Chapter 133: Each by Their Own Means

"Participate in the God of War Tomb!" Wu Li said in a deep voice, "The Great Elder has given orders: this time, the Corpse Refining Sect must participate in the God of War Tomb!"

"Participate in the God of War Tomb?" Wang Changsheng was immediately startled.

"But..." Wang Changsheng frowned, his voice dropping, "Even if you three are sent over, we will still be at a disadvantage entering the God of War Tomb this time!"

Wang Changsheng then shared the relevant information about the God of War Tomb with them. After hearing it, their expressions turned solemn, and the green aura in their eyes churned incessantly.

"In that case, I won't be able to enter," Wu Li said heavily.

Given Wu Li's cultivation level in the Golden Core realm, if he could enter, he would certainly be able to ensure the safety of Wang Changsheng and the others; even if they couldn't secure anything, they would at least be unscathed. But now, it seemed that plan was unfeasible.

"There's no need to fear!" Chen Yuan said sternly. "Since Golden Core cultivators cannot enter, my ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivation is absolutely the strongest within the God of War Tomb. Senior Brother Wu Li only needs to wait outside to support us!"

"Smash them!" Jin Gang said in a muffled, gravelly voice.

When Jin Gang heard that this was a killing spree, the aura around him became violent, and the green light in his eyes surged—evidently, he was another battle-hungry soul.

"Two fists cannot defeat four hands," Wang Changsheng said deeply. "A sect like the Cloud Palace Peak will certainly not lack ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivators. Do you think they would send only one such cultivator to ensure their success?"

Chen Yuan and the others fell silent upon hearing Wang Changsheng's question.

"Then what about the Great Elder's command?" A look of hesitation appeared on Wu Li's face.

"I need to think it over," Wang Changsheng said.

Wang Changsheng was also very interested in the so-called God of War Tomb. While those spiritual herbs might be useless to the disciples of the Corpse Refining Sect, they were incredibly useful to him! He had not intended to get involved before only because the remaining people, like Zhang Cunzhong, lacked sufficient strength.

Now that he had a top-tier combat power like Chen Yuan, and a true cultivator like Wu Li to provide support from the outside, Wang Changsheng felt it was worth a look. However, he had not yet devised a specific, feasible strategy.

"Wu Li, you three wait outside the Cloud Palace Peak, and Zhang Yi will come in with me," Wang Changsheng commanded. "I will come up with a plan; at the very least, we must minimize the risks."

Wu Li and the others nodded, bowed to Wang Changsheng, and then vanished from his sight.

"Deacon Wang!" Zhang Yi spoke up at this moment. "Senior Brother Shang Yi has been sent back and placed in the Corpse Grotto to recover. Elder Yun expressed great approval for what you accomplished this time!"

Wang Changsheng nodded without paying much mind, saying, "Let's go to the Cloud Palace Peak first."

Wang Changsheng hadn't even known if he would make it back to the Cloud Palace Peak alive. The approval from Elder Yun, relayed by Zhang Yi, was of no real use to him; he would have preferred something practical, like some spirit stones.

As the two stepped into the Cloud Palace Peak, they spotted Cai Ling.

"Deacon Wang, I've finally found you!" Cai Ling said immediately.

"What is it?" Wang Changsheng asked.

"The Saintess requests your presence," Cai Ling said. "She wishes to discuss the matter of the God of War Tomb with you."

Wang Changsheng nodded at Cai Ling, "Send my junior brother back to the small courtyard first, and then I will go see the Saintess."

"No need, I will help Deacon Wang send him back," Cai Ling said immediately. "Deacon Wang can go directly to find the Saintess; do not delay any further!"

Wang Changsheng nodded, signaled for Zhang Yi to follow Cai Ling, and headed toward the side hall where the Saintess resided.

Having visited the side hall several times, Wang Changsheng knew the way well. As he stepped inside, he saw Cai Yun already seated above.

"Deacon Wang, have you considered it?" Cai Yun asked immediately. "Do you intend to join forces with the Cloud Palace Peak?"

Wang Changsheng had originally intended to cooperate with Cai Yun, but recalling the warning from Li Fusheng, he felt it was necessary to remain cautious.

After some thought, Wang Changsheng said firmly, "Fellow Daoist Cai Yun, I feel that since there are many opportunities within the God of War Tomb, it is better not to join forces. After all, opportunities belong to the individual; even if the Corpse Refining Sect disciples discover resources, it would not be right for us to snatch them."

"Deacon Wang, you must know that the Cloud Palace Peak is powerful today. If we join forces, the Corpse Refining Sect will be able to obtain more resources!" Cai Yun said in a deep voice.

"I know the Cloud Palace Peak is powerful, but the enemies of the Cloud Palace Peak are equally powerful," Wang Changsheng said helplessly. "For the Corpse Refining Sect, joining forces with the Cloud Palace Peak in the tomb would mean facing even more formidable enemies!"

Upon hearing this, Cai Yun asked, "You asked Li Fusheng, didn't you?"

Wang Changsheng nodded, not intending to hide it.

"Such words could probably only come from Li Fusheng," Cai Yun remarked. "But has Deacon Wang considered the credibility of Li Fusheng’s words? Having been in contact with him for so long, you should know what kind of person he is."

Wang Changsheng nodded, "But it cannot be denied that his reasoning is sound."

"Then is Deacon Wang not afraid that we might end up as enemies?" Cai Yun asked sternly.

Even though Cai Yun displayed no outward pressure, Wang Changsheng felt an aggressive aura washing over him.

"I have thought about it, of course I have!" Wang Changsheng replied immediately.

This was exactly why he had considered an alliance in the first place—because by joining forces with the Cloud Palace Peak, the Corpse Refining Sect would, at the very least, have one fewer major enemy at the start, providing the disciples time to adapt.

"The Corpse Refining Sect came to visit the Cloud Palace Peak with goodwill," Wang Changsheng said. "If the Cloud Palace Peak is truly determined to make things difficult for us, our sect is not one that fears trouble!"

Since Cai Yun was being so overbearing, Wang Changsheng had nothing left to say. After all, the strength of the Corpse Refining Sect was not necessarily inferior to the Cloud Palace Peak. He believed that if the Cloud Palace Peak had any sense, they would not choose to clash with his sect at such a time.

After all, the Corpse Refining Sect had just emerged into the world; if anyone challenged them now, they would never back down. Otherwise, where would the dignity of the sect be?

Would they show cowardice right after re-emerging? That was impossible.

Cai Yun had not expected Wang Changsheng to be so forceful, and she was momentarily stunned. As the Saintess of the Cloud Palace Peak, she quickly recovered and smiled, "Deacon Wang is joking. The Cloud Palace Peak has no intention of becoming enemies with the Corpse Refining Sect. It is just that, sometimes, circumstances are special..."

"Then we shall each rely on our own abilities!" Wang Changsheng smiled back. "The attitude of the Corpse Refining Sect has been made very clear during this visit. I hope Saintess Cai Yun will give further consideration to the matter of an alliance."

"As for joining forces within the God of War Tomb, I feel it is unnecessary. The Cloud Palace Peak is so strong that it does not need the Corpse Refining Sect as a helper," Wang Changsheng concluded with a smile.

With that, he effectively blocked all of Cai Yun’s retreat routes. His meaning was clear: if she wanted an alliance in the tomb, it was simple—the Cloud Palace Peak just needed to agree to a formal alliance between the two sects.

Cai Yun had presented Wang Changsheng with a dilemma, and he had pushed it right back at her.

"Heh..."

Cai Yun smiled slightly, looking at Wang Changsheng, "Worthy of being a Deacon of the Corpse Refining Sect. I was curious how, with your cultivation level, you managed to secure such a position."

"Having now witnessed your capabilities, I am truly impressed," Cai Yun said in a deep voice.

Wang Changsheng was taken aback; he hadn't expected her to change the subject so abruptly.

"The Saintess is too kind. My natural talent is poor and my path of cultivation is narrow, so I can only resort to unconventional methods to make a living," Wang Changsheng said with a bow. "Please forgive any offense taken."

"Deacon Wang is too modest," Cai Yun said immediately. "I wonder if you have any interest in joining the Cloud Palace Peak? We don't have a 'Deacon' position, but we could create one for you, with status equivalent to an Elder!"

"What do you think?" Cai Yun smiled at him.

Wang Changsheng was stunned. Why were all these people in the cultivation world using the same tactics?

Previously, Great Elder Wei Tong of the Wei family had tried to lure him with the position of Clan Head, and now Cai Yun was trying to tempt him with a position at the Cloud Palace Peak. Wang Changsheng was puzzled: was he really such a hot commodity?

"Saintess Cai Yun is joking!" Wang Changsheng replied immediately. "Back in the Cheng Tian Realm, I did wish to join the Cloud Palace Peak, but my talent was too poor, and I was rejected by Fellow Daoist Cai Ling. It was by chance that I entered the Corpse Refining Sect."

"The Corpse Refining Sect has shown me great favor, and I must repay it," Wang Changsheng said.

Isn't it just making things up? Wang Changsheng wasn't afraid of that!

As for defecting to another sect? Where could he find the freedom and ease he had in the Corpse Refining Sect?

Furthermore, he was still eyeing that hall full of spirit stones. Once he managed to survive the Savage God Temple this time, he was going to empty that hall.

"It seems that because of my poor judgment, I missed out on a fellow-disciple relationship with you..." Cai Yun sighed.

"Saintess Cai Yun, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave," Wang Changsheng said. "I plan to leave the Cloud Palace Peak after this; after all, staying here has been a great inconvenience to you all."

Before Cai Yun could speak, Wang Changsheng continued, "I still need to inquire about how to enter the God of War Tomb, so I will not disturb you further!"

Cai Yun had intended to persuade him to stay, but with her options cut off, she could only say helplessly, "Then please, Deacon Wang."

Wang Changsheng left the hall and returned to the courtyard at top speed, where he found Zhang Yi still talking to Zhang Cunzhong and the others about Wu Li.

"Pack up, we're leaving immediately!" Wang Changsheng said firmly.