Chapter 819: Pre-emptive Infiltration

Though Ji Yuan's tone was calm, his words were astonishing.

When his words fell, all the cultivators of the Qian Yuan Sect present were stunned. Black Barrens, also known as Heimen Lingzhou, was an almost unknown territory for many righteous cultivators. Very few had actually visited it, and it was considered highly complex and dangerous.

"Mr. Ji," said another long-bearded elder, "no one has ever fully explored the Black Barrens. The deeper one goes, the closer it becomes to a forbidden land. Countless demons, monsters, and ghosts reside there, along with an unknown number of hidden grotto-heavens, evil domains, and sources of filth. For many years, both Barrens have been considered taboo..."

The speaker was another long-bearded elder. He knew that some things might be inconvenient for the Qian Yuan Sect to say at that moment, as it would appear disheartening, so he spoke up to offer a reminder.

Ji Yuan, of course, understood their concerns. He nodded and said,

"Ancient legends say the Black Barrens are vast and a cruel land of demons. While the Southern Barrens Mountains in Nanhuan Continent are mentioned alongside the Black Barrens as 'the Two Barrens,' they cannot compare. It's naturally impossible for us to eradicate all the demons in the Black Barrens with our current strength."

After a pause, Ji Yuan continued,

"However, the demons and monsters of the Black Barrens are not united. This time, Black Barrens demons ravaged Tianyu Continent. Cultivators from Tianyu Continent will pursue them into the Black Barrens, slay the offending creatures, and rescue the abducted people. Beyond that, I also hope that we not only rescue the people of Tianyu Continent but also destroy some of the so-called 'Human-Beast Nations' and free those held within."

Ji Yuan recalled how complex his feelings were when he first learned about the Human-Beast Nations, though he hadn't shown excessive emotion in front of Master Yin. At the time, he lacked the power to act, but this, clearly, was an opportunity.

Ji Yuan further added,

"From what I understand, many creatures in the Black Barrens harbor animosity towards each other, and countless are selfish. We will use lightning-fast force to slay the demons who caused havoc in Tianyu Continent, relieve the suffering of its people, turn the Black Barrens upside down, and then withdraw..."

"But if we cause such a commotion in the Black Barrens, how could the countless creatures there simply stand by?" a cultivator couldn't help but ask. Ji Yuan hadn't yet spoken when Dao Yuanzi said thoughtfully,

"Not so. It would be too difficult for us to completely cleanse the Black Barrens. Even if we could, it wouldn't happen overnight, and it would easily provoke a siege from all the demons there. But as Mr. Ji said, the demons of the Black Barrens prioritize their own interests. If we strike with thunderous force, then afterwards..."

Dao Yuanzi looked at the Old Beggar. The Old Beggar's heart stirred slightly. After glancing at Ji Yuan, he continued,

"After we retreat, the Black Barrens demons will likely be busy fighting over the vacant spoils! And even if we make enemies of the Black Barrens, hmph, do you really think Tianyu Continent could ever live in peace with them from now on?"

The Old Beggar's words were a stark reality that awakened many. Even some of the more hot-tempered cultivators spoke out indignantly.

"Exactly! Even now, demons from the Black Barrens continue to commit evil in Tianyu Continent. How can we let this go unpunished?"

"Indeed, this proposal perfectly aligns with my wishes. Without it, our hatred would be hard to appease!"

"Sect Master, what do you think?"

"Yes, Sect Master, we all obey your decree."

Ji Yuan remained silent at this point. After all, the Qian Yuan Sect's decisions rested with Dao Yuanzi, and the Qian Yuan Sect could influence, even determine, the intentions of many immortal cultivation factions, large and small.

Dao Yuanzi had already made up his mind. He looked at Ji Yuan and said,

"As for the other sects and factions, my Qian Yuan Sect will inform them. Whether they come or not is another matter, but my Qian Yuan Sect will certainly go to the Black Barrens to rescue people. However, the situation in Tianyu Continent is not yet stable, so we cannot commit all our strength. Furthermore, charging into the Black Barrens with full force would be too ostentatious, and without a clear target, we could easily get bogged down. Mr. Ji, do you have a plan?"

Ji Yuan had already thought this through before coming. He directly stated,

"I once managed to control some demons, making them cooperative. I will personally ascertain their location in the Black Barrens and the position of the Human-Beast Nations. Time is pressing, so I might not be able to participate in the Tianyu Continent's righteous factions' meeting and discussions."

"You'll investigate yourself, Mr. Ji? Are you planning to infiltrate the Black Barrens first?"

When Dao Yuanzi asked this, Ji Yuan nodded. In theory, that was roughly the idea.

"That could work. With your cultivation, Mr. Ji, you can handle any unforeseen circumstances. At worst, no one should be able to stop you."

The Old Beggar slapped his thigh.

"Then what are we waiting for, Senior Brother? Time is of the essence. Quickly gather our fellow cultivators from Tianyu Continent to discuss this cross-sea expedition! These fiends dare to disrupt the fate of Tianyu Continent; we must make them realize our power!"

"Very well. Mr. Ji, is there anything else you need our assistance with?"

Ji Yuan shook his head.

"For this task, fewer is better than more, and precision is better than numbers. Otherwise, it's easy to be discovered. It's better if..."

Before Ji Yuan could finish, the Old Beggar interjected, taking over the conversation.

"Exactly, exactly! It's better if Mr. Ji and I go together. Senior Brother, quickly inform our fellow cultivators. Don't let Mr. Ji and me be sweeping through demon caves and devil dens, only to find no immortal light arriving from afar."

Originally, Ji Yuan had planned to go alone, but there was no harm in the Old Beggar accompanying him. Dao Yuanzi also understood his junior brother's temperament and said nothing more.

"In that case, Mr. Ji, Junior Brother, please be careful."

No one said anything further. After Dao Yuanzi's final words set the tone, Ji Yuan and the Old Beggar bid farewell to the esteemed cultivators of the Qian Yuan Sect and departed from Mount Fa. Soon after, streaks of sword light and escaping beams soared from Mount Fa, gathering fellow cultivators across Tianyu Continent through various means.

The Old Beggar and Ji Yuan were going to the Black Barrens together, and naturally, they wouldn't bring their two disciples. After their escaping lights flew out from Qian Yuan Sect's Mount Fa, Ji Yuan continuously urged his magic power to increase their speed.

"Mr. Ji, I know you must have figured out how to infiltrate the Black Barrens. Shouldn't you reveal your plan now?"

Ji Yuan glanced at the Old Beggar, then looked distantly towards the direction Old Ox was guarding.

"Demons and evil cultivators have established many secret passages in Tianyu Continent. Although many have been destroyed, a considerable number are still active. I know of a relatively hidden passage where demons should be transporting people by boat these past two days. I have my own way to enter safely."

"I see. Then I'll follow your arrangements."

Ji Yuan, of course, trusted the Old Beggar completely. He then briefly mentioned Niu Batian and Shi Jiu, giving a heads-up to prevent the Old Beggar from accidentally harming them. As for the subsequent invasion of the Black Barrens, Old Ox and the others would naturally flee beforehand.

In truth, Ji Yuan was well aware that although he spoke of turning the Black Barrens upside down, judging by the Qian Yuan Sect's reaction, the combined might of Tianyu Continent's righteous factions, though strong, probably wouldn't have a massive impact on the Black Barrens.

Nevertheless, even so, achieving Ji Yuan's two main objectives wouldn't be an issue. One was, of course, to rescue the numerous citizens of Tianyu Continent and, as much as possible, dismantle some of the so-called Human-Beast Nations. The other was to severely damage the demons belonging to the Heavenly Revelation Alliance or those closely associated with it.

This was an excellent opportunity to cripple the Heavenly Revelation Alliance, or at least eliminate most of its so-called core members.

Three days later, outside the underground array where Niu Batian was located, a faint demonic cloud slowly approached. The already gloomy weather provided perfect cover for the cloud.

At one point, Old Ox, who had been lounging in his chair with legs crossed, suddenly sat up. After glancing skyward, he called out towards the stone chamber.

"Mr. Ji, Immortal Lu, they're here."

Ji Yuan and the Old Beggar, who had been meditating side-by-side with closed eyes, now opened them and rose together. By the time they slowly emerged from the stone chamber, they had transformed into two beautiful young women, precisely the two Old Ox had asked Lu Shan Jun to send away earlier.

Ji Yuan and Lu Niansheng were extraordinary individuals, masters of profound cultivation. In Niu Batian's eyes, their transformation abilities were almost divine. Despite being mentally prepared, when the two emerged, Old Ox's eyes still widened in amazement.

There was no trace of illusion whatsoever. Moreover, judging by his description, their transformed appearances were almost identical to his memory from a few days ago. Old Ox certainly couldn't tell the difference, let alone detect any discrepancy in their auras.

"Uh, you two, la- ladies..."

The woman in white shot Old Ox a sideways glance.

"Where's your usual cleverness? Don't give us away."

Old Ox scratched the back of his head, quickly composed himself, and regained his composure. Then, waiting for the demonic cloud to approach, he opened the array before the demon on the cloud even spoke.

"Hahahahaha, many thanks, Brother Ox!"

The demon's laughter echoed, the same one as last time. Old Ox responded loudly,

"No need to be polite, Brother Ma. Is this the last trip today? I'm about to close the array."

"It's the last one. Staying any longer would be dangerous. I don't want to die in Tianyu Continent."

As he answered, a demonic cloud slowly descended, bearing several massive wooden boats. Onboard were people, some filled with terror, others with numb expressions, all of them silent.

"Brother Ma, please slow down for a moment. Allow me to seal the outer entrance, then I'll leave with you."

"Alright, I don't have the array flag, so I won't help."

"Hahaha... It'll only take a moment."

Holding the array flag, Old Ox manipulated his demonic magic with broad, sweeping gestures that appeared wild but controlled the array with meticulous precision. In just a moment, the array was sealed, and the area above the cavern slowly darkened.

"Rumble, rumble, rumble..."

After flashes of various magical lights, a massive boulder slowly covered the cavern entrance, completely blocking out the daylight. The area below plunged into darkness, and the eyes of some demons by the boats glowed eerily, appearing terrifying in the dark. The people on the boats visibly stirred for a moment.

The two "girls" beside Old Ox instinctively recoiled behind him.

"Brother Ox, get on board."

"Alright!"

Old Ox, with a gust of demonic wind, swept the two women beside him towards the large boat where the Horse Demon was, landing steadily onboard.

The Horse Demon looked at the two women, who were neatly dressed. Their faces were pale, clearly very frightened.

"What's there to be afraid of? As long as you serve me well, no one will eat you, heh heh heh. Brother Ma, are there many beauties in that Human-Beast Nation?"

The Horse Demon withdrew his gaze and nodded.

"Of course, they're all tender-skinned and delicate!"