The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 182

Chapter 7 Lobbyist

“Seventh Immortal, Chu Chen, Great Sun Dharma Venerable…”

Even Li Xun, prepared for the moment, smacked his lips as these names were read out one by one. The Wuxin

Sect had long been in decline, its survival only thanks to its leader, Seventh Immortal, who, as a True One Grandmaster, held the line despite the encirclement of the Xumiao, Fahua, and Mingxin Sword Sects.

Chu Chen, the leader of the Poison Hidden Sect, was a formidable old fox in the eyes of that wicked Netherfire Yama. As for Great Sun Dharma Venerable, the notoriously tyrannical and fake monk whose Great Thousand Lights City reigned supreme in the desert, no one dared to challenge him.

These three, along with Ramash and Seventh Cultivator, constituted the Western Alliance’s top experts in this area. Adding the six True One Grandmasters from the nine righteous sects, these eleven individuals comprised the most elite force the Tongxuan sects could muster.

Li Xun would soon face a vast, artificial horde of cultivators. Negotiating with them required the preparation for a complete destruction. Li Xun absolutely refused to be reduced to dust, and he lacked the necessary fortitude. Yet, just half an hour after his last escape, he returned to Langhuan Island.

When the blood-red light representing his identity once again pierced the island’s night sky, the commotion on the island could not be concealed, no matter how deep the darkness.

Li Xun hovered in the night sky, the aura radiating from his body like a crimson flame, swaying gently in the sea breeze. This unbridled outpouring of energy immediately drew a counterattack from all the cultivators on the island. After a brief moment of confusion, the aura of the island’s most powerful being rose from the ground. One, two, three… eleven… eleven different kinds of pressure pressed down on him, one after another, like eleven mighty mountains. A lesser mindset and cultivation would have likely crushed him into the deep sea.

Li Xun could not completely ignore the external pressure; the radiant aura and flames surrounding him dimmed the instant the pressure mounted.

However, with a carefully controlled exhalation, a series of subtle creaking sounds echoed through his joints. The accumulated strength within him burst forth completely, and he advanced, not retreating, but advancing like a bird soaring against the wind. The nearly solidified air rippled higher into the sky, even as he neared the center of the island.

Just as they had half an hour earlier, the eleven True One Grandmasters lacked the sense of unity and coordination they had previously possessed. The slightest fluctuation in the situation led to their own plans. The high pressure Li Xun endured lasted only two breaths before a gap appeared again.

Li Xun laughed unrestrainedly at this. Others might not understand, but the Grandmasters involved were likely not pleased.

Li Xun gave the other party no chance for revenge. Unleashing unparalleled speed, the Blood Shadow Demon instantly pierced through the fissures, its speed rising to its limit like a twisted bolt of lightning. By the time the island’s cultivators could react, his toes had already touched the ground of Langhuan Island. His landing spot was perfectly chosen, only a few miles from the gathering point of the cultivators with the strongest sensitivity. He could clearly see the buildings there with a slight glance up.

Judging from the specific sensations, there were nine True One Grandmasters and several lesser cultivators there, likely the meeting place for the various sect leaders. There were also two other True One Grandmasters, one on the west and one on the north of the island, likely Liu Yunzi of the Xu Miao Sect and a Bancheng layman from the Xiji Zen Sect. Despite their high cultivation, they had avoided the meeting due to their status.

A meeting of sect leaders? Remarkably cautious, but unfortunately, at a time when decisive action is needed, such a gesture only served to give Gu Yin time and space to respond.

This was Li Xun’s inner thoughts, but he expressed them quite frankly in another way.

He laughed heartily, “So you all intend to kill Gu Yin this way—to make her die of laughter?”

The agitated aura around him paused for a moment. This was undoubtedly a resounding slap in the face for both the righteous and evil cultivators on the island. Even more deplorable was the fact that they lacked the confidence and qualifications to respond.

The personality Li Xun displayed now wasn’t that of Bai Gui, nor that of Ling Zhu, and it was even different from any personality Li Xun had ever possessed or imitated. If one had to describe it, it was somewhat similar to the unbridled feeling he’d felt the day Gu Yin revealed his true identity.

However, at that moment, Li Xun faced a weakened Gu Yin and a disloyal Yao Feng. Even in the worst-case scenario, he could have escaped unscathed. It was completely different from the present.

It could only be said that his attitude had freed itself from external constraints, built on unparalleled confidence. With time, it would solidify, perhaps eventually becoming his true character.

For now, a slight glimpse of his edge was enough. Laughing, he strode forward. The numerous cultivators who appeared and disappeared around him were unable to stop him. He walked steadily to the hall where the sect masters held their meetings. He ignored the lingering sword energy and murderous intent before him. He gently pushed the closed door, revealing a diverse array of faces within.

The pearl’s radiance illuminated the entire hall, unmasking all gazes. Filtering out those looks he was still unaccustomed to, Li Xun proudly entered.

The meeting hall was now completely filled with the aura radiated by several supreme masters. The moment he stepped inside, he felt as if he had fallen into a turbulent vortex. Visible ripples appeared on his clothing, as if his body would ripple apart in the next moment.

This brazen entrance was practically a confrontation with every cultivator in the hall. Li Xun seemed oblivious to the external pressure, his expression unmoved, not even his stride affected. Only the unruly, burning blood energy within him roared softly, generating a stable force field that shielded him from the external pressure.

In just a dozen steps, Li Xun reached the main seat from the entrance. Li

Douliang sat at the main seat, next to Ramash. A table was placed symbolically in the middle. The leaders of the two great sects of good and evil each had a deep gaze, their attention focused on him.

Li Xun walked all the way to the table before pausing. Being so close to Li Douliang and Ramash was no joke. He felt a prickling sensation all over his body. Only the high fluctuations of his burning blood essence could dissipate the rapidly increasing blood stasis on his skin, preventing him from embarrassing himself.

He acted completely unfazed, even tapping his fingers on the table twice before turning to face the nineteen leaders of the various sects of good and evil.

To be precise, the eighteen leaders present were Elder Tianzhi. The one not present in the Nightless City for the meeting was Elder Tianhe, whom Li Xun had met before.

Even so, this was arguably the most complete gathering of leaders of the various sects of good and evil since the Suicide Phoenix Incident.

This demonstrated the seriousness with which they took the East Sea issue. It had reached the point of a deadly, all-or-nothing fight. The sects hadn’t even left themselves a single retreat—at least on the surface.

In the dozens of glances, Li Xun saw hostility, hatred, sarcasm, and amusement… the only thing missing was kindness.

He smiled in response and then spoke loudly, “Everyone, I will now announce my plan to kill Gu Yin as quickly as possible.”

There was a loud thud, and behind him, Li Douliang slammed the table. The powerful sound was like the clash of swords. “Li Xun! Don’t be so presumptuous!”

Li Xun seemed deaf, completely unaware of the astonishing power behind him. With his hands behind his back, he took a few steps forward to the center of the hall, completely turning his back to the two most powerful cultivators from the Tongxuan Sects. His tone remained unchanged. “Before I announce the plan, let me first explain Gu Yin’s current situation… such as her desire to die, her goals and plans, and so on.”

After saying this, he turned back and smiled at Li Douliang, “Master Li, do you have any comments?”

Ever since hearing the description of “desire to die,” Li Douliang had frowned, and he ignored Li Xun’s provocation. With his broad mind, he wouldn’t be so petty, but he would never dare to speak again and humiliate himself.

Meanwhile, Ramash, on the other side, spoke with a smile, “Know thyself and thy enemy, and thou shalt not be defeated in a hundred battles. I’m very interested in any intelligence Fellow Daoist Li has.” As soon as he spoke,

the leaders of the evil sects all chimed in. “Yes, Master, what you say makes sense.” The one speaking in a hoarse voice was Li Dongjue, leader of the Demon War Sect. “Letting go of past grudges and working together is the correct way to face disaster.” The one shaking his head was Chu Chen, the old demon from the Poison Hidden Sect. “Tell me quickly! I’ve been waiting for so long, my ears are itching.” The rather blunt figure was the Great Sun Dharma Master of the Far West. Li Xun matched these relatively unfamiliar figures with his pre-existing impressions, but smiled silently. As he spoke, the undercurrent of energy surging through the hall had largely dissipated. Li Xun acted nonchalant, as if completely unaware that he was handing over the initiative. He smiled and nodded at Qingming, unconcerned with his studied indifference. “Let’s get straight to the point. I think you all must first understand that Gu Yin doesn’t fear death. However, if she truly must die, she will drag you down with her, not the ancient Dao you represent, the Tongxuan Realm’s unwavering unity.” This was a true statement of truth, and Li Xun’s words were all true and unwavering. They held a certain unwavering, trustworthy power, which the cultivators present could sense, and their expressions inevitably shifted subtly. This was exactly the effect Li Xun desired. He took another step forward, still holding his hands behind his back, his demeanor haughty. “You are entirely welcome to question the truth of what I say, but I don’t believe you have the time for such doubts.” Perhaps hoping to seize the opportunity to suppress their old rivals, the various sect leaders offered a fleeting show of goodwill. Even the Pluto Sect’s Endless Underworld Lord seemed to have forgotten his deep hatred for Li Xun, a hatred that could not be washed away even by the pouring of the five lakes and three rivers. He curled his lips and nodded slightly. The cultivators from the nine righteous sects across from him were no pushovers. Arrogant individuals like Luo Qichang were already furrowing their brows, ready to draw their swords. However, most people averted their gazes in the opposite direction. Sitting there was none other than Taoist Qingming, the current leader of the Mingxin Sword Sect, the first after Li Douliang on his left. Ever since Li Xun entered the hall, Qingming had sat with his eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought, as if deaf and blind. Even when Li Douliang and the leaders of the various evil sects challenged him, he remained completely unresponsive. Only now, when his fellow cultivators, who had taken action, cast their gazes upon him, did he slowly open his eyes and fix his gaze squarely on the rebel in the center of the hall. A momentary silence fell within the hall, as the leaders of the various sects, some holding their breath, others watching with fascination as Qingming handled this embarrassing and humiliating incident. “Let him speak.” Qingming’s voice was as gentle and elegant as a sunny afternoon after a cup of tea. This completely defied expectations, and as their surprised glances turned, Qingming regained his previous, trance-like demeanor, giving the impression that he possessed a masterful mind, perhaps already devising a plan to deal with the sect’s traitors. “Mystifying!” At this moment, countless people scoffed inwardly, yet they had to admit that Qingming’s demeanor was brilliantly executed. Even though it was probably an act, his special status was undeniable. As long as Li Xun didn’t immediately expose Qingming’s scheme, the situation would largely rest in Qingming’s hands. Even though Qingming’s position was still inferior to Li Douliang and Ramash, he possessed a commanding presence. Li Douliang, no petty man, had no problem with this, and Ramash remained unmoved. The other sect leaders’ gazes naturally shifted back to Li Xun, observing the reaction of this seemingly unruly new demon. “Aren’t the hundred thousand wandering cultivators gathering in the East Sea here to have fun with you? Or do you think they’re here to rob you of that damn treasure of Xuanhai Youming City? Would you like me to show you a way to Xuanhai Youming City and fulfill your long-cherished wish?” If he had said this a month ago, it would have caused an immediate uproar. But now, the various sect leaders in the hall seemed like clay sculptures or wooden statues, motionless save for a slight roll of their eyes and a slight exhalation. Li Xun’s eyes were surprisingly calm. He once again surveyed the sect leaders without interrupting his voice. “Yes, you all know that the treasure of Xuanhai Youming City is, to be honest, a joke. After the incident with the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect, the Nine Nether Devouring Realm has long been known to you. I’d like to hear your opinions. What do you think is left in Xuanhai Youming City? “Spiritual veins? Immortal pills? Secret manuals? Under the constant immersion of the Nine Nether Earth Qi, which of these things can not be transformed into something wielded only by the Nether Sect?” To put it bluntly, it’s the sacred land of the You Sect, not your paradise. ” Just as he finished speaking, a cold sneer reached his ears. Li Xun remained expressionless and slowly turned to face the sneering Endless Underworld Lord: “Does Endless Underworld Lord have any objections?” Endless Underworld Lord finally tore off his superficial mask of kindness, slightly raised his pale and thin chin, and said: “Nonsense!” Li Xun’s eyes cooled slightly, but he smiled back: “If I had known this would happen, would you have bothered to talk to me? Didn’t Endless Underworld Lord come here just to listen to nonsense?” How could Endless Underworld Lord tolerate such words? A murderous glint flashed in his eyes. If he hadn’t been concerned about Li Xun’s various methods, he would have attacked on the spot. At this time, Ramash laughed softly: “Daoyou Li, you underestimated us this time. We all understand the current situation. We have just been thinking of a foolproof plan. ” As the old demon spoke, the demonic patterns on his face twitched slightly, eerie and mysterious, and even his gentlest tone seemed eerie and unpredictable. Li Xun couldn’t help but think of the various terrifying things about this man that were rumored in the Tongxuan Realm, as well as his grudge against Shui Dielan. He felt even more different in his heart, and his words were not very forgiving. “A foolproof plan? Master, you’ve even imitated the foolish words of a mediocre person. When the situation is dire, what’s the difference between a foolproof plan and looking back and forth, and being a rat?” Ramash was surprisingly good-tempered. After being pricked by Li Xun, he still responded with a smile: “Then what’s the good plan, Fellow Daoist Li?” Li Xun also smiled: “There is no good plan. I only see that you have no choice but to move forward.” This time, no one replied, but more people sneered. Perhaps what Li Xun said was correct, but his status and position were there, and any good words could be distorted. The Lord of the Endless Underworld once again took the lead. He chuckled: “Where were you when we were moving forward? Li Xun glanced at him and said calmly, “Where do you want me?” Without waiting for the Endless Underworld Lord to react, he turned and gave him a slap on the back of his head. His voice remained unbroken, only becoming slower. “Is my proposal bad… everyone?” A momentary silence fell in the hall. Distrust was written on most faces. The fact that these thoughtful cultivators could act this way made their attitude towards the proposal self-evident. Li Xun wasn’t surprised. He was well aware of his current role: simply a lobbyist, his job was to use his eloquent rhetoric to exaggerate the advantages and conceal the disadvantages. Everyone in the hall was well aware of this. They listened to what they wanted to hear, and those who didn’t wanted to hear it were ignored. The attitudes of both sides were a back-and-forth, not just now, but even before Li Xun arrived. The only difference was the subtle meaning of “both sides.” Li Xun raised his eyebrows slightly, which made him look a little angry. “Or do you think I should fight the enemy ahead and clear a path for you?” Still no one spoke, but that was clearly a sign of agreement.

Li Xun’s eyebrows raised even higher and he continued, “If this is the only way to gain your trust, then… I refuse! There is no need for me to risk my life for such a thing. It is meaningless.”

A muffled thunder-like laugh rang out in the hall. Dharma Master Da Ri, who was sitting on the Western Alliance side, stroked his round, shiny bald head and laughed with great joy. The thick black mustache on his lips jumped, making him look straightforward and frank. But what he said next was not so simple: “You are a very interesting person. What you say and what you do are completely different.”

This was certainly not a compliment, so Li Xun also retorted sharply: “What are you talking about, Dharma Master? I just didn’t do what you wanted me to do. There is no such thing as wanting to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor without paying any price.”

“As for me, although I have an unsolvable hatred with Gu Yin, that is only for her. Of course, she now dominates the Loose Cultivator Alliance and has the upper hand. It is difficult for me to compete head-on, but I am not as wealthy as you. Now I only have a Mist Hidden Cave Heaven to live in. In the worst case scenario, I can just sit there and wait for the opportunity to change. Doesn’t matter if it takes hundreds or thousands of years?”

“With Gu Yin’s mentality and wishes, it is still doubtful whether the Loose Cultivators’ Alliance can really last for that long. However, all the consequences caused by this behemoth before its death will not reach Wuyinxuan, but will be borne by your foundation. So, what do you want me to do? What can I do?”

He said this, but everyone’s eyes were fixed on Da Ri Fa Zun, the famous flower monk in Tongxuan Realm. He shook his head and laughed, saying no more, as if he was willing to admit defeat.

Li Xun, however, remained adamant. “Frankly, standing here isn’t entirely my own decision. Behind me are several fellow practitioners who are deeply concerned with the current situation and share its fate. It’s fair to say that every word I say represents our shared will. You don’t really think the Western Union or the Nine Orthodox Sects represent the entire tradition of the Tongxuan Realm, do you?”

The various sect leaders in the hall were more or less curious, and a few had expressions like, “Let’s see what you’re up to, kid?” Li Xun glanced around, taking in the expressions of the cultivators before sneering and returning to the topic.

“After just a few words, you’ve strayed drastically off topic. Is this how you all discuss matters? I imagine this has been the way everyone’s been discussing things lately. It’s truly eye-opening.”

This time, no one shouted, “How insolent!” because Li Xun had finally hit the weak spots of the sect masters. Everyone present understood the urgency of the situation and pledged to put aside past grudges and share the overall situation. However, none of them could escape the complex web of interests. The

nearly unanimous outpouring of elite cultivators from various sects represented the majority of their vital energy over the past two to three thousand years, further compounding the complex balance of power. Any casualty would have immeasurable consequences for the future.

Ultimately, in their minds, the Loose Cultivator Alliance and the Forty-Nine Tribulations weren’t on the same level of threat. Ancient Sound was terrifying, but terrifying in the face of what was clearly before their eyes. At least judging by the chips gathered before them, the combined strength of the eleven True One Grandmasters was more than enough to eliminate the threat posed by the Loose Cultivator Alliance.

As the helmsmen of each sect, the sect masters needed to take a long-term view to discern the ebb and flow of power across the Tongxuan Realm after this catastrophe. The planned and unplanned casualties and losses were their greatest concern.

Li Xun understood these concerns as his greatest obstacle today. Fortunately, he had a bargaining chip specifically designed to counter this.

“You should all know that the Loose Cultivator Alliance is at its strongest, while Gu Yin is at its weakest. The ten councilors who could stand against you have already dispersed. Mo Luo Hou and Qing Luan are dead, Kun Peng has turned against them, and Yao Feng has deserted them. The only remaining figure is Yu San Ren, who has been made into a puppet. The likes of Bing Yao Niang are of no concern to you…”

Li Xun had barely finished his words when the entire hall erupted in an uproar, abruptly interrupting him.

This was the first time the news of Mo Luo Hou and Qing Luan’s deaths had come from the mouths of those involved, and the shocking news of Yu San Ren’s becoming a puppet had surfaced. No matter how hard the sect masters tried to restrain themselves, they couldn’t withstand the shock of the news. For a moment, most of them lost their composure. Li

Douliang slowly stood up from the main seat and said word by word: “Are you serious?”

Li Xun nodded slightly but did not confirm further. Instead, he changed the subject: “As for Gu Yin himself, his injuries after the battle with Master Tianzhi have not healed yet. He looks dizzy and looks like he will fall down at the slightest breeze… But I have something to ask Sect Master Lingfeng.”

No one could guess what Li Xun was thinking at the moment. Unknowingly, Li Xun had taken control of the situation. He turned to look at Ling Fengzi, the senior sect master of Xumiao Sect, who was obviously confused. Because of the embarrassment of Li Xun’s identity, he couldn’t even put on his usual humorous smile. He frowned and said, “You talk.”

“I want to ask if a person who has fallen from the original Zhenyi realm due to injuries or other reasons can rise back to the original realm in a short time?”

After these words came out, Ling Fengzi pondered for a moment, and the faces of several fellow practitioners next to him were not very happy. Li Xun’s words were almost exposing Ling Fengzi’s scars.

All the sect leaders present knew that Ling Fengzi had once been the world’s foremost True One Grandmaster, his cultivation rivaling that of Li Douliang and Ramash. However, he had sustained a hidden injury from a clash with the demonic phoenix forty-nine tribulations ago, leaving him powerless to resist the impending celestial thunderbolt. Although he ultimately escaped death, he had fallen from the True One realm, and his future path to the Great Dao was hopeless.

This was a truly incurable wound for a cultivator. Li Xun

‘s question in public was profoundly rude. However, Li Xun was extremely polite. He bowed slightly to Ling Fengzi, speaking in a gentle and sincere tone. “Master Ling Feng, please forgive my impoliteness in asking this question. Of all those present, only Master Ling Feng has experienced this, while Gu Yin across the sea is another!”

This news was less shocking than the previous one, but it was still enough to shock many. Still feeling it was insufficient, Li Xun turned to the female cultivator at the end of the Western Alliance sects and said with a smile, “Master Mo, perhaps you can serve as a witness to this.”

Suddenly, everyone’s attention shifted to that point.

The Ecstasy Concubine’s reaction was much calmer than before, at sea. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, her demeanor hesitant, her expression pitiful and awkward, yet in reality, she had acquiesced.

Everyone could see the connection between her and Gu Yin, but this overt gesture was a bit strange.

The gazes from everyone were even sharper at this point. The Ecstasy Concubine, still recovering from her previous injuries, could only reluctantly nod, unable to withstand the intense gazes of the sect leaders. “I had some contact with Gu Yin some time before the Forty-Ninth Tribulation,” she said, “at that time, she had indeed reached the True One Realm.”

With that, she fell silent, not uttering a single word. Of course, everyone was unwilling to let this go, and they were about to ask Ramash, who was at the main seat, “I am aware of the conflict

between Sect Leader Mo and Gu Yin, and it has long been resolved.” Ramash, now acting like a ruthless leader, spared no effort to protect his fellow cultist. Li Xun had already learned from Qie Yin that the Ecstasy Concubine and Ramash were closely connected, so he wasn’t surprised.

In reality, he’d hoped to leave it at that. Otherwise, who knows what the consequences would be if he accidentally

implicated Master Tianzhi. So, he decided to withdraw while he was ahead, saying, “Thank you, Sect Master Mo, for your testimony,” and then redirected the conversation: “Not only that, Gu Yin must have mastered one or two very strange magical techniques. His own strength should not be underestimated. With his determination to die, it’s not impossible for him to drag anyone here down with him.”

He first allayed the concerns of the other sect masters, then raised Gu Yin’s profile, constantly adjusting the psychological limits of those present by both praising and criticizing him. Finally, he turned to Ling Fengzi and hammered home the final nail: “I wonder if Sect Master Ling Feng could offer some advice?”

With the previous respite, Ling Fengzi finally displayed his usual demeanor and responded with a smile, “I truly don’t know how Gu Yin is. But if the old Taoist priest wanted to fight, he could certainly muster a bit more strength. I think the Gu Sect Master, a man of his generation, is undoubtedly superior to the old Taoist priest.”

This was tantamount to an admission, especially since he had personally clashed with Gu Yin, making the claim all the more credible.

At this point, Tianhe, the elder of the Never-Sleeping City, who was seated at the end, sighed, “If our Sect Master were here, perhaps we could get more accurate information. She’s the only one who’s clashed with Gu Yin recently.”

The cultivators present dismissed Tianhe’s complaint as a mere complaint, but Li Xun, with something on his mind, glanced at him sideways, silently cursing the old Taoist priest for bringing up such irrelevant issues. Meanwhile, the Soul-Stirring Concubine, an insider, lowered her face slightly, preventing anyone from seeing her expression.

The atmosphere in the hall was a little chaotic for a while, and was finally brought back to normal by Li Xun’s light cough: “This is the situation of Gu Yin. In addition, there are Yao Feng’s, Yu Sanren’s… and so on. I wonder if you are interested in listening to it?”

When people’s attention was focused on Li Xun again, they suddenly realized that their originally stubborn and hard bottom line had loosened unconsciously. They began to consider: Maybe it would be a good idea to do so?