Chapter 801: Intensify

Yuan Zhen's cold smile made Yan Buji's heart tighten, but he maintained a respectful and puzzled expression on the surface, as if unaware of Yuan Zhen's reaction.

"Elder Yuan, what... is this?" Yan Buji asked cautiously, his tone carrying a hint of unease.

Yuan Zhen did not answer immediately, but narrowed his eyes, as if thinking about something. After a moment, he slowly said, "Hall Master, do you know that news of a treasure called the Primordial Seed has spread throughout the other four regions, and even the Central Sky City of the Heavenly Spirit Realm has seen an influx of outsider cultivators?"

Yan Buji feigned surprise and quickly said, "This... I, your subordinate, do not know; what is the Primordial Seed?"

Yuan Zhen narrowed his eyes, also considering whether Yan Buji had deliberately told him this in order to drive a wedge between him and Pang Mingde, ultimately causing both to suffer losses.

But seeing Yan Buji's shocked expression, it didn't look feigned; moreover, if it were really Pang Mingde... no, Pang Mingde had already known this news, which is why he came to Yan Buji to confirm it!

"So when Yan Buji mentioned this earlier, it just happened to let Pang Mingde obtain Yun Hua's Nascent Soul fragment?!" Yuan Zhen secretly startled.

Could Pang Mingde also be a member of the Holy Heart Alliance?

No, if Holy Heart Alliance members already had contact with Yan Buji, there would be no need to send another person, so what role is Pang Mingde playing in this?

How could he know that Yun Qing possesses the Primordial Seed?

"This Pang Mingde hides his intentions deeply!" Yuan Zhen narrowed his eyes and gave a cold laugh.

Yan Buji looked bewildered: "This... Elder Yuan, what does this have to do with Elder Pang?"

Yuan Zhen snorted coldly and said, "The sealed bottle you gave to Pang Mingde contains not only Yun Hua's Nascent Soul, but also a fragment of magical power. But do you know that this fragment is not just any magical fragment—it is a Nascent Soul fragment. If there is a secret technique, it would surely reveal part of Yun Hua's past memories, which is likely related to the Primordial Seed. Pang Mingde is ambitious; he will surely use this opportunity to spread the news, wanting to stir up the situation and profit from it."

Upon hearing this, Yan Buji's face changed drastically, and he hurriedly said, "This... I, your subordinate, never imagined things would develop to this point! At the time I merely wanted to tell Elder Pang about this, also hoping to use their power to resolve my grudge with the Grand Commerce Guild; I never expected it would cause such a huge uproar!"

Yuan Zhen waved his hand, indicating that Yan Buji need not blame himself too much. He said in a low voice, "The deed is done; blaming you won't help. What matters now is what Pang Mingde will do."

Yan Buji stood aside, at a loss, not knowing what to say, looking restless.

Yuan Zhen looked at Yan Buji and suddenly conceived a plan: "Hall Master, from now on keep in good contact with Elder Pang."

"This..." Yan Buji looked dubiously at Yuan Zhen: "Elder Yuan, are you asking me to send him false information?"

"Yes, Hall Master is very smart; some things indeed should not be known to you, but this matter is of great importance and also tied to your life, Hall Master. I do not want a third person to know the details."

Yan Buji quickly nodded and said respectfully, "Elder Yuan is wise! I, your subordinate, am willing to follow your arrangements and cooperate fully."

Yuan Zhen glanced at Yan Buji, a hint of depth flashing in his eyes. He slowly said, "Hall Master, you have a grudge against Yun Qing's father, Yun Hua. Although this is thorny, there is still a turning point. As long as we can control Yun Qing, we can grasp the clues to the Primordial Seed. Continue to closely monitor Pang Mingde's movements; when an opportunity arises, you will surely resolve this."

Yan Buji nodded solemnly: "I understand! I will act carefully and will not let Pang Mingde and the Holy Heart Alliance's people notice."

Yuan Zhen nodded satisfactorily and added, "Furthermore, regarding Pang Mingde's side, you should not contact him for now. This person is overly ambitious and already untrustworthy. At that time, I will have you pass some information to him. As for how to send it, I think Hall Master also has your own methods."

Yan Buji's heart jolted, knowing that Yuan Zhen intended to act against Pang Mingde. He quickly said, "Yes, I understand!"

Yuan Zhen waved his hand, signaling Yan Buji to withdraw. Yan Buji performed a respectful bow and then left the council hall.

After leaving the council hall, a faint cold smile appeared on Yan Buji's face. He knew his plan was progressing step by step. Yuan Zhen had already developed killing intent toward Pang Mingde; next, the conflict in the Central Sky City of the Heavenly Spirit Realm will further intensify. He only needs to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, waiting for the right moment to reap the benefits of the fisherman.

At the same time, Yuan Zhen sat in the council hall, his brows furrowed. He clearly knew that the news of the Primordial Seed had spread, making the situation increasingly complex. The Holy Heart Alliance, the Grand Commerce Guild, and outsider cultivators—all factions were acting covertly. He must seize the initiative in this game, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.

"It seems we must act quickly." Yuan Zhen muttered to himself.

"Pang Mingde, since you are ambitious and want to seize the Primordial Seed from me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

On the other side, after returning to his residence, Yan Buji immediately began arranging the next step of his plan. He knew that Yuan Zhen had already developed trust in him, but that was not enough.

Whether it is the Holy Heart Alliance or Yuan Zhen, they are merely treating me as a pawn.

A mere Nascent Soul cultivator—could he possibly overturn the heavens?

"Precisely because you have ignored me, even though I also have existence in this matter, I will absolutely not let people pay too much attention to it—this is just fine." Yan Buji sneered.

He needs to further intensify the conflict, making their struggle even more fierce.

"Pang Mingde, you'd better not disappoint me." Yan Buji laughed softly.

He took out a transmission talisman and silently sent a message. The content was very simple, only one sentence:

"Ye Lin, come to the Royal City for a trip."

Elsewhere, the Central Sky City of the Heavenly Spirit Realm.

Yun Qing stood on the high tower of the Grand Commerce Guild Manor, gazing into the distant sky. Her expression was calm, but her eyes revealed a hint of worry.

"Primordial Seed... what exactly is it?" Yun Qing muttered to herself.

She did not realize that she had become the focal point of contention among all factions. The mysterious power within her body is precisely the key to the Primordial Seed.

"Miss Yun Qing, it's time to return." A maid stepped forward and reminded her softly.

Yun Qing nodded, turned and left the high tower. Her silhouette in the setting sun appeared especially lonely, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

A glint flashed in the maid's eyes; she respectfully followed behind Yun Qing all the way to the cultivation chamber inside the Grand Commerce Guild Manor.

Now, Yun Qing is a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, only one step away from breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm.