The Unruly Immortals

In the dim cave, Scholar Lv fell heavily to the ground, struggling to support himself with one hand, attempting to force his body to get up.

At this moment, however, he felt as if he were carrying a white donkey on his back, weighed down and immobilized by the tattoos on his body, and the white glow emanating from them was incredibly heavy, like cast iron.

"How...is this possible!! Why would Wu Sheng Old Mother stop me! That was a man-eating Evil Spirit! They're all wicked!" With a face full of disbelief, Scholar Lv felt that everything he had known had collapsed.

As Scholar Lv struggled, the centipede beside him, which had been twitching, recovered first. She lifted her head, as big as a carriage, and slammed it towards him.

If this blow landed, Scholar Lv's newly recovered body would turn into a heap of mud once again.

At the critical moment, the centipede's segmented body twisted inexplicably, and its giant head changed direction, slamming harshly into the ground beside Scholar Lv, their four eyes meeting.

When they were this close, Scholar Lv noticed details he hadn't seen before.

Inside the centipede's head, between its limbs, was carved a white donkey, just like his own tattoo!

Both parties froze, looking at each other in disbelief.

At that moment, they both understood why Wu Sheng Old Mother had assisted both sides; she didn't want her followers to kill each other.

As the white glow on his back weakened, Scholar Lv struggled up, looking around at the eyes in the darkness and the sprawled centipede bodies.

He said in utter disbelief, "So, you are really the White Lotus Sect? How is this possible! You are man-eating Evil Spirits! Why would you follow Wu Sheng Old Mother!"

In his memory, the black cloth on the shoulders and the white cloth on the heads of the Dharma Sect followers were now replaced with the White Lotus Seal.

Nothing in the cave answered Scholar Lv's questions. Seeing that their revered Wu Sheng Old Mother didn't want them to kill this man, they piously faded into the darkness.

When even the last centipede had retreated underground, the cave became as empty as Scholar Lv's heart.

-------------------------

"So the people from Da Qi really said that? Are they really of one mind with us now?" Gao Zhijian, sitting on the Dragon Throne, asked blandly.

"Yes, if you don't believe me, you can send a few eunuchs to talk to them face to face." As Li Huowang drew the Spinal Bone Sword from his back in the grand hall, the Imperial Army and eunuchs around couldn't help but tense up.

"No need, I believe Brother Li wouldn't lie to me." Gao Zhijian was obviously very pleased by the news, his rectangular face showing a rare amicable expression.

Since Da Qi wanted the Dragon Vein of Tianchen, their conflict was an unsolvable deadlock, and he didn't need to worry about Da Qi turning to Tianchen.

With Da Qi steadfastly blocking in the front, life for Da Liang would be much easier.

"That's very good. With Da Qi and Da Liang working together, we can surely thwart Tianchen's plot."

"Just saying good things isn't enough. Da Qi alone can't withstand Tianchen. Think about the powerful army I mentioned to you."

Gao Zhijian's smile gradually faded. If it weren't for the one in front of him being his brother Li, he would have thought the power described about this army was made up.

"I'm sure there are more than just a hundred in that powerful army. A mere hundred couldn't even beat Doumu's Nirmanakaya, let alone the Heavenly Dao that could once steal from Wu Sheng Old Mother."

"Furthermore, this is just the legendary powerful army born from Wu Sheng Old Mother's dantian. Who knows what's truly like for that traitor born of imperial lineage."

Although they had a slight advantage earlier, Li Huowang wasn't the least bit complacent; his heart grew heavier.

Hearing this, Gao Zhijian's expression turned grim, "Indeed, the strength of Tianchen's people is extraordinary, even possessing Immortal methods capable of touching the heavens."

"Brother Li, rest assured. Da Liang will fully support our allies. Additionally, I'll persuade other emperors to help as much as possible."

"Just giving things isn't enough. No matter how many Magic Artifacts are sent, they still need people to use them. This time, too many of Da Qi's people have died."

"You and the Astrological Bureau should prepare as many personnel as possible. If Tianchen truly invades, they can be put to use."

"If Da Qi's people can't come, can Da Liang's be sent to Da Qi?"

"Of course they can. If not, can't you transport them with Dragon Qi? After all, the Dragon Vein doesn't affect which part of history it goes to."

"Gao Zhijian, I know Dragon Qi is precious, but at this time, don't be stingy. To deal with Tianchen, it might be necessary to borrow the power of the Fate Commander."

The other Fate Commanders might not help, but at least Ji Zai might reluctantly assist.

"This…." Hearing this, Gao Zhijian showed a trace of difficulty. Everything else was fine, but the Dragon Vein was crucial to Da Liang's geomantic fate and fortune.

The Dragon Qi was accumulated over generations by the emperors. Unless one is dead, hanging on the Dragon Vein, a bit of Dragon Qi used is a bit less.

"Don't be so stingy. Once Tianchen is seized, there will be plenty of Dragon Qi. The few hours that Da Liang lacks may very well be compensated from it."

Though he said so, Gao Zhijian didn't want to misuse the Dragon Vein, only reluctantly agreeing. "Alright, I'll discuss it with the other officials."

"Give a clear answer soon. With Tianchen's forces weakened, they won't be deterred for long. If they truly don't intend to stop, their next move might be serious."

"I understand, Brother Li."

"Once you've finished discussing, have Xuan Pin contact me." Li Huowang said and turned to leave.

"Brother Li, have a meal before you go."

"Forget it, I'm not used to your food."

Li Huowang walked out of the grand hall, preparing to draw the Spinal Bone Sword and return to Da Qi.

Tianchen could attack at any time, and he wasn't assured without keeping an eye on them there.

Just as he was about to make a move, a grand procession approached.

Palace maids and eunuchs carrying various items quickly moved in front and behind Li Huowang.

"Are you Li Huowang?" A seductive yet arrogant female voice rang out.

Li Huowang turned to see a charming young woman, wearing an extremely ornate Phoenix Crown, descend from the imperial carriage with a look of arrogance.

Two small eunuchs, their heads bowed low, held her long train on either side, following their empress as she walked towards Li Huowang.