Compared to the soul-searching methods of the [Heavenly Mother's Transformative Mystic Light] and the [Mending Heaven True Scripture], the transformation of banner spirits by the Myriad Spirits Banner could also achieve a similar effect.
However, the latter had a flaw—it lacked autonomy.
Unless it was someone like Chen Xin'an or Ancestor Ting You, who willingly entered the banner while alive, most banner spirits would only act upon commands.
Therefore, soul-searching through banner spirits could only be conducted by "asking questions."
Yet, this approach easily led to a paradox.
Lü Yang: "Why didn't you tell me about this?"
Banner Spirit: "You didn't ask."
Lü Yang: "How could I ask if I didn't know?"
Banner Spirit: "If you didn't ask, how would I know whether you knew or not?"
And thus, the conversation reached an impasse.
Hence, compared to the Myriad Spirits Banner, Lü Yang preferred to have Chen Xin'an handle such matters. After all, it concerned cultivation, and even if it meant some hardship for him, Lü Yang believed he would understand.
Jiangnan, the Mass Grave.
This was the site where a fragment of the Heavenly Court had fallen. Evidently, it was orchestrated by the True Lord of the Sword Pavilion, who took the opportunity to eliminate a spy planted by the Primordial Saint Sect in Jiangnan.
Arts uit Antwerp: 's Ochtends komen er wormen uit je lichaam. Probeer hetOpen
Witnessing this, Lü Yang felt a tinge of emotion. In previous lifetimes, although the Mass Grave in Jiangnan had changed hands multiple times, it ultimately returned to the control of the Primordial Saint Sect without significant damage. Yet, in this lifetime, due to his influence, this marvel had been uprooted entirely, leaving no trace behind.
'However, the Primordial Saint Sect likely didn't suffer a loss.'
The fact that Minghua Celestial and others sought him out was clearly the work of the Primordial Saint Sect. They were probably the first faction to enter the [Mystic Spirit Realm].
In such circumstances, the Primordial Saint Sect must have reaped substantial benefits.
Conversely, the Sword Pavilion suffered considerable losses.
If not, the Primordial Saint Sect wouldn't have stood by while the Sword Pavilion filled the Mass Grave. It seemed both True Lords were engaged in tacit transactions.
"Hmm?"
As they approached the Heavenly Court fragment, Lü Yang noticed someone already waiting there. The leader appeared ordinary, but his brows exuded a sharp aura.
'Chong Guang!?'
Almost simultaneously, Chong Guang noticed Lü Yang's gaze and looked over.
"Hmm?"
This clone of Lü Yang hadn't changed his appearance. After all, he had crafted this face from the beginning, and any alteration would be easily noticeable.
Therefore, Chong Guang recognized him at a glance.
Seeing this, Lü Yang frowned slightly but remained unconcerned. After all, to Chong Guang, he was an undercover agent loyal to the Primordial Saint Sect, and Chong Guang wouldn't expose him.
Even if he did, it didn't matter.
After all, Chong Guang was a True Person of the Primordial Saint Sect.
Would anyone believe the words of a True Person from the Primordial Saint Sect?
Thus, even though he noticed Chong Guang's gaze, Lü Yang calmly met it with a demeanor of uprightness, which surprised Chong Guang.
'Interesting. Is he truly an undercover agent?'
Chong Guang pondered internally but showed no expression, naturally shifting his gaze from Lü Yang to Daoist Dangmo:
"Greetings, Daoist Dangmo."
Daoist Dangmo returned the greeting: "Greetings, Daoist Chong Guang."
Despite the polite exchange, a hint of doubt flickered in Daoist Dangmo's eyes. Clearly, he hadn't expected Chong Guang to appear here at this time.
'Shouldn't he be in Jiangbei?'
With the Heavenly Court divided in the [Mystic Spirit Realm], the Primordial Saint Sect reaped the most benefits, naturally becoming the target of many factions. Various parties had dispatched personnel to compete for the fragments.
In such a scenario, as the acting Sect Master of the Primordial Saint Sect, Chong Guang should have been overseeing Jiangbei. Instead, he traveled all the way to Jiangnan to confront the Sword Pavilion, raising suspicions about his motives. Yet, Chong Guang's disposition was impeccable, his expression as calm as a still lake, revealing no clues.
Meanwhile, Lü Yang also furrowed his brows.
He sensed that among those brought by Chong Guang, one gaze was fixed intently on him, causing discomfort.
'The other party harbors malice.'
Although the individual concealed it well, Lü Yang, having cultivated the [Sea of Sorrow Infusion], was highly sensitive to thoughts and emotions, quickly identifying the source.
'...Hmm?'
Looking around, a familiar figure caught Lü Yang's eye.
Chen Taihe, Master of the Mending Heaven Peak!
Upon seeing this, Lü Yang narrowed his eyes, a surge of excitement rising within him: 'It's him? Truly a narrow path for enemies... but his arrival is timely!'
In the previous lifetime, his cultivation was still weak, and he didn't dare confront the Master of the Mending Heaven Peak directly. He could only strike during his Heavenly Thunder Tribulation, ultimately killing him. Although this avenged the grudge of being crushed with a single finger, it still felt somewhat unsatisfying. Now was the perfect time to send him to reunite with Chen Xin'an!
With this thought, Lü Yang didn't hold back, righteously declaring:
"What are you staring at, demon?"
His words directly targeted the Master of the Mending Heaven Peak, causing him to pause slightly, evidently not expecting Lü Yang to detect his covert observation.
However, he had his pride.
Since he had been exposed, he didn't bother hiding, stepping forward and moving his lips slightly to transmit a message: "You're cultivating [Pomegranate Wood]?"
Oh ho? Exposed?
Lü Yang didn't respond but quickly deduced: 'It seems this guy arrived early and observed the remnants of my divine abilities after the battle with Qi He?'
Cultivators who practiced the same fruit position were considered Dao adversaries!
Such conflicts were not apparent in the early Foundation Establishment stage and only slightly intensified in the mid-stage. Most Foundation Establishment True Persons rarely fought over such matters.
But for someone like the Master of the Mending Heaven Peak, who aspired to become a Great True Person, it was a significant issue!
He couldn't ignore it.
Especially upon discovering that Lü Yang's mana and aura were more complete and pure than his own, suggesting that, given time, Lü Yang might surpass him!
How could he tolerate that?
Therefore, he volunteered to stay in Jiangnan and participate in the operation to seize the Heavenly Court fragment from the Sword Pavilion, intending to eliminate Lü Yang amidst the chaos!
"What did that demon say to you?"
At this moment, beside Lü Yang, Ye Guyue suddenly spoke softly: "Don't hide it. I sensed the fluctuation of that demon transmitting a message to you just now."
"Uncle, they must be colluding!"
Daoist Dangmo glanced sideways.
'Deliberate. That old thing from the Mending Heaven Peak did it on purpose!'
Lü Yang cursed internally but maintained a calm expression: "Senior, upon entering the Heavenly Court fragment, I am willing to hand over all my gains, solely seeking to join the Sword Pavilion."
"Don't change the subject!"
Ye Guyue frowned slightly: "I asked you, what did that demon from Jiangbei say to you just now?"
"Senior Sister, you've misunderstood." Lü Yang looked aggrieved: "That demon didn't say anything to me, merely pretending to transmit a message to sow discord."
Ye Guyue naturally didn't believe him.
However, before she could continue questioning, Daoist Dangmo waved his hand: "Enough, Guyue. That's not important. I trust Lü Yang's sincere heart."
Of course, he didn't truly believe.
But the key wasn't whether he believed or not; it was that Lü Yang had demonstrated his attitude: risking entering the Heavenly Court fragment and handing over all his gains afterward.
Wasn't that enough?
With such an attitude, whether he had exchanged messages with the Master of the Mending Heaven Peak was a minor detail. In Daoist Dangmo's eyes, Lü Yang's loyalty was beyond words.
Had Daoist Dangmo ever suspected Lü Yang? Of course. People weren't fools; how could they unconditionally trust a rogue cultivator who voluntarily defected? But as mentioned, Lü Yang had shown his attitude and actions, leaving no room for criticism. So why dwell on it?
"Boom!"
At this moment, a beam of spiritual light shot up from the original Mass Grave location, illuminating the sky and reflecting a majestic and magnificent portal.
Above the portal were three flamboyant characters:
[Southern Heavenly Gate]!
In an instant, numerous escape lights soared into the sky.
Seeing this, Lü Yang quickly activated his own escape light. However, just as he entered the [Southern Heavenly Gate], Chong Guang's voice suddenly reached his ears:
"Fellow Daoist, shall we make another deal?"