Immortal Road.

You Meiji, who was only at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, had unknowingly taken over the big stick of the Black Lotus Sect, which made many Nascent Soul stage cultivators who came to join her feel absurd!
If it were a highly respected elder, that would be acceptable, but can such an unknown newcomer really shoulder such a heavy responsibility?

"Forgive my bluntness, but although the Pure Lotus Hermit is no longer here, the Holy Masters of the Four Holy Lands are all shrewd and experienced individuals. If we make a wrong move, we could face utter ruin!"

The speaker was an old man in the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm. Fairy Qinglian had found this expert somewhere in this world. He had performed brilliantly in many battles and was even able to fight against the Supreme Elder of the Shangxiao Sword Sect. He was highly regarded by everyone.

"Yes, yes, we were already at a disadvantage, slightly inferior to the enemy in both numbers and strength, but overall we still have a fighting chance. If we make a mistake in our strategy, we could very well ruin our great situation!"

“That’s right! If we lose this battle, we will at most lose one Yuan Nian avatar, but the Black Lotus Sect will become history, and all of Fairy Qinglian’s efforts over the years will be in vain. Please think carefully about this matter.”

"What do you mean we'll only lose an avatar? That's a chance to ascend! I've been waiting for this day for ages, and if you, a little girl, mess it up, I'll make you pay!"

These people are all eccentric and violent. They don't respect anyone except Fairy Qinglian. They shout loudly here and dare to yell at anyone who doesn't listen.

At this moment, Youmeiji displayed unusual composure, simply watching them argue quietly until the scene calmed down slightly after a while.

"What, have you said enough?"

The crowd was somewhat surprised, wondering what this woman had to rely on to be so confident.

"You've said enough, so listen to me. I hope no one will interrupt me while I'm speaking, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"

After saying that, she even glared at Lin Shan, intentionally or unintentionally!
"???"

Lin Shan felt bewildered in the crowd. He hadn't said a word. Kicking someone when they're down wasn't his style. Did this woman really think she was someone special? Had she forgotten how he had dealt with her back in Xingfu?
“The World-Honored One’s command is not my own wish. I also know that neither my strength nor my reputation is enough to convince you all. Therefore, before each action, I will report to the World-Honored One and obtain her consent.”

"If you are not satisfied, you are free to obey orders but not orders, or even outwardly comply but inwardly defy them. I have nothing to say about that. But when the World-Honored One returns, you will have to think carefully about how to explain yourselves. Don't blame me for not making things clear beforehand!"

“Especially those troublemakers who don’t get along with me. You fight to the death not for the Black Lotus Sect, but for the conditions and rewards promised afterward. If it’s just because you’re dissatisfied with me, it will affect the settlement later. Then you’ll lose more than you gain.”

"Have I made myself clear?"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

This is indeed their weakness. If they offend Youmeiji here, and she complains to Qinglian Fairy after she returns, it would be ridiculous if they didn't pay them afterwards.

Lin Shan, standing in the crowd, noticed that You Meiji kept glancing at him with a strong sense of warning. He had initially been too lazy to pay attention to her, but her constant annoyance made him feel uneasy.

If it weren't for Fairy Qinglian protecting you, would you still be alive today?
He didn't know what role this woman played that made the immortal spare no effort in cultivating her and even entrusting her with important responsibilities. He swallowed his anger for the time being and endured it.

The Black Lotus faction's Yuan Nian avatar was openly unable to do anything to her, but the Immortal Envoy faction's Jie Mie clone had no such concerns!

Don't give me the chance, or I'll kill you.
After some warning, Youmeiji temporarily gained command by using the tiger's skin to intimidate others, and immediately began to make arrangements.

The other three protectors had no objections, clearly knowing that this woman was deeply favored by Fairy Qinglian and not wanting to cause infighting within the sect.

"The Immortal Envoy camp originally launched a five-pronged attack, but we wiped out one of them, which is equivalent to losing 20% ​​of its strength! So at this stage, the two alliances are basically evenly matched."

"Next, the other four routes, under the instruction of the Pure Lotus Hermit, clearly intend to take advantage of the faction advantage while the immortals on both sides are exchanging chess pieces, and to make a deep advance to expand their gains."

"We can lure them in deep, then surround them one by one, taking them out one by one and defeating them!"

“Pure Lotus Layman thought that without the World Honored One, our Black Lotus Sect would fall apart. He was sorely mistaken!”

"Next, we will take advantage of the arrogance of the various holy lords and teach them a lesson they won't forget!"

No one objected after hearing this; the strategy was correct, and defeating the enemy piecemeal was also acceptable.

However, in practice it was far from easy to implement, because the other side did not have the Pure Lotus Hermit to put out the fire, and other Nascent Soul stage cultivators could also break through the void and descend, so the four forces could still support each other.

Therefore, absolute advantage does not exist, and creating local advantage is not easy either.

Youmei smiled:

"Actually, the opposing camp is not monolithic. As long as we make good use of their internal conflicts and choose effective targets for surprise attacks, we don't need to be afraid of the strategy failing."

"For example, the relationship between humans and demons is neither good nor bad. Attacking either side is likely to face reinforcements. However, the alien race has always been unpopular in the cultivation world. If we take the Ice and Snow Alliance as the first breakthrough point and supplement it with feint attacks on other routes, the Nascent Soul cultivators of the human and demon races may not risk abandoning their own forces to provide support."

"In this process, we need to set a trap, let the aliens eat us up bit by bit, break the rhythm of advancing from four directions, lure them into an ambush, and make it easier to succeed."

"As long as everyone follows the plan step by step, doesn't act recklessly or without authorization, and obeys my instructions in unison, there is no possibility of losing this battle!"

You Meiji's tone was very arrogant, making people wonder if she had secretly obtained some information or had some other tricks up her sleeve.

The other major protectors of the Black Lotus Sect had no objections, so the key was how to allocate resources.

Everyone probably still wants to join the main force team. With more people, it's safer, and they can win battles and make some money. The situation is more complicated for the other cannon fodder teams. They are supposed to be feinting attacks and holding off the enemy to prevent them from providing support. If they get surrounded, they won't be able to escape!

"After internal discussion, we will immediately assign everyone to their respective teams."

After saying that, he started reading the list, which showed his swift and efficient manner!
But did you discuss it with them?
Who did you consult with? Why didn't you give us a heads-up beforehand?
Unfortunately, Lin Shan was directly assigned to the cannon fodder team under the command of Venerable Burning Fire Chi Hong, and he was to face the Vast Holy Land directly. This was going to be his second major setback!

Youmei Ji herself led a large force to target the Ice and Snow Alliance of the Inhumans.

Most of the others had no objection to this, because most people had gone to participate in ambushing the main force, and no one wanted to be cannon fodder!

A commotion arose on Blackwater Cliff. If it were Fairy Qinglian who made the distribution, they certainly wouldn't dare to disobey, but Youmeiji's distribution made no sense at all.

Yu Meiji gestured for people not to cause a disturbance, saying that those who disagreed could appeal, and that if their appeals were reasonable, they could be accommodated.

Lin Shan was the first to step forward. He didn't want to carry such a heavy burden and have to fight the Holy Lord Haoran again. That guy had a whole bunch of subordinates wielding powerful magical treasures. Was he really going to go and fight them?
"I don't agree!"

Everyone looked over, and when they saw it was the leader of the Seeking Antiquity Cult, they all showed amused expressions.

Recently, the topic of Lin Shan's reputation being implicated by the Black Lotus Sect has been widely discussed on the mainland, and we have also heard about it here.

Even though he's been trying to keep a low profile, his presence is still very noticeable.

Since that's the case, I might as well stop playing the coward. Rather than let Youmeiji trick me like this, I might as well stand up, overturn the table, and fight her to the bitter end!
"Oh? So it's Leader Lin. You disagree with my decision, but why?"

A triumphant smile flashed in You Meiji's eyes. Several of the Black Lotus Sect's protectors stepped forward from behind her, instantly unleashing all their pressure. This was the moment she had been waiting for!
If there are troublemakers who don't obey, then use your power to intimidate them, make an example of them, and let everyone around see what happens to those who don't obey you!

"I just escaped from the hands of the Holy Lord of Righteousness and lost the Yellow Turban Warriors. Now you're sending me there again? It's no different from delivering meat to my mouth. I won't go."

Lin Shan spoke with conviction and determination, giving those who were already dissatisfied a glimmer of hope, and they waited expectantly for You Meiji to decide what to do.

However, members of the Black Lotus Cult stepped forward to help.

"Sect Leader Lin, the Holy Maiden's arrangement makes sense. You have experience escaping from the hands of the Holy Lord Haoran. Other fellow Daoists would probably be in grave danger. So, it's for everyone's sake. We hope you can take on this important task. When it comes to calculating credit, you will definitely be rewarded!" Upon hearing this, most people immediately nodded in agreement.

The Holy Lord Haoran didn't want to face anyone, so he naturally welcomed the perfect scapegoat chosen from here.

Lin Shan looked up and exclaimed, "Good heavens, isn't this the Venerable Burning Fire, Chi Hong?"

“Burning Flame Venerable, I don’t think I have any grudges against you, so why do you have to try to kill me? The last time the Holy Lord of Vastness failed, it was entirely because the Yellow Turban Warriors covered the rear. Now that I’ve lost this Nascent Soul stage puppet, if I encounter this person again, I’ll have a nine-out-of-ten chance of dying.”

Upon hearing this, Chi Hong shook his head and sighed.

“I understand Leader Lin’s intentions, but the Holy Maiden also has her own difficulties. Among all the fellow Daoists present, who dares to say that they can escape unscathed from the hands of the Holy Lord Haoran? I’m afraid there isn’t one.”

“Only Leader Lin has the lessons of the past before him. He is experienced and capable. Even without the puppet, he still possesses a powerful spiritual treasure. We can naturally trust you.”

"Besides, it's not like I'm asking you to risk your life. I'll go with you this time. If we can make it in time at the crucial moment, I'll fight alongside you. We'll go together and come back together."

It sounds nice to say, but whether it's believable in practice is another matter.

Upon hearing this, others also came forward to dissuade him.

"Master Lin, forget it. Protector Chi Hong has already agreed to go with you, so there shouldn't be any worries about your safety."

"Indeed, forget it. If we're talking about someone who can stand up to the Vast Holy Land, it would have to be a master like you, Sect Leader Lin!"

"It is precisely because only the strong are qualified to stand alone that we newbies are not qualified to be sent there!"

"Yes, yes, we'll all rely on your continued protection and support to ensure our main team's success. Everyone is making contributions, just in different ways."

Well, these people really love making things worse!
"No way. I don't want to be made a fool of like a monkey. Weren't you ruthless enough in tricking me last time? Don't even think about trying to scheme against me again this time."

Seeing that Lin Shan was unmoved by reason, Chi Hong changed his tone and attitude.

Originally, he and You Meiji played good cop and bad cop, but now they've simply stopped pretending!

"Leader Lin, you should think this through. Now is the time for unified command in the face of a formidable enemy. If you deliberately disobey military orders and openly provoke the credibility of our Black Lotus Sect, what will others think? Will this battle still be able to continue?"

Sure enough, the other cultivators assigned to the cannon fodder path, seeing that Lin Shan had taken the lead, began to have their own ideas and clearly intended to disobey orders.

"Hehe, I was summoned by Fairy Qinglian. I should listen to the immortals. As for you two, you're obviously settling personal scores and trying to trap me. Only a fool would jump in!"

Lin Shan, with his seemingly ruthless demeanor, suddenly revealed his true intentions, catching the other side off guard.

Left with no other choice, Chi Hong could only turn to look at You Meiji, clearly indicating that she was still the leader.

“Very well, in that case I will ask the World Honored One to see what her family says.”

"That's perfect!"

With a flick of her wrist, Youmei Ji formed a hand seal, and a green pearl on her wrist emitted a wisp of smoke, which transformed into the Azure Lotus Fairy and floated out.

Everyone immediately became obedient, sensing that this was indeed the primordial spirit of the Azure Lotus Fairy, which had been residing in the body of the Enchantress.

"Holy Maiden, what business do you have with me?"

"Your Majesty, the leader of the Xun Gu Sect is disobeying orders and refusing to go to the front lines. He is also instigating others to resist orders. I do not want to provoke internal strife, so I can only ask you, Yuan Nian, to appear and take charge of the situation!"

"Oh?"

The Azure Lotus Fairy turned her head to look at Lin Shan.

A chill ran straight to my soul from head to toe!

Lin Shan felt his heart, spleen, stomach, brain, and even his tendons go numb instantly, and even the spiritual energy within his body seemed to want to break free!

Is this the reincarnation of an immortal?
This was the first time he had faced the power of the Azure Lotus Fairy directly, and he discovered that the gap between their realms was too great. The other party's reincarnation seemed to be close to the Void Realm, while he was only at the early stage of the Primordial Spirit Realm. The other party could easily use the manipulation of the void to loosen his avatar. If he were at the later stage of the Primordial Spirit Realm, things might be better.

"Sect Leader Lin, You Meiji was the successor I designated before my departure, to be in charge of the alliance's affairs. Why are you not obeying my orders?"

The Azure Lotus Fairy's tone was cold and aloof, carrying an irresistible majesty and domineering air, causing all the surrounding primordial spirits to lower their heads.

"Please calm down, Fairy. It's not that I'm ungrateful, but as you know, I have a personal grudge against You Meiji. Last time, she deliberately led her men to retreat at the last minute, leaving me alone surrounded by the Haoran Holy Land. I barely escaped with my life on the line. This time, she wants me to face the Haoran Holy Lord directly. Isn't that sending me into a fire pit?"

Before he could finish speaking, the other party abruptly interrupted him.

"I don't listen to any of that. I recruited you here with huge rewards, just so you could serve the alliance! But you're all afraid of death, hesitant to do anything great. What use are you then?"

Qinglian Fairy clearly didn't want to compromise. She was a woman of her word, and in her absence, she had to support Youmeiji and help her stand tall. If she showed weakness to the troublemaker today, it would be difficult to lead the team in the future.

From her perspective, what she needs is an impenetrable internal structure, so the possibility of disobedience must absolutely not be allowed to arise!

"Sect Leader Lin, the conditions I'm offering you are quite generous, far exceeding the value of a mere Yuan Nian avatar. If you're always thinking about protecting yourself, you might as well not have come at all!"

"In faction wars, sacrifices are inevitable. Everyone has to face danger and has their own role. It's impossible for everyone to be in a safe place and comfortably make money, right?"

"There's no such thing as a free lunch. I'm not some kind-hearted bodhisattva who came down to the mortal realm specifically to do charity!"

"Since you're here, you should be prepared to do what you're paid to do and follow instructions, instead of complaining and making a fuss. Do you agree?"

Lin Shan was speechless.

All the surrounding noise subsided, and the whole place became completely silent.

The Azure Lotus Fairy's prestige was at its zenith. Even a wisp of her primordial thought speaking was imposing and made them all unconsciously feel inferior. Who would dare to cause trouble?
"Alright, let's leave it at that. The fate of Youmeiji is my fate. I hope you will all assist her well and not cause any discord."

After speaking, the wisp of primordial thought returned to the green pearl, and You Meiji looked over with a smile.

After careful consideration, Lin Shan realized that if he wanted to obtain the remaining five hundred ancient rhymes and achieve great things in one fell swoop, he could only swallow his anger for the time being and not confront them.

Seeing that the troublemaker had quieted down, the others naturally didn't dare to continue shouting.

However, a seed of resentment slowly took root and sprouted, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his lowered eyes.

Since you've already started this, don't blame me for retaliating. (End of Chapter)