Chapter 4

Azure Dragon 5 replied respectfully, “Reporting to Cult Master. Dragon Scale 45, Dragon Scale 62, and Dragon Scale 97 are currently assigned to the Amrita Manor.”

“This Seat wants to see their situation,” Chen Luoyang stated.

Azure Dragon 5 and Dragon Claw 11 were both shocked, but they didn’t dare to show such.

Dragon Claw 11 quickly said, “Cult Master, this way please.”

The duo led at the front and brought Chen Luoyang to the manor’s secret underground basement.

“This subordinate shall remain on the surface to prevent any outsiders from visiting the manor,” Dragon Claw 11 stated in a respectful tone.

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Chen Luoyang nodded. “Carry on.”

Azure Dragon 5 stood by the side and said, “Cult Master, this way.”

On the surface, it was a manor that took up a vast space and was meant to welcome guests and friends. The underground was an entire different place.

The duo walked into a tunnel before the stone door behind them closed. On the stone walls by the side, there were torches burning brightly that dispersed the darkness.

This place had its own ventilation, and it didn’t feel stuffy. However, since it was underground, it was still rather dark.

“Cult Master, this place’s environment is rather poor. Your priceless body…” Azure Dragon 5 stuttered as he spoke.

“It doesn’t matter,” Chen Luoyang said heedlessly.

Azure Dragon 5 didn’t say anything else and carefully led the way at the front. When walking across a stone room, there were miserable shrieks that could be heard vaguely.

This place had great soundproofing. Even when they stood outside the door, there was only a faint sound. If they were on the surface, it wouldn’t be possible to hear the commotion in here.

Chen Luoyang’s heart suddenly tightened. He composed himself and turned to look at the gray-clothed elder with his usual indifferent expression. Chen Luoyang’s heart tensed up, but he pretended to be nonchalant as he looked at Azure Dragon 5.

Before he asked, Azure Dragon 5 took the initiative and quickly reported, “Dragon Scale 62 is interrogating a prisoner. Please forgive us for the disturbance.”

“Who is the prisoner?” Chen Luoyang asked in a seemingly casual tone.

“Reporting to Cult Master. He is the personal attendant of the C-class faction Pegasus Mountain. We will be able to obtain the most detailed daily schedule and itinerary from him.” Ding Chen continued explaining the details, “A meticulous follow-up arrangement has been done. The opposition will not feel suspicious because of his disappearance.”

According to Azure Dragon 5’s previous report, the Azure Dragon Hall was the vanguard for the Demon Cult’s invasion, and they were responsible for information and infiltration. They were used to sorting out the different factions in the Central Divine Province by strength. There were four classes: A, B, C, and D.

Generally speaking, apart from Azure Dragon 5 who was responsible for logistics, the Azure Dragon Seven Constellations’ task was to deal with A-class factions.

The Dragon Claws were mainly to deal with B-class factions, or they had unique roles like Dragon Claw 11.

The Dragon Scales were to deal with C-class factions.

The situation might change according to the different circumstances, and there might be a switch of roles. The utmost importance was to achieve the objectives.

“Pegasus Mountain?” Chen Luoyang repeated this name.

Azure Dragon 5 followed up respectfully, “Cult Master, Dragon Scale 70 had infiltrated inside the Pegasus Mountain previously and is now one of three Hall Masters serving under the Pegasus Mountain Owner. The Hall Masters are one of the most influential people in the faction, and now that Dragon Scale 70 has established himself, we can advance further.”

Chen Luoyang started walking forward again. He had already roughly understood.

As expected, Azure Dragon 5 quickly followed by the side and continued. “Dragon Scale 45 has completed the task to assassinate the C-class faction Green Thunder Sect’s Sect Master. He is now rather free.

“When Dragon Scale 62 obtains the detailed information on the Pegasus Mountain Owner, Dragon Scale 45 will find a chance to make the move and help Dragon Scale 70 to take the position of the Pegasus Mountain Owner.

“The Pegasus Mountain might be a C-class faction, but they have a unique approach to land transportation and transmission of information. If we make use of it properly, it might produce great results.”

There were different kinds of talented people here with the Azure Dragon Seven Constellations, 18 Dragon Claws, and 108 Dragon Scales. They were all able to complete missions independently or could work together under the coordination of a higher-ranked leader.

Take this mission for example… Dragon Scale 62 was adept at getting information through interrogation and torture, while Dragon Scale 45 was proficient in assassination. The two of them were coordinating with Dragon Scale 70 who had infiltrated and risen up to the upper echelon position in the Pegasus Mountain to grasp complete control.

Once they were successful, the Pegasus Mountain would become like the Amrita Manor, becoming one of the antennas that extended into the Central Divine Province for the Demon Cult.

That Ying Qingqing is right. These subordinates are indeed able to infiltrate using all methods and are setting off a carnage…

Chen Luoyang ridiculed in his heart.

They continued walking forward before Azure Dragon 5 opened the door of a stone room and invited his Cult Master inside with respect.

Inside the stone room, there was a young man reading a scroll. The young man couldn’t help but get a shock when he saw Chen Luoyang entering.

The young man quickly stood up and knelt down in front of Chen Luoyang. “Dragon Scale 97 pays his respect to Cult Master. Long live Cult Master!”

Chen Luoyang walked into the stone room and sat down. “At ease.”

The young man then stood in front of Chen Luoyang, together with Azure Dragon 5 in a deferential manner.

Chen Luoyang then pointed at the scroll that the young man was reading earlier. He didn’t open it and asked, “What are you reading?”

“Reporting to Cult Master. This is the personal information of an illegitimate child. His father is the Second Valley Master of the Wind Fire Valley, which is a B-class faction,” the young man replied in a courteous tone.

Is he trying to get close to the target, or is he…

Chen Luoyang was mulling it over in his heart. He remained calm like normal and didn’t speak first. After all, the more he spoke, the higher the chances of making a mistake.

He sat quietly and waited for the subordinate to give the report.

Just as expected, the young man explained, “Cult Master doesn’t have to worry. I have already memorized all the contents in the scroll by heart. Even if I sleep and talk in my dreams, there still wouldn’t be any mistakes. I have lived together with him for around half a year, and I am able to imitate his behavior and even minor habits. I have also learned all of his inferior martial arts.”

“As for the disguise, we have already done thorough preparations.” Azure Dragon 5 smiled and said, “We might not have Hall Chief’s divine technique of physical transformation and might have to rely on the human skin masks. However, the mask is personally made by this subordinate. Putting aside the fact that the Wind Fire Valley’s Second Valley Master hasn’t seen his illegitimate son for six years, even if they interacted with each other on a daily basis, he will still not be able to see the difference.”

They wish to substitute and impersonate that person…

Chen Luoyang realized what was happening.

The real person was already captured and imprisoned by the Demon Cult.

Azure Dragon 5 brought over a box at this moment. When he opened the box, it revealed a mask that was just like a human face, and it was true to life.

Chen Luoyang responded by clicking his tongue in wonder:

It looks the same as a real… Hold it!

He suddenly thought of an evil guess and nearly changed his expression.

Chen Luoyang maintained his nonchalant expression forcefully and asked in a casual tone, “This Seat has always been able to trust your craftsmanship in human skin masks. Is it using the same method this time too?”

Azure Dragon 5 answered in a confident tone. “Yes it is, Cult Master. After Dragon Scale 62 and 97 extracted all the information that the kid knew, this subordinate personally dealt with him. I took off his face and allowed it to be his final contribution to our cult’s great undertaking.”

Demon Cult, this is truly a Demon Cult…

Chen Luoyang yelled out in his heart.

He composed himself and didn’t reveal any change in expression. He responded with a simple “Mm” while opening the scroll at the side of his hand.

The first thing that he saw was the name and Four Pillars of Destiny

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. Afterward, it was the appearance and distinctive features, temperament and habits, martial art’s origin, family background, relationships, and all the basic information.

There were up to a hundred pages at the back which recorded this person’s entire life experiences. There were so many details, and it even stated what kind of conversation he had with a certain person on a certain date and place, and even what food he ate.

Most of the content might have been confessed by the person; it might also have been recorded by someone who observed in the dark. However, it was truly amazingly detailed. Some of the records might have already started since the previous generation of the Demon Cult Master.

With the support of detailed and ample information, the operation would normally be smooth sailing and easy when it started.

The shadows of the Demon Cult were constantly corroding the Divine Province.

As Chen Luoyang thought of the respectful Azure Dragon 5, Ding Chen, the young Dragon Scale 97, and also the Dragon Claw 11, Wan Hesong, who was on lookout, he silently twitched his mouth.

No matter how I see it, they are a standard group of villains! What is that saying again?

Behind the carnage in the Divine Province, there is a formless dark force stirring up havoc! There is an invisible hand that is controlling everything from behind the scenes!

A master of the hidden hand!

But…

It seems like I… am the master of the hidden hand…

Chen Luoyang didn’t know if he should cry or laugh.

This group of subordinates under me should package themselves a little.

Members of the orthodox and righteous factions are all malicious, avaricious, cunning hypocrites, while members of the unorthodox Demon Cult are magnanimous, heroic, loyal, genuine individuals.

Wouldn’t it be nicer if most of the people had this kind of impression? They should strive to obtain the favor of the public too, right?

While he was pondering, a flame actually started growing more intense in his heart. He was eager to give it a try; however, there were things that didn’t really conform with his liking.

“Well done.” Chen Luoyang closed the scroll and looked at the duo. “Continue your efforts and strive to obtain more advantages.”

Azure Dragon 5 and Dragon Scale 97 were ecstatic. They both knelt down on one knee and said in unison, “We shall offer our lives in sacrifice for the Divine Cult!”

Chen Luoyang nodded in satisfaction first and immediately said, “However, don’t be conceited and complacent.”

He looked at Azure Dragon 5. “Your craftsmanship in making the human skin masks might have outstanding results, but there can only be one mask of such a high standard. You have to study new techniques and innovations to produce more copies of masks that are of the highest quality. It will enable us to handle more variables. Don’t be engrossed in your past glory and stop advancing.”

Azure Dragon 5 was startled for a moment before he put on a serious expression and said, “This subordinate has been feeling fickle and impatient in recent years, to the extent that I feel I am stagnating and limiting myself. Thanks to Cult Master’s advice, I have come to realize it now. I will comply with Cult Master’s teachings and work diligently, and strive to create more techniques. I will never dare to be conceited and complacent.”

Azure Dragon 5 then bowed to Chen Luoyang again.

Chen Luoyang nodded slightly in response. “Not bad. If you have such motivation, you will be able to achieve more.”

Subsequently, Chen Luoyang handed the scroll back to Dragon Scale 97 and said, “You should do the same. Go and continue the preparations.”

The young Dragon Scale 97 bowed deeply and said, “I will comply with Cult Master’s teachings.” After receiving the scroll, the young man left the stone room.

Afterward, Chen Luoyang turned and said to Azure Dragon 5, “Regardless of the importance, report all of the recent information that is gathered. This Seat shall check on the progression of your group’s tasks.”

Azure Dragon 5 replied respectfully, “Yes, Cult Master.” He then quickly handed over a jade scroll.

Chen Luoyang looked at the jade scroll and felt diffident:

How do I use this thing…?

It was fortunate that Azure Dragon 5 was a very enthusiastic lackey. He pressed down on the jade scroll with his palm, and the jade scroll lit up with radiance.

Chen Luoyang observed carefully and could feel Azure Dragon 5’s body surging with an invisible energy.

Did he pour in qi or something into the jade scroll?

Chen Luoyang looked like he comprehended something.

The radiance from the jade scroll had formed a screen of light, and there were large wordings on it.

Chen Luoyang felt at ease and started to read. After he finished reading, he nodded and said, “Good job.”

Azure Dragon 5 replied modestly, “This is all part of this subordinate’s duty.”

Chen Luoyang kept the jade scroll and stood up. “Alright, that is all for today.”

Azure Dragon 5 quickly escorted Chen Luoyang to leave this underground palace.

After returning to the surface and back to his room, Chen Luoyang closed the doors and immediately did a thorough search.

He found a few jade scrolls in the room earlier and didn’t know what to do with them. Now that he remembered them, it was possible that they contained information and news that the Demon Cult members wanted to report to him, the Cult Master.

He attempted to pour his qi into these jade scrolls. It was very difficult at first, as he was a newcomer. When his soul possessed the body of this Demon Cult Master, he was just like a rookie who hadn’t held a steering wheel before, and all of a sudden, he had to drive a racing car of the highest quality.

No matter how good the car was and how detailed the manual was, he would need time to adapt before he could have complete control. Furthermore, this fine car had just gone through a major accident and wasn’t properly repaired yet.

Chen Luoyang attempted repeatedly for half a night and finally activated these jade scrolls with success. After reading all the jade scrolls, he had a much better understanding of the Grand Divine Province’s current state and his own circumstances.

As he continued to read, an entire night passed by. Chen Luoyang only realized it when it was daybreak.

He might have injuries, but he didn’t feel mentally tired at all. After keeping the jade scrolls properly, he ordered the servants to prepare his breakfast.

Breakfast was still accompanied by Ying Qingqing. When the meal was over, Ying Qingqing was about to depart from Amrita Manor.

Chen Luoyang called for his chief attendant and said, “Escort Young Lady Qingqing.”

“Yes, Cult Master.” That middle-aged woman bowed to Ying Qingqing and said, “Young Lady Qingqing, this place is our cult’s secret temple. According to the cult rules and in consideration of maintaining secrecy, this servant shall escort you. I hope that Young Lady will not blame me for my lack of manners.”

Ying Qingqing replied politely, “I thank Senior for the trouble.”

She then bowed to Chen Luoyang. “Thank you, Cult Master Chen.”

Chen Luoyang nodded casually. “This Seat shall not see you out. I hope that you will be able to find the answers that you are looking for on this trip.”

“I shall borrow your lucky words. Please take care, Cult Master.” The young lady bid farewell.

The gray-clothed elder appeared in front of Chen Luoyang and knelt on one knee.

Chen Luoyang nodded, and the gray-clothed elder vanished from his original position.

Chen Luoyang returned to his room and continued to read the information that was stored in the jade scrolls.

During noontime, he suddenly heard a noise that came from outside the manor.

Chen Luyang rang the jade pendant three times, and Azure Dragon 5 arrived in a hurry.

“Reporting to Cult Master. Enemies are attacking the manor.” The middle-aged man knelt down and greeted. He then said with an agonized tone, “This subordinate has disturbed the Cult Master. This subordinate deserves ten thousand deaths.”

Chen Luoyang had a composed expression as he spoke in a heedless tone. “Not bad indeed. This Seat had just praised the two of you for being competent yesterday.”

Azure Dragon 5’s body was instantly drenched in a cold sweat.