Journey of the Fate Destroying Emperor

Chapter 1852: Failing Relationship

The Tribunal Lords were not stupid — selfish, yes — but not stupid. During the entire ordeal of Trinity Venerable laying down this array, they kept their eyes closed on him. Unfortunately, most of them still needed to heal, so it’s hard to tell how good a job they had done. Regardless of the truth, everybody — for now — agreed with his actions.

So, after checking the control talisman one last time, they acted together to activate the Black Tortoise Array. A humongous dark tortoise manifested in the universe — specifically, around a small part of the Heaven and Earth Origin Cycle Array. It roared to the Heavens for a few seconds before turning into an invisible protective shield.

Death Reverence’s death beam — which was still illuminating the cosmos — trembled as soon as the black tortoise manifested. For a moment, it appeared as if it would malfunction. However, the tremors soon returned to normal, acting as if nothing had happened. Inside the meeting, the Tribunal Lords frowned after seeing the result. The lack of a significant reaction indicates that the beam had stabilized to the point that the two arrays were no longer its primary power source.

”It seems we still need the court’s help,” Karma Root Monarch stated. She turned to look at the Trinity Venerable: ”How are the preparations?”

”Now that we have our own array, we can begin the plan without any issue. We just need someone to coordinate the soldiers.”

The Karma Root Monarch nodded before glancing at Wang Wei, ”Commander, we are counting on you.”

”I’m sorry, but I can’t do it this time.”

The room immediately became deadly quiet. If these powerful beings still needed to breathe, the rhythmic sound of inhaling and exhaling air would have been the only sound in the room, but without this physiological need, the meeting room was eerily quiet.

”What do you mean by this?” Karma Root Monarch asked, her frown evident.

”I can already see the disastrous outcome of this plan, and honestly speaking, I don’t want the karma of all the dead involved, nor do I want to ruin my reputation,” Wang Wei calmly replied.

”Reputation? Aren’t you taking yourself too seriously?” Trinity Venerable sneered. Wang Wei glanced at him before moving his eyes. No matter what anyone said, a significant portion of the expedition’s success was due to his expert command. Without him at the helm, the casualties would have been enormous, and it’s debatable whether they would have already bypassed the outer layer of the Black Reverse Stone Array.

If everything had proceeded accordingly, Wang Wei’s reputation would have spread throughout the Chaos Universe after the expedition, and the reputation would then manifest in the form of luck, destiny, or fortune. Luckily, there is still a chance for that to happen. However, to protect his legacy and ensure his benefit, Wang Wei will not have his name associated with this plan.

”If this is about not receiving a portion of authority from the Black Tortoise Array, we can still discuss it,” Karma Root Monarch uttered.

”I’m not that small-minded — well, I am —, but this is not about that,” Wang Wei shook his head.

”We don’t need to beg him. There are plenty of talents in this expedition,” the Trinity Venerable sneered.

”Very well, let’s choose someone else,” the Karma Root Monarch nodded. She initiated communication through divine sense, and remarkably quickly, they selected another commander. Without slowing things down for Wang Wei, the speed at which these Saints communicated and operated was astounding.

A few seconds later, a middle-aged man dressed in loose clothing walked into the room. Under normal circumstances, this man would be considered of ordinary appearance, but his full beard granted him a rugged type of handsomeness. More importantly, his eyes, which were brighter than the night stars, also added to his charm.

”General Three Strikes,” Wang Wei thought, recognizing this man. Liu Dan was an Old Saint who proved the Dao through the Way of War. He has a reputation for needing only three strategies to solve any problem, hence his title of General Three Strikes. Wang Wei knew this man and even wanted him to serve as his Vice-Commander, but the man was too proud and refused.

”Commander Wang, I would appreciate it if you facilitate the transfer of power to Commander Dan,” Karma Root Monarch stated.

”No problem,” Wang Wei replied. He did not hesitate to hand over all his power; the only thing he kept for himself was his control of the old array. Anyway, the Tribunal Lord had changed the base to the Black Tortoise Array, rendering the old center of command useless. More importantly, Wang Wei used his own method to regain control, so why would he hand it over?

”Are you sure about this?” the Erudite Duchess asked through a secret communication as Wang Wei was about to leave.

”I am,” he replied before teleporting away.

Wang Wei felt a burden lifted over his shoulder. Power was indeed tempting, but Wang Wei knew he did not like it — he was good at wielding, maybe even too good — but he did not like it. What he desired more than wealth and power was a carefree life. Unfortunately, things such as family, responsibility, and the cruelty of the cultivation world have prevented him from living according to his nature.

”After I sanctify, I should relax a little, maybe travel around with Hong’er,” Wang Wei thought, feeling that his mind was clearer than before. This small epiphany came at the right time. Shaking his head to remove the unpleasant feeling bottling in his chest, Wang Wei then readied himself to watch this shit-show from the comfort of his home and prepared for when things went wrong. However, three months later, he received another summons from the Tribunal Lord.

”There is no way something already went wrong, right?” Wang Wei thought as he sent another avatar. He arrived at the meeting and took subtle notice of everybody’s reactions. The Tribunal Lords sat in their floated seat, and everybody had a neutral expression. However, the two Cardinals could not — or did not — hide their facial expressions; anyone who laid eyes on them could tell they were angry and frustrated—at least, that was the case for the Source Qi Cardinal.

Meanwhile, General Three Strikes stood on the side, looking calm and composed. He nodded to Wang Wei, not showing any animosity whatsoever. On the contrary, he even looked amiable.

”Did you need something?” Wang Wei asked.

No one said anything initially for a few seconds until the Karma Root Monarch coughed lightly, ”It’s our understanding that Emperor Kong is recuperating at your quarters?”

Wang Wei almost raged out the moment he heard these words. If not for his good self-control, he really would have called these people a bunch of selfish imbeciles. The moment Emperor Kong was brought up, he understood what they were planning. The new commander was not stupid and saw the problems with this stupid plan. However, since he had no choice but to execute it, he devised a solution that could increase the odds of success: luck. Blessed by destiny, this plan has a strong chance of success if someone like Emperor Kong were to lead the attack.

”Are you aware of the possible ramifications if the Beyonder kidnaps someone like Kong?” Wang Wei asked, his voice colder than absolute zero ice.

”We are aware, and will take precautions.”

”What kind of precautions could you take that can deal with a False Grand Dao? No, there is a chance the Beyonder might even directly intervene to capture Kong, so I would like to hear what great idea you’ve come up with,” Wang Wei stated, not hiding the ridicule in his face.

”We have no need to justify our decision to you,” Trinity Venerable calmly stated.

”True,” Wang Wei replied. Then his demeanor changed; he became calm and serene, without a hint of anger or any other emotion. With a gentle expression, he stated, ”Unfortunately, Emperor Kong is severely injured and cannot participate. He was hunted down for most of his time in the Chaos Origin Realm, and afterward, he suffered from the purification process. His injuries were so bad that he even sought my help.”

The room was once again silent.

”Boy, we give you respect because of your potential — not because of you. Have all the power gotten to your head?” Trinity Venerable said, releasing a terrifying pressure on Wang Wei.

”Enough!” the Erudite Duchess said, preparing to help Wang Wei. However, the latter raised his hand to stop her. Looking at this fake Taoist Priest directly into his eyes, Wang Wei stated: ”Since this expedition started, I’ve successfully planned the death of two Saints — including a Tribunal Saint. Do you want to be the third?”

At first, these people were confused about who the second person was. They were all aware of Sovereign Dao Eyes, but it took them a moment to put two and two together: Mingyunjun. Why did a taboo suddenly appear? Who had the knowledge, capabilities, and motive to summon such a being? Today, everything made sense.

”No wonder the duchess warned us ahead of time to protect our minds,” the Karma Root Monarch thought; she thought the duchess had detected something with her own ability.