Chapter 704: Saints Descend Ten Absolute Dangers

In the main tent of the Zhou camp, Ji Fa, the heir of Zhou, sat in the main seat, with Wu Cheng Wang, Huang Feihu, and Grand Tutor Jiang Shang seated to his left and right. Below them, the two rows of dozens of chairs were completely filled.

On the right side, the seats were led by Ji Dan, mostly consisting of members of Ji Chang's hundred sons group, representing the various nobles of Zhou.

On the left side, the assembly was even more formidable, including Guang Chengzi, Chi Jingzi, Huang Long Zhenren—the one with a penchant for bindings—Tai Yi Zhenren, Yu Ding Zhenren, and the trio of Wen Shu, Pu Xian, and Ci Hang, who were predestined to defect. There were also Dao Xing, Ling Bao Da Fashi, and Qing Xu, who seemed to blend into the background.

Only Ju Liu Sun was absent from this significant gathering. At that moment, Ju Liu Sun was still suffering in his cave dwelling, his only recourse being to train his disaster-blocking disciple, Tu Xing Sun.

In addition to the Twelve Golden Immortals, other powerful and virtuous immortals like Yun Zhong Zi were present, each bringing along the disciples they could, who stood behind them.

After all, the Ten Absolute Array had become a massive obstacle looming over them.

It was like ten mountains pressing down at once!

If they failed to break the array, they would lose this battle.

Losing face was a minor issue, but if the Jie Jiao side started to build momentum from their victories, Chan Jiao could fall into decline, potentially altering the course of the great calamity.

Currently, the situation in the great calamity slightly favored Chan Jiao, with most of the calamity's fate entangling Jie Jiao.

Wen Shu sighed:

“This great array, why is it so troublesome?

I, a poor Daoist, have deduced for a hundred days and still can't find a way to break it. It seems we can only break it with force.”

Yu Ding Zhenren said:

“The life gate leads to the death gate, and the ten arrays are interconnected, so breaking it is no simple matter.”

“Why rush?” Tai Yi Zhenren laughed. “They set up an array, but do we have to charge in? We can just ignore it.”

“That wouldn't be proper,” Chi Jingzi said. “In a contest of magic, we must respond when they draw their line. If we don't, we'll be ridiculed by the cultivators of the Three Realms.”

Tai Yi Zhenren said casually: “From ancient times, people only laugh at the losers. Winning is the best method.

This is a clash between armies, not a duel among immortals.”

Guang Chengzi frowned at him, and Tai Yi Zhenren shrugged, quietly sealing his lips.

The immortals then exchanged ideas, one after another, discussing ways to break the array.

Tai Yi Zhenren couldn't help but add: “Why don't we just set up our own Twelve Golden Immortals Array and make them come challenge it? Don't forget, we're the ones on defense.”

The immortals furrowed their brows slightly, each lost in thought.

They hadn't prepared for this in advance, so suddenly arranging it felt a bit rushed.

Nezha, riding his Wind Fire Wheels and carrying his Universe Ribbon, poked Tai Yi Zhenren with the butt of his Fire-tipped Spear and whispered:

“Master, you're going to make enemies like this. My dad said we should be kind to others and do more than we say.”

Tai Yi Zhenren silently shifted his position, moving closer to Yu Ding Zhenren, his eyes full of indifference.

With the tripod here, what was there to fear?

Ci Hang Dao Ren, dressed in a blue-green long skirt, sighed lightly and said:

“The Ten Heavenly Lords themselves aren't particularly strong in magic. If we fought them one-on-one, they wouldn't stand a chance against us. This great array must have been guided by some master...

It's truly unheard of and unseen.”

Guang Chengzi said with a bitter smile: “I finally understand why our junior brother Chang Geng hasn't shown up lately; he must have known we'd face this dilemma.”

Huang Long Zhenren said: “Senior brother, we can't say it like that. This linked great array isn't necessarily taught by Chang Geng.”

No sooner had these words left his mouth than a loud roar echoed from outside the camp. It was Zhao Jiang of the Ten Heavenly Lords, calling out from within the Ten Absolute Array:

“The hundred-day deadline has arrived! If you don't come to break the array now, we'll come for you! Ha ha ha ha!

Our Ten Absolute Linked Array has no solution. Even if you bring in Chang Geng, the one who taught it to us, he won't have a way to crack it!

Ha ha ha ha!

This array is flawless!”

The Chan Jiao immortals: ...

Huang Long Zhenren felt quite embarrassed and whispered: “Maybe I should go invite junior brother Chang Geng to give us a way to break the array. Otherwise, this just isn't fair.”

Tai Yi Zhenren snorted with a laugh, barely holding back his words.

Guang Chengzi looked toward Ji Fa in the main seat, who immediately understood. He delivered the speech he had repeated for months, crying out with emotion:

“Esteemed immortals, please save our Zhou nation!

That Emperor Xin is tyrannical and cruel, killing my grandfather and imprisoning my father. He torments the loyal and harms his teachers, and now heaven and earth are outraged, with people and gods alike condemning him!

Please, esteemed immortals, consider the hardships of our Zhou nation's founding and protect its people from Emperor Xin's slaughter!”

Ji Fa had said these words countless times;

But each time, they carried their own significance.

This gave the Chan Jiao teachers a righteous cause, allowing them to claim the moral high ground. They were merely responding to an invitation for aid, not interfering in mortal affairs.

“Very well,” Guang Chengzi said slowly. “In that case, we must discuss a strategy today to break this Ten Absolute Array and make the Shang army collapse.”

Ji Fa stood up to bow, then sat back down quietly, saying no more.

Though Wu Cheng Wang, Huang Feihu, had a mutant five-colored divine ox as his mount, he possessed no magic and was merely a skilled and strategic mortal general, so he kept silent at this moment.

Jiang Shang stroked his beard and pondered for a while, then offered his unique insight:

“This Ten Absolute Linked Array is difficult to deal with, but it's not truly unbreakable.

The way of immortal arrays always involves changes in the array's base. Even a linked array, though powerful, relies on multiple bases.

If we can probe the flow of spiritual energy within it and block the Tian Jue Array from supporting the other nine arrays with its energy, the linked array would be weakened by at least thirty percent.

However... this would require ten experts to attempt it, and with less than a thirty percent chance of success, it's far too dangerous.”

“I'll go into the array again to scout,” Yang Jian said gravely.

“What's the point of wandering around blindly!”

Tai Yi Zhenren turned and glared at Yang Jian, whispering: “You're just a third-generation disciple. Don't steal the spotlight.”

Yang Jian lowered his head and cupped his fists, saying nothing more.

Wen Shu said: “Should we invite a few more experts to join us?”

“Who else could we invite?” Huang Long Zhenren said with a bitter smile. “We can't ask our teacher to come out, can we? But who below the saints could break this Ten Absolute Array?

With the ten arrays linked, it's just too overbearing.”

Yun Zhong Zi stroked his beard and mused: “Could we lure them out? If we can't enter the array, make them come out.”

“These ten Dao friends aren't all like Zhao Jiang,” Chi Jingzi said. “I've crossed paths with Qin Wan; he's cautious and not easily tricked.

They have the great array as their stronghold—why would they come out to fight us?”

Tai Yi Zhenren said indifferently: “That might not be the case... Don't look at me. I've already done my part for Chan Jiao, leading the charge before. Today, you don't need me to play the villain again, do you?”

Guang Chengzi sighed: “Junior brother, you're mistaken. This concerns the fate of our teaching; there's no such thing as a villain here.”

Tai Yi Zhenren shook his head and said nothing, and Guang Chengzi didn't press further.

Thus, the Zhou army camp was once again filled with gloom, and they could only raise the no-battle sign even higher, their morale at its lowest.

Meanwhile, in front of the Shang army camp, within the Ten Absolute Array.

Zhao Jiang called out several more times, his words growing more provocative each time, but the Chan Jiao side remained still.

Qin Wan, the eldest brother, called the Ten Heavenly Lords together in the Tian Jue Array to discuss their next moves. The unheeded Zhao Jiang was getting frustrated.

Zhao Jiang said: “Didn't we agree before we came? Once we defeat the Zhou forces, we'll bear the karmic burden!

At worst, we can hide in the Chaos Sea, and their Chan Jiao schemes will fall flat!”

“That's not right,” Qin Wan said seriously. “The Shang has eight hundred vassals; what's the point of just destroying the Zhou family? If Chan Jiao picks another family to support and claims the Shang ruler is unjust, we'll have another Zhou in a few years.

Besides, slaughtering mortals is wrong. Let the armies fight it out on the battlefield.

We're already in control right now. If we force a massacre, we'll give them ammunition, turning our advantage into a disadvantage.”

“Then what should we do?” Zhao Jiang stamped his feet in anxiety.

Jin Guang Sheng Mu looked at her brothers and sisters and said seriously:

“Are we just going to wait here if they don't enter the array?

The rear army is consuming supplies, and we're the ones on the offensive.”

“It's fine,” Qin Wan sighed. “I've already sent a message to my nephew Wen Zhong, asking him to spread the word that the Chan Jiao immortals have been utterly defeated by our Ten Absolute Array.

This way, we can try to force them to come break it—ideally capturing the Twelve Golden Immortals.”

Wang Bian, the master of the Red Water Array, said firmly: “Big brother, why not just kill them outright? Why bother being polite?”

“The Twelve Golden Immortals are the direct disciples of our second master's uncle and the core of Chan Jiao,” Qin Wan said gravely. “If we kill them directly, it might provoke his anger and even spark a saint's war.

Chan Jiao has the support of Western Teachings, so our master wouldn't have the upper hand.”

Qin Wan continued: “We're only gaining a temporary advantage with this array; we can't get arrogant.

If we capture the Twelve Golden Immortals and take them back to Bi You Palace, what face will Chan Jiao have left to compete with us? That way, the great calamity can involve some of the registered disciples from both teachings entering the Feng Shen Terrace.”

But Jin Guang Sheng Mu said: “We can't think like that now. If we can kill a few of the Twelve Golden Immortals, that's the only way to truly hurt Chan Jiao!”

Bai Li, the master of the Fierce Flame Array, said: “Or we could just cripple their cultivation and spare their lives. That way, we'd leave some room for reconciliation.”

“That's a good idea,” Qin Wan nodded slowly. “My dear brothers and sisters, stay in your arrays for now. If anyone tries to break in, wound them first, then cripple them, but always leave a way out.”

“Understood.”

“Agreed.”

“We'll follow big brother's lead.”

Jin Guang Sheng Mu and the other nine immortals bowed in salute, then transformed into streaks of light, flying back to their positions in the Ten Absolute Array.

Qin Wan sighed softly, a hint of worry in his eyes, and fell into quiet contemplation, feeling even more melancholic.

He truly hadn't expected...

Their Ten Absolute Linked Array to have such a high level, directly stalling the Twelve Golden Immortals.

Not just Qin Wan—clearly, the Jie Jiao side hadn't prepared for this mentally either.

The mighty Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Jiao, counterparts to Jie Jiao's eight great disciples, were now held at bay by the Ten Heavenly Lords, who weren't even core disciples, unable to move on Mount Qi.

Over these three months, Dao Ren Duo Bao had been smiling constantly, often sharing a drink with Zhao Gong Ming and discussing matters in secret.

But just as the Jie Jiao immortals were collectively volunteering to rush to the aid of the Ten Heavenly Lords and watch Chan Jiao's predicament, another decree came from Tong Tian Jiaozhu.

The decree stated: Do not act rashly.

It was clearly an advantage, yet they were ordered to stay put, leaving the Jie Jiao immortals baffled.

Though Dao Ren Duo Bao vaguely sensed the pressure his master was under, he still led a few junior brothers and sisters to Bi You Palace's back mountain to seek an audience with Tong Tian Jiaozhu.

Seeing Tong Tian Jiaozhu sitting quietly in the bamboo grove, their hearts as disciples trembled in unison.

There, the saint's temples had gained two more strands of white hair, his brows heavy with worry.

On the divination board before Tong Tian Jiaozhu, the divination stones were slightly disordered, as if deliberately scattered.

“Master...”

Dao Ren Duo Bao called softly.

“What is it?”

Tong Tian Jiaozhu asked without turning his head.

Dao Ren Duo Bao whispered: “Our junior brother Qin Wan and the others have trapped Chan Jiao with the Ten Absolute Linked Array. Since we're in such a strong position, shouldn't we fully support Qin Wan and his team?

That way, our chances of winning against Chan Jiao...”

Tong Tian Jiaozhu's fingers trembled slightly, but he fell silent.

After a while, Tong Tian Jiaozhu said: “They went out against my orders. Why should you go to their aid?”

Dao Ren Duo Bao quickly signaled to Gui Ling Sheng Mu, who hurried forward, kneeling beside Tong Tian Jiaozhu and saying gently:

“Master, don't be angry.

We're clearly capable of beating Chan Jiao, and everyone wants to go challenge them. Maybe if we fight and make them admit defeat, the great calamity will resolve itself.”

The usually stern Tong Tian Jiaozhu couldn't help but soften, looking at Gui Ling Sheng Mu with a touch of helplessness.

Tong Tian Jiaozhu said: “You all are truly young and fearless. I'm not holding back out of fear; I just don't want you to go to your deaths.”

Zhao Gong Ming asked: “Master, do you lack the confidence to handle our second master's uncle and the two saints of Western Teachings?

If we all work together, we could hold off those two saints for a while—it's not hopeless.”

“You're underestimating your second master's uncle too much.”

Tong Tian Jiaozhu sighed slowly:

“Among the Three Pure Ones, your great master's uncle has the strongest Dao realm, but he's already signaled through Chang Geng that he'll stay out of the Feng Shen calamity, leaving it to me and your second master's uncle.

You should know how much your second master's uncle wants to kick you all out and drag me back to his courtyard in Kunlun for a few eons of scolding.

Don't hold any illusions—he won't show mercy when he strikes.

If the Pangu Banner comes out, how can I protect you?

Unless I can borrow your great master's uncle's Taiji Diagram, there's no way to counter it, and that Chaos Bell won't stay by my side.”

Dao Ren Duo Bao asked quietly: “Can the Four Swords hold it off?”

Tong Tian Jiaozhu said: “The blade of the Heaven-Opening Axe is stained with the blood of countless Chaos gods and demons. It turned into a banner because any other form would shatter the heavens and earth.

Do you know why most of the calamity's fate is now entangling our Jie Jiao?

One reason is that we have too many disciples; another is that our teacher doesn't want to oppose your second master's uncle.

Though the Azure Purity Sword and the Four Swords are sharp, the heavens can still bear them, and most of the Four Swords' power lies in the array diagram.”

At this point, Tong Tian Jiaozhu sighed deeply.

“You've always thought that Jie Yin and Zhun Ti of Western Teachings are teaming up against our Jie Jiao because we have too many disciples, and they need to balance that pressure.

Naturally, that's what I've said, hoping your great master's uncle would side with us.

But in reality, Jie Yin and Zhun Ti are just currying favor with your second master's uncle—they've been doing it since ancient times.

Let me show you.”

Tong Tian Jiaozhu pushed his left hand forward, and a circle of mist quickly formed, revealing a scene within.

The swirling spiritual energy made the image slightly blurry, showing gods and demons in chaotic battle, fighting over some treasure.

In the center, a middle-aged Daoist was surrounded by dozens of innate great powers. He snorted coldly, grasped a long banner, and waved it.

As the banner fluttered, waves of gray sword energy surged; dozens of innate great powers were beheaded, their powerful primordial spirits dissolving into Chaos energy, then quickly breaking down into pure spiritual energy.

Then, the middle-aged Daoist landed where the fighting was fiercest, expressionless as he swung the banner. Sword energy ripped through the battlefield, felling groups of innate great powers, while the rest fled in terror.

Only a few figures could barely withstand the sword energy, not daring to advance.

Finally, the middle-aged Daoist stopped.

He stood before a gourd vine, put away the seemingly ordinary ancient banner, and bowed to the side:

“Senior brother, please go first.”

The mist swirled slightly, and an old Daoist sitting on a cushion slowly appeared, reaching out to pluck a purple gold gourd.

The middle-aged Daoist smiled warmly and said:

“Junior brother, your turn.”

From the side, a young Daoist with a sword on his back approached with a smile, picking the gourd that caught his eye.

The middle-aged Daoist then took another one, leaving four behind. Without a glance at the figures lunging for the treasures, he turned and walked away.

A record of the Three Pure Ones harvesting gourds.

The image faded, and Tong Tian Jiaozhu rubbed his forehead as he sat on his cushion, saying softly:

“Still, pass the order: No one is to act rashly or leave their immortal islands.

If anyone leaves and turns to ashes in the calamity, they'll bear the consequences.

I can face your second master's uncle, but I can't protect you all in his hands.

In the most extreme scenario, if he and I both struck down each other's disciples, you'd be the first to go.

That's just the extreme case—your second master's uncle is fierce, but he wouldn't go on a killing spree.”

Tong Tian Jiaozhu's eyes showed a trace of calm as he said gently:

“I'm not afraid to fight; I just can't bear to lose you. You eight must remember: Never provoke your second master's uncle.

Gong Ming, how are Jin Ling and the others doing these days?”

“They're still recuperating in Luofu Cave; I've sealed the cave completely,” Zhao Gong Ming said. “I'm worried she might cause trouble, so it's better if she doesn't know about this.”

“Keep an eye on Jin Ling; she's the most impulsive. Just let her rest and recover.”

Tong Tian Jiaozhu waved his hand, and the disciples didn't know how to advise or strategize further; they could only bow and take their leave.

That middle-aged Daoist had given them immense pressure.

Suddenly, Dao Ren Duo Bao, Zhao Gong Ming, Gui Ling, and Wu Dang all felt an overwhelming weight.

Just one second master's uncle was almost suffocating; and it was now confirmed that the two saints of Western Teachings would side with him.

Zhao Gong Ming's eyelid twitched suddenly.

He said: “I'll go check on Jin Ling's condition.”

“Do you need me to escort you?” Dao Ren Duo Bao asked.

“No need,” Zhao Gong Ming smiled, pulling out a paper figure and shaking it gently. “Chang Geng made a few paper figures for me; I've placed three by Jin Ling's side.

I just need to find a place to meditate, and my mind can shift over.”

Dao Ren Duo Bao: ...

He had suddenly found the next treasure for his collection!

At the same time, thousands of li west of Mount Qi, on the peak of a high mountain, an old Daoist holding a seven-treasure wondrous tree—its youthful branch version—curled his lips slightly.

“Ten Absolute Array, just the Ten Heavenly Lords—hmph!”

His eyes showed a hint of contempt, mixed with impatience.

Then, he transformed, turning into an elderly Daoist with white hair, holding an ancient lamp, stroking his white beard as he rode the clouds toward the Zhou camp.

Before landing, the old Daoist recited a poem on the spot:

“Originally born from the pure lotus platform, undisturbed and carefree in wandering.

The great calamity descends, silencing all life; with bodhi in heart, I return to my true self.

Now I come from the west to spread the Dharma; tomorrow I'll retreat without bestowing grace.

The heavens and earth are boundless in creation; my Dao is eternal, the Dharma ever lasting.

Heh heh.

I, the Lamp Bearer, have come to assist you Chan Jiao Dao friends in breaking the Ten Absolute Linked Heavenly Evil Life-Severing Array!”

The Chan Jiao immortals were stunned; their immortal senses only detected him when he recited the poem, which alone showed he was a master.

In that moment, the Chan Jiao immortals' intelligence was on full display.

Tai Yi Zhenren's mouth twitched slightly as he leaned toward Yu Ding Zhenren, feigning impatience:

“Where did this wild Daoist come from, daring to intrude anywhere?”

Though he wanted to say “get out,” he held back.

“Show respect!”

Guang Chengzi stood up immediately, glaring at Tai Yi Zhenren, and hurried toward the tent entrance. “This is the expert I invited to help us. Everyone, follow me to welcome him outside and don't be rude.”

The Lamp-bearing old Daoist’s expression softened a bit, and he gave a meaningful look to Tai Yi Zhenren and Yu Ding Zhenren, who remained seated without moving.

Huang Long Zhenren, already a bit annoyed, muttered: “What kind of expert? Can he be greater than the eldest senior brother of the Three Teachings? I've never heard of him.

‘The Dao is eternal, the Dharma ever lasting’—quite the boast, as if he's an immortal saint.

Hmph, we'll see who ends up embarrassed.”

Yu Ding Zhenren felt helpless and added: “Our teacher is Yuan Shi Tian Zun.”