Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2562: 256: Preparations_3

Hearing this, the faces of everyone darkened involuntarily, their gazes turning vigilant toward the Xiahou Demon.

Noticing the crowd's subtly hostile looks, the Xiahou Demon's expression shifted a bit, and he spoke firmly:

“True Man Gai, you're wrong about that. When have I ever exploited any of you?”

“Back then, with Tianshang appearing and personally protecting the three Dharma Realms, how could I risk any bold actions? I had no choice but to head into the Dead Land just to stay alive, nothing more.”

True Man Gai chuckled lightly, as if ridiculing the Xiahou Demon's explanation:

“Are you worried that Taoist Friend Chao and I would block your efforts to rebuild the Void Demon Realm? That's why you fled and vanished far away right after escaping. And those benefits... the monks seized by the Supreme True Buddha seem perfect for your Void Demon Realm, don't they?”

With his plot exposed by True Man Gai, the Xiahou Demon's face flickered briefly, but he soon composed himself, shaking his head with a sigh:

“The one who truly gets me is none other than Brother Gai.”

“Sadly, after all these years of knowing each other, I must witness Brother Gai's downfall now. What a shame...”

His tone carried a strange undertone.

True Man Gai kept a steady face at those words, yet Lady Hua and Bai Lechan's expressions grew grim.

Bai Lechan was on the verge of responding.

Right then, Wang Ba's voice suddenly sounded:

“Taoist Friend Xiahou, Shen Fu and the cultivators I fetched from the Sea of Chaos Realm owe you for your protection, but it's time to hand them back to me now.”

Upon Wang Ba's words, the Xiahou Demon glanced over at him, seeing his composed look. His own attitude turned grave, far from casual, as he replied earnestly:

“Taoist Friend Taiyi, among those rescued from the Sea of Chaos Realm, I did everything possible, but as a lone force, I could only rescue a handful. Shen Fu, however... I'm sorry, he can't be given back.”

Wang Ba's countenance darkened, and even without acting, both Heavenly Monarch Chao and Kong Zen's eyes narrowed faintly.

The Xiahou Demon sensed a powerful aura leaking from Wang Ba's sleeve, far surpassing True Man Gai and the rest, locking onto him in an instant!

Beyond that, Lady Hua, Bald Man Jiao, Bai Lechan, and the others stared at him with icy glares.

In his heart, he inwardly admired Wang Ba's commanding presence right now.

Thoughts raced swiftly in his mind, then he steadied himself and continued:

“Naturally, Taoist Friend Taiyi can ask his own wishes... but he's my sole disciple, vital for reviving the Void Demon Realm.”

“Shen Fu is your disciple?”

Wang Ba reacted with evident surprise in his eyes, then furrowed his brow slightly.

“If Taoist Friend doubts it or fears I've used some trick, feel free to check personally, or I can summon him here right away.”

As if reading Wang Ba's mind, the Xiahou Demon offered quickly.

Next, he shifted the subject, inquiring:

“Earlier, I saw everyone appeared worried about some issue. Though my Void Demon Realm ranks among the Four Great Realms and I seek ascension myself, now that I'm aware, it's my duty too. Tell me what's going on.”

The group shared looks, and after a brief thought, Wang Ba shared the essentials, omitting finer details and just noting the shortage of hands.

“Include me as well.”

The Xiahou Demon declared without hesitation.

Wang Ba then transmitted his views to True Man Gai, who, upon learning his assessment of the Xiahou Demon, decided swiftly.

At once, he passed the last Overturning Water Staff to him.

The Xiahou Demon questioned puzzledly: “Why not let the senior in Zhang’s Ruins step in?”

Wang Ba shook his head faintly: “The Six Root Magic Staff matches six people, and Zhang’s Ruins can manage just one, yielding minimal help. Plus, we must watch for Tianshang. Lacking its safeguard would put us in far worse peril.”

The Xiahou Demon grasped it instantly.

In that instant, every Mahayana got a quick feel for their staff before moving together.

The very next moment, powered by the six Mahayana, the six staffs plunged straight into the wall, spinning up a vortex once again that made the wall surge like flowing water.

Then, from the vortex's depths, a small, faint crack finally appeared!

“Duanhai Cliff, has opened?!”

“It really opened!”

Among the Mahayana there, aside from Bald Man Jiao and Lady Hua who stayed emotionless, the rest felt deep inner shock, a mix of astonishment and delight!

Yet nearly at once, Bai Lechan's face twisted first, horror flashing in his eyes!

Bald Man Jiao promptly cried out:

“Not good!”

“What’s inside here?! The suction is so strong!”

As he shouted, his own face changed subtly.

Following his cry, the six staffs started shaking wildly at that point.

From within the vortex, a horrifying and indescribable suction power suddenly surged forth!

The Mahayana auras also visibly faded away in a flash.

As things took a turn for the worse, Wang Ba realized these six staffs demanded too much from them; even six Mahayana powerhouses fell short, prompting him to swiftly call for a stop.

They hastily pulled back their energy, watching the tiny gap between the six staffs close rapidly and nearly vanish. A shock pierced Wang Ba's heart, and he sent a wisp of Spiritual Light toward it.

The very next moment, the gap disappeared completely.

Wang Ba then retrieved the six staffs once more.

Witnessing this, Lady Hua flicked her sleeve, showering petals over everyone, restoring their previously drained states in moments.

Though worn out herself, she promptly turned her attention to stabilizing True Man Gai's condition.

“Thank you.”

After expressing gratitude to Lady Hua, the group turned their gazes to the six staffs in Wang Ba’s grasp, faces blending shock, delight, and grim resolve.

Wang Ba's expression grew taut as he slowly shook his head: “It seems that six Mahayana are far from enough… we need more people, the more, the better.”

He reached a firm resolve instantly, issuing orders without delay:

“Taoist Friend Gai, try to contact any Crossing Tribulation cultivators or Mahayana friends nearby as soon as possible and invite them to come and support us swiftly, lest we fail to sustain when we open Duanhai Cliff.”

Next, he turned to Heavenly Monarch Chao: “Master Chao, take this bit of time to see if there’s any chance of assisting the Eight-tailed Heavenly Fox to advance further.”

Heavenly Monarch Chao's resolve hardened at these words. Though the odds were slim, he showed no reluctance and nodded firmly:

“I’ll do my best, but…”

Right then, Bald Man Jiao interjected: “I have a Secret Technique that can increase its breakthrough chance.”

Wang Ba gave a slight nod upon hearing Bald Man Jiao.

Then his eyes shifted to Bai Lechan:

“Taoist Brother Bai, you are a Banished Immortal, so you should also know some of the formations in The Heavens. See if you can combine Zhang’s Ruins and these Four Great Realms to enhance the resistance a bit.”

Bai Lechan frowned faintly at the request:

“This difficulty might be considerable. It’s not just time; the rank of many materials is also less than ideal…”

After a brief pause, his voice steadied: “But, I understand.”

Wang Ba nodded once more.

He scanned the group and declared gravely:

“Initially, the idea of escaping was out of necessity, as once found by the Supreme True Buddha, unless one flees through Cultivation Ascension, the outcome would be the same. But now, we have a chance to confront it, even to eradicate this calamity. I hope you all can work together this time!”

With Lady Hua's aid, True Man Gai struggled to his feet and bowed deeply to Wang Ba: “I’ll obey Taoist Friend’s command!”

Following True Man Gai's lead, the others paused momentarily before offering solemn bows to Wang Ba too.

Wang Ba remained quiet for a beat but accepted it without dodging, nodding earnestly:

“Everyone, time is short, let’s begin now.”

“Yes.”

In that instant, their voices rang out together.