So They Were Quincy

Aizen's secret laboratory still maintains its usual precision and order.

The experimental table was neatly arranged, and the fragments of souls suspended in the glass containers shimmered faintly.

Inside the central container, the Hōgyoku slowly floated, its warm blue light permeating every inch of space, yet unable to dispel the tense atmosphere that quietly permeated the air.

Wang Xun pushed open the stone door of the laboratory, his footsteps extremely light.

His gaze swept across the room, where Aizen stood before the Hōgyoku container, his figure still upright, unchanged from ever before.

But Wang Xun keenly noticed something different.

It was a subtle change that was difficult to describe.

In the past, Aizen, no matter what situation he was in, was always surrounded by a calm and composed demeanor that indicated he had everything under control.

It was as if everything in the world was within his chessboard, and even the most unexpected changes could be easily reversed by him.

At this moment, Aizen's expression was somewhat gloomy, lacking his usual composure.

The capture of Kaname Tōsen, and the sudden appearance of an unknown force, ultimately planted a seed of discord in his heart.

Wang Xun arrived at the experimental table, where he saw complex Reiatsu fluctuation diagrams and spell base plates.

His fingers gently traced across the base plate, Reiatsu probing the nodes to calibrate the experimental data.

The Reiatsu cluster in the petri dish slowly reformed under the influence of the Hōgyoku, emitting a faint humming sound.

The Hōgyoku floated in the central container, casting flickering light and shadow on his face.

This was his experiment with the Hōgyoku after he was entrusted with an important task.

Despite Aizen assigning him to take over Kaname Tōsen's work and participate in the Hollowfication Experiment of the Hōgyoku.

But Wang Xun could sense that Aizen's attention was no longer on the experiment.

At this moment, Aizen was sitting on the other side of the experimental table, with several ancient books spread out in front of him.

The pages of those ancient books were yellowed, clearly indicating that they were quite old.

His fingers lightly traced the pages, his gaze fixed on the densely packed text.

Although Aizen's expression hadn't changed much from usual, remaining as calm and composed as ever.

But Wang Xun could sense that Aizen's mindset had undergone a subtle change.

He was no longer just a high-and-mighty strategist; he also became a target of spying and attacks.

This passivity and being taken advantage of is something he has rarely experienced.

Wang Xun didn't disturb him, but continued with his work.

"Wang Xun, let's put the Hōgyoku experiment on hold for now."

Aizen's voice came from the other side, calm and deep.

Wang Xun's fingers paused slightly, and he raised his head.

Aizen stared intently at the ancient book in his hands.

"These experiments can wait; the most important thing now is to find out the force lurking in the shadows."

Wang Xun put down his experimental work.

"Has Lieutenant Aizen gotten any leads?"

Aizen did not answer immediately.

He picked up an ancient book.

He turned to a certain page and lightly touched the page with his finger.

Nine hundred years ago, there was a war in the Soul Society when a Quincy army calling itself the Lichtreich invaded the Soul Society.

"They possessed immense strength; the original Gotei 13, led by Shigekuni Yamamoto, paid a heavy price to defeat them."

Wang Xun's brow twitched slightly.

He was certainly aware of this history; it had been briefly mentioned in the courses at the Spiritual Arts Academy. Therefore, Wang Xun only showed a perfectly measured surprise.

Quincy?

Aizen walked back to the experimental table, spread out the ancient book, and pushed it in front of Wang Xun.

Look at this.

Wang Xun lowered his head, looking at the illustrations on the book pages.

It was an ancient painting depicting a person in a white uniform holding Reishi Bow.

Although the style and color scheme of the uniforms were slightly different, the overall style was exactly the same as what Haschwalth had worn that night.

The white robe with silver patterns was simple and austere.

Wang Xun's pupils contracted slightly.

"The person who appeared that night was... Quincy?"

Aizen nodded.

"Nine hundred years ago, after they were defeated by Shigekuni Yamamoto, they scattered in all directions."

"A hundred years ago, the Soul Society carried out a final extermination of the Quincy in the World of the Living world."

"It seems that some Quincy have not completely disappeared, but are hiding in the shadows of Soul Society in another form."

Wang Xun raised his head, looked at Aizen, and a perfectly timed look of shock flashed in his eyes.

"They... were not completely wiped out?"

Aizen's voice was calm, but Wang Xun could sense the chill in it.

"For nine hundred years, no one discovered them, until our Garganta experiment inadvertently touched upon their hidden space."

He paused, his gaze becoming deep.

"So that's why they attacked our experimental base."

Wang Xun remained silent for a moment, his mind racing.

Aizen's analysis was almost identical to the truth, except for probing the true source of the wave.

It seems that, in Aizen's current understanding, the Garganta experiment inadvertently touched upon the secrets of the Wandenreich, which led to the enemy's attack.

But he didn't know that it was Wang Xun who had initiated the probe.

"Are they our enemies?"

Wang Xun, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity.

Aizen's lips curled into a slight smile, carrying a cold and scrutinizing air.

He paused, his gaze falling on Wang Xun.

"They targeted my people; that's undeniable."

"But that doesn't mean we should immediately become their enemy."

Aizen shook his head.

"At least... not now."

He stood up, walked to the petri dish, and looked at the Hōgyoku floating inside.

Blue light shone on his face.

"The fact that they could hide in the shadows for hundreds of years shows they weren't just reckless fools."

"Moreover, their short-term goals are aligned with ours."

Wang Xun raised his head.

"You mean..."

Aizen turned around and looked at him.

"Defeat the Gotei 13 led by Shigekuni Yamamoto."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun's eyes flickered slightly.

"The Quincy and the Soul Reaper are sworn enemies. They've been hiding in the shadows for centuries; they couldn't possibly be doing this just to prolong their lives."

"They are waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to launch a full-scale counterattack against Seireitei. And this does not conflict with our plans."

A thoughtful look flashed in Aizen's eyes; he was considering something deeper.

"Therefore, we can first feign an alliance with them and use the Quincy's power to wear down the Gotei 13."

"We'll achieve our goal after they've both been severely weakened."

"In this way, we can bring the enemy out of the shadows earlier, and this chaotic situation will also be beneficial to our plans."

Wang Xun looked at him.

"Do you think these Quincy will believe our story and form an alliance with us?"

Aizen smiled.

"They don't need to believe us; they just need to know that we have a common enemy."

"From the perspective of interests, we have no fundamental conflict."

He paused, his gaze becoming deep.

"Of course, this is only temporary."

"Once the Gotei 13 are weakened to a certain extent, and once the Quincy have exhausted their usefulness, it will be time for us to make our move."

Wang Xun's brow twitched slightly.

"You want them to kill each other so you can reap the benefits later?"

Aizen nodded.

"I will use the power of 'Kyōka Suigetsu' to convey their existence to the Seireitei."

"The hatred between Soul Reaper and Quincy doesn't need me to ignite it."

"I only need to let both sides know of each other's existence. After that, we just need to watch from the shadows and wait for the best opportunity to arrive."

Wang Xun fell silent.

Aizen's plan sounds perfect.

The plan is to use the Quincy to weaken the Gotei 13, then have the Gotei 13 eliminate the Quincy, and finally reap the benefits.

This is a classic case of using someone else to do one's dirty work, or using one enemy to devour another.

Moreover, given Aizen's abilities, he could indeed do it.

But Wang Xun knew that this plan would be fatal for him.

If Aizen has indeed made contact with the Wandenreich, and if the two sides sit down to negotiate, then his signaling to probe the Wandenreich could very well be exposed.

Moreover, the Quincy side also has Loyd's memory reading ability. Although Wang Xun did not have any obvious oversights, if both sides really investigate this matter thoroughly, it will be difficult for Wang Xun to cover it up.

Wang Xun's fingertips felt slightly cool.

How do you plan to contact these Quincy?

He asked, his voice remaining calm.

Aizen looked at him.

"This is your next task: find that space, find them."

"If we can get in touch with them, we'll convey our willingness to cooperate. If we can't, I believe they'll contact us on their own initiative."

Wang Xun lowered his head.

"Clear."

Aizen nodded, about to say something more, when he suddenly changed the subject.

"Wang Xun."

Wang Xun raised his head.

Aizen looked at him, his gaze sharpening.

There's something I've been wanting to ask you.

"Kaname Tōsen was captured."

Aizen's voice was calm, yet it contained a different meaning.

He said you made some small movements during the experiment, but when I asked you about it, you said no.

Wang Xun's fingers clenched slightly.

Aizen stood up and walked to Wang Xun.

"Is there any connection between what happened back then and what's happening now?"

Wang Xun fell silent.

His mind raced.

As expected, Kaname Tōsen set a trap for him.

He had complained to Aizen before, and Aizen had always remembered it, and now he was even more concerned about it.

Aizen looked at him, his gaze as deep and unfathomable as an abyss.

Wang Xun sensed that Aizen's Reiatsu was changing.

That sense of oppression was exactly the same as that day at the experimental base in the desolate mountains.

But Wang Xun could sense that Aizen's killing intent was not intense.

He wasn't trying to kill me; he was testing me.

Test his loyalty, test whether he is worthy of continued trust.

Countless thoughts were churning in Wang Xun's mind.

Aizen is too perceptive. Even if he desperately needs to deny it now, if he really does get involved with the Wandenreich later, given Aizen's caution, he won't be able to keep it a secret.

Once Aizen learns the truth through other channels, his situation will become even more dangerous.

Revealing everything... of course not.

He couldn't reveal Urahara, nor could he say that the probe wave was initiated by him.

He needs to find a middle point...

Acknowledge some facts, but retain key information.

Wang Xun a deep breath and then slowly exhaled.

"I did indeed conceal something."

Aizen's eyes narrowed slightly.

Wang Xun did not look away, but simply lowered his head, his voice calm and sincere.

"During the previous Garganta experiment, I detected a strange spatial fluctuation."

"I didn't think much of it at the time, but out of curiosity, I probed it a few more times."

"I didn't expect there to be anyone inside, and I certainly didn't expect them to turn around and attack us."

He paused.

"This was my mistake. I didn't know it would lead to this result. It's my responsibility, please punish me."

The laboratory fell silent.

The only sounds were the hum of the experimental equipment and the faint electrical hum of the Reishi lamp.

Aizen stood there, looking at Wang Xun, and remained silent for a long time.

His gaze swept back and forth across Wang Xun's face, as if making a judgment.

Wang Xun didn't look up; he simply stood there, awaiting Aizen's judgment.

Time passed by, second by second.

Finally, Aizen let out a shallow breath.

His Reiatsu gradually subsided, and the oppressive feeling dissipated.

"Considering this is your first offense, I'll forgive you this time."

His voice was calm, but carried a hint of coldness.

"But remember, next time, consider the consequences yourself."

Wang Xun lowered his head.

"Thank you Lieutenant Aizen."

Aizen turned around, walked back to the lab table, and sat down.

He picked up the ancient book, turned to the page he had just read, and his gaze fell on the ancient characters.

"Find that space and convey our intentions. If you can rescue Kaname Tōsen, then you will have redeemed yourself, and I will not pursue your responsibility further."

He looked up at Wang Xun.

Wang Xun nodded.

"Clear."

Aizen didn't say anything more.

He lowered his head and continued to peruse the ancient book.

Wang Xun stood there, watching his retreating figure, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn't expect that the matter would be so easily dismissed.

Aizen didn't press for details or delve into the reasons for his concealment; he simply gave him a warning and told him to continue working.

Wang Xun turned around, walked back to the lab bench, and continued his work.

But his mind was no longer on the experiment.

Aizen's tolerance was not trust, but a matter of weighing the pros and cons.

He needs Wang Xun now, he needs his abilities.

Killing him now would be a losing proposition.

In his plan, Wang Xun still had value to him.

Moreover, Aizen has now begun to consider how to utilize the power of the Quincy.

Aizen sat at the lab table, turning page after page of the ancient book in his hands, but his gaze did not fall on the words.

He was thinking.

There is no doubt that Wang Xun concealed something.

Aizen could understand and tolerate this sentiment.

Unlike Kaname Tōsen, who truly understood his thoughts and path, Wang Xun only made Aizen care about his value.

His ability to Hollowfication, his talent for spatial manipulation, and his understanding of the Hōgyoku are all irreplaceable.

Kaname Tōsen has already been captured. If he loses Wang Xun now, his plans will suffer a serious setback.

Therefore, he chose to tolerate Wang Xun for the time being.

It wasn't because he trusted Wang Xun, but simply because he still needed Wang Xun.

After all, things haven't gotten that bad yet.

Aizen the ancient book, stood up, and walked to the petri dish.

The blue light reflected on his face, casting an indeterminate shadow on his expression.

"Wang Xun."

Wang Xun raised his head.

"Once you've found that space, don't act rashly. Wait for my instructions."

Wang Xun nodded.

"Clear."