60. Lu Xinyao’s Backstory?
“What did he do?”
The demonic spirit glanced at the dragon, oblivious to their conversation, still circling the dragon vein, and sighed. “He pieced together what happened back then from ancient records. And he discovered another use for the dragon vein.”
“Another use?”
“The convergence of dragon qi and earth meridians creates a… luck-siphoning effect.” The spirit explained, “For spiritual artifacts, it devours their spirits, turning them into fragile, empty shells. For humans, it devours their luck and karmic ties.”
This explanation was difficult to understand.
However, the concept of “luck” was explained in the book.
Stealing someone’s luck was equivalent to stripping Chun Lian of her talent, severing Qiu Shui’s connection with the Nine-Colored Deer, and hindering their future cultivation progress. It was a direct attack on their potential.
There were similar techniques in the demonic sects, incredibly malicious and difficult to detect.
The fact that the dragon vein could be used for such a purpose surprised Gong Yiling.
“Now, this dragon’s mind has regressed to its most basic instincts. But the dragon vein needs the dragon’s power to sustain itself. To maintain it, he has already poured half the empire’s treasury into it.”
“The old blacksmith could have stabilized it, but after his death, there was no one to replace him. So, he resorted to this scheme, luring cultivators in and stealing their luck.”
Gong Yiling finally understood his plan.
Even if the demonic cultivators waited until after entering the Heart of Blazing Flame to act, they wouldn’t escape the dragon’s clutches, their luck siphoned away by the dragon vein, rendering them powerless.
But… “Targeting the demonic sects or Shangguan Qingyun is one thing, but Qiu Shui and Lu Xinyao’s master saved him. How can he target them?”
The demonic spirit sneered. “To achieve his goals, this isn’t the first time he’s done such a thing.”
“Over a decade ago, he was ambushed during a hunt. My wife saved him. He coveted her beauty and her unique Heavenly Fox bloodline, wanting to force her into his harem.”
“When she refused, he imprisoned her and forced me to work for him. She chose to end her own life rather than have me betray our ancestral teachings. Then, he kidnapped my daughter, using a deadly curse to control me.”
“Now, he has raised my daughter as his own, and he even… has designs on her.”
“If he can treat his savior’s family like this, how do you think he would treat your so-called Immortal Master?”
Although the spirit didn’t mention any names, Gong Yiling understood.
The Heavenly Fox bloodline, the deceased female Heavenly Fox… it could only be Shangguan Ziyuan and her mother.
So… Shangguan Ziyuan wasn’t Shangguan Long’s daughter. No wonder he wasn’t worried about her disappearance. As long as she was alive, he could use her to control this demonic spirit.
And those promises of military command were just empty words.
He had been manipulating her from the start, probably secretly rejoicing—the luck of a Cloud Rainbow Sect descendant was worth more than any treasure.
“This guy…” Gong Yiling sneered. “What a cunning plan.”
She didn’t care about the Emperor’s evil deeds. She didn’t want to get involved.
But he shouldn’t have provoked her.
When it came to causing trouble, she, the most terrifying mid-boss in the original story, the Young Palace Master of the Pear Blossom Blood Orchid Palace, feared no one.
“You recognized Lu Xinyao as your daughter, so you’re willing to tell me all this?” Gong Yiling glanced at the glowing dragon vein. “Just because I’m her companion?”
“And because you are her master.”
The demonic spirit smiled. “Immortal Master, demonic beasts and spirits are sensitive to auras. I know you are her master.”
“But your ability to conceal your true essence is truly remarkable. Even I can’t see through your disguise.”
Ahem, he only needed to say the first part. The last sentence… was a bit embarrassing.
There was nothing to see through!
“How can you be sure I’m not just a Core Formation cultivator?”
The demonic spirit paused, then said jokingly, “You jest, Immortal Master. I noticed the deadly curse on my daughter is gone.”
“Only someone with extremely high cultivation can remove it forcefully, or with the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Divine Pill. Surely you didn’t just find one lying around? Even the Cloud Rainbow Sect doesn’t possess such a sacred pill.”
Ah…
Gong Yiling scratched her cheek awkwardly.
She actually did find one lying around and fed it to his daughter.
That’s what you called extreme luck!
“But,” the demonic spirit recalled Lu Xinyao’s unusual behavior before their reunion. “My daughter’s personality seems different. Did you intentionally make her act like that?”
Ah…
As expected of a father, his questions were sharp.
How should she answer? She couldn’t just say she found an expired Nine Revolutions Heavenly Divine Pill and fed it to his daughter, causing her personality to change and giving her a split personality, right?
“Yes, it was an act.” Gong Yiling replied seriously. “I taught her some special acting techniques. Even her own mother wouldn’t recognize her.”
“As I suspected!”
Seeing the spirit’s convinced expression, Gong Yiling felt a pang of guilt.
She could deceive him now, but she would have to explain later.
Like, I fed your daughter an expired pill, causing her personality to change and giving her a split personality.
But it couldn’t be helped. Otherwise, the girl would be dead.
“Ahem… more importantly,” Gong Yiling quickly changed the subject, “do you have a way to get this stupid dragon out of here?”
“You want to…?”
Gong Yiling said confidently,
“You’re no longer under his control. It’s time to make him pay for what he’s done.”
