Chapter 306: Chapter 306 We Can Trade
To be honest, Chen Pingping didn’t quite believe these words, but... he was unwilling to wait any longer. If Mo Lai couldn’t make the decision, he would naturally inform the higher-ups of the Spirit Palace. It meant much the same thing. He then simply shared his thoughts.
After listening, Mo Lai was astonished. "You want to strike against the Purple Gold Divine Clan?"
What’s the difference between that and a child, a few years of age, attempting to fight an adult? It’s like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, a mayfly shaking a tree, or an egg striking a stone. Madness! The idea Chen Pingping had is tantamount to insanity.
Mo Lai’s face stiffened a bit. "The Purple Gold Divine Clan has been around for a long time, having already established deep roots in this land, not to mention their origins. Within the Spirit Realm, almost no one can shake them. You might manage to kill a few individuals. But the idea of annihilating the Purple Gold Divine Clan is simply impossible."
Before Chen Pingping could respond, he asked, "Why would you have such a thought?"
A question worth delving into.
Chen Pingping had no answer.
Hatred? He bore none. At most, it was just some minor quarrels. Even though Emperor Tian had captured Lin Yuexin, it was far from that point. Seeking fame? Chen Pingping did not need these. For justice? Eliminating the Purple Gold Divine Clan to cleanse the Spirit Realm of its cancer seemed to have nothing to do with him either. If it came to jealousy... Perhaps that was more fitting.
"You have no reason; you don’t need to do this," Mo Lai spoke up.
"Then what? What if the Purple Gold Divine Clan wants to kill me with all their might?" Chen Pingping suddenly looked up, seemingly finding a reason.
He would slay Emperor Tian and seize the Emperor Spirit. He was a genius who could lead the Purple Gold Divine Clan back to its peak. On the other hand, their reliance and foundation, built over tens of thousands of years, were also too significant. When it gets to that point, the situation would no longer be within Chen Pingping’s control.
Mo Lai blandly stated, "Although the Spirit Palace has its grievances with the Purple Gold Divine Clan, the Spirit Palace will not agree to your request."
"Just report it," Chen Pingping said with a smile.
"We can make a deal." Mo Lai’s eyes widened.
Oh? Chen Pingping was taken aback.
Mo Lai continued, "You go ahead and take action; I’ll ensure your safety."
Ah? This? Listening to such a calm tone, yet laden with an indescribable air of dominance and confidence, Chen Pingping took another look at Mo Lai. Are all disciples of the Spirit Palace this impressive?
"What’s your cultivation level?" His eyes darted about as he inquired.
"Deal or no deal?" Mo Lai didn’t answer.
"Why bargain? Isn’t slaying the Purple Gold Divine Clan a win-win for both of us?" Chen Pingping’s mind raced with possibilities.
"Yes, but that’s a win for you and the Spirit Palace, and the Spirit Palace will not take action on this matter. I can take action, so it’s a win only for you," Mo Lai replied, still very calm.
A gentle breeze flowed into the room, lifting his robes and long hair, revealing a more mature cast to his slightly resolute face.
Beneath that tranquil expression, something seemed to be hidden. Chen Pingping couldn’t see through it, but... he sensed that Mo Lai had intentions for something from him. As for what it was, he still needed to ask.
"Why?"
"Jiang Ni’er. An orphan. You’ve seen her. I want you to protect her." Mo Lai’s breathing grew heavier, his light tone becoming much more somber.
He was somewhat anxious. But they were strangers to Chen Pingping; it was clearly impossible for him to directly become Jiang Ni’er’s Protector. So the only option was to make a transaction. Regardless of what had transpired between Chen Pingping and the Purple Gold Divine Clan, he vowed to protect Chen Pingping in exchange for Chen Pingping’s protection over Jiang Ni’er. It was a fair trade. The only unfair part was that Chen Pingping was unaware of Jiang Ni’er’s identity and origins.
Before Chen Pingping could speak, Mo Lai added, "Don’t worry, she’s an orphan, without any family feuds or personal grievances. Her background is clean. No one will target her."
"Why are you looking for me?" Chen Pingping asked, puzzled.
"You are strong," was the reply.
Those words carried conviction.
Chen Pingping nearly believed it. Aren’t you, Mo Lai, also strong? Wasn’t your claim to protect me amidst the slaughter by the Purple Gold Divine Clan evidence enough of your strength?
He didn’t respond immediately. For one, he didn’t trust Mo Lai’s capabilities. Secondly, there must be something about Jiang Ni’er he had yet to discover. And thirdly, the transaction at hand was all too peculiar. Why would such a powerful entity from the Spirit Palace seek him to protect a young girl?
After talking back and forth for over ten minutes, both sides fell silent for an hour, each lost in their thoughts. This continued until two hours had passed. Then, Chen Pingping, having weighed the pros and cons, made his decision and said with a smile, "Deal."
"Good! From now on, I entrust Ni’er to you. You are responsible for her protection until she grows up..." Mo Lai spoke with solemnity, then called Jiang Ni’er over and emphasized earnestly, "Ni’er, from today, you will follow Chen Pingping."
"Ah?" Jiang Ni’er exclaimed, suddenly anxious. "Brother, are you abandoning me?"
Mo Lai shook his head. "Ni’er, do you remember what your brother told you? Surviving with the Heaven Insight Body is extremely difficult. Born knowing too much, the heavens have always been trying to eliminate you, and the frequency of calamities befalling you is increasing. Under the entire sky, only that Shadow can keep her safe."
Mo Lai had mentioned this more than once. But Jiang Ni’er hadn’t taken it to heart; she thought having her brother was enough, convinced he would always protect her. Never did she expect her brother would let her go too.
Jiang Ni’er began to cry. "Brother, are you going to abandon Ni’er?"
"Listen to me!" Mo Lai took a deep breath, pain flashing across his face. "Your brother will never abandon Ni’er. I will always protect you, but you have to follow him."
Chen Pingping, standing to the side, couldn’t watch this any longer. Rolling his eyes, he said, "It’s not like a tearful farewell. Why make it so melodramatic?"
Following this, Chen Pingping began to strategize, choosing the battlefield. The location of the Purple Gold Divine Clan was shrouded in mystery, almost unknown to anyone. Thus, what he had to do was to lure out the Divine Clan’s warriors. Of course, it didn’t matter if they didn’t come; Chen Pingping’s only targets were Emperor Tian and his mount. It would be sufficient if just the two of them showed up.
Mo Lai discussed countermeasures with him. "Although the Purple Gold Divine Clan has declined and is not as powerful as it once was, it is still a top existence in the Spirit Realm. There are even rumors that deep within the ancestral lands, an Ancient Saint slumbers, along with several Lords who have not appeared in the world for thousands of years. But indeed, they are still alive."
Chen Pingping’s mouth fell slightly open, realizing that the strength of the Purple Gold Divine Clan was different from what he imagined.
Ancient Saint? Lords? None of the three great dynasties have those, do they? Their only trump card is probably that Heaven Tao Divine Weapon.
Listening to Mo Lai’s narration, Chen Pingping’s heart began to race.
"In this generation, there are three peerless geniuses with astonishing Bloodline Power, very high in concentration, but only Emperor Tian has shown signs of returning to the ancestors. He is the one who provoked you, this person who was hidden for twenty years and has only recently appeared in the world. He must be intending to use your battle as a stepping stone for Divine Enthronement," Mo Lai said in a steady voice.
After all, the stir Chen Pingping had caused in the Spirit Realm recently was too substantial; his name resonated wildly, known to everyone under the heavens. If Emperor Tian could slay Chen Pingping, wouldn’t that be akin to achieving Divine Enthronement in one battle?
AHEM. It was a bit of an exaggeration, though.
"The second young genius is a woman, rumored to possess a Divine Body, not to be underestimated in strength, though she seldom makes a move. The third one... you have driven him mad." At this point, Mo Lai gave him a peculiar look.
He had to admit, Chen Pingping indeed had his ways: fooling the three great dynasties, ambushing the Purple Gold Divine Clan, and even driving a peerless genius like Golden Cicada to madness.
Chen Pingping offered a sheepish smile and said, "Let’s focus on the main point."