The fake prince was exposed at the beginning, and I took office as emperor on the spot

Chapter 234 Do I look like the real Four-Phase Tribulation Lord? (Three-in-One)

The port where the shipping guild is located used to be extremely bustling when it traded with the maritime kingdom, with more than a thousand ships coming and going every day. But now, it's only about 80% as busy.

Although the shipping routes with the sea kingdom have been abolished, transporting goods to Jiangnan by sea from here is still the shortest and safest route. Therefore, this port, which is controlled by the canal gangs, remains quite prosperous.

Of course, this only applies to smuggling transactions conducted openly; those carried out covertly are not included.

The interests involved are far more than tens of millions of dollars.

The reason why the Canal Gang was able to do such a business was because they had someone behind them, and this so-called person was "Extinction" Dao.

While it's true that the "Extinction" sect is insane, madness without power or preparation is nothing more than impotent rage. Their plans to develop power and strength require money.

To sustain the cultivation of its practitioners, the Demonic Sect naturally needs industrial support.

Just as the "Qing" Dao operated the Chamber of Commerce, the "Mi" Dao controlled the waterway transportation related to the Cao Bang.

This area is inhabited entirely by people who "destroy" the Dao. For many years, they have secretly maintained smooth trade routes with the Sea Kingdom through smuggling, forming an industrial chain.

In this way, in the later plot, they can bring the witch people back to the Sea Kingdom without anyone noticing, and instigate some of the merfolk to seize power and control the "Dragon Soul Sea".

Cui Xiu had been waiting here for the arrival of the "Four Phases Calamity Master" for a long time, and naturally he had not forgotten to prepare a place for him to rest.

Although there were two new "subordinates," it wasn't a big problem.

With such a large canal port, would it be short of two rooms?

After arranging for the three men, Cui Xiu summoned his trusted aides. Looking at the room in the distance, he narrowed his eyes, his gaze flickering, and gave the order in a deep voice:
"Tell the men below to prepare the 'Dragon-Trapping Formation'."

The confidant was startled and asked in confusion:
"My lord, there have been no enemies causing trouble recently, so why is the 'Dragon Trapping Formation' being used?"

This formation originated from the Sea Kingdom, and its source was used by cultivators in ancient times to hunt sea beasts.

The sea beasts recorded in ancient times were enormous in size and could reach the second rank in strength. Their bodies were full of rare and precious materials, and even their oils could be used to light everlasting lamps or serve as the core of formations.

In order to hunt sea monsters without damaging their parts, the "Dragon Trapping Formation" was invented.

The characteristic of this formation is its wide range and strong binding force; as long as one is within its range, even a second-rank cultivator will be trapped.

As for the cost, it is that the spiritual energy consumed is also enormous.

This means that either you need enough monks, or you need to be rich enough.

After all, this formation was originally designed specifically for sea beasts; as long as you caught one, you could definitely recoup your investment. But now, this formation has been set up under the entire dock.

In previous years, the "Dragon Trapping Formation" was only used when the Grand Canal Gang clashed with a prominent family from Jiangnan.

The powerful families of Jiangnan, coveting the profits from their monopoly on waterways, wanted to exploit several murders committed by the Canal Transport Gang to directly attack the Gang's headquarters and seize their share of the waterways.

Unfortunately, the Jiangnan aristocratic family failed to discover that behind the Grand Canal Gang was the "Extinction" Dao.

Of course, the reason why the Demonic Sect could be so arrogant was thanks to the causal magic of the "Six Star Lords," otherwise the imperial court and Yaoshan would have found out immediately upon investigation.

Now, the Six Star Lords have greatly weakened, and their causal magic has been largely broken. Even when they are "Extinction" Dao, they have become much more restrained in their activities.

This "Dragon-Trapping Formation" is too grand; it's very likely that their actions will be exposed immediately.

—The Demonic Cult is outwardly friendly but inwardly hostile. The "Exposing" Path has always been wary of the "Extinguishing" Path and has been secretly observing their movements. Moreover, now that the Confucianism and the "Exposing" Path no longer need to pretend to be enemies.

From the very beginning, the "Extinction" Dao was nothing more than a knife in their eyes.

Since this knife is now out of control, it should naturally be broken.

Therefore, the "Extinction" sect members, who used to act recklessly, have become much more restrained and cautious.

At least until their great cause is completed, they need to lull the Confucianists into a false sense of security and prevent them from knowing the true plan of "extinction" of the Dao: the "Nine Netherworlds Descending to Earth".

This is also why the confidant was so hesitant and surprised.

Cui Xiu said coldly:
"The robbers in this room are most likely fake."

The confidant's eyes widened in surprise:

"How...how could this happen?"

The aura of the "Four-Phase Calamity Lord" was clearly without any problems, and he knew about the Witch Clan as soon as he opened his mouth.

If it weren't for the robber himself, how would he have known about such a confidential and important matter?

All matters concerning the witch clan, from finding them to taking them in and controlling them, were handled by the "Four-Phase Robbery Master" himself.

He continued:

"The leader of the robbery had previously gone to Huangtian City to hunt down Gu Fangchen, but later disappeared during the pursuit."

"The Six Star Lords had already given instructions that if the Lord of Calamity were to reappear and there were other people by his side, they would likely have been replaced by someone else or controlled by Gu Fangchen."

"The leader of the robbery has always been one to either not do it at all, or to do it thoroughly."

“If she doesn’t kill Gu Fangchen when she goes to Huangtian City, why will she return? But I just heard a few days ago that Gu Fangchen has just appeared in Fatuma and caused some kind of ‘miracle’.”

Therefore, there are only two possibilities regarding the current state of the robber.

"Either she's still plotting to kill Gu Fangchen, or she's already dead at Gu Fangchen's hands!"

The confidant seemed thoughtful and thought it made sense, but when he heard the last sentence, he couldn't help but gasp.

"My lord, does this Gu Fangchen really possess such abilities?"

The regicide and treason can be attributed to the presence of Qingman accomplices.

If this involved the killing of the "Four Phases of Calamity," then it couldn't be explained by an inside agent...

Not long ago, Gu Fangchen's strength in the public eye was only at the fourth rank. His peak achievement was defeating Gu Yuye, a peak third rank and half-step second rank.

How could he have almost wiped out a second-rank cultivator in the blink of an eye?!
Cui Xiu, however, said:

"This person's true strength cannot be measured by ordinary standards. It was originally rumored that he was the blade of the Great Immeasurable, but as soon as he arrived in Qingman, the 'Heavenly Punishment' Sule claimed that he was the messenger of the 'Heavenly God'."

"A man from the Great Wei, whom the Qingman Khan personally acknowledged as an envoy of the 'Heavenly God,' and even Mohe Wuliang had no objections. This man's cultivation level may be at most the third rank, but in terms of bewitching people's hearts, he is definitely at the second rank or even above."

"There is a reason why both Confucianism and the Demonic Sect attach so much importance to him."

"If Xie Qian is about to leave the pass and they can't do anything to him, how can we underestimate him?"

"Moreover, the robber's reaction just now was very unusual."

“Have you ever seen her so fierce on the outside but weak on the inside? She won’t even let us see her subordinates’ faces. Even the ‘Shape Grass Sword’ wouldn’t put on such airs.”

"I suspect that those two subordinates were sent by Gu Fangchen, or even that they were Gu Fangchen himself!"

He said firmly and in a deep voice:
"Let's test her with the 'Dragon Trapping Formation'. If she really is Lord of Calamity, this 'Dragon Trapping Formation' will definitely not be able to trap her."

"If the people of the robbery leader want to blame me then, I will take full responsibility."

"If not, then it's our achievement."

Cui Xiu patted his trusted aide on the shoulder, instructing him to go down and inform the others to prepare to activate the "Dragon Trapping Formation".

His confidant listened to his logical and reasonable analysis, and thought it made perfect sense. He gritted his teeth, nodded, and left.

"Yes, sir, I'll go right away!"

After his trusted confidant left, a cold smile slowly appeared on Cui Xiu's face.

Although he had some doubts, the "Four-Phase Robbery Master" was capricious and extremely powerful. He had never treated his subordinates normally and always disappeared without a trace after giving them orders.

His true identity and true personality remain a mystery.

Not only are outsiders unaware, but even those who "destroy" the Dao are equally unclear about it.

How could Cui Xiu be sure that the "Four Phases of Calamity" wouldn't be so harsh?

He actually had no idea.

But the only thing he knew was that just now... the aura of the "Four Phases Calamity Master" was clearly somewhat unstable and weak, as if he had been seriously injured.

Moreover, a faint smell of blood lingered in the salty, fishy scent of the sea breeze.

Compared to the idea that "Four Phases of Calamity Master" was impersonated, Cui Xiu was more inclined to believe that "Four Phases of Calamity Master" had been injured while chasing Gu Fangchen, which was why he rushed back to heal his wounds and why his attitude towards him was so fierce yet weak, even his scolding seemed urgent.

"Just in time..."

Cui Xiu sneered, his hands behind his back as he looked at the shimmering waves on the sea. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he muttered to himself:

"I've been in charge of this shipping guild for ten years now, and the trade route with the Sea Kingdom is almost fully developed. After years of careful maintenance, it's finally ready to bear fruit. How can I let you destroy it so easily?"

He had already reached an agreement with the witch clan and signed a contract.

In the future, when the Wu tribe launches a counterattack and regains control of the Sea Kingdom, and reopens its doors, it will naturally reopen trade and commerce.

Who will handle this deal then?
The benefits involved go far beyond what we see today!

The sea route to Jiangnan alone, along with the occasional smuggling, was enough to make a fortune, not to mention the trade between the two countries.

In Cui Xiu's eyes, these were already his.

What was the purpose of all those years of hard work?
Could it really be for that so-called Great Dao?

There are indeed many madmen who "destroy" the Tao, but not everyone yearns for self-destruction.

Cui Xiu suffered greatly in his youth, experiencing unimaginable pain and inhuman torture. Now he must cover his true face with a mask because underneath is nothing but completely melted skin. And because he has walked the path of "extinction," these scars will never heal.

It was because of this experience that he developed a desire for destruction, resented the world, and was willing to follow the "Four-Phase Calamity Master" so that everyone could experience this pain.

But later, after he killed his enemy, the resentment in his heart was extinguished all at once.

Instead, in the process of managing the canal gang, he tasted the wonder of power and the power of money... and suddenly he no longer wanted to destroy it all.

How could such a wonderful world, a happy world where he could do whatever he wanted, be so easily destroyed?

After having such thoughts, his cultivation level actually kept regressing.

If it weren't for his daily brutality towards other ordinary people, he wouldn't even be able to maintain his third-rank strength.

To maintain his cultivation level, he secretly faked the drowning of the canal workers, actually imprisoning them beneath the dock. Every month, he invented different tortures to make himself increasingly violent. But even so, it was ultimately a drop in the ocean.

This is also one of the key reasons why he made this decision at this moment.

Cui Xiu sensed that his cultivation was bound to run into problems sooner or later, and that the "Four Phases Calamity Lord" would not tolerate useless people. When that day came, it would be his death day.

"Then let's just end it all, so that day never comes."

Cui Xiu's pupils beneath the mask were a deep crimson, revealing a hint of madness.

His goal has clashed greatly with the entire "Destruction" path, and clearly, in Cui Xiu's view, he himself is more important.

He's not one of those self-destructive lunatics.

If the world were truly destroyed, where would he get his money from? He had only enjoyed such good days for a few years.

He still has many more years to enjoy, so how can he sit idly by and watch a madman who "destroys" the Dao ruin his happy life?

Tonight is a golden opportunity!
"'Four Phases of Calamity'... Whether you are real or fake, tonight, you are destined to be a fake!"

Cui Xiu flicked his sleeve, turned around, and flew into the sky, squinting his eyes.

Below, the waters near the dock gradually began to glow with a scarlet light, as if blood was slowly spreading underwater.

These scarlet lights gradually spread in a regular pattern, and even the buildings on the dock emitted the same light, merging together to form a huge array.

At this moment, there was still no movement at the location of the "Four-Phase Robbery Master".

Cui Xiu felt much more at ease.

It seems his guess was correct!
Even if this "Four-Phase Robbery Master" is not fake, he must be seriously injured and unable to react at all!

Cui Xiu landed, concealed his aura, and appeared in the room of the "Four Phases Calamity Master".

……

Yi'er walked into the room, took off her black robe, and walked around with a smile. She opened and lifted the drawers and bedding with curiosity, looked at them carefully, then pouted and sat on the bed, swinging her legs.

"How boring, there's nothing here."

The rooms left behind at the canal dock naturally belonged to Lü Fuyi himself.

It was called a room, but it was really just a quiet room for cultivation, without any extra decorations. Of course, this was very much in line with Lü Fuyi's personality.

The "Four-Phase Robbery Master" outwardly appears as someone who is capricious, ruthless, and single-mindedly devoted to the cause of destroying the world; he will not easily reveal his own preferences.

Only when she returns to the wine shop in the music hall will her true preferences be revealed—such as those storybooks.

When she doesn't come, the room is left to be managed by her subordinates, and there isn't a single personal item in it; it's outrageously old-fashioned.

Yi'er sat on the bed, humming a tuneless tune, her face beaming with a smile, but her eyes held no joy whatsoever. She just stared at the doorway, doing nothing.

It's as if they're waiting for someone to arrive.

Not a moment later.

Crimson glowing patterns began to appear on the floor and walls of the room.

Those are spirit patterns belonging to the "Trapping Dragon Formation".

Yi'er seemed not to see anything, still humming a song, her slender legs swaying and kicking the patterns on the ground.

"Shh."

A middle-aged man wearing a mask suddenly appeared in the room. When he looked up, he met Yi'er's gaze and was momentarily stunned.

Cui Xiu had already suspected that this "Four Phases Calamity Master" might be fake, but he never expected to see a young girl with a delicate and gentle face in the room.

His first reaction was even to think that the robber had already run away, leaving the first double here to cause trouble.

"Damn it... I'm too late..."

Cui Xiu's face darkened. He raised his hand, appeared in front of the girl, and was about to strike her on the top of her head.

He didn't care about the girl's life or death at all. With the personality of the "Four-Phase Calamity Master", if he wanted to do something, he would do it perfectly. What could a substitute know?
He should go find it himself.

But at this moment, the anger of being toyed with by the "Four-Phase Robbery Master" naturally had to be vented on this girl.

If we cannot shatter him with a single blow, we will find it difficult to quell his anger at this moment.

But the next moment, the spirit patterns of the "Dragon Trapping Formation" in the room twisted instantly, and another set of spirit patterns hidden beneath it emerged, taking over the original formation and rushing towards Cui Xiu like venomous snakes.

The target of the array's spirit runes instantly changed, becoming Cui Xiu himself!
"what?!"

Cui Xiu was stunned, his pupils contracted, and he immediately reacted. He formed hand seals and frantically channeled his spiritual power, trying to seize control of the "Dragon Trapping Formation".

However, the array's spirit patterns were personally rewritten by Gu Fangchen, and the one controlling the array's core at this moment is still Prajna Lotus Moon. In terms of both technology and spiritual power, it is overwhelming. How could it be allowed to be snatched away by Cui Xiu, an outsider?

Gu Fangchen pushed open the window, jumped in, and looked at the immobilized Cui Xiu, raising an eyebrow and smiling:

"Tsk tsk, even the renowned 'King Yanmoro' has such a sorry state."

Cui Xiu took a deep breath. He didn't know Yi'er, but it was impossible for him not to know Gu Fangchen.

The moment he saw that face, he knew he was doomed!
This guy not only impersonated the "Four Phases Robbery Master," but he also knew the layout of the entire dock perfectly, even the trump card "Trapping Dragon Formation"!
No, not only does he know, he can also easily modify it!
This means that he knows all the details of the entire "Dragon Trapping Formation," including where the key points of the formation are hidden!

Moreover, he also knew Cui Xiu.

Cui Xiu was confident that even the "Four-Phase Robbery Master" himself could not see that he had long harbored rebellious intentions.

After all, he worked diligently under the "Extinction" Dao, managing the entire Canal Gang with great success. Apart from his violent temper, there was nothing wrong with him. He seemed to be a very typical "Extinction" Daoist.

Moreover, for those who follow the path of "extinction," it would be strange if they weren't tyrannical.

Is it because he is too normal that Gu Fangchen was so cautious as to set up such an ambush in advance?
This person is just too perverted!

Even with his head buried under the dock, Cui Xiu probably couldn't figure out how Gu Fangchen had seen through his weakness!

In fact, the two women who were with him didn't understand either.

On their way there, Gu Fangchen mentioned that the first person she wanted to eliminate at the dock was Cui Xiu.

Gu Fangchen deliberately let Yi'er reveal this flaw.

Given his understanding of the "Four Phases of Robbery," how could he possibly make such a basic mistake?

Even if Yi'er doesn't act well, he can still put on a show or use some other method to make it seem more convincing.

But this time it's not necessary.

The less convincing Yi'er is, the more outwardly fierce but inwardly weak she appears, the better the effect.

Because Cui Xiu, this traitor, is an obstacle that must be eliminated.

If players want to help "destroy" the Dao, they need to follow the major side quest "Nine Netherworlds Descend" to release all the evil spirits. The biggest obstacle is this traitor with an unsteady Dao heart.

Cui Xiu had long since abandoned the path of "annihilation," becoming hopelessly addicted to power and wealth, oblivious to the nature of heaven and earth.

As he watched the path of "extinction" draw ever closer to success, his anxiety grew.

However, the "Four-Phase Robbery Lord" blocking his way meant that he couldn't do anything at all.

Absolute strength can destroy all conspiracies and schemes.

In the original storyline, he would not be exposed as a traitor until the very end of the Sea Kingdom, and the opportunity would be when the "Four-Phase Calamity Lord" and the true dragon spirit summoned by the merman fought to a standstill.

This is one of the reasons why major side quests fail.

It will be very difficult for players to eliminate him.

However, for Gu Fangchen now, it is not difficult at all.

Coincidentally, the recent disappearance of the "Four-Phase Robber Lord" while hunting him has stirred up Cui Xiu's long-hidden thoughts.

This was exactly what Gu Fangchen wanted.

It can also kill two birds with one stone.

First, set a trap to lure Cui Xiu out, then kill him under the pretext of eliminating traitors. This would clear his own name and solidify his identity as the robber.

In this way, if Yi'er makes any mistakes later, she can use the same excuse of "entrapment" to cover it up.

Because the same thing had happened before, the subordinates, with their preconceived notions, naturally wouldn't think too much about it.

This is a case of retreating in order to advance.

Cui Xiu was naturally unwilling to die inexplicably at Gu Fangchen's hands, and his face became increasingly ferocious. In addition, the "Trapping Dragon Formation" had not yet fully closed and taken effect, so he bent his fingers and instantly formed a hand seal.

"burst!"

Cui Xiu's blood instantly turned into crimson flames, burning himself.

The fire engulfed the entire room in the blink of an eye, spreading outwards like a massive explosion.

This flame was his natal fire, and its power was comparable to Wu Hui's Golden Crow Fire, making them equally renowned.

This is also the origin of his title "King Yama".

The power of this flame was not to be underestimated. Coupled with Cui Xiu's self-destruction, Gu Fangchen had no choice but to take a step back and use her own incinerating energy to resist it.

At that very moment, a small wisp of fire flickered within the flames, using the cover to escape outwards.

This wisp of flame is none other than Cui Xiu's soul.

However, the next moment, a delicate white hand reached out from the flames and grabbed them.

Cui Xiu's soul skipped a beat, and a chill ran through him. But in his field of vision, he saw a smiling face.

The girl said softly:
"Do I look like a true Four-Phase Lord of Calamity?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: I posted this first and revised it later. I didn't reach 8,000 words... but I managed to write 6,000 words, lol.
(End of this chapter)