NovelYeni Chapter 223: Negotiation Games Begin
Chapter 223: Negotiation Games Begin
Wei Pengcheng’s voice was cold and calculated. "Then we create one. Claim that we’ve developed a powerful formation capable of isolating the Demonic Spiritual Qi, protecting our sect’s lands. Or offer other tempting advantages. The goal is to lure them to the Verdant Leaf Giant Peak. How we do it—whether through deception or otherwise—is irrelevant."
Hou Yuquan chuckled, clasping his hands in a fist and palm salute. "In such a short time, Daoist Wei has truly embraced the ways of a demonic cultivator. Quite commendable."
Ruan Tianzong shook his head. "Ji Mingxiu and the others aren’t gullible. The Demonic Qi Extraction Art is already widely recognized and undeniable. But a supposed grand formation or other fabricated advantages? They’ll demand proof."
Turning to Dong Yuanzheng, Ruan Tianzong clasped his hands respectfully. "I urge the Palace Lord to reconsider this approach."
Dong Yuanzheng’s gaze swept across the room. "Each of you has raised valid points. I will consult with Lord Long Tianlu," he said, a glacial light flickering in his eyes. "Perhaps he may provide us with a bargaining chip..."
...
In the northern expanse of the Bottomless Abyss, a sprawling array of white stone mountains stretched across the horizon, their peaks cradling vibrant mountain lakes. From above, the mountains resembled massive white dragons, lazily draped over the land, their forms shimmering with iridescent scales.
Within these picturesque lakes, floating palaces radiated an otherworldly aura, hinting at divine origins.
This sacred land was the domain of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple.
Xu Xinlan, the esteemed Temple Lady of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, sat in council with the senior cultivators of the temple.
"The Purple Heaven Holy Land possesses the Demonic Qi Extraction Art," she began, her voice calm yet piercing. "Of our three major factions, they suffered the least during the recent demonic beast tide."
Fanning herself casually with her radiant silk fan, she continued, "Now, they plan to reveal the Demonic Qi Extraction Art and, in return, demand a multitude of benefits. A cunning strategy they’ve devised."
The cultivation methods of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple imbued its members with a distinctive chill, rendering even the humblest disciples with an emotionless demeanor. They were unburdened by worldly desires, and this cold detachment extended from the Temple Lady herself to the rest of the sect.
While the relationship between the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple was warmer compared to their ties with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, it remained a bond of convenience. And when significant interests were at stake, the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple was not inclined to yield.
"The demonic beast tide threatens the very fabric of the Immortal Martial Continent, endangering countless souls!" declared Miao Qiong, a Dao Palace realm powerhouse, her voice as cold as the icy lakes below. "How dare the Purple Heaven Holy Land hoard the Demonic Qi Extraction Art for personal gain? They ought to share it openly!"
Another voice chimed in, "Indeed, the Demonic Qi Extraction Art should be shared freely!"@@@@
"We should join forces with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and pressure the Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
"A formation to isolate the Demonic Spiritual Qi..." Li Shang mused aloud. "None of our insiders within the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace have encountered or seen any evidence of such a formation."
His brow furrowed as he tapped his fingers rhythmically on the armrest of his chair. "Perhaps we should request they reveal the formation to verify its authenticity."
"That seems reasonable," Ji Mingxiu agreed. He then turned his attention to Jiang Chen, asking, "Jiang Chen, what are your thoughts?"
On the surface, it appeared to be a simple consultation, but Ji Mingxiu was, in fact, providing a platform for Jiang Chen to engage with the two mighty figures of the Void Tribulation realm. With external cultivators present, it wasn’t a matter of trust—it was about keeping discussions related to such a high-level realm discreet.
"Give me a moment to reflect," Jiang Chen replied, his expression thoughtful.
Silently, he had already exchanged insights with Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
The formation designed to isolate the Demonic Spiritual Qi wasn’t a myth—it was a well-known construct within the Everlasting Baseless Immortal Domain. However, two distinct versions existed: one created by human cultivators, and the other, a formation born from the Demon Race itself.
The difference between the two was significant.
A spark of realization lit up Jiang Chen’s eyes. "I remember now!"
"I came across references to the Demonic Spiritual Qi formation in an ancient manuscript."
"It spoke of two types—one devised by human cultivators and another, an innate formation used by the Demon Race."
With newfound clarity, he continued, "We should ask to inspect the formation the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace claims to have. It could give us an opportunity to uncover any connection between them, the demonic beast tide, and the Demon Race."
"That’s a brilliant plan!" Ji Mingxiu nodded, appreciation clear in his eyes.
"Then I’ll urge the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace to present the formation for our examination," he continued, his gaze full of approval. "However, they’ll likely be reluctant to disclose its finer details," he cautioned. "Jiang Chen, do you think you’ll be able to discern its true nature, even under those circumstances?"
"No problem!" Jiang Chen declared with a confident smile and a nod.
With the immense experience and knowledge of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning at his disposal, their insights flowed directly into his own understanding. Whatever they knew, he was privy to. And it wasn’t just familiarity—they had mastered the formation isolating the Demonic Spiritual Qi.
Ji Mingxiu’s face brightened. "That’s heartening to hear!" he said, clearly pleased, before quickly initiating talks with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace.