Chapter 435: Defense Talismans and Summoning Talismans
Ji Zhi wasn’t surprised by the multiverse representatives signing the framework agreement—he had already foreseen today’s outcome with his Double Pupils ability. In truth, Ji Zhi had drafted this framework single-handedly, with Jiang Li merely reviewing it. Signing the agreement filled Ji Zhi with a sense of accomplishment.
Jiang Li used magic to make six copies, distributing them to the representatives who treated them as priceless treasures, carefully storing them away with plans to either establish historical museums or guard them as world-protecting artifacts.
Jiang Li continued, “Now we proceed to the second agenda: exploration plans for the four unknown worlds.”
“Ten years ago, Brahma Tower opened six spatial passages connecting six worlds. I’ve already explored Mingzhong World and Zombie World, leaving four still uncharted.”
“I’m ultimately just one man with limited capacity. As we’re destined to discover more worlds in the future, exploration won’t fall solely on my shoulders but on all present here today.”
The assembly recognized this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Four unknown worlds meant infinite possibilities—whoever explored them first could gain strategic advantages and establish friendly relations. When the Nine Provinces eventually established diplomatic ties with these worlds, interactions wouldn’t occur at the world level but through individual organizations leveraging their established connections for immeasurable benefits.
Someone voiced concern: “Shouldn’t world exploration be entrusted to Tribulation Transcendence Stage experts?” Unknown worlds promised opportunities but also dangers. While Mingzhong World’s greatest threat was Unity Stage demonic beasts, Zombie World had fifth-tier zombies comparable to Divine Transformation cultivators, and Huanyu World had twelve Divine Transformation cultivators—all manageable by a Unity Stage expert.
But exceptions existed. Rumors spoke of a self-proclaimed Celestial Venerable at Tribulation Transcendence Stage in Tongu World, and the Zhu Yan at Tribulation Transcendence Stage in Lingxi World. Facing such enemies would require the Human Sovereign’s protection for any chance of survival.
“Sword Sovereign is devoted to his sword path and unwilling to be distracted. Bai Hongtu is currently designing the Nine Provinces Spirit Plant Array and can’t leave. Yu Yin, as empress, has no spare time. Commander Liu must remain at Human Sovereign Hall in my stead. Only Sect Master Li Er is available to oversee one world.”
Mention of the Nine Provinces Spirit Plant Array made some representatives lower their heads guiltily, avoiding Jiang Li’s gaze. They remembered how Bai Hongtu had dragged everyone—including Jiang Li—into a communication channel where they discussed using the array against Jiang Li. They desperately wished Su Wei could provide them Forget-Regret Medicine.
Unaware of their thoughts, Jiang Li continued, “Moreover, you needn’t worry—you won’t be exploring alone. Four immortal artifacts will accompany you.” The crowd relaxed at this reassurance.
“To further ensure safety, Sect Master Bai Hongtu has created a special Defense Talisman. Once activated, not even a Celestial Immortal could breach its protection, with no time limit.” The assembly gasped, turning astonished eyes toward Bai Hongtu—when had his talisman skills advanced to such incredible levels? Absolute invincibility!
Bai Hongtu gave Jiang Li a peculiar look—His Excellency certainly knew how to omit key details. Even the usually expressionless Yu Yin covered her mouth to suppress a chuckle, curious to see people’s reactions when using these talismans.
“Bai Hongtu hasn’t only made breakthroughs with Defense Talismans but also with Summoning Talismans.” Jiang Li produced four talismans. “These modified directional summoning talismans can summon Sword Sovereign, Bai Hongtu, Yu Yin…” He paused, “…and me across any distance.”
The room erupted. Greedy eyes fixed on the talismans—with the Human Sovereign himself as backup, why fear Tribulation Transcendence enemies? Even hordes of Outer Realm Demons would tremble before them! Their confidence soared, imagining charging straight into demon strongholds.
The talismans had two activation methods: when the user’s cultivation surpassed the summoned (like Jiang Li summoning Bai Hongtu), allowing unrestricted summoning; or when the user’s cultivation was lower, requiring the summoned party’s consent. Jiang Li had already secured agreements from Sword Sovereign and others for emergency assistance.
Sword Sovereign readily agreed—being summoned directly into battle suited him perfectly. Bai Hongtu and Yu Yin also consented, though their reasoning differed—who would summon them when Jiang Li was available?
With all concerns alleviated, representatives competed fiercely to become the first Nine Provinces native setting foot in these new worlds.
“Wishful Gourd, Great Scholar’s Manuscript, Dragon Pearls, Other Mountain Stone—you four know the unknown worlds best. Choose your teams.”
Wishful Gourd blurted, “No need to choose—I want the Joyous Sect!” Yu Yin glared coldly at the gourd before asking Li Er, “Daoist Li Er, could you accompany this gourd?”
Li Er agreed indifferently. The gourd drooped dejectedly—instead of beautiful ladies, it got a burly man with chest hair. But its master’s word was law. It muttered, “Not completely unknown—they’ve got beast-eared human variants there.” Li Er’s eyes lit up.
Great Scholar’s Manuscript bypassed Confucian sects to select the more suitable Spirit Herb Sect. After brief discussion, the four Dragon Pearls requested: “Human Sovereign, our world suits Great Zhou best, but may we bring our dragon kin too?”
Jiang Li understood this natural favoritism: “Multiple organizations may participate, but don’t neglect duties to favor your kin. I’ll review your reports afterward.” The pearls clinked together gratefully since they lacked hands for bowing.
Finally, Other Mountain Stone chose: “Tianji Tower—they excel at intelligence gathering.” Tower Master Tianming Daoist accepted. “And the retired Pavilion Master of Heaven’s Kill Pavilion.”
The surprised Pavilion Master—thinking himself irrelevant since his organization’s dissolution—had been contemplating opening a counseling service with his sister. He accepted the mission.
After final instructions, Jiang Li concluded: “With both agendas addressed and no further business, this assembly stands adjourned.”