Chapter 576: Chapter 575: Participating in the Plan
"May I ask why Fairy Ji has gathered us here? Is there a matter of concern?"
After a moment of silence, the Soaring Cloud Lord, ranked second in Shuntian Capital, asked this question, voicing the doubt in everyone’s mind.
It wasn’t that they belittled themselves; it was just that their level, in the eyes of Ji Morou, accustomed to seeing geniuses and masters, was probably no different from ordinary folk.
Ji Morou scanned the assembled group, her eyes solid as rock, and said, "Morou wishes to invite you all to stand against the Devil Path."
Pausing for a moment, she continued, "There are many things you don’t know about. Do you know that the Thousand-Change Demoness of the Dreamy Sect arrived in Xuanwu State a long time ago?"
"The Thousand-Change Demoness?"
Some people gasped.
If Ji Morou is the pride of the Righteous Path, the Thousand-Change Demoness is the pride of the Devil Path.
It is said that this woman is cunning and ruthless. She displays different personalities in front of different people. Hence, she is known as Thousand-faced. Yet, her talents far exceed and she is ranked seventh among the geniuses of the dynasty!
"Is it true what you’re saying, Fairy Ji?"
The speaker this time was the Purple Bamboo Lord.
There are reasons why people fear the Thousand-faced Witch.
Years ago, she single-handedly swallowed several strong states of the Devil Path and controlled a vast amount of the Righteous Path, turning them into the base camps of the Dreamy Sect. This news came to light in the third issue of the Martial World.
During this period, the reputation of the Thousand-faced Witch surpassed the four demons. The four demons had high talents but except for the Young Dragon, the other three were still wandering in Tian State and had not yet made a real debut.
"Does this demoness intend to take control of Xuanwu State?"
The people glanced at each other.
Actually, as early as the mysterious rise in power of Xiahou Zong and Tianyan Sword Lord, some people suspected Devil Path’s intervention. Unfruitful in their investigations and Righteous Path’s lack of unity, it could only be disregarded.
Now, upon hearing Ji Morou’s words, some people immediately thought of this matter.
"The Thousand-faced Witch?"
In Shi Xiaole’s mind, Ren Mengzhen’s figure inexplicably surfaced.
No one knew the name of the Thousand-faced Witch, and the information about her was even more vague. But Shi Xiaole intuitively felt that the aura of the two women was very similar.
"According to what Morou knows, the Thousand-faced Witch has been in Xuanwu State for several years, has already controlled more than half of the Righteous Path of the Martial World, and even more, became the chief of the Devil Path in Xuanwu State several months ago. Her next step should be to completely seize the Martial World of Xuanwu State."
Everyone couldn’t help but want to ask how Ji Morou knew this, but when they thought of her identity, they shook their heads in secre. With the resources in her hands, she naturally could find out many secrets.
"You probably don’t know yet, but besides preparing to seize Xuanwu State, the Thousand-faced Witch is also preparing for a larger, more terrifying plan, called the Demon Bone Plan."
"What is the Demon Bone Plan?"
This time, even the ’Great Lethal Star’ Xin Zhuliu was curious.
"Some people are born with Demon Bones, and some people are not. The Demon Bone Plan is to let those who do not have Demon Bones, also possess them."
What Ji Morou said sent a chill down everyone’s spine.
"How is it possible for those without Demon Bones to possess them?"
The Old Weed Chopper murmured, looking as if he’d seen a ghost.
The importance of the Demon Bone to the people in the Devil Path is the same as that of a Spiritual Weapon to a swordsman. Without it, it’s gone, but if there was one, it would immediately enhance their strength.
If the Demon Bone becomes widespread in the Devil Path, it may not seem like a big deal in the short term. But given a little more time, the power balance between the Righteous and the Devil Paths will surely shift significantly.
It’s unimaginable how terrifying the Demon Calamity that the Martial World will face then would be!
Everyone did not believe that Ji Morou was full of nonsense, making up lies to scare them.
"Is there a strategy against it in the Righteous Path?"
Xin Zhuliu asked.
Ji Morou said: "We discovered it a bit late. As said, the witch’s experiment has reached its final stage. We’re afraid that spreading the news might cause a panic among the martial world, hence the silence. This time, I’ve gathered you here to join forces and kill the Thousand-faced Witch!"
Although they knew she was deliberately elevating them, everyone felt a hint of joy.
Old Weed Chopper sneered: "It’s hard to believe that even the likes of us can catch the eye of Fairy Ji. But the Demon Bone Plan couldn’t be destroyed even by the strong ones in Tian State. Killing the Thousand-faced Witch, us? Haha, Fairy Ji, you’d better quit kidding us."
Despite the sarcastic words, everyone had to admit that Old Weed Chopper’s words made sense. They don’t even believe they could kill the Saintess of the Dreamy Sect.
Ji Morou shook her head and said: "You all better listen to Morou’s plan first."
"Over the past few years, many masters of the Righteous Path, including those from Pudu Peak, have inexplicably disappeared around Xuanwu State. A few days ago, Morou found out that they all fell into the hands of the Thousand-faced Witch and were cultivated by her into Demon Bone dead soldiers."
"These Demon Bone warriors, not only have the Demon Bones planted inside them, but their bodies have been immersed in the Demon Bone pool for a long time, causing them to lose their senses. So, we need a group of people to infiltrate them, awaken these experts, and work internally and externally together. Only then will we have a chance to kill the witch,"
The plan sounded simple, but everyone wasn’t gullible. Xin Zhuliu immediately questioned, "Fairy Ji, I have a few questions."
"First, how do we get close to the Thousand-faced Witch?"
"Second, how can we ensure that we will be thrown into the Demon Bone pool?"
"Third, how do we awaken these unconscious experts?"
"Fourth, why should we risk our lives to help you?"
His language became gradually sharper as he questioned. Few people shifted uneasily, afraid that the Great Lethal Star might irritate Ji Morou and bring about negative consequences.
Ji Morou chuckled, "Swordsman Xin asked good questions. First, Morou has found out the location of the Thousand-faced Witch. We just need to join hands and feign an attack."
"Second, before you all entered the room, Morou used a special Array System to test your physical constitutions. Three of you are especially suited for cultivating Demon Bones. Once the witch captures you, she definitely will not let you go."
"Third, which is also the source of Morou’s greatest confidence in the plan’s success. After many years of effort, our Pudu Peak Elder has recently developed a potent drug that can destroy the Demon Bone plan. We just need to release it into the Demon Bone Pool. This news cannot be kept secret, so Morou wants to use the drug in Xuanwu State. Once the witch is killed, the major trouble will be eliminated."
"As for why you should help Morou, I will offer a generous reward."
Xin Zhuliu just laughed without replying, closed his eyes, as if considering this renowned beauty unworthy, causing everyone to feel uneasy.
Next, Ji Morou invited each expert for one-on-one conversations. Those who were invited were naturally unwilling to decline, but all vowed internally not to agree to such a risky plan.
Who would have expected that after these experts came out, their expressions subtly changed. Shi Xiaole’s acute observation skills allowed him to see this clearly.
Even Xin Zhuliu, who initially showed a strong and indifferent face, now seemed a bit indecisive.
"Young Hero Shi, may I speak with you alone?"
A delicate, sweet voice entered his ears, enough to sway the soul. Shi Xiaole kept his composure and walked into the side room.
In the side room, Ji Morou sat across from him with confidence. Her dazzling eyes were studying Shi Xiaole, filled with feminine admiration and curiosity.
Such a gaze, combined with her status and reputation, made even Shi Xiaole feel proud and delighted.
But soon, the sense of pride and joy turned into alertness. Shi Xiaole suddenly realized that this may be her strategy. After all, women are born actors.
"Everyone says that Young Master Shi is the number one prodigy in Shuntian Capital. In my opinion, looking at the entire Flying Horse Dynasty, there’s hardly anyone who can match Young Master Shi."
Shi Xiaole shook his head, "Fairy Ji, there’s no need to flatter me. I’m aware of my abilities."
Ji Morou didn’t agree or disagree but laughed suddenly, "According to my detection, Young Master Shi is one of the three people here most suited to cultivating Demon Bones."
Shi Xiaole just nodded, secretly relieved.
It wasn’t that he was the most suited to cultivate Demon Bones, but quite clearly he already had an unparalleled Demon Bone inside him, which fortunately was not detected.
"Morou is willing to offer two conditions in exchange for Young Master Shi’s participation in this plan."
Instead of talking about grand causes of the martial world, Ji Morou got straight to the point, leaving Shi Xiaole quite refreshed.
Noting her confidence, Shi Xiaole curiously asked, "May I know what Fairy Ji’s conditions are?"
"Several months ago, Young Master Shi defeated Ou Wukai and Peng Dian of the Dreamy Sect. The news has already reached the Dreamy Sect. Many people have stated that they want to teach you and Wuling Villa a lesson. Does Young Master Shi think he can withstand the Dreamy Sect?"
Shi Xiaole remained composed.
He couldn’t withstand the Dreamy Sect, but apart from the other top powers in the Flying Horse Dynasty, who would dare claim they could withstand the Dreamy Sect?
Of course, even if Ji Morou wasn’t lying, Shi Xiaole didn’t think the Dreamy Sect would send a super expert to teach him a lesson. Because the scale and intensity of retaliation wouldn’t be large, the other party dared to use this as a condition.
"This is one of the conditions. Morou swears as a disciple of Pudu Peak to guarantee the safety of Wuling Villa."
During the conversation, Ji Morou took a book out of her sleeve, saying, "This is the method used by ten seniors of Pudu Peak to break through the Divine Barrier Realm. Young Master Shi would certainly need this in the future. As long as you agree to participate in this plan, Morou will immediately give it to you. There’s only one chance. Young Master Shi must know how important the breaking-through method is to all the big sects. It’s impossible for you to get it out of nowhere!"
Shi Xiaole was taken aback.
The first condition already made it difficult for him to refuse. The second condition hit the mark, making Shi Xiaole realize that he had fallen into Ji Morou’s trap.
"In fact, Young Master Shi can rest assured, although the plan may sound dangerous, the Demon Bone Pool cannot assimilate you. Morou will also secretly gather more experts. By then, we can work together to defeat the den of the witch."
"Fairy Ji, aren’t you afraid that there will be spies among the people here today who will inform the Devil Path of the plan?"
Ji Morou nodded, "I’m aware! The flute sound Morou played has given the answer. Those few will naturally be dealt with by Morou."
Her casual words were filled with murderous intent.
Shi Xiaole lowered his eyes. People said the Thousand-Change Demoness was manipulative, but in his opinion, the fairy in front of him was also not too different. Both were high-strung characters!
After a moment of thought, Shi Xiaole looked up, "Ok. Since Fairy Ji invites me with such sincerity, I’ll participate in this plan."