Chapter 99 - Chapter 99: Chapter 99 The Events of That Year

Chapter 99: Chapter 99 The Events of That Year

Translator: 549690339

The old man sneered, “Why do you think you’re still alive right now?”

“Isn’t it because I’m useful to Dragon Valley?” Jiang Xiaobai asked with a puzzled look on his face.

“That’s only part of the reason. The real reason you’re alive is because Yan’er didn’t let you die, and so you survived.”

The old man laughed scornfully and shook his head, “Haven’t you figured it all out yet—even if Yan’er doesn’t lay a finger on you, the people of Dragon Valley won’t bother with you, and when the ancient clans come eventually, you will be safe.

At that moment, Jiang Xiaobai froze in place.

Upon reflection, this made sense.

He had fallen into his own misperception.

“Do you understand now?” The old man chuckled.

Jiang Xiaobai nodded, although he realized that Dragon Valley would most likely not abandon him, he was only slightly comforted. It did not let his guard down.

He was well aware that Ao Zhantian was waiting for a chance to take him down from behind.

“Enough with the pointless talk. Let me tell you about Ao Cangtian…”

The old man sat down, sipping his tea while telling the story of what happened to Ao Cangtian in the past.

Years ago, Dragon Valley discovered a secret realm with countless treasures.

Nobody knew about it. Dragon Valley was initially planning to explore it by themselves. But somehow, the secret got out.

Almost half of the major forces of the Eastern Territory heard of this secret realm and decided to have a piece of the pie.

With no choice, Dragon Valley had to share the secret realm with these forces. The problem wasn’t too big until something shocking appeared within the secret realm!

The old man wasn’t sure what it was, in fact, no one knew, but everyone realized this thing was extremely precious. There were even rumors of it having connections to the Upper Realm.

Then a battle ensued.

Dragon Valley wanted to secure the treasure, but Ao Cangtian had too many enemies. All of the forces joined together to attack, forcing Dragon Valley to back off.

As they were leaving the secret realm, their whereabouts were exposed, and they were ambushed by a few clans and sects led by the ancient tribe. Ao Xiao, the then clan leader and father of Ao Cangtian, was killed in the ambush!

They were further pursued back to Dragon Valley, resulting in a monumental battle. Numerous talented disciples died, and many resources were consumed.

The only reason for their difficult plight was that the mountain-protection array of Dragon Valley was not activated!

Ao Xiao was ambushed and killed, the elders and other powerful beings were tied down by numerous opponents.

Doubtlessly, Dragon Valley could battle them with no fear if this wasn’t the case.

In the end, Dragon Valley managed to repulse the powerful ancient tribe and others, but their foundation was consumed by nine-tenths.

However, they realized that Ao Cangtian did not show up during the conflict.

So after the battle, they started looking for Ao Cangtian and investigated why the mountain-protection array failed to function.

Jiang Xiaobai knew what followed without the old man telling him. When they found Ao Cangtian, he was with the people of the ancient tribe, and evidence of Ao Cangtian’s betrayal was found.

Later on, Ao Cangtian was caught and imprisoned for a hundred years.

“That’s all. Do you still think there’s a chance for him to get out?” The old man asked Jiang Xiaobai indifferently.

But Jiang Xiaobai looked puzzled, “Old man, what… what was his motive for betraying Dragon Valley?”

This was Jiang Xiaobai’s deepest confusion.

“No one knows, but the evidence was irrefutable. I found a command token of the ancient tribe and a token from the ancestral land of the ancient tribe on him. How could they give such things to him if he didn’t collude with them?”

The old man sighed, “Ever since then, I have been dispirited, indifferent to worldly affairs, and intent to spend the rest of my life watching over this library.”

Jiang Xiaobai remained silent. He knew the logic in this matter was off, but he also understood that during those times, the situation was precarious for Dragon Valley.

No way to investigate further, or they would face the risk of being wiped out.

That’s why they locked up Ao Cangtian.

He knew there was no point in asking anything more for now, so he decided to let it go.

“Boy, do you have any more questions? If not, I’ll start teaching you how to cultivate!” The old man said indifferently.

“I have one more question!”

Jiang Xiaobai lifted his head, “In the dense forest on the east side of the back mountain, there might be something suspicious.”

“Tenth Elder!”

After uttering those words, Jiang Xiaobai knew he couldn’t say anything more.

In the end, he was just an outsider. This was a matter for Dragon Valley to deal with.

And all that Jiang Xiaobai had done thus far was for his own survival.

The old man remained indifferent, his face impassive.

He seemed unconcerned with all these, but Jiang Xiaobai understood that the elder had taken the hint.

“This old man is clearly a fiendish creature that has lived for hundreds of years. He surely knows what I’m suggesting.”

Jiang Xiaobai thought to himself.

Then, the old man didn’t waste any more time and immediately started to instruct Jiang Xiaobai on cultivation practices.

Jiang Xiaobai was curious about why there was no formal master-disciple ceremony, but the old man said there was no need for that.

For an entire day, the old man explained the nuances of cultivation.

His explanations were comprehensive and he had a deep understanding. If Jiang Xiaobai were really only a beginner practitioner, he would have benefited greatly from this.

But the thing is—he was not.

He was already at the Yuan Infant stage!

Jiang Xiaobai wanted to go meet Ao Cheng and Liu Xi at midday, but the old man wouldn’t allow him to leave.

It wasn’t till late at night that the old man finally let him go.

Before Jiang Xiaobai left, the old man cautioned, “I’m giving you three days. If you can’t comprehend and implement what I’ve taught you, I’ll destroy your cultivation base.”

“If you can’t even understand these clear concepts, you are not meant to go down the path of cultivation. Better to live an ordinary life.”

Those were harsh words.

Jiang Xiaobai was scared.

His cultivation base was at the Yuan Infant stage. If this old man destroyed it, he would really be in a huge deficit.

So Jiang Xiaobai didn’t dare to neglect and began to contemplate immediately after leaving the library. He was anxious to not be killed by the ancient tribe, but instead fall by the hands of this old man.

That would indeed make him a martyr!

But it wasn’t all in vain—he did acquire some valuable information about Dragon Valley today and was certain there was an issue with Ao Cangtian’s betrayal!

There was definitely another traitor hidden in Dragon Valley.

Jiang Xiaobai was also quite sure of this person’s identity.

“Ao Zhantian, oh Ao Zhantian, your heart is so black that you could commit such a deed for your so-called goal!”

Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help shivering.

The man’s methods were a perfect embodiment of the words ‘insidious’ and ‘ruthless’.

“If I want Ao Cangtian to help me survive, I need to find the evidence behind this affair. I hope the old man will gain something.”

As he thought of this, Jiang Xiaobai quickened his pace to get back. At that moment, things took a sudden and unexpected turn.

A dozen figures in black suddenly appeared around Jiang Xiaobai, without saying a word, they lunged directly at him..