This time, the war in the cultivation world concerned the life and death of every sect. Victory meant survival, defeat meant annihilation!
As the sharpest sword of Xuantian Sect, the Sword Sect bore the responsibility of being the vanguard in the conflict between the three major Daoist sects and the two opposing forces: the Four Major Sects and the Holy Alliance. The most dangerous, combat-intensive, and deep-penetration missions fell on the disciples of the Sword Sect.
In this war, soldiers would fight soldiers, and generals would fight generals. For the ordinary Qi Refining disciples, their lives would not change drastically for the time being. They would continue taking and completing missions at Xingjiao Pavilion, although the mission content would involve more battles than before.
Core Formation and Nascent Soul powerhouses, however, would remain as the sect's final line of defense and would not be easily dispatched, especially in the early stages of the war.
Thus, the ones facing the greatest danger in this war were the Foundation Establishment disciples!
Lin Li, naturally, was among them.
However, unlike many other disciples in the Sword Sect who felt fearful, nervous, and terrified, Lin Li was unusually excited!
Now that he had successfully reached Foundation Establishment and had mastered the Xuantian Wuji Sword Qi Art and Jinghong Sword, he couldn't bear the slow pace of cultivation that came with relying solely on resources like Yiqi Pills and spirit stones. After experiencing the rapid breakthrough to Foundation Establishment within just one year, Lin Li found the normal rate of advancement unbearably slow!
For Foundation Establishment cultivators, with an average lifespan of 200 years, it could take several years, if not a decade, just to break through a single minor stage.
How could Lin Li be content with such slow progress?
To others, this war might seem like a life-or-death crisis, a blade hanging over their heads.
But for Lin Li, it was an unprecedented, heaven-sent opportunity to rapidly increase his cultivation!
"Who is willing to accept this mission?"
The Sword Sect Master, seated on the main throne of the Sword Hall, looked at everyone present and said, "This mission is extremely dangerous, with a high probability of death. However, if successful, the three major Daoist sects will gain a significant advantage in the early stages of this war!"
The crowd exchanged hesitant glances, their expressions filled with apprehension. No one dared to step forward, and they were all trying to avoid volunteering.
At that moment, Lin Li boldly declared, "I am willing!"
"Good!"
The Sword Sect Master was pleased to hear someone volunteer after such a long silence. He clapped his hands and praised Lin Li loudly.
However, as soon as he realized it was Lin Li who had spoken, his expression changed.
Simultaneously, Zou Changlao's face also darkened.
"Ahem, ahem," the Sword Sect Master cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "Lin Li, your courage is commendable. However, this mission is highly dangerous and critical. You've only been in Foundation Establishment for four months, and your foundation might not be stable yet. The mission will involve confronting a key demonic sect outpost, where there are likely to be multiple early-stage Foundation Establishment disciples, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment leader, and perhaps even a late-stage Foundation Establishment overseer. With you only being at the first stage of Foundation Establishment, I fear..."
"Indeed!" Zou Changlao added in agreement, "Lin Li, this mission is far too dangerous. You have immense potential and, with time, you will surely become a pillar of our Sword Sect. It would be too wasteful to risk your life now."
Even the other disciples, upon hearing Lin Li volunteer, showed mixed reactions. Some looked at him with disdain, while others seemed ashamed.
Suddenly, a few more disciples stood up and shouted, "I volunteer too!"
"If Lin Shidi, who has just entered Foundation Establishment with such a bright future ahead of him, is willing to take on this mission, how can we, his seniors, shy away from danger?"
"That's right! I volunteer as well!"
"Excellent! Hahaha, excellent!" The Sword Sect Master exclaimed, "Wang Qiang, Li Gang, Wei Heng—you three are at the third, fourth, and sixth stages of Foundation Establishment. With the three of you volunteering, the chances of success for this mission will greatly increase!"
"This mission will not just involve our Sword Sect. The other two Daoist sects will also send people. You can rest assured."
"That's good," some of the disciples agreed.
As the others spoke, Lin Li shook his head slightly and addressed Zou Changlao and the Sword Sect Master, "Master, Sect Leader, thank you for your concern, but I have already made up my mind! There's no need to try to dissuade me any further."
"As a sword cultivator, I believe that simply cultivating in seclusion is not the path to greatness. Only by venturing into dangerous situations and comprehending the true meaning of cultivation through combat can one's swordsmanship advance rapidly!"
"The reason I was able to advance from the fourth stage of Qi Refining to the peak of Qi Refining and achieve Foundation Establishment so quickly was precisely because I faced danger head-on many times!"
"Therefore, I insist on participating in this mission!"
Hearing this, Zou Changlao let out a heavy sigh but showed a glimmer of pride in his eyes.
The Sword Sect Master clapped his hands in approval and said, "Well said! A true sword cultivator must seek the truth of cultivation in battle to rapidly improve their swordsmanship. Well said indeed!"
"Since you've made up your mind, I approve!"
"Wei Heng will lead the team, with Wang Qiang, Li Gang, and Lin Li as members. You will embark on this mission together!"
…
Hongjiang, Zhao Nation.
A team of twelve moved through the forest.
Leading the group were three Daoists, with nine others following behind in three smaller groups.
These twelve were the combined force sent by the three major Daoist sects to launch a surprise attack on the demonic sect's outpost. By capturing the outpost, they aimed to give the Daoist alliance the upper hand in the cultivation world war.
Among the twelve, Lin Li had the lowest cultivation, at the first stage of Foundation Establishment.
The others were all at least at the second stage of Foundation Establishment.
As a result, Lin Li was positioned in the middle of the group for protection.
But Lin Li wasn't pleased with this arrangement.
"Being placed in the middle may be beneficial for others," Lin Li thought, "but for me, this means I won't be able to participate in any battles. If small skirmishes arise, I won't gain any cultivation experience. And in larger battles, I won't even get a chance to contribute. This is frustrating!"
As Lin Li silently fumed…
A series of eerie, chilling laughter echoed from all directions!