Chapter 926 - 486: Storms Gathering (Part 2)

Chapter 926: Chapter 486: Storms Gathering (Part 2)

Gao Hong, the Sect Master of the Netherworld Sect, furrowed his brows tightly, understanding that this was a rare opportunity, but at the same time accompanied by great risk. A slight mistake could lead to the downfall of the entire Netherworld Sect, thus he had to proceed with caution. After pondering for a moment, he had already made a decision in his heart.

"If this operation can be successful, it is indeed a rare opportunity for us, the Netherworld Sect. If we succeed, not only can we obtain an Artifact Refining Saint Master, but also weaken the strength of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, paving the way for our future expansion. However, as everyone said, this action bears great risk; a slight misstep could lead to a full-force counterattack from the Profound Celestial Sword Sect."

"Everyone, you all know what it means to provoke the Profound Celestial Sword Sect; the risk is great, and rash action is not advisable. First, let’s try to understand the current situation of the Xuan Tian Daoist Monarch and Qinghong Daoist Monarch." Gao Hong’s gaze swept across the faces of the elders, and he spoke solemnly.

As Gao Hong’s words fell, the grand hall immediately plunged into silence, and the elders bowed their heads in deep thought.

"What the Sect Master says is absolutely right," an elder slowly spoke, breaking the silence and agreeing, "The Xuan Tian Daoist Monarch and Qinghong Daoist Monarch of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect possess unfathomable strength, together with seven Sword Masters and thirteen Sword Elders—a profound foundation. Rash actions could indeed lead to passive situations; it’s better to send someone to investigate secretly and understand the situation and whereabouts of the Xuan Tian Daoist Monarch and Qinghong Daoist Monarch before making a decision."

"The Sect Master is deeply strategic and prudent!" Another elder echoed, "Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in every battle. Understand the current situation of the Xuan Tian Daoist Monarch and Qinghong Daoist Monarch, and only then can a more thorough plan be devised."

...

Soon, Gao Hong’s proposal received the approval of the elders, and even those with differing opinions chose to compromise after careful consideration.

"Since there is no dissent, we will act according to the plan," Gao Hong stood up, and said resolutely, "Elder Ge, Elder Chen, Elder Duan, you three shall lead the Netherworld Hidden Guards and follow me to the Land of the Nine Netherworld to investigate the situation of the two Daoist Monarchs of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect."

"Yes, Sect Master!" Elder Ge, Elder Chen, and Elder Duan replied in unison, fully aware of the importance of this mission.

"Remember, proceed with utmost caution and do not alert the enemy," Gao Hong once again emphasized, giving a solemn admonition to the three, "The Land of the Nine Netherworld is fraught with danger, and we must not only be wary of Xuan Tian and Qinghong but also the local forces in the Nine Netherworld."

"Rest assured, Sect Master, we will not disappoint," Elder Ge replied steadily, his eyes shimmering with steadfast determination. Elder Chen and Elder Duan also echoed, indicating they would go all out to complete the task.

The trio swiftly left the grand hall, quickly gathering the elite forces of the Netherworld Hidden Guards, ready to set off for the Nine Netherworld.

"Elder Bao, Elder Luan, I appoint you two to attend the upcoming auction at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion with wealth; try to befriending Master Li smoothly. It would be best to bring him as a guest to our sect without resorting to action unless absolutely necessary, waiting for Elder Ge and the others’ intelligence," Gao Hong said.

"Yes, Sect Master!" Bao Yong and Luan Huilan replied in unison.

...

The high ranks of the Netherworld Sect quickly mobilized to attend the auction at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, eager for those Daoist Soldiers, and even more so for Li Mu, who could refine Daoist Soldiers.

This scene unfolded almost simultaneously among many forces across the Four Domains and the Outer Realm within the Spirit Realm. Various sects, clans, families, and even those mysterious organizations hiding in the shadows all began to take action.

The slightly weaker forces dared not harbor any thoughts about the Supreme Elder of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect. However, nearly all the forces slightly inferior to the Profound Celestial Sword Sect or possessing strong ambitions took the opportunity while the two Daoist Monarchs of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect were trapped in the Nine Netherworld to express a keen interest in Li Mu, the Artifact Refining Saint Master, capable of refining Daoist Soldiers.

...

In the Central State Spirit Realm, the Taiyi Sect, residing beneath the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, yearned for the opportunity to stand on equal footing or even surpass it. Now, with the two Daoist Monarchs of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect trapped in the Nine Netherworld, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Taiyi Sect.

Xu Wen, the Vice Sect Master of the Taiyi Sect, upon learning that Li Mu had refined several Daoist Soldiers for the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion for auction, immediately convened the elders of the sect to discuss strategies.

"Hu Yiming, you are the longest acquainted with Elder Li," Xu Wen asked solemnly, looking at Hu Yiming seated on the right side. "Do you think we have the chance to bring him into the Taiyi Sect?"

Hu Yiming stroked his long beard, furrowing his brows. After a moment of contemplation, he replied, "Li Mu is deeply emotional and prefers solitude. His collaboration with the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion is limited to the refinement of Daoist Soldiers. Having been in the Profound Celestial Sword Sect for over a hundred years with considerable recognition, getting him to change affiliations might be difficult."

"Then what if we tempt him with great benefits?" Xu Wen pressed on, unwilling to give up.

Hu Yiming thought briefly before shaking his head, "Every piece of Daoist Soldier refined by Li Mu is worth a fortune, and the reward offered by the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion is already exorbitant. Moreover, as an Artifact Refining Saint Master, renowned worldwide, he lacks no wealth. To entice him with benefits may not be effective."

Upon hearing this, Xu Wen furrowed his brows deeper, knowing Li Mu’s refining capabilities. If they could secure his allegiance, Taiyi Sect’s strength would surely increase significantly, perhaps even surpass the Profound Celestial Sword Sect. However, Li Mu’s skills and background posed a considerable challenge.

"Then... should we consider other means?" Xu Wen’s voice carried a hint of ruthlessness.

Hu Yiming was startled and quickly advised against it, "Vice Sect Master, think carefully! Although Li Mu is withdrawn, his accomplishments in artifact refining are extremely high, and he is backed by the Profound Celestial Sword Sect and the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. If we act rashly and fail, it will certainly provoke a fierce backlash from the Profound Celestial Sword Sect, leading Taiyi Sect into an irrecoverable disaster!"