Chapter 2487: Letter Spell

Accompanied by the grand heavenly sounds of the Great Dao, the Eighth Prince Yin Ming finally took his seat. He positioned himself quite deliberately in the most conspicuous spot, appearing humble on the surface while actually holding himself superior, though his reputation in the Heavenly Realm was already thoroughly tarnished. No matter how well he played the part, it made little difference.

Yet, he seemed quite pleased with himself, thoroughly enjoying the sensation of being admired by all. The corners of his mouth would unconsciously curl up, forming a mocking and playful smirk. As the Jade Emperor's most beloved son, this arrogance was his foundation.

If things went as expected, he would become the next ruler of the Heavenly Court. Even as merely a prince, he already exuded the majesty of a king, his gaze sweeping over the eight directions with utter dominance.

Little did he know, the immortals held no regard for him. For instance, Taiyi and Taibai Jinxing had already resolved in their hearts that if he ever became the lord of the Heavenly Court, they would resign their positions and retreat to live as recluses in the scattered immortal realms, to avoid constant anxiety.

"Boy, whatever you do, don't provoke him."

Taiyi sat down and warned Ye Chen once more.

Ye Chen heard it, but he took it as just a remark.

From start to finish, his eyes were fixed on the reincarnated Shangguan Yu, who stood rigidly like a perfect guard behind the Eighth Prince, his expression cold and devoid of emotion.

In that moment, Ye Chen clearly caught a flash of chilling light in Shangguan Yu's eyes—not directed at others, but at his own master, the Heavenly Court Eighth Prince.

Ye Chen furrowed his brow slightly. For a servant to show killing intent toward his lord meant there was deep-seated grudge.

Perhaps sensing Ye Chen's gaze, Shangguan Yu instinctively looked over. Their eyes met, and Shangguan Yu suddenly felt a sense of warmth and familiarity toward Ye Chen, as if he were a long-lost relative.

Ye Chen smiled, his expression filled with a profound weariness. Every time he encountered someone from a past life, this feeling arose. He still remembered the tragic war against the demons in their previous existence, where the entire Shangguan family had been wiped out in utter devastation.

Shangguan Yu also frowned, his gaze turning momentarily dazed. It had been so many years since he had seen such a familiar look. That little stone spirit seemed truly like a kin to him.

In the end, though, Shangguan Yu averted his eyes, adding a layer of unapproachable coldness.

"His name is Yang Yu."

Taiyi Zhenren remarked casually.

"Ah!" Taibai Jinxing at his side sighed, his expression toward Shangguan Yu laced with pity, his sigh carrying a hint of helplessness.

Ye Chen said nothing, only glancing at Taiyi Zhenren.

"Yang Yu's father once served as an official in the Heavenly Court," Taiyi Zhenren opened his eyes and revealed a secret. "The Yang family hails from an ancient lineage, possessing a treasured heirloom. When the Eighth Prince learned of it and failed to obtain it, he resorted to sinister schemes and false accusations to frame the Yang family. The entire Yang clan, except for Yang Yu, was thrown into the heavenly prison, where they remain to this day."

"No one spoke up for them?" Ye Chen furrowed his brow again.

"Who would dare?" Taibai Jinxing took over. "Officials in the Heavenly Court are mostly wise enough to protect themselves. They all know the Eighth Prince's nature—who would want to wade into that mess? It's not worth offending the future heir for the sake of a minor family, unless they're tired of living."

"If they're enemies, why does he serve as his guard?"

"This is where Yin Ming's despicability truly shows." Taiyi Zhenren took a deep breath. "It's not that Yang Yu volunteered to be his guard; he was forced into it. Yin Ming has two purposes: first, to savor the pleasure of it, finding delight in Yang Yu's helplessness; second, to proclaim to the world how magnanimous he is, even showing kindness to the son of a convicted criminal."

"A classic case of hypocrisy." Taibai Jinxing scolded. "When the Yang family was raided, I sneaked a look—it was beyond tragic. Their heirloom was seized, and countless family members were left wounded, with many having their Dao bones severed and bloodlines devoured. On the surface, Yang Yu is his guard, but in reality, he's a tool for killing. Yin Ming controls him with an evil curse seal."

Ye Chen fell silent, gently lifting his wine cup. A cold light reflected in his eyes as he gazed into the liquid. He understood Shangguan Yu's state of mind all too well—his family met such a miserable end, yet he was forced to serve his enemy like a dog, his soul likely roaring in agony night after night.

After downing half a cup, he looked at Shangguan Yu again and detected the curse seal within him.

Glancing at the Eighth Prince Yin Ming, he saw a curse seal in him as well, but it was different: Shangguan Yu's was a subsidiary curse seal, while Yin Ming's was the primary one.

Ye Chen knew all about the Zi Mu Curse Seal—it was an extremely wicked technique. The one bearing the primary seal could draw true essence from the one with the subsidiary seal.

In the case of Yin Ming and Shangguan Yu, if Yin Ming died, the primary seal would collapse, destroying the subsidiary seal as well. In other words, Yin Ming's death would mean Shangguan Yu's as well.

This kind of curse seal had been used by Yin Zhiping in a past life, planted in over ninety percent of the Hengyue sect's disciples. Its evil nature was well-known.

In that instant, Ye Chen suppressed his killing intent.

Rescuing Shangguan Yu would be easy, and killing Yin Ming even easier, but he feared it would implicate the Yang family members still imprisoned. Who knew if they had other curse seals on them?

He needed to proceed with caution.

Thus, he would have to visit the Upper Immortal Realm first, to check on the Yang family's situation. If they bore no curse seals, he wouldn't mind storming the heavenly prison. If the Jade Emperor was reasonable, fine; if not, he'd make the entire Heavenly Court feel the wrath of the Great Chu Emperor. Of course, if the Dao Ancestor intervened, that would be a different matter—he'd have to give face to an emperor.

As he pondered, the melodious sound of a zither suddenly rang out.

On the central immortal platform, over a dozen fairy maidens descended gracefully, dressed in dazzling rainbow garments as they danced in the wind, their figures elegant and captivating, drawing bright eyes from all around.

This must be Hua Shan's carefully prepared welcome for the immortals—a rare visit deserved full hospitality, with fine wine naturally paired with music and dance for enjoyment.

In truth, such entertainment was somewhat superfluous. Those who came were all seasoned figures—be they demon kings or great demons—who had seen it all. Who didn't have their own entertainers at home? They hadn't traveled far just for performances; they were here to seek enlightenment and opportunities.

Ye Chen had no interest in watching, his mind already plotting a major upheaval in the Heavenly Court.

"That young girl is so fresh and lively."

"That one over there—I, the old Daoist, prefer the long-legged ones; they catch the eye."

"I like the delicate, bird-like ones."

Ye Chen paid no attention, but the two beside him were fully engaged, their old eyes gleaming brightly. One wondered if they were married or just terribly pent up.

Ye Chen quietly sipped his wine, occasionally glancing at the Eighth Prince Yin Ming, who was leisurely savoring his drink and enjoying the performance, his face full of mocking amusement.

Yin Ming's perception was sharp; he sensed the scrutiny and glanced toward Ye Chen, momentarily stunned. How could there be someone at the Lingxu Realm here?

Ye Chen withdrew his gaze and sent a message to Shangguan Yu.

"I will save you."

This statement made the normally expressionless Shangguan Yu, like a puppet, suddenly turn his head. He looked at Ye Chen with eyes full of doubt and confusion, unsure why this little stone spirit would say such things or show him such concern.

For the first time, he smiled slightly, a warmth spreading through his body. Yet, the meaning in his eyes was clear: don't mess with the Heavenly Court Eighth Prince.

Ye Chen smiled in return but said no more. He would save the man, but he had to choose the right way. Blind force could harm innocents and drag the Yang family into it.

So, he needed to fully leverage the cunning of an emperor. He was an expert at deception and schemes; otherwise, he couldn't have unified Great Chu in his past life.

"That one is Hua Shan Zhenren."

Taiyi Zhenren casually pointed to someone, then continued watching the performance, ever dedicated, while taking a moment to introduce Ye Chen.

Ye Chen looked up and saw not an old Daoist, but a remarkably ordinary young man, exuding an air of immortality and depth. From him, one couldn't detect any trace of a cultivator's aura.

Clearly, Hua Shan Zhenren had reached the state of returning to simplicity. His calm eyes were like still ancient wells, clad in plain robes that would blend into any crowd without standing out.

Yet, this very person caught Ye Chen's attention. Hua Shan Zhenren's comprehension of the Dao had reached a profound realm, unmatched by anyone present—except, of course, Ye Chen himself.

No wonder he was the lord of Hua Shan, having listened to the Dao sounds for ages, truly exceptional.

Hua Shan Zhenren also turned his head slightly and smiled. "Little Daoist friend, you seem unfamiliar."

"A nobody."

Ye Chen replied with a smile.

Hua Shan Zhenren smiled and looked away, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He couldn't see through Ye Chen, and the aura of the Dao surrounding him was truly mysterious and elusive.

The seats were filled with figures, the music and dance in full swing, blending with the heavenly sounds of the Great Dao to weave even more wondrous melodies, forming immortal tunes that echoed through the heavens and spread across the four seas and eight directions.

Unfortunately, the lesser demons outside Hua Shan had no chance to witness it, standing with hands clasped, gazing longingly at the mountain, wishing they could enter but lacking the qualification.

In the mountain, the dance ended, and the fairy maidens bowed and withdrew.

Amid fluttering petals, another fairy maiden alighted on the immortal platform and drew out a simple zither.

Soon, profound zither notes began to play.

This music brought an instant calm to the lively gathering, as if it held some magical power, making listeners feel dazed. Or perhaps it was the player herself, with her deep mastery of the Dao, infusing the immortal tune with its own rhythmic essence.

Ye Chen closed his eyes slightly, listening attentively and discerning the Dao within it.

Indeed, those from Hua Shan were no ordinary folk. This fairy who cultivated the way of the zither must have her own long story, though few could truly understand it.

Hua Shan Zhenren had already sat down, right beside the Eighth Prince Yin Ming.

"Zhenren, you should know what my father intends."

Yin Ming spoke leisurely with a smile.

"We can discuss that after the Dao discourse."

Hua Shan Zhenren smiled in response.

Yin Ming nodded lightly, but a trace of displeasure—and even a chill—flashed in his eyes. Not giving him face was the same as not giving the Jade Emperor face, and not giving the Jade Emperor face was tantamount to disrespecting the Heavenly Court. Accustomed to his lofty position, he detested such slights.

In that moment, a seed of malice took root in him: one day, if he became the lord of the Heavenly Court, he would dispatch heavenly troops to raze Hua Shan.

Little did he know, Hua Shan Zhenren had clearly read his thoughts and dismissed them as a joke. Did he think Hua Shan stood firm through endless eons for show? Even his father, the Jade Emperor, showed restraint and dared not provoke it, so where did he get his confidence?

It was fortunate that Yin Ming was the prince of the Heavenly Court; otherwise, Hua Shan Zhenren would have struck him down already.