The Underdog must take the Initiative.

A wise man once said, make as many friends as possible, and as few enemies as possible. Unite all forces that can be united.

Since Xuanqin's goal is the entire Land of Immortal Legacy, then the other five countries in the Land of Immortal Legacy should all be North Chu's friends, forces that North Chu can unite with. At least, they shouldn't be like the foolish Yan Han and Great Yan, dragging North Chu down.

And since the forces within the Xuanqin army camp are complex, this also fits the situation. Why not operate a little? Bring in two friends?

For example...

Those two foolish ones from Boundless Sword Sect.

Those two only want Qin Ran's life, that's not a big deal. They still don't know what the ultimate goal of Xuanqin starting this war really is. If they knew, Qin Ran's life would probably seem like a small matter.

What?

Qin Ran also doesn't know what the Xuanqin Emperor is up to?

It doesn't matter, this isn't important... What's important is that those two from Boundless Sword Sect don't know.

So before Xuanqin takes the initiative to attack, Qin Ran decides to take the initiative.

He goes to Li Shiyin and asks her: "Are you afraid of death?"

Li Shiyin blinks her big eyes, not understanding why her cunning master is suddenly asking this. She looks at him and replies: "I don't know if I'm afraid of death, but I know you must be afraid of death, Master."

"...": Qin Ran is speechless.

"So Master, what do you want me to do?"

Alright, Qin Ran understands now. He shouldn't care about all that extra stuff, just take Li Shiyin and do it.

"Let's go, Master will take you to fight," he replies.

"Fight?" There is excitement in Li Shiyin's eyes. She hurriedly asks, "Where are we going to fight?"

"The Xuanqin army camp," Qin Ran says.

"The Xuanqin army camp?!!!"

Qin Ran takes Li Shiyin out of Wuyi City, flying toward the Xuanqin army camp.

On the way, he explains to Li Shiyin: "We can't wait for Xuanqin to take the initiative to attack the city, because by then they will be fully prepared and we will have no chance. Right now, we should take the initiative to attack, to create that slim chance."

Li Shiyin tilts her head, seeing her master's hair fluttering in the wind and snow. She smiles and says, "But Master, this isn't your style!"

"What do you think my style is?" Qin Ran asks back. He doesn't let Li Shiyin answer, but answers himself, "Actually I have no particular style. Everything I do is just trying to live a little longer. I'll do whatever it takes to survive longer."

"Hmm..." Li Shiyin thinks for a bit, pretending to contemplate it, then speaks up again when they are about to arrive at the Xuanqin army camp: "Master, what if they don't listen to reason and just capture us outright? What do we do then?"

"When it comes to escaping with my life, I'm second to none in this world," Qin Ran says very confidently.

"Alright..."

Master and disciple arrive at the open ground in front of the Xuanqin army camp's fence, landing on the ground.

Qin Ran circulates his spiritual power and calls out loudly towards the Xuanqin army camp: "Junior Qin Ran has brought my disciple Li Shiyin to pay our respects and ask for advice from the Boundless Sword Sect seniors on the sword arts. Please instruct this foolish disciple of mine in the way of the sword."

His voice continuously echoes and repeats throughout the entire Xuanqin army camp.

"Master..." Hearing this, Li Shiyin whispers again, "What sword arts do you know?"

"I don't know any," Qin Ran says with a straight face, looking into the Xuanqin army camp and waiting for someone to come out.

"So it's just me fighting the Boundless Sword Sect by myself? One against two?!" Li Shiyin realizes.

"Why else would I bring you here?" Qin Ran's face is expressionless, only his lips are moving.

"But I'm only at the Foundation Establishment stage! How can you make me fight Yuan Ying masters?!" Li Shiyin is shocked. "Master, you are heartless!"

"Cough! Don't talk, someone's coming," Qin Ran promptly reminds her.

Li Shiyin quickly composes herself and stands obediently next to Qin Ran, looking ahead.

Several rays of light fly out from the Xuanqin army camp, all stopping in front of them one by one.

The people within reveal their forms. In front are the two Yuan Ying cultivators from Boundless Sword Sect, one a black-robed youth and one a red-robed mature woman. Behind them are Zhao Yaqing and her escort, as well as three Cloud Heaven Sect cultivators that Qin Ran doesn't recognize.

Seven people in total.

"Junior Qin Ran pays his respects to the seniors and fellow daoists," Qin Ran greets them first.

Li Shiyin also performs a shallow bow.

The two from Boundless Sword Sect give an indifferent nod, while the rest just look on coldly, all wondering what Qin Ran is recklessly doing here.

Among them, Zhao Yaqing sneers coldly, "You're not dead yet? You sure have luck."

Qin Ran smiles and replies, "I'm very good at self-preservation."

Hearing this, Li Shiyin frowns slightly. She looks at Zhao Yaqing, then tilts her head to look at her master... From his words, it sounds like he and her crossed hands before? But when was that? Hasn't Master been with her the whole time?

The black-robed Boundless Sword Sect youth asks expressionlessly, "You said you want to ask for advice on the sword arts?"

"Everyone in North Chu knows Boundless Sword Sect's sword arts are unparalleled under heaven. When I happened to find out two seniors were here, I hurriedly came thick-skinnedly bringing my disciple to ask for advice. Please instruct my foolish disciple in the sword arts," Qin Ran says respectfully. "She also cultivates the sword dao, I hope the seniors will not be stingy with your teachings."

The black-robed youth coldly laughs. "Of course I know my Boundless Sword Sect is formidable. But why should I instruct her?"

"My disciple has great talent in the sword arts, and some unique insights," Qin Ran gives a reason. "I think this might provide some inspiration for the senior."

"What unique insights could a tiny Foundation Establishment cultivator have?" The black-robed youth disdains.

Qin Ran asks, "I wonder if senior has comprehended sword intent?"

"The sword arts I cultivate do not emphasize sword intent," the black-robed youth replies.

Qin Ran continues, "My disciple says the qi of the sword has four levels of transformation. I wonder if senior knows of this?"

The black-robed youth responds, "The dao of the sword's qi is vast and profound, how could it be encapsulated by just four levels of transformation? This shows her understanding is mistaken."

"Alas, very well then!" Qin Ran sighs regretfully, looking very disappointed. "It seems she still lacks the qualifications to discuss with the senior."

Saying this, he cups his fists towards the black-robed youth, "Junior rashly came to disturb the senior's rest, I deeply apologize. I will take my leave now."

After saying this, he pulls Li Shiyin's arm to lead her away.

"Huh?" Li Shiyin is confused. They're leaving already without fighting?

Master went through so much trouble to solemnly bring her here, just to say these few sentences?

They've only taken a few steps back when the mature woman's slightly husky voice calls out from behind: "Daoist Qin, please wait."

Qin Ran stops accordingly, turning back around. He sees it's the red-robed woman who called them to stop. He politely smiles and asks, "I wonder what else the senior needs?"

"I'm rather interested in your disciple's sword arts... Why don't we exchange some ideas?" the red-robed woman replies.

"Wonderful," Qin Ran readily nods.

"Huh?" Li Shiyin feels dizzy, unable to understand what just happened in this short time.