Chapter 2270: Tang Jingye Offers a Plan

If they were truly strong, they wouldn't need to borrow the name of the Dragon God in vain. This country neither relies on heavenly gods nor leans on spiritual mountains—it's merely a city built on sand, utterly without foundation!

Spiritual energy has undergone an unprecedented revival, and the age of great contention has begun! Elder Chu laughed, "We've secluded ourselves for too long; ordinary people are innocent and ignorant—let's give them a lesson from the Qi Xia Sect! In the past, the state of Julu, we merely waved our hands and it vanished into ashes!"

"Junior Brother Chu is too optimistic," said Yuan Sect Master. "Cangyan, after all, spans vast territories—its national strength shouldn't be weak." He then asked, "Well, does it have true immortals or immortals stationed there?"

"I've heard that the national canon often mentions some great immortals, though specifics are unknown." Tang Jingye's expression was respectful—these senior sect members would just open their mouths and ask, without thinking, as if a few days of city visits could uncover more than superficialities, let alone any deep secrets.

Elder Chu snorted: "Wei'an City occupies our Qi Xia Sect's land—it should pay a price. Let's arrest the officials of Wei'an City, so Cangyan knows our might and knows to come talk to us."

Since they've emerged from seclusion, they should reclaim what was once theirs.

"Wei'an City can't be treated like Julu State—it's not just a matter of killing a few high officials and heirs." Elder Xu said, "Even if we capture Wei'an City's garrison commander, he's merely a local official; Cangyan's Wang Ting could still appoint new officials."

He glanced at the dark, dense forest beyond the hall—attacking a city of a million people? Hmm, not impossible, but we can't find who truly holds power on the other side.

To what extent must we fight before it counts as occupying Wei'an City?

Besides, they don't want a ruined city. Unlike those great demons who only know how to devour flesh and blood, the Qi Xia Sect doesn't wish for the city to lose its productive capacity.

Tang Jingye bowed his head in respect before the great ones, but his eyes flickered twice.

His purpose in coming this time was half-achieved: he let the Qi Xia Sect maintain its usual domineering style, yet made it acknowledge Cangyan's strength and dare not directly occupy Wei'an City.

Thus, the Qi Xia Sect must resort to other unconventional means.

Sect Master Yuan nodded: "If we're to talk, we must negotiate directly with Cangyan's Wang Ting." The next question arose: how to draw Cangyan's Wang Ting's attention, and what bargaining chip should the Qi Xia Sect use?

Should we have the entire sect march into the city to slaughter? Otherwise, how would Wei'an City know the Qi Xia Sect had arrived?

Elder Xu mused: "Negotiation requires leverage—we have nothing ready-made."

"None?" Elder Chu said without hesitation, "Then just fabricate a leverage! In my view, directly use divine powers to blast Wei'an City's gates to pieces—let them see what vast divine power means."

Elder Xu frowned: "What if they don't submit? Even if you blast all their gates to ruins, they still won't yield—what then?"

"Keep fighting."

"The Emperor's Elixir has erupted for years, yet Cangyan stands firm—could it really have no confidence?" Sect Master Yuan interjected timely, "Just from territory alone, it's nothing like the former Julu State."

Elder Xu added: "Exactly—trying to grasp a million-person metropolis like this, using force is hardly the best choice."

Seeing the moment ripe, Tang Jingye spoke: "Sect Master Ancestor, I have a plan."

Sect Master Yuan replied casually: "Oh? Speak, let's hear it."

"Our sect is few in number—we lack advantage in direct confrontation." Tang Jingye walked to the courtyard edge, pointing to Wei'an City's north: "Why not use geographical advantage? Wei'an City's water supply relies entirely on this great river."

Wei'an City's location is actually a fertile alluvial plain—formed by nutrient-rich silt from rivers, washed down over long years.

"Living beings cannot go a day without water." He turned to Sect Master Yuan: "Sect Master Ancestor, perhaps that divine gold core of yours could be put to use?"

"Gold core?" Sect Master Yuan heard the two words, his mind flashed, he stroked his beard and nodded: "Hmm, indeed a method. Its function is special—Cangyan would find it hard to counter."

A disciple beside whispered softly: "Sect Master, the sect's xuangjing reserves are running low."

Using the gold core will inevitably consume vast amounts of xuangjing.

The Qi Xia Sect's emergence from seclusion was precisely due to insufficient xuangjing and other resources—we must replenish from outside.

"The gold core itself holds immense power—initial consumption of xuangjing isn't great." Sect Master Yuan mused, "During this time, the Tianwu has already gathered considerable xuangjing from various places—enough to activate the gold core once."

Elder Chu snorted: "This Cangyan state—indeed, it tightly controls good resources and prime locations, not leaking a bit to others!"

Sect Master Yuan pondered a while, then resolved: "Our xuangjing reserves are still sufficient—let a few junior brothers accompany me to activate the gold core, how about it?"

All elders responded: "Good!"

Elder Chu laughed: "Also, let them see what true immortal methods are!"

Tang Jingye stood with hands clasped, appearing to observe his nose, observe his heart—then transformed into a saw-mouthed gourd.

Sect Master Yuan mused: "We need to leave a few people outside to gather intelligence. Tang Jingye, you know Wei'an City best."

"Yes." Tang Jingye immediately accepted the task, but added: "Sect Master Uncle, Wei'an City hosts two sects—Ying Shan Sect has numerous experts, many of its disciples serve as officials and generals in Cangyan's Wang Ting. Our disciple strength is thin—fear we can't get close enough to spy."

His words were sound; Sect Master Yuan reflected: "The situation ahead will surely be chaotic—just you alone outside would indeed be overwhelmed. Elder Xu—"

Elder Xu stepped forward.

"Let Elder Xu take charge of garrisoning in Wei'an City—on one hand gathering intelligence, on the other providing external support for our cave abode."

Elder Xu nodded: "Good."

Actually, no one wants to leave the cave—since Tianwu brought back much xuangjing, the cave's spiritual energy far exceeds the outside, making immortals and cultivators more comfortable staying inside.

But the sect indeed should station people outside—inside and outside, mutually responsive.

Sect Master Yuan rose, a hidden unease stirring in his heart.

Before the boundless power of immortals and the immortal sect, the so-called strong of mortal nations are truly nothing.

Yet is Cangyan State really that easy to handle?

He gazed at Wei'an City's reflection in the pool water.

During the Qi Xia Sect's seclusion, no one could leave—only able to gaze down upon the great city below through divine powers.

This city truly looks prosperous—if we could take it, it would surely provide endless sustenance for the Qi Xia Sect.

Yet according to city residents, spiritual energy's revival has lasted years—Cangyan has remained prosperous all this time.

They are an immortal sect surviving from ancient times to now—thus they know: in eras of abundant spiritual energy, so-called human nations simply cannot contend with supernatural power.

This is experience; this is fact.

So how has Cangyan State endured these past years—and seemingly fared quite well?