The Eastern Mulberry State, now home to the Immortal Gate, had become an exceptionally prosperous land, a beacon of stability in a turbulent world.
There were only a handful of super sects in the entire world, each possessing an extraordinary, almost magnetic appeal. It was much like how the United States on Earth in her previous life had attracted neighboring countries, except here the vast, monster-infested oceans prevented the mass migration of entire families and clans.
Of course, many individuals came seeking apprenticeship or discipleship, hoping to join the rising power. Moreover, with Fallen Ones appearing intermittently these days, the entire world was in turmoil. It was not that no one wanted to take decisive action against them; the real, frustrating problem was their elusiveness. Operating alone or in small cells, they could hide their auras and vanish without leaving traces.
Thus, the major sects could only focus on protecting their own territories, as they truly lacked the capacity to hunt them down across the continent. Expanding their reach too broadly would only stretch their forces thin, making them vulnerable to devastating ambushes.
Consequently, countless people desperately sought refuge and opportunity here. Yet today, in a secret, warded chamber deep within the Eastern Mulberry State, an extraordinary gathering was taking place.
The spiritual atmosphere alone was enough to render most cultivators speechless, three genuine Dao Comprehension stage experts were present, and each was in their prime with vigorous life essence, clearly at the peak of their power.
"Thank you all for your support. After this matter concludes, should you need any elixirs, you may come to me. I promise seventh-grade elixirs, including upper, middle, and lower tiers. Though I cannot currently refine mid-tier seventh-grade elixirs, if you two are willing to wait a few centuries, it might become possible."
Though she was only at Divine Transformation mid-stage, theoretically vulnerable to being crushed by a single thought from either of the two elders before her, they dared not slight her. Hearing Su Min's offer, their faces lit up with undisguised delight.
Her terms were irresistible. While there might be a hint of an empty promise regarding the future mid-tier pills, the guaranteed low-tier seventh-grade pills were a tangible, massive reward too tempting to refuse.
"We will trouble Master Su then. Those fanatical monks should have been eradicated long ago. This intervention is merely executing overdue justice, nothing significant for us to undertake."
"Indeed, leave this matter to us. They have overstepped for the last time."
The two Dao Comprehension stage experts, pillars of their respective super sects, patted their chests confidently. They felt no moral qualms about targeting Future Maitreya Mountain; it was a political and practical necessity.
They had, after all, spearheaded the previous campaign against the Buddhist sects, only halting at the mainland's edge due to the complications of mass faith. Not that they could not handle it, but the cost in lives and resources would simply be too great. Now, Su Min was offering sufficient compensation to make the venture not just palatable, but profitable.
Moreover, Future Maitreya Mountain's lone Dao Comprehension expert was already dead. With Su Min having enlisted two supreme divine beasts as reinforcements, this was as favorable a situation as could be imagined. While risks always remained in battle, the potential rewards made the venture worthwhile.
"However, what about the Great Thunder Temple and the Ancient Lamp Monastery, especially the Great Thunder Temple? Miss Su has close ties with them, you must know they are not simple."
The Heavenfire Patriarch, also the ancestral elder of the Celestial Divinity Sect, raised the pressing concern. Among the three great Buddhist sects, though all were formidable, clear hierarchies existed. While Future Maitreya Mountain had been crippled by Su Min, the Great Thunder Temple was different, they harbored profound mysteries and hidden power.
If they were not persuaded to stand down beforehand, their interference could prove troublesome. Though both elders assumed Su Min had plans, they felt compelled to remind her. Should the three Buddhist sects unite completely, the challenge would become immense, requiring devastating sacrifices to overcome.
Beyond the humanitarian catastrophe, such a large-scale conflict might create dangerous opportunities for the Fallen Ones to strike.
"Rest assured, I will visit the Great Thunder Temple shortly," Su Min's lips curled into a cold, knowing smile.
She understood the Great Thunder Temple's terror better than anyone present. Yet she remained unperturbed, for she possessed unique leverage over them.
Namely, Yao Xian'er. While Su Min did not expect her to intervene directly in the main assault, having her restrain the Great Thunder Temple was entirely feasible. If the promise of seventh-grade elixirs proved insufficient motivation, she could always dangle the prospect of future eighth-grade pills, betting on their belief in her own limitless potential to eventually reach that legendary level.
"Then we shall await your good news."
Exchanging a brief, knowing glance, the two elders saw no need for further discussion since Su Min had prepared so thoroughly. Her confidence was infectious.
"Our Celestial Divinity Sect will contribute two late-stage Divine Transformation experts besides myself."
"The Netherworld Sect likewise. Mobilizing more forces would be difficult without leaving our own gates vulnerable."
"Excellent, let us coordinate our actions precisely."
The two revealed their committed forces, not numerous, as this extermination required cultivators of at least mid-to-late Divine Transformation stage to be effective.
Ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators would only meet instant death there, unable to even serve as meaningful cannon fodder. Though only three top experts were offered, it sufficed for the plan. Su Min could not complain, their sects had their own vulnerabilities and could not be emptied. Overextending might create fatal openings, just as it would for her own base if she sent everyone away.
"Your influence is truly remarkable. These two proud super sects are investing heavily on your word alone."
Watching the two elders depart through the secret teleportation array, Xie Yingying could not help but marvel. That mere alchemical promises could motivate such commitment reflected tremendous bargaining power. It was reminiscent, Su Min thought, of industrialized nations dumping goods in underdeveloped regions, though hopefully less destructive in the long run.
"They are quite bold, accepting one Dao Comprehension elixir each as a deposit. It is a pity no one in my own sect qualifies to use one yet."
Su Min shook her head ruefully. Though she could prepare several more sets of materials, no suitable recipients existed within the Immortal Gate. The two divine beasts she had recruited followed completely different cultivation systems, rendering human-centric Dao Comprehension elixirs useless to them.
As for herself, she was not ready yet. Despite having reached Divine Transformation mid-stage, the late-stage remained a distant goal. Progress through the three minor stages of Divine Transformation often took centuries per step. Her previous rapid advancement had relied entirely on the Netherfrost Soul Crystal's massive assistance; this time, no such supreme treasure was at hand.
Thus, only two paths remained: grind through time patiently, or seek out new fortuitous encounters. She hoped the resources plundered from Future Maitreya Mountain's treasury might provide the key to her breakthrough to late-stage Divine Transformation, enabling further progress.
The so-called Half-Step Dao Comprehension was essentially still the late-stage Divine Transformation realm, just with the initial comprehension of fragments of cosmic laws. In some aspects, given her unique insights, she already qualified as a Half-Step Dao Comprehension expert in everything but raw power.
"I hope destroying Future Maitreya Mountain yields the breakthroughs I need. Otherwise, this investment would sting, though honestly, I expect no direct personal returns from the act itself."
Economically speaking, upon reaching the Dao Comprehension stage herself, she could likely solo the entire operation. But delaying risked unforeseen complications and allowed their enemies to regroup. More critically, their recent, brazen ambush had left her deeply unsettled and eager to retaliate.
Had Future Maitreya Mountain's ancestral elder remained entrenched in his artifact fortress, even a powerhouse like Yao Xian'er might struggle to breach it. But now, with their strongest pillar gone, striking before they could produce a new Dao Comprehension expert was imperative.
Su Min was never one to endure attacks passively. Her decades of forced seclusion under the dog emperor's persecution had been unavoidable, with the world sealed and Wei-Wu State lacking sufficient power to resist the Demon Queen; biding her time had been her only option. Now, she had the power to act, and she would.
Three days after Su Min's discussions with the sect elders, Yao Xian'er arrived discreetly in the Eastern Mulberry State. Secrecy was paramount; whether the super sect experts or Yao Xian'er, all came and went under Su Min's strict insistence on low profiles and concealed auras.
Her gathering now comprised nearly half the continent's known peak forces. The remainder were either among the other Buddhist sects or the deeply reclusive divine beast clans, not just the Golden Crow and Dragon, but also the legendary Qilin, Phoenix, and others.
These ancient clans rarely appeared in the world due to their sparse numbers, but historical records showed they would inevitably intervene during true existential crises for the human race.
"Ready to visit the Great Thunder Temple? Their strength is undeniable, as is their devotion to protecting lives. But their religious extremism makes them unpleasant to deal with unless absolutely necessary."
Yao Xian'er sighed softly. Had Future Maitreya Mountain not repeatedly targeted Su Min for death and been implicated with the Fallen Ones, she might have actually opposed this operation. Many legendary Buddhist Emperors, or Transcendence-stage cultivators, had fought and died for humanity. That their descendants now opposed the masses and consorted with enemies necessitated eradication.
Their recent transgressions had simply crossed too many lines; this would also serve as a stark warning to others against collaborating with those entities.
"Let us depart. We must secure the Great Thunder Temple's neutrality. If they abstain, the Ancient Lamp Monastery will not dare to move alone."
With those final words, Su Min and Yao Xian'er left the Eastern Mulberry State. The Great Thunder Temple's domain was not too distant, their territories actually bordered each other.
Previously, a mutual non-interference pact had prevailed, aided by the Great Thunder Temple's general restraint and Su Min's initial indifference to expansion. But now, everything had changed.
Facing the two unexpected, powerful visitors, especially Su Min accompanied by Yao Xian'er, the Great Thunder Temple reacted with the utmost gravity.
Their three conventional leaders presided over the meeting, though everyone knew the true authority sat with an unassuming young monk seated slightly behind them.
His cultivation matched Yao Xian'er's, at the terrifying Dao Comprehension late-stage. His exact combat prowess was unknown, but the restrained pressure he exuded was palpable and terrifying, somehow even surpassing the Dragon Princess's vibrant aura.
Clearly, in any direct confrontation, Su Min would be instantly annihilated. Until she reached the Mahayana stage, the gulf between them remained insurmountable.
"Amitabha. For what purpose has Benefactor Su come to our humble temple?"
The aggressive implications of her visit were unmistakable, especially with Yao Xian'er in tow. None of the other leaders present could withstand her fury except their ancestral monk, a fact they were acutely aware of.
"To eradicate Future Maitreya Mountain. They have hunted me three times now. No second chances remain for them. I demand only the Great Thunder Temple's non-interference. Afterwards, their territories and followers are yours to manage and absorb."
Su Min's eyes gleamed with lethal intent, her killing intent leaking out uncontrollably for a moment. This closed-door meeting permitted such bluntness; it was necessary, much like modern warfare where leaders must gauge superpower stances preemptively to avoid a wider conflict.
"This..."
The room's atmosphere froze solid. Even Kong Hui, the leader closest to Su Min, gaped at her in shock. Eliminating one of Buddhism's three ancient pillars was no trivial matter, it would reshape the continent's religious landscape.
"Immortal Yao, what is your stance in this matter?"
Ignoring Su Min for a moment, the young monk turned his deep, calm gaze to the silent, white-robed figure beside her.
Her position was pivotal. Without her involvement, he was confident he could suppress Su Min's offensive despite her Three-Legged Golden Crow ally. Divine beasts, though individually mighty, could never challenge humanity's collective dominance and numerical superiority.
"Future Maitreya Mountain colludes with Fallen Ones. We cannot risk their potential alliance with those broken Immortals. However glorious their ancestors' deeds, the present urgency tolerates no traitors of such scale. The risk is too great."
"I see..."
Narrowing his eyes slightly, the young monk weighed his options with a calm mind. Fully defending Future Maitreya Mountain was impossible; their transgressions were now too public and indefensible.
But Yao Xian'er's clear resolve determined the price he could extract. Had she been ambivalent or opposed, he could have extorted Su Min ruthlessly, knowing she was vulnerable.
Now, with Yao Xian'er's implicit backing, he had to moderate his demands.
At his level, cold, logical cost-benefit analyses governed all decisions. Sentiment had little place.
"The Great Thunder Temple will not interfere," he stated calmly. "For the price of three Dao Comprehension elixirs, with the materials provided by us."