I Can Extract Divine Power

The Wild Taoist Sect had indeed been invited, which was why Daoist Qihuang seemed particularly defiant at this moment.

Abbot Xuanzhen smiled and waved his hand, calming everyone down before saying, "I’ll only ask you one thing: can you take the Hundred Truths Remains all for yourself?"

At his words, Daoist Qihuang’s expression remained calm, but he still gave a reply.

"And what if I can’t?"

Abbot Xuanzhen continued, "Since you can’t, why not cooperate? We can uncover the secrets of the Hundred Truths Remains together. It’s good for you, good for me, good for everyone."

"What if I don’t like that idea?"

Daoist Qihuang said lightly, "There has always been a division between Daoists and Buddhists. Although neither of us are what you’d call legitimate factions, we belong to different sides. How would I know if you have other plans, or if you’re just using the Wild Taoist Sect as a stepping stone to clear your own obstacles?"

Abbot Xuanzhen shook his head. "Perspective. We need to have perspective. I heard that Daoist Qihuang’s only son was captured by someone from Xinhua Academy. It seems it was Piaoxu, who used the technique of Absorbing Yang and Nourishing Yin to drain him of his life until he died."

"In the end, nothing came of the matter."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of anger crossed Daoist Qihuang’s face. "That bitch. She slept her way to a high position of power in Xinhua Academy. It’s true I can’t do anything to her. Besides, my son was the one in the wrong in that affair."

Abbot Xuanzhen chuckled. "For someone with your temperament to admit that, you must have felt deeply wronged. The three major powers in this Great Zhou Country are already in a delicate balance. Why should you have to take this from her?"

Daoist Qihuang frowned. "You seem to be getting off-topic."

"Not at all, not at all."

Abbot Xuanzhen shook his head. "On this trip, the intelligence I’ve received says the Academy is sending Piaoxu to participate in the mission. I think this is a perfect opportunity. You have orders from your superiors not to clash with Xinhua Academy, but if Piaoxu were to accidentally die in this conflict, it would have nothing to do with you, would it?"

Daoist Qihuang’s brow furrowed even deeper. "Speak more clearly. I don’t like people who beat around the bush."

Abbot Xuanzhen laughed heartily. "Then I’ll be direct. If the two of us obtain the Hundred Truths Remains, I can help you orchestrate a plan to bury Piaoxu in those mines. It would avenge you and give you a plausible story for your superiors."

"If you don’t agree, you probably won’t be able to get your revenge anytime soon."

"I’ll say it again: we can both study the Hundred Truths Remains. One person being invincible in their realm is not as good as two people being invincible in their realm."

"Nanxing Prefecture is too large. If the Wild Buddha Sect tried to take it all, we would surely attract the Observatory’s attention. But with the Wild Taoist Sect sharing the burden, things will be easier for everyone."

Hearing this, Daoist Qihuang fell into deep thought.

Abbot Xuanzhen said nothing more, simply eating his food one bite at a time.

The surrounding Monks and Daoists all wore solemn expressions.

After all, this was a conversation between the leaders of two Demonic Forces. They couldn’t get a word in edgewise at a time like this.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Daoist Qihuang finally put down his chopsticks, raised his wine cup, and spoke.

"I agree to this. But not for revenge—for the Hundred Truths Remains. And remember, after we decipher it, we will both study the Hundred Truths Technique within, and together, we will thoroughly muddy the waters of Nanxing Prefecture."

"But of course."

A smile spread across Abbot Xuanzhen’s face.

The two of them toasted, sealing the agreement.

"I heard Shen Bai has already led his people into the mines. Half of Division Jia and half of Division Yi went with him, and all of them are in the Void Realm. What makes you so confident we can even get in?" Daoist Qihuang asked.

An entire force of a hundred Void Realm cultivators could crush any of the Demonic Forces, including the Wild Taoist Sect and the Wild Buddha Sect.

It was precisely for this reason that no one had dared to make any major moves, even during Nanxing Prefecture’s most difficult times.

This was why Daoist Qihuang posed the question.

Abbot Xuanzhen set down his wine cup and smiled faintly. "Do you know what Xinhua Academy is plotting?"

Daoist Qihuang shook his head. "I do not. Do you?"

Abbot Xuanzhen nodded. "In truth, it’s a plot to kill with a borrowed knife. Well, perhaps that’s not the most fitting description. The general idea is to use the Observatory’s forces to open a path to the ore deposits for us. Then, we enter and seize the Hundred Truths Remains. I understand your meaning, Daoist. You’re worried we won’t be able to get in; after all, a hundred Void Realm cultivators is a terrifying force. Even if we did get in, we might not gain any advantage."

"But what if no one is able to get in?"

"Why would no one be able to get in?" Daoist Qihuang’s brow creased slightly. "Explain yourself clearly. Since we’re now partners, you need to lay out the whole situation plainly. No more hiding things."

Abbot Xuanzhen glanced left and right, and the surrounding Monks promptly departed.

Seeing this, Daoist Qihuang also signaled to the fat and thin Daoists with a look.

The two middle-aged Daoists also left.

Soon, only Abbot Xuanzhen and Daoist Qihuang remained in the great hall.

Abbot Xuanzhen took a scroll from his robes, placed it on the table, and slowly unrolled it. "Daoist, you should recognize this. With this item, forget just entering the mines—we can also take the opportunity to strangle the peerless genius Shen Bai in his cradle. As it happens, Xinhua Academy and I each possess one half of this."

"Prior to this, I also had a deal with Xinhua Academy. But Piaoxu must die. This is not just my promise to you, Daoist, but also a promise to a certain high-ranking official within the Academy. After all, even though Piaoxu wields immense power in the Academy, she still has enemies."

"This time, we’ll use Shen Bai’s mission to lure her out and kill her. It’s a simple favor for me to grant."

Hearing this, Daoist Qihuang’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He looked at the half-painting on the table, raised an eyebrow, and said, "The Shadow in the Painting. Since you were able to obtain half of this Deceitful Object, it seems this plan can succeed."