The Dragon Clan, one of the ancient divine beast races, carried an aura of timeless mystery.
They were an incredibly mysterious species, preferring the solitude of the deep oceans and rarely appearing in the mortal world. And unlike the Golden Crow Clan, which had dwindled to a precious few, the Dragon Clan was far from sparse. Their numbers were a testament to their enduring strength.
The various dragon lineages were all distinct, each with their own unique attributes and powers. For example, the one leading the way before her was a crimson divine dragon, his scales shimmering with an inner fire even in the deep sea's gloom.
Originally fumbling around like a headless fly against the immense, concealed formation, Su Min quickly entered a massive barrier under the dragon's guidance. It was like stepping through a silvery, shimmering curtain of water.
With just a single step, she felt as if she had entered another world entirely. The crushing pressure of the abyss vanished, replaced by the clear, calm waters of a hidden realm.
Magnificent palaces were embedded in the ocean floor and floated amidst drifting kelp forests like scattered gemstones. The crystals adorning the curved roofs of the underwater palace were extraordinary, glowing with a soft, internal light that somehow pierced through the dense aquatic haze. Below the grand palace stretched vast, orderly streets bustling with life.
However, the inhabitants made Su Min's expression twitch slightly.
Because the Dragon Clan truly had no sense of decorum when it came to their lineage.
There were hordes of shrimp soldiers and crab generals marching in patrols, all of them carrying faint traces of dragon bloodline in their veins. There were figures with scaled arms and others with draconic eyes, a whole spectrum of hybrids.
"The Dragon Emperor's nine sons, none of them pureblood," Su Min couldn't help but mutter to herself, recalling the old saying.
She wasn't sure if it was due to biological differences, but there wasn't a single Golden Crow hybrid in the entire Eastern Mulberry State. The Golden Crows were fiercely protective of their pure lineage. Yet here? It was a complete free-for-all. Did they not fear diluting their legendary bloodline?
But after a moment's thought, she shook her head, understanding dawning.
Dragons had incredibly long lifespans, nearly rivaling her own. As long as they ensured they had a few pureblood offspring with another dragon to continue the strongest line, the rest could do as they pleased. It was a practical approach to maintaining both population and purity.
"Miss Su, I have already informed the Dragon Emperor through a secret method. She awaits you in the Dragon Heart Hall."
The red dragon, Ao Chi, spoke politely to Su Min.
Regardless of her cultivation level, her status as an alchemist alone commanded respect. After all, alchemy was a human specialty, their vast Dragon Clan did not have a single one among their ranks. They had to trade precious materials for pills.
So even if Su Min were at the Dao Comprehension stage, he would still treat her with the same courtesy. She was a valuable connection.
"Thank you for guiding me."
Su Min nodded, as she had already sensed Ao Xue's distinct aura emanating from the heart of the palace complex. No matter what, she needed to personally invite this one. Soon, after bidding farewell to the red dragon, she arrived at a grand palace that seemed carved from a single, colossal pearl. There, she immediately spotted a magnificent golden divine dragon lazily sprawled across the polished floor, its tail curled contentedly.
Within this barrier, most creatures took human form, after all, their true bodies were enormous. Though the space here was vast, if everyone remained in their original forms, it would be chaotic and impractical.
But clearly, this one, as the Dragon Empress, had certain privileges and preferred her natural state.
However, upon seeing Su Min, a flash of golden light shimmered around the great dragon, and the regal woman Su Min knew appeared before her once more, a playful smirk on her lips.
"My, my. You never visit unless you need something. What brings you to my humble abyss?"
"Tch."
Su Min rolled her eyes at the theatrics, then flipped her palm.
A perfectly round pill hovered above her hand, encased in a shell of her spiritual energy to prevent its essence from dissolving into the surrounding water.
The moment the pill appeared, she felt a flash of light in front of her eyes and a sudden displacement of water. Two soft objects collided with her directly.
This woman had just face-to-face confronted her, pressing close in her excitement, though Su Min's "firepower" was a bit lacking in comparison.
"Get off! You can not even use this pill! The Dao Comprehension Pill is for humans, it is useless for divine beasts like you. Move aside."
Pushing Ao Xue's face away with disdain, Su Min was not wrong. While Ao Xue was genuinely excited, the pill truly had no effect on her constitution. What thrilled her was something else entirely.
"Did you refine this?" Ao Xue asked, her eyes gleaming with avarice and curiosity.
"That is right. A genuine seventh-grade alchemist, no counterfeit," Su Min stated with quiet pride.
She then stored the pill away. Even if her success rate for seventh-grade pills was one hundred percent, gathering the materials was always a hassle and a half.
She had only shown it to prove a point, as a seventh-grade alchemist in the current era, even the mighty divine beast clans would have requests for her. Which meant she could set her own terms.
"What do you want in exchange?" Ao Xue licked her lips eagerly. Clearly, she also had an urgent need of certain pills that only a high-level alchemist could provide.
"Five seventh-grade pills, you provide the materials. If anything is missing, I can supplement it from my own stores," Su Min laid out her opening offer.
"What do you need me to do?" Ao Xue narrowed her eyes, her playful demeanor shifting to one of serious calculation.
Such a generous offer surely came with a steep price. Five seventh-grade pills represented a staggering amount of power and potential.
Even if they had to supply the materials, as the only known seventh-grade alchemist, Su Min had unlimited bargaining power. She held a monopoly.
"Help me annihilate Future Maitreya Mountain."
"Hmm..."
Ao Xue's brow furrowed slightly, her expression turning thoughtful.
This was indeed a significant request. Even the reclusive Dragon Clan hesitated to provoke those fanatical monks and their hidden backers.
But five seventh-grade pills were too tempting to refuse. They could strengthen her clan immeasurably.
"What kind of force are you bringing?" Ao Xue needed to assess the situation, to see if this was a suicide mission or a calculated strike.
"I have two Dao Comprehension-stage experts on my side, one is the Lunar Sovereign Physique holder, the other is the little Golden Crow. I have also sent invitations to the other super sects. They likely have not replied yet, but given my terms, they probably will not refuse. That would add two more Dao Comprehension-stage experts, bringing our total to five."
"Deal."
Ao Xue no longer hesitated. With such a lineup, a force of five Dao Comprehension-stage powerhouses, she had no reason to decline. It was overwhelming force.
"Excellent. Then our cooperation is settled. As for the seventh-grade pills, I can currently only refine low-tier ones. If you are willing to wait a few centuries, I can refine higher-tier ones for you," Su Min explained honestly.
"Low-tier is enough. Our divine beast constitutions are far sturdier than humans'. We can handle impure medicinal effects without issue," Ao Xue grinned, a fierce, sharp expression.
Pills refined for divine beasts had one key trait, they did not need excessive purification. Their robust, potent bodies could endure and process the chaotic medicinal energy that would overwhelm a human cultivator.
So for them, a low-tier seventh-grade pill might be just as effective as a carefully refined mid-tier one for a human.
"I will take my leave now. Please arrive at the Immortal Gate within a month. I still have other matters to attend to. Oh, and those monks might be strong, but not that strong, their leader was killed by me," Su Min added as a final reassurance.
After a few more instructions regarding the rendezvous, Su Min turned and left. Divine beasts had better reputations than humans when it came to honoring deals, so Su Min was not worried about them reneging.
With the Dragon Clan secured, she had two more critical tasks.
First, she needed to find Yao Xian'er and enlist her help in keeping the Great Thunder Temple in check. That mysterious little monk still made her wary, someone needed to keep an eye on him so he would not interfere.
If Yao Xian'er intervened, even if the Great Thunder Temple and the Ancient Lamp Monastery sent all their experts, Su Min's side would still hold the advantage.
Xie Yingying, the little Golden Crow, and the Dragon Emperor, these three were no joke in combat, each a powerhouse in their own right.
Especially the latter two, with their inherited legacies from the age of myths. If pushed to their limits, the Eastern Emperor Bell and the Dragon Pearl, the two divine race treasures, might even make an appearance, shaking the very heavens.
"First, find Yao Xian'er. Then gather all forces before striking," Su Min solidified her plan.
After emerging from the ocean, the sunlight feeling warm on her skin again, Su Min did not return to her sect immediately. She still had two Dao Comprehension Pills on hand, one for herself, the other entrusted to Xie Yingying. If the super sects' representatives arrived, she could use it as undeniable proof of her capabilities.
Even those two arrogant super sects could not easily refuse a Dao Comprehension Pill. As for herself, she flew straight toward the Great Luo Tian State. Based on her intel, Yao Xian'er usually secluded herself there. This time, Su Min needed to draw her out into the open.
Soon, she found her.
"What a rare guest. I should thank you."
Yao Xian'er stood beneath the pavilion's curved eaves, her white robes billowing slightly in the mountain breeze. She watched Su Min approach, dust-covered from her long journey.
Her tone was casual, but her eyes shone with genuine warmth. She had good reason to be in a fine mood, Jiang Xi had been saved. The price was steep, the complete loss of her Lunar Sovereign Physique and the collapse of her cultivation. But for Yao Xian'er, that price was acceptable. Jiang Xi still lived, her soul intact.
If not for Su Min's intervention, she would have had no choice but to annihilate Jiang Xi alongside the Evil Soul. And that, no matter how calmly she might say it, would have destroyed a part of her forever.
"Then show some gratitude. I see you have reached the late-stage Dao Comprehension realm, virtually unrivaled on the continent. But as far as I know, the Great Thunder Temple has a certain eminent monk..."
"Him? What do you plan to do?" Yao Xian'er's eyebrow twitched, she had already guessed the broad strokes of Su Min's intentions.
Su Min did not answer immediately. Instead, she stepped up into the pavilion, the dappled shadows of fluttering bamboo leaves crossing her face like falling brushstrokes. Her tone was low, measured, and final.
"I am going to wipe out Future Maitreya Mountain. But given the ties between the three major Buddhist sects and their countless branches, I would prefer that monk not interfere."
Yao Xian'er grew silent. She had already suspected as much. Su Min never visited without purpose, and the idea of her mounting a full-scale extermination campaign did not surprise her. The grudge between Su Min and that sect had fermented long enough, it was a poison that needed purging.
"I doubt he will get involved," Su Min added, her voice calm. "But I will not gamble everything on doubt. I want you to keep him occupied. If he moves, distract him. Delay him."
The request was blunt. So was the risk involved.
"..."
Yao Xian'er fell into deep thought, clearly weighing the implications and the potential fallout. She was not afraid of that monk, but there was no need for a life and death struggle between them. Both were hidden powerhouses of humanity, potential allies against the greater threats looming in the future.
But since this did not involve her core interests, a negotiation was possible.
Moreover, Jiang Xi's situation was different now, she was truly starting from scratch. Without her Lunar Sovereign Physique, her old path was closed forever. Though she would still be stronger than most due to her past insights, breaking through to the Dao Comprehension stage again would be a significant hurdle. She would need resources.
"I want three seventh-grade pills."
Since Su Min was here with a request, Yao Xian'er might as well pave a smoother way for her partner.
"Of course, following alchemist rules, I will provide the materials," She confirmed.
"Deal!"
Su Min agreed without hesitation. Refining pills only cost her some time and focus. Even with so many promised to various parties, she could fulfill them all within half a year with dedicated effort.
No issue at all.
"Good. Then I will keep him in check," Yao Xian'er nodded in satisfaction. Her price was not high, this was practically free profit for her, since a real fight was unlikely.
"Whew."
Su Min exhaled a quiet breath of relief. The last piece of the puzzle was in place.
Whether the two super sects joined or not no longer mattered. Their presence would be a bonus, but her core forces were already sufficient. Her reasoning was simple, a lesson learned from observing her past life's America.
If you are going to strike, bring everyone along. That way, shared responsibility meant fewer future grudges held solely against her. Now feeling relaxed, Su Min glanced around the serene pavilion curiously.
"Where is that senior?"
"Still in soul-body fusion seclusion," Yao Xian'er replied, her expression softening for a brief moment before returning to its neutral state. "I prepared enough rare treasures and artifacts for her resurrection, but she was reborn as an ordinary mortal, her cultivation gone. She needs to start over from the very beginning, so do not expect her help anytime soon."
"I see."
Su Min nodded thoughtfully.
The Lunar and Solar Sovereign Physiques were tyrannical blessings, only one bearer of each could exist in a generation. Now that Xie Yingying possessed the Lunar Sovereign Physique, Jiang Xi could never reclaim it. Even if she attempted to possess a new body, her soul would not withstand the fusion a second time. Her chance was gone forever.
But perhaps… that was a kind of freedom in disguise.
Without the rigid, predetermined path of the Sovereign lineage, Jiang Xi could find her own Primordial Force, could walk a path of her own choosing.
Of course, the difficulty would be immense.
Yao Xian'er, with her All-Embracing Physique, could integrate myriad techniques, her past experience still largely applicable.
But that was not Su Min's concern. Her own path was challenging enough.
"You know," Su Min said, "losing the Lunar Sovereign Physique may be a blessing. It locked her into a legacy with no path past Mahayana. Now, at least, there is no ceiling, only a mountain she can climb however she likes."
"That is what I told her," Yao Xian'er said, her voice quieter, more personal. "Her soul needs time to settle into its new state. Until then, I will not let her be disturbed by the outside world."
Yao Xian'er offered a small, genuine smile, clearly not planning to summon her.
"Understood." Su Min dipped her head in a gesture of respect. "I will take my leave, then. We regroup at the Immortal Gate in one month."
With all her matters settled, there was no need to linger. This operation required absolute secrecy and precision, so Su Min needed to return to her sect and oversee the final preparations herself.
Though Xie Yingying was strong and reliable, she was not an alchemist, her influence and organizational skills paled in comparison. She might even arouse suspicion if she was too active.
Moreover, the little Golden Crow was about to awaken from its cultivation seclusion. Su Min had to be there to make the arrangements and brief it.
She also needed to establish contingency plans, lest the Fallen Ones seize the opportunity to raid her sect while her main force was away.
Even if they did not attack the Eastern Mulberry State directly, the other four states might suffer reprisal attacks to draw her out.
This operation required flawless, meticulous preparation from every angle.
She refused to let countless innocents suffer because of her actions. She would bear the weight of this decision, but she would not let that weight crush the undeserving.
"All that is left is setting up defenses and selecting rear guard personnel. But it should not be an issue, those two are already at the half-step Dao Comprehension stage. I can entrust the sect to them." She thought of her two most trusted disciples, their strength now a pillar she could lean on. The plan was set. The pieces were moving. The storm was coming.