I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1317: Stepping Stones

Yuwen Qianyue had barely settled into her meditation for a handful of breaths before the jade slip buzzed with a fresh transmission.

"All Venerables and Elders must gather at once in the Celestial Hall for an urgent council meeting. No delays will be tolerated."

Retracting her divine sense, a spark of delighted astonishment shone in her eyes.

"Has the result come so swiftly?"

"Well, that's hardly surprising..."

"Guo Jiannan has long since faded from his glory days; I doubt his fighting strength reaches even a tenth or two of what it once was. Facing the full assault from Fengxue Island's top leaders, how could he possibly stand firm?"

"The reign of the Invincible Sword Venerable is truly over. From this point on, that mortal star cultivator loses all his support!"

Gently storing the jade slip away, Yuwen Qianyue felt a faint smile tug at her crimson lips. The heavy burden weighing on her mind had finally eased, leaving this Venerable almost giddy with joy.

Recalling her impending attendance at the council in the grand hall, she quickly steadied her demeanor.

Not long afterward.

She entered the lavish main hall and, following her routine, claimed her spot in the farthest corner.

Once seated in silence, she scanned the room and saw numerous chairs vacant. The Pavilion Elders up front wore somber faces, with some showing faint signs of bloodstains!

In that moment, Yuwen Qianyue froze in shock.

Was something amiss here?

Glancing discreetly about, she noted that even several of her regular Venerable peers were missing. The ones there hung their heads low, deep in contemplation. A heavy, suffocating mood hung over the vast hall.

This...

Yuwen Qianyue found herself utterly stunned, struggling to make sense of it all.

Until the figure in the central seat broke the silence with a heavy tone.

"Honored colleagues."

"Our encirclement and suppression effort has brought severe casualties to Fengxue Island. More than a dozen Elders and dozens of Venerables have fallen or suffered injuries. The danger from that demon Guo Jiannan has surpassed our wildest fears. Yet, as Fengxue Island upholds the sacred duty of preserving the world's purity, we must never let him wander unchecked!"

"Share your thoughts openly on the strategies we ought to pursue."

His grave declaration dropped like a stone, leaving the hall in stunned quiet.

Those who learned of the events only through reports felt profound alarm, while the actual fighters trembled even more in dread. A murmur of subdued chatter started up, and the holy main hall slowly slipped into turmoil.

"Hiss..."

"Guo Jiannan actually overcame our Fengxue Island? His cultivation level is downright horrifying!"

"Horrifying doesn't cover it! Locked away in the Demon-Suppressing Prison for tens of thousands of years, his life force waning, and he still wields such might. The name Invincible Sword Venerable lives up to its legend!"

"Everyone, why inflate the foe's spirits and undermine our own standing?"

"It's the harsh truth! If Guo Jiannan is this formidable right after breaking free from the Demon-Suppressing Prison, how will we confront him once he regains his full peak power?"

"This..."

The whispers swelled into louder debates, with the hall's occupants clashing in heated exchanges.

The leaders in the forward seats kept grim countenances, staying mute for what seemed like ages. Deep down, they knew these weren't mere voices; their points rang true and echoed the very worries gnawing at them.

Reflecting on it, this clash defied all belief.

That Guo Jiannan could cling to such dreadful prowess and deal massive blows to Fengxue Island... the result was mind-blowing, far outside predictions, and it left the leaders steeped in grave reflection and terror.

Why?

How does this ancient fiend still command such awesome might?

It defies all logic!

Is it possible that the Heavens truly side with him?

The atmosphere in the hall turned darker and more stifling, teetering on the edge of outright disorder.

After hearing the talk for some time, Yuwen Qianyue's pulse raced harder with disbelief.

Is the Invincible Sword Venerable really so formidable?

If this trend persists, won't Yi Feng claim whatever he desires?

And down the line...

Should Guo Jiannan restore his cultivation and storm into the Celestial Hall on a rampage, what fate awaits her!

A chill gripped Yuwen Qianyue as she sensed her very existence in peril. Her will to survive blazed fiercer than any other's, and a torrent of cunning ideas raced through her thoughts.

Right as the gathering sank into ceaseless wrangling.

A flicker ignited in her gaze. Clenching her jaw, she stood and offered a respectful bow!

"Esteemed Seniors."

"I possess a scheme that could bring down that demon Guo Jiannan!"

Her statement landed.

The whole hall plunged into hush, countless eyes fixing on her.

A few of the top figures traded subtle looks. The chief among them nodded gravely.

"Speak."

Normally, Yuwen Qianyue as just a Venerable lacked the stature to suggest tactics. But with the dire straits at hand, formalities could wait. They needed to grasp at any straw, no matter how slim.

Beneath the intense scrutiny of everyone present, Yuwen Qianyue bowed elegantly and replied.

"To the honored Seniors."

"Upon exiting the Demon-Suppressing Prison, Guo Jiannan had a youth at his side. He goes by Yi Feng and says he comes from a mortal star. Yet, from my observations, he shares a deep bond with Guo Jiannan and is probably his kin..."

She hadn't even wrapped up when sharp interest gleamed in the eyes of various senior elders.

"Are you suggesting we seize this young man to force Guo Jiannan into hesitation over his safety?"

"Yes, there was indeed a youth like that next to Guo Jiannan as he left the prison."

"This approach looks promising."

"Exactly. If we can't stand against Guo Jiannan himself, surely we can manage his heir? To slay the serpent, aim for its vital spot; that Yi Feng is his soft underbelly!"

These were all shrewd and merciless experts, their minds sharp with devious plans. They caught her drift without needing the full explanation.

The elder in the host's position also rubbed his beard thoughtfully.

"Hmm..."

"This tactic might stray from honor and directness, but to ensnare the demon, it's not wholly improper. In extraordinary circumstances, extraordinary actions are required!"

Assents erupted into fervent talk across the hall, with endorsements pouring in nonstop.

"The Island Lord is wise!"

"The Island Lord is spot on. Even if Guo Jiannan scorns mortal ties, he can't overlook the peril to his own flesh and blood. Seizing this youth will definitely rattle his focus!"

"Striking at the heart takes priority. This idea is brilliant!"

The praise flowed smoothly and convincingly, with most voicing strong backing for this shrewd plot.

Yuwen Qianyue wasn't one to miss a chance. She jumped in with her own adulation.

"The Island Lord is wise!"

"This subordinate only had a passing idea, but the Island Lord has pierced its essence already. Such insight leaves us all in awe!"

"That heir Yi Feng once posed as a mortal star cultivator. He must have sneaked into our Fengxue Island to free Guo Jiannan. Right now, he's holed up in the Outer Sect's cave dwellings!"

Eyes on the hopeful, deferential female Venerable.

The Island Lord slightly narrowed his gaze and answered steadily with a hand gesture.

"Then, you will head a squad to seize this youth and deliver him here!"

A prime opportunity dropped right into her lap, drawing jealous stares from the crowd, who rushed to stand and offer their services. Yuwen Qianyue, her features aglow with prestige, promptly bowed to accept!

"This subordinate obeys!"

In mere moments of speech, she had not only averted the disaster but also, by pitting others against each other, won the Island Lord's favor. This masterstroke of hitting multiple targets with one blow—who else could rival it?

Guiding a band of powerhouses as she exited the grand hall, Yuwen Qianyue brimmed with elation, tearing open the void.

Regardless of one's support or lineage, a tumble from power can strike in a blink. She had witnessed so-called prodigies falter before, and this instance would prove no different. True victors, armed with brains and boldness, would claim the final laugh and climb to the ultimate Dao.

Even if that Yi Feng truly turns out to be Guo Jiannan's descendant, so what?

He's nothing but a mere pawn!