Chapter 247: Demise (A Blessing for the Platinum Alliance Leader! )
Chapter 247: Demise (A Blessing for the Platinum Alliance Leader! )
‘Still, that being said, your actions. . . are probably for your own position, aren’t they? ’ Yan Dong Qing gazed at Yan Chang Kong, his lips trembling, but in the end, the words remained unsaid.
Yan Chang Kong observed his expression, letting out a long sigh: "To be honest, I certainly have my own selfish motives in doing this, but if my standing within the sect improves, won't that benefit both you and the Yan family? As members of the same clan, wouldn't I look out for you on the battlefield? And White Peace Immortal City has flourished for hundreds of years, accumulating countless Spirit Stones and resources!"
Hearing this, Yan Dong Qing was swayed just a little, sighing: "Uncle Chang Kong, there's no need to say more. . . I will introduce you to the Island Master. As for what happens next, my humble self has little say, you'll need to explain it yourself. . ."
......
A few days later.
Dragon Fish Island.
At the top of the Evergreen Pavilion, Fang Xi was engaged in a pleasant conversation with Yan Chang Kong.
"So that's how it is. . . if this high-level ghost cultivator perishes, they would indeed be somewhat useful. . ."
"Precisely. . . " Yan Chang Kong beamed: "I once saw in an ancient sect text that if a high-level ghost cultivator perishes, it's possible for 'Soul Crystals' to appear. This item seems to be useful for certain specific Demonic Cultivators, and is also one of the important raw materials used by ancient cultivators to create high-level puppets. . ."
"Alas. . . how difficult are high-level ghost cultivators to kill? Even if one were to kill them and obtain 'Soul Crystals', in the Three Kingdoms cultivation world, I haven't heard of any faction having a puppet-making legacy above third-order. . . " Fang Xi shook his head, then took another sip of Spirit Tea, and said to Yan Chang Kong: "Daoist Yan, come and try this 'Ice Spirit Fruit'. This Spirit Fruit was originally a specialty of 'Snow Flame Island', always renowned throughout Myriad Islands Lake. . ."
As a result of the ghost disaster, the cultivators of Snow Flame Island fled to Dragon Fish Island with a few fruit trees and offered them to Fang Xi, so they are now considered a specialty of Dragon Fish Island.
These small Qi Refinement families and minor sects from Myriad Islands Lake, though seemingly ordinary, each possessed one or two unique skills to have survived until now. The ghost disaster had effectively driven them, like fish into an abyss, greatly enriching Dragon Fish Island's foundation.
"Many thanks!"
Yan Chang Kong picked up an Ice Spirit Fruit. He saw that the fruit was pure white, with only a trace of golden pattern on its surface. Its taste upon entry was sweet and delicious, followed by a surge of pure spiritual energy, refreshingly cool, descending all the way down his throat. The flavor was indeed not bad.
Unfortunately, the matter he wanted to discuss ultimately remained unspoken.
This Island Master of Dragon Fish Island kept changing the subject every time, rather elusive, which greatly frustrated Yan Chang Kong.
After a few more cups of Spirit Tea, he finally couldn't hold back and spoke: ". . . I hear Daoist Fang resided in White Peace Immortal City for a period, but I've heard a rumor that when Island Master Fang first achieved Foundation Establishment, he seemed to have been treated rather slightingly by the Immortal City. . ."
‘This Yan Chang Kong, does he think I'm Old Yan Seven? That I'd fight to the death for his cultivation path, bringing my own provisions? ’
Fang Xi scoffed inwardly, his expression remaining utterly unchanged: "It was merely a small misunderstanding, one that I, Fang, have long since dismissed. . ."
"But surely Daoist Fang knows a thing or two about the prosperity of White Peace Immortal City? That True Person Bai Feng, who once received great kindness from my Black Heaven Sect's Ancestor Jiang, instead betrayed us on Emerald Island, truly chilling our hearts. . . Our sect has already issued a command, preparing to campaign against White Peace Immortal City!"
Yan Chang Kong asked with righteous fervor: "Myriad Islands Lake is part of the State of Yue. Since Daoist Fang is the Master of Myriad Islands Lake, I wonder. . ."
"Uh. . . Daoist Yan must have made a mistake."
Fang Xi, however, shook his head with a smile: "I am absolutely no Master of Myriad Islands Lake; I can only manage the humble Dragon Fish Island. As for other matters, I must discuss them with Daoist Ruan and Daoist Liu. One person alone cannot possibly make such decisions. . ."
He was a person who valued tangible benefits over empty titles.
Back then, his reluctance to accept the title of 'Master of Myriad Islands Lake' was, besides not wanting to contend with Ruan Xing Ling, precisely to avoid situations like this.
Hearing this, Yan Chang Kong's expression immediately dimmed, presumably realizing that his scheme was utterly impossible to succeed.
His eyes darted, and he smiled: "In that case, let us drop this matter. . . However, Daoist Fang, how many talismans do you still have in reserve?"
"Oh? How many does Daoist Yan require?"
Fang Xi's eyes lit up.
Yan Chang Kong was silent for a moment, then quoted an astonishing figure: ". . . Since I am purchasing such a large quantity, Island Master, you must give me a discount."
"Naturally. . ."
Fang Xi nodded repeatedly, knowing in his heart that this must be a war-time procurement? It seemed the Black Heaven Sect was truly preparing to move against White Peace Immortal City. He wondered why that Ancestor Zhang, Zhang Zhu Sheng, was so confident. After all, even with True Person Bai Feng's demise, Ouyang Zhen, with his Perfected Foundation Establishment cultivation, wielding a third-order spirit artifact, and stationed at White Peace Immortal City's third-order Prohibitory Grand Array, would certainly be even more troublesome than the Song Clan back then.
......
The tense atmosphere of White Peace Immortal City, like a tide, permeated the cultivation world of the Three Kingdoms.
Many Rogue Cultivators, just like last time, scattered to avoid disaster, bringing yet another wave of chaos to the cultivation world of the Three Kingdoms.
Fortunately, thanks to the ghost disaster, few cultivators were willing to come to Myriad Islands Lake, causing life there to proceed as before.
Although, apart from Fang Xi, even late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators felt that facing the ghost disaster was worse than letting a large number of Rogue Cultivators cause a temporary ruckus. . .
In the blink of an eye, another three years passed. . .
White Peace Immortal City.
On the entirely white Bai Feng Mountain.
In the Bai Ze Hall, Ouyang Zhen stood beside a seat entirely crafted from white jade, a trace of sorrow on his originally imposing face.
Yuan Feihong, along with his fellow disciples and guest elders, stood below, bowing in unison: "Our Venerable Master has demised. . . White Peace Immortal City cannot be without a master for even a day. We implore Senior Brother Ouyang (Steward) to ascend to the City Lord's throne."
"You are all too kind. I am merely temporarily acting as City Lord, as per my Master's instructions. . ."
Ouyang Zhen did not sit down. Instead, a purple glint flashed in his eyes as he replied: "Currently, city affairs are complex. The most important matter is the funeral arrangements for our Venerable Master. . . Besides that, several formation cores must have their vigilance strengthened, and the city will be under full martial law. Any Rogue Cultivators who dare to cause trouble will be immediately executed! " "Yes!"
His fellow disciples and guest elders all assented to the command.
"Everyone, go about your respective duties. . . Even if our Venerable Master has departed, I will uphold the heavens of White Peace Immortal City."
Ouyang Zhen declared in a clear voice.
Seeing everyone bow and leave, a strange light flickered in his eyes, and he sent out several Divine Consciousness transmissions.
A moment later, Ouyang Zhen arrived at a secret chamber.
Upon entering, he saw several Foundation Establishment cultivators already waiting inside.
Yuan Feihong was among them, and he spoke: "Senior Brother. . . you kept us here, it seems you have another important matter?"
"Precisely. I have received news. . . the Black Heaven Sect has begun to mobilize, likely preparing to launch a campaign against my White Peace Immortal City. . ."
Ouyang Zhen sighed, delivering the news.
"This. . . could it be false news? " To encounter such a situation right after their Venerable Master's death, even the Foundation Establishment masters felt a surge of unease.
"It won't be mistaken."
Ouyang Zhen waved a hand: "The Black Heaven Sect's grand display this time is actually just intimidation. . . Ever since news spread of our Venerable Master's declining health, White Peace Immortal City has seen a significant outflow of Rogue Cultivators. . . If news of a Core Formation sect launching a punitive expedition spreads, I fear nine out of ten Rogue Cultivators will flee. . ."
A bitter smile appeared on his face: "Perhaps this is precisely the Black Heaven Sect's objective: to weaken the Immortal City's strength as much as possible. . ."
White Peace Immortal City was, after all, a city of Rogue Cultivators and a city of trade. . . Once it lost its Rogue Cultivators and trade, it would truly be nothing but a dead city, guarded by only them, the Foundation Establishment cultivators and guest elders!
This grim prospect immediately made the faces of every Foundation Establishment cultivator present turn sour.
"There's no need for everyone to worry. As long as we guard the array cores, relying on the third-order Grand Array, the Black Heaven Sect cannot do anything to us. . ."
Ouyang Zhen took out several glistening array flags: "The guest elders we originally recruited are not very trustworthy now. These array flags can control a portion of the Grand Array's power. Each of you will hold one, and then guard the array cores, monitoring the other guest elders. It will be up to you. . . As long as we persevere for three years, there will surely be a turn for the better!"
After his fellow disciples departed, each with their own thoughts, Yuan Feihong did not leave. Instead, he stayed behind: "Senior Brother Ouyang. . ."
"What is it?"
Ouyang Zhen looked up, calmly gazing at Yuan Feihong.
"But the Venerable Master's instructions before his demise weren't like this. . . " Yuan Feihong thought for a moment, then spoke.
True Person Bai Feng relied most heavily on Ouyang Zhen, but his favorite was Yuan Feihong, his youngest disciple. Many arrangements had been conveyed to both of them.
Originally, according to True Person Bai Feng's plan, these disciples were supposed to fully pledge allegiance to Yiling Valley, or even abandon White Peace Immortal City and journey far to the Yuan Kingdom.
But after Ouyang Zhen took power, he didn't mention any of this, which was truly a bit. . .
"What? Do you think I'm blinded by greed, intent on defending White Peace Immortal City to the death?"
A faint, enigmatic smile appeared on Ouyang Zhen's face.
"No, this junior brother wouldn't dare."
Yuan Feihong quickly waved his hands.
"Alas. . . Junior Brother, you do not know the hardships of Rogue Cultivators. If we were to pledge allegiance to Yiling Valley, we would be living under another's roof. And if we were to go to the Yuan Kingdom, we would thenceforth wander from place to place, losing all our current prestige. Moreover. . . could you bear to hand over the foundation left by our Master?"
Ouyang Zhen retorted.
Yuan Feihong froze, then immediately shook his head. This place was filled with his fondest memories; how could he bear to abandon it?
"Exactly. . . This Senior Brother has not been led astray. In fact, I have already contacted our Venerable Master's good friend, True Person Bai. . . In just three years, they will be able to arrive and take over White Peace Immortal City. This was also one of our Venerable Master's arrangements. After much deliberation, I ultimately chose this path."
Ouyang Zhen pondered, then still transmitted a sliver of secret information via Divine Consciousness.
"What?"
Yuan Feihong suddenly looked up, a hint of wild joy appearing on his face.
He also knew that True Person Bai Feng had a friend named Bai in the Yuan Kingdom, with whom he shared a life-and-death friendship. He hadn't expected Ouyang Zhen could actually persuade them.
"That Uncle-Master Bai is merely held up by some matters, but they have already informed me that they will definitely arrive within three years!"
Ouyang Zhen continued his Divine Consciousness transmission: "Therefore, Junior Brother can rest assured. . . Within three years, the Black Heaven Sect will be utterly incapable of breaking through the Grand Array."
"Then why doesn't Senior Brother announce this good news? " Yuan Feihong thought of a doubtful point.
"Hmph, isn't it to guard against those guest elders? When our Venerable Master was here, they were respectful, but with him gone, they might just stir up trouble. . ."
Ouyang Zhen let out a cold snort: "This is a perfect opportunity to catch them all in one swoop when they try to make a move! Moreover. . . this matter must be kept secret. Otherwise, if Yiling Valley were to find out, they might very well interfere and sabotage it. . . Their connections in the Yuan Kingdom are far stronger than ours in White Peace Immortal City."
"Senior Brother is brilliant. " Yuan Feihong was thoroughly convinced, yet for some reason, another layer of doubt surfaced in his heart.
This Senior Brother Ouyang was excellent in all other aspects, but his attitude towards the guest elders was, after all, a bit. . .
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