Chapter 1674: The Descendants of the Great Emperor of All Living Beings, A Strategy That Brings Wind and Rain

Ah Si was silent.

He didn't really know what Grandmaster Shou used to be like. He had only heard that Grandmaster Shou could conjure a thousand clones, was full of cunning tricks, and had a silver tongue, and then he was gone.

But Grandmaster Shou's current performance in the mirror had earned the Young Master's high praise. Why?

Thinking of strategies involving alliances and conflicts, Ah Si asked:

"Young Master Li, are we to help the Holy Divine Palace, or Grandmaster Shou?"

Yuegong Li turned and glared at the old man, emerging from his contemplation:

"Are you foolish? Of course, it's the Holy Divine Palace!"

"We are forces of justice, while the Holy Slaves are forces of darkness!"

Ah Si smiled bitterly, recalling Yuegong Li's earlier statement about cooperating with anyone. But he knew this wasn't the time to press the point.

After all, one should support the weak, not the strong.

"How should we help?"

"No! I'm still thinking about whether to intervene, whether to help at all." Yuegong Li's thoughts went further. "After all, I'm not on Holy Mountain right now; I'm still recuperating."

Ah Si's ears twitched, then he quickly frowned and said helplessly:

"Young Master Li, people from the Holy Divine Palace have arrived. They say they are executing 'Plan Sixteen' and need assistance from the Holy Emperor."

"Get lost. Tell them to ask other families."

"Yes, but if other families assist and we do nothing..."

Yuegong Li rubbed his chin and fell into thought.

Ah Si's words were not without reason.

The Holy Divine Palace was the institution used by the Five Great Holy Emperor Families to govern the continent. At least superficially, they absolutely could not stand idly by, as it would demoralize people.

Moreover, regardless of the outcome of this battle, Ai Cangsen had invested great effort. If other families lent their support, the hearts of the saints on Holy Mountain would lean towards those other families.

Perhaps that family might gain a Ten Grandmaster position?

But which family would take action?

"Qian Shi has no one available. Holy Emperor Qian Shi, like my father, cannot personally intervene against a mere Xu Xiaoshou..."

"Bei Huai definitely wants to help, as he's interested in Xu Xiaoshou. But Ai Cangsen isn't foolish enough to invite that madman, and the other families wouldn't agree to Bei Huai leaving his mountain..."

"Indeed, only Hua Changdeng remains. He and Ba Zun'an still owe each other a battle. It's time to push them into a confrontation and weaken each other..."

Yuegong Li raised his head, looked at Ah Si, and said seriously:

"Go to Holy Mountain yourself and sincerely inform Emperor Cangsen that, if necessary, Holy Emperor Han Gong will certainly assist him. There's no doubt about that!"

Ah Si nodded, acknowledging the significant empty promise.

"But before that, if the 'Palace Lord' and the 'Ten Grandmasters' can't even handle the mere First Floor in the Sky, and can't even force Ba Zun'an out..."

"Tell Ai Cangsen to humble himself and invite Dao Xuanji to emerge. At the very least, if people from Holy Mountain keep getting sacrificed, the Five Great Holy Emperor Families definitely won't stand idly by, and the Holy Emperors will intervene one after another."

"While sanctioning Dao Xuanji, wouldn't the First Floor in the Sky and the Holy Slaves also be conveniently eliminated?"

Ah Si sighed. What a clumsy provocation.

But it had to be said, it was also an overt scheme, though many would die.

"These alone certainly won't suffice. Ai Cangsen currently lacks a battle strategy. Conveniently, Dao Qiongcang isn't here, and I'm just barely adequate—after all, I know Xu Xiaoshou's intentions. But don't give him this information until he's finally cornered and asks."

"Please speak, Young Master Li."

Yuegong Li clarified his thoughts and, mimicking Dao Qiongcang's tone, slowly elaborated:

"First, Xu Xiaoshou controls the Heaven Realm's core, and the Divine Relic is his transit point. He has the right not to return Wuxiu to the Dead Sea. Therefore, 'Plan Sixteen' is fundamentally invalid, even if he doesn't know its contents."

"Second, Xu Xiaoshou has encountered Shen Yi and Dao Qiongcang. He will absolutely not clash directly with Ai Cangsen. Tell Ai Cangsen not to even try. At the same time, pay attention to guidance, but note that Xu Xiaoshou will most likely guide not Ai Cangsen, but rather a Half-Saint like Qin Duan—a circuitous, indirect guidance."

"Third, Xu Xiaoshou's goal is indeed to rescue Wuxiu. Therefore, his current strategy is to attract attention. It is correct for Ai Cangsen to remain steadfast and not emerge. If he emerges, Holy Mountain will be vulnerable, and Wuxiu can return. If he doesn't emerge, Holy Mountain can be defended, but Wuxiu won't return, and Xu Xiaoshou will continue to provoke until he does."

Ah Si suddenly looked up, realizing something.

So this was why Young Master Li highly praised Xu Xiaoshou's "dirty" tactics—this was an overt scheme!

But...

What's the point of continuous provocation?

As long as Ai Cangsen can endure it, will Xu Xiaoshou somehow grow stronger through provocation, strong enough to directly defeat Ai Cangsen and take his master away from the mountain?

"It's useful."

Yuegong Li smiled and nodded:

"You don't understand 'fame.' That's why you don't understand why Ba Zun'an cultivates fame, or why Xu Xiaoshou cultivates fame."

"What's more, that flamboyant old Daoist once mentioned to me that he had a subtle feeling: Xu Xiaoshou isn't just cultivating fame; every time he behaves recklessly and unrestrainedly, his strength rapidly increases..."

"Perhaps he's practicing some insights into the Great Dao through his seemingly bizarre behavior, deepening what he saw, felt, and understood in the Divine Relic, turning it to his own use? In any case, this point must be guarded against."

Grandmaster Shou's comprehension is truly terrifying?

Ah Si felt this was no less impressive than "innate in three breaths, Sword Immortal in three years."

"'For a hundred generations, no one like this genius; for ten thousand years, no one higher...' Xu Xiaoshou's words were arrogant, sounding like they came from Ba Zun'an, but they truly described himself." Yuegong Li still gave a high evaluation.

Ah Si was silenced again.

He already felt a bit reluctant to deliver the message.

To offer Ai Cangsen an empty promise, then, having done so, tell him to humble himself and invite Dao Xuanji, only to eventually reveal: "Actually, no matter what you do, it's useless. Xu Xiaoshou is employing an overt scheme: if you advance, he retreats; if you retreat, he advances. You'll never be able to defeat him."

Would Emperor Cangsen truly not thrust an arrow from the Evil Sin Bow directly down his own throat?

Yuegong Li smiled, looking at Ah Si, who was hesitant and about to speak but stopped:

"It's not without a solution, just listen to me finish!"

"The fourth, and final, point: to break Xu Xiaoshou's overt scheme, Ai Cangsen alone isn't enough—Xu Xiaoshou in his perfect state is simply too resilient."

"Holy Mountain must welcome back Elder Yu. Then, one person will guard the Dead Sea, and another will go out to fight and deplete Xu Xiaoshou's condition."

"Those guarding Holy Mountain and the Dead Sea are indispensable, but the one going out to kill can be replaced—it doesn't have to be Elder Yu, but they must be at Elder Yu's level, at least capable of threatening Xu Xiaoshou and wearing him down, not just getting sacrificed or killed."

"When Xu Xiaoshou's condition drops to a critical point, Ai Cangsen himself will know where that critical point is... By then, he can manage both ends: while guarding Holy Mountain, he can assist others in shooting Xu Xiaoshou without needing to go out himself—this is the correct way to use Ai Cangsen!"

Yuegong Li smiled confidently.

The "Ai Cangsen User Manual" he had acquired from Dao Qiongcang previously was absolutely flawless.

Allowing him to leave Holy Mountain and run around, regardless of the reason, would mean the decision-maker was undoubtedly incompetent and foolish.

Making him staunchly defend Holy Mountain, letting others engage, and having him provide arrow support would perfectly unleash the Holy Divine Palace's combat power while boosting morale.

"The Evil Sin Bow's arrows have only two firing methods that maximize their power. Do you know what they are?" Yuegong Li's lips curved slightly, strikingly similar to Dao Qiongcang at that moment.

"What are they?" Ah Si listened attentively, much like Yuegong Li had when humbly seeking knowledge in the past.

"First, if Ai Cangsen remains seated and the Evil Sin Bow is drawn but not fired, the threat is maximized."

"Second, if Ai Cangsen stands, sacrificing a Central Domain, then the attack is maximized."

What kind of statement was that? Ai Cangsen could stand?

After listening, Ah Si silently disregarded this suggestion, finding Young Master Li's previous methods more sound.

An archer needs a pile of meat shields in front of them to absorb damage so their combat power can be unleashed.

Holy Mountain currently lacked meat shields!

But Grandmaster Shou was reputedly a notorious combat monster; his spiritual energy was boundless, and he had comprehended the profound meaning of life, essentially having infinite replenishment.

Meat shields?

There were no shields.

Throwing meat buns at a dog, going never to return—that was more like it.

"I will have Ai Cangsen invite Elder Yu, but Young Master Li, who could 'substitute' for Elder Yu, as you mentioned?" Ah Si frowned.

Yuegong Li mused, actually a bit reluctant to offer advice.

He couldn't control the "extent" of what he was about to say.

If Dao Qiongcang were here, he would definitely filter it through Dao Qiongcang's mind, but Dao Qiongcang wasn't present now...

"Tell him this: the method I'm about to describe should only be used if Elder Yu is long overdue to return—this is crucial! Ai Cangsen can only use it if Elder Yu is absent!"

"What method?"

"The crucial point! Repeat it!"

"Elder Yu is absent?" Ah Si became curious. Was it some trashy method that would harm a thousand enemies but cost eight hundred of their own? Why was Young Master Li so cautious?

But if it was trash, there was no need to speak it and pollute others' ears, right?

Yuegong Li pondered again, and after confirming no one was guiding him, he sighed:

"Using the Holy Edict in the Divine Relic was a mistake, but using it in the Five Domains isn't a bad middle-to-lower-tier strategy to deal with Xu Xiaoshou."

"Of course, one would need to invite a saint of Elder Yu's caliber, but then it's hard to prevent others from being tempted to gain fame by stepping on Xu Xiaoshou, which would instead give Xu Xiaoshou a lot of... fame!"

Issue another Holy Edict... Ah Si nodded gravely, indicating he understood.

"And there's a substitute method, this one!"

"Again, the same condition: only use it if Elder Yu is absent!"

Ah Si nodded emphatically, repeated the crucial point, and, once Young Master Li was reassured, listened intently.

Yuegong Li sat back in his grand chair, gazing at the unruly Grandmaster Shou in the two mirrors before him, extremely hesitant. After a long pause, he finally spoke:

"Open the Dead Sea Forbidden Zone, offer some incentives, and let the monsters within fight Xu Xiaoshou!"

Ah Si's heart tensed.

The monsters in the Dead Sea Forbidden Zone, some of which had been suppressed for unknown ages, what level of beings would be released?

Yuegong Li rubbed his head, saying melancholily: "Don't think about it. Let Ai Cangsen worry about it. We are merely offering suggestions."

"Understood!"

In the water pavilion, a gentle breeze wafted.

After Yuegong Li finished speaking, he suddenly felt vexed, an uncomfortable sensation as if he had been guided by someone.

Was it this physical body, refined by Dao Qiongcang, that was guiding him?

He confirmed, it wasn't.

It must be a whim arising from not being optimistic about the overall situation... Yuegong Li frowned, turning his gaze to the lake, where he saw only natural scenes: dragonflies skimming the water, fish blowing bubbles.

He couldn't discern anything about the world beneath the lake's surface.

"Is this suggestion correct?"

Recalling Xu Xiaoshou's past history of rising in power during battles, practicing the Great Dao, and advancing his cultivation, Yuegong Li suddenly felt he was wrong, terribly wrong.

"Wait! Come back!"

He spoke these words internally.

Yuegong Li looked up; Ah Si hadn't left yet, seemingly waiting for him to change his mind.

Yuegong Li opened his mouth but said nothing, withdrawing his suggestion.

"If only Dao Qiongcang were here."

Leaning on the railing, he gazed at the lake, filled with melancholy.

Yuegong Li felt a bit nostalgic for his childhood.

Growing up was truly unbearable.

"No more thinking. I'm just offering suggestions. Palace Lord Ai is the one who makes the final decision!" Yuegong Li patted his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

Yet, a thought involuntarily surfaced:

If I were Dao Qiongcang, would I propose such a tempting yet riskier suggestion?

Yuegong Li shook his head, clearing his mind, and returned to reality.

I am not Dao Qiongcang.

Dao Qiongcang is not invincible either.

Only the "Dao Qiongcang" deified in people's minds is truly unfathomable.

"Perhaps he's just returned to that level himself. Any suggestions he could offer would be on par with mine!" Yuegong Li quickly turned off the mirror, no longer wanting to watch Xu Xiaoshou show off.

Actually, there was one more thing Yuegong Li hadn't told Ah Si.

His greatest gain in the Divine Relic wasn't acquiring the Eight Divine Ways or current combat power estimates; the key was Sui Yin.

He knew where Sui Yin was!

In the First Heaven, upon entering the nascent Dark Divine Court and battling the Progenitor Vine, Yuegong Li had dropped a Void Giant Lord.

That was the Heavenly Ancestor's divine shed skin, incredibly powerful. The Progenitor Vine would surely be tempted and devour it.

Yuegong Li had intended to use this to leave a mark, and through the World Tree's Progenitor Vine, bypass the Holy Slaves and others at the last moment to obtain the Divine Relic.

What a pity.

Xu Xiaoshou was a variable.

The Progenitor Vine wasn't the key either.

Ran Ming wasn't even there; he hadn't discovered that the Progenitor Vine had acquired his friend's divine shed skin, so he hadn't reacted with fury.

"The scheme failed." Yuegong Li could only lament that he truly wasn't Dao Qiongcang.

But!

Unexpectedly, there was a Sui Yin!

By a strange twist of fate, the Half-Saints, Half-Saint positions, and even the divine shed skin devoured by the Progenitor Vine were all providing nourishment to Sui Yin!

Consequently, the divine shed skin's imprint ended up on Sui Yin, who was currently still wandering.

"Even if my mark is discovered, the weakened incarnation of the Art Ancestor isn't much superior in level to the Heavenly Ancestor's divine shed skin."

"I still have the divine shed skin; I can activate it anytime to find..."

Yuegong Li gazed at the shimmering lake, pondering on whom this move would be best deployed.

Sui Yin had a grudge against Xu Xiaoshou, and also against Dao Qiongcang...

Ah, those are all matters for later. I am more important!

Yuegong Li quickly shook his head, no longer overthinking.

"Ah Si, have you prepared all the sacred medicines I asked for?" He looked back.

"They are ready."

Ah Si took out a ring.

As soon as Young Master Li returned home, he had asked him to prepare sacred medicines for physical recovery and cultivation.

He likely encountered Shen Yi in the Divine Relic and now wants to refine his physical body... Ah Si wrinkled his nose again:

"Young Master Li, before you cultivate, do you truly not need to bathe and change? To be honest, you're a bit smelly."

Yuegong Li burst into laughter upon hearing this. After taking the ring, he waved his hand and said:

"No need. You may go. Be careful not to descend via the Sky Ladder; don't let Xu Xiaoshou notice... I'm going to Barren Mountain."

"What are you going to Barren Mountain for?" Ah Si was puzzled. That was a forbidden area, uninhabited, where spiritual energy and Dao laws were incomplete—not a place for cultivation.

Yuegong Li patted his backside and strode out of the Rain-Listening Pavilion, not looking back as he said:

"I'm tired of living; I'm going to self-destruct."