Myth Beyond Heaven

The tension in the cavern hung thick enough to choke on. Yun Lintian pressed further. "Perhaps I couldn't be recognized by the Soul Scepter. However, don't you think this is a good chance for you? Why don't we work together?"

Xie Pojun's initial defiance had crumbled, replaced by a begrudging acceptance of their power. The audacity of this young mortal, proposing a collaboration despite their opposing goals, was both infuriating and intriguing.

"Work together?" Xie Pojun scoffed, his voice laced with skepticism. "You mortals are full of surprises. But tell me, what makes you think I would trust you?"

Long Qingxuan didn't want to waste her time further and prepared to make a move. However, she was stopped by Yun Lintian first.

Yun Lintian met Xie Pojun's gaze head-on. "Because we offer you a chance at freedom, something you haven't known for eons. And because fighting will only lead to destruction for all of us… This is definitely your best chance."

The cavern remained silent. Yun Lintian hesitated to use force here, mainly due to the potential risks. He was unsure how many eyes were watching this place, as even Li Shan and Lan Qinghe couldn't sense them. In this situation, he found himself completely at a disadvantage.

Finally, after a seemingly endless pause, Xie Pojun spoke, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the chamber. "Very well, mortals," he conceded begrudgingly. "You have… piqued my interest. But know this, I will not be fooled by empty promises."

"We understand," Yun Lintian replied, relief washing over him. "We propose a pact. We will work together to find a way to sever your bindings, and in return, you will guide us to the Soul Scepter and reveal everything you know about it."

Xie Pojun considered the offer, his single eye flickering with an emotion that resembled… hope? The prospect of freedom, albeit a tentative one, was a powerful motivator. However, a hint of suspicion remained in his voice when he spoke.

"And what if you fail?" he challenged. "What if there's no way to break these ancient bindings?"

Yun Lintian didn't hesitate. "Then you shall remain here, Senior," he responded calmly. "But we will keep our promise to search for other solutions, even if it takes a lifetime."

A tense silence descended upon the chamber once more. The weight of their agreement hung heavy in the air. Finally, with a guttural growl that reverberated through the cavern, Xie Pojun agreed.

"Fine," he rasped. "We have a pact, mortals. But make no mistake, I will be watching you closely. Any betrayal will be met with swift and merciless punishment."

"Good," Yun Lintian declared, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Can you tell us now, Senior? Where is the Soul Scepter?"

Xie Pojun's monstrous form shifted, an unsettling movement even for a creature of such proportions. A dark tendril of energy snaked out from his grotesque form, materializing into a shimmering map in midair.

"This," he rumbled, his voice echoing in the cavern, "is a partial map of the God Tomb. The inner sanctum, where the Soul Scepter lies, is represented by this swirling vortex at its center."

Yun Lintian and his companions crowded around the map, their faces grim. The God Tomb was vast, its outer regions meticulously detailed with landmarks and passageways. However, the inner sanctum, supposedly where the Soul Scepter resided, appeared as a swirling vortex of shifting colors.

"What do you mean by 'shifting'?" Long Qingxuan questioned, her brow furrowed.

A flicker of amusement crossed Xie Pojun's single eye. "The inner sanctum," he explained, "is a realm of perpetual change. Its geography rearranges itself at irregular intervals, making navigation a nightmare for even the existence like me, who lived in this place for eons."

Yun Lintian frowned slightly. A map that changes constantly was practically useless. How could they hope to find the Soul Scepter amidst this chaotic landscape?

Sensing their growing frustration, Xie Pojun continued. "However, there is a sliver of hope. Only those who possess a fragment of the Soul Scepter can sense its location within the shifting sanctum."

Yun Lintian was surprised slightly. He tried to contact the fragment again but nothing happened.

"Are you saying," Yun Lintian inquired, his voice sharp, "that only I can lead the way?"

Xie Pojun gave a rumbling chuckle. "Not necessarily. While the fragment amplifies its bearer's senses within the sanctum, it functions better when combined with other fragments."

A realization dawned on Yun Lintian and his companions. This could mean they had to take away the fragments from the others.

"How many fragments are there?" Yun Lintian quickly asked.

"Who knows? It depends on how many people who passed the trial perfectly." Xie Pojun replied.

With a playful smile, he regarded Yun Lintian and said, "Based on my observations, you seem to be the weakest among them. I'm curious to see how you'll fare against them."

Yun Lintian could guess a few people from Xie Pojun's words. Si Junyi was undoubtedly one of them, and the others were likely from the Primordial God Tribe.

In that instant, Yun Lintian grasped the truth behind his father's warning. This was, indeed, an inescapable predicament. Had he not come, Si Junyi would have undoubtedly achieved his objective. However, his arrival placed him in a situation where he was forced to fight everyone.

Yun Lintian looked at Xie Pojun and asked. "How many people like you here?"

"Plenty," Xie Pojun curled his lips. "There are some dangerous fogeys among them. You better watch out."

He had no intention of providing Yun Lintian with information. It would be fun to watch him struggle.

Long Qingxuan frowned with dissatisfaction. If Yun Lintian hadn't stopped her, she would have made Xie Pojun kneel by now.

Yun Lintian nodded slightly and said. "We will leave first."

Without hesitation, he turned around and left, followed by his companions.

Xie Pojun's eyes flickered with a hint of doubt. He couldn't figure out why Yun Lintian seemed very confident. Even though he possessed the Dragon God bloodline, his profound strength was far weaker than Si Junyi and the others.

"Interesting…" Xie Pojun murmured to himself.

Exiting the passage, Yun Lintian materialized the map in the air, then spoke. "It seems I have to go in alone. Would you all prefer to return first?"

Yun Qianxue quickly spoke. "No, we'll stay here and wait for you."

"Don't worry," Lin Xinyao added softly, "Senior Lan and Senior Li are here with us."

Yun Lintian nodded. "Alright, then."

He cast his gaze upon the sprawling landscape. "Let's go."