Redemption of a Born Demon

Chapter 342 - 253: Secret Schemes: Clear the Stage First

It was a brilliant gold, incomparably sacred, and it radiated an aura of permanence—of being Indestructible.

ARGH!!

Everyone heard a piercing scream, and then the horizontal eye in the sky abruptly recoiled. Lotuses instantly bloomed, completely mending the cracks in the sky.

The Lotus True Realm was restored to its original state.

Lotus’s hands formed another seal. His body, which had been scorched black by the golden flames, cracked open like a blooming flower bud, revealing a new form within.

Though his features were indistinct, everyone could still feel the vibrant life force emanating from him.

’The Illuminati’s Eye of Omniscience... that’s an Immortal Forbidden Level Divine Sense Technique. Did Lotus really just break it so easily?’

’Just how powerful has he become?!’

’After the battle in Antarctica, he consumed more Earth Immortal Remains. His power must have increased immensely.’

For a moment, the expressions of everyone present grew grave.

"What? Does the Illuminati not wish to negotiate?"

Just then, Lotus abruptly shifted his gaze to a figure seated cross-legged on one of the Lotus Platforms.

His expression was calm, yet it conveyed an intense threat.

"That was merely his personal action. It does not represent the entire Illuminati."

The figure remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly.

Only after hearing his response did Lotus slowly withdraw his gaze.

"Alright. It seems that all the factions that could be invited are present. Why don’t you all introduce your affiliations? It will help set the stage for the negotiations to come."

Lotus said with a smile.

"Illuminati."

"Secret Technique Heaven."

"Judicial Court."

"Abyss Court."

"... "

After a brief silence, the figures began to speak one after another.

No one gave a false name. For one, they were only stating their respective Secret Organizations, not their personal codenames. For another, they knew very well that lying about their identities within Lotus’s True Realm was pointless. He would undoubtedly notice.

Besides, since they were here to negotiate the upcoming matters, it was better to show some sincerity.

"Alright, then let’s discuss the plan for the ruins hidden in the Mediterranean Region, and how we should proceed with the contest for the Spiritual Talismans."

After everyone had announced the name of their organization, Lotus continued.

None of the nations in the Mortal World had entered the ruins. They only knew that a massive Array Map phenomenon had appeared in Antarctica. By analyzing it with their various methods of divination and calculation, they concluded that the location was roughly in the Mediterranean Region and that the Array Map was incomplete.

But what they didn’t know was that the Array Map wasn’t actually damaged. Rather, deducing its complete information required a specific item from within the ruins.

This item was the twelve "Spiritual Talismans."

During the initial contest for the ruins, everyone was well aware of the Spiritual Talismans’ importance. Now, these talismans were scattered among the hands of several Secret Organizations. Getting them to voluntarily hand over the Spiritual Talismans to unlock the true location of the unknown ruins was simply impossible.

"There’s no need for such a strenuous contest. Let’s gather the Spiritual Talismans first to deduce the exact location of the ruins. That way, the Mortal World can’t interfere, which will save us a lot of trouble. Afterward, when it comes to the secrets and treasures within those ruins, it’s every man for himself. How does that sound?"

A figure spoke up.

"I’m afraid you’ve forgotten that several Spiritual Talismans are still in the hands of those ’Divine Sealers’."

Another figure remarked coolly.

"If we all cooperate, what’s so difficult about seizing those few Spiritual Talismans?"

The figure who had spoken first continued.

"Heh. Your Secret Technique Heaven certainly has it all figured out. During the last contest, you didn’t manage to obtain a single Spiritual Talisman, did you? And now you want a share of this secret? Are you trying to get something for nothing?"

A figure said with a cold laugh.

"That’s right. We of the Illuminati obtained two Spiritual Talismans. On what grounds should we share this secret with you? In my opinion, any organization without a single talisman is unworthy of attending this meeting, and certainly unworthy of pursuing the ultimate secret."

The man from the Illuminati said indifferently.

The eyes of the Ancient One from Secret Technique Heaven, the one who had spoken first, narrowed, a sharp glint flashing within them. The indistinct light around his body flickered, and a massive, terrifying serpent’s head vaguely manifested, seeming to possess the mighty power to devour the world.

"That Spiritual Talisman was originally obtained by our Secret Technique Heaven! If it weren’t for your Illuminati’s sneak attack, how could it have possibly fallen into your hands? You pack of filthy rats!"

The man from Secret Technique Heaven said in a harsh, cold voice.

"Blaming others for your own incompetence? How laughable."

The man from the Illuminati showed no fear. A similar phenomenon manifested around him—a cluster of pitch-black skulls that seemed to be wailing mournfully.

The tension between the two escalated, threatening to boil over.

HUMMM!!

A ray of sacred light shot out from the Lotus Platforms beneath them, enveloping their forms. The various phenomena were suppressed.

"Gentlemen, you came here to negotiate. Acting like this is rather disrespectful to me, wouldn’t you say?"

Lotus said lightly.

He knew that many of the people and organizations before him had recently vied for the Antarctic Ruins. Furthermore, with various Secret Organizations gradually emerging in recent years and unearthing an increasing number of Earth Immortal Remains and ruins, frequent conflicts had led to deep-seated grudges among them.

Every one of those who had become an Ancient One was proud and accustomed to acting on their own authority. Getting such individuals to cooperate would be no easy task.

"Lotus, don’t think that just because you’ve achieved a few things in recent years, you can set the course for everyone. When it comes to true ’foundation,’ you are the shallowest of us all, understand? I wasn’t backing down for your sake just now."

The man from the Illuminati looked at Lotus and sneered.

The Pioneer Group had been established as a corporation, a Secret Organization stirring up storms in the Mortal World. But within the Hidden Realm, they were still considered a newly founded organization. When it came to true foundation, it was uncertain who was truly stronger.

The people operating openly were not the only powers in this world.

"I am merely making a suggestion."

Lotus said lightly.

"Enough. This bickering is pointless. Whether you’re trying to establish dominance or just making a statement, we are all intelligent people here, and our time is precious. If all this meeting amounts to is meaningless squabbling, then I shall take my leave."

"Lotus, since you Pioneers are the conveners, you must have a plan. Just tell us what it is."

A deep, powerful voice rang out. The figure who spoke belonged to the organization known as the ’Judicial Court’.

This organization was extremely powerful, possessing terrifying influence, particularly in Europe.

They had innumerable ties to the Church Court; one might even say they *were* the ’Church Court’ of the Hidden Realm.

At once, all eyes focused on Lotus.

Even the representatives from Secret Technique Heaven and the Illuminati ceased their quarreling.

The quarreling was merely for show. They couldn’t afford to look like they could be easily manipulated.

"Everyone, this is hardly the first conflict in the Hidden Realm, and one more won’t matter. The real trouble this time lies in the interference from the powers of the Mortal World."

"The Pioneer Group’s plan is this: before we begin the contest for the Spiritual Talismans, we will first clear out some unnecessary parties to prevent unforeseen complications."

"This will also be an opportunity to make certain people understand what they can touch, and what they must not. The world is changing. The Martial Arts Dao and Cultivation are on the rise—this is an unstoppable tide. If we ’old things’ don’t make a move, some people might just forget we exist."

Lotus said lightly.

"Clearing the field? The Array Map points to the Mediterranean Region. If the Mortal World were to interfere with a barrage of high-powered thermal weapons, it would indeed be troublesome. But forcing the powers of the Mortal World out first will be no easy task."

"It seems some rather remarkable individuals have emerged in the world recently. I heard that your Pioneer Group’s ’Alchemist’ fell at the hands of a young man not long ago. If you can handle him, then I wouldn’t mind pushing the Illuminati to cooperate with this plan to clear the field."

A sardonic smile played on the lips of the man from the Illuminati.