Myth Beyond Heaven

Yun Lintian, ignoring Xie Pojun's bewilderment, pressed on. "Whether I am his descendant or not is irrelevant. What matters is the power I wield."

He unleashed more of the Dragon God's power, the azure aura around him intensifying. The cavern trembled violently, and Xie Pojun recoiled further, its monstrous form shuddering under the pressure.

"You see, Senior," Yun Lintian continued, his voice unwavering, "we can either fight, leading to a potentially disastrous outcome for all of us, or we can come to an agreement."

Xie Pojun, stung by the show of power and the prospect of another battle against a Dragon God-empowered being, remained silent.

Even though he was a residual soul, Xie Pojun was confident in taking down everyone here. However, the Dragon God's Soul was the deadliest weapon against him. No matter how hard he tried, it was impossible to fight Yun Lintian.

Sensing a shift in the Devourer's stance, Yun Lintian pressed his advantage. "We seek the Soul Scepter. You, it seems, are bound to this place, unable to claim it yourself."

Xie Pojun's title clearly indicated his proficiency in soul techniques. Yun Lintian, therefore, suspected Xie Pojun's knowledge of the Soul Scepter. But Xie Pojun's presence here, rather than actively seeking the scepter, suggested he was unable to leave this place.

Xie Pojun's crimson eye flickered with a mix of anger and despair. The truth of his situation hung heavy in the air – a powerful entity tethered to this very chamber, forever within reach of immense power yet forever denied.

"We can help you break free," Yun Lintian declared, his voice cutting through the oppressive silence. "In exchange, you lead us to the Soul Scepter."

Xie Pojun scoffed, a single guttural sound echoing through the cavern. "Freedom? You dare make such promises, mortal? I, Xie Pojun, Devourer of Souls, have been imprisoned for eons! No mere mortal can break these ancient bindings."

Yun Lintian, however, remained undeterred. He closed his eyes, focusing his senses on the faint soul fluctuation he had detected earlier, a flicker of existence trapped within the ethereal glow emanating from the pit.

"You are not entirely alone, Devourer," Yun Lintian revealed, his voice resonating with newfound conviction. "There is a soul trapped within the very energy that binds you. Is that not true freedom you yearn for – to be free not just of this place, but also of the burden you carry?"

A stunned silence descended upon the chamber. Xie Pojun's monstrous form trembled, and the red glow in its single eye flickered erratically.

The revelation of the trapped soul, a burden it had endured for millennia, seemed to crack its facade of power.

"How…" Xie Pojun's voice rasped, a hint of vulnerability piercing its usual booming tones. "How do you know of this?"

Yun Lintian opened his eyes, a spark of empathy flickering within them. "The Dragon God's power allows me to see things beyond the physical realm. It allows me to understand your pain, your imprisonment."

Naturally, he had no intention of telling Xie Pojun about the Eyes of Heaven.

Yun Lintian held Xie Pojun's gaze, his voice firm yet gentle. "We offer you a chance to be free, Devourer. Not just from this place, but from the weight of your past. In return, we ask for your guidance, for the knowledge you possess about the Soul Scepter."

The cavern remained silent, a tense battle of wills raging unseen. Xie Pojun, a creature of immense power yet burdened by an ancient curse, wrestled with the unexpected offer. The prospect of freedom, of finally severing the ties that bound it, was an intoxicating temptation.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Xie Pojun spoke, its voice a low rumble that resonated through the chamber. "Very well, mortals. You have intrigued me. However, know this — breaking the bonds will not be easy without the Soul Scepter. What's more? I don't think you can be recognized by the scepter."

Yun Lintian fell silent, a flicker of hesitation flickering across his heart. Though certain he could free Xie Pojun without the Soul Scepter, he chose not to reveal it here. Force seemed the only remaining option.

Li Shan and the others held their tongues, awaiting Yun Lintian's decision.

A moment passed before Yun Lintian lifted his gaze to meet Xie Pojun's. "Why are you convinced I wouldn't be acknowledged by the scepter?"

Xie Pojun offered a contemptuous smile. "Trying to glean information, are we? Well, there's nothing to hide anyway."

A brief pause, then a question. "Have you ever heard of the Three Creation Treasures?"

Yun Lintian furrowed his brow slightly. "No, those are unfamiliar to me."

"Heh," Xie Pojun scoffed, "here I thought you might be an heir to those old fogeys. It turns out you are a clueless fool. Why the Dragon God bestowed his blood origin upon you is a complete mystery."

Yun Lintian remained silent, his gaze fixed on Xie Pojun, silently urging him to elaborate.

"The Three Creation Treasures," Xie Pojun elaborated, "are the strongest artifacts in the entire Primal Chaos: the God Slaying Sword, the Tome of Chaos, and the Soul Scepter."

Yun Lintian and his companions exchanged surprised glances. While the names of these three artifacts were familiar, the concept of the Three Creation Treasures was entirely new to them.

"The Soul Scepter doesn't merely recognize lineage or deeds," Xie Pojun continued, its voice dripping with amusement. "It responds to those who possess a fragment of the Creation Treasures. You, with your measly fragment, might be able to fool it momentarily, but wielding its true power? Impossible."

Yun Lintian furrowed his brow, perplexed by Xie Pojun's unwavering belief in his supposed disqualification.

"Perhaps you find confidence in the Dragon God's bloodline," Xie Pojun sneered, curling his lips. "But trust me, it's not enough."

Long Qingxuan, her voice laced with steel, cut in, "That's irrelevant. You have two choices: cooperate and tell us, or we force you."

Xie Pojun scoffed, a humorless laugh escaping his lips. "Force me? With what?"

His gaze landed on Long Qingxuan. "Just you?" he challenged, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Long Qingxuan's eyes snapped open, revealing a pair of mesmerizing draconic pupils. "Do you truly wish to test that theory?"

Xie Pojun froze. He hadn't sensed a trace of dragon aura from her before. Now, she stood before him, another Dragon God.

"You…" His voice trailed off, for the first time in his life rendered speechless. The combined power of two Dragon Gods would undoubtedly overpower him.

"I'll give you ten seconds," Long Qingxuan said calmly.