"Additionally, Fellow Daoist, as for the geographical advantages you mentioned, it's true that there are many defensive constructions at the mountain pass, but we can completely set up numerous formations at the ground fissure. This way, even if a large insect really appears, the power of the formations will at least entangle them temporarily, and the three of us can provide support at any time. Are we really afraid of these insects?" Lu Ye spoke eloquently. The issues Lin Yue raised had all been considered by him. The solution is actually quite simple; a Teleportation Array perfectly addresses most of Lin Yue's concerns. In this world, it's not only Lu Ye who can set up a Teleportation Array. There are many array cultivators in the Nine Provinces. Especially for Divine Sea Realm array cultivators, setting up a Teleportation Array, although not easy, is not an impossible task. The reason why there hasn't been a precedent of two camps jointly deploying forces at the ground fissure on this front line is simply that there hasn't been a good communication bridge. Not every Mountain Pass Chief can, like Lu Ye, openly go to the opposing mountain pass and sit down to have a good discussion with the opposing Mountain Pass Chief. Lu Ye felt that if this matter could be accomplished, it would set a good precedent. With the alliance between Jinglan Lake Pass and Dark Moon Forest Pass resisting the enemy, other mountain passes could follow suit. By that time, the pressure on the front line here would be significantly reduced, allowing the provincial guards to reallocate more personnel to handle issues in their territories. Such momentum, even if it can't completely solve the insect disaster, is surely able to stabilize the situation. Lin Yue was lost in thought. Lu Ye didn't wait for her answer. Such matters are difficult to respond to immediately, and she would certainly need to discuss it with her doppelganger to make a decision. Furthermore, since this matter was proposed by himself, it's only natural to set an example. Standing up, he said, "Fellow Daoist Lin, please consider this on your own. However, regardless of your decision, we at Jinglan Lake Pass will act accordingly. I specially came today to inform you, in hopes of gaining your assistance." Lu Ye took his leave. Lin Yue was unsure, and Li Taibai, the doppelganger, naturally had a biased stance, so he urged, "I have observed that Lu Yiye conducts himself with integrity and openness. This proposal should be free of selfish intentions. If this endeavor truly succeeds, it would benefit both our soldiers and ourselves." Lin Yue said, "I certainly understand that, but there has never been a precedent for such a matter." Li Taibai said, "If Senior Sister does it, then there will be a precedent to follow. If you can't decide now, you might as well wait and see. Let's see whether Lu Yiye talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. If he does indeed act, it won't be too late for us to join in." Lin Yue agreed, saying, "This also seems suitable." Inwardly sighing, she noted how Lu Yiye's cultivation speed astonishingly matched that of Junior Brother Taibai, as both had already reached Divine Sea Level 3. She could hardly believe it. Li Taibai's cultivation advanced to Level 3, and she thought he could leave Lu Yiye behind, yet the speed at which their cultivation improved turned out to be the same. Moments later, at the Jinglan Lake Pass, Lu Ye gathered his subordinates. Here at the mountain pass, the number of cultivators was not many, similar to Dark Moon Forest Pass, only a little over three hundred people. In the past, there wouldn't have been so few, but too many had been redeployed, leaving only this force behind at the pass. After all, this place is merely the frontline of the two major camps' confrontation. Even if the Insect Race were to occupy it, it wouldn't have a major impact, unlike Bingzhou's interior, where numerous cities gathered with mortals that need strict defense. Lu Ye had been here for several months, and this was the first time he summoned all the cultivators. The gathered soldiers had no idea what was happening, only faintly feeling that their Mountain Pass Chief might be planning a major initiative, making them feel eagerly anticipatory. Standing on the central training ground at the mountain pass, Lu Ye scanned the surroundings. Though young, he possessed an air of commanding presence. Despite being a temporarily appointed Mountain Pass Chief, after a major battle months ago and these months of interaction, more than three hundred soldiers held him in respect. Without mentioning other matters, just the fact that the mountain pass compensated the family members of slain cultivators was an unprecedented act that won hearts and support. The path of cultivation is first and foremost to strive for personal advancement, but many reach their potential's limits with no further improvement possible. Their thoughts naturally turn to their descendants and family. In past battles with the Insect Race, they often held back, fearful of mishaps. But now they fight more valiantly because even if they tragically die in battle, a significant amount of compensation would remain for their offspring. Yooi Huang stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, "Sir, Jinglan Lake Pass with three hundred thirteen people is gathered; we await your orders!" Lu Ye clasped his hands behind him and nodded slightly: "I intend to deploy forces at the ground fissure 30 miles away to ambush the Insect Race there. Therefore, I need all of you to work together. Yooi Huang, select fifty people to stay and hold the fort; the others, come with me." The full series is hosted on *, known as *. "Yes!" Yooi Huang responded, darting into the sky and looking at everyone, "Are there any volunteers to stay and hold the line?" The group laughed and joked; not a single person volunteered readily. Knowing their temperament well, Yooi Huang knew that the soldiers were usually eager to venture out to kill insects and earn battle merit. Some had even considered the ground fissure before but didn't dare due to insufficient strength. Now, led by Lu Ye himself, it was a rare opportunity not to be missed. He scolded them, "The Lord Mountain Pass Chief is watching. Be conscientious, especially those whose cultivation levels are not high!" A cultivator in the Cloud River Realm immediately shouted, "So what if our cultivation level isn't high? We all grow step by step; we want to follow the Mountain Pass Chief to kill insects too!" At this, many Cloud River Realm cultivators echoed in agreement. Yooi Huang felt overwhelmed for a moment and fiercely glared at the Cloud River Realm cultivator who spoke first: "Then let's draw lots! Whoever gets picked stays, and there's no blaming anyone." Everyone cheered in unison. Yooi Huang began to prepare, and Lu Ye did not rush him. A moment later, Yooi Huang finished his preparations and came over with a large jar, shouting: "Line up, one at a time, make your draw and no takebacks!" The cultivators lined up in two rows and stepped forward one by one. The cultivators who drew the lot for staying behind couldn't help but show a bitter expression, yet they couldn't blame others, while those who drew for accompanying the expedition were naturally overjoyed. Once everything was ready, Lu Ye called out and took the lead, flying outward, followed by a dense mass of flowing light. Along the way, they occasionally encountered the Insect Race, which were all slaughtered on the spot. It was about 30 miles, and it took them a full four hours to reach their destination, mainly to accommodate the Cloud River Realm cultivators in the group. Upon reaching the ground fissure, the cultivators immediately formed teams, using the As-Close-As-Siblings Array Disc to form an array, and began clearing the bugs that crawled out from the ground fissure one after another. Lu Ye did not intervene; instead, he selected a suitable location nearby to set up the Teleportation Array. Before setting out, he had already left a corresponding Teleportation Array in the Heaven's Augury Hall at Jinglan Lake Pass. By setting up another one here, they could respond from both sides. In this way, even if changes occurred at the ground fissure, the soldiers could return to Jinglan Lake Pass via the Teleportation Array. Therefore, the Teleportation Array had to be set up immediately. Near the ground fissure, spirit force surged as soldiers continued to fight, constantly drawing out more of the Insect Race. The activity here quickly attracted nearby Ten Thousand Demons Ridge cultivators, who watched from a distance and relayed what they saw back to Dark Moon Forest Pass. Upon receiving the news, Lin Yue was amazed. Lu Yiye truly acted decisively. He had just informed her, and then immediately began his actions. It seemed he wasn't just making idle talk but was determined to follow through. She summoned Li Taibai to inform him of the news. The doppelganger said, "If you are concerned, Senior Sister, should I go take a look?" Lin Yue shook her head, "You stay here. I'll go see for myself." It wasn't that she distrusted Lu Yiye; there would be no advantage in deceiving her under these circumstances. But she needed to inspect the situation to determine if Lu Yiye's earlier proposition was feasible. If it was workable, integrating Dark Moon Forest Pass would naturally be no problem. If not, she wouldn't risk her soldiers' lives. Shortly thereafter, Lu Ye, having just set up the Teleportation Array, sensed Lin Yue's presence. She landed beside him without hesitation, looked at the Teleportation Array in front of her, and praised, "I've long heard of Fellow Daoist Lu's notable achievements in the Array Path. Seeing it today, it truly lives up to the reputation." As far as she knew, among many arrays, the setup of a Teleportation Array was extremely difficult due to the complexity of the core Void Spirit Runes. Even many Divine Sea Realm array cultivators couldn't necessarily create one, but Lu Yiye managed to set one up in such a short time, which clearly showed his profound expertise in the Array Path. "Fellow Daoist Lin flatters me," Lu Ye smiled slightly. "Things are a bit busy here. Feel free to look around, Fellow Daoist Lin." Saying this, he had Yooi Huang find someone to guard the array, and then he went to the vicinity of the ground fissure to set up other arrays, creating defensive fortifications. Lin Yue quietly followed beside him, watching him keep busy, occasionally assisting the cultivators of Jinglan Lake Pass in alleviating their pressure. One by one, arrays were set up successfully. Each array had personnel stationed, and with the help of arrays, the pressure in defending against the Insect Race gradually decreased. After being busy for a long time, Lu Ye finally spoke: "How has Fellow Daoist Lin decided? To be honest, while the strength of Jinglan Lake Pass is basically sufficient to hold the ground fissure, there's always the worry of unforeseen circumstances. If the Insect Race's power slightly increases, defending here would be quite strenuous, so assistance from your pass is very much needed. Fellow Daoist Lin is a wise person; in the current situation, only by working together can our two sides stabilize the situation. This is also in consideration for the soldiers under our command." Seeing his sincerity, Lin Yue nodded and said, "I naturally understand what Fellow Daoist Lu is saying. If your Jinglan Lake Pass can act in this way, my Dark Moon Forest Pass will not lag behind. I'll gather my people and bring them over to help." "That would be great!" "However, Fellow Daoist Lu, I remain puzzled by one matter and would like your guidance." "Feel free to ask, Fellow Daoist Lin." "I've observed that your pass's soldiers can form arrays to resist enemies. This isn't coincidental, is it? Are they using some sort of external force?"
