Chapter 1998 - 1519~1520: Regent’s Transmission, Treasury Unlocked, Level I Temporary Access! (Monthly Ticket Please)_2

Jiang Dali halted his steps, his handsome face expressionless as he looked at Dugu Qiubai, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips, and the two simultaneously shifted their gazes, not verbally expressing their thoughts or battle intent.

"Marquis, this time we’re counting on you and Mr. Ao. If you can obtain suitable Qi Fortune Techniques or any strange treasures within the Human Emperor Tower, please don’t forget my He Family."

At this moment, He Jin approached with an old man who was as tall as a lion.

The old man’s face was purplish-gold, his nose like a hanging gall, and eyes like copper bell, his beard and hair both bristly, suffused with a threatening aura. Though usually he didn’t speak lightly, at this moment he politely clasped his fist towards Jiang Dali, and with a faint smile said, "Mr. He’s words are somewhat amiss. This time with Mr. Jiang personally taking action, I’m merely following along to drink some soup and reap some benefits."

"Mr. Ao, you’re too kind! Once we’re inside, let’s look out for each other."

Jiang Dali returned the courteous gesture, which made Ao Sheng’s smile even broader and lent him some face.

Jiang Dali naturally recognized this elder.

The man named Ao Sheng was one of the most notable figures in the Holy Dynasty over the past few centuries, aside from Dugu Qiubai.

Two hundred years ago, he was an elder of an evil cult that propagated wicked teachings, later abolished by the Holy Dynasty. It was then that people learned Ao Sheng was a court undercover agent, and even two hundred years ago, he displayed extraordinary cultivation talent, possessing the strength of the Returning to Truth Realm. Had the Holy Dynasty not acted timely, he would have assumed the position of the supreme elder of that cult.

Now, over two hundred years later, Ao Sheng is a genuine expert at Returning to Truth Realm level 9. Evidently, he joined the He Family camp due to being gifted the Emperor’s Secret Key by He Jin, with the condition, in anticipation of this transaction, to share part of any gains from a fortuitous encounter within the Human Emperor Tower.

He Jin never discussed such dealings with Jiang Dali, but suddenly brought up the point, seemingly hinting at some such thoughts, yet refraining from mentioning it privately. Clearly, in He Jin’s mind, Jiang Dali holds greater importance than Ao Sheng, enough to make this investment-savvy businessman willing to give up part of the benefits.

As Jiang Dali arrived, several groups gradually followed suit, some arriving by carriage, others alone, including the Beautiful Woman known as the Blood Transformation Divine Venerable.

This former fugitive of the Holy Dynasty has now transformed into an admired figure by Lingyun Pavilion Master Hu Fei, with prospects of being groomed to replace Master Lu, and now evidently represents Hu Fei at the Emperor’s Treasure Vault.

This dramatic shift in status is a mockery to the countless souls who perished at her hands in the past, but it also reflects the reality where might reigns supreme everywhere.

Sometimes those struggling at the bottom perceive the lower ranks as dark and strive desperately to join the upper circle, only to find perhaps even greater darkness above that leaves one feeling powerless.

"Alright, since everyone is here, it’s about time; prepare your Emperor’s Secret Keys, and you’ll gradually enter through the gate once it opens."

At this, the Sect Leader of the Venerate Dao Department, Li Menghun, glanced at the sundial, then gracefully approached the gate and spoke, before turning to wave at the Regent King on the high wall in the distance.

Seeing this, the crowd immediately gathered towards the gate.

Now, identity, status, and strength began to surface, with those near Yuanting Pavilion Master Ling Yun yielding position, allowing Ling Yun to approach the gate first, and those near Jiang Dali and Dugu Qiubai yielding similarly, causing these three rivals to come together again.

The atmosphere became instantly tense and somber, and despite the gathering of experts mostly from Returning to Truth Realm level 7 to 9, all understood who would take the lead should conflict erupt within the Emperor’s Treasure Vault.

Ling Yun glanced at Jiang Dali with cold gleams flashing, and huffed, "If I were you, I wouldn’t enter the Emperor’s Treasure Vault!"

Jiang Dali didn’t spare Ling Yun a glance, his hard face as steely as an iron ingot, stating, "You’ve got a mouth, but you don’t know how to speak. If I were you, I’d shut it to avoid dying with only a hard mouth but a soft body."

Dugu Qiubai’s cold eyes showed a hint of amusement, seemingly finding Jiang Dali’s retort interesting, yet he remained silent, as he was never one for verbal sparring, nor did any top swordsman concern themselves with the sharpness of tongues, only the sharpness of swords.

"Courting death!"

Ling Yun’s eyes flared with anger, yet he suppressed it, angrily smiling and simply closing his eyes, ceasing to speak.

He acknowledged that this young junior was indeed absurdly powerful, powerful even enough to inspire fear among the old veterans. But the stronger he was, the less tolerable it became for such a person to rise.

This time inside the Emperor’s Treasure Vault, whether or not Jiang Dali dies, he will find it difficult to remain rampant.

For the Holy Dynasty now does not allow such an overwhelmingly formidable figure to emerge, no longer permitting another to tower over sect leaders and top family heads like the Regent King.

Such an unspoken agreement will not be voiced or acted upon, but this silence between them is already a pact, waiting for someone willing to speak and act, to accomplish what they won’t do themselves.