Chapter 1728: Underestimated

This chapter is updated by Novels.pl

The Cardinals secretly glanced at each other: they wanted to curse that bastard Wang Wei. Grand Dao has gone out of its way to ensure that the Grand Constructs in the different timelines are not worth much. Most of them can only be described as projections of the true constructs, while a few contained a minor amount of their true essence.

Everything is designed to ensure the absolute superiority of the Primordial Timeline. Unfortunately, Grand Dao is designed not to be absolute — it must leave a way out for all sentient beings, no matter what actions it takes; hence, many timelines still have that minor amount of essence, which leads to the birth of a few Grand Dao Saints.

However, Timeline NP89076H is different. The cardinals don’t know whether this timeline is an anomaly or the result of the Highest Sovereign’s machinations; the essence left in these Grand Constructs was substantial. They noticed it the moment they descended, which is why they have been giving subtle spiritual hints to these others to prevent them from noticing. However, they made one mistake: they didn’t do the same to Wang Wei.

’We can’t let these people get stronger before the Transcendent Age,’ Time Cardinal secretly transmitted to the other two.

’What can we do now?" the Heaven Cardinal shrugged. ’Now that they’ve noticed, they should realize our spiritual hint and will not trust us even more.’

’Are you saying we do nothing?’

’Our priority is this mission,’ Source Qi Cardinal interjected. ’Even if they can get some benefit, they won’t be able to digest it immediately. And even if they do, there is no guarantee they would succeed in taking the third step.’

There are ways to survive and even try after failing to condense the Soul and Flesh Quintessence, but that is not the case for a Dao Quintessence. Failures mean true death — even if another Grand Dao Saint intervenes. Due to this absolute rule, even Tribunal Lords with great Dao Heart hesitate. In other words, greatness is no longer adequate to reach the third step.

’No need to worry about them getting stronger,’ Heaven Cardinal added. ’None of them can escape the rules of the new age.’

’I guess you’re right,’ Time Cardinal sighed. A part of him was just unwilling to see these ants surpassing him. However, he knew some things were inevitable.

’Those damn bastards,’ Slaughter Ancestor said. He was trying so hard to control his killing intent.

’Control yourself,’ Karma Root Monarch warned. Now was not the time to have a falling out.

’We underestimate these people,’ Trinity Venerable sighed. The fact that such a hint was placed on them without noticing was not only because of the opponent’s ability but also because of their own individual failure.

’Should we use this opportunity to force them to pay?’ the Erudite Duchess asked. She was a bit embarrassed. After so many victories against Grand Dao and these Cardinals, they became a tad bit arrogant.

’If Source Qi wasn’t here, we may have been able to force them to compromise," True Dream Lord added, not optimistic about such a plan.

’Are we supposed just to let things go?’ Primordial Heaven Sword Saint asked with gritted teeth. He could not accept such humiliation. As a swordsman who boasted of a supreme state of mind, he was influenced and manipulated by these losers.

’We will have plenty of time to deal with them. Let’s focus on the benefits,’ Karma Monarch Root uttered. ’Do we each take a Grand Construct, or do we study them together?’

This question silenced the discussion. Under normal circumstances, they would have chosen the former, but after being inspired by the Highest Sovereign and the Infinite Divine Court, even the most selfish of them hesitated. The second option was the best, but the issue was how to do it?

’We both know how valuable these constructs are, so we can expect certain protective means by the Infinite Divine Court,’ the Erudite Duchess said.

’That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t even try,’ the Slaughter Ancestor frowned.

’That’s not what I’m saying. I have a way to record their essence, which is the optimal approach. If you trust me, we can share the information and study it together.’

The Duchess was correct. Any attempts to swallow or control these things would definitely pose a challenge. As such, having a record that they can review and study at any time would be the ideal scenario. However, there is still a main issue: trust.

’We will sign a Time Nexus Contract, and I’m willing to be the first to share my understanding during our exchange,’ the Erudite Duchess added. Among all of them present, it can be debated who is the strongest between the Slaughter Ancestor, the Primordial Heaven Sword Saint, and the Erudite Duchess. Still, there is no debate about who has gone further in the path of condensing their Dao Quintessence. Even the Trinity Venerable, who was the highest beneficiary of the Ultimate Taboo, can only be second to her.

’Fellow Daoist, I admire your open-mindedness. I’m also willing to contribute,’ the Trinity Venerable added.

’Very well.’ Since two people with the highest cultivation are willing to share, they cannot be too close-minded. So, these Tribunal Lords swiftly reach a decision, and with their processing speed, not even a second has passed since Wang Wei finished introducing his plan.

"Your plan is feasible," the Time Cardinal nodded. Although he really wanted to slap Wang Wei into oblivion for ruining their plans, he still had to pretend that nothing had happened. "What about the allocation of troops for each group. Do you have any suggestions?"

"As long as Kong is in group A, I have nothing else to add. But do make sure to give some means of protection."

The Tribunal Lords glanced at Emperor Kong. Even if Wang Wei didn’t say anything, they would have sent him. As someone blessed with such a destiny, he is the one most likely to succeed in this mission. Meanwhile, Emperor Kong remained composed as he had expected this. Even before coming to this expedition, he had mentally prepared himself to be sent on the most difficult of missions.

However, he did not mind. Luck was on his side, meaning as long as he acted with enough wisdom and cautiousness, he would not only succeed but also benefit immensely. He even had his own plans:

’Assign the Glass Pen Sage to my group, and I will owe you some karma,’ Emperor Kong secretly transmitted to Wang Wei.

’It seems he’s not a complete idiot,’ Wang Wei thought. Kong used their status as [Destiny Chosen One] for this community, which should be able to hide from most of the Saints. They should have discovered their communication, but not the content. However, the Tribunal Lords definitely know what he said, but they probably don’t care.

The discussions continued, with the Tribunal Lords dividing everyone into three groups, and Wang Wei did not hesitate to help Kong. The death of the Glass Pen Sage will be the first signal of many, of the destruction of the Grand Sect Alliance. As the current Sect Master of the Dao Opening Sect, such an achievement would bring everybody immense joy, not to mention he still hasn’t repaid Dugu Baitian for daring to lust after his wife.

The meeting adjourned after Wang Wei assigned rooms inside the array for people to retreat. The time for the next attack was not discussed. Instead, everybody was on standby, waiting for the commands of the Tribunal Lords. However, these second-step Saints did not immediately leave after everybody dispersed.

The atmosphere became somber as the nine of them looked at each other. The tension indicated that a fight was about to break out, but in the end, the Karma Root Monarch broke the ice: "Source, it’s time to fulfill the contract."

Source Qi Cardinal raised her hand to condense six golden lights, which flew to their designated owners. Each Tribunal Lord used their own means to double-check and ensure there are no hidden methods left. Although there was a contract, no one could be too sure. Finally, they absorbed the lights, healing their injuries. One of the biggest obstacles to this expedition is the healing of Saints — especially those of the second step.

Everybody usually results in injuries to their [Existence], and recuperation — even when using their own healing techniques — takes too long. Time was of the essence. No one knows when the Highest Sovereign will find a way to break through the blockade and save his people. As such, the initial agreement for this expedition involved Grand Dao providing them with the means to accelerate their healing.

"Let’s regroup after we are all back to our peak shape."

The Cardinals watched the others leave before finally focusing on their recuperation. If they were back in the Primordial Timeline, the process would have been relatively easier, but in this place, they also needed to rely on Source Qi’s help to accelerate things.