"Are you unable to receive news, or are you unwilling to speak after receiving it?" Lin Xiaotian asked with a half-smile.
Daoist Kumoku hurriedly shook his head, his expression growing increasingly awkward. "Mr. Lin, I truly haven't received any news. Otherwise, I would never dare to conceal it from you. As for whether the Heavenly Dragon Emperor's headquarters has any plans, I'm not too sure. After all, my strength is still too weak in their eyes, and they don't take me seriously at all."
Lin Xiaotian merely smiled and glanced at him, saying nothing further. He knew very well that Daoist Kumoku's shifting expression had already provided him with a clear answer.
Facing such a situation, he didn't press further. He understood Daoist Kumoku's character, and continuing to question him would benefit neither of them, unless he intended to completely fall out with the Heavenly Net.
Once they learned of the dangerous news, they would undoubtedly spare no effort to act, especially since the effects of that item were not something ordinary people could resist.
His smile grew more pronounced. "From what you just said, I've already discerned some issues. For instance, they aren't here for me, but for that ominous sword."
Daoist Kumoku's pupils contracted sharply. He hadn't expected Lin Xiaotian to be so astute, understanding his implied meaning from just a few words. As he awkwardly prepared to explain,
Lin Xiaotian waved his hand. "Alright, you don't need to tell me anything about this. I don't want to know any more from you, lest your people come looking for me if something happens."
"After all, not everyone can wield that ominous sword. With my strength, I couldn't even bring that thing out before, because for me, it's likely a weapon of destruction."
"But in the hands of your people, it won't be much better, unless their strength surpasses mine. Do you think that's possible?"
This rhetorical question made Daoist Kumoku's face turn even more unsightly, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock.
"Mr. Lin, are you implying that you didn't truly consider this ominous sword an ill omen before, but merely because it might potentially..."
Daoist Kumoku couldn't finish his sentence. He had thought of another terrifying possibility. Lin Xiaotian likely couldn't bring the sword out; otherwise, he would have had it in his hand by now. He had felt a hint of doubt before, wondering why Lin Xiaotian seemed indifferent to such a powerful weapon.
Now he understood. Lin Xiaotian had merely been acting out of pride, not directly revealing the true reason but subtly warning him that not everyone could possess that sword. Yet, he hadn't grasped the underlying meaning.
His heart trembled uncontrollably. If the people from headquarters returned defeated, there might even be casualties.
These consequences were beyond his ability to bear. The reason he had managed to escape so quickly before was that he hadn't come into contact with the ominous sword. Anyone who had touched it had not survived.
A faint smile appeared on Lin Xiaotian's face. "You've guessed correctly. That sword can backfire severely. I estimate that none of your people can withstand it, unless your Heavenly Net's leader himself comes. But I doubt he'll have the time."
"The consequences will be dire. Your people, wielding that sword, might go on a rampage, even shaking the heavens and earth."
When Daoist Kumoku had reported this news to his superiors before, he had mentioned that even a master at the level of a terrestrial immortal might have no effect against that sword.
Therefore, the experts sent would only be more powerful. If these experts suffered heavy losses, the Heavenly Net would surely hold him accountable. At this point, he could no longer afford to chat with Lin Xiaotian. He nodded hurriedly.
"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Lin. I will return immediately and report this to the higher-ups to prevent anyone from being tempted. Although I don't know when they will come, I am certain of one thing: they will never give up such a weapon."
"Now I truly understand what an ominous sword, a harbinger of doom, truly is."
"Mr. Lin, you've essentially saved my life. I will ensure this message is conveyed to them quickly."
He didn't want to bear the blame himself. Lin Xiaotian's timely warning filled him with gratitude, yet he was also puzzled. Why would Lin Xiaotian reveal this information now? Was it out of a sudden pang of conscience?
Or was Lin Xiaotian afraid that others would snatch the ominous sword?
He couldn't fathom Lin Xiaotian's thoughts and could only rush to leave, needing to report this news immediately.
Lin Xiaotian waved his hand casually. "Go. Tell your people not to be reckless, or the repercussions will be endless. It's possible that no one will be able to wield that sword."
"In the end, your people will turn on each other, and none will emerge alive."
Upon hearing this, Daoist Kumoku did not dare to hesitate. He hurried out. As soon as he got into his car, he took out his phone, not caring if anyone was eavesdropping, and hastily dialed the number for his superiors.
A deep voice soon responded from the phone, with clear impatience.
"What is it now? Has something happened with Lin Xiaotian?"
Daoist Kumoku's voice trembled as he said, "I just received some news from Lin Xiaotian. That ominous sword is not a true divine weapon, but a thoroughly malevolent one."
"Before, even masters at my level, terrestrial immortals, could only flee without even touching the sword. If one were to touch it, their mind could be directly affected, and they might not be able to escape at all."
"I don't know Lin Xiaotian's exact strength, but the reason he couldn't bring the sword out after entering is likely because he too would be affected by it. It's possible Lin Xiaotian was even scared away before he could touch it."
"This is enough to show how powerful that sword is. I didn't understand the situation then and only knew it was a life-threatening blade, so I didn't dare to conceal it. But now I realize that sword is likely a weapon of slaughter."