Chapter 374: Earth Treasury Daoist Truly Does Not Deceive Me

Could the Human Dao Immortal Sect, seemingly the weakest, really be targeted so easily?

Li Changshou observed the situation detected by his spiritual consciousness surveillance network:

Several large demon armies were marching underground, weaving through the gaps between the spheres of influence of various immortal sects in the Eastern Continent, steadily converging on the Immortal Ascension Gate.

He was momentarily at a loss for words.

Of course, these hundred thousand demons were not particularly troublesome at the moment. The paper effigy army Li Changshou had amassed outside the Immortal Ascension Gate was sufficient to handle most of them. However, relying solely on the paper effigy army for battle would immediately reveal the 'peculiarity' of the Immortal Ascension Gate. Coupled with the vivid imaginations of the immortals within the sect, it could easily expose the fact that the Water God's true body was at the Immortal Ascension Gate.

He had to find a way to change the battlefield, or perhaps make all the immortals within the sect unconscious...

In fact, as soon as he discovered these demon armies, Li Changshou deduced the subtle calculations of the mastermind behind today's events. It was simple: he just needed to think from the perspective of the Western Sect. Let's assume the mastermind behind this scheme was Kṣitigarbha of Spirit Mountain, the same one behind the Eastern Sea incident.

Kṣitigarbha's move seemed like a risky military maneuver, but it was actually a steady and cautious approach. Kṣitigarbha must have linked the Heavenly Court with the Human Dao, making the Heavenly Court Water God — the shadowy figure behind the demon-slaying and mountain-ascending event — a target. He incited the demon race to attack the Human Dao Immortal Sects, telling them they could thereby force Human Dao experts to appear, then surround and kill them.

But Kṣitigarbha must have understood in his heart that once a major battle began, the demon race was bound to lose. The Human Dao's Archmage alone would be enough to turn the tide of this battle. Even the Demon Emperor of old would have difficulty facing the Archmage, who was empowered by a Primordial Spirit Treasure.

But a defeat for the demon race today would increase their animosity towards the Heavenly Court and the Human Dao, indirectly putting pressure on them. Looking ahead, there was also the incident where the demon race sought aid from the Holy Mother's Palace, only to be hung up and beaten by those dispatched by the Holy Mother. If the Human Dao began retaliating against the demon race, or if a crisis was manufactured where the Human Dao was depicted as moving against them, the demon race would surely fall into panic. At that point, they would have no choice but to turn to the West, seek refuge with the Two Sages, and be easily exploited.

These were likely Kṣitigarbha's primary calculations. Other calculations included using this opportunity to discover if any Human Dao spies were hidden within the Western Sect; attempting to assassinate Human Dao disciples; ascertaining the Heavenly Court Water God's origins; striking at the Sea God Sect, a tool for gathering incense; and suppressing the Heavenly Court's fortune, among others. There were at least a dozen layers of considerations.

Regardless of whether the demon race won or lost, the Human Dao would suffer damage, the Sea God Sect would face calamity, the demon race would experience greatly increased pressure, and the West would ultimately reap the benefits. Overall, this scheme was more than a hundred times more clever than when Golden Cicada had brazenly declared his intent to 'share the dragon's feast' with the Heavenly Court during his visit to the Sea God.

Analysis aside, the current problem was...

“How can I perfectly break this deadlock?” Li Changshou muttered, continuing to pace back and forth.

Grandpa Pagoda's voice called out in his mind: “Don't be afraid, push back! Let them hack away! With me protecting you, just sit there and recover your immortal power right in front of them! A numerical advantage? That's always been a matter of endurance!”

Li Changshou was about to explain when a golden light suddenly flashed on Potian Peak, and the Sect Master's figure swiftly flew towards him. Li Changshou quickly opened the outer defensive array for passage and stepped out of the alchemy room to greet him. By this time, the Sect Master no longer needed to conceal his figure on Xiaoqiong Peak, as its outer arrays were equipped with sufficient illusion spells.

“Changshou! *Cough! Cough cough!*”

Li Changshou said, “Sect Master, please don't worry. I already have a plan for this.”

Ji Wuyou, his face etched with urgency, was taken aback and asked, “Do you know what happened?”

Li Changshou habitually played it safe, saying, “Sect Master, please go first. Let's see if it matches what I know.”

Ji Wuyou said firmly: “A large number of demons have appeared outside the Carefree Immortal Sect, at least a hundred thousand strong. Many of them are powerful demons with dense aura, and there are even several Grand Luo level demon experts! The Carefree Immortal Sect certainly won't be able to hold out; they’ve already sent a plea for help to the Human Dao sects. Even if I were to lead people there now, I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to provide enough assistance! What should we do?”

Li Changshou frowned. “The Carefree Immortal Sect? A hundred thousand demon army?” Goodness, Kṣitigarbha actually tricked the demon race into investing such a huge price this time!

Following that, many of Li Changshou's doubts were instantly resolved. The opponent's overall scheme had now formed a complete picture in his mind. As expected, a large number of minor demons were already hidden along the coasts of the South Sea and East Sea, preparing to raid cities within the Sea God Sect's sphere of influence to tie up Heavenly Court forces. Later, as soon as he appeared as the Water God, primordial fierce beasts sent by the West would surely attack, thereby making the demon race feel a shared enmity with the West.

Ji Wuyou realized that something seemed amiss and asked in a low voice: “Changshou, what's wrong?”

“The Western Sect's move this time is highly ambitious and its plot is significant,” Li Changshou said. “Sect Master, there's also a group of demon soldiers outside the Immortal Ascension Gate right now. The demon race is currently reluctant to deploy too many forces, likely only choosing our Immortal Ascension Gate and the Carefree Immortal Sect as targets for revenge for the demon-ascending mountain battle.”

Ji Wuyou's expression changed, slightly puzzled, and he asked, “What connection do we have with the demon-ascending mountain battle?”

“The demon-ascending mountain was flattened by a Human Dao expert, and the Heavenly Court has always had the support of our Human Dao.” Li Changshou said seriously, “Next, Sect Master, gather the peak masters from all peaks within the sect. No one should be left behind; take all precious treasures and materials, and proceed to the underground leyline displacement array.”

Ji Wuyou said, “To flee without a fight like this, wouldn't that be...”

“This isn't fleeing without a fight; it's merely avoiding unnecessary losses.” Li Changshou reached behind him, and a paper effigy popped out from a corner. A jade token flew out of its backpack and floated into Li Changshou's palm. Li Changshou said, “Forgive my offense, but I, your disciple, am giving this order as a junior Archmage of the Human Dao. Sect Master, do not hesitate; act quickly!”

Ji Wuyou frowned deeply but did not hesitate, immediately nodding in agreement. But then the Sect Master remembered something else and said with a wry smile, “The underground displacement array was destroyed long ago! It would take at least half a month to repair it now!”

“No problem, I've already prepared it for the sect.”

Ji Wuyou's eyes widened as he looked at the Xiaoqiong Peak disciple, who had just spoken with such calm composure...

“*Cough, cough!* Why did you prepare such a thing?”

“Better safe than sorry,” Li Changshou said with a smile. In truth, it was something he had only recently created in the past decade or so. “Sect Master, it's located sixteen hundred *zhang* below the original array.” Li Changshou took out a jade talisman from his sleeve and presented it to Ji Wuyou with both hands. “There's another underground displacement array there. This array is more secretive and cannot be traced. That leyline connects to the northeastern part of Nanzhan Continent, emerging near a large mundane city, where the sect members and disciples can temporarily hide.”

Ji Wuyou was speechless.

Li Changshou urged, “You have at most half an hour. Once the battle at Carefree Immortal Sect begins, the enemy will attack our Immortal Ascension Gate. Sect Master, you needn't worry; I have my own way to help the Carefree Immortal Sect out of their predicament.”

“Alas! This time, we're relying entirely on you, Changshou!”

“Sect Master, please remember to keep this matter strictly confidential for me.”

“Rest assured, I absolutely won't tell my master a word!”

With that, Ji Wuyou snatched the array-controlling jade talisman and shot towards the nearest peak. Li Changshou bowed and breathed a sigh of relief. Thus, the next steps would be much easier to handle.

Just then, Li Changshou noticed that the four demon armies heading for the Immortal Ascension Gate were secretly lurking between eighteen thousand and fifteen thousand *li* away, not having directly charged in. This was not too different from what he had expected.

Grandpa Pagoda asked curiously in his mind, “Little disciple, how will you help the Carefree Immortal Sect? Should we send the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals?”

“Although the Heavenly Soldiers are numerous and well-trained, there's a severe lack of experts above the Celestial Immortal realm,” Li Changshou said, shaking his head. “For now, we can only call for reinforcements.”

Grandpa Pagoda was unusually rational for once, muttering, “Reinforcements? Those brats from the West should also be able to anticipate that other Human Dao Immortal Sects will rush to aid the Carefree Immortal Sect. They must have set up an ambush, right?”

“The opponent's calculations are profound. They must have thoroughly investigated the Human Dao Immortal Sects' details. Daring to penetrate deep into the Central Divine Continent, they must have also arranged a retreat path.” Li Changshou took out a jade talisman with a backhand motion and smiled, “To break the deadlock, the simplest way is to introduce external force. As for these demons who have already appeared in the Central Divine Continent, well, today, they won't need to go back.”

He quickly tapped his finger, activating the jade talisman's restriction. From the other end came a jingling sound, as if numerous treasures were piled together, clanking and colliding...

“Chang Geng?”

With Sect Master Ji Wuyou personally relaying the message, the various peaks of the Immortal Ascension Gate immediately sprang into action. Those in seclusion were all awakened; fortunately, no one was at a critical juncture of breaking through. Most Qi Refiners carried their valuables with them, and with the elders of the sect taking action, clearing out the inner hall of the Daoist Scripture Hall and the Hundred Ordinary Hall's treasury was a matter of mere moments. Peak masters and elders each displayed their abilities, leading their disciples underground.

They somewhat laboriously drilled several thousand *zhang* underground, entering an empty 'grand hall' where they found the leyline displacement array, which was several hundred *zhang* in diameter. Hearing the immortals within the sect praise the Sect Master for his far-reaching foresight, Ji Wuyou felt a bit embarrassed. Immortal Oblivion Wang Fugui and the Vicious Jiang Lin'er acted together with the Nine Immortals of Wine, maintaining order everywhere. Meanwhile, Jiu Wu and Jiu Shi were frantically searching for Jiu Jiu, but soon received successive messages from Sect Master Ji Wuyou and Immortal Oblivion, telling them not to worry. Jiu Jiu and Jiu Yushi were, of course, both on Xiaoqiong Peak.

Li Jing, who had already grown into a young man, was being protected by two old True Immortals in the crowd. Seeing such a spectacle, he was quite puzzled but showed not the slightest fear. Hearing an uncle or grand-uncle on the side mention that it seemed demons were attacking again, Li Jing's eyes filled with even more fighting spirit. However, at this moment, the sect did not allow him to draw his sword and go forth to slay demons and monsters. If he were to rush out now, it would be the complete opposite of a Heavenly God descending... He would be a Heavenly God delivering himself as a meal.

Then they heard Sect Master Ji Wuyou's voice echo throughout the peaks: “*Cough, cough cough!* Potian Peak will guard the rear, while Mist Spirit Peak, Elixir Cauldron Peak, and Immortal Rain Peak will forge ahead to scout. Elders, sect members, and disciples of each peak are to monitor each other. Anyone who privately uses communication jade talismans or arrays will have their cultivation sealed and be dealt with afterwards! Do not ask anything else.”

All the immortals responded in unison. As the grand array activated, batches of Qi Refiners orderly and swiftly entered it, displacing themselves with the power of the leyline.

Not long after, Youqin Xuanya hurriedly found Ji Wuyou. With a hint of hesitation in her eyes, she still bowed with clasped fists and asked: “Sect Master, why is Xiaoqiong Peak the only one missing?”

Ji Wuyou sighed softly. Just as he was about to tell Youqin Xuanya not to ask further, he suddenly thought of something and said, “They decided to stay.”

“Then I, your disciple, also choose to stay!” Youqin Xuanya looked up at her grand-master, her beautiful eyes shining brightly. “Please allow me, Sect Master! I will have no regrets, whether I live or die!”

“Go,” Ji Wuyou said, waving his hand. The disciples of Potian Peak around them had not yet reacted when Youqin Xuanya had already bowed and swiftly flown away.

“Xiaoya!” Jiang Jingshan quickly called out, but was stopped by Ji Wuyou's gesture.

“Rest assured, she should be safer staying here than displacing with us.” The immortals were instantly puzzled.

Enveloped in immortal power, Youqin Xuanya drilled into an upward rock crevice, piloting her immortal sword towards the surface. Not long after, she emerged from the river valley below Potian Peak. She was just about to head towards Xiaoqiong Peak when she saw several figures flying overhead. Her spiritual consciousness spread out, and Youqin Xuanya was slightly stunned. More than a dozen figures stood in the air, sprinkling immortal beans onto each peak. These immortal beans popped and exploded, quickly transforming into 'Heavenly Soldiers'. Many peaks were already crowded with brightly armored soldiers. At this moment, the mountain-protecting grand array was fully activated, and the sky was filled with colorful divine light.

“Come to the peak,” Li Changshou's voice echoed in her mind.

Youqin Xuanya's eyes were filled with confusion, but she nodded and replied, “Yes, Senior Brother.”

She rode her sword to Xiaoqiong Peak, soon entering its grand array, guided by a beam of immortal light into the alchemy room. As soon as she stepped into the alchemy room, Youqin Xuanya was stunned once more. Inside, several familiar figures lay scattered, each having fallen unconscious. In the corner lay Old Daoist Qiyuan. Jiu Jiu was naturally on the chair, snoring loudly while clutching a wine gourd. Jiu Yushi had collapsed onto a futon, and Xiong Lingli was snoring like thunder.

Li Changshou was sitting in front of the alchemy furnace, a thoughtful expression on his face, when he suddenly spoke: “Youqin won't be needed.”

Youqin Xuanya hadn't fully recovered her senses when she heard a familiar chuckle from behind, startling her slightly. Her spiritual consciousness hadn't detected anything, yet Ling'e had already approached her from behind!

“Hehe,” Ling'e chuckled, withdrawing her small hand and putting the porcelain bottle back into her sleeve. She quickly stepped forward two paces and hugged Youqin Xuanya from behind. “Senior Sister, don't be angry; my Senior Brother made me do all this!”

Li Changshou chuckled lightly, not refuting her. Youqin Xuanya's mouth twitched slightly. She sighed softly, then asked firmly, “Senior Brother Changshou, what do you need me to do?”

“Everything is already arranged,” Li Changshou replied with his eyes closed. “You two can just play chess to pass the time; don't panic no matter what sounds you hear later.”

Youqin Xuanya turned her head and exchanged glances with Ling'e, each reading a hint of helplessness in the other's eyes.

“Are we really going to play chess?” Youqin Xuanya asked in a low voice.

Ling'e blinked. “If Senior Brother instructed it, just do it.”

A moment later, the two indeed set up a chessboard, kneeling opposite each other, and began placing black and white pieces, engaging in a serious game.

The entire Immortal Ascension Gate was quiet, with more than a dozen peaks filled with 'Heavenly Soldiers'. Tens of thousands of immortal bean soldiers began executing simple 'defensive' orders. The opponent's attack sequence should be the Sea God Sect, the Carefree Immortal Sect, then the Immortal Ascension Gate; on the Sect Master's side, he had also mixed in two of his Golden Immortal realm paper effigies, ready to provide support at any time.

The Sea God Sect's sphere of influence was too vast at this moment; they could only passively defend, and damage might be very severe. Li Changshou could only try his best to minimize casualties among mortals and divine envoys, making a mental note of the losses. The Carefree Immortal Sect's situation was also arranged. At first, they would need to grit their teeth and hold on, but reinforcements would arrive soon.

But simply taking a passive beating, facilitating the Western Sect and Kṣitigarbha's scheme, was not the style of his Human Dao disciples... A slight smile appeared at the corner of Li Changshou's mouth.

“Hey, Senior Sister Youqin, quickly look at my Senior Brother...”

“What's wrong?”

“When Senior Brother smiles like that, someone is definitely going to be 'arranged'.”

Youqin Xuanya tilted her head slightly, while Ling'e remained perfectly serious. In various places on Xiaoqiong Peak, the immortal bean soldiers Li Changshou had originally deployed now all lay down, concealing themselves...

A moment later.

Along the southern and eastern coasts of Nanzhan Continent, a similar scene simultaneously unfolded in hundreds of somewhat remote Sea God Sect cities: Over a dozen seemingly unharmed mortals suddenly became enveloped in demon fire, each screaming a few times as terrifying demonic beasts burst out from their bodies! These demonic beasts roared a few times, pouncing towards the already empty Sea God Temple, causing destruction along the way. But in a flash, golden light flashed in the sky, dragon roars echoed in the sea, and golden beams of light descended upon these hundreds of cities, from which numerous silver-armored figures emerged. The grand drama of Heavenly Soldiers battling demonic beasts unfolded simultaneously in various locations.

Meanwhile, in the Central Divine Continent, at the mountain gate of the Carefree Immortal Sect. Dark clouds obscured the sky, and demonic energy rolled across the heavens! Over a hundred thousand demon troops, brought by countless demon experts, scattered directly near the Carefree Immortal Sect mountain gate and launched a fierce assault on the sect. Within the Carefree Immortal Sect, most of the sect members and disciples were pale. Dozens of sect experts rushed above the various peaks, shouting in unison and unleashing streams of immortal power to fully support the mountain-protecting grand array! And in the southwest, northeast, and due east directions of the Carefree Immortal Sect, streams of light began to converge, surging towards the area like three rivers! Not only that, but jade talismans shot out from various places in the Central Divine Continent, alarming Human Immortal Sects in one place after another...

A moment later.

Dozens of large holes appeared around the Immortal Ascension Gate, from which boundless demonic winds blew forth. Similarly, demon experts brought demon soldiers with them. In a flash, the four demon armies surrounded them and collectively charged towards the Immortal Ascension Gate!

However, just as the demons were about to attack the mountain-protecting grand array, several old demons found that something was... amiss. They each gave orders, and the demons temporarily halted their advance. Demon experts looked into the array, only to find the entire Immortal Ascension Gate completely empty.

An old demon sniffed and said in a deep voice, “There's not much human scent. They've all run away.”

Dong—

A strand of zither music echoed between heaven and earth. In the high sky, a white cloud slowly descended, bearing an old immortal with white hair and a white beard who was playing a zither with his head bowed.

“The Water God!”

“The Water God truly is here!”

“Kill...”

“Wait! Be careful of spiritual explosions! Everyone here is gone!”

“Heh,” Li Changshou chuckled, stopping his zither playing. He floated above the mountain-protecting grand array, his gaze sweeping across the myriad demon figures spread everywhere. A faint fire suddenly appeared around him, and this avatar was instantly consumed by flames. But his calm, comfortable voice echoed between heaven and earth.

“A hundred thousand demons, medium merit. That fellow Daoist indeed did not deceive me. Everyone, please come in.”

As he spoke, the Immortal Ascension Gate's mountain-protecting grand array lightly flickered, then burst with a soft pop, like a bubble.