Immortal of the Ages

Chapter 593: Severing Relationships!

Cao Sheng was a bit lost for words.

The boy in platinum armor before him, born of lowly status and yet possessing astonishing talent with the sword, was but a child—one he could crush with a single hand. How could he still afford to smile under the fierce suppression of 100 high officials from the Thunder Department?

Yun Xiao had to be mad!

And truth be told, Cao Sheng had considered crushing him outright several times. But he never followed through. Because the Moon Sword Goddess was watching him coldly from the side.

With the swiftness of a Sword Immortal, Cao Sheng knew that if he dared to make a move on Yun Xiao, the Moon Sword Goddess dared to strike!

As a Rank 2 Sword Immortal of the Celestial Court, when the Moon Sword Goddess declared her intent to take a disciple, even Cao Sheng could not interfere.

"In the end, we don't actually have any cause or evidence to seize this kid," Cao Sheng brooded internally.

The Nine Heavens Supreme Thunder General could seize almost anyone without root or reason. Yet, he could not forcibly abduct a disciple of the Moon Sword Goddess.

Otherwise, if there really was evidence, not even the Moon Sword Goddess could protect Yun Xiao.

At heart, most of the 100 high officials of the Thunder Department still didn't quite believe that the Sky Soaring City massacre was truly connected to Yun Xiao.

"No, wait!"

Just as Cao Sheng was about to release him, a thought struck him, his eyes burning into Yun Xiao. "The Moon Sword Goddess appeared too timely. This boy has clearly erred and sought urgent help from Cao Shuo."

If he could think of this, so could the Nine Heavens Supreme Thunder General.

With that, the incident at Sky Soaring City seemed increasingly likely to involve this boy!

With this thought, Cao Sheng felt his world turn upside down.

"A nobody of low birth, involved in murder and theft within my Thunder Department, using his talents and charm to navigate among the great officials of the Celestial Court, and yet he remains untouchable?"

What a preposterous situation!

Cao Sheng glared at the boy who smiled back at him!

Yun Xiao's crimes were practically plastered on his face.

Cao Sheng’s heart burned fiercely with the urge to crush him. Yet, he couldn’t, leaving him beside himself with rage! How dare this young man, a criminal with no background, be so brazen?

"Supreme General..." Cao Sheng, biting back his fury, turned to Gu Zhenxiao. He was rational enough to know that the one who should be truly enraged was not himself, but the Supreme General whose anger nearly bled his heart.

Gu Zhenxiao, with an icy gaze, glanced at the Moon Sword Goddess and Cao Shuo—both women of unmatched beauty—and then at Yun Xiao. Then, he suddenly smiled.

"Such exceptional talent in swordsmanship, no wonder the Moon Sword Goddess favors him," Gu Zhenxiao remarked, then gestured dismissively at Cao Sheng, saying, "Release him."

Those simple words deflated the wrath of the 100 high officials of the Thunder Department, leaving them sullen, speechless, and miserable.

The Immortal Sword Court, a unique entity within the Celestial Court, often acted as a law enforcer as well, guiding the direction of the Sword Immortals, and frequently clashing with the Thunder Department over interests.

Hearing this, Cao Sheng cast a deep look at Cao Shuo. He knew that the Supreme General's retreat would inevitably lead to a complete falling out between them; they would become sworn enemies.

A mere Rank 4 Thunder Emissary had personally invited the Immortal Sword Court to snatch away an unprecedented genius from them! There was no way she would be allowed to remain in the Thunder Department!

Cao Sheng, his face cold, retracted his hand, and the electric net around Yun Xiao returned to his palm.

With that, Yun Xiao was freed. He stretched his limbs and neck, bowing to Cao Sheng, "Thank you, father, for restoring my innocence."

"Enough." Cao Sheng shook his head at him. "A celestial talent cannot serve two masters. Since you've chosen the Immortal Sword Court, from now on, our father-son relationship is severed. Furthermore, never act under the identity of the Cao Family again. I wish you luck in your future."

"Oh?" Yun Xiao pursed his lips. "That’s too bad, General Cao."

That sarcastic remark nearly made Cao Sheng tear him apart.

It was so infuriating! Just moments ago, Yun Xiao had called him father, and now he switched to General Cao... It sounded like the boy was climbing higher and kicking Cao Sheng to the curb!

"This is perfect, now that we're no longer niece and nephew, we can date freely without anyone gossiping," Cao Shuo said softly, her face flushed.

"Cao Shuo, let me help you with that even more. I, Cao Sheng, am no longer your brother from this moment. Whether you rise or fall, live or die, it has nothing to do with me," Cao Sheng said calmly, his voice deep.

He took this opportunity to completely sever ties with these two crazed individuals.

In his eyes, Yun Xiao was arrogant, tyrannical, and cruel... This newfound son was already driving him mad; he deserved death long ago!

The only thing he couldn’t understand was why Cao Shuo, who was no fool, would jeopardize herself for his sake, pushing herself to the point where the Thunder Department would reject her.

What benefit did she gain from this? Or was it simply because she couldn't endure Gu Zhenxiao’s unspoken rules and would rather destroy herself?

By this point, Cao Sheng had grown weary of caring about her. A clean cut, and it was done! He had no desire to ruin his own prospects for the sake of his sister. He knew that these two women could indeed protect Yun Xiao.

When Gu Zhenxiao let go of his rage, it actually signaled that he would become colder and more ferocious in the times to come.

"Moon Sword Goddess." The old man with wings of platinum thunder at his back, before departing, suddenly asked in a low voice, "Do you protect this young man as a representative of the Immortal Sword Court, or on behalf of the Western Kunlun Palace?"

"Does it concern you?" the Moon Sword Goddess replied coldly.

Gu Zhenxiao managed a dry chuckle. "I'm just wondering whether the Immortal Sword Court or the Western Kunlun Palace would agree with your actions."

After saying this, Gu Zhenxiao paused, then turned his gaze back to Cao Shuo, whose face was radiant and blooming like a flower after the rain. He added, "Under the Empress Dowager's rule, the women of the Western Kunlun Palace, not to be outdone by men, all possess divine celestial grace!"

Cao Shuo, hearing this, smiled charmingly, looping her arm through Yun Xiao’s, and cooed, "That’s sweet of you to say. I’ll thank you on behalf of my sisters. I still hold a position in the Thunder Department, so please don’t target me, Supreme General. If the sisters get upset, women’s quarrels can be quite a headache, right?"

"Fair point," Gu Zhenxiao acknowledged with a resigned smile.

Cao Sheng’s face grew even colder, and inside, he was full of regret. Had he known that Cao Shuo would become so arrogant after returning from the Western Kunlun Palace, he would never have sent his sister there in the first place.

Now, it was too late for regrets.

"The hierarchy is weak, the hens crow at dawn, letting these women carry on, the Celestial Court will eventually be doomed!" Cao Sheng dared only mutter these words in his heart. To voice them would be a capital offense.

He knew this was the real reason for Gu Zhenxiao’s wariness today.

Cao Shuo had merely gone to the Western Kunlun Palace for further training, but the Moon Sword Goddess represented not only the Immortal Sword Court but was also a favorite in the eyes of the Empress Dowager. Although Gu Zhenxiao held significant power in the Thunder Department, he dared not provoke her.

And so, nearly half of the high officials of the Thunder Department came with great momentum to capture a powerless, unimportant youth, yet they had to leave in defeat.

News of the affair would strain belief if it spread.

Gu Zhenxiao leapt into the sky, leaving the dignitaries of the Thunder Department looking quite embarrassed.

"Supreme General..." Cao Sheng hastened to attend him, afraid the Supreme General would vent his wrath on him.

"It's actually a blessing," Gu Zhenxiao suddenly scoffed.

"Please enlighten me, Supreme General," Cao Sheng replied earnestly.

Gu Zhenxiao turned to look at him, speaking solemnly, "I'll concede, the boy's talent is tempting, but his nature is perverse, secretive; he's violent and a troublemaker. From the moment you took him as your foster son, your troubles have been endless... The Moon Sword Goddess will soon understand your agony."

"This lad truly is a born reprobate, using his talent and cunning to run amok, completely ignorant of the wisdom in keeping a low profile. Whoever shelters him will indeed suffer," Cao Sheng remarked coolly.

"Fortunately, you severed this father-son relationship in time. If this boy and his backers cause any upheavals, they won't reach you or me," Gu Zhenxiao said.

"Are you certain that the Sky Soaring City case relates to this boy?" Cao Sheng asked.

"If the Moon Sword Goddess hadn't shown up, it would mean there's no connection. Her presence means the boy is definitely implicated," Gu Zhenxiao declared sternly.

"What's our next move? The Nine Thunders Sovereign demands the case be solved in a day," Cao Sheng furrowed his brow.

"First, we need to clarify the whole story of Lu Yao's feud with Jiang Taiping; we must have evidence to act. If this boy is caught red-handed, not even the Moon Sword Goddess can withdraw. Once she realizes, like you did, that this boy only brings disaster, if she pulls back, a hundred lives wouldn't be enough for him," Gu Zhenxiao spoke, his eyes blazing with thunderous intent, showing the depth of his murderous resolve toward the boy.

"Then, his sword bone will be yours, Supreme General," Cao Sheng said gravely.

"We'll see!" With those words, Gu Zhenxiao turned and soared away.

It was only a matter of time. He could wait.