Chapter 85: What Happened Back Then

Tang Zhirou’s eyes glimmered as if recalling memories. She began, “Let me start from twenty years ago, when the Mage Association was reshuffling its ranks. At that time, five major families rose to prominence: the Ouyang family, the Murong family, the Nangong family, the Lan family, and the Gao family. However, there were only four positions on the council, which naturally sparked fierce competition. The Ouyang, Murong, and Nangong families, due to certain special reasons, had already been chosen by the Grand President, leaving only one council seat remaining.”

“As power struggles have always been ruthless, the Lan and Gao families fought for that last spot. Their rivalry went on both openly and secretly for dozens of rounds, with neither able to claim victory. In the end, the council seat remained vacant, and the Grand President said nothing, watching the spectacle unfold like a tiger at the mountain’s summit.”

“After a month of silence, the Lan family issued a formal challenge to the Gao family. Both families would send a representative, and whoever won in the arena would take the council seat. The loser would have to leave the capital forever.”

“But on the day of the duel, Gao Mufeng was utterly defeated—far more than anyone expected. The event caused a tremendous stir, drawing the attention of every old power in the capital.”

“After all, Gao Mufeng and Lan Fangtian were both supreme mages; even in defeat, it shouldn’t have been so abject. But as it turned out, someone had poisoned Gao Mufeng before the match, rendering him unable to fight at full strength and suffering from the effects instead.”

“In theory, a master like Gao Mufeng would always be vigilant—how could anyone manage to poison him? This became the hottest topic in the capital at the time.”

“At this point, I must mention Tang Shiyan, who was hailed as the most beautiful woman in the capital back then—a talented lady skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She was Gao Mufeng’s wife. Yet, such a woman concealed a venomous heart. Gao Mufeng never suspected that the one who shared his bed would be the one to poison him.”

Jiang Xiaofei listened intently and asked, “What happened afterwards?”

Tang Zhirou replied, “The story wasn’t so simple. Under Gao Mufeng’s repeated questioning, Tang Shiyan finally confessed the truth. Lan Fangtian had assaulted her, and threatened her with a video, forcing her to poison Gao Mufeng to ensure his defeat. If she refused, he would expose the video everywhere.”

“That’s beyond beastly,” Jiang Xiaofei said, his indignation flaring. “What happened next?”

“After Gao Mufeng learned the truth, he was furious and stormed the Lan family to kill Lan Fangtian. But the Lan family’s power had grown too strong; Gao Mufeng failed and was crushed, reduced to a cripple. Upon hearing this, Tang Shiyan was overwhelmed with regret and hanged herself.”

“This is pure bullying!” Jiang Xiaofei’s anger boiled. “Didn’t the Gao family try to bring Lan Fangtian’s crimes to light?”

Tang Zhirou sneered, “The Lan family’s influence in the Mage Association is at its peak. The defeated Gao family couldn’t possibly topple them—they’re probably hiding for their lives now, let alone filing any report.”

Jiang Xiaofei grumbled, “Is there no law left in this world?”

“Law?” Tang Zhirou scoffed. “Law only matters for those with power and status. Against absolute power, it’s worthless. I’m not exaggerating—right now, the Lan family’s influence in the Mage Association is overwhelming, and they even harbor ambitions to replace the Grand President. But the Grand President has the backing of the nation, a special connection to King Xiao from years past, and support from all the old powers in the capital. The Lan family can only dream.”

Jiang Xiaofei frowned, “Does Lan Lianshuang know about all this?”

Tang Zhirou laughed, “She wasn’t even born yet at the time!”

“That’s good.” Jiang Xiaofei sighed with relief.

Seeing this, Tang Zhirou frowned, “What do you mean by that?”

Jiang Xiaofei answered, “I was just worried she might use me against Gao Muqiu. But since she doesn’t know, I can rest easy.”

Tang Zhirou seemed to guess his intention, “Are you planning to help Gao Muqiu get revenge?”

Jiang Xiaofei shook his head, “Though I pity Gao Muqiu, I haven’t thought of that. But I won’t kill her. On the contrary, I’ll protect her and lend her my strength.”

Tang Zhirou frowned, “That might not be wise.”

“Yes!” Zhou Shiqin interjected, “Lan Fangtian is determined to eliminate Gao Muqiu, seeing her as a threat. If you openly protect her, you’ll be opposing the Lan family. It won’t end well. Don’t say I didn’t warn you—the Lan family is far stronger than you can imagine.”

“To hell with their strength,” Jiang Xiaofei replied coldly. “Let me ask you—if something like this happened to you, would you swallow your anger or seek revenge?”

“We…” Both women fell silent, unable to answer.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiaofei said coolly, “Gao Muqiu is my concern. In this matter, I won’t yield a step. If anyone wants to see my methods, I won’t hesitate to help Gao Muqiu seek vengeance.”

Zhou Shiqin hesitated, then advised, “Your actions could have dire consequences.”

Jiang Xiaofei showed no fear, his voice icy, “I don’t care about consequences. Warn the Lan family for me: In Gao Muqiu’s case, they are not allowed to interfere. Intervene once, lose a life.”

“Very well.” Zhou Shiqin nodded slightly. “But could you calm down and listen first?”

Jiang Xiaofei took a moment to steady his turbulent emotions. “Alright, go ahead.”

Zhou Shiqin said, “Gao Muqiu has already been taken away. It’s impossible to catch her again. What’s your plan now? Will you stay at the university as a professor, or go searching for Gao Muqiu?”

At this, Jiang Xiaofei fell silent. In truth, he hadn’t considered it. His original purpose in coming to the university was to approach Gao Muqiu, obtain the second volume of Ghost Dao from the Ghost Emperor, and destroy the Ghost Emperor. But now Gao Muqiu had vanished again, leaving him at a loss and confused.

Seeing this, Zhou Shiqin suggested, “Why not stay at the university for now? If you tire of being a professor, you can stay at my home. As soon as there’s news about Gao Muqiu, I’ll inform you immediately.”

Jiang Xiaofei didn’t answer, but asked, “By the way, what did the mysterious person who took Gao Muqiu look like?”

Zhou Shiqin thought for a moment, “I didn’t get a clear look, but he wore a blood-red coat. He moved like the wind, vanishing from our sight in an instant. We couldn’t catch him at all. I suspect his cultivation far surpasses ours.”

“A blood-red coat—could it be him?” Jiang Xiaofei frowned, a figure coming to mind: the Demon Emperor.

Seeing this, Zhou Shiqin asked with a frown, “Do you know him?”

“Yes.” Jiang Xiaofei nodded grimly. “His name is Demon Emperor, a master of the Extreme Dao. That day in Phoenix Terrace Mountain, he fought Demon Star to a draw, both badly wounded. I suspect he’s now at the pinnacle of the Extreme Dao. If he really took Gao Muqiu, things will become even more complicated.”

“What should we do then?” Zhou Shiqin’s face grew tense. She might not know Demon Star’s cultivation, but she understood the Extreme Dao—it was equivalent to the Grand President’s strength. To take Gao Muqiu back from such a master would be nearly impossible.