Chapter 2093: Watching from the Sidelines

The Mortal World

A monk presented a secret letter, which was a plea for help from Li Yu-fu and others. The letter lay on the table, and everyone looked towards Master Huaiyin.

Master Huaiyin said, "It's unclear how long it will take for all parties to agree on a clear plan, and deploying troops is not something that happens overnight. Too much delay might make the situation irreversible. Currently, only the Western Barrens can immediately send reinforcements."

The Three Sects Alliance clearly harbored intentions of waiting and observing, but Elder Fan had ample reason, making it difficult to criticize him. Furthermore, other forces might also share this cautious mindset.

Elder Fan displeasedly asked, "Does the Saint Monk mean we should dispatch troops without consulting our fellow Daoists?"

"The Western Barrens Allied Army has the authority to act on its own initiative; this was an established rule from the start. In an emergency, expediency is key. Moreover, we are not sending all cultivators to the Northern Sea. We will leave enough forces to defend against external enemies, and the rest will rush to the Northern Sea to address its urgent crisis," Master Huaiyin paused slightly, then added to Elder Fan, "Should the Western Barrens face an emergency, as long as Central Continent and Eastern Sea can provide timely reinforcements, there will be no fear of its fall."

Valley Master Mu and others nodded in agreement with Master Huaiyin.

Bao Xi was overjoyed upon hearing this and gave Master Huaiyin a deep bow, saying, "The Saint Monk truly understands righteousness!"

Elder Fan snorted. Master Huaiyin was clearly trying to pressure the Three Sects Alliance into making a swift decision. This was an overt strategy, yet Elder Fan could not threaten him by implying Central Continent would abandon the Western Barrens in their time of need. In truth, Elder Fan was well aware that not all forces would obey his commands. Furthermore, the Three Sects Alliance wished to see a weakened Northern Sea, not one occupied by the Changyou Tribe. They still needed to save it before the Northern Sea completely fell.

Considering this, Elder Fan did not openly refute Master Huaiyin but instead looked at another person beside him, asking, "What are your thoughts, Fellow Daoist Ling Shou?"

This person appeared aged, with a long mustache on his upper lip. He carried a round turtle shell on his back, and his figure seemed somewhat hunched and slightly frail, as if curled up within the shell. He was a spirit turtle who had attained the Dao, his Dharma name being Ling Shou. Hailing from the Eastern Sea, he was a grand general under the Great Sage Dragon Whale. Since the start of the discussion, Saint King Ling Shou had been quiet, his eyelids lowered, his breathing steady, seeming drowsy and offering no opinions.

Elder Fan gazed intently. Seeing he could not avoid it, Saint King Ling Shou's eyelids fluttered. He slowly stroked his beard with his right hand and unhurriedly said, "Without a decree from Saint King Dragon Whale, I dare not make a decision on my own. However, regardless of your plans, I will diligently guard the Western Barrens."

Saint King Ling Shou's reply was very evasive, unwilling to get involved but also not opposing anyone.

Elder Fan, feeling helpless, could only ask Master Huaiyin in return, "How many people does the Saint Monk intend to dispatch to reinforce the Northern Sea?"

Master Huaiyin looked at Bao Xi, "The fellow Daoists from the Four Sages Palace are currently stationed at Qiong Mountain. I will send people to Qiong Mountain to replace them and have the monks hidden in Guishui Abyss follow Fellow Daoist Bao. How does that sound?"

Yuan Zhu interjected, "The situation in the north is still under control. I can also spare some demon soldiers for Fellow Daoist Bao to take with her."

Bao Xi bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, both Fellow Daoists. I will surely not disappoint your expectations!"

Immediately after, Valley Master Mu revealed surprising news, "I won't be providing Fellow Daoist Bao with any soldiers or even a single troop. I just received a talisman message from Fellow Daoist Fang, stating that the Witch Tribe has decided to immediately dispatch troops to the Northern Sea; they might even be on their way now."

Everyone was somewhat surprised to hear this. The Demon Race remained silent, the Three Sects Alliance offered various excuses, yet the Witch Tribe, the weakest in strength, was the first to declare firm support for the Northern Sea. The situation did not develop as Elder Fan had predicted. The Western Barrens and the Witch Tribe were too decisive. While Master Huaiyin's upright character made his decision understandable, it was unexpected that the cunning Elder Fang would not choose to observe first.

However, the Changyou Tribe was coming with immense force, determined to seize the Northern Sea. These reinforcements alone could only slow down the Changyou Tribe's advance. To ultimately reverse the tide of battle, they would still have to rely on them.

Thinking of this, Elder Fan slammed the table and rose, "Since you all have made your decisions, why should this old man play the villain! You'd best pray that nothing happens to the Western Barrens!"

With these words, Elder Fan flicked his sleeve and departed. Saint King Ling Shou also rose unsteadily and took his leave.

Central Continent

To the west of the Southern Barbarian States, beyond numerous mountain ranges, lay a relatively flat wilderness. However, it was still predominantly characterized by peaks and hills, with only small plains. The Witch Tribe resided in this region, and their Sacred Mountain, migrated from the Witch God Continent, stood at its very center, revered by the tribe members. The Sacred Mountain held a revered status in the hearts of the Witch Tribe, partly due to ancient legends and partly because it was the place where the Grand Witch Priest cultivated.

After arriving in Central Continent, the Witch Tribe discovered several other sacred cultivation grounds, no less impressive than the Sacred Mountain, some even surpassing it. Many Witch Tribe elders established their cave dwellings there, but the Sacred Mountain's status remained unshakeable. Even after the great cataclysm, the Sacred Mountain was severely damaged and disfigured, with the Sacred Shrine reduced to nothing. Elder Fang, as the Grand Witch Priest, never considered relocating elsewhere.

The Summit of the Sacred Mountain

Traces of the cataclysm from that year remained; the mountaintop had been directly obliterated by a bloody wind. Later, this bloody wind formed a crimson storm shrouding the Sacred Mountain, showing signs of dissipating only after a long time. The persistent bloody wind caused widespread anxiety, and the Witch Tribe regarded it as an ominous sign. This was a power that even cultivators of the Soul Transformation stage felt palpitations and fear from. It was for this reason that they judged Qin Sang, having been targeted by the Blood Sun, had no hope of survival.

The summit of the Sacred Mountain remained desolate. On the level below, a few ancient halls were scattered. One of these was Elder Fang's sleeping quarters.

A young man from the Witch Tribe arrived before the palace, lightly touched the barrier, and hearing a call to 'enter,' pushed the door open. He saw a cicada resting on the throne and respectfully saluted, "Your child greets foster father!"

The cicada's shadow did not stir, and Elder Fang's voice emanated, "Rise."

"Yes, sir!" The young man straightened up, "Everything has been prepared according to foster father's instructions."

Elder Fang hummed in assent and said, "Lead them to the Northern Sea yourself, go now."

However, the young man did not immediately agree, revealing a hesitant expression.

"Do you have any questions?" Elder Fang saw through his thoughts.

"Your child has one matter that is unclear, and dares to ask foster father for guidance!" The young man knelt on one knee, "It's highly unusual that the Three Sects Alliance and the demon tribes from both regions have not yet declared their stance. Why did foster father not wait before making a decision? Wouldn't their internal conflicts benefit us more?"

Elder Fang seemed to have anticipated this, his tone unruffled as he countered, "Do you think they would allow the Northern Sea to fall?"

The young man paused, thought for a moment, then said, "The Three Sects Alliance certainly wouldn't stand idly by, but the Demon Race might."

"Fairy Liuli, the Three Sects Alliance, the Demon Race..." Elder Fang said indifferently, "Any one of their forces far surpasses our tribe. If our tribe wishes to survive and recuperate here, we must ally with one of them. We previously chose to advance and retreat with Fairy Liuli. If the Northern Sea suffers such a heavy blow and declines from now on, we would have to depend on the Three Sects Alliance or the Demon Race. Since they are all foreign races, what difference does it make?"

"The Demon Race is arrogant, and the Three Sects Alliance is overbearing. It's better to align with Fairy Liuli; at least her character is evident for all to see. When distributing the Green Spirit Qi, she treats everyone equally and has never discriminated against our tribe," the young man murmured, understanding his foster father's deep intentions. He then sighed, "By the Witch God above, I wonder when our tribe will finally see its day of resurgence and escape this situation!"

"As long as we are in the Great Thousand World, there is hope. As long as our tribe continues, one day we will encounter other members of our kind..." Elder Fang's voice gradually faded, and the young man silently withdrew from the hall.

The Three Sects Alliance, Grand Altar Hall

At the very top were three high chairs, belonging respectively to the Eight Scenery Temple, Ganlu Zen Monastery, and Tianhao Tower. As Elder Fan was absent, one chair was empty, while the other two were occupied by True Lord Qishen from the Eight Scenery Temple and Saint Yinci from Ganlu Zen Monastery. They sat high above, looking down. Below them sat masters from various sects, many of whom were sect leaders or grand elders.

After the three sects of Buddhism, Daoism, and Demonic Arts formed an alliance, they attracted allied sects and forces to join the Three Sects Alliance. Later, Qin Sang ordered the Three Sects Alliance to gather the power of Central Continent to search for the Ascension Platform. Other sect forces, unable to resist, also joined the Three Sects Alliance one after another, though their influence could not compare to the three main sects.

At this moment, True Lord Qishen and Saint Yinci specifically sent messages to all sects in Central Continent, summoning them here, regardless of whether they were members of the Three Sects Alliance, to announce the Northern Sea's calamity and discuss the matter together. Previously, major affairs were usually decided by the large sects, with smaller sects following suit, so this scene was not common.

Sects and factions argued ceaselessly, one after another. Some said the Northern Sea should be saved, others believed the Changyou Tribe was merely feigning an attack to the east while striking to the west, warning against a sneak attack on Central Continent. Still others thought the Northern Sea was exaggerating the danger, questioning how Fairy Liuli, residing in the Northern Sea, could be defeated so quickly, implying she merely wanted to avoid casualties and send the reinforcements to their deaths... Cultivators possessed rich imaginations, and all sorts of theories emerged. During intense discussions, they even cursed at each other on the spot, accusing opponents of malicious intent, turning the Grand Altar Hall into a bustling marketplace.

If this continued, it was unclear when a resolution would be reached, yet True Lord Qishen and Saint Yinci showed no intention of stopping them. As expected, there was no resolution by nightfall, and Saint Yinci announced that the discussion would resume tomorrow.

Lu Zhang walked out of the hall alone, returned to his temporary palace on Bunian Mountain, looked up at the bright moon, and let out a soft sigh.

"Why so troubled, Sect Master Lu?" a clear voice came from behind him.

Lu Zhang had already sensed his presence and replied without turning his head, "During this time, hasn't the Poison King noticed anything?"

The Poison King walked over to Lu Zhang's side, gazed at the distant night, and chuckled, "Forgive my lack of insight, but True Lord Qishen and Saint Yinci were never known for being decisive or skilled in strategy; otherwise, they would be the leaders of the three sects. It's natural for them to hesitate in making decisions and, lacking the prestige of the three sect leaders, to temporarily lose control of the situation."

Lu Zhang chuckled, shook his head, and remained silent.

"However, the timing of the three sect leaders' seclusion is indeed rather opportune, especially for refining such a vital treasure. I wonder what their chances of success are," the Poison King remarked meaningfully.

Lu Zhang frowned slightly, "What are you trying to say, Fellow Daoist?"

The Poison King shook his head, "I was merely lamenting, with no other intention. It must be a coincidence."

Lu Zhang also harbored some doubts, but quickly dismissed them. Regardless, the Three Sects Alliance could not possibly be colluding with the Changyou Tribe.

"In that case, please choose your words carefully, Fellow Daoist, to avoid misunderstandings."

The Poison King nodded, dropped the subject, and changed his tone, asking, "I heard that Sect Master Lu and True Lord Qin had a deep friendship back then?"

Lu Zhang showed a nostalgic expression and sighed, "Back then, thanks to Fellow Daoist Qin's assistance, I was able to successfully break through to the late Nascent Soul stage. Unfortunately, my Senior Brother decided to seal the mountain, so I couldn't offer a hand when Fellow Daoist Qin was in peril."

"Fairy Liuli is True Lord Qin's widow, and Green Sheep Temple was a sect he personally founded. So, no matter the outcome here, Sect Master Lu will definitely reinforce the Northern Sea, right?" the Poison King asked.

Lu Zhang nodded without hesitation, "Exactly! And what are your intentions, Fellow Daoist?" He knew the Poison King had come specifically to mention this, and it was certainly not without purpose.

"The stance of the three sects is unclear, and we are at their mercy, harboring concerns, which I believe Sect Master Lu can understand. However, over the years, I have devised several new poison formations suitable for the battlefield and specifically chosen some elders and disciples to cultivate them. I've been looking for an opportunity to test their power. If Sect Master Lu agrees, I will have them await orders at Bunian Mountain," said the Poison King.

Lu Zhang's expression became serious, "I, Lu, thank you on behalf of Abbot Li, Fellow Daoist!"

Before his words fully fell, the sound of tearing air came from afar again. The new arrivals were none other than the Sect Master of Qiongying Sect and Hall Master Mu of the Six Continents Hall. The Sect Master of Qiongying Sect was a woman of graceful figure, but her face was obscured by a light veil. Hall Master Mu and Six Continents Hall were no longer what they once were. With Fairy Liuli's support, they had become not just a major trading association in Central Continent, but their business now spanned across the Northern Sea and various regions of Central Continent, having grown into a colossal entity.

"Greetings, Sect Master Murong, Hall Master Mu!" Lu Zhang and the Poison King bowed in salute.

Seeing the Poison King, they were not overly surprised. Sect Master Murong returned the bow and went straight to the point, "Alliance Leader Shen's sect is in distress, and fellow Daoists of the Heavenly Craft Alliance are indignant. We cannot stand idly by. This ongoing debate here, it's unclear how long it will last, and these people are unreliable. I wish to ask Sect Master Lu's opinion on whether we should send out some reinforcements first."

Hall Master Mu also said, "Six Continents Hall is already operating at full capacity, dispatching elixirs and magical artifacts to the Northern Sea!"

The Poison King smiled upon hearing this, "Great minds think alike. I was just discussing this matter with Sect Master Lu!"

Apart from them, other forces also made different choices; some hedged their bets, while others remained neutral observers.

Eastern Sea

One of Saint King Dragon Whale's most secluded temporary palaces.

Saint King Dragon Whale was not in seclusion. He sat imposingly on his throne, while a demon cultivator knelt below him, reporting on the external situation.

"The Three Sects Alliance still hasn't made a move?" Saint King Dragon Whale rubbed his chin, somewhat surprised. A thoughtful expression crossed his face, and a sharp glint flickered in his eyes. His gaze shifted to the talisman message before him; it was indeed the plea for help from Li Yu-fu and others. The Three Sects Alliance must have also received it, but their attitude was quite intriguing.

"Any news from those fellows in the Demon Sea?"

The demon cultivator replied, "Still no news."

After a long contemplation, Saint King Dragon Whale waved his hand, and the talisman message floated before the demon cultivator. "Remember, this King has been in secluded cultivation, seeking a breakthrough. You are to remain still, keep a close watch on the Three Sects Alliance and the Demon Sea, and report any news to this King immediately!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" The demon cultivator carefully put away the talisman message, bowed, and withdrew.