Chapter 73 Destruction Plan
"Alright, let's commence the strategy to destroy the Golden Star Sect," Shi Huang initiated the discussion.
All eyes converged on him. Today was the culmination of events set into motion since the Wudang Sect had reported the illicit activities of the Golden Star Sect.
"As I mentioned in the letter, the Golden Star Sect is involved in the theft of government treasures and Xuantian Academy's assets. With this meeting, I hope we can come up with the right solution, which is the destruction of the Golden Star Sect," Shi Huang continued, traces of anger in his tone.
Most people could sense Shi Huang's anger at his words. A young man, a representative from the Xuantian Academy, spoke up, "Sect Leader, we may have received your report, but not everything needs to end in destruction, right?"
A middle-aged government representative responded, "Young man, it seems you don't fully grasp the gravity of this situation. The Golden Star Sect has stolen national treasures, not just various weapons, but most importantly, the Heartblade of Guo Jian. It's an heirloom of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Just the audacity to steal it is reason enough for their destruction."
The young man nodded, "I comprehend the gravity of this situation. I was merely airing my perspective. If anyone wishes to express their views, please, proceed," he urged.
Many in attendance nodded; this assembly was designed for the exchange of thoughts and opinions.
"But does not the Xuantian Academy find itself aggrieved by the depredations of the Golden Star Sect? They have absconded with numerous valuable pills and elixirs from your repositories," Shi Huang inquired.
The young man replied, "In all candor, those elixirs do not possess an exorbitant value; we can replenish them with relative ease. Nevertheless, if someone dares to steal them, of course, we won't sit idly by. We assent to the scheme for destroying the Golden Star Sect, but ought we not to refrain from a frontal assault? Is there a stratagem for the ensuing confrontation?"
Delegates from both sides awaited Shi Huang's response. From its inception, the blueprint for the Golden Star Sect's eradication had been his concept.
Shi Huang, maintaining an authoritative demeanor, articulated, "Certainly, I have a plan. The Golden Star Sect is renowned for serving as a purveyor of soul weapons to a multitude of sects. While we possess just cause for their destruction, it is feasible that several factions may not concur and could even extend support to the Golden Star Sect."
He continued, "That is why the roles of both the government and the Xuantian Academy are pivotal in this endeavor. To the government, I implore that you exert influence upon the other sects. And to the Xuantian Academy, I beseech you to provide enhancement pills and invisibility elixirs to the participants in the operation against the Golden Star Sect."
"Very well, we shall dispatch emissaries to each affiliated sect of the Golden Star Sect. Naturally, we will also mobilize troops to assist the Wudang Sect," concurred the middle-aged government delegate.
Shi Huang nodded and then redirected his gaze toward the Xuantian Academy's representative. "And what of your contribution, Xuantian academy?"
The young man inquired, "How many participants are anticipated?"
"The Wudang Sect shall commit 300 individuals. And what of the government?" Shi Huang asked, turning his attention back to the middle-aged delegate.
The middle-aged man replied, "Between one hundred and two hundred individuals; a precise enumeration is as yet unconfirmed."
"Come now, this is a pivotal time. Can you not proffer a more precise estimate?" Shi Huang inquired.
The middle-aged delegate stroked his chin before responding, "Let us presume it to be 200 individuals."
Shi Huang nodded and then reverted his gaze to the Xuantian Academy's representative. "And your contribution?"
The young man responded, "500 people, alright? That's a significant number. But producing that many elixirs, given our limited alchemical resources, will take time. We can't gather many materials, so we'll need two to three weeks, or at most a month, to complete the elixirs."
Shi Huang bore a displeased countenance. A two to three-week duration was manifestly protracted, and he harbored concerns that the Golden Star Sect might become privy to these developments beforehand.
"What if the Wudang Sect were to contribute a portion of the requisite materials? A minimum of 50%, perhaps," he proposed.
"That might expedite the timeline to a span of five days to a week," the young man responded.
"That shall suffice. Very well, are there any other recommendations?" Shi Huang queried.
For a time, none offered any input. The chamber was steeped in a reverberating silence.
Observing this, Shi Huang nodded, "It appears that this shall suffice; I consider it unanimous," he proclaimed.
The assembly remained mute, signifying unanimous consent.
"Alright, then the discussion is concluded. In summary, the Golden Star Sect will be destroyed within a week!" he stated.
**************
While a multitude of individuals exited the area of the Wudang Sect, deep within the forest, Long Tian stood atop the carcass of an elephant-sized elk.
The creature bore grievous claw marks upon its body, from whence blood gently welled. Long Tian tenderly brushed the creature's forehead, closing his eyes in concentration.
A brief interlude elapsed, whereupon a star upon its forehead radiated, its luminance subsequently merging into Long Tian's being.
Long Tian smiled and then reopened his eyes. He had just absorbed the essence of a one-star spirit beast.
It was a common thing for cultivators who possessed martial spirits to absorb souls from spirit beasts to enhance their soul power.
"I must seek out more spirit beast," Long Tian declared, and subsequently hastened toward a different locale.
Ever since his arrival in this forest, he had already encountered three formidable spirit beasts, each bearing but a solitary star. They posed no formidable challenge to him, given that one-star spirit beasts were akin in potency to cultivators spanning the transition from the body tempering to the qi Foundation stage.
Swiftly and precisely, he traversed the canopies of the forest, his stride lithely shifting from one bough to the next. This world was different from Earth; the planet was twice as large, and there were many unexplored places like remote forests and secluded islands.
In the present moment, Long Tian arrested his advance, having discerned a potent emanation of aura not far distant. Approaching, he identified the source—a car-sized white tiger, its formidable fangs prominently on display.
He grinned upon observing three stars emblazoned upon the tiger's forehead.
"Finally, a worthy opponent."
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