"In other words, Uncle Tianqing, you don't know why the Exquisite Flame Saint Venerable wants these Cangwu Sacred Fruits?"

The voice carried through the conch-like artifact, slightly distorted. Yet, the clear tone suggested it belonged to a young man. Lu Tianqing stood with his hands behind his back, coldly surveying the scene before him. It was a colossal tree, precisely one hundred eight thousand three hundred and twenty-four zhang high; its trunk required ten thousand people to encircle, and its canopy spanned three thousand li—equivalent to one-thousandth of this world. This was the Cangwu Sacred Tree, flowering every two thousand years and bearing fruit every two thousand years, with each fruit capable of extending life by a hundred years. However, atop the canopy now, only a sparse few dozen spiritual fruits remained. As Lu Tianqing unleashed streak after streak of sword light, collecting the falling fruits into jade caskets, the bounty on the tree thinned out further. A mere ten fruits were gathered into the caskets. Lu Tianqing gazed at the sublime fragrance of these Cangwu Sacred Fruits, imbued with deep reluctance and regret. He himself had only consumed one such spiritual fruit in his lifetime; he truly didn't know who would be blessed enough to receive these. Although he had already entered the Saint Realm and need not fear demise for millennia, possessing more longevity would certainly allow him greater composure when attempting to break through to the Ultimate Realm. With a soft sigh, he sealed the jade casket. Only then did Lu Tianqing turn his attention to the voice emanating from the conch.

"The actions of the Exquisite Flame Saint Venerable are always inscrutable. However, for him to suddenly demand the Cangwu Sacred Fruits, it couldn't possibly be without reason—"

His tone was measured, carrying the authority of an elder. The person speaking through the conch artifact was currently Lu Yungge, the second in line for the succession of the Void-Burning Holy Court. This individual was currently only in the early stages of the Divine Realm. Normally, a Divine Realm cultivator like him would not warrant a second glance from Lu Tianqing. Yet, this person’s status was exceptionally significant. He was a potential heir to the Void-Burning Holy Court; even if he ultimately failed in the succession struggle, he could still become a sovereign ruler, overseeing nearly a hundred worlds and dominating a vast territory—one of the eight monarchs of the Lu family. Furthermore, given this young man’s inherent talent and acuity, catching up to Lu Tianqing’s cultivation level would take only a millennium or two. Therefore, Lu Tianqing did not dare to be overly dismissive in his address. In short, he needed to be respectful, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Then, Uncle’s implication is that the Exquisite Flame seeks to win over that Zong Shou with these ten Cangwu Sacred Fruits? Thinking it over carefully, this actually holds a real possibility!"

A light chuckle emerged from the conch, though edged with a degree of solemnity. "Beyond that, did he use both soft and hard tactics to force Uncle Tianqing to assent to an act of blatant partiality? Regarding the Crimson Bee Bird incident, it was my oversight, Lu Yungge’s miscalculation—my actions were improper, and I implicated Uncle."

Lu Tianqing raised an eyebrow. He hadn't brought these matters up just to hear a few insipid apologies. However, immediately afterward, Lu Yungge's tone shifted again: "I will report this matter to the Sovereign of Xuanhua on Uncle's behalf. The Exquisite Flame Saint Venerable's conduct is indeed often bewildering and unexpected. We must prepare in advance to guard against unforeseen circumstances. Just concerning this matter, Uncle need not worry excessively—"

The corner of Lu Tianqing's lip curved upward into a subtle smile. Knowing the Sovereign of Xuanhua was key; even in the worst possible scenario, there would be room for maneuver. Though not Saint Venerables, the several Sovereigns, with their peak Saint Realm cultivation and command over nearly a hundred great and middle realms, possessed the strength to contend with Ultimate Realm figures. A weight lifted from his heart, and the sense of unease gradually receded. Lu Tianqing remained intent, listening to what followed.

"Our Void-Burning Lu Family is no longer what it was ten thousand years ago. Even Ultimate Realm beings cannot act with complete impunity; everything is bound by rules. A minor transgression of partiality is but a small offense. Even if the Saint Venerable wishes to punish, it would merely be confining Uncle to seclusion for a century—nothing truly painful. Moreover, the Exquisite Flame Saint Venerable has requests of us. Even if things truly came to a head, the Sovereign of Xuanhua has his own means to handle it. While our Lu Family only has three Ultimate Realm cultivators, in this domain, there are other Saint Venerables—"

Lu Tianqing’s eyes flickered, his brow knitting slightly. The implication was that Xuanhua had already secured external support?

"But for our Void-Burning Lu Family to collude with external enemies—that would be an unforgivable crime."

"Why would they be external enemies?"

The voice sneered dismissively, "Could they not simply be retainers? The Sovereign of Xuanhua commands one hundred and twenty worlds—can he not afford a Saint Venerable as an advisor on state affairs? It is beneficial and harmless to our Lu Family."

Lu Tianqing was briefly stunned, then let out a dry laugh. Retainers? What an excellent euphemism. But truly, only a plausible excuse was needed to quell criticism from within the clan. This development greatly benefited him; it was excellent news. If this was the case, without a suitable charge, unless the Exquisite Flame allied with the other Ultimate Realm entity in the Lu Family, they truly couldn't touch him. But how likely was that? He immediately shook his head slightly, a cold glint flashing in Lu Tianqing’s eyes, tinged with mockery. This Lu Yungge, having not yet secured his position as the Second Heir, and only recently stepping into the Divine Realm, already spoke vastly differently than before. Though not imperious, he clearly considered himself an equal in dialogue, carrying an implicit, condescending tone of guidance. He viewed Lu Tianqing, a venerable Saint Realm expert, as a mere piece on his board—

However, this man was currently at the peak of his fortune, immensely favored and rapidly rising within the Void-Burning Lu Family. For the moment, Lu Tianqing could do nothing about him. But the day this man fell into disgrace, Lu Tianqing would certainly make him understand true propriety. The struggle for the Imperial Throne of the Holy Court was far from over; anything could happen. Even a genius like Lu Wushuang had perished at the hands of the Buddhists in the Azure Spirit World. Lu Yungge might not escape a similar fate. Thinking this, Lu Tianqing’s expression gradually calmed. He had intended to bring up the matter of Lu Wubing, but now he decided against it. —The notion that Lu Wushuang might have died at Zong Shou’s hands was still just his own speculation.

"The Crimson Bee Bird affair originated with me. If the Saint Venerable intends to hold me accountable for this, then Yungge will certainly share the blame with Uncle and compensate Uncle for any losses,"

Lu Yungge’s words continued, carrying a chill that seemed capable of flaying bone. "However, if this matter passes peacefully, then I ask Uncle to look after that mother and son for Yungge! Especially that Zong Shou—"

His voice paused, growing distinctly more frigid. "Yungge hates that Zong Weiran to the point of wishing to devour his flesh, wear his skin, shatter his bones, and drink his blood raw! Since this person's current whereabouts are unknown, finding satisfaction through his son is quite acceptable. I heard Uncle possesses a Three-Spirit Corpse-Questioning Gu? Yungge will soon travel to the Nine Desolation Death Prison to witness this brat's agonizing despair firsthand. If my wish is granted, Tianqing is welcome to offer two Cangwu Sacred Fruits as tribute to Uncle!"

Lu Tianqing’s eyebrows lifted; he discerned the frantic hatred in Lu Yungge’s voice. His immediate, subconscious reaction was to refuse—the method was far too vicious and insidious. Yet, upon hearing the latter part of the sentence, he felt a slight stirring of emotion.