latelenovela Chapter 409
Chapter 409
Night fell, like a vast black silk ribbon, completely enveloping the world. Ye Jiuchen and Dongfang Wan'er dragged their heavy steps back to their residence. Their shadows were stretched long in the dim moonlight, making them appear exceptionally lonely.
As soon as he entered the house, Ye Jiuchen slammed the door shut. His chest heaved violently, his face filled with frustration. He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, and gritted his teeth, saying, "That descendant of the Medical Valley ruined my plans! If it weren't for his sudden interference, this operation would have been a complete success." His voice was filled with anger and resentment, like a trapped beast roaring to vent its dissatisfaction.
Dongfang Wan'er sighed softly. She walked to Ye Jiuchen's side, gently patted his shoulder, and softly comforted him, "Young Master, don't be anxious. This matter was beyond our control. Since we have failed, let's calm down and reconsider our plans." Her voice was gentle and soothing, like a spring breeze, trying to calm the anger in Ye Jiuchen's heart.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the bustling capital, Ye Jingchu's study was brightly lit. He sat at his desk, his brow furrowed, a resolute glint in his eyes. After careful consideration, he decided to personally seek out powerful figures in the martial arts world to bolster his chances of seizing the throne.
The next day, just as dawn broke, Ye Jingchu disguised himself. He changed into ordinary coarse linen clothes and put on a fake beard, making him look like an ordinary wandering swordsman. He carefully avoided the city's spies and quietly stepped out of the city gates, entering the unknown and dangerous world of martial arts.
After several days of wandering the martial world, Ye Jingchu finally found a powerful but secluded force—the Blood Fiend Sect. The Blood Fiend Sect's headquarters was located in a remote valley, surrounded by mountains in a treacherous location. Ye Jingchu trudged along the winding mountain path, finally arriving at the Blood Fiend Sect's gate.
He explained his purpose to the guards, and soon he was brought before the Blood Fiend Sect Master. The Blood Fiend Sect Master was a burly middle-aged man with a face full of scars, and his eyes revealed a fierce and greedy nature. Ye Jingchu bowed slightly and said respectfully, "I have long admired the Blood Fiend Sect's reputation, and I have come today to pay my respects, hoping to cooperate with your sect." As he spoke, he took out a silver note from his pocket and placed it on the table. The amount on the note made the Blood Fiend Sect Master's eyes light up instantly.
"As long as the sect leader is willing to lend me a hand, this is just a deposit. There will be even more gold and silver treasures to be given, and I will also appoint the sect leader as a high-ranking official in the imperial court, allowing him to enjoy boundless wealth and honor," Ye Jingchu continued, a sly glint in his eyes. The Blood Fiend Sect leader pondered for a moment, but ultimately couldn't resist the temptation of money and power, nodding and agreeing to Ye Jingchu's request.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Ye Jiuchen was extremely anxious after hearing the news that Ye Jingchu had colluded with the Blood Fiend Sect. He paced back and forth in his room, his brows furrowed, racking his brains for a solution. Suddenly, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, as if he had thought of something.
He learned that the descendant of the Medicine Valley was named Su Jinran, and that she lived alone in the valley. So, disregarding the long journey, Ye Jiuchen hurried there. When he arrived at the valley where Su Jinran lived, the scenery before him was breathtaking. The valley was shaded by lush trees, abundant with flowers and plants, and a clear stream flowed gently through it, like a paradise on earth.
Ye Jiuchen followed the path along the stream and soon found Su Jinran's residence. It was a simple thatched hut surrounded by various herbs. Su Jinran was drying herbs in the yard. When she saw Ye Jiuchen arrive, she frowned slightly, a hint of wariness in her eyes.
Ye Jiuchen quickly bowed and said sincerely, "Young Master Su, my name is Ye Jiuchen. I have come here today to ask for your help." Su Jinran put down the herbs in his hand and said calmly, "I warned you last time not to do anything immoral again. What brings you here today?"
Ye Jiuchen sighed and recounted to Su Jinran in detail the collusion between Ye Jingchu and the Blood Fiend Sect. He concluded, "If Ye Jingchu comes to power, he will surely oppress the people and cause widespread suffering. I hope that you, young master, can lend me a hand for the sake of the common people." Upon hearing this, Su Jinran's expression turned grave. He remained silent for a long time, deeply hesitant. He didn't want to get involved in this complex political struggle, but Ye Jiuchen's words filled him with apprehension.
After a fierce internal struggle, Su Jinran finally nodded and said, "Alright, I promise you. But you must promise me that if you ascend the throne in the future, you will prioritize the people and implement benevolent governance." Ye Jiuchen was overjoyed and quickly said, "Don't worry, young master. If I can achieve my wish, I will certainly live up to your expectations."
Thus, a conflict erupted over the struggle for the throne, the power of the martial arts world, and righteous healers. Undercurrents surged among the various factions, each pursuing their own goals. In this unpredictable and volatile situation, no one knew who would ultimately prevail; the entire world seemed shrouded in a thick fog, filled with unknowns and uncertainties.
Su Jinran and Ye Jiuchen had been diligently cultivating in the misty, tranquil mountains for countless years. On this day, hearing of the turbulent events and chaos in the capital city below, they resolutely decided to leave the mountain with Ye Jiuchen, their first stop being the capital.
The two traveled day and night, subsisting on dew and the wind. Along the way, news they heard cast a shadow over their hearts: the treacherous and cunning Ye Jingchu, leading a group of villains from the Blood Fiend Sect, had begun a clandestine purge of dissidents. Many loyal and righteous officials and generals, devoted to their country and its people, had perished in this bloody conspiracy. Some of these loyal officials and generals had spoken frankly in court, offering advice and strategies for the nation; others had fought bravely on the frontiers, protecting their homes and country. Now, they were dying unjustly, a heartbreaking tragedy. Upon hearing this news, Ye Jiuchen was filled with anxiety, his blood boiling. He immediately quickened his pace, wishing he could fly to the capital immediately and stop these tragedies from happening.
Finally, they arrived near the capital. The capital, shrouded in gloom, felt particularly oppressive. Su Jinran, meticulous and calculating, knew that rash action would only alert the enemy, so he suggested first probing the Blood Fiend Sect's strengths. Under the cover of darkness, Su Jinran, using his superb lightness skill, infiltrated the Blood Fiend Sect's camp like a ghost. Inside, firelight flickered, and shadowy figures moved about. He cautiously moved between the tents, finally discovering a hidden one. Inside, members of the Blood Fiend Sect were gathered around a huge alchemy furnace, intently refining a malevolent poison. The eerie light emanating from the furnace illuminated their狰狞 (zhengning - ferocious/hideous) faces. Su Jinran was terrified. He knew that if this poison spread, the entire capital would be doomed, with likely no one surviving. After confirming no one was watching, he secretly stole a sample, intending to return and research an antidote to save the capital from its suffering.