Traveling through time to cultivate immortality: a life and death test

"We won!" The entire Qianji Sect was jubilant. They had been oppressed so badly for more than a hundred years, but now they could finally hold their heads high and stand up!

To boost morale, Nangong Yan decided to hold a grand banquet and celebrate for half a month. He also organized a martial arts competition with generous prizes, which delighted all the disciples and attracted enthusiastic registration. Even the Jindan Yuanying stage had a competition, and the Demon Dragon Special Forces were allowed to participate, allowing them to better integrate with the Thousand Machine Army.

The captured Nascent Soul and Core Formation cultivators of the He Huan Sect, whose lives were in the clutches of their enemies and who dared not resist, were now allowed to attend the banquet, seated in corners. Their faces were ashen, and the delicacies tasted like salt in their mouths. Nangong Yan had issued an order for the captives not to be mistreated, so the Qianji Sect disciples didn't treat them badly, but there was certainly some contempt in their eyes and sarcasm in their words.

The prisoners' fears of soul extraction and spirit refinement didn't occur, which made them feel relieved. As long as they followed the instructions, their lives would be safe. During this period, Lu Hua had also put in a lot of effort, not only healing their injuries but also persuading them to surrender with kind words, explaining the pros and cons.

"As you can see, we have four great cultivators, as well as such a powerful Demon Dragon Army and Thousand Machine Army. Our target is not the Hehuan Sect at all. We want to unify Zhongzhou! Rebuild the order of the mortal world, you know? We want all cultivators to no longer be oppressed, and to be brothers and sisters to each other, living in harmony! Don't you want to join us and accomplish something together?" Lu Hua was giving a passionate speech at the captives' seat.

Most of the captives stared at him as if he were an idiot, saying nothing. However, some seemed persuaded and actually listened attentively, pondering the possibility of unifying the mortal world.

As for the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining stage captives, they were all locked up in a large courtyard, planted with mind-controlling restrictions, and well-fed, which gradually calmed their fears. Lu Hua also arranged for his eloquent disciples to brainwash them into surrender. This was nothing more than a flex of muscle, promises, and coercion and inducement.

The Qianji Sect had been celebrating its victory and digesting the gains from this battle for three months without any new actions, which surprised Old Demon Chu.

He was afraid that Qianji Sect would attack their lair, so he issued an urgent order to recall the subordinate forces and disciples of the sect who were carrying out missions outside the sect to guard the base camp.

"Brother, I'm really unwilling to give up most of the territory at once." Hong Xuanting looked at the sphere of influence he had built up over hundreds of years, and his heart was bleeding as he saw him give it up just like that.

"Hmph, what else can we do? We have lost most of our men now. If we disperse our forces further, we will only be defeated one by one." Chu Shixiu said unhappily.

"That's the truth, but...sigh~" Hong Xuanting sighed.

"Junior brother, don't be too discouraged. Giving up so much territory is like putting out a huge bait, most of which will be swallowed by Qianji Sect. But the surrounding forces will smell the fishy scent and it is impossible not to take a bite, so we can create friction for them. Besides, Qianji Sect will inevitably send troops to garrison such a large territory after gaining it. When their forces are dispersed, we will send elite troops to harass them flexibly and maneuverably, making them run for their lives." Chu Shixiu said calmly.

"Brother, this is a brilliant plan!" Hong Xuanting's eyes lit up, and he instantly felt that giving up the territory was only temporary, and he could take it back when Qianji Sect weakened.

"The external forces introduced by Qianji Sect have always been a major concern. I will go to the Demon Sect and discuss the idea of ​​an alliance with the old devil Zuoqiu Hai. Junior brother, you guard the sect well and start the sect protection formation. Don't go out in person to avoid being lured away." Chu Shixiu thought about it and felt that the Hehuan Sect alone could not compete with the Qianji Sect, so he wanted to drag the Demon Sect into the water.

"Don't worry, senior brother. You must be careful on your way." Hong Xuanting agreed. He planned to close the mountain after his senior brother left.

"Friend Zuo, I, Chu, have come uninvited. May I meet you?" Chu Shixiu sped all the way and finally arrived at the lair of the Demon Cult.

"Haha, what wind brought our great devil Chu here? I'm sorry for not welcoming you in person. Please come in!" Zuo Qiuhai's voice arrived before he showed up.

"Brother Zuo, I'm sorry to bother you." Chu Shixiu said politely, clasping his fists.

"When did this old demon Hehuan become so polite?" Zuo Qiuhai's pupils shrank, and he thought in surprise, there must be something wrong when things are abnormal, so he not only became more vigilant.

Arriving at the cave, host and guest took their seats, and a boy served them tea. The two were old acquaintances and rivals, each very familiar and understanding. Patriarch Zuo carefully observed the old demon Hehuan, noticing a gloomy look between his brows, and knew he must be in serious trouble. However, he was also a shrewd man, so he remained silent and waited.

"Brother Zuo, I, Chu, never come to your temple for no reason. This time I am here to discuss an alliance with you." Chu Shixiu stated his purpose straight away.

"Oh, why did Brother Chu make such a proposal? Our two sects are neighbors and have been in constant friction. It's not an exaggeration to say that we are enemies. Moreover, in the past hundred years, the Hehuan Sect has annexed a large amount of the Qianji Sect's territory, and its strength is growing at its peak. Why does it need to form an alliance with my Demon Sect? Could it be that you are lying to me and want to take over my Demon Sect?" Zuo Qiuhai said coldly.

"Alas, this is a different time. Qianji Sect suddenly has two late-stage great monks. Not long ago, our sect clashed with them and suffered a small loss. Even our sect's newly promoted great monk was unfortunately sacrificed in this battle." Chu Shixiu knew that if he didn't tell the truth, the other party would not be moved.

"What did you say?!" Zuo Qiuhai was shocked and asked in disbelief. The sudden appearance of two great cultivators, coupled with the sacrifice of a great cultivator from the Hehuan Sect, was like a bolt from the blue, a major event that could shake the entire Central Continent.

"I am not lying. The other party's situation is..." Chu Shixiu smiled bitterly and described the battle scene in detail, of course omitting the plot in which he framed the newly promoted great monk.

Zuo Qiuhai stared intently at Chu Shixiu, trying to determine if his description was true. After hearing the entire incident, he could tell it was true. Oh my god! Zuo Qiuhai gasped. Undoubtedly, the Thousand Machine Sect has risen once again! The Hehuan Sect has suffered a great loss this time, and will be pursued relentlessly by the Thousand Machine Sect, destined for decline! No wonder they came to me for an alliance.

"To be honest, Brother Zuo, I plan to close the mountain for a while to avoid the spotlight. I'm willing to give most of the Hehuan Sect's territory to the Demon Sect in exchange for an alliance and a joint fight against the Qianji Sect." Chu Shixiu knew that without a big bait, this old fox wouldn't be tempted. Since these territories would be taken over by the Qianji Sect anyway, it would be better to give them to the Demon Sect as leverage, allowing them to resist the Qianji Sect's attack.