Chapter 649: The Covenant (Please Subscribe, Please Vote for Monthly Ticket)
Lin Shiming felt uneasy being watched by so many True Monarchs, and a trace of bitter smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Thank you, esteemed seniors, for your favor. I can only say that I can hold off multiple Golden Core Cultivators, and I can oversee formations, but matching a Nascent Soul Cultivator is beyond me," Lin Shiming said.
He did not conceal anything; he was exceedingly clear about his own strength.
Among Golden Core Cultivators, he could be considered nearly invincible. However, when facing Nascent Soul True Monarchs, the gap was far too wide.
It was important to understand that the Sword Qi of the Qiu Xue Sword was already something he struggled to withstand.
Thus, it was enough to illustrate the difference between Nascent Soul and Golden Core, which might be as vast as the disparity between Golden Core and Qi Cultivation.
Upon hearing this, the others were not overly disappointed; in fact, they even sighed in relief.
They felt that this was more in line with common sense.
After all, their major forces had been developing for thousands of years, relying on the accumulations of generation after generation.
If the Lin Family could achieve the same level in just two hundred years, that would truly be absurd.
"However, esteemed Daoists, rest assured. Daoist Qiu Xue has gained new insights and will likely make some progress within a few days," Lin Shiming hesitated for a moment but decided to add.
After hearing this, the others nodded in response.
They did not take it too seriously.
After all, only Nascent Soul Cultivators truly understood that at the Nascent Soul Realm, every minor breakthrough required immense time. It was simply unattainable within mere days or a month.
"Alright then, since the battle strength of our Nascent Soul True Monarchs is roughly on par with the Taiqian Sharks, the next thing to discuss is the plan!" Xue Shan True Monarch said.
He then waved his hand, causing a massive spirit map of the sea domain to appear behind him.
This spirit map was incredibly detailed, encompassing everything from islands and hills to underwater trenches, all clearly outlined on the map.
It wasn't Lin Shiming's first time seeing such a map. Before the attack on the Heavenly Illumination Sea Domain, Xue Shan True Monarch had presented a similar map to announce the strategic plans.
This time, it was merely a logical application of the map.
And it was worth noting that Coral Island had occupied Yunyue Island for nearly twenty years, so having such a map was entirely reasonable.
On the sea map, there was currently a ring of white mist.
Moreover, this mist was slowly encroaching upon the island they were currently located on.
"After conducting tests, I discovered that the densest area of the Taiqian Mist is here. I estimate this is where the Taiqian Shark clan's Heavenly Gate is located!" Xue Shan True Monarch pointed to a northern area within the mist.
This marked location surprised the others considerably; in their view, the true center of the Taiqian Sharks should be in the center of the Taiqian Abyss.
"You might not know this, but the Taiqian Shark clan comes from across worlds. The conditions they require are weak spatial nodes, often found at mountain peaks or deep abysses in most secret realms and small worlds. This marked location is the deepest point of the Taiqian Abyss, where the Taiqian Mist is densest. Even if they intended to disguise it, they couldn't!" Xue Shan True Monarch explained.
Upon hearing this, the others nodded.
They acknowledged his reasoning, and Lin Shiming was deeply convinced since his system notifications hadn't yet activated.
"Everyone should memorize this point carefully. Do not record the mist's location in the Taiqian Mist directly. Additionally, here are ten Spirit-Seeking Jade Talismans, but everyone must approach these talismans with caution," Xue Shan True Monarch warned again.
In his hands appeared ten jade talismans, each only the size of a thumb, glowing with Spirit Light. The aura they emitted clearly belonged to fifth-rank superior-grade talismans.
However, no one immediately took them; they all wanted to hear Xue Shan True Monarch's plan first.
They would only act if they believed the plan to be foolproof. Each individual had their own thoughts.
Including Lin Shiming.
He knew his best option, at worst, would be to relocate the entire family to the Eastern Domain. Even if the Eastern Sea and Southern Sea were interconnected, it would take a long time for the danger to extend to the Eastern Sea.
Nevertheless, by then, it would already be a deadlock, which was why Lin Shiming was willing to take this gamble.
"This time, we will employ a one-time Transport Spirit Formation to move the entire Yunyue Immortal Island to this location. Here, at least two Demon Emperors will be slain. The remaining forces will be sent to this location for another one-time random transportation, arriving next to the formation. At that point, another formation will be set up to transport the Taiqian Mist away!"
"This time, we aim to transport away most of the Taiqian Mist before splitting into two groups to enter the Taiqian Abyss."
Xue Shan True Monarch carefully selected points on the spirit map, choosing the position for the decisive battle, which was precisely one of the defensive sub-islands of the Southern Sea sects.
Once this sub-island fell, only two sub-islands would remain.
Xue Shan True Monarch's selection of this island was out of necessity.
If they abandoned one or two more, the likelihood of a decisive battle later would increase significantly.
Regarding the positions near the edge of the Taiqian Mist for teleportation, Xue Shan True Monarch spoke somewhat ambiguously, as there was concern about premature leaks.
Moreover, this was to ensure the safety of the True Monarchs.
After presenting his plan, he waited for nods of approval from the others.
Xue Shan True Monarch first turned to Heavenly Sun True Monarch.
"Daoist Heavenly Sun, breaking the Heavenly Gate will definitely require your treasure's intervention. You will lead one team. If we achieve a great victory this time, you may choose any treasure in the Taiqian Mist!"
"Agreed!" Heavenly Sun True Monarch nodded in agreement with little hesitation.
The time available for deliberation was now extremely limited.
"I am suited for formations, so I'll remain on the island to defend!" Granny Qingyu declared.
"I'll also stay back to guard the island!" Five Poisons True Monarch added.
Their statements elicited no objections from the others, as both Granny Qingyu and Five Poisons True Monarch were indeed well-suited for guarding the island.
With the Green Heaven Stone Demon King and Five Poisons Spirit Insects, they were more apt at stalling the Demon Emperors.
"I will choose to assault the Heavenly Gate." Nine Dragon True Monarch stated.
"Count me in as well," Demon Fiend True Monarch followed.
"I'll join too," Chi Lan True Monarch said.
Thus, the group entering the Taiqian Mist included four True Monarchs, and with Nine Dragon True Monarch's Thunder Flood Dragon and Xue Shan True Monarch, the total became six.
"The preliminary plan includes seven participants, so I'll be among them." The Alliance Hierarch, Xue Shan, announced.
At this moment, he did not look toward Lin Shiming.
Clearly, Lin Shiming was more suited for defense.
Moreover, the Qiu Xue Sword was also being designated for defensive purposes.
Lin Shiming had no objections at this point; entering the Taiqian Mist clearly carried immense risks.
Remaining outside allowed at least one system notification to guide him, which was less problematic.
Though Lin Shiming possessed the Qiu Xue Sword, it was currently in seclusion for another half month, at least.
"Then it's settled. Those entering the Taiqian Mist will each take a Spirit-Seeking Jade Plaque. Additionally, each sect has five days to prepare their foundational resources. This decisive battle will be the breakthrough moment for our twenty-year-long defensive campaign!" Xue Shan True Monarch declared with remarkable fervor.
"Furthermore, an agreement must be established: If any True Monarchs perish in the battle but we achieve victory, the remaining monarchs must ensure the stability of the fallen's forces. No unrest or territorial disputes shall occur, and each must designate an heir beforehand!" Xue Shan True Monarch added as a final condition.