Chapter 554: Want to Come Into the Ancient Texts Space for a While?

A drop of sweat seeped from Xu Xiaoshou's forehead.

The next second, Lei Shuangxing (Lorelei) greeted Senior Sleeveless and thanked him for saving his life in the past.

Sweat instantly streaked across his furrowed forehead, swirled halfway around his eye sockets, then slid down the side of his prominent cheekbones and dripped.

Xu Xiaoshou's entire face turned pale.

Lei Shuangxing, Lorelei…

Aren't these the 'Holy Slaves'?

Even if they hadn't revealed their identities, just the phrase "Lei family boy, Luo family girl" was enough for Xu Xiaoshou to understand everything.

Back then, in the Heavenly Sang Spiritual Palace, Ye Xiaotian used brute force to disrupt their escape, delivering a final blow to Lei Shuangxing and Lorelei as they attempted to teleport through space. As space collapsed, these two Grandmasters, even with their life-saving techniques, had only a slim chance of escaping the spatial turbulence. And even if they escaped, they would most likely be lost.

Yet, these two ultimately reappeared in the Eight Palaces seemingly unharmed…

"Old Man Sang saved them?"

Xu Xiaoshou's throat felt dry, and a bitter taste filled his mouth.

Indeed!

Isn't it obvious?

Such a significant event had unfolded at the Heavenly Sang Spiritual Palace, yet Old Man Sang only appeared in the back mountain at the very last moment. So, was he only then aware of the commotion within the Spiritual Palace?

Impossible!

For a powerful figure like him, not even the slightest disturbance could escape his notice, so how could he remain indifferent to the tragic state of the Spiritual Palace?

The most plausible explanation…

On one hand, there were the disciples of the Spiritual Palace; as the vice-dean, he genuinely wanted to help. But on the other, there were the 'Holy Slaves'! Both sides were equally important to him. Even an existence like Old Man Sang might not have known what course of action to take immediately. But when one side faced a life-threatening crisis, he finally couldn't wait any longer.

Did he rescue the 'Holy Slaves,' thereby delaying aid to the people of the Spiritual Palace, which is why he rushed back to the back mountain at the last possible moment?

Xu Xiaoshou clutched the straw hat tightly. He couldn't believe, nor dared to believe, that the truth of all this was truly so!

"Old Man Sang is a 'Holy Slave'?"

Xu Xiaoshou propped himself against the side of the pit with his elbow, adopting a "comfortable" posture that perfectly disguised his near stumble.

"Master, what's wrong?" Mu Zixi's voice stopped. Looking up from her angle, she could just make out half of his paper-white face beneath the straw hat. What was wrong now? What were they all talking about? She really wanted to listen!

What was wrong… Xu Xiaoshou let out a bitter laugh internally, forcing himself to raise his head so his face, which was slowly regaining color, became visible.

Damn it, your senior brother's mentality has completely collapsed!!!

Holy Slaves…

Your master is a member of the 'Holy Slaves,' you silly fool. Can you believe it? I'd never dare to even consider that possibility! But the truth was just laid bare. Who could possibly handle this? Oh heavens, someone please kill me, Xu Xiaoshou, to celebrate your master's acting prowess? This time, I, Xu Xiaoshou, declare your master the strongest! Second to none!

Xu Xiaoshou restrained his slightly trembling hand, slowly extended it, and gently patted his junior sister's head, a benevolent expression on his face. "Good, you explained it very well. This old man heard every word."

Mu Zixi: ???

"Xu Xiaoshou, what on earth is wrong with you?"

She blinked her large eyes, bowed, and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Master."

"Received Curse, Passive Points +1."

Secret Technique: Brain Freeze!

Xu Xiaoshou used the 'Frozen Tribulation Power' to calm his mind. His power was contained with perfect precision, not daring to reveal even a hint of its aura. If Old Man Sang was indeed a 'Holy Slave,' then everything suddenly made sense.

During the masked man's first night attack on the Heavenly Sang Spiritual Palace, Xiao Qixiu was defeated with a single sword, Ye Xiaotian lost an arm, and the nine Grand Elders of the Spiritual Palace were almost hanged by sword energy that seemingly appeared from thin air. Yet Old Man Sang, with just a few words, managed to repel the 'Holy Slaves' leader…

During the masked man's second attack on the Heavenly Sang Spiritual Palace, the famous sword 'Tomb-Name City Snow' was stolen, and he even brought along an old woodcutter at the Path-Cutting level. The people of the Spiritual Palace couldn't even resist the axe-wielding figure. Old Man Sang, with a few spiritual techniques and a few words, once again forced the masked man to retreat…

Is this possible?

This is impossible!

Unless there was an extremely close relationship between the two, how could that old man wield such immense authority?

He should have realized it earlier… Xu Xiaoshou felt a wave of helplessness. He could tell that Old Man Sang and the 'Holy Slaves' leader had some acquaintance. But like everyone else, he could never have imagined. This acquaintance, to put it plainly, meant they were actually accomplices!

But if they were both 'Holy Slaves,' why would the masked man attack the Spiritual Palace while Old Man Sang strenuously protected it? Xu Xiaoshou was baffled. At this point, he was no longer able to speculate on the inner workings of the situation.

"Damn it, you old man, are you going to trick me, Xu Xiaoshou, until I'm dead before you finally stop?" Xu Xiaoshou secretly cursed all of this internally, but on the surface, he maintained an amiable facade.

"Continue speaking, continue analyzing."

"Tell me everything you know, everything you can deduce!"

"Okay." Mu Zixi nodded. "Blah blah blah…"

"Yes, Senior!" Lei Shuangxing's voice grew more solemn. Senior Storyteller dared to joke, but Lei Shuangxing certainly did not. His impression of this 'Holy Slave' second-in-command, whom he had never met, was still based on a string of legends.

When the Central Region branch was discovered, Senior Sleeveless single-handedly took on everything. Before any reinforcements could arrive, he single-handedly kept everyone from the Holy Divine Palace at bay, creating an escape route for the new recruits. Furthermore, even while besieged by numerous powerful figures, he managed to severely injure Moonless Sword Immortal, one of the Seven Sword Immortals, carving a path to survival from a certain death situation and escaping to the Eastern Region. Now, with Moonless Sword Immortal's mere presence in the Eastern Region, Senior Sleeveless, still recovering from severe injuries, dared to once again go alone and attack those white-clothed figures.

And the result…

The white-clothed figures who had rushed in vast numbers from the Central Region arrived at Qinglong County with less than half of their forces remaining, consisting only of the old, weak, and infirm. It can be said that Senior Sleeveless's actions laid a solid foundation for the 'Holy Slaves' subsequent breakthrough from the White Cave.

How could Lei Shuangxing possibly fathom such a formidable individual, with such incredible achievements?

He said solemnly, "Within the Leaving Sword Grassland, there aren't many who currently have a chance to obtain the 'Four Swords of Existence.' First, there's this person."

As Lei Shuangxing spoke, a specific area in Xu Xiaoshou's spiritual perception was magnified. It was the location of Lan Xinzi and the demonic-patterned man. As expected, this was likely the informant's ability.

"This person is named He Yuxing. He possesses a 'Sacrificial Carving' and has also comprehended a trace of the Eighth Sword Immortal's sword intent. If no unexpected events occur, it's highly probable that the 'Four Swords of Existence' will eventually recognize him. I also possess a Sacrificial Carving, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to comprehend anything from it."

Regret was evident in Lei Shuangxing's voice. Xu Xiaoshou also withdrew his gaze from the point of focus, giving a subtle nod. It wasn't far off from his own predictions.

"Continue," he told Mu Zixi.

"Okay."

Lei Shuangxing took a moment to compose himself and continued, "The second… Yu Zhiwen."

The red-robed figures appeared vaguely, with Yu Zhiwen, who was leading them, being particularly conspicuous. Evidently, when it came to the red-robed figures, the informant didn't dare to act recklessly, so the transmitted image wasn't very clear.

"The 'Star Orb Pupils' possess incredibly terrifying Heavenly Dao power. This power alone is enough to cause many unexpected events. Additionally, this person is the niece of the Dao Palace Master and a direct disciple of Dao Xuanji. For her to be here, she must undoubtedly possess unknown trump cards."

Xu Xiaoshou sighed inwardly. Indeed, the Blackfall Scabbard was in her hands. Yu Zhiwen's words from back then were faintly audible; regarding the 'Four Swords of Existence,' she was almost certain.

"And this one…"

The image then showed a goofy little monk, backside protruding, nervously staring at the 'Four Swords of Existence' as they flew through the void.

"This is the disciple of 'Resentful Buddha.' As you know, Resentful Buddha was also a close friend of the Eighth Sword Immortal during his lifetime. With this connection, if he simply takes out any token of the Eighth Sword Immortal, it could cause the 'Four Swords of Existence' to resonate. Moreover, one of the Eighth Sword Immortal's former cherished swords—the Great Sorrowful Tearless Sword—was a gift from 'Resentful Buddha.' Now, this famous sword is lost, its whereabouts unknown, but it's highly possible it's on this little monk."

The famous Great Sorrowful Tearless Sword?

Xu Xiaoshou frowned. Was this little monk hiding something from him? Didn't he only have the 'Prison Void Demon Staff' and the 'Buddha-Slaying Blade'? Hadn't he also gotten his hands on these two divine artifacts? What, he was hiding a famous sword too?

Good heavens!

"Next… no, next three."

The image shifted, revealing the familiar three swordsmen. The three sat apart, forming a triangular formation, silently. But they seemed to be brewing something, their aura growing increasingly terrifying with each passing moment.

"These are people from the 'Sword Burial Mound.' They've brought two famous swords alone, so their strength is self-evident. But that's not the main point. What I fear is that they possess tokens belonging to Sword Immortal Wen Ting. At the very least, simply bringing a trace of the broken sword 'Qingju's' sword intent would likely cause the 'Four Swords of Existence' to go directly with them."

The Seven Sword Immortals, Wen Ting? Xu Xiaoshou was abruptly startled. He recalled the story Yu Zhiwen had told in the Yuan Mansion. Wasn't this the supreme existence whose brilliance had been overshadowed by the Eighth Sword Immortal for his entire life, only to be recognized by the world after the latter's demise? So, these three swordsman brothers were disciples of Sword Immortal Wen Ting?

Damn, I never thought so before, but now it seems everyone has such an impressive background!

"And then there are the people from the 'Xuyue Gray Palace'…" Lei Shuangxing continued.

The image flickered, and Xin Gugu's shadow appeared.

"This is a reckless individual. I've fought him; he's very strong. Even without transforming into a ghost beast host, he possesses terrifying combat power, but he truly is simple-minded and brawny. He is certainly not the leader of the 'Xuyue Gray Palace'; that much is certain. But I haven't found the others. The only thing we need to guard against… this faction of pure ghost beast hosts is the most likely to cause unexpected events, so we must be wary!"

"And finally…"

"Hmm, there's more?" The informant's puzzled voice appeared. "I don't know where they are."

"Over there."

The image blurred, and a group of youthful faces appeared.

Xu Xiaoshou's pupils constricted. People from the Heavenly Sang Spiritual Palace?

"This bunch of brats?" The informant's voice grew surprised and doubtful. "What could they possibly have?"

"You don't need to look at anyone else, Senior. You can focus on the one leading them," Lei Shuangxing said.

"Leading… this one?"

The image stabilized, focusing on Rao Yinyin. Xu Xiaoshou himself was bewildered. What else was special about this Inner Court Senior Sister? Scenes of his past interactions with this girl flashed frame by frame, but after replaying them in his mind, Xu Xiaoshou still couldn't find anything special.

Lei Shuangxing's tone, however, was exceptionally cautious: "Her surname is 'Rao'!"

"Rao?"

"…Hiss!"

The informant merely repeated the surname, then seemed to realize something, and the image trembled, clearly indicating deep shock.

"Rao?" Xu Xiaoshou also muttered to himself inwardly. Just a surname? What's so special about that?

"Yes, the surname is Rao." Lei Shuangxing, however, offered no further explanation. "Great chaos is about to begin. Seniors can kill anyone, but this person must not be harmed. Just keep that in mind."

"Are you kidding me!" Now it was Xu Xiaoshou's turn to be horrified. Just because of a surname, Rao Yinyin couldn't be killed? Surname Rao? So she should be spared? What on earth is going on?! You blind man, you don't even have eyes, can't you speak more clearly and just spill everything? Beating around the bush and hiding things, what kind of behavior is that? I, the second-in-command of the 'Holy Slaves,' still know nothing!

However, what could Xu Xiaoshou do? He was helpless! He had originally intended to respond with a hint of surprise, just like the informant. But on second thought, Rao Yinyin was a member of the Spiritual Palace, and as its current vice-dean, he surely knew something. This small detail absolutely could not be wrong.

"Hmm." He nodded calmly, as if affirming that Mu Zixi had explained it very well.

"Senior Sleeveless, Senior Storyteller, this is all I've learned before and after entering the White Cave. As for the rest, it's up to your arrangements," Lei Shuangxing said finally, then fell silent.

Senior Storyteller…

Xu Xiaoshou sighed weakly inwardly. He had indeed roughly guessed the informant's identity. But with Lei Shuangxing's final remark, the full truth finally surfaced. Storyteller, the seventh-in-command of the 'Holy Slaves.' He was also present! That meant Shounight hadn't been able to capture him at all near the Lingrong Marsh that day. And his being frozen in the ice layer was indeed intentional.

So, that ghost beast this fellow mentioned earlier…

"The Grey Mist Man, has he been captured by him?"

Xu Xiaoshou didn't have time to be astonished; his 'perception' immediately swept the area. No Shounight! Among the red-robed team, there was no one named Shounight.

"He's dead?"

His heart clenched, and Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt a pang of sadness. Shounight, you died so tragically… Although in the end, they had become adversaries, I've never forgotten the special care you showed me, Xu Xiaoshou, nor your gift of a sword!

Well. The dead cannot be resurrected. Rest in peace… If I get the chance, I, Xu Xiaoshou, will certainly go and offer incense for you. Three sticks!

"Senior Sleeveless." Lorelei's voice suddenly broke through. "Although the White Cave is on the verge of breaking through, I also know you don't fear Gou Wuyue. But for now, everything must wait until the leader emerges from the 'Void Island' rift. Only then can we break through, as the current situation outside is still unclear to everyone. I also don't know why you can't transmit your voice, but…"

Xu Xiaoshou's heart skipped a beat. This woman…

Lorelei said, "If there are any restrictions, why don't we come into Senior Storyteller's ancient book space and sit for a while, let him help remove any marks or something?"

"Received Invitation, Passive Points +1.""Received Suspicion, Passive Points +1."