[White Jade Capital], Central Palace.
Up until now, no Perfected Lord had yet set foot in this place. Patriarch Nether Whisper and Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon each stood guard, and the corpses of the Dragon Lords had successfully intimidated everyone.
However, precisely because of this.
A Foundation Establishment Perfected One had astonishingly bypassed all obstacles and silently entered the central palace. It was simply suspicious.
Because of this, the Nameless Dao Lord directly locked onto the other party and quickly saw the clue: 'This person's cultivation is nothing special, but he is being manipulated. The Foundation Establishment Perfected One's sea of consciousness is sealed; not even a Perfected Lord could search his soul. To be able to forcibly manipulate him, it must be the Ancestral Dragon acting in secret!'
A logical and reasonable judgment.
However, when he tried to follow the clues to find the mastermind behind this Foundation Establishment Perfected One, the result of his deduction made him frown:
'I can't calculate it.'
Looking at this result, the Nameless Dao Lord felt somewhat surprised inwardly, but quickly figured it out: 'That's right, it is the Ancestral Dragon after all. How could he not have some formidable abilities?'
It was only normal that he couldn't calculate it.
Thinking of this, he didn't beat around the bush anymore. A strand of divine sense instantly plunged into the Foundation Establishment Perfected One's sea of consciousness, making darkness sweep over the other party's perception.
Then, he let out a hearty laugh:
"Fellow Daoist Ancestral Dragon, I have waited for you for a long time!"
As his voice fell, the Nameless Dao Lord astonishingly put on a posture of having everything under control, with all things within his grasp, wanting to use this to seize the initiative.
"..."
Then he saw that Foundation Establishment Perfected One abruptly halt his steps. The tiny soul raised its head, yet there was not the slightest bit of panic, remaining composed and calm:
"I also wanted to say these words to Fellow Daoist."
"After all, Fellow Daoist hid too deeply and gave me quite a hard time searching. How should I address you? Di Muni or Du Xuan? Which name do you prefer?"
A relaxed chuckle.
But falling upon the Nameless Dao Lord's ears, it was like thunder piercing his ears, almost shattering his divine sense. The violent fluctuations in his thoughts nearly erupted directly.
However, in a split second, he rapidly adjusted his state of mind. The thoughts on the verge of erupting were instantly suppressed, only causing faint ripples in the heaven and earth radiance behind him. Then, he similarly chuckled lightly and said, "If Fellow Daoist Ancestral Dragon is willing, you can call me Xiu Zhen."
After speaking, he even dispersed the radiance around his body.
The previously blurry face was now clearly displayed before Lu Yang. It was astonishingly a square face, vastly different from both the World Honored One and the Dao Lord of Spiritual Power.
"Fellow Daoist has chosen a good name."
Lu Yang understood in his heart and nodded slightly: "Although Fellow Daoist was born because of those two, you have cultivated a brand new True Self. The name Xiu Zhen is perfectly fitting."
'...How could this be?'
'He really knows!'
A simple sentence made Xiu Zhen's thoughts instantly become countless times heavier. He knew that his origins, which he had hidden until now, had indeed been exposed.
But how was it exposed?
'Because of Ling Xiao? Impossible. I only mentioned Du Xuan in passing to Ling Xiao. Even if he were to guess, he should have guessed me to be Du Xuan.'
It made no sense!
Xiu Zhen felt gloomy inwardly. He had to admit that the exposure of his origins completely exceeded his expectations. The calmness he displayed now was merely putting up a strong front.
After all, he couldn't figure out no matter how hard he thought. His origins involved the [Heavenly Scripture] of the false history, which was entirely sealed forbidden knowledge. Moreover, it was related to Sisui's Good and Evil Primordial Spirit method, cleverly hidden beneath the Primordial Spirit [Seal] that now pervaded the sea of light. It was fundamentally impossible for a normal person to discover it.
'How did the Ancestral Dragon do it?'
Just as Xiu Zhen was constantly speculating, Lu Yang spoke again: "Fellow Daoist Xiu Zhen, I won't beat around the bush either. Let's make a trade."
Hearing this, the Xiu Zhen fell silent for a moment, then said cautiously:
"...There's no harm in speaking."
Lu Yang spoke decisively and neatly: "You and I will join forces and head to the [Heavenly Dao]. You borrow [Yin and Yang], and I retrieve the [Heavenly Heart Seal]. What do you think?"
"Once this matter is accomplished, we will both be benefited. But because of this, we will also have to face the suppression of the various Dao Lords. It just so happens we can release Sisui and let him draw the fire for us. Afterwards, we only need to watch the fire from across the river and reap the fisherman's profit. Fellow Daoist should also be able to see that this is a win-win situation."
"Otherwise, if you and I act separately."
"For Fellow Daoist to seek the unorthodox path of [Yin and Yang], not to mention how difficult it would be to succeed, even if you did succeed, how could the Dao Lords sit back and watch once they see it? When that time comes, Fellow Daoist won't be able to hide anymore."
"The same goes for me."
"If I retrieve the [Heavenly Heart Seal], it will inevitably inflict heavy damage on the [Heavenly Dao]. At that time, the Sword Lord and Cang Hao won't possibly let me off, and I will also be in huge trouble."
"Under these circumstances, whether it is Fellow Daoist or me, we both need a suitable meat shield. Sisui is undoubtedly the most perfect choice."
Xiu Zhen's expression grew increasingly profound.
He had to admit that these words from the "Ancestral Dragon" made a lot of sense. However, he was also pondering inwardly: 'A meat shield... I'm afraid I'm included in that as well!'
'Saying he's bringing me in as a partner, but in reality, he's also using me as a meat shield.'
Despite this, the Xiu Zhen didn't feel much about it. Because compared to Sisui and the Ancestral Dragon, he felt that he definitely wasn't that important in the eyes of the Dao Lords.
At least, it was unlikely they would deal with him first.
However, releasing Sisui and letting [Yin and Yang] manifest in the world again—this point still made him extremely apprehensive. He didn't want to subject himself to someone else's character.
"...Acceptable."
Thinking of this, Xiu Zhen suddenly spoke: "However, for those heading to the [Heavenly Dao], having me alone is enough. Fellow Daoist does not need to accompany me."
"Oh? Why is that?"
Lu Yang immediately put on a "dissatisfied" expression upon hearing this: "Since we are cooperating, you and I naturally ought to head to the [Heavenly Dao] together, right?"
Despite his words, he was inwardly pumping his fist in victory. After all, he hadn't yet cultivated a Primordial Spirit. If Xiu Zhen really invited him, it would actually give him a headache.
Now was just right.
'Just as I expected, he is apprehensive about Sisui's resurrection and will definitely play tricks.'
While making a judgment in his heart, Lu Yang intentionally revealed a look of anger: "If Fellow Daoist Xiu Zhen speaks like this, I can only assume Fellow Daoist has no sincerity."
"Fellow Daoist Ancestral Dragon misunderstands."
Hearing this, Xiu Zhen hurriedly shook his head: "The main reason is that there is only one portion of Sisui's remnant thought. It cannot accommodate two Primordial Spirits. It would be very difficult for you and me to pass through the [Heavenly Dao] at the same time."
"Then we go in batches."
Lu Yang adopted a tone of taking things for granted: "You go once, then I go once. What's wrong with that?"
Xiu Zhen shook his head: "If that's the case, how would I know what Fellow Daoist discussed with Sisui? What if Fellow Daoist secretly set a trap, intending to harm me?"
"What a joke!"
Lu Yang gave a cold smile: "What are your origins, and what are mine? Do I need to harm you? Taking ten thousand steps back, what meaning would there be in harming you?"
Of course there was no meaning.
This was also the reason why Xiu Zhen was willing to talk with the "Ancestral Dragon." After all, he truly had no past grievances or present enmity with this person, and there truly existed a basis for cooperation.
But he couldn't allow Sisui to break the seal.
Therefore, he had to take the initiative to propose conditions, pursuing the maximization of benefits.
Thinking of this, Xiu Zhen stated his proposal: "I will control Sisui's remnant thought, pass through the [Heavenly Dao], and go meet with Sisui first."
"If we want to release him, coordinating from the inside and outside is crucially important."
"Fellow Daoist can send a well-manipulated Foundation Establishment soul to accompany me. As long as it's not a Primordial Spirit, I believe I can still cover for it. This way, both you and I can come into contact with Sisui. If I tamper with the soul controlled by Fellow Daoist, Fellow Daoist will definitely be able to detect it."
"This way satisfies both sides, how about it?"
As his voice fell, Xiu Zhen saw the "Ancestral Dragon's" expression go from furious, to calm, to pondering, and finally turn into a hint of hesitation:
"This isn't very good, is it?"
"What's not good about it?" Xiu Zhen asked in return. "If Fellow Daoist has a more suitable method, you may speak freely. As long as it is feasible, I will agree to it."
"However, I must declare one point. I do not possess Fellow Daoist's ability to manipulate puppets. Therefore, I absolutely must personally go and meet with Sisui once."
"This..."
Hearing this, the "Ancestral Dragon" finally revealed an expression of reluctantly doing what was difficult:
"Then fine."
"But I warn Fellow Daoist, the moment I discover you playing tricks in secret, the cooperation is immediately voided, and your origins will be instantly grasped by the Dao Lords."
"As it should be."
Xiu Zhen nodded slightly, but laughed heartily inward: 'It's a deal!'
Meanwhile, outside the [Dao-Attaining Hidden Profound Palace]. Lu Yang could be seen covering his face with both hands, astonishingly also letting out an almost irrepressible laugh of wild joy:
"Finally took the bait!"