Chapter 965

[Jin Er, you should be able to hear my voice, right?]

This first message made Xu Jin laugh—he had to admit, the Empty Abyss Emperor was truly thick-skinned.

At this point, he still called him “Jin Er.”

Clearly, those with thin skins aren’t the ones who rise to power.

[I can hear you. But should I call you Master, General, or Empty Abyss?]

[So you know everything, then—call me Empty Abyss.] The Empty Abyss Emperor was decisive; hearing just one sentence, he instantly gauged Xu Jin’s state, [There’s something I’d like to propose—a mutually beneficial deal.]

[Oh? What’s that?]

[I’ll teach you the complete Star Abyss Seed Realm Art. From now on, you need never fear my Abyss swallowing yours—you’ll not only master the full Abyss technique, but may even devour others’!] came the Empty Abyss Emperor’s voice.

[Oh, and what’s the catch?] Xu Jin remained perfectly calm.

The Star Abyss Seed Realm Art was precisely what Xu Jin wanted to learn—but he must be utterly cautious.

[My Abyss is now sealed by your Chaotic Abyss. Though I could forcibly break free, it would severely damage my Abyss—I’d lose half my centuries of cultivation just to escape.]

[So I propose a deal: release me, and I’ll give you the complete secret of the Star Abyss Seed Realm Art.] Empty Abyss said.

[Empty Abyss, do you think I’m stupid?]

[I can swear an absolute Great Dao oath not to harm you.]

[And then order your subordinates to kill me?]

Inside the Abyss, Empty Abyss fell silent. This Xu Jin was hard to deceive. [Then name your terms—what would make you willing to cooperate?]

[But before you speak, I must tell you one thing: the full Abyss technique is astonishingly powerful!]

I could have used it to kill the Eastern Xuan Emperor, but your interference ruined everything!

[If you obtain the complete Star Abyss Seed Realm Art, you’ll soon gain the strength to fight ordinary Emperor Jun.]

Xu Jin heard the bait.

Empty Abyss was tempting him.

[Sorry, I’m not interested. I’m scared.]

Xu Jin’s single sentence left Empty Abyss speechless again.

[I can swear the Great Dao oath as you demand.]

[I’m still scared.]

Inside the Abyss, Empty Abyss was utterly at a loss.

Earlier, when teaching him the Abyss technique, this Xu Jin hadn’t seemed this cautious—how had he changed?

In the Star Ruins’ void, Xu Jin suddenly had an idea.

Why not play along?

Though his mistress spoke with certainty, Empty Abyss was an Emperor Jun nearing the Emperor Zun level—who knew what secret tricks he might possess?

So play it safe for now!

[Empty Abyss, I want to learn the Star Abyss Seed Realm Art—but under current circumstances, it’s too terrifying!]

[I don’t want to discuss this now. Let me think for a while. Especially now, during such upheaval, I don’t want to dwell on this. When things are truly stable and safe, I’ll consider it carefully and then discuss terms with you.]

Inside the Abyss, Empty Abyss listened to Xu Jin’s message and fell into silent thought.

Honestly, if he were in Xu Jin’s position, the situation would indeed be terrifying—utterly insecure, especially after nearly being swallowed.

This request was perfectly reasonable.

More importantly, pressing too hard would reveal his desperation.

If Xu Jin suspected he couldn’t escape the Abyss normally—or that the cost far exceeded imagination—it would become even harder!

After thinking it over, he decided to accept—but left a hook.

[Fine. Think carefully. When your situation is safe, contact me again, and we’ll negotiate properly. I’ll use this time to heal my injuries.]

[But I must warn you: you’re not the only one with an Abyss. Only by mastering the complete Star Abyss Seed Realm Art can you resist others’ Abysses swallowing yours.] Empty Abyss said.

Hearing this, Xu Jin knew his delaying tactic had succeeded.

If he bought himself one or two months, his Abyss would grow significantly stronger, increasing his hold over Empty Abyss.

But Empty Abyss’s words also piqued his interest.

[Empty Abyss, isn’t the Abyss your unique technique? You mean others cultivate it too?]

Inside the Abyss, Empty Abyss’s eyes gleamed with amusement—the hook had taken. [No! I stumbled upon it by accident. In my perception, several powerful cultivators practice the Abyss!]

[If they sense your aura, they’ll swallow your Abyss the instant they detect it!]

[Their Abysses are far stronger than mine—you couldn’t resist them at all!]

In the void, Xu Jin’s eyes flickered. Empty Abyss’s words were hard to judge as true or false.

Don’t dismiss them—but don’t believe them fully.

But regardless, right now, he absolutely must not release Empty Abyss—that was the bottom line.

[Thank you for the warning. When my situation is safe, I’ll consider it carefully.]

Inside the Abyss, seeing that Xu Jin was now intrigued and worried, Empty Abyss felt greatly relieved—but another thought struck him. [How is the Tongxuan War Zone now?]

[It’s in chaos. Emperor Jun keep appearing and disappearing—it’s terrifying.] Xu Jin made up a reply offhand.

But this casual lie made Empty Abyss freeze in shock.

Normally, after the Eastern Xuan defeated him and he fled, the Eastern Xuan Emperor should have smoothly taken control of the entire Tongxuan War Zone—his prestige alone was more than sufficient.

But Xu Jin said it was in chaos, with Emperor Jun appearing and vanishing—there was only one possibility!

Eastern Xuan was still hunting him!

Suddenly, Empty Abyss realized a terrifying possibility.

Though he was sealed in his Abyss, and Xu Jin’s interference had temporarily broken Eastern Xuan’s pursuit, after his great victory, Eastern Xuan could easily find any object bearing his personal aura.

In that case, there was a chance Eastern Xuan could trace him!

If Eastern Xuan tracked Xu Jin, he’d become a fish in a barrel!

No chance to resist.

Everything would be over.

[No. I must warn this kid—keep away from Eastern Xuan! Even if Eastern Xuan gets something bearing my aura, if he’s far enough away, it’s useless.] In an instant, the Empty Abyss Emperor made his decision.

He immediately sent another message to Xu Jin.

After hearing the Empty Abyss Emperor’s message, Xu Jin went completely numb.

He wanted to drag Empty Abyss out, curse him to his face, then crush him instantly.

He had just been handed a direct invitation to provoke an Emperor Zun!

According to Empty Abyss, once Eastern Xuan obtained any object bearing his aura, he could trace it relentlessly until he found Empty Abyss.

And the first person Eastern Xuan would find upon tracing it? Xu Jin.