Chapter 1501: Cooperation

Although these giant apes were mere illusions, anyone who entered their domain needed immense power to defeat them and break free from the illusory environment. In other words, if intruders lacked the strength to overcome these giants, their souls would be consumed by the illusion, trapping them forever.

Consequently, Xu Yang held nothing back, fully aware that these creatures were not genuine life forms but mere constructs of the Demon Saint's spiritual power within an illusory realm. Xu Yang was astonished that the Demon Saint, powerful as he was, could manifest such an incredibly realistic environment purely through spiritual energy.

From Xu Yang's observations, it seemed likely that Demon Saint Qitian was also a product of human soul binding, and Qitian's true strength probably far surpassed that of the woman known as the Level Nine Snake Emperor.

As anticipated, Xu Yang's Eternal Sword Dao proved to be an unparalleled force within the illusory space. After just a few sweeps, he had eliminated over eighty percent of the hundreds of giant ape beasts. The remaining two dozen giant ape demons, seemingly intimidated by Xu Yang's formidable killing aura, retreated continuously. They were unable to rally enough strength to turn the tide of battle within a short period.

As the situation became less perilous, Xiao Xiang and the stoic woman by his side gradually joined the fray. Even the Level Nine Snake Emperor personally engaged several of the giant apes in a fierce struggle.

"It seems I truly underestimated your collective strength. Very well, come forward and speak your minds. I shall grant you an audience with my true self."

Demon Saint Qitian, who had been observing from the shadows, was profoundly shaken by Xu Yang's terrifying power. Yet, he also understood that since they had managed to find him, evasion was futile. It was better to confront them directly, as further delay would offer no advantage.

Soon, the surrounding illusory light dissipated, and Xu Yang and his companions regained their normal spiritual energy. Reflected in their eyes was the deepest part of the cavern, where a humanoid figure sat regally on a throne – the true form of Demon Saint Qitian.

"You've come to me to understand why I dispatched those fierce beasts to attack human forces, haven't you? The Millennial Tribulation is approaching, and the awakening period for human-soul beasts is unavoidable. For human-soul beasts like us, the accumulated resentment within our bodies reaches its peak every millennium. If we don't release it through a war, our physical forms will burst, and we will perish. This is the sole reason I ordered the frenzied hunting of the younger generation cultivators of the Six Royal Families." The Demon Saint was remarkably direct, concealing nothing.

Xu Yang nodded gently, then inquired, "Is there any possibility or method to avert this Millennial Tribulation?"

Demon Saint Qitian burst into laughter. "Indeed," he said, "if you can prevent the Blood Moon from descending in three days, then the Millennial Covenant will surely cease. However, if that occurs, without a proper outlet for the resentment within us, human-soul beasts like myself will spiral completely out of control. At that point, the entire Kunlun Abyss will erupt, and all demon beasts, unburdened by rank limitations or restraint, will surge forth from the depths, invading the entire Kunlun Divine Path. If such a scenario is what you desire, then do as you please."

Xu Yang gently shook his head. "That's not what I meant," he clarified. "What if a reasonable channel could be established, with a Demon Saint of your caliber as a representative, allowing you the opportunity to converse directly with the powerful representatives of the Six Royal Families? Would you be willing to cooperate?"

Demon Saint Qitian appeared exceptionally agitated. He swiftly descended from his throne and stood before Xu Yang.

"If we human-soul beasts are granted a reasonable means of release, or if the ruling class of the Kunlun Divine Path can permanently abolish this form of punishment, I believe all human-soul beasts would be willing to negotiate. What you must do now is not seek my opinion, but find a way to convince the rulers of the Six Royal Families. They are the architects of all this tragedy."

After a moment's consideration, Xu Yang replied, "Very well. If you can represent the countless demon beings of the entire Kunlun Abyss in this matter, then I am willing to personally intervene and secure this opportunity for you. When the elders of the Six Royal Families of Kunlun convene, I will present this request to them on behalf of the human-soul demon race. Should the ruling class of the Six Royal Families agree to cooperate, I will personally intervene to suppress this Millennial Tribulation and prevent the Blood Moon's descent. This will avert greater harm to the younger generation of the Six Royal Families. However, if they remain obstinate and refuse to cooperate, I will not hesitate to align myself with the demon beast faction."

Xu Yang possessed ample power to make such a declaration. After he unequivocally stated his intentions before everyone present, both Xiao Xiang and the stoic woman found themselves with a profound sense of complexity. Only they truly understood the profound obstinacy of the Kunlun Divine Path's ruling class. Persuading them to abolish the punitive measure of binding human souls to demon beasts would be exceedingly difficult. The Six Royal Families, confident in their formidable lineage, likely held no fear of a full-scale war. However, in the presence of Xu Yang and Demon Saint Qitian, neither Xiao Xiang nor the stoic woman could openly express their reservations.

"Excellent. Now that a preliminary agreement has been reached between us, our next steps are clear: swiftly locate the young leaders of the other royal lineages and all representatives from the six families. Together, summon your elder-level powerhouses so that we may devise a comprehensive plan."

Qitian's face registered approval. After gazing at Xu Yang for a long moment, he gently waved his hand, directly imbuing a portion of his soul's essence into Xu Yang's body.

"With this trace of my soul, no matter where you are within the Kunlun Abyss, a single summons from you will bring me instantly to your side. The rest is in your hands, sir. My position remains firm: as long as the Six Royal Families are willing to compromise, the demon beast race will pose no further difficulties. From that point onward, the Kunlun Abyss and the entire Kunlun Divine Path will coexist peacefully. Naturally, if they refuse these terms, there will be nothing left to discuss."

Xu Yang nodded gently. "Rest assured," he affirmed, "I have yet to fail in any endeavor I've undertaken. The concept of binding human souls to demon beasts is utterly preposterous and unheard of. Regardless of the cost, I will personally ensure that the ruling class of the entire Kunlun Divine Path acknowledges their grave error. Under the oppression of such twisted punitive measures, the conflict between humans and demon beasts can never be truly reconciled. Relying on war to vent one's rage is nothing but a vicious cycle."

After concluding their affairs, Xu Yang prepared to return to the main battlefield with the women. Just before their departure, the Demon Saint suddenly called out to him.

"May I ask, sir, where do you truly hail from? I am immensely curious about your identity. You possess a unique quality I have never encountered in this world, despite living for hundreds of thousands of years."

Xu Yang offered Demon Saint Qitian only a single enigmatic reply: "Perhaps when our objectives are all achieved, you will come to know everything about me."