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72.83% Desolate Fate / Chapter 311: Aque Li’s Choice

Capítulo 311: Aque Li’s Choice

The Aque Clan was located on the Western Coast of the Ghu Province - which was now the Heavenly Path Province. This was part of the reason that Yaan needed to seek out Aque Li.

He felt nostalgic and wanted to visit an old enemy-turned-comrade after so many years had flown by, but on a more pragmatic note, he also wanted to check something…

The Aque Clan existed not on the provincial mainland, but across a series of 19 islands. They did have a base of operations located directly on the mainland Western Coast, but this wasn't their headquarters, it was merely their point of contact between their clan and the outside world.

Yaan had decided to visit Aque Li to present him with a choice…he could either accept the rule of the new Heavenly Path Province and choose for his clan to remain under Yaan's protection, or Yaan could close off the border with the sea, leaving the Aque Clan out of his plans, and letting them fend for themselves. As Yaan stood above the 19 islands archipelago, he honestly wasn't sure which path Aque Li would take.

"19 islands, which all look extremely identical, but that island is clearly the core of the formation…" Yaan muttered to himself as he activated Reveal Truth.

He was doing this not because he wanted to bypass the formations - he could do that with ease, even without Reveal Truth. No, Yaan was trying to comprehend the dao of formations, a dao that, despite his strong understanding of formations, had alluded him for so long.

In the past, Yaan had been considered an expert in dismantling large scale formations, but this had nothing to do with is dao comprehension, it was thanks to his powerful Sea of Consciousness which allowed him to rapidly analyse each formation whenever he activated Reveal Truth.

Now, he had finally achieved dao comprehension into the dao of formations - meaning intuitive dao comprehension which had engrained itself into his Dao Soul.

Unknowingly, whenever the silver-haired Yaan gained some insight into dao, that very same dao comprehension was absorbed by Yaan's main body. However just looking at his slumbering form in the Spirit Palace made this impossible to tell. In fact, the dao comprehension didn't even seem to reach his main body's Dao Soul…and yet, all the same, it existed.

Thanks to Yaan's experience with the dao of formations, and his absurdly high talent in comprehending dao which now encompassed the dao of formations after he devoured the Fragment of Qi, Yaan was able to rapidly improve his comprehension over formations just by examining all of these various complex formations.

After a minute or so, his eyes returned to normal. He felt slightly tired, activating Reveal Truth at such a high intensity for so long, but again, thanks to his immense Qi refining talent, his body rapidly refined the surrounding Spiritual Energy, returning his physical and mental strength back to prime condition within just a few moments.

The archipelago below looked like an ordinary collection off islands. The closest were spaced just a few miles apart, with the furthest being 200 miles away from the Western Coast.

"A good formation." Yaan praised, nodding to himself. "By connecting 19 islands together, then using the mainland base as the formation 'core', they have disguised the true core of the formation…which lies directly beneath the furthest island from the coast, and exerts its influence of effect from one island to the next, forming a relay which allows the formation to reach such a massive scale. I wonder…was this the doing of the clan's ancestor? A formation like this has the intricacy of an immortal formation, but the power is far too lacking for an immortal formation…"

After pondering for a moment longer, Yaan concluded that the formation must have declined over time, losing much of its power compared to when it was built in the distant past. This would happen to almost every formation in this world; unless you yourself possessed eternal life, then it was impossible to create a formation which could hold its strength for eternity.

There were many bloodlines in this world, but for the most part, they were like the Zue Clan, separated from the origin of their bloodline and left to fend for themselves in this world, without really understanding their own bloodlines at all. The Zue Clan was a branch of the Divine Phoenix Clan, one of the overlords of the Four Divine Star System.

As for the Aque Clan, Yaan knew that it was a branch of the Sea God Clan, though he had no idea if any other traces of the Sea God Clan remained in this world aside from the branched Aque Clan.

Anyway, this wasn't really important. Yaan smiled, then after locating the strongest presence within the archipelago, he made his way to the most distant island, which hid the core of the Aque Clan's formation in the depths of the sea below the island.

Currently, Aque Li was showing a plain expression, but his heart was trembling in disbelief as his subordinates continued to rush in, updating him on the rapidly evolving situation in the Ghu Province…no…

The Heavenly Path Province.

"Clan Head, someone underwent their Nirvana Blessing in the Greenwood Mountain Range, and according to the reports, it was so large that even ten blessings combined couldn't compare!"

"Clan Head, we have now ascertained that the Heavenly phenomena came from the Heavenly Path Sect, but we still don't know the identity of the one who underwent their blessing…in all likelihood, it should be the Heavenly Path Sect Head; she has been at the Peak Origin Soul Realm for some time now after all…"

"C-Clan Head, we finally partially ascertained the identity of the one who underwent the shocking Heavenly Blessing! It wasn't the sect head, but an unknown young man with silver hair…nobody knows who he is, but our intel says that he was a member of the Heavenly Path Sect many hundreds of years ago…"

"Clan Head, Clan Head!"

When yet another subordinate charged in, sweating and with a pale face filled with fight, Aque Li's eyes twitched and he couldn't help but growl out slightly. These minute by minute updates were too tiresome; why not just wait for a bit until they actually knew what was going on?!

Under Aque Li's Origin Soul Realm pressure, the messenger trembled in fear, dropping to his knees and lowering his head. Realising that he had gotten too worked up, Aque Li sighed and rubbed his forehead as he retracted his aura whilst continuing to sit atop his throne. No matter what new intel these people brought him, it couldn't cause him to lose his cool.

That is, until this last report.

After taking a deep breath, the messenger slowly raised his head with a solemn expression and said:

"Clan Head, we have discovered the mysterious man's identity. His name is Yaan, and he seems to have ties to both the Heavenly Path Sect, and a relationship with the Zue Clan. But…that's not all, he…he actually…destroyed the Ghu Clan…"

Aque Li stared blankly at the messenger, who was still feeling so shocked that he was struggling to believe his own words. However, their intelligence was absolutely correct; the entire Ghu Province had been turned upside-down in a single day, by a lone unknown man.

Bang!

The armrests of Aque Li's blue throne shattered into water as he immediately got to his feet.

"Did you just say…Yaan?"

"Indeed he did. It's been a while, Aque Li, my friend."

Aque Li's heart skipped a beat. He quickly looked around, only to find that the messenger and his various elders and advisors were nowhere to be seen. All that remained, was himself, and a single, silver-haired, green-eyed young man.

When Yaan saw Aque Li's shock, he couldn't help but laugh. His reaction was quite amusing, but he was a peak powerhouse after all. After getting over his initial shock, he forcefully calmed his racing heart and stared at Yaan warily.

"You…you're really Yaan? You've…changed…"

"You haven't." Yaan smiled.

Aque Li was just as he remembered, maybe a couple of years older, but otherwise the same boisterous bearded middle-aged man who had once been his enemy, but ended up becoming his ally in the battle against the Ghu Clan back in the 3rd Trial Realm,

"It's been hundreds of years after all, some things have happened." Yaan went on, speaking in a completely relaxed manor. When he saw Aque Li's apprehension, Yaan chuckled and lightly shook his head. "In truth, this is not my original body, but a clone. However, this clone will be overseeing the new Heavenly Path Province from today onwards."

Aque Li just stared at Yaan with an uncertain expression, still not sure where this was going. He knew that Yaan was a ruthless demon, and although they had cooperated in the past…he didn't doubt that if the benefit was big enough, this person would turn against him.

The fact that he had so casually revealed that this body of his was a clone, filled Aque Li with even more apprehension and doubts. For one, creating clones was only possible for immortals, wasn't it? And secondly…why was was he revealing this unprompted…?

"Relax, Aque Li. I haven't hurt any of your people, I just removed them from this place so that we could chat in peace. I have no intention of interfering with your clan's business. I came here today, to offer you a choice. The Ghu Clan is no more; I killed them all. The Ghu Province is no more; it is now the Heavenly Path Province. So, Aque Li…will you join my Heavenly Path Province, or will you choose to leave the dominion of another, and take your chances with making your own way in this world?"

Yaan's ultimatum made Aque Li fall into deep thought…until Yaan spoke again.

"I revealed my secret - that this body is just a clone - as a sign of goodwill. However, you should know that I am by no means a 'good person'. In order for us to stand on equal footing, I will just inform you that I have already seen through the true nature of your Aque Clan's formation, and the fact that the true formation core is hidden dozens of miles below this very island. The fact that I could enter easily and without notice…should also tell you that I could dismantle this formation if I wished to do so."

Aque LI's expression became dark, so Yaan laughed and waved his hands to clear up the obvious misunderstanding.

"I'm not saying this to pressure, threaten or blackmail you, Aque Li. I am truly grateful for the help that you provided me back then after all. Just think of this as insurance, and as a means to deepen our relationship. We both know something about the other that we wouldn't want leaked to the outside world. In other words - do not betray me, Aque Li, or your clan will meet the same fate as the Ghu Clan."

Yaan paused, then decided to end his proposal on a lighter note.

"The Western Coast is thought of as the border to an endless sea, in the eyes of the ignorant masses, but few know the truth; the Ghu Province, the Jyu Province's the Bhal Province…these are just three of the 33 provinces located on 7th Sealing Island, one of hundreds of large islands found in the Demonic North, and one of the seven key territories of Seal Immortal. I will be able to rest at ease if the task of protecting the Western Coast is left to you and your Aque Clan, hence why I'm trying to convince you to stay. If you do stay, I will leave you with your full autonomy, and I will support you with treasures, techniques and knowledge beyond your wildest dreams. But if you leave…we will cut contact with one another, and that will be that. So, Aque Li, what choice will you make?"

For a good few minutes, Aque Li closed his eyes and fell silent. Yaan didn't mind it, starting at Aque Li without blinking until he finally opened his eyes, having come to a decision.

Before he even spoke, Yaan's corners of his mouth turned upwards into a smile. He recognised that look, because it was the very same expression worn by the Bloody Totem Tribe Leader whenever she agreed to go along with one of Yaan's seemingly insane plans.

"Yaan…it really has been far too long. When Zue Yin returned, I actually felt relieved to learn that you were alive, but she refused to explain what had happened to you. I appreciate your sincerity…and I appreciate your offer to support my clan even more! Compared to that damned Ghu Clan, your conditions are infinitely more favourable! Hahaha…accept! I accept your terms! I will not speak of the matter regarding your clone, and you will not reveal the truth behind my clan's ancient protection formation, which even allowed us to fend off the Ghu Clan four times during the past over 2,000 years…"

Yaan smiled and nodded.

"I'm glad that you chose the path towards prosperity. You will defend the Western Coast, but there's one thing I didn't mention… over the following few weeks, I will create a formation unlike any other…protecting and concealing the entire Heavenly Path Province from the rest of the world!"

Aque Li's eyes widened in absurdity.

"A formation on such a scale, which such a powerful effect…Yaan, is this really possible?

"It is not only possible…my success is all but guaranteed." Yaan responded without missing a beat.

It sounded too ridiculous to be true, but Aque Li knew that Yaan wouldn't waste his time by joking around like this. Because of this, he knew that Yaan's words came from his heart, and he had the confidence in himself to see this through to the end.

Yaan's smile became ever so slightly eery. As he thought about all those who would dare to stand between him and his homeland, the killing intent burned within his gaze like an inextinguishable fire!

"We will avoid this impending war, a war fought between those old immortal bastards using the countless lives of lesser cultivators as if we are merely their tools. And if that Seal Immortal shows himself and attempts to stand in my way…I will clear my path, just as I did with the Ghu Clan. For those who stand in my way; mortal, cultivator, or immortal, there is no difference. All that awaits them is failure and death."


Capítulo 312: Old Acquaintances

Yaan had wiped out the vast majority of the Ghu Clan. He had also dealt with the Aque Clan, which was said to be the second strongest force below the Ghu Clan in the current day.

Word spread like wildfire, and before long, almost everyone in the new Heavenly Path Province was made aware of the drastic changes to these lands!

Rumours spread by word of mouth, by communications treasures, by messengers sent between the various cities, sects, schools and clans, until it became difficult to differentiate reality from fiction.

However, one thing was for certain; a young silver-haired man going by the name of Yaan, had indeed annihilated the entire Ghu Clan, before making the Heavenly Path Sect the new overlord of the region.

As for the subject of these rumours…

Yaan returned to Elia's temple abode, calmly sipping her excellent herbal tea as she sat across from him and stared at him in a daze. She wasn't sure what to say, so in the end, her words were somewhat odd.

"You really did return before sunset…I'm glad…"

Yaan paused and looked up. June, who had returned to her preferred humanoid form and sat beside Yaan whilst curiously inhaling the unique fragrance of this tea, looked back and forth between Yaan and Elia with an expression of intrigue.

"I said that I would do so, so it's only natural that I would stick to my word." Yaan chuckled. "There are still one or two more things left for me to do, but for now, there's nothing urgent to attend to."

Elia covered her mouth as she laughed.

"You do something so insane like overthrowing the Ghu Clan and renaming the province, yet you don't see this as something incredible at all, do you?"

Yaan paused briefly, before shaking his head.

"The Ghu Clan is just a mortal clan. Once you've seen the wider world, it really doesn't feel amazing at all."

"But you you even took over the Ghu- no, the Heavenly Path Province!" Elia insisted.

At this point, Yaan smiled slyly and shook his head.

"No Elia, you took over the Heavenly Path Province, miss new Heavenly Path Leader. I'm just some reclusive ancestor who doesn't involve himself in worldly matters."

"We're the same age!"

"Actually, due to certain reasons, I'm significantly older than you this point." Yaan reminded her of the fact that he had spent long periods of time within various spatial acceleration treasures. He was actually around 100 years older than her, if you thought about it in those terms.

For now, he still hadn't mentioned the alternate Fragment lives that he had experienced, because he was keeping the matter of the Primordial Devil to himself, not wanting to get Elia wrapped up in this mess.

It was unfortunate for the the Dao Clone of Qi that he did not possess Yaan's complete intelligence and scheming ability. Otherwise, he might have considered the fact that, despite them being separated via entire world planes…eventually he and the Primordial Devil were fated to meet again…

And the Primordial Devil was the most sadistic of the four Primordial Demons, who would go to any and all lengths to torment anyone related to Yaan, to vent out the frustration of his failure from back then.

*****

Within the centre of the Blood Plane, there was a mountain that towered far above any other mountain in this world - its name was Primordial Mountain, and dug into this mountain of monstrous proportions, was an infamous place called the War Hall.

Primordial Mountain and the War Hall were Located within the Primordial Empire, the central and strongest empire on the Blood Plane, and the headquarters for the Primordial Alliance.

Of course, divinities, didn't waste all of their time hanging around in this place, so for the most part, there were only two living occupants within the War Hall; The Primordial Devil, proud ruler of the Primordial Alliance, and the Primordial Sage, the alliance's undisputed key strategist for their countless operations across the four planes.

After witnessing Yaan's death and being prevented by the Sage from devouring him, the incomplete Primordial Devil initially went mad with rage…until the Sage revealed to him that Yaan was alive, living on the Spirit Plane. Annoyingly, however, she did not tell her more than this.

Despite his brash personality, the Primordial Devil was actually very intelligent, and he trusted the Sage's schemes to the utmost degree. Whenever she withheld information from, it was always for their own good…

And so, he believed in her words from back then.

'If you wish to overcome your tribulation of heart, then I can no longer interfere. This matter is between yourself and Yaan; I will assist the two of you along your paths, because only like this, will a finale be reached.'

"Oh Sage, I know in my heart that what you say is correct, and I can feel the approaching day of reckoning coming any time now…hahaha, that monstrosity with his twisted heart…I wonder how he will react when he learns of the presents that I have prepared for him…"

The red-haired devil's killing intent erupted in an unending, unrestrained state. He had entered this state ever since his failure that day, and with each passing moment that he knew of Yaan's survival, the overbearing hatred, the searing desire to kill in his heart only grew stronger.

"You…are…a fool…" A dry, raspy voice quite came from a couple hundred feet ahead of the devil.

As always, the Primordial Devil sat atop his throne of bones whilst one of the Sage's bodies floated by his side expressionlessly…however ever since his rebirth, there had been two new residents in the War Hall…

For some unknown region, the Primordial Sage had forced them both to leave the micro-realm that she called 'Origin Island', preventing him from interfering with any of the mortals that Yaan had come to know in that place. The Primordial Devil was disgruntled, but after leaving that place and returning the the main Blood Plane, his thirst for blood could not be extinguished, and could only be eased somewhat by his current actions…

Two figure were tied up using some intricate black thorn chain formations across the war hall. The formations were inflicting unimaginable torment upon them, and yet, interestingly, neither of them were willing to let out a single sound of pain. Clearly, they were both formidable individuals.

As for the identities of these two?

They were the only two people that the Primordial Devil had deemed that Yaan cared bout, at least to an extent, on the Blood Plane.

The man to speak in a raspy voice was none other than Ga Shu.

By his side, was the Bloody Totem Tribe Leader.

"I am a fool? Well, this fool seems to be living quite well, whilst you two…are merely ants that I will use to crush the spirit of that monstrosity." The Primordial Devil replied with a sinister smile.

Both of the pair forced themselves to look up through the pain, showing the same mocking expressions. They had been told all about Yaan'a origins, and although shocking…it only further proved to them that Yaan, the red demon who had whipped up a storm on the Blood Plane, then died yet somehow found a way to survive…

Was a monster of the highest order.

"If you think that you can use us to hurt him…you do not understand senior at all." The Bloody Totem Tribe Leader laughed grimly.

Not only were she and Ga Shu captured back then, before being placed into this torturous formation to torment them ever since…but they had been forced to bear witness as all that they cared about - the entire Lunar Song Kingdom - was annihilated with a single strike from this devil.

They knew that all of this had happened because of Yaan…

But they did not hate Yaan, because they understood that hating a man such as he was so futile that it was laughable.

"My lord…is a great man…a good man…." Ga Shu spoke with difficulty, but made sure to stare the Primordial Devil in the eye as he spoke.

The Primordial Devil roared with laughter.

"That monster? Good? He is the incarnation of evil itself!"

"No…" Ga Shu slowly shook his head, sighing as he recalled the times he had spent with Yaan…and how Yaan had given him a few more decades with his wife.

"He is a good man, walking a path against his heart towards an ambition that even he is yet to realise. Someone like you cannot comprehend the perseverance of my lord. I say that he is good, not because I believe that he will save me - but because I know that he will allow me to die, in order to destroy the evil that is you."

The Bloody Totem Tribe Leader had already lost to the strength to speak; she wasn't an immortal after all. However, the hidden blood-lust in her smile said it all…

She had placed her bets on Yaan, and because of her gamble, her tribe was able to see a world that they had never before been able to imagine.

Now, also because of Yaan, her tribe was gone - eradicated by this damned devil. She knew that her tribe and her people had reached the end of their story - but this was just life. She had no regrets.

Now, all she wanted, was to see if Yaan could take a step beyond the peak that she had seen.


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