Cheng Xinzhan was ninety-nine percent certain that Xi Xinghuai was making it all up, but he did not intend to expose him. This stance was effectively an admission of fault and a concession; he must already have learned what had happened at Azure Dragon Cave.
Besides, the man had invoked his patriarch, Immortal Cao, and invented a prophecy that bordered on flattery. As the saying went, you did not strike a smiling face. There was no need to tear down his stage.
"I did not come to fulfill a prophecy. I actually came to ask a favor. But what I seek and what Sect Master Xi seeks lead to the same destination by different paths: we both want Immortal's Cave to rally once more and emerge to vanquish demons. Since our aims agree, this makes things easy to discuss. I ask Sect Master Xi to lift the restriction, come out of seclusion, drive out the demons, and cleanse the Miao Borderlands."
So Cheng Xinzhan said.
Xi Xinghuai remained deeply respectful as he replied,
"What Master Guangfa has come up the mountain to seek accords perfectly with the wishes of everyone in Immortal's Cave. Does this not confirm our patriarch's prophecy? Naturally, there is no problem with Immortal's Cave lifting its restriction and emerging. Please, Master Guangfa, assume the position of sect master. At your command, everyone in Immortal's Cave will obey!"
As he spoke, Xi Xinghuai raised the cloud-patterned white jade Hu Tablet he carried in both hands and offered it to Cheng Xinzhan.
Cheng Xinzhan narrowed his eyes slightly at this and scrutinized Xi Xinghuai's expression.
Although the Hu Tablet's precious radiance was contained within, Cheng Xinzhan's current discernment naturally allowed him to see its extraordinary qualities. The layered cloud patterns on it flickered and shifted, and its magical