The Water God Palace Elder whose avatar was "Surging Great River" said in an even tone, "Though it was merely a brief clash, I used seventy percent of my power, while Demonic Eye used forty percent at most. If I fought him to the death, I wouldn't stand a chance.
"At a rough estimate, it would take two elders joining forces just to fight him to a draw. Of course, that is without factoring in items, and without considering the scenario where Demonic Eye goes berserk, slaughtering ordinary people to sustain his strength through bloodshed. You all should be well aware of how terrifyingly formidable an Ancient God of War is."
The Scarlet Fire Gang Elder grunted. "No matter how strong an Ancient God of War is, even if he goes berserk, ruthlessly slaughtering ordinary people to harvest their essence blood, he alone still cannot be a match for the six of us."
No matter how many variables arose on a battlefield, and no matter how powerful an Ancient God of War was, taking on six Dominators single-handedly was impossible.
The White Tiger Battalion Elder spoke with a resonant, forceful tone: "It has never been a question of whether we can win, but how to eliminate Demonic Eye at the lowest possible cost. Demonic Eye has been openly strutting through Songhai these past few days precisely because he knows we wouldn't dare make a move there.
"Of course, he doesn't dare clash with us in a bustling downtown area either."
Dominator-rank combat power was tantamount to a humanoid bomber; wherever they passed, everything was reduced to scorched earth.
The stronger a Spirit Realm walker grew, the more restrained they had to be in reality. After all, nobody wanted to be put on the Spirit Realm's wanted list, becoming a fugitive whose real-time coordinates were broadcast to the world.
Moreover, the Spirit Realm's wanted notices were broadcast to all walkers, orthodox and evil alike.
Once placed on the Spirit Realm's wanted list, even a Dominator would become public enemy number one. Driven by the massive bounties, both orthodox and evil factions would swarm to attack.
This was precisely why the elders of the Songhai Branch had such a headache. Outnumbering him, taking down Demonic Eye would not be difficult; what was difficult was taking him down silently and without a trace.
"If we want to suppress the fallout of the battle and keep ordinary people from being caught in the crossfire, we must draw Demonic Eye far away from the city, or bring him into a secret realm. Can Elder Gou's Zoo trap Demonic Eye?" The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter's voice rang out in the conference room.
Her voice was soft and melodious, tinged with a slight nonchalance, as though she were lounging languidly on a couch and casually chatting away, rather than participating in a serious, high-level conference.
Following the principle that the enemy of an enemy is a friend, the elders of the Songhai Branch had contacted the Palace Master of Halting Slaughter as soon as they learned Heavenly King Demonic Eye had arrived in Songhai.
Although this woman was a rogue cultivator and a wanted fugitive on the run, the branch elders possessed flexible professional standards. When it came to dealing with Heavenly King Demonic Eye, they were still great friends.
Elder Gou said slowly, "That rule-based item will have no problem trapping Demonic Eye, but its true form must descend. A mere projection cannot hold him. And while its true form can be moved, it cannot forcefully capture people.
"We have to make Demonic Eye step into the Zoo voluntarily. But how do we get an Ancient God of War to walk into a trap on his own?"
Entering the Zoo meant there was no way out; Demonic Eye would never fall for it.
The Central Court Elder suddenly asked, "Palace Master, how is the bait you cast out doing?"
The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter said indifferently, "The bait has been targeted, but he hasn't taken the hook. Heavenly King Demonic Eye is very patient. He might act neurotic on ordinary days, but on crucial matters, he doesn't show a single flaw."
The so-called bait was a puppet she had arranged to deliberately show its face in the underground black market.
It had only shown its face once and was targeted the very next day. Yet the other party was exceedingly patient, maintaining surveillance in secret without making an immediate move.
The Central Court Elder pondered aloud, "What if we use the bait to lure Demonic Eye into the Zoo?"
The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter gave a soft chuckle. "First, the bait lacks enough weight—unless I act as bait myself. Second, Heavenly King Demonic Eye's vertical eye can see through disguises, and the Zoo lacks the ability to conceal its aura."
The conference room fell into silence.
A Dominator-rank evil profession was just that troublesome.
The White Tiger Battalion Elder let out a long sigh. "Demonic Eye has been strutting through the streets these past few days purely to disgust us, banking on the fact that we can't do anything to him, even if he doesn't dare push things to mutual destruction either."
The official arena tournament was opening soon. If Demonic Eye stirred up any trouble in Songhai, headquarters would definitely hold them accountable.
The other branches would also mock the Songhai Branch for its incompetence.
Most importantly, at this critical juncture, if anything happened to Yuanshi Tianzun, it would be a resounding slap to the Five Elements Alliance's face.
Besides, who knew whether Demonic Eye lurked in Songhai with some ulterior motive? If everything on the surface was just a facade and his true objective was hunting the Songhai Branch's elders...
That concerned the personal safety of everyone present.
Thus, with the issue of Demonic Eye unresolved, the elders were finding it hard to eat or sleep peacefully.
The Scarlet Fire Gang Elder endured and endured, but finally could not hold back any longer, saying in a muffled, booming voice:
"Strutting through the streets, completely brazen, deliberately disgusting us!
"Hmph, does he really think we're helpless? Since both sides have reservations, neither has more leverage than the other. At worst, we burn together in mutual destruction! I'll go challenge Demonic Eye to a duel, and we can all go down together."
No one in the conference room responded. The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter clicked her tongue. "As an elder, what's the point of venting like that?"
Elder Luoshen of the Water God Palace sneered, "He's not just venting. He'd actually do it. Never overestimate a Fire Master's wisdom and rationality."
The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter giggled. "What did you officials call me again? A madwoman, an extremist? Seems to me your elders are the true lunatics."
Just then, Elder Gou spoke slowly: "I have an idea."
The conference room quieted down again. Four Dominators pricked up their ears, waiting.
"Concealing it from Demonic Eye's senses and having him 'stumble' into the Zoo isn't difficult. As long as a Voidwalker steps forward to create an illusion, Demonic Eye won't possibly detect the Zoo's presence."
A Voidwalker was the title for a Dominator-rank Illusionist.
The Scarlet Fire Gang Elder snapped irritably, "Isn't that obvious nonsense? Why would a Voidwalker ever associate with us..."
He seemed to remember something and suddenly choked on his words.
The White Tiger Battalion Elder laughed. "Good idea. If that person can make a move, this matter is as good as settled."
Pausing, he added, "However, our reputation isn't enough. There's no way we can persuade him."
Elder Luoshen suggested, "Let Yuanshi Tianzun approach him."
The Central Court Elder hesitated. "Having Yuanshi Tianzun approach him might be a long shot as well. That person wouldn't act for a mere Transcendent walker. If he truly does, we'll need to reevaluate Yuanshi Tianzun's worth."
"Everyone..."
The Palace Master of Halting Slaughter could not help speaking up, her tone laced with a hint of confusion and a peculiar sentiment: "What are you talking about? Since when did Yuanshi Tianzun have such deep ties with a Voidwalker? Why don't I know about this?"
The Scarlet Fire Gang Elder huffed, "Why should you know? You may be close to Yuanshi Tianzun, but he belongs to our Five Elements Alliance after all. Does everything have to be reported to you?"
Right after he spoke, though nobody was sure if they heard correctly, it sounded like the Palace Master of Halting Slaughter was grinding her teeth.
Elder Gou said, "Then it's settled. I will notify Yuanshi Tianzun to step forward. Everyone, await news."
***
"The elders want me to ask Master Wuhen for help?"
At home, Zhang Yuanqing listened to Fu Qingyang on the phone, utterly astonished.
Fu Qingyang said concisely, "Any problem with that?"
Zhang Yuanqing frowned deeply. "But as you know, Master Wuhen is constantly battling his inner demons. If things get heated and violent impulses surge, he could easily lose control."
Even Dominator-rank big shots could lose their cool.
Combating inner demons required equanimity, staying far away from worldly dust and strife.
Fu Qingyang said calmly, "It is only to have him create an illusion; he doesn't need to join the battle. Besides, there is no foundation of trust between the elders and Wuhen. Even if he wanted to join in, the elders might not agree."
"I'll give it a try..."
Zhang Yuanqing didn't dare make any promises.
Hanging up the phone, Zhang Yuanqing immediately put on the Silencer Mask and headed out. Ten minutes later, he caught a ride-hailing car bound for Jinshan City.
In the car, he gazed out the window at the scenery, lost in thought.
Going by the elders' plan, if Master Wuhen were willing to intervene, taking down Demonic Eye would be almost guaranteed. But the problem was, what if Master Wuhen refused?
His reputation as Yuanshi Tianzun didn't seem to carry much weight with a Buddhist-inclined powerhouse.
Yet Heavenly King Demonic Eye had to be dealt with. Hiding was only a temporary measure that couldn't last forever. With his life on the line, he couldn't play the ostrich.
If Demonic Eye actually tracked him down to his doorstep, everything would be over.
As the car drew closer to Wuhen Hotel, an idea formed in Zhang Yuanqing's mind.
"Driver, pull over!" Zhang Yuanqing called out.
The driver didn't brake. "We're not there yet."
"I'll add fifty in cash, you won't lose out on the fare."
The driver slammed on the brakes, pulling over to the curb. "Take care, sir!"
Zhang Yuanqing paid the fare, slipped out of the car, and headed into a secluded spot. Seeing no one around, he took off the Silencer Mask and quietly faded from view.
Then, facing the direction of Wuhen Hotel, he sprinted forward at full speed.
He was still more than thirty kilometers away from Wuhen Hotel.
With his current physical stamina, maintaining a sprint across thirty kilometers wouldn't normally be difficult, but doing so while sustaining the Night Walk state was grueling.
By the time Zhang Yuanqing arrived outside Wuhen Hotel, his stamina was nearly spent. His face was pale, and sweat poured off him like water through an opened floodgate.
"Pant... pant..."
He materialized in an empty area to the side of the hotel, leaning his back against the wall with his hands resting on his knees, gasping for breath.
*So exhausted... The last time I was pushed to my limit like this was in Yinyang Town...* Zhang Yuanqing tried to swallow, only to realize he had no saliva left to wet his throat.
After resting for a minute or two, Zhang Yuanqing staggered around to the front of the building, shoved open the glass doors of Wuhen Hotel, and cried out loudly, "Xiao Yuan, save me..."
Behind the counter, Xiao Yuan, who had been looking down fiddling with her phone, was startled. Looking up, her face drained of color at the sight of Yuanshi Tianzun's wretched state.
Dropping her phone, she hurried over, her willow brows knitting sharply, her cold, glamorous face radiating murderous intent. "Who injured you?"
Zhang Yuanqing cried out in grievance, "It's that damned Heavenly King Demonic Eye! He finally tracked me down. Shameless bastard—a grandiose Heavenly King, stooping to attack a nobody like me! If the branch elders hadn't stepped in to save me, I'm afraid I'd already be dead."
Xiao Yuan knitted her brows and gritted her teeth. "That mad dog."
Supporting Yuanshi Tianzun, whose legs had turned to jelly, she sat him down on a nearby lounge chair. "How did you end up..."
"My old injuries flared up," Zhang Yuanqing explained briefly, then quickly changed the subject. "That Demonic Eye is a vicious bully! Sigh, Xiao Yuan, I just don't know what to do anymore."
"He has already pushed you this far?" Auntie Xiao Yuan's pale, delicate face turned grave.
Zhang Yuanqing pressed on: "The branch elders have been actively putting together a plan to deal with Demonic Eye, but there's a snag in one part of it. They need a powerful Illusionist to participate. Xiao Yuan, I want to see Master Wuhen."
"You want Master Wuhen to intervene?" Xiao Yuan furrowed her brows, hesitating. "You know it's not convenient for him to act. Besides, that goes against the rules he set down. Master Wuhen is an elder who strictly adheres to principles."
"It's only creating an illusion... Sigh, that's what I told the elders too. That's why I didn't dare stay in Songhai any longer, and could only come run to you." Zhang Yuanqing sighed deeply, looking thoroughly dejected.
Xiao Yuan gazed at him in silence.
The Yuanshi Tianzun she knew was vibrant, confident, and sunny. After just a few days apart, he had become this dispirited. It seemed Heavenly King Demonic Eye truly had broken his spirit.
A surge of inexplicable fury rose in Xiao Yuan's heart.
Taking a deep breath, she pondered for a moment. "If it's only creating an illusion, I can take you to see Master Wuhen and put in a good word for you."
Zhang Yuanqing quickly took her hand, pleasantly surprised. "Really?"
Xiao Yuan gently withdrew her hand and nodded.
The two immediately went deep into the hotel, took the elevator, and arrived before Room 404.
*Knock, knock!*
Xiao Yuan rapped her knuckles against the door. "Master Wuhen, Yuanshi Tianzun requests an audience."
With that, she tried turning the doorknob. If it turned, it meant Master Wuhen was willing to see him. If not, it meant refusal.
She turned the handle effortlessly, and the surrounding scenery twisted, rippling like water.
In the blink of an eye, the two appeared inside an ancient, weathered temple. Overhead was a coffered ceiling painted with gods and Buddhas; before them sat a shimmering golden statue of the Buddha, pinching its fingers with downcast brows, its half-lidded eyes appearing at once merciful and fierce.
Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath of the air rich with incense and pressed his palms together. "Master, I've been targeted by Heavenly King Demonic Eye. Yesterday I nearly died at his hands. The Songhai Branch elders have devised a plan..."
He proceeded to relay the operation against Demonic Eye to Master Wuhen.
Master Wuhen sat in absolute stillness, offering no response.
Zhang Yuanqing bowed low. "Please, Master, save me."
Master Wuhen remained silent.
Xiao Yuan could not help interjecting, "Master, if it is only creating an illusion, it will not hinder your cultivation. Yuanshi is being persecuted by Demonic Eye; lending a hand would not break your rules."
After a prolonged quiet, Master Wuhen's voice sounded, tight with suppressed pain:
"Very well!
"When the time comes, simply crush this jade talisman."
With that, a streak of dull light flew from his sleeve, landing beside Zhang Yuanqing's feet.
Zhang Yuanqing was overjoyed. "Thank you, Master!"
Without lingering, the two bowed and stepped back out of the ancient temple.
Clutching the Dream-Traversing Jade Talisman in his hand, Zhang Yuanqing let out a sigh of relief. Turning to Xiao Yuan beside him, he said, "I'll make a call to report this first."
Xiao Yuan said indifferently, "Why not leave right away?"
*I'm too exhausted, I want a drink of water and a rest...* Zhang Yuanqing said solemnly, "It's not often I get to visit Jinshan City. Naturally, I want to spend a little more time with Auntie Xiao Yuan."
Xiao Yuan froze.
Zhang Yuanqing had already stepped aside, pulled out his phone, and dialed Fu Qingyang's number.
Chapter 172