The Demon's Conspiracy

"That generation's sect leader was corrupted by the Demon Emperor Sword and completely succumbed to demonic influence. Driven by the sword's thirst for blood, he was manipulated into unleashing a massacre.

In that battle, the Sword Sect lost several Supreme Elders, dozens of Heavenly Venerates, and countless Heavenly Monarchs and Celestial Beings. Tens of thousands of years of the sect's accumulated strength were exhausted in an instant."

Gu Qingfeng listened with exhilaration, his eyes gleaming with fervor. This was the power of an Emperor's weapon? So overwhelmingly strong!

No—he absolutely had to obtain it! By any means necessary!

"Junior Brother Gu, are you even listening?"

Meng Yan eyed Gu Qingfeng, whose grin was growing increasingly sinister, with suspicion.

At this point, he even wondered if Gu Qingfeng was a mole sent by their organization. Why did he seem more like a demon than a human?

"Ah, yes, yes! So what happened next? How was it resolved?" Gu Qingfeng quickly composed himself and asked.

"Later, several Heavenly Supreme Elders sacrificed their lives to jointly seal the Demon Emperor Sword, finally putting an end to the calamity.

However, the Sword Sect never recovered from the blow."

Then, as if offhandedly, Meng Yan dropped another piece of information: "Truly, the rise and fall of the Sword Sect hinged on the Demon Emperor Sword. If they wish to restore their former glory, someone must master it. After all, what kind of Emperor’s Court Immortal Sect can they call themselves without an Emperor’s weapon?

But alas, the Demon Emperor Sword was the weapon of the Sword Heavenly Emperor. Even the most peerless geniuses cannot earn its recognition. Anyone who tries to forcibly wield it will be instantly devoured by its backlash. Only one with the bearing of a Heavenly Emperor could possibly tame it.

Now, in the entire Sword Sect, you might be the only one capable of shouldering this responsibility, Junior Brother."

"Keh... hahaha! Old Meng, you truly have an eye for talent! Who else but me is worthy of the Demon Emperor Sword?" Gu Qingfeng declared without a hint of modesty.

Meng Yan was taken aback. So direct? Shouldn’t a normal person at least feign humility?

"Old Meng, between brothers like us, no need for pretenses. Just tell me straight—how do I make the Demon Emperor Sword mine?"

This left Meng Yan utterly speechless. His carefully crafted, step-by-step temptation hadn’t even begun! He had planned to stoke Gu Qingfeng’s desire for the sword gradually, luring him into the abyss.

But this guy was already salivating over it?

No pretense, no hesitation—openly declaring his intent to seize the sect’s greatest treasure?

Am I the demon here, or is he?

Are you seriously a mole sent by the organization? They didn’t even brief me!

"Old Meng, speak already!" Gu Qingfeng urged impatiently.

"Ah, right. Well... since Junior Brother is so devoted to the Sword Sect’s revival and willing to take such risks, I’ll be frank. The only way to gain access to the Demon Emperor Sword is to become the Sword Sect’s Emperor’s Heir!"

"Emperor’s Heir? Even higher than a Holy Son?"

"A Holy Son is merely the successor of one of the Sword Sect’s seven branches. But the Emperor’s Heir stands above them all—the successor of the entire sect. The title signifies the heir of the Heavenly Emperor, a status even surpassing the sect leader!"

"So how do I become the Emperor’s Heir?"

"The sect will hold trials to select one. Pass them, and the position is yours."

"Then what are we waiting for? Start them! I can’t wait any longer."

"Uh... Junior Brother Gu, it’s not up to me to initiate the trials. Only the sect leader and the Grand Elders have that authority. But rest assured, since you’re so determined, I’ll do everything to push for it.

For now, focus on cultivation—strengthen your foundation.

And most importantly, you must demonstrate your talent and worth. Only when the sect leader, the Grand Elders, and the higher-ups unanimously recognize that a disciple with the potential of a Heavenly Emperor has emerged will they agree to begin the trials.

Alright, Junior Brother, your residence is here. After days of travel, you should rest. I’ll return tomorrow to discuss further."

Meng Yan could no longer keep up the conversation. He needed to rush back and confirm with the organization—was Gu Qingfeng really one of theirs?

After a few more pleasantries, Meng Yan handed Gu Qingfeng the sect’s robes and identification token before hastily departing.

Gu Qingfeng watched Meng Yan leave, deep in thought.

He was almost certain—Meng Yan’s goal was the Demon Emperor Sword. With the Sword Sect weakened, the sword was their most valuable asset.

Who knows? Five thousand years ago, when the sword suddenly turned demonic, the Sword Demon’s faction might have been behind it.

After all, human-turned-demons were exactly that—humans who became demons. Meng Yan’s organization likely had methods to induce such corruption. The sword’s rampage back then might have been their doing.

And clearly, Meng Yan intended to use him to obtain the sword. Only the Emperor’s Heir and the sect leader were permitted to approach it.

Dugu Wei couldn’t possibly be one of them—if even the leader was their man, why bother hiding?

They must fear Dugu Wei’s strength. Since they couldn’t make him their puppet, they had to target the Emperor’s Heir instead.

Now, having witnessed his dual Sacred Physiques, they wanted to exploit him to seize the sword.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant!

They planned to use him? Well, he’d use them right back—let them pave his way to the Demon Emperor Sword!

Of course, these demons surely had contingencies. They wouldn’t let an uncontrollable outsider wield the sword. But no matter what schemes or underhanded tricks they had in store, it didn’t matter.

Because when it came to demons—he was invincible. They could try whatever they wanted!

Still, Meng Yan’s words implied he had to flaunt his talents, didn’t he?

Show off until the entire sect’s higher-ups acknowledged him, just to qualify for the trials.

Damn it! So annoying—couldn’t even stay low-key for once.

This went against the nine years of compulsory education he’d received!

A ripe ear of wheat bows low, heavy with grain. Only the empty ones stand tall.

The tallest tree attracts the fiercest wind.

The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

Pride leads to downfall; humility brings progress.

Sigh. For the Demon Emperor Sword, he’d have to betray his principles.

Gu Qingfeng turned and entered his cave abode, beginning his cultivation.

He needed to prepare.

With three Sacred Physiques, his talent was undeniable. But if the trials tested raw cultivation, he’d be in trouble—his Human Yuan Core Second Heaven realm was weaker than most geniuses, let alone the Holy Sons.

Meanwhile, as Gu Qingfeng cultivated, Meng Yan arrived at a hidden location.

He met a woman—one clad in fiery red, breathtakingly beautiful, her charm as natural as her elegance.

Any Sword Sect disciple would gasp in recognition—this was none other than Ling Fei’er, one of the sect’s Twin Jewels, the revered "Fairy Ling."

"Ling Fei’er, has the Sword Demon sent any new operatives recently?" Meng Yan asked.

Ling Fei’er smiled faintly, her demure expression radiating an inexplicable allure. A born enchantress—such was her nature.

"Why would you say that, Uncle Meng? You are the Sword Demon's most trusted confidant. If someone were sent here, you would surely know—why ask a junior disciple like me?"

"It seems I was overthinking things." Meng Yan sighed faintly, unable to shake the fleeting, sinister smirk he had glimpsed on Gu Qingfeng's face earlier. It lingered in his mind like a nightmare.

"Uncle Meng, are you troubled by that newcomer, Gu Qingfeng?"

"Hmm. This boy possesses dual Sacred Physiques—a talent so rare it is almost unheard of in this world. I intend to include him in our plans."

Ling Fei'er's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "Bring Gu Qingfeng into the plan? What about Chu Jingchen? Though he only has a single Sacred Physique, he has already cultivated to the Second Heavenly Tribulation Realm and is now in seclusion preparing for the Third. With his talent, reaching the Third Heavenly Tribulation would be effortless.

Even if Gu Qingfeng has dual Sacred Physiques and greater innate potential than Chu Jingchen, the gap in their current strength is far too wide.

Besides, I’ve gone to great lengths to make Chu Jingchen fall for me. If you switch targets now, won’t all my previous efforts be wasted?"

Meng Yan shook his head. "Chu Jingchen is indeed a peerless genius, one in a million. But throughout the history of the Sword Sect, how many Sacred Physique holders have there been? And how many of them have passed the Imperial Heir Trial and successfully wielded the Demon Emperor’s Sword?

None. Not a single one.

Choosing Chu Jingchen was always a compromise. Gu Qingfeng, with his dual Sacred Physiques, is the far better choice! Though his current cultivation is lacking, with such talent, his strength will inevitably rise in time.

Most importantly, Gu Qingfeng is greedy for wealth and lust—his weaknesses are glaring and easy to exploit. Chu Jingchen may admire you, but he is ultimately devoted to cultivation. For him, pursuing the supreme Dao is paramount; romantic entanglements will always come second."

"But—" Ling Fei'er seemed ready to argue further, but Meng Yan cut her off sharply. "Ling Fei'er, don’t tell me you’ve actually fallen for Chu Jingchen?"

Ling Fei'er paused briefly before bursting into a coquettish laugh. "Uncle Meng, I didn’t expect someone of your age to still have a sense of humor. Do you really think beings like us—half-human, half-demon—are even capable of love? Even if we were, it should be reserved for a great man like the Sword Demon. Pity though, the Sword Demon practices the Emotionless Sword—his heart holds no place for women."

Meng Yan’s expression softened slightly at her words.

"I will report the matter of Gu Qingfeng and Chu Jingchen to the Sword Demon and let him decide. Until then, find an opportunity to approach Gu Qingfeng—we must prepare for both outcomes."

"Perfect. I’ve been curious to see the allure of a dual Sacred Physique genius for myself. I wonder how much of his pride will remain once he falls for this fairy, and just how pathetically he’ll grovel. Hehe, I can’t wait." Ling Fei'er licked her crimson lips with a seductive smile.