The spy obeyed and left, but the Divine Exorcist Great Sage picked up the intelligence in his hands and scrutinized it carefully, becoming extremely interested in Ao Xing, who had remained well-hidden.

His gaze flickered as if he was calculating something.

After secretly meeting with his student, Ao Xing returned to his usual residence as always—a very simple house, devoid of much wealth. A Luminous Pearl embedded in the wall emitted light that illuminated the entire room, which was largely occupied by densely packed books.

He slowly stepped into the room, only to see a Mysterious Person sitting there, looking perfectly at ease as if it were their own home, and even flipping through his favorite book from days past.

"It’s you!" Ao Xing exclaimed with some surprise.

The person was none other than the Divine Exorcist Great Sage, with whom Ao Xing had once had an encounter. This realization made Ao Xing anxious, as the renown of the person who single-handedly planned the downfall of the Demon Court could not be overlooked by anyone.

"Indeed, it’s me. Didn’t expect it?" the Divine Exorcist Great Sage said with interest as he scrutinized Ao Xing.

Ao Xing’s first impression was that of an ordinary man, quite unlike the lofty demeanor typical of the Dragon Clan. He seemed as ordinary as one could possibly be.

"Plain" was the word that best described him, the kind of person who would go unnoticed in a crowd.

Yet, there was a unique charm about him.

The look of surprise on Ao Xing’s face disappeared quickly, and he walked naturally to his usual seat before speaking slowly, "I thought you might come, but I didn’t expect it so soon. That means there must be a spy from the Heavenly Court in the Eastern Sea, and they must have been hiding out for a long time."

Ao Xing, stroking his chin, spoke solemnly, "Let me think, they must have been in the Eastern Sea for quite a while to identify me so quickly, and they have been gathering information about me recently, too."

He reviewed the potential suspects in his mind, and soon his thoughts focused on one particular figure.

A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, "So it’s him, no wonder he’s been so aloof all these years. But given his poor circumstances, it seems he’s not highly regarded in the Heavenly Court."

Ao Xing had pinned down the spy with just a few clues, a cunning that even made the Divine Exorcist Great Sage feel apprehensive. He finally understood why the spy had said what he did; Ao Xing was indeed a frightening individual.

His terror lay not in his strength but in his superior intellect, which was more daunting than raw power and even sparked a strong impulse to kill in a moment.

Such a man should not be left unchecked.

Fortunately, reason prevailed, and the idea to ally with Ao Xing became even more resolute in his mind; only such a formidable ally could collaborate with him on his current plan.

With this thought, he began to applaud, a smile playing on his lips, "Well said. I underestimated you. Who would have thought that the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace had such a figure? You managed to expose my spy just with a few words."

Ao Xing responded, "At this point, Great Sage, why deceive me? That spy was clearly a pawn, otherwise, it wouldn’t have been so easy for me to find him. It looks like after so many years in the Eastern Sea, his perseverance is finally paying off, and he might now rise in rank. I genuinely congratulate him."

Ao Xing was very calm and rational, even chillingly so.

However, the Divine Exorcist Great Sage was even more pleased. He wore a sincere smile and said, "Since that’s the case, I won’t beat around the bush anymore. I hope you can help me advance this war."

"Why do you think I would definitely push forward this war?" Ao Xing asked with interest.

"If I was only sixty percent certain when I hadn’t seen you, now I am completely certain."

"A person as intelligent as you couldn’t possibly fail to see my plan, and yet, you chose to proceed without hesitation."

Upon hearing this, Ao Xing sighed deeply, "Yes, I saw the footsteps of war, but I chose to help them gain momentum."

At the same time, his eyes gradually became resolute.

"However, this is something I must do. The Dragon Clan has been dormant for too long, so long that many have begun to forget their past glory and have become complacent. In such a situation, only blood and death can reawaken the Dragon Clan’s fighting spirit."

"Although I know that many from the Dragon Clan and the Eastern Sea will die on the battlefield, I still chose this path, perhaps I am a heartless person."

Ao Xing seemed to be confiding in the Divine Exorcist Great Sage, yet it also seemed like he was murmuring to himself, perhaps because he had held these words in his heart for too long.

The Divine Exorcist Great Sage quietly listened to Ao Xing’s words, then smiled, "It seems we have reached an agreement on this matter, so the following discussions will be much easier."

Unexpectedly, Ao Xing shook his head, "I will not cooperate with you. This is my own choice, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."

"You surprise me once again!"

The Divine Exorcist Great Sage looked at Ao Xing, whose eyes were resolute, and said. He didn’t know how many times he had been surprised, for Ao Xing was like a bottomless abyss, one could never see its end.

At that moment, the suppressed intent to kill surged once more in his heart, yet Ao Xing remained as before, seemingly unfazed by the tangible murderous intent from the Divine Exorcist Great Sage.

After a long pause, the Divine Exorcist Great Sage, his face full of intent to kill, suddenly revealed a smile, "So be it, may your wishes be fulfilled."

After finishing his words, he didn’t wait for Ao Xing’s response and turned to leave.

Shortly after he left, a figure slowly appeared in Ao Xing’s Cave Mansion, it was none other than Lord Qiantang.

"He must have sensed my presence. I could feel that he was genuinely intent on killing just now," Lord Qiantang said calmly.

"He is a smart man, one who knows how to evaluate the situation, a man absolutely loyal to the Jade Emperor. Hence, as long as he needs my plan, he will definitely not kill me," said Ao Xing, smiling indifferently, not at all like someone who had narrowly escaped death.

"But this is still too risky; you are our hope, the Dragon Clan’s hope!" Lord Qiantang said with a hint of fervor in his eyes.

They had all come to believe that this man was the savior of the Dragon Clan, the one who could alter their currently weakening state of existence. Therefore, they often chose to protect him in secret.

Hearing this, Ao Xing merely shook his head gently, "The real hope of the Dragon Clan lies in the thriving children. As for me, being a good teacher is already quite enough."