Chapter 1489: The Complexity of Human Nature

Translator: CinderTL

"After returning to South Pill City and recovering from your injuries, the four of you will report to the Hall of Punishment to receive your punishment," Rong Shao commanded.

A flicker of fear flashed in the eyes of Rong Caizhe and his companions. Clearly, a trip to the Hall of Punishment meant enduring inhuman torment.

Yet they dared not disobey, answering in unison, "Yes."

Having dealt with Rong Caizhe and his group, Rong Shao turned his gaze to Su Fan, who remained restrained by the phantom shadow of a claw.

"Senior, I beg you to order Rong Caizhe to release my dao companion!" Su Fan pleaded, perhaps emboldened by Rong Shao’s punishment of Rong Caizhe and his group, which had kindled a sliver of hope.

However, Rong Shao merely shook his head indifferently.

"While Rong Caizhe was indeed at fault, the matter has reached this point. To preserve the Rong Clan’s reputation, both you and your dao companion must die."

Su Fan’s expression twisted into horror. He had initially believed Rong Shao to be a man of reason, only to realize that the man cared solely for the Rong Clan, utterly indifferent to right or wrong.

"Rest assured..." Rong Shao continued, "this venerable one will not harm your divine souls. I will grant you both the chance to reincarnate. Your bodies will be buried in a serene, scenic location, fulfilling the bond of your marriage. Perhaps in the next life, you may be husband and wife again."

The flicker of hope that had just ignited in Su Fan’s heart was instantly extinguished, replaced by despair and resentment.

"You can’t kill me!" Su Fan roared, his eyes bloodshot, like a cornered beast facing its death. "I’m only twelve hundred years old and already at the early-stage void refining realm. As a rogue cultivator with no sect or master, I’ve reached this point solely through my innate talent and unwavering resolve—a testament to my extraordinary gifts. I can join the Rong Clan, pledge my loyalty, and serve you faithfully. Just spare my life!"

Rong Shao slowly shook his head. "It’s too late. Someone like you, who harbors such deep hatred for the Rong Clan, would inevitably become a threat. We can’t afford to take that risk."

With those words, the phantom shadow of his claw tightened its grip. Su Fan exploded into a cloud of blood mist, leaving only his severed head intact, which was flung aside.

Rong Shao retrieved the head, stored it in a storage pouch, and fastened it to his waist.

"Fellow Daoist Gu Huang," he said, "I must return to South Pill City to escort Rong Caizhe and the others back for treatment and to handle the aftermath. Will you remain here, or accompany me back to the city?"

"I’ll wait here," Song Wen replied.

Rong Shao nodded. "I’ll urge Elder Rong Yiwen to join us next time. I’ll be sure to bring him along when we return."

With that, he used his spiritual power to lift Rong Caizhe and the others, and they soared toward South Pill City.

Watching the departing figures of Rong Shao and his group, Song Wen frowned slightly.

From how Rong Shao handled the Su Fan affair, it was clear that he operated according to his own set of principles, yet he was far from rigid or dogmatic.

Moreover, the Rong Clan held a paramount position in Rong Shao’s heart, with the family’s honor and disgrace weighing heavily on his shoulders.

For a moment, Song Wen found himself unable to fully grasp this man.

During their initial encounters, Song Wen had assumed Rong Shao, despite his millennia of existence, had remained sheltered from the world’s harsh realities, naive and somewhat out of touch. This naivety had led him to accept Song Wen, a mere imposter posing as a disciple of the Divine Blood Gate, without the slightest suspicion, even regarding him as a kindred spirit.

Yet when dealing with Su Fan, Rong Shao had displayed ruthless decisiveness.

How could such contradictory traits coexist within a single person?

Human nature truly was complex and inscrutable.

Has he ever suspected my true identity? Song Wen wondered, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness.

If Rong Shao had seen through his deception, he should have attacked directly. After all, Song Wen was merely a mid-void refinement stage cultivator. For a peak body integration stage cultivator like Rong Shao, subduing a Void Refinement Stage cultivator would require no special tactics—a simple strike would suffice.

If Rong Shao hadn’t seen through the lie, shouldn’t he have at least verified Song Wen’s identity? How could he accept such a flimsy explanation without further investigation?

After careful consideration, Song Wen decided to err on the side of caution.

He summoned his Cosmic Transformation Incarnation once more and placed the Blood Sea Seal within his body.

Meanwhile, Song Wen had fled far away, hiding in a muddy pit at the foot of a mountain over 5,000 kilometers away. Buried completely in the earth, he clutched a teleportation talisman in his hand.

Another half-hour passed.

Rong Shao didn’t return, but an unfamiliar figure descended upon the mountain peak where the Cosmic Transformation Incarnation stood.

The newcomer was gaunt and emaciated, with a sallow complexion and a deep gray robe. His eyes were cold and indifferent, devoid of any human warmth, like the icy depths of a stagnant pool.

Hidden in the mud, Song Wen’s eyes lit up instantly.

The visitor was none other than Rong Yiwen, the very person he had been searching for!

Rong Shao had kept his word, luring Rong Yiwen here.

"You’re Gu Huang?" Rong Yiwen’s dark gaze swept Song Wen up and down, filled with suspicion and murderous intent. "I’ve never heard of anyone like you in the Divine Blood Gate."

The Cosmic Transformation Incarnation smiled faintly.

"Senior Rong may not recognize me, but I’ve long admired your reputation."

As he spoke, the Cosmic Transformation Incarnation extended his left hand. A blood-colored tentacle suddenly emerged from his palm, writhing through the air like a living serpent.

"I trust Senior Rong recognizes this?" the Cosmic Transformation Incarnation said with a smile.

"The Blood Sea Seal!" Rong Yiwen’s eyes narrowed sharply, his face betraying a flicker of surprise. "So you truly are a core disciple. But even though we’re fellow disciples, we’ve never met. Why have you summoned me here?"

The Cosmic Transformation Incarnation smiled faintly.

"I wish to propose a transaction to you, Senior. If you’re interested, please follow me."

With that, it soared into the air, flying leisurely into the distance.

Rong Yiwen watched the Cosmic Transformation Incarnation’s retreating figure, his gaze flickering with uncertainty.

Though his cultivation surpassed Gu Huang’s, he was merely an outer sect elder of the Divine Blood Gate, his status no higher—and perhaps even slightly lower—than that of core disciples.

But this wasn’t the Divine Blood Gate.

He had no need to curry favor with Gu Huang.

His withered fingers curled slightly within his sleeves. Finally, he let out a cold snort, his body flickering like a wisp of gray smoke as he gave chase.

Thousands of miles away, Song Wen, witnessing this scene, abandoned his plan to use the Blood Sea Seal.

He secretly activated the God-Slaying Thorn, patiently waiting for the Cosmic Transformation Incarnation to lure Rong Yiwen closer.

Rong Yiwen followed behind the Cosmic Transformation Incarnation, his eyes filled with wariness and suspicion.

"Gu Huang, where exactly are you taking me?"

"Just ahead, Senior. Please be patient." The Cosmic Transformation Incarnation changed the subject. "By the way, Senior, why did you come alone? Where is Senior Rong Shao?"

"That’s precisely what I wanted to ask you. After finishing my alchemy, I saw Rong Shao’s message and rushed here, but why is he nowhere to be found?" Rong Yiwen demanded.

"Senior hasn’t seen Rong Shao?" Song Wen asked, feigning surprise.

(End of the Chapter)

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