The True Monarch's expression was conflicted.
However, deep down, he still leaned towards refining treasures.
In his eyes, treasure refining was of utmost importance, before anything else.
Soon, a thought crossed his mind, and he sent a message to Jingming Daoist.
"You want me to hold the fort?"
On the Observatory Platform, Jingming Daoist wanted to curse.
He was just a cultivator at the Yin Spirit Stage, how could he possibly withstand the combined forces of the three major Demon Sects? This True Monarch was clearly overestimating him!
But the bad news kept coming.
Several powerful ancestors from the three major Demon Sects appeared in the Beichu army, and two days ago, the border city of Dingyuan County had fallen. The two hundred thousand Divine Strategy Army couldn't hold on, suffering tens of thousands of casualties, and had to retreat to the Commandery City of Dingyuan County, defending it to the death.
The vanguard of Beichu had already reached the outskirts of Dingyuan County's Commandery City.
Dingyuan County's Commandery City wouldn't hold for long.
In front of the Observatory Platform, the remaining elders with the "Dong" character in their names hurried over.
"Nephew, with so many old demons coming out, how are we supposed to resist?"
Facing the four Daoists Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongxiao, and Dong Jue, Jingming Daoist's lips twitched.
Jingming Daoist reluctantly said.
"Elders, please return for now. I already have a plan to break the deadlock!"
Upon hearing this, Dongzhen Daoist let out a long sigh of relief, laughed heartily, and patted Jingming Daoist on the shoulder, saying.
"Nephew, with those words, this old man feels at ease!"
Dongxuan Daoist gently stroked his beard, a smile forming on his face. He praised Jingming Daoist, saying, "Senior brother truly has an eye for talent, our nephew is exceptionally wise!"
"With our nephew coordinating, Beichu is nothing to worry about!"
Dongxuan Daoist was all smiles, showing no signs of doubt.
Only Dong Jue Daoist cast a suspicious glance at Jingming Daoist, scrutinizing him up and down.
"Nephew, don't push yourself. If it doesn't work out, let senior brother take care of it!"
Jingming Daoist forced a laugh, awkwardly replying, "Aunt, have more faith in your nephew. They're just a few demons, right? Our Daqian is assisted by the gods, unafraid of any demons or monsters!"
Seeing his resolute gaze, Dong Jue Daoist, although still doubtful, did not press further.
After the "Dong"-named elders left, Jingming Daoist's expression immediately fell.
He had no backup plan left.
Those trump cards had already been used, and they no longer worked!
Without hesitation, he immediately retreated to the depths of the Observatory Platform's forbidden area, using the Cave God Seal to communicate with the distant Dong Shen Ancestor in a Void Dharma Realm.
Above the incense burner, the smoke curled, and the figure of the Dong Shen Ancestor appeared in the air.
Seeing the towering figure appear, Jingming Daoist could no longer hold it in, took a deep breath, and shouted loudly.
"Master, it's an emergency! If you don't return, there will be no Daqian left!"
In the void, the Dong Shen Ancestor maintained his celestial presence, wearing a cotton-white magic robe, his white hair tied with the Great Cave Jade Crown, looking carefree. Upon hearing, he rebuked.
"Rebellious disciple, why are you in such a rush? You're at least half-step Longevity, maintaining such composure!"
Jingming Daoist, however, was undeterred by these words, displaying a pained expression, "Master, if you don't return, your disciple might not make it past this half-step!"
Immediately, he hurriedly reported the changes in Dingyuan County.
"Master, this time Tuoba Zhenwu has come out in full force. Though our Daqian's military might is not weak, we lack a Primordial Spirit Master to oversee the army, which might lead to a heavy loss!"
Dong Shen Ancestor gently stroked his beard, contemplating, while Jingming Daoist, seeing his thoughtful expression, felt somewhat helpless.
"Master, everyone at Dong Shen Temple is now panicking, all hoping for your return to take charge of the big picture!"
Upon hearing this, Dong Shen Ancestor waved his hand, saying.
"Stop intending to involve your master. Without my possession, I can't return!"
Hearing this, Jingming Daoist was speechless. Feeling a sense of urgency, he retorted defiantly.
"If Master doesn't return, I won't be this country's State Preceptor anymore. Let whoever wants to take over!"
Truth be told, after saying this, Jingming Daoist actually felt a sense of relief throughout his entire body.
Over the past decade, moving between various major powers as a Yin Spirit Venerable, he was truly exhausted.
In the end, he was just a Yin Spirit Venerable, after all.
Without the foundation of Longevity that a Primordial Spirit Master gains.
The greatest strength of a Primordial Spirit Venerable is not because of their mighty magical power, but rather their longevity.
The longer they live, the more Secret Techniques they know, and the more trump cards they have.
Even a pig living for a thousand, or ten thousand years, would have many tricks up its sleeve.
Dong Shen Ancestor gave Jingming Daoist a sidelong glance, snorted gently.
"Look at your lack of spirit, scared by just three little demons!"
"'Little demons'..."
Jingming Daoist pouted; he wanted to say he was still a 'baby'!
At this moment, Dong Shen Ancestor's face turned solemn, speaking to Jingming Daoist.
"The Blood Sea Demon Monarch, Taiyin Divine Demon, and Tian Xiang Old Demon, these three demons are indeed significant. Each one individually is a troublesome Demon Dao leader, and combined, they are difficult to deal with. However, as far as I know, they also have several mortal enemies. They intend to devour our Daqian's Destiny to strengthen themselves. This is not just our headache; their opponents will likely struggle too. The principle of heaven's gain and loss should be clear to them…"
Upon hearing this, Jingming Daoist quickly shook his head to deny it, saying.
"Master, this time, it might not work. The treasure's radiance from the Dragon Vein is too bright; others might not be so keen to help again!"
Last time, he had called in favors from the Dong Shen Temple, inviting Wind and Thunder Master, Shui He Master, and Yuquan Master, three Dao Lineage Masters, but this time, they might not be willing to come again.