Chapter 496: Sound |
Jin Li, a Daoist Master, had no distrust of her own disciples and naturally didn't hide any information from them intentionally. During their casual conversations, she inadvertently revealed many secrets.
As it turns out, Jin Li's connection with True Monarch Tian Zhu wasn't as close as imagined. Jin Li's master and True Monarch Tian Zhu were once sworn friends who roamed the Cultivation World together. Even during the years True Monarch Tian Zhu spent in the Endless Sea of Sand, they maintained contact.
Both Jin Li and her master had numerous enemies. Before her master passed away during meditation, they advised Jin Li to seek refuge with True Monarch Tian Zhu, hoping that their friend could protect their disciple with his status as a powerful Primordial Spirit True Monarch. Under such protection, their enemies wouldn't dare to pursue Jin Li to the Endless Sea of Sand seeking revenge.
However, despite their friendship, Jin Li's master's passing meant that the connection between True Monarch Tian Zhu and Jin Li had its limitations. True Monarch Tian Zhu wouldn't simply protect Jin Li without anything in return.
To gain True Monarch Tian Zhu's protection, Jin Li needed to serve under him and work for him devotedly. Before Jin Li's arrival, Flying Swan Sect was already a useful chess piece in the hands of True Monarch Tian Zhu. Compared to Jin Li, who was a newcomer, True Monarch Tian Zhu clearly trusted Flying Swan Sect more.
Of course, Jin Li's Gold Core late-stage cultivation base was valuable to True Monarch Tian Zhu, and Flying Swan Sect treated her with great respect on the surface.
Due to certain agreements, Jin Li couldn't directly take action in the Endless Sea of Sand. In True Monarch Tian Zhu's plan, Flying Swan Sect was the master of the Endless Sea of Sand, with exclusive authority over its affairs. As long as Flying Swan Sect didn't violate True Monarch Tian Zhu's orders, Jin Li wouldn't interfere in their actions.
If Flying Swan Sect were to target Taiyi Sect, Jin Li's influence might not be enough to stop them. The only condition for Flying Swan Sect to respect Jin Li was her non-interference in the affairs of the Endless Sea of Sand.
This was the reason why Jin Li had refrained from getting involved in the matters between Taiyi Sect and Flying Swan Sect when she sent Jin Qiao'er to pass on the message.
However, this time, Jin Qiao'er's persistent inquiry forced Jin Li to reveal some additional information.
A crucial struggle was underway between True Monarch Tian Zhu and a Fifth Rank great power. Qi Mingyuan, a later participant, had increasingly become a thorn in True Monarch Tian Zhu's side.
While Jin Li couldn't directly act against Qi Mingyuan, she informed Flying Swan Sect to seize the opportunity to cripple Northern Desert Qi Family, thereby disabling one of Qi Mingyuan's arms.
In the past centuries, Flying Swan Sect had numerous chances to completely eradicate Northern Desert Qi Family. But True Monarch Tian Zhu refrained from tearing their faces apart with Qi Mingyuan and instructed Flying Swan Sect to hold back. Thus, they only suppressed Northern Desert Qi Family in the barren land of the Northern Desert.
Now that Flying Swan Sect had recovered its strength, Northern Desert Qi Family was at its weakest point.
Flying Swan Sect had earned True Monarch Tian Zhu's trust and favor by faithfully executing his orders. Jin Li believed they wouldn't miss the current opportunity to strike at Northern Desert Qi Family to appease True Monarch Tian Zhu and eliminate their long-standing adversary.
Although Flying Swan Sect was powerful, they weren't strong enough to simultaneously defeat Taiyi Sect and Northern Desert Qi Family. So, before they could destroy the latter, Flying Swan Sect wouldn't recklessly confront Taiyi Sect.
After hearing Jin Qiao'er's explanation, Meng Zhang felt somewhat relieved. He realized that both he and Taiyi Sect were fortunate this time.
Thanks to True Monarch Tian Zhu's order for Flying Swan Sect to deal with Northern Desert Qi Family first, Taiyi Sect gained some breathing room.
With this respite, Taiyi Sect had room to maneuver.
Though Jin Li didn't take direct action this time, the information she provided was a great help.
Meng Zhang thanked Jin Qiao'er for her assistance and saw her off personally.
After Jin Qiao'er left, Meng Zhang carefully contemplated Taiyi Sect's next steps.
This precious breathing space couldn't be wasted. Once Flying Swan Sect eradicated Northern Desert Qi Family, they might turn their attention to Taiyi Sect.
If Taiyi Sect and Northern Desert Qi Family were both eliminated, Flying Swan Sect would dominate the Endless Sea of Sand and reclaim its position as the unrivaled ruler.
Thankfully, Jin Li's warning allowed Taiyi Sect to refrain from rushing to ally with Fire Cloud Sect.
If Taiyi Sect had openly sided with Fire Cloud Sect before Flying Swan Sect attacked Northern Desert Qi Family, Flying Swan Sect might have changed its plans and targeted Taiyi Sect first.
Even if Fire Cloud Sect could assist in time and withstand Flying Swan Sect, the losses to Taiyi Sect would be substantial.
With this understanding, Meng Zhang had more room to maneuver.
If Flying Swan Sect attacked Northern Desert Qi Family, Taiyi Sect couldn't simply watch them being annihilated. Taiyi Sect could secretly provide support to Northern Desert Qi Family and delay Flying Swan Sect's destruction of them, buying Taiyi Sect more time for development.
Though devising the initial plan was easy, implementing it was incredibly challenging.
Even with the support of Taiyi Sect, Northern Desert Qi Family might not be a match for Flying Swan Sect. And Taiyi Sect had to avoid exposing itself to prevent Flying Swan Sect's preemptive strikes.
These questions were not easily resolved and gave Meng Zhang a headache.
Fortunately, Flying Swan Sect hadn't attacked Northern Desert Qi Family yet, leaving Taiyi Sect with ample time.
Meng Zhang gathered the sect's elders again and informed them of the latest intelligence and situation.
These elders were not ordinary individuals, and after hearing Meng Zhang's words, they agreed with his assessment and plan.
To secretly aid Northern Desert Qi Family and increase the difficulty of Flying Swan Sect's attack, Taiyi Sect couldn't make overt moves, lest it draw Flying Swan Sect's attention prematurely.
As for the details of how to proceed, everyone chimed in with various workable strategies.
After numerous discussions, the entire Taiyi Sect mobilized discreetly.
Moreover, Taiyi Sect didn't want to directly oppose the black market or Flying Swan Sect. They only wished to hire some ruthless and daring cultivators who were willing to risk their lives for money through the black market.
If Flying Swan Sect attacked Northern Desert Qi Family, these cultivators could serve as reinforcements to support them.
Meng Zhang secretly transmitted the news of Flying Swan Sect's impending attack on Northern Desert Qi Family through certain channels, ensuring that Northern Desert Qi Family would be prepared to resist the assault.
Additionally, Meng Zhang discreetly informed Fire Cloud Sect about Flying Swan Sect's plans through some connections in Great Wind City. Given Fire Cloud Sect's style of operation, they wouldn't stand idly by while Flying Swan Sect achieved its objectives.
Daoist Master Scarlet Flame of Fire Cloud Sect mentioned that three injured Gold Core Daoist Masters had recovered and were secretly preparing to act when the time was right. If Fire Cloud Sect decided to support Northern Desert Qi Family, there was a good chance to verify Daoist Master Scarlet Flame's words.
Northern Desert Qi Family had received the information Meng Zhang transmitted but remained silent. It was uncertain whether they didn't believe the ambiguous source of the news or were merely concealing their preparations while maintaining normalcy.
As for Fire Cloud Sect, they also didn't take significant action after receiving the news. However, Taiyi Sect's intelligence capabilities were limited and focused on their territory. They couldn't fully keep track of Endless Sea of Sand, let alone Fire Cloud Sect's precise movements.
As time passed, Taiyi Sect began its war preparations, but Flying Swan Sect's attack on Northern Desert Qi Family still hadn't happened. Meng Zhang was puzzled about Flying Swan Sect's intentions, but he didn't doubt Jin Li's words.
While there was no external commotion, internal unrest brewed within the Endless Sea of Sand Daoist League. Taiyi Sect was comparatively new and lacked the prestige and strength of Flying Swan Sect.
After the news of Flying Swan Sect's Wu Mingwei successfully forming their core spread, the Endless Sea of Sand Daoist League was filled with anxiety, and many had other ideas.
Fortunately, Meng Zhang's intimidating presence, coupled with the lessons dealt to three other cultivation forces, maintained a superficial stability within the Endless Sea of Sand Daoist League. No sect dared to collude openly with Flying Swan Sect.
During this period, Taiyi Sect's Secret Hall, led by An Moran, became busier. They had to stay vigilant about Flying Swan Sect's movements while monitoring the internal situation of the Endless Sea of Sand Daoist League.
Though Secret Hall had expanded over the years, it had grown considerably, and even Hall Master An Moran was busy.
Amidst this hustle and bustle, Extreme Sword Spirit General, who had left on a journey to Jiuqu League, quietly returned to Taiyi Sect and arrived at Grand Lion Ridge.
Upon meeting with Meng Zhang, Sect Master Daoist Master, Meng Zhang could hardly believe his eyes. Extreme Sword Spirit General's cultivation base had recovered remarkably fast, already reaching the completion of Foundation Building stage.
After several years, Extreme Sword Spirit General had regained his strength in Meng Zhang's Divine Sense perception. However, he hadn't ascended to the Gold Core stage, which disappointed Meng Zhang but also relieved him. Even Taiyi Sect's Guardian Spirit General couldn't violate some of the fundamental rules of the Cultivation World.
During their discussion, Meng Zhang handed over the two items left by the Sword Cultivators they had collected previously – a broken Third Rank flying sword and a damaged scabbard. Extreme Sword Spirit General glanced briefly at the broken flying sword but showed a hint of delight at the damaged scabbard.
Gratefully accepting both items, Extreme Sword Spirit General thanked Meng Zhang.
After listening to Meng Zhang's account, Extreme Sword Spirit General pondered for a moment before saying, "I've always known how to fight on the battlefield, but I'm not skilled in strategies. I've awakened for a short time and don't know much about the Endless Sea of Sand. I don't have any great plans to offer Sect Master. My only advice is to avoid making hasty moves without fully understanding others' true intentions. Sometimes inaction is better than taking action, as acting rashly might lead to mistakes."
Meng Zhang was unexpectedly surprised by Extreme Sword Spirit General, known for his daring and combat prowess, giving such a conservative opinion. Perhaps Extreme Sword Spirit General was an anomaly among Sword Cultivators or even a pseudo-Sword Cultivator.
Before parting, Extreme Sword Spirit General delivered excellent news to Meng Zhang. With the two items provided by Meng Zhang and the gains from his recent journey, he could temporarily unleash the battle power of a Gold Core Daoist Master when needed. Although it wouldn't last long, a few strikes could prove crucial in dire situations.
Effectively, Taiyi Sect gained an additional half a Gold Core Daoist Master.
Extreme Sword Spirit General's surprises weren't the only ones. Others also brought good news to Meng Zhang during this period.
Deep Earth Spirit General and Wen Qiansun had jointly practiced a formation. By gathering enough Foundation Building stage cultivators, they could withstand a Gold Core Daoist Master's attacks for a short time.
As Yang Xueyi's cultivation base continued to improve, she became more adept at handling the rune weapon left by the Purple Gold Sect predecessor. With enough Foundation Building stage cultivators, they could activate the rune weapon and temporarily unleash combat power on par with an ordinary Gold Core Daoist Master.
Although Taiyi Sect hadn't produced any new Gold Core Daoist Masters, these methods could greatly compensate for their lack of high-end combat power.
With these ways to temporarily match Gold Core Daoist Masters' strength, Meng Zhang felt more confident in Taiyi Sect's abilities. They had many Foundation Building stage cultivators and ample resources. If a war with Flying Swan Sect were to happen, Taiyi Sect would have a certain degree of resistance.
They collected a large amount of war supplies and prepared to send them to Northern Desert Qi Family at any moment.
Secretly, Taiyi Sect's elders traveled to Great Wind City to contact the black market of Jiuqu League through Luo Ye, a Daoist Master. The black market on the Endless Sea of Sand side wouldn't accept contracts against Flying Swan Sect, but Jiuqu League's black market had fewer concerns.
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