Chapter 497: Volunteering for the Mission
"Sect Leader Zhang, are you truly willing to become an Honorary Elder of our Kunlun Immortal Palace?"
Hua Jin still found it hard to believe as she looked at Chen Huaian and Zhang Yibai standing below the grand hall.
Just one hour ago, the temperamental Zhang Yibai had suddenly transformed into a kindly old man?
What kind of magic did Chen Huaian possess?
Could it be that Zhang Yibai prefers men?
She wasn't foolish - she could clearly tell Zhang Yibai had no hidden injuries.
This was suspicious, extremely suspicious!
Zhang Yibai laughed heartily.
This was how undercover work went.
Some sacrifices were necessary to gain trust.
"I see." Hua Jin gave Chen Huaian a strange look and smiled. "Elder Chen actually has such skills?"
Chen Huaian bowed respectfully to Hua Jin the True One: "Sect Leader Zhang will undergo continuous treatment under my care for one year, which should completely resolve his hidden ailments. In exchange, Sect Leader Zhang has agreed to join our Kunlun Immortal Palace as an Honorary Elder. We should now address him as Elder Zhang."
Hua Jin still harbored some doubts.
After frowning in thought for a moment, she said to Zhang Yibai: "Elder Zhang, as our Honorary Elder, you'll have complete freedom - just return for three to five days each month to lecture disciples practicing the Divine Body Tempering Technique...
Also, though your Wind Spirit Sect isn't a vassal, it is a friendly sect to Kunlun. I've heard you've obtained two medium-grade Celestial Jade Marrows - how about contributing twenty percent of your monthly yield?"
Chen Huaian kept his head lowered without speaking.
Zhang Yibai's mouth twitched slightly, his eyelids jumping.
He thought to himself - what nerve Hua Jin the True One had, demanding twenty percent of their yield without lifting a finger! Quite the glutton.
In the past, he would have argued vehemently.
But remembering Chen Huaian's plans, he relaxed.
Once Chen Huaian could summon Void Piercing experts to Earth Star, Hua Jin the True One would surely be deposed.
Consider this twenty percent monthly tribute as temporary safekeeping with Hua Jin.
Whatever she swallowed now, she'd have to spit out later.
"Might I ask, Your Eminence, if you plan to implement the Divine Body Tempering Technique throughout Kunlun Immortal Palace?"
As Zhang Yibai asked this question, both he and Chen Huaian held their breaths.
If Hua Jin only intended to use the Heavenly Demon Art as supplemental training for Kunlun, their plans would fail.
Hua Jin pondered before answering: "As I recall, this Divine Body Tempering Technique has no special requirements regarding Spiritual Roots or talent, correct?"
"Exactly." Zhang Yibai bowed. "The technique's hallmark is its universal applicability. With sufficient resources and perseverance, anyone can achieve mastery through this method!"
Hua Jin's eyes gleamed.
She thought of those ancient monsters still slumbering deep within the immortal palace.
As more Wells of Heaven opened, these old monsters would awaken one by one.
Before their awakening, she was Kunlun's palace master - supreme ruler, second only to the Master.
But once those old monsters awoke...
Even a sect leader must show reverence to ancestors and supreme elders, herself included.
And if those elders took an interest in governance, it would be like swallowing a fly for any sect leader.
To stand against these old monsters required powerful allies.
And Zhang Yibai's Divine Body Tempering Technique was perfect for cultivating numerous allies, precisely because it didn't discriminate by talent.
"We'll trial the Divine Body Tempering Technique first in Clear Void Palace and Heavenly Movement Palace." Hua Jin the True One's lips curled, ambition burning in her eyes. "If results prove satisfactory, we'll gradually implement it across Kunlun Immortal Palace."
Zhang Yibai, unaware of Kunlun's internal politics, remained confused.
His peripheral glance at Chen Huaian's calm expression confirmed everything was proceeding smoothly.
Indeed, Chen Huaian breathed an internal sigh of relief.
Clear Void Palace and Heavenly Movement Palace currently housed Kunlun's largest disciple populations.
He knew about the intense factionalism among Kunlun's elders, and that not all revered Hua Jin the True One.
There were many underlying intrigues.
Hua Jin's current decision precisely reflected this reality.
She sought absolute dominance - to firmly control Kunlun Immortal Palace now and in the future.
Other departments wanting the technique would likely have to meet her conditions.
"I've really found you an excellent wife." Chen Huaian glanced meaningfully at Wang Shouyi.
With the miraculous effects of Ninefold Spring, Hua Jin's feelings toward Wang Shouyi would undoubtedly be genuine.
And given Hua Jin's strong personality, wasn't she the perfect partner - presentable in public, domestic at home, and unrestrained in private?
Zhang Yibai joining Kunlun as Honorary Elder while contributing twenty percent of jade production was a win-win for Hua Jin the True One. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI[F]ire.net
Without delay, Zhang Yibai proposed immediately lecturing Jade Void Palace and Heavenly Movement Palace disciples on the Divine Body Tempering Technique's marvels.
Seeing such enthusiasm from her "employee," Hua Jin readily agreed.
By noon, Hua Jin prepared a feast to honor Zhang Yibai.
Before delicacies could be served, a Kunlun disciple rushed in breathlessly:
"Your Eminence! The Demon Sealing Pagodas at Kun City and Great Name Mountain are experiencing demon beast riots! Many disciples are injured and need urgent reinforcements!"
"What troublesome times!"
Hua Jin's previously good mood soured instantly.
Compared to conquering Demon Sealing Pagodas to open Wells of Heaven, securing Celestial Jade Marrows took priority. Thus she'd recalled nearly all elite forces.
Especially the personal disciples previously leading pagoda assaults.
Now only two remained besides Wang Shouyi.
This left at least three pagodas without commanders.
Without leadership, stationed disciples became disorganized mobs.
No help could be expected from Great Thunder Temple either.
As for Ascenders from other sects...
If they didn't actively hinder efforts, it would be a blessing.
"Does Kunlun Immortal Palace have anyone left to deploy?"
"Reporting to Your Eminence," the disciple stammered, "We have few Golden Core stage disciples remaining. Otherwise we'd have to send elders, but each has daily duties and missions - they can't permanently lead expeditions, so..."
Hua Jin scanned everyone in the hall.
Her razor-sharp gaze swept over each disciple and elder.
But everyone knew leading pagoda assaults was grueling work that disrupted cultivation. Those remaining in the palace still shared in the pagodas' benefits - why take risks?
Thus under Hua Jin's gaze, they all lowered their heads like ostriches.
"Ridiculous!" Hua Jin laughed angrily, slamming the table. "My vast Kunlun Immortal Palace lacks capable individuals? Then what use are you worthless creatures?"
The hall fell deathly silent.
Only the soft patter of shattered table fragments hitting the floor could be heard.
Then Chen Huaian suddenly stepped forward from the crowd and bowed:
"Your Eminence, though merely an Honorary Elder, I volunteer to lead the assault on the Demon Sealing Pagodas and quell the beast riots!"