Translator: Fate Translation Checker: Silavin Ni Chen’s words had pretty much revealed his true identity, and exposed the existence of the Deep Control Clan to everyone. His carefully planned scheme had failed, and the Deep Control Clan’s last glimmer of hope has been shattered. “So, he failed in the end…” The Ancestors of the Deep Control Clan, who had recently taken on new physical bodies, could not hide their grief and despair. Their misery was so profound that it drained them of all strength. Ni Chen had failed, even his position as the Chosen One would be stripped away. The Deep Control Clan had no chance of revival, and they faced the possibility of true complete annihilation. From now on, they would cease to exist in this world… Meanwhile, Ni Chen’s words sent shockwaves through the leaders of various Forces, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within them. Their complexions changed drastically as they grappled with the implications of what had been revealed. “The Deep Control True World? The Deep Control Clan?” The Tranquil Primal Sage had a rather surprised look on his face. He had never expected such a hidden backstory behind Ni Chen. If it was not for Ni Chen’s anguished revelation, even he would not have noticed anything amiss. Qing Feng, noticing the surprise on Fen Ruo’s face. He could not help but ask, “The Deep Control Clan? Do you know about them, Eldest Senior Sister?” “The Deep Control Clan… I’ve heard about them from the accounts of some experts in the Nine Heavens. It is said that they are a very peculiar Clan. Though their numbers were small, their Innate Talent is incredibly fearsome. They possess the ability to transform into countless different forms and faces. They have the terrifying Innate Talent for body possession. The Ancestors of this Clan once even managed to seize an Ancient Civilisation, and attempted to become its Successors… Later on, this Clan vanished into the annals of history for some unknown reason. There had been no information about them. It was highly likely that they were exterminated, It is just that, no one knows who was responsible for their annihilation…” Fen Ruo explained softly, shedding some light on the mysterious Deep Control Clan. The Deep Control True World was not particularly formidable in the Boundless Expanse. It had a small population. They also struggled to bridge the gap in combat power against those that were truly strong. Even so, it was not necessarily true that the average Ancient True World was stronger than the Deep Control True World. Outside the battlefield, Ni Chen’s shocking revelation caused an uproar. No one could have imagined that the body of ‘Wang Wushang’ had already been taken over by someone else long ago, and he was no longer the descendant of the Immortal Wang Family as everyone had previously believed. Furthermore, Ni Chen had nearly succeeded in conquering the entire The Prosperous Dao True World. If it were not for the Chaos Lightning, Ni Chen’s attitude would have been entirely different towards them by now. For The Prosperous Dao True World, this was an even more disastrous event compared to the invasion of the Immortal Spirit Civilisation. Ni Chen’s secret plan to take over the True World was simply terrifying and impossible to anticipate. Even Gu Wuwang, Ming, and the other Dao Realm ancient cultivators could not have foreseen such a turn of events. If Ni Chen’s plan had worked out, even if the armies of the Immortal Spirit Civilisation were not defeated, the Prosperous Dao True World would have still been thrown into chaos. This realisation caused many to break out in a cold sweat. “Did the Alliance Leader foresee all of this when he appointed Ni Chen as the Chosen One? Was this all part of his masterful calculations?” Many leaders of various Forces immediately turned their thoughts to Gu Changge. Based on their understanding of Gu Changge, it seemed highly unlikely that he would be unaware of Ni Chen’s scheme. Yet, he not only appointed Ni Chen as the Chosen One of the Heavenslayers Alliance, but also directed all Forces to support his growth with their resources. Many minds raced as they pondered the purpose and intention behind Gu Changge’s decision. Considering Ni Chen’s mention of the Chaos Lightning that thwarted his scheme to seize the Prosperous Dao True World, could all of this be part of Gu Changge’s deliberate plan to shatter Ni Chen’s last glimmer of hope? “He was first given hope, led to believe that he had a chance to succeed, only to have that hope mercilessly crushed when he least expected it… plunging him into the depths of despair.” “Looking at it from this perspective, it’s highly likely that this was all part of the Alliance Leader’s plan. It aligns perfectly with his usual cunning methods. This was exactly how he tricked the others in the Upper Realm back then…” As the leaders of various Forces contemplated this, they shook their heads with wry smiles, believing that this was the most plausible explanation. Now, some could not help but revel in Ni Chen’s misfortune. After all, from the perspective of a bystander, who was unaffected by these events, Ni Chen’s suffering seemed pitiful and self-inflicted. He believed he had meticulously laid out all his plans and left no room for error, yet he had unknowingly fallen right into Gu Changge’s trap. Gu Xianer stood gracefully on the battlefield with her sword, her flowing black hair dancing in the wind. She paid no heed to Ni Chen’s frantic actions, as she spoke with unwavering confidence, “What you’re saying holds no significance to me. The outcome of this battle has been determined. If you still wish to fight, then I can only end your life with my own hands.” This was how she had always acted in front of others, but Gu Changge knew that her frosty and refined demeanour was merely a facade. Every word she uttered was dripping with an arrogance that was difficult to conceal. “Hmph! Do you truly believe that you can defeat me with such tactics? Do you think you can put an end to this matter by just stripping me of my position as the Chosen One and destroying my last glimmer of hope? Let me tell you, this is only the beginning.” Ni Chen was aware of the murmurs and discussions happening around him, but he paid them no mind. However, Gu Xianer’s words stirred up a deep-rooted resentment and coldness in his eyes. He believed that it was because of Gu Xianer’s interference and her persistence in competing for the position of the Chosen One that his true identity had been revealed. Thus, his animosity towards Gu Xianer was almost as strong as his hatred for Gu Changge. Ni Chen’s words immediately raised suspicion among the onlookers, leaving them wondering if he had a secret plan that fuelled his confidence. Gu Wuwang, Ming, and the others furrowed their brows and stared at him. “Are you intentionally provoking us?” Gu Wuwang calmly inquired from outside the battlefield. The immense aura of a Dao Realm expert instantly disrupted the stability of the entire Spacetime. Swish!!! Ni Chen cast a cold gaze towards Gu Wuwang, who was outside the battlefield. In an instant, a sapling emerged on his hand. Thick strands of mysterious purple aura swirled around it, intertwining with each other. Their presence seemed to disrupt Spacetime itself, causing the flow of the River to Time to come to a halt. It embodied the essence of the creation of the universe, a Primal Energy that birthed all existence. Many onlookers, including Gu Wuwang and Ming, could not help but be captivated by its mysterious allure. All of them wanted to study it closely back then, sensing that within its essence lay profound truths of the Dao Realm. It was this desire that sparked a deep-seated rivalry between Ming and Ni Chen. After Ni Chen successfully acquired the Chaos Wondrous Root, he had gone to great lengths to safeguard it. Now, as he unveiled the sapling, confusion filled the air as no one could fathom his true intentions. A chilling smile played on Ni Chen’s lips as he locked eyes with Gu Xianer, his face a mask of coldness and deep-seated hatred. “This is the Chaos Wondrous Root bestowed upon me by Gu Changge himself on the day I became the Chosen One. At the time, I believed it to be a gesture of goodwill, but now I understand… Gu Changge had ulterior motives all along. This stupid root requires a constant supply of Fortuity. He made me the Chosen One, not out of benevolence, but to harness the Fortuity of the Heavenslayers Alliance and nurture this tree for you so that it can be yours when it reaches maturity!” “I must admit that Gu Changge is really impressive! He had meticulously planned all of this for your sake since long ago. Unfortunately for him, I have long been aware of his potential schemes and prepared accordingly. This sapling has been entrusted to my second Soul… Even if Gu Changge left behind countless mysterious Runes within this Chaos Wondrous Roots, they are all futile. In the end, he unwittingly assisted me.” As Ni Chen’s words hung in the air, his animosity towards Gu Changge became palpable. He no longer referred to him with respect, instead opting to address him directly by name. Ni Chen’s cautious nature had driven him to exhaustively investigate the Chaos Wondrous Root ever since he acquired it, fearing that Gu Changge had left behind something on it. Despite not detecting any abnormalities, he still paid a great price and used the extraordinary talents of the Deep Control Clan to take ownership of the Chaos Wondrous Root. Rather than saying that he had entrusted it to his second Soul, it was more accurate to say that it was entrusted to his second ‘Incarnation’. Thanks to the terrifying abilities of the Deep Control Clan, even if Gu Changge had secretly set up some sort of trap, like an Array, none of them would work. As soon as Ni Chen took ownership of the Chaos Wondrous Root, there was nothing Gu Changge could do, even if he was here in the flesh. This was the source of Ni Chen’s great self-confidence. “I actually had been saving this as my ultimate trump card. I had planned to wait until it fully matured and became a Chaos Tree, then use it as the foundation for my Second Incarnation. But now, the Dao Injury on me has shattered my last glimmer of hope for this body and solidified my resolve. Once I complete my cultivation, I shall return and seek revenge on you and Gu Changge…” Ni Chen sneered, his eyes fixed on Gu Xianer. He had already devised a plan to escape. The Chaos Tree was a marvel of Heaven and Earth, surpassing even the World Tree and the Tree of Epoch, which gave birth to all living beings. By using this Artifact as his foundation, Ni Chen’s future accomplishments would undoubtedly surpass his current state. While Ni Chen was nurturing the Chaos Wondrous Root, he could already sense its incredible power. Contained within were profound truths of the Dao Realm, capable of aiding the cultivation and understanding of those who had reached the Dao Realm. Unaware of the existence of Indomitable Matter and Evolution Matter, Ni Chen could not fathom the substance Gu Changge had used to condense this Chaos Wondrous Root. Nevertheless, he simply needed to use it as a foundation for his cultivation. Once he successfully incarnates again, his strength would rival that of Dao Realm experts. Though the process would be lengthy, Ni Chen was confident that one day it would be realised. Outside the battlefield, Ni Chen’s words once again shocked everyone. This peculiar Artifact, coveted even by those who had reached the Dao Realm, would undoubtedly elevate Ni Chen to become a future calamity. Gu Wuwang, Ming, and the others furrowed their brows as they contemplated taking direct action to kill Ni Chen. However, Ni Chen seemed to have anticipated their intentions and sneered. “Did you really think I hadn’t considered that you would make a move before I uttered those words? Though the Chaos Tree is only a sapling now, its marvels are beyond your imagination. I have already opened up an endless Spacetime channel for me to safely escape before you can even attempt to attack me.” His words caused Gu Wuwang to furrow his brow. “He is too cunning. He had already devised such plans before everything began.” “Even if we were to attack together, it’s unlikely we would be able to stop him. With the protection of the sapling in the boundless Spacetime, he can completely conceal his presence, preventing anyone from detecting him.” The Drunken Sword Immortal, who had been silent all this while could not help but furrow his brow as well, sensing the disturbance and abnormality in the Spacetime where the battlefield was. Ming also frowned. “Is there nothing we can do but watch him escape?” Gu Wuwang shook his head. “Have you forgotten who gave him that thing? Since Gu Changge intended to keep it for Xianer, it would be impossible for him to take it away. Just let him revel in his empty victory.” After contemplating Gu Wuwang’s confident words, Ming and the Drunken Sword Immortal also nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, in the battlefield, Gu Xianer could not help but frown as she realised the depth of Ni Chen’s hatred for Gu Changge. Her grip on her sword tightened, reflecting her growing unease. “You can’t even defeat me, yet you still speak of seeking revenge against Gu Changge? You clearly underestimate your own strength.” Gu Xianer remarked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She made no effort to conceal the disdain in her crystal-clear eyes. In truth, the moment Ni Chen summoned the sapling of the Chaos Tree, Gu Xianer sensed a subtle connection with it. She knew that this must be Gu Changge’s contingency plan, but Ni Chen remained oblivious to it. He probably believed he had secured a foolproof escape route and found a chance for redemption. “What do you mean?” Ni Chen retorted coldly, his gaze fixed on her. Before Gu Xianer could respond, Ni Chen’s expression suddenly changed. He sensed that something was amiss. The sapling of the Chaos Tree, which was under his control, suddenly flew away from him. A misty light enveloped it, and each leaf reflected countless images like a crystal-clear ancient mirror. In these ancient mirrors, Ni Chen’s figure was revealed, along with memories of his cultivation and his grand scheme with his Clansmen. Soon, these images became blurred, fading away until they vanished completely. “What…?” Ni Chen’s voice trailed off as he stared in shock, a sense of unease gripping his heart. It felt as if an indescribable, terrifying force was severing his connection with the sapling of the Chaos Tree. Poof… In an instant, his Second Incarnation crumbled, and a terrible backlash caused Ni Chen to cough up blood, his face rapidly paling. He even heard a crisp cracking sound from his Quasi-Immortal Emperor Dao Fruit. As his Second Incarnation crumbled, so did his cultivation. “This can’t be… How…? My Second Incarnation…” The smile on Ni Chen’s face vanished completely, replaced by a look of fear and disbelief. He could not comprehend how the sapling of the Chaos Tree had eradicated all traces and connections to him even though he had taken ownership of it. Watching this scene unfold, the leaders of various Forces remained unfazed, as if they had anticipated this outcome. A chill ran down their spines, with their fear of Gu Changge deepening even further. “Fate… So this is the power of fate. So, this is how it is. Gu Changge, you truly are ruthless! Not only did you make me nurture the Chaos Tree for her, but you also made me bear the calamity that should have befallen her! The Dao Injury would have been on her…” Ni Chen’s laughter turned bitter, as he finally grasped the truth of it all. The Chaos Wondrous Root had been intertwined with Gu Xianer’s destiny since its birth. It essentially existed for her sake. It was a gift left behind by Gu Changge for her. Ni Chen’s fate had been tampered with by Gu Changge. He had Ni Chen disguised as a Variable. As a result, none of the experts in the Prosperous Dao True World, including Gu Wuwang and Ming, could perceive any abnormalities with him. Thus, when he reached the Dao Realm, a ‘false Variable’ like him endured the calamity that actually belonged to Gu Xianer, the ‘true Variable’. Because of this, his Dao Fruit shattered, leaving him with an indelible Dao Injury. From the moment Gu Changge appointed him as the Chosen One, Ni Chen’s future had been meticulously planned to its end. The realisation that he was used as a mere pawn filled him with bitterness and despair. He never expected the truth to be so cruel.