Chapter 19: Everything Is Under Control
Li Tianhuan leaned back in the wooden chair, his leg crossed over the other, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed the dark expression on Elder Yan Shu's face. The room, dimly lit by the flickering light of a single lantern, seemed to echo with unspoken tension.
"Now then," Li Tianhuan began, his tone casual yet commanding, "should we discuss matters, Elder Yan Shu? Or will you continue glaring at me like a cornered beast?"
Yan Shu's fingers tightened on the armrests of his chair, he snorted. "hmph"
"Why are you acting so indecisive? It's unbecoming," Li Tianhuan said, his tone laced with mockery.
"Now then," he continued, leaning forward slightly, "you can't even kill me, despite being Rank 5, because I was once a Gu Immortal. I may have died, but I now inhabit this boy's body as a possession host. I have some leftover Immortal Essence and an Immortal Gu in this body. With that, I can easily kill a person like you." As he spoke, Li Tian released an immortal aura that completely suppressed Yan Shu's aura.
Yan Shu's face drained of color, and he immediately bowed deeply, his voice trembling. "Senior, I apologize. I didn't recognize Mount Tai."
Li Tianhuan chuckled softly, his smile growing wider. "Good. Acknowledging your ignorance is the first step to wisdom. Now, let's speak plainly, Elder Yan Shu. You are ambitious, and ambition is a fire that needs fuel. What if I told you I could provide you with the opportunity to ascend to Gu Immortal status?"
Yan Shu's head snapped up, his eyes widening with a mix of disbelief and hope. "You... you can do that?"
"Of course," Li Tianhuan replied smoothly, his tone confident. "But only if you align yourself with my plans. You see, becoming a Gu Immortal requires more than just talent; it demands vision, resources, and a certain... unorthodox approach. I have all three."
Yan Shu hesitated, his hands trembling slightly as he processed the offer. "What do you require of me, Senior?"
Li Tianhuan leaned forward, his crimson eyes glinting in the dim light. "Loyalty. Absolute loyalty. If you aid me in executing my plans and ensure that my path remains unobstructed, I will pave the way for your ascension."
The elder's expression shifted, his inner conflict evident. Yet, the lure of immortality was too great to resist. Slowly, he nodded. "I am at your service, Senior. Whatever you need, I will do it."
Li Tianhuan leaned back, satisfied. "Wise choice, Elder Yan Shu. Now, let's discuss the first steps of our cooperation."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing, "On the day of the year-end examination, all the elders will be gathered in one place. This presents a rare opportunity. Using that moment, we will eliminate them all. Their blood will fuel my cultivation, allowing me to advance to Rank 5 Peak Stage. At that time, I will also help you advance to Rank 5 Peak Stage, don't worry."
Yan Shu's breath hitched, his eyes widening as he processed the audacity of the plan. "But... Senior, such an act will bring immense consequences."
Li Tianhuan's crimson eyes glinted with cold determination. "Consequences are irrelevant. This world respects only power. However, you must remain calm and reveal nothing until the moment arrives. Can I count on you to follow through?"
Yan Shu lowered his head, the weight of the decision bearing down on him. "Yes, Senior. I will not fail you."
"Good, take this Gu and keep it with you. I will transmit my voice to you when the time is right. Be ready to strike the elders without hesitation. My killer move covers the entire academy grounds, ensuring no one escapes. With all the elders gathered, the plan will be flawless."
"Now then, thank you for the dinner." As he said this, he smiled faintly and exited the study room.
As he stepped into the dimly lit hallway, Li Tianhuan's aura shifted back to normal. He opened his palm, revealing a dark blue transparent cube resting lightly on his hand. It shimmered faintly, as though holding an otherworldly power.
"The Fake to Real Gu," Li Tianhuan murmured, his gaze fixed on the peculiar object. This was no ordinary Gu worm; it was a Reality Path Gu of Rank 2, a testament to his ingenuity. Its unique ability allowed it to transform falsehoods into perceived truths, bending the line between reality and illusion. In a world where the Reality Path was unheard of, the Gu's effects were unparalleled, capable of deceiving even the sharpest senses of a Rank 5 Gu Master.
He chuckled to himself, his crimson eyes glinting in the lantern light. "A weapon in plain sight, yet unseen by all. The perfect tool for what lies ahead."
He created this Gu before he came to the dinner. Yesterday, he had obtained an S-rank dice, a rare item called the "One Chance of Super Inspiration." This unique reward acted as a ticket that granted unparalleled clarity and insight into any desired topic.
Using it, Li Tianhuan finally broke through the barriers of understanding and created the foundational principles of the Reality Path. In that singular moment of brilliance, the inspiration for the Fake to Real Gu was also born. With meticulous effort and the simple resources available in his inventory, he brought this extraordinary Gu worm into existence.
Yue Yinqing didn't actually come to the room; what Yan Shu saw was a type of clone created by the Fake to Real Gu. The Gu had transformed a fabricated illusion into a tangible likeness of Yue Yinqing. Li Tianhuan wasn't concerned that Yan Shu might question her presence. The elder would be too cautious to challenge anything directly, fearing the wrath of an immortal.
Li Tianhuan knew Yan Shu's doubts wouldn't raise suspicions, as Yue Yinqing's feelings for him were well-known. He had strategically feigned ignorance of her emotions, maintaining her blushing demeanor rather than allowing her to grow too comfortable and revert to her tsundere tendencies—a dynamic that could complicate his plans.
The true reason behind this elaborate ruse was far more calculated. Li Tianhuan sought to accelerate his cultivation, specifically to enhance the aptitude of the Second Aperture Gu he intended to purchase in the future.
This Rank 6 Immortal Gu, available in the system store for 50,000 KP or SP, held immense potential and I can't buy that due to inssuficent ponts but I know a way. However, achieving his goal required drastic measures. Killing the Rank 5 elders during the year-end examination would grant him the resources needed to fuel his breakthrough. Yet he was acutely aware of the risks: such an act would undoubtedly lead to wanted posters and mark him as a demonic cultivator.
To avoid immediate exposure, Li Tianhuan planned to annihilate the entire clan, seizing the spirit spring of the clan and cover his tracks. It was a dangerous game, but one he was confident he could control.