Chapter 1295 Traitor

While they waited for the food, Yuan asked Liang Xiaosheng, "Tell me a little about your family's history."

Liang Xiaosheng quickly replied, "Our family has a lineage dating back to the Primordial Era. If there's any specific aspect you'd like to learn about, please feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to provide the information."

Yuan clarified, "I'm interested in the history of this specific branch of your family, not your entire family lineage."

"Oh, if that's the case, then our Azure Dragon Family came down to the Third Heaven shortly after the Divine Heavens was split into nine separate realms at the end of the Immortal Monarch's Era."

Liang Xiaosheng continued in a dispirited manner, "Well, when I say we 'came down,' it's more like we were exiled by the main branch. Our bloodlines were considered weak and unfit to stay in the upper heavens, so we were basically cast out."

Hearing this, Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Do you hold a grudge against the main branch for their decision? For kicking you down here?"

Liang Xiaosheng immediately shook his head, "Of course not! That'd be outrageous! We bear no grudge against the main branch because we understand that our own limitations led to our exile down here. Compared to those in the main branch, we're practically just humans with unique features. We simply don't deserve to remain up there."

"Moreover, if someone with a strong bloodline is born in our family, we can always send them to the upper heavens, where they can receive proper nurturing. So, we're not completely confined to the lower realms."

Another idea came to Yuan when he heard such words, and he asked, "What if — and this is purely just me thinking out loud, but what if I could improve your bloodline and help you ascend?"

Liang Xiaosheng's eyes widened with shock and disbelief after hearing Yuan's words—not because he did not believe Yuan had the capability but because he didn't think there was any reason for Yuan to do something like that for them.

"I-If Your Majesty would be willing to bless our unworthy family with such a chance, we'd be forever in your debt." It has been over 200,000 years since someone from their family was talented enough to be accepted by the main branch, so Liang Xiaosheng couldn't let such a chance get away.

Yuan did not immediately respond and waited for a few moments before opening his mouth, "What I am about to tell you must be kept a secret." Yuan said.

"Of course! I swear upon my bloodline that I will not utter a word to anyone," Liang Xiaosheng immediately agreed with the solemnity that reflected the deep significance of a beast's oath. To a beast, their own bloodline held a significance akin to a soul for humans, and when a beast swore upon their bloodline, it became an unbreakable bond, even in the face of life-threatening challenges.

Yuan then asked, "Do you know my purpose for coming down here?"

"According to my sources, those who came from the upper heavens are looking for a certain individual." Liang Xiaosheng said.

Yuan nodded and said, "Indeed. A criminal so dangerous that he's wanted by the Celestial Emperor himself. However, that is not the only reason I came down here."

"The Ancient Seal holders… As someone from the Four Ancient Families, I'm sure you are well aware of their existence."

"Of course. They are responsible for guarding the Ancient Seals used for opening the Primordial Realm—a dangerous realm crawling with criminals. But how are they related to your mission?"

As an Ancient Seal holder himself, Liang Xiaosheng had to inquire.

"Rumor is, there is a traitor amongst them, and they plan on opening the Primordial Realm."

"WHAT?!" Liang Xiaosheng exclaimed in a shocked voice. "That's impossible!"

"I am aware of how unbelievable it sounds, but that's what I was told, hence why I am down here to investigate the Azure Dragon Family."

"Honestly, I was pretending to not know your identity at first so that I could watch you without arousing suspicion, but now that I am here, I realize there's a better way to do this."

"Liang Xiaosheng, one of four Ancient Seal holders, allow me to ask you… Do you still have your Ancient Seal on you? I want to see it." Yuan glared at him.

Liang Xiaosheng swallowed nervously, and after a moment of silence, he inquired in a trembling voice, "I apologize for my impertinence, Dragon Emperor, but could you please share with me which family you belong to?"

Yuan narrowed his eyes and muttered in a cold voice, "You dare doubt my identity?"

"I wouldn't dare! However, as an Ancient Seal holder, I cannot expose my Ancient Seal to anyone who doesn't have the authority— even if they are a Dragon Emperor! Please understand my position here, Your Majesty!!!"

"..."

The room fell silent as Yuan tried to think of a way out of this.

'Shit… Did I act a little too quickly? If I screw up here, he'll know that I am a fake!'

If his identity becomes exposed, he would have to fight his way out of there and take the Ancient Seal by force, which he was confident in doing without much effort, but he did not want to harm Liang Xiaosheng and his family.

"Your Majesty…?" Liang Xiaosheng started doubting Yuan's identity.

'Fuck it! It's all or nothing!'

In the end, Yuan decided to take a gamble and responded in a confident voice, "I'm with the Xi Family!" "The Xi Family!?" Liang Xiaosheng's expression became filled with shock, his body frozen with fear.

"My deepest apologies! This foolish one did not fathom Your Majesty's affiliation with the venerable Xi Family!" Liang Xiaosheng immediately dropped to his knees and performed a series of kowtows.

His reaction took Yuan by surprise.

'Does the Xi Family also have influence in the Nine Heavens?' he wondered about the extent of their authority and where the Xi Family was located in the Nine Heavens.