Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 772 Incorporating Four Major Forces, Reinforcements Arrive (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Heaven has not forsaken my 'Sky-Splitting Sword Sect'!"

Elder Liu stroked his beard, his hand trembling slightly, and a glint of light returned to his eyes: "Give the order: switch the sword formation to a defensive stance, neither attacking nor defending, and await our distinguished guest!"

Almost simultaneously, the Yuanyang Daozong army, which had surrounded the three families, also received unified instructions from Liang Kuan: "The siege is lifted. Retreat fifty miles and do not interfere with Special Envoy Li's actions."

The tense atmosphere instantly melted away.

The Xuanjia cultivators retreated like a tide, remaining vigilant, but their menacing killing intent had dissipated.

At the same time, the central army camp of the Yuanyang Dao Sect also received news of the arrival of Li Yunjing, the deputy leader of the Shenxiao Dao Sect.

"Brother Li, my ancestor Chiyang has learned of your arrival at the front lines and has specially ordered me to wait here to invite you to the central army camp for a chat."

After conveying Li Yunjing's instructions, Liang Kuan did not leave immediately. Instead, he stepped forward again, his expression even more respectful than before, and said in a low voice, "The Ancestor said that Fellow Daoist Li is a high-ranking member of the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' and has made a great contribution to the pacification campaign. It is only right and proper that our 'Yuanyang Dao Sect' should give him a grand reception and discuss the next step in our grand plan."

Upon hearing this, Li Yunjing understood.

This is True Lord Chiyang expressing his stance, which is both a respect for his status and an acknowledgment of his contributions. It is also a necessary high-level coordination between the two sects in this joint operation.

He naturally wouldn't refuse.

"Uncle Chiyang, you're too kind."

Li Yunjing smiled slightly and said calmly, "In that case, I'll trouble Brother Liang to lead the way."

"Brother Li, please come with me!"

Liang Kuan's face lit up with joy, and he quickly led the way.

The two transformed into streaks of light and soon arrived at the central army camp, located near the original Zhenyuan Pass ruins and now heavily guarded by the Yuanyang Dao Sect's army.

The main camp was magnificent, with battle flags standing tall, and a chilling aura rising to the sky.

The patrolling army of cultivators had a minimum cultivation level of the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, and their military strength was far superior to the detachment that surrounded Wangjiabao.

Li Yunjing nodded secretly when he saw this.

These people are almost identical to the four guardian armies of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

These are the true foundations of the sects.

In order to occupy the "Zhao Kingdom", the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" has put all its resources into it.

Outside the central command tent, Liang Kuan stopped and loudly reported, "Ancestor! True Man Li Yunjing of the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' has arrived!"

"Haha! Distinguished guest, your presence is an honor to our humble abode! Nephew Li, please come in!"

A loud, bell-like voice, imbued with the majesty of a Nascent Soul cultivator yet also conveying a sense of warmth, emanated from inside the tent.

Immediately afterwards, the tent flap opened by itself without any wind.

Li Yunjing straightened his robes and stepped in calmly.

Inside the large tent, the space was much larger than it appeared from the outside, clearly due to the use of spatial expansion magic.

The atmosphere inside the tent was heavy and powerful, and dozens of powerful divine senses instantly focused on Li Yunjing.

In the very center, seated was an old man with a ruddy complexion, white hair and beard, dressed in a crimson Taoist robe. His eyes seemed to flicker with flames as he opened and closed, and his aura was as deep and unfathomable as the ocean. He was none other than the commander of the Yuan Yang Taoist Sect's army!

A cultivator at the second level of the Nascent Soul stage, the Crimson Sun True Lord.

Below the Crimson Sun True Monarch, on both sides, sat more than thirty cultivators, each with a powerful aura, and without exception, all of them were at the Nascent Soul stage!

Their clothing varied, but most of them bore the insignia of "Yuanyang Dao Sect," clearly indicating that they were the sect's supreme elders, true disciples, and leaders of affiliated forces.

At this moment, everyone's gaze, filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and even a hint of subtle competition, fell upon Li Yunjing, who had just entered the tent.

With so many powerful figures watching, especially a Nascent Soul True Monarch, the invisible spiritual pressure could make it difficult for an ordinary early Nascent Soul cultivator to move.

“Li Yunjing of Shenxiao Dao Sect greets Uncle Chiyang.”

But Li Yunjing seemed oblivious, walking calmly with a smile on his face as he entered the tent. He bowed respectfully to the Crimson Sun True Lord in the main seat, saying, "Uncle-Master, your spirit is even more radiant than before. Congratulations on your progress in cultivation."

His tone was calm, yet he possessed an extraordinary air about him, as if the place before him was not a military camp a den of dragons and tigers, but a gathering place for ordinary fellow Daoists.

This performance drew surprise and admiration from many Nascent Soul cultivators in the tent.

"Excellent! Excellent! I've long heard that the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' has produced an extraordinary prodigy, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved!"

The True Lord Chiyang stroked his beard and laughed heartily, appearing extremely pleased: "Nephew Yun Jing has already condensed his Nascent Soul at such a young age, and he is also exceptionally courageous. He ventured alone into the heart of Zhao Kingdom, instigated the defection of four major forces, and made a great contribution to our allied forces. The younger generation is truly formidable!"

Clearly, even a True Monarch at the Nascent Soul stage would have to admire Li Yunjing's extraordinary abilities.

"Master, thank you for the compliment."

"It was just a coincidence that I happened to be there and did what I was supposed to do."

"If it weren't for my uncle leading the army to break through the pass with overwhelming force, even if I had a thousand schemes, I would have had no chance to use them."

Li Yunjing smiled modestly, "The greatest credit for this battle belongs to my martial uncle and all my fellow Daoists."

His words flattered both True Lord Chiyang and everyone present, while subtly mentioning the credit, which was extremely tactful and immediately eased the atmosphere in the tent.

Some Nascent Soul cultivators who might have initially harbored resentment towards him because of his youth and "stealing credit" now looked much better.

"Nephew, there's no need for such modesty."

"Liang Kuan has reported all the information you sent."

True Lord Chiyang waved his hand, his expression turning serious. “The fact that the four major forces of the Black Wind Mountain Range were subdued without bloodshed has indeed saved our army a lot of trouble and avoided many unnecessary casualties. This is a great achievement.”

"Thank you, uncle."

Li Yunjing cupped his hands in greeting.

"I invited my nephew here today for two reasons: first, to welcome you, and second, to discuss our next steps."

"Although Zhenyuan Pass was breached, the foundation of the Zhao state remained."

"Its second line of defense, 'Iron Wall City,' is heavily fortified, with Zhao Pan, the royal uncle of the Zhao Kingdom and a Nascent Soul cultivator at the eighth level, personally overseeing it. The city's defensive formation has been in operation for tens of thousands of years and is as solid as a rock, far superior to Zhenyuan Pass."

True Lord Chiyang continued, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the tent, "I wonder what your opinion is on this, Junior Nephew?"

In an instant, everyone's eyes were once again focused on Li Yunjing.

This is both a consultation and, to some extent, a test.

Everyone wanted to see what insights this renowned deputy sect leader of the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" had on military strategy and overall situation, in addition to his cunning and courage.

"I dare not presume to offer such insightful opinions."

Li Yunjing remained calm, pondered for a moment, and then said loudly, "In my humble opinion, breaking through 'Iron Wall City' still requires a coordinated attack from within and without."

"Oh?"

A glint flashed in True Lord Chiyang's eyes, "My nephew, you also have arrangements within 'Iron Wall City'?"

"There was no prior arrangement."

"But 'Iron Wall City' is not a monolithic entity."

"There have always been conflicts between the Zhao state court and the border army, and between the royal family and the major sects."

Li Yunjing shook his head, then changed the subject, "After this great defeat, especially the incident with the inside agent at Zhenyuan Pass, the people of Zhao will inevitably be suspicious of each other and filled with anxiety. That's one reason."

"Secondly, within 'Iron Wall City,' not all forces are willing to live and die with the Zhao royal family."

"With a little manipulation, such as offering huge rewards and creating panic, it is not difficult to find a breakthrough."

"In fact, it may not even be necessary to actually turn anyone against their cause. It would be enough to make Zhao Pan, who is guarding the city, suspicious and confused."

Thirdly!

"Our army has just won a victory, and its momentum is unstoppable. Moreover, with you, my senior uncle, a Nascent Soul True Monarch, in charge, our strength far surpasses that of the enemy."

"We should use a righteous army to press on the border, surround but not attack, constantly apply pressure, and at the same time use psychological warfare tactics."

"With the city in a state of panic, its weaknesses will naturally be revealed."

Li Yunjing looked at True Lord Chiyang and smiled, "At that time, whether we launch a strong attack or seize it by trickery, the initiative will be in our hands."

The tent was quiet, and many Nascent Soul cultivators looked thoughtful.

Li Yunjing's strategy was not some ingenious scheme, but rather a precise grasp of Zhao's greatest weakness at the moment.

The morale of the people is low.

This is indeed an open conspiracy.

Then Li Yunjing displayed the intelligence he had compiled over the past few days in the account book, showing everyone the weakness of the "Zhao State".

"What a brilliant strategy of winning hearts and minds!"

True Lord Chiyang clapped his hands in praise, "What my junior brother said is in perfect harmony with the principles of military strategy."

"Did everyone hear that?"

"As Junior Nephew Li suggested, the army will set out and besiege 'Iron Wall City.' I will personally go and meet Zhao Pan!"

He paused, glancing around, then continued, "At the same time, dispatch skilled personnel to infiltrate the heart of Zhao, spread rumors, create panic, and bribe and win over officials... This matter..."

"My nephew has been operating in the Zhao state for a long time. How about I entrust this matter to you for overall coordination?"

Chiyang Zhenjun looked at Li Yunjing and said, "The manpower and resources you need can be mobilized as much as possible."

This effectively handed over a significant portion of the power for intelligence gathering and defection work to Li Yunjing.

Li Yunjing's heart stirred, knowing that this was True Monarch Chiyang returning a favor, and also further binding the actions of the two major sects together.

He naturally wouldn't refuse, and replied with clasped hands, "I will obey my master's orders and do my best."

"it is good!"

True Lord Chiyang laughed loudly, "That's enough for today. Liang Kuan, arrange tents for Junior Nephew Li, and provide all expenses according to the standards for a Supreme Elder of the sect!"

"Yes! Ancestor!"

Liang Kuan immediately obeyed.

After bowing once more to True Lord Chiyang and the other Nascent Soul cultivators in the tent, Li Yunjing followed Liang Kuan out of the central command tent.

Stepping out of the main tent, Li Yunjing looked up towards the northeast, towards "Iron Wall City," his eyes deep and thoughtful. The real contest had only just begun.

He has successfully secured an indispensable place for himself and the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" in this joint operation between the two major sects.

Next, he needed to notify the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" to send ten experts to participate in the battle.

This was something I promised the Yuanyang Dao Sect back then.

During this conversation, True Lord Chiyang did not inquire about this matter, but that does not mean that Li Yunjing could pretend to be deaf and dumb and act as if he did not know.

Regarding matters concerning the alliance, we must still fulfill our promises and abide by the alliance's regulations.

Upon leaving the central command tent, Liang Kuan immediately arranged an extremely spacious and spiritually rich independent tent for Li Yunjing. The standard and treatment he received were indeed no different from, or even better than, those of the Supreme Elder of the Yuanyang Dao Sect, demonstrating the great importance that True Lord Chiyang placed on Li Yunjing and the Shenxiao Dao Sect behind him.

The camp was equipped with a meditation room, a pill-making room, and a reception room, with all the necessary facilities. It even had two clever Foundation Establishment stage disciples at their disposal.

Li Yunjing dismissed the young Daoist and sat down cross-legged alone in the quiet room. He did not immediately begin cultivation or handle affairs, but instead took out the "Divine Firmament Token" with its ancient design and purple lightning from his storage ring.

As a token of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect", it can be said to be an extremely remarkable magical artifact.

It can communicate directly with the core formation of the sect across long distances in emergencies.

Li Yunjing gathered true essence at his fingertips, his expression solemn, and began to input his divine thoughts into the "Divine Firmament Token":

"The situation in the State of Zhao is progressing better than expected."

"The Yuanyang Dao Sect's army has broken through Zhenyuan Pass and is now marching straight towards Iron Wall City."

"I have successfully subdued the four major forces of the Black Wind Mountains and have gained the approval of the Crimson Sun True Lord of the Yuan Yang Dao Sect, who has granted me the authority to coordinate overall intelligence and defection matters."

"However, 'Iron Wall City' is the second barrier of the Zhao state, and a fierce battle is inevitable."

"When we formed an alliance with the Yuanyang Dao Sect, our sect was required to send ten Nascent Soul Realm experts to participate in the battle, as a sign of our alliance, to share the risks and the spoils of war."

"The time has come. Please, Senior Brother Sect Leader, immediately dispatch ten Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to the front lines of Zhao Kingdom to join me."

"This matter concerns our clan's reputation and our say in the subsequent distribution of benefits, so we must not delay."

"The specific coordinates and contact information are as follows..."

He transmitted the location of the front-line camp and the agreed-upon code to the "Divine Firmament Order" using encrypted divine thought, ensuring the information was accurate and secure.

After doing all this, he took a deep breath and poured his abundant Nascent Soul True Essence into the "Divine Firmament Token".

"Buzz!"

The purple lightning on the "Divine Firmament Decree" suddenly intensified, emitting a low hum, and then transformed into a thin, almost invisible purple electric thread that instantly tore through space and disappeared.

The message has been sent.

Given the efficiency of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," those ten Nascent Soul experts will likely set off soon.

Li Yunjing breathed a slight sigh of relief.

He was well aware that fulfilling the covenant was the foundation for maintaining the alliance.

Moreover, with ten experts from his own sect present, he can truly possess his own direct lineage and sufficient influence within this massive allied force, rather than relying solely on his personal abilities and the status of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" vice sect leader.

Li Yunjing did not rest for the next two days.

He first established stable contact with Zhang Yan, the patriarch of "Fire Cloud Valley", Mo Ying, the manor lord of "Hundred Beasts Manor", and Liu Zhengfeng, the elder of "Sky-Splitting Sword Sect" through Wang Hanyun.

Upon learning that the siege had been lifted and that Li Yunjing had indeed fulfilled his promise, the three families were completely won over. They quickly completed their internal reorganization and, as required by Li Yunjing, began to select elite cultivators to form a joint team, ready to be deployed.

This allied force, composed of four major powers, may not have the same average cultivation level as the regular army of the "Yuanyang Dao Sect," but they are familiar with the local environment and each has their own strengths in certain specific areas (such as beast taming, mountain warfare, and sword formations), making them an indispensable auxiliary force.

Seven days later, Li Yunjing appeared in front of the three mountain gates one after another.

He didn't bring many followers and was still alone, but he made no attempt to hide his Nascent Soul cultivation level, and his demeanor was dignified and majestic.

Wherever he went, the generals of the Yuanyang Dao Sect's troops all bowed respectfully and addressed him as "True Man Li." This made Elder Zhang, Mo Ying, Elder Liu, and others tremble with fear, giving them a more direct understanding of Li Yunjing's power and status, and completely dispelling their last trace of doubt.

The reception was naturally of the highest standard.

"After submission, each sect's territory will remain autonomous, and they will only need to obey the orders of the joint forces of the Shenxiao Dao Sect and the Yuanyang Dao Sect."

Li Yunjing didn't waste time with pleasantries and went straight to the point, reiterating his previous promise: "Fifty percent of the original resource output will be handed over, and the remaining fifty percent will be used by ourselves. We can also earn more rewards based on our battle merits. Outstanding disciples can be selected to be sent to the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' for further study."

The conditions were even more favorable than they had expected.

Without further ado, the three leaders all expressed their willingness to serve him faithfully.

Li Yunjing acted swiftly and decisively, signing contracts with the three companies on the spot and completing the initial reorganization.

He did not linger long. After arranging for the civilian staff sent by the Yuanyang Dao Sect to take over the subsequent registration and record-keeping, he left in a hurry.

His gaze had already turned to a more distant place.

The Black Wind Mountains have become the rear base, while the Yuanyang Dao Sect's military might is pointing towards the important town of Iron Wall City in the heart of the Zhao Kingdom.

"Ironwall City... that's the next stop."

He murmured to himself, his figure transforming into a streak of light as he sped off towards the northeast.

Behind him were the four major forces that had already submitted and begun mobilization, as well as the "Yuanyang" and "Shenxiao" allied forces that were advancing with great momentum.

Li Yunjing did not go directly to the front line of "Iron Wall City" to join the army of "Yuanyang Dao Sect". Instead, he stationed himself in the northernmost area of ​​the former "Zhenyuan Pass", which was already under the control of "Yuanyang Dao Sect".

He needs to wait for reinforcements from the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" first, and only by having his own direct forces in hand can he participate in the next step of the operation with more confidence.

After all, Wang Hanyun of the Wang family, Zhang Yan of "Fire Cloud Valley", Mo Ying, the master of "Hundred Beasts Manor", and Liu Zhengfeng of "Splitting Heaven Sword Sect" were all too weak in cultivation.

They were all at the first or second level of the Nascent Soul realm.

Such cultivation level is enough to make one show off on ordinary days.

If they encounter a crisis, Li Yunjing can guarantee that these four will run away immediately.

She would never have the intention of standing with Li Yunjing through thick and thin.

These four forces can only be utilized, not fully trusted.

Everything is predicated on the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" achieving a great victory!
Besides these four true masters, the Yuanyang Dao Sect also left behind a liaison officer, Liang Kuan, whom Li Yunjing knew.

This army, composed of four major forces, along with Li Yunjing and the "Yuanyang Dao Sect," numbered a full five thousand.

Most of them were cultivators at the Qi Refining stage.

After all, the four major powers are too weak.

Asking them to produce several thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators at once would be a death sentence for them, so the four major powers naturally wouldn't agree.

Therefore, this army only has 4000 Qi Refining cultivators, 900 Foundation Establishment cultivators, and 100 Golden Core elders.

In Li Yunjing's view, any single guardian army could easily annihilate this army.

Such an army could not possibly be tasked with conquering cities and fortresses, maintaining order, eliminating the remaining forces of the "Zhao State," and stabilizing the occupied territories; those were their duties.

Only when the ten Nascent Soul Realm True Persons of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" arrive will Li Yunjing dare to take the initiative on the battlefield and fight a decisive battle with the main force of the "Zhao Kingdom".

Shortly after he returned to the tent he had prepared for himself, Liang Kuan's slightly excited voice came from outside: "Brother Li! The esteemed figures of your clan have arrived!"

"Oh?"

Li Yunjing perked up and got up to leave the tent.

On the open ground outside the camp, ten figures stood tall like ancient pine trees, wearing Taoist robes embroidered with purple lightning patterns, bearing the inscription "Shenxiao Daozong".

These were all Supreme Elders of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," each exuding a profound and imposing aura, their spiritual pressure held back yet seemingly causing the surrounding air to stagnate.

This scene greatly shocked Wang Hanyun, Mo Ying, Zhang Yan, and Liu Zhengfeng!

Only then did they realize the enormous gap between themselves and the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

Even Liang Kuan's expression changed.

The two leaders were a man with a lean face and sharp, lightning-like eyes. He carried an ancient longsword on his back and his cultivation had reached the peak of the eighth level of the Nascent Soul Realm. The other man was burly and had a ruddy complexion. There was a faint flow of lightning and fire around him, and his cultivation was also at the seventh level of the Nascent Soul Realm.

The other eight were all experts at the fourth level of the Nascent Soul realm or above, making for a truly impressive lineup!
This force, which would be enough to support a top-tier sect anywhere, is now gathered here, demonstrating the importance that the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" attaches to this operation.

"Greetings, Vice Sect Leader Li!"

Upon seeing Li Yunjing emerge, all ten people focused their gazes on him. They then simultaneously cupped their hands in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized, and their voices were deep and powerful: "We have come here on the orders of our sect leader to await Vice Sect Leader Li's command!"

The gaunt old man at the head of the group landed, stepped forward, and handed over a jade slip: "Vice Sect Leader Li, this is a handwritten note from the Sect Leader himself."

Li Yunjing took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. Inside were some instructions and authorizations from his senior brother, the sect leader, who entrusted him with full responsibility for the affairs of the Zhao Kingdom and hoped that he would cooperate sincerely with the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" to strive for the greatest benefit for the sect.

"Fellow senior brothers and sisters, your senior sister has come from afar, thank you for your hard work."

Li Yunjing put away the jade slip and a smile appeared on his face, especially when he looked at the two leaders. "I didn't expect the sect leader to send the two of you. This time, we are even more powerful!"

The gaunt old man was named Xiao Anran, an elder of the Sword Pavilion of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," whose "Shenxiao Thunder Control Sword Technique" was incredibly powerful; while the red-faced giant was Lei Zhen, a powerful member of the Thunder Department, who was hot-tempered but had formidable combat strength.

Both of them were renowned elders within their sects, and this time, having been too quiet for long, they decided to come to the front lines.

With them backing him up, Li Yunjing felt much more at ease.

Besides the two, among the other eight people were acquaintances of Li Yunjing, such as his old acquaintance, True Man Liehuo, as well as Li Yunjing's benefactor, Li Cangqiong, and the four True Men of the Protectorate Army.

The last two were also familiar faces: Master Lei Ze and Master Dan Ding!

These two are also old comrades-in-arms who have cooperated in the East China Sea for many years.

Apart from the two leaders, everyone else was someone Li Yunjing knew.

Clearly, the sect took into account Li Yunjing's familiarity with the situation when mobilizing personnel this time, and specially arranged this lineup.

"Vice Sect Leader Li, you flatter me."

Xiao Anran bowed slightly. "The sect leader has ordered that we follow Vice Sect Leader Li's lead in everything on this trip. We will obey any orders he gives."

The others greeted him and expressed their opinions as well.

At the same time, everyone was shocked that Li Yunjing had broken through to the Nascent Soul realm!

This is absolutely inhuman!

(End of this chapter)