NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 292
Chapter 292: The Turning Tide
Tang Chongye’s words sparked a revelation in Lu Ming.
All the talk about the Subverters, the Aeonians, the Giant Insects, the Undead, and the Ancient Beasts—this whirlwind of information seemed like an unnecessary maze to navigate. None of it mattered in the immediate sense.
What did matter was simple: two major factions—the Subverters and the Aeonians—were on a collision course, ready for war.
He didn’t need to untangle the logic behind every power play or political intrigue. He didn’t care to, either. Lu Ming had never been one for the grand stage of international conflicts or factional allegiances.
Left to his own devices, he would have led a peaceful life, unbothered by the clashing of gods and monsters. But that life had ended the moment Moonfiend Yue had dragged him into this tempest.
Exhaling slowly, as though venting his frustration with the one who had sealed his fate, Lu Ming shook his head. “I’m heading back to my quarters.”
Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.
Tang Chongye watched him go, his gaze narrowing as a gleam of suspicion flickered in his eyes. Lu Ming’s retreating form stirred something dark within him—an unsettling thought, though what it was, remained his secret.
In the days that followed, Lu Ming secluded himself, channeling his energy into his cultivation. He withdrew from the chaos of external affairs, letting the power within him grow, all the while unaware that Tang Chongye had been watching him closely, harboring darker thoughts with each passing day.
The memory of his comrades’ deaths lingered bitterly in Tang Chongye’s mind, a wound that festered despite his outward composure. Moonfiend Yue’s presence was the only thing keeping his thirst for revenge in check—for now.
But this restraint wouldn’t last forever.
His growing obsession with revenge compelled him to observe Lu Ming closely, searching for weaknesses. What kind of person was he? And more importantly, what vulnerabilities could be exploited when the time was right?
Yet, five days passed without any revelations. Moonfiend Yue, as elusive as ever, had summoned them once more, leaving Tang Chongye no closer to his answers.
At the entrance of the Guest Reception Pavilion, Lu Ming emerged from his seclusion feeling refreshed. His mind, previously clouded by frustration, was now clear, his restlessness quelled. Tang Chongye, standing beside him, remained unreadable—his face a mask of neutrality.
“Is that all you do?” Tang Chongye finally spoke, his tone flat. “Just cultivate? No women? No fine wine? No indulgence?”
Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, bewildered by the question. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Tang Chongye merely shook his head and remained silent.
“Enough of that,” Moonfiend Yue interjected, her voice sharp with impatience. “Let’s go. Blackmond will be returning soon.”
With those words, she led them away from the Pavilion, guiding them toward another grand palace of the four Ancient Beast Clans.
Inside the palace, Lu Ming’s gaze drifted to the familiar sight of the other three Beast Kings, excluding Blackmond. Their heads were bowed in deference, standing on either side of the entrance, their posture a sign of respect for Moonfiend Yue.
Moonfiend Yue sneered at the display, her expression a blend of disdain and indifference as she strode confidently toward the grand seat in the center of the hall. It was a massive chair, far too large for her petite form, yet something in her divine presence made the juxtaposition feel natural—almost ominous.
Lu Ming and Tang Chongye took their places beside her, standing quietly as Moonfiend Yue surveyed the space, her sharp gaze falling on Emperor Yao, the Beast King.
“How soon will Blackmond return?” Her tone was cold, biting, the weight of her authority undeniable.
Before Emperor Yao could respond, a voice boomed from the entrance.
“No need to wait any longer, my lord. I’m back.”
Light and shadows danced as a towering figure entered the hall.
Blackmond.
The Beast King was imposing, his dark, muscular frame exuding an almost feral power. His skin, rugged and marred, added to his barbaric presence. A black scale gleamed ominously between his eyebrows, accentuating his fierce and dangerous aura.
Yet, despite his stature and the aura of dominance he projected, there was a distinct lack of respect in his demeanor toward Moonfiend Yue. He did not bow. He did not lower his gaze. Instead, he held his head high, his posture bordering on defiance.
Moonfiend Yue’s expression darkened, her patience fraying. But before her anger could manifest, her gaze fell on the three figures who followed closely behind Blackmond.
An Aeonian, flanked by two members of the Giant Clan.
Moonfiend Yue’s eyes narrowed. She took a sharp breath.
“What is the meaning of this?” she demanded, her voice a deadly calm before the storm.
The Aeonian, tall and elegant, stepped forward, a disarming smile on his face. “A good bird always chooses the best tree to roost in. Surely, Lady Moonfiend, you understand the wisdom of Lord Blackmond’s decision.”
Behind him, the male Giant Clan member smirked, his tone dripping with contempt. “It’s said that Moonfiend Yue clawed her way to power by selling her body to the giant whale of the past era. Tricked her way up the Heaven Ascension Stairs, didn’t you? Seeing you now, I can’t help but feel ashamed to be counted among the Divine Spirit Realm.”
The insult was direct and vicious.
Moonfiend Yue’s eyes blazed with fury, her aura erupting like a storm. Space around her began to crack and fracture, a terrifying power threatening to consume everything in its path.
In that moment, she could have destroyed the entire palace, along with everyone in it.
But the Aeonian deity and the Giant Clan warrior were prepared. Their auras flared in response, matching her divine strength.
In the span of a heartbeat, Moonfiend Yue’s overwhelming power was abruptly pushed back. Her fierce aura retreated, and she paled, her defiance faltering under their combined might.
The Aeonian smiled, his voice taunting. “If it’s a fight you want, Lady Moonfiend, let’s take this to the heavens. You can choose one of us. Just a little spar.”
Moonfiend Yue’s silence was telling.
Blackmond grinned, stepping forward with a look of triumph. “As Lord Shufang says, it’s time to choose a stronger tree, Lady Moonfiend. Unfortunately, the price your Subverters offer doesn’t quite match what the Aeonians are willing to give.”
Moonfiend Yue shot back, “Isn’t the blood of the Beast King enough for you?”
Blackmond laughed. “Not nearly. It’s worthless to my research. However, the secret techniques of the Giant Clan, now those have value.”
The female Giant stepped forward, her voice soft but cold. “Our techniques align with the ancient beast tribes far better than the blood of your so-called Beast King.”
With a smile, she added, “Allow me to introduce myself, Lady Moonfiend. I’m Princess Haona, one of the last survivors of the Giant Clan your Subverters once defeated.”
Lu Ming glanced at Princess Haona from the corner of his eye. The female giant was a striking figure, her frame towering at nearly three meters, yet her grace and beauty were undeniable. Her features, regal and refined, exuded a dignified strength.
His attention shifted briefly to Tang Chongye, who looked uneasy. This mission, which had once seemed so straightforward, had taken a dangerous turn.
Moonfiend Yue, her eyes sharp, studied Shufang and the other giants for a long moment. She closed her eyes halfway, her voice laced with cold resignation.
“So, what now?”
“If you kill me, the Subverters will not spare you.”
End of Chapter 292