Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 841

In the 7910th year of the Blue Star Xia calendar,

A decade has elapsed since the battle at Jiang Star. Throughout these ten years, all the factions on Blue Star have been in a phase of rapid development. With the Buddhist cultivators no longer a threat, every group is occupied with internal adjustments.

Furthermore, this conflict shattered the rigid class structures within each faction. The demise of numerous powerful warriors presented endless opportunities for others, while simultaneously challenging the existing leadership.

Upon the completion of the ten-year period, Li Qing and the Demon Queen arrived in Haigang City to confer with Lin Jiang. They were eager to initiate their counterattack on Lingjing Star, as the ten years represented the agreed-upon timeframe.

Truthfully, had the losses from the two wars not been so substantial, they might not have waited for a full decade and would have departed for Lingjing Star much sooner.

"Zheng, my fellow Daoist, how is your new body faring?"

Lin Jiang addressed Zheng Yi as he approached. Zheng Yi had constructed a mechanical body for himself, akin to Shiyi's, and it was finished just two years prior.

"It is quite adequate. While my flesh is frail, my mechanical form is virtually indestructible. Coupled with the strength of my soul, I can expect to live for several more millennia."

Zheng Yi replied softly. Could he admit to regret? He dared not. His mechanical body had amplified his strength, and with certain soul-nourishing elixirs, he could indeed extend his lifespan by tens of thousands of years.

"That is excellent news! Do visit Huaxia more frequently. Huaxia boasts a multitude of robots, offering ample opportunities for interaction and exchange."

Lin Jiang remarked with a smile. Huaxia now hosts a considerable number of mechanized cultivators, under Shiyi's leadership. Their numbers are around fifty to sixty, all individuals whose physical bodies were lost in combat.

Huaxia presents a somewhat eclectic atmosphere currently, with orthodox cultivators, nefarious sects, Buddhist adherents, Gundams, and sentient magical robots coexisting. It is a vibrant and dynamic environment, offering a bit of everything.

"Enough pleasantries. I understand the reason for your presence. Let us adjourn to my study to commence our discussion."

Noticing everyone's apparent disinterest in further small talk, Lin Jiang promptly guided them into his study.

"Ancestor Lin, ten years have passed. It is time for us to depart. If we delay further, Lingjing Star will regain its former strength."

"Indeed, Ancestor Lin. Lingjing Star is situated over a hundred light-years away, and our journey there could span centuries. Delaying our departure now would be truly detrimental to our objectives."

"I am aware of these concerns, which is why we must resolve to set sail within the next two years. Our immediate priority is to deliberate on the strategy for Lingjing Star."

"Is not the essence of conquest simply overwhelming the enemy? What further discussion is needed?"

Li Qing appeared bewildered. The Buddhist cultivators had mustered millions, including those at the Golden Core stage. What force could possibly resist such a formidable army?

"The conquest of a planet is a complex undertaking, especially one bound by a singular belief system. Lingjing Star likely harbors fewer than ten billion inhabitants, yet a staggering ninety-nine percent adhere to Buddhism. There are very few unaffiliated individuals. A populace too sparse would leave us without sufficient manpower, while an excessive population would strain our logistical capabilities for troop transport."

"Your assessment is accurate. Therefore, what course of action do you propose?"

"Firstly, our initial contingent must not be overly large and should comprise primarily engineering and technical personnel tasked with the transformation of Lingjing Star and the advancement of its technology. Technological armaments must be prepared for rapid deployment to counter any potential resurgence from the Buddhist sect."

"Secondly, our approach to the inhabitants of Lingjing Star is paramount. The Buddha Seed initiative of the Buddhist sect faltered on Blue Star, but that was aided by our extensive preparations and the advantage of our home turf. We employed numerous methods to suppress it. However, on Lingjing Star, the Buddha Seed has already firmly taken root. Any misstep could see us surrounded by hostility. How then shall we engage in combat?"

"That is a straightforward matter; we shall simply eliminate all the inhabitants of Lingjing Star. Blue Star also suffered the loss of billions; this would be a debt repaid in blood, an eye for an eye."

The Demon Queen interjected, implying that the fate of humans held no consequence for her demonic race. After all, the people of Lingjing Star were of little value. They had acted similarly in the past; few humans remained on the Fangzhang Continent.

"Li Qing, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

"That approach is not entirely sound. With billions of individuals, their complete annihilation is no simple feat, and they are not mere insects; they will retaliate. If we intend to derive any benefit from Lingjing Star, we will still require a labor force."

"Indeed, Li Qing speaks with wisdom. The question of how to handle Lingjing Star is paramount. Based on our understanding of Buddhist cultivators, their devotion is formidable. A direct assault, a path of slaughter, will not bend them to our will; it will only ignite fierce resistance."

"If every suggestion is shot down, then what is the proposed course of action? We are here to conquer Lingjing Star, not to grovel before its inhabitants."

The Demon Queen’s temper flared. Countless Demon Emperors and Kings had already sacrificed their lives for the demon race. The mere thought of treating the people of Lingjing Star as equals, or worse, masters, was an insult they could not stomach. What would be the gain from such a subservient approach?

"Rest assured, a viable strategy exists. Experts from Huaxia have devised a sound plan. Your forces will be dispatched to Lingjing Star. The human race and the high-ranking demon race shall refrain from harming anyone, with the exception of the Buddhist cultivators themselves. The demon race will deploy their Demon Insects, while the human race will utilize robots to neutralize select adversaries and secure territory. Subsequently, we shall gather infants, ideally under the age of two, for a specialized upbringing. The remaining territories will be entrusted to local administrators from Lingjing Star; surely there exist collaborators within their vast populace."

"Following this, we shall implement stringent governance over Lingjing Star, exploit its resources to bolster our strength. When the populace reaches a boiling point of discontent, we will then eliminate these appointed managers, pacify the masses, and recruit a new cadre of local leaders…"

Lin Jiang elaborated calmly; it was, in essence, the well-trodden path of colonial subjugation. The three allied nations of Blue Star had perfected this methodology over extended periods. Lin Jiang harbored a slight concern that they might be forgetting this traditional art.

"Once we have amassed sufficient power, can we completely dismantle the influence of the Buddhist faction?"

"The outcome is largely the same. Whether it manifests as Buddhist doctrines or the Buddha Seed, it fundamentally represents a form of mental control. However, Lingjing Star is predominantly populated by ordinary individuals, whose thoughts are predominantly swayed by material considerations. Huaxia will dispatch numerous elite cadres to this world, dedicating two to three centuries to completely eradicate Buddhist ideologies and reshape the mindset of Lingjing Star’s inhabitants. Your full cooperation will be required at that juncture."

Lin Jiang added that he was adept at ideological transformation. After all, even the most devout Buddhist would surely not wish to starve, would they?

Through the strategic deployment of material control and ideological re-education, the situation on Lingjing Star could be entirely manipulated. Lin Jiang felt a considerable degree of confidence in this approach; there would be no insurmountable obstacles, and in the future, both parties would need to collaborate effectively.

"If that is the plan, then there are no further objections. I shall return and commence the training of our Demon Insects."

The Demon Queen mentioned that Demon Insects possess rudimentary intelligence. Even upon reaching levels four or five, they frequently struggle to manifest their forms or communicate, yet they serve effectively as expendable shock troops.

"My holdings in Ying Continent are not extensive, but I can contribute fifty thousand engineers and a substantial financial investment. For the robotic contingent, we will depend on Huaxia."

Li Qing acknowledged that Ying Continent was the least remarkable of the three entities. In terms of technological prowess, it could not rival Huaxia, and its military strength paled in comparison to the other two. Her sole advantage lay in her cultivation at the Transmigration Stage.

Li Qing was no longer as haughty as she once was; she had a clear understanding of her standing. Consequently, she candidly offered a significant financial contribution. Even if it meant liquidating all her assets, she was determined to seize this opportunity, as it represented her only chance to truly distinguish herself.

Lin Jiang was also quite satisfied with Li Qing’s newfound pragmatism. Ever since she ceased her ostentatious displays, Lin Jiang found her far more agreeable.

Following their detailed discussions, the three individuals departed to make their respective preparations.

The Huaxia contingent acted with remarkable speed, finalizing all arrangements within two months. A total of 200,000 personnel were mobilized, under the command of Liang Long. Assisting him were Shiyi and three other cultivators at the Dao Achieving realm, complemented by six experts from the Void Achieving realm, forming a core group of ten highly skilled individuals.

Among the remaining forces, only 10,000 were designated combat personnel; the vast majority were specialized elites, primarily engineers. Additionally, 500 core scientists from the Spiritual Energy Research Institute were included, alongside prominent academics and several cultural and ideological cadres. These individuals were deemed potentially more critical and would receive further augmentation later.

Beyond the human element, a diverse array of robots, encompassing both combat and engineering units, were assembled. Naturally, a considerable quantity of production materials was also procured. The swift integration of Lingjing Star into the technological era hinged upon the effective control of its resources, a crucial element in its eventual subjugation.