Chapter 321: Not a Single Lie

Shi Huagu possessed a unique secret technique that allowed him to distinguish truth from falsehood. This ability enabled him to uncover countless spies planted by other vice-leaders within his organization. While this technique wasn't foolproof, it boasted an impressive 80 to 90 percent success rate.

Activating this technique required a significant expenditure of spiritual energy and mental focus. Even a powerful figure like Shi Huagu couldn't sustain it indefinitely, but maintaining it throughout his conversation with Lu Yang posed no problem. Additionally, he was adept at reading facial expressions, recognizing the subtle tells people exhibit when being dishonest. With these two abilities combined, it was nearly impossible for anyone to deceive him.

This was precisely why the Cult Master had dispatched him. To cooperate with the Heavenly Court Cult, their primary objective was to confirm the other party's true identity.

A confident smile played on Lu Yang's lips as he took a leisurely sip of tea. With a touch of pride in his voice, he asked, "I wonder, Cult Master Shi, are you familiar with Immortal Ying Tian and Immortal Qilin?"

"Of course, I've heard of the venerable titles of those two ancient immortals," Shi Huagu replied. The Nine Nether Cult possessed numerous ancient texts, some of which recorded the names of the four ancient immortals.

"I've heard that nowadays, when people praise a prodigy, they often say they possess the 'potential of a young immortal.' You all consider young immortals to be invincible and unbeatable. But I must tell you, when my Master was in the Golden Core stage, he single-handedly faced two opponents: Immortal Ying Tian and Immortal Qilin. Despite employing all their techniques, those two young immortals were still no match for my Master! When Master was in the Golden Core stage, he was legendary for being peerless!"

The pupils of the three Nine Nether Cult members constricted slightly, their expressions betraying deep emotion. The concept of 'potential of a young immortal' implied unparalleled invincibility within one's cultivation realm, a level where they had pushed the boundaries to the absolute limit, leaving no room for further growth. If two young immortals were to truly fight to the death, they would undoubtedly use every last trump card and drain all their spiritual energy before a victor could barely be determined. The difference between them was simply too minuscule.

That Doudou Celestial Venerable could defeat two young immortals while still in the Golden Core stage—what an incredible talent! Unparalleled among all immortals! No wonder he was the first to ascend to immortality in ancient times!

Zhou Shan composed himself and then asked, "I wonder, Young Cult Master Lu, have you ever heard of the ultimate battle between the ancient Dragon and Phoenix clans?"

Lu Yang pondered for a moment before asking, "Are you referring to the Dragon-Phoenix battle where the Phoenix used rebirth through fire?"

"No, that's not it," Zhou Shan corrected. "The prodigies of the Dragon and Phoenix clans engaged in numerous contests in their pursuit of immortality, a series historically known as the Dragon-Phoenix Wars. The one you mentioned, Young Cult Master Lu, was the second-to-last battle. I am referring to the ultimate Dragon-Phoenix War, the very last one."

Lu Yang chuckled, "Ah, it seems I'm not entirely familiar with the later appellations. Please, do tell me more."

Zhou Shan felt a lingering trepidation as he spoke of that battle; even the written accounts conveyed its sheer terror. "Ancient texts record that in primordial times, there were two monstrous beasts—a dragon and a phoenix—whose cultivation was but half a step from immortality. They were formidable rivals of Immortal Qilin, and even after Immortal Qilin ascended, the dragon and phoenix continued their fierce rivalry. That was the last recorded battle, triggered by an immortal fruit of unknown provenance. It is presumed that the immortal fruit contained an immense, heavens-defying opportunity, allowing for no compromise.

"In their struggle for this immortal fruit, the dragon and phoenix unleashed a fierce battle. The sheer terror of their aura eclipsed heaven and earth, space convulsed, and Dao patterns filled the sky. As their true dragon and phoenix flames collided, even the constellations trembled and quaked. Immortal Qilin, Immortal Ying Tian, Immortal Jiuzhong, and Immortal Suiyue were present at the time, yet even these four immortals could not stop the Dragon-Phoenix War! Immortal Qilin was the first to intervene, attempting to mediate fairly without favoring either side. However, the dragon and phoenix ignored him, even rebuking him. Ultimately, the Dragon-Phoenix War drew to a close with a stalemate. To this day, it remains unknown who obtained that immortal fruit!"

Within the mental space, Immortal Bu Xiu found the narrative style remarkably familiar. "Ah, I remember now," she mused. "Immortal Ying Tian always loved to tell stories this way; he claimed it enhanced an immortal's prestige!"

Shi Huagu was hearing this legend for the first time, yet he could already sense the immense power of the dragon and phoenix from just a few brief sentences. No wonder the Dragon and Phoenix clans remain so powerful to this day; their heritage runs incredibly deep.

Shi Huagu observed Lu Yang, noticing his composure remained undisturbed, with even a flicker of amusement in his eyes. This greatly astonished Shi Huagu. Could it be that even a battle of such magnitude was 'nothing special' to him? Are immortal disciples truly so formidable?

Lu Yang chuckled softly, "So, this battle is what later generations called the Ultimate Ancient Dragon-Phoenix War. At Immortal Qilin's grand wedding, an immortaless presented an immortal fruit, declaring it was for the most beautiful person present. Immediately, the Dragon and Phoenix clan prodigies both laid claim to it, giving Immortal Qilin a headache as he found it difficult to intervene. It was only after much persuasion from Immortal Ying Tian and two other mediators that the martial contest was changed to a cooking competition, with the three immortals serving as judges. What Immortal Ying Tian and the others didn't realize, however, was that the two Dragon and Phoenix prodigies had both learned their culinary skills from Immortal Bu Xiu…"

"I happen to know some inside details about that conflict," Lu Yang continued. "In truth, the entire affair originated from a casual maneuver by my Master. On that occasion, Immortal Qilin hosted a grand banquet, inviting countless friends, including numerous cultivators at the Tribulation Transcendence stage and the three immortals led by Immortal Ying Tian. However, out of apprehension towards my Master, they did not extend an invitation to him. Upon learning of this, my Master felt no anger. Instead, he responded with benevolence, casually sending an immortal fruit imbued with his blessings. The benefits of an immortal fruit blessed by my Master are simply innumerable.

"Needless to say, the four immortals themselves would not contend for such a fruit. The only ones truly qualified to vie for it among all attendees were the dragon and phoenix. This immortal fruit held profound significance, and even Immortal Qilin, powerful as he was, dared not rashly declare a rightful recipient. Therefore, the dragon and phoenix had no choice but to compete. However, as it was Immortal Qilin's banquet, a direct martial confrontation was deemed inappropriate, so it was changed to a true flame competition instead."

Zhou Shan was startled. This was a detail he had deliberately left out earlier. Ancient texts recorded that after Immortal Qilin withdrew, Immortal Ying Tian, Immortal Jiuzhong, and Immortal Suiyue stepped forward to mediate fairly, proposing a true flame duel. The specifics of the true flame duel were unknown, but it was recorded that during the competition, even Immortal Ying Tian and the other two immortals suffered injuries.

A true flame duel! While everyone knew the Ultimate Ancient Dragon-Phoenix War stemmed from an immortal fruit, very few were aware that the method of combat was a true flame duel! Zhou Shan had obtained a rare ancient text containing this very information. The author of the text was Immortal Ying Tian himself, making its content absolutely true and reliable.

Unaware of Zhou Shan's thoughts, Lu Yang continued, "The true flame competition evaluated various aspects, including the degree of torment inflicted upon living beings, the level of control over one's true flame, the proficiency in using cutting tools, and so forth. Ultimately, when the three immortals tasted the results of the flame competition, they were subjected to a mental assault that profoundly shook their spirits."

"A single immortal fruit ultimately led to Immortal Qilin's departure and severely impacted the minds of Immortal Ying Tian and the other two immortals. Doudou Celestial Venerable's cunning is truly terrifying!" Shi Huagu exclaimed, utterly astonished by Doudou Celestial Venerable's intricate scheming. He resolved never to make an enemy of Doudou Celestial Venerable.

In the mental space, Immortal Bu Xiu frowned slightly. She felt as though Shi Huagu was describing her, yet not quite. "Am I truly like that?" she wondered.

Lu Yang seized the opportunity, saying, "Immortaless, your wisdom is as vast and unfathomable as the abyss. A mere mortal like Shi Huagu is simply overwhelmed by your intellect and speaks without choosing his words carefully!"

Immortal Bu Xiu realized, "You're right, after all, I am quite clever!"

In reality, Zhou Shan transmitted a message to Shi Huagu: "My Lord, the other party possesses knowledge of so many ancient secrets; he must undoubtedly be an individual from ancient times!"

Shi Huagu nodded. "I share the same sentiment," he affirmed.