From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 271 Prelude to the Alliance: Xiao Yao's Preparations for War

Qingfeng and Lingxin's praise warmed my heart, but I knew that this battle was far from over.

The temporary peace in the immortal sects is like the calm before the storm; the real challenges lie ahead.

I took a deep breath, suppressed all my emotions, and turned back to my residence.

As I pushed open the door, a faint scent of ink wafted out, mingling with the warm glow of candlelight.

I lit a few oil lamps on the table, and the dim light illuminated the mountain of books.

These are all materials on various forces, from their historical origins to their current power distribution, down to the smallest detail. I must memorize them thoroughly.

This alliance is crucial to the future of the entire cultivation world. I bear a heavy responsibility and cannot afford to fail.

True Lord Ziyang, Fairy Feiyu, and the dark clouds lurking in the shadows...

Each name represents a power, a power powerful enough to influence the entire situation.

I need to understand each person's position and needs in order to find a balance and facilitate this alliance.

I picked up a yellowed scroll that recorded the life and deeds of the True Lord Ziyang.

Born into a prestigious family, he possessed extraordinary talent and became a powerful figure in the cultivation world at a young age.

He is a strong-willed person with an imposing presence, and persuading him to join the alliance will be no easy task.

I opened another book, which contained records about the Fairy of Flying Feathers.

She came from a small sect, but through her own hard work and wisdom, she has gradually risen to where she is today.

She is meticulous and exceptionally intelligent; to gain her support, one must demonstrate sufficient sincerity.

Time ticked by, the candlelight flickering and reflecting on my weary face.

I rubbed my aching temples, feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

The relationships between these forces are intricate and complex, like a giant spider web. The more I delve into them, the more powerless I feel.

The surroundings were completely silent, with only the sound of papers turning echoing in the room, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

I put down the book in my hand, walked to the window, and opened it. A cool night breeze blew in, which refreshed me.

I looked up at the night sky, where countless stars twinkled like diamonds scattered on a black curtain.

"Perhaps..." I murmured to myself, "I need to change my approach..."

The air in the room seemed to freeze, making it hard for me to breathe.

I slammed the scroll I was holding onto the table in frustration, making a dull thud.

Is there really no way to have the best of both worlds?

What I want is a solution that satisfies all forces, an alliance that benefits the entire cultivation world.

However, the interests and demands of these forces are intricate and complex, like the tangled roots of a tree. The more I try to unravel them, the more powerless I feel.

I paced back and forth with a furrowed brow. The carpet beneath my feet felt like a knife's edge, each step a delicate, precarious exercise.

A voice inside me cried out: No, there must be a way!

There must be!

"No, I can't go on like this." I stopped abruptly, took a deep breath, and tried to calm myself down.

"Perhaps I need a change of environment and a change of perspective."

I pushed open the door and said to the little fairy boy guarding the door, "I want to go out for a walk."

The little fairy looked at me with a surprised expression, his round eyes filled with doubt: "But, fairy, you've been in your room for several days in a row..."

I ignored his question and walked straight outside.

The night breeze brushed against my cheeks, bringing a touch of coolness and clearing my muddled mind.

The night in the Immortal Gate was quiet and peaceful. The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the bluestone path, giving it a faint silvery glow.

A few chirps of insects drifted from afar, adding to the tranquility.

I wandered aimlessly, letting my thoughts drift.

Before I knew it, I had arrived at the back mountain of the Immortal Sect.

This place is sparsely populated, with only a few towering ancient trees standing quietly, like guardians protecting this tranquility.

I walked to an ancient tree, gently stroked its rough trunk, and felt the marks of time.

Suddenly, I heard a soft murmur of voices coming from not far away.

"Have you heard? Fairy Xiao's alliance mission this time is probably going to be very dangerous..."

I turned my head sharply in the direction the sound came from...

A gentle night breeze stirred my clothes and dispelled the restlessness in my heart.

I strolled along the path of the immortal gate, the moonlight shining down and spreading a layer of silver frost on the ground.

The surroundings were quiet and peaceful, with the occasional chirping of insects adding to the tranquility.

"Have you heard? Fairy Xiao's alliance mission this time is probably going to be very dangerous."

"That's right. Those old foxes, which one is easy to deal with? I think this alliance is likely to fall apart."

Not far away, several disciples were gathered together whispering.

Their voices, though soft, reached my ears clearly; each word was like a fine needle, pricking my heart with a dull ache.

I stopped, took a deep breath, and tried to suppress the disappointment in my heart.

Yes, this alliance was no easy feat.

The domineering nature of True Lord Ziyang, the shrewdness of Fairy Feiyu, and the dark clouds lurking in the shadows...

Each one is a tough nut to crack.

I continued walking forward, but the surrounding chatter clung to me like a persistent leech.

"Although Fairy Xiao has good talent, she is still young. How can she possibly defeat those old guys?"

"Exactly, I think she brought this on herself this time."

These words came like a tidal wave, almost suffocating me.

My steps grew heavier and heavier, as if they were filled with lead.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out: "Fairy Xiao Yao?"

I looked up and saw Lingxin standing not far away, looking at me with a smile.

She wore a light purple dress, like a delicate orchid in the night sky, fresh and refined.

"Fairy Lingxin." I forced a smile.

"You don't look too well, Fairy. Are you troubled by the alliance?" Lingxin asked with concern.

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions.

Lingxin walked to my side, gently patted my shoulder, and said softly, "Fairy, there's no need to worry too much. I have some information here that might be helpful to you."

As she spoke, she took out a jade slip from her sleeve and handed it to me.

I took the jade slip, puzzled. What could this information be?

Lingxin smiled mysteriously, leaned close to my ear, and whispered, "This is information about the hidden interests of various forces. Perhaps it can help you find a breakthrough."

My heart skipped a beat, and a warm feeling washed over me. This was truly a godsend!

I gripped the jade slip tightly, and a flame of hope ignited in my heart.

The oppressive atmosphere around us dissipated instantly, and the moonlight became softer.

I looked up at Lingxin, my gratitude overflowing: "Thank you, fairy!"

Lingxin smiled slightly: "Fairy, there's no need to be so polite. We are both disciples of the immortal sect, and it is only right that we help each other."

I nodded, eager to see the contents of the jade slip.

“By the way,” Lingxin suddenly said, “this information is of great importance, so please keep it safe, Fairy.”

I nodded solemnly and put the jade slip into my pocket.

"I have some things to attend to, so I'll take my leave now." After saying this, Lingxin turned and left, her figure gradually disappearing into the night.

I watched the direction she left, my heart filled with gratitude.

This intelligence might be the key to breaking this deadlock!

I took a deep breath and walked quickly towards my residence...

"Wait a minute," I suddenly stopped, a question flashing through my mind, "How did Lingxin obtain this information?"

I returned to my room and eagerly placed the jade slip that Lingxin had given me between my eyebrows.

A cool sensation instantly flooded my mind, and the information in the jade slip came rushing in like a tide.

I quickly browsed through it, and the more I looked, the more alarmed I became.

It turns out that the various forces are not a monolithic entity; there are also various contradictions and conflicts of interest among them.

Ziyang Zhenjun appears powerful, but is actually constrained by the sect's elders; Feiyu Xianzi appears shrewd, but also has unknown weaknesses; even Moyun is not entirely obedient to the mastermind behind the scenes, as he also has his own selfish desires and ambitions.

This information, like a beacon in the darkness, illuminates the path ahead.

It was as if the clouds had parted to reveal the clear sky; my previously chaotic thoughts suddenly became clear.

I picked up my pen, spread out a new sheet of Xuan paper on the table, and began to revise the alliance plan.

My pen moved swiftly, and line after line of text flowed like a gentle stream, converging into a clear narrative.

I re-examined the interests and demands of all parties, found their common ground and balance, and strived to formulate a solution that would satisfy all parties.

Time passed second by second, the candlelight in the room gradually burned out, and the sky gradually brightened.

I put down my pen, rubbed my sore eyes, and looked at my revised plan. A sense of accomplishment welled up inside me.

The room seemed much brighter, no longer as dim and oppressive as before.

I stretched, walked to the window, opened it, and a breath of fresh air came in.

Outside the window, the rising sun casts its golden rays across the earth, bringing life and renewal to all things.

I took a deep breath, my heart filled with hope. This time, I will succeed!

However, the real challenge lies at the negotiating table.

True Lord Ziyang, Fairy Feiyu, Moyun...

How would they view my proposal?

What kind of demands will they make?

Can I successfully persuade them to form this alliance?

I carefully rolled up the revised plan and placed it in an exquisite wooden box.

“Everything is ready,” I said, straightening my clothes in front of the mirror and a confident smile playing on my lips. “It’s time to face the real test.”

I picked up the wooden box, pushed open the door, and walked with firm steps toward the negotiation room.

As I reached the door, I suddenly stopped, glanced back at the room behind me, and my gaze fell on the oil lamp on the table that was about to burn out.

“I hope…” I said softly, a hint of tension in my voice, “that everything will go as I wish.”

I reached out and pushed open the door to the negotiation room...