Chapter 851: Big Melon (Major Bombshell)
Such an important matter—this useless fool was only bringing it up now?! If he had known earlier, he would've gone all out from the start to capture that brat!
Xiao Diansi glared murderously at Water Yama, then turned his head sharply, his eyes widening slightly and glinting with cold malice as he looked toward "Mo Hua" in the distance.
A bloody murderous aura surged in his eyes—his presence was terrifying.
But the "Mo Hua" in the distance was just a blanket burrito, snuggled peacefully against a broken wall, completely unbothered. Naturally, it didn't react at all.
Instead, Gu Changhuai beside it noticed something was off and glanced coldly over.
Their eyes met—tension crackled silently in the air—but neither spoke. A moment later, both looked away.
Xiao Diansi snorted inwardly.
"This Gu Changhuai… still as sharp as ever."
"And that brat… got guts, sleeping like a rock…"
He suppressed his emotions, narrowing his eyes again, masking everything behind the walls of his mind. Calmly, he said:
"I understand. Don't mention the Water Prison Lockbox to anyone else."
"Yes, sir."
"How's your progress with that cultivation technique?" Xiao Diansi asked.
"I've reached the fourth level, as you entrusted," Water Yama replied.
Xiao Diansi's expression softened slightly. He nodded.
"Good enough."
Hearing this, Water Yama looked visibly relieved and bowed:
"The Water Prison Sect's methods are indeed ingenious. I owe it all to you, Big Brother, for teaching me everything."
Taught him everything?!
Mo Hua's eyes widened in surprise.
So all of Water Yama's skills… were taught by this smiling tiger?!
Xiao Diansi grunted in acknowledgment and said nothing more. He waved his hand, dismissing Water Yama.
Water Yama saluted and left.
Only Xiao Diansi remained.
Mo Hua frowned and was about to sneak off when his divine sense caught another figure approaching.
"Someone else?"
Mo Hua hesitated, then stayed put behind the wall, ears perked.
A moment later, a figure stepped out of the shadows, walked up to Xiao Diansi, and respectfully cupped his hands.
"Uncle."
The newcomer was refined and composed—Xiao Tianquan.
Xiao Diansi gave him a complicated look, then let out a cold laugh,
"No need to call me 'uncle' anymore."
"Our bloodline remains," Xiao Tianquan said. "That bond of karma can never be severed. You will always be my uncle."
"Bloodline…" Xiao Diansi sneered coldly, his voice tinged with mockery.
"Everyone says money means nothing to the rich, power means nothing to the powerful… and bloodlines? To noble clans, they mean even less."
His gaze grew colder and colder, his tone laced with long-restrained resentment:
"I devoted everything to this family—plotted and toiled in the shadows for years. All I ever asked for was to become Chief of the Dao Court Bureau."
"I did all the dirty work to protect the family's name. I bore all the filth myself."
"And you—you were young, and it was me who guided you into the Dao Court Bureau step by step."
"You wanted merit? Fine, I got people to risk their lives for you. You felt bored? I fetched you women from the Rouge Boat. You wanted connections and prospects? I brought you into the Young Lords' Pavilion!"
"I even had the whole path mapped out—once I became Chief, I'd build the connections, pave the way, and you'd naturally inherit my seat in the future."
"But what I never expected…"
Rage burned in Xiao Diansi's eyes.
"Was that the damn elders would be so impatient… they'd try to skip over me and raise you up directly!"
He let out a bitter, furious laugh:
"Brilliant! I've spent my life laying bricks for a road I'll never walk, just to become the paving stone someone else steps on."
"This is what noble clans are—blood relatives when convenient, but cold-hearted beasts when profits are involved!"
Xiao Tianquan's face turned pale with shame.
"Uncle… this was arranged by the Patriarch. I had no say…"
"Of course you didn't," Xiao Diansi sneered. "You're the one reaping the benefits. What more could you want?"
Xiao Tianquan lowered his head and bowed deeply.
Xiao Diansi looked him over. He knew this wasn't really Xiao Tianquan's fault—but it still made his heart ache with jealousy.
It wasn't fair. Among this generation of the Xiao Clan, Xiao Tianquan was simply too outstanding.
Bloodline, spiritual roots, talent, comprehension, appearance—he had it all.
If he were the patriarch, he'd probably also shower favor upon such a prodigy and clear the road ahead for him.
Compared to this vibrant rising star, Xiao Diansi was just a weary, scheming, fading middle-aged official—easily discarded. No one would care.
And in terms of long-term value to the clan… a handsome, talented youth held far more promise.
Especially for… marriage alliances.
Xiao Diansi suddenly said with a frosty voice:
"I heard the Patriarchs are arranging a marriage… between you and Magistrate Xia?"
That line was like a thunderclap out of nowhere—Mo Hua, eavesdropping nearby, was struck so hard he nearly combusted.
The barking dog… and Magistrate Xia… are getting married?!
What?!
Mo Hua's jaw dropped wide enough to fit a goose egg.
But after the initial shock, his instincts kicked in. He quickly refocused, ears twitching, and continued listening intently.
Back inside the Sound-Isolation Array:
Xiao Tianquan bowed without a word—clearly confirming it.
Xiao Diansi looked at him with a mix of mockery and reluctant admiration.
"The Patriarch truly is… audacious."
"By conventional standards, the Xiao Clan doesn't qualify to marry into the Xia family. But… your case is special."
"Your spiritual roots, your talent—limitless potential. Most importantly… you're young."
"Magistrate Xia is also excellent in both looks and roots—nothing to complain about. But she's older, cold, has a bad temper, and has served in the Dao Court Bureau for years."
"With her reputation and temperament, marrying upward or even laterally is difficult. But you—young and promising—make up for your clan's shortcomings."
"From that angle, you two actually do match."
Xiao Diansi's gaze darkened.
"I heard that Xia Jiancha has already met you… and was quite pleased?"
"I am deeply honored by Xia Jiancha's favor," Xiao Tianquan replied solemnly.
Xiao Diansi let out a bitter laugh, sighing coldly:
"What a clever scheme… A marriage binds the Xiao Clan to the Xia Clan like a leash. And the Xiao Clan gains a ladder to climb higher. Wonderful. Simply wonderful…"
Except he—this loyal old dog—was being sold off.
If he kept quiet, maybe he'd be allowed to live.
But if he dared bark… not even his bones would remain.
Xiao Tianquan also sighed and bowed deeply, speaking sincerely:
"Uncle, I will never forget your kindness. These arrangements are the will of the Patriarchs—I have no right to object. But rest assured, when I become Chief, I will assign you a high post. Even if you don't become Chief yourself, the Deputy Chief's seat will be yours, no question."
Xiao Diansi nodded slowly.
"Not bad. At the very least, you've mastered the art of drawing pie in the sky to make people slave away. With skills like that, I'm sure you'll make a fine Chief…"
"Uncle…" Xiao Tianquan began.
Xiao Diansi raised a brow.
"I've treated you well. Don't take me for a fool."
Xiao Tianquan fell silent.
Xiao Diansi gave him one last long look and said,
"For the sake of the fact that we share the Xiao name—and because you're the Xiao Clan's most promising prodigy, the future pillar of the family… for that reason alone, I'll make sure you leave this Dragon King Temple safely."
"But once you're out, I will abandon the title of 'Diansi', and even the surname 'Xiao'. From then on, you and I will have nothing to do with each other. Whether you live or die—none of my concern."
With that, Xiao Diansi said no more. He turned coldly and swept away.
Xiao Tianquan looked slightly crestfallen. Deep down, he still seemed to feel some gratitude for all the care Xiao Diansi had shown him over the years. But after a moment, even that hint of sadness faded.
He was a chosen one, after all. Different from Xiao Diansi. Parting ways now was perhaps for the best.
Xiao Tianquan bowed slightly to the departing figure of Xiao Diansi and then turned to leave as well.
After both of them were gone, Mo Hua finally let out a tiny breath of relief. He carefully withdrew the silver needle, packed up the wire, cloaked his presence again, and quietly snuck back to the rest area—slipping back into his blanket.
And just like that, the "Blanket Person" turned back into Mo Hua.
Gu Changhuai noticed something and glanced around. Lowering his voice, he asked,
"Did you hear anything?"
Even Magistrate Xia looked over, curious.
Mo Hua was still reeling from what he'd heard, expression full of shock.
He'd heard something explosive.
He'd just eaten a giant melon (major gossip bombshell)!
Too big! He couldn't even finish it in one bite!
The Xiao Clan and the Xia Clan were going to matchmake the Barking Dog (Xiao Tianquan) and Magistrate Xia?!
Mo Hua opened his mouth, wanting to speak—but as he glanced over at Magistrate Xia, he paused.
Wait… did Sister Xia even know about this?
If she didn't—would telling her really help?
After all, you can't twist your arm against the thigh. Even if she was a Golden Core cultivator, the Xia Clan was from Daozhou, the political heart of the Central Dao Court and a top-tier aristocratic family.
Even if she disagreed, what could she do?
And if she did already know, then wouldn't bringing it up now just make Mo Hua look like some backroom gossiper?
This kind of private engagement arrangement wasn't the kind of thing you blurted out. She probably didn't want others knowing, much less gossiping about it.
As for Uncle Gu…
That fool might not even realize what's going on. Given how clueless he is with Sister Xia, even telling him probably wouldn't help.
So Mo Hua did the hardest thing of all—he swallowed the melon whole.
Knowing juicy gossip you can't share? Agony!
Gu Changhuai saw Mo Hua hemming and hawing, confused.
"Well? Spit it out. What are you hesitating for?"
Mo Hua looked at Gu Changhuai, then at Magistrate Xia, sighed internally… and picked another topic instead:
"I just overheard a huge secret… turns out Water Yama's entire skillset—was taught to him by the Smiling Tiger!"
Gu Changhuai's expression shifted instantly.
Magistrate Xia, on the other hand, blinked.
"Smiling Tiger?"
Gu Changhuai explained with a helpless look:
"Xiao Diansi… That's the nickname Mo Hua gave him. 'Smiling Tiger.'"
"Ah…" Magistrate Xia nodded. Thinking of Xiao Diansi's insincere, forced-smile face, she had to admit—Mo Hua's nickname was… spot-on.
Mo Hua added,
"I gave Xiao Tianquan a nickname too—'Barking Dog.'"
"Barking Dog?" Magistrate Xia paused, her expression remaining composed, but her lips pressed together ever so slightly—clearly trying not to laugh.
Gu Changhuai sighed,
"Can we talk about the real issue?"
Mo Hua gave a soft "oh," then carefully summarized the earlier conversation between the Smiling Tiger and Water Yama.
Of course, he left out the fact that the Water Prison Lockbox was currently in his possession.
He also mentioned Xiao Tianquan.
"That Smiling Tiger… he once took the Barking Dog to the Rouge Boat for women, then pulled strings to get him into the 'Young Lords' Pavilion' to expand his connections…"
As Mo Hua said this, he sneakily glanced at Magistrate Xia—seeing her frown and a trace of disgust flash across her face. He nodded quietly.
Even though he didn't spill the biggest melon, this secret was more than enough to shock Gu Changhuai and Magistrate Xia.
Neither had expected Xiao Diansi to be involved so deeply.
As for Xiao Tianquan's deeds—they were surprising, but not that surprising.
The Rouge Boat was basically a brothel behind the scenes, and the Young Lords' Pavilion was a hub for aristocratic networking. Unless someone was truly righteous and firm in their Dao heart, very few young scions from noble houses could resist that kind of temptation.
As long as it wasn't public knowledge, many people even considered such things a "privilege" to pursue.
So Xiao Tianquan having visited the Rouge Boat wasn't shocking.
Mo Hua speculated:
"Now that I think about it… the Smiling Tiger must've inherited a top-tier legacy from the Water Prison Sect."
"The sect's inheritance is hierarchical—superiors dominate inferiors, and dissent is not allowed."
"The Smiling Tiger's level clearly surpasses Water Yama's. That's why someone as vicious as Water Yama acts so obediently in front of him…"
Gu Changhuai frowned.
"If that's the case… taking down Xiao Diansi won't be easy…"
Mo Hua nodded in agreement,
"If all of Water Yama's skills were learned from the Smiling Tiger, then it's very likely Xiao Diansi knows all of them—and is even stronger."
"Which means, he doesn't just know the Yin Water Sword. He might also know Water Shadow Steps, Water Torture Whip… and even that creepy Blood Eye Technique."
Gu Changhuai and Magistrate Xia both looked grim.
In short—Xiao Diansi was basically a Golden Core version of Water Yama… a beefed-up, elite model.
Or in other words, the seemingly dangerous Water Yama… was actually a cheap knockoff of the real deal: Xiao Diansi.
"This Xiao Zhenhai hid his power really well…" Gu Changhuai sighed.
Xiao Zhenhai—that was Xiao Diansi's real name.
For all these years, he had been scheming and networking within the Dao Court Division, always restraining himself in conflicts, giving the impression that his cultivation and strength were just average—not too high, not too low. Yet behind the scenes, he had hidden so many unfathomable techniques.
Magistrate Xia's expression turned grave.
"If that's the case, then we can't act rashly against Xiao Diansi. The best course is to keep the peace for now and get out of this Dragon King Temple first…"
Mo Hua nodded.
But deep down, he knew… it wouldn't be that simple.
Before, the Smiling Tiger might've still been considering peaceful coexistence—cutting his losses and fleeing far away. After all, he didn't want to truly offend the Xia or Gu Clans.
But now… he knew the Water Prison Lockbox was in Mo Hua's hands.
That changed everything.
Gu Changhuai added,
"Xiao Zhenhai has a friendly face but a vicious heart—extremely shrewd. We must be on guard…"
"Most things we can handle, but that eye technique—if he's mastered it too, it's likely even stronger than Water Yama's. If anyone falls prey to it in this trap-filled Dragon King Temple… it may be a death sentence."
Magistrate Xia thought for a moment, then took out a jade pendant.
"This is a Tranquility Jade from the Xia Clan—an exclusive secret treasure, not passed down lightly. It calms the mind and wards off evil. Worn near the heart, it can protect your meridians if hit by the eye technique, and suppress the invading killing aura. It can't block everything—but it's far better than nothing."
She had originally prepared it to deal with Water Yama.
Gu Changhuai, with his rotten temper and foul mouth, wasn't someone she initially planned to give it to. But with the current situation, among the Golden Core cultivators in the Dragon King Temple, he was the only one she could fully trust.
Gu Changhuai hesitated for a moment, then silently accepted the jade pendant.
After a pause, he handed it straight to Mo Hua.
"You keep it."
He was worried Xiao Diansi might try something against Mo Hua. After all, from the very beginning, Xiao Diansi had wanted to take Mo Hua hostage.
Mo Hua, however, felt an overwhelming urge to beat Gu Changhuai over the head with a stick.
With social skills like that… no wonder he's been single forever.
Naturally, Mo Hua wasn't about to accept it. He started frantically throwing eye signals at Gu Changhuai.
"Uncle Gu, this jade pendant is so valuable—you should keep it safe."
Gu Changhuai frowned,
"You—"
Mo Hua quickly said,
"I'll be fine. Even if the Smiling Tiger uses his eye technique, he'll target you and Sister Xia. You two are the Golden Cores—if you're safe, I'm safe. But if either of you gets caught by his trickery, that's when I'll be in danger."
Gu Changhuai mulled it over, nodded, and replied,
"Alright."
He then carefully tucked the jade pendant away.
Magistrate Xia said nothing, simply looked at Gu Changhuai. Her expression was a little strange—it was hard to tell if she was angry.
Mo Hua sighed inwardly, feeling tired.
Suddenly, he could deeply empathize with how hard it must've been for Elder Gu Hong to play matchmaker…
After that, everyone settled into silence.
Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian were still healing.
Xiao Diansi and Water Yama's side remained quiet for the time being.
Mr. Wu had somehow knelt before the Ram-Horn Gate at some point, muttering fervent prayers to the Lord of the Great Wilderness.
Time ticked by slowly.
The blood grooves around the ram-horn carving were steadily being filled—drop by drop—with blood from the three sacrificial hearts.
Finally, after a full day had passed, the hearts had been completely drained and shriveled dry.
The blood grooves in the carving were now fully filled. Strange, arcane blood-red patterns shimmered faintly around the edges.
A majestic and terrifying aura began to emanate from the ram-head relief.
Mo Hua's pupils shrank.
The others sensed the eerie pressure as well. Their confusion quickly turned to unease.
Mr. Wu immediately threw himself prostrate on the ground, bowing six times, speaking with both devotion and fear:
"Divine Lord, I bring the sacrifice—please, open the Gate of Living Sacrifice!"
As he finished, he flattened himself fully in a kowtow, bowing to the earth.
Moments later, a deep, muffled sound echoed—like a response from some distant, mysterious entity.
A flash of ancient golden light flickered in the eyes of the ram-horn carving on the gate.
Then, the carving opened its mouth—releasing its grip on the tightly shut doors.
The great gate slowly creaked open.
What came into view was an endless ocean of blood—thicker and darker than the blood left outside. It was so viscous it looked like it could drag down light itself. As far as the eye could see—an unbroken, crimson sea.
It was a colossal blood pool without end.
At its center stood several demonic statues. In the midst of these statues was an altar.
Upon that altar sat a pair of twisted, gruesome ram horns.
In front of the horns were slabs of bloodied flesh, sacrificial offerings—surrounded by piles of pale-white bones.
This was the place.
The shrine to the Evil God—hidden within the Dragon King Temple by the Yanshui River.
The very altar of the Lord of the Great Wilderness—the one Mo Hua had dreamed of for so long.
Mo Hua even softened his breathing, afraid that if he exhaled too hard…the altar might vanish into thin air.
(End of this Chapter)