Chapter 142: Split into two groups, aiming at the Western Regions

A few days later, in the core area of ​​Jiuxiao Palace - Yunxiao Palace.

The usually solemn and dignified hall now held a solemn and thronged atmosphere. Representatives from various factions across the spiritual realm gathered there, each a powerful figure whose mere stomping of their feet could cause a stir in their respective territories. From the Zhongzhou Dynasty came Prince Jing, clad in a four-clawed golden dragon robe, a towering presence. From the Western Buddhist Kingdom came Arhat Huijue, draped in a worn yet pristine golden robe. His face was as withered as an ancient tree, yet his eyes were clear and wise, shimmering with the Buddha's light. From the Dongzhou Star Palace came an old man with white hair and beard, clutching a star compass. He was Elder Xuanji, one of the Palace's three elders. From the Southern Wilderness Demon Territory came a Red-Eyed Demon King, his aura unruly and a faint shimmer of crimson flames. Furthermore, there were leaders and core elders from dozens of leading sects, including the Xuanyun Sect's leader (who arrived in person, filled with both pride and concern for his disciple, Ye Li), the Bishui Pavilion's leader (who had mixed feelings but firmly supported Qin Yixuan), and others.

Everyone's gaze, filled with scrutiny, anticipation, and a subtle hint of anxiety, focused on the main seat. There, two women sat side by side. One was Qin Yixuan, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady, who had fully adapted to the power and status of the Xuannv after her return to power. She sat upright on the jade throne, exuding an invisible aura of majesty and compassion. The other, sitting to her side and below, was Ye Li. Her face was still a little pale, but her aura was as deep and profound as the abyss, and her eyes were as sharp as a sword.

Qin Yixuan's gaze swept calmly across the room, unfazed by the presence of the numerous powerful figures. She once again systematically and clearly organized and presented the intelligence she currently possessed regarding the Shadow Demon and the Eclipse Plan. Not only did she describe it verbally, but she also used the power of the Mystic Goddess to conjure images of light and shadow in the air, showcasing the lingering evil aura of the purified Eclipse God Seal. She even allowed several representatives to carefully probe it with their spiritual senses, experiencing its sinister and stubborn nature, as well as the terrifying will within it that transcended ordinary demonic energy and seemed to originate from another world.

"...In summary," Qin Yixuan's voice was clear and steady, echoing in the silent hall, and every word seemed to carry a thousand pounds of weight, "The Shadow Demon Organization is not a mob. It has a strict structure, acts secretly, and has a wide range of infiltration. According to the analysis of existing intelligence, their primary goal seems to be to systematically collect the essence, blood, and soul that contain powerful potential and luck. At the same time, they are also frantically searching for some... key things." When she said this, she glanced at Ye Li beside her vaguely.

The "key item" she was referring to was naturally the fragment of the Samsara Mirror that Ye Li was searching for. This matter concerned Ye Li's core secrets and safety, so it hadn't been fully revealed in such a public setting. However, core allies like the Yaoguang Palace Master, the Xuanyun Sect Master, the Bishui Pavilion Master, and several faction leaders had already learned some of the details privately and sworn a Heavenly Oath to keep it secret.

Ye Li interjected at the right moment, her voice a touch cold but equally arresting. "During my battle with the Ghost-Faced Man, and later when I was purifying the demonic seal within Xuannv's body, I discovered that a secret treasure I carried was extremely sensitive to demonic energy and spatial fluctuations." She omitted the name of the Samsara Mirror. "According to its sensings, deep within the Black Desert of the Western Regions and near the Cave of Ten Thousand Bones, not only is demonic energy concentrated like an abyss, but there is also an extremely special and powerful spatial fluctuation. It's completely different from ordinary secret realms, filled with an aura of chaos and destruction. It's very likely a vital lair of the Shadow Demons, perhaps even a key location for some of their core rituals."

Upon hearing this, Huijue Arhat, the representative of the Western Buddhist Kingdom, chanted a low Buddhist chant. His voice resounded like a bell, filled with sorrow and solemnity. "Amitabha. Fairy Yeli's perception is correct. The Black Desert is the remnant of a crucial battlefield from the ancient battle between immortals and demons. Countless bones are buried beneath the ground, and a sinister aura has accumulated for millennia, lingering for generations, making it difficult for ordinary creatures to approach. The Ten Thousand Bone Cave is the most notorious of these locations. Legend has it that this is where a great demonic figure fell. The lingering spirits and deadly energy have transformed into liquid, breeding countless bizarre and ferocious creatures. Our Buddhist ancestors have repeatedly organized forces to clear out and purify this area, but the terrain is complex, demons are surging, and some force seems to be secretly guiding them. Each clearing operation has been as fruitless as burning weeds, which will only grow again in the spring breeze. If the Shadow Demon has established its base here, exploiting its natural environment, it will be extremely difficult to deal with. As a Buddhist disciple, I feel obligated to purify the demonic land. I am willing to lead the coalition forces and investigate!"

His words resonated with many people present, especially those forces that had some knowledge of the Western Regions. They all nodded with solemn expressions.

What followed was a heated discussion and strategic deployment. Representatives from various factions spoke one after another. Some advocated concentrating their forces and attacking the Western Region directly, destroying the Shadow Demon's core with a thunderous force. Others believed that the Shadow Demon had three burrows and that they should divide their forces to eliminate the exposed strongholds in each region, breaking their wings before attacking the core. Still others worried that this was a tactic of the Shadow Demon to lure the tiger away from the mountain, fearing that the tiger would take advantage of the opportunity to invade.

The debate in the hall lasted for nearly a day. Finally, after comprehensive consideration by the Lord of Yaoguang Palace, Qin Yixuan, Ye Li and several respected people (such as Huijue Arhat and King Jing of Zhongzhou), a relatively safe plan with strategic depth was decided: to form a coalition of demon-slaying forces from the spiritual world, divide the troops into two groups, and fight together.

The first route, led by the Lord of Yaoguang Palace himself, will unite some elite legions of the Zhongzhou Dynasty, the Dongzhou Star Palace formation team, some demon forces in the Southern Wilderness, and some nearby sect forces. They will be responsible for clearing out the exposed or highly suspected Shadow Demon strongholds in Zhongzhou, Dongzhou, and Southern Wilderness, rescuing any geniuses who may still be alive, and continuing to dig deep for intelligence to attract and distract the Shadow Demon's attention as much as possible, while ensuring stability in the rear.

The second route, the main force and spearhead of this operation, was led by Qin Yixuan, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady, personally, using her divine power to restrain demonic energy and boost morale. Huijue Arhat of the Western Buddhist Kingdom served as deputy commander, leveraging his familiarity with the Western Regions and his Buddhist abilities to restrain demons. Ye Li served as the core combat force and intelligence advisor, drawing on his formidable personal strength, understanding of the Shadow Demons, and the intelligence support of Youge. Envoy Yunying (whose injuries had largely recovered thanks to the continued healing power of the Mysterious Lady) led the elite troops of the Nine Heavens Heavenly Palace. This elite Western Region coalition, supplemented by the most elite cultivators drawn from various factions (required to be at least at the Yuandan realm and proficient in combat or special skills), formed a direct assault on the Western Regions with a clear objective: the Black Desert and the Ten Thousand Bone Caves! Their mission was to eliminate the Shadow Demon's key strongholds in the Western Regions, destroy its rituals, and uncover key clues to the plan to combat the Eclipse Realm (namely, the fragments of the Samsara Mirror and related information).

With the decision made, the coalition began to form with astonishing efficiency. Qin Yixuan invoked the power of the Mysterious Woman to bestow a powerful "Mysterious Woman Blessing" upon all members of the Western Region coalition who were about to embark on the expedition. This blessing not only significantly increased the recipient's spiritual energy recovery rate but also formed an invisible sacred shield, effectively resisting the erosion of demonic energy and the bewitching influence of the mind, even having a deterrent and purifying effect on low-level demons. Ye Li, in turn, brought out a large number of targeted supplies, including "Demon-Breaking Talismans," "Purifying Heart Pills," and "Vajra Body Protection Talismans," which had been secretly crafted by Youge with the full support of the Xuanyun Sect. These supplies would undoubtedly be crucial for survival and victory in the upcoming battles in the Demon Realm.

Three days later, the Western Region coalition assembled in the vast central square of the Jiuxiao Heavenly Palace. Banners fluttered, obscuring the sky. The banners of various sects stood side by side with the unified banner of the Demon Slayer Alliance. A myriad of flying magic weapons, warships, and spirit beast mounts were arrayed in neat rows, emitting powerful auras that converged to form a murderous aura that surged through the sky, like a sword unsheathed, its sharp edge pointed westward.

Qin Yixuan and Ye Li stood side by side atop the dazzling Xuannv Luancha, pulled by nine spiritual cranes. One, shrouded in a hazy, nine-colored divine light, exuded a sacred majesty, like a deity descended from heaven; the other, clad in white, with silver hair like snow, her figure erect, cold and detached, her gaze piercing like ice. The two of them, one representing holiness and hope, the other strength and resolve, became the coalition's staunchest core and spiritual symbol, and the source of confidence for countless cultivators in their fight against the demonic calamity.

The Yaoguang Palace Master led the remaining troops and the members of the First Route Allied Force to see the expedition off. There were no extra words, only firm gazes and silent blessings.

"Let's go!" Qin Yixuan's clear voice spread all around.

The next moment, the Luan Chariot took to the air, nine cranes crowed in unison! Immediately afterwards, countless flying boats, sword lights, and demonic winds followed suit. Like a mighty torrent, they streaked across the sky, carrying a resolute momentum, rushing towards the Western Regions shrouded in death and shadow! The true journey had just begun.