Soul Emperor Martial God

Chapter 50: Chapter 49: Collusion

Several days later, in the Council Hall again.

”The Purple Cloud Iron has already been taken care of for you, Fifth Elder. You can have it sent directly back to the Xiao Family. Of course, if you would like to stay at the mine to enjoy the scenery of the Meteorite Mountain Range, we welcome that as well,”

Fourth Elder courteously said.

Although Fifth Elder had caused quite a commotion a few days ago, after all, they were people of the Xiao Family and neither the Fourth and Sixth Elders nor the Deacons took it to heart.

Fifth Elder’s face was somber, presumably because his anger had not yet dissipated, and he spoke indifferently, ”The day is still young, there is no rush. The Purple Leaf Spirit Tea from the mine has a unique flavor. It wouldn’t be too late for this old man to savor a few more cups before departing.”

Fourth Elder chuckled, ”If Fifth Elder enjoys it, then drink more. I will have someone prepare extra for you later, it’s also good for you to take back and enjoy with the family.”

”Much obliged.” Fifth Elder nonchalantly gave a casual salute.

”No need for that.” Fourth Elder laughed and waved his hand.

Suddenly, the atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Then, Fifth Elder let out a sigh, ”Fourth, Sixth.”

”Uh.” Fourth and Sixth Elders were taken aback at the same time, surprised that Fifth Elder didn’t refer to them as elders.

In fact, many years ago, before the internal strife of the Xiao Family, the relationship among the nine elders was very close. They wouldn’t address each other so formally as ’elder,’ but rather as Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and so on.

Back then, with Family Head Xiao Chenfeng still present and the family at its peak of power, stronger than the other two major families, the Xiao Family was truly the overlord of Purple Cloud City.

However, as a series of events unfolded, with the disappearance of Family Head, the Great Elder, and the Second Elder becoming less involved in family matters, disputes arose among the other elders due to a power struggle.

Fifth Elder suddenly gave a smile, saying, ”I remember many years ago, in our prime, we came to Meteorite Mountain Range for trials, just like the young generations of our family now.”

Reminiscing about the glorious days, Fourth and Sixth Elders also shared a knowing smile.

”Right, back then the Meteorite Mountain Range was much more chaotic than now. Many other forces coveted our Xiao Family’s mine.”

”For the dignity and glory of our family and for our interests, we fought to the death against them. I still remember those bastards from the Murong and Jiang Families, each one was dealt with by us harshly.”

”Haha, back then Family Head was still young too, leading us to sweep through the Meteorite Mountain Range, unbeatable. Now those elders from Murong and Jiang Families, who among them hadn’t been dealt with by us, it’s truly a happy memory.”

Fourth and Sixth Elders became very animated discussing the past, chatting away with Fifth Elder.

Why Fifth Elder had this sudden interest in reminiscing today of all days, no one knew, as he drank cup after cup of tea with absolutely no intention of leaving.

”Fourth, Sixth, do you only remember Family Head leading us? Have you forgotten that we also fought side by side, trusted each other with our lives?” Fifth Elder suddenly sighed again.

Fourth Elder spoke, ”Of course we remember, Fifth. I even recall a time deep in the Meteorite Mountain Range when we were attacked by a horde of demon beasts. If it wasn’t for your quick thinking, Sixth and I would have been goners.”

”Since you remember,” Fifth Elder’s face suddenly changed, his tone filled with anger, ”why then do you side with Xiao Yi, that worthless young fool, against me at every turn, completely disregarding our past camaraderie?”

”Uh.” Fourth and Sixth Elders were startled, not expecting Fifth Elder to suddenly lash out.

Xiao Yi, who had been quietly listening to the three elders’ conversation, also furrowed his brows at this moment.

”Fifth, calm down...” Fourth Elder began to say.

”Shut up!” Fifth Elder bellowed, ”You don’t deserve to call me that. Since you’ve forgotten our camaraderie and don’t consider me as part of the Xiao Family, I have no need to be cordial with you, nor show any mercy.”

”Fifth, when have we ever not considered you part of the Xiao Family...” Fourth and Sixth Elders started to explain but suddenly their expressions drastically changed.

”Fifth Elder—you...” Both Fourth and Sixth Elders spewed out a mouthful of blood at the same time.

The Deacons, including Xiao Yi, also looked distressed, then began to vomit blood.

”There’s something wrong with this tea.” Xiao Yi’s complexion shifted as he glanced at his own cup.

The rest also came to this realization and looked at the tea inside their cups.

Fourth Elder’s face turned dark with suspicion as he looked towards Fifth Elder, ”How could this be, Purple Leaf Spirit Tea is always closely monitored, you had no chance to tamper with it.”

”Hahaha!” Fifth Elder laughed, ”The tea itself is fine, but the water... hehe.”

The Fourth Elder was instantly furious, ”You actually poisoned the water? Doesn’t that mean the entire vein is poisoned, not just us but all our clan members too?”

The Sixth Elder, in his rage, prepared to strike, but just as he was about to mobilize the True Qi within his body, he suddenly felt weak and collapsed where he stood.

”How can this be, my True Qi is completely suppressed, I can’t exert any power at all,” the Sixth Elder exclaimed in alarm and anger.

”Hahaha, it’s useless,” laughed the Fifth Elder. ”Within four hours, don’t even think about exerting your Cultivation. You’re as good as trash.”

”Impossible,” the Fourth Elder said in shock and disbelief. ”Both Old Six and I are Innate Martial Artists, with True Veins nurturing our bodies, there shouldn’t be any poison capable of suppressing our Cultivation.”

On the side, Xiao Yi gritted his teeth and said, ”It’s not poison, it’s the power of the Martial Soul.”

He never imagined that, as shrewd and cautious as he was, he would fall for the Fifth Elder’s scheme. At this moment, his True Qi was completely suppressed, leaving him powerless.

He discovered that there was an inexplicable black Qi inside his body, which was circulating autonomously and then condensed into a pitch-black bud. It was this black bud that suppressed his True Qi.

Clearly, this was not poison but the power of the Martial Soul that had seeped into his body.

”Fifth Elder, you are despicable,” Xiao Yi said coldly, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

He could not have predicted that the Fifth Elder would be so insanely vicious, going so far as to not spare his own clan. He was extremely malicious.

Of course, he couldn’t blame himself. After all, there were two Innate Elders in the mine.

The strength of the Innate Martial Artists gave him enough confidence.

The bodies of Innate Martial Artists had become strong to a terrifying degree. Absolutely nothing external could harm them, not even the Poison Pill contained in Third-grade Elixirs.

The only thing that could harm an Innate Martial Artist would be a force stronger than an Innate Martial Artist.

It was for this reason that Xiao Yi was unafraid of the Fifth Elder resorting to tricks, nor did he take precautions.

The Fourth and Sixth Elders, as well as the Deacons, all felt the same.

When the Fourth Elder heard Xiao Yi’s words, his expression changed dramatically, ”The power of a Martial Soul? In Purple Cloud City, there’s only one Martial Soul known for its toxicity and the ability to suppress others’ Cultivation.”

”Murong Mo, the Great Elder of the Murong Family who hasn’t shown his face for many years,” the Sixth Elder gritted his teeth.

”Murong Mo?” Xiao Yi was also startled. He had heard this name before. Many years ago, he was a great figure that shook Purple Cloud City.

However, this person had not shown his face for many years. Some say that he had retired behind the scenes, others say that he had left Purple Cloud City. Speculations were rife, and no one really knew.

”Fifth Elder, you dare collude with someone from the Murong Family?” the Fourth Elder said with murderous intent.

In the past, even if the Fifth Elder used his authority for personal gain and oppressed members of the Xiao Family, the other elders, considering his contributions to the clan, turned a blind eye.

But, to collude with outsiders and harm his own clan was taboo according to the Xiao Family’s clan rules.

The Elders and Deacons had already developed a killing intent, but they could do nothing with their True Qi suppressed, they could only glare coldly at the Fifth Elder.

Facing the cold gazes of everyone, the Fifth Elder was completely indifferent.

”Don’t blame me,” the Fifth Elder said coldly. ”Blame yourselves for your lack of kindness, and don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

”Hahaha, well said.”

Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed from outside the Council Hall, and two figures arrived in the hall.

”Murong Huai, Murong Xie?” the Fourth Elder said through gritted teeth.

The newcomers were two of the Murong Family’s Elders from their mine.

”Fifth Elder, those who achieve great things must have such resolve,” Murong Huai said with a sinister laugh.

”Today, not a single person from the Xiao Family will survive,” Murong Xie said triumphantly, his cold gaze sweeping over the Xiao Family members.

When his gaze landed on Xiao Yi, it was especially vicious.

”Damn it, these two Elders from the Murong Family are here too,” Xiao Yi thought, his heart pounding with urgency.