Chapter 700: Heaven and Earth Conspire Together, Gathering a Scheme for Me, Shen!

"My lord Feng Xi has sent a message."

"She left the Divine Dynasty, captured a fourth-rank Demon Immortal, and seized a Luo Han of the Zunputi Sect!"

The two hurried into the pavilion, bowing deeply toward the shadows: "Your guess was correct; the demon horde came from outside, and they are indeed colluding with the Puti Sect."

In the darkness, Yang Mingli slowly turned, accepting the folded report handed to him by the two.

He read the contents carefully, then gently placed the report back on the table.

For Dananzhou, the three Southern Suppression Generals of the Zhan Yao Si, stationed within the Divine Dynasty's borders, could only exert their maximum power by leveraging the vast imperial qi to repel enemies.

Yet the sudden surge in demon calamities recently has forced Feng Xi to venture out to investigate, which is enough to show how dire the situation has become.

"These traitorous monks!"

The two titled generals could not help but spit out a curse: "Daring to lure these old demons back, aren't they afraid of playing with fire and burning themselves? Do not forget, the reputation of their sect's flesh-and-blood demon suppression was built upon the bones of these very old demons."

"Heh."

Yang Mingli let out a cold, mocking laugh.

For a powerhouse who has ascended to the third-rank, what grudge could be more important than one's future? Even if one's parents died, in the face of an opportunity to advance further, one could temporarily turn conflict into harmony.

He lowered his gaze slightly, looking at the tattered map on the table, his fingertips slowly tracing across the paper.

Every place where a demon calamity had occurred in recent days was marked with a small red cross; until this moment, those red crosses had completely surrounded the entire map.

The returning old demons have likely gathered almost all the information they needed.

They now know quite well which parts of Dananzhou are weakly defended and which are secure.

The two titled generals also stared at that map, watching where Yang Mingli's fingertips rested, which were almost entirely covered by red crosses; their expressions suddenly grew solemn: "My lord Yang, will they break through from Songfeng Prefecture?"

"..."

Yang Mingli glanced at the report, his fingertips continuing to move until they stopped at a blank, missing section of the map.

That was the nine prefectures in the west that had been separated off.

His voice was cold: "Since they are colluding with the Puti Sect, they naturally know about the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva and Old Man Yan, and that General Wushan is also severely injured. These nine prefectures currently have only two titled generals guarding them, riddled with holes. If it were you, where would you attack from?"

"This—"

The two looked up, hesitating for a moment.

My lord Yang's mind is meticulous; long before My lord Feng Xi sent the message back, he had already guessed the gist of the entire matter and made preparations in advance.

One could say that apart from those nine prefectures, the deployment of all remaining territories in Dananzhou was the work of that single person, and no problems have arisen to date.

Even this current speculation is well-founded and logical.

"But we have not received any request for aid from those nine prefectures."

If My lord Yang's guess is true, and those nine prefectures are indeed riddled with holes, they should have requested aid from us long ago; how could they be so quiet as they are now?

"..."

Yang Mingli slowly walked out from behind the desk: "As long as the fire hasn't reached their eyebrows, they always feel there is a chance to save the situation. Old Man Yan has put on too much airs; naturally, his subordinates cannot let him lose face. Even if their teeth are knocked out, they must swallow them into their bellies."

"It is just that they never considered that this ethereal face, once it truly brews into a great disaster, will need to be exchanged for the lives of tens of thousands of common people."

As he spoke, Yang Mingli had already reached the doorway.

The two titled generals stood stunned behind him; did My lord's words mean that something had happened in those nine prefectures, yet they were concealing the demon calamity and not reporting it?

They also sensed something was amiss.

In that previous sentence, the term "youngster" clearly did not suit General Wushan; it must refer to Nanyang and Yanlan.

In the past, no matter how fierce the disputes became, Lord Yang's spearhead was always directed at Lord Yan; regarding his subordinates, especially General Nanyang, he had secretly held them in high regard and appreciation.

Now, however, he was clearly expressing his dissatisfaction with them.

It was evident that the last time General Wushan was in trouble, Nanyang's conduct during his report, which seemed to involve concealment, had thoroughly disappointed My lord Yang.

Indeed, even with two Southern Suppression Generals stationed there, and with us all busy to this extent, with Old Man Yan severely injured and in seclusion, those nine prefectures in the west should not be exhibiting such an eerie silence.

It makes no sense whatsoever.

General Nanyang is an excellent cultivator and a good subordinate to Old Man Yan, even a righteous colleague who risked great danger to go alone and rescue General Wushan, but he is absolutely not a qualified officer of the Zhan Yao Si.

A person like this is truly capable of concealing a demon calamity and not reporting it just to uphold Old Man Yan's face.

"Where are you going?"

The two suddenly noticed My lord Yang walking out of the pavilion.

"To the west."

Yang Mingli's expression was stern; even if he was angry, how could he truly abandon nine great prefectures?

I do not know the situation of the entire Divine Dynasty, but at least in Dananzhou, a storm is about to break, and the great building is on the verge of collapse; we few are the last pillars propping up this broken structure.

Even if I look down on Old Man Yan, the three of us are colleagues who have known each other for many years; I know Old Man Yan's character well. Even if he is stubborn, by now he should have realized his mistake.

Especially after discovering that his subordinates value Old Man Yan Lanting's face more than the people of the Divine Dynasty; if he continues to be obstinate, he is not worthy of being a Southern Suppression General.

Yang Mingli does not mind offering a way out, but from now on, Yan Lanting and that Nanyang under him must devote themselves fully to my commands and not make any rash moves again!

As his words faded, he summoned a vast expanse of clouds and headed toward Jianyang Prefecture.

Outside the Divine Dynasty, there are continuous high mountains resembling a sleeping Buddha.

On the thousand-li span of the shoulder and arm of Foshan, a gorgeous red cloud had nearly solidified, gathering in the sky.

To stir up such terrifying and horrifying demon clouds, according to common sense, there should be tens of thousands of great demons on that mountain.

However, a single glance revealed only forty or fifty figures.

Among them, the six leaders alone accounted for the vast majority of that demon cloud.

That robust demon tiger, clad in golden armor, extended its heavy right palm, gently scooped something in the air, brought it to its nose to sniff lightly, and then let out a long, satisfied sigh: "The scent of the mortal world is truly something I have missed for so many years."

Living in seclusion between water and land is leisurely, but it always feels like something is missing.

A lifetime of bitter cultivation, growing from a humble creature to the state of commanding wind and rain as I am now, yet having nowhere to exert my strength; the fearsome reputation I once carved out has gradually faded into obscurity among the people as time passes.

Now that he finally had the chance to return, it was all thanks to this group of cultivators.

When humans and immortals rule together, working as one, where under heaven could demons and monsters find a foothold?

Good infighting! Good infighting!

Six fourth-rank great demons split into two groups, clearly not under the same great demon's command—each had come to serve as vanguard generals for their own Great King.

"How much longer must we wait, monk?"

The Tiger Demon, somewhat impatient, looked up toward the top of Sleeping Buddha Dashan's skull.

Their own Great King had lived in seclusion for years, paying little attention to the world, and knew very little about this Divine Dynasty. It had cost the lives of many soldiers and generals before they gained even a partial understanding.

Now that the three factions had joined hands, their aim was to first tear open a breach in the Divine Dynasty.

Only they did not know why the matter of the demon race required the involvement of the Puti Sect's people. Had their Great King not given the order, they would have torn this monk apart first, using his Golden Body dharma form to make an offering of his five viscera and six bowels.

"Gentlemen, do not be impatient."

A young, fair-skinned little monk in a plain robe sat cross-legged atop Foshan's skull: "There is still one faction yet to arrive. Once we are all gathered, we can discuss at leisure."

"Discuss my ass!"

The Tiger Demon yanked the map open: "If you ask me, just pick any spot and charge straight in to catch them off guard. What's there to deliberate?"

As he spoke, two more great demons swept in from the horizon, though the soldiers and generals they brought were clearly far fewer than those of the other two factions, looking as though they had suffered heavy losses.

"Oh my, what happened to the dignified subordinates of the Southern Sovereign to end up in such a state?"

The Tiger Demon gave a cold snort, but the two newly arrived demons merely swept a glance at him, and he sheepishly withdrew his gaze: "Showing up late and not even letting people mention it—fine, fine, hurry up and pick a place, don't waste my time."

Saying so, he pointed casually at the map: "In my view, we should just cut through here—it's close by."

The other great demons raised no objection. Even though one of the Southern Sovereign's subordinates was missing, eight fourth-rank great demons attacking a single prefecture together—what reason was there not to take it?

The two late-arriving great demons frowned as they looked, their gaze falling on the Xishan Prefecture the Tiger Demon had indicated, and slowly shook their heads: "Choose another."

"..." The Tiger Demon turned his head to look, eyes slightly narrowed.

The two demons strode forward, drew a casual line across the map, encompassing nine entire great prefectures: "Exclude these—choose from outside."

"Why?" The Tiger Demon was clearly unconvinced.

"We dispatched numerous subordinates to probe the area, and not a single one has returned. They vanished without a trace—the waters are too deep."

Wariness flickered in the two demons' eyes. They had to consider: their mission had never been to breach the Divine Dynasty's defenses, so the subordinates they sent out had been scattered, attacking from all directions. Not a single survivor was one thing, but not even a single message had gotten out.

This was not something a mere one or two cultivators of profound cultivation stationed there could accomplish. This place must have gathered a great number of the Divine Dynasty's experts—perhaps even prepared specifically to ambush and kill people like themselves.

Hearing this, the Tiger Demon's expression shifted slightly, and the reckless demeanor from moments ago was gone.

He was merely impetuous by nature, not stupid, and well understood what this situation implied.

"Then let's go with Songfeng Prefecture."

Another great demon stepped forward to smooth things over: "We know that area best."

The two great demons under the Southern Sovereign no longer objected and silently stepped back.

The group of demon generals behind them was equally silent, though among them there was one whose bearing seemed different from the rest—lacking some of its vitality, it mixed into an out-of-the-way corner and quietly lowered its head.

"Since it has been decided, then this little monk wishes you all a triumphant start."

Atop Sleeping Buddha's skull, the young monk slowly rose and pressed his palms together in greeting toward the gathered demons.

"Tch."

Faced with his mild manner, the demons paid him no heed.

Anyone could see that the Puti Sect was using them as pawns, so naturally there was no friendly face to be had.

The only reason they had come was to seize this rare opportunity to rake in some spoils across the lands of Shenzhou.

Once the situation stabilized, regardless of whether the Divine Dynasty or the Three Sects won, neither would tolerate a pack of demons lingering here.

"Move out!"

The Tiger Demon waved a great hand, and the demon clouds in the sky rolled forth, soon dissipating into nothingness.

Gathering the strength of three factions—eight fourth-rank great demons in total—even some Great Luo immortal sects might not be able to produce such a foundation.

The probing is done; it is time to remind the Divine Dynasty of these old fellows who had retreated to the remote wilds.

"..."

The young monk did not grow angry at the demons' attitude. Watching them depart, he merely smiled faintly.

He took out a jade slip and said casually: "They've already gone—Songfeng Prefecture, eight fourth-ranks, arriving in about ten days."

With that, the monk crushed the jade slip outright.

Anyone who had reached the third-rank—whether divine, buddha, immortal, or an overbearing great demon—would not lightly enter the fray when facing this tribulation.

After all, they were the ones dividing up the feast; once they entered the tribulation, they would be staking their lives, and there was no need for that.

Therefore, the three factions of great demons pooling together such a lineup was already considered a heavy stake for their return to Shenzhou.

Little did they know, this was making a wedding dress for the Elder Yu Chi immortal gate.

Lady Tiandong descending the mountain to enter the world required a battle to let the world know her honored name.

The monk first schemed for the great demons, then helped the Elder Yu Chi immortal gate set up the board—helping both sides together could truly be called kindness to the extreme.

Of course, after this matter, the three factions of great demons would inevitably bear a grudge against the Sanxian Sect, and that would be beyond the Puti Sect's control. When that time came, that would be the moment for their own Arhats to turn the tide.

The young monk shook his head and left Foshan unhurriedly.

And at the other end of the jade slip.

Hongjing temporarily served as coachman. While driving the immortal horse, he also quietly crushed a jade slip.

"Why the sudden change in direction?" Tian Dong Xianzi's puzzled voice came from within the carriage.

"Something unusual was spotted in the sky, and word was sent to me. Songfeng Prefecture may be in trouble—better we head there first to take a look." Hongjing explained respectfully.

"I must say, the Immortal Court has been far too lax lately, actually letting these demonic fiends get ideas again." Tian Dong Xianzi remarked softly.

"Jiang Shijie's reproach is well-deserved; we shall certainly correct ourselves."

Hong Jing withdrew his gaze, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes.

Some toil endlessly yet end up merely as a coachman's servant; others spend years in seclusion, and upon stepping out, everything is already prepared for them.

Even the number of demons and the guardians of Da Nanzhou are counted with perfect clarity.

With Lady Tiandong's strength, if she prepares in advance, even facing eight great demons of her own realm, she can at least hold off six of them; the remaining two or three great demons can then wreak havoc across the land, stirring fear among the people without causing Da Nanzhou to collapse.

By the time the Da Nanzhou guardians arrive, the demon crisis resolves itself, and what leaves the deepest impression on the eyes of Li Min and the common folk is none other than the young woman in green robe and white skirt, the Baohua Xianzi who stepped forward first.

How profoundly unjust…

Hong Jing sighed softly, yet quickly regained his composure.

At least he still earns the merit of guiding the way—still a few steps ahead of the other disciples.

…

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.

Within the Shen Zhai of Jianyang Prefecture, an unexpected guest arrived.

When the vast sea of yellow clouds surged into view,

Ye Lan and General Wushan both rose instantly, bowing deeply with solemn respect, yet their hearts filled with confusion.

This Lord Yang had actually come within the Nine Prefectures' territory?

When he split his family's affairs, he had looked as if he would never again care about this place's life or death.

The middle-aged man, steeped in lethargy, floated gently to the ground and glanced at the two with indifference: "Don't blame me for not warning you—go quickly and awaken your Lord Yan... then return to receive your punishment."

To punish them, he naturally needed that stubborn old man to see with his own eyes what fools his subordinates had become.

"Receive punishment?"

Ye Lan and General Wushan both froze, exchanging a glance: "My lord, could you please clarify? We don't quite understand."

What could possibly require summoning the sealed-off, wounded Elder Yan?

"… "

Yang Mingli's previously indifferent expression suddenly darkened—he had not expected that in so short a time, these two once-capable men had sunk into this pitiful state under Yan Lanting's influence.

Even now, with him personally arriving, they still dared to feign ignorance.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and a dangerous aura emerged: "Good, good, good. If that's how it is, then summon your remaining Nanyang General—and bring every recent memorial. I shall review them myself!"

How could a demon crisis hide from a third-rank General Who Guards the South who truly wishes to investigate? Stubborn to the end!

"Nanyang… Nanyang is not here," Wushan said, sensing Lord Yang's inexplicable fury, raising his head and speaking hesitantly.

Hearing this, Yang Mingli's anger surged further: "Are you saying I can no longer command you? No matter what he's doing, bring him back to me at once!"

"But he truly is not here."

Wushan was growing impatient—even a clay figure has three parts of fire. Why should he endure this injustice without cause?

He straightened his body: "Nanyang departed days ago to seek you in Songfeng Prefecture—how can we summon him back now?"

"Seek me?"

Yang Mingli's anger slightly faded, replaced by surprise: "Why would he seek me?"

"He received word that a gathering of demons is advancing toward Songfeng Prefecture. He feared you hadn't prepared adequately and might suffer misfortune, so he went to report it," Ye Lan said, withdrawing his hand.

"Ridiculous!"

Yang Mingli had always been confident in his own judgment, and now he sneered: "Your Nine Prefectures are drowning in demon crises—those demons, unless they've lost their minds, would never head toward Songfeng Prefecture…"

Before he finished speaking, the two interrupted him.

"Apologies, Lord Yang."

"It's true the western Nine Prefectures suffer frequent demon outbreaks."

Ye Lan stared earnestly at the middle-aged man, speaking slowly and clearly: "Yet not a single soul has been harmed… I mean, not even one civilian."

This absurd claim made Yang Mingli's mockery deepen—but soon, his smile froze on his face.

For even the most cunning Wushan now wore an expression of quiet pride, standing tall with his massive frame.

Without the imperial court, merely through the power of Zhan Yao Si… more precisely, through the strength of the Nanyang General alone, they had achieved zero casualties.

In all twenty-seven prefectures of Da Nanzhou, who else could?

"I must remind you, sir," Wushan raised an eyebrow, "what he says is usually accurate."

At these words, Yang Mingli's face turned slightly pale—he had already believed seven or eight tenths of it.

He clenched his fists tightly.

Damned it—my Songfeng Prefecture!

(End of Chapter)