Taiyi Dao Fruit-Chapter 1131 - 355: Supreme Soldier Fights with Strategy

For decades, Taibai True Monarch has made his name, weathering countless storms, yet, admittedly, he has never experienced anything quite like today.

The Daode Sect is a renowned powerhouse of the current era, with the sect leader's position naturally at the pinnacle. The Daoist Lord's seniority is immeasurably high, even the Awakened ones are actually his juniors.

If one were to seriously discuss seniority, besides the Daoist Lord, none are higher than Taibai True Monarch.

Alas, that was the past.

A slight distortion appeared visibly on the cold and stern face as Taibai True Monarch said coldly, "If there is something you want to ask, come out and say it openly. Employing such tactics only disgraces your status as a supreme being."

It is often said that Emperor Jiang is most skilled at manipulating words, possessing the ability to speak eloquently, and today, it seems true.

Of course, Taibai True Monarch wouldn't believe Jiang Li's nonsense, even if the other party was a supreme being. The Daoist Lord would not fraternize with him as if they were of equal seniority. One must understand, the injuries the Monarch presently bears are a credit to Emperor Jiang's efforts.

Jiang Li is merely attempting to unsettle his mind in order to find a breakthrough point.

"If you wish to anger this poor Daoist, I can tell you, you have succeeded," Taibai True Monarch coldly stared at Jiang Li.

Should the restraint on Taibai True Monarch be lifted now, he might just explode with Jiang Li.

Yet, in the next moment, there was a subtle transformation in Jiang Li, seemingly from one entity becoming three, appearing as overlapping phantoms, but ultimately lacking the strength to sustain, just presenting phantoms.

The subtle and profound nature of "One Qi to Three Pure Ones" allowed Jiang Li to comprehend only a part for a short time, but that was enough.

"The essence of the Three Cave Elements is the same as Dao Qi, Dao Qi is one, but applied as three,"

Jiang Li smiled and said, "Dear nephew, I have always been honest with people, never lying, you must trust me."

Taibai True Monarch's expression froze.

Even though the overlapping shadow was fleeting, like an illusion, Taibai True Monarch would never mistake it.

This, this is the anomaly brought by cultivating "One Qi to Three Pure Ones." Perhaps he merely touched the threshold, but without obtaining the true inheritance, such anomalies would certainly not occur.

So, this time, Emperor Jiang was not lying.

Though Jiang Li generally does not lie as well...

At this moment, the turbulence in Taibai True Monarch's heart was perhaps comparable to when he faced off against Daoist Guang Cheng earlier, he had the strong impulse to shout, "Impossible, absolutely impossible," but his cold and resolute nature suppressed this impulse, resulting in an extremely peculiar facial expression.

Moreover, he couldn't act against Jiang Li in a confrontational, intense argument.

Yet Jiang Li refused to let it rest, aggressively pursued, continuing, "Do you think I am unworthy of being your senior? Indeed, you are much older than I am. However, the saying goes, 'In learning, there is no distinction of order, the accomplished come first.' Now that I am a supreme being and have deep connections with the Daoist Lord, hence my seniority is above yours, which is also normal."

What he said was quite reasonable, even Taibai True Monarch was persuaded, feeling an impulse wanting Jiang Li to try if his sword was still sharp.

But in the end, he lowered his eyelids, softly said, "If there is something you wish to know, ask."

Now, knowing the Daoist Lord has passed on "One Qi to Three Pure Ones" to Jiang Li, Taibai True Monarch is confident he is safe, Jiang Li will not attack him.

However, to be fair, he would rather not be safe than suffer such an encounter.

The sword heart that rises after breaking can sense Jiang Li's sinister intentions, if he continues to resist stubbornly, Jiang Li will "nephew" him to the end.

Decades of storms, even when facing the strongest of opponents, Taibai True Monarch never retreated. When the Heavenly Monarch schemed to induce a demon barrier in his heart, he willingly plunged in, not hesitating to break his Lifebound Sword to clear the heart barrier, except this time...

Disgusting, truly disgusting.

The key is, as a prisoner, there is no escaping. Or rather, to avoid such humiliation, end his own life?

That would be too absurd, laughable, even someone as extreme as Taibai True Monarch finds it too extreme.

Thus, Taibai True Monarch just yielded.

Jiang Li heard these words and smiled at Daoist Guang Cheng, "Brother, see, this is the principle of supreme strategy, subduing without bloodshed."

"Uh...Junior Brother Jiang, you might want to change that address." Daoist Guang Cheng said with a peculiar expression.

If this continues, wouldn't even he become Taibai True Monarch's elder?

Daoist Guang Cheng still had a sense of heroes cherishing heroes, not intending to be Taibai True Monarch's elder.

"No worries, everyone has their own perspective," Jiang Li responded flexibly, "You call him fellow Daoist, I'll call him nephew, we each follow our own logic."

Daoist Guang Cheng: "..." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Isn't there a possibility, you could use another way to have each their own?

For instance, you could call the Daoist Lord a fellow Daoist, and also address Taibai True Monarch as a peer...

However, one must admit, Jiang Li's tactics are indeed remarkably effective, hitting Taibai True Monarch's weak spot.

As expected from Jiang Tianzi who could seal Great Venerables, yet resist the Heavenly Monarch, the difference between him and these two is probably only in some respects of character, otherwise, they're nearly evenly matched and entirely qualified to sit at the same table.

"It seems, Brother also greatly agrees with my viewpoint."

Jiang Li took Daoist Guang Cheng's silence as consent, then turned his gaze upon Taibai True Monarch and inquired, "Nephew, do you know who is manipulating the Drought behind the scenes? Observing her previous actions in the Buddha Country, it seems she is not acting on orders from the Heavenly Monarch."

Not operating under the Heavenly Monarch's command, yet intervening to help earlier, Jiang Li is keen to know who is behind her.

Could it be the two awakened Buddhas?

But those two had no opportunity to come into contact with the Drought Demon, how could they control her?

Taibai True Monarch had long since collaborated with the Heavenly Monarch, even before the Taiping Sect's rebellion, they had been secretly in league, maybe he can provide Jiang Li an answer.

"This matter, this poor Daoist is not too clear, only knowing that before Drought truly emerged, the Heavenly Monarch never considered her an ally. Otherwise, he wouldn't have ignored her after breaking the seal, allowing her to be sealed by you."

Reflecting past events, Taibai True Monarch answered slowly, "Until the battle in Yong Province, when you released the Drought to slaughter the Buddha Country's monk soldiers, the Heavenly Monarch suddenly developed the ability to control her. Perhaps you can investigate from there."

"And about the Heavenly Monarch's Promotion Ceremony, how much do you know?" Jiang Li continued to probe.

"Heavenly Monarch wishes to advance, he requires a sovereign to command the mountains and rivers as a sacrifice to the heavens. He needs the world to offer him their allegiance, he needs the Great Zhou. Hence, he seeks to seize the Jiangshan, Sheji, thereby requiring warfare, aligning with Gouchen Dao Fruit's promotion, which is why I collaborated with him." Taibai True Monarch answered.

Sacrifice to Heaven... no wonder the Heavenly Monarch needs King Shu.

This point had already been within Jiang Li's expectations, he had previously known the Heavenly Monarch required faith.

However, now the Great Zhou has fallen to Jiang Li, the Heavenly Monarch is somewhat distant from a complete nationwide offering.

'He may resort to some ingenious methods.'

Jiang Li contemplated, then asked further, "Aside from the sacrifice to heaven, is there more? The promotion of the Second Grade Dao Fruit shouldn't require just one thing, right?"

"Other requirements are unrelated to this poor Daoist, and the Heavenly Monarch would not disclose them entirely," Taibai True Monarch replied blandly.

The implication being, naturally, he wasn't interested, thus he didn't inquire further.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li couldn't help but shake his head and said, "Nephew, is this all you know? It's rather useless."

"Stop calling this poor Daoist nephew."