Cultivation: When you take things to the extreme-Chapter 1205 - 724: Intimidation

Time flies like an arrow, the years pass like a shuttle; in a blink of an eye, tens of thousands of years have passed.

In the Azure Star Realm, within the Palace of Ten Thousand Dao, the Guiding Hall is holding an assembly.

Within the hall, a line of Immortal Gods is seated, Immortals and Buddhas, Gods and Demons, from the Mysterious Gate to the Buddhist Sect, the halls of Asa, representatives of all the major Tao Lineages, and the divine systems—they were all there, each a venerable figure among Earth Immortals, highlighting the significance of this gathering.

"All esteemed Taoists who have accepted our invitation, the Scholar’s Palace is truly honored by your presence!"

Li Junqing, now an Earth Immortal, presides in the center. Looking at the representatives of the various divine systems, she first expresses apologies: "Several Taoist Masters are still in seclusion in Guanzhong. This assembly must be presided over by this lowly lady, and I ask for understanding from you all."

"Hmm~!"

The crowd’s gazes hardened, and as their eyes met, they all seemed a bit amused.

If you want to keep a secret, you must not do anything; all actions leave traces, and if one is determined enough to trace them, answers can be inferred.

The Wandao School was no exception. Though shrouded in mystery, their deeds along the way were evident, and long ago, their true nature had been probed by many, just never publicly disclosed.

Putting aside the rest, just considering their origins, all the divine systems have confirmed they are not native to the Azure Star Realm but are Cultivators from beyond its borders, even possibly Outer Realm Demons.

And then there’s the "three giants of live-streaming, four Taoist Masters of the Scholar’s Palace"—Qianjin, Shi Jian, Martial Frenzied Rascal, and Li Xuanyuan. At first glance, they seem very formidable as if the four were merely the vanguard with a colossal Heaven Reaching power behind them. However, after many years of observation and probing, all the divine systems are convinced this is but a bluff.

What Martial Frenzied Rascal, what Li Xuanyuan, what three giants, what four Taoist Masters, what overwhelming background forces—all just bluffs, from beginning to end there’s only one person, who through live-streaming played four roles, intending to deter all parties and make the various divine systems cautious.

Hence at this moment, hearing Li Junqing’s words about the Taoist Masters still in seclusion, the representatives all seemed a bit amused.

To still put on such a façade at this point?

It seems to be a case of running out of tricks, with no other methods left.

But, that’s also understandable, since the Heavenly Demon calamity, this person took the opportunity to establish his own way, and it has been a hundred thousand years.

In these hundred thousand years, the various divine systems and Tao Lineages have gradually re-established themselves, and just a thousand years ago, a Heavenly Immortal Taoist Master joined the secular world.

With the return of the Heavenly Immortal, Taoist Masters have come back, and the foundation of his Wandao School is already unstable. Only because of his previous deeds and governance over tens of thousands of years, as well as the peril of the Heavenly Demon calamity, he retains the moral high ground. Thus, he’s protected by the legacy of destiny, and the various Taoist Masters do not act against the prevailing force directly, allowing him to keep his position.

However, preservation aside, with the lesson of the Brahman Sect, although various Heavenly Immortal Taoist Masters don’t dare to take risks and confront him head-on, they are no longer afraid of him, and certainly won’t be intimidated by his bluffs.

So...

"Esteemed Taoists are bearing substantial responsibilities, focusing on the safety of the world and striving in hard cultivation to exterminate the Demon calamity; we can hardly match your admiration, how could there be any blame?"

Another spoke up, someone whose presence radiated a celestial Taoist aura—it was the Earth Immortal of the Mysterious Gate, Taiqing Eight Sceneries Miao Le Immortal Venerable!

This world, too, has the lineage of Taiqing. Sword Master Ren Bai Mei, who fought with the Xuanyuan Sword from the Emei faction, is a direct descendent of the Taiqing Lineage.

Although the Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect is the direct lineage in the mortal world, the highest Cultivation Ren Bai Mei only achieved True Immortal status. In contrast, this Taiqing Eight Sceneries Miao Le Immortal Venerable is a legitimate successor in the Immortal Realm of the Taiqing Lineage, the head senior disciple, a top figure even among Earth Immortals, only second to his master, the Taiqing Taoist Master, and the other two Great Heavenly Venerables.

As he spoke, he set the tone, and other Immortal Gods nodded and concurred, implicitly recognizing him as their leader.

This was not so much due to his prestige but because all the divine systems of the Azure Star Realm had long been in constant struggle. Although the Profound Gate Immortal Path was strong, it couldn’t fully dominate the other divine systems. The reason for putting him forward now was simply to have someone to contend against the Wandao School in competition.

Although Miao Le Immortal Venerable was aware of the intentions of the others, he still chose to be that leader.

He had no choice but to do so!

Tens of thousands of years ago, with the name of Demon Extermination, he shattered the Brahman Sect. Taking advantage of that, the Wandao School established the Human Sect Tao Lineage, seeking a monopoly on the Qi Fortune of humanity.

This was quite the hit to the Taiqing Lineage. The Wandao School bears too many similarities to the Taiqing Lineage, and while other divine systems can still retain a basic foundation through factors like racial bloodlines, Taiqing Lineage cannot afford this. Humanity is its foundation.

If they do nothing, allowing the Human Sect and Wandao School to grow unchecked, they will inevitably replace both the Taiqing Lineage and the entire Mysterious Gate.

Thus, whether he is willing or not, he must step forward as the leader of the challenge.

This is a battle for the fortune of destiny, a conflict for the lineage of the Dao!

However, arguing aside, the current situation doesn’t allow for an open war with the Wandao School, for it would only end up like the Brahman Sect.

So, while the stage for competition must be set, and the fate must be contested, direct confrontation must be avoided—only indirect measures, step by step...

"If that is the case, then let me speak plainly!"

Li Junqing let out a faint smile, looking at Miao Le Immortal Venerable and the representatives of the various sects: "Several Taoist Masters seek to join hands with all parties, jointly attack the Great Freedom Heaven, unearth that Boxun impostor’s Devil Fruit, and eradicate this root of calamity."

"This..."

Upon hearing this, all the Immortal Gods seated frowned.

To jointly attack the Great Freedom Heaven?

This in itself was not a problem. Although the various divine systems were constantly in conflict, they could still distinguish between lesser and greater threats. The previous battle between the Wandao School and the Brahman Sect, and the public demonization of Indra, who became the Golden Immortal Demonic Fruit, provided strong evidence for these conclusions.

Faced with such a threat, the various divine systems don’t mind temporarily uniting to eliminate this critical danger.

But that is the future!

Currently...

"The time has not come, no, it can’t be done!"

Miao Le Immortal Venerable’s gaze intensified, outright opposing: "Although Heavenly Immortals have entered the world, not all Taoist Masters have returned. If we rush into conflict now, we may not have the strength to win. It is better to plan for the long term, proceed carefully..."

"Immortal Venerable, your words are mistaken!"

Before he could finish, he was interrupted, and Li Junqing responded indifferently: "Back then, when the Taoist Masters divided the Golden Immortal Devil Fruit, no one knows the current status. If the Taoist Masters keep delaying their return, and the Demon Seed becomes a Fetus, and the Demon Fetus is born, then Qiankun will be in uproar, and all living beings will be at risk. Therefore, the Masters have decided to launch an assault on the Great Freedom Heaven."

"You...!!!"

As these words were spoken, all the Immortal Gods present changed their expressions.

Some even slammed the table and rose to their feet, glaring angrily at Li Junqing: "What do you mean by this?"

Li Junqing retained an indifferent expression: "I mean exactly what I said!"

"You!!"

Such words, such a stance, left the person who had slammed the table with an ashen face, unable to voice a rebuttal.

Golden Immortal Demonic Fruit!

This is the source of disaster, as well as a massive weight upon the hearts of all parties.

Although at present, the Brahman Sect is pointed at by thousands and identified as the most likely place to breed Demons, other Divine Systems can’t completely absolve themselves of responsibility. After all, when the Golden Immortal Demonic Fruit shattered into pieces, the leaders of all the major Divine Systems gained something from it. If the Brahma Three-Phases God is at risk of transforming, how could other Divine Systems remain completely unscathed?

They are all at risk, all under suspicion!

But having risks and suspicions does not mean you can lay them out on the table for discussion.

What does this imply for all the major Divine Systems?

Can they really admit that their own Taoist Masters, Heavenly Venerables, Buddhas, and Heaven Kings could possibly mutate into Demons?

How would they face themselves then?

So, although the fact is such, it cannot be spoken of so plainly.

But now the Wandao School...

Watching Li Junqing who had torn through this veil, representatives from various factions fell into silence.

What does the Wandao School want to do?

Do they truly intend to attack the Great Freedom Heaven at this time?

Where do they find the confidence?

That is the Brahman Sect’s Great Freedom Heaven, not to mention the capabilities of the Golden Immortal Demonic Fruit, and the Three Forms God themselves being a supreme Heavenly Immortal who could also achieve Triad Union to unleash Golden Immortal Power. Unless the major Divine Systems joined hands and dozens of Heavenly Immortals acted together, who would be able to eliminate it?

Could it be...

The hearts of all Immortals and Divine Beings tightened as a shocking conjecture emerged, which they quickly suppressed.

Impossible, impossible, it’s totally unthinkable. The Wandao School has only been established for a hundred thousand years, and even if that person is a prodigious talent, shaking up the ancient and dazzling the present, blessed with popular support, favored by the Heavenly Dao, has fortune, merit, and success, it is impossible for them, in just a hundred thousand years, to leap into the realm of the Great Dao and achieve the Heavenly Immortal Fruit.

Unless... he was originally a Heavenly Immortal!

But even if he is a Heavenly Immortal, he’s only at the same level as the Triad God, and even at a disadvantage when facing them one versus three. Where does he get the confidence to attack the Great Freedom Heaven?

It’s incomprehensible, completely incomprehensible!

All Immortals and Divine Beings fell into silence, unsure of what to say.

In the end, it was Miao Le Immortal Venerable who spoke, "How confident is your sect in eradicating this Demon Origin?"

Li Junqing responded with a faint smile, "Fifty percent!"

"Hmm!?"

Miao Le Immortal Venerable furrowed his brows: "How can you not succeed?"

"Success or failure, life or death!"

Li Junqing said with a light smile: "That’s the fifty percent."

"This..."

"Utterly absurd!"

Upon hearing these words, all Immortals and Divine Beings present changed their expressions. Miao Le Immortal Venerable’s brows were deeply furrowed, "Is Taoist making a joke with us all?"

"Absolutely not!"

Li Junqing shook his head, calmly speaking, "The Taoist Masters have made their decision. If you all wish to lend a helping hand, that would be ideal. If you do not wish to, we from the Human Sect will not insist, but there is one matter that needs to be clarified."

"Hmm!?"

Miao Le Immortal Venerable’s gaze sharpened: "What matter?"

Li Junqing expression turned serious: "This grand Demon Extermination Plan, whether it succeeds or fails, depends on both mankind and heaven itself. Our Human Sect intends to rally the strength of Heavenly Persons to build momentum for the Demon Extermination. This matter relates to the survival of both heaven and earth, and the life and death of all living beings. If anyone dares to obstruct us, do not blame our Human Sect for turning heartless and taking up arms!"

"Hmm!?"

At these words, all Immortals and Divine Beings had a change of expression.

They understood very well what Li Junqing was implying.

It had been mentioned before that several Heavenly Immortals from various Divine Systems had descended to the mortal world, no longer fearing the Human Sect and Wandao School, and although direct warfare was not advisable as it went against the general will of heaven and earth, there was no problem with indirect attacks.

Some even went further, reclaiming territories, spreading faith, establishing laws, and attempting to seize power back from the hands of the Human Sect and Wandao School.

The Wandao School had turned a blind eye to this, tacitly consenting to their actions, apparently unwilling to directly confront those several Heavenly Immortals.

But now they had broken their silence and even issued a warning.

Rally the strength of Heavenly Persons, create momentum for the Demon Extermination?

Isn’t this demanding sole supremacy?

As everyone knows, the Heavenly Dao does not belong to one individual but is a conglomeration of heaven, earth, and all living beings.

To use a more common metaphor, it’s like a company where all employees hold shares and are shareholders. Combined, these shares form a powerful "Board of Heavenly Dao" capable of directing the company, controlling its assets.

What the Wandao School meant by rallying the strength of Heavenly Persons to create momentum for the Demon Extermination is essentially to occupy the majority of or even all the shares, to become the chairman of the company, the ruler of this world, akin to a "Heavenly Emperor," then mobilizing the power of the Heavenly Dao to eradicate demons with this authority.

All the major Divine Systems must submit to them, not show the slightest defiance, nor share in the power and resources in his hands because all of this could impact or even hinder his "grand plan of Demon Extermination."

This was the meaning of Li Junqing’s words.

Intimidation, absolute intimidation!