Chapter 302: Bai Hongtu’s Grand Plan

In the pitch-black space, fluorescent lights flickered like stars in the night—dazzling to the extreme.

The fluorescent light gradually condensed into figure after figure—tall and imposing like pillars holding up the heavens, seemingly indestructible.

These figures were of all kinds—men and women, old and young, with various expressions. Some focused on cultivation, some looked around out of boredom, some bowed their heads deep in contemplation over the mysteries of swordsmanship, and some were wrapped in the arms of lovers.

If a low-level cultivator saw this scene, they would surely be overwhelmed by the sheer presence of these figures, trembling with fear.

These were all famed cultivators in the Nine Provinces—leaders of great powers like the sect masters of the Six Major Sects and the emperors of the Nine Dynasties. When such people gathered, it was inevitably to discuss events that would decide the fate of the entire Nine Provinces.

“Today, I invited you all here using the Remote Communication Talismans. I believe everyone knows the reason well.” A figure opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade—it was none other than the Dao Sect Master, the unparalleled genius at the peak of the Tribulation Stage: Bai Hongtu!

At Jiang Li’s suggestion, Bai Hongtu had poured heart and soul into crafting the Remote Communication Talismans and sent them out to the leaders of major powers.

“Emperor of Mengjiang, Wei Emperor—please, show some decorum and stop bringing concubines to serious strategy meetings.” Bai Hongtu couldn’t help but remind them.

The two figures cuddling with beauties were, sure enough, the Emperor of Mengjiang and the Wei Emperor.

“Oh.” The Emperor of Mengjiang admitted his mistake and left the concubine’s chamber.

The Wei Emperor also admitted his mistake and left the Hehuan Sect.

“Didn’t you call us here to say that your sect’s Yin-Yang Heaven Seal Ancestor had made a major breakthrough in the Spiritual Treasure cultivation method?”

Bai Hongtu nodded. “Yes, indeed. The Yin-Yang Heaven Seal Ancestor has been fasting, sleepless, and tirelessly working. With ideas and data gathered from across the Nine Provinces, the Spiritual Treasure cultivation method has now reached a whole new level.”

Yu Yin opened her mouth, wanting to ask why Spiritual Treasures would need to eat or sleep, but seeing how serious Bai Hongtu was, she held back her sarcasm.

“With this new method, Spiritual Treasures can level up—for example, a low-grade spiritual tool can cultivate into a mid-grade one, and a mid-grade magic tool can cultivate into a high-grade one.”

“Can they leap tiers?” someone asked.

Bai Hongtu gave a definite answer. “Yes. A high-grade spiritual tool can cultivate into a low-grade magic tool.”

Everyone inhaled sharply. This was a true breakthrough. With this new Spiritual Treasure cultivation method, the overall strength of the Nine Provinces would increase dramatically.

“The specific method will be made public by the Dao Sect in the near future.” Bai Hongtu paused and continued, “But that’s just the surface reason. There’s a more important reason why I’ve gathered you all.”

Everyone held their breath. If even the breakthrough in Spiritual Treasure cultivation was just a surface reason, then what on earth was Bai Hongtu planning?

Thump, thump, thump… For a moment, the dark space was filled only with heavy breathing and the sound of pounding hearts.

“I’m inviting you all to join me in defeating Jiang Li!”

“……”

“Meeting’s over. I’ve got concubines to attend to,” said the Emperor of Mengjiang, turning to leave.

“Don’t call me for these things again—I need to focus on sword cultivation,” Sword Sovereign muttered, returning to his study.

“Master Bai, when people are killed, they die. Cultivators are people too. Life is precious and should be cherished,” said Lord Wuzhi earnestly.

“Sect Master Bai, go ahead. I promise I won’t tell Jiang Li anything,” Holy Maiden Jingxin said as she secretly held a recording stone, ready to document everything.

“Please hear me out!” Bai Hongtu quickly pleaded.

“Yes, Jiang Li is terrifying—but that’s no reason to retreat. As cultivators, we must face battle with courage, push past limits, and surpass ourselves. Only then can we walk the path of immortality swiftly, righteously, and resolutely!”

“But we’re scared that challenging Human Sovereign Jiang means we’ll just drop dead on the path to immortality.”

“Just be honest.” Yu Yin rolled her eyes. The more righteously Bai Hongtu spoke, the less believable he seemed.

“I can’t beat him alone, so I want to team up with all of you…”

“To die together?” Ji Zhi cut in.

Bai Hongtu glared. “To defeat Jiang Li!”

“The truth is, Jiang Li isn’t invincible. From what I remember, he was chased into a demotion during the Foundation Establishment Stage. At the Golden Core Stage, he was poisoned and nearly died. At the Nascent Soul Stage, he was almost killed by a beast. At the Soul Transformation Stage, he challenged an Integration cultivator and barely lost…”

“Can you mention something from the past three hundred years?” Li Er couldn’t help but interrupt.

“At the Great Ascension Stage, he was… um… Anyway, the point is, he’s not unbeatable. If we find the right method, we can win!” Bai Hongtu concluded.

“I already have a general idea—Jiang Li would never expect that I got inspiration from the Tongu World.”

“What kind of inspiration?” Island Lord Mo of Penglai asked curiously.

“Spirit Plant Arrays,” Bai Hongtu answered.

“During the two years Jiang Li was off in the Tongu Continent, I traveled across every river and mountain of the Nine Provinces, measuring its length and width with my own feet. I even visited the Four Seas on the backside of the continent.”

“The bigger the array, the harder it is to set up. The Nine Provinces Barrier Array is a prime example. But it’s much easier if we modify existing spirit plants rather than creating something from nothing.”

“According to my calculations, we absolutely can set up a grand formation that harnesses the power of the entire Nine Provinces. And the power of that array… exceeds the range of my calculations!”

“You know what that means? If we can set up this formation and channel the full might of the Nine Provinces into me, there’s a chance—a chance—that we could beat Jiang Li!” Bai Hongtu waved his arms, thrilled by his own brilliance.

“Only with power beyond calculation can we fight a man beyond calculation!”

To be honest, everyone was tempted.

Bai Hongtu’s plan sounded highly plausible. His mastery of formations was unmatched in the Nine Provinces. If he said it could be done, then it could be done.

Imagine—if they really defeated Jiang Li, how glorious would that be? They could brag for centuries: “I once helped take down Human Sovereign Jiang!”

“Some spirit plant positions need to be changed. I’ll need your help.”

“Piece of cake. The Martial Dynasty will assist,” replied the Martial Emperor.

“I also support Sect Master Bai’s plan,” said the Yong Emperor.

“The Great Sui…”

“The Four Seas Dragon Palaces…”

“Penglai Immortal Island…”

“The Mortal World Celestial Lands are in too,” said Holy Maiden Jingxin, already picturing Jiang Li defeated and heartbroken—she’d swoop in and win his heart…

Feasible!

“I’m in too,” Yu Yin said. She had long wanted to challenge Jiang Li but lacked the strength. Even if he agreed to fight her, it’d just be a warm-up for him.

She hoped that through Bai Hongtu’s plan, she could witness Jiang Li’s limits and better define her own goals.

Gradually, more and more figures raised their hands in support, making Bai Hongtu more and more excited.

Victory over Jiang Li was within reach!

Everyone exchanged smiles, their expressions growing increasingly twisted…

“I shall name this operation: The Jiang Li Conquest Campaign! Any objections?”

“I have a question.” A figure that hadn’t spoken the entire time raised their hand.

“Speak.” Bai Hongtu welcomed all voices.

“Next time you plan something like this… could you not include me?” Jiang Li, sitting quietly in the corner, asked awkwardly.