Chapter 512: Emperor San's Unexpected Strategy

Ever since the high-level meeting of the Grand Dao Sect concluded that day, this unknown strange illness began spreading throughout the sect at an alarming rate.

Even though decrees had been issued in advance, instructing disciples to take extra precautions, isolate themselves as much as possible, and avoid going out or contacting others.

Various elixirs were also distributed to all disciples as needed.

Yet...

All these measures proved futile!

The strange illness's transmission speed and its lethality towards lower-ranked cultivators far exceeded the imagination of the Grand Dao Sect's high-ranking members.

In less than a month, almost all Grand Dao Sect disciples contracted this strange illness. And not all disciples were fortunate enough to receive a divine medicine like the Fortune Purple Gold Elixir.

Ordinary elixirs, in the face of this strange illness, offered little more than placebo effects.

Cultivators' survival depended entirely on their individual luck.

Those with mild infections gradually recovered after a period of suffering. Although their cultivation levels dropped, at least their lives were saved.

Many more, however, experienced severe symptoms. Despite employing all their life-saving techniques and secret arts, they failed to survive.

What was worse, everyone within the Grand Dao Sect was now in self-preservation mode.

Even if someone died, no one dared to collect their body. Instead, from a safe distance and with proper protection, they used spells to completely incinerate the corpses, serving as makeshift funerals.

Within the Grand Dao Sect, a pall of gloom hung heavy, and wails of sorrow were ceaseless.

It was truly hard to imagine that this was one of the most powerful sects in the cultivation world.

If the Grand Dao Sect was in such a state, one could easily infer the misery in other places.

On this day, Sect Master Ji Changxi once again summoned Senior Sister Zhao and Li Fan to the sect's main hall to discuss the strange illness.

"Cough, cough..."

Upon entering the hall, one could hear a chorus of coughs coming from all directions.

The elders and Sect Master Ji Changxi no longer looked as vibrant as before.

They were sickly, only managing to force themselves to appear energetic.

Many elders were simply lying down, with several puppets around them gently massaging and tapping, while they occasionally groaned.

Although they were all in the same hall, Li Fan noticed that they had isolated themselves from each other using restrictions and formations.

"How have you two been feeling lately?" Sect Master Ji asked.

"Thank you for your concern, Sect Master," Senior Sister Zhao replied, bowing her head. "Over the past month, we've each taken three Fortune Purple Gold Elixirs. Li Fan and I are now mostly fine. Most of our symptoms have disappeared, and we expect a full recovery soon."

"Cough, cough," Ji Changxi said with a solemn expression. "While that's good news, you must not let your guard down in the future and continue to prioritize personal protection. Based on current observations, even after recovering from this strange illness, one can experience secondary or even multiple infections..."

Senior Sister Zhao's expression subtly changed.

However, before she could react, Ji Changxi spoke again: "I've summoned you today because I have a task for you."

"After a period of investigation, we've reached a preliminary conclusion regarding the origin of this strange illness."

Li Fan immediately listened intently.

"We previously suspected that this illness was caused by an Immortal Venerable reversing a certain principle of heaven and earth. It wasn't until recently that we finally pinpointed which principle it was."

"In the eyes of cultivators, mortals are like ants. But with the emergence of this illness, even mortals can slay immortals!" A flicker of irrepressible anger crossed Ji Changxi's eyes.

"The strange illness actually originated from a plague that circulated among mortals a few years ago."

"Originally, it couldn't harm us cultivators at all. But after some manipulation by this Immortal Venerable, it underwent a qualitative change. Now, it poses a threat to our lives."

"Heh, it can truly be called the 'Immortal Plague' now."

"I don't know what this Immortal realm expert was thinking, or what their true purpose is in trying to push us to extinction. But the current situation is getting a little out of control."

"Out of control?" Senior Sister Zhao was taken aback. "Has this Immortal Plague really developed to such an extent?"

Ji Changxi shook his head. "You've been staying within the sect and are unaware of what has transpired outside over the past month."

"The origin of the Immortal Plague, that it comes from mortals, is no longer a secret. This knowledge has already spread among the cultivation community."

"Those cultivators who are dying from the Immortal Plague, to vent their rage, have begun wantonly slaughtering mortals. Down the mountain, it's virtually a scene of purgatory."

"Instead of finding trouble with that Immortal Venerable, they're taking their anger out on mortals. Bullying the weak and fearing the strong—they're truly a bunch of good-for-nothing cowards who deserve to die!" A cold glint flashed in Senior Sister Zhao's beautiful eyes upon hearing this.

Ji Changxi, however, said at this point, "It's normal for those on the verge of death to lose their minds. We can't entirely blame them."

"However, the rampant slaughter of mortals is indeed excessive. The Immortal Plague is deeply embedded within mortal bodies; even if a mortal dies, the plague doesn't dissipate. Instead, it disperses everywhere, spreading to various locations."

"Furthermore, if they truly manage to wipe out all mortals, how would we sustain..."

Ji Changxi paused slightly.

"Therefore, this insane behavior must be stopped."

"All the elders are currently occupied with researching and finding ways to combat the Immortal Plague, so they can't spare any time. After much consideration, this important task can only be entrusted to the two of you."

"Of course, the Profound Yellow Realm is vast, and you two alone won't be enough. Not only our Grand Dao Sect but other sects will also dispatch disciples to save mortal lives."

Senior Sister Zhao first acknowledged the command, then raised her concerns: "In the past, those cultivators might have feared the reputation of our Ten Immortal Dao Sects and ceased their slaughter of mortals. But now, most of these frenzied cultivators are severely ill..."

Ji Changxi understood her meaning and waved his hand to interrupt her, saying, "There's no need to waste words on those who have completely lost their minds; simply kill them. As for the others, you can inform them that our Ten Immortal Dao Sects have devised a method to counter the Immortal Plague. Tell them to wait patiently and to stop creating innocent bloodshed."

Upon hearing this, Senior Sister Zhao's expression turned somewhat odd. "Have we really found a way to deal with the Immortal Plague?" she asked.

To her surprise, Ji Changxi nodded slightly. "It was an Immortal Beast from the Beast Control Sect who proposed the idea. Since the Immortal Plague originates from mortals, and mortals cannot be completely exterminated, we simply need to banish them all to the various affiliated grotto-heavens and minor worlds of the Profound Yellow Realm."

"Without mortals in the main Profound Yellow Realm, the concentration of the Immortal Plague is expected to decrease significantly. After that, completely eradicating its effects won't be difficult. At the very least, it should allow us cultivators to live normal lives."

"Although the practical feasibility of this plan is still under discussion and evaluation, it should not be a major problem."

"The Great Migration Plan..."

"Just tell those cultivators this! With even a glimmer of hope, they shouldn't act so crazily."