Not long after, Ning Fa withdrew his spiritual sense, his eyes showing a thoughtful expression.
Venerable Jizhao and the others' plan was actually very simple.
Since they had already broken through the instantaneous transmission ability of the barrier defending the cross-realm passage, they naturally had to find a way to lure away as many enemy Spirit Transformation cultivators as possible, sending them as far away as they could, and then send people to destroy it.
To this end, Venerable Jizhao and the others came up with a plan: spread a false message.
The message would claim that the Human Race intended to set up a ritual to communicate with the Upper Realm, requesting the Human Race in the Spirit Realm to send reinforcements.
In reality, due to the qi blockade in this realm, this was fundamentally impossible.
However, the Sea Race could not be certain, so once this news spread, they would undoubtedly come to disrupt the ritual.
To make the act convincing, the Nine Immortals Association would even take out their treasured World-Crossing Incense, a precious spiritual material necessary for communication between the Lower and Upper Realms.
This way, the Sea and Monster Races would surely send out most of their top forces. The Human Race could then use this time difference to dispatch their forces to completely destroy the defensive barrier and the cross-realm passage.
Of course, another problem was that the defensive barrier was of extremely high grade, even reaching High-Grade Fifth Tier. Destroying it would be very difficult.
But the Human Race also had a solution for this.
The Qianyuan Merchant Alliance possessed a highly-graded array formation called the [Six Paths Annihilation Array].
This was also an offensive array formation of High-Grade Fifth Tier. As long as it could be deployed, there was hope of directly destroying the defensive barrier of the cross-realm passage in one fell swoop.
Ning Fa had actually seen this ancient array formation in some old texts before. It was said to be long lost in the Human Realm. He hadn't expected the Qianyuan Merchant Alliance to still have it in their collection; they truly lived up to their reputation as a top power.
If it was truly this powerful array formation, then it was indeed possible to complete the mission.
However, this Six Paths Annihilation Array was somewhat special. Besides requiring extremely precious spiritual materials for its formation, it also needed six powerful cultivators to preside over the array eyes.
Furthermore, once activated, it would consume the life force of these six individuals, costing them about a hundred years of their lifespan. This was no small price to pay.
Ning Fa roughly understood the true purpose of the meeting held today.
As expected, Venerable Jizhao swept his cloudy eyes across everyone in the hall and said in a deep voice, "So the crucial issue now is to find six Daoist friends to undertake this critical mission.
To be clear, I will go. After all, my remaining years are few.
If I unleash my final Nascent Soul Origin, it will be enough to serve as the main array eye among the six. Therefore, only five more Daoist friends need to volunteer."
Upon hearing this, everyone showed deep respect for Venerable Jizhao.
Clearly, Venerable Jizhao had resigned himself to death, intending to contribute his final moments to the Human Race.
But admiration aside, the hall fell silent, with no one showing any intention of volunteering.
After all, this was no trivial matter. Although Spirit Transformation cultivators had long lifespans, losing a hundred years of it at once was still difficult to accept.
Moreover, another, more important reason was that this mission involved going to the Sea Race's lair. Even if they ultimately succeeded in destroying the cross-realm passage, escaping safely would undoubtedly be extremely difficult, and they might even perish in the process.
Therefore, others were naturally unwilling to risk such a highly dangerous undertaking.
Ning Fa's expression was calm, revealing nothing of his thoughts.
Venerable Jizhao, looking at the silent crowd from the high platform, couldn't help but sigh.
Just then, Gu Zun stood up.
His eyes, filled with oppressive power, surveyed the crowd, and his magnetic voice spoke:
"For this mission, it is inconvenient for Yuanzun and several other Mid Spirit Transformation Daoist friends to go. Otherwise, if our high-level strength is insufficient, it is very likely that we will backfire and be directly defeated by the gathered Spirit Transformation cultivators of the enemy, leading to the fall of Zhenhai City.
Therefore, we must stay to defend. This requires five more Early Spirit Transformation Daoist friends to take action.
Of course, we will not let these five Daoist friends act in vain. We have also prepared generous compensation: one [Three-Turn God-Seeking Pill] for each person."
Hearing this, the Spirit Transformation cultivators present were all greatly moved, especially those in the Early Spirit Transformation stage.
This was because the Three-Turn God-Seeking Pill was not only a Fifth-Tier Pill but also a Pill to Break Through Cultivation Stage. It could increase the success rate of Early Spirit Transformation cultivators breaking through to the Mid stage, thus holding an incomparable attraction for them.
However, even though many had expressions of interest, no one stepped forward to volunteer.
After all, while this pill was precious, it only increased the breakthrough probability by about ten percent. It still felt not worth risking one's life for.
Gu Zun's expression remained unchanged, but his lips moved, and he began to transmit his voice.
Not long after, a strong, burly man in beast robes with bronzed skin, whose half-closed eyes suddenly snapped open, a flash of surprise in his gaze, exclaimed excitedly, "Daoist Gu, are you speaking the truth?"
Gu Zun smiled slightly, "What I say is always as good as my word. If Daoist Ba does not trust me, we can establish a High-Tier Contract right now."
The Ba-surnamed Big Man hesitated for a moment, then a look of determination flashed across his face. "In that case, as long as Daoist Gu can establish a Fifth-Tier Contract with me, count me in for this battle."
The others looked at him with some surprise, secretly wondering what benefits Gu Zun had promised.
This Ba-surnamed Spirit Transformation cultivator was one of the two Human Race rogue cultivator Spirit Transformation cultivators who joined the battle later. His strength was considerable; aside from a few Mid Spirit Transformation cultivators, he ranked among the top five.
Next, Gu Zun continued to move his lips, transmitting his voice.
Soon, Huangfu Jin, clad in black armor and exuding a murderous aura, suddenly stirred.
He first glanced at Gu Zun, then at Venerable Jizhao, Lord Xuanyi, and the other Tianshu Alliance Spirit Transformation cultivators. These individuals were also transmitting their voices.
After receiving confirmation, Huangfu Jin pondered for a moment before speaking, "Alright, I will also participate in this battle."
Ning Fa looked at him in surprise and asked via voice transmission.
Over the years, they had looked out for each other, and their relationship had improved considerably.
Huangfu Jin replied, "The Tianshu Alliance has agreed to return our clan's Zi Yin Imperial Seal. This treasure is not only a symbol of our clan but also an important artifact, crucial for our clan's survival. Therefore, I must retrieve it."
Ning Fa suddenly understood.
At this moment, Zhu Yan, the fat Spirit Transformation Cultivator, was also swayed by the conditions secretly promised by Gu Zun and signed up.
This brought the total to five participants, with only two spots left.
The next person to volunteer surprised Ning Fa even more.
It was Huan Yu, an Ancestral Beast from the Yuanshou Ancestral Court.
Its small, delicate ox-like face was filled with unconcealable joy, clearly very tempted by the conditions Gu Zun had promised.
Now, only the last spot remained.
Gu Zun secretly communicated with two other individuals, but after their initial interest, they both shook their heads and refused.
The atmosphere became somewhat subdued.
Just then, Gu Zun's voice reached Ning Fa's ears, "Daoist Ning, although you are only a Nascent Soul Cultivator, your strength is evident to all. If you are responsible for one of the Array Eyes, it should be sufficient.
Furthermore, as far as I know, you are only a little over two hundred years old. Losing a hundred years of lifespan should not be a major issue.
I heard you need Xiyuan Divine Soil. I can offer this as your reward. What do you say?"
Upon hearing this, Ning Fa's expression shifted dramatically.
He hadn't expected the Xiyuan Divine Soil to still be available, and now he was genuinely tempted.
Ten years ago, his Sun True Fire had truly taken shape with the help of the Ice Phoenix Ancestor.
Since then, he had been diligently working on opening the fourth Sea of Lightning Divine Treasury for Supreme Water Divine Thunder and had made significant progress.
If he continued cultivating step by step, he should be able to open it successfully.
What was currently holding him back was the fifth Sea of Lightning Divine Treasury for Supreme Earth Divine Thunder. He lacked the crucial spiritual material for advancement, which was this Xiyuan Divine Soil.
If he obtained it, his path to Spirit Transformation would be within reach.
This temptation was truly irresistible for Ning Fa.
Ning Fa thought for a moment and then confirmed, "If I go, I will definitely bring Daoist Tianbao."
Gu Zun replied without hesitation, "Naturally. With Daoist Tianbao's participation, we will feel more at ease.
If Daoist Ning can persuade Daoist Tianbao to also take responsibility for one of the Array Eyes, you are welcome to propose other conditions."
Ning Fa felt a slight sense of relief, but he did not even consider Gu Zun's suggestion of having Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant take on an Array Eye.
Even if Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant agreed, he would have to pay a hefty price. However, his Fourth-Tier Origin Points had already been heavily depleted, and he needed to conserve them.
"I will confirm with Daoist Tianbao, but Daoist Gu should not hold out too much hope."
Ning Fa first replied via sound transmission, then spoke loudly, "Count me in."
The others were watching this exchange and could tell Ning Fa was conversing with Gu Zun. Seeing Ning Fa agree, they were not overly surprised, nor did they think Ning Fa was overestimating himself.
Over the years, Ning Fa's strength had earned the recognition of everyone present.
"So, the six participants are assembled. Thank you to these Daoist friends for stepping forward."
Gu Zun retracted his imposing aura and said with a relaxed smile.
The others also showed signs of relief.
Although the racial war had been going on for less than a decade, the Spirit Transformation Cultivators still felt immense pressure. Seeing a glimmer of victory now, they were naturally overjoyed.
After the meeting, Ning Fa and the other five individuals tasked with destroying the cross-realm passage were asked to stay behind to discuss the specific plan for the operation with Gu Zun, Yuanzun, and Venerable Jizhao.
To avoid any further complications, they planned to act in three months and asked Ning Fa and the others to prepare.
Afterward, Gu Zun called Ning Fa to a private side hall.
"Daoist Ning, thank you for stepping forward.
In fact, over the years, although you have only been at the Nascent Soul stage, your contributions have been no less than ours at the Spirit Transformation stage. You are truly a model for our Human Race."
In the side hall, Gu Zun, usually dignified and commanding, smiled kindly at Ning Fa. As he spoke, he took a black brocade box from his storage ring and pushed it toward Ning Fa.
Ning Fa removed the Barrier Talisman on the brocade box and found a clump of dark soil within. It appeared unremarkable, but as Ning Fa's Spiritual Sense probed it, he felt a mountain-like density, as if he were enveloped by countless peaks.
Moreover, the Supreme Earth Divine Thunder within his body stirred violently, sensing a great attraction from the soil.
Ning Fa's face could not hide his delight. This was indeed the Xiyuan Divine Soil.
Gu Zun was being very forthright, giving him the Xiyuan Divine Soil before the mission had even begun.
In reality, Ning Fa had been quite wary of Gu Zun over the years, especially since he had previously rejected Gu Zun's attempt to arrange a marriage for Gu Ying.
He carefully put away the black brocade box and said solemnly, "Daoist Gu, rest assured, I will do my best on this mission."
With that, he cupped his fists at Gu Zun and turned to leave.
The smile on Gu Zun's face slowly faded, replaced by an expressionless demeanor, his eyes flashing with a deep, profound light.
After an unknown amount of time, a sigh was heard.
Venerable Jizhao had entered at some point. His face, etched with wrinkles, was filled with bitterness.
"What, is Venerable Jizhao having second thoughts now that the moment has arrived?" Gu Zun asked calmly.
Venerable Jizhao sighed again, his voice heavy. "Regardless, this time we're not just destroying the Sea Race's cross-realm passage with myself, but also five other Daoist friends and the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant.
This is a tremendous blow to our Human Race. I'm very worried that even if we destroy the Sea Race's cross-realm passage, we won't be able to withstand the counterattack from the Sea and Monster races in the end.
And as for that Ancestral Beast, it's one thing, as it's not of our kind. But Daoist Ning, he has a high chance of becoming a pillar of our Human Race in the future. To have him perish like this... I truly cannot bear it."
Upon hearing this, a mocking smile appeared on Gu Zun's face. "Venerable Jizhao, have you forgotten that while Ning Fa has extraordinary potential, he is a Zi Yin clan member?
In the future, when he becomes a pillar of the Human Race, will your Tianshu Alliance still exist in this world?
And you are quite right, those who are not of our kind will surely have different intentions. Speaking of which, the Zi Yin clan may not even be considered pure Humans.
This time, we can kill two birds with one stone. Not only will we destroy the Sea Race's cross-realm passage, but we can also directly eliminate these outsiders."
Venerable Jizhao's white eyebrows furrowed, but he did not retort.
At this moment, Gu Zun's tone shifted. "As for the great losses you mentioned, Daoist friend, it is indeed a problem, but there's no other way. After all, the Six Paths Annihilation Array is indeed the best method to destroy this cross-realm passage."
Before he could finish speaking, another slightly effeminate voice chimed in, "Don't worry, both Daoist friends. This time, our Nine Immortals Association has at least a seventy percent chance of communicating with the Upper Realm.
Even if we can't get the Spirit Realm Human Race to send experts down, we can at least have them transmit some high-tier Spirit Puppets over from above, which will be enough to compensate for the loss of combat power this time."
The President of the Nine Immortals Association, Yuanzun, wearing a silver mask, walked in, a smile on his lips as he spoke.
Venerable Jizhao also felt a slight sense of relief.
In reality, the matter of the Human Race communicating with the Upper Realm was not entirely false information.
This was because the Nine Immortals Association had two World-Crossing Incense. One was intended to be used for a fake ritual to lure out experts from the Sea and Monster races, while the other would be used for a genuine teleportation ritual to obtain support from the Upper Realm.
If this were to happen, as long as the Sea Race's cross-realm passage was destroyed, the Sea Race would become like water without a source, and they could be worn down and killed by the Human Race.
Venerable Jizhao looked at Gu Zun and Yuanzun, who were both full of confidence, and a doubt resurfaced in his heart. Why had these two reached an agreement on targeting Ning Fa?
It wasn't he who proposed putting Ning Fa on the list; it was these two, and they were very firm about it.
He himself had only agreed because Ning Fa was a Zi Yin clan member. But these two clearly weren't motivated by that reason.
However, overthinking was useless. Venerable Jizhao could only sigh inwardly, thinking that such a talented cultivator of the Human Race might be about to perish.