Chen Qi said flatly,
"The Undying Dragon Emperor never said I was his son. For as long as I can remember, I have always called him Adoptive Father.
"He passed the Celestial Qilin Sword on to me, but claimed he had simply come across it by chance.
"But while organizing the library, I discovered a hidden compartment. Inside, I found information about the Celestial Qilin Sword’s origin.
"And that was the first time I learned of the name ’Qilin Hall.’"
He paused, turning to look at the scenery outside the window.
The view from the fifth floor of the Langhuan Restaurant was excellent.
At some point, snowflakes had begun to drift down, blanketing the earth. Chen Qi stared blankly for a moment before continuing,
"The dangerous thing about many matters is the curiosity and doubt they inspire.
"Because those feelings compel you to keep digging...
"And the more you dig, the more despairing the answers become.
"Some traces can never be completely wiped away.
"The Undying Dragon Emperor never imagined I would uncover anything, so he never knew that I was already finding numerous clues in the smallest of details.
"And I made contact with many people.
"Eventually, I learned my true identity, and I also learned of the... irreconcilable blood feud between us."
Fang Shuwen frowned slightly. He felt that things weren’t so simple.
Although Fang Shuwen had never met this Undying Dragon Emperor, he had a nagging feeling. Someone with the audacity to commit such an act wouldn’t spare an infant out of pity.
He surely understood the principle of ’rearing a tiger only to court disaster.’
The fact that Chen Qi was still alive was very strange.
However, judging by the Vermilion Bird Hall Master’s behavior, this Young Venerable of the Dragon Emperor Hall had hidden himself quite well.
’Has he truly deceived the Undying Dragon Emperor?’
Although he had his doubts, Fang Shuwen didn’t voice them. Instead, he asked,
"Why can’t the Undying Dragon Emperor leave Undying Island?"
"Because of the Dragon Gate."
Chen Qi frowned slightly.
"The Dragon Gate is a unique treasure of heaven and earth. It can allow one’s Martial Arts to advance by leaps and bounds in a short period of time.
"But it is not without a price...
"The price the Undying Dragon Emperor paid is that he cannot leave the Dragon Gate.
"I don’t know many of the specific details. The Undying Dragon Emperor is extremely secretive about it.
"He doesn’t even allow me to go near the Dragon Gate.
"All I know is that his search for the Seven-String Ancient Chapter and the Asura Iron is for the purpose of severing his connection to the Dragon Gate.
"But how he plans to sever it, I do not know.
"As long as the Dragon Gate exists, he is a prisoner in his own domain."
"I see."
Fang Shuwen finally understood.
"This thing sounds... interesting."
"If you like it, you can take the Dragon Gate with you after you kill the Undying Dragon Emperor."
There wasn’t the slightest hint of reluctance in Chen Qi’s tone.
Fang Shuwen paid it no mind. At least for now, he didn’t fully believe every word Chen Qi said.
People lie.
Zhang Wuji’s mother once said that the more beautiful a woman is, the more likely she is to lie.
But in reality... is it only beautiful women who lie?
’Besides, even if Chen Qi isn’t lying, there’s a saying: ’that was then, this is now’... Right now, he’s being suppressed by the Undying Dragon Emperor. If I really do kill the Undying Dragon Emperor, who knows what this man’s attitude will be then?’
"Never mind. I have no desire to be a prisoner in my own domain."
Fang Shuwen waved his hand dismissively.
"Give me the location of Undying Island."
"I can give it to you..."
Chen Qi looked up at Fang Shuwen.
"But you cannot go now."
"Why not?"
Fang Shuwen was puzzled.
"Because... you’re most likely not his match yet."
Chen Qi sighed.
"I know your Martial Arts are profound, extremely profound.
"Ordinary masters are no longer a concern for you...
"But the Undying Dragon Emperor is different.
"Without the Dragon Gate, he might not be able to defeat you.
"But when he is beside the Dragon Gate, he is invincible!"
Fang Shuwen didn’t argue, nor did he disbelieve.
There is always a higher mountain, and always a stronger person.
This was the way of the Jianghu.
He picked up the wine pot and poured himself a cup.
"So, you’re betting on my future?"
"Not just that."
Chen Qi took the fake Seven-String Ancient Chapter from his robes.
"He wants to find a way to sever his connection with the Dragon Gate, but I will not let him have his way.
"Moreover, I want to try something..."
"What kind of attempt?"
"To use the Dragon Gate to influence him."
Chen Qi explained,
"His peerless Divine Technique and his invincible might come from the Dragon Gate, but this very connection is also his fatal weakness.
"The Dragon Gate is influencing him. I want to try and use this angle to see if I can weaken him.
"By the time that day comes... I expect your Martial Arts will have reached an even higher level.
"When the time is right, I hope we can join forces to execute this villain."
Fang Shuwen frowned.
"How long will I have to wait?"
Chen Qi used his spoon to break apart the Celestial Fragrance Lion’s Head, picked up a piece, and put it in his mouth, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
"A few months at the shortest, a year at the longest.
"Before then, I will give you the location of Undying Island.
"If you don’t hear from me within a year,
"it means I’m already dead.
"You can decide what to do on your own...
"But as long as I am alive, no one from the Dragon Emperor Hall will come looking for trouble with you. You can rest assured on that point.
"Mm, you should try this. It’s really delicious."
Fang Shuwen followed his advice. The Celestial Fragrance Lion’s Head melted in his mouth, leaving a lingering fragrance. It was indeed a rare delicacy.
The last time he had eaten it was when he first arrived in Pojun City.
After several rounds of drinks and courses, Fang Shuwen wiped his mouth and looked at Chen Qi.
"I’ll give you time. However, after this is all over, you owe me an explanation."