Chapter Sixty-One: Countering the Flow

“Stratosphere? The atmospheric stratosphere?” Instantly, the immortals present began whispering among themselves.

Hua Sheng didn’t know much about the layers of the atmosphere, though he was aware of divisions such as the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Sensing that something was amiss in the meeting’s mood, he turned to ask Tai Shang Little Lord, who sat beside him.

“What’s going on? Everyone seems quite shaken at the mention of the stratosphere.”

Tai Shang Little Lord replied, “It’s because it’s rather difficult for immortals to fly up to the stratosphere.”

“What? There are places even immortals can’t reach?”

“Not that they can’t reach it, but they can’t fly freely there. It’s like how humans find traversing mountains far harder than walking on flat ground. Above the stratosphere, ordinary immortals must rely on magical artifacts or celestial cranes to fly.”

“Why is that?” Hua Sheng felt utterly bewildered.

“When immortals fly, they ride clouds and mist. But starting from the stratosphere, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere drops dramatically, so clouds can’t form. Without clouds, immortals have nothing to ride. Even if one tries to conjure water vapor in the stratosphere, it dissipates in an instant. Magical artifacts and celestial cranes are in short supply. If millions of monstrous beasts attack, how are the disciples of the Academy of Dao Arts to fight in the stratosphere, let alone set up formations?”

At this moment, Master Jue Guang spoke up, “Not only must the Heaven-Earth Covering Formation be set up in the stratosphere, but two additional formations, one offensive and one defensive, must be laid above it to protect the main formation. In my opinion, the best choices are the ‘Six Dings Six Jia Formation’ for offense and the ‘Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Formation’ for defense.”

Thus, the already difficult task of setting up one formation in the stratosphere had now become three.

Master Yu Ran said, “These two formations are indeed the top choices for offense and defense, but each must be matched to the sixty-four hexagrams of the Book of Changes, with sixty-four guardians standing in alignment. The sole requirement for these guardians is an extremely high synchronicity. That means they must have lived together for at least two years, performing nearly identical routines every day. Only then can they meet the criteria. The immortals of the Academy have been assigned to set up the Heaven-Earth Covering Formation. The disciples, though they attend classes together, can hardly reach such a level of synchronicity.”

Before the problem could be resolved, another immortal raised a new issue.

Meanwhile, Tai Shang Little Lord spoke up.

“The disciples know where to find guardians for the ‘Six Dings Six Jia Formation’ and the ‘Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Formation,’ those who meet the requirements. Though mortal strength is frail, it is indispensable to this endeavor. There are two groups of sixty-four guardians who have lived together for over two years, performing nearly identical actions daily—they reside among mortals.”

The immortals were astonished. Star Lord Dao Ling pressed two fingers to his brow, his curiosity piqued by Tai Shang Little Lord’s mysterious proposal.

Tai Shang Little Lord explained, “Have any of you heard of two popular musical groups in the mortal world? The boys’ group is called ‘BRAVE,’ the girls’ group is ‘HOPE.’ Each group has sixty-four members. Because of their rehearsals and performances, they live together year-round and their rapport is exceptionally high. I believe they can fulfill the requirements for the formations. With only a few days left, I ask that you arrange for immortals to coach these young mortals, giving them a basic understanding of immortal spells.”

The immortals exchanged glances and shook their heads. Mortals knew nothing of basic immortal arts—how could they participate in an immortal battle after only a few days’ training? Thus, all eyes turned to Star Lord Dao Ling for a final verdict.

Star Lord Dao Ling opened his eyes and spoke slowly, “Young people have such novel ideas! We elders may have thought of this, but lack the courage to act. Time is short; let’s follow Tai Shang Little Lord’s suggestion, and entrust the collaboration on the offensive and defensive formations to the two groups.”

Tai Shang Little Lord was overjoyed. He rubbed his nose and volunteered, “Leave this matter of recruiting idol groups to me!”

Though the matter of the three primary formations was settled, how to set them up in the stratosphere remained unresolved.

Sitting in a corner, Hua Sheng raised his hand. “May I say something about constructing formations in the stratosphere?”

“Speak freely,” Star Lord Dao Ling seemed to have anticipated that Hua Sheng, so closely tied to the mortal world, would not remain silent.

“If the Grandmaster stipulated that no resources outside the Academy may be used, it means everything within the Academy is fair game. My idea is to use the Academy itself as a platform, constructing the Heaven-Earth Covering Formation, the Six Dings Six Jia Formation, and the Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Formation within the Academy.”

“But the battle will take place in the Earth’s stratosphere, not in Saint Peace,” Master Yu Ran said.

“I understand,” Hua Sheng clarified. “I saw a performance at the Lantern Festival where the whole venue, the ‘Pear Garden Center,’ flew into the sky. Could we use the ‘Primordial Dao’ to move the entire Academy into the Earth’s stratosphere?”

This bold proposal caused many immortals to change expression, and the meeting erupted.

“What?”

“Such audacity! You want to turn the Academy into the frontline?”

“Absolutely not!”

“This would surely destroy the Academy!”

Star Lord Dao Ling raised his hand to halt the commotion.

“Please, let us hear him out.”

With Dao Ling’s approval, Hua Sheng grew bolder, “I don’t know much about the formations, but I heard the Academy is built atop the shell of the Black Tortoise Spirit Turtle, so it’s all one unit. If we move the entire Academy to the mortal world, the three major formations would have a place to stand. I know this would expose the Academy to the threat of war, but at least it can be repaired.”

“I object!” rang out a clear and resonant voice.

Everyone turned to see Tian Ji Zi, the Chief Scribe of the Students’ Association, who had remained silent until now. He cleared his throat, “Buildings within the Academy can indeed be repaired if damaged, but if the Academy itself is not embroiled in war, participation is up to the disciples’ own will. Once the Academy is placed on the frontline, all disciples will be compelled to defend it, which is tantamount to forcing everyone into the battle. Moreover, the Grandmaster has made it clear that no one may bring immortal pills from Saint Peace for this battle, which would put teachers and students in grave danger!”

“But there are seven billion people in the mortal world! And countless other living beings! Are we supposed to just stand by and watch?” Though Hua Sheng was in the audience, he refused to retreat.

---

“I am not afraid, but as Chief Scribe, my foremost duty is to protect the safety of the Academy’s disciples. Whether we fight or not, their welfare comes first,” Tian Ji Zi responded, unmoved. “If the mortal world truly deserves saving, Heaven will send troops, or at least arrange for the immortals of Saint Peace to assist. Why should a single academy act alone? Especially when it requires disregarding the statutes of Saint Peace. We cannot rashly intervene without support or clarity on the enemy’s power!”

Tian Ji Zi’s resolute statement drew nods from many immortals present.

Hua Sheng knew Tian Ji Zi’s logic was sound. Indeed, facing the catastrophe brought by the Nether Shade and the Black Tortoise Serpent, why was only the Academy permitted to fight, while Saint Peace, the gathering place for immortals and mortals, was forbidden from intervening?

It suggested that, apart from the Grandmaster, the immortal world might knowingly ignore the mortal world’s disaster. What secret lay behind this? Or was it all fate, or the mortal world’s own doing?

Hua Sheng dared not ponder further. For him, though nothing was clear, he could not back down now. He had to fight to the end.

“I met the Grandmaster in person! He promised that as long as the Academy fights, Saint Peace will permit it!”

Tian Ji Zi countered, “But forbidding immortal pills places the young disciples under strict limitations. If many immortals lose their lives, how can that compare to the value of mere mortals?”

“Mortals aren’t worthless! Saint Peace is full of mortals! Are you advocating for discrimination?”

Tian Ji Zi slammed the table, “Disasters have plagued the mortal world for centuries; it has its own survival strategies. What does that have to do with the Academy? The Academy is not the nanny of the mundane world! Besides, fighting tens of thousands of monstrous beasts is not a street brawl—it’s war! Do you think this is a child’s game? Have you ever faced a monstrous beast head-on?”

Hua Sheng fired back, “The mortal world’s technology is far behind Saint Peace. With only a week to prepare for such a disaster, even full efforts would be futile! Are we to watch seven billion people die?”

“Before coming to Saint Peace, you didn’t even know it existed. What if there were no Saint Peace at all?”

“If there’s no Saint Peace, where did the Black Tortoise Serpent come from? Without it, would there be the Art of Controlling the Moon?” Hua Sheng bristled with anger.

“The Black Tortoise Serpent was revived by the Nether Shade, which isn’t from Saint Peace!” Tian Ji Zi refused to concede. “I don’t treat human life lightly. But fortune and disaster in the mortal world come unbidden, and Saint Peace has long been estranged from it. I believe the Grandmaster sees through this, and perhaps someone with connections is involved, making it hard to openly refuse. So the matter is pushed onto the Academy, with impossible conditions attached. In truth, the Grandmaster is politely declining.”

Though Tian Ji Zi hadn’t named names, his words clearly targeted Tai Shang Little Lord, implying the burden had been shifted onto the Academy. This instantly stalled the previously smooth meeting.

Star Lord Dao Ling spoke slowly, “Interesting, so you’re saying the Grandmaster believes the Academy cannot do it, and so leaves it to me to decide?”

Tai Shang Little Lord, just assigned the task, was now painted as the scapegoat, blamed for bringing disaster upon the Academy. His face twisted with anger as he replied,

“So you’re saying the Grandmaster is indifferent to the fate of billions, just to pass the buck? Don’t…”

He hadn’t finished when he caught a movement in the corner of his eye. Suddenly, there was a loud crash.

Looking closely, Hua Sheng had punched Tian Ji Zi in the face. Tian Ji Zi never expected someone would dare do this in such an important setting. Caught off guard, he took the blow squarely.

Before Tian Ji Zi could regain his footing, Hua Sheng tackled him, veins bulging as he shouted, “You cold-blooded creature! No wonder your father, Lan Cai He, won’t return to Saint Peace—he must not want to see you!”

In a fury, Hua Sheng lashed out with his fists at Tian Ji Zi.

Tian Ji Zi, the Chief Scribe, was unprepared and got caught off guard. But once he recovered, the mention of Lan Cai He struck a nerve. He shouted, “Scoundrel!”

He raised his right hand, which instantly became surrounded by a vortex of shattered stone. Rock patterns appeared on his palm as he struck Hua Sheng’s chest.

With a thunderous sound, Hua Sheng, whose cultivation was shallow, was sent flying, crashing into the ceiling of Lake Star Pavilion. Before he could fall, Tian Ji Zi straightened up. With a sweep of his left hand, he instantly drew Hua Sheng toward him and dealt another solid blow. Then, Hua Sheng was hurled out of Lake Star Pavilion at such speed that the air and lake water parted a yard high on either side.

Blown a hundred meters away, Hua Sheng managed to shout midair,

“Article three, section five of the Student Handbook!”

With that, he crashed into the lake.

“How could you strike a fellow disciple so hard? Let me teach you a lesson!” Tai Shang Little Lord, furious, lunged at Tian Ji Zi.

Master Yu Ran shouted, “Stop! Tai Shang Little Lord, stand down!”

Chastened by his master’s rebuke, Tai Shang Little Lord’s face flushed red. He turned to look at the ripples where Hua Sheng had fallen into the lake, gritted his teeth, and leaped into Drunken Heart Lake.

Fortunately, Hua Sheng was not seriously harmed. Together with Tai Shang Little Lord, he swam to the shore. The atmosphere was tense; neither bothered to dry their robes, instead sitting on the bank, water dripping from their hair, gazing silently at Lake Star Pavilion.

After a while, Hua Sheng finally said, “Sorry, I messed things up.”

“You’re impressive. Supporting actor turned lead.” Tai Shang Little Lord retained his sarcastic tone.

“If Tian Ji Zi’s words had convinced Star Lord Dao Ling, the mortal world would have been doomed. I just lost my head…”

“You went too far; you shouldn’t have brought up Lan Cai He.”

“I…” Hua Sheng, himself an orphan, realized his words had struck a painful chord.

---

“But his blow was really harsh. Using a Xuanming-level spell against a mortal disciple.”

“He actually held back; if he’d used a Lingxiao Immortal Spell, you’d be floating on the lake now.”

“Lingxiao-level? Does he think these immortals are useless? If he used that, not only would he lose his position as Chief Scribe, he’d probably be expelled outright. You’re sly, too; after taking a blow, you reminded the immortals he broke the rules. Tian Ji Zi’s in for trouble now.”

Hua Sheng sensed that Tian Ji Zi’s view actually represented many immortals’ true thoughts. Unlike himself, he cared more about the outcome of the meeting after all this commotion.

Indeed, dragging the Academy into the mortal world’s disaster, putting unrelated disciples at risk, was a fact. And with Earth facing a calamity, Hua Sheng himself had a stake in it.

The two sat on the embankment, awaiting the results from Lake Star Pavilion. The hot summer breeze soon dried their robes.

At sunset, they saw the immortals in Lake Star Pavilion rise and depart on clouds.

“Let’s go ask what happened!”

Hua Sheng hurriedly pulled Tai Shang Little Lord up. Among the departing immortals, they spotted Master Yu Ran and quickly ascended on clouds.

“Master Yu Ran!”

Master Yu Ran turned in midair and, seeing them, said, “You two mischievous children, you were certainly reckless earlier!”

Before Hua Sheng could apologize, Tai Shang Little Lord asked, “What did Star Lord Dao Ling decide?”

Master Yu Ran knew what they wanted to hear. “Hua Sheng, you really didn’t need to be so rash—Star Lord has his own views.”

“What are those views?” Hua Sheng pressed.

“Star Lord said, since the Grandmaster permits it and the matter concerns our Academy, as headmaster he cannot shirk. With the fate of the Deputy Chief Scribe uncertain, the Academy must fight.”

On hearing this, Hua Sheng breathed a long sigh of relief.

Master Yu Ran continued, “In truth, Tian Ji Zi’s words reflect not just many immortals’ thoughts but also Star Lord’s concerns.”

That was the truth.

“So, Star Lord Dao Ling said participation in this battle cannot be forced upon any disciple. Those unwilling or too young will remain in Saint Peace.”

Tai Shang Little Lord asked, “What about Tian Ji Zi?”

“You must understand Tian Ji Zi—his duty as Chief Scribe is to protect the disciples’ lives. Everyone has witnessed the Nether Shade and the Black Tortoise Serpent; this battle is no small matter. Tian Ji Zi volunteered to fight, to stand with the Academy. As for breaking the rules and attacking a fellow disciple, Star Lord ordered him to redeem his actions in battle, and after the war, be confined for a month.”

Star Lord’s punishment was severe, but given the critical moment, confinement was postponed until after the war.

Tai Shang Little Lord pressed on, “Where will the Heaven-Earth Covering Formation, Six Dings Six Jia Formation, and Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Formation be set up?”

“Star Lord fully endorsed your plan. The Six Dings Six Jia and Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams will be set up by the mortals you mentioned. We will strive to move the entire Academy to the stratosphere. Today, we’ll arrange for all objects unrelated to battle to be quickly relocated outside the Academy.”

With Star Lord’s decision, the immortals could only comply. Unexpectedly, he adopted Hua Sheng and Tai Shang Little Lord’s proposal in full—both were delighted, yet felt the weight of responsibility. As long as the immortals and disciples of the Academy were prepared, the battle against the Nether Shade and Black Tortoise Serpent might not be a losing one.

“There’s still a major problem left unresolved.”

“What is it?” Tai Shang Little Lord asked.

Master Yu Ran explained, “From the Grandmaster’s letter, aside from the Nether Shade and Black Tortoise Serpent, we must face an army of a million monstrous beasts. If the three formations and the Academy are placed in the stratosphere, the Academy will become the battle’s frontline. All attacks on the Academy will fall directly upon the three formations, endangering them.”

Although the first meeting had produced a basic strategy to counter the Art of Controlling the Moon, once Star Lord Dao Ling and forty-nine immortals formed the formations, it meant the Academy’s strongest immortals could not directly oppose the Nether Shade, Black Tortoise Serpent, and the vast beast army.

This was indeed a grave issue. It meant that outside the Academy, a protective barrier was needed in the sky.

“If we need a barrier, we return to the old question of what it should be placed upon. What now?” Hua Sheng frowned.

“To protect the three main formations, we’ll need tens of thousands of disciples to defend along a battlefront in the stratosphere, spanning dozens of miles in altitude and stretching over two thousand miles in length. The three formations alone can’t cover it, and the Academy’s magical artifacts and celestial cranes are far too few.”

Hua Sheng and Tai Shang Little Lord were stunned. If they didn’t establish a two-thousand-mile-long stratospheric battlefront, the Academy would bear the brunt of all attacks. But if they did, it would mean moving Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, and parts of Guangdong Province—

All into the atmospheric stratosphere!