Mystic Spirit World Realm. Above the ninety-nine provinces, a boundless heavenly river flowed through the sky, ultimately wrapping around the heavenly court, reflecting myriad phantom colors under the sunlight.
Soon, a streak of phantom color fell into the heavenly court and abruptly parted.
Immediately after, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue strolled out from within, followed closely by Perfected Lord Iridescent Brocade. Beside the two of them were Lu Yang and the Supreme of the Mystic Spirit World Realm.
"Not bad."
Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue looked around, then cast a glance at the Supreme of the Mystic Spirit World Realm, nodding slightly. "This Unorthodox Dao world realm truly has some substance."
The four then proceeded deep into the heavenly court. The Supreme of the Mystic Spirit World Realm was good at reading the room and proactively took his leave, leaving Lu Yang, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue, and Perfected Lord Iridescent Brocade in a quiet room. As the doors of the quiet room closed, isolating the inside from the outside, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue finally looked at Lu Yang.
The next second, she asked straightforwardly:
"Where is Chong Guang?"
Lu Yang smiled faintly upon hearing this. He swept his large sleeve, opening a portal in the void, before continuing, "Please enter my Grotto-Heaven for a chat, Fellow Daoist."
Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue immediately set off.
Before long, her vision suddenly expanded, and a forest that seemed to reach the sky and cover the earth came into view. Even with the harsh wind and frost battering it, its form remained unchanged.
However, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue raised her eyebrows at the sight.
Something's not right...
The Dao Fruit concept of this Grotto-Heaven is too heavy; it even shows a trend of overpowering the host. The environment of a Grotto-Heaven should primarily reflect the will of its master.
Thinking of this, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue looked at Lu Yang, feeling astonished inwardly. With the Dao comprehension and methods this person has displayed, there's no way he doesn't understand this principle. If that's the case, it can only be intentional... He has no interest in the [Pine & Cypress Wood]? But then why did he attain this Dao Fruit?
Could he have ulterior motives?
Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue's Dao comprehension was undoubtedly profound. With just a single glance at Lu Yang's Grotto-Heaven, the conclusion she deduced was already close to the truth.
Lu Yang, as if seeing through her thoughts, suddenly laughed:
"I've made a fool of myself before Fellow Daoist. It hasn't been long since I attained the [Pine & Cypress Wood], and I haven't had the time to manage the Grotto-Heaven, which is why its Dao Fruit concept is a bit heavy."
"So that's how it is."
Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue nodded without pressing further. Lu Yang also had no intention of explaining. With their own thoughts in mind, they arrived at the center of the Grotto-Heaven.
It was located right in the middle of the forest, surrounded by wind and snow.
What entered their sight was a tea pavilion. After the three took their seats, they boiled tea, watched the snow, and chatted idly about the Dao. None of them were in a hurry to discuss formal business.
Only after a moment did a streak of profound light descend.
The profound light then parted to the sides and restrained itself. Chong Guang, with a spirited expression, stepped out and bowed to Lu Yang and Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue.
"Chong Guang greets the Perfected Lord, and the Immortal Lord."
"You really are here."
Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue carefully observed Chong Guang and nodded slightly. "A True Demon is truly extraordinary. Even an ordinary middle-stage Golden Core cultivator would find you a headache."
"Good, very good."
Then, she looked at Lu Yang. She suddenly pointed a finger, enveloping the two of them in spiritual light and isolating them from the outside, before finally getting to the main topic:
"To tell the truth, I no longer harbor any hope for Hong Yun's pursuit of the Golden Core this time. He can't outplay [Sky-Shrouding], and with my current strength, I'm afraid I lack the ability to intervene as well."
"Finding another path is important."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yang raised his eyebrows slightly, revealing an expression of surprise. Because in his previous lifetimes, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue clearly hadn't done this.
Back then, she had unhesitatingly gone to fight [Sky-Shrouding] to the death.
Wait, no.
In the previous lifetimes, the current 'me' didn't exist... I see. The reason Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue went all out back then was probably because she had no other choice.
However, this time is different... Why?
Lu Yang pondered internally. I attained the [Pine & Cypress Wood], which is useless to her, so she couldn't possibly be looking to affiliate with me. That means she's seeking something else.
If that's the case, why didn't she come to me earlier?
Why come to me now, of all times, after Chong Guang attained the True Demon... In that case, does her so-called 'other path' involve Chong Guang?
First, he ruled out the possibility of Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue planning to switch Dao paths. In her current state, the risk of switching was too great, and the returns were uncertain. The gains wouldn't make up for the losses. She might as well stick to the Grotto-Heaven method to the bitter end. Finding a Perfected Lord to affiliate with was the easiest path, referencing her choices in his past life...
The next second, Lu Yang smiled. "Fellow Daoist has your sights set overseas?"
As his words fell, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue, who had maintained her calm composure until just now, finally froze. Her red lips parted slightly, and the pupils of her beautiful eyes rapidly constricted.
I guessed right!
Lu Yang laughed inwardly. She wants to use Chong Guang to force the few Great Sages of the monster race overseas to seek refuge with her, thereby breaking through to the late stage of the Golden Core.
Zhengde's death had already proven Chong Guang's current worth.
Just imagine: if Chong Guang, as a True Demon, wreaked havoc overseas, could the old Dragon Lord protect the other monster race Great Sages? The answer was undoubtedly no.
The old Dragon Lord could protect himself at best.
Under these circumstances, the other two Great Sages would inevitably have to find a way to deal with Chong Guang. And at that moment, if Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue offered a viable method...
What a wicked heart.
At this thought, Lu Yang, much like Chong Guang, realized Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue's tactic. If there's no demand, create demand. Who said this madwoman didn't know how to scheme?
On the other hand, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue was also secretly shocked.
This person seems to understand me very well?
I had only just started, yet he actually guessed my entire plan... Which Perfected Lord of my Saint Sect is he the reincarnation of?
But this also saved her from wasting her breath explaining.
"This is also beneficial to Fellow Daoist."
Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue said bluntly, "If Fellow Daoist wants to use the Inner Demon crisis to spread the [Five Thunders Heavenly Heart Orthodox Method], starting with the overseas regions is undoubtedly the best choice."
"Fellow Daoist's words are very true."
Lu Yang nodded, but gave a half-smile. "But Fellow Daoist, thinking it over, it seems I'm doing all the work, while you just sit back and reap the spoils."
"That's not right, is it?"
"You and I should be mutually benefiting. Starting with the overseas regions is just one of my options. Fellow Daoist needs to give me a convincing reason."
In other words: Where's the benefit?
I can help you, but what do I get?
Having reached this realm, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue naturally wouldn't suggest anything like dual cultivation. If she did, Lu Yang would only scold her for being a loose woman.
After all, as everyone knew, he wasn't interested in women.
Trying to brush me off with your body?
No way!
Therefore, before Lu Yang finished speaking, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue narrowed her eyes and said in a ghostly tone, "How much does Fellow Daoist know about the [Heavenly Being's Remnant Consciousness]?"
Now we're talking!
Lu Yang's eyes instantly brightened. In my last life, I already knew that Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue also held a shard of the [Heavenly Being's Remnant Consciousness]. Now I finally get to see it.
At this thought, he immediately said deeply:
"May I ask Fellow Daoist, which piece do you hold in your hands?"
This sentence was mainly to show that he knew what he was talking about, warning her not to try and fool him. Therefore, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue also gave a very straightforward answer:
"When virtue is paramount, form is forgotten... Its name is the [Mark of Fulfilling Virtue]."
"However, this particular fragment is extremely special. Someone placed a forbidden technique on it."
"I won the knowledge of its specific location through a duel, and I cannot voluntarily disclose it... So, if Fellow Daoist truly wishes to know, the only way is to fight me."
"If you win, it's all yours."
At this point, Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue finally smiled. Her classical lady-like aura faded, and even her gaze became passionate.
It was almost as if she wanted to eat Lu Yang in one bite.
It made him feel a bit uncomfortable.
"If Fellow Daoist wants to fight me, just say so directly. Why beat around the bush and use the excuse that someone placed a forbidden technique on the [Heavenly Being's Remnant Consciousness]..."
"Fellow Daoist doesn't believe me?"
Perfected Lord Qingcheng Feixue shook her head. "It seems Fellow Daoist is unaware of some things."
"When the first-generation Beast Taming Peak Master opened up the Netherworld back then, he used the [Heavenly Being's Remnant Consciousness] as the foundation. It's perfectly normal that he would place a forbidden technique on one of the fragment."