The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 903: Human Vice!

Human Vice! . . .

Cha Eun Xiao harbored no optimism regarding Black Cavalry Alliance. This organization, known for its formidable influence and wealth in the martial world, was a force to be reckoned with. Almost securing its place as one of the mightiest entities within the Qing-Yun Realm, all it lacked was a few exceptional cultivators.

Yet, in a woeful twist of fate, both of its chiefs faced severe ailments, leaving the alliance in a state of utter misery. Such a dire situation could not be viewed in isolation; it had the hallmark of a malevolent hand behind it. Whoever orchestrated this grim predicament clearly wielded formidable power.

With a heavy heart, Cha Eun Xiao did not entertain any illusions of uncovering the conspirators' identities. It could very well be one of the great sects, anxious to thwart Black Cavalry Alliance's growth, or a clandestine organization pulling the strings from the shadows. This was not born out of cynicism but rather the result of experience. In his current life, he had witnessed countless schemes, intrigues, and betrayals. Names like Zuo Wuji, Master Bai, Wan, Xiu, the Sunlight Sect, the Starlight Sect, and various kingdoms were synonymous with cunning plots. Upon his return to the Qing-Yun Realm, he had narrowly escaped a vicious assassination attempt that had nearly cost him his life. Having emerged from that perilous ordeal, he had grown increasingly vigilant.

What Cha Eun Xiao had not anticipated, however, was the overt nature of the conspiracy against Shangguan Tie. After disclosing the poisoning to others, the truth had unraveled rapidly and dramatically.

In retrospect, the swift revelation made sense. Cha Eun Xiao had pinpointed the crucial detail that led to the truth's discovery. Shangguan Zhuifeng's intimate knowledge of his son was a pivotal factor. His son's peculiar liking for soup had been the key. Specifically, Shangguan Tie's affection for Flying Dragon bone soup had played a pivotal role. This was no ordinary dish; it was a rare delicacy made from the bones of the spiritual beast, the Flying Dragon, found exclusively within the Qing-Yun Realm. The soup carried a unique aroma, albeit tainted by a fishy undertone that needed to be eliminated to make it truly palatable. Suspicion had fallen on Shangguan Tie's second wife, who had proven adept at preparing this soup. The pieces of the puzzle neatly fell into place.

Long Yingtai, the man who had introduced the second wife to Shangguan Tie, was equally implicated in the plot.

Intriguingly, the unraveling of the truth appeared deceptively straightforward, contrasting with Cha Eun Xiao's initial apprehensions. What seemed an insurmountable crisis had in reality, a manageable solution.

However, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't ignore that if he hadn't intervened and uncovered the poison, the malevolent actions of these two individuals might have remained concealed even after Shangguan Tie's demise.

The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on Shangguan Zhuifeng, aging him considerably in a matter of moments. This became glaringly evident when he pronounced the death penalty for the perpetrators and faced Long Yingtai's impassioned retort.

Long Yingtai exclaimed, defending himself, "How can you blame me? Am I truly in the wrong? As a man, how can I live without purpose and ambition? Ambition necessitates a foundation, something to nurture and fuel it. You provided me that foundation and claimed me as your disciple. Was it not you who gave me the opportunity to strive for power? To aspire to be the second most potent individual within this realm? I held dreams and sought a path to empowerment, all while remaining loyal to Black Cavalry Alliance!"

"Then you... you nurtured me!" Long Yingtai's countenance contorted with a sinister expression. "Don't you recognize that? I became your adopted son! I possess the inherent right to inherit all that you possess! In the wake of your natural son's demise, I stand as the sole contender to assume the mantle of leadership in Black Cavalry Alliance."

"You see, I've grappled with this torment for a harrowing three years. Inside my psyche, the forces of darkness and light engaged in a relentless battle, tormenting my very soul. Time and again, the angel within me prevailed, until the devil emerged victorious. I agonized over whether I should commit this heinous act to secure my own future, or resign myself to a life of subservience."

"All of this, the opportunity you offered me, is to blame. An influential force boasting over a hundred thousand mounted troops, boundless wealth, the power to command with the wave of a coachwhip... I covet it, I yearn for it."

"I began my journey from the very nadir of this organization, and you, step by step, elevated me to my current exalted position. I understand the depth of the debt I owe you. I am cognizant of the injustice in my heart. Yet, in the elevated position you've placed me, the power lies tantalizingly within reach, and I can no longer restrain the burgeoning ambition within me."

"Everything unfolded with a terrible inevitability. I introduced Ying Hongxian to Brother Tie. She was mine, and she still belongs to me. I aimed to accomplish my goal without drawing suspicion."

Long Yingtai roared, "Father... I no longer wish to endure the vicissitudes of existence. I comprehend that my chances of survival are practically non-existent. As I bid farewell to this world, I implore you to consider something. The next time you entertain the notion of extending your benevolence to someone, ensure that the recipient is worthy of your compassion. Humanity is inherently flawed, and I am no exception. We are all cut from the same cloth."

"Farewell... Father!"

Long Yingtai was apprehended by the executioners. Shangguan Zhuifeng gazed at their departing figures, his body trembling.

His face twisted in anguish, and his lips quivered uncontrollably. His eyelids squeezed tightly shut.

A heavy silence enveloped the room.

Shangguan Tie lay on the bed like a lifeless form.

Shangguan Zhuifeng offered no intercession for his foster son. He hesitated but did not intervene to halt the proceedings. At that moment, he appeared markedly aged, deeply afflicted by the situation. His foster son had conspired to murder his own natural son for the sake of power.

Shangguan Zhuifeng was stricken by a profound sense of desolation.

"How can a human being be so malevolent?" he pondered.

"Shouldn't there be gratitude? Mustn't a small act of kindness yield considerable returns? Reciprocity may not be obligatory, but is it necessary to inflict harm upon us?"

"What has gone awry with this world?" These questions continued to churn within Shangguan Zhuifeng's troubled heart.

After a considerable lapse of time, an executor entered the room. "Report, Chief. Long Yingtai and Ying Hongxian have been executed. Would you like us to present their heads as evidence?"

Clearly, someone had specifically dispatched him to seek this response.

Ordinarily, the protocol would involve the presentation of the heads as substantiating evidence to the Chief.

"No need," Shangguan Zhuifeng replied, his eyes closed, head shaking in grief.

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