Great Villain: Starting by Humiliating the Son of the Heavenly Fate

Chapter 205: The Indirect Benefits of Killing the Protagonist

"Thankfully, those demons, once they reach the Third Step of the Cultivation Path, can't cross the Bottomless Abyss." Sha An took a moment to reflect, then stated with conviction, "Given the strength of our Immortal Martial Continent, we should stand firm."

However, Mo Yu, with a look of deep concern, tempered the rising hope. "We shouldn't be too quick to celebrate."

"While the invading Nether Demon Clan might not have Third Step demons now, the future is uncertain. And we can't overlook the fact that their numbers are unpredictable."

"We have a limited count of Dao Palace realm cultivators on our Immortal Martial Continent. If the Nether Demon Clan sends an overwhelming number of Dao Palace realm demons, we'll still face an inevitable disaster." His voice was tinged with worry.

"It seems our most prudent strategy is to unite all the powerhouses of the Immortal Martial Continent against the looming threat of the Nether Demon Clan." Si Zhangjian stated, his gaze unwavering and serious. "The proposal from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace to bring together the three major forces is now of utmost urgency."

Ji Mingxiu, deep in reflection, finally broke his silence. "It's not just about our three main forces. We need to rally powers from every corner of the Immortal Martial Continent."

"In essence, we must gather all available resources to cultivate or find a formidable individual who has the greatest potential to attain the Third Step of the Cultivation Path."

"If the Nether Demon Clan launches an attack with a titan from the Third Step, no matter how vast our army, we'd simply be lambs to the slaughter."

"Even our so-called secret weapons from the Transcendence realm can't match the sheer power of a true cultivator from the Third Step of the Cultivation Path." Ji Mingxiu concluded, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"Your words ring true!" Mo Yu asserted, his face grave.

"We of the older generation have reached our limits. No amount of resources will let us break through to the Transcendence realm."

"We need to invest in a young prodigy with impeccable aptitude."

"For me, Jiang Chen is the clear choice," Mo Yu concluded, his gaze fixed on Jiang Chen.

Upon hearing Mo Yu's statement, every gaze in the hall settled on Jiang Chen.

At just twenty years old, he'd mastered the Sword Dao and wielded the combat prowess of the Dao Comprehension realm. Such talent was unparalleled in the Immortal Martial Continent; it was unmatched under the heavens!

But inside, Jiang Chen hid a smirk.

Fang Yuan's end meant that many opportunities meant for the protagonist were now his to seize.

Indeed, this was an unexpected reward for taking out the protagonist!

"During the three major forces' gathering, we should propose this idea," Si Zhangjian said. "The Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, and the other factions should divert resources to foster Holy Son Jiang Chen's growth!"

"But will they agree?" Yao Zong asked skeptically. "They have their own talents to nurture. I doubt they'd easily part with their resources."

"If they decline," Ji Mingxiu replied with a steely glance, "they'll regret it when the Nether Demon Clan breaches their defenses and shatters their legacy."

"Absolutely! Those unwilling to invest in Holy Son Jiang Chen's growth can't expect our protection," Sha An said firmly. "If they face peril, they will only have themselves to blame! Or they might find our assistance comes at a higher price."

Mo Yu added gravely, "Discussing protection now may be jumping the gun."

"Our primary concern is accelerating Jiang Chen's cultivation."

"If we can't elevate Holy Son Jiang Chen to a Third Step powerhouse, further discussions might be moot. The Immortal Martial Continent would have already fallen." Mo Yu finished.

All eyes fixed on Jiang Chen, filled with eager hope.

"I promise to give my all to my cultivation," Jiang Chen vowed with earnest conviction. "Whether or not those sects assist us, I won't waver in my commitment."

"That's the spirit, Jiang Chen!" Ji Mingxiu exclaimed, handing him a storage ring. "These are the high-grade spiritual plants you asked for; we managed to collect even more. Seek the guidance of those two Void Tribulation realm powerhouses. With them mentoring you, your progress will surely be faster."

"Thank you. Actually, the two Void Tribulation realm great powerhouses needed these spiritual plants to aid my cultivation, they don't need them themselves," Jiang Chen explained, accepting the storage ring with a nod. "Moreover, I've acquired the ability to communicate across spaces with the two seniors and can even send items. This means I don't need to physically find them."

Ji Mingxiu's eyes lit up, "That's incredibly advantageous! Traveling poses many dangers, and while we try, our protective reach has its limits. If you can communicate and transport things through the void, it reduces many of those risks."

The group exchanged a series of pleased smiles.

As for Jiang Chen's claim, everyone accepted it without any shred of doubt.

Because, given the capabilities of the great powerhouses of the Void Tribulation realm, no matter how incredible a phenomenon may seem, in their eyes, everything was within the realm of possibility.

Ji Mingxiu declared, "Next, we shall purge all demonic beasts!"

"There's a possibility that the Nether Demon Clan harbors Dao Palace realm demons. Given that their count is undisclosed, it isn't wise for us all to venture out. Someone must stand guard over the Holy Land. Who will step up?" Ji Mingxiu asked, surveying everyone.

"I shall stay behind and safeguard it," declared Mo Yu, determination evident in his gaze. "Should our Holy Land face a siege from multiple Dao Palace realm demons, I'll wield the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword to fend them off."

The Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword was no ordinary weapon. Hailed as the ultimate defense of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, it was an incomplete Transcendence realm immortal sword. Invoking its power demanded a hefty toll, especially if the cultivator's base wasn't formidable. Even for those skilled in the Dao Palace realm, using it risked their very lives.

Being the eldest among the five Dao Palace realm cultivators of the Purple Heaven Holy Land, Mo Yu stood at a crucial juncture in his life, with death lurking ominously close. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he willingly stepped up to take on this perilous duty.

"Elder Mo will handle this," Ji Mingxiu said decisively. His kind and others like him weren't ones for sentimentality. Given the evident wisdom in the decision, they all signaled their agreement with solemn nods.

"Move out! The dominion of the Purple Heaven Holy Land is safe in my hands," declared Mo Yu. He turned and proceeded deeper into the Holy Land's Grand Hall, where the esteemed Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword was stored.

Ji Mingxiu then turned to Jiang Chen, advising, "You'd be wise to stay behind. Remain within our territory and focus on healing those affected by the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi."

Jiang Chen met his gaze and nodded in understanding, ready to take on the responsibility.

"Let's get going!" Ji Mingxiu said, flashing a quick smile. With determination in their steps, he, Sha An, Si Zhangjian, and Yao Zong swiftly headed towards the exit of the Holy Land.

Jiang Chen turned to Ji Ruxue, urgency in his voice, "Ruxue, we need to move. Many of our fellow cultivators are relying on us." He grasped her hand, leading the way out of the Grand Hall and into the Holy Land Square.

Upon their arrival, they were met with a significant number of Holy Land cultivators. These individuals had recently been affected by the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi and were in dire need of treatment.

Taking charge of the situation was Elder Geng Tian, a respected figure in the Dao Comprehension realm. His martial prowess was second to none within the Purple Heaven Holy Land, boasting mastery over a vast array of cultivation methods. In this particular area, even Ji Mingxiu paled in comparison.

Though the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets had been available for only a short time, Geng Tian, with his advanced Dao Comprehension realm cultivation and unmatched martial aptitude, had managed to achieve a rudimentary grasp of it. However, his expertise in this area could best be described as elementary.

Upon spotting Jiang Chen, relief washed over Geng Tian.

The excitement among the lucid Holy Land cultivators was palpable.

A voice rang out, "The Honorable Holy Son has arrived!"

"The Honorable Holy Son is here! With him by our side, we'll certainly be safe!"

"I owe my life to the Honorable Holy Son from our previous encounter. It's regrettable that I've been ensnared by the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi again. I hope the Honorable Holy Son can spare some of his grace to rescue me once more." The buzz of hopeful conversations filled the air.

Amused by the reception, Jiang Chen gave a light chuckle, alighted from his elevated position, and without pause, began applying the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets to aid those in need.

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