Chapter 86 If I Were the Attacker...
Thousands of miles away from the Du Xian Gate in the southwest direction.
In a hidden valley shielded by formations, dark figures sat quietly in meditation. Outside the main formation, several figures lurked in different directions, vigilant against any potential attacks. Three or four others hid underground.
In the deepest part of the valley, three Daoists sat cross-legged in mid-air, each with a seven-petaled blood lotus rotating gently beneath them. These three blood lotuses, from the depths of the Underworld Blood Sea, had already absorbed half of their essence.
A faint buzzing sound resonated in their minds, causing them to interrupt their cultivation and listen attentively. Soon, they opened their eyes and nodded in acknowledgment.
"Understood, we will comply," they said in unison as the buzzing sound faded away from their minds.
Elder Yuanze took a deep breath and said firmly, "Although our vanguard suffered setbacks this time, it was due to our incomplete cultivation and failure to act promptly. With the opportunities bestowed upon us by our master, we will surely..."
"Friend, hold your tongue!" interrupted the Daoist with a middle-aged face on the left. "Actions speak louder than words. Our priority should be to achieve what our master has tasked us with."
"Agreed!" Elder Yuanze chuckled and gradually closed his eyes, murmuring, "Once we condense the Golden Immortal Dao Fruits, the Du Xian Gate will be within our grasp. It's just a matter of time before we secure it."
With a confident and serene smile on his lips, Elder Yuanze's words unsettled the two Qi Refiners from the Jin'ao Island who were also affected by the blood mosquitoes, causing them to exchange a concerned glance.
"He said it again."
"Should we advise the master... to choose someone else?"
Both shook their heads, their faces reflecting contemplation momentarily before returning to an expressionless state, slowly closing their eyes and focusing their minds.
At this moment, their thoughts were completely occupied by that voice...
[Absorb the lotus flowers, condense the Dao Fruits, and annihilate the Du Xian Gate.]
They had very few opportunities for independent thought...
The three blood lotuses slowly rotated again, emitting threads of blood light that flew into their robes, filling their void Dao Fruits.
...
"Xiaoya, there have been disturbances near the mountain gate recently, causing unrest within the sect. You should refrain from seclusion for now. If any disaster befalls the sect, make sure to promptly head to the Baifan Hall."
Standing on the white clouds, feeling the refreshing spiritual breeze, Xuan Ya's mind echoed her master's instructions.
Disaster... If the sect were attacked, what should she, as the current chief disciple, do?
In the face of formidable enemies assaulting the mountain gate, disciples who had not yet achieved immortality like them wouldn't stand a chance. If such a calamity were to occur and the protective formations were at risk, it would be crucial for disciples from various peaks to take care of themselves and not cause trouble for the immortal beings within the sect, thereby enabling more resources to be allocated towards external defense.
She lamented her lack of immortality at this crucial moment, unable to share the burdens of her master and ancestors.
She had to do something.
Xuan Ya pursed her lips, her resolve deepening, and turned to fly towards the Baifan Hall.
Shortly after, she received permission from the Baifan Hall, obtained the elder token, and began notifying fellow disciples from various peaks about the escape routes within the sect's grounds.
Leaving the Baifan Hall, Xuan Ya pondered for a moment before heading straight to...
Xiaoqiong Peak.
"There's only Senior Brother Qiyuan, Senior Brother Changshou, and Senior Sister Linge on Xiaoqiong Peak. It's naturally the most dangerous place if attacked by enemies. Informing them first is only reasonable."
Finding a justification within her heart, Xuan Ya flew towards Xiaoqiong Peak.
From afar, she spotted Ling'e floating on the lake's surface, her heart relaxing at the sight. Riding on a cloud, she descended slowly.
Just as she entered the outer layer of the isolation formation surrounding Xiaoqiong Peak, she heard...
Croak... Croak...
The croaking of frogs echoed from nearby, with the shimmering figures of jade frogs by the lakeside.
Although it was originally a spiritual place for cultivating immortality, there was an air of pastoral joy.
Xuan Ya landed by the lake, surveying the lively jade frogs hopping around, feeling quite delighted.
Ever since Senior Brother Changshou gave her an adorable pink spirit beast last time, she unexpectedly opened the door to a whole new world. Though she inadvertently caused its death due to frequent seclusions, mourning its loss for months and burying it beneath the Poh Tian Peak...
Since then, Xuan Ya had developed a deep affection for such cute spirit beasts.
Standing by the lake, she gently leaned over, her reflection in the water displaying her enchanting beauty and graceful figure. With a soft smile on her usually cool and beautiful face, she glanced at the two lively jade frogs, her gaze unusually tender.
However, as if sensing her gaze, the two recently 'transformed' frogs simultaneously leaped back to the edge of the lake and disappeared with a splash, leaving ripples behind.
Brushing aside a lock of hair by her ear, Xuan Ya's gaze remained soft.
At this moment, ripples appeared on the lake's surface, and three pearls rotated slowly, emitting a gentle light. Then, a graceful figure rose from the lake, holding two water balls in her hands, one containing a spirit fish and the other a jade frog...
In the soft light, Ling'e squinted her eyes lazily and said, "Beautiful senior sister~ Do you want this delicious eel; Or do you want this tasty jade frog? Or perhaps, you want your lovely and virtuous junior sister, to brew you a cup of tea and make some snacks?"
Xuan Ya couldn't help but chuckle, her laughter blooming like plum blossoms and snow lotuses.
Ling'e jumped out of the lake, laughing, "Senior sister, come inside. My senior brother went to Dan Ding Peak."
"Alright," Xuan Ya replied softly, taking a few steps forward with Ling'e.
Suddenly, Xuan Ya snapped out of her reverie, realizing something, her brows furrowing slightly...
Delicious?
"Are these... edible?" she asked, somewhat puzzled.
Ling'e blinked, "Why not? Eels are delicious, whether fried, steamed, boiled, or made into soup, especially with my senior brother's secret ingredients! Jade frogs can also be made into frog-head eels or tantalizing frog legs... My senior brother passed on all his cooking skills to me!"
Xuan Ya's brows furrowed slightly, "But we've already stopped consuming food after cultivating the Dao. Why insist on eating these?"
Ling'e chuckled, "Perhaps Uncle Jiuyu can explain this. He regards alcohol as half his life, isn't it the same for indulging in food?"
"Well, that makes sense..."
"Talk is cheap," Ling'e rolled up her sleeves, pulled out her spice pouch, and headed towards the lakeside stove. "Hold on, sis, let me show you what I've got today!"
Qin Xuanya blinked, about to speak, but Ling'e was already humming a tune and skipping to the stove.
With a flick of her finger, Ling'e conjured a flame, igniting the stove below; With a snap of her fingers, a spirit fish leaped out of the lake, as if it had jumped onto a chopping board by itself.
Ling'e took out a sharp tool called the 'Deodorizer' dagger, casually stunned the spirit fish, and began skillfully preparing it...
Qin Xuanya curiously approached, temporarily forgetting about the main business.
Half an hour later...
"It looks pretty good."
"Sis, try it. My skills are just as good as our brother's, huh?"
"Mmm... Smells delicious!"
Qin Xuanya held a pair of jade chopsticks, her eyes shining brightly; Meanwhile, Ling'e had already set up a low table, brought out some non-intoxicating clear fruit wine, and had a drink by the lake with Qin Xuanya.
Before long, a white cloud came from the Dan Ding Peak...
Glancing at the height of the white cloud, Ling'e remarked, "Our brother is back. Sis, don't you have something important to discuss with him? Shouldn't we wait for him?"
"Mm," Qin Xuanya quickly put down her chopsticks and got up to greet him.
This time, Li Changshou didn't avoid it and came straight over on a cloud.
"Brother! Qin sister has been waiting for you!" Ling'e cheerfully exclaimed, while Qin Xuanya bowed to Li Changshou.
"No need for such formality, Qin sister," Li Changshou returned the gesture, "What brings you to me?"
Qin Xuanya looked at Li Changshou and spoke of the matter of relocating the Earth Pulse Shifting Array, saying, "If there's an enemy attacking the mountain and the Mountain Protection Array is in danger, Brother Changshou and Sister Ling'e should go directly to the Baifan Hall. There's an escape route there. We haven't become immortals yet. If we stay here, it will only distract the senior brothers and sisters within the sect."
Li Changshou frowned and asked urgently, "Qin sister, have you informed the disciples of the various peaks about this?"
"Not yet..." Qin Xuanya felt somewhat embarrassed, "I just... came from the Xiaoqiong Peak. I was wondering if Brother Changshou could assist me and accompany me to inform the disciples of the various peaks about this matter."
Ling'e blinked beside her, but didn't say much.
Li Changshou breathed a sigh of relief internally and instructed, "This matter needs a different explanation. We must not mention the Earth Pulse Shifting Array. Have you considered, Qin sister, that the disciples who joined the sect vary in their years of entry, ranging from tens to hundreds of years? If there are enemies deliberately infiltrating to gather intelligence, openly discussing this matter will cut off the retreat for the disciples. They might rush to Baifan Hall all at once if there's a real enemy attack, wouldn't that be blocking the retreat for the disciples?"
Qin Xuanya was taken aback, then gently furrowed her brows, "Brother Changshou's words make sense. However, if we don't trust anyone, how can we expect others to trust us?"
"The phrase 'trust others' comes after 'knowing others'," Li Changshou said seriously, "If you don't know the person, how can you trust them? Human hearts are intricate; it's easy to know their faces but hard to know their hearts. Furthermore, why does Qin sister think there are no people in our sect who fear death, betray us, or seek to survive by joining the enemy?"
"But..." Qin Xuanya fell silent for a moment, unsure how to argue, pondering internally.
Li Changshou continued in a gentle tone, "While we are grateful to our fellow sect members, we cannot expect others to be like us. The way of Dao and methods in the world stem from the heart. Even among teachers and disciples, or fathers and sons, whose ways are exactly the same?"
"Qin Xuanya has learned..." Qin Xuanya deeply bowed to Li Changshou, her eyes showing some admiration, softly saying, "Xuanya was too hasty. Thanks to Brother Changshou for the reminder. Please teach me how to handle this matter."
"Sister, there's no need for such formality," Li Changshou returned the bow, internally summarizing how to deal with Qin Xuanya's character. "It's quite unexpected to use grand principles to deal with someone poisonous like her..."
Li Changshou chuckled, "Since Sister wishes to inform the disciples of the various peaks in advance, why not change the explanation; say, in case of an emergency within the sect, all junior fellow disciples who haven't become immortals should immediately rush to the Broken Sky Peak for refuge. Then, guide them to the Baifan Hall later. It's better than having everyone rush to the Baifan Hall in a panic."
"True," Qin Xuanya's eyes were bright, speaking softly, "If it weren't for Brother Changshou's guidance..."
"Sister Qin is just a bit anxious. Some reflection would have led you to the same conclusion," Li Changshou subtly interrupted her, then made a gesture of invitation, "This matter should be dealt with sooner rather than later. Sister Qin, don't linger here."
"Mm," Qin Xuanya nodded gently, bowed to Li Changshou, and hurriedly flew towards the Broken Sky Peak.
Naturally, she went to discuss this matter with the elders of the Baifan Hall and reminded the other elders not to leak the information.
After Li Changshou's guidance...
Within the mountain, it's very possible...
There are real spies!
By the lake, Ling'e blinked at Li Changshou, who smiled back at her, then flew away to the alchemy room.
A moment later.
Underground in the alchemy room, at a secret desk.
Li Changshou played with the storage ring that Elder Wanlin Yun had just given him, which bore the sect leader's seal, staring at the topographic map spread out on the table in front of him, which he had drawn earlier.
The storage ring contained a huge number of poisonous herbs, presumably a reward given by the sect to Elder Wanlin Yun; There were also a bunch of poisonous and hallucinogenic pills given by Elder Wanlin Yun... Returning kindness with gratitude, Li Changshou decided to 'use public funds for public purposes' and use them secretly to guard the sect.
Now...
Fingertips lightly tapped on the table, Li Changshou began to analyze each point.
[If I were those guys, which direction would I choose to launch a surprise attack?]
...
Half a year later, three thousand miles northwest of the Duxianmen Mountain Gate.
A series of dark figures swiftly darted across a desolate valley, skimming close to the ground. Unbeknownst to them, on a boulder at the edge of a cliff, a spider web entwined with bits of gravel gently swayed in the breeze.
Meanwhile, along their path, about three hundred miles ahead, within a dense forest...
A wooden box buried under a tree was softly nudged open, and a paper doll adorned with cloth bundles leaped out. In an instant, it employed a wood escape technique and vanished into the trunk of the neighboring old tree.