← 百炼成仙

第四千一百四十一章 深谋远虑

This was a fair point. After all, discarded treasure maps could easily raise suspicion.

However, Lin Xuan's face showed a dismissive attitude: "Even if they are suspicious, what of it? Humans have curiosity, and with such generous rewards, people will take risks even if they know the map is questionable. They would still venture out in the dark."

"Ah..."

Little Butterfly was speechless, pondering this situation herself. If she were in their shoes, she too would be tempted.

What Lin Xuan had done wasn't a cunning plot but a straightforward strategy, leveraging circumstances to his advantage. Even if these strong figures from the Three Thousand Worlds knew there were pitfalls ahead, they would still plunge forward.

This was a bold move indeed.

Nine Heavens Goddess heard this clearly and her eyes sparkled with interest. The former Feathered Feather Immortal was generous and honest, but lacked some cunning. Otherwise, he wouldn't be in his current predicament. At that time, Tianxiang wasn't as straightforward as Feathered Feather, yet he was crafty like a fox, which allowed him to rise to become the Daoist Ancestor.

In truth, even if it weren't for the Asura, Feathered Feather would have eventually fallen victim to Tianxiang's machinations due to their differing opinions. Destiny is determined by one's character. Feathered Feather's straightforward nature had destined his tragic end. In this life, he was reborn with a completely different personality—either coincidentally or for other reasons.

Perceiving the subtle signs, this strategy was ingeniously executed. Even the former Feathered Feather would have struggled to come up with such a plan if he thought about it.

Or perhaps... he wouldn't even consider it because he found it beneath him.

Sending others to scout ahead was an unavoidable choice but not entirely honorable.

"My lord, your method is good, but what if someone like Master Nael Dragon or Fairy Yutong finds the treasure map?"

Moon's voice came through with a hint of concern.

"Don't worry. We've already set up our communication methods. The secret techniques I applied to this map will ensure that if my brother retrieves it, he'll understand its true nature and won't fall for any tricks," Lin Xuan said with a smile.

He needed scouts but wouldn't betray his allies.

"That's good."

Moon patted her chest in relief. She truly feared the young master might make a mistake, causing damage to the great cultivators of the Spirit Realm.

...

Lin Xuan had devised his plan, but could everything go as he wished?

No one knew for sure; there were always unforeseen circumstances, especially in the cultivation world.

For instance, Tianxiang had faced no obstacles while refining the Ten Thousand Volumes Scroll. Yet, he ended up being thrown into another dimension.

Now that the Elemental God was gone, other gods had arrived en masse. Not only did Tianxiang not fear this, but he was overjoyed.

By extracting their souls and spirits, he could gain a deeper understanding of the universe's laws faster, allowing him to return to his own dimension.

It seemed fate was on his side. Just as if he wanted to sleep, someone had handed him a pillow.

But was everything really that simple?

These gods wouldn't surrender easily. While the Elemental God was their strongest, there was no dominance; with more numbers, the outcome remained uncertain.

They would have to fight to know.

This uncertainty gave Lin Xuan much time.

If Tianxiang returned here, he surely wouldn't allow him to set things up calmly. Even if his previous life had been Feathered Feather, his fate would be tragic.

But this time, there was no chance of rebirth.

However, with the added time, Lin Xuan still had a chance to turn the tide.

Of course, he didn't know all the details, but he knew two crucial things he needed to do. First, find Ice Soul and retrieve the makeup box. With all seven treasures of the Asura gathered, Moon could regain her former Asura King's power. Even if she wasn't as strong as now, she should be able to stand a fight against Tianxiang.

Secondly, obtain Nine Heavens Respite Soil. Although its exact use was unknown, his memory fragments told him it was important.

Finding Ice Soul would be challenging, but with the treasure map scattered about, whoever found it would likely investigate regardless of their doubts.

Thus, by waiting for them, he could solve both problems at once—a two-for-one strategy.

Lin Xuan was far more clever than Nine Heavens Goddess imagined.

"Let's go. Although many great cultivators will help me test the waters, I need to see how things unfold with my own eyes. We shouldn't waste time and head for Illusory Sea Desert."

Lin Xuan's calm voice echoed in their ears.

"Agreed."

The girls had no objections, but how to proceed was a problem. Lin Xuan preferred caution; given the circumstances, fewer people were better. So, returning to the Momentary Heavenly Cavern Map would be ideal.

Originally, this wasn't an issue, but with Nine Heavens Goddess added, Lin Xuan couldn't pretend he wasn't worried or had no qualms. What if the girls fought...

Fortunately, these concerns were unnecessary. Moon was a model girl unlike her Asura past. Peacock might be troublesome, but she understood the bigger picture. And as for Nine Heavens Goddess, who hadn't been acknowledged by Lin Xuan, she wouldn't provoke trouble.

Thus, despite some minor setbacks, they maintained a delicate balance.

The girls returned to the Momentary Heavenly Cavern Map, and Lin Xuan flew towards his destination, surrounded by green light.

Although it was called a desert, the terrain varied with hills, slopes, rivers, and small lakes, dotted with oases.

...

Lin Xuan had arrived at his destination. How did the treasure map he scattered look?

On a hillside, a monstrous scorpion-like creature's head had just been severed. Beside it stood a cold-faced cultivator in black robes.

Suddenly, a streak of light descended from the sky. The black-robed cultivator caught it with a hand and examined the jade pupil scroll in his palm before releasing his divine sense.

"Illusory Sea Desert, heh, do I really think I'll fall for this? But checking out is harmless."

Postscript: Sorry, I'm too busy today. (To be continued...)

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