Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi-Chapter 163 - 147: Layers of Mist

"More aggressive?!"

Zhang Yao's expression changed slightly, and he said thoughtfully:

"Indeed, the bet proposed by Du Bu Daoist this time is indeed a bit too much..."

Public magical battles are a common way for cultivators to resolve conflicts, usually with stakes involved.

But this time, Du Bu Daoist wants the Haihe Association to bet the two ore veins of Suiyu Mountain, as well as several Profound Gold Ore Veins on the Fang Continent's border.

It could be said that apart from the Cangjiang Spirit Vein and their own Commerce Association, this is the most important asset of the Haihe Association, with immeasurable value.

Correspondingly, the Du Bu Alliance also brought out equivalent stakes, even slightly more valuable, turning this magical battle into a monumental gamble.

"It's not just big; it's all-in."

Lord Haihe shook his head and sighed:

"That's why I don't want to accept this bet."

"Our strength is only so strong. Our appetite should not be too large. If we take too much, we can't guard it. Even if we win, the gains are limited."

"But if we lose, nearly a hundred years of accumulation will vanish in an instant, the cost is too heavy."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao couldn't help but nod slightly in agreement.

Places like Suiyu Mountain, without a Foundation Establishment master guarding it, would likely face attempts of theft and excavation frequently.

And the overall strength of the Haihe Association is still a notch below the Du Bu Alliance. It's already good if they can maintain the current basics.

"Then, what exactly does the task that you just mentioned require me to do?"

Zhang Yao asked.

"It's like this..."

Lord Haihe pondered for a moment before slowly saying:

"Du Bu Daoist has a strange treasure called 'Azure Jade,' used as the core in suppressing the Grand Array of the Du Bu Alliance's main base, and it's usually well guarded."

"However, in recent days, due to his somewhat bizarre behavior and frequent solitary disappearances, some chaos has arisen within the main base of the Du Bu Alliance."

"According to secret reports from my spy, there's also been some laxity in guarding and supervising the Azure Jade in the Du Bu Alliance's main base..."

At this point, Zhang Yao instantly understood.

The real target of the Foundation Establishment stage spy lurking within the Du Bu Alliance is likely not gathering intelligence but rather creating opportunities to seize the Azure Jade from the beginning.

Lord Haihe probably targeted the Azure Jade within the Du Bu Alliance long ago, only now did they finally have the opportunity to seize it.

As for the matter of Feng Dujuan, it became irrelevant, just an excuse to buy time.

"...I roughly understand the Association Leader's intentions."

Zhang Yao spoke calmly:

"Your spy chose to contact you at this time, indicating he is confident in stealing the Jade, right?"

"But even if he can exploit the vulnerability to steal it, it doesn't mean he can openly leave with the Azure Jade, so you need someone to connect with him."

"Yes, you're exactly right."

Lord Haihe nodded, speaking earnestly:

"I understand that this matter is extremely risky, but within the association, there's no one else who can accomplish it besides you."

"Firstly, you are a newly promoted Foundation Establishment master and have little contact with other cultivators, so your magical power aura and Spirit Soul Aura are unfamiliar to the Du Bu Alliance, allowing you to disguise as a foreign visitor."

"The main base of the Du Bu Alliance, 'Yuan Mountain City,' is also a bustling Marketplace that welcomes external Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"Secondly, your strength is formidable enough, even if an incident occurs during the handoff, it shouldn't be difficult for you to escape smoothly."

As he spoke, he paused before saying gravely: 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"As long as you are willing to make the trip, I'll offer you thirty thousand Contribution Points, and that High-grade Spiritual Artifact, the 'Life and Death Rope,' will also be yours!"

"In addition, your request for Water-Attribute Foundation Establishment Spirit Beast Essence Blood, I'll personally negotiate terms with Elder Zhuo Miao, and the cost will be on me!"

"The Association Leader truly overestimates me."

Zhang Yao waved his hand and said:

"I know my own limits."

"For the sake of the public magical battle, the main base of the Du Bu Alliance might have gathered dozens of Foundation Establishment masters, not to mention the renowned Du Bu Daoist overseeing it."

"With my limited abilities, if I get exposed, it would definitely be a dead end..."

Clearly, Lord Haihe is determined to obtain the 'Azure Jade' at any cost.

The reward he offered is indeed generous, and Zhang Yao is tempted, but the higher the reward, the greater the risk.

He alone isn't a match for Du Bu Daoist, let alone facing a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators attacking him. Even the celebrated Yuwen Tower Master would have a hard time retreating unscathed.

Sneaking into the enemy's stronghold is life-threatening; any mistake could lead to ruin, and he's inclined to decline.

"No, you misunderstood."

Lord Haihe's tone carried a hint of urgency as he quickly explained:

"Firstly, after the Azure Jade is stolen, the Du Bu Alliance's main base's Array will greatly weaken without its core suppression item and won't be able to stop you."

"If you act quickly, the dozen Foundation Establishment masters won't have time to catch up to you, much less organize an attack."

"Secondly, I will lead Lord Peng and Fairy Yuan Meng to support you nearby, ensuring you're not fighting alone."

"Once you succeed, if you are unfortunately exposed, igniting the Du Bu Alliance's pursuit, you only need to signal us, and we'll immediately break the Array. With inside and outside collaboration, escaping is by no means difficult."