Chapter 333: Loyal Beyond Words!
Chapter 333: Such Unquestionable Loyalty!
Compared to the soul-searching methods of [Heavenly Mother's Life-Transforming Profound Light] combined with the [Mending Heaven True Classic], the Myriad Spirits Banner's conversion of banner spirits could also achieve similar effects.
However, the latter had its flaws—primarily a lack of autonomy.
Unless they were banner spirits like Chen Xin'an or Ancestor Nether Whisper, who had willingly entered the banner while still alive, most banner spirits would only act upon command.
Thus, extracting memories from banner spirits could only be done through "questioning."
This easily led to a vicious cycle:
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 don't ask, how would I know whether you knew or not?"
And then—awkward silence.
For this reason, Lü Yang preferred sending Chen Xin'an to handle such matters rather than relying on the Myriad Spirits Banner. After all, it concerned cultivation. Suffering a bit was understandable—he believed Chen Xin'an would comprehend.
Jiangnan, the mass grave.
This was where the Heavenly Court fragments had fallen—clearly an intentional move by the Sword Pavilion's True Lord, simultaneously removing a nail the Saint Sect had planted in Jiangnan.
Seeing this, Lü Yang couldn't help but reflect. In so many past lifetimes, though the Jiangnan mass grave had changed hands several times, it had always been reclaimed by the Saint Sect without much damage. Yet in this lifetime, influenced by him, this wonder had been completely uprooted, leaving nothing behind.
'But the Saint Sect likely didn't lose out.'
The fact that Immortal Minghua and others had come after him was undoubtedly the Saint Sect's doing. They were probably also the first force to storm into the [Mystic Spirit Realm].
Under such circumstances, the Saint Sect must have reaped enormous profits.
In contrast, the Sword Pavilion had suffered significant losses.
Otherwise, the Saint Sect would never have allowed the Sword Pavilion to fill the mass grave so easily. Presumably, the True Lords of both sides were engaged in tacit mutual transactions.
"Hmm?"
As Lü Yang approached the Heavenly Court fragments, he noticed someone had already been waiting there. The leader had an ordinary appearance, but his brows exuded sharpness.
'Chongguang!?'
Almost simultaneously, Chongguang also sensed Lü Yang's gaze and looked over.
"Hmm?"
Lü Yang's avatar hadn't altered its appearance—after all, he had crafted this face from the start. Even if he changed it, it would be easily recognizable.
Thus, Chongguang recognized him at a glance.
Frowning slightly, Lü Yang didn't mind. To Chongguang, he was ostensibly a Saint Sect sympathizer—a mole Chongguang wouldn't expose.
And even if he were exposed, Lü Yang wouldn't care.
After all, Chongguang was a Saint Sect True Person.
Who would believe the words of a Saint Sect True Person?
So despite Chongguang's gaze, Lü Yang calmly met his eyes with an air of unshakable righteousness, which actually surprised Chongguang.
'Interesting... Is he really a mole?'
Chongguang pondered inwardly but showed nothing outwardly, smoothly shifting his gaze from Lü Yang and finally settling on True Person Dangmo:
"Greetings, Daoist Dangmo."
True Person Dangmo returned the courtesy: "Greetings, Daoist Chongguang."
Though polite, a trace of confusion flickered in True Person Dangmo's eyes. He clearly hadn't expected Chongguang to appear here at this time.
'Shouldn't he be in Jiangbei?'
The Heavenly Court in the [Mystic Spirit Realm] had split into four parts, with the Saint Sect gaining the most and thus becoming the prime target. Various factions had dispatched forces to compete for the fragments.
Under such circumstances, as the acting sect leader of the Saint Sect, Chongguang had chosen not to remain in Jiangbei but instead traveled all the way to Jiangnan to oppose the Sword Pavilion—a move that inevitably raised suspicions. Yet Chongguang's composure was impeccable, his expression as unreadable as still water.
Meanwhile, Lü Yang also frowned.
He noticed that among the Saint Sect members Chongguang had brought, one gaze was fixed intently on him, stirring discomfort in his mind.
'Hostility...'
Though well-concealed, Lü Yang, having cultivated the [Sea of Sorrow Infusion], was highly sensitive to thoughts and emotions. He quickly pinpointed the source.
'...Hmm?'
Looking over, a familiar figure immediately caught his eye.
Chen Taihe, Master of Mending Heaven Peak!
Lü Yang narrowed his eyes, his heart stirring with excitement: 'It's him? Truly, enemies cross paths... But this is perfect!'
In his previous life, his cultivation had been too weak to confront the Mending Heaven Peak Master directly. He had only managed to kill him by striking during his Heavenly Thunder Tribulation. Though it had avenged his death by a single finger press, it still left some dissatisfaction. Now was the perfect chance to reunite him with Chen Xin'an!
With this thought, Lü Yang didn't hold back, declaring righteously:
"What are you staring at, demon?"
His words directly targeted the Mending Heaven Peak Master, who froze momentarily, clearly surprised Lü Yang had detected his covert observation.
But he had his pride.
Since he'd been exposed, he stepped forward without hiding, lips moving as he transmitted a message: "You cultivate the [Pomegranate Wood]?"
Oh? Exposed?
Lü Yang didn't respond but realized: 'So he's been here for a while. Did he see the remnants of my divine ability after my fight with Qi He?'
Cultivators pursuing the same fruit position were natural adversaries!
This conflict wasn't prominent in the early Foundation Establishment stage and only became slightly sharper by mid-stage. Most Foundation Establishment True Persons rarely fought over such matters.
But for someone like the Mending Heaven Peak Master, who aspired to become a Grand True Person, it was critical!
He couldn't ignore it.
Especially when he sensed Lü Yang's magic power was more complete and pure than his own. Given time, Lü Yang might surpass him!
How could he tolerate that?
Thus, he had volunteered to stay in Jiangnan and participate in the competition for the Heavenly Court fragments—intending to eliminate Lü Yang amid the chaos!
"What did that demon say to you?"
Just then, Ye Guyue, standing beside Lü Yang, spoke softly: "Don't hide it. I sensed the transmission wave just now."
"Uncle, they must be colluding!"
True Person Dangmo glanced sideways.
'He did it on purpose—that old fox Mending Heaven Peak Master definitely did it on purpose!'
Lü Yang cursed inwardly but maintained his calm expression: "Senior, for this venture into the Heavenly Court fragments, I'm willing to surrender all gains, asking only to join the Sword Pavilion."
"Don't change the subject!"
Ye Guyue frowned: "I asked you—what did that Jiangbei demon transmit to you just now?"
"Senior Sister misunderstands." Lü Yang feigned grievance: "That demon said nothing to me. He merely pretended to transmit a message to sow discord."
Ye Guyue didn't believe him.
But before she could press further, True Person Dangmo waved his hand: "Enough, Guyue. This isn't important. I trust Lü Yang's sincerity."
Of course, he didn't truly believe.
But the key wasn't whether he believed—it was Lü Yang's demonstrated attitude: risking entry into the Heavenly Court fragments and pledging to surrender all gains afterward.
Wasn't that enough?
With such an attitude, whether Lü Yang had exchanged transmissions with the Mending Heaven Peak Master was trivial. In True Person Dangmo's eyes, Lü Yang's loyalty was already beyond question.
Had True Person Dangmo ever doubted Lü Yang? Of course—no one was foolish enough to unconditionally trust a rogue cultivator who'd defected. But again, Lü Yang had shown his stance and actions, impeccable inside and out. What more was there to scrutinize?
Boom!
At that moment, a radiant light erupted from the mass grave site, shooting into the sky and projecting the majestic silhouette of a towering gate.
Above the gate, three characters danced boldly:
[Southern Heavenly Gate]!
Instantly, streaks of light soared upward.
Lü Yang hastily summoned his own light, but as he entered the [Southern Heavenly Gate], Chongguang's voice suddenly echoed in his ear:
"Fellow Daoist, care to make another deal?"