Longevity: Starting from Refining Gu

Regarding the arrangement of Wushang and Xu Yaofeng's military commanders, Chen Qing also had his own thoughts.

On Xu Yaofeng's side, it was necessary to deploy the Dragon Cavalry, and once the Dragon Cavalry moved, the whole world would tremble.

Only in this way could Da Yan be convinced that Xu Yaofeng's route was the real main force.

Moreover, once the Dragon Cavalry was deployed, even if Ji Dang knew there was another route, he would have to send ancient dragons to lead the army.

Other people simply couldn't stop them.

The only problem lay with Ao Huanxiu; frankly, Chen Qing was not very confident about sending him out on the expedition.

But now there were not many other options.

It all depended on what Ao Huanxiu himself thought.

For the eastern route, since there was no deterrent from the Dragon Cavalry, Chen Qing almost dispatched all the military commanders he could.

Firstly, to enhance the strength of the military commanders under Wushang.

Secondly, also to give Zhang Can, Yan Bailiang, and Lu Shenglong another chance to earn military merit.

As for Fengdu, he personally took command, so there was no need for many military commanders, with only Su Yi and Qing Ran being sufficient.

He had now clarified the war situation with Feng Qiwu. Feng Qiwu's military could not outmatch him, but could drag it out using the Dead Swamp.

To completely annihilate Feng Qiwu would require a vast amount of troops, which was clearly not cost-effective.

He needed a large amount of territory to obtain Merit to sustain his Cultivators.

So, the current strategy was already the best choice.

He personally took charge, confident to make Feng Qiwu return in defeat even if they attacked.

On the other hand, the location of Feng Qiwu's main force was completely unknown, requiring Qing Ran to dispatch a large number of Scouts to explore.

After Nie Fei lost contact, things had become somewhat complicated.

Now, it seemed that they had officially entered a stage of strategic stalemate.

He faced off against Feng Qiwu in the south, while Ji Dang and Snow Wolf Lord battled fiercely in the north.

The Central Plains battleground had been entirely handed over to commanders capable of standing on their own.

After finishing the discussion, Chen Qing approached Xuan Mang, suggesting they go drink a pot at Xuan Mang's house.

When Xuan Cuo heard, he also wanted to join and as they set out, Lu Shenglong and Wei Qingchen with Su Yi also joined in.

Well, it turned into a grand banquet.

Walking around the city, everyone was well-organized by Su Yi — those who needed to train did so, those who needed to patrol did so, those who needed to build defense works did so.

Chen Qing could clearly see that each of his Cultivators was spirited and thriving.

They seemed not at all worried about defeat.

Although Chen Qing's current troop strength was not as great as Da Yan's, the good thing was that his Cultivators were very confident.

Chen Qing's battles were always victorious and all assaults successful; every battle fought would be settled in one go.

Entering the Death Realm, six battles six victories, slaying thousands of troops and tens of thousands of dragons.

Unstoppable, in everyone's eyes, Chen Qing was almost seen as the rightful king bestowed by Heavenly Destiny.

This was only the perspective of Chen Qing's Cultivators. In fact, from Da Yan's side, Ji Dang was similar.

Ji Dang entering the Death Realm, thirteen battles thirteen victories, also slaying thousands of troops, equally victorious in all battles.

Chen Qing arrived at Xuan Mang's residence in Fengdu, the place was simple, just a small cave dwelling with only three rooms.

In the Death Realm, a city with defenses everywhere, it could only be this way.

At the entrance, two of Xuan Mang's personal soldiers from the Dragon Cavalry guarded the door.

Chen Qing entered, chatting with everyone for a while, then gestured towards the next room, "Ao Huanxiu?"

Xuan Mang nodded, and Chen Qing stood up, "I'll go have a few words with him."

Entering Ao Huanxiu's room, Chen Qing glanced at the laboriously cultivating Ao Huanxiu, "Continuing to cultivate is useless."

"Having accepted the Undying Decree, you've obtained the Undying Body along with a curse."

"You can no longer continue cultivating, focusing only on breakthroughs in Martial Arts."

Ao Huanxiu opened his eyes and made a bowed gesture, "Subordinate greets Lord Wen."

Chen Qing nodded and found a cushion to sit, "I have received news from the human realm."

"The Dragon Palace has killed your partner, and your daughter is imprisoned in the Underground Palace of Dragon Palace."

"I heard that your daughter has good cultivation talent?"

Ao Huanxiu gave a bitter smile, "My daughter's talent for cultivation even surpasses mine."

Chen Qing said, "Indeed, you can no longer cultivate, but your daughter may reach a higher realm."

Ao Huanxiu's gaze turned complex, seemingly contemplating something.

"Your daughter's fate is in your own hands."

"If I am defeated, you will have surrendered to the enemy, and you know what would happen to your daughter."

"If I win, how would Dragon Palace treat your daughter?"

"Dragon Palace can rely on Da Yan, it might as well rely on Nanli."

"Remember, the Great Sect never despises having too many roads to walk."

"Just like the West Desert Buddhism, never participates in war, yet lasts forever."

"Think it all over clearly."

"When you've thought it through, come out and have a drink."

Midway through the banquet, Ao Huanxiu walked out of his room, "I toast to you all!"

His path was now clear; he no longer had the chance to cultivate and reach higher realms, his life and death hinged on a single thought from Chen Qing.

He had to use his last strength to fight for a future for his daughter.

Most importantly, Chen Qing had proven his strength, giving him the qualifications to bet against Ji Dang.

If Chen Qing succeeded in becoming king, for the Dragon Palace to continue having control over the Mystic Gate Realm, it must rely on his path.

That would be the time for a reversal.