After hearing Zhao Wugui’s words, none of the cultivators had any further objections.
Thus, Zhao Wugui and the cultivator surnamed Wen exchanged a glance before stepping forward to the massive stone table in the center. Several nearby cultivators immediately stood up and respectfully made way for the two Void Refinement cultivators.
With a nod, the two casually took their seats on two of the stone chairs.
With two Void Refinement cultivators personally overseeing the event, the subsequent exchange proceeded smoothly.
Han Li traded a piece of Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Jade for several rare talismans.
At present, his study of talismans had reached a critical juncture. Though these talismans were not inscribed with Silver Script, they were still quite unique. With careful study, they might provide him with some inspiration.
Once the exchanges were completed, each participant took turns sharing insights from their cultivation or unique understandings of certain secret techniques.
Naturally, most spoke briefly or vaguely, while a few elaborated in great detail—though they deliberately omitted key points. Those genuinely interested were in no hurry, opting to send private messages later for one-on-one exchanges, either with treasures or other cultivation insights.
The cultivator surnamed Wen and Zhao Wugui paid no heed to these interactions.
Han Li, who had recently been delving into talisman studies, shared some of his rudimentary insights.
However, few among the Ascendant cultivators in the hall showed interest in talismans, so his words went largely unnoticed.
Only the cultivator surnamed Wen and Zhao Wugui revealed a flicker of surprise upon hearing Han Li mention Silver Script talismans.
Though many high-level cultivators were familiar with Silver Script, mastering talisman techniques without one-on-one guidance was nearly impossible.
Once everyone had spoken, some eagerly began posing cultivation-related questions to Zhao Wugui and the cultivator surnamed Wen.
Some questions were answered succinctly by the latter, while others were met with silence. Zhao Wugui, however, would occasionally respond via private message.
Regardless of whether they nodded or shook their heads, the questioners would promptly sit back down without further comment.
Nearly all the newly ascended cultivators faced cultivation challenges of varying degrees. Thus, apart from Han Li, none were willing to pass up this rare opportunity.
Han Li, who practiced the dual-body-and-spirit cultivation of the Vajra Demon Sovereign Art, also had unresolved questions. However, since no one else had ever cultivated this technique, he saw no point in asking and simply observed coldly from the sidelines.
After a full hour, everyone had finished their inquiries. Some even exchanged exclusive intelligence for elixirs and spiritual medicines with Zhao Wugui and the other.
With all formalities concluded, the cultivator surnamed Wen cleared his throat and slowly rose.
“Now that trivial matters are settled, we bring directives from Elder Lei Luo. Listen carefully.”
At these words, Han Li and the others tensed, their expressions turning solemn.
The human elders of Tianyuan City numbered five, with Lei Luo the True Man and Golden Zen Master among them.
These two unfathomably powerful Body Integration cultivators were also Ascendants. However, the Golden Zen Master remained secluded in meditation, leaving Lei Luo as the de facto leader of the Ascendant faction—his prestige unmatched.
Yet, since arriving in Tianyuan City, Han Li had never seen either of them. Even during lectures at the Tian Guang Hall, only the other three elders had spoken.
“Through intelligence gathered from various sources, Elder Lei Luo has confirmed that within the next decade, Tianyuan City faces a more than 60% chance of an alien siege. There is also a 20% likelihood of facing a coalition of three or more alien races. Though remote, the possibility of another Hundred Races War cannot be entirely dismissed,” Zhao Wugui’s icy voice echoed through the hall.
Though some had anticipated this, the weight of his words sank their hearts. At the mention of the Hundred Races War, many turned pale.
Even though these cultivators had ascended from lower realms within the last century, none were unfamiliar with the legendary ancient war—a conflict so brutal it nearly wiped out both humans and demons, lasting a staggering ten thousand years.
Han Li, who had remained silent in the corner, exhaled deeply, a bitter smile crossing his face.
The situation was far worse than he had imagined. He would need to devise self-preservation strategies.
In a war of this scale, even Body Integration elders could perish, let alone a mere Deity Transformation cultivator like himself.
“Senior, you must have a purpose in sharing this classified information with lowly cultivators like us,” a barefooted man asked respectfully after rising and bowing.
“Given your intelligence in ascending from lower realms, I shall be direct. Though Ascendants are assigned as Azure Guards upon arrival, seemingly valued, we are always the first sent into danger. Despite new Ascendants joining every few years, our losses far outweigh those of native cultivators—despite comprising less than 10% of high-level forces. Native cultivators, meanwhile, are given safer tasks. Many here have personally witnessed fellow Ascendants perish on deadly missions. Even our current treatment is the result of Elder Lei Luo’s efforts. Before he and the Golden Zen Master joined the council, our survival rate was even lower,” Zhao Wugui stated coldly.
Unease spread through the hall. Many had indeed experienced or witnessed such discrimination.
Han Li’s expression remained blank.
From the moment he became an Azure Guard, he had been dispatched to the perilous Floating Mire. Of the three other squad leaders stationed there, two were also Ascendants—a fact that had long fueled his suspicions.
Thus, when Zhao Wugui later invited him to this gathering, he accepted without hesitation.
Through interactions, he had sensed the wariness others held toward Ascendants. Without this backing, figures like the failed treasure-seeker Elder Ming would not have retreated so easily.
Since joining, no further troubles or forced missions had befallen him—though patrolling the Floating Mire was hazardous enough.
“Elder Lei Luo wishes to preserve our strength before the coming calamity,” the cultivator surnamed Wen interjected calmly.
“Does that mean we can leave Tianyuan City to avoid the war?” a veiled woman in cyan robes asked hopefully.
“Deserting during an alien siege is treason. Anyone attempting to flee will be executed—by us, if not the enforcers,” Zhao Wugui replied icily.
The hall fell into uneasy silence.
“Then what is the elders’ intention?” the woman pressed.
“Elder Lei Luo proposes a high-risk plan to preserve some of our strength. Participation is voluntary,” the cultivator surnamed Wen explained.
Murmurs arose as cultivators exchanged glances.
Han Li frowned slightly before narrowing his eyes.
“Speak plainly, Seniors,” someone urged.
“Simple. Elder Lei Luo will soon issue long-term, high-reward missions—ones so dangerous that native cultivators will refuse them. Completing one grants legitimate grounds for retirement. If war erupts, you may withdraw; if not, you may return. But be warned—half who undertake these missions will likely die. The choice is yours,” Zhao Wugui stated bluntly.
A cold smirk played on his lips.
“Those dreaming of leaving Tianyuan City without risk should wake up.”
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