“Become an enemy of the Heavenly Palace?”
Venerable Xuanbing sneered, “The Heavenly Palace has never been our friend. When the God Clan suppressed our Ice God bloodline, did the Heavenly Palace ever say a word to help us?”
“Have those higher-ups and rulers of the divine race ever glanced at us? Now they want to take advantage of us, so I’ll play along and let them reap what they sow.”
He turned around, staring at the black-clothed cultivator with eyes as sharp as knives. “Convey orders for all the disciples to prepare. One month from now, they will accompany me on the expedition. Remember, once we reach the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge, do not fight tooth and nail; conserve your strength. We will move only after the Heavenly Palace and the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge are both weakened. What I want is final victory.”
“Yes!”
Tiansheng Palace, Shengguang Hall.
The Holy Light Venerable sat cross-legged on a futon, with a ball of golden light floating in front of him—the Eye of Holy Light.
Countless tiny light dots flowed within the ball of light; this was the intelligence network of the Heavenly Saint Palace, covering most of the Northern Territory.
He was investigating the situation at Wan Yao Ridge, Tianji Palace, and even the movements of Shenyuan Pavilion.
“Palace Master, there is news from the Heavenly Palace that they will send troops in a month.” A white-robed cultivator entered the hall and bowed.
Venerable Holy Light opened his eyes, a faint smile crooked on his lips. “A month? The Heavenly Venerate sure is impatient. Looks like a supreme treasure has indeed made him restless.”
“Palace Master, should we really help Extreme Heavenly Palace?” asked the cultivator.
“help?”
Venerable Holy Light laughed, there was a hint of mockery in his smile. “Why should I help the Heavenly Pole Palace? I only want a portion of the profits. Venerable Heavenly Pole promised fifty percent of the profits, so I will take fifty percent. As for the fate of the Heavenly Pole Palace, what does it have to do with me?”
He stood up, walked to the window, and looked towards the Holy Light Ridge.
Sunlight shone on the white palace, reflecting dazzling light, making the entire Tiansheng Palace look like a fairyland built on the clouds.
“That ancient treasure even surpasses the Golden Immortal realm. If I can obtain it, my cultivation will break through to the fourth rank of the Golden Immortal realm.”
At that time, what will the Heavenly Palace become? What would the Divine Abyss Pavilion become? The entire Northern Territory will be mine.
Those who have ever looked down on the Heavenly Saint Palace, I will make them kneel at my feet.
Holy Light Venerable’s ambition was even greater than that of Profound Ice Venerable.
“But, Palace Master, His Majesty Tianji promised to give us 50%, will he keep his promise?”
Holy Light Venerable sneered, “I know that Heavenly Venerable very well. His agreement to give us 50% was just a temporary measure.”
Once the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge is destroyed, he will definitely turn against us. Therefore, I won’t really fight to the death for him. If he wants to fight, let him fight. I will only provide work, not business.”
“What does Palace Master mean?”
“Save our strength,” said Venerable Holy Light calmly. “We will move after the Heavenly Palace and the Thousand Demon Ridge fight to a stalemate. By then, neither the Heavenly Palace nor the Thousand Demon Ridge will be able to match us. What I want is to reap the benefits without any effort.”
He turned around, looked at the cultivator, and a cunning glint appeared in his eyes. “Convey orders for the disciples to prepare, but do not tell them that they are going to war. Let’s just say they’re going on a training expedition. Have everyone bring their best magical artifacts, but don’t make a fuss. I want to surprise Venerable Tianji.”
“Yeah!”
The three major divine races had yet to depart, but their minds were already divided, unlike the two thousand cultivators of the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge who were united in their hatred for the enemy.
Tianji Hall, main hall.
The Heavenly Venerate sat on his throne, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest, once, then once more.
Four Golden Immortal Elders stood before him, each with a serious expression on their faces.
“Palace Master, everything is ready.” Elder Zhao clasped his hands and said, “Two thousand elite troops have been gathered and are ready to depart at any time. Armors, weapons, pills, and talismans have all been distributed, and every cultivator is in peak condition.”
“What about the Divine Abyss Pavilion?” asked Venerable Tianji.
“Venerable Xuanbing has replied that five hundred cultivators have gathered and will join us in half a month. They cultivate ice-based techniques and are skilled in restraint, so they can serve as support troops on the battlefield.”
“Where is Tiansheng Palace?”
“Holy Light Venerable agreed to send 800 soldiers, but demanded that the spoils of war be divided after the battle. His disciples practice light-based magic, specialize in long-range attacks and healing, and can serve as fire support on the battlefield.”
Venerable Tianji sneered, “Venerable Holy Light is indeed an old fox. He wants to see who wins and who loses by dividing the spoils of war after the battle. If he wins, he will take 50%.”
He wouldn’t lose anything, even if he lost. He clearly had a clever plan. However, I have no intention of letting him just take it.
“Palace Master, what should we do?” Elder Qian asked.
“What should we do?” Venerable Tianji stood up. “Fight. Whatever they think, our goal is the Ten Thousand Demon Hill. As long as we capture the Ten Thousand Demon Hill and obtain that supreme treasure, nothing else matters. In the end, whoever has the strongest fist will gain more.”
He walked to the sand table and pointed at the location of the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge. “In half a month, the entire army will launch an attack. I myself will lead a team to level the Ten Thousand Demon Ridge. Remember, our target is that purple divine soul. Whoever obtains the divine soul will be richly rewarded.”
FAQ Novel
Q: Why is Venerable Xuanbing considering an alliance with the Heavenly Palace?
A: Venerable Xuanbing is primarily enticed by the Heavenly Palace’s offer of 30% of the profits from an ancient treasure, which he believes can elevate his cultivation to the fourth rank of Golden Immortal and allow him to exact revenge on oppressive divine branches.
Q: Does Venerable Xuanbing truly intend to help the Heavenly Palace attack Thousand Demon Ridge?
A: Despite discussing profits and alliances, Venerable Xuanbing’s concluding thoughts reveal he has a deeper, more strategic, and potentially treacherous plan, suggesting he may not genuinely aid the Heavenly Palace but pursue his own agenda.
What do you think Venerable Xuanbing’s ultimate plan entails as he navigates these treacherous alliances?