Qingxu Temple, Main Hall.
Formation light curtains rose, isolating inside from outside. Only Temple Master Xuan Zhen True Person, Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, Third Senior Sister Liu Yun, and Xiao Qi were within the hall. Atmosphere was solemn and serious.
Xiao Qi didn't delay. He told, completely, without reservation, the final results of the Northern Wastes journey and the shocking secrets revealed by Tianjizi's final spiritual imprint. From Azure Dragon's trial in the Ten Thousand Year Ice Cavern, to the transformation triggered by Four Symbols Soul Crystals' thorough alignment, to Tianjizi's exposition of Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Formation, Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters' and demonic entity main body's relationship, and the final mission—infiltrate beneath the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, use Four Symbols Soul Crystals' power to reinforce the seal!
As he spoke, the Temple Master's and Senior Brother's expressions shifted from initial relief, to extreme shock, finally to profound gravity.
The hall was silent, a pin drop audible. Only Xiao Qi's calm yet weighty voice echoed.
"...This is the situation." Xiao Qi finally summarized: "Destroying the Soul Control Jade to rescue Father, and reinforcing the Demon Suppression Formation to destroy the demonic entity—these two goals have completely converged. Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters is our final battlefield that we must reach and must conquer."
After a long while, Temple Master Xuan Zhen True Person finally let out a longturbid qi, as if to expel all the shock and pressure from his chest. His gaze at Xiao Qi carried complex, indescribable emotions—pride, relief, also heavy responsibility and worry.
"Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Formation... so that's it... ancient secrets,unexpectedlyisthislike..." The Temple Master murmured to himself. Clearly Tianjizi's revealed truth also far exceeded his previous knowledge. "No wonder Shadow Snake Pavilion positioned headquarters in such dangerous territory—originally to suppress and erode the seal's core! Their heart deserves punishment!"
He stood, slowly pacing the hall, brow tightly knit: "According to Elder Tianjizi's words, the formation is alreadydilapidated, demonic entity breaking seal imminent. Shadow Snake Pavilion's recentabnormal contraction of forces probably is preparation for demonic entity's final escape. Time... indeed does not stand with us."
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng then interjected: "Temple Master, Xiao Qi, this matter is too huge—not merely our Qingxu Temple's affair, but concerns the entire cultivation world and even all beings' survival. Must immediately notify the Righteous Alliance's highest leadership, discuss countermeasures!"
"Senior Brother speaks truly." Xiao Qi nodded agreement: "Relying merely on us few, wanting to infiltrate Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters' core is likefoolish talk. We need the Alliance's strength, need more helpers."
Mu Qingfeng looked at Xiao Qi: "Actually, the Alliance and sect have not stopped investigating Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters. Though core intelligence remains scarce, much has accumulated regarding peripheral force distribution, some defensive weaknesses, and some usable natural dangerous terrain. At the Alliance meeting, this intelligence can be shared."
He paused, light flickering in his eyes: "Additionally, there's important news. According to Alliance intelligence and our Qingxu Temple's own channels, besides the openly righteous sects, some forces exist with blood feuds against Shadow Snake Pavilion that cannot be pacified. They may be reclusive or scattered, but their strength not to be underestimated. If we canstrive for their support, it would undoubtedly be a great boost."
"Oh? Which forces?" Xiao Qi's spirits lifted—this was unexpected good news.
Mu Qingfeng counted on his fingers: "First, the 'Golden Sand Remnant Clan' on the western desert's edge. According to legend, their ancestors were an ancient body-cultivation sect. At their peak, they competed with Shadow Snake Pavilion for western resources,,resultwasShadow Snake Pavilioncollude with demonic cultivators,almost exterminated,only few peoplecarrycarriedinheritance fled into the desert depths, generations with revenge as goal. They excel at manipulating golden sand and environment, individual combat strength extremely strong, especially adept atdeal with various venomous insects andgu creature, quite familiar with many of Shadow Snake Pavilion's methods."
"Second, the 'Mist Hidden Sect' active at the border between the Eastern Sea and southern marshes. This is an extremely mysterious assassin and intelligence organization, ambiguous between good and evil. Its founder is said to have been a top assassin in Shadow Snake Pavilion's Assassination Hall, becausenotfullShadow Snake Pavilionkill indiscriminately,defect todemonic entityandbetray and leave, taking some core inheritance and founding his own sect, specifically opposing Shadow Snake Pavilion. They excel at concealment, assassination,poison technique, extremely knowledgeable about Shadow Snake Pavilion's internal organization structure, personnel habits, part of the codepoint. If we can obtain their trust, it would greatly help the infiltration plan."
"Third, a lone wandering cultivator called 'Red-haired Medicine King' Sun Erbu. This person has strange temper, ambiguous between good and evil, but his pill refinement skills are supernatural, especially adept at resolving all manner of strange poisons, treating demonic energy erosion wounds. His cultivation partner died from an incurable strange poison by Shadow Snake Pavilion—from then onandShadow Snake Pavilionmomentumnotcoexist. Though he dislikes fighting, if we canpleasehetake action, providing some targeted detoxifying andmiasma-avoiding pills, even some special pills that temporarily enhance strength and restrain demonic energy, for us deeply entering Ten Thousand Poison Marsh andrespond Shadow Snake Pavilion's poison techniques and demonic evil, will be crucial."
Mu Qingfeng finished, looking at Temple Master and Xiao Qi: "These three are the potential allies the Alliance currently considers most likely tostrive for and most helpful for this operation. However, none are easy to deal with—Golden Sand Remnant Clan is exclusive, Mist Hidden Sect is mysterious, Red-haired Medicine King has a strange temper. Obtaining their trust and help will by no means be easy."
Xiao Qi carefully listened, firmlyremember in heart these three names and related information. Golden Sand Remnant Clan, Mist Hidden Sect, Red-haired Medicine King... These were indeed unexpected support. Especially the Mist Hidden Sect—their understanding of Shadow Snake Pavilion's internals was undoubtedly the intelligence support the infiltration plan needed most.
"In any case, this is a direction worth attempting." Xiao Qi said deeply: "Better than us going in blind, directly forcing our way through."
Temple Master Xuan Zhen True Person stopped pacing, making a decision: "Qingfeng, immediately in Qingxu Temple's and this old man's name, send the most urgent communication to the Alliance's highest council, requesting convening the highest-level meeting! Discuss the secret intelligence concerning this realm's survival that Xiao Qi brought back! Simultaneously, submit our intelligence regarding Golden Sand Remnant Clan, Mist Hidden Sect, Red-haired Medicine King, suggesting the Alliance attempt contact."
"Yes, Temple Master!" Mu Qingfeng received orders, immediately turning to arrange.
The Temple Master then looked at Xiao Qi and Liu Yun, his gaze kind yet firm: "Xiao Qi, Liu Yun, you just returned and bear such heavy responsibility. Rest and recuperate for several days first. When the Alliance meeting has results, we'll then discuss specific action plans. Remember—you're not fighting alone. Qingxu Temple, even the entire Righteous Alliance, are your backing!"
Xiao Qi and Third Senior Sister exchanged glances, warmth and powerful confidence surging in their hearts.
"Yes, Temple Master!"
Intelligence had been shared, potential allies identified. Next was awaiting the Alliance's decision, and... making the most thorough preparations for that final battle. Though the road to Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters remained full of thorns, ahead, a glimmer of hopeful dawn had been seen.