Chapter 478
Xiao Tiance and Qin Tian discussed their next steps in the inn, shielded by a soundproof spirit array Xiao Tiance had set up. Qin Tian looked serious as he raised a critical question:
"Xiao Tiance, are you sure about this plan? If we disguise ourselves as Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin to gain access to the dungeon, what if they have hidden safeguards? What if harming them triggers an alarm or alerts other experts?"
Xiao Tiance nodded, acknowledging the risk.
"You're right, Senior Qin. It's a valid concern. But based on what we observed, Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin are only early stage Immortal Sky Supremes. Their arrogance suggests they likely don't carry such precautions. After all, they seem completely at ease here in the Holy City, surrounded by their supposed allies."
Qin Tian considered this and slowly nodded. "It's possible. However, if we're wrong, it could expose us and endanger the entire mission."
"Exactly," Xiao Tiance agreed. "So, we'll proceed cautiously. I'll use my soul searching technique to extract information from one of them. If they're carrying any such triggers, we'll know before making our move."
Formulating the Plan
Xiao Tiance leaned forward, his eyes glinting with determination.
"Here's the plan: We'll wait for Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin to leave their next location. Once they're somewhere isolated, I'll subdue them quickly without giving them time to react. Then, I'll use a soul searching technique to extract all their memories.
"From there, we'll assume their identities. With their knowledge, we'll bypass the guards and enter the dungeon without raising suspicion."
Qin Tian's brows furrowed. "That could work, but what about their physical appearance? We don't know who might recognize them."
Xiao Tiance smiled. "That's where the bio mimicry spirit array comes in. I'll make minor adjustments to our disguises to perfectly replicate their appearance and aura. No one will be able to tell the difference not even those two Heavenly Demon Emperors watching over the dungeon."
The Plan in Action
That evening, Xiao Tiance and Qin Tian followed Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin from a discreet distance. They waited for the two traitorous human officials to leave the bustling Holy City streets and enter a quieter alleyway.
Once they were alone, Xiao Tiance acted swiftly.
He appeared behind Sheng Yin in an instant, one hand gripping his head as his soul searching technique activated. Sheng Yin froze, unable to resist, as his memories were forcibly extracted.
At the same time, Qin Tian restrained Sheng Yuan, rendering him unconscious with a precise strike before he could react.
Gaining Valuable Information
Within moments, Xiao Tiance retrieved critical information from Sheng Yin's memories.
"He's clean," Xiao Tiance transmitted to Qin Tian. "No hidden safeguards or alarms. It seems these two have grown complacent in their roles."
Qin Tian nodded, relieved. "Good. Let's proceed quickly. I'll handle Sheng Yuan while you refine our disguises."
Using the bio mimicry spirit array, Xiao Tiance adjusted their appearances and auras to perfectly match Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin. Their clothes, facial expressions, and even subtle mannerisms were meticulously replicated.
After ensuring their disguises were flawless, the two restrained Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin further, leaving them unconscious but alive in a hidden location.
Approaching the Dungeon
Disguised as Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin, Xiao Tiance and Qin Tian confidently approached the heavily guarded dungeon.
As expected, their appearance was met with respect and deference.
"Lord Sheng Yuan, Lord Sheng Yin," a guard greeted, bowing deeply. "You've arrived earlier than expected."
Xiao Tiance, imitating Sheng Yuan's haughty demeanor, waved dismissively. "There's no need for commentary. Open the gate. We have business inside."
"Yes, my lord!"
The guards complied without question, their reverence for the two "officials" evident. Even the powerful spiritual array surrounding the dungeon was momentarily deactivated to allow the "trusted officials" to pass through.
Inside the Dungeon
Once inside, the atmosphere grew colder and more oppressive. Rows of cells lined the walls, each radiating a powerful sealing force. Screams and murmurs from prisoners filled the air.
Using Sheng Yin's memories, Xiao Tiance led the way to the deepest part of the dungeon, where their target was supposedly held.
"Stay alert," Qin Tian transmitted. "If we're discovered here, we'll be surrounded in no time."
"Understood," Xiao Tiance replied.
As they approached the designated cell, they noticed several layers of seals and restrictions on the door. The power radiating from the seals confirmed that this was no ordinary prisoner.
"This must be it," Qin Tian said.
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Let's confirm before we act. If this is indeed the senior we're looking for, we'll need to work quickly to disable the seals and get out before anyone notices."
Their mission was far from over, but their plan had brought them closer than ever to their goal.
When Xiao Tiance heard this, he nodded and said:
"That's a real possibility. Judging by their bone age, these two should be considered young geniuses among their kind. However, Senior Qin, we don't have many options left at this point.
Here's the plan: We wait for them to come out and look for an opportunity to probe their strength. If we can't control them directly, we'll target someone else instead. Additionally, I've been using my soul power to monitor the dungeon perimeter. From what I've observed, a team of guards rotates every hour, with the outside guards switching places with those inside.
We could capture one of the guards and use a soul searching technique. That should give us some insight into the dungeon's interior. As for Sheng Yuan and Sheng Yin, since we don't know their schedule, we'll just have to wait and be patient. What do you think, Senior Qin?"
Qin Tian nodded. "Alright, let's go with your plan."
Capturing a Guard
Later that night, Xiao Tiance quietly opened the window of his room. A soft breeze swept through the space as he returned with a restrained guard from the dungeon. Without hesitation, Xiao Tiance sealed the room with a soundproof array and began using the soul searching technique.
Ten minutes later, Xiao Tiance finished extracting the guard's memories. His brows furrowed as he transmitted a message to Qin Tian:
"Senior Qin, I've found something."
Moments later, the space in Xiao Tiance's room rippled, and Qin Tian appeared.
"What did you find out from him?" Qin Tian asked, glancing at the complex spiritual array safeguarding the room.
Instead of replying verbally, Xiao Tiance placed a finger on Qin Tian's forehead, transferring the extracted memories directly to him.
A Sobering Discovery
When Qin Tian finished reviewing the information, his expression darkened.
"Senior Qin, what do we do now?" Xiao Tiance asked. "Not only are there two Heavenly Demon Emperor (late stage) experts watching from the void, but the dungeon itself is guarded by one late stage and two mid stage Heavenly Demon Emperors.
Additionally, the Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor has stationed over a dozen experts at the Immortal Sky Supreme level to guard the dungeon.
Honestly, with such formidable defenses, even if the strongest forces of the Great Thousand World were assembled here, it'd be nearly impossible to infiltrate this dungeon unnoticed and rescue the senior being held in its depths."
Qin Tian's face grew grim. The sheer concentration of power surrounding the dungeon made their mission seem impossible. If it were simply a matter of battle, he and Xiao Tiance together could hold their own. But a silent extraction? That was a different story.
To make matters worse, the two of them were relying on bio mimicry arrays to disguise their identities. If they engaged in combat, their true auras would be exposed. Once that happened, powerful figures like the Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor and others would instantly pinpoint their location, even across vast distances.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Qin Tian muttered, "This is a massive headache, Tiance. If we attempt a rescue, we'll face at least ten Heavenly Demon Emperors converging on us. Among them would be top tier experts like the Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor and the Dark Heavenly Demon Emperor, not to mention an unending stream of other powerful foes.
"Frankly, if we act now, it's almost certain death for us both."
Exploring Alternative Plans
Xiao Tiance remained silent, deep in thought. After a long moment, he finally spoke:
"Senior Qin, attempting a rescue here in the Holy City is virtually impossible. If we're determined to save the senior, we'll have to consider alternative strategies."
"Do we even have other options?" Qin Tian asked, shaking his head in frustration.
Xiao Tiance nodded. "I can think of two possible approaches, but both are risky and complicated."
Plan 1: Capturing Hostages
"The first option," Xiao Tiance began, "is to capture some of the Heavenly Demon Clan's experts and use them as leverage to negotiate the senior's release."
"Capture them?" Qin Tian's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you suggesting we kidnap their experts to trade for the senior? Tiance, you know as well as I do that in the entire history of the Great Thousand Palace, we've never successfully captured a Heavenly Demon Emperor level expert.
"They always choose to self destruct before capture. In the early battles, we lost countless lives to their self destruction, which is why we stopped taking prisoners altogether."
Xiao Tiance nodded. "I know. Capturing a Heavenly Demon Emperor is next to impossible. But we don't need them. We can target human traitors who've sided with the demons. If one isn't enough to trade, we'll capture more.
"With our combined strength, even a late stage Immortal Sky Supreme would have no chance of escaping us. Of course, executing this plan means leaving the Holy City. If we act here, our presence will be exposed before we even begin."
Qin Tian frowned. "It's possible, but still risky. What's your second plan?"
Plan 2: Playing Cat and Mouse
"The second plan," Xiao Tiance explained, "is simpler but more drawn out. We bait the Heavenly Demon Clan into a game of cat and mouse.
"We leave the Holy City and start attacking human sects and groups that have surrendered to the demons. After each attack, we spread rumors demanding the senior's release in exchange for stopping the destruction.
"Initially, they won't comply. We'll need to destroy several of these sects to apply real pressure.
"Of course, this means being constantly on the run. If they locate us, we'll have to face relentless pursuit from countless experts.
"However, if we can endure long enough, the Saint Heavenly Demon Emperor may eventually have no choice but to negotiate, especially if the pressure from his own subordinates grows too great."
Considering the Plans
Qin Tian mulled over the options, neither of which was ideal. The first plan relied on capturing human traitors, which was challenging but feasible. The second plan required them to withstand the wrath of the entire Heavenly Demon Clan a dangerous gamble.
After a long pause, Qin Tian finally spoke:
"Tiance, neither plan is perfect, but you're right we have to try something. Let's prepare carefully and decide which path to take."
Xiao Tiance nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "Agreed. Regardless of the risks, we'll find a way to save the senior."
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