I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1317: Stepping Stones
Previously on I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God...
Yuwen Qianyue had scarcely begun her meditation for a mere handful of breaths when yet another transmission arrived from the jade slip.
"All Venerables and Elders must gather at once in the Celestial Hall for an urgent council. No delays will be tolerated."
She pulled back her divine sense, her gaze brimming with delighted astonishment.
"Has the result come so swiftly?"
"Well, that's hardly surprising..."
"Guo Jiannan has long since faded from his glory days; I doubt his fighting strength reaches even a tenth or two of what it once was. Facing the full onslaught from Fengxue Island's top leaders, how could he possibly stand firm?"
"The days of the Invincible Sword Venerable are truly over. From here on, that mortal star cultivator will lack any support!"
As she carefully stored the jade slip, a faint smile tugged at Yuwen Qianyue's crimson lips. The heavy burden weighing on her mind had at last eased, leaving this Venerable almost giddy with joy.
Recalling her impending attendance at the main hall's council, she quickly steadied her composure.
With a composed look upon her features, she stood up and walked firmly beyond the doors of her palace.Not long afterward.
She entered the lavish grand hall and, following custom, claimed her place in a remote corner at the far back.
Once seated in silence, she scanned the room and spotted numerous vacant spots. The Pavilion Elders up front wore somber faces, and a few even showed signs of bloodstains!
In that moment, Yuwen Qianyue froze in disbelief.
Things felt strangely amiss?
She discreetly observed her surroundings and realized that several of her typical Venerable peers were missing. The ones who remained hunched over, deep in contemplation. A suffocating tension hung over the vast hall.
This...
Yuwen Qianyue found herself utterly stunned, struggling to comprehend what was unfolding.
Until the figure in the central seat uttered words heavy with gravity.
"Honored colleagues."
"Our encirclement and suppression effort has inflicted severe casualties upon Fengxue Island. More than a dozen Elders and dozens of Venerables have fallen or suffered injuries. The menace of that demon Guo Jiannan has surpassed every prediction. Yet, as Fengxue Island upholds the sacred duty of preserving the world's purity, we must never permit him to wander unchecked!"
"Share your thoughts openly on the tactics we ought to pursue."
His weighty declaration dropped, plunging the hall into shocked quiet.
Those who learned of the events secondhand without seeing the clash were deeply shaken, while the fighters themselves felt even greater terror and restraint. A murmur of subdued voices emerged, and the holy grand hall slowly slipped into turmoil.
"Hiss..."
"Guo Jiannan actually overcame our Fengxue Island? His cultivation is utterly horrifying!"
"It's more than horrifying! Confined in the Demon-Suppressing Prison for tens of thousands of years, his life force waning, and still he wields such might. The name Invincible Sword Venerable truly lives up to its legend!"
"Everyone, why inflate the foe's spirits while undermining our own standing?"
"This is the harsh truth! If Guo Jiannan is this formidable right after breaking free from the Demon-Suppressing Prison, how will we confront him once his cultivation returns to full power?"
"This..."
The whispers swelled into clamor, with the hall's occupants debating without end.
The leaders in the forward seats bore grim looks, staying mute for what seemed an eternity. Deep down, they knew these speakers were no mere folk; their points rang true and echoed the very worries gnawing at them.
Reflecting on it, this clash had been downright astonishing.
That Guo Jiannan could cling to such dreadful prowess and deal devastating blows to Fengxue Island... the result was world-shaking, far beyond all forecasts, and it left the leaders sunk in profound reflection and fear.
Why?
How does this ancient fiend still command such awesome force?
It defies all logic!
Could Heaven itself be blessing this villain?
The atmosphere in the hall turned ever more grim and stifling, teetering on the edge of pandemonium.
After hearing the exchanges for some time, Yuwen Qianyue's pulse raced with mounting horror.
Is the Invincible Sword Venerable really so monstrous?
If this persists, won't Yi Feng claim all he desires?
And down the line...
Should Guo Jiannan restore his cultivation and storm the Celestial Hall in a rampage, what fate awaits her!
Yuwen Qianyue abruptly sensed her existence dangling precariously. Her will to endure blazed fiercer than any other's, and a torrent of plots raced through her thoughts without pause.
Right as the gathering drowned in ceaseless wrangling.
A spark ignited in her eyes. Clenching her jaw, she stood and offered a deep bow!
"Respected Seniors."
"I possess a scheme that could bring down that demon Guo Jiannan!"
Her statement landed.
The whole hall abruptly hushed, countless stares fixing upon her.
A few of the leaders traded subtle looks. The chief among them nodded gravely.
"Speak your piece."
Normally, Yuwen Qianyue as just a Venerable lacked the stature to suggest plans. But with the dire straits, formalities held no value. They needed to grasp at any straw, no matter how slim the odds.
Beneath the intense scrutiny of everyone, Yuwen Qianyue elegantly inclined and replied.
"To the honored Seniors."
"Upon exiting the Demon-Suppressing Prison, Guo Jiannan had a youth at his side. He goes by Yi Feng and says he comes from a mortal star. Yet, based on my knowledge, he shares a deep bond with Guo Jiannan and is probably his heir..."
She hadn't even completed her thought when a flicker of insight lit the gazes of various senior elders.
"Are you suggesting we seize this young man to force Guo Jiannan to falter out of concern for his safety?"
"Hmm, yes, there was indeed a youth beside Guo Jiannan when he left the prison."
"This approach could work."
"Yes. If we can't rival Guo Jiannan directly, surely we can manage his offspring? Cut the snake at its core; that Yi Feng is his vulnerable spot!"
These were all shrewd and merciless figures, their minds sharp as blades with endless tricks. They seized her intent without waiting for the full explanation.
The elder in the central seat also rubbed his beard thoughtfully.
"Hmm..."
"This tactic may stray from honor and directness, but to ensnare the demon, it's not wholly improper. In extraordinary circumstances, we resort to extraordinary actions!"
Assents ignited fervent chatter across the hall, endorsements pouring in without stop.
"The Island Lord is wise!"
"The Island Lord is absolutely right. Even if Guo Jiannan scorns mortal ties, he can't overlook the peril to his kin. Seizing this youth will definitely rattle his focus!"
"Striking at the heart takes precedence. This strategy is brilliant!"
The praises flowed seamlessly, and most voiced their backing for this ingenious plot.
Yuwen Qianyue was far from timid herself. Spotting the moment, she added her own adulation.
"The Island Lord is wise!"
"This subordinate only had a passing idea, but the Island Lord has pierced its essence. Such insight surpasses us all!"
"That heir named Yi Feng once declared himself a mortal star cultivator. He must have sneaked into our Fengxue Island to free Guo Jiannan. Right now, he's dwelling in the Outer Sect's caves!"
Eyeing the hopeful, deferential female Venerable.
The Island Lord slightly narrowed his eyes and replied evenly with a hand gesture.
"Then, you will head a squad to seize this youth and deliver him here!"
A tremendous achievement dropped straight into her lap, sparking jealous glares from many, who swiftly stood to offer their services. Yuwen Qianyue, her expression glowing with triumph, promptly bowed to accept!
"This subordinate complies!"
In mere moments, she had not only averted the disaster but also, by pitting others against each other, gained the Island Lord's favor. This masterful stroke that slew three foes with one move—who else could rival such cunning?
Guiding a band of powerhouses as she exited the grand hall, Yuwen Qianyue brimmed with elation, tearing open the void.
Regardless of one's patronage or lineage, a tumble from power can strike in a flash. She had witnessed the fall of so-called prodigies before, and this instance would prove no different. Only those blending intellect and boldness could claim the final victory and reach the ultimate Dao.
As for that Yi Feng, even if he truly is Guo Jiannan's bloodline?
He's nothing but a mere pawn!