Chapter 397: Dark Moon’s Scheme

“Lord Tagraedi!” Wu Qingsong was slightly surprised because the one who greeted him was Mystic Moon.

It had been a long time since they last met. He appeared even thinner than before, but the first impression he gave was that he had been activated by something, as if reborn, carrying an unreal kind of vitality.

What had happened?

The two of them could be considered old acquaintances. During their first meeting, Wu Qingsong had been set up, but they later cooperated on several occasions. 

In recent years, due to the development of towns around Nagrand and the trade routes leading to the plateau, the demand for smuggling through Nagrand had gradually declined. 

Additionally, with the emergence of the Gate of the Abyss, Dark Moon’s route had also started to break down. Nonetheless, their connection had not been severed—they remained in steady contact.

No matter what, although their methods differed, their fundamental goals were the same.

“I’d prefer you call me Sidre now. Or Wu,” Wu Qingsong said.

Tagraedi was merely an identity that Ram had once purchased from Dark Moon on his behalf. Now, in this place, he no longer needed to use it.

“My apologies,” Mystic Moon replied immediately. “Then, Wu, is there something I can do for you?”

“Has Dark Moon shifted its operations to Phoenix?” 

Wu Qingsong hesitated slightly, deciding it would be better to understand the current situation before stating his purpose.

“Hundreds of elves have gathered near Fantali, and unlike in Padamia, they are not as difficult to approach. So yes, naturally, Dark Moon’s focus has moved to that region,” Mystic Moon nodded and said.

“What’s the situation at the Gate of the Abyss?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“Large-scale insectoid swarms have nearly ceased entirely since a year ago, but occasionally, legions led by Abyssal Lord-level insectoids still suddenly appear.” 

Mystic Moon poured Wu Qingsong a hot drink.

“This sort of thing hasn’t occurred at any other Gate of Calamity, and the threat is far greater. Since the gate, over two thousand Abyssal Lord-class insectoids have come through. It’s completely unnatural. The elves are said to be working to resolve it permanently, but they’ve made no decisive progress.”

“Perhaps these Abyssal Lords weren’t formed naturally?” Wu Qingsong recalled the time he first faced the avatar of the Crimson Demon Lord. It seemed capable of infusing its power into other insectoids, though it required a vessel strong enough to withstand that power.

The reason it had taken an interest in Wu Qingsong was because it believed he was a perfect host.

If these so-called Abyssal Lords weren’t naturally born powerhouses but incarnations of the Crimson Demon Lord’s power, then the strength of its insectoid forces made more sense.

“That theory is also one of the prevailing views,” Mystic Moon said. “But the result is the same. Whatever power lies behind that gate, it has become an enormous threat to the Elven Empire and occupies the majority of their attention. The Empire currently has no way to resolve it.”

“But as you said, the power behind the gate is weakening?”

“Though I dislike admitting it, you’re right,” Mystic Moon said. “The most optimistic estimate is that in two more years, whether from a powerful Abyssal Lord or an insectoid kingdom, the energy within the Gate of the Abyss will be depleted through repeated failure and eventually subside. It will then resemble the other Gates of Calamity on the continent. Still dangerous, but no longer demanding such a massive imperial response.”

“Two years?” Wu Qingsong repeated.

“Maybe less. Maybe more. Ultimately, no one knows what lies beneath the Abyss. A powerful force is said to be blocking the gate, preventing legendary mages from entering. Weaker elves can pass through, but after several groups went in and never returned, no more attempts were made.”

“Did they send soldiers through?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“Of course. But the result was the same. No one ever returned alive.”

It was clear that Dark Moon had focused its intelligence gathering on this Gate of Calamity. 

Wu Qingsong figured even if he’d captured and interrogated an elf, he wouldn’t have gotten much more information than this. Mystic Moon was surely withholding some things, but even so, what he’d shared was enough for Wu Qingsong.

Once Wu Qingsong stopped asking questions, Mystic Moon finally began his own.

“How are things in the north?” 

It was a kind of equivalent exchange, and so Wu Qingsong gave a similarly simple overview of the Icy Sea and the Stampede Plateau, answering Mystic Moon’s questions in detail. Of course, he said little about Nagrand’s role in the civil war on the plateau or about certain technological breakthroughs. Even the matter of the Divine Knights was lightly touched upon.

Dark Moon had operated in secret for many years. It was impossible that they had no sources of intelligence in the north. Wu Qingsong was certain that some merchants traveling between Nagrand and the beastfolk clans had ties to Dark Moon. So he didn’t go out of his way to hide anything, just mentioned it briefly.

Mystic Moon seemed to understand the value of those things and did not press him, which kept the conversation pleasant.

“Your development has been far faster than we imagined,” Mystic Moon said with a sigh. “Wu, do you know? I now think that not doing everything I could to keep you and Xeila in Dark Moon was the greatest mistake I ever made.”

Wu Qingsong laughed. “I do have something I need your help with this time.” He finally got to the point.

“Go on.”

“Nagrand has become too conspicuous. I want it to remain hidden, at least until I have enough strength to confront them. So I need a patron: someone with enough influence to shelter Nagrand, but who won’t uncover its truth. Someone like Marquis Riniconia. Someone greedy, foolish, and indifferent to his own territory as long as he’s paid.”

Mystic Moon suddenly laughed and shook his head.

“What is it?”

“Marquis Riniconia has been dead for quite some time. His lands have already been reclaimed. I don’t think there’ll be another elf like him anytime soon. And Wu, do you know how many legendary mages the Empire has?” he asked.

“How many?”

“I don’t know. No one does. That’s the most hopeless part. Many elves became legends centuries ago, and we don’t even know if they’re still alive,” Mystic Moon said. “I wasn’t just being polite before, Wu. I truly regret not leaving you with a good impression, not persuading you to join Dark Moon.

“Do you think Dark Moon hasn’t taken your path because we lack the ability? No. We are far stronger than you imagine, Wu. But we know that exposing our strength before the Elven Empire would only bring destruction. We can’t confront those legends hiding in the shadows. If they act, we’re finished.

“That’s why we’ve always stayed low. The fact that Red Moon and I lead Dark Moon isn’t because we’re the strongest; it’s precisely because we’re not strong enough to draw the elves’ attention. That makes us best suited to this work.”

“You should join Dark Moon,” he told Wu Qingsong. “With your talent and your ideas, combined with Dark Moon’s foundation, we could achieve great things. Have you considered this? We could even cultivate a power capable of destroying the Empire right under the elves’ noses. We have many magic-blooded individuals, Wu. If you could unlock the potential of each one, what do you think would happen? We’ll provide every resource you need to help you maximize your strength. That would be the smartest and best path.”

“But instead, you distanced yourself from us and chose to stand in the open.” He shook his head, seemingly lamenting Wu Qingsong’s choice. “Do you really think there are no strong warriors among the northern beastfolk? Have you ever wondered why no one has stepped up to unite them, to form a mighty clan?”

“Anyone who stands out dies. Since the rise of the Elven Empire, this has never changed,” he continued, looking into Wu Qingsong’s eyes with a sigh. “You’ve grown too fast, far beyond our expectations. We didn’t even get the chance to warn you before things reached this point.”

After a long silence, Wu Qingsong finally asked, “Is that really the case?” 

Mystic Moon sighed again, then said, “I won’t hide it from you anymore, Wu. You’re too stubborn. Too self-centered. Too proud. Too sure of yourself. Many believe you’ll only truly listen, only make the right choice, after suffering a harsh defeat and recognizing your flaws. Only then will you seriously consider joining Dark Moon.

“They didn’t let Red Moon or me warn you, Wu. But there’s still time.” His tone became earnest. “Now that you’ve realized this yourself, it’s not too late. You can preserve your greatest achievements. You can move the Xuanyuan Church underground. Let us help. We’ll make it grow faster, reach more people, and cultivate greater power. You should understand we’re experienced in this. This isn’t something you can manage alone.

“You can even keep the Knights. They can become your own personal force within Dark Moon. We’ll help you hide them until the right moment comes.”

“What about Nagrand?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“Its existence is a mistake,” Mystic Moon said. “Your intentions are noble, but reality is harsh. This isn’t something you can protect on your own. If you try, the result may only be an even more tragic fate for them.”

Wu Qingsong looked at him and said nothing.

“I respect your will, Wu. Even though we both know it’s not the most rational choice,” Mystic Moon said at last. “The door to Dark Moon is always open to you. As soon as you nod, you’ll receive our full support. What you’ll gain will far outweigh what you think you’ll give up.”

Wu Qingsong still gave no answer, so Mystic Moon finally said, “If you insist on your path, I do have someone I can introduce. As far as I know, you’ve dealt with him before.”