Chapter 193: The Nether Demons Maneuver Behind the Scenes
Chapter 193: The Nether Demons Maneuver Behind the Scenes
"Indeed, when the time comes, we shall proceed with utmost caution."
Ji Mingxiu affirmed, then turned to Jiang Chen, "As the appointed Holy Son, might you accompany us?"
"Certainly!"
"The Holy Son can indeed seize this opportunity to scrutinize the formidable authorities of the other factions."
"This serves as an excellent occasion for amassing further experience."
"..."
Mo Yu and the rest also expressed their agreement with a series of nods.
Yet, Jiang Chen's lips gave an almost imperceptible twitch.
At this moment, he felt a stronger conviction that the assembly convened by the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace was subtly swayed by the protagonist, Fang Yuan's, Heavenly Fate Value.
Presently, the most significant threat to Fang Yuan was none other than him, Jiang Chen!
This confluence of the three major powers could well be a potential minefield.
Were it someone else donning the mantle of the Holy Son, they certainly would not forgo this chance to make their presence known.
If he were to attend and an unforeseen event transpired, he could very well pay the ultimate price there.
Consequently, Jiang Chen felt that he was being surreptitiously pressured by Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate.
Even though Jiang Chen was formidable and had a variety of aces up his sleeve, he was still reluctant to attend.
Setting aside the potential crisis he could encounter, even if nothing transpired, Fang Yuan would manage to elude his vigilant watch.
Unforeseeable developments could arise, like Fang Yuan suddenly stumbling upon a pivotal opportunity or something along those lines.
By the time such events unfolded, Jiang Chen would be left with no time to intervene.
"I shall not attend."
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan urgently requires to restore his cultivation foundation."
"My priority is to assist him in restoring his cultivation foundation first."
"As for the key figures from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, a day will come when we cross paths. There's no urgency."
Jiang Chen concocted an excuse to decline Ji Mingxiu's proposition.
"That's acceptable."
"For this gathering hosted by the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, I, alongside Sha An, Si Zhangjian, and Yao Zong, the three Supreme Elders, and a few other elders, shall be present."
"All affairs within the Holy Land will be entrusted to Supreme Elder Mo Yu and Jiang Chen."
Respecting Jiang Chen's decision, Ji Mingxiu nodded without any insistence.
"I will now visit Fang Yuan."
"Master and all seniors, do take care!"
Jiang Chen nodded in affirmation, rose, and bid his farewells to Ji Mingxiu and the rest.
Simultaneously, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing rose to their feet alongside Jiang Chen, offering a respectful bow to the assembly.
Observing this, Ji Mingxiu and the others all responded with warm smiles.
Promptly, Jiang Chen ushered the two young women out of the Holy Land Grand Hall.
Just as he crossed the threshold of the hall's entrance
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot, the protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has been reduced by 200 points!]
[Ding! You have accrued 400 Villain Value points!]
System prompts echoed in Jiang Chen's mind.
'Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has been depleted by another 200 points!'
'His Heavenly Fate Value now stands merely at 1386 points, which falls below the kill threshold!'
'Essentially, Fang Yuan is akin to a fish on the chopping block, at my mercy to butcher.'
'However, having decided to spare him for the time being, caution still needs to be exercised.'
'...'
As these thoughts crossed Jiang Chen's mind, a faint smile surfaced on his lips.
At that instant.
"Jiang Chen, why do you invest so much concern in Fang Yuan?"
"Despite his constant annoyance and regular rudeness towards you."
Ji Ruxue questioned, slightly bewildered. Her inquiry resonated with Xie Xiaojing's long-standing curiosity.
In the perception of both Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, Jiang Chen was positioned leagues above Fang Yuan.
They were unwavering in their belief that Jiang Chen, single-handedly, had more than enough potential to elevate the Purple Heaven Holy Land to unmatched prominence, making Fang Yuan's contribution unnecessary.
"Fang Yuan might be a bit peculiar, but at the end of the day, he remains my junior brother from the same sect."
"As the Holy Son of Purple Heaven Holy Land, as a disciple of the Holy Land, I shall not abandon any of them."
Jiang Chen expressed these words with a stern countenance, his gaze filled with resolve.
Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing were captivated by his resolute declaration. Their eyes gleamed with admiration and they both thought to themselves, 'Jiang Chen is so charismatic when he expresses such seriousness!'
Modifying his tone, Jiang Chen addressed the girls gently, "If you'd rather not encounter Fang Yuan, then wait for me outside."
"Mm-hmm!"
Ji Ruxue nodded, her eyes twinkling with a smile.
"I wouldn't want to be subjected to his unsightly countenance anyway."
Xie Xiaojing added, playfully sticking out her tongue.
Subsequently, Jiang Chen guided them to the Healing Hall.
Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing found a few junior sisters to mingle with, while Jiang Chen ventured towards the healing chamber where Fang Yuan was housed.
Mirroring his previous actions, Jiang Chen raised his right hand and gently tapped on the protective formation.
Soon after, the formation dispersed and the door to the healing chamber gradually swung open.
Inside, there were only two individuals Fang Yuan and Wenren Kang.
Fang Yuan met Jiang Chen's gaze with a stoic expression.
"Honorable Holy Son!"
Wenren Kang accorded a bow to Jiang Chen, his demeanor one of respect.
"Mr. Wenren."
Jiang Chen reciprocated the bow, stating, "Next, I shall undertake the task of repairing Junior Brother Fang Yuan's foundation."
"Indeed!"
Wenren Kang bowed once more before departing.
The door steadily closed, and the formation barrier was promptly reinstated.
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan."
Jiang Chen offered a smile and extended his hands in a traditional salute towards Fang Yuan, then did the same towards the Soul Embodying Ring in his possession, "Senior Nangong, Senior Shangguan!"
Fang Yuan returned the gesture with minimal enthusiasm.
"What is the status of the demonic beast tide outside?"
The soft voice of Nangong Wan echoed from the ring.
"It has been quelled."
"However, this demonic beast tide has peculiar characteristics."
"Not only has our Purple Heaven Holy Land been afflicted, but the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple have also sustained attacks of similar magnitude."
With a solemn countenance, Jiang Chen disclosed, "Even demonic beasts of the Dao Comprehension realm have surfaced. The possibility of the presence of demonic beasts at the Dao Palace realm underground cannot be discounted."
"Given these circumstances..."
"It's almost certain that the Nether Demon Clan has been orchestrating these events clandestinely."
"It appears the Nether Demon Clan has covertly traversed the Bottomless Abyss and is gearing up to take action against the Immortal Martial Continent."
The voice of Shangguan Ning carried a grim undertone, "The specific branch of the Nether Demon Clan involved, however, remains unknown."
"Nether Demon Clan."
Nangong Wan took a moment to reflect, muttering, "Somewhat troublesome."
"Nether Demon Clan!"
Fang Yuan inhaled sharply, "The Nether Demon Clan, which has remained absent for countless years, intends to invade the Immortal Martial Continent!"
"Nether Demon Clan invading the Immortal Martial Continent!?"
Jiang Chen's gaze hardened, his eyebrows shooting upwards, "So these demonic beasts are their advance party?"
At this juncture.
"However, there's no need for excessive concern."
"Crossing such a distant spatial channel isn't an easy feat."
"The demon clan channel in the Immortal Martial Continent has been deserted for countless years. The potency of the Nether Demons that can transit is likely restricted."
"Per the norms of the Everlasting Baseless Immortal Domain, the strongest of the Nether Demon Clan will not surpass the Dao Palace realm."
Shangguan Ning added, "Of course, exceptions exist. It depends on the fortune of the Immortal Martial Continent."
Upon hearing these words, Jiang Chen involuntarily directed his gaze at Fang Yuan.
Given the presence of this individual, it was almost certain that a demon from the Third Step of the Cultivation Path wouldn't appear.
Otherwise, the enemy would prove too formidable.
Following immediately after.
"During the eruption of the demonic beast tide, I was apprehensive that many individuals would succumb to the corruption of the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi."
Jiang Chen conceded, "As a result, I took the initiative to distribute the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets..."
"No harm done."
"The Nether Qi Extraction Secrets isn't some concealed knowledge."
Nangong Wan promptly interjected, truncating Jiang Chen's remorseful words, and declared approvingly, "Considering the apparent invasion plans of the Nether Demon Clan, it's most appropriate for you to disseminate it widely, thereby augmenting the defensive strength of the Immortal Martial Continent!"
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