The war between the Human race and the Demon-Monster alliance continued, with countless humans falling every day, yet neither side showed any intention of retreating.
This was a war for survival, one that would not cease until the other side was utterly defeated.
Ever since Jia Ren had brought back the trapped humans from Yang Tian Realm, his reputation had soared, making him an instant celebrity in the Immortal Realm.
Especially those he had rescued owed him their lives, and most were deeply grateful.
However, Jia Ren did not claim all the credit, instead attributing most of it to Zhang Yi, the Peak Master of Moral Peak.
"We are usually guided by the Peak Master and deeply influenced by Zhang Yi's spirit. Under his constant tutelage, we naturally could not stand by and watch our kin be trapped and die in Yang Tian Realm.
At the time, I didn't think of anything else. I felt that as long as I could rescue the humans from Yang Tian Realm, even if I died personally, it would be worth it."
When questioned, Jia Ren would always use this righteous rhetoric to deflect.
In reality, what everyone truly cared about was the hidden force he commanded.
This force was terrifying.
It included an omnipresent intelligence network, a giant army so powerful it sent shivers down one's spine, and masked black-robed cultivators who appeared and disappeared like ghosts.
Furthermore, there were at least two Immortal Lord powerhouses, one whose identity was unknown, and the other confirmed to be Zhang Yi, the Peak Master of Moral Peak.
Additionally, a powerful Dao Worm had appeared during the final breakout battle.
With its intelligence capabilities and formidable combat power, this force was no less impressive than any Immortal Palace.
But Jia Ren remained tight-lipped about it, and since no one could resort to torture, they had no choice but to drop the matter and continue their quiet investigations in secret.
For instance, the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace and several Immortal Lords within the Palace were currently discussing this very matter.
After all, Jia Ren was a disciple of their Jade Void Palace, and the Peak Master of Moral Peak was also involved.
If it were an ordinary disciple, they could have easily handled it. However, with the powerful force at his disposal, it was proving difficult to manage.
"After years of observation, we have formed a preliminary deduction about Jia Ren's true identity and background.
I believe Jia Ren is merely a pawn placed at the forefront by a certain hidden major power. He should only be the representative of this power to the outside world.
Because he himself is only at the Celestial Immortal realm, it's impossible for him to command such a powerful force.
How can he make hundreds of Celestial Immortals obey his every command?"
Guangmu Immortal Lord, who was in charge of intelligence gathering for the Jade Void Palace, presented a summary of the intelligence he had collected over the years.
"What nonsense about charisma? Even the most handsome man in the Immortal Realm, Zhu Yu, doesn't possess such immense charisma."
Another Immortal Lord clearly disagreed with the notion of Jia Ren's charisma, while also lacking a deep understanding of Zhu Yu's appearance.
"Moreover, according to some clues, there are quite a few people connected to this force.
Firstly, the incredibly beautiful woman residing on Purple Cloud Peak should be related to this mysterious force.
She has always cooperated with us and even helped us last time...
And then there's Xiao Youyi, who once commanded a bustling trade caravan and wielded great influence. He also commanded the giant army.
It is understood that the large-scale poisoning and subsequent major upheaval among the demon-monsters last time were largely related to this person.
And then..."
Guangmu Immortal Lord also listed numerous achievements of this mysterious force and potential associated individuals he had learned about.
"Hiss~~"
"Hahaha... I never expected that the satisfying event from last time was also their doing!"
"We don't know how many years this mysterious force has been hidden in the Immortal Realm; if not for this great war, it would never have surfaced."
"Perhaps there are even spies from their faction among us here today!"
What started as a lively discussion suddenly made everyone's hair stand on end. Given the power of this mysterious force, it was entirely possible!
Instantly, the gazes of everyone in the hall shifted, filled with a newfound suspicion.
The Palace Master of Jade Void Palace waved his hand.
"Ahem, ahem, ahem... Maintain unity! What's important now is to discuss how to handle this matter together!"
This was also the primary reason the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace had summoned everyone.
Jia Ren and Zhang Yi were their disciples from Jade Void Palace, and at the same time, core members of that mysterious force.
Under normal circumstances, such individuals, even if they were spies, would be severely punished, with expulsion from the sect being the lightest penalty.
However, acting in such a manner now would clearly offend this mysterious force directly.
"I believe we can try to win them over and cooperate."
Guangmu Immortal Lord spoke up first again.
"Although this mysterious force operates in the shadows, they are ultimately a significant force for our Human race, with unfathomable overall strength.
Moreover, their current actions are all for the benefit of our Human race, with no other negative deeds.
Our Jade Void Palace already has extensive cooperation with them, including intelligence and resources."
"Guangmu speaks wisely. I think we should seize this opportunity to deepen our cooperation with this force."
"This force will undoubtedly become a great asset to our Human race..."
...
Zhang Yi was summoned by his master, the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace, immediately after emerging from his seclusion.
The two entered a secret chamber, and then the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace activated several layers of protective formations before getting straight to the point.
"Alright, now that it's just the two of us in this secret chamber, even powerhouses like the Three Suns Demon Venerable and Lei Peng Demon Venerable won't be able to eavesdrop."
"Disciple does not understand, what does Master mean by this?"
"We are master and disciple, so let's speak frankly. Do you have the Creation Jade Disk in your possession?"
"Ah?"
"Crash!"
Zhang Yi was startled, and the teacup in his hand slipped and fell to the ground.
His mind raced with rapid analysis.
Firstly, besides Huang Feifei and a few others, only Xuan Tian Dao Venerable knew he was hiding in Jade Void Palace.
However, judging by the tone of the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace, he was still testing the waters and couldn't be entirely certain.
He had met Xuan Tian Dao Venerable previously, and that old fellow could easily see through his disguise.
If Xuan Tian Dao Venerable had provided him with the information, the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace wouldn't need to probe.
As for obtaining it from Huang Feifei and the others, it could only be through soul searching or the appearance of a traitor.
A traitor would definitely reveal all his information.
In the case of soul searching, his subordinates were all normal.
Therefore, the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace had a suspicion in his heart and was now trying to bluff him.
"How could this disciple possibly possess a treasure like the Creation Jade Disk!"