I have a martial arts panel.

Chapter 289 The Hidden Forces

The news that Duan Chaoyu had the support of a secret force and might inherit the throne of Ye Wang greatly tempted Zhuo Cengyun.

Zhuo Cengyun is a confidant of the current King Ye, but his relationship with the heir Duan Chaofeng was already so-so, and now there is another layer of estrangement with Zhuo Weisong.

Zhuo Cengyun knew very well that once Duan Chaofeng became the King of Ye, he, his old confidant, would gradually fade out of the center of the palace.

By then, his influence in Guqing Prefecture will decline, and the conveniences and resources that his family can enjoy and control will decrease.

Zhuo Cengyun has been very anxious about this.

In contrast, Zhuo Cengyun and Duan Chaoyu had a very harmonious relationship.

Zhuo Cengyun had guided Duan Chaoyu in martial arts training for over a decade when Duan first began practicing, and the two had a deep friendship.

If it weren't for Duan Chaofeng's status as the heir apparent, Zhuo Cengyun would not have sent his son Zhuo Weisong to Duan Chaofeng's side as a confidant; instead, he should have sent him to Duan Chaoyu's side.

It was precisely because of this relationship between Zhuo Cengyun and Duan Chaoyu that Zhuo Cengyun chose to secretly return to see Duan Chaoyu after Duan Chaoyu delivered the sensitive and ambiguous message to him.

Compared to Zhuo Weisong's faint glimmer of hope, this matter was clearly more important to Zhuo Cengyun.

However, Zhuo Cengyun still doesn't know which faction Duan Chaoyu has received support from.

However, seeing Duan Chaoyu's confidence, Zhuo Cengyun had no other doubts.

"Xu Ning had a conflict with Zhuo Weisong, so perhaps Zhuo Weisong's death was somewhat related to him..."

Duan Chaoyu continued talking about Xu Ning, her words filled with undisguised provocation.

"It's just a pity that Xu Ning is an important confidant of my second brother. Although Senior Zhuo is a high-level Grandmaster of the Dao Realm, it will be difficult for him to make a move against Xu Ning."

Duan Chaoyu smiled knowingly.

"Third Young Master."

Zhuo Cengyun became even more gloomy.

He didn't continue the topic, but tentatively said, "You called me back this time..."

"Yes, the reason I called you back this time is to ask you to help me ascend to the throne of King Ye."

Duan Chaoyu answered very decisively.

Zhuo Cengyun's pupils contracted.

Although Duan Chaoyu had already conveyed this meaning when he relayed it before, Zhuo Cengyun was still somewhat alarmed when Duan Chaoyu said it himself.

Within the Duan imperial family, it was not uncommon for the crown prince to ultimately fail to inherit the throne, though the probability was extremely low.

"What is the Third Young Master's backing?"

Zhuo Cengyun inquired.

This was actually an attempt to probe Duan Chaoyu's background and find out which faction supported him.

If Duan Chaoyu's trump card is truly strong enough, Zhuo Cengyun will definitely side with Duan Chaoyu to further consolidate and maintain his future position in the Prince's Mansion.

When Zhuo Cengyun asked him this question, Duan Chaoyu revealed a meaningful message.

He didn't directly respond to Zhuo Cengyun's words, but instead asked, "Senior Zhuo, do you think I can trust you?"

After Duan Chaoyu finished asking the question, Zhuo Cengyun was slightly taken aback.

Only then did Zhuo Cengyun realize that he had seemed too hasty before.

Since meeting Duan Chaoyu, he had not yet expressed his attitude to her directly, but hurriedly asked about Duan Chaoyu's background.

This is highly inappropriate.

"I was being presumptuous, Third Young Master."

Zhuo Cengyun quickly replied.

He didn't want Duan Chaoyu to misunderstand him.

"I am willing to go through fire and water for the Third Young Master."

Zhuo Cengyun made his stance clear.

In Zhuo Cengyun's view, Duan Chaoyu's calm and composed demeanor must be due to a great deal of confidence.

Considering that the Third Young Master's mother was also the daughter of the sect leader of a major sect, Zhuo Cengyun subconsciously assumed that Zhuo Cengyun had received support from the combined forces of certain major sects.

Such a united force can indeed play a decisive role in the power struggles among various parties under certain special circumstances.

Because of this combined force, the relationships between the parties are very complex, and they could very well provide significant assistance in certain areas.

"it is good."

Duan Chaoyu was waiting for Zhuo Cengyun's attitude.

"Senior Zhuo, if I were to sacrifice some of the elite talents and resources of the Prince's Mansion in order to vie for the throne of Prince Ye, what would you think?"

Duan Chaoyu asked.

"As long as the Third Young Master can inherit the throne of Ye Wang, then some sacrifices are completely worthwhile."

Zhuo Cengyun responded.

Zhuo Cengyun's attitude indicates that he has actually gone too far, because Zhuo Cengyun is someone Ye Wang trusts. Sacrificing the people and resources of the Wang Mansion to satisfy Duan Chaoyu's personal desires is to affect Ye Wang's own interests.

As a trusted confidant, Zhuo Cengyun's actions actually carried a sense of betrayal towards Ye Wang.

Duan Chaoyu did not react much to Zhuo Cengyun's response.

He continued, "If it's necessary to kill my second brother to obtain the title of King Ye, would you support me?"

"Um?"

This time, Zhuo Chengyun was unable to give a straightforward answer.

This question is really sharp and tricky.

If he were to say he supports Ye Wang, then that would be tantamount to formally betraying him.

This could even be considered a provocation against the Duan imperial family.

If others hear these words, Zhuo Cengyun himself will be in big trouble.

Ye Wang might even take the initiative to kill him.

However, after hesitating for a while, Zhuo Cengyun gave Duan Chaoyu an affirmative answer.

In Zhuo Chengyun's view, this question was merely a test of extreme consensus.

"I will obey all your wishes, Third Young Master."

Zhuo Cengyun knew very well that now was the time for him to place his bet.

In the current situation, we can only make big or small bets; there is no room for maneuver in the middle.

Duan Chaoyu's question was too outrageous.

If I were to say I don't support it now, I would not only be distancing myself from Prince Duan Chaofeng, but I would also offend Duan Chaoyu.

The fact that Duan Chaoyu could ask him such a question reveals his true attitude.

If he did not choose to stand on Duan Chaoyu's side, he would inevitably suffer retaliation from Duan Chaoyu's side.

"good!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Chaoyu burst into laughter, this time with a hint of smugness in his tone.

"In that case, I look forward to Senior Zhuo serving me faithfully."

Duan Chaoyu's attitude put Zhuo Cengyun at ease.

At least for now, Duan Chaoyu has accepted him.

"Senior Zhuo."

Duan Chao said, "Didn't you want to know what my reliance is? Now I'll tell you."

As he spoke, Duan Chaoyu personally poured Zhuo Cengyun a glass of wine.

Zhuo Cengyun quickly said politely, then picked up the wine glass and brought it to his lips.

At this moment, Duan Chaoyu's expression suddenly became somewhat strange: "My reliance is the Sanyin Sect."

The hermit sect!?

At this moment, Zhuo Cengyun, who was about to put the wine into his mouth, suddenly trembled, and the wine in the cup spilled onto his clothes.

The Hidden Sect—that's an overseas sect that the imperial court specifically ordered to be eradicated!

That is currently the number one hostile force recognized by the imperial court.

Zhuo Cengyun's mind went blank for a moment, and he was completely stunned.

"I have already secretly communicated with the San Yin Sect. This time, after Father leaves Gu Qing Prefecture and goes to the capital, we will join forces with the San Yin Sect to get rid of my second brother."

Duan Chaoyu's tone was calm, but Zhuo Cengyun was already so suffocated by the pressure.

This is completely different from what I expected.

Zhuo Cengyun suddenly realized that he seemed to have already stepped into the muddy water.

It turns out that Duan Chaoyu's question about killing Duan Chaofeng was not a test, but a real plan.

"Third Young Master."

Zhuo Cengyun quickly stood up: "This matter is of great importance. I suggest you consider it carefully. I will take my leave now."

Zhuo Cengyun knew that even if he had to suffer Duan Chaoyu's revenge, he could not continue to get involved with him.

If this matter is exposed and exposed, death is certain, and the family behind him will also suffer a severe blow.

Colluding with rebellious sects is a serious crime as defined by the imperial court.

"Is Senior Zhuo going back on his word?!"

Duan Chaoyu also suddenly stood up, his voice rising immediately.

The amiable demeanor he had shown towards Zhuo Cengyun was gone, replaced by a menacing glint in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Third Young Master, I will definitely not reveal the slightest bit about this matter."

Zhuo Cengyun remained unmoved: "I will take my leave now."

Zhuo Cengyun was about to push open the door and leave, while Duan Chaoyu revealed a cold smile.

Just as he was about to step out of the room, two figures suddenly appeared on either side of the door and blocked Zhuo Chengyun's way.

"What?"

Zhuo Cengyun was horrified.

While he was inside the house, he had no idea that there were two people lurking and waiting outside the door.

"Both of these two are at the seventh level of the Dao Realm, the same level as me!"

Zhuo Cengyun was forced to retreat back into the room.

"Senior Zhuo, some things, once chosen, have no turning back."

Zhuo Cengyun gave one of them a look.

The man nodded and then took out a transparent sphere.

After he activated a Dao Realm power, he pressed it into the transparent sphere, and sound and images appeared.

The content of these audio and video recordings is precisely the scene of Zhuo Cengyun's previous conversation with Duan Chaoyu.

"This is a treasure trove of audio-visual information!?"

Zhuo Cengyun's face immediately turned ashen.

The other party has already seized on his weaknesses.

If this content gets out, then we'll truly be in a dead end.

He turned to Duan Chaoyu, trembling.

Only then did he realize that he had been tricked by Duan Chaoyu from the moment he stepped into the room.

"Senior Zhuo, you have no way out..."

At this moment, Duan Chaoyu walked to Zhuo Cengyun's side and patted him on the shoulder: "Go all in, follow me."

"I am not a reckless person; this decision was made after careful consideration."

Duan Chaoyu said, "The Sanyin Sect is far more powerful than you imagine. The Sanyin Sect, an overseas sect, has now infiltrated various forces in Wansheng Prefecture. Even many members of the Duan royal family have already joined the Sanyin Sect."

"Later, when we seize the throne of King Ye, these members of the royal family with the identity of the Hidden Sect will also provide us with great convenience."

"So, Senior Zhuo, don't worry."

Zhuo Cengyun's lips trembled slightly, and finally he let out a long sigh.

We're back to updating twice a week!

(End of this chapter)