Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 801 Escape Route (Part 5)

"Actually, my idea is very simple, it can be summed up in four words: cooperation leads to a win-win situation." Qu Yang smiled and said, "This Han Yi... was able to rise to prominence in just a few years, and now he has even killed three top-level figures from the Yuanmiao Sect. This is enough to show that his bloodline aptitude and potential far exceed those of ordinary people."

However, looking at his life story, this person came from a poor background and had no one to rely on. Resources were the biggest obstacle limiting his growth. If we were to gather all the resources, pass on his true bloodline secrets, and develop a bloodline divine weapon, with his talent, it wouldn't be long before another one like him emerged…”

"Wait! What exactly are you trying to say?" Liu Quan interrupted impatiently again, "After saying all that, how exactly is it helping our current situation?"

"?" Qu Yang looked at him strangely and asked in confusion, "Could it be that you didn't think of this, sir? Han Yi has now... completely made an enemy of Yuanmiao Sect, and this is the best opportunity to help him in his time of need."

In my opinion, this is the most difficult low point in his life. If we extend a helping hand now and invest in him in advance, not only will we have an extra way out, but we will also reap unexpected and rich rewards in the future…”

"The future! The future!" Liu Quan finally couldn't hold back any longer and shouted angrily, "Qu Yang, I called you here to sit down and think of a solution to the current problem. What's the use of bringing up the future? How long is 'the future'? Not long, how long is it?"

"Why is Your Excellency in such a hurry?" Qu Yang asked, puzzled. "Our biggest predicament right now is that our personal movements are restricted, and we are not without immediate danger to our lives. We can afford to wait this long."

"It's just a matter of time?" Liu Quan countered. "Can you guarantee that Han Yi... will completely follow your arrangements after he gets the resources and becomes stronger? What if something goes wrong along the way? Will you be the one to collect my corpse?"

Putting everything else aside, many of the things Han Yi did before were aimed at me. He disrupted my plans several times and ruined many important things. I'm not comfortable placing my hopes on him.

"With the Hu family acting as guarantor and mediating between them, the problem shouldn't be too big. This Han Yi... putting aside everything else, his commitment to keeping his promises and his gratitude are well-known."

Qu Yang smiled.

"Helping him escape and providing resources, in my opinion... these two huge favors... can resolve even the greatest grudges. Besides, we and Han Yi... have never had much of a connection to begin with."

"..." Liu Quan fell silent for a moment, his face expressionless, but a hint of dissatisfaction arose in his heart.

This melody...

He's not a bad person. It's just that he's sometimes ridiculously naive when it comes to doing things.

They're all in dire straits now, barely able to save themselves, so how can they possibly help others?

Those unfamiliar guards outside, stationed every five steps and sentry every ten steps...

Under the guise of strengthening protection...

Even when going out, you have to give special permission before you can leave.

A large group of people will openly follow behind them.

It's said to be for protection.

In reality, it was house arrest and surveillance.

A celestial fire meteor descended upon the world, Yuanmiaozong re-emerged, Emperor Sheng moved the capital, and his power was withdrawn.

The vast Yunzhou was also affected by this shock. The imperial court's power, represented by the Tantai family, was instantly taken over, suppressed, and largely disappeared.

The actual power in all the major cities of Yunzhou, including the prefectural city, has completely fallen into the hands of Yuanmiaozong.

As the governor of Yunzhou and a key minister of the Tantai family, Liu Quan naturally received extra special care.

Emperor Yuanmiao feared that he might cause trouble in secret and seek revenge. To prevent this, he replaced a group of guards and kept them under constant surveillance day and night.

In fact, this governor's seal... has become a cage.

Of course, the position of governor is not all bad.

While being the focus of everyone's attention and targets, Liu Quan was also given a glimmer of hope.

If Emperor Yuanmiao hadn't been concerned about his reputation and the potential impact of a change in governorship, he wouldn't have chosen to take direct action.

Liu Quan's head had long since fallen to the ground, its whereabouts unknown.

"A favor is a favor if you can repay it. If you can't repay it... it's just a waste of time!" Liu Quan sneered. "No matter how strong Han Yi's potential is... no matter how high his future achievements are... can he compare to Yuanmiao Sect? Unless he can unite the three spirits and forge his bloodline true spirit... otherwise... it's all in vain."

“We must give it a try. It is unwise to sit and wait for death.” Qu Yang said seriously, “Now that Yuanmiao Sect is tied down by the demonic calamity, most of the fighting force of the three main peaks has left. If this boy is fully supported by us, he may well achieve great things.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Quan frowned, his dissatisfaction growing.

"Han Yi? A coward who hides in the mountains all day, has an ambiguous relationship with that slut Tantai Xunzhen, and scavenge for scraps with her, is he really worth my support?"

Seeing that Qu Yang was about to open his mouth to argue, a look of anger flashed across Liu Quan's face.

"How many times have I told you? Instead of thinking about others, you should think about yourself. You're always so naive. How can we rely on you for important matters in the future? I asked you to come here to discuss our future options, but you've come up with a dead end! Get out of here! Your naivety is driving me crazy!"

After unleashing a torrent of abuse, Liu Quan's pent-up frustration dissipated, and he finally felt relieved.

Upon hearing this, Qu Yang showed no anger on his face. He remained silent and expressionless, then stood up and started to walk out.

"Come back! You think you can just leave when we tell you to?"

They had only gone halfway when Liu Quan angrily called them back.

"My lord... should I leave or not?" Qu Yang turned around, his expression bewildered and innocent.

"You...?! Sit down!!"

Seeing Qu Yang like this, a nameless anger welled up in Liu Quan's heart.

His anger, which had just subsided, was immediately reignited. However, this time, he suppressed his rage, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

If he weren't currently short-handed, he would have slapped him long ago; there's no way he would still be trying to persuade him to stay.

But... there's no way around it.

When Emperor Yuanmiao returned to power, his position as the governor of Yunzhou, which ruled over the entire prefecture, became merely a figurehead.

Most of his trusted confidants were transferred or removed from their posts and replaced by others, or simply sent to death row and executed later in the autumn.

There was simply no one available to use.

Qu Yang, aside from being a bit unreliable at times, is among the best in terms of ability and intelligence.

Most importantly, this person was extremely loyal and steadfast in his stance, showing no intention whatsoever to side with Emperor Yuanmiao.

This was the main reason why Liu Quan treated him as a confidant and discussed important matters with him. After a short while, Liu Quan calmed himself down, slowly opened his eyes, and looked at Qu Yang helplessly: "Sit down first, and tell me the details of the feud between Han Yi and Yuan Miaozong again."

"Actually, the reason for the conflict is... Yuanmiaozong's consistent arrogant and condescending attitude... Your Excellency should know... Han Yi became enemies because of this..." Qu Yang was confused and had no choice but to repeat the story again.

"So... do you think... Han Yi... can escape this calamity? Assuming no external forces intervene." After Qu Yang finished explaining in detail, Liu Quan asked thoughtfully in a low voice.

“Difficult, practically impossible.” Qu Yang shook his head. “Yan Xuanji and the other two… may not be very strong… but they represent the face of the Yuanmiao Sect. Next, Han Yi will definitely face the true hidden powerhouses of the Upper Three Peaks, and it is even highly likely that they will bring in people from outside to handle this matter.”

"In other words... Yuanmiao Sect's solution... must be to swiftly and decisively eliminate Han Yi to silence public opinion. Otherwise, their reputation will be damaged, which is tantamount to their authority being challenged, and they may not be able to control others," Liu Quan said.

“That’s right. So if we want to do something, we need to act quickly! We need to save this kid before the news gets out and spreads!” Qu Yang nodded.

“Save him? No, we’re saving ourselves.” Liu Quan’s eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something.

"What does Your Excellency mean..." Qu Yang asked, somewhat puzzled.

Liu Quan didn't reply. He got up, went to the window, and looked up outside.

In the distance, a mirage-like mountain appeared in the sky, sometimes visible and sometimes hidden. Cranes circled around it from time to time, and golden and red light flashed like stars embracing the moon, as if it were the abode of immortals.

"The Yuanmiao Sect...their main focus is on dealing with the demonic calamity, so the resources they can utilize are limited..."

Therefore... as long as we can focus our attention on Han Yi... the resulting momentum will be large enough, attracting enough attention.

...then we... will be safer!

This is our real way out!!!

……………

……………

"A solitary peak beyond the clouds has no inherent form; the sound of melting snow and flowing water echoes long in the ravine."

Under a clear blue sky, amidst the majestic, undulating mountains, several monks, with their hands clasped in prayer, carried firewood and walked step by step up the mountain stone steps.

The gray-white stone steps wind upwards and forwards, extending into the depths of the mountaintop where the view seems endless.

Thump...

Thump...

Thump...

Three loud bronze bell tolls echoed down the mountain, causing birds and beasts in the forest to scatter in panic.

"Brother Mingliang, something seems off about the bell tolling today..."

"..." The little monk looked up at the sky, his face filled with doubt.

Judging from the sky, it's only just past Wei Shi (13 PM to 15 PM), how come...

The slightly older Mingliang, also looking puzzled, listened intently.

Thump...thump...thump...

Three more loud chimes rang out in succession.

“This… this isn’t a clock!” Mingliang finally recognized the difference in the chimes, and a look of fear flashed across his face.