Chapter 82: Preparing for Battle

"Changshou!""If it weren't for the poison pill you gave me from Elder Wan Linjun, I truly wouldn't be here to see you! Oh, dear..."This was spoken in Jiu Wu's pavilion, located in the Jiu Xian residence on Potian Peak.

Two and a half months had passed since the group from DuXian Sect, who were attacked, safely returned to the mountain gate. Li Changshou waited until Jiu Wu's injuries had stabilized and the wave of visitors had subsided before bringing Ling'e to visit his martial uncle, Jiu Wu. His master had been in secluded cultivation and was not disturbed by the incident.

For these two and a half months, Li Changshou worked tirelessly, bringing the outer and inner defensive formations of Little Qiong Peak to the absolute limit of his current capabilities. All the precious materials he had accumulated were completely used up! But living there now, he felt slightly more at ease.

As soon as Jiu Jiu led them into Jiu Wu's pavilion, Li Changshou heard Jiu Wu, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, utter those very words of lament.

Li Changshou stepped forward, a solemn expression on his face, and bowed respectfully to Jiu Wu along with his junior sister. Ling'e placed the tonic wine she was carrying aside, then was pulled by Jiu Jiu into the side room. This tonic wine was specially brewed by Li Changshou for Jiu Wu; it could replenish vital energy, stop depletion, stabilize one's foundation, and strengthen muscles and bones.

"Alas," Li Changshou also sighed, walking over to the bedside. Because Li Changshou had repeatedly cautioned Jiu Jiu beforehand, Jiu Jiu did not reveal the matter of Li Changshou's "dream." Even so, Jiu Wu was still tearfully grateful to Li Changshou, solely because that poison pill had saved his life at a critical moment.

"Martial Uncle, how are your injuries?"

"I'm alright," Jiu Wu sighed softly, stating with emotion, "It's just that the two fellow disciples who accompanied me met with a tragic end. Their souls were scattered in Central Divine Continent, and they can't return."

Li Changshou nodded, able only to sigh at the unpredictability of life. After a period of shared lament, Li Changshou got straight to the point...

"Martial Uncle, what's the progress on the investigation of this matter?"

"We've found some clues, but it's almost worse than finding nothing," Jiu Wu said, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. "I don't even know how to put it... This matter might be related to a major Daoist lineage from the Chan Sect. Someone doesn't want the Three Sects Grand Assembly to proceed smoothly and seems to be plotting something in secret."

Li Changshou thought to himself... 'This matter is definitely not that simple.'

However, he didn't say much more, merely sighing, "This matter involves truly significant implications."

"Indeed," Jiu Wu shook his head, his eyes full of sorrow. "Changshou, let's talk about your poison pill again..."

"Martial Uncle, are you looking for two more to protect yourself?"

Jiu Wu stated firmly, "Exactly! I can trade immortal treasures, immortal pills, or any other valuable item you desire!"

Li Changshou slowly shook his head, a serious expression on his face, and said, "The poison pill I gave you last time, Martial Uncle, was actually bestowed upon me by Elder Wan Linjun for me to study alchemy methods. Perhaps Martial Uncle should seek out Elder Wan Linjun... Martial Uncle, I'll send you a private message."

He whispered, explaining the situation.

Jiu Wu quickly nodded in agreement, a thoughtful expression on his face. Although Elder Wan Linjun indeed had a fearsome reputation within the sect, the potency of that poison pill was only truly known after experiencing it once. Sometimes, an immortal pill that saves lives is a life, and a poison pill that kills is also a life.

Jiu Wu said, "Alright, I'll take Shishi with me later to pay our respects to Elder Wan Linjun."

Li Changshou nodded slightly, then remembered Elder Wan Linjun's self-created divine ability. He himself would also visit later to request the elder teach him this divine ability, named 'Poison Sky Net Hand,' for self-defense.

Li Changshou then asked Jiu Wu with great concern about many details of the attack in front of the Jin Gong Sect gate last time. Jiu Wu answered everything he knew. When Li Changshou asked why the five of them had ventured out secretly, Jiu Wu sent a private message:

"I've only spoken about this to the sect master and the elders. The sect has also ordered that it not be spread externally. If it weren't for you, I definitely wouldn't speak of it. It was a senior disciple brother... Ah, it was a sect steward who said that a senior figure from the Human Sect wished to meet our group from DuXian Sect in secret to discuss matters concerning the Three Sects Grand Assembly, thus leading the four of us into an ambush. Among those who ambushed us, there were three Heavenly Immortals and sixteen True Immortals. Even before the battle began, this steward instantly collapsed... Later, upon inspection, just like those who attacked us, his primordial spirit was shriveled, and all his primordial spiritual power and divine soul had been drained. From the identities of the attackers, we could faintly deduce that they seemed to be immortal sects from the Chan Sect."

Li Changshou's heart skipped a beat, but his face showed a hint of lingering fear, and he and Jiu Wu sighed in commiseration once more. The two of them whispered in private for a long time, drawing a few wisps of spiritual and immortal perception from the nearby rooms.

Soon, Li Changshou asked the last question of his visit: "Martial Uncle Jiu Wu, I found a jade slip in the inner hall of the Daoist Scripture Repository. It seemed to mention... an escape array within the sect's underground earth veins that uses earth vein shifting..."

Jiu Wu immediately gave a wry smile and sent a private message to Li Changshou: "It's true. The elders, peak masters, and older generation of stewards all know about it, but they've all kept it a secret. After the calamity of the mass demon attack ten thousand years ago, our DuXian Sect Master felt it necessary to have a contingency plan. So, an escape route was created for disciples with insufficient combat strength. That earth vein leads to the East Sea coast. If a strong enemy attacks, disciples can go underground from the Hall of Hundred Mortals and use the shifting array to leave, thus avoiding implication. However, the only path down is from the Hall of Hundred Mortals."

Li Changshou looked enlightened, but a smile spread in his heart... Now, he could officially announce that there were two paths leading to that earth vein shifting array! He had never seen any jade slips related to an underground escape route. It was purely because... he had dug it up himself!

More than half a month ago, Li Changshou, preparing to create an underground escape tunnel for Little Qiong Peak, dug through the earth veins beneath it, almost destroying the grand formation. The so-called earth vein shifting array was not actually complex. Although it contained the word 'shifting,' it was not a 'Cosmic Great Array.' It simply utilized the power of the earth veins to 'shift' along them, allowing one to instantly appear thousands or tens of thousands of miles away. The sect's existing arrangement saved Li Changshou a lot of painstaking effort. However, for safety, Li Changshou still created a smaller earth vein shifting array in a more secluded location, its direction directly opposite to the grand shifting array made by the sect. This also consumed his last remaining precious materials.

Jiu Wu warned, "This matter cannot be spread externally either; it could easily cause panic among the disciples."

Li Changshou nodded in agreement, then diverted the topic to discuss recovery and healing.

Half an hour later.

Jiu Shi approached from the side, carrying a bowl of soup and a bottle of pills, and said gently: "Wuwu, it's time for your medicine."

Li Changshou, observing this scene reminiscent of the famous "Big Brother, it's time for your medicine" painting from his previous life, discreetly stood up and bid farewell to both martial uncles. His junior sister also floated out from the room and bowed to Jiu Wu and Jiu Shi. Jiu Jiu initially wanted to go play with them on Little Qiong Peak, but then remembering she shouldn't be too carefree, she joined Senior Sister Jiu Shi in escorting Li Changshou and Ling'e out. She waved goodbye to them, then returned to stand by her fifth senior brother's side... Playtime also had to be chosen carefully.

Li Changshou took his junior sister to the Hall of Hundred Mortals, where they both bowed to the portrait of Grand Pure Laozi, before returning to Little Qiong Peak.

On the cloud path, Ling'e saw Li Changshou's somewhat gloomy expression and whispered: "Senior brother, is the problem very serious?"

"There's too little information known right now to determine," Li Changshou privately told his junior sister. "I'll seclude myself in the alchemy room for a few days to carefully ponder this matter. If there's any anomaly within the sect, immediately crush the communication talisman I gave you. Don't worry about wasting it; I can still refine more."

"Oh, alright." Ling'e nodded sweetly, watching her senior brother descend into the alchemy room, then let out a soft sigh while standing on the cloud. Although she herself wanted to feel as tense as her senior brother, yet... looking around the sect, with mist curling everywhere and auspicious cranes in sight, it was still as peaceful as ever... 'Is senior brother... overly sensitive?' Ling'e softly sighed, then flew on a cloud towards her thatched hut.

With the grand formation around the alchemy room activated, there was no longer any spiritual energy surging through the forest, making it quite tranquil. However, if a person with keen spiritual perception stood outside this dense forest and glanced inward, they might find their hair standing on end.

***

Inside the alchemy room, Li Changshou casually released a paper effigy clone, which transformed into a wisp of green smoke and returned to the underground secret chamber. He took out a stack of blank scrolls, spread them out one by one on the ground, then removed his shoes and began pacing on them. It wasn't that he needed a special 'posture' to calm his mind and think...

Half an hour later, Li Changshou took out a homemade charcoal pencil, sat cross-legged, and wrote a vertical line of small characters on the far left of the top scroll:

If I were the mastermind behind this scheme

He then drew two arrows. One arrow was straight, followed by the text: 'the attack is unrelated to Jin'ao Island cultivators' previous discussions on Dao.' The other arrow pointed diagonally towards a large blank area below, with the text: 'related to discussions with Jin'ao Island cultivators.' After some thought, he drew more arrows from both entries, slowly listing every possible development he could conceive, and then analyzed each one meticulously. This time, not even the slightest possibility could be overlooked!

"Indeed, there's not much information known right now." All he knew was that the schemer targeting DuXian Sect possessed immense divine abilities, including the power to control Heavenly and True Immortal cultivators, and could instantly eliminate these puppets.

The motives should be divided into several categories: having enmity with DuXian Sect, or coveting DuXian Sect's 'assets'... However, the most probable 'enemy motive' was circled by Li Changshou:

Disrupting the Three Sects Grand Assembly and instigating conflict between the three sects.

Analyzing from the source, verifying through the results, not letting any logical chain escape. Li Changshou bent his head, writing and drawing, his immortal perception covering all of Little Qiong Peak, as the charcoal pencil in his hand grew shorter and shorter.

After three full days.

Li Changshou let out a long sigh, sitting behind the desk in the underground secret chamber, facing a 'white-on-black screen' propped up by his immortal power. It was covered with dense words, symbols, arrows, and diagrams: a dozen 'storylines,' hundreds of possible scenarios... Even if the true culprit remained unknown, as long as the opponent made their next move, he could identify the corresponding 'storylines' that would follow!

Li Changshou wasn't trying to find out who the true culprit was; that was pointless. Because the opponent was most likely someone he couldn't currently approach and would die instantly if he did. Li Changshou merely wanted to be able to react quickly and make the correct countermeasures when the opponent made a move and he detected it. Directly exposing his cultivation would only add an elder-level combatant to the sect, which wouldn't be very useful. Were there not enough elders from various peaks already? He would never gain significant influence in the DuXian Sect within a short period. Therefore, it was better to conceal his cultivation as a trump card and secretly do his best to protect himself and the sect. Moreover, in terms of actual effect, hiding in the dark would allow him to play a more significant role.

He took out three wooden plaques, picked up an engraving knife, and began to work on them, head bent low. Using a 'disappearing after viewing' potion, he wrote three strategies on them and placed them into three brocade pouches.

The first strategy: Cry. He had already laid a groundwork with Martial Uncle Jiu Wu, who would soon seek out Elder Wan Linjun. This brocade pouch would be passed from Elder Wan Linjun to Martial Uncle Jiu Wu, with a strict order for Jiu Wu to remain within the sect. Should the sect be attacked and the mountain-protecting formation breached, it was to ensure Jiu Wu would open this pouch. This 'crying' was not just random wailing; it had to be strategic crying. On this wooden plaque, Li Changshou wrote:

"Go to the Hall of Hundred Mortals, find the Patriarch's portrait, and weep uncontrollably from the depths of your heart, stating that DuXian Sect, honoring the Grand Pure method, is inherently peaceful and desires no conflict, yet has been exploited by others who intend to annihilate the Human Sect's lineage of DuXian Sect, thereby instigating discord among the Three Daoist Sects, and imploring the Patriarch to manifest his divine power..."

The second brocade pouch was for Martial Aunt Jiu Jiu, but it had to be given to her only after a major event occurred, not directly beforehand. The third brocade pouch was for his master, detailing the matter for which he needed his master's help with cover, which was actually to have his master protect his junior sister's departure. If a major sect battle erupted, his master would undoubtedly become reckless, so countermeasures had to be prepared in advance. Li Changshou himself, however, didn't need protection. Once he detected all the omens, his main body would certainly be in an extremely safe location.

After sealing the brocade pouches, Li Changshou let out a low command: "All forces, prepare for battle!"

Uh, it seemed he was the only one in his 'forces.' He casually swept his hand across the table, and two rows of small paper figures jumped out from his sleeve, bowing uniformly to Li Changshou. Li Changshou smiled and tried again. "All forces, prepare for battle!" The little paper figures instantly swung their arms menacingly, looking fierce yet adorable.

No more joking. The three most crucial things he needed to do now were:Rapidly expand his 'poison-catalyzing artifact arsenal' and increase the quantity of poison powders without limit.Strengthen his paper effigies so he could control them with only a portion of his mind, absolutely not dedicating all his mental energy to them.Gain Elder Wan Linjun's deep trust; this was a powerful backer, a force no weaker than a Golden Immortal!

Standing up, Li Changshou looked at the words "True Culprit" written at the very center of the 'black screen' before him, his eyes glinting.

'No matter if you're from the West, or the North, or if you have a grudge against my DuXian Sect, or if you're someone from the Chan, Jie, or Human Sects who bears enmity with the other two and doesn't want the three sects to reconcile...''As long as you dare to make a move!''Hmph!''This brother will dare to run...'

***

Half a year later, at the gate of Jin Gong Sect in Central Divine Continent.

Three figures flew out of the immortal island. These were three cultivators from Jin'ao Island who had agreed to return, having grown tired of staying here. These three were precisely the ones who had visited DuXian Sect that day. The other two, having heard Old Daoist Yuan Ze's complaints and empathizing, decided to return to Jin'ao Island to cultivate earlier. Wasting time here was not as good as returning to carefree cultivation!

As the white cloud flew a thousand miles, Old Daoist Yuan Ze, standing at the very back, a streak of blood-red flashing in his eyes, took two steps forward and suddenly said, "Fellow Daoists..." The two turned to look, suddenly hearing a 'buzzing' mosquito sound. Before they could react, a pain shot through the back of their necks, and their bodies instantly began to fall backward. Old Daoist Yuan Ze casually supported the two middle-aged men and continued flying on the cloud towards the southeast, as if nothing had happened.

Half a month later.

Old Daoist Yuan Ze, riding the white cloud, stopped in a dense forest located in the demon territory, at the border between Central Divine Continent and Eastern Victory Divine Continent. As if by prior arrangement, dark figures converged from various parts of the forest, encircling the three and all kneeling without rising. These figures included demons, humans, and spirits, all cloaked in black robes, fully concealing their auras. Their only commonality, perhaps, was a faint, almost invisible, healed scar on their necks.

A demon approached, carrying three trays, and knelt before the trio. On the trays, a crimson glow shimmered, revealing three fist-sized, seven-petaled blood-red lotus flowers. At this moment, only Old Daoist Yuan Ze and his two companions could see a crimson phantom constantly flickering and drifting around them. The figure's face was blurry, its figure exaggerated, excessively alluring. She whispered something softly into the ears of the three, her gentle voice weaving into their hearts.

"Take it... take it...""This is the immortality you have always sought...""The Three Sects Grand Assembly was originally intended by the Chan Sect to suppress the Jie Sect. Now, you have a way to stop it...""Only you can stop it...""Go quickly and destroy DuXian Sect, DuXian Sect..."

The three Jin'ao Island cultivators, led by Old Daoist Yuan Ze, each picked up a seven-petaled blood lotus and said in unison:"Your subordinates obey your command! We will not fail this time!"

Tens of thousands of miles away, in the depths of a certain canyon, Daoist Wen Jing, seated cross-legged on a jade-colored meditation mat, gave a cold smile. She didn't concern herself further, turning and flying towards the west.

Controlling the Jie Sect cultivators and arranging for puppets to attack the five immortals from DuXian Sect at Jin Gong Sect was to draw the attention of all parties to DuXian Sect. Then, she would have Jie Sect cultivators, disguised as a combined force of Chan Sect immortals and demons, destroy the small DuXian Sect. The scheme would then be complete. For her, this was merely a minor stratagem, and the three Jin'ao Island cultivators were the disguise she had set up. Once this incident occurred, regardless of the outcome, the rift between the three sects would only widen further. It was both a conspiracy and an open strategy.

As for her... How could she continue to show herself? If she accidentally attracted the Human Sect's Senior Disciple Brother, she wasn't confident she could escape. Escaping before the incident, secretly returning to the Western Sect, and watching the show from afar was the wise course of action. If these three succeeded or failed, she would directly cause them to turn to dust, leaving behind clues pointing towards the Jie Sect and Chan Sect, thus ending the matter.

'If this succeeds, what will those wretched vice-sect masters reward me with?''Hmph, what will they offer as tribute to this Queen!''These pathetic wastes, if not for the protection of the two patriarchs...''Sooner or later, I'll drain you all dry!'

Daoist Wen Jing sneered, her figure vanishing, leaving only a faint buzzing sound that faded into the distance.