Proofreader: Papatonks

The sky was dim and drizzling rain fell incessantly. A figure, clad in a black robe, walked on the quiet mountain. Before long, the figure arrived at a pavilion. Looking around, they muttered to themselves, “Why haven’t they arrived yet?”

“Ha-ha-ha, Steward Zhuo, we’ve been here waiting for you!”

Five people showed up before the man in black. They were the Sword Emperor and four more of the Eight Emperors.

The black robe chuckled and revealed himself to be Zhuo Fan, “It’s rare to have the distinguished Eight Emperors give me such an honor, inviting me, the Demonic Emperor’s steward, in secret.

“Steward Zhuo, there’s no need for pleasantries. You’ve done well coming alone. Take a seat.” The Sword Emperor gestured at a stone table.

The others sat as well.

Zhuo Fan shook the water off his robe and took his seat. He began, “Gentlemen, what is the purpose of this secret invitation? Calling me here discreetly, even avoiding contact with the Demonic Emperor.”

“You didn’t tell him?”

“Of course not!”

Zhuo Fan saw the Sword Emperor nervous and smiled, “The Demonic Emperor is a busy man and need not trouble himself with such trifles. What would be the point of having me then? I am here to address what I can handle.”

“Right, Steward Zhuo is a man of great skill, able to deal with many things in his stead, ha-ha-ha…”

The Sword Emperor nodded.

Zhuo Fan got to the point, “Sir still hasn’t answered my question. Why the secret meeting? I’m but a steward and have little power. You’re better off talking with the Demonic Emperor.”

“No, no, no, we wanted you.”

The Sword Emperor snickered, “Steward Zhuo, before we begin, I would like to know whether the Demonic Emperor has been strange lately.”

“Strange? No, what’s so strange about winning?” Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow and the Wraith Emperor grimaced.

The Sword Emperor waved his hand, “Steward Zhuo is a smart man and should know what I mean. I didn’t ask you here to pull the Demonic Emperor’s secrets out of you. I’m only curious about his condition. Even you should know his madness and cruelty on the battlefield were terrifying. This madness can spread and you might find it unleashed on his closest aide…”

“Ugh…”

Zhuo Fan looked confused, “Now that the Sword Emperor mentions it, the Demonic Emperor has been strange lately…”

“Strange how?”

“He’s more secretive, spending his days in seclusion, demanding prisoners and growing his lands. The constant war had taken its toll on his forces, but he still wants to go on. I have to say that the ones trying to advise him against it were executed, except me.”

“Why does he want so many prisoners? Is he practicing some sinister art?” The Sword Emperor stirred as he asked.

Zhuo Fan was silent.

The Sword Emperor asked something else, “Zhuo Fan, when did the change start?”

“I’m not sure.”

Zhuo Fan shook his head, “Ever since I came from the Nether Sea, I needed a few months to recover from my injuries before returning to Devil Mountain. The Demonic Emperor has been like this ever since I saw him.”

[After the Nether Sea!]

The five Emperors’ eyes shone with excitement.

[The guy must’ve gotten the Nether Sovereign’s treasure. That’s what made him so erratic. He has been secretive all this time, wanting it all for himself, just like Zhuo Yifan.]

The five’s purpose was clear. The Enchanting Empress said coyly, “Steward Zhuo, you must’ve done well under the Demonic Emperor, his temper considering.”

“I got by.”

Zhuo Fan smiled, “The Demonic Emperor may be harsh on others, he treats me with respect. Why else did all his advisers die except for me? Ha-ha-ha…”

The Enchanting Empress nodded, “Steward Zhuo is a man of great talent. No one would ever wish to part with such an aide. But did you ever think that while he is using you now, the day might come when your value runs out. What do you think he’ll do then?”

“I believe I’ll always be of use.” Zhuo Fan spoke with pride.

The others’ faces sank.

[Despite his poor strength, he is still prideful…]

The Eight Emperors snickered on, “Steward Zhuo’s wisdom is something to admire. I believe that the Eight Emperors, even Saints, would cherish a talent such as you. But, true power trumps any cunningness. When someone grows beyond everyone else in power, what use would he have of your wisdom?”

“What are you saying?”

Zhuo Fan flinched, his smile slipping.

The Enchanting Empress nodded, driving her point, “Steward Zhuo must know why the Demonic Emperor is so strong. He will only get stronger still, until his use of you would run out. When every enemy is dead, what’s the point of keeping a steward? One should have contingencies for the future, Steward Zhuo. Do you understand?”

Zhuo Fan squinted.

“Steward Zhuo!”

The Wraith Emperor spoke up, “Your talent makes you better than the Eight Emperors despite not being one. Any Emperor who has you by their side would be at the level of the Eight Emperors. You are the Unsung Emperor. While the Demonic Emperor would’ve long since fallen without you. Last time, the Falcon Emperor and I joined forces and it was enough to deal with him. Are you willing to waste away under someone else only to be cast aside in the end?”

Zhuo Fan took a deep breath and looked at the sky, “Tell me what are you planning.”

“We hope you’d help us get rid of Zhao Chen.”

Now that Zhuo Fan saw their point, the Sword Emperor grew impatient in his joy, “A sudden assault on the Demonic Emperor would only scare him off into hiding. That’s why we have to do it in secret. The Demonic Emperor is paranoid, making it impossible for an outsider to do anything, especially on Devil Mountain. With so many defensive arrays, not even we could slip in undetected.

“With the Demonic Emperor in seclusion and all his forces on Devil Mountain under Steward Zhuo’s supervision, you just need to clear us a path.”

Zhuo Fan nodded, “What’s in it for me?”

“The throne among the Eight Emperors beckons you!”

The Eight Emperors laughed at his changed stance, “We will elect you as a new Emperor among us, even though you’re not in the Emperor Stage, but anyone in your clan can take the seat and be under your control. It will hardly make a difference. And we’ll only allow you to sit with us. The puppet is only for others to see, just an honorary title.”

“Can I trust you?”

“We will vow on our Dao Hearts. I also told the 6th Sacred Mountain’s Lord. He agreed. Even if they send replacements for the Eight Emperors, they’ll never touch you. You’re protected.”

The Eight Emperors gave a firm nod, “It’s a promise none of us have. We might all be replaced, but not you.”

The others nodded, goading him.

“You have all the guarantees you can have, so why hesitate?”

“We’re so jealous of you, having the Sacred Mountain at your back. Are you just going to work for the Demonic Emperor all your life just for him to kill you in the end?”

Zhuo Fan sneered inside at their urging.

[The term might look enticing to the ignorant. The chance to remain among the Eight Emperors for all your life without the risk of being thrown away.]

[But if you think about it, those old Eight Emperors would care about this title once this matter is done?]

[Their eyes are on the Sovereign Stage, all thanks to a Sovereign’s inheritance. Why would they waste time on empty titles?]

[These relics sure know how to plot.]

Zhuo Fan was hoping for this, regardless, the more they yearned for it the better.

So he stroked his chin as he smiled, “When will you act, gentlemen?”

The five laughed.

Zhuo Fan grinned a devious smile, his eyes icy.

[You must’ve enticed that rotten disciple back then as well, I bet, humph…]