Chapter 206: Suspicion towards the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace

Time passed in a leisurely manner.

Jiang Chen proficiently executed the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets.

One by one, the cultivators from the Holy Land evaded the corroding influence of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi under his care, achieving full recovery.

Simultaneously, outside the boundaries of the Holy Land, thanks to the intervention of four mighty beings of the Dao Palace realm, including Ji Mingxiu, wiping out the demonic beasts below the Dao Comprehension realm was as effortless as turning one's palm.

In no time, the Purple Heaven Holy Land completely eradicated this second wave of the demonic beast tide.

Throughout the procedure, no demonic beasts or Nether Demons of the Dao Palace realm assaulted the Holy Land, providing a respite to all the senior experts of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.

Had a significant quantity of Dao Palace realm demonic beasts and demons stormed the Holy Land, Mo Yu might have been compelled to deploy the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword.

In the present moment, a top-level conference within the Purple Heaven Holy Land was once again summoned in the majestic Holy Land Grand Hall.

Those attending either held a particular stature or their cultivation base was at the Dao Comprehension realm or higher.

Jiang Chen was naturally included. As for Ji Ruxue, she returned to Xie Xiaojing's side.

"Earlier, we received a piece of information."

"Just like the initial wave, the second demonic beast tide erupted simultaneously around the territories of our three leading powers."

"Although the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple were able to eliminate the demonic beast tide, they lack the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets, resulting in severe casualties among their disciples."

"Also, a moment ago, we received a message from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace. They have requested an early convening of the three major forces to discuss countermeasures."

Ji Mingxiu glanced over the dozens of powerhouses of the Holy Land present in the Grand Hall and spoke at a measured pace.

"At present, owing to Holy Son Jiang Chen, we have procured additional intelligence."

"It's likely that a Dao Palace realm Nether Demon lurks beneath the ground, thus we can't carelessly abandon the Holy Land."

Mo Yu then proceeded to share, "Moreover, Holy Son Jiang Chen harbors suspicions that the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace may have malicious intentions. Considering various suspicious aspects, this notion isn't entirely far-fetched."

Currently, Jiang Chen's influence was rapidly expanding.

His statements were increasingly likely to be trusted by others.

Ji Mingxiu gave a slight nod, then turned to Jiang Chen, "Jiang Chen, what do you believe would be the implications if something is indeed amiss with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace?"

Upon hearing this, every gaze in the hall zeroed in on Jiang Chen.

"I reckon that if the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace has an inclination to sow discord, they might resort to tactics akin to 'leading a lamb to the slaughter' or 'drawing a tiger away from its mountain lair'."

Jiang Chen contemplated, his fingers gently stroking his chin, "If we react, we'll be walking directly into one of these stratagems. A small detachment we send may find themselves outgunned, becoming the metaphorical lambs to the slaughter. On the other hand, a larger contingent might leave our stronghold exposed, much like a tiger enticed away from its mountain."

"So, what's our course of action?"

"We certainly can't avoid attending, but if we do, we risk falling into their snare!"

"Indeed, it's quite the predicament."

"..."

Everyone glanced at each other, their concern evident in their furrowed brows. They were unable to suppress their apprehension.

At this juncture.

"Now we possess the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets, and we're privy to even more intelligence."

Mo Yu interjected, "Therefore, we, the Purple Heaven Holy Land, should naturally be the hosts."

"You're suggesting..."

A look of reflection appeared in Ji Mingxiu's eyes, "This assembly of the three major forces should be led by our Purple Heaven Holy Land, and we should select a venue that benefits us?"

"Precisely."

"Put forth this proposal."

Mo Yu nodded, remarking, "We may be able to glean some insights from the response of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace."

"In that case, I will relay the message to both the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple."

"I can also bring up additional matters, such as gathering spiritual plants and demonic beast carcasses for Jiang Chen."

Ji Mingxiu nodded, arriving at a decision.

Promptly, in everyone's presence, Ji Mingxiu initiated communication with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple.

Shortly, the three powers engaged in a succinct exchange.

...

In the southwest direction of the Bottomless Abyss, nestled within the Everflowing Truth Central Domain, grand and splendid golden halls and palaces towered high amidst the cloud-veiled mountains.

The golden structures were arranged in layers, similar to overlapping mountain ranges, emitting a luxurious and noble radiance under the sun's glow.

This was the exact location of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace!

At this moment, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace was also conducting a meeting.

However, this meeting was of a clandestine nature!

There were five participants.

These were Dong Yuanzheng, the current Palace Lord of the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, along with the Deputy Palace Lords Wei Pengcheng, Gan Xiangwen, Hou Yuquan, and Ruan Tianzong.

"The Purple Heaven Holy Land has sent a message."

"They wish to preside over this assembly."

Dong Yuanzheng's expression was one of discomfort and slight disbelief, "I honestly didn't anticipate that they would actually possess the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets. I wonder where they acquired it!"

"According to Lord Long Tianlu's intelligence, such a secret art shouldn't even exist on the Immortal Martial Continent!"

"Could it be possible that there are higher-level cultivator forces covertly stationed on the Immortal Martial Continent?"

"If this holds true, our allegiance to the Nether Demon Clan won't enable us to unify the Immortal Martial Continent, but rather, we might face an irreversible catastrophe!"

"So, what's our course of action?"

Deputy Palace Lord Gan Xiangwen analyzed, his expression one of deep concern and horror.

"Hmph!"

"We've already accepted Lord Long Tianlu's gifts and have fully transformed into true demonic cultivators. Retreating now is not an option!"

"We must press on, fight with our backs against the wall!"

"Moreover, the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets might be a relic passed down from ancient times, and there may not be any higher-level cultivator forces clandestinely monitoring the Immortal Martial Continent."

Dong Yuanzheng cast his gaze around the room at everyone and spoke with determination.

"Correct."

"Since we accepted Lord Long Tianlu's gifts, there's no turning back."

"Regardless of where the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets originated or whether there's a formidable force behind it, we have no other choices."

Deputy Palace Lord Hou Yuquan nodded in agreement, stating, "Our current concern should be whether to proceed with our established plan or to make necessary adjustments?"

"The emergence of the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets has significantly upset our strategy."

"If we don't agree to the Purple Heaven Holy Land's proposition, we might inadvertently reveal something."

Deputy Palace Lord Ruan Tianzong interjected, "In my view, it's wiser to consent to the Purple Heaven Holy Land's proposal, keep them in the dark, and adapt to the situation as it evolves."

"No."

"I disagree."

"The Nether Qi Extraction Secrets is their bargaining chip."

"As long as we have a superior bargaining chip, we can continue to insist on gathering at the Verdant Leaf Giant Peak."

Vice Palace Lord Wei Pengcheng countered with a stoic expression.

"A superior bargaining chip?"

Ruan Tianzong knitted his brows, "But we don't possess such a thing!"

"Can't we simply fabricate one?"

"We can claim that we have a formidable formation capable of isolating the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi and perfectly safeguarding the sect's territory, or other irresistible advantages!"

Wei Pengcheng declared icily, "Ultimately, our goal is to gather them at the Verdant Leaf Giant Peak. Whether we deceive them or employ other tactics, it's inconsequential."

"Haha."

Hou Yuquan laughed and extended a fist and palm salute, "In such a short period, Daoist Wei has embraced the mannerisms of a demonic cultivator, commendable indeed."

"Ji Mingxiu and the others aren't naive."

"The existence of the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets is almost public knowledge, and its reality is undeniable."

"But what about our supposed large formation or other non-existent assets? Wouldn't they demand to verify these first?"

Ruan Tianzong shook his head and respectfully faced Dong Yuanzheng with his hands folded, "I beseech the Palace Lord to reconsider this matter."

"Each of you presents valid points."

"I'll first consult Lord Long Tianlu."

A glacial light flickered in Dong Yuanzheng's eyes, "Perhaps, he might provide us with a bargaining chip..."

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