chá tàn yī fān ， lǐ píng què dìng zhè xiē guāng tuán duì zì jǐ bìng méi yǒu shén me dà yòng 。
查探一番，李平确定这些光团对自己并没有什么大用。
After a thorough investigation, Li Ping determined that these light orbs were of little use to him.
suí hòu xiǎn de pǒ wèi zhèng zhòng de jiāng guāng tuán jiāo huán gěi zhè xiē jīng guò chóng chóng xuǎn bá ér chū de chuí diào zhě men 。
随后显得颇为郑重的将光团交还给这些经过重重选拔而出的垂钓者们。
He then returned the orbs to the selected anglers with a solemn demeanor.
dì yī cì de cháng shì ， méi yǒu zhòng liàng jí shōu huò 。
第一次的尝试，没有重量级收获。
The first attempt had yielded no significant results, and Li Ping did not mind this at all.
lǐ píng yě bù yǐ wéi yì 。
李平也不以为意。
This fishing competition was hastily organized, leaving limited preparation time for the citizens of Great Qi. The winners were seasoned veterans in angling, relying more on experience than innate talent or insight.
zhè cì diào yú dà sài jǔ bàn de bǐ jiào cōng máng ， liú gěi dà qǐ mín zhòng de zhǔn bèi shí jiān yě bǐ jiào shǎo 。 zhè xiē shèng chū zhě dōu shì jìn yín diào yú yī dào xǔ jiǔ de lǎo shǒu ， tā men néng gòu shèng chū 、 gèng duō de shì kào jīng yàn ， ér bú shì wù xìng 、 tiān fù 。
这次钓鱼大赛举办的比较匆忙，留给大启民众的准备时间也比较少。这些胜出者都是浸淫钓鱼一道许久的老手，他们能够胜出、更多的是靠经验，而不是悟性、天赋。
"Having them as examples will inspire people greatly. I expect that the second and third competitions might bring me some surprises."
“ yǒu le tā men zuò wéi bǎng yàng ， jī fā rén mín jí dà rè qíng 。 xiǎng lái dì èr jiè 、 dì sān jiè de diào yú dà sài ， yīng gāi néng dài gěi wǒ diǎn jīng xǐ 。”
“有了他们作为榜样，激发人民极大热情。想来第二届、第三届的钓鱼大赛，应该能带给我点惊喜。”
Li Ping nodded slightly at the anglers who were meticulously examining their orbs. His form shattered, vanishing without a trace.
lǐ píng kàn zhuó yǎn qián zhè xiē ná zhe guāng qiú bù duàn fān lái fù qù 、 zǐ xì yán jiū de shèng zhě ， wēi wēi diǎn tóu ， shēn xíng pò suì 、 xiāo shī bú jiàn 。
李平看着眼前这些拿着光球不断翻来覆去、仔细研究的胜者，微微点头，身形破碎、消失不见。
In Xuanhuang Realm, he was not fighting on his home turf; lacking the continuous support of the Holy Dynasty's fate, Li Ping would likely struggle even to match ordinary cultivators.
zài xuán huáng jiè bì jìng bú shì běn tǔ zuò zhàn ， méi yǒu shèng zhāo qì yùn yuán yuán bù duàn de zhī yuán ， lǐ píng kǒng pà lián yì bān de hé dào dōu bú shì duì shǒu 。
在玄黄界毕竟不是本土作战，没有圣朝气运源源不断的支援，李平恐怕连一般的合道都不是对手。
It was better to return as soon as possible.
hái shì zǎo diǎn huí qù wèi miào 。
还是早点回去为妙。
If it weren't for the immovable fishing pool, he wouldn’t have risked coming here himself.
ruò bú shì zhì bǎo diào yú chí wú fǎ yí dòng ， tā yě bú huì qīn zì shè xiǎn lái cǐ 。
若不是至宝钓鱼池无法移动，他也不会亲自涉险来此。
"Still, we are short on capable subordinates."
“ rén shǒu hái shì bù gòu yòng 。”
“人手还是不够用。”
Li Ping sighed and began contemplating a solution.
“ zhí de xìn lài 、 yòu shí lì de zú gòu de shǒu xià ， shí zài tài shǎo 。”
“值得信赖、又实力的足够的手下，实在太少。”
---
lǐ píng wēi wēi gǎn tàn yī shēng ， suí hòu àn zì sī suǒ qǐ jiè jué zhī dào lái 。
李平微微感叹一声，随后暗自思索起解决之道来。
In Tiance State.
……
……
Sun Family Secret Chamber.
tiān quán zhōu 。
天权州。
Since Sun Lu's departure, over a month had passed.
sūn jiā mì shì 。
孙家密室。
According to their usual routine, Sun Lu should have returned by now to feed the Boundless Mirror with his blood.
zì cóng shàng cì sūn lù yuǎn lí qù zhī hòu ， yǐ jīng guò qù le yí gè duō yuè de shí jiān 。
自从上次孙路远离去之后，已经过去了一个多月的时间。
But something unexpected happened; this time, Sun Lu did not return on schedule.
àn zhào cǐ qián de xí guàn ， sūn lù yuǎn zǎo jiù gāi fǎn huí 、 yòng xiān xuè wèi yǎng wú liàng jìng le 。
按照此前的习惯，孙路远早就该返回、用鲜血喂养无量镜了。
One day, Li Fan was distracted while studying the residual array of the Boundless Mirror when he noticed signs that someone had tampered with the chamber's defenses.
dàn bù zhī dào chū le shén me biàn gù ， zhè yī cì sūn lù yuǎn què chí chí wèi guī 。
但不知道出了什么变故，这一次孙路远却迟迟未归。
He laughed inwardly as he saw Wu Ninglu had somehow discovered the entrance to the underground chamber and was attempting an intrusion.
zhè yī tiān ， zhèng chén jìn zài wú liàng jìng cán cún zhèn fǎ yán jiū zhōng de lǐ fán fēn shén ， hū de chá jué dào mì shì fáng hù yǒu bèi chù dòng de hén jì 。
这一天，正沉浸在无量镜残存阵法研究中的李凡分神，忽的察觉到密室防护有被触动的痕迹。
Though she concealed her presence using secret methods, Li Fan’s keen eyes easily detected her.
yī kàn zhī xià ， bù yóu yǎ rán shī xiào 。
一看之下，不由哑然失笑。
With a flick of his finger, the array defenses instantly changed.
jìng rán shì nà wú níng lù bù zhī dào tōng guò shén me fāng fǎ ， zhēn de dǎ tàn dào le dì xià mì shì de rù kǒu 。
竟然是那吴凝鹭不知道通过什么方法，真的打探到了地下密室的入口。
Struck by the suddenly strengthened barrier, Wu Ninglu's expression changed as she realized she had been exposed. She immediately transformed into a black light and fled without hesitation.
cǐ kè zhèng cháng shì zhe qīn rù mì shì zhī zhōng 。
此刻正尝试着侵入密室之中。
Li Fan observed carefully; after circling around, Wu Ninglu removed her disguise in an unoccupied area before confidently returning to her room.
suī rán tā yòng mì fǎ gǎi biàn yǐn cáng le qì xī ， dàn yòu zěn me táo de le lǐ fán fǎ yǎn 。
虽然她用秘法改变隐藏了气息，但又怎么逃的了李凡法眼。
She still harbored hope, not escaping the Sun Family immediately.
fēn shén cóng wú liàng jìng zhōng qiǎo rán fēi chū ， qīng qīng yī zhǐ 。
分神从无量镜中悄然飞出，轻轻一指。
"Hmm, is she truly foolish or just recklessly relying on her Sun family heritage?"
mì shì fáng hù zhèn fǎ shà shí jiān yī biàn 。
密室防护阵法霎时间一变。
"It doesn't matter anyway. I expect that when Sun Lu returns, I can finally meet with the Mirror Keeper."
bèi dǒu rán jiā qiáng de zhèn fǎ wú qíng jī zhòng ， wú níng lù miàn sè yī biàn ， zhī dào zì jǐ yǐ jīng bào lù 。
被陡然加强的阵法无情击中，吴凝鹭面色一变，知道自己已经暴露。
Li Fan's prediction was accurate.
bù gǎn yǒu sī háo tíng liú ， huà zuò yī dào hēi guāng dùn zǒu 。
不敢有丝毫停留，化作一道黑光遁走。
Seven days later, Sun Lu arrived at the underground chamber in a somber mood. He noticed signs of an intrusion and his expression changed.
lǐ fán kàn de zǐ xì ， wú níng lù zài rào le yī quān hòu ， yú wú rén chù jiāng wěi zhuāng tuì xià 。
李凡看的仔细，吴凝鹭在绕了一圈后，于无人处将伪装退下。
Despite his unease, he did not make any noise but placed a vial of blood before the black mirror.
ér hòu hè rán yòu dà yáo dà bǎi de huí dào le zì jǐ de fáng jiān 。
而后赫然又大摇大摆的回到了自己的房间。
From the spirit essence within the Boundless Mirror, Li Fan sensed a barely contained desire.
jìng rán hái shì xīn cún jiǎo xìng xīn lǐ ， méi yǒu dì yī shí jiān zhí jiē táo chū sūn jiā 。
竟然还是心存侥幸心理，没有第一时间直接逃出孙家。
With a cold snort, he suppressed Sun Lu's instincts.
“ hē hē ， zhè shì zhēn chǔn ， hái shì zhàng zhe zì jǐ huái yǒu sūn jiā gǔ xuè ér sì wú jì dàn ？”
“呵呵，这是真蠢，还是仗着自己怀有孙家骨血而肆无忌惮？”
The Boundless Mirror was already under his control; the Sun Family’s blood sacrifice could only shake his hold on it. How could they expect him to comply?
“ bù guò gēn wǒ yě méi guān xì 。 xiǎng lái zhè cì sūn lù yuǎn huí lái ， wǒ jiù néng kòng zhì zhe wú liàng jìng gēn nà wèi zhǎng jìng rén 【 fú 】 jiàn yí miàn le 。”
“不过跟我也没关系。想来这次孙路远回来，我就能控制着无量镜跟那位掌镜人【伏】见一面了。”
Still, to avoid revealing any flaws, he made Sun Lu act out a scene.
lǐ fán yù cè de bù chà 。
李凡预测的不差。
After "swallowing" the blood, Sun Lu slowly appeared.
yòu qī rì zhī hòu ， sūn lù yuǎn mǎn shì níng zhòng de lái dào le dì xià mì shì zhōng 。
又七日之后，孙路远满是凝重的来到了地下密室中。
"Brother, I'm much better," he said, his words forced.
tā zhè shí yě fā xiàn le fáng hù zhèn fǎ yǒu wài rén rù qīn de hén jì ， bù yóu liǎn sè yī biàn 。
他这时也发现了防护阵法有外人入侵的痕迹，不由脸色一变。
Guilty for deceiving his brother, Sun Lu felt remorse. As an entity spirit, he was bound by its will and could not even warn Sun Lu of danger.
shén sè yīn qíng bù dìng ， zuì zhōng sūn lù yuǎn hái shì méi yǒu shēng zhāng 。
神色阴晴不定，最终孙路远还是没有声张。
He watched helplessly as his brother fell into a trap set by the terrifying existence.
ér shì xiān jiāng yī tuán jīng xuè ， bǎi fàng zài le hēi jìng miàn qián 。
而是先将一团精血，摆放在了黑镜面前。
"The old man's demands are becoming more unreasonable. We’ve only provided him with crucial information recently, yet he’s still unsatisfied."
lǐ fán cóng jìng líng sūn lù yáo de xīn zhōng ， gǎn dào le yī sī sī wú fǎ yì zhì de kě wàng 。
李凡从镜灵孙路遥的心中，感到了一丝丝无法抑制的渴望。
Sun Lu looked at his brother's faint figure, his eyes softening before turning resentful.
lěng hēng yī shēng ， jiāng tā de běn néng gěi shēng shēng qiā miè 。
冷哼一声，将他的本能给生生掐灭。
"This latest request is outrageous; we're supposed to spy on the human avatar of the Heavenly Mirror? Just a wild guess, but we have to keep trying—"
cǐ shì wú liàng jìng yǐ jīng bèi tā liàn huà ， sūn jiā xuè mài de jì liàn ， zhǐ huì hàn dòng de tā duì wú liàng jìng de zhǎng kòng 。
此是无量镜已经被他炼化，孙家血脉的祭炼，只会撼动的他对无量镜的掌控。
"Old scoundrel!"
yòu zěn me kě néng ràng tā men rú yì ？
又怎么可能让他们如意？
Sun Lu punched the ground in anger.
bù guò wèi le bù lòu chū pò zhàn ， hái shì ràng sūn lù yáo yǎn le yì chū xì 。
不过为了不漏出破绽，还是让孙路遥演了一出戏。
To outsiders, he was the illustrious head of the Sun Family, holding an important position in the Guardian Hall with high status.
jiāng jīng xuè “ tūn xià ” hòu ， sūn lù yáo huǎn huǎn xiàn shēn 。
将精血“吞下”后，孙路遥缓缓现身。
But before the true rulers of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, he was nothing more than a dog!
“ gē ， wǒ hǎo duō le 。” tā wéi xīn dì shuō dào 。
“哥，我好多了。”他违心地说道。
For the survival of his entire family, he had to grovel and lose all dignity.
duì yú qī piàn zì jǐ de dà gē ， sūn lù yáo xīn zhōng mǎn shì kuì jiù 。 dàn zuò wéi qì líng ， shēn bù yóu jǐ 。 lián xiǎng yào wèi sūn lù yuǎn shì jǐng dōu zuò bú dào 。
对于欺骗自己的大哥，孙路遥心中满是愧疚。但作为器灵，身不由己。连想要为孙路远示警都做不到。
"Why must the Mirror Keepers always be above us? No matter how hard we try, we can only serve them like dogs!"
zhǐ néng yǎn zhēng zhēng kàn zhe dà gē yí bù bù luò rù zhè kǒng bù cún zài de xiàn jǐng zhī zhōng 。
只能眼睁睁看着大哥一步步落入这恐怖存在的陷阱之中。
"Is there no chance forflip (turning over)?"
“ nà ge lǎo dōng xī de yāo qiú yuè lái yuè guò fèn le 。 míng míng wǒ men cái tí gōng gěi tā zhòng yào xiāo xī bù jiǔ ， tā yòu bù mǎn zú le 。” sūn lù yuǎn kàn zhe sūn lù yáo de dàn dàn shēn yǐng ， yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī róu hé ， ér hòu yòu hèn shēng shuō dào 。
“那个老东西的要求越来越过分了。明明我们才提供给他重要消息不久，他又不满足了。”孙路远看着孙路遥的淡淡身影，眼中闪过一丝柔和，而后又恨声说道。
---
“ zhè yī cì de yāo qiú gèng shì lí pǔ ， yào wǒ men kuī tàn tiān xuán jìng rén lèi fēn shēn de xiāo xī ？ jǐn jǐn shì yí gè bù qiē shí jì de cāi cè ， jiù yào wǒ men yǐ xuè de dài jià qù bù duàn cháng shì ……”
“这一次的要求更是离谱，要我们窥探天玄镜人类分身的消息？仅仅是一个不切实际的猜测，就要我们以血的代价去不断尝试……”
Feeling frustrated, Sun Lu suddenly had a thought that he had never dared to entertain before.
“ lǎo zéi ！”
“老贼！”
But quickly, he realized his own audacity and suppressed the idea deeply, even hiding it from his most intimate brother.
sūn lù yuǎn quán tou hěn hěn chuí le xià dì miàn 。
孙路远拳头狠狠锤了下地面。
He understood that if the alliance's leaders found out about this, there would be no trace of the Sun Family left by morning!
zài wài rén kàn lái ， tā shì fēng guāng wú xiàn de sūn jiā jiā zhǔ ， zài hù fǎ táng dān rèn yào zhí 、 wèi gāo quán zhòng 。
在外人看来，他是风光无限的孙家家主，在护法堂担任要职、位高权重。
However, he underestimated the bond between brothers.
dàn zài wàn xiān méng zhēn zhèng de zhǎng quán zhě miàn qián ， tā shí zé lián yī tiáo gǒu dōu bù rú ！
但在万仙盟真正的掌权者面前，他实则连一条狗都不如！
"Brother, during my surveillance of the Heavenly Mirror, I discovered something interesting," Sun Lu suddenly said.
wèi le zhěng gè sūn jiā de shēng cún ， nú yán bì xī 、 háo wú zūn yán 。
为了整个孙家的生存，奴颜婢膝、毫无尊严。
"Hmm?" Sun Lu was surprised and looked at his solemn brother.
“ píng shén me chuán fǎ zhě 、 zhǎng jìng rén shǐ zhōng jiù gāo gāo zài shàng ？ ér wǒ men jiù suàn zài zěn me nǔ lì ， yě zhǐ néng gěi tā men dāng gǒu ！”
“凭什么传法者、掌镜人始终就高高在上？而我们就算再怎么努力，也只能给他们当狗！”
"The Heavenly Mirror has detected signs of a potential rebellion in Xuanhuang Realm. This force might pose significant harm to the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance," Sun Lu whispered.
“ yǒng yuǎn méi yǒu fān shēn de xī wàng ？！”
“永远没有翻身的希望？！”
"Rebellion?" Sun Lu shook his head, dismissing this notion as he did not believe any force could challenge the alliance's rule.
xiōng zhōng yī gǔ yù mèn zhī qì bù dé fā xiè ， sūn lù yuǎn nù xiàng dǎn biān shēng ， yí gè yǐ wǎng cóng lái bù gǎn xiǎng de niàn tou 、 hū de zì rán fú xiàn zài xīn zhōng 。
胸中一股郁闷之气不得发泄，孙路远怒向胆边生，一个以往从来不敢想的念头、忽的自然浮现在心中。
But then, his brother’s words made him uneasy: "According to the Heavenly Mirror's predictions, this force might cause severe damage."
dàn hěn kuài tā jiù fǎn yìng guò lái 。
但很快他就反应过来。
"Is that true?"
zì jǐ dōu bèi zì jǐ zhè ge xiǎng fǎ dōu xià le yī tiào ， lián máng jiāng qí sǐ sǐ yā zài nǎo hǎi zuì shēn chù 、 shèn zhì zài yǐ jīng huà zuò qì líng 、 zuì qīn qiè de dì di miàn qián dōu bù gǎn biǎo lù fēn háo 。
自己都被自己这个想法都吓了一跳，连忙将其死死压在脑海最深处、甚至在已经化作器灵、最亲切的弟弟面前都不敢表露分毫。
Sun Lu was shaken. His first thought was to immediately report this critical information to the Mirror Keeper Fu for merit.
yīn wèi tā shēn kè de míng bái ， àn zhào xiān méng zhǎng quán zhě zhě men de xíng shì fēng gé 。 rú guǒ zhī xiǎo tā de xiǎng fǎ ， nà me dì èr tiān ， zhěng gè xiān méng jiù jiāng zài yě zhǎo bú dào rèn hé sūn jiā céng jīng cún zài guò de zhèng jù 。 chè chè dǐ dǐ de yú shì jiān zhēng fā ！
因为他深刻的明白，按照仙盟掌权者者们的行事风格。如果知晓他的想法，那么第二天，整个仙盟就将再也找不到任何孙家曾经存在过的证据。彻彻底底的于世间蒸发！
Meanwhile, as he carefully read through the information sent by his brother, Sun Lu’s heart raced with excitement.
bù guò tā sì hū dī gū le xiōng dì lián xīn de xiào guǒ 。
不过他似乎低估了兄弟连心的效果。
But just then, Sun Lu heard his brother's soft voice in his ear.
“ gē ， wǒ shàng cì zài kuī tàn tiān xuán jìng de guò chéng zhōng ， qí shí hái fā xiàn le yī xiē yǒu yì si de dōng xī 。” sūn lù yáo hū de shuō dào 。
“哥，我上次在窥探天玄镜的过程中，其实还发现了一些有意思的东西。”孙路遥忽的说道。
"Brother, I'm suffering."
“ ń ？” sūn lù yuǎn wēi wēi yī lèng ， kàn xiàng biǎo qíng shí fēn yán sù de dì di 。
“嗯？”孙路远微微一愣，看向表情十分严肃的弟弟。
"I can't bear it much longer; I'll probably collapse soon."
“ tiān xuán jìng tōng guò zhǒng zhǒng zhū sī mǎ jì ， fā xiàn le xuán huáng jiè yí gè mù qián shàng zài yǐn nì zhōng 、 wèi lái kě néng huì pàn luàn de shì lì hén jì 。” sūn lù yáo qiǎo shēng shuō dào 。
“天玄镜通过种种蛛丝马迹，发现了玄黄界一个目前尚在隐匿中、未来可能会叛乱的势力痕迹。”孙路遥悄声说道。
"A dog for life is still a dog."
“ fǎn pàn ？” sūn lù yuǎn yáo le yáo tóu ， tā bù rèn wéi zhè ruò dà de xuán huáng jiè yǒu shén me néng gòu dòng yáo wàn xiān méng de tǒng zhì 。
“反叛？”孙路远摇了摇头，他不认为这偌大的玄黄界有什么能够动摇万仙盟的统治。
"Even commoners dare to say 'the emperor changes every year, and this year it’s my family'..."
dàn jiē xià lái dì di sūn lù yáo de yī xí huà ， què shì ràng tā xīn zhōng yī tiào ：“ gēn jù tiān xuán jìng de yù cè ， zhè ge shì lì ， hěn yǒu kě néng duì wàn xiān méng zào chéng jí dà de sǔn hài 。”
但接下来弟弟孙路遥的一席话，却是让他心中一跳：“根据天玄镜的预测，这个势力，很有可能对万仙盟造成极大的损害。”
Sun Lu's heart was affected by these words. The suppressed thought resurfaced.
“ cǐ yán dàng zhēn ？”
“此言当真？”
"The Holy Dynasty Great Qi..."
sūn lù yuǎn jīng shén yī zhèn ， nǎo hǎi zhōng dì yí gè bèng chū de niàn tou ， jiù shì bǎ zhè zhòng liàng jí xiāo xī lì kè shàng bào gěi zhǎng jìng rén fú ， huàn qǔ gōng xūn 。
孙路远精神一震，脑海中第一个蹦出的念头，就是把这重量级消息立刻上报给掌镜人伏，换取功勋。
Sun Lu narrowed his eyes as he reconsidered the information in his hands.
bù guò ， jiù zài tā zǐ xì yuè dú wán le dì di chuán lái de zhǒng zhǒng xìn xī 、 àn zì xīn jīng bù yǐ de tóng shí 。
不过，就在他仔细阅读完了弟弟传来的种种信息、暗自心惊不已的同时。
The temperature had dropped; everyone should stay warm and go to bed early.
sūn lù yáo yōu yōu de shēng yīn zài tā ěr biān xiǎng qǐ 。
孙路遥幽幽的声音在他耳边响起。
(End of chapter)
After a thorough investigation, Li Ping determined that these light orbs were of little use to him.
He then returned the orbs to the selected anglers with a solemn demeanor.
The first attempt had yielded no significant results, and Li Ping did not mind this at all.
This fishing competition was hastily organized, leaving limited preparation time for the citizens of Great Qi. The winners were seasoned veterans in angling, relying more on experience than innate talent or insight.
"Having them as examples will inspire people greatly. I expect that the second and third competitions might bring me some surprises."
Li Ping nodded slightly at the anglers who were meticulously examining their orbs. His form shattered, vanishing without a trace.
In Xuanhuang Realm, he was not fighting on his home turf; lacking the continuous support of the Holy Dynasty's fate, Li Ping would likely struggle even to match ordinary cultivators.
It was better to return as soon as possible.
If it weren't for the immovable fishing pool, he wouldn’t have risked coming here himself.
"Still, we are short on capable subordinates."
Li Ping sighed and began contemplating a solution.
---
In Tiance State.
Sun Family Secret Chamber.
Since Sun Lu's departure, over a month had passed.
According to their usual routine, Sun Lu should have returned by now to feed the Boundless Mirror with his blood.
But something unexpected happened; this time, Sun Lu did not return on schedule.
One day, Li Fan was distracted while studying the residual array of the Boundless Mirror when he noticed signs that someone had tampered with the chamber's defenses.
He laughed inwardly as he saw Wu Ninglu had somehow discovered the entrance to the underground chamber and was attempting an intrusion.
Though she concealed her presence using secret methods, Li Fan’s keen eyes easily detected her.
With a flick of his finger, the array defenses instantly changed.
Struck by the suddenly strengthened barrier, Wu Ninglu's expression changed as she realized she had been exposed. She immediately transformed into a black light and fled without hesitation.
Li Fan observed carefully; after circling around, Wu Ninglu removed her disguise in an unoccupied area before confidently returning to her room.
She still harbored hope, not escaping the Sun Family immediately.
"Hmm, is she truly foolish or just recklessly relying on her Sun family heritage?"
"It doesn't matter anyway. I expect that when Sun Lu returns, I can finally meet with the Mirror Keeper."
Li Fan's prediction was accurate.
Seven days later, Sun Lu arrived at the underground chamber in a somber mood. He noticed signs of an intrusion and his expression changed.
Despite his unease, he did not make any noise but placed a vial of blood before the black mirror.
From the spirit essence within the Boundless Mirror, Li Fan sensed a barely contained desire.
With a cold snort, he suppressed Sun Lu's instincts.
The Boundless Mirror was already under his control; the Sun Family’s blood sacrifice could only shake his hold on it. How could they expect him to comply?
Still, to avoid revealing any flaws, he made Sun Lu act out a scene.
After "swallowing" the blood, Sun Lu slowly appeared.
"Brother, I'm much better," he said, his words forced.
Guilty for deceiving his brother, Sun Lu felt remorse. As an entity spirit, he was bound by its will and could not even warn Sun Lu of danger.
He watched helplessly as his brother fell into a trap set by the terrifying existence.
"The old man's demands are becoming more unreasonable. We’ve only provided him with crucial information recently, yet he’s still unsatisfied."
Sun Lu looked at his brother's faint figure, his eyes softening before turning resentful.
"This latest request is outrageous; we're supposed to spy on the human avatar of the Heavenly Mirror? Just a wild guess, but we have to keep trying—"
"Old scoundrel!"
Sun Lu punched the ground in anger.
To outsiders, he was the illustrious head of the Sun Family, holding an important position in the Guardian Hall with high status.
But before the true rulers of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, he was nothing more than a dog!
For the survival of his entire family, he had to grovel and lose all dignity.
"Why must the Mirror Keepers always be above us? No matter how hard we try, we can only serve them like dogs!"
"Is there no chance forflip (turning over)?"
---
Feeling frustrated, Sun Lu suddenly had a thought that he had never dared to entertain before.
But quickly, he realized his own audacity and suppressed the idea deeply, even hiding it from his most intimate brother.
He understood that if the alliance's leaders found out about this, there would be no trace of the Sun Family left by morning!
However, he underestimated the bond between brothers.
"Brother, during my surveillance of the Heavenly Mirror, I discovered something interesting," Sun Lu suddenly said.
"Hmm?" Sun Lu was surprised and looked at his solemn brother.
"The Heavenly Mirror has detected signs of a potential rebellion in Xuanhuang Realm. This force might pose significant harm to the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance," Sun Lu whispered.
"Rebellion?" Sun Lu shook his head, dismissing this notion as he did not believe any force could challenge the alliance's rule.
But then, his brother’s words made him uneasy: "According to the Heavenly Mirror's predictions, this force might cause severe damage."
"Is that true?"
Sun Lu was shaken. His first thought was to immediately report this critical information to the Mirror Keeper Fu for merit.
Meanwhile, as he carefully read through the information sent by his brother, Sun Lu’s heart raced with excitement.
But just then, Sun Lu heard his brother's soft voice in his ear.
"Brother, I'm suffering."
"I can't bear it much longer; I'll probably collapse soon."
"A dog for life is still a dog."
"Even commoners dare to say 'the emperor changes every year, and this year it’s my family'..."
Sun Lu's heart was affected by these words. The suppressed thought resurfaced.
"The Holy Dynasty Great Qi..."
Sun Lu narrowed his eyes as he reconsidered the information in his hands.
The temperature had dropped; everyone should stay warm and go to bed early.
(End of chapter)