Beidou: "Hehe... it looks like we're going to harvest a massive bounty this time. Truly satisfying. But from what you're saying, Su Han, this cultivation world doesn't seem to be particularly high-tier."
Rosalyne: "That much is obvious. The world of The Scar of Heaven possessed genuine divine relics, while this realm relies on basic immortal blades. It sounds remarkably simple."
Xiao: "Indeed. We already possess two legendary blades within our alliance. If the opposition proves troublesome, we can simply bring the Xuanyuan Sword into the fray. A flawless victory is practically guaranteed."
Hu Tao: "But if that's the case, doesn't it mean this world's resources aren't that impressive? The spoils might be underwhelming."
Su Han: "You're mistaken, Hu Tao. The Shushan faction worlds might appear modest on the surface, but we obtained an immense wealth of resources from them previously. You cannot deny that reality. Furthermore, there is something specific in this particular world that I desire above all else: the five volumes of the Heavenly Tomes. If we can secure them, our researchers might decipher the foundation for some truly extraordinary techniques."
He paused, letting the information sink into the chat group before continuing with his instructions.
Su Han: "You can manage the battlefield as you see fit, but I have a specific task for Yae Miko and Hanachirusato. During the chaos of the battle, focus on quietly capturing the leaders of the righteous factions. We need to extract the knowledge of the Heavenly Tomes from them."
Hanachirusato: "Where exactly are these volumes located? How should we proceed with the retrieval?"
Yae Miko: "That part is simple. My Unleashed Domain naturally possesses the power of absolute hypnosis. Since the spiritual threshold of this world isn't exceptionally high, we should be able to extract the memories with ease once we separate them from the main force."
Su Han: "The first and second volumes are easily accounted for. Zhang Fan currently carries the first volume within his consciousness, while the second volume rests in the hands of the Ghost King. The third volume is currently inaccessible, but the fourth volume is guarded by the old monk, Master Puhong. The fifth volume is sealed within the ancient celestial blade itself. For now, focus on securing the first four. We can return for the fifth when the opportunity arises."
A Farce of Righteousness
Raiden Shogun: "An uncomplicated arrangement. In that case, I shall take the vanguard and draw the enemy's primary fire. It has been far too long since I last drew my blade; my body has grown restless. I hope these cultivators can offer some semblance of entertainment."
Ningguang: "Ahem... I must request that Your Excellency refrain from a total slaughter. Our objectives are restricted to mission completion and financial acquisition. Ruining the geopolitical landscape entirely might prevent future mission triggers in this sector."
Lisa: "I concur. Eliminate those who must be eliminated, but let us exercise a degree of restraint regarding the rest, Your Excellency."
Seeing the collective consensus of the group, the Raiden Shogun inclined her head slightly, abandoning her original plan of absolute annihilation.
Yae Miko: "Then it is settled. I shall direct the tactical movements for this deployment. We can alternate leadership for the next campaign. Certain mission worlds require a delicate touch rather than brute force."
Su Han: "Very well. Before you depart, take the Locust Wood Soul Box with you just in case an unexpected spiritual emergency arises."
Hanachirusato: "Oh, please. With our current strength, why would we need a soul-trapping artifact? A few minor cultivation sects can be dismantled at our leisure."
Yae Miko: "Regardless, I have secured it. If there are no further inquiries, we shall begin the transmission. Let us see if we can thoroughly strip this faction of its assets."
With the roster finalized, the chosen members vanished from the Jade Chamber in a flash of spatial energy. Ningguang stepped closer to Su Han, her brow furrowing slightly as she looked at the empty transport array.
"In our previous deployments, we invariably assisted the orthodox factions," Ningguang noted quietly. "Why choose to aid the demonic sect this time? Is there a hidden variable within the mission description?"
"There is no trick, Ningguang," Su Han replied with a cynical smile. "The boundary between righteousness and demonhood in these worlds is often a farce. Certain individuals are deemed 'demonic' simply because their methods are ruthless and overt. Meanwhile, others wear human skin and commit atrocities, yet their techniques and inherited reputations allow them to be revered as saints. To be frank, I find the sanctimonious nature of these righteous orthodox sects utterly repulsive. You will understand once the battlefield data streams in."
Standing nearby, Rosalyne let out a cold, sharp laugh. "He speaks the truth. Those who speak loudest of justice are rarely anything more than gilded hypocrites."
Rain of Swords upon the Sacred Peaks
Within the world of Qingyun, the pristine, mist-shrouded peaks were currently choked with the iron scent of war. The conflict between the orthodox sects and the invading unorthodox cultivators had reached a devastating crescendo.
Spiritual energies clashed in a violent melee, turning the sacred training grounds into a slaughterhouse. Cultivators fell by the dozens, their blood staining the ancient stone steps.
"Kill them! Do not allow a single one to escape!"
"Hehe... these famous sects certainly live in luxury. The spiritual density and the scenery here are vastly superior to our desolate territories!"
"Do not hesitate! The spiritual bones of these pristine disciples are the finest raw materials for refining our artifacts!"
As the slaughter raged below, Hanachirusato stood upon a high ridge, looking down at the carnage with a sigh. "What a tragedy... an endless cycle of war, yet neither side understands who the true enemy is."
"That is the irony of the mortal condition," Yae Miko replied smoothly, her eyes scanning the battlefield for her targets. "They fight to the death over ideology, oblivious to the greater horrors lurking in the dark. Come, let us secure the treasures while the main forces are distracted. The rest is up to the vanguard."
The two fox spirits melted into the shadows, leaving Ganyu, Bosacius, and the Raiden Shogun on the ridge. Ganyu turned to her companions, her hand resting lightly on her bow. "Let us bide our time and observe. The pivotal moment has not yet arrived."
Suddenly, the heavens above the central peak fractured. A magnificent, seven-colored radiance erupted from the mountaintop, accompanied by a sword-intent so piercing it threatened to slice the atmospheric barrier in two.
"Is that the celestial blade mentioned in the brief?" the Raiden Shogun murmured, her violet eyes locking onto the brilliant light. A small, anticipatory smile graced her lips. "The pressure is commendable. Only a weapon of this caliber is worthy of a true clash. The rest of these mortals are unworthy of my attention."
A telepathic ping from Yae Miko arrived, signaling that the ancient sword's activation was beginning to break the unorthodox vanguard. It was time for the vanguard to intervene.
"It seems my premonition was correct," the Shogun stated, stepping off the ledge into the open air. "I shall neutralize the blade. The two of you may handle the perimeter as you see fit. Our contract dictates the preservation of the target, but the unorthodox forces are fair game if they interfere."
The Descent of the Archon
High above the clouds, a massive, ancient sword hovered, radiating an oppressive divine pressure. Reverend Daoxuan stood tall atop the mythical Water Kirin, his entire form enveloped in a blinding, celestial aura as he channeled the sect's ultimate defense.
"Since you unholy fiends have dared to defile our sacred grounds, you shall bear the consequences," Daoxuan roared, his voice shaking the valley. "Even if it costs me my cultivation, none of you shall leave this mountain alive!"
Faced with the terrifying pressure of the awakening array, the unorthodox cultivators felt a cold dread seize their hearts. The Ghost King turned on his informant, Cang Song, his face contorted with rage. "You assured us that this celestial weapon could not be activated under the current conditions! You fool, have you led us into a death trap?!"
Cang Song could only offer a bitter, trembling look as he stared at the sky. "I did not foresee this... but retreat is no longer an option. The sword array has already locked onto our spiritual signatures."
An ancient sword array was an entirely different entity from a single weapon. It harnessed the natural leylines of the entire mountain range, weaving thousands of lethal, physical blades out of pure spiritual energy. The Ghost King realized the gravity of the situation and immediately ordered a full retreat, but the sky had already begun to fall.
"Perish, you heretical monsters!" Daoxuan bellowed.
The rain of celestial swords descended like a meteor shower. The unorthodox cultivators at the periphery were obliterated instantly, their defensive talismans and artifacts shattering like cheap glass against the divine pressure.
"Is this where our ambition ends...?" the Ghost King muttered, coughing blood as his primary defensive artifact cracked down the center. Centuries of planning were unraveling in a matter of seconds.
Yet, just as absolute despair settled over the unorthodox forces, a rhythmic, deliberate sound echoed through the thunderous sky.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
It was the distinct sound of footsteps, falling perfectly upon the empty air.
The combatants looked up, their breath catching. Stepping through the storm clouds was a woman of transcendent, terrifying beauty. She wore robes of deep violet, her matching hair flowing like a silken banner beneath the lightning-streaked sky. Her eyes held the absolute stillness of a winter storm, devoid of mortal emotion.
She gazed upon the ancient, swirling sword array of Qingyun with detached amusement.
"So, this is the ancient celestial blade of this realm?" the Raiden Shogun remarked, her voice cutting through the roar of the wind. "An intriguing construction. Sadly, the one attempting to direct its authority lacks the capacity to unleash its true depth. Allow me to demonstrate the meaning of an absolute strike."
Her fingers closed around a hilt of pure, condensing lightning, drawing a blade that caused the space around her to warp and fracture.
The celestial weapon, Yuehua, had taken the stage.
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