Chapter 1679 : Strategy

The youth was naturally Luo Ming, a third-generation true disciple of the Ancient Celestial Sect. The elder’s aura, however, was unfathomable—seemingly even more formidable than the likes of the River Wei Celestial and Daoist Qianxing.

In an instant, Eldrin (Person Name) realized this person was Luo Ming's Guardian.

At this thought, he gave a slight nod and calmly cupped his hands in salute. "Greetings, Elder, and Fellow Daoist Luo."

The old Taoist's eyes flickered with a meaningful gleam as he remarked, "You should be aware that our 4 great factions are currently planning to jointly deal with you."

"Under such circumstances, you still dare seek us out? Are you truly unafraid that I'll summon others to surround and eliminate you?"

Eldrin smiled faintly and said, "Since I dared to come, I naturally fear nothing. Even if you summon them all, I could still overturn this palace and leave."

"What audacity."

Luo Ming opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as he declared, "I've long heard of your unparalleled talent. Today, I wish to see it for myself."

He spoke, gripping a sword embryo in his hand as he swung it forward.

Yet Eldrin remained utterly unfimpaired. With a casual lift of his hand, he firmly caught the resplendent immortal sword between 2 fingers. No matter how fiercely Luo Ming channeled his energy, the blade could not advance another inch.

He then let out a cold sneer and abruptly flicked his finger, sending Luo Ming flying backward.

"You are no match for me."

Eldrin spoke calmly, stating a simple fact.

Luo Ming’s face shifted between pallor and flush as he raised his head, only to find the man robed in snow-white garments. Though he stood there in serene stillness, he resembled a peerless celestial sovereign surveying the myriad heavens, exuding an ineffable grace that seemed to transcend the mortal realm.

"I am no match for you."

After a moment of silence, Luo Ming realized the disparity between them was no longer on the same level. The arrogance born from breaking through the 3 Taiyi Foundations instantly evaporated.

Eldrin gave a slight nod, his gaze shifting to the robed elder as he inquired, "Might I ask how you wish to be addressed, revered senior?"

The black-robed Taoist’s expression turned exceedingly grave. At this moment, Eldrin (Person Name) gave him a sense of dread far more terrifying than even a primordial beast of chaos.

He also set aside his earlier contempt and gave a slight nod. "I am the Daoist Xuan Qi. Your discreet search for us today surely isn't merely for reminiscing, is it?"

Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking, "My visit today is precisely to help both fellow Daoists resolve a certain trouble."

"Help us resolve our troubles?"

Hearing this, the gazes of the 2 subtly sharpened.

Luo Ming’s eyes flickered slightly as he couldn’t help but remark, “Our greatest trouble, I daresay, is you, fellow Daoist.”

"Is that so?"

Eldrin smiled, gazing into the depths of the Dragon Sea. "Is your greatest enemy truly our Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss?"

"As far as I know, the mount of the Heavenly Net Ancient Sect's leader is none other than an Elder Council member of the Nether Dragon Sect."

Hearing this, the 2 of them couldn't help but slightly change their expressions.

Luo Ming took a deep breath, his gaze profound as he said, "You wish to cooperate with us?"

Eldrin (Person Name) stood with his hands clasped behind his back, speaking calmly, "By following in my footsteps, you will not only vanquish our longstanding foe, the Netherdrake Demon Venerable, but also dominate the Vastsky Immortal Realm, sweeping across the 6 Western Celestial Domains."

"The gains and losses in this place, which weigh heavier—I trust you have a fair assessment in your heart."

Upon hearing this, Luo Ming felt a subtle tremor in his heart.

Had it been before, he would have never agreed to Eldrin's request.

He was a proud son of heaven, established upon the 3 Great Primordial Chaos foundations, a true heir of the Great Primordial Chaos with the potential to ascend to the realm of the Great Luo. How could he ever consent to trail in another’s shadow, reduced to a mere supporting character in their tribulation?

However, after witnessing Eldrin's (Person Name) strength, he realized Eldrin was likely 1 of the 10 main protagonists destined for this Dao Tribulation, causing his heart to waver with uncertainty.

By all reasoning, the purpose of his descent into this tribulation was to cultivate the foundation of the 3 Taiyi. Once the 3 Taiyi foundation was achieved, the next step would be to accumulate primordial essence in preparation for breaking through to the flawless Celestial Immortal realm.

After the Dao Tribulation concluded, he would only need to continue his arduous cultivation, advancing to the mid-stage Celestial Immortal realm within 10 million years.

At that time, he would receive the full support of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect to seize the opportunity of the 100 Calamities Heavenly Ascent.

But now, Eldrin had given him another choice, plunging him into hesitation.

After all, a Heavenly Tribulation is perilous beyond measure, and the 1 undergoing it stands at the very eye of the storm. To follow such a being means certain annihilation alongside them should they fail.

Yet once successful, the rewards it offered also plunged him into hesitation.

At that very moment, he recalled how Eldrin had repelled him by merely pinching the Heaven-Span Sword Embryo between 2 fingers and flicking it away. Resolve instantly solidified within his heart.

Luo Ming clasped his hands in salute, his expression profoundly solemn as he declared, “Your celestial might is vast and boundless, Elder. I am far from your equal, and I vow to follow you in quelling the Dao Calamity.”

"Very well."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) could not help but reveal a faint smile.

Having secured the allegiance of the Heavenly Net Ancient Sect, 1 of the 4 major factions of the allied forces had now been removed from the equation. With 1 side gaining strength and the other losing it, the balance of power had completely tilted. Eldrin (Person Name) was now fully confident of victory in this battle.

At this thought, Eldrin said, "Though you are new here, I trust you have heard of my reputation."

"I have some passing knowledge."

Luo Ming nodded with a faint smile. "It is said throughout the world that the Elder of the Returning Abyss embodies righteous valor, and never fails to treat those around him with utmost generosity."

Eldrin smiled faintly and gave a slight nod. "Rest assured, as long as you fight by my side with sincere devotion, I shall not treat you unfairly in the slightest."

Hearing Eldrin make such a promise, Luo Ming couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.

A person's reputation is of utmost importance. Although the Daoist of the Returning Abyss never showed mercy to his enemies, he had never treated his own people unjustly.

He believed that Eldrin, whether sincere or not, would never harm him for the sake of the reputation he had cultivated over a million years.

At this thought, Luo Ming felt reassured and couldn't help but smile as he asked, "If earlier, I had refused to relent and insisted on joining forces with the major factions to deal with you, what would you have done?"

"You insist on targeting me?"

Eldrin (Person Name) gave a faint smile and shook his head, saying, "Then the news of my visit to you, fellow Daoist, will spread throughout the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea within 3 days."

Upon hearing this, Luo Ming was momentarily taken aback, a faint chill creeping down his spine.

This move by Eldrin was a psychological ploy. No matter how much the Ancient Celestial Sect might try to explain, once news spread of Eldrin personally visiting their sanctum, the fragile alliance among the 4 great powers would instantly crumble into dust.

Given the enmity between the Nether Dragon Clan and the Celestial Luo Ancient Sect, once the seed of suspicion was sown, Eldrin (Person Name) needed only a slight provocation to dismantle their alliance.

By then, no 1 would have the heart to continue fighting. The only outcome for the 4 great powers would be to be defeated 1 by 1.

Perhaps a few high-ranking members might escape with their lives, but they could no longer hold back the overwhelming momentum of the Abyssal Return Immortal Alliance.

At this thought, Luo Ming couldn't help but cup his hands toward Eldrin (Person Name) and said, "Fellow Daoist, your foresight is truly profound. I am utterly impressed."

Eldrin shook his head and remarked impassively, "Since ancient times, the human heart has ever been fickle—so too the heart of immortals. All alliances in this world are forged by shared interests. So long as 1 finds the right method, any such bond can be fractured and dismantled."

"However, such strategies are ultimately trivial matters. For immortals like us, cultivation base is everything."

"Were I at the Great Ascension realm, why would I need such intricate schemes to face this situation? A single sword stroke would suffice to sweep away all obstacles."

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