Chapter 129: Formulating a Plan (Requesting Monthly Votes)
Chapter 129: Formulating a Plan (Requesting Monthly Votes)
After carefully categorizing and storing the Qi Replenishing Pills, Fang Xi rose gracefully.
He would use the high-grade Qi Replenishing Pills himself, while the middle-to-low grade ones could be taken to exchange fairs to trade for various resources.
Once one gained even a slight proficiency in the four major cultivation arts, earning Spirit Stones was no longer a difficult matter.
Ever since he revealed his late-stage Qi Refinement cultivation base, his reputation on Peach Blossom Island had soared. Many Rogue Cultivators came to his door, requesting pill refinement.
At first, it might have just been to establish a connection, not caring much about the pill success rate.
But gradually, news of Fang Xi's excellent alchemy skills and low fees spread, and business grew steadily.
‘I never imagined alchemists earned so much. . . If someone requests pill refinement, first, their pill formula can be viewed for free, and then there’s no need to compensate if the pills are ruined. . . ’
‘As long as there’s one genuine pill per furnace, it’s considered a successful refinement, and one can receive a considerable reward. . . ’
After stepping out of the alchemy room, Fang Xi saw Lu Guo, his face filled with urgency.
"What happened?"
Fang Xi raised an eyebrow slightly. Ever since this man witnessed Ruan Dan still breaking through despite losing an arm, he seemed greatly stimulated and had been cultivating diligently recently.
For him to suddenly come to the door now, it must be something important!
"The Zhong Clan. . . The Zhong Clan has unilaterally declared war on the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance!"
Lu Guo cupped his hands and presented a jade slip: "This is the proclamation. . . If what it says is true, then Yu Lingzi truly died. . . What. . . what should we do?"
Fang Xi took the jade slip, scanned it with his Divine Consciousness, and chuckled: "It certainly sounds grand. . ."
As one of the seven great Foundation Establishment immortal clans in the State of Yue, the Zhong Clan indeed had no shortage of talents. This proclamation was written with impassioned rhetoric, detailing all the treacherous acts and despicable means by which the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance provoked the war.
As for the 'Silver-Armored Demon' and such, not a single word was mentioned.
After all, that's just the nature of great clans.
And ultimately, history is written by the victors.
Most critically, within the jade slip, a scene had been specifically imprinted!
It was the image of the Foundation Establishment cultivator Yu Lingzi's death!
The Thirty-Six Islands Alliance originally only had one Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator guest elder. The Tai Shu family then invited Yu Lingzi to be a guest grand elder, which was why they had the confidence to contend with the Zhong Clan.
Now that one had died, it was truly like a single tree trying to support a crumbling building, showing signs of defeat even before the battle began.
"The Tai Shu family concealed themselves so deeply. No wonder this Yu Lingzi could achieve Foundation Establishment; it turns out he himself was a Tai Shu family cultivator, who later concealed his name and changed his appearance. . . The Zhong Clan could even investigate this, they truly planted spies within the Tai Shu family!"
Fang Xi couldn't help but sigh with emotion upon seeing the revelations at the end.
"But now, if the Zhong Clan's army presses in, what should we do?"
Lu Guo's expression was panicked, even carrying a hint of lingering fear.
He had just received news that the Spirit Sky Market had been breached, and most of his former colleagues from the joint law enforcement team were likely in dire straits.
If he hadn't retired earlier due to severe injury, he might have suffered the same fate now!
At this moment, he even felt a bit of relief, fortunate that he hadn't perished alongside them in the Spirit Sky Market!
Could this be what Master meant by 'misfortune can be a blessing in disguise'?
"For such a significant matter, we naturally follow the Island Master's lead."
Fang Xi answered as a matter of course, causing Lu Guo to unconsciously roll his eyes in secret.
The last time the Silver-Armored Demon attacked, Fang Xi's actions hadn't exactly shown overwhelming loyalty.
Of course, most cultivators were like this, and Lu Guo wasn't foolish enough to go inform on anyone.
Given his position, a rash betrayal might very well lead to his own misfortune in the end!
Indeed, a moment later, a transmission talisman flew in.
Fang Xi took it, a hint of a smile appearing on his face: "The Island Master is holding a meeting. Everyone, head to the meeting hall. . ."
...
Inside the grand meeting hall.
Numerous cultivators gathered together.
Peach Blossom Island was currently flourishing; just counting the cultivators above late-stage Qi Refinement, there were Ruan Dan, Fang Xi, and Ruan Xing Ling, three individuals!
Among the Thirty-Six Islands, they were undoubtedly a top-notch power, and it was no wonder they faced so much covetousness.
The shadows of various factions were behind Ruan Dan's cultivation progress being delayed by an assassination, and Ruan Xing Ling encountering a major change that prevented her from achieving Foundation Establishment.
Now, several decades had passed, and batches of immortal sprouts had gradually matured. Although they suffered heavy casualties in the last incident, life-and-death battles could greatly enhance a cultivator's temperament and will.
In the past few years, there had been five or six cultivators who reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement, no longer just a mere handful as before.
"Uncle!"
Among the cultivators, Wei Yi Xi's eyes brightened immediately upon seeing Fang Xi approach, clad in his green bamboo robe, and she waved a greeting.
"Sigh. . . she's almost thirty, yet still acts like a little girl."
Fang Xi walked over, ruffled Wei Yi Xi's small head, feeling a bit resigned.
However, this girl only showed such an innocent and naive side in front of him. Most of the time, she was quirky and mischievous. On Peach Blossom Island, titles like 'Little Demoness of West Peak' had gradually begun to circulate. . .
He glanced around and noticed Mu family members were also present; it was Mu Zhong's youngest son, Mu Liuying.
In addition, Mo Qinghe, the head of the Mo family, had actually arrived, seemingly determined to become a vassal of Peach Blossom Island.
Once everyone had gathered, Ruan Dan let out a clear shout: "The Island Master has arrived!"
Ruan Xing Ling, clad in a large red palace dress, then walked to the main seat and simply took her place.
"Greetings, Island Master!"
The group of cultivators quickly bowed.
"Enough. . . I gathered you all today because of the war between the Zhong Clan and the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance!"
Ruan Xing Ling's voice was slow and gentle, like a clear silver bell. She recounted the entire story: "Now, the question is, what path should our Peach Blossom Island take? This Island Master wishes to hear your opinions?"
"Why, there's no need to ask! The Thirty-Six Islands Alliance acted dishonorably first and is now at a disadvantage, why not directly surrender to the Zhong Clan! ?"
A cultivator with a rough appearance and a large beard shouted loudly.
At his words, everyone looked askance.
‘This person is probably a Zhong Clan mole, no, an open pawn! ’
Fang Xi thought to himself.
Indeed, a female cultivator immediately refuted: "The Zhong Clan's army is still far away. What if that surviving Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator comes to kill us once we announce our betrayal?"
"Merely one guest elder might not risk his life for the three Tai Shu families!"
The bearded big man replied nonchalantly: "Everyone can see that the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance is in imminent danger. If we don't abandon ship immediately, what are we waiting for? Although there are some risks, fortune favors the bold! If we turn coat and achieve great merit, we might even be rewarded with an opportunity for Foundation Establishment. I implore the Island Master to judge clearly!"
"Foundation Establishment, Foundation Establishment. . ."
Ruan Xing Ling sighed with emotion.
Ever since she lost the opportunity several years ago, she had never found another Foundation Establishment opportunity.
At this moment, she suddenly said: "This Island Master's mind is made up. We will pledge allegiance to the Zhong Clan!"
"What? !"
Many looked up in shock, while the bearded big man was overjoyed: "Island Master is wise!"
...
"Fellow Daoist Fang, please wait!"
After everyone dispersed, Ruan Dan stopped Fang Xi.
"Oh, Young Island Master, is there something you need?"
Fang Xi was slightly surprised.
"My master requests your presence! " Ruan Dan lowered his voice and led Fang Xi into a secret room.
The secret room was lined with protective talismans on all sides, and once the door closed, it became quite tranquil.
"Fellow Daoist Fang. . ."
Ruan Xing Ling was indeed inside. Her expression was solemn: "I wonder, is your Green Reaping Sword still sharp?"
"Even a rusted old sword can kill when it matters most. . ."
Fang Xi sighed: "Island Master, do you have any instructions?"
"No need for formalities, no need for formalities. . . " Ruan Xing Ling smiled, pressing her lips together: "This Island Master publicly announced our surrender to the Zhong Clan today, but it's actually just a strategy within the alliance!"
"Oh?"
Fang Xi suddenly looked up.
"Hmph! Compared to the alliance ignoring our plight, the Zhong Clan actively sent people to attack and slaughter the Mo family, and even caused my disciple to lose an arm. Is this grudge to be let go just like that?"
Ruan Xing Ling explained with a cold laugh: "Now, I've sent word through an insider in the Zhong Clan, asking them to send a person of importance to discuss. When they arrive, we can ambush and kill them. . ."
"So that's how it is."
Fang Xi nodded.
"I know you are solely focused on farming and raising fish, but the Myriad Islands Lake is in great chaos, and no island can remain uninvolved. . ."
Ruan Xing Ling said: "If this succeeds, this Island Master swears that Emerald Cliff will forever be the Fang family's spiritual land for all generations!"
"Many thanks, Island Master!"
Fang Xi sighed: "Then I shall 'sell' this old sword to the Island Master. . ."
Given the situation, he couldn't refuse even if he wanted to.
...
Night.
Dark clouds obscured the moon.
A dim streak of escape light discreetly swept across Mirror Moon Lake, disappearing into the mountain villa.
Not long after, a beautiful figure rose gracefully, scattering countless petals all around.
By Mirror Moon Lake, within the Peach Blossom Tree Cave, a seemingly rotten wooden mask made of vines stirred, its two lifeless eyes staring at the scene.
Inside the underground cavern.
"Ruan Xing Ling indeed has connections with a third-party force. . ."
"That dim radiance, and the aura. . ."
Inside the underground cavern, Fang Xi suddenly opened his eyes.
Through the connection between his Demonic Tree and his demon servant, the other party's vision was just like his own!
Fang Xi harbored no resentment towards Ruan Xing Ling for keeping a secret from him.
If a ruler cannot keep secrets, he loses his subjects; if a subject cannot keep secrets, he loses his life!
For those who wish to achieve great things, secrecy has always been the top priority!
Furthermore, apart from some old acquaintance with Ruan Xing Ling, their relationship wasn't particularly intimate.
At a crucial moment, it was understandable for her to guard against him, perfectly understandable.
Fang Xi stroked his chin: "Ruan Xing Ling is actively contacting a third-party force, pulling chestnuts from the fire like this. There must be great benefits involved. . ."
Ruan Xing Ling, like him, was already at the Great Perfection of the tenth level of Qi Refinement; her spiritual power could no longer advance.
What she could pursue was only Foundation Establishment!
This was Fang Xi's speculation. After all, this woman was also someone solely devoted to the Dao. Apart from an opportunity for Foundation Establishment, he couldn't think of anything else that could move her.
‘Old Ruan is a bit stingy, she didn't include me in this good fortune. . . ’
‘Never mind, I'll do it myself! ’
Behind Fang Xi, banyan tree aerial roots danced, piercing into his body.
If before it was merely the 'reciprocation' from his Demonic Tree after being well-fed and satisfied, now, he was pushing the Demonic Tree's own potential to its limits.
Converting a large amount of life essence into pure blood-qi power, then infusing it into his body, seeking a breakthrough!
"Soon!"
Fang Xi whispered softly: "By then. . ."
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