Chapter 426: Repair the Road Outwardly, Slip Through Chen Cang

Chu Yang's dialogue with Lin Dong didn't avoid the people nearby, yet everyone failed to understand; it was all a total haze.

Even Ling Qingzhu, who is closest to Lin Dong, knew nothing about it.

This is the greatest destiny of the Martial Realm and the Endless Fire Domain, and also an earth‑shattering plot Chu Yang has been planning since long ago, targeting the Outer Evil Tribe.

Empty City stratagem? It's merely a façade! Chu Yang can construct a spider‑web‑like multi‑directional teleportation array among the six factions, and naturally also a stable and covert one‑way teleportation array.

He opened a spatial rift in the Martial Realm and another in the Endless Fire Domain; these two rifts connect to two spatial nodes outside the realm.

Chu Yang is confident that unless it's the late‑stage Saint Product Heavenly Demon Emperor, or the Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor personally inspecting inch by inch, it would be impossible to detect his meddling at those two spatial nodes.

That was a contingency he left when he first entered the outside, initially just for occasional need, now it serves a great purpose.

Chu Yang gave Xiao Yan and Lin Dong each a "Black Tower"; once activated, it can unleash the spatial power stored within and Pan Gu's "avatar".

Under Pan Gu's avatar's control, that spatial power will, in a short time, turn Chu Yang's rifts into stable spatial passages that lead directly to the outer spatial nodes.

Imagine the frontlines of both sides locked in fierce battle, and then a Great Thousand World powerhouse suddenly appears behind the enemy—what would happen? Indeed, this move carries huge risk; even the participating strongmen might never return.

Yet if one is cautious enough and not overly war‑loving, striking a seven‑inch point on the enemy and retreating, then immediately destroying the spatial passage on return, the Outer Evil Tribe would have suffered a huge loss for nothing! Outwardly using the Empty City stratagem to draw the Evil Tribe's attention, then silently using the spatial passage to ambush their rear—this tactic is the epitome of skullduggery…

Repair the road outwardly, slip through Chen Cang! Chu Yang and two others, together with Lin Dong, left the Martial Realm and headed straight for the Ice Spirit Continent.

On the way, Chu Yang whispered, "Be extra careful then, and never become war‑loving!"

"Also remember, outside the realm, besides those beside you, trust no one; you should understand what I mean!"

Lin Dong nodded; he knew Chu Yang was referring to the Evil Spirit Tribe, those guys are almost indistinguishable from the Human Race, with no trace to spot.

This is the only chance; whether this operation succeeds or not, the Outer Evil Tribe will not let such a thing happen again.

Chu Yang will not take part personally, because he knows his aura has likely already been firmly recorded by those Heavenly Demon Emperors.

As soon as he steps outside, he will be locked onto instantly.

In contrast, Lin Dong and his companions were of lower realms back then, so the Heavenly Demon Emperor wouldn't focus on them.

Originally Chu Yang hesitated about the plan; after all, it's overly risky—one slip could cost troops and generals.

Then the Great Thousand Demon Buddha suddenly entered the outside, undeniably creating the perfect timing for Chu Yang's scheme! With him restraining the Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor and other Evil Tribe's top powers, Chu Yang's maneuvering room in the plan grew larger.

The strongmen participating in the plan will face much lower risk.

Chu Yang glanced at Fan Wuye, then telepathically told Lin Dong, "By the way, don't forget to gather Original Demonic Qi!"

Lin Dong nodded calmly; the matter of Chu Yang needing Original Demonic Qi was already known to him and Xiao Yan, and they would collect it covertly.

However, Chu Yang only told them that he had found a method to effectively erase the Heavenly Demon Emperor, but it required a large amount of Original Demonic Qi for testing.

For Great Thousand World strongmen, the Saint Heart Demonic Refinement Technique is extremely unorthodox; after all, no one has heard of a Human Race being able to absorb the Outer Evil Tribe's Original Demonic Qi! Frankly, this power is somewhat "anti‑human", so even though Chu Yang's prestige is high and he appears untainted by demonic Qi, it still leaves an uneasy feeling.

In fact, handing this to Ao Ting and Huo Ling would be unquestionably safer.

The crux is, Chu Yang cannot confirm whether Ao Ting and Huo Ling can arrive in time before the operation starts and take part.

After all, the Great Thousand Demon Buddha side is an unknown factor; Chu Yang cannot contact him, and who knows when this monk, who seeks death and refines his own relics, will act? Moreover, once the battle outside erupts, Ao Ting and Huo Ling may face enemies of Heavenly Demon Emperor caliber, which would likely distract them.

The Ice Spirit Continent lies north of the Martial Realm; the two locations correspond to the Demon‑suppressing Continent and the Sacred Abyss Continent on the western frontier.

If the Martial Realm is the first line of defense on the Great Thousand World's southern border, then the Ice Spirit Tribe is undoubtedly the second.

The Great Thousand Palace branch once garrisoned the southern border; as the Martial Realm took over, it put considerable pressure on the Great Thousand Palace.

As Chu Yang's party just arrived on the Ice Spirit Continent, a blue‑robed elder greeted them.

"Martial Ancestor!" the elder courteously bowed to Lin Dong, eyes full of reverence.

Lin Dong laughed, "No need for formalities, elder; this is King Chu, coming here as the Western Heaven War Emperor…"

Hearing this, the blue‑robed elder's face changed instantly, and he bowed deeply to Chu Yang, "I have long heard of King Chu's great name!"

"I, Ying Xing Tian of the Ice Spirit Tribe, am at a loss how to properly receive Your Majesty, King Chu!"

Chu Yang was taken aback, because he had never heard of anyone named Ying Xing Tian, and he turned to look at Lin Dong.

Lin Dong explained, "This is the Ice Spirit Tribe's ancient ancestor…"

Hearing that, Chu Yang couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.

Good fellow! My prestige in the Great Thousand World has become this high now?

An esteemed ancient‑ancestor figure, yet he directly reveals his true name and lowers his bearing so much?

Is this the same Ice Spirit ancient ancestor who once was overbearing and never gave a second thought to the Ling‑dong?

"Elder, no need for such courtesy; perhaps in the future we'll be like family…" Chu Yang smiled meaningfully.

The Ice Spirit ancient ancestor's gaze hardened, then as if recalling something, he glanced at Lin Dong and repeatedly nodded, "King Chu, you speak wisely!"

In fact, since the previous incident concluded, the Ice Spirit ancient ancestor has realized that their Ice Spirit Tribe cannot afford to offend Lin Dong, let alone the Martial Realm.

So he personally greeted them at the first sign of Lin Dong's arrival, even putting on a smiling face.

During this period, because of the affairs of the Five Ancient Clans, the Martial Realm's reputation skyrocketed, and it also bore Chu Yang's label.

As a result, he dared not offend them any longer.

Meanwhile, the Ice Spirit ancient ancestor had been worrying about how to resolve the conflict between the Ice Spirit Tribe and the Martial Realm; upon hearing Chu Yang's words, his mind instantly became active.

Why would the Martial Ancestor bear a grudge against their Ice Spirit Tribe? Isn't it because he wants to use the Ice Spirit Tribe's ancestral tablet to resurrect his wife?

This shows the Martial Ancestor's deep affection for his wife.

Moreover, his wife possesses the Ice Spirit Tribe's royal bloodline, so…

If I were to elevate her to the Ice Spirit Tribe's chieftainship, wouldn't that perfectly resolve the conflict? Moreover, the Ice Spirit Tribe would later align closely with the Martial Realm, even leaning on Chu Yang like a great tree! In that moment, the ancient ancestor grew increasingly excited, hoping the Martial Ancestor's wife could be revived soon.

The party soon arrived at the site where Lin Dong once suppressed the Western Heaven War Emperor; it had been declared a forbidden zone by the Ice Spirit Tribe, and no tribe member may approach.

The Ice Spirit ancient ancestor also feared that some careless person might break the seal here and release the Western Heaven War Emperor, inciting Lin Dong's displeasure.

The Western Heaven War Emperor has been extremely suppressed lately! He once owed the Ice Spirit ancient ancestor a favor, and being keen on the Martial Realm, he wishes to bring it under his command. Lacking a Heavenly Supreme strongman has always been the biggest problem for the Western Heaven War Hall.

As long as this issue remains unresolved, even if he reaches the Saint Product stage, the Western Heaven War Hall cannot become a transcendent force.

Yet the only subordinate capable of matching the Heavenly Supreme, the Demon Wind, is merely a "temporary worker" borrowed from Chu Yang.

Therefore, when the Ice Spirit ancient ancestor asked him to act, the Western Heaven War Emperor agreed without hesitation.

On one hand to repay a favor, on the other to forcefully suppress that so‑called Martial Ancestor, and then, as a matter of course, bring the Martial Realm under his command.

As for demanding the remnants of the Martial Ancestor's wife's soul from the Ice Spirit Ancestor? Does he really think that the battle‑tested emperor only knows how to use his lower half to think? That one was only to grasp Lin Dong's weak spot; after subduing Lin Dong, he would then employ both kindness and force.

When the time comes, simply return the remnants to Lin Dong, sell a favor again, have the Ice Spirit Clan revive it with an ancestral stele, and naturally the Martial Realm can be fully controlled.

In plain terms, the Western Heaven War Emperor wants Lin Dong to realize he possesses the power to crush the Martial Realm, yet out of talent‑appreciation he does not suppress him, but instead bestows a great favor.

Under normal circumstances, after his maneuver, the other side will naturally submit obediently.

But the Western Heaven War Emperor never imagined that his supposedly flawless plan would, as soon as it unfolded, encounter a Waterloo.

Lin Dong's strength exceeded his expectations; even this battle‑tested emperor suffered his greatest defeat since his rise.

What frustrated him even more…

Earlier, believing victory was assured, he had already asked the Ice Spirit Ancestor for the remnants of Lin Dong's wife's soul.

Now, what was meant as a tool of both kindness and force has instead become the fuse that enraged Lin Dong.

Consequently, he was directly suppressed by Lin Dong on the Ice Spirit Continent! Fortunately, the Western Heaven War Emperor possessed Chu Yang's "life‑saving golden token," and at the very moment he was suppressed, he crushed the wooden token.

Yet, waiting left and right, the Western Heaven War Emperor never saw Chu Yang arrive, causing him to mentally send greetings to Chu Yang's genealogy and grow increasingly furious.

Failing to steal the chicken and losing the rice, he was even "back‑stabbed" by Chu Yang—a moment he could call the darkest in his life.

He has already decided that once he escapes this time, he will expose Chu Yang's deeds to the world.

He isn't afraid of Chu Yang's retaliation; after all, everything he says is factual, and if the opponent strikes openly, the Great Thousand Palace will not stand idly by!

But while the Western Heaven War Emperor was brooding, plotting future revenge against Chu Yang, he suddenly noticed the seal that had been suppressing him start to loosen.

The Western Heaven War Emperor's heart leapt—could someone have accidentally broken the seal?

If so, perhaps soon he could shatter the confinement! Just as the thought arose, a terrifying aura swept in, and the seal that had restrained him for days vanished in an instant.

The Western Heaven War Emperor's figure turned into a streak of light, leapt into the air, stood bewildered, and for a moment was stunned.

Who is it?

When he saw a few silhouettes not far away, his complexion changed slightly.

Chu Yang?

Ice Spirit Ancestor?

And Lin Dong?

How did these three end up together? Could it be…

The Western Heaven War Emperor's gaze finally fixed on Chu Yang, feeling a bit awkward.

From the current situation, only one possibility seems likely…

That Chu Yang stepped forward, forcing Lin Dong to compromise, and thus released him.

Recalling his earlier inner greetings to Chu Yang and the revenge plans, the Western Heaven War Emperor felt his face grow hot.

"Cough… uh… King Chu!"

The Western Heaven War Emperor cleared his throat, bowed to Chu Yang, then cast a dark‑glinting, angry look at Lin Dong.

This grudge is finally settled! "Senior War Emperor, I have come this time to fulfill my promise and repay the favor!" Chu Yang said with a smile.

The Western Heaven War Emperor inhaled deeply and said, "King Chu, your word is a promise, truly admirable!"

Chu Yang added, "The reason for the few‑day delay is that many events have occurred recently, making it hard to break away; I hope Senior War Emperor can understand."

The Western Heaven War Emperor thought it was just an excuse and paid it no mind.

But inside he harbored a grudge; when Chu Yang first sent the wooden token, he almost called it a 'life‑saving golden token.'

Having waited several days, if Lin Dong had struck then, his own grave's grass would have sprouted new shoots! At that moment, Chu Yang shifted tone: "Of course, if lives are at stake, I would not delay…"

"The moment I learned of the matter, I confirmed it was a misunderstanding, so I first dealt with the pressing issue, then came to help Senior War Emperor out of trouble."

"Misunderstanding?" the Western Heaven War Emperor squinted, looking at Lin Dong and the Ice Spirit Ancestor behind Chu Yang, vaguely grasping something.

Lin Dong bowed and said, "Senior War Emperor, that day I was anxious for my beloved wife and acted rashly; I hope you can forgive me!"

"My ability to found the Martial Realm and achieve today's success is inseparable from Brother Chu."

"To speak plainly, my Martial Realm is essentially a vassal force under King Chu!"

Chu Yang glanced at Lin Dong with slight surprise; although the Martial Realm bore his label, it was far from being a vassal.

Lin Dong's words likely served to bind both sides and save face.

On the other hand, he probably intended to use this relationship to resolve the conflict with the Western Heaven War Emperor in one stroke.

"Is that so?" the Western Heaven War Emperor was a little stunned.

Having teamed with the Five Ancient Tribes to strike at emerging powers, he alone got the worst luck, kicking himself onto a hard board? "Moreover, the six most renowned emerging forces in the Great Thousand Realm are all under King Chu!" the Ice Spirit Ancestor said while flashing forward.

He then quietly summarized the recent events to the Western Heaven War Emperor.

Hearing that Chu Yang led many strongmen, beat the Five Ancient Tribes into submission, and even produced five primordial dharma bodies to settle matters, the Western Heaven War Emperor inhaled a cold breath.

He had only been suppressed for days, yet suddenly felt a shift of dynastic change in the Great Thousand Realm? (End of chapter)