Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 2836: Suspicious Death And Tribulation

The more they thought about it, the more they realized how complex the situation truly was.

After all, the death of an Immortal Emperor carried serious consequences—especially for the empire or realm they belonged to.

And considering that the official story didnʼt match the truth, it only deepened their suspicions.

”Are they trying to hide it, or do they genuinely not know?” Monk Hushu muttered in doubt.

”Has the Western Immortal Court Leader told them about his second Soul Lamp?” Daoist Chu asked.

”No. Heʼs kept that a secret, since it could directly concern the life or death of the Thunderfall War Emperor. If thereʼs a scheme at play, he doesnʼt want them to know heʼs aware—it might endanger the man further,” Elder Jin replied.

”What about the Tribulation? Did it actually happen?” Lin Mu asked. ”There should be multiple ways to confirm it, right?”

After all, hiding an Immortal Tribulation—especially a Transcendent one—was next to impossible. Forget the energy fluctuations; the sheer Spatial Disturbance caused by the event would alert not just the powers of that world but even those in neighboring realms.

”Yes, that part is true,” Elder Jin nodded. ”There were thousands of witnesses.”

”Hmm… why would the Thunderfall War Emperor do something like that?” Daoist Chu couldnʼt figure it out.

”Unless he was forced into it,” Lin Mu said quietly.

The others turned to him.

”A cultivator might undergo a Tribulation early if their cultivation is forcibly advanced, or if theyʼre exposed to extreme energy anomalies,” Lin Mu explained. ”But to provoke a Transcendent Immortal Tribulation out of sequence? Thatʼs no accident. Someone—or something—had to orchestrate it deliberately.”

Daoist Chu nodded slowly, digesting the idea.

”Which would mean this wasnʼt just a natural death… but an assassination disguised as one,” he concluded.

Elder Jin didnʼt speak, but his grim expression said enough.

They were no longer dealing with a political inconvenience. This was a crisis that could shake the very foundations of the Immortal Realm.

And Lin Mu, Daoist Chu, and Monk Hushu were already caught in the widening ripples.

After a moment of silence, Daoist Chu spoke again.

”What else do we know?”

”Very little,” Elder Jin admitted. ”Other than the confirmation that he did undergo a tribulation, we also know thereʼs no corpse. Officially, they claim it was destroyed during the tribulation. But given that the second Soul Lamp is active, itʼs likely theyʼre hiding him.”

”Hmm… is it possible that the Soul Lamp disconnected during the Transcendent Tribulation?” Lin Mu guessed aloud.

He didnʼt know all the technicalities of how Soul Lamps worked, but considering the overwhelming power of a Transcendent Tribulation, it wasnʼt impossible. After all, it was essentially a gateway to the Tribulation Dimension—a realm governed by its own laws. There was no telling whether a soul connection could be severed because of it.

Then again, there was no one to test it.

And likely, no one would dare.

”We donʼt know,” Elder Jin replied, shaking his head. ”And thereʼs no way to confirm it unless we find the Emperor himself.”

That made Lin Mu pause in thought—until he realized something important.

”Wait—if the second Soul Lamp can track the Thunderfall War Emperorʼs location, canʼt they just use it to find him?”

”Thatʼs right!” Daoist Chuʼs eyes lit up.

”That was the Western Immortal Court Leaderʼs plan,” Elder Jin said. ”But thereʼs a problem. We donʼt know if the lamp is broken, damaged, or if something else is interfering—but it canʼt track the Emperor. It only confirms that heʼs still alive.”

”That complicates things,” Daoist Chu muttered, frowning again.

”Hmm… so unless they go investigate in person, thereʼs no other way,” Lin Mu said quietly.

”Any potential suspects?” Daoist Chu asked. ”As far as I know, the Thunderfall War Emperor has no shortage of enemies. Heʼs crushed multiple demonic powers, beast kingdoms, evil cultivators, and unorthodox sects.”

”And thatʼs what makes it so difficult,” Elder Jin replied. ”Right now, everyoneʼs a suspect—including his own people, and even his empire.”

”Whatʼs the plan of action, then?” Daoist Chu asked, knowing that the very fact heʼd been informed meant he was already involved.

”For now, the Western Immortal Court Leader is assembling a small group of trusted individuals to lead the investigation. This canʼt be leaked—there may be spies who could compromise everything,” Elder Jin said.

”But why involve Daoist Chu and Monk Hushu?” Lin Mu asked, puzzled. ”Theyʼre still trainees. Wouldnʼt it make more sense to involve elders or higher-ranking officials?”

The Immortal Court had a complex hierarchy. While many came to train under its guidance, there was a clear distinction between trainees and official members of the Court.

Trainees like Crown Prince Feng Shun, Crown Princess Shang, Monk Hushu, and Daoist Chu were affiliated with the Immortal Court but hadnʼt officially joined it. Most of them were heirs or scions of powerful sects or nations and often didnʼt need to join officially. But if they did, theyʼd be granted senior positions—some might even become elders immediately.

In the Immortal Court, ranks werenʼt determined solely by cultivation, but by achievements.

A Seventh Tribulation Stage immortal could still be considered a junior if they hadnʼt completed the right advancement missions.

It all came down to capability, skill, and—most importantly—loyalty.

And that had to be earned.

”As of now, only Daoist Chu is being called in for the mission.” Elder Jin stated. ”They will need Formation masters, and Daoist Chu is one of the trusted ones.” He added.

”Iʼm not being called?” Monk Hushu raised his brows.

”Youʼve only been informed in case anything happens in the future.” Elder Jin replied. ”Besides getting someone from a Buddhist Power would further complicate things. Daoist Chu would not be suspected much.” He added.

”I see.” Monk Hushu nodded.

”And you, Daoist Lin Mu.” Elder Jin turned to the man. ”High Elder Liu Bei and Temple Head Xing Duyi have vouched greatly for you. As such you are being kept in the loop as well.” He added.