Chapter 669 - 316: Obedient Little Husband (5k)_3

"Sneaking in is not feasible, shall we force our way through? Given that it has at least Feather Transformation Realm Middle Stage strength, fiercely guarding its cave, sending any more people would be in vain." Ji Xueruo furrowed her brows. The disparity between Feather Transformation and Condensed Water is well-known, let alone facing a ferocious Divine Beast.

"That’s true, but it’s not without a chance of victory." Ao Yunlie’s gaze was piercing. "Do you know why the Fire Armadillo charged at Ming Dao that day instead of Mr. You?"

"Because Ming Dao is the source of the rain." Ji Xueruo replied.

"Miss Ji is indeed astute. The news of the Fire Armadillo spread quickly, and including the two of you, a total of forty-three cultivators have gathered here, among which several have reached Water Condensation Perfection, including a few renowned figures. The Little Saint of the West Wilderness Continent’s Wild Temple excels in Rain Summoning Skill, having calculated that there will be heavy rain in one day. The Fire Armadillo will not allow rainwater to flood its lair, so it will surely emerge to fix the pit. While it emerges, we can dispatch a large force to attack it, and then send a small group to infiltrate the lair to hunt for treasures, thus resolving this predicament."

Ao Yunlie disclosed the plan and finally extended an invitation to the two, "I have witnessed the combat prowess of Mr. You and Miss Ji that night, both of you are extraordinary. With your addition, our chances of success significantly increase. We might even not just delay it but kill it outright."

The Feather Transformation Realm is indeed powerful, but gathered here are the top talents from the Five Continents, each capable of defeating enemies beyond their realm. If such a group cooperates to push the Fire Armadillo out of its comfort zone, slaying it isn’t entirely impossible.

"But with so many people, can Mr. Ao ensure they all cooperate?"

"If not, we can’t overcome the Fire Armadillo." Ao Yunlie was confident. "And to be forthright with you both, all those remaining here have reached a consensus."

You Su thought this was obvious; those unwilling to cooperate trying to steal treasures would’ve been ostracized and not allowed near the cave anyway.

"Did Mr. Ao gather these people together?"

"Mr. You guesses correctly; it was indeed initiated by me. Forty-one cultivators, both humans and demons, have all agreed to collaborate fully. We’ve all signed an agreement stating that anyone breaching the rules will be punished by both humans and demons."

"Rules? Then who gets the treasure in the end?" Ji Xueruo pinpointed the essence of the problem.

"Anyone entering the cave must swear a great oath to the Heavenly Dao; if it’s a treasure, whoever gets it owns it. If it’s a legacy, it must be shared among all participants with the Celestial Awakening Spiritual Light."

"If it’s a treasure, wouldn’t our fight only benefit others?" Ji Xueruo asked again.

"All cultivators at the Condensed Water Upper Realm must stay on the surface to partake in the assault. I believe for those willing to oppose the Fire Armadillo, no treasure is more crucial than Zhengyang’s legacy. Even if becoming the benefactor of others, there’s nothing to regret."

Ao Yunlie’s certainty was veritable; no matter how valuable the treasure, it couldn’t exceed the worth of that Celestial Awakening Spiritual Light.

"So Mr. Ao wants me to join the battle? Together slay the Fire Armadillo?"

"Precisely." Ao Yunlie tacitly cast a Sound Insulation Skill, "I earnestly invite the two of you to join."

Ji Xueruo slightly pursed her lips, "But we are both at the Condensed Water Lower Realm."

"Only Mr. You will join the battle. His fight with Ming Dao made him famous, while Miss Ji can enter the cave to seek treasures." Ao Yunlie said, his smile carrying deeper meaning.

Ji Xueruo quickly deciphered the implication, recognizing that the rule requiring Condensed Water Upper Realm cultivators to join the fight was to ensure sufficient combat strength as well as to consider fairness for those entering the cave.

Indeed, among the gathered cultivators here, only You Su and Ji Xueruo were at the Condensed Water Lower Realm. Those entering the cave to seek treasures were all from the Middle Condensed Water Realm, ensuring fair competition.

By the rules, both You Su and Ji Xueruo could enter the cave for treasures, but You Su’s fame had already spread, such that the Condensed Water Upper Realm cultivators wouldn’t allow You Su to abstain from the battle and compete against those at the Middle Condensed Water Realm; this would be akin to gifting the cave’s treasures to You Su.

"Did Mr. Ao intentionally conceal their strengths?"

Ji Xueruo didn’t believe Ao Yunlie couldn’t discern the prowess she demonstrated that night, far surpassing those of the Middle Condensed Water Realm.

It’s rational that as the initiator of this action, Ao Yunlie, being of the Demon Race, would conceal the strength for his kin.

"Mr. You’s reputation precedes him." Ao Yunlie chuckled, sidestepping the question, "But Miss Ji must also swear a great oath to the Heavenly Dao."

Ji Xueruo curled her lips slightly. Though slightly miffed about You Su hogging the spotlight, it was rather beneficial since otherwise, she wouldn’t be allowed to enter the cave to hunt for treasures.

Admittedly, the rules are quite favorable for both her and You Su. Most here undoubtedly act in factions; even if the final gain isn’t a legacy but treasures, the fighting forces on the surface will ensure someone derives benefit, preventing the work from being in vain.

Moreover, she and You Su are essentially a team, allowing her to vie for opportunities with those in the Middle Condensed Water Realm. Effectively, she and You Su are the least likely to end empty-handed among these forces.

Wait, how is it that Ao Yunlie seems to have assumed she and You Su are already a team?

"This will be a historic moment, with the Human and Demon Races joining forces on Celestial Awakening Island yet again. What say you two?"

You Su said nothing, instead looking at Ji Xueruo, like a dutiful husband deferring to his wife.

Ji Xueruo arched her eyebrows slightly; You Su, despite his roguish demeanor, always trusted her completely. This moment rekindled memories of their mutual support in the Jade Ring Pool, filling her heart with warmth:

"We... we shall join."