Volume 12, Chapter 796 – The Descent of an Immortal (Part 2)

With their ancestor’s backing, the Cao Clan grew so arrogant that they acted as if they themselves had ascended to immortality. They sent invitations far and wide, afraid that even a single soul might remain unaware.

The cultivation continent was once again shaken. After all, in the thousands of years of the cultivation world, no one had ever truly ascended before. Who wouldn’t want to witness the majesty of an immortal? For a time, every street and alley buzzed with rumors about the Cao Clan’s immortal ancestor, completely stealing Qi Huang’s spotlight.

Qi Huang was busy transforming the Yin Planet when she suddenly received this ill news.

“How vast is the Immortal Realm… how did the Cao Clan even make contact with their so-called immortal ancestor?”

Qi Huang could not comprehend it. She had devoted all her attention to the Yin Planet’s transformation, leaving no time to monitor the Cao Clan.

“That isn’t the point. The real concern is that they went through so much trouble to reach that immortal ancestor, surely they harbor ulterior motives,” Cheng Hongling speculated.

“Isn’t it obvious? They still want to set their sights on us, any fool could see that,” Qi Huang answered without hesitation.

“The key is, they’ve made such a public spectacle of it. I fear they not only aim to target us but also to suppress the Dao Alliance, to dominate the entire cultivation world. They’re trying to swallow more than they can chew,” Cheng Hongling added.

“Swallow more than they can chew? I’ll make sure they choke on it and starve to death trying,” Qi Huang sneered disdainfully.

“Are you certain you can handle that Cao Clan immortal? If his cultivation surpasses the Human Immortal Realm, even though he cannot descend personally, he could still use Divine Sense to suppress us. We might not fear it thanks to the Heaven-Deceiving Water, but what about our family and friends? If he uses them as leverage…”

At this point, Cheng Hongling’s delicate face showed clear worry. Although both of them possessed some Heaven-Deceiving Water, it wasn’t nearly enough to protect everyone close to them.

“Don’t worry. No matter how powerful he is, he’ll have to act through spatial fissures. When that happens, I’ll make him draw his blade and look around in vain,” Qi Huang reassured with full confidence.

“You mean to remove the Cao Clan’s Immortal Stele ahead of time so they can’t create a spatial rift?” Cheng Hongling’s eyes lit up.

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“Exactly. But right now, our identities are special. If we remove the Cao Clan’s Immortal Stele without proof, it will only tarnish the Dao Alliance’s reputation. That would be hurting ourselves while striking the enemy. So, I’ll first use the Shadow-Retaining Mirror to gather evidence.”

Qi Huang laid out her plan.

Seeing her lover so calm and composed, Cheng Hongling felt the heavy stone in her heart finally settle.

Qi Huang immediately headed toward the Central Continent, then lingered near the Cao Clan’s territory, preparing to record evidence of their crimes. Once she obtained it, she would remove their Immortal Stele at once.

As for why Qi Huang didn’t simply act in secret was because the Cao Clan’s Immortal Stele was much stronger than the others. There was no way to remove it without alerting anyone.

That night, Cao Meng once again conducted a blood sacrifice to communicate with Cao Yin about the next steps.

“Ancestor, your descent as an immortal into the mortal world is an unprecedented event. I’ve already ordered the Cao Clan to spread the word. On the first day of next month, cultivators from across the continent will come to admire your divine visage,” Cao Meng reported.

“Good. For this immortal to descend even once is no easy feat. This will greatly intimidate petty schemers and further solidify the Cao Clan’s dominance over the cultivation world,” Cao Yin approved, then asked, “By the way, grandson, have you thought of how to create the spatial fissure for me to appear?”

“Ancestor, with my mere third-layer Heavenly Tribulation Realm cultivation, I fear I cannot do it alone. I’ll have to rely on the Immortal Stele you left behind,” Cao Meng replied somewhat awkwardly.

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“No matter. I left the Immortal Stele precisely to serve the Cao Clan,” Cao Yin said forgivingly.

Cao Meng let out a long breath, then continued, “But there’s still one issue. The fissure created by the stele won’t be very large, and it can only last for two days at most. Even a wedding requires time to prepare, I’m not sure we can complete it before Cheng Hongling enters our household. If not, we might have to hold it hastily.”

“Do not fret. Though my true strength has reached the Master-grade Immortal level, I still have two weaker doppelgängers at the peak of the Heavenly Tribulation Realm. When the time comes, I’ll send them into the cultivation world to help sustain the spatial fissure until Cao Yang consummates the marriage with that girl,” Cao Yin reassured.

“Wonderful! Thank you, Ancestor,” Cao Meng said joyfully.

“It’s no trouble. Marriage is the foremost event in one’s life. As a descendant of mine, the Cao bloodline must never treat it carelessly,” Cao Yin declared firmly, then asked, “When do you plan to inscribe the girl’s name upon the Immortal Stele?”

“On the first day of the month. I want everyone to know that the Cao Clan is the true overlord of this continent!” Cao Meng said excitedly, a faint flush coloring his pale cheeks.

“But have you considered one thing? An immortal’s Divine Sense can cover all of Lishui Planet. If that little demoness’s Divine Sense has truly reached the Human Immortal level, she might already know of your plan,” Cao Yin cautioned.

“That can’t be. Every time I discuss this matter with my family, I set up a Divine Sense barrier. No matter how strong her Divine Sense is, she can’t spy on us without breaking it first,” Cao Meng replied, though not entirely confident.

“You and your immediate family may have kept quiet, but what about the rest of the clan? Do you think only your household knows about this forced marriage?” Cao Yin asked doubtfully.

“Uh…”

Cao Meng’s expression turned awkward.

“What is it?”

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Cao Yin’s voice grew sharp.

“This…”

Cao Meng hesitated.

“Stop mumbling. Speak plainly,” Cao Yin barked impatiently.

“Ancestor… this unfilial descendant has concealed something from you. That girl once killed a member of our clan named Cao Hong,” Cao Meng confessed haltingly.

“What?! You mean to have your grandson marry an enemy of the Cao Clan? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Cao Yin’s voice suddenly rose in fury.

“Please forgive me, Ancestor. I hid the truth fearing you would oppose the marriage. Whether my grandson can wed that girl concerns the Cao Clan’s future, I dared not take the risk,” Cao Meng stammered.

Cao Yin’s breathing grew heavy. After a long pause, he spoke in a cold tone, “To be honest, with my temper, if someone killed one of my descendants, I’d tear them to pieces. Anyone who dared hide such a thing would pay a terrible price…”

Cao Meng didn’t even dare to breathe.

But then Cao Yin shifted tone: “However, in this matter, I must admit you are right. A small forbearance preserves the greater plan. If the Cao Clan can obtain such a daughter-in-law, sacrificing one clansman is acceptable. At worst, she can bear more children for the Cao bloodline.”

“Ancestor, your wisdom shines!” Cao Meng said in relief, then added, “But now the problem is that Cao Hong’s branch refuses to let it go. So whenever I contact you, I’ve told others it’s for revenge, not marriage.”

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“Do not worry. With me here, they cannot stir up much trouble,” Cao Yin promised. Then he asked, “Still, whether you plan to take her by force or avenge yourselves, once she learns of it, she’ll have reason to retaliate. What if she removes my Immortal Stele ahead of time? How will you break the spatial barrier then?”

“She shouldn’t. The Cao Clan hasn’t announced anything publicly. As the leader of the Dao Alliance, she must act by the rules. Without solid proof, removing the Cao Clan’s stele would only damage the Alliance’s reputation,” Cao Meng said, trying to reassure himself—but then his face suddenly changed. “Wait, she has the Shadow-Retaining Mirror!”

“The Shadow-Retaining Mirror… yes, I remember that artifact records images. If she secretly recorded your conversation as evidence, she could openly remove our Immortal Stele. Then everything would be ruined,” Cao Yin said gravely.

“What should I do? Her cultivation is too high! I don’t even know if she has been here, or if she recorded our talk,” Cao Meng panicked.

“Calm down and listen. First, tomorrow, you must tell the clan to abandon the idea of revenge. Publicly issue an announcement apologizing to Cheng Hongling. Say that the Cao Clan was in the wrong before and will never repeat its mistake,” Cao Yin instructed.

“A brilliant plan, Ancestor! If we show weakness, even if she recorded us before, it’ll no longer matter,” Cao Meng said with delight, then hesitated. “But what if Cao Kun’s branch refuses?”

“Tell them it’s my command. Anyone who objects can get out of the Cao Clan,” Cao Yin snapped. Then he added, “Next, from now on, when you discuss this matter with your family, only use Soul Resonance. No more speaking aloud, understood?”

“Yes, Ancestor!” Cao Meng answered fervently.

Qi Huang withdrew her Divine Sense, her willow brows knitting slightly. Since the other side had switched to communicating via Soul Resonance, she could no longer hear what was being said. She could only continue observing.

To her surprise, the next day, Cao Meng gathered the clan and publicly declared the abandonment of revenge.

“Why should we?”

Cao Kun retorted furiously, and his entire branch erupted in outrage.