Chapter 778 — The Hidden Sorrow of the Blazing Sun Venerable

" The Great Sun Star Lord hesitated, glanced at the Heavenly Duke, and said, "The Heavenly Duke's reincarnation affair is among them, so I don't dare speak openly. And I died early; I don't know which side won.

. .

" The Heavenly Duke's avatar coughed and said, "Young fellow surnamed Shen, the Great Sun Star Lord knew too much, so he died.

If you know too much, you'll die very quickly too. You may leave now—Tubo still wants to see you.

" He flicked his sleeve, and Shen Mu's wisp of divine sense was cast out. Below, he faintly heard the Heavenly Duke's voice: "If you ever dare tell him anything about my reincarnation, I won't kill you—I'll refine you until you wish for death but cannot die. Now, you, tell me the full story of the Crown Prince affair.

. . " Shen Mu gave a cold snort, quite displeased: "I could simply refuse to hear the Heavenly Duke's reincarnation affair. Why drive me out?

" He arrived outside Jade Lock Pass. Two demon gods stood before the gate, and when they saw him approaching, both trembled and turned to flee. Shen Mu hurriedly called, "Two Daoist brothers, wait! I haven't come to eat anyone. I came to retrieve my paper boat! My boat is inside the pass—don't close the gate.

" "You really won't eat us? " The two demon gods opened the gate and hid behind it, shaking with fear.

Shen Mu smiled. "Have I ever eaten anyone? I'll take my boat and leave.

" The two demon gods fled in a panic. Shen Mu went up to the pass and saw the gate left ajar. He went inside, fetched the paper boat moored by the gate, and looked toward the divine-demon camp.

There, ranks of gods and demons stood in neat formation, fully on guard, terrified that he might descend into slaughter. But these gods and demons trembled and quaked, their bearing not very imposing.

Shen Mu looked into the camp from afar.

He did not see the tree-man formed from his father Qin Hanzhen, and felt a pang of loss. "Farewell!

" He bowed deeply toward the camp, remaining bent for a long time. The divine-demon army was stunned. Countless gods and demons hastened to return the bow, thinking, "The Divine Son of Youdu is bowing to us?

Is a sun about to rise over Youdu?

" Shen Mu straightened up, looked once more at the forest of steles, and turned away. Father and mother were both here.

At once his heart was at peace; a long-wandering heart could finally settle.

He came out of the pass, sat at the prow of the little boat, and the boat rose and sailed toward the Eye of Tubo. After a long time, the boat reached the Eye of Tubo, sailed into the huge glowing eye, and landed before the holy hall. Before he could step off the boat, the yin-servant elder barked, "Mu Venerable, your deeds are exposed!

You stole my paper boat, broke into Jade Lock Pass, and slaughtered so many gods and demons.

. .

" Shen Mu said, "I know I was wrong. I brought the Imperial Venerable with me.

" The yin-servant elder froze. His prepared speech crumbled, as if he had punched the air and only choked himself.

Karmic-Fire Tubo walked out of the holy hall and stood at the door, saying, "He is a clever man. He understands the whole matter. " Shen Mu said gravely, "I may be dull, but I can read between the lines.

Tubo let me go to see my mother, and used me to purge Youdu and eliminate the heavenly-court influence.

And because of my faults, he made me take the Imperial Venerable away. One black pot after another has been piled upon my head.

Tubo can rest assured—I will not shirk a single one! " Karmic-Fire Tubo looked at him, the karmic fire flickering in his three eyes.

"You have been wronged. Your parents will live well here. " Shen Mu's heart shook slightly. Tubo pushed the Imperial Venerable toward him. "You may go.

You have slaughtered so many heavenly-court magnates; it is not safe to stay here long. Marshal, see him out.

" Shen Mu blinked, then suddenly smiled.

"Tubo, don't you want to know who is sealed in the Shen Continent within my brow? " In the Shen Continent, the Heavenly Duke's avatar suddenly changed expression and stamped about in fury: "You little rascal, you've ruined my reputation! This is bad—I'm going to look a fool in front of Tubo!

"