Xiuxian: Start with the medicine boy

Inside the Pandemonium...
Each figure seated there exuded an aura as deep and unfathomable as an abyss, held back and not yet released.
However, it caused the surrounding space to distort slightly.

An ordinary late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator is here...

Even standing upright would likely require a tremendous effort to resist that invisible pressure.

These dozens of cultivators were none other than the powerful figures of the demonic path who dominated all sides of the cultivation world and held the fate of countless lives across billions of miles of land.
He was also a top-tier expert who had reached the semi-saint realm.
He was also the ancestor or supreme elder of the Demon Sect, a powerful sect in one region.

"enough!"

A clear, cold sound, like ice spring water striking jade, suddenly rang out.

The voice wasn't loud, but it clearly suppressed all the arguments and discussions inside the hall.

The speaker was located on the left at the head of the table; he was a middle-aged man with a handsome face, dressed in a plain white scholar's robe.

He was toying with a white jade flute that shimmered with iridescent light.

This person was none other than the Jade Flute Scholar, the patriarch of the Illusionary Heart Demon Sect.

He appears gentle and refined, but his cunning is unfathomable, and he is particularly adept at manipulating minds.

His cultivation and combat power are among the top tier of these demonic giants.

"Gentlemen, continuing this pointless argument will only waste time and will not help solve the problem."

The scholar with the jade flute calmly swept his gaze across the crowd.
"You should know that the decree from that senior only gave us one month."

Time is running out.

If we are still unable to make a decision or provide an answer by the deadline…

He paused slightly, his voice growing even colder:
"Wait for that Nascent Soul senior to personally descend upon Heavenly Demon Island..."

Such consequences are probably not what you all want to see, are they?

The voice just fell,

On a throne opposite, a burly, bearded man clad in heavy black armor suddenly stood up, his voice booming like a bell:
"Humph!

Old man Jade Flute, don't try to boost the morale of others!

Others may fear that Nascent Soul cultivator, but my Heavenly Fiend Sect has no fear!

He surveyed his surroundings, his gaze defiant:
"Fellow Daoists present, whose sect has not produced a Nascent Soul Ancestor in its ancestry?"

Who doesn't have a few hidden trump cards deep in their coffers that can threaten or even temporarily contend with a Nascent Soul Realm expert?
I don't believe it!

The voice of the enraged half-deity shook the palace:

Therefore, my intention is to disregard that damned imperial decree!
We, the Demonic Alliance, are used to being free and independent. Why should we need an unknown 'emperor' to point fingers at us out of nowhere?

Not only do they get a share of power and resources for nothing, but they also have to be subservient to others!

“Fellow Daoist Nu Kui’s words resonate deeply with me.”

Next to Venerable Nu Kui, an old man wearing a scarlet robe, with a withered face but eyes as sharp as a peerless divine sword, slowly spoke.

He is the patriarch of the Blood Sword Sect—Blood Sword Master, whose blood-fiend sword energy has reached a state of perfection.

Blood Sword Master's voice was hoarse, yet it carried a resolute tone:

"In the past, although our Demonic Path Alliance had a Nascent Soul Ancestor in name, they were all ancestors of various sects, connected by blood and sharing the same origin."

Our ancestors lived a secluded life, contemplating the ways of heaven, and all alliance affairs were discussed and decided by us, their descendants.
Even our ancestor mostly offered guidance and support to us; he never acted arrogantly or domineeringly.

"On the other hand, consider this predecessor who suddenly appeared in the world,"

A flash of bloodlust appeared in Xue Jianzi's eyes.
"Upon its birth, it issued decrees throughout the land, displaying its domineering nature."

If we were to truly lead the masses to serve, given their style of conduct, how could we possibly be at ease?
I'm afraid they'll immediately confiscate their power and put them under strict control.

They even resorted to the tactic of "killing the chicken to scare the monkey" to establish their authority.

"As for 'guidance'..."

A mocking smile curled at the corner of Xue Jianzi's lips.

"Forgive my bluntness, but which of you here has not received guidance from your own Nascent Soul predecessor?"
Even though some of the Daoist's ancestors had fallen into slumber for various reasons, most of them had awakened before the last joint attack by the two races on the Purgatory Clan, leaving behind their inherited insights.

We are stuck in the semi-saint realm; what we lack is not guidance on cultivation techniques.

Rather, it was that mysterious, unseen opportunity to break through to the Divine Transformation stage.

This matter depends on one's personal path, opportunities, and fortune; how effective is guidance from outsiders?
Therefore, the guidance from a Nascent Soul cultivator is of little use to us...
It's actually not very effective.
After all, we are not those rogue cultivators without any lineage.

Everyone, is that right?

“What Fellow Daoist Blood Sword said is indeed true.”

The one who answered was an elderly man dressed in a black robe with gold trim, wearing a tall crown, and exuding an air of majesty. He was Xuanming Shangren, a half-saint level expert from the Taizun Holy Sect.

The Tai Zun Holy Sect has a long history and its intelligence network spans the world.

Master Xuanming stroked his beard and pondered:
"Based on our church's ancient records and recent investigations and speculations..."
This Nascent Soul cultivator who suddenly appeared was most likely a powerful rogue cultivator from ancient times or even earlier.

Its choice to emerge at this time is probably... due to its impending death, forcing it to awaken from its long slumber and make a final gamble to attempt ascension.

"As for why he suddenly changed his original intention and instead wanted to integrate the forces of the world..."

While I dare not make a definitive statement, I speculate that the reasons are nothing more than the following.

He held out three fingers:
"Firstly, it is the most likely."

Knowing his days were numbered and his hopes of ascension were slim, that senior cultivator took a risky gamble, attempting to gather the resources, fortune, and even... of the entire cultivation world.

Certain special things forcefully propel themselves, increasing that slight probability of successful ascension.

The exact method used is difficult to ascertain; perhaps it is some kind of forbidden ancient formation?

Perhaps it requires the will and power of billions of living beings?

Or perhaps it requires gathering certain legendary innate treasures.

"Secondly, it may be related to the recent continuous turmoil in the cultivation world."

Perhaps it disrupted their original plans.

Or perhaps some unforeseen event has occurred that they cannot ignore.

but……"

Master Xuanming shook his head.

"This possibility is low."

Putting yourself in others' shoes, if you all had little time left to live, would you be willing to waste your precious remaining time to quell disputes and stabilize the world for some unrelated 'ants'?
If it were me, I would absolutely refuse.

Of course, the world is vast and full of wonders; perhaps there are wise and compassionate elders who wish to settle their karmic debts before departing this world.
But the probability is extremely low.

"Third,"

Master Xuanming's gaze narrowed slightly.

"Perhaps this senior's 'integration' was not for the purpose of ascension, but rather for..."

To deal with a greater threat or calamity that we are not yet aware of.

This is the worst-case scenario, and there is no concrete evidence to support it, so we will leave it aside for now.

at this time.

A cultivator whose face was shrouded in a light gray mist, whose figure appeared and disappeared intermittently, spoke.
The voice was ethereal and uncertain; it belonged to the Half-Respect of the Primordial Soul Palace—the Old Man of the Ghostly Soul.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanming's analysis is thorough."

However, the decree of the Venerable One of the Divine Transformation should not be taken lightly.

The old ghost's voice carried a hint of solemnity.
"Even if your sects have profound foundations and methods to contend with or even repel Nascent Soul cultivators..."

However, there is a world of difference between 'resisting' or even 'repelling' and 'killing' or 'making them fearful and dare not attack'.

The power of a god-level being is beyond the comprehension of even a half-saint.

If they are thoroughly angered and act recklessly, I'm afraid...

He paused and continued:

"Therefore, I believe that simply resisting forcefully is not the best approach."

Why not... agree first and go to Zhenhai Alliance to find out what's going on?

See that senior in person, observe his words and actions, and explore his strength and intentions.

If the conditions are not unacceptable, or if there is room for maneuver, it is acceptable to temporarily feign compliance.

After all, time... is on our side.

“Fellow Daoist Ghost has considered all the details.”

A beautiful woman, dressed in a long purple robe embroidered with countless lifelike patterns of venomous insects, covered her mouth and chuckled.
She is the Heavenly Gu Immortal of the Myriad Gu Sect.
"To clash head-on with a Nascent Soul cultivator, even with profound knowledge, would result in a loss of eight hundred to eight hundred of one's own strength, a move not made by a wise person."

It would be better to remain patient for now, and wait until one of us takes that step and advances to the Nascent Soul stage.

Wouldn't it be better to discuss the pros and cons then?
For now, it is best not to openly defy the decrees of the Divine Transformation.

Upon hearing this, the demons inside the hall exchanged glances and made various expressions, their divine thoughts communicating intensely in secret.

Those who favor a hardline confrontation are mostly people with violent tempers or whose sects have truly profound foundations.

Or a powerful figure who has special reliance on others.

Those who advocate temporarily submitting and observing the situation are mostly concerned about the terrifying strength of Nascent Soul cultivators.
And the potentially devastating losses that might result from a hard-line approach.
They believed that the priority should be preserving strength and planning for the future.

A few, like the old ghost, suggested making contact first to find out the details before deciding on a course of action.

The debate raged on, but the atmosphere was no longer as intense as it had been initially; instead, it was more about weighing the pros and cons.

finally!
After most of the day of intense debate and tacit compromise, the group of demonic half-venerables in the hall reached a preliminary consensus:

Immediately dispatch a representative to Zhenhai Alliance!
Instead of all of them going, each sect sent one half-Venerable cultivator to Zhenhai City, ostensibly to answer the call, but in reality to observe.

The rest of the group remained on Heavenly Demon Island, activating a grand formation and maintaining strict vigilance in preparation for any unforeseen events.

"How about I, along with Fellow Daoists Jade Flute, Ghostly Soul, Heavenly Gu, and others, go together?"

Master Xuanming spoke.

These monks were all meticulous and adept at maneuvering.

Although the Half-Saint of Wrath still looked displeased, he did not voice any further objections, but merely snorted coldly:
"You may leave!"
But remember this: do not diminish the prestige of my demonic path!

If things don't go smoothly, send word back. I want to see if a Nascent Soul cultivator truly has three heads and six arms!

Blood Sword Master nodded slightly, which could be considered as tacit approval.

"Without further ado, let us set off now."

The scholar with the jade flute stood up, and the jade flute in his hand disappeared.

quickly!

One after another, faint yet vast streaks of light rose from the Hall of Ten Thousand Demons, passed through the ferocious demonic dragon portal, and disappeared.

at the same time!

Immortal Alliance Island, Immortal Alliance Headquarters.

Inside a magnificent hall shrouded in ethereal mist and shimmering with rosy light, the atmosphere was equally solemn.

One by one, figures with ethereal and otherworldly auras or solemn and imposing figures sat on cloud beds and jade thrones.

There were elders from the Guiyuan Immortal Sect, venerable figures from the Rongshen Immortal Sect, sword immortals from the Wanxian Sect, and wise men from the Tianji Pavilion...

It encompasses almost all the semi-saint level experts from the top immortal sects.

The energy here is so strong that it is in no way inferior to the Ten Thousand Demon Palace on Heavenly Demon Island.

"Fellow Daoists,"

The Half-Saint of the Myriad Immortals Sect, located at the head of the table—

The old man in the green robe, whose back was as straight as a sword and whose brows exuded a sharp aura, slowly spoke, his voice clear and melodious.

"Presumably, they have all received the decree from the Zhenhai Alliance."

That senior wanted to restore order to the world and summoned cultivators from all over the land to discuss the matter.

As to how our Immortal Alliance should respond to this, we still need to discuss and formulate a plan.

There was silence in the hall for a moment.

All the immortals and Taoist giants lowered their eyes in deep thought or exchanged thoughts.

After a moment, Master Qingwei of the Guiyuan Immortal Sect, an old Daoist with white hair and a youthful face, and a natural Daoist aura, slowly opened his eyes, stroked his beard, and said:
"In my humble opinion, this matter may not be a disaster for us; it may even be a blessing in disguise."

At least... it's an opportunity.

His voice was calm, yet clear enough to reach everyone's ears:

"In the current cultivation world, since all the Nascent Soul predecessors have fallen into the forbidden sea, order has gradually deteriorated and chaos has arisen one after another."

All sides are eager to make their move.

My Immortal Alliance alone does indeed feel powerless and unable to control the overall situation.

This has led to widespread suffering and endless unrest.

"Now, this senior cultivator has emerged, intending to unite all parties and rebuild order."

With his unparalleled cultivation, if he could facilitate this matter, the world's strife could be temporarily quelled, and order could be restored.

This is truly excellent.

Master Qingwei's gaze swept over the crowd:

"In the short term, our Immortal Alliance may need to relinquish some of its interests and obey the orders of our predecessors."

However, in the long run...

This senior was ultimately a rogue cultivator with little lifespan left.

Once they either successfully ascend to immortality or... pass away peacefully, the vast power they forcibly united will inevitably crack again.
Even to the point of disintegration.

"At that time,"

A profound light flashed in Master Qingwei's eyes.

Whoever can take over and integrate its legacy faster will gain an advantage in the new landscape.

Our various sects of the Immortal Path are of one mind and have deep roots. Moreover, we hold the great righteousness and authority, so our opportunities are naturally the greatest.

In other words, this senior, with the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator, cleared away obstacles for my immortal path and suppressed the current turmoil.

"nature,"

He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious.

"Those who can cultivate to the level of the Divine Transformation are all people of great wisdom and insight into the ways of the world."

Our thoughts may not be entirely hidden from us.

Therefore, during this period, we must be mindful of our duties and, at least outwardly, show respect and obedience to the orders of our predecessors, ensuring that they are carried out without question.

As long as I don't touch the root of the problem or openly defy the authorities, my seniors, for the sake of the bigger picture, will most likely turn a blind eye and allow me to wait for the right opportunity to act.

Do not let small gains lead to big losses, or act rashly, lest you bring trouble upon yourself and lose all your previous efforts.

After all, a Nascent Soul cultivator nearing the end of their lifespan, with no ties to their destiny, might not necessarily have many scruples in their actions.

Master Qingwei's words stirred the thoughts of everyone in the hall, who began to secretly plot their next move.

This strategy, seemingly one of forbearance, is in fact a strategic retreat, using the opponent's strength against them—a truly shrewd and wise approach to governing the country.

at this time.

The Mysterious Method True Person of the Rong Shen Immortal Sect, a middle-aged Daoist nun with an elegant demeanor and dressed in a Bagua Daoist robe, frowned slightly and spoke:

"Brother Qingwei's plans are far-reaching."

However, there is one thing we must consider.

Both the Demonic Alliance and the Overseas Zhenhai Alliance are formidable forces.

If that senior is... biased,
Or perhaps they're using drastic measures to quickly stabilize the situation and establish their authority over my immortal path.

Or if one side is excessively supported, how should we conduct ourselves then?

Passive waiting risks missing the initiative.

"Then there are only two paths."

Master Qingwei said calmly,
"Firstly, we should be patient and wait until the seniors leave before relying on our strength to speak for themselves."

Secondly…

His gaze swept over all the half-saints present, and he slowly said:
"It was during this period that someone in our Immortal Alliance took that first step and achieved the Nascent Soul stage!"

At that time, all difficulties will naturally be resolved.

Only through dialogue with peers of equal standing can one secure the rightful position and benefits.

"···"

...(End of this chapter)