The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3348 - 3343: A New Plan_1
Previously on The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms...
While uttering those words, a flicker of unease crossed Xing Tong’s gaze.
The last time the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace had been unveiled, she was merely an infant, too young to remember. Back then, hearing about such an event struck her like a fable, igniting nothing but awe and desire in her eyes.
Xing Tong balled her hands into fists and declared: "That era's activation of the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace was nothing short of a prosperous epoch. Innumerable factions converged on the Ji Yuan Continent, sparking a whirlwind of brutal clashes. The disorganized frenzy of the contest ensured no faction secured a real edge, and none uncovered the Forbidden Spirit Dao Ancestor’s hidden knowledge in the Origin Land. As a result, the clans established guidelines: entry to the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace is limited to cultivators at the Heavenly Fate Realm Early Stage or lower, preventing excessive disruptions that would overwhelm every clan."
"After all, both of us realize that containing power beyond the Heavenly Fate Realm Early Stage proves exceedingly tough," Xing Tong added.
Yang Chen gave a nod, picturing the turmoil of that contest in his mind.
Meanwhile, his curiosity grew about the identity of the Forbidden Spirit Dao Ancestor and the secrets hidden within the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace.
Though unaware of the Origin Land’s enigmas, its power to inflame all clans suggested the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace held treasures truly worth the pursuit.
Naturally, Yang Chen wasn’t one to leap headlong without thought. He remarked, "Heavenly Fate Realm Early Stage and below... so you’re asking for my aid in delving into this Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace, correct?"
"Precisely," Xing Tong replied with composure.
Yang Chen inquired with interest, "Does the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace offer a path for you to reach the Heavenly Fate Realm?"
"Indeed, three Insect Mothers from my kind, who ventured inside while in the Insect Mother’s Heaven Separation Realm, ultimately attained the Heavenly Fate Realm level. Other species have seen comparable successes. It appears certain techniques exist to propel Heaven-separated Realm powerhouses into the Heavenly Fate Realm," Xing Tong explained.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Yang Chen felt his intrigue mounting.
A way to achieve the Heavenly Fate Realm lay within the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace?
How fascinating.
Rather than hastily consenting, he noted, "Aiding you can’t merely involve escorting you into the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace and the Heavenly Fate Realm, can it?"
"Naturally, guiding me to the Heavenly Fate Realm forms only a portion of your role. The true bargain between us will unfold later," Xing Tong stated plainly. "Every major clan venturing into the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace seeks the Origin Essence that the Forbidden Spirit Dao Ancestor seized from the Origin Land!"
"Origin Essence?" Yang Chen blinked in surprise. "What exactly is that?"
"If Jiyu Essence represents the core of the Universe Starry Sky, then Origin Essence embodies the core of the Origin Land. It emerges solely there, in terribly limited amounts. Even one fragment can send cultivators into a frenzy. The clans impose no limits on claiming it. Should you retrieve even a single piece, it could be traded for vast quantities of Jiyu Essence," A sly grin tugged at Xing Tong’s lips. "I require little. One fragment of Origin Essence suffices for me."
Yang Chen narrowed his eyes.
The Universe Starry Sky yielded the Jiyu Essence, while the Origin Land produced the Origin Essence?
Quite intriguing.
Given that Origin Essence surpassed Jiyu Essence in worth, it stood to reason the Origin Land held greater uniqueness than the vast Universe Starry Sky itself.
He pondered deeply. Moments later, he concluded, "Fellow Xing Tong, I’ll assist you in this. Yet, my knowledge of Origin Essence is scant. If its value aligns with your account, securing one for you poses no issue. But should it prove even rarer than portrayed and contradict your description, regretfully, I cannot commit to fetching the Origin Essence for you."
"Rest assured, I wouldn’t undermine my own cause," Xing Tong murmured gently.
Only then did Yang Chen relax: "Very well, we have an agreement."
"Wait, Brother Yang Chen, hold off. Given your status as a fugitive sought by the Netherworld, it might be wise to pose as one of my Insect Race and accompany me. Concealing your true identity would be prudent. We’ll arrange to rendezvous at a designated spot once separated. After all, you wouldn’t want your own people discovering your alliance with an Insect Race member like me regarding the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace," Xing Tong suggested.
Yang Chen rubbed his chin, inwardly admiring Xing Tong’s foresight. He smiled broadly, "Fine, that works! We’ll reconvene soon."
"In contrast to our pact for the Forbidden Spirit Dao Palace, this present alliance is minor. View my aid this time as a complimentary gesture," Xing Tong offered.
Yang Chen chuckled too, and following their mutual deliberations, they rejoined the assembly of mighty figures.
Upon their return, the powerful group exhaled in relief at the sight of Yang Chen and Xing Tong side by side. Though the Insect Race harbored no deep enmity toward humans, they weren’t allies either. Yet now, Xing Tong’s proximity to Yang Chen stemmed mostly from his personal allure.
As Yang Chen approached, Yue Xing True Person boomed with laughter and strode forward, "Brother Yang Chen, welcome back. I’ve outlined an initial strategy; join us to go over it."
Yang Chen advanced and spoke warmly, "I appreciate your worry, senior Yue Xing. I’m eager to hear the strategy you’ve devised..."
Yue Xing True Person’s face grew serious as he explained, "It’s hardly a grand scheme. I’ve mulled it over, and by this point, the Netherworld’s two Ghost Kings are surely wary of us. Even a covert strike would alert them to the slightest stir. Thus, crafting a complex setup serves no purpose. A single decisive action will do."
"One action? Senior, are you suggesting..." Yang Chen probed.
Yue Xing True Person elaborated, "Since you’re acquainted with Insect Mother Fellow Daoist, it simplifies matters. Your slaying of the Square Ghost King went unnoticed. I’ll advance alongside Insect Mother Fellow Daoist; the Earthquake Palace Ghost King and Square Ghost King won’t anticipate your involvement."
Yang Chen paused briefly, "Senior, I grasp your intent. Should Fellow Daoist Xing Tong take the forefront, the Netherworld’s two Ghost Kings may assume she eliminated the Square Ghost King. However, that would force Xing Tong to confront one of them directly."
Yue Xing True Person replied, "This is the crux. Insect Mother Fellow Daoist, how long could you endure against a Heavenly Fate Realm Ghost King?"
Xing Tong responded evenly, "Though I fall short of Brother Yang Chen’s prowess, staving off for thirty minutes presents no challenge. I hold reasonable assurance of prevailing over a Heavenly Fate Realm foe, and I’ll remain secure."
Neither Yang Chen nor Yue Xing True Person questioned Xing Tong’s claim. Without such capabilities, she couldn’t have endured on the Ice and Fire Star for so long, evading the Ghost Kings’ efforts to eradicate her.