Chapter 496: Prey and Hunter

Jian Gui reached out, gently stroking Qi Ling's head.

The moment held no awkwardness, for both were essentially ghosts capable of physical contact.

Glancing around, Jian Gui spoke: “Come to think of it, this whole situation is actually my fault...”

Then, he unexpectedly admitted his error, shouldering the responsibility.

Xiao Wang Zi and Ku Feng immediately responded. One tried to exonerate Jian Gui, while the other claimed he too was at fault.

Cang Xu's influence had already surpassed that of Qi Ling, but compared to Jian Gui, it was like comparing a minor sorcerer to a grand wizard.

With a single exertion from Jian Gui, all of Cang Xu's previous efforts shattered instantly.

However, this outcome was entirely within Cang Xu's expectations. In truth, he never intended to defy Jian Gui.

“Lord Jian Gui, I am profoundly grateful and in awe of you, yet I also feel deeply that this is not what you deserve.”

“You are such a prodigy, possessing a gold level bloodline and being the direct heir to the true undead orthodoxy. Your future was so bright, yet now you find yourself in such peril, all because of the Da Ji Clan!” Cang Xu continued his plea.

Jian Gui seethed inwardly.

He now fully understood that Cang Xu was a stubborn adversary, driven by a fierce desire for retribution. Cang Xu's flattery served only his own ends. Yet, ironically, Jian Gui could not punish Cang Xu now.

Though he had planted a hidden mechanism within Cang Xu, capable of killing him with a single thought, in this situation, taking Cang Xu's life would be going too far.

Jian Gui sighed inwardly.

He understood Cang Xu. If he had been betrayed, he would seek revenge too. Qi Ling's extortion was somewhat understandable.

Honestly, Jian Gui had long been mentally prepared for this. If Cang Xu hadn't reacted this way, he would have been more concerned about Cang Xu's hidden agenda.

Thus, when Qi Ling came to him weeping and reporting the incident, Jian Gui felt a quiet relief deep within.

As for the Da Ji Clan, Jian Gui naturally felt no affection for them.

More than anything, he merely used them as a means to restrain Qi Ling.

In a way, Jian Gui and Lady Sea Snake were no different.

Cang Xu was the same, all of them exploited the Da Ji Clan to deal with Qi Ling.

The effect was remarkably effective!

After all, Qi Ling possessed such an obvious flaw, one she had even exposed herself.

Cang Xu seized this weakness. With just a little pressure, he struck Qi Ling hard enough to hurt, forcing her to act according to his plan.

Cang Xu concluded: "Once I recognized this reality, I decided to send them into the Ocean Mother Nest. I refuse to let such events repeat. If blame must be assigned, direct it solely at me!"

Xiao Wang Zi couldn't help but look up at Cang Xu.

Even Ku Feng secretly admired Cang Xu's decisiveness.

“Spat! You clearly failed to extort me, so now you threaten me with the Da Ji Clan to make me bleed more for you...” Qi Ling blurted out once more.

Cang Xu cut her off with a cold snort, "I demanded compensation because you targeted me earlier, making me the first to participate in the teleportation blood sacrifice. I was fortunate, the Lord took pity and spared my life, teleporting me back. Demanding compensation from you, the perpetrator, instead of taking action, is already a show of restraint on my part."

“My demand for compensation is sincere!”

"Otherwise, wouldn't it have been far simpler and quicker to threaten you with the Da Ji Clan during the compensation process? Why escalate things to this point now?"

“The night I returned from the transmission, I thought long and hard.”

“I made a firm decision: I will eradicate the Da Ji Clan!”

"Even if you hate me, it doesn't matter. I will eliminate this weakness for you."

“If you dare, if you dare do this, you declare war on me! We'll fight to the death!” Qi Ling raged, cursing furiously.

Cang Xu remained expressionless.

Xiao Wang Zi tried to intervene, but after opening his mouth, he decided against it. Truthfully, he disliked both Qi Ling and the Da Ji Clan. Many of Cang Xu's words struck a chord with him.

Truth be told, Xiao Wang Zi had opposed rescuing Qi Ling from the start.

A child's emotions were just this simple!

Ku Feng furrowed his brow slightly, his gaze fixed on Jian Gui.

Only Jian Gui could resolve the current conflict, and he remained confident Jian Gui could handle such troubles.

But just as Jian Gui was about to speak, laughter suddenly echoed, followed by a figure materializing within the shack.

The group was startled.

Yet upon recognizing the face, their surprise faded.

It was Zhou Zhang.

This saint level Charming Blue Archbishop was no stranger to eavesdropping and spying.

“Interesting. Truly fascinating,” Zhou Zhang murmured with a satisfied smile.

Her gaze swept the room, radiating the predatory confidence of a cat toying with mice.

Qi Ling snapped to attention, kneeling before Zhou Zhang and pleading for mercy for the Da Ji Clan.

Zhou Zhang smiled, gazing down at Qi Ling with gentle demeanor as she uttered words that plunged Qi Ling into despair: "I have given Xu Jia's suggestion serious consideration. Indeed, the Da Ji Clan maintains close ties with necromancers. Their composition is complex, and there exists the possibility of feigned faith, exploiting the Charming Blue Church to counter formidable foes."

"They claim that most of their tribe are Charming Blue believers; verifying this would do no harm."

Qi Ling hurriedly interjected, “Lady Zhou Zhang, they are all fishmen! Like you, they are creatures of the sea.”

“So what?” Zhou Zhang's expression grew cold. "Not all fishmen are believers of my Lord. Is that not so? If my perspective remained confined to race, then all believers here should be octopusmen."

Zhou Zhang's reply plunged Qi Ling into an icy abyss.

Zhou Zhang continued to toy with Qi Ling: "If you wish the Da Ji Clan to survive, why not attend the teleportation blood sacrifice in their place? After all, isn't it because of you that they're under suspicion?"

“Had you not been coveted by Lady Sea Snake, the Da Ji Clan wouldn't have suffered this calamity, nor fallen into their current predicament, would they?”

Qi Ling was struck by a crushing blow, collapsing onto the ground.

Zhou Zhang continued, leisurely: “You truly should participate in the teleportation blood sacrifice as soon as possible.”

"Both you and Xu Jia are necromancers, but he has already become a believer of my Lord, receiving divine blessing. You have not. Who do you think I would trust more?"

Qi Ling's face paled, and she was speechless.

When her very survival was at stake, Qi Ling dared not take any risks. The memory fabrication plan had given her new hope, but before that, she had no certainty about converting.

Protecting the Da Ji Clan was Qi Ling's obsession since becoming a ghost.

But if she couldn't even survive herself, what was the point of any obsession?

Jian Gui and the others remained silent.

As silence hung heavy in the air, Zhou Zhang turned her gaze back to Cang Xu, a knowing smile once more playing on her lips.

“Xu Jia, you too have been reported.”

“Many of the believers feel you abused your position this time, attempting to harness the divine authority of our Lord to eliminate your own enemies.”

Cang Xu scrambled to explain.

After patiently listening, Zhou Zhang's expression grew more mocking, “Your reasoning holds merit.”

"But now, a significant number doubt you. They claim that even if you received divine blessing, it might have been a temporary change triggered by the immense pressure of facing death. Once back in safety, your faith has waned."

"This isn't impossible either. After all, faith stems from the heart and can shift. The crucial point is, it cannot be accurately measured."

“Lord Zhou Zhang, please hear me out...” Cang Xu's tone and expression betrayed utter panic.

The saint level octopusman raised a tentacle, cutting him off: “Therefore, for the next ritual, you shall participate alongside the Da Ji Clan.”

Cang Xu's expression instantly “changed dramatically”.

The necromancers and magicians stared blankly, shock evident on their faces.

Qi Ling, stunned, opened her mouth to mock Cang Xu, but the thought of the Da Ji Clan instantly drained her of any desire to speak.

Jian Gui's heart grew cold, his expression grim.

Zhou Zhang laughed brightly: “Of course, besides Xu Jia, you must select one more person. Rest assured, there's plenty of time. Take your time choosing."

With that, she successfully observed the darkening expressions of Jian Gui and the others before fading away with a smile.

Toying with these captives brought her immense amusement, one of the few pastimes she enjoyed during her duties as the archbishop.

This was a world of the strong, where might ruled all. Playing with the weak was nothing out of the ordinary.

In a foul mood, Jian Gui warned Cang Xu and Qi Ling not to cause any more trouble, now was no time for infighting.

Qi Ling naturally obeyed Jian Gui's command.

Jian Gui then quietly instructed Cang Xu: "You should see it now. Even if you convert successfully, you won't gain Zhou Zhang's trust. If she can let you participate once or twice, she can keep doing it."

Cang Xu wore a heavy expression, solemnly agreeing.

As the undead gathering dispersed, Xiao Wang Zi cautiously comforted Cang Xu.

Ku Feng remarked, "It seems we must journey together this time. Let's strive together!"

Cang Xu returned to his shack and finally relaxed, inwardly rejoicing: “My goal is achieved!”

How to enter the Ocean Mother Nest a second time had always been a problem.

Few believers ever ventured back into the Ocean Mother Nest. On one hand, most believers didn't want to risk their lives again. On the other hand, even if there were fanatical believers, Zhou Zhang wouldn't grant them the opportunity.

The reason was simple: spots were limited.

From Archbishop Zhou Zhang's perspective, she needed to seize this opportunity to recruit believers for the goddess, strengthen the convictions and personal abilities of its core adherents, and help the Charming Blue Church deepen its foundations.

Having a fanatical believer go in and out frequently offered poor value for effort. Unless exceptional circumstances arose, such as a fanatical believer possessing exceptional aptitude and extraordinary talent.

Cang Xu had maintained contact with the fishman youngster. In their most recent exchange, he was delighted to learn the youngster could now cast the Undead Bloodline Detection Spell.

Given this development, Cang Xu had to return promptly.

This challenge did not faze Cang Xu.

After pondering for a moment, he devised this solution.

He succeeded.

Leveraging the conflict between him and Qi Ling, and exploiting the distrust that Zhou Zhang and others harbored toward necromancers, he deceived Jian Gui and others, capitalizing on Zhou Zhang's competitive mindset.

Everything unfolded naturally, like water flowing downhill, without the slightest hint of coercion.

The most skilled hunters often appeared as prey.

This was Cang Xu's precise grasp of human nature and individuality, the result of his adept execution of cunning schemes.

No other survivor could have achieved this level of accomplishment.

Only Cang Xu.

He understood the art of politics deeply.

Of course, he hadn't been entirely certain of success before acting. But the presence of the fishman youngster and the Deep Sea Monster Fish gave him added confidence.

If this attempt failed, there would be another.

If the next scheme fell through, there would be another.

Success on the first try would be ideal, of course!

“Now, we just await the teleportation blood sacrifice.” Unlike Ku Feng and the others, Cang Xu was filled with anticipation.

After all, this return marked the first step in formally altering his innate potential.