Cultivating Immortality in a World of Chaos

Chapter 129: Deciding Strategy

After neatly categorizing and storing the replenishing qi pills, Fang Xi gracefully rose to his feet.

He would use the high-grade pills himself, while the mid and low-grade ones could be traded at exchange gatherings for various resources.

Once proficient in any of the four arts of cultivation, earning spirit stones became relatively easy.

Since revealing his Late Stage Qi Refinement cultivation base, Fang Xi’s reputation soared on Peach Blossom Island, leading numerous rogue cultivators to seek him out for pill concoction requests.

Initially, some may have approached merely to establish connections, not overly concerned about success rates.

However, as news spread about Fang Xi’s exceptional alchemy skills and reasonable fees, his business steadily increased.

‘I never realized being an alchemist is so lucrative… When commissioned for pill concoction, I can freely view the pill formula without charge, and there’s no compensation needed if the medicinal pills fail during the process…’

‘As long as just one genuine pill emerges from each batch, it counts as successful concoction, yielding substantial rewards…’

These were standard practices among alchemists, initially hard for Fang Xi to believe. He couldn’t help but marvel at their immense profitability; no wonder they often looked down upon talisman masters and artificers…

Upon exiting the alchemy room, Fang Xi encountered Lu Guo, who appeared visibly anxious.

“What seems to be the matter?”

Fang Xi’s eyebrows slightly raised; ever since witnessing Ruan Dan’s breakthrough despite losing his arm, this individual seemed greatly inspired and had been diligently practicing cultivation.

The sudden visit must indicate something significant!

“The Zhong Family… The Zhong Family has declared war on the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance!” Lu Guo bowed with both hands, presenting a jade slip. “This is the declaration document… If what it states is true, then Yu Lingzi indeed perished… We… we need to decide our course of action.”

Fang Xi accepted the jade slip, scanned it briefly with divine sense, and smiled, “Quite grandiose…”

As one of the seven prominent Foundation Establishment clans in the Yue Kingdom, the Zhong Family boasted numerous talents. This declaration was written with fervent passion, detailing various instances where the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance betrayed trust and instigated conflict through underhanded means.

However, there was not a single mention of the ‘Silver-armored Demon.’

After all, aristocratic families often have their own ways.

And ultimately, history is always penned by the victors.

Most crucially, within the jade slip, a specific image was deliberately imprinted - the scene of Foundation Establishment cultivator Yu Lingzi’s death!

Originally, the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance relied solely on a rogue Foundation Establishment cultivator as their patron. With the addition of Yu Lingzi as a guest Retired Elder from the Taishu Family, they felt confident enough to confront the Zhong Family.

Now, with one cultivator dead, their position weakened significantly, showing signs of defeat even before the battle began.

“The Taishu Family hid their true depth well. No wonder Yu Lingzi achieved Foundation Establishment; he must have been one of their own all along, later concealing his identity and starting anew… For the Zhong Family to uncover this information clearly indicates they have spies embedded within the Taishu ranks!”

Upon seeing these revelations, Fang Xi couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions.

“But now, with the Zhong Family’s forces bearing down on us, what should we do?”

Lu Guo looked apprehensive, even showing traces of retrospective fear.

He had just received news that Spirit Hollow Market was overrun, and most of his former colleagues from the joint law enforcement team faced grim prospects.

Had he not been severely injured and retired earlier, he might have suffered the same fate! A sense of relief washed over him, grateful for not becoming another casualty at Spirit Hollow Market!

Could this be what Master referred to as ‘within calamity lies opportunity’?

“Given such significant events, naturally we follow the Island Lord’s lead,” Fang Xi responded matter-of-factly, causing Lu Guo to involuntarily roll his eyes internally.

During the Silver-armored Demon attack, Fang Xi hadn’t exactly displayed unwavering loyalty.

Of course, many cultivators act similarly, and Lu Guo wasn’t foolish enough to report him either. With his status, rashly whistleblowing could backfire, potentially bringing disaster upon himself!

As expected, moments later, a voice-transmission talisman arrived.

Fang Xi accepted it, a hint of smile spreading across his face. “The Island Lord wishes to convene a meeting. Let’s head to the debate hall…”

---

Inside the assembly hall,

numerous cultivators had gathered together.

Peach Blossom Island was currently thriving, boasting three cultivators at Late Stage Qi Refinement or higher - Ruan Dan, Fang Xi, and Ruan Xingling!

Among the Thirty Six Islands, this made them indisputably one of the top forces, no wonder they faced constant envy and scrutiny.

The assassination attempt on Ruan Dan hindered his cultivation progress, while Ruan Xingling’s inability to reach Foundation Establishment stemmed from interference by various factions.

Now, after several decades, new batches of immortal sprouts were gradually maturing. Despite the heavy casualties suffered earlier, the intense life-and-death battles significantly strengthened the resolve and determination of these cultivators.

In recent years, five to six cultivators have emerged at the sixth level of Qi Refining, far surpassing the sparse handful seen before.

“Uncle!”

Amidst the crowd, Wei Yixi spotted Fang Xi approaching in his cyan bamboo mage robes, her eyes immediately lit up, and she waved enthusiastically.

“Ai… nearly thirty now, yet still acting like a little girl.” Fang Xi walked over, gently ruffling Wei Yixi’s hair with a hint of exasperation.

However, this innocent and carefree demeanor was reserved only for her interactions with Fang Xi; most of the time, she displayed a mischievous nature. On Peach Blossom Island, she had gradually earned a reputation as the “little demoness” from West Peak…

As he glanced around, he noticed members of the Mu Clan were present too - specifically, Mu Zhong’s youngest son, Mu Liuying.

In addition to them, Patriarch Mo Qinghe of the Mo Clan unexpectedly attended, indicating his firm resolve to become a vassal of Peach Blossom Island.

Once everyone gathered, Ruan Dan announced loudly, “The Island Lord arrives!”

Ruan Xingling, clad in a vibrant red Palace dress, entered and took her seat at the head position.

“Greetings, Island Lord!” The group of cultivators hastily bowed in respect.

“No need… Today, I have summoned all of you primarily due to the impending war between the Zhong Family and the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance!” Ruan Xingling spoke softly, her voice melodious like crisp silver bells, recounting the events leading up to the conflict. “Now, regarding the future course of our Peach Blossom Island, this Island Lord wishes to hear your opinions.”

“What else needs to be said? The Thirty-Six Islands Alliance acted unjustly first and is already at a disadvantage. We should directly pledge allegiance to the Zhong Family!” exclaimed a rugged-looking cultivator with a bushy beard.

A rugged-looking cultivator with a bushy beard spoke loudly.

As soon as he finished, everyone turned to glance at him.

‘He is likely a covert agent for the Zhong Family - no wait, more probably an overt pawn!’ Fang Xi thought inwardly.

Sure enough, a female cultivator immediately countered, “The Zhong Family’s main forces are still far away. If we announce our betrayal now, what happens when that rogue Foundation Establishment cultivator retaliates?”

“Hardly a mere retainer would risk his life for Taishu and their allies!” the bearded man dismissed her concern casually. “Everyone can see that the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance stands on the brink of peril. If not now, then when should we jump ship? Although it carries some danger, great fortune lies within risks. By turning against them and achieving significant merit, there might even be a chance for Foundation Establishment rewards. Please consider this wisely, Island Lord!”

“Foundation Establishment, Foundation Establishment indeed…” Ruan Xingling sighed deeply.

Since losing her opportunity years ago, she had never found another chance for advancement.

Suddenly, she declared, “This island lord has made her decision; we will pledge allegiance to the Zhong Family!”

“What?” Many heads shot up in shock, while the bearded man looked ecstatic. “An enlightened choice, Island Lord!”

---

“Fellow Daoist Fang, please wait!” After the crowd dispersed, Ruan Dan intercepted Fang Xi.

“Hmm, does the crown princess need something?” Fang Xi was slightly taken aback.

“My master requests your presence!” Ruan Dan lowered her voice and led Fang Xi to a secluded chamber.

The room, adorned with protective talismans, became remarkably quiet once closed.

“Fellow Daoist Fang…” As expected, Ruan Xingling was inside, her expression solemn. “I wonder if your Qinghe Sword remains as sharp?”

“Even if it’s a rusty old blade, when the moment calls for it, it can still take lives…” Fang Xi sighed. “What guidance does the Island Lord seek from me?”

“Oh, merely discussing…” Ruan Xingling smiled thinly. “Today’s public declaration of allegiance to the Zhong Family is actually part of our alliance’s strategy!”

“Hm?” Fang Xi abruptly lifted his head.

“Hmph! Compared to the Alliance’s indifference towards impending doom, the Zhong Family actively sent forces to attack, annihilating the Mo Clan and injuring my disciple, resulting in her losing an arm. Do you think such grievances should be easily forgotten?” Ruan Xingling explained with a cold smirk. “Now, by using our informant within the Zhong Family, we will lure a significant figure here for negotiations, allowing us to ambush them at the opportune time…”

“I see,” Fang Xi nodded.

“I know you prefer tending to your fields and fish, but with chaos engulfing Wan Island Lake, no island can remain unaffected…” Ruan Xingling continued. “If this plan succeeds, I swear as the Island Lord that Jade Cliff shall forever serve as sacred spiritual land for the Fang family!”

“Many thanks, Island Lord!” Fang Xi sighed. “This old sword of mine belongs to you now…”

Given the circumstances, he had little choice but to agree.

---

Nightfall.

Black clouds shrouded the moon.

A faint streak of light, maintaining a low profile, glided over Mirror Moon Lake and disappeared into the villa.

Shortly after, a graceful figure ascended, scattering countless petals around her.

Near Mirror Moon Lake, within the hollow of a peach tree, a seemingly decayed vine mask stirred slightly. From behind it, two eyes watched the scene with an expressionless gaze.

Inside the underground stone cave,

“So Ruan Xingling indeed has connections with a third party…”

“That dim aura and presence…” Fang Xi’s eyes snapped open.

Through the connection between the Demon Tree and its demonic servants, he could perceive as if through their own senses!

Fang Xi harbored no resentment towards Ruan Xingling for keeping secrets from him. After all, a ruler without discretion risks losing his ministers, just as a minister without secrecy risks endangering himself! Throughout history, confidentiality has always been paramount for those aiming at great achievements!

Moreover, aside from some past acquaintance, his relationship with Ruan Xingling was not particularly close. It was understandable that she would take precautions against him during critical moments; he could empathize with her reasoning.

Fang Xi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Ruan Xingling’s active involvement with a third party, venturing into such risky endeavors, must mean significant benefits await her…”

Like Fang Xi, Ruan Xingling had already reached the great perfection stage of the tenth level of Qi Refinement, with no further progress possible in magical energy.

What she sought now could only be Foundation Establishment!

This was Fang Xi’s deduction; after all, she was deeply devoted to her Daoist path. Beyond opportunities for Foundation Establishment, he couldn’t imagine anything else compelling enough to sway her.

‘Old Ruan is somewhat selfish, not sharing this opportunity with me…’

‘No matter, I’ll find my own way!’

Behind Fang Xi, numerous banyan tree aerial roots swayed and penetrated deep into his body.

Previously, it was merely the Demon Tree’s ‘nourishment’ after being well-fed, but now, Fang Xi aimed to fully exploit its potential.

He converted large amounts of vital essence into pure vital energy power, then infused it within himself, seeking a breakthrough!

“Almost there!” Fang Xi murmured softly. “When that moment comes…”