Journey to the head

Crane Cry True Monarch slowed his pace again and asked in return, "After the ceasefire, public opinion is boiling. Tens of millions of cultivators across the vast Jade Balance are discussing this matter. What do you all say?"

Lu Qian thought for a moment: "The lower-level cultivators don't have much knowledge. They only know that Taiyi Paradise made peace with the underground races and ceded the five northern states to the demons. Based on this, everyone says that Taiyi Paradise suffered a defeat and had to cede territory to make peace and appease the demons."

Crane Cry True Lord snorted and asked again, "What do you think?"

Lu Qian laughed: "Taiyi Paradise governs all ninety-nine states of the Jade Balance Continent and has its sights set on the entire Yuan Chen Realm. There are many strategists in the sect, and their decisions are reasonable. As for me, I can only see a few states. If I were to make wild guesses, I would only make a fool of myself."

Crane Cry True Lord also laughed: "You are quite cunning."

He pondered for a moment, then said, "This isn't exactly a secret between my Taiyi Paradise and the five major Void Refining Sects. However, although you are exceptionally talented and have a limitless future, you haven't reached a certain level yet, so there are some things I shouldn't tell you too much."

"But now that you've been dragged into this, the demon race might still be eyeing your Yunshan ancestral vein, which could potentially reveal a hidden cave. They'll just say a few words to you, so you'll know what to expect."

He simply moored the Xia Boat on the boundless back of the Void Refining Giant Whale, as if the boat were anchored in the vast ocean.

"The reasons for the ceasefire are varied and have been discussed and debated repeatedly by the Elders and the Seven Constellations of Azure Dragon. In short, we do not have the confidence to win a single battle."

The underground races are much stronger than expected, and their attack on the surface has also received support from underground monsters on other continents.

After negotiations demanding the Demon Master lead his troops to retreat failed, Taiyi Paradise did not hesitate and officially launched an attack with the five major Void Refinement Sects, engaging in several major and arduous battles. Even the final battle before the ceasefire was extremely grand, with all Void Refinement True Monarchs participating!
Wu Zhuo had to return immediately to deliver the ginseng to Lu Qian for the Longevity King, and couldn't even wait for Lu Qian to wake up, which shows how urgent the war was.

If the demon race led by the demon master shows any weakness or signs of being overwhelmed, this great battle will immediately turn into a decisive battle!

"But we met our match, and our offensive was held back by the demon master. The Azure Dragon Seven Constellations realized that if we continued fighting like this, even if we won, it would be a Pyrrhic victory."

Crane Cry True Lord's expression turned cold: "But our Taiyi Paradise cannot afford a Pyrrhic victory. If the losses are too heavy, it will likely attract other covetous eyes. To win, we must win decisively!"

Lu Qian couldn't help but ask, "Are they those few Void Refinement sects?"

The True Lord shook his head: "The five Void Refining Sects are merely potential competitors of my Taiyi Paradise. But as long as they do not reach the Dao Integration stage, they will never challenge our authority without reason."

He paused for a moment: "Do you know why my Taiyi Paradise rules the continent and issues immortal talismans to various primordial spirit sects?"

Before True Lord Heming, Lu Qian had nothing to hide: "The Boundless Mysterious Lord of Ningzhou previously told me the reasons. First, it was to suppress demons and eliminate hidden dangers. Second, it was to conquer the minor worlds to appease the Immortal Lord."

“Wuliang told you? I see. He was looking for allies for the conquest of the minor realm.” True Monarch Heming immediately realized. “I also have some impression of this person. Although he has mediocre talent, he is straightforward and has a lot of courage. He is worth befriending.”

"Although he didn't say everything, it wasn't far off. In short, the Refining Void Sect is currently in a special phase where it has a high degree of autonomy."

"Before they reach the Dao Integration stage, the Refining Void Sect has no need to consider conquering smaller worlds, and therefore no need for a large number of subordinates. At the same time, they already possess vast wealth and abundant resources, and with their grotto-heavens as their foundation, they can almost completely rely on the outside world. Therefore, they do not need to challenge our family's position or compete with us for anything."

"Wouldn't it be better for them to stay under my banner and collect Daoist Dew without worry, since it's good to have a big tree to shelter them?"

"What the Azure Dragon Seven Constellations are worried about are the other continents."

True Lord Crane Cry did not go into too much detail, and continued, "Therefore, now is not the best time to fight to the death with the hundred races of the underworld."

"The Demon Master doesn't want a decisive battle either. How could he possibly hide what he's thinking from my Taiyi Paradise?" Zhenjun sneered. "He's simply planning to gradually weaken us step by step, then gather his allies and summon those aliens who are already dissatisfied with our human race, waiting for the right moment to launch a general offensive."

"But for us, it is a disgrace to have the five states ceded away. We must strengthen our military, be vigilant and prepared, unite the power of the continent, wash away the complacency that has been long since we have enjoyed peace, and teach those arrogant frogs in a well a lesson!"

"Let's see if the demons of the five northern states are still eyeing us covetously, and if we suffer heavy losses and deep pain from this invasion of our heartland. Will the sects of each state still be able to sleep soundly, and will they still dare to neglect their martial arts!"

"The demon race is a sword hanging over our heads!"

"We, the Land of Great Unity, are about to borrow this sword to test our courage and ignite the passion within us!"

Lu Qian was greatly encouraged upon hearing this. If Taiyi Paradise had such courage and foresight, it was truly admirable.

Even before the outcome of this campaign was decided, there were already many discordant voices. The five northern states were originally desolate lands for the human race, so losing them was acceptable. However, if the demon masters entrenched in the north could truly force the various sects of the Jade Balance Continent to unite and work together, then it would be a case of making the best use of them.

Thinking about it this way, the fact that Taiyi Paradise only issued a demon-slaying order to encourage each state to kill demons and defend itself, without sending any reinforcements, is partly because the demon race is powerful and difficult to extricate itself from the situation, and partly because it is a test of each state's ability to survive in the face of life and death.

Within a single state, the demon invasion resulted in heavy losses, making such a trial a losing proposition. However, from the perspective of the Great Pure Land of Taiyi...
"Our human race is the darling of heaven and earth. We comprehend the Dao at an extremely fast pace and reproduce very quickly. In less than three hundred years, another generation will grow up in the blood and fire, and they will become even stronger."

"What are mere demon race monsters? Twenty thousand years ago we could dominate Yuanchen, and now this world is finally ours!"

Lu Qian offered a few words of praise. He secretly thought that the demon race was far from being a monolithic entity. Originally, the various races underground had their own grudges due to their different species, and even with the emergence of a demon master, they could not be considered a monolithic group.

The strongest evidence is that, apart from the special circumstances in Qingzhou, the wave of demons that invaded the heart of the Yuheng Continent did not receive any reinforcements.

It seems their actions did not receive the support of the demon master.

Alas, it's a pity that the unity Taiyi Paradise envisioned only involved uniting the internal forces of the Yuheng Continent. If the six continents, along with the Immortal Fall Islands, could be united as one, what would there be to fear?
It remains to be seen how the strategy of Taiyi Paradise will ultimately be effective; only time from now will tell.

Seemingly sensing Lu Qian's sentiments, True Monarch Heming said, "Lu Qian, just as I just said, the demon race will inevitably unite with other forces. Your family has also encountered the matter of the illusory image of the cave, and there is also your senior sister, Liquan Jun. You must be even more careful with the dragon race in the future."

These words made Lu Qian's heart sink, and he nodded.

But then the True Lord laughed and said, "Of course, even if the sky falls, we'll hold it up. Just listen to what I said today and forget about it. This is far from something you need to worry about. Just focus on your cultivation and wait for the future."

With a flick of his finger, the True Lord caused the celestial boat to sway gently and glide forward. Before the grotto-heaven gate, which resembled a scroll painting, there were more Primordial Spirit Mystic Lords waiting on both sides than before, and their entourages were also much larger.

"This Anle Conference is of enormous scale, with all five major Void Refining Sects participating, as well as the Primordial Spirits from various states across the Jade Balance Continent who enshrine Immortal Registers among the guests!"

Crane Cry True Monarch smiled and said, "You are the only Nascent Soul Spirit Monarch on the invitation list."

Lu Qian expressed his gratitude profusely, but True Monarch Heming waved his hand, bringing the topic back on track.

"The most urgent task is to resolve your insufficient lifespan and to advance into the Nascent Soul realm as soon as possible..."

As he was speaking, the void suddenly trembled!
Above the heavens, a clear, watery light slowly split open, its Daoist essence condensing into semi-transparent steps; melodious sounds echoed above the giant whale. A group of great cultivators, dressed in plain white Daoist robes, descended the steps on the ripples, each step causing lotus flowers to sway gracefully.

In the instant the clear, watery light disappeared, Lu Qian saw a magnificent and beautiful fairy mountain through the gap. A huge jade tablet stood in front of the mountain, with ancient seal characters undulating like water ripples, and the faint sound of the void tide could be heard.

It is precisely the two characters “太素”!
Crane Cry True Monarch was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously stepped to the side to block Lu Qian.

"What a coincidence, it's the Tai Su Xuan Qi Sect!"

Among the group of powerful cultivators, the leader was dressed in a white robe, tall and slender, with long, flowing black hair. He had a beautiful, feminine appearance, but his expression was extremely cold and stern.

His body was surrounded by a faint, ethereal light, and the space rippled wherever he walked. Lu Qian felt a chill in his heart, realizing that this was already a sign of extremely high cultivation. He was not far from the realm of the Dao Integration Immortal Lord, who was seemingly alive yet omnipresent.
His gaze turned to True Lord Heming, who bowed and said, "Greetings, True Lord Yanyi, I apologize for not welcoming you sooner."

Yan Yi Zhenjun cupped his hands in greeting: "Heming Zhenjun."

He glanced at Lu Qian behind Crane Cry True Monarch, and Lu Qian felt a chill run through his body, as if he had seen right through him.

Fortunately, True Monarch Yan Yi only glanced at it before turning his gaze away, his eyes showing no fluctuation or emotion, as if he were not interested in anything.

Lu Qian silently calculated the intelligence he knew.

The Tai Su Xuan Qi Sect is the strongest among the five Void Refining Sects, boasting five Void Refining True Monarchs!

And this True Lord Yan Yi is perhaps the strongest among them!

Yan Yi Zhenjun turned his head and continued leading the group into the scroll. He Ming Zhenjun cursed inwardly at his junior brother in charge of reception for not showing up yet, but he was the only Refining Void Zhenjun among the Taiyi Paradise cultivators present, so he had no choice but to go forward and guide them, otherwise it would be extremely impolite.

Therefore, he had no choice but to come to Yan Yi's side and try to find a topic: "This grand event is very important, and it will take some time for the guests to gather. I did not expect the Tai Su Xuan Qi Sect to arrive early. Please forgive any rudeness."

True Monarch Yan Yi simply gave a faint "hmm," while True Monarch He Ming's expression darkened slightly, and he remained silent.

Seeing the atmosphere suddenly turn cold, a primordial spirit behind True Lord Yan Yi bowed and said, "The Taiyi Paradise has extended a warm invitation, and our sect is deeply honored. True Lord He Ming, you are one of the four great hunting envoys, renowned and powerful throughout the world. We are truly flattered to have you welcome us today."

Finally, someone spoke up. True Monarch Heming chuckled and, disregarding the difference in their status, started chatting with him casually, which at least made things less awkward.

With a single step, the group passed through the portal and entered the grotto-heaven. The Taiyi Paradise Immortal Grotto-heaven had now returned to tranquility. The army, which had been filled with murderous intent and ready for battle, had dispersed, and the floating giant island stood quietly among the misty clouds.

As everyone flew toward the floating island, they heard the primordial spirit laugh and say, "True Lord Crane Cry, you may not know this, but it's not that we rushed here for the banquet. It's just that Taiyi Paradise is so generous this time that they've actually included Daoist Dew in the exchange list!"

Lu Qian recalled the long exchange list. He hadn't paid attention to it before, only looking at the treasures he needed. Now that he thought about it, there was indeed the incomparably precious Daoist Dew.

That is a spiritual object that only a True Monarch of Refining Emptiness can enjoy, and it is of great benefit to merging with the Great Dao and advancing towards the Dao Integration Realm.

Although serving as a patrol officer or garrison commander in the Taiyi Paradise is hard work, and one may be blamed and punished at any time, in addition to the salary, one can also receive a drop of Daoist Dew every hundred years. This is the fundamental reason why these positions are so sought after.

No wonder it attracted the attention of the Tai Su Xuan Qi Sect!

"This is a rare opportunity, and several of my True Lords are quite tempted, thinking that every drop counts. However, our sect has been blamed for the escape of two Nascent Soul prodigies, and our points have been deducted quite a bit."

"So let's go first and see if we can contact other sects before everyone else does and exchange other spiritual treasures for some more points."

True Monarch Heming suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. The Zhaowang Sect, Langhuan Danque, Shuzhu Sect, and Zhongmiao Immortal Sect must all want to collect points from the primordial spirits of various states, just like you. The primordial spirits of various states may not be willing either, after all, in terms of the completeness of treasures, the exchange list of my Taiyi Paradise is indeed better than yours."

"Moreover, the Daoist Elixir is so precious and limited in quantity, you'd better hurry up."

The primordial spirit sighed, "That's right, the competition is fierce, and it's probably difficult to collect points. If True Monarch Heming knows of any group willing to make a move, please put in a good word for us."

Before Crane Cry True Monarch could speak, someone suddenly said, "I dare to ask for your permission to make this deal with the Tai Su Profound Qi Sect."

It was Lu Qian!

The primordial spirit was taken aback. It hadn't paid attention to Lu Qian, a Nascent Soul cultivator, and assumed he was a disciple of the Taiyi Paradise. It asked in confusion, "May I ask your name..."

“He is Lu Qian.” Yan Yi Zhenjun suddenly spoke, and all the primordial spirits of the Tai Su Xuan Qi Sect fell silent.

He is Lu Qian! The Lu Qian who possessed the opportunity of a celestial cave and shook the Jade Balance, the Lu Qian who successively killed six primordial spirit demons, the Lu Qian who cast a shadow of conspiracy over his own family!

"True Lord Yan Yi has discerning eyes." Lu Qian bowed respectfully. "I am Lu Qian, the head of the Yunshan Sect."

“You have a lot of courage,” said Yan Yi Zhenjun calmly.

Lu Qian laughed: "I have no grudges against your clan or the True Lord, so why should I be afraid?"

Crane Cry True Lord did not speak, but simply stood beside Lu Qian.

Yan Yi Zhenjun gave Lu Qian a deep look: "Have you figured it out?"

Lu Qian smiled: "I already understood before. Meeting True Lord Yan Yi today makes me understand even more."

"I have 90,000 points, and I am willing to lend a helping hand to the True Lord!"

The primordial spirits couldn't help but gasp in surprise; the points accumulated by the small Yunshan Sect were truly beyond their expectations.

Yan Yi Zhenjun nodded, pondered for a moment, and then flipped his hand.

“In that case, I have something that I can use as one of the items in exchange.”

A small sphere formed by a spatial barrier, and within that sphere, constantly swirling and shifting, is—

A wisp of innate spiritual energy! (End of Chapter)