A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality (Chapter 2001-Chapter 2248)

As the only two Grand Ascension Stage beings in the two races, Ao Xiao and Mo Jianli's influence outstripped even that of the holy island.

If it weren't for the fact that a rule had been established in ancient times, stating that Grand Ascension Stage beings were prohibited from interfering with the general affairs of the holy island, no one would bat an eyelid even if Mo Jianli and Ao Xiao were to take over control of the holy island.

Now that these two Grand Ascension Stage beings had been introduced into the conversation, no one dared to express any opinions, and the entire hall suddenly fell completely silent.

"I have verified this rumor in person. Apparently, our two seniors believe that Fellow Daoist Han is the one who's most likely to progress to the Grand Ascension Stage among our two races, which is why they hold him in such high regard. On top of that, Fairy Ling Long, who is a direct lineal descendant of Senior Ao Xiao is currently in seclusion with Fellow Daoist Han for some reason. If we were to irk Fellow Daoist Han, the outcome may not be much better for us than opposing the holy island," Buddhist Monk Jin Yue said in a grim voice.

Different expressions appeared on everyone's faces upon hearing this, and it was clear that they weren't going to be reaching a consensus anytime soon.

"Not necessarily. The holy island is asking for that disciple of Fellow Daoist Han's for the future of our two races. According to the holy island, Fellow Daoist Du Yu, who has been in seclusion on the holy island for over 10,000 years, has come out of seclusion as a late-Body Integration cultivator, and he's also cultivated the peerless Buddhist ability, the Evil Vanquishing Arts, to the paramount level. With his powers and the supplementary pills and treasures provided by the holy island, there's a roughly 20% chance that he'll be able to break through the Grand Ascension Stage bottleneck.

“It's just that they don't have any potent measures against the true lightning tribulation, and the people on the holy island were somehow made aware of the fact that Fellow Daoist Han's disciple possesses the extremely rare recessive lightning spiritual root, which can help one withstand lightning tribulations. As such, they're determined to bring him to the island to assist Fellow Daoist Du Yu in transcending his true lightning tribulation. If we can add a Grand Ascension Stage being to our two races for doing this, I'm sure Senior Mo Jianli and Senior Ao Xiao will be extremely pleased, and Fellow Daoist Han wouldn't be able to blame us, either,” a black-robed man said in an emotionless manner.

"You're right, Brother Yan. The holy island is only asking Fellow Daoist Han's disciple to help Fellow Daoist Du Yu transcend his true lightning tribulation; it's not set in stone that something bad will happen to him. In fact, this may be an opportunity for him," the golden-faced man chimed in in agreement.

"Hmph, I wish I had half your optimism. Fellow Daoist Han's disciple has only just reached the Deity Transformation Stage; even though he possesses a recessive lightning spiritual root, how will he be able to resist the true lightning tribulation? They'll most likely force him to stimulate his latent potential and burn through his lifespan to forcibly enhance his own cultivation base. Even if he manages to survive the true lightning tribulation, he'll definitely be completely disabled; do you think Fellow Daoist Han will be willing to just let things slide then?" Fairy Silver Light countered with a hint of fury in her voice.

"If we can sacrifice a Deity Transformation cultivator for a Grand Ascension cultivator, then that is a fantastic exchange for the greater good of our two races," the black-robed man said as his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Hehe, if Fellow Daoist Han doesn't manage to become a Grand Ascension cultivator, then we can just ask the holy island to forcibly keep him in check, but what if he succeeds in his breakthrough? How will we face him then? When that time comes, perhaps even the holy island will ask us to sacrifice ourselves in order to assuage Fellow Daoist Han's fury. Our panel of elders has promised Fellow Daoist Han that we would look after his disciples in his absence no matter what happens; do you really think we can just detach ourselves from this?" the purple-haired woman said in a cold voice.

The black-robed man's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, and he didn't offer any response.

Thus, the entire hall fell silent again, and everyone was quickly mulling over the pros and cons of the situation.

"What do you think, Brother Gu?" Buddhist Monk Jin Yue sighed as he turned toward the silver-haired elderly man.

"My opinion doesn't matter here! This is an extremely troublesome matter, and I don't think we're equipped to make a conclusive decision here," Elder Gu replied with a wry smile.

"We have to make a decision that will appease both sides. We can't directly oppose the orders of the holy island, but Fellow Daoist Han is the most powerful Body Integration Stage being among our two races, so we can't irk him, either. On top of that, Fellow Daoist Han is not someone who's easy to fool, so I'd suggest we don't fabricate any excuses or try to play any little tricks on him. I don't want to see a repeat of what happened to Fellow Daoist Azure Dragon all those years ago," Buddhist Monk Jin Yue said with a concerned expression.

Everyone's heart jolted slightly upon hearing the mention of Master Azure Dragon.

No one had witnessed the fall of Master Azure Dragon in person, but everyone knew that Han Li was most likely the culprit.

Han Li had killed a Body Integration cultivator like Master Azure Dragon without any hesitation for the sake of his so-called junior martial sister; who knew if he would do the same to the members of the panel of elders?

If they were to irk Han Li, they could be making an enemy for themselves who could easily take their lives at any moment. Thus, even though the holy island was an almighty entity, they couldn't make a decision on who to side with.

"Let's set this matter aside for now. This issue concerns our entire panel of elders, and we definitely won't be able to arrive at a conclusion on our own. The holy island envoys will take some time to arrive at our city, so why don't we discuss this when we've gathered all of the other elders? Of course, during this time, Fellow Daoist Han's disciples will be temporarily prohibited from leaving Deep Heaven City. Also, please try to contact Senior Ao Xiao and Senior Mo Jianli again, Fairy Silver Light. If either of them can make a decision for us, then we'll be out of this predicament."

"Fellow Daoist Yan, I'll entrust the duty of corresponding with the holy island to you. Find out who the holy island envoys will be, and whether there's a chance they can rescind their order. As long as the holy island is willing to give up on Fellow Daoist Han's disciple, we can accept any other condition of theirs as long as it's within reason," Elder Gu finally decided after a long pause.

"Ever since the truce agreement was made with the Elder Devil Race, Senior Ao Xiao and Senior Mo Jianli have mysteriously disappeared; even their disciples have been unable to contact them, so I can only do my best," Fairy Silver light replied in an unconfident manner.

"I have several good friends on the holy island, so it'll be easy for me to find out some information, but I'm guessing that it'll be next to impossible to convince the holy island to rescind its order," the black-robed man sighed.

"I'm naturally aware that both of these tasks are very difficult, but we have to at least make an attempt. If we manage to succeed in either of these endeavors, then the issue will be completely resolved," Elder Gu said.

The black-robed man and Fairy Silver Light could only nod in response.