Chapter 292: Chapter 238: Personally Leading the Expedition! [First Update!]
The arrival of True Person Jiulong gave Chen Jichuan a deeper understanding of the situation in the Barbaric Lands and the intentions within the Seven Sects.
Unfortunately, none of it was optimistic.
"In the past several months, many teams have faced heavy losses, among which four teams were completely wiped out, and the leading Second-order True Persons also perished."
True Person Jiulong let out a long sigh.
Although none of those four teams were from the Heaven Mending Sect, at this rate, casualties would be inevitable sooner or later. The Heaven Mending Sect still had True Person Jiulong and even the Supreme Elder stationed here for now. But after some time, only Luo Pu would remain.
Things would undoubtedly become more difficult.
Chen Jichuan listened in silence, his thoughts heavy.
He was deeply entrenched in it all and could acutely feel the danger of the Barbaric Lands.
This time, the ones leading the charge into the Seven Sects were all early-stage Second-order True Persons, with the highest cultivation being Enlightenment Realm Third Level, equivalent to a Second Layer Heaven Demon King.
More than half were at the Enlightenment Second Realm, and a few, like Chen Jichuan himself, were True Persons at the Enlightenment Realm First Level.
Then he considered the Wuling Mountain region—
There were four Second Layer Heaven Demon Kings alone, along with more than ten First Layer Heaven Demon Kings.
Other regions were not vastly different from Wuling Mountain in this respect.
For these True Persons of the Immortal Dao to charge straight in, losses were inevitable.
Chen Jichuan managed to thrive in Wuling Mountain because he was indeed formidable. The other True Persons could hardly compare, and few had the capability to suppress and lead a region.
Precisely because of this understanding, True Person Jiulong was lavish in his praise after witnessing the situation Chen Jichuan had carved out here.
...
True Person Jiulong stayed at Wuling Mountain for just one night before he began setting up an array for Chen Jichuan the next day.
"Twenty-four Bridges Moonlit Night, where does the jade beauty teach her flute melodies?"
This was a multifaceted array formation, combining teleportation, illusions, offensive strikes, and entrapment capabilities.
As one of the Seven Immortal Sects of the Central Continent, the Heaven Mending Sect had developed countless secret realms over the ages, many of which were treacherous areas where teleportation arrays could not be deployed.
Thus, the Immortal Sect had developed this type of array formation.
By using a series of forward bases as "points" and "Twenty-four Bridges" as "lines," it then created an intricately interconnected "surface."
Once the array was fully formed, the points would be able to respond to each other at a distance, greatly enhancing their ability to handle risks.
For half a month straight, True Person Jiulong focused on constructing this array.
During these days, Chen Jichuan stayed by True Person Jiulong’s side, observing his array formation techniques. Chen Jichuan did not understand much about arrays—his time and energy were already fully occupied with cultivation, magic, alchemy, and refining artifacts, leaving no spare capacity to study formations.
Nevertheless, given True Person Jiulong’s consummate skill in arrays and advanced age, Chen Jichuan was quite glad to have the opportunity to learn from his expertise and spend time with him.
He observed while also making casual conversation with True Person Jiulong.
True Person Jiulong had set up countless "Twenty-four Bridge Formations" over his lifetime and was adept at it. Relaxed and at ease, he was happy to chat with Chen Jichuan as he worked.
Half a month passed.
The array formation was complete.
True Person Jiulong, ever busy, did not linger and hurriedly departed.
Chen Jichuan personally saw him off as a gesture of respect.
After returning to Wuling Mountain, he saw a streak of fire light shooting toward him, landing in front, and materializing into a figure.
"Fire Crow Demon King?"
Chen Jichuan turned his head and saw a figure clad in a fiery red feathered robe—it was indeed the Fire Crow Demon King.
Chen Jichuan asked curiously, "Aren’t you currently following Tornado Demon King in besieging Cangtou Mountain? What happened?"
His discerning eyes immediately spotted that the Fire Crow Demon King’s Qi-Blood was unstable, clearly indicating injuries.
Recalling how Tornado Demon King had been unsuccessfully attacking Cangtou Mountain alongside other demon kings for a long time, Chen Jichuan’s expression darkened and his brows furrowed deeply.
"Alliance Hierarch, I report—Cangtou Mountain’s Golden Lotus Grand Array is truly formidable. None of us are versed in formations; every assault on the mountain has met with resistance. Now, nearly every demon king is wounded, and we are completely out of solutions. That is why they sent me back to you, seeking the Hierarch’s aid!"
The Fire Crow Demon King wore a pained expression.
Over the past month and a half, he had endured countless hardships at Cangtou Mountain. A certain battle just days prior had been perilous in the extreme, nearly costing him his life.
Now coming forward to request assistance, he was, in truth, already contemplating retreat.
"Is Cangtou Mountain truly this hard to conquer?!"
Chen Jichuan’s brows furrowed even tighter upon hearing this.
A month and a half ago.
He had ordered Tornado Demon King to lead fourteen other demon kings in the assault on Cangtou Mountain, setting a one-month deadline to achieve success. When the month passed without progress, he didn’t punish anyone, merely pressed for greater effort.
Battle reports came in daily, and Chen Jichuan was well aware of the situation at Cangtou Mountain.
Now, he was simply putting on an act.
As of today—
It was clear that the battle had reached a stalemate. Tornado Demon King and the others had hit a dead end, leaving no choice but to seek his intervention.
"Alliance Hierarch, please allow me to explain!"
"It’s not that we are incompetent; it’s that Golden Lotus is too cunning."
"The array in Cangtou Mountain is ever-changing, shrouding the entire mountain. Once inside, half of our fighting strength is diminished. Even if we join forces, we are no match for the Golden Lotus Demon King. We’ve endured countless taunts and humiliations—it’s utterly maddening!"
Thinking of Cangtou Mountain, the Fire Crow Demon King ground his teeth in frustration.
"Ha!"
"Stalemate? Just what I wanted!"
Chen Jichuan secretly rejoiced, though his face darkened as he said coldly, "Enough! Spare me your excuses. I will personally visit Cangtou Mountain to see if this so-called Golden Lotus Grand Array is truly as formidable as they say!"
Immediately.
Chen Jichuan ordered Ding Xuan, Lu Daren, and others to manage the array and hold Wuling Mountain.
The array formation had been laid, its foundation solid.
Even without Chen Jichuan personally guarding it for a short while, there was no fear of external forces exploiting any vulnerabilities or cutting off their home base. He was free to leave temporarily.
...
2,200 miles west of Wuling Mountain.
Outside Cangtou Mountain.
The alliance’s main forces were stationed. Tornado Demon King and fourteen other demon kings were gathered in one place, discussing strategies for attack and array-breaking.
As they talked—
Little Tornado’s temper flared up, and he blurted out, "Cangtou Mountain has an array protecting it—it’s clearly a hard bone to gnaw. Why bother? Just leave the mountain be and see if that old tortoise Golden Lotus doesn’t come out on his own! Once he does, we can rush him all at once. Isn’t that easier?!"
Little Tornado’s complaints were not new.
In truth—
Not just him, but many other demon kings present shared his sentiments.
After forty days of besieging Cangtou Mountain without any tangible results, they felt humiliated by the success of Shuiqing Demon King’s forces, which further fueled their grievances.
Many demon kings believed that the decision to assault Cangtou Mountain had been a strategic mistake and harbored resentment toward their Alliance Hierarch, who sat far away in Wuling Mountain.
But these demon kings were cunning by nature. Though displeased, they kept their grievances to themselves.
After the meeting, everyone dispersed.
Tornado Demon King and Little Tornado met in private. Gazing eastward, Little Tornado grumbled, "Based on the timing, Fire Crow Demon King should already have seen Dai Zong by now."
"Stop saying ’Dai Zong’!"
"How many times must I remind you? Even when no one else is around, you must refer to him as ’Alliance Hierarch’!"
Tornado Demon King scolded in a low voice.
"Yes, yes, ’Alliance Hierarch.’"
Little Tornado smirked and added disdainfully, "I’d like to see how long he remains our Hierarch. If we fail to conquer Cangtou Mountain this time, how long can he keep up his charade of authority?"
Tornado Demon King kept silent, lips pursed.
He, too, harbored his own thoughts.
During this assault on Cangtou Mountain, Tornado Demon King had held back his full strength. With absolute dedication, while he might not have completely destroyed the Golden Lotus Grand Array, he could at least have ensured the Golden Lotus Demon King was far less comfortable than now.
"Risking myself for Dai Zong?"
"What a pointless endeavor!"
Tornado Demon King sneered inwardly.
Chen Jichuan had formed the Wuling Mountain Alliance, first subduing the Fuling Demon King before capturing Tornado Demon King’s son, forcing him into retreat. Tornado Demon King knew full well the power and influence Chen Jichuan now wielded.
Outwardly, he dared not openly defy the Alliance Hierarch, but underneath, his defiance was unmistakable.
"The alliance itself is an excellent idea."
"But if it were under my control—"
Tornado Demon King’s eyes narrowed slightly, revealing latent ambitions. "Cangtou Mountain is difficult to breach, and the Golden Lotus Grand Array is powerful. While Dai Zong may be a formidable fighter, he’s not necessarily adept at overcoming such a formation. Should he fail, his prestige among the rest of us will plummet. If this happens a few more times, the respect and fear he’s built up will vanish entirely. That will be my moment to seize the prize!"
Tornado Demon King was ambitious, unwilling to remain subordinate.
True, the Wuling Mountain Alliance was a good thing, but it would only be perfect with him at its helm.
"Just wait."
"Wait a little longer."
Tornado Demon King was patient, biding his time. Like a vulture, he circled his prey from the shadows, awaiting the optimal opportunity.
...
Every demon king in the Alliance harbored their own schemes.
Chen Jichuan was fully aware but feigned ignorance.
With Fire Crow Demon King as his guide, he soon arrived outside Cangtou Mountain. Raising his banner and summoning his forces, he called together the demon kings under his command. His gaze swept across them, and none dared meet his eyes. Finally, his cold stare settled on Tornado Demon King, his face darkening as he scolded, "A month and a half, and you still haven’t taken Cangtou Mountain. Tornado Demon King, you’ve greatly disappointed this Hierarch!"
Below—
Little Tornado’s eyes flashed with anger upon hearing his father reprimanded, but he remembered his father’s instructions and bit his tongue.
Meanwhile—
Tornado Demon King remained calm, wearing a bitter smile as he defended himself, "Please forgive me, Hierarch. We’ve truly done our best. But Cangtou Mountain is just too formidable. I beg the Hierarch to understand."
Chen Jichuan glanced at the gathered demon kings. Though each kept their heads low, it was obvious they all harbored some resentment after Tornado Demon King’s remarks.
"Hmph!"
Chen Jichuan showed no fear. He didn’t lash out at everyone indiscriminately but focused his ire solely on Tornado Demon King. "It’s merely the lair of a Second Layer Heaven Demon King. How hard can it be?! You, as the commander of this operation, have achieved nothing after all this time and still ask this Hierarch for understanding?!"
Tornado Demon King continued to endure silently.
Little Tornado, however, could no longer stay quiet. Seeing his father humiliated, he shot back, "If the Hierarch thinks it’s so easy, why not personally take the field, break this Golden Lotus Grand Array, conquer Cangtou Mountain, and capture the Golden Lotus Demon King? That would truly showcase the Hierarch’s greatness!"
"If I have to do everything myself, then what’s the point of having a commander?!"
Chen Jichuan swept his sleeve, feigning anger, but his rebuke remained solely directed at Tornado Demon King.
Little Tornado, bristling with indignation, looked ready to argue further.
Chen Jichuan, however, gave him no chance, waving dismissively. "Right and wrong can be debated later. The priority now is to take Cangtou Mountain. For now, I will assume command. Everyone, prepare your forces. We attack the array in two hours!"
"Hierarch, but the Golden Lotus Grand Array—"
The demon kings looked troubled. To them, this Alliance Hierarch, having only just arrived and unfamiliar with the Golden Lotus Grand Array, appeared rash in his intentions to attack.
"Just prepare yourself."
"This broken array is no problem—breaking it will be as easy as turning my hand!"
Chen Jichuan’s confidence was boundless, and he firmly ordered the demon kings to get ready.
The position of commander was stripped from Tornado Demon King, and he obediently complied, busying himself with preparations.
...