Hearing Wang Chengqian's words, Lin Yun found it utterly laughable. The man likely had no idea that Lin Yun had already seen through all of his schemes.
As Lin Yun prepared to act according to Wang Chengqian's instructions, Qin Xiyan voiced her own doubts.
"If this man has the ability to solve this problem, why didn't he have us act sooner? Why wait until after our own attempts failed to offer his help?"
Seeing Qin Xiyan's serious expression, Lin Yun felt a sense of admiration. He himself had only known Wang Chengqian's true thoughts because of his Life Panel, but Qin Xiyan had been able to immediately identify the inconsistencies in the situation through a few key details. It was clear she was exceptionally perceptive.
But for now, Lin Yun wasn't too worried. He refused to believe that Wang Chengqian could truly play him in the palm of his hand. He could admit the man had some skill, but he would not be fooled.
At this critical juncture, however, Lin Yun took another look at Qin Xiyan's panel.
[Name]: Qin Xiyan
[Realm]: Sky-Soaring Realm - Stage 2
[Destiny Template]: Empress Reborn (Gold)
[Attributes]: ???
[Fate]: After nine reincarnations, she finally breaks through the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, but perishes under the Nine Heavens Tribulation Lightning during her ascension!
[Recent Turning Point]: Is grievously wounded by a sneak attack from Wang Chengqian in the Nether River Dragon Palace.
Now Lin Yun could be certain: Wang Chengqian was definitely a major villain. He was just curious… if he already knew Wang Chengqian's goal, how could that man still manage to break free?
With this question in his heart, Lin Yun naturally didn't dare to act rashly.
Wang Chengqian was still completely unaware that all his previous thoughts had been seen through by Lin Yun. Following his directions, Lin Yun soon returned to the central palace. As he looked again at the savage-looking statues surrounding him, he felt a new, different understanding dawn on him.
"Continue forward, and you will soon find me," Wang Chengqian's voice echoed. "When the time comes, you only need to do as I say to release my divine soul, and I will help you resolve this crisis."
Wang Chengqian was no longer as tense as before. It was clear he believed Lin Yun would soon release him, so there was no need to worry.
But Lin Yun, of course, was well aware of Wang Chengqian's little scheme. He once again stood before the statue of the Dragon King, then found Wang Chengqian's statue among the figures of the human cultivators. The man looked elegant and refined, making it difficult to associate him with a villain.
But all Lin Yun was thinking about now was how to utterly extinguish the man's soul.
"Ezu, since you warned me before, you must know how this situation might change. If that's the case, then please help me now to finish this man off for good," Lin Yun asked. Ezu surely knew a way to ensure Wang Chengqian's soul was completely destroyed. If he could be dealt with, the rest would be smooth sailing.
Ezu let out a lazy snort. "Heh, you brat. Now you're thinking of asking for my help? I'm trapped in this damned sea of consciousness, unable to do anything. I've even had thoughts of killing you myself. Do you really think I will listen to your arrangements?"
Ezu's voice was heavy with resentment. He loved freedom, but now he had been forced into this state by Lin Yun. No one could accept such a thing. And now, Lin Yun was the one asking for a favor. Ezu would certainly use this opportunity to extort him.
"You know you are currently residing in my body," Lin Yun retorted. "If my body dies and my Dao disappears, I'm curious to see what your fate will be."
When hitting a snake, strike at its vital point. Lin Yun, of course, knew where Ezu's weakness lay. The creature might act as if it feared neither heaven nor earth, but if you truly grabbed hold of its weakness, everything could be easily resolved.
Sure enough, Ezu, who had been so arrogant a moment ago, immediately softened his tone after hearing Lin Yun's words.
"You brat, if you wish to sincerely ask for my guidance, you should show some of your own sincerity, not use such methods to threaten me. Do you think you can make me afraid with such tactics?" Ezu grumbled, annoyed. But he still dejectedly explained his method.
"Since you've already determined this man is not a kind soul, then just destroy this statue now. Generally speaking, he must have hosted his soul within this statue. As long as you can destroy it, his soul will naturally scatter like smoke."
"However," he added, "I am not certain if he is using the method I am thinking of, so it is highly likely this information could be wrong. I have told you everything I can. As for how you proceed, that is your own problem. If any trouble arises, it has nothing to do with me."
Hearing Ezu's words, Lin Yun's heart grew heavy. According to the previous hints from his Life Panel, no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn't be able to change the outcome. In the end, Wang Chengqian would be released, and the impact this man would have on the world was unimaginable.
Just then, the Chongqing Bird also spoke up. "This creature is, after all, a remnant of an ancient clan. There is some value in his words. But you cannot completely trust everything he says."
This Ezu, on a normal day, seemed to be on their side. But no one could be certain what he would do next. So on this matter, everyone's attitude was the same. Even in a state of relative safety, they could not ignore the trouble Ezu might cause.
Ezu sneered. "You ask, I answer. That is all. As for whether you believe me or not, that is your business. It has nothing to do with me." He was still proud, especially after hearing that Lin Yun was now unwilling to trust him.
Lin Yun indeed didn't dare to easily trust Ezu right now. The creature might seem harmless on a normal day, but if he truly broke free, he would be completely uncontrollable. To avoid such unnecessary trouble, Lin Yun could only force himself to be even more careful.
"I think, for now at least, you wouldn't go so far as to use such a method to harm me," Lin Yun said aloud. "After all, if I die, you won't be any better off."
Though he said this, in his heart, he still didn't believe what Ezu had just told him.
And Wang Chengqian was still urging him on.
"Quickly… just use the secret art, and all of this can be over."