The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3496 - 3491: Trust from the Nine Sect Founder_1

"What course of action should we take?" the influential figures debated.

After all, the future of their entire collective was at stake, a matter they could not afford to overlook.

Nine Gates Ancestor proposed: "We can only seize this moment, with Yan Luo in his current cultivation state, to combine our efforts and halt him, thereby disrupting his cultivation. Regardless, allowing him to cultivate for an extended period would prove detrimental."

"This is precisely why I stated it was opportune for you Daoist friends to arrive. Initially, assaulting the Netherworld seemed to lack sufficient manpower, but with your presence, it is perfectly adequate," Ye Shan Dao Ancestor remarked.

"If our four clans unite, won't our manpower be ample?" inquired one of the powerful individuals.

"Our four clans are fundamentally incapable of true unity. We cannot form a cohesive fighting force and inevitably end up engaging individually within the Netherworld, likely to be manipulated by others. It's not simple to achieve any advantage; ultimately, we must stand on our own," echoed Spirit Communication Ancestor.

This sentiment underscored the gravity of their predicament for the assembled powerful figures. Who could have fathomed that their journey to Earth Spirit Hall would culminate in the necessity of attacking the Netherworld?

Their decision to remain within the Taiyuan Star System was largely driven by apprehension of potential dangers, yet now being compelled to venture into the Netherworld naturally engendered a sense of resentment.

Nevertheless, being seasoned Daoist Ancestor Experts, they refrained from overtly displaying their discontent. Despite their internal displeasure, they maintained outward appearances of cheerfulness.

Nine Gates Ancestor stated: "Regarding the Netherworld affair, each of you must commit your utmost effort. It is intrinsically linked to the future transformations of our entire collective, thus you must not underestimate its significance nor treat it lightly. For the present moment, Yang Chen, my friend, accompany me for a short while. There are certain crucial matters the old man wishes to discuss with you."

Yang Chen expressed surprise at these words. He had a prior inkling that Nine Gates Ancestor harbored a particular interest in him.

Now that the elder had initiated contact, Yang Chen grew even more perplexed.

Despite his burgeoning doubts, Yang Chen rose and accompanied Nine Gates Ancestor.

This turn of events further baffled the other influential figures, leaving them questioning Nine Gates Ancestor's motives for summoning Yang Chen privately.

Even Ye Shan Dao Ancestor and the others remained unaware of Nine Gates Ancestor's intentions, having never heard him mention a desire to converse with Yang Chen previously.

Yang Chen and Nine Gates Ancestor proceeded together to a secluded, unoccupied dwelling within Earth Spirit Hall.

Though the location seemed chosen at random, it was evident that Nine Gates Ancestor's words were of considerable import. With a mere wave of his hand, he enveloped the entire house in a protective isolation.

Yang Chen detected no trace of hostility emanating from Nine Gates Ancestor. It was precisely this absence of threat that amplified his curiosity regarding the elder's purpose.

"Senior Nine Gates, what is the meaning of this?" Yang Chen inquired, a note of confusion in his voice.

Nine Gates Ancestor, hands clasped behind his back, responded: "Yang Chen, do you know why I requested your presence?"

Yang Chen's brow furrowed in thought. After a moment of contemplation, he ventured, "Could it be related to the Netherworld matter that Senior Nine Gates mentioned earlier?"

Nine Gates Ancestor nodded approvingly. "You are astute. Yes, my reason for seeking you out is indeed connected to the Netherworld situation. Does it not strike you as peculiar that I would discuss such matters with you, a mere individual in the Heaven-appointed Realm, in private?"

"You speak the truth; it is indeed unusual," Yang Chen confirmed.

"Let me begin from the outset. As I stated earlier, it is imperative that we prevent Yan from advancing to the Dodao Period," Nine Gates Ancestor declared.

"Yes, that is correct," Yang Chen affirmed.

Upon mentioning Yan, Nine Gates Ancestor's expression shifted to one of profound seriousness. "However, I omitted one crucial aspect earlier: the necessity of formulating a contingency plan for our human race's potential retreat."

"Formulating a retreat?" Yang Chen questioned, his confusion deepening.

Nine Gates Ancestor sighed, elaborating, "Although it appears that the various clans are poised to besiege Yan currently, who can definitively guarantee that the outcome will favor the opposing clans? It remains uncertain whether Yan might seize this opportunity for a counterattack, inflicting a devastating blow upon the other factions."

"Did Senior Nine Gates not just mention that Yan's advancement to the Dodao Period is not an instantaneous feat?" Yang Chen posed.

"Achieving the Dodao Period is indeed a formidable challenge; even with a million years, Yan might not necessarily attain it. Yet, should he grasp even a sliver of its essence, he would already surpass us seasoned cultivators by a vast margin. Yan's current strength is an unknown variable; even if we were to combine the might of all Dao Creator Realm Experts, we might not suffice to vanquish him. Furthermore, our inability to achieve true unity remains a significant impediment."

The Nine Gates Ancestor spoke with solemnity, stating, "That is precisely why we must brace ourselves for the gravest possibilities. Should our human race ever face peril, we require a champion to rise forth."

Yang Chen was taken aback by the Nine Gates Ancestor's profound thoughts. "With your esteemed strength, Senior, how could any trouble possibly arise..."

"You are unaware," the Nine Gates Ancestor explained with a cold tone. "The transition from the Dao Creator Realm to the Dodao Period is an enigmatic process. Merely secluding oneself is insufficient for realm breakthrough. The optimal path to ascend is through combat; otherwise, why would it be designated the Dodao Period? Only by shattering the Dao amidst battle can one truly achieve this transcendent state."

"Yan has already grasped a portion of its essence, and should he endeavor to enter the Dodao Period, he will undoubtedly show no mercy to us veterans."

"What are your chances of victory, Senior?" Yang Chen inquired.

"If I can comprehend the Dodao, victory shall be mine. However, if I fail to do so, then defeat is inevitable," the Nine Gates Ancestor replied.

At this juncture, Yang Chen began to grasp the implications and could not help but ask, "Senior Nine Gates, do you intend to confront Yan as well?"

"Those Dao Creator Realm powerhouses did not band together to subdue Yan, so why should I refrain? Yang Chen, once you attain my level of cultivation, you will comprehend. The most agonizing aspect is standing on the precipice, the peak within reach, yet perpetually unattainable. It is an all-encompassing haze, thus I too seek to challenge this realm, and this impending battle presents such an opportunity," the Nine Gates Ancestor elaborated.

Yang Chen responded, "So, Senior intends to make provisions in advance for a potential downfall?"

"The specifics remain uncertain at this moment. These are merely my personal conjectures, yet preparedness is always prudent," the Nine Gates Ancestor said, placing a hand on Yang Chen's shoulder. "Furthermore, this epoch is drawing to a close. If this epoch concludes, the duration of my existence becomes a question mark. Therefore, I shall entrust all matters to you."

Yang Chen was astonished and could not refrain from interjecting, "This junior merely believes..."

"Believes what?" The Nine Gates Ancestor chuckled, stroking his beard.

Yang Chen articulated, "This junior simply believes that I have previously inflicted severe injuries upon two Daoist Ancestors under your command, one meeting his demise and another being confined. Moreover, this junior is but at the Heaven-appointed Realm; it should not be the case that you wish to entrust such critical matters to me."

The Nine Gates Ancestor erupted in hearty laughter, gazing at the shrewd Yang Chen. "You little rascal, even casting suspicion upon me now. Do you imagine there is any genuine distinction between the sect divisions within my domain? If I were to still harbor concerns regarding the hierarchies between the Grand Abyss Palace and other major powers, how could I possibly occupy the foremost position of humanity?"