Two Realms Shuttle Gate: Don't Call Me a Demon!

Chapter 279: Chapter 194: Planning Against the Heavenly Soul Sect (Third Update)

The tower was constructed primarily of Moonlight Crystal Soul Ore, supplemented by a vast quantity of precious mineral materials.

At the very heart of the tower, what maintained its operation were Top Grade Spirit Stones.

One should know, a single Top Grade Spirit Stone could be exchanged for ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones, and one Mid-grade Spirit Stone was worth over a hundred Low Grade Spirit Stones.

In other words, one Top Grade Spirit Stone could be exchanged for over a thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones.

The mere cost to build such an Obsidian Tower was an astronomical figure that even Su Jie dared not contemplate.

The three towers were arrayed in a character “品” shape, forming the Mountain Protection Array that defended the entirety of Ghost Ridge Palace.

Now, in a state of war, the Mountain Protection Array was operating at full strength, and the maintenance costs alone were swallowing up untold numbers of Top Grade Spirit Stones each day.

When the cannon fires, ten thousand taels of gold are spent.

War, no matter which world one is in, is always a gold-devouring beast.

It seemed that even with Ghost Ridge Palace’s long-standing heritage, such a war would eventually be unsustainable.

In terms of financial resources, how could Ghost Ridge Palace, struggling to survive hidden among the mountains and forests, possibly compare with the Righteous Sects that occupied Spiritual Mountain Blessed Lands, especially when facing multiple adversaries?

Aside from Su Jie, the others who entered the tower were Taoist Qiu and Tang Peiqing, both of whom had been summoned by Zhang Junwei.

“Su Jie, seeing this tower, what goes through your mind?”

Zhang Junwei asked, hands clasped behind his back as he walked.

Su Jie understood that he was being tested.

After pondering for a moment, Su Jie replied, “Sect Master, our Sect is struggling to maintain itself, with vast resources being consumed. However, I believe that those Righteous Sects are also not having an easy time. Offense always consumes more than defense, and besides, we have the geographical advantage—this is our home ground. We will surely hold out until victory.”

Su Jie’s response was standard and also reflected the mindset that had enabled most Disciples to persevere: the hope that they could outlast the Righteous Sects until they retreated of their own accord.

Tang Peiqing chuckled, “Many people think we can’t hold out, but you seem quite confident.”

Taoist Qiu, without participating in the conversation, began to prepare tea, taking out a tea table and cups from his Storage Bag and busying himself with the leaves.

Zhang Junwei’s expression remained unchanged as he said coolly, “You do have a way with words. If only things were as simple as you say.”

“I am but a humble disciple with limited abilities, currently at the Yunling Realm, unable to contribute significantly to the Sect’s war efforts.” @@novelbin@@

“Enough with the modesty. Having achieved a Primordial Spirit at the Yunling Realm, you are the most outstanding Disciple Ghost Ridge Palace has seen in recent years. If you are considered dimwitted, then the other Disciples do not even deserve to cultivate.”

Zhang Junwei cast Su Jie a couple of glances before walking over to the window of the tower and pushing it open.

“Was this fifth-grade fierce ghost obtained from the Heavenly Soul Sect?”

He directed his gaze below the tower, where the Ghost Bride, Han Ruyan, stood silently, resembling a statue.

With his discernment, he could naturally see the extraordinary nature of the Ghost Bride.

However, with his own Cultivation at the Taoist Platform Realm, he had no intention of coveting his disciple’s possessions. Besides, fostering ghosts did not align with his path of Cultivation, as he was not skilled in nurturing ghost entities.

“Yes, Sect Master. I was actually planning to report to you that Heavenly Soul Sect has been causing disturbances throughout Qingzhou as of late. In executing our current mission…”

Su Jie recounted everything he had experienced in East Victory City, naturally omitting some secrets automatically.

After listening, Zhang Junwei nodded indifferently and said, “Heavenly Soul Sect, I’ve been aware of their existence since they entered Qingzhou territory. Our Ghost Ridge Palace has been in Qingzhou for so many years, and we do have such intelligence.

Over a year ago, Heavenly Soul Sect’s mountain gate in Jingzhou was destroyed by various righteous sects, forcing them to flee with a group of disciples to Qingzhou. Their sect mainly deals with Yin Souls and Fierce Ghosts; they are not the same type of Demon Cultivators as us.

Of course, it’s a good thing that you can learn their methods.

With your talent, having a wide range of skills does not burden you, nor does it cause your cultivation of our sect’s techniques to progress slowly. It’s always good to have more abilities.”

Zhang Junwei said this and shook his head, “Speaking of which, we also took a disaster off their backs. Those from Heavenly Soul Sect act arrogantly. The righteous sects of Guan Chao Pavilion were planning to clean them up, but later, because of the war with our sect, it actually made it inconvenient for them to spare the effort to deal with Heavenly Soul Sect.”

“This Heavenly Soul Sect is quite lucky; no wonder they have been so arrogant recently.”

Su Jie was clear in his mind that besides this reason, it was also because Heavenly Soul Sect currently had no base, existing entirely like roaming bandits.

Heavenly Soul Sect could pack their bags and run without the slightest psychological burden if they couldn’t win a fight.

On the contrary, provoking them could easily bring about retaliation from Heavenly Soul Sect.

If they weren’t ethical in martial combat and specifically sent Hidden Realm Elders to attacked ordinary disciples, such tactics would ensure that no sect could endure for long.

It’s the principle that the barefoot are not afraid of those with shoes. As long as I’m poor and desolate, anyone who touches me will be troubled.”

Ghost Ridge Palace can’t do this. You can run away from the monk, but not the temple; with such a large sect located here, where could they possibly run to?

Not to mention, Ghost Ridge Palace consists of Gu Masters who rely heavily on the Insect Valley, a special and fierce place. Without Insect Valley to supply poisonous insects, not only the disciples but also the Elders would be ruined.

While Heavenly Soul Sect mainly cultivates Fierce Ghosts and Yin Souls, killing wherever they go.

Fierce Ghosts can be captured from the wild, or they can capture living people to refine. Yin Souls are even easier; just kill and perform Soul Extraction. Civilians are easy to catch for this purpose!

“Heavenly Soul Sect may not be an unwelcome aid for us.”

Zhang Junwei seemed to have thought of something and suddenly spoke out this sentence.

“Sect Master, are you thinking of aligning with Heavenly Soul Sect…”

Su Jie immediately understood Zhang Junwei’s intention; Ghost Ridge Palace and Heavenly Soul Sect were both Demon Cultivators, which naturally provided a basis for an alliance.

Tang Peiqing also pondered and said, “That’s indeed a good idea.”

“Nowadays, our Ghost Ridge Palace is not living comfortably, and Heavenly Soul Sect is the same. They occupy Nanyang City, Lantai City, Tan City, and Pingwu City, absorbing fear emotions, seeming to be doing okay.

But in reality, once the righteous sects of Qingzhou figure it out, they can easily take down those cities and rescue the civilians.

Then they’ll have no choice but to flee, and even if they can kill along the way, excessive conspicuous actions will lead them to be pursued and cornered.”

Zhang Junwei had quite an understanding of Heavenly Soul Sect, even knowing about their occupation of those cities in detail.

Taoist Qiu frowned and said, “That involves several righteous sects, I’m afraid those from Heavenly Soul Sect may not agree to get involved in this murky water.”

“It’s all about interests. As long as the benefits are sufficient, there’s no worry they won’t join in.”

Zhang Junwei’s eyes lit up with a wise glint as if he already had an idea, and he continued, “Heavenly Soul Sect’s original mountain gate was destroyed. They definitely also want to find a new base, as wandering endlessly is not sustainable. We can promise to help them find a foothold. In Qingzhou, we understand the lay of the land better than these outsiders.”