Chapter Fifty-Three: Sudden Upheaval

“As sons and daughters of the divine, what is this disgraceful behavior? Yun Xi and Lin Fan, come forward at once to pay your respects.”

Chu Yunji stepped out to quell the conflict. The power of his threefold heavenly decline was like a storm crashing against the shore, instantly separating those engaged in battle. His strength was unmatched.

“Hmph.”

Duanmu Ci snorted coldly, his expression darkening. Yet he did not strike again. Chu Yunji was the elder of discipline at the Celestial Gate; to defy an elder's decree carried consequences too severe for even him to bear.

“I’ll spare you all today, but be assured I will settle accounts in the future.”

With a flicker, Duanmu Ci vanished into the horizon. Though his combat prowess was superior, the Divine Son Alliance had lost the advantage among the mortal realm contenders. This time, his prestige was thoroughly swept away, forging the Divine Court’s renown.

“Let’s go. The elders' summons this time must pertain to the matter of the Ghost Domain. When the time comes, speak plainly—do not resort to empty politeness.”

Yun Xi appeared at Lin Fan’s side, giving brief instructions before speeding away with him. They transformed into a divine ray and vanished, leaving the battlefield for others to clean up. There was no need for concern.

When Lin Fan came to a halt, he found himself within a vast palace. Above the hall floated five divine thrones, upon which sat five mighty figures—Yun Xi and Duanmu Ci among them.

“Greetings, Elders.”

Lin Fan scanned the room and bowed deeply to Chu Yunji, whom he had met at Gu Chi City and now recognized at once.

“So you are Lin Fan?”

Chu Yunji spoke, his voice imposing, as if he were an exalted giant. A wave of pressure surged toward Lin Fan.

“Elder, that is indeed I.”

Lin Fan steadied his heart, neither humble nor arrogant, nor did he show the slightest disrespect.

“You are quite impressive.”

Chu Yunji closed his eyes, silent, but goodwill emanated from him.

Duanmu Ci’s expression shifted, but in such a setting he lacked the authority to speak further and could only concede.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am from the Domain Lord’s Manor; my surname is Jiang. That is the head of the Ji family.”

The elder seated at the center spoke softly, his tone gentle as a spring breeze. He was Lord Jiang.

“Greetings, Lord Jiang and Lord Ji.”

Lin Fan’s heart tightened as he realized the identities before him. They were illustrious figures of the Tianwu Domain, renowned for their supreme power.

“I hear you have encountered someone from the Ghost Domain?”

Lord Jiang, holding the highest rank, naturally took the lead in questioning. A powerful force pressed down upon Lin Fan.

“Lord, that is so.”

“Hmph. Are you aware the Ghost Domain and Tianwu Domain are sworn enemies, locked in conflict for years? How could someone from the Ghost Domain appear here? I will ask you once more.”

Lord Jiang’s cold snort sharply shifted the atmosphere—a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood seemed to descend.

Lin Fan’s face turned pale, and he staggered back before barely regaining his composure.

“This matter is of great consequence. Naturally, I dare not conceal or deceive. It is all as I have witnessed.”

“Very well. Then tell us where you saw the people of the Ghost Domain, and who their leader is.”

Lord Jiang snorted again, his killing intent barely veiled.

Lin Fan sensed hostility and was perplexed. By reason, this should be his first meeting with Lord Jiang, and as a ruler of the celestial realm, Jiang should not be so antagonistic toward him.

Nevertheless, Lin Fan was seasoned enough not to lose his composure.

“Reporting, Lord, I encountered members of the Ghost Domain in Qingmu City and at a ruined stronghold of the human race. Their leader was said to be a man called the Ghost Prince.”

Suppressing his dissatisfaction, Lin Fan’s tone grew slightly firmer.

“Hmph, utter nonsense!”

Suddenly, Duanmu Ci rose, his overwhelming aura enveloping the hall. Lin Fan coughed blood and was hurled dozens of feet away.

“Who among the Tianwu Domain’s leadership does not know that when I once ventured in the Ghost Domain, I called myself the Ghost Prince? Now someone dares to smear my name. Lord Jiang, I suspect this man harbors ill intentions, deliberately sowing discord among us. He may well be a spy from the Ghost Domain.”

Duanmu Ci’s words were slick and sharp, aimed directly at Lin Fan.

“What!”

Lin Fan and Yun Xi were both stunned by this revelation—they had never heard such a secret, and would not have reported here otherwise.

“Duanmu speaks sensibly. The demon race presses at our borders; now is the time for unity, not for anyone to undermine morale.”

Lord Jiang nodded, siding with Duanmu Ci.

“Lord, I bear no grievance or enmity against the Divine Son, nor would I frame him. Moreover, I had no idea the Divine Son was the Ghost Prince, else I would never have come to report.”

Lin Fan was alarmed, instantly changing tactics to preserve himself.

“Hmph. If you were truly a spy from the Ghost Domain, you’d know my identity. Now you feign ignorance and righteousness. The fact that you wish to establish a Divine Court already makes you my enemy, and now you claim there’s no enmity? Such transparent attempts to conceal your motives.”

Duanmu Ci’s every word struck deep, his murderous intent filling the entire hall with icy chill.

“Lord Jiang…”

Yun Xi rose, about to speak in Lin Fan’s defense, but was immediately stopped by Lord Jiang.

“This matter concerns you as well, Yun Xi. There’s no need to say more. It is not yet time to punish you for poor judgment.”

Lord Jiang was forceful, cutting Yun Xi off.

“You mentioned Qingmu City, but you should know that the person there was left by me. If I told you his name, you and Yun Xi would be astonished—it is Li Renfu!”

Duanmu Ci launched another lethal accusation, seeking Lin Fan’s destruction.

“What!”

Even Yun Xi was shocked, for Li Renfu was none other than the chief steward of her Yunzhu Peak.

“I had dealings with Li Renfu, helped him reach the Condensed Meridian realm, and brought him to Gu Chi City. There is one thing you should not forget, Lin Fan—once, you slew Li Renfu’s grandson, Li Hua. Now I suspect you acted in revenge.”

Duanmu Ci sneered, his aura swelling, murderous intent exposed.

“Well, well—Duanmu Ci and Lord Jiang, you’ve set up your trap long ago. But now is not the time to antagonize them, or I may be executed on the spot.”

Lin Fan’s thoughts raced ever faster, making the wisest decision: silence.

He knew that if he spoke again, he’d only give them another chance to accuse him. By now, Lin Fan realized he’d been set up from the start—a fact even Yun Xi was unaware of. She was completely in the dark, while the only actors were Lord Jiang and Duanmu Ci.

“Lord Jiang, I propose we execute this traitor here and now, to stabilize the situation.”

Duanmu Ci bared his fangs, his words vicious.

“Duanmu speaks rightly. Any who disrupt our morale must be executed without mercy!”

Lord Jiang was resolute, giving Lin Fan no chance to defend himself, poised to deliver the killing blow.