Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 982 Taking a Risk to Secure Success

Once the hall had calmed down a bit, He Zhiyun turned to Wu Sanxiong, who was in charge. The warm smile on his face faded slightly, replaced by a solemn expression.

His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of every True Monarch present:

"Palace Master Wu, to be honest, the 'Corridor of Myriad Phenomena' is extremely dangerous, far exceeding the perils of ordinary secret realm trials. With only these dozen or so fellow Daoists before us, I'm afraid... it's still insufficient. To ensure our safety, we need more outstanding fellow Daoists to lend their full support."

He paused, an invisible pressure quietly spreading: "I wonder if your clan, the Si clan, and Lei Chi could... send some more capable people? The more people there are, the more they can support each other, and the greater the chance of success."

"If we can gather twenty or thirty Dao-seeking True Monarchs to accompany us, we will have a 70-80% chance of reaching that core area and seizing the real great opportunity."

These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, instantly extinguishing most of the fervor that had just ignited in the hearts of Wu Sanxiong and the other leaders, leaving only a chilling cold and a heavy atmosphere.

The number of spots was too limited, and they fought tooth and nail for them. The sudden "all spots being taken" was already an unexpected bonus, but now, they suddenly feel it's not enough and want even more?! And it's twenty or thirty Dao-Seeking True Monarchs!
Wu Sanxiong's smile froze, and his brows furrowed instantly.

A hint of seriousness flashed in Si Xuan Shuang's eyes, while Dong Yi's gaze flickered as his mind raced.

After the brief euphoria came deeper concerns...

It is not difficult to cultivate a Dao Inquiry True Monarch within the sect. With the millennia-old foundation of the three great immortal sects, any losses are still within their tolerance range.

However, those like Suijin, Dongyi, and Sixuanshuang, who have already condensed their Dao Fruits and possess profound potential, are regarded as core successors who will be the future backbone of the sect. Each of them has been given a huge amount of resources and effort, and they are the foundation for the continuation of the sect's legacy.

Sending one or two people is still within our capacity.

But what if twenty or thirty elite True Lords were to plunge into that perilous "Corridor of Myriad Phenomena"...

What if... what if the losses are too great, or even the entire army is wiped out... who can bear that price?

Wu Sanxiong, Si Xuanshuang, and Dong Yi quickly exchanged glances. Without a word, their eyes reflected the same solemn hesitation and indecisive weighing of options.

“This…” Wu Sanxiong carefully considered his words, his face showing difficulty. “Fellow Daoist He, this matter… is of great importance and involves many aspects. The manpower you need is no small matter. We… are afraid we need to consider it carefully and discuss it in detail with our sect before we can make a decision.”

Si Xuan Shuang nodded slightly, her clear, cold voice ringing out: "Indeed, elite disciples are the foundation of our lineage and should not be moved lightly. Fellow Daoist He's request requires careful consideration from the Si clan."

Her gaze swept over Murong Xi, and although she didn't say it explicitly, the meaning was clear: the additional assistance that the Si clan could provide was probably limited.

Dong Yi also chimed in, "The Thunder Pool also needs to be considered. However, since you need it, my Thunder Ancient Pool will do its best. It's just that the specific person to be chosen still needs to be considered."

He Zhiyun took in the reactions of the three people, his warm smile unchanged, as if he had expected this situation.

He nodded slightly, his tone still gentle, even with a hint of understanding and comfort: "I understand, I understand. Passing on the torch is a great matter and should be handled with care. I await your good news."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to the clear sky outside the palace after the snow had cleared. In the depths of his gentle, jade-like eyes, a more profound and unfathomable light seemed to flash by.

Wu Sanxiong's mind raced. He gave Suijin, Si Xuanshuang, and Dongyi a look, and the four of them tacitly stepped back a few paces, avoiding the center of the crowd, and set up a soundproof barrier to discuss their matter in hushed tones.

Although they belong to different schools of thought and usually engage in open and covert struggles, they surprisingly share a common stance on this crucial matter concerning their core interests and the safety of their lineage: they must not expend all their elites in such a desperate gamble!
This is not because we disbelieve in any knowledge or reason, but because it is the foundation upon which our long-standing tradition has been established and preserved. How can we bet the future of our entire clan on a single game?

However, He Zhiyun's needs were clearly stated.

If they ignore it and deal with it perfunctorily, they may not only miss out on the generous rewards promised by the immortal envoy, but more importantly, if the immortal envoy encounters danger or fails in the trial due to insufficient manpower, what good will they, who have already boarded the ship, gain?

They may not even be able to guarantee their own safety... They need to find a solution that balances the pros and cons.

After a brief discussion, Wu Sanxiong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he transmitted his voice, "Or... should we give the others a chance?"

"other people?"

Si Xuanshuang and Dong Yi were both taken aback, but they quickly realized that Wu Sanxiong was referring to the powerful and well-established Daoist lineages of the scattered immortals in Xuandu.

Fu Danian's actions are proof of this. In the past thirty years, rumors about the "selection of immortal envoys" have been circulating. Who wouldn't covet this incredible opportunity?
However, the three major immortal sects are very strict in controlling the entrance, so they cannot find a way in.

Seeing that the two were interested, Wu Sanxiong continued, "That's right. Several years ago, the sect leader of Jin Cuo Sect personally visited my Wuxiang Sword Tomb with generous gifts. He was very sincere and offered to exchange the mining rights of three thousand-year-old spiritual veins in the sect for a spot in the selection process."

“At that time, the quota was not yet determined, and it involved core secrets, so we politely declined. Now that I think about it…” A meaningful smile appeared on his lips, “It’s not that it’s impossible.”

Jin Cuo Men is a lineage of scattered immortals that has been passed down in Xuandu for thousands of years. The sect's weapon-refining techniques are unique, and its strength should not be underestimated. Moreover, it has always maintained a close relationship with Wuxiang Sword Tomb, with frequent trade exchanges.

Therefore, it was not surprising that Si Xuanshuang and Dong Yi were introduced by Wuxiang Sword Tomb.

Wu Sanxiong continued talking, his gaze shifting to Dong Yi with a knowing look: "And as far as I know, it's not just the Jin Cuo Sect that's making this move. The leader of the Chongxiao Sect seems to be on very good terms with one of your sect's elders under Lei Zun, right? Some time ago, he even visited your sect's Thunder Swamp Secret Realm under the pretext of 'discussing the Dao'?"

Dong remained expressionless, only nodding slightly. Beneath his purple-patterned thunder robe, a faint thunderous aura emanated from him, which could be considered tacit agreement.

Wu Sanxiong finally looked at Si Xuanshuang, his smile gentle yet meaningful: "Take recently, for example, Qizhen Temple also sent someone to visit Fellow Daoist Si? The intention... is probably not just a simple visit to reminisce and discuss the Dao, is it?"

After Chen Mu rejected Qizhen Temple's request, Dongzhu Immortal Lord did not give up and decided to be direct, ordering Tao Fengbian to pay a visit...

Si Xuanshuang gently lifted her veil, her cool demeanor unchanged. She did not deny it, but simply said, "It is indeed true."

Seeing this, Wu Sanxiong felt relieved.

He didn't ask the two any further questions about the specifics of their actions. He simply turned around, removed the restriction, and bowed to He Zhiyun, who was waiting patiently.

“Fellow Daoist He, we have already made a plan that may be able to solve your urgent problem. We will go to summon and make contact now. Please wait a moment while we are at our sect.”

He Zhiyun nodded with a smile and said gently, "It's not that I'm urging you, but this cross-realm projection has caused great losses. With the help of the ancestral token, I can only exist in this realm for a maximum of ten days. After ten days, this illusory body will dissipate and return to its original form."

"Ten days?" Wu Sanxiong pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and said decisively, "That's enough! I will give you a clear answer within ten days!"

Si Xuanshuang and Dong Yi stepped forward one after another, bowed to He Zhiyun, and then said no more. They each transformed into streaks of light and, together with their disciples, instantly passed through the restrictions of the Lifeng Hall and disappeared into the sky. Clearly, they were about to return to the mountain gate to contact those loose immortal sects that had already "clearly expressed their intentions".

Wu Sanxiong watched the two families leave, then put on a smile again and said to He Zhiyun, "Fellow Daoist He, you must be tired from your journey to our sect. Why don't you come with me for a chat during this free time? My masters have long admired you and look forward to meeting you."

His tone was respectful, and his posture was quite humble.

He Zhiyun seemed to have anticipated this, his expression calm and without any surprise. He nodded and replied, "That is indeed my wish. I dare not ask. Please lead the way, Palace Master Wu."

Wu Sanxiong chuckled and stepped aside to lead the way. The two walked out of the once bustling Lifeng Hall, passing through heavily guarded corridors and halls, and soon arrived at a quiet pavilion deep within the Sword Tomb, surrounded by invisible sword energy, ancient and secluded.

The spiritual energy here is so rich that it is almost tangible. The sword intent is chilling, and the sounds of dragon roars and tiger howls echo in the void, making people feel awe.

Wu Sanxiong stopped about ten feet in front of the pavilion, his expression becoming extremely respectful. He stood to the side and said in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist He, please. The Ancestor is already waiting inside the pavilion."

He Zhiyun nodded, his expression still calm, his steps steady, and he stepped into the pavilion door that seemed to devour all light without any hesitation.

The room was dimly lit and extremely simply furnished, with only a jade table and two futons.

On the prayer mat at the head of the table sat a middle-aged man dressed in a simple gold robe.

His face was ordinary and unremarkable, lacking both imposing authority and otherworldly grace. His brows were serene, as if containing the illusory images of the birth and death of countless worlds, or as if returning to simplicity and returning to the most essential "formlessness".

It is the stabilizing force of the Wuxiang Sword Tomb, the True Immortal Ancestor Jian Wuya!
He simply sat there, without any deliberate exertion of pressure, yet the entire space seemed to collapse slightly around him, and the light flowing to his side naturally became gentle and soft.

And with the opening and closing of those seemingly calm eyes, it was as if countless invisible sword threads were slicing through the void, only to vanish in an instant, unfathomable...

"I am He Zhiyun, and I have met Immortal Lord Wuya."

He Zhiyun remained neither humble nor arrogant, offering a salute with composure, showing no sign of being intimidated by the aura of the true immortal.

A barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in Jian Wuyai's eyes.

This young man is indeed extraordinary. At the fifth level of the Dao Seeking Realm, he can remain so calm in the face of a True Immortal. His composure and confidence are truly beyond the reach of ordinary geniuses in the lower realms.

"Young friend He, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."

He nodded slightly, his voice like the clinking of gold and jade, clear and resonant with a strange cadence, pointing directly to the Great Dao: "The Upper Realm is vast and ever-changing. I wonder if the situation above the Nine Heavens has remained stable in recent years?"

He Zhiyun calmly sat down on the lower prayer mat, revealing a faint smile: "Reporting to the Immortal Lord, the Upper Realm has actually been quite chaotic in recent years..."

"For some reason, the Heavenly Court's power of control seems to be insufficient, and various immortal realms have taken the opportunity to frequently start disputes, the struggle for the Great Dao is becoming more and more intense, and there are also evil demons from outside the realms who are eyeing the situation, and the undercurrents are surging."

"To ascend now... is probably not a good opportunity."

He touched on the subject briefly, yet he had already outlined the general situation in the upper realm.

"Oh?" A slight ripple finally appeared on Jian Wuyai's usually impassive face. He gestured with his hand, "The situation has come to this? Please tell me more, young friend."

He knew that anger was not unacceptable, and with a calm expression, he slowly spoke out the prepared speech in his mind, combining his own knowledge and feelings.

For a moment, in the quiet, secluded pavilion, only his clear and peaceful narration and Jian Wuyai's occasional whispered questions remained.

The snow outside had just stopped, and sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting dappled patterns of gold that reflected the dust motes floating in the air, making the place seem even more tranquil and solemn, as if time had stood still.

Wu Sanxiong stood silently outside the deep pavilion like the most loyal stone statue, isolating himself from the outside world.

His mind raced with thoughts of how to take advantage of this "open quota" to secure the greatest benefit for the Sword Tomb of No Form, while ensuring that his own core strength was not excessively depleted...

After an unknown amount of time, the door to the inner chamber opened silently.

He Zhiyun walked out slowly with a calm smile on his face.

Wu Sanxiong's eyes flashed, but he didn't ask for details of the conversation in the pavilion. He quickly suppressed his thoughts, put on a smile, and summoned a Nascent Soul stage disciple with a steady aura: "Take Fellow Daoist He to the Listening Waves Pavilion by the Sword Washing Pool to rest. Be sure to serve him well and do not neglect him in the slightest!"

“Disciple obeys!” The disciple bowed and accepted the order with a solemn expression. He turned to He Zhiyun and said respectfully, “Immortal Envoy, please follow me.”

He Zhiyun nodded with a smile and followed the disciple away from the area filled with the chilling aura of swords.

Along the way, passing through strange peaks and rocks, and amidst the sect's scenery marked with sword marks, He Zhiyun seemed to be in high spirits, appreciating the scenery along the way.

When he arrived at a cloud platform overlooking the direction of the Lifeng Hall, he paused slightly and asked with a casual smile, "Are you familiar with that fellow Daoist who stood at the forefront of your sect's formation earlier, whose aura was incomparably sharp?"

The disciple who had led the way was startled. When he realized that the celestial messenger was speaking to him and was asking about the Broken Gold True Lord, he quickly lowered his head and respectfully replied:

"Reporting to the Immortal Envoy, you must be referring to the True Lord of Shattered Gold. He is the most dazzling genius of our Wuxiang Sword Tomb in the past thousand years. His Shattered Gold Sword Qi has reached the pinnacle of perfection. This disciple has heard of him countless times and admires him greatly!"

He Zhiyun remained unmoved, his gaze still fixed on the outline of the Lifeng Hall in the distance, and continued to ask casually, "Hmm, its aura is indeed extraordinary."

"Compared to Fellow Daoist Sui Jin of the Taiyin Si Clan and Fellow Daoist Dong Yi of the Tribulation Thunder Ancient Pool, who is stronger and who is weaker? Who is the most outstanding Daoist in Xuandu?"

"The other two?" The disciple suddenly realized, and then his face showed undisguised respect and pride, his tone becoming somewhat impassioned:
"Si Zhenjun's 'Guanghan Moon Soul' is mysterious and unpredictable, and Senior Dongyi's 'Purple Thunder Strike' is domineering and unparalleled. Both are top Zhenjuns who are famous throughout Xuandu! But if we talk about the fierceness of their attacks and the bravery of their battles..."

He straightened his back and said firmly, "Forgive my bluntness, but I am no match for my Master Shattered Gold. The sword energy in Master Shattered Gold's palm can break through anything, and it is the symbol of the number one offensive force in my Sword Tomb!"

He Zhiyun smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying, but simply followed up on the topic, saying, "If that's the case, then isn't Fellow Daoist Suijin undoubtedly the number one person in the Xuandu Dao Inquiry Realm?"

Upon hearing this, the disciple's eyes lit up, his face filled with even more pride, and he instinctively reached out to nod in agreement.

However, as the words were about to come out, a name involuntarily flashed through his mind—a legend that had been circulating in the Xuandu cultivation world for twenty-eight years and was still talked about with great interest.

His excitement faltered slightly, the words caught in his throat, and finally he uttered a mumbled agreement, tinged with a barely perceptible hesitation: "Uh... well... what the celestial envoy said is... is certainly reasonable..."

He Zhiyun, being such a person, immediately noticed this subtle anomaly.

He stopped, turned around with interest, and looked at the young disciple. His gentle gaze seemed to penetrate the heart, and he chuckled softly:
"Oh? You seemed to have something left unsaid in your words just now? Could it be that in this vast land of Xuandu, besides the direct descendants of the three great immortal sects, there is someone else who can be compared to your Broken Gold True Monarch, or even... surpass him?"

The disciple felt a tightness in his chest under He Zhiyun's gaze, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He hesitated for a moment, then, considering that the person before him was an envoy from the upper realm, of high status, and perhaps wouldn't care about comparisons between cultivators from the lower realm, he gritted his teeth and said haltingly, "Well... well, I'm not exactly a native of Xuandu..."

……

(End of this chapter)