In the deepest corners of the secret realm, Wu Tangge moved like a shadow—unseen, yet ever-present. One by one, the remaining disciples began to follow him, drawn in by his calm demeanor, sharp intuition, and the illusion of righteousness he so masterfully crafted.
A group leader stepped forward, concern shadowing his expression.
"Senior Wu Tangge… are you certain? Is there truly someone sealed within this secret realm?"
Wu Tangge nodded with firm conviction. "Yes. I'm absolutely certain. The information came from a trustworthy friend."
[Wu Tangge's Inner Thoughts:]
Heh… As if I'd rely on anyone but my system. That sealed being will become the blade I use to cut down all who oppose me. Let them think I'm their savior. In truth, I'm their doom.
Behind him, the surviving disciples stood united, unaware of the role they played in his grand deception.
Yun Ling'er approached cautiously. Her voice was low and laced with suspicion. "What are you really planning, Wu Tangge? I warn you—don't harm these people."
Wu Tangge's smile was gentle, almost disarming. "Of course. I'll protect them."
[Wu Tangge's Inner Thoughts:]
I won't raise a hand against them… but my sealed servant won't share such mercy. He'll do the work for me. Hehehe…
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Wu Tangge is truly admirable!"
"Yes! A true descendant of the Wu Clan!"
"He's protecting us with everything he has!"
He stepped forward, expression solemn. "Listen carefully, everyone. There is a terrifying being sealed deep within this realm. If released, he could destroy us all. So no matter what—do not disturb the seals."
[Wu Tangge's Inner Thoughts:]
And now, with fear planted in their hearts, I'll unseal him myself. He will be mine to command.
"Go. Seek out treasures. Whoever finds them, keeps them," he declared with a grin.
Cheers erupted. The disciples dispersed, unaware they were merely pawns.
Wu Tangge, however, turned sharply toward a rugged stone wall on his left.
"There… That's where he sleeps."
In a flash, he vanished, reappearing before the wall. With a single, thunderous blow, the rock crumbled, revealing a hidden cave veiled in dark mist.
[Unbeknownst to him, a figure watched from afar. Eyes sharp, breath silent—Yang Xuanyuan had followed.]
Wu Tangge stepped deeper into the cave, his eyes glowing faintly crimson as he neared a chamber. There, at the heart of a black altar, knelt a sealed figure—chained, bound by nine soul-locking seals.
"So… you were here all along," Wu Tangge said with a smirk.
The sealed man stirred weakly. "Who… are you?"
Yang Xuanyuan crept closer, hiding behind a stone as he observed in silence.
Wu Tangge's aura shifted. Evil energy surged through the chamber.
"Do you not recognize the aura of your master?" he said coldly.
The man's eyes widened. "M-Master… is that you? I… I am Lucid. I await your command!"
Wu Tangge's smile turned wicked. "Yes. It is I—the Evil God, returned."
Yang Xuanyuan's breath caught. Wu Tangge… is the evil successor?!
He clenched his fists, rage boiling within him. But he held back, determined to uncover the full truth.
Wu Tangge stepped to the altar. "Wait a little longer, Lucid. I will free you."
He activated Evil Transformation—his body coated in dark energy, runes glowing across his skin. Without hesitation, he began tearing apart the seals.
Just then—
"You bastard! What are you doing?!" Yang Xuanyuan shouted, stepping from the shadows.
Wu Tangge barely glanced at him. "So… you decided to show yourself."
"You knew?" Yang Xuanyuan demanded.
But Wu Tangge ignored him and broke the third seal, then the fourth.
"Stop this madness! I'll kill you!" Yang Xuanyuan roared, summoning the Heavenly Wind Mashup.
Blades of wind slashed Wu Tangge's flesh, but he didn't falter. His eyes burned with madness.
Fifth.
Sixth.
Seventh seal—shattered.
Yang Xuanyuan's expression twisted in disbelief.
Eighth.
Ninth—
A shockwave pulsed through the cave as the seals shattered. In an instant, Lucid vanished from the altar and reappeared kneeling at Wu Tangge's feet. Yang Xuanyuan's attack vanished as if swallowed by the void.
"Master," Lucid intoned, "give your command. Shall I kill him?"
Yang Xuanyuan staggered back in disbelief.
Wu Tangge laughed darkly. "No. I have plans for him. Spare him… for now."
[Spiritual Transmission:]
Lucid. Someone is coming. Follow my plan.
Yes, Master.
Wu Tangge canceled his Evil Transformation. The dark aura receded. Then, without warning, Lucid struck him with a fierce blow.
Wu Tangge flew backward, slamming into the ground in front of arriving disciples. Blood trickled from his mouth as Yun Ling'er rushed to catch him.
His body was shredded with cuts and bruises.
"Wu Tangge! What happened?!" Yun Ling'er cried out.
Wu Tangge weakly pointed at Yang Xuanyuan. "It… it was him… Yang Xuanyuan. He unsealed that monster…"
The disciples' eyes turned to Yang Xuanyuan in shock.
"What? No! It was him! Wu Tangge is the evil successor!" Yang Xuanyuan yelled, heart pounding.
Lucid approached Yang Xuanyuan and kneeled, ignoring everyone. "Master… shall I finish all of them?"
The word master echoed in everyone's minds.
The crowd stared at Yang Xuanyuan, expressions darkening.
"He… he's the evil successor?"
"He controlled that thing…"
Yun Ling'er glanced at Wu Tangge—his bloody face, his torn robes, the way he trembled in her arms.
[Yun Ling'er's Thoughts:]
So this is his plan… Framing Yang Xuanyuan while winning everyone's sympathy. Just how deep does his cunning go?
She said nothing.
And thus, the mask of the villain remained hidden… for now.