elder was right.
Under the heavens, perhaps only Tang Hao himself thought he was no longer a person of the Haotian Sect.
"So, Tang Hao is nothing but an ungrateful wretch, a rebel!"
The more the Seventh Elder spoke, the more agitated he became, his face turning red.
"Enough, what's the point of saying this now?"
Finally, the always silent Second Elder spoke, "Regardless of what kind of person Tang Hao is, he has escaped, and we did not catch up. Instead of complaining here, we should think of a way to save the Third Elder."
"Yes!"
The Seventh Elder was momentarily stunned, then his expression darkened, "Third brother is still in Qin Xiao's hands, not knowing what kind of suffering he's enduring."
"I think there shouldn't be any problems. After all, third brother is an elder of our Haotian Sect. Qin Xiao couldn't do anything too excessive, could he?"
The Fifth Elder spoke softly.
"Fifth brother, you are mistaken."
"Do you think Qin Xiao cares about third brother's status as an elder?"
"Or rather, do you think he cares about our Haotian Sect at all?"
After hearing the Fifth Elder's words, the Seventh Elder shook his head.
This...
The Fifth Elder's expression stiffened.
It must be said, the Seventh Elder's harsh words hit the nail on the head.
If Qin Xiao really cared about them, such a situation would not have occurred.
"Truly, a tiger fallen has become the prey of dogs."
The Fifth Elder shook his head and sighed, unable to hide his disappointment.
Or rather, he didn't even try to hide his disappointment.
The Fourth Elder did not pay attention to the Fifth and Seventh Elders but instead looked towards the Second Elder and asked, "Second brother, what should we do now?"
The Second Elder was silent for a moment before responding, "I'm thinking."
"Second brother, I might have a solution." The Fourth Elder tentatively said.
The Second Elder looked at him irritably, "Then why haven't you spoken?"
"Heh, I was just worried you might have a better idea," the Fourth Elder said awkwardly, rubbing his hands together before speaking, "With the Third Elder in Qin Xiao's hands as a hostage, we can't take a hard stance. I think, since we can't overpower Qin Xiao, why not try a more gentle approach?"
"How should we employ a gentle approach?"
"Heroes often have a weakness for beauty. Although Qin Xiao is strong, he is still a young man after all."
"Are you suggesting using a beauty trap?" The Second Elder's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
"I doubt that will work," the Seventh Elder shook his head. "Our Haotian Sect's women are good with hammers, not their beauty."
"That's a valid point."
The Seventh Elder's comment was immediately supported by the Fifth Elder.
"Who says so? Our Haotian Sect has a woman of exceptional beauty and grace."
The Fourth Elder disagreed.
"Who? I haven't seen her."
The Seventh Elder initially dismissed the Fourth Elder's suggestion but then seemed to recall something. "Wait, are you talking about Tang Yuehua?"
He looked at the Fourth Elder incredulously.
"Indeed."
"But Tang Yuehua is Tang Hao's sister."
The Fourth Elder snorted, "But she is also a disciple of our Haotian Sect. Does she intend to turn against the sect for Tang Hao? The sect has nurtured her for many years, entrusting her with managing intelligence and important tasks. What's wrong with asking her to contribute now?"
"Remember, she's essentially useless now. Trading a disabled person for a titled Douluo, she should know what to do."
Upon the Fourth Elder's remarks, everyone fell silent.
"Alas, has our Haotian Sect really fallen to the point where we have to use a woman to achieve peace?"
After a moment, the Seventh Elder couldn't help but sigh.
"I think this plan might work."
This was the Second Elder's voice, "First, tell Tang Yuehua she doesn't have to commit herself to Qin Xiao; just stall him and try to ensure he doesn't harm the Third Elder. Meanwhile, we should quickly send disciples to find Tang Xiao. With his level 95 cultivation, and our support, capturing Qin Xiao shouldn't be difficult. Then, the crisis will naturally be resolved."
"Second brother is thorough as always, I have no objections to this plan."
The Seventh Elder felt it was acceptable.
The Fourth Elder nodded in agreement, "Let's follow the Second Elder's plan."
Then, everyone turned to the Fifth Elder, who had not yet voiced his opinion.
"Fifth brother, why are you silent?"
The Seventh Elder asked solemnly.
"I was pondering a question," the Fifth Elder finally spoke, his voice laced with concern.
Oh?
Everyone was taken aback.
"Is there something I've overlooked?" asked the Second Elder.
"Not really, I'm just wondering if Tang Yuehua is a bit older than Qin Xiao. Can she really attract his interest?" the Fifth Elder asked somewhat sheepishly.
Is that all?
Everyone looked at the Fifth Elder with peculiar expressions.
"Fifth brother, that's where you're mistaken."
The Fourth Elder patted the Fifth Elder on the shoulder, saying, "Have you not heard the saying, 'When young, one does not appreciate the elder sister's worth, mistaking young girls for treasures'? What's wrong with being older? Older means more caring."
The Fifth Elder was taken aback, "You know, I'm not very knowledgeable in these matters. Don't deceive me."
Two days later.
A streak of lightning cut across the sky.
It was Qin Xiao, his gaze fixed below, with his powerful mental force constantly sweeping the area.
"I refuse to believe that with systematic searching, I can't find the forest where the Blue Silver King resides?"
Over the past two days, he had hardly rested.
Starting from a waterfall surrounded by mountains, Qin Xiao launched a systematic search.
By now, he had covered a radius of several hundred miles.
Of course.
Only Qin Xiao, with his unparalleled speed, could undertake such a massive search task. Anyone else might need years to complete it, including titled Douluo.
"Hey, wait, something's happening!"
Qin Xiao suddenly noticed something unusual with the Blue Silver Emperor he was holding.
The golden patterns on the leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor kept flickering.
It was as if it became excited, sensing a familiar presence nearby.
"Could it be that it has detected the presence of the Blue Silver King, hence the excitement?"
Qin Xiao's eyes lit up.
Knowing the Blue Silver Emperor has a consciousness, albeit limited, and mostly acts on instinct, Qin Xiao figured it would only get this excited upon encountering either Tang San, Tang Hao, or the Blue Silver King.
"Let's go down and check."
Qin Xiao decided to investigate.
Sure enough, upon landing, the Blue Silver Emperor trembled even more violently.
Eventually.
Qin Xiao focused his attention on a dense forest filled with an ancient aura.
Before he could do anything, a voice came from the forest:
"Great King, is it really you who has returned? Am I not dreaming?"
"Thank the heavens! I never thought I'd see you again!"
Hmm?
It seems there was an unexpected turn of events.
Qin Xiao instinctively looked at the Blue Silver Emperor in his hand, which no longer flickered with golden patterns. The patterns were now permanently visible on the leaves, emitting a faint golden glow.
"Kind person, could you please bring our great King before me?"
Another voice came from the forest.
At the same time, the lush vegetation spontaneously parted, creating a quiet path that seemed to stretch infinitely before Qin Xiao.
Kind person?
Are you sure you're not mocking me, but actually praising me?
Why does it sound so irritating to be called kind by someone else?
"Never mind, true or false, I'll know once I check. I can't believe a mere Blue Silver King could cause me any trouble."
"An 85,000-year-old soul beast is nothing to fear."
After pondering, Qin Xiao stepped onto the path.
As he walked through the dense forest, he noticed that the soul beasts seemed to have conspired to avoid him, making his journey smoother.
Before long, he reached the end of the path.
"Kind person, I'm here."
An excited yet nervous voice reached Qin Xiao's ears again.
Following the voice, he focused on a plant.
It looked like a special plant made of numerous vines intertwined, standing over ten meters tall like an ancient tree.
It was completely blue, with a special crystalline shimmer on its surface.
Around it, blue silver grass grew exceptionally lush.
The vines, as thick as a human waist, began to move, eventually forming a face-like pattern.
And it smiled at Qin Xiao.
That smile was uglier than crying.
In Qin Xiao's view, if this were in his previous life, it would be the perfect setting for a horror movie.
"Have you been calling for me?"
Qin Xiao asked knowingly.
In reality, according to his original plan, upon encountering the Blue Silver King, Qin Xiao intended to simply cut it down. However, the situation now seemed different from what he had anticipated. He didn't mind waiting a bit longer, as there might be unexpected gains.
"Indeed, it was me."
"Thank you for bringing our great King to us."
The Blue Silver King's vast visage transformed again, this time showing a grateful expression.
Qin Xiao was taken aback and said somewhat awkwardly, "To be honest, I just happened to pass by; I had no idea that this blue silver grass was your King."
"Fate has decreed this encounter; there's no need for further words."
"Since you have been chosen by the King, you are my friend, and a friend of our tribe."
The Blue Silver King's attitude took Qin Xiao by surprise.
It reminded him of the charlatans from his previous life.
However, there was a misunderstanding. I wasn't chosen by the Blue Silver Emperor; I chose the Blue Silver Emperor.
At this moment, Qin Xiao noticed the Blue Silver King's gaze fixed on the Blue Silver Emperor in his hands, speaking with a complex tone:
"King, do you know? A few years ago, a man came with the news of your demise, and I was truly heartbroken. I had even prepared to sacrifice myself for your offspring.
To think that I could see you again today, this is truly wonderful."
As he spoke, Qin Xiao saw two drops of blue tears emerge from the eyes of the Blue Silver King. "Rest assured, even if it costs everything, I will ensure you regain your former strength."
With these words, the entire forest was no longer calm.
Countless blue silver grasses released specks of blue light, like an ocean.
Qin Xiao was startled, "Wait, what do you mean by this?"
"Sacrifice!"
"Only through this can the King grow rapidly."
The Blue Silver King said, "As long as it helps the King return to her former self, including myself, countless of our children are willing to give everything for the King."
"Kind person, I know your strength is extraordinary, and I hope you can always protect the King, accompanying her growth."
Towards the end, the Blue Silver King's voice carried a plea.
Well, I didn't expect to become the one entrusted with this task.
Honestly, Qin Xiao had never anticipated the situation to evolve to this extent.
So, do we still cut it down?
Or should we wait and see, maybe I could even gain a hundred-thousand-year soul beast as a mount?
Qin Xiao nodded solemnly, "Rest assured, your King is in my hands."
"Indeed, you are a person worthy of this trust. The King's choice is correct."
"Far more reliable than that man from before."
The Blue Silver King's vast visage showed a relieved smile.
Qin Xiao touched his nose and said nothing more.
At that moment, billions of blue light points, like an ocean, surged towards the Blue Silver Emperor.
"Goodbye, kind person."
"Great King, if there is a next life, I still hope to be your subject."
These were the Blue Silver King's last words as its massive form crumbled instantaneously, turning into a vast soul force that flowed into the Blue Silver Emperor.
The Blue Silver Emperor underwent significant changes.
It shone brightly.
Like a lamp that could illuminate the night.
Qin Xiao could feel the immense energy filling its small body.
"The Blue Silver King's power is too great; the Blue Silver Emperor needs time to absorb it fully."
"Now, I'll take you to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to help with digestion."
Thinking this, Qin Xiao glanced one last time at where the Blue Silver King had vanished, muttering to himself, "This really was an unexpected turn of events."
"Anyway, the process was different, but the outcome remains the same. Without the Blue Silver King, Tang San's awakening is nearly impossible."
With that, he soared into the sky, disappearing from view.
Half a day later.
Surrounded by mountains, a place teeming with spirit.
Tang San was stunned by the beauty before him, "This place is so beautiful."
Tang Hao spoke with a complex expression, "Yes, it's beautiful. Your mother also liked it here. I promised her that we would enjoy our later years here."
"It's all because of the Spirit Hall, always causing trouble." Tang San's eyes flashed with a fierce color upon hearing this.
"Sigh."
Tang Hao sighed, who can really tell right from wrong?
"Come, Xiao San, let's go see your mother together."
Tang Hao gently ruffled Tang San's hair.
"Is mom here?"
"Do you see that waterfall in the distance? There's a hidden cave there where I planted the seed of the Blue Silver Emperor."
"What!" Tang San was shocked. "Even though the blue silver grass is incredibly resilient, surviving in dark and damp conditions is extremely difficult."
After hearing Tang Hao's words, he couldn't help but wonder if Tang Hao had inadvertently killed the Blue Silver Emperor.
Tang Hao shook his head, "Xiao San, you're overthinking it. I carved out a stone chamber in the cave and even made a hole in the dome for sunlight to enter every day."
"Oh."
"So that's how it is."
Tang San's face showed a hint of embarrassment, "Dad, I'm sorry, I misunderstood you."
"It's okay." Tang Hao shook his head, "Let's go there now."
After a few days of recuperation, Tang Hao's complexion had improved.
Although his injuries had not fully healed, a short flight was not a problem for him.
In a moment.
He led Tang San through the waterfall to the dark cave.
"Don't worry, your mom won't have any problems here."
Seeing Tang San's worried expression, Tang Hao patted his shoulder and led the way.
Soon, a light appeared in their eyes.
"Do you see it, Xiao San? That's the stone chamber I made. Are you still worried about the light?"
Tang Hao pointed to the light ahead, "Your mom is basking in the sunlight, enjoying the warmth. Her growth here is absolutely guaranteed, without any problems."
"Dad, let's go see her."
Tang San showed a great eagerness.
Even stepping ahead towards the light.
This child.
Tang Hao shook his head helplessly but still hurried to follow.
However.
When Tang Hao arrived at the simple stone chamber, he found Tang San standing still, trembling.
"What's wrong?"
"Xiao San, are you afraid to see your mom? Be brave; she'll be happy to see you."
Tang Hao encouraged from behind Tang San.
Tang San didn't turn around, asking without facing Tang Hao, "Dad, are you sure this is mom, no mistake?"
Tang Hao frowned slightly, somewhat displeased, "What do you mean? Just because she has become a plant, you can't accept her?"
"No, it's not that I can't accept her or don't recognize her."
Saying this, Tang San suddenly turned around and yelled, "Tang Hao, look at what you've done, you've killed mom!"
What!
Killed!
Tang Hao instinctively looked towards the light below the mound.
He saw a withered little grass standing lonely atop the mound.
It showed no signs of life
Even a gust of wind could blow it away.
Boom!
It was as if thunder exploded in Tang Hao's mind.
He was numb, standing still, at a loss for words.
"How could this be..."
"I left it well when I departed."
"How did it become like this?"
His thoughts were chaotic, his speech incoherent, and his eyes lost.
"Tang Hao, is this your guaranteed safety?"
Tang San no longer cared about Tang Hao's reaction; he just wanted to vent his frustration, "You want to know why? I'll tell you, it's the hole you drilled that caused mom's death. Lightning passed through the hole and struck her. Even a weak arc is enough to destroy the fragile blue silver grass."
"Hard to imagine how desperate mom must have felt."
(End of Chapter)
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