Claiming the Throne of Gods, Starting from the Rebirth of Nezha
Chapter 84: The Real Person

Chapter 84: Chapter 84: The Real Person

Gu Jianqing repeatedly advised with gentle words, saying, "Little brother, if you get into trouble here, going back to face our Master, he will have no way to explain."

Then he mentioned that the Ten Thousand Dragon Blood Array, although unrelated to cultivation, was still a challenge for his younger brother given his tender age and the need to polish his mental state.

At this point, he called over the other senior and junior brothers and sisters, especially the two beautiful sisters from the sect who were very close to Cao Cunzhi, to persuade him together, but the more they persuaded, the more determined Cao Cunzhi became.

The expression on his face was resolute as he clenched his fists and said that this time it was not a reckless act; he was more confident in his heart after listening to Master Wu Xiang.

Moreover, he advised Gu Jianqing, saying that our group had yet to gain anything thus far, and if we returned empty-handed later, it would be hard for our Master to accept upon returning to Purple Dragon Island.

Upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation appeared on Gu Jianqing’s face.

Cao Cunzhi, seeing that his normally very kind senior brother was persuaded by his few words, felt very pleased with himself and thought that within Daoist Xiao Qi’s lineage on Purple Dragon Island, he would indeed be the one to carry the banner in the future.

Little did he know that although Gu Jianqing seemed troubled on the surface, inside he was already bursting with joy.

Gu Jianqing was extremely good at disguise; he was as calculating as his Master, Daoist Xiao Qi, and even more sensitive and suspicious. The more so, the more he had to appear carefree and agreeable in everything he did in front of Daoist Xiao Qi.

He had long coveted a junior sister in the peak, wishing to become Daoist companions with her, yet he was unwilling to speak forthrightly. Not only did he have to use underhanded methods to get close to her in secret, but on the surface, he was extremely harsh towards her, showing an attitude that he had already cut off all feelings and desires for the sake of cultivation.

He really detested his exceptionally talented younger brother, and always tried to suppress him within the sect, fearing to lose his own position in the Master’s heart and eyes, yet he had to appear to take very good care of him.

Gu Jianqing was such a contradictory person, yet his acting was incredibly convincing, wearing this mask with extreme care, rarely willing to take it off.

Up to this point, even his Master, Daoist Xiao Qi, had not noticed anything amiss.

But his facade had been seen through by the clean and pure-hearted Wu Xiang Monk, so Master Wu Xiang had been observing him closely all this time, wondering what this man was really up to.

After all, he was just a Cultivator at the Golden Core Realm, able to see that Gu Jianqing was deliberately doing this to lure this Daoist named Cao Cunzhi to act, yet not understanding the dirty thoughts in Purple Dragon Island and Gu Jianqing’s heart.

Thus resolved, Cao Cunzhi took a deep breath, adjusted his spirit and physical state to the best condition, and then stepped over the red line on the ground, confidently taking three big steps forward.

His face suddenly changed color, and his limbs slowly stiffened at a rate visible to the naked eye. In the end, he seemed to have turned into a stone statue!

Any part of his body was unable to move; he was completely nailed to the spot!

All the people saw was a flash of red light on the ground, and no one knew what Cao Cunzhi had experienced.

They thought Cao Cunzhi would have a harder time with each step, but who would have thought the Ten Thousand Dragon Blood Array was so treacherous that it seemed to end in an instant.

The disciples of Purple Dragon Island outside the circle were anxiously calling out Cao Cunzhi’s name, and Gu Jianqing was calling out as well, but while he appeared anxious on the surface, he was laughing inside.

Only those who fear nothing can move forward indomitably.

He thought to himself that his little brother was certainly a fearless person; after all, only the ignorant can be fearless, and his little brother was so ignorant and foolish.

As he pretended to be in a hurry and shouting, one of the sisters close to Cao Cunzhi made her move. Luckily, Cao Cunzhi had only taken three big steps. Her waistband flew out, instantly wrapping around Cao Cunzhi’s waist, and she pulled him back.

This sudden event also brought a trace of astonishment to Gu Jianqing’s face.

Indeed, why hadn’t he thought of this method before? If you tie a rope around your waist and have someone pull you back when you’re in danger, even he would dare to take a risk and break through the Ten Thousand Dragon Blood Array.

Only Master Wu Xiang remained, gazing at Cao Cunzhi, who was pulled out by his fellow brothers, revealing a trace of compassion in his eyes—not for any other reason, but because he could see that although Cao Cunzhi’s physical body was unharmed, his Primordial Spirit had been utterly destroyed.

At this moment, he also finally understood where those desiccated zombies in the dark corridor came from.

Such methods had been considered by predecessors as well.

He lowered his head and fingered the Buddhist beads, closing his eyes to chant sutras, witnessing the suffering of all beings and feeling an immense sorrow in his heart.

If Nezha were here and able to comprehend Master Wu Xiang’s inner thoughts, he would surely be astonished enough to go home, smash a family shrine statue, and make an effigy to honor this great master—damn it, this is encountering a living Buddha.

Meanwhile, over at Purple Dragon Island, they had finally discovered that Cao Cunzhi’s Primordial Spirit had perished and he had become no more than a walking corpse.

Those who were close to him were naturally overwhelmed with grief, and Gu Jianqing felt an even greater fear of the Ten Thousand Dragon Blood Array. Subconsciously wishing to avoid it, yet despite his fear, he did not retreat but instead took a step forward.

He opened his mouth, intending to say something to boost everyone’s spirits, to put their junior brother’s death aside for now—with the affairs of the sect taking precedence, they must continue onward. But, as one foot stepped near the red line, his heart throbbed with nervous fear, pounding ceaselessly.

His mouth had just opened when his favorite junior sister suddenly turned and glared fiercely at him.

The face he once marveled at was now full of grief and indignation; through clenched teeth, she said, "Senior brother, our junior brother cannot die so senselessly!"

Gu Jianqing, looking at her face which could never weary him, thought to himself: people are already dead, what more do you want me to do? It’s not like I pushed him in to die.

"Really, what’s the point of coming out! Isn’t it good for everyone to pursue immortality and cultivate together within the sect?"

He screamed inwardly.

But soon after, his expression slowly turned rigid.

Gu Jianqing realized that his beloved junior sister had feelings for their junior brother. Emptiness filled his heart as evil thoughts began to stir.

He sighed, "Alas, now that things have come to this, perhaps only retrieving the Treasure Box can somewhat console our junior brother’s departed spirit. However, this Ten Thousand Dragon Blood Array is extremely dangerous, and I, as the eldest senior brother, absolutely can’t let you risk your lives again."

He had not finished speaking when he saw a familiar resolve in his junior sister’s eyes, and with a trembling voice, he asked, "Hai Tang, why must you do this?"

Before, he treated this junior sister with tender feelings but a stern face; now, his face spoke gently while his heart cursed bitterly.

Saying, junior sister, oh junior sister, since you’ve stepped onto the path of cultivation, you should put aside all worldly emotions. Only by being dedicated to the pursuit of the Dao can you truly attain enlightenment.

This junior sister also took a deep breath, as if making a great resolution, and puffed out her chest, ready to walk into the formation and seek death.

But before she could take a step, a voice stopped her.

It was Wu Xiang Monk.

He bowed his head and said, "Buddha is merciful. Since the benefactor insists on having this brocaded box, let me be the one to go."

Master Wu Xiang volunteered himself, and naturally, no one from Purple Dragon Island objected. By now, even the most arrogant disciple from Purple Dragon Island respected Master Wu Xiang.

Gu Jianqing remained silent, clearly seeing that Master Wu Xiang harbored true great compassion, a genuine sage seldom found in this world. Yet, having such a person in front of him made him feel as if looking in a mirror, revealing his own ugliness and imperfections.

In the eyes of his fellow brothers and sisters, he seemed no different than before, but at this moment, he felt uncomfortable from head to toe.

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