Chapter 94: Another Plan

Zhou Yi suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing in his pupils.

At the very moment when the Human Race's fate fluctuated, he keenly sensed everything.

"When will the Dragon Race send reinforcements?" he thought to himself, "I want to see if they still choose to hide in the boundless four seas."

At this moment, Xiao Ling'er and Shan had already brought Ao Yin here. Looking at Ao Yin's gruesome injuries, Zhou Yi shook his head slightly, a hint of helplessness appearing on his face.

Next, he extended a finger and lightly tapped in the air. A "Heal" character emitting a soft golden light slowly appeared, releasing warm and tranquil radiance.

This light drifted toward Xiao Ling'er and the two others, leaving a golden trail wherever it passed.

Under the golden light, Xiao Ling'er's cheeks, originally as pale as paper, gradually regained color; meanwhile, Ao Yin's fatal wound healed at an astonishing speed.

"Why would the Human Ancestor heal his wounds?" Shan asked, full of doubt, thinking inwardly, "Wouldn't it be better to leave him half-dead?" In his view, Ao Yin was an enemy.

Zhou Yi gently shook his head and calmly replied, "I want to ask him his intentions personally."

As the healing golden light gradually faded, Ao Yin slowly opened his eyes.

Just as he awoke, he sprang up like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, quickly putting distance between himself and the others, his eyes full of vigilance.

When he saw Xiao Ling'er again, a flicker of fear crossed his mind, thinking: Just now he had truly narrowly escaped death; this woman is truly terrifying!

"As a member of the Dragon Race, what is your purpose in coming to my territory?" Zhou Yi's voice thundered in Ao Yin's ears, shaking his whole body.

At this moment, Ao Yin finally noticed this powerful human presence, and couldn't help but be astonished: what bad luck had he walked into, to encounter yet another unfathomable master?

The arrogance he had previously felt vanished completely at the brink of death.

"You must be the Wen Saint."

"I have come today following my family's Old Ancestor's orders to discuss a matter of cooperation."

Ao Yin now appeared especially honest, his voice even carrying a barely perceptible tremor.

Speaking, he obediently took out the item that Zhu Yin had previously given him.

The next moment, a cluster of purple flames suddenly rose, gradually forming the likeness of Zhu Yin in midair.

Immediately after, a chilling aura emanated from that illusory Zhu Yin image, spreading like a surging tide in all directions.

Although Ao Yin's face was slightly pale, he could still remain composed; Xiao Ling'er and Shan, however, could not control their slight trembling.

Seeing this, Zhou Yi slightly raised his brow, golden light radiating from his whole body, forcibly suppressing that oppressive feeling.

He secretly mused, Zhu Yin seemed to have little role in his memories; why wake now and seek cooperation?

And Zhu Yin was also carefully sizing up Zhou Yi, this Human Race powerhouse, inwardly sighing that even at his peak he might not be able to defeat such an opponent—this person is indeed not to be taken lightly.

"Speak, Zhu Yin, what kind of cooperation do you wish to discuss with me?" Zhou Yi asked directly.

Zhu Yin was somewhat surprised by Zhou Yi's bluntness, but he was not one to beat around the bush, so he spoke frankly:

"If the Dragon Race aids your Human Race, you will gain the advantage in the upcoming Witch-Demon War, eventually annexing both races and dominating Honghuang. After success, all resources of the Dragon Palace will be open to you, and we can split the world equally."

Xiao Ling'er and Shan stood where they were, hardly able to believe their own ears.

Such a major matter affecting Honghuang's future direction, and they actually got to hear it?

At the same time, the two looked at Zhou Yi with a hint of excitement, thinking that if the Old Ancestor agreed, they would soon embark on a campaign to conquer Honghuang. Thinking of this, their blood surged, the feeling of achieving conquest over all making their hearts swell.

However, amid the two's eager gazes, Zhou Yi shook his head.

"I have no interest in dominating Honghuang; the Human Race only wishes to possess its own territory and live in peace and stability."

Zhu Yin gazed at Zhou Yi, eyes deep, "You're lying; the ambition you can't hide in your gaze reveals everything, your desire stronger than anyone's. Join forces with me, and Honghuang will become your pocket."

Zhou Yi narrowed his eyes, inwardly admiring that this old fellow's insight was indeed sharp.

Since the other party was so frank, he was no longer polite: "If you truly want cooperation, why don't you act yourself? Perhaps it's because your current strength is insufficient, leaving you only able to hold out in the endless four seas."

"Under these circumstances, you have no qualification to negotiate terms with me." Zhou Yi said firmly.

Upon hearing this, everyone present was shocked, especially Ao Yin, his eyes wide open, his face full of disbelief. He had never seen anyone dare to speak to the Old Ancestor like that.

Just as he was about to rise to defend the Old Ancestor a few words, Xiao Ling'er acted swiftly, slapping him back into his seat.

"Sit properly!" she commanded in a low voice.

What happened next shocked Ao Yin even more: Old Ancestor Zhu Yin did not refute Zhou Yi's words, merely gazing at him silently, as if lost in thought.

The surrounding air seemed to have solidified, so quiet that one could almost hear each person's heartbeat.

Although the two were separated by ten thousand li, upon first meeting they had already formed a preliminary judgment of each other.

Zhu Yin sighed, secretly thinking: It seems it won't work; this person is indeed difficult to deal with.

"If that's the case, then forget about reaching an agreement; please let my clansmen return."

Ao Yin felt conflicted and regretful.

The negotiations broke down, and he had previously clashed with the other side, suffering a crushing defeat; now his life was entirely in others' hands.

At this moment, Xiao Ling'er and Shan watched him warily, ready to act at the slightest movement.

However, Zhou Yi revealed a faint smile, "Why rush? Since we cannot reach agreement on this matter, we might as well change the topic."

"There are so many things to do in the world; why not try other forms of cooperation?"

This remark left Zhu Yin stunned; he gazed at Zhou Yi in puzzlement, wondering about the person's true intentions.

The person before him obviously hid his depths; proposing such a suggestion must certainly have another plan.

But for the Dragon Race, would this be advantageous?

Just as Zhu Yin pondered anxiously, Zhou Yi directly stated his idea: "I have no interest in contending for dominance over Honghuang, but I am quite interested in peaceful coexistence and trade."

"How about we two races cooperate? Perhaps in the future, the Human Race will bring you the opportunities you desire, even depicting your images on our totems."

"As exchange, you only need to provide us with some spiritual treasures."

At first hearing, this seemed like a great benefit for the Dragon Race, but to Zhu Yin it sounded more like the trick of trying to get something for nothing.