NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 291
Chapter 291: The Hidden Factions
It took nearly ten days for Lu Ming to make the round trip, and on the 600th day of the Black Mist Calendar, the party of three finally ventured into the core area of the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
They moved through a dense veil of mist, their steps quiet against the dark forest floor. The soft sound of rustling leaves accompanied their every move as strange flowers bloomed in their wake. Towering sculptures and endless buildings appeared as they passed through the wilderness, marking their arrival in the territory of the Four Ancient Beast Clans.
The majestic mountains ahead loomed large, shrouded in fog and mystery, with ancient structures peeking through the mists like ghostly sentinels. Even though Moonfiend Yue had seen this view before, she pursed her lips in clear distaste.
“These creatures are a sorry sight. Neither fully human nor beast. Who knows what these four ancient clans have turned into?” she muttered.
Moonfiend Yue’s voice carried a sharp edge, her condescending tone ever-present. It was typical of her—a deity with a notoriously foul temper. She was either silent, as if the world beneath her notice, or mocking, her words dripping with disdain.
Neither Lu Ming nor Tang Chongye said much in response. After all, Moonfiend Yue’s scorn wasn’t directed at them. But it was clear her words had unsettled the girl who approached them from the mist.
The young woman had a charming appearance, her animal ears twitching slightly at Moonfiend Yue’s comment. Though taken aback, she forced a polite smile. “Esteemed guests, please follow me. The lords have been expecting you.”
Moonfiend Yue merely snorted, striding forward without another word. Lu Ming and Tang Chongye followed close behind, saying nothing as they advanced through the strange domain.
Tang Chongye had filled Lu Ming in on the background of the Four Ancient Beast Clans. The Azure Beast Clan had once been their leader. But about half a year ago, around the time Moonfiend Yue had recruited Lu Ming, she had convinced the Blackmond Beast King to lead a rebellion. Under Moonfiend Yue’s guidance, the Blackmond Clan had overthrown the Azure Clan’s rule.
Yet, there was an ancient covenant that bound the Four Beast Clans: rebellion was allowed, but genocide was not. Thus, while the Blackmond Clan had taken power, the four clans still existed in name, each retaining their leadership.
As they walked, the mist slowly began to clear, revealing the strange architecture and towering totems that surrounded them. The roads were well kept, the buildings rugged but distinctive. Around them, beasts—many in humanoid form—went about their business, their appearances somewhere between animal and human.
Moonfiend Yue sneered at the sight but remained silent.
Lu Ming and Tang Chongye simply followed the girl with the animal ears, climbing steadily toward the grand hall that stood atop the mountain. It wasn’t long before they reached the entrance, where two ancient beast warriors, both with animalistic features, opened the heavy doors.
Inside, three figures awaited them, standing side by side.
Moonfiend Yue’s brow furrowed. "Where’s Blackmond?" she demanded, her voice carrying an edge of impatience.
The elder of the group, an old man with horns protruding from his head, stepped forward and bowed. "Honored guest, Lord Blackmond left the day before yesterday and has not yet returned. I communicated with him this morning, and he informed me that he will be back within three to five days. We apologize for the delay and hope to extend the hospitality of the Four Clans during your stay."
This was Emperor Yao, one of the Beast Kings and known for his diplomatic nature.
But Moonfiend Yue’s patience had long since run thin.
"Last time," she began coldly, her voice carrying the weight of her divine power, "I came here on behalf of the Subverters, extending a hand in cooperation. At that time, Blackmond promised me much, declaring that the descendants of the Beast King do not go back on their word."
She stepped forward, her eyes blazing with divine energy. "But here we are, half a year later, and I’m still waiting for that promise to be fulfilled. Do you think I have infinite patience? Do you think the Subverters are fools?"
With a flick of her hand, the ground trembled.
Suddenly, the entire hall vanished. It didn’t crumble or explode—it simply disappeared, as if it had never existed. The air crackled with energy, the force of her power radiating outward. Yet, despite the destruction, none of the Beast Kings or the guards were harmed.
Even so, the sheer force of her divine aura left them trembling. The Three quasi-Divine realms Beast Kings stared in horror, the taste of death still fresh in their throats.
After a long silence, Emperor Yao, still quaking, spoke in a trembling voice. "Lord Moonfiend, we never meant to deceive you. I swear, when Lord Blackmond returns, he will give you a satisfactory answer. The Four Clans will not betray you."
Moonfiend Yue glared at him for a moment longer before finally turning away. "If I don’t get the answer I’m looking for," she warned, her voice cold as ice, "then I will personally ensure none of you have a happy ending. Do you understand?"
The Beast Kings nodded furiously.
Without another word, Moonfiend Yue vanished, her form dissolving into a flicker of light.
As followers of Moonfiend Yue, Lu Ming and Tang Chongye were shown great hospitality by the Four Ancient Beast Clans. They were led to the Guest Reception Pavilion, a manor built into the mountains, where they were invited to rest.
The manor was spacious and elegant, with gardens filled with exotic plants and over a hundred servants—all of them exotic creatures, transformed into more humanoid forms to appeal to their guests.
Tang Chongye smiled at the girl with animal ears as she led them in. "It’s very nice. We’re satisfied."
The girl bowed and quickly excused herself.
Once alone, Lu Ming turned to Tang Chongye. "Subverters? Is that the name of Moonfiend Yue’s organization?"
Tang Chongye nodded, a curious look on his face. "Did she not tell you?"
Lu Ming remained silent, but his expression spoke volumes.
With a sigh, Tang Chongye began to explain. "The Subverter Organization is made up entirely of deities. No one knows who leads them, but we do know that the Corpse God and the Insect Mother are high-ranking members."
He paused, letting the weight of that sink in. "For years, the Subverters operated like a shadowy syndicate, hidden in the dark. But after the battle at Archean City, they revealed themselves to the world in a grand display of power."
Tang Chongye’s voice lowered. "The collapse of the Giant Clan wasn’t just the work of the Corpse God and the Insect Mother. It was orchestrated under the banner of the Subverters."
He looked at Lu Ming with a serious expression. "In short, there are now two major factions in this world—the Subverters and their allies on one side, and the Aeonians and their supporters on the other."
End of Chapter 291