Chapter 2238

The solemn-faced pigeon-faced elder spread his five fingers, and instantly a crimson, crystal-clear long feather appeared in his hand, as if finely carved from crystal.

The copper crow elder's expression changed unpredictably; after staring at the feather for a moment, he suddenly shook his wrist and threw it back, then took a deep breath and said to Baohua:

"Baohua, I never expected you to have such great fortune as to meet that my lord in person. Since that is the case, out of respect for this my lord, I can trust you once—tell us your so-called win-win strategy."

"Thank you, fellow Daoist, for your understanding. I shall begin then. Do any other fellow Daoists have objections?" Baohua said with a smile, glancing around.

"Baohua fellow Daoist, no need for pleasantries—we also wish to hear your plan."

"Indeed, with Baohua fellow Daoist's reputation, I naturally trust you."

……

Seeing the copper crow elder yield, some Mahayana ancestors relaxed in their hearts and said so, then waited silently for Baohua's next words.

"Since you all praise me so highly, I will not stand on ceremony. Actually, half a year ago, I secretly entered the Primordial Seal once more." Baohua's smile faded as she spoke these words, shocking the other Mahayana ancestors.

"What? Baohua fellow Daoist has entered the Primordial Seal again?"

"How is that possible? How did she manage it?"

……

Some foreign Mahayana ancestors immediately erupted in shocked discussion, and even the native demon realm holy ancestors wore expressions of utter shock, as if no one had known this beforehand.

"Fellow Daoists, do not be startled. I managed this for two reasons: first, because I have cultivated several rather mysterious concealment divine abilities; second, because of this newly refined Minor Illusion Heaven Mirror. With this treasure's concealment, I could avoid disturbing those insect worms, barely enter the Primordial Seal, and discover some new changes. This is also why I told Copper Crow fellow Daoist earlier that I have a win-win strategy."

"What changes did you discover in the Primordial Seal that made you alter your original plan?" one Mahayana ancestor asked, unable to hold back.

The other Mahayana ancestors likewise wore solemn expressions.

"Due to the seal's power, I, like last time, cannot enter the depths of the Primordial Seal, only observe its edges from afar. According to my observation, the ancient seal seems to have undergone some changes." Baohua turned her beautiful eyes and spoke slowly.

"The seal has changed. Fellow Daoist, what exactly are these changes?" the emperor-dressed Mahayana ancestor asked solemnly.

"Jade Sword fellow Daoist, do not worry—this change is, in a sense, a good thing. I found that the ancient seal, which had previously dissipated by more than half, appears to be repairing itself. Though very slow, the seal is indeed stronger than when I last saw it. It seems to possess a certain spirituality."

"Self-repair. Possessing spirituality!"

The Mahayana ancestors in the hall exchanged glances, unable to help but stare at one another.

"Since Baohua fellow Daoist witnessed this herself, it must be true. Yet I still do not understand: last time you said the seal's power was already controlled by the insect mother. If the seal's power strengthens, the insect worms should be harder to deal with. How then has this become a good thing?" This time, it was Jīnchā, a Mahayana of the Bai Guang realm, who could not help but ask.

"It seems this fellow Daoist has misunderstood. The strengthening of the seal's power I mentioned refers not to the portion controlled by the insect mother, but to the portion still under the ancient seal's control. Although this increase is negligible compared to the seal's total strength, it shows the seal's own power is not to be underestimated, and we can still make use of it to some extent."

"I still haven't heard from you where your win-win plan lies, Baohua. Speak plainly—what is your plan? Stop beating around the bush." The pigeon-faced elder snorted, somewhat impatiently.

"I have no concealment—I merely wish to clarify certain matters first, so I can later explain my plan clearly to other fellow Daoists." Baohua shook her head.

"Very well, then I shall continue to listen attentively." The pigeon-faced elder rolled his eyes, noncommittal.

Baohua smiled and continued speaking on her own:

"Because during my previous investigation, I found that the insect mother's lair and the place where fellow Daoists like Yuantui are imprisoned are not in the same location within the Primordial Seal. Triggering either side's restriction will immediately alarm the insect mother. Thus, my original plan was indeed to gather everyone's strength to first suppress that insect mother, then rescue Yuantui fellow Daoist and others. Of course, doing so might enrage the insect mother, causing it to immediately activate the seal's power against the trapped fellow Daoists. In that case, Yuantui fellow Daoist and others might face mortal danger. But now, having discovered the ancient seal possesses spirituality, I have conceived the idea of first helping the seal regain its lost power. If successful, not only can Yuantui fellow Daoist and others escape first, but once the seal's power is restored, the insect mother will inevitably be suppressed again—perhaps without us needing to exert much effort, we could use the seal itself to easily subdue the insect mother."

Baohua finally finished explaining her plan in one breath.

The Mahayana ancestors in the hall reacted variously—some showed joy, some fell silent in thought, while others hesitated.

Han Li stroked his chin, also showing a thoughtful expression.

Beside him, Lady Yin Yue blinked her eyes, revealing little expression.

"Baohua fellow Daoist, your plan seems sound, but I have a doubt I hope to clarify first." After a moment of silence, the copper crow elder spoke.

"If you have any doubts, fellow Daoist, just ask." Baohua said with a light laugh.

"I want to know: even if the ancient seal truly has the spirituality you say, how can you ensure it will cooperate with us? Without the seal's aid, trying to reclaim the seal's power controlled by the insect mother would be wishful thinking. After all, that insect worm is a terrifying existence even Upper Realm True Immortals could not slay in ancient times; any mistake might plunge us into peril. If we too become trapped in the Primordial Seal, no realm will readily send aid again." The copper crow elder spoke bluntly.

"Crow elder, rest assured—I would not have this idea without a means to communicate with the ancient seal. Long ago, as one of the primordial ancestors, I guarded the Primordial Seal for tens of thousands of years. As for understanding this seal, Yuantui and Niepan are far inferior to me. You may rest assured on this point—there is absolutely no problem."

"Given Baohua fellow Daoist's reputation, if she says so, I naturally trust her. Moreover, I originally intended to save people first; a better plan does not conflict with my purpose, so I have no objection." After narrowing his eyes for a moment, the pigeon-faced elder smiled.

Baohua nodded slightly, then asked the other Mahayana beings:

"Any further questions? If not, let us discuss concrete steps below. Although I have a rough plan, some details still require your collective counsel."

The Mahayana beings in the hall murmured privately, and several others subsequently asked questions related to the ancient seal.

Baohua answered each one calmly and thoroughly.

This greatly satisfied the other Mahayana ancestors, who deeply felt Baohua had truly given this action deep thought and was not acting rashly.

Thereafter, with no objections from the ancestors, everyone began discussing concrete matters and steps.

……

After a day and night of debate and consultation, all details having been considered, the Mahayana ancestors in the hall felt the specific plan posed no major problems, and agreed on a departure time ten or more days hence before the gathering finally ended.

After the Golden Palace's light blazed forth, countless escape lights and startling rainbows shot out from within, swiftly vanishing into the horizon.

Han Li, accompanied by the Crab Daoist and Lady Yin Yue, was among them.

He intended to casually find a mountain near the desert to temporarily stay for a while.

But just as the trio's escape lights had flown a million li beyond Tu City, Han Li's expression shifted, his escape light retracted, and he suddenly halted in midair, swept his gaze toward one side of the void, and said lightly:

"Since Baohua fellow Daoist has already arrived, why hide? Show yourself and meet Han."

Seeing this, Lady Yin Yue startled and halted beside Han Li.

After a flash of the Crab Daoist's escape light, he appeared expressionlessly behind Han Li.

Yet from the direction Han Li gazed came a pleasant, lingering sound.

"I did not expect that, after such a short time apart, Daoist Han has truly advanced to Mahayana existence, and his divine powers are now so formidable. It seems Yuantui's wariness of you was indeed justified."

As the words fell, the void fluctuated, a pink giant flower phantom flashed, and an elegant figure appeared, behind whom stood a black-armored giant.

It was precisely Baohua and the Black Crocodile.

This woman gazed calmly at Han Li, her eyes revealing considerable interest.

"What, Baohua fellow Daoist, do you regret past events?" Han Li asked expressionlessly.

"Regret, perhaps! But had I not done so back then, I could not have recovered my former cultivation so quickly, and with Brother Han joining this operation, I have even greater confidence in this plan." Baohua smiled brightly.

"Treasure Flower Daoist, you jest. I am but a newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator—how much strength could I possibly offer? You suddenly blocked Han Li, surely not just to utter these idle words?" Han Li stared intently at Treasure Flower, speaking with deep meaning. To be continued.