Chapter 2085: The Scheme of the Three Teachings

Here's the refined English translation:

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**The Central State**

The former Formless Immortal Gate is now the main headquarters of the Three Sect Alliance.

The Eight Scenery Temple, Sweet Dew Zen Temple, and Sky Vast Tower, the three main forces that formed the Three Sect Alliance, were originally the leading powers of the Daoist, Buddhist, and Demonic paths, and the overlords of the Central State. After their alliance, other forces could only defer to them.

When Qin Sang achieved Soul Transformation, he was the only Soul Transformation cultivator in the Storm Realm. He could have broken up the Three Sect Alliance and suppressed the three major sects. However, at that time, the Azure Sheep Temple in the Central State was newly established, and he himself had no interest in dominating the world.

More importantly, with no path to ascension at the time, he needed to unite various forces to find a way out for the Storm Realm. The Three Sect Alliance would not be an obstacle; rather, it could better cooperate with him and consolidate various powers.

After Qin Sang disappeared, the Three Sect Alliance lost its counterbalance. When the Storm Realm first began to ascend, masters from the three major sects suffered losses to varying degrees due to the heavenly tribulation. However, the various factions in the Central State also could not escape unscathed, which is why they were unable to shake the Three Sect Alliance's position.

When Liu Li suddenly appeared and discovered the mighty Changyou Clan enemy, the Storm Realm was in precarious danger. There was no energy to target the Three Sect Alliance; in fact, their support was needed, so their existence had to be tolerated.

Over time, Soul Transformation cultivators emerged from the Three Sect Alliance, gradually becoming an unmanageable force. All powers in the Central State had to heed their commands, and Liu Li could no longer direct them.

Yet, the Central State was the strongest human force.

Perhaps because Liu Li held righteousness and possessed unparalleled cultivation and prestige, or perhaps the Three Sect Alliance believed that the human race's situation had not improved and preferred to let Liu Li bear the brunt of the storm while they remained behind the scenes, they had not yet openly opposed Liu Li.

Any discerning person could see that once the Three Sect Alliance produced one or even two late-Soul Transformation cultivators, they would undoubtedly seek to seize power.

Unfortunately, the human race was now slightly weaker than the demon race. The three sect masters of the Three Sect Alliance showed no signs of breaking through to the late-Soul Transformation stage. Without unforeseen circumstances, they would be suppressed by the demon race and still need Liu Li to fight external enemies.

The cultivation philosophies of the Daoist, Buddhist, and Demonic paths differed. Normally, they could not coexist harmoniously, and conflicts would eventually erupt, leading to their disintegration.

However, repeated external changes forced the Three Sect Alliance to present a united front, externalizing internal conflicts and strengthening the bonds between the three major sects.

At this moment, the sect masters of the three major sects gathered at the Three Sect Alliance headquarters.

Outside, the night was deep, and moonlight illuminated the palace and pavilions of the Three Sect Alliance headquarters, creating an exceptionally serene atmosphere. Inside one ancient, brightly lit hall, the decor was resplendent.

Three figures sat in high chairs within the hall. One was True Monarch Hegao, the contemporary master of the Eight Scenery Temple.

Opposite True Monarch Hegao sat a young man dressed in a black robe, with a gaunt face and a feminine demeanor. His white hair and white eyebrows were particularly striking. This was the Old Demon Kurong, whom Qin Sang had met once.

After宗主 perished, Old Demon Kurong took over as the master of the Sky Vast Tower. He lived up to expectations, not only making rapid progress in his own cultivation but also leading the Sky Vast Tower to prosperity.

Between True Monarch Hegao and Old Demon Kurong sat an old monk, also an acquaintance of Qin Sang — Grandmaster Xingren, now respectfully called Saint Xingren.

Saint Xingren was the senior brother of the previous Sweet Dew Zen Temple abbot, Grandmaster Xingji. After Grandmaster Xingji's demise, he took over during a critical time.

Among the three, Saint Xingren was the most senior in terms of seniority, but in terms of cultivation, the youngest, Old Demon Kurong, was exceptionally talented and slightly superior.

"Old Demon Kurong, you insisted on summoning this humble monk and Saint Xingren. What urgent matter is it?" True Monarch Hegao looked at Old Demon Kurong, getting straight to the point.

Over the past few centuries, the Three Sect Alliance had long perfected its various regulations. High-level experts were stationed at the headquarters year-round, so the three sect masters generally did not need to appear. Moreover, the three of them had to concentrate on cultivation, striving to break through to the late-Soul Transformation stage as soon as possible, so opportunities for them to gather were rare.

Old Demon Kurong waved his hand gently, activating the hall's formations and specifically setting up a restrictive Daoist spell.

This was the Three Sect Alliance headquarters, and his cautious actions made True Monarch Hegao and Grandmaster Xingji's gazes slightly sharpen.

"That Temple Master Li seems determined to re-establish the sect, no matter the cost," Old Demon Kurong slowly began.

True Monarch Hegao frowned slightly. "That was decided long ago! This humble monk personally visited to confirm it. The Azure Sheep Temple has clearly been planning this for a long time and won't abandon it due to external doubts."

"Then, True Monarch, do you think the words of the Flood Dragon King and Golden Toad King at the Three Clans' Joint Deliberation were merely a threat, just to obstruct the Azure Sheep Temple?" Old Demon Kurong looked at True Monarch Hegao with a sneer.

Saint Xingren's expression stirred, and he recited a Buddhist chant. "Does Fellow Daoist know something? There are no outsiders here; please speak plainly."

Old Demon Kurong spread his hands. "I have no evidence, but it's not mere speculation. You both know the Flood Dragon King's nature. This demon prides himself on being a descendant of a true dragon, with noble blood, and is arrogant and overbearing. His words must never be treated as simple threats. And that Dragon Whale, who never acts without profit, supported the Flood Dragon King at the Three Clans' Joint Deliberation. They must have secretly colluded long ago."

True Monarch Hegao pondered. "Are you saying the Flood Dragon King might be planning to reclaim the Demon Sea?"

"The Azure Sheep Temple started a good trend!" Old Demon Kurong sneered. "The Demon Sea is not only their ancestral land but also close to the Land of Filth, making it more advantageous for competing for Azure Spirit Qi. Once the Flood Dragon King and Great Sage Dragon Whale both break through, even setting aside the human and witch races, the demon race will have the strength to reclaim the Demon Sea!"

Saint Xingren and True Monarch Hegao fell silent, understanding that this was highly likely to happen.

"This is difficult to prevent," Saint Xingren sighed.

At that time, with the demon race growing stronger, the human race would first need to guard against being suppressed by the demon race. How could they proactively provoke them?

True Monarch Hegao nodded slightly, musing, "However, reclaiming the Demon Sea isn't that easy. The Changyou Clan will definitely not give up easily, unless the Flood Dragon King is willing to pay a terrible price."

The human race was powerless to stop it, but they could not be dragged into it either. The Dragon Whale Saint King might not fully support the Flood Dragon King.

"Given the Flood Dragon King's shrewdness, he won't be content to suffer losses. So, what's the best approach?"

Old Demon Kurong looked at the two and answered his own question, "Divert the trouble!"

As long as a way was found to lure away the Changyou Clan's army, the pressure to reclaim the Demon Sea would naturally decrease significantly.

The question was, was the Flood Dragon King's target the Central State or the Northern Sea?

Saint Xingren and True Monarch Hegao both looked grim.

Old Demon Kurong continued his analysis. "That Dragon Whale, though a demon, is reasonable. I think he's content enjoying himself in the East Sea and might not be willing to move to the Demon Sea to live under someone else's thumb. If the Flood Dragon King targets the Central State, he won't agree. That leaves only the Northern Sea. Fairy Liu Li is in seclusion, and the Azure Sheep Temple is constantly transferring personnel. When their mountain-protecting formation is completed in the future, they might also invite allies for assistance, leaving the Northern Sea unprecedentedly vulnerable..."

At this point, Old Demon Kurong paused, no need to say more.

Old Demon Kurong's analysis seemed logical and reasonable throughout.

But True Monarch Hegao keenly sensed something amiss. Old Demon Kurong's tone was too confident, as if events were bound to unfold exactly as he predicted.

"Have you found something?" True Monarch Hegao stared at Old Demon Kurong.

Old Demon Kurong was noncommittal, saying faintly, "These aren't important. What's important is, if the Northern Sea faces trouble, will you two help or not? When will you help? How will you help?"

Three consecutive questions went straight to the core of the issue.

There was an ancient teleportation array between the Central State and the Northern Sea. If full reinforcements were deployed, aid could arrive quickly.

"Fairy Liu Li cannot be harmed! The Northern Sea must not fall!" Saint Xingren declared firmly.

Old Demon Kurong and True Monarch Hegao both agreed.

The Northern Sea must be saved. At least until they broke through to the late-Soul Transformation stage, they still relied on Fairy Liu Li's power and could not sit by and watch her get injured.

But when to dispatch troops and how many reinforcements to send were matters that needed careful consideration.

Of course, they could now warn Fairy Liu Li and Li Yufu, explain the severe situation, and ask the Azure Sheep Temple to abandon re-establishing the sect to prevent the situation from worsening.

But none of the three sect masters raised this option, tacitly choosing to ignore it.

"Indeed, we cannot sit by and watch the Northern Sea fall, but we can use this opportunity to make Fairy Liu Li and the Azure Sheep Temple understand that without our support, they simply cannot resist the Changyou Clan!"

Old Demon Kurong swept his gaze over the two, saying gravely, "The Central State has always been a land of exceptional talents and heroes, far surpassing places like the Northern Sea. It should rightly receive more Azure Spirit Qi!"

Saint Xingren and True Monarch Hegao exchanged glances, understanding Old Demon Kurong's intention. No one wanted a lose-lose outcome, but there was room for negotiation before the 'net' broke.

True Monarch Hegao hesitated. "With the alliance agreement in place, if our reinforcements are not timely and we delay the battle, it could give others a reason to criticize us. What if Fairy Liu Li uses this to cause trouble..."

They did not want to fall out with the Northern Sea.

Saint Xingren and True Monarch Hegao both looked at Old Demon Kurong. This old demon had consistently shown confidence, surely having a countermeasure in mind before inviting them.

Seeing that the time was right, Old Demon Kurong stopped beating around the bush. "True Monarch's concerns are not unfounded, but there is a solution. Fellow Daoists, please look."

With that, Old Demon Kurong took out a jade slip and placed it on the table.

After scanning the contents with their divine sense, Saint Xingren and True Monarch Hegao both showed surprised expressions.

"This spiritual treasure I've envisioned, combining the powers of the Daoist, Buddhist, and Demonic schools, wielded jointly by the three of us, can withstand the might of a late-Soul Transformation expert. Even against two, it might not be without a chance of victory! Once this treasure is forged, even if we haven't broken through, we won't fear any force!"

A confident gleam flashed in Old Demon Kurong's eyes, and he spoke with soaring ambition.

Saint Xingren and True Monarch Hegao were astonished by Old Demon Kurong's ingenious idea but were not as optimistic as he was, because Old Demon Kurong's concept for the spiritual treasure was not yet complete; he had only proposed an idea.

It seemed to have considerable feasibility, but there was still a possibility of failure.

According to Old Demon Kurong's idea, to forge this treasure, all three of them had to participate in its comprehension and work together to refine it.

They were all exceptionally talented individuals whose paths to cultivation had not been cut off. They all had a chance to break through to the late-Soul Transformation stage in the future. Delaying their cultivation for an uncertain treasure, they wondered if it was worth it.

"Just..." Saint Xingren was about to speak when Old Demon Kurong interrupted him.

"We will go into seclusion under the pretext of comprehending this treasure, leaving the sect to those below to act as circumstances dictate. Once this treasure is forged, we can contend with Fairy Liu Li. If it fails, and Fairy Liu Li causes trouble later, we can use this incomplete text as an easy explanation."

After Old Demon Kurong finished speaking, he remained silent. He had explained the pros and cons, confident that they would make the right decision.

Silence fell over the hall. True Monarch Hegao pondered for a long time before being the first to declare his stance. Saint Xingren finally nodded slightly in tacit agreement.

Next, the three discussed for a long time in the hall, until dawn, before each departing from the Three Sect Alliance headquarters.

**Azure Sheep Temple**

Jian Nu's cave abode was on a mountain peak beside the main peak. Huan Hen often visited to seek his guidance on sword arts.

One day, after Huan Hen helped Li Yufu further refine a part of the mountain-protecting formation, he rushed back impatiently and activated the cave abode's restriction.

"Senior Jian Nu, it's me."

A flash of spiritual light appeared before the cave abode, and Jian Nu's calm voice came from within, "Come in."

Huan Hen's face showed respect. He entered the cave abode, bowed to Jian Nu, and then voiced his doubts about the way of the sword.

These years, this was how they interacted. The two sword cultivators had only swords in their eyes and spoke only of swords.

Jian Nu would not directly answer Huan Hen but would guide him to find the answers himself.

This was because their cultivated sword techniques differed. Huan Hen's technique was derived from the *Purple Micro Sword Scripture*, while Jian Nu's cultivation method was passed down by the First Sword Attendant to Elder Tianyue, an alternative sword dao inheritance from the Purple Micro Palace's Fourteen Sword Pavilions.

In the future, Qin Sang would certainly deduce cultivation methods for Huan Hen, and leading Huan Hen astray would not benefit him.

Back then, Elder Tianyue, using the alias "Sword-Bearer," guided Qin Sang in a similar manner.

After listening to his words, Huan Hen fell into contemplation. Each time he sought guidance, he didn't feel an immediate enlightenment, but the more he pondered, the more he understood the profound mysteries, and his heart was already filled with immense admiration for Jian Nu.

He still had unresolved questions but was not in a hurry for immediate results. He regained his composure and respectfully said, "Senior, I have a matter to report, by order of the Temple Master."

Then, Huan Hen briefly explained the recent situation.

Although there were no clear signs yet, according to the intelligence sent by Marquis Gui and others, the Northern Sea was becoming increasingly dangerous.

They wanted to draw out the villains, but not at the cost of the Northern Sea's fall. They needed to prepare in advance to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

Below the Void Refinement stage, Jian Nu was undoubtedly the strongest. Asking him to oversee the Northern Sea was most suitable.

Upon hearing this, Jian Nu nodded gently. "Very well. I asked you to sheath your sword and cultivate your sword intent; it is time for the sword to be drawn!"

Huan Hen's face lit up with excitement. He had joined the Azure Sheep Temple since childhood and had overcome many powerful enemies with his sword. When Jian Nu asked him to sheath his sword, he initially felt unaccustomed, but gradually realized its benefits.

He was certain that he had undergone a complete transformation and was eager to find an opponent to test himself against.

Unexpectedly, Jian Nu immediately poured cold water on his enthusiasm. "The sword technique you cultivate is not my method. When cultivating my sword-nurturing technique, do not be hasty when unsheathing it. Otherwise, your energy will drain suddenly, and your efforts will be in vain!"

Huan Hen's expression became solemn. "Please instruct me, Senior!"

"You can conceal your identity, seal your cultivation, and engage in battle on the battlefield, starting from scratch and re-experiencing the path of sword refinement. You will then achieve great mastery! This path is inevitably dangerous, so consider it carefully," Jian Nu said.

Huan Hen seemed to understand.

The next day, Jian Nu left the Azure Sheep Temple, accompanied by a young man. The young man carried a sword on his back, his appearance and demeanor unremarkable and inconspicuous.