Gu Jianlin was taken aback after hearing this.
He hadn't even started explaining the origins of the Penglai Ascension Array.
"This practice of human transmutation, while abolished by Xu Fu, has never been scarce throughout history. However, the so-called Penglai Ascension Array demonstrates extremely unusual methods and distinctly exhibits traits of the Candle Dragon Clan. Clearly, this is something left behind by the Candle Dragon Venerable. Xu Fu... most likely fell under its control."
Ji Zhou seemed to think of something, sneering disdainfully, "Using this method does indeed enhance an Ascender's combat abilities... but this is certainly not its original purpose."
As expected of an expert, his insights were extraordinary.
Gu Jianlin didn't even need to say the rest.
"Then what is its proper use?"
Chen Bojun also displayed a questioning look.
Ji Zhou replied flatly, "I'm not the Candle Dragon Venerable; how should I know?"
An impeccable response.
"Though I can't present evidence, Minister Lu's situation is indeed extremely dangerous."
He firmly decided not to mention the Soul Comforting Bell or the detained souls.
The reason was simple—safety.
Chen Bojun nodded slightly, "Rest assured, we are currently one hundred percent on your side, especially with the King of Qing among us. The Order of the Hidden couldn't turn you into one of theirs. If they truly had that capability, there would be no point in our resistance; surrendering directly would make more sense."
Ji Zhou let out a cold snort.
"Roughly when will Minister Lu ascend?"
"Tonight, the dimensional gate will reopen. Those of you who previously chose to return to reality will once again enter the Qilin Immortal Palace. This time, Zijin will accompany you inside to ascend to the Holy Land."
Chen Bojun frowned after contemplating briefly, "But this situation is worse than you think. The ascension ritual for Sixth-tier Sky Masters is incredibly complex; they must undergo a process of returning to the truth. Using medicine to suppress the spirituality within their bodies, they will become extraordinarily weak during this period, requiring a team to ensure their protection."
"For Zijin's ascension, she needs to locate a site in the Ancient God Realm known as the Sea of Eternal Life. The first floor of the Qilin Immortal Palace happens to have such a site, with a dimensional level rated at Level 4. We'll need Fourth Rank and lower Ascenders to serve as her guardians, along with Holy Land-level experts to fend off anyone willing to risk being teleported out."
He paused, "But since you mentioned that members of the Order of the Hidden are already targeting her, this complicates matters. Zijin really has no time left, especially since Minister Zhang Xuzhi of the Coastal jurisdiction is also about to ascend to the Holy Land. They're competing for the last Divine General spot. A slight delay could mean losing everything."
Ji Zhou stirred his coffee without comment.
Gu Jianlin's pupils constricted slightly upon hearing this name.
"Minister Zhang Xuzhi… isn't he Councilman Zhang's brother?"
He said, "Councilman Zhang mentioned that the Order of the Hidden plans to control Minister Zhang Xuzhi as well."
Upon hearing this, the café fell into silence.
Chen Bojun turned his head and inquired, "Has Minister Zhang's ascension ritual already begun?"
Ji Zhou responded with a murmur.
Gu Jianlin narrowed his eyes, "If the ritual has indeed started, then things are dire. Based on my experience, the Order of the Hidden's control methods consist of distinct phases. The first is the sacrificial ritual, where a strange sacrifice is conducted to exert influence over the target. The second phase involves physical contact, deepening control."
He hesitated momentarily, then said, "During this phase, spiders appear. Most individuals would already succumb to madness, but full control likely happens after the ritual begins."
At this moment, it was impossible to confirm whether Minister Zhang had been controlled.
There was only one solution.
Kill, and bind the soul.
Ji Zhou said coldly, "Based on your experiences?"
Gu Jianlin fell silent for a moment, tacitly acknowledging it.
For an instant, Chen Bojun was dumbfounded, his pupils trembling slightly.
The weary middle-aged man seemed to age all at once, letting out a deep sigh.
He leaned back in his chair despondently and murmured, "You make us feel completely useless."
Ji Zhou glanced at the young man, his gaze flickering but silent.
"It's nothing. Such methods don't affect me—it's exactly what my father could do as well."
Gu Jianlin said calmly, "Don't worry about me. If we can thoroughly eliminate these parasites, this risk doesn't matter. My only question now is... isn't the President going to address this?"
Ji Zhou replied indifferently, "Perhaps because she's a Vulgar Master."
Chen Bojun almost choked on his tea.
Gu Jianlin was utterly shocked and thought to himself, "I don't know you. You have nothing to do with me."
"Why the surprise? Didn't you comment that the President is a Vulgar Master? If she fails to perform adequately, why shouldn't people criticize her? Were she flawless in her worlds, who would dare rebuke her?"
Ji Zhou said with an even tone, "As the highest Order Guardian of this world, this is her duty to bear. Even ancient emperors were scolded for their mistakes—why should she be exempt?"
Chen Bojun fell quiet.
Gu Jianlin thought it made sense, but he pressed on, "I'd advise you to be cautious, though. While the sentiment is correct, she is still present for now. The last time I said something bad about her, she gave me trouble."
Chen Bojun couldn't help but laugh, "You're still holding onto the Little Princess incident?"