Capítulo 1043: Chapter 76: Gathering of Celestial Aid and Secret War Council

Lin Xuance nodded slightly, his expression calm: “Since we’ve decided to take action, we must not allow any failures. Allow us to make some preparations, then we shall set off together.”

The Martial Arts Immortal flexed his muscles and joints, which emitted a series of light pops, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation: “Indeed! It’s been three thousand years since I last visited the mortal world. This time descending, we must prepare thoroughly to not tarnish the name of our Gyun Immortal Realm.”

Miao Fa Yuanjun also gently parted her vermilion lips, her voice ethereal yet tinged with a barely perceivable killing intent: “Daoist Sui Feng, there’s no need for impatience. Since I promised to accompany you to the Netherworld to assist, I naturally must prepare thoroughly. Although it seems like we’ve secluded ourselves for the past three thousand years, we haven’t entirely wasted our time.” She lightly brushed a seemingly ordinary Brocade Storage Bag at her waist with confidence and pride in her tone, “The various Immortal Talismans and Treasures I’ve refined in my leisure time amount to hundreds, with diverse powers and infinite wonders. This time, let those apparitions of the Netherworld have a glimpse, and see if they dare to confront Yama! It will also serve to test the fruits of my years of labor.”

The three Immortals concluded, transforming into streams of light and dispersing, returning to their respective residences or places of Artifact Refining for final preparations.

Xiao Jie felt a surge of assurance, an overwhelming “this is in the bag” feeling emerged within him. Even he, a newly ascended Immortal, sensed extraordinary strength; these three veterans who’ve cultivated for unknown eons, their power must be unfathomable, and truly defying the heavens! When the time comes, any Ghost King of the Netherworld Emperor will likely be as insignificant as clay chickens and pottery dogs before such absolute strength. He might as well win without lifting a finger.

He blissfully thought: “Later, I must revisit with Yama to retrieve that [Reincarnation Disaster] main quest—500 Cause and Effect Points, I might as well take it!”

Lin Xuance and the Martial Arts Immortal operated with high efficiency, returning in just enough time to drink a cup of tea, their auras even more refined and profound, evidently adjusted to their optimal states. As for Miao Fa Yuanjun, it took her a whole hour to leisurely emerge from her exquisite pavilion, which was surrounded by ethereal glows and streaming runes.

Her outward appearance was no different than before, still exuding that pure and transcendent demeanor, her garments fluttering untouched by dust. However, she now exuded an indescribable aura, as stable as a mountain yet as sharp as a drawn Divine Weapon, with her eyes opening and closing, hinting at the birth and death of law runes within, inexplicably creating a sense of unease in others.

Xiao Jie had a faint feeling that this girl definitely carried some terrifying weapon or forbidden treasure capable of shaking mountains and overturning the Netherworld.

Once they regrouped, the four of them set out together, making their way to the main hall of the Immortal Palace, ready to ride the clouds away. However, they saw a white-clad figure, slightly gaunt, standing with his back to them at the edge of the white jade steps leading down to the sea of clouds, gazing in a trance at the Immortal Cranes dancing in the distant cloud sea, as if having awaited them for some time.

Who else could it be but the mysterious and unfathomable Shen Jizi?

Xiao Jie felt a chill, a vague premonition arising.

Lin Xuance showed no fear, stepping forward confidently, his voice loud: “Daoist Shen Jizi, standing here at this moment, are you intending to stop us from saving the world?”

Shen Jizi slowly turned around, his expression still calm and aloof. He looked at Lin Xuance and chuckled, his smile carrying a complex, indescribable meaning: “Stop you? Why would I stop you? Seeing you so determined, willing to risk yourselves, I merely have some sentiments.”

His gaze swept over the four of them, slowly saying: “To some other Immortal Friends, what you’re doing might seem futile, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. But I think, why not regard it as something good? In the face of a doomsday crisis, someone must do something, even if it’s just to ease the people’s minds. Knowing you are down there striving and trying to save this world may bring a bit more peace and less anxiety to those fellow Daoists indulging in pleasure. What if… what if you truly succeed? You would leave a glimmer of hope for this desperate future.”

The Martial Arts Immortal waved his hand broadly, his voice like a bell: “Hahaha! Well, then let’s take your words for a good omen! Who knows, we might actually succeed!”

Miao Fa Yuanjun slightly raised her chin, her tone decisive and filled with unshakable confidence: “It’s not hope; it’s inevitable success.”

Shen Jizi smiled noncommittally and did not argue, instead changing the topic: “I’m not here to stop you, nor specifically to see you off. I just have one thing to say: I understand your firm belief that man can overcome destiny, and Immortal Power can avert a catastrophe. But remember, human effort is sometimes exhausted, and Immortals… have not transcended beyond the realm of ‘humans.’ If things can’t proceed, do not force them; self-preservation is the top priority.”

He paused, looked up at the gray, starless sky of the Painting Realm, his tone becoming particularly grave: “Additionally, bear this in mind: If you see three glaringly bright golden stars forming a triangular formation in the sky at the Netherworld, no matter the circumstance, you must immediately, without any hesitation, return to Gu Yun State! Do not delay!”

“Three golden stars?” Lin Xuance frowned deeply, “Daoist Shen Jizi, what does this signify? Is it some sort of omen?”

Shen Jizi gave him a profound look, a faint yet inscrutable smile curling at his lips: “Hehe, what do I mean? Haven’t you already guessed with your intellect? Why ask further?”

Already guessed? Xiao Jie was astonished, glancing at Lin Xuance and the others. He saw the three exchange glances, their faces showing a blend of realization and gravity, evidently understanding Shen Jizi’s implication. They had previously speculated that Shen Jizi might have an alternate plan, not really to save the world but to seek survival, and now hearing him say it aloud, it’s actually true!