Chapter 324 - 134: Huh? I Can Do It in Front of You, Too?

Chapter 324: Chapter 134: Huh? I Can Do It in Front of You, Too?

The entire Demon Sect Headquarters fell into a deathly silence.

Six high-ranking members were conferring on a raised platform. They had set up a sound-proofing barrier, and their elevated position completely shielded them from the eyes and ears of outsiders.

Gu Xiangzhu’s expression was unsettled.

She was lost in thought for a long time.

She looked utterly conflicted.

This sight only made the others more uneasy.

They knew Gu Xiangzhu well. She was normally impassive, never letting her true feelings show. On the rare occasion she displayed any emotion, it was a deliberate act to make her stance known.

But now, she was showing an emotion that left her vulnerable.

’What did this mean?’

’It most likely meant she was agonizing over whether or not to kill the Demon Monarch.’

’Her killing intent was anything but small.’

"Gu Xiangzhu!"

Shuimo finally couldn’t hold back any longer. "You should know perfectly well that no matter how strong we become, it’s practically impossible for us to break past that ceiling. Across the entire Great Yu, the Southwest Vassals, and even the four nations of Longyuan, only two people have ever managed it.

Xiang Tiange is already dead.

That leaves only Lord Saint Monarch.

The dynasty has been growing for far too long. The Imperial Family and the Seven Great Clans are filled with countless masters. No matter how much we grow, we can never hope to contend with them.

Without a peerless master like that, we stand no chance.

If you still intend to act against Lord Saint Monarch...

...then don’t blame us for being merciless!"

Gu Xiangzhu was at a loss for words.

’Killing intent?’

’For Zhao Ci, or for the Demon Monarch?’

She was deeply frustrated.

Before coming here, she had considered many possibilities.

But no matter how bad those possibilities were, it seemed she would still have options.

’If the Demon Monarch recognized his mistakes and was willing to change, she could accept him as the leader of the Demon Sect again.’

’If he refused to repent, she would just have to find another way to forge an unbreakable bond with Zhao Ci.’

But instead...she had fallen into this impossible dilemma.

Of course, if Zhao Ci’s current memories could remain dominant after he merged with the Demon Monarch’s residual soul, that would be the absolute best-case scenario. It would not only solve Zhao Ci’s predicament, but also grant her the most powerful ally imaginable.

’The boy was certainly a schemer, but deep down, he genuinely wanted what was best for her. How could that not be infinitely better than the Demon Monarch, whose mind had been warped by power?’

’But...’

’Is it possible?’

’Zhao Ci is so weak right now, yet that so-called residual soul of the Demon Monarch contains nearly all of the latter’s spiritual cultivation and memories.’

’How could he possibly resist?’

Gu Xiangzhu took a deep breath. "Since the Demon Monarch chose to reincarnate, he must have had his reasons. Why are you all in such a hurry? Just let him be and allow him to grow. When it’s time for him to emerge and integrate his memories, he will do so on his own."

"Easy for you to say!"

Shuimo glared at her. "The Saint Monarch became obsessed with his wager with Xiang Tiange, almost to the point of madness! How could he possibly admit his own identity so easily? You’ve seen this residence competition—it’s just another battlefield for the war of succession.

Never mind that the Saint Monarch may not have come into his power yet. Even if he became the strongest person in this residence competition...

...do you think that just because his cultivation is unmatched among his peers, Zhao Ci will be able to get through this competition unscathed?"

Gu Xiangzhu snorted. "If you ask me, his biggest threat is all of you!"

"Us?"

Shuimo shot back furiously, "Leaving aside whether or not Zhao Ci is the Saint Monarch’s reincarnation, even if he is, the only time he was truly in danger was because of Huangfu Song in the Northern Three Prefectures. This current situation might look dramatic, but be honest—if Zhao Ci is the Saint Monarch, is this really a threat to him?

You, on the other hand, Gu Xiangzhu, have always harbored ulterior motives regarding the Saint Monarch.

This time, you didn’t even know the truth about Zhao Ci’s identity, yet you still passed on our Holy Sect’s most guarded secrets to him.

With such a malicious plan, did you think we wouldn’t know what you were up to?"

"So what?"

Gu Xiangzhu pointed to the stone throne reserved for the Sect Leader. "Is that idiot’s name carved into this seat?"

"You!"

At this, it wasn’t just Shuimo; the other four Dharma Protectors couldn’t stop themselves from glaring furiously at Gu Xiangzhu.

Gu Xiangzhu’s gaze tightened slightly as she realized just how precarious her situation was.

’These people are all the Demon Monarch’s loyal dogs.’

’Otherwise, Shuimo wouldn’t have pointedly excluded her from this meeting.’

’It also explained how the Demon Sect, fractured as it had been for so many years, could be reunited in Lingge over a single piece of news.’

’If I keep objecting, I’ll be the one they turn against.’

At the same time, Shuimo’s tone softened. "Xiangzhu! At least Zhao Ci is among the candidates, right? Your only two assets might now become one and the same. You should be happy!

You know Zhao Ci’s situation. He’s crossed both the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince. It was still manageable before he reached the Physical Body Realm.

But after the Physical Body Realm?

If the frontrunner of the competition targets him, what kind of life will he have then?

Besides, the Emperor has his eyes on him. Are you truly confident you can foster him into a powerful ally all on your own?"

It wasn’t that she wanted to concede to Gu Xiangzhu.

It was just that... the current situation was truly disadvantageous.

Huangfu Song was now severely weakened.

If they wanted to test those junior officials again, they would have to rely on Gu Xiangzhu’s power.

If Zhao Ci wasn’t the Saint Monarch’s reincarnation...

...then Gu Xiangzhu would very likely eliminate the other potential candidates one by one.

And if Zhao Ci *was* the Saint Monarch’s reincarnation...

...their situation would be even more precarious.

After all, Gu Xiangzhu was posing as Zhao Ci’s mother and could get close to him at any time.

If she remained determined to kill him, there was no way any of them could stop her.

That was why, when she saw Gu Xiangzhu abandon the Celestial Demon Seal and choose to rescue Zhao Ci instead, she had immediately contacted the other three Dharma Protectors.