In the following time, Patriarch Ao Xiao and Mo Jianli began discussing specific details regarding the war against the demon race, occasionally seeking Han Li’s input as well, treating him as if he were one of their own.
Han Li naturally understood that when it came to strategic matters involving a war spanning multiple races, he couldn’t compare to these two Great Ascension beings who had lived for tens of thousands of years. Thus, he refrained from interjecting unless asked, carefully considering his responses before offering his thoughts.
As for Crab Daoist and Silvermoon, though they were also present in the hall, one remained expressionless and uninterested, while the other maintained a calm demeanor and stayed silent.
As for Zhu Guo’er, she obediently stood to the side—this was not a place where she had any right to speak.
And so, time passed bit by bit.
Han Li stayed in Mo Jianli’s cave abode for nearly half a day. Once all matters were settled, Patriarch Ao Xiao stood up, took his leave with Silvermoon, and departed first.
Afterward, Mo Jianli spoke privately with Han Li for a while longer before summoning a middle-aged disciple to arrange temporary accommodations for Han Li.
The middle-aged man complied respectfully, assigning Han Li a pavilion built on the branches of a giant tree, located just over ten miles from Mo Jianli’s cave.
Though the spiritual energy here couldn’t compare to Mo Jianli’s abode, it was still far richer than most other places in Cottonwood City, which satisfied Han Li.
Without complaint, he moved in with Crab Daoist and Zhu Guo’er.
Over the next half-month, Han Li remained secluded in the pavilion’s chamber, focusing on cultivating the divine sense technique he had obtained from Patriarch Ao Xiao, hoping to master it quickly so he could truly aid Silvermoon.
Zhu Guo’er, however, was visiting a Spirit Realm city for the first time and couldn’t resist her curiosity. She ventured out daily to explore Cottonwood City’s various levels.
Somehow, the little girl managed to persuade Crab Daoist to accompany her on these outings, leaving early and returning late. Seeing this, Han Li abandoned any thought of stopping her.
From Zhu Guo’er’s daily reports, Han Li sensed growing restlessness among the various races stationed in Cottonwood City—a clear sign of impending conflict.
It seemed the leaders of the allied forces had finally reached a consensus: they would engage the demon race in a decisive battle to resolve their current predicament.
And Han Li could no longer afford to remain idle.
A few days later, as he had anticipated, Mo Jianli suddenly arrived at his pavilion.
Sensing the Great Ascension cultivator’s approach with his divine sense, Han Li promptly welcomed him inside, ushering him into the main hall. After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, Han Li waited for Mo Jianli to state his purpose.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Mo Jianli spoke frankly:
“The strategies for the war against the demon race have finally been settled. Among the allied forces, myself, Brother Ao, and the Yaksha Clan’s Sang Hai are the strongest. Naturally, we will be responsible for restraining the demon race’s Sacred Ancestors, regardless of how many there are. As for the Wood Clan, their defeat earlier has left them with few remaining Body Integration cultivators. Thus, the execution of our strategies will rely on the high-ranking reinforcements from our allied races. Given your cultivation, Fellow Daoist Han, you will naturally shoulder significant responsibilities.”
“Since this battle is crucial for our human race as well, as a member of our race, I should contribute. Please instruct me as you see fit—I will do my utmost,” Han Li replied with a smile.
“Good. With your strength, second only to us three old fellows, you will undoubtedly take on a key role. But before that, I must ask—has Fellow Daoist Crab fully recovered his strength?” Mo Jianli’s eyes flickered as he posed the question.
“I’m afraid I must disappoint you. Brother Crab expended too much energy last time and will need at least half a year to fully recover,” Han Li answered without hesitation, understanding the implication.
“That is truly a pity. If Fellow Daoist Crab were at full strength, our chances of victory would increase by at least ten percent,” Mo Jianli sighed regretfully.
“Though Brother Crab’s power rivals that of a Great Ascension cultivator when he fights at full strength, persuading him to act is no easy task. If not for my modest resources, I wouldn’t be able to afford his assistance more than a few times,” Han Li replied with a light cough.
“I’ve heard of Fellow Daoist Crab’s conditions. But regardless of the cost, bringing him from the Demon Realm to the Spirit Realm was undoubtedly worthwhile. Even if he doesn’t fight, the mere reputation of a Great Ascension-level pseudo-immortal puppet is enough to deter many enemies,” Mo Jianli remarked indifferently.
“I hope so,” Han Li could only reply with a wry smile.
“Since Fellow Daoist Crab hasn’t fully recovered, we cannot assign you to the frontlines. Instead, we have another task for you. The Wood Clan’s Thirty-Six Heavenly Absolute Formation has three core nodes—critical to maintaining the formation. If any are breached, the entire formation’s power will diminish. If all three fall, the formation will collapse entirely. These nodes are the most crucial points the allied forces must defend. That said, they are also heavily fortified by the formation’s restrictions, making them relatively safe. After discussing with Brother Ao, we’ve decided to entrust one of these nodes to you. What do you think?” Mo Jianli asked solemnly.
“No problem. If I am responsible for guarding a node, I will ensure it remains secure,” Han Li agreed without hesitation after brief consideration.
“While the nodes’ integrity affects the battle’s outcome, your safety is even more critical to our human race. If you face an enemy you cannot resist, prioritize your own survival and retreat. Even if we win the battle, losing you would be an unacceptable loss,” Mo Jianli cautioned gravely.
“Thank you for your concern, Senior. I understand what must be done,” Han Li replied earnestly after a momentary pause.
“Good. In this battle, your foremost task is self-preservation; only then should you focus on defending the node. With you and Fellow Daoist Crab working together, only a Sacred Ancestor in person could pose a threat. I’ve heard from Brother Ao Xiao that the two of you once held your own against Yuan Cha,” Mo Jianli added with a smile.
“Patriarch Ao Xiao exaggerates. At the time, Brother Crab and I barely managed to defend ourselves. It was only with his intervention that Yuan Cha retreated,” Han Li demurred humbly.
“Regardless, it proves that the two of you together can stand unrivaled below the Great Ascension stage. However, aside from you, the Wood Clan and Yaksha Clan will each send a Body Integration cultivator to guard the node. Though Brother Ao and I believe you and Fellow Daoist Crab are more than sufficient, the other races are unaware of your abilities and remain uneasy,” Mo Jianli explained.
“Body Integration cultivators from the Yaksha and Wood Clans? That’s understandable. But if the three of us are present, who will take command?” Han Li narrowed his eyes, unsurprised by the arrangement.
“Heh, among cultivators, strength determines authority. Though I don’t know who the other races will send, I doubt they can surpass you in power. That said, the Wood Clan’s representative will have deep knowledge of the formation. If matters pertain to the formation’s restrictions, it would be wise to consult them,” Mo Jianli advised meaningfully.
“I understand. When should I begin?” Han Li exhaled lightly and asked.
“Thanks to the Wood Clan’s thirty-six reserve Sacred Trees, setting up the formation will be easier, but it will still take time. Most importantly, we must lure the demon army into the formation. Thus, I and others will lead the main force first, doing everything possible to draw them out. You will follow with the second wave, tasked with completing the formation at the designated location. Once the formation is active, you will immediately take position at the node and begin guarding it,” Mo Jianli explained.
After a moment’s thought, Han Li nodded in agreement.
With Han Li’s task assigned, Mo Jianli did not linger and soon took his leave.
Han Li escorted him to the door, watching his retreating figure before his smile faded into contemplation.
Half a month later, Cottonwood City suddenly erupted with surges of energy, deafening roars, and dazzling beams of light shooting into the sky from every level.
Amid the radiance, countless war chariots and massive airships ascended from the city, each densely packed with warriors from various races—humans, demons, wood folk, yakshas, spirit beings, and more.
Though their armor and appearances differed, all stood rigidly atop their vessels, exuding an overwhelming aura of killing intent.
The thunderous noise from Cottonwood City continued unceasingly as more and more war chariots and airships took to the skies, soon blotting out half the firmament in a black mass numbering in the tens of thousands.
Then, the city’s clamor abruptly ceased. The entire city trembled slightly before over a hundred colossal, island-like structures slowly emerged from various points, each of vastly different shapes, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage