Eastern Mulberry State, now home to the Immortal Gate, had become an exceptionally prosperous land.
There were only a handful of super sects in the entire world, each possessing extraordinary appeal. Much like how the United States on Earth in her previous life attracted South American countries, except here the vast oceans prevented mass migration of entire families.
Of course, many came seeking apprenticeship or discipleship. Moreover, with Fallen Ones appearing intermittently these days, the entire world was in turmoil. It wasn't that no one wanted to take action—the real problem was their elusiveness. Operating alone, they could hide without leaving traces.
Thus, the major sects could only focus on protecting their own territories, as they truly lacked the capacity to do more. Expanding their reach too broadly would only make them vulnerable to ambushes.
Consequently, countless people desperately sought to come here. Yet today, in a secret chamber within Eastern Mulberry State, an extraordinary gathering was taking place.
The atmosphere alone was enough to render most speechless—three Dao Comprehension stage experts were present, each in their prime with vigorous life essence, at the peak of their power.
"Thank you all for your support. After this matter concludes, should you need any elixirs, you may come to me. I promise seventh-grade elixirs, including upper, middle, and lower tiers. Though I cannot currently refine mid-tier seventh-grade elixirs, if you two are willing to wait a few centuries, it might become possible."
Though she was only at Divine Transformation mid-stage—theoretically vulnerable to being crushed by either of the two before her—they dared not slight her. Hearing Su Min's offer, their faces lit up with delight.
Her terms were irresistible. While there might be a hint of empty promise, the potential reward was too tempting to refuse.
"We'll trouble Master Su then. Those monks should have been eradicated long ago. This intervention is merely executing overdue justice—nothing significant."
"Indeed, leave this matter to us."
The two Dao Comprehension stage experts—pillars of their respective super sects—patted their chests confidently. They felt no moral qualms about targeting Future Maitreya Mountain.
They had spearheaded the previous campaign against them, only halting at the mainland due to the complications of faith. Not that they couldn't handle it—the cost would simply be too great. Now, Su Min was offering sufficient compensation.
Moreover, Future Maitreya Mountain's Dao Comprehension expert was already dead. With Su Min having enlisted two supreme divine beasts as reinforcements, this was as favorable a situation as could be. While risks remained, the potential rewards made the venture worthwhile.
"However, what about Great Thunder Temple and Ancient Lamp Monastery, especially Great Thunder Temple? Miss Su has close ties with them—you must know they're not simple."
Heavenfire Patriarch, also the ancestral elder of Celestial Divinity Sect, raised the concern. Among the three Buddhist sects, though all were formidable, hierarchies existed. While Future Maitreya Mountain had been crippled by Su Min, Great Thunder Temple was different—they harbored profound mysteries.
If they weren't persuaded to stand down beforehand, their interference could prove troublesome. Though both elders assumed Su Min had plans, they felt compelled to remind her. Should the three Buddhist sects unite completely, the challenge would become immense, requiring devastating sacrifices.
Beyond the humanitarian catastrophe, such conflict might create opportunities for the Fallen Ones.
"Rest assured, I will visit Great Thunder Temple shortly."
Su Min's lips curled into a cold smile. She understood Great Thunder Temple's terror better than anyone. Yet she remained unperturbed—she possessed leverage over them.
Namely, Yao Xian'er. While Su Min didn't expect her to intervene directly, having her restrain Great Thunder Temple was feasible. If seventh-grade elixirs proved insufficient motivation, she could promise eighth-grade—betting on her own potential to reach that level.
"Then we shall await your news."
Exchanging glances, the two elders saw no need for further discussion since Su Min had prepared so thoroughly.
"Our Celestial Divinity Sect will contribute two late-stage Divine Transformation experts besides myself."
"Netherworld Sect likewise. Mobilizing more forces would be difficult."
"Excellent, let's coordinate our actions."
The two revealed their committed forces—not numerous, as this extermination required at least mid-to-late Divine Transformation cultivators.
Ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators would only meet death there—unable to even serve as cannon fodder. Though only three experts were offered, it sufficed. Su Min couldn't complain—their sects had their own vulnerabilities. Overextending might create openings, just as it would for her own base.
"Your influence is remarkable. These two super sects are investing heavily."
Watching the two depart, Xie Yingying couldn't help but marvel. That mere alchemical promises could motivate such commitment reflected tremendous bargaining power—reminiscent of industrialized nations dumping goods in underdeveloped regions, though less destructive.
"Quite bold—one Dao Comprehension elixir each as deposit. Pity no one in my own sect qualifies yet."
Su Min shook her head ruefully. Though she could prepare several more sets of materials, no suitable recipients existed. The two divine beasts followed different cultivation systems, rendering Dao Comprehension elixirs useless to them.
As for herself, she wasn't ready yet. Despite reaching Divine Transformation mid-stage, late-stage remained distant. Progress through the three Divine Transformation phases often took centuries per step. Her previous advancement relied on the Netherfrost Soul Crystal's assistance—this time, no such advantage existed.
Thus, only two paths remained: grind through time or seek fortuitous encounters. Future Maitreya Mountain's resources might provide the breakthrough to late-stage Divine Transformation, enabling further progress.
The so-called Half-Step Dao Comprehension was essentially still late-stage Divine Transformation—comprehending fragments of cosmic laws. In some aspects, she already qualified as Half-Step Dao Comprehension.
"I hope destroying Future Maitreya Mountain yields breakthroughs. Otherwise, this investment would sting—though I expect no returns."
Economically speaking, upon reaching Dao Comprehension stage, she could likely solo the operation. But delaying risked complications. More critically, their recent ambush left her unsettled.
Had Future Maitreya Mountain's ancestral elder remained entrenched in his artifact fortress, even Yao Xian'er might struggle to breach it. But now, with their strongest gone, striking before new Dao Comprehension experts emerged was imperative.
Su Min was never one to endure attacks passively. Her decades of seclusion under the dog emperor's persecution had been unavoidable—with the world sealed and Wei-Wu State lacking sufficient power to resist the Demon Queen, biding time was her only option.
Three days after Su Min's discussions, Yao Xian'er arrived discreetly in Eastern Mulberry State. Secrecy was paramount—whether the super sect experts or Yao Xian'er, all came under Su Min's insistence on low profiles.
Her gathering now comprised nearly half the continent's peak forces. The remainder were either among Buddhist sects or reclusive divine beast clans—not just Golden Crow and Dragon, but also Qilin, Phoenix, and others.
These clans rarely appeared due to sparse numbers, but would intervene during existential crises.
"Ready to visit Great Thunder Temple? Their strength is undeniable, as is their devotion to protecting lives. But religious extremism makes them unpleasant to deal with unnecessarily."
Yao Xian'er sighed. Had Future Maitreya Mountain not repeatedly targeted Su Min and been implicated with the Fallen Ones, she might have opposed this operation. Many Buddhist Emperors—or Transcendence-stage cultivators—had fought for humanity. That their descendants now opposed the masses necessitated eradication.
Their recent transgressions crossed the line—this would serve as warning against collaborating with those entities.
"Let's depart. We must secure Great Thunder Temple's neutrality. If they abstain, Ancient Lamp Monastery won't matter."
With those final words, Su Min and Yao Xian'er left Eastern Mulberry State. Great Thunder Temple's domain wasn't distant—their territories bordered each other.
Previously, mutual non-interference prevailed due to Great Thunder Temple's restraint and Su Min's indifference. But now, everything changed.
Facing the unexpected visitors—especially accompanied by Yao Xian'er—Great Thunder Temple reacted with utmost gravity.
Their three leaders presided, though the true authority sat with an unassuming young monk.
His cultivation matched Yao Xian'er's—Dao Comprehension late-stage. His combat prowess was unknown, but the pressure he exuded was terrifying—surpassing even the Dragon Princess's.
Clearly, in direct confrontation, Su Min would be instantly annihilated. Until reaching Mahayana stage, the gulf between them remained insurmountable.
"Amitabha. For what purpose has Benefactor Su come?"
The aggressive implications were unmistakable—especially with Yao Xian'er in tow. None present could withstand her fury except their ancestral monk, including the three leaders.
"To eradicate Future Maitreya Mountain. They've hunted me thrice. No second chances remain. I demand only Great Thunder Temple's non-interference. Afterwards, their territories and followers are yours to manage."
Su Min's eyes gleamed lethally, killing intent leaking uncontrollably. This closed-door meeting permitted bluntness—much like modern warfare assessments where leaders must gauge superpower stances preemptively.
"This..."
The room's atmosphere froze. Even Kong Hui, closest to Su Min, gaped in shock. Eliminating one of Buddhism's three ancient sects was no trivial matter.
"Immortal Yao, your stance?"
Ignoring Su Min, the young monk turned to the silent, white-robed figure.
Her position was pivotal. Without her involvement, he could suppress Su Min's offensive despite her Three-Legged Golden Crow ally. Divine beasts, though individually mighty, could never challenge humanity's collective dominance.
"Future Maitreya Mountain colludes with Fallen Ones. We cannot risk their potential alliance with those broken Immortals. However glorious their ancestors' deeds, the present urgency tolerates no traitors of such scale."
"I see..."
Narrowing his eyes, the young monk weighed options. Fully defending Future Maitreya Mountain was impossible—their transgressions were indefensible.
But Yao Xian'er's resolve determined his price. Had she been ambivalent, he'd have extorted Su Min ruthlessly.
Now, he had to moderate his demands.
At his level, cost-benefit analyses governed all decisions.
"Great Thunder Temple will not interfere—for three Dao Comprehension elixirs, materials provided by us."