Tang San shook his head and said, "It's not that I don't trust you. The Celestial Fox Demon Emperor controls fate, and his abilities are difficult to predict. If he can still slaughter our people even with his power of fortune reduced, there's no telling what else he might do."
"Let's go, then," the White Tiger Demon Emperor replied in a deep voice.
Without saying anything more, the White Tiger Demon Emperor led Tang San back to the White Tiger Palace.
Upon entering the palace, the White Tiger Demon Emperor did not take Tang San to see Mei Gongzi right away but led him into another room.
"I need to talk to you," the White Tiger Demon Emperor said seriously.
"Alright." Tang San had already guessed that the White Tiger Demon Emperor was considering his earlier proposal. If it weren't for the destruction of the human settlement shaking his resolve, Tang San wouldn't have revealed his abilities before becoming an Emperor. Now that it was out, he had no choice but to win over this person.
The door closed, and their divine consciousnesses blocked out any outside interference.
The White Tiger Demon Emperor motioned for Tang San to sit, while he took a seat across from him.
"I want to know why you're familiar with the divine realm and how you're certain you can take us out of this plane. You're far more mysterious than I imagined," the White Tiger Demon Emperor asked solemnly.
"It was also through this legacy that I persuaded Her Majesty the Crystal Demon Emperor to work with me. Her life was nearing its end, and she chose to partner with me. For now, we've succeeded, and the hardest part is behind us. Once I reach the level beyond Emperor, I'll be able to leave this plane and ascend to that divine realm where the legacy originated, becoming a true eternal god. That's the general situation."
This explanation was something Tang San had thought out beforehand. Telling the truth about his reincarnation and search for his wife would be far more complicated and consequently harder to believe. Plus, he couldn't reveal too many of his secrets to the White Tiger Demon Emperor just yet. Framing it as a legacy made it much easier to understand, and it was not technically a lie either—he really had inherited the Sea God seat from someone else.
After pondering for a few moments, the White Tiger Demon Emperor asked, "Does that legacy include divine artifacts like the one you used before?"
The White Tiger Demon Emperor drew a deep breath. "What you've said is too fantastic to believe. But with your transcendent bloodline and the explanation from the Crystal Demon Emperor, I find myself forced to believe it. So, how many can you take with you when you leave this plane?"
"I'm not sure right now. But with your strength, it shouldn't be a problem."
"Does your legacy include a method for me to reach that superior level?"
"Methods exist, but you wouldn't be able to do it—at least not on this plane. Any being's greatest and most crucial moment for unlocking their potential is during their divine tribulation. Your abilities have already solidified centuries ago, so increasing your potential further would be very difficult. I was able to survive the tribulation by essentially making a pact with this plane. Namely, when my strength surpasses the Emperor level, I will have to leave this plane, because otherwise, I would disrupt its balance. That is the case for you as well; assuming you get to the point where you can break through to the next level, the plane itself will reject you and you will face a similar tribulation. But in a divine realm, there are no such limitations. There, your strength can grow even more."
The White Tiger Demon Emperor narrowed his eyes. "Aren't you afraid I'll report this to the Ancestral Court and have the other Emperors wipe you all out?"
Tang San shook his head. "You are no such madman. First of all, you're Little Mei's family, and so am I. Whatever happens in the future, I don't want to do anything that would hurt her, and I don't think you want to do that either. Besides, even if you don't fully believe me, why not take the chance? If I don't get to that level, then things will stay the way they are, but if I do, you will also have the chance to go further. Also, I don't believe you have any particular attachments to this plane. You don't have any true kin on this plane; the other White Tigers aren't really related to you and you don't even have any descendants alive right now. Your only family is Su Qin and Mei Gongzi. I plan to take you all with me to another world. What's wrong with that? So no, I don't believe you will act against us."
The White Tiger Demon Emperor gave a wry smile and said, "You're right about everything. You know, after you left, the strongest feeling I had was how frightening you are. Even more frightening than that old fox. Now I better understand why Celestial Fox fears humanity. He once said that although humans are weak, they have limitless potential. I'm not sure if he saw that in fate or if it's his judgment. But seeing you, I believe I've indeed witnessed that limitless potential."
He paused as if to collect his thoughts, then continued, "Alright, consider me convinced. As you said, I'll take the chance. I won't do anything against you. At least with me, you'll be safe."
A smile appeared on Tang San's face. Earning the approval of this Emperor meant far more security before he became an Emperor himself.
"Thank you for your approval, Your Majesty. In the future, you won't regret this decision. In fact, you'll be grateful for it."
The White Tiger Demon Emperor chuckled. "You're quite confident. But I suppose I'm on board with you now. By the way, what's with the Crystal Demon Emperor? Is she parasitizing you?"
Tang San replied, "In a way, yes, you could say she's a companion. But she can also leave my side whenever she wants. Staying with me means she's influenced by my powers, especially the transcendent bloodline, and grows alongside me. After the tribulation, it would have been easiest for her to separate. But she chose to stay and become my partner. She's even more confident in me than you are."
The White Tiger Demon Emperor narrowed his eyes. "So, if my lifespan happens to run out, I could do the same?"
Tang San said, "In theory, yes, that's possible. But from what I can see, you still have plenty of time—centuries, I'd say."
The White Tiger Demon Emperor replied, "A century passes in the blink of an eye. Are you saying you're confident you'll get past the Emperor level in such a short time?"
"It definitely won't take that long. I can't say exactly how much time I'll need, but certainly not a hundred years, let alone several hundred. Rest assured. Moreover, my cultivation is unique. With every breakthrough, I am able to acquire another ability, meaning there's always another free 'position.' I'll reserve one for you. If your situation becomes critical, with the help of Her Majesty the Crystal Demon Emperor, I should be able to turn you into one of my bloodline imprints and help you be reborn."
The White Tiger Demon Emperor's eyes brightened. If this was possible, then his alliance with Tang San became even more vital—it was an additional safeguard for his life!