Chapter 209: Turning the Tables, Jiang Chen's Counterattack

"Absolutely not!"

Jiang Chen firmly declined the proposition at hand.

"Are you apprehensive that the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Nether Demon Clan will pool their resources to launch an assault on the Purple Heaven Holy Land?"

Ji Mingxiu, his eyes reflecting profound contemplation, posed the question after a moment's silence.

"Precisely."

"The Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace aims to split our elite combat forces into two divisions and overwhelm each separately on dual battlegrounds."

"Yet, this strategy equally fragments their strength into two factions!"

"Should we abstain from this assembly, they might deduce that we're already privy to their secret alliance with the Nether Demon Clan, subsequently abandoning their initial strategy, and focus all their forces on our Purple Heaven Holy Land."

"Consequently, my proposition is - we should attend!"

A chilling smile slowly spread across Jiang Chen's lips, "It's time to turn the tables!"

"Turn the tables?"

Ji Mingxiu's eyes bulged in astonishment, "Our Purple Heaven Holy Land's might is clear as day, the combined forces of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Nether Demon Clan surely surpass us. How do you propose we turn the tables?"

"We could utilize the might of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple."

"However, they are unlikely to completely trust our words."

Jiang Chen elaborated, "Thus, our primary focus must remain on bolstering our own power."

"But how can we substantially enhance our power in such a limited timeframe?"

Ji Mingxiu's brows knitted slightly, "The deciding factor in this battle lies in the strength of the Dao Palace realm."

"Indeed."

"The decisive force in this war is the strength of the Dao Palace realm."

"More accurately, it hinges on the strength of the strongest!"

Jiang Chen concurred and questioned, "What is Master's true level of power? And how about Dong Yuanzheng from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace?"

"The difference is negligible, we are both at the Late-stage Dao Palace realm," Ji Mingxiu responded.

"I see, Late-stage Dao Palace realm!"

Jiang Chen acknowledged, swiftly opened the System Mall, and immediately began perusing the pills tailored for the Dao Palace realm!

Indeed, his aim was to trade for pills, to amplify the combat prowess of Ji Mingxiu and the others!

After all, with over a hundred thousand points of Villain Value, it wouldn't markedly increase his own fighting strength, let alone elevate him directly to the Dao Palace realm.

Thus, boosting Ji Mingxiu and the others' combat power appeared to be the optimal solution to their current predicament.

Should they triumph in this war, the resultant benefits would surely outstrip what one could achieve with a hundred thousand points of Villain Value, wouldn't they?

At this juncture, Jiang Chen's gaze incessantly traversed the offerings within the System Mall.

Spiritual plants suitable for the Dao Palace realm commenced at fifty thousand points of Villain Value, while pills of the same rank were marginally costlier, though not by a significant margin.

After all, not every pill for the Dao Palace realm was synthesized from Dao Palace realm spiritual plants.

Mostly, they were crafted using a primary spiritual plant from the Dao Palace realm, supplemented with lower realm spiritual plants.

Furthermore, some Dao Palace realm pills did not necessitate Dao Palace realm spiritual plants for their formulation.

Additionally, a single furnace didn't confine the production to just one pill; often, multiple pills could be concocted.

The average price for a top-grade quality pill suitable for the Dao Palace realm hovered around eighty thousand points of Villain Value.

The lower the grade, the more economical the pill.

Neither did the System Mall limit its offerings to top-grade pills alone.

'Given the approaching deadline, it's too late for Ji Mingxiu and the others to make any significant strides in their cultivation bases.'

'Attaining a breakthrough in the Dao Palace realm isn't something that can be realized overnight.'

'We're left with no choice but to exchange for power-boosting pills that can provide a temporary enhancement to their combat prowess!'

'Judging from Ji Mingxiu and the others' Fate Value, Ji Mingxiu himself survives this narrative, which implies that while the might of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace is formidable, it's not insurmountable.'

'Provided Ji Mingxiu and the others ingest power-boosting pills, their combat power will soar. Even if they don't manage to reverse the tide, they'll surely face the ensuing battle with increased composure!'

'Yao Zong and the other two should also be able to hold their own.'

As these thoughts spun ceaselessly in Jiang Chen's mind, he swiftly singled out a power-enhancing pill known as the 'Jade Thunder Vigor Infusion Pill' from the offerings of the System Mall!

He opted for the middle-grade quality variant.

This option was comparatively more affordable, with three pills only costing 96,000 points of Villain Value.

It was an amount that fell comfortably within his financial reach.

Despite being cognizant of potential side effects, they were notably milder and far from lethal compared to the side effects of the lower-grade Jade Thunder Vigor Infusion Pill.

Moreover, Jiang Chen couldn't help but ponder: Would Yao Zong and the others genuinely fret about side effects when their lives hung in the balance in this plot?

'System! Procure three middle-grade Jade Thunder Vigor Infusion Pills!'

Jiang Chen mentally commanded, addressing the system.

[Ding! You have expended 96,000 Villain Value points and successfully redeemed middle-grade Jade Thunder Vigor Infusion Pill*3!]

The System's notification sounded in reply.

Immediately, three pills materialized within Jiang Chen's Heavenly Demon Hidden Heart Ring.

"Master."

"These are the life-preserving pills granted to me by those two seniors. Considering the perilous journey that lies ahead, you should keep them."

"We only have three pills. Take one for yourself and distribute the remaining two among the four Supreme Elders."

Jiang Chen said as he retrieved the three Jade Thunder Vigor Infusion Pills and presented them to Ji Mingxiu.

"What are these!"

"Dao Palace realm pills!? What an overpowering force!"

Jiang Chen's hand trembled slightly as Ji Mingxiu gasped, fixating on the pills, before quickly discerning, "These are pills capable of temporarily augmenting combat power!"

Ji Mingxiu gasped, his gaze riveted on the pills in Jiang Chen's hand, his body quivering slightly, before swiftly recognizing, "These are pills capable of providing a temporary surge in combat strength!"

In the present era, within the Immortal Martial Continent, the count of alchemists skilled enough to craft Dao Palace realm pills could be listed on one hand.

However, these alchemists could only concoct the most basic and conventional cultivation and recuperation pills, limited to three or four varieties at most.

There were no pills available of any other sorts!

Hence, this Dao Palace realm pill, capable of temporarily granting explosive strength, was absolutely unparalleled within the Immortal Martial Continent!

"Excellent!"

"Master, you must exercise utmost caution."

"If you cannot reverse the tide and take control of the situation, then withdraw!"

Jiang Chen affirmed, nodding gravely. "Preservation of life takes precedence over everything else!"

"Rest assured!"

"Armed with these three pills, we certainly won't encounter any mortal danger!"

Ji Mingxiu replied, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he nodded and accepted the pills from Jiang Chen's grasp.

Upon beholding the three pills in his grasp, a wave of emotion washed over Ji Mingxiu.

His decision to place his faith in the right individual was undoubtedly the correct one!

Jiang Chen had nonchalantly gifted him three Dao Palace realm pills without so much as a second thought.

His character, emphasizing camaraderie and honor, was indeed commendable.

"Well, I shall take my leave now!"

With a smile playing on his lips, Jiang Chen swiftly offered a polite gesture of farewell.

Ji Mingxiu made no effort to retain Jiang Chen.

In the face of their pressing circumstances, none had the luxury of time to indulge in idle conversation.

Following Jiang Chen's departure, Ji Mingxiu wasted no time in convening Mo Yu and the remaining Supreme Elders.

He relayed his discourse with Jiang Chen and dispensed the pills among them.

Mo Yu and the others were caught in a tumult of shock and exhilaration.

The reverence they harbored for Jiang Chen within their hearts continued to surge.

Once everyone had been allotted their share, they deliberated over some finer points and arranged the most comprehensive preparations.

For example, Ji Mingxiu, Si Zhangjian, and two others each extracted a tendril of power from the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword.

This filament of energy did not damage the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword; rather, it served as a catalyst, enabling them to unleash a tremendously fearsome sword technique.

It could indeed be considered an additional ace in their arsenal!

...

After departing from Ji Mingxiu's quarters, Jiang Chen immediately set off towards Ji Ruxue's palatial estate.

Upon his arrival, he found her engrossed in her own world, pacing the courtyard in solitude, lost deep in contemplation.

Approaching with deliberate tact, Jiang Chen made certain to keep his private matters concealed from the all-seeing Void Tribulation Soul.

"Ruxue, where's Xiaojing?"

Jiang Chen disrupted the tranquil silence, his gaze sweeping across the serene courtyard.

Caught mid-stride, Ji Ruxue spun around to face him. At his sight, a surge of joy pirouetted in her eyes.

"She's at the Method Transmission Hall. She should be back shortly," she responded.

Just as she began to find her footing in the conversation, a flash of inspiration darted across her mind. Jiang Chen's mention of Xie Xiaojing presented an opportunity to bring up her closest friend's affection for him.

However, sensing her imminent topic of conversation, Jiang Chen playfully preempted her.

"Ruxue, don't worry."

"I am fully aware of Xiaojing's sentiments for me."

With a serene smile, he gave his assurance. His tone then swerved to a lighter, teasing one as he jested, "You seem to have quite the eagerness to match me with another woman."

A faint blush dusted Ji Ruxue's cheeks at his teasing words, realizing she had been quite obvious in her endeavors.

"I merely wish for Xiaojing to find the same happiness as me."

She admitted, her voice imbued with sincere concern and a touch of apprehension.

Taking in her delightful reaction, a playful smile graced Jiang Chen's lips.

Suddenly, a thought flickered through his mind, prompting him to delve into his Eternal Vows Binding Ring with fluidity and resolve.

From its depths, he drew forth a nuptial ring, elegantly engraved with Ji Ruxue's name.

Gently cradling her hand in his, he slipped the ring onto her finger with utmost care, his gaze radiating profound affection.

"Ruxue, I've been intending to present this to you."

"This ring is an extraordinary treasure, a tangible testament to our connection."

His voice was soft, the sincerity in his words palpable. "Regardless of the trials that await us, we will confront them side by side, forever."

Caught by surprise, Ji Ruxue gazed at the ring in stupefied joy, her heart brimming with bliss.

Concurrently, Jiang Chen, ever so discreet, sent a silent directive to the Eternal Vows Binding Ring via their spiritual bond. He implored it to obscure the existence of Xie Xiaojing's ring, intending to keep Ji Ruxue unaware of it for now.

As Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue savored their intimate interlude, the punctual arrival of Xie Xiaojing punctuated the serene courtyard.

"Jiang Chen, you're here!"

Xie Xiaojing's face was a canvas of effervescent joy at the sight of Jiang Chen. Well-aware of his recent clash, her relief was palpable upon seeing him unscathed.

Witnessing this interaction, a warm smile adorned Ji Ruxue's visage. Before Jiang Chen or Xie Xiaojing could respond, she discreetly receded from the courtyard, allowing them privacy.

Her subtle and wise departure called to mind an adept harem queen, skillfully preserving harmony among her fellow consorts.

A chuckle slipped past Jiang Chen's lips at the fittingness of this comparison, acknowledging Ji Ruxue's innate ability to maintain peace within their 'harem'.

Given the unforeseen twist in his original plan, he invited Xie Xiaojing to join him in the courtyard pavilion. They engaged in a genial conversation until he deemed it the right moment to call for Ji Ruxue.

Once the duo was reunited, Jiang Chen permitted the Eternal Vows Binding Ring to lift its imposed veil.

Then, wearing a serious countenance, he deemed it time to broach the subject that had drawn him to this very location in the first place.

"We stand on the precipice of a conflict, one unparalleled to any we've previously encountered. The magnitude of what hangs in the balance is immense, dwarfing all prior confrontations..."

Jiang Chen expounded on all the intel he had accumulated, the nature of the looming danger, and the strategies devised to combat it.

He articulated each detail meticulously, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Once his account came to a close, his gaze—penetrating, unwavering—rested on Xie Xiaojing and Ji Ruxue. "For your safety, it's imperative you remain within the confines of the Holy Land. Do not venture beyond unless I have expressly granted permission. Do you grasp the weight of my directive?"

His voice was resolute, bordering on strict, brooking no argument.

Yet, his eyes reflected a deep-seated worry and unease, underlining the gravity of his plea.

Understanding the direness of Jiang Chen's injunction, and emboldened by the fresh revelations from their rings, both Xie Xiaojing and Ji Ruxue assented without hesitation.

Motivated by a surge of responsibility, they silently pledged to immerse themselves in intensive training.

They understood they might not get the chance to stand alongside Jiang Chen in the impending battle.

Nevertheless, their objective was to provide assistance, to offer him support in any feasible capacity.

Having received the affirmation he sought, Jiang Chen let out a sigh of relief that he had been holding back.

As he observed the women's attention divert towards their unrestricted nuptial rings, he chose to leave them to their intrigue.

It was time for him to embark on his own cultivation practice.

Previous Chapter - Table of Contents - Next Chapter