“I see. So, Elder Gu has gathered us here to discuss how to reinforce them?” The red-faced elder nodded as he spoke.
“Exactly. Yitian City is the last remaining stronghold near our city and must be saved. Moreover, during the last demonic calamity, it held out against the demons until the very end without falling. This time, the only reason it seems to be struggling is the lack of high-ranking cultivators to hold the line.” Elder Gu sighed lightly.
“Brother Gu means that our Tianyuan City doesn’t need to deploy too many people—just a few Body Integration cultivators would suffice.” Golden Zen Master’s eyes flickered as he asked thoughtfully.
“Precisely. That is my intention. After all, Tianyuan City is the ultimate target of the demonic army. Even if we must save Yitian City, we must be wary of the enemy’s diversionary tactics. Yitian City isn’t lacking in low-ranking disciples, and its defenses are strong. Sending two or three Body Integration cultivators for support should be enough to stabilize the situation without overly weakening our own city’s strength.” Elder Gu had clearly considered this thoroughly beforehand and spoke without hesitation.
After hearing Elder Gu’s words, the other elders naturally engaged in hushed discussions, interspersed with debates.
In the end, however, most agreed with the white-robed elder’s suggestion.
After all, this method of reinforcement was the most prudent under the circumstances. But when it came to selecting the specific individuals for the mission, another round of disagreement arose among the elders.
“Brother Gu wants me and Fellow Daoist Yu to go? That might not be appropriate! It’s not that I’m unwilling to take the risk, but as you well know, I’m currently overseeing a critical task and cannot spare the time.” A middle-aged man with snow-white eyebrows frowned as he spoke.
Elder Gu had just proposed sending him and another elder to reinforce Yitian City, but he had refused outright.
“Brother Gu should also know my situation. The batch of Xiangxiao Pills I’m refining is at a crucial stage. If I leave now, all my efforts will be wasted.” Another elder shook his head repeatedly.
“What about Fellow Daoist Qin and Brother Lei?” Elder Gu frowned and turned to two others.
The two elders also looked troubled.
“This is troublesome. Master Golden Zen and I are responsible for Tianyuan City’s overall defense and cannot leave.” Elder Gu grew visibly displeased.
“In that case, if Brother Gu trusts me, I’ll make the trip. The Heavenly Sovereign Sect’s Fairy Lin and I have been close friends for years. It’s only right that I lend her a hand.” Silverlight Fairy’s masked eyes flashed as she spoke coolly.
“What? You’re willing to go? That’s excellent news! With your abilities, I have no concerns. But you alone won’t be enough—we’ll need at least one more person.” Overjoyed by her offer, Elder Gu’s gaze instinctively shifted to Han Li.
Seeing this, Han Li sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn’t avoid this assignment. He stood and clasped his hands. “I’ve nearly finished refining my treasures. How about I join this mission to Yitian City? Since arriving here, I’ve yet to contribute, and it’s been weighing on me.”
“Fellow Daoist Han is a mid-stage cultivator who has even fought late-stage opponents. With your support, Yitian City will be even more secure. Thank you for stepping forward.” Elder Gu’s frown vanished, replaced by gratitude.
“Yitian City’s fate is significant. It’s only right that I do my part. Time is of the essence—Fairy Silverlight and I will prepare and depart tomorrow.” Han Li replied with a casual smile.
Though this mission would pit him against high-ranking demons, given his current abilities, only a Demon Ancestor could truly threaten him. While risks existed, he felt no fear.
“Given Yitian City’s dire situation, leaving tomorrow is wise. However, the demons have severed long-distance teleportation. Our city’s formation can only send you to a hidden point near Yitian City. The rest of the journey will require flight.” Golden Zen Master apologized.
“No matter. Fellow Daoist Han and I can cover the remaining distance quickly.” Silverlight Fairy dismissed the concern.
Han Li also smiled, unfazed.
With the reinforcements settled, Elder Gu and the others relaxed and turned to strategies against the escalating demonic attacks.
Yet despite their wisdom, the endless tide of low-ranking demonic beasts left them at a loss. Tianyuan City’s spirit stone reserves had already dwindled by over a tenth due to the massive consumption of formations.
Though reserves remained, past demonic calamities had lasted over a century. With this one barely a year old, the elders were deeply concerned.
Han Li, however, smiled. “There’s no need for excessive worry. While the demonic beasts may seem endless, gathering and taming them must strain the demonic forces. Transporting them between realms is no easy feat either. Such numbers are surely a burden. Otherwise, why would the demons bother with probing attacks?”
“We’re aware. But this calamity’s ferocity is unprecedented. We don’t know if Tianyuan City can outlast their numbers.” Elder Gu sighed.
“Compared to the demonic beasts and high-ranking demons, I’m more concerned about how many Demon Ancestors will descend decades from now.” Silverlight Fairy’s expression darkened.
“What do you mean?” Han Li asked, intrigued.
“In past calamities, only a few Demon Ancestors could descend mid-calamity when the barrier weakened. But given this calamity’s scale, their numbers might differ. If a dozen or more descend, our races won’t stand a chance.” She explained gravely.
“Golden Zen and I have speculated similarly. But the Sacred Isle must have countermeasures. We need only focus on our duties.” Elder Gu’s face hardened.
“True. The Sacred Isle’s sages surely have plans. In that case, I’ll take my leave to prepare for tomorrow.” Silverlight Fairy’s expression eased as she bid farewell.
The elders saw her off, and soon after, Han Li excused himself to prepare as well.
Back in his cave, Han Li summoned his disciples, bestowed treasures and pills, and gave solemn instructions before meditating in his chamber.
Though he anticipated minimal danger, maintaining peak condition was prudent.
The night passed uneventfully. At dawn, Han Li flew alone to Tianyuan City’s teleportation hall.
Hours later, he spotted a masked woman in white standing outside.
“Apologies for keeping you waiting.” Han Li materialized beside her with a smile.
“No need. I’ve just arrived. Let’s depart.” Silverlight Fairy’s gaze swept over him before she led the way inside.
Guards awaited them inside, bowing deeply. “Honored seniors, the formation is ready. It will send you near Yitian City, about a month’s journey away. But given the demons’ interference, the endpoint hasn’t been used since the calamity began. Exercise caution upon arrival.”
“So we might walk into an ambush?” Silverlight Fairy’s brows arched coldly.
“The site is well-hidden. Unlikely, but caution is advised.” The guard stammered.
“Is the formation functional?” Han Li asked calmly.
“Absolutely. We’ve tested it.” The guard affirmed.
“Then ambush or not, it’s no concern. Proceed.” Han Li commanded without hesitation.
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