"Daoist Friend Withered Glory, are you alright?"
True Lord Green Wood asked.
Xu Chuan formed a hand seal to recall his flying sword. The Azure Dragon Treasure Umbrella transformed into a streak of azure light and vanished into his dantian. He cupped his fists and said, "Thanks to Daoist Friend Green Wood's intervention. Otherwise, my Xu Family would not have been able to drive away True Lord Heavenly Wolf so easily.
However, to think he actually appeared in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture. I wonder how long he has been here and what he has been doing."
A faint, barely perceptible change flickered in the eyes of many Golden Core cultivators present.
Many of them had also secretly come into contact with True Lord Heavenly Wolf.
What surprised them was that True Lord Heavenly Wolf would publicly assassinate Xu Deyue.
Logically speaking, given the Xu Family's potential, the Greedy Wolf Sect should have tried to rope them in.
Could it be that they were afraid?
Xu Deyue had just reached the Golden Core stage, yet she already possessed a high-grade natal magic treasure flying sword. Even with the Heavenly Plume Sect's backing and preparing it in advance, she shouldn't have been able to refine it so quickly.
Refining a high-grade magic treasure into a natal magic treasure required at least five or six years.
True Lord Green Wood revealed a thoughtful expression upon hearing this. He immediately cupped his fists and declared, "Daoist Friend Withered Glory, this True Lord still has important matters to attend to. I shall take my leave first!"
"In that case, take care, Daoist Friend Green Wood."
The others also bid their farewells and departed.
Mo Wenshang stepped forward and asked, "Is the Cold Moon Fairy alright?"
"After taking some pills and resting for ten days to half a month, she should be fine!"
"That's good to hear. I was truly sweating for her earlier. With such terrifying might, even this old man wouldn't have been able to block it unscathed. I might have suffered even heavier injuries than the Cold Moon Fairy."
"It was merely luck."
Mo Wenshang nodded slightly and then also departed.
A grand Golden Core Grand Ceremony concluded hastily just like that.
Xu Chuan had a few Nine Revolutions Rejuvenation Pills on hand, all of high-grade quality. After Xu Deyue consumed one, her injuries recovered by seventy to eighty percent.
Inside the Xu Family's main hall.
Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, and a few others gathered together.
"Honored Master, why was True Lord Heavenly Wolf in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture? Moreover, his appearance makes this disciple feel uneasy."
"Oh? Why the unease?"
Ye Fan replied, "I can guess a few reasons for his appearance. It should be to rope in and divide the Golden Core factions of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture. However, his public assassination contradicts his previous actions.
After all, now that he has exposed himself today, the Heavenly Azure Sect will definitely launch a thorough investigation. He has no choice but to retreat!"
Xu Mingxian pondered for a moment before saying, "Perhaps he has already finished whatever he set out to do. After all, no one knows when he arrived in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture. Maybe it was a year ago, maybe two years ago, or maybe he even followed us back from the Ancient Battlefield back then.
But Ye Fan is right. No matter what, him assassinating Deyue today truly defies logic."
"What if this wasn't his original plan, but him just going with the flow?"
"Could it be that some faction asked True Lord Heavenly Wolf to take action, with assassinating Deyue as the condition?" Two sharp glints suddenly burst from Xu Mingxian's eyes.
Traces of killing intent also surfaced in his expression.
"True Lord Heavenly Wolf should know that I killed True Lord Canglang. Therefore, after someone made the request, he simply went along with it. Of course, he must also have had absolute confidence in his own strength.
He figured that with his cultivation at Golden Core Perfection, a Major Success Divine Ability, and a high-grade natal magic treasure in hand, killing a newly-advanced Golden Core cultivator who had only broken through half a month ago—and likely didn't even possess a single magic treasure—would be as easy as flipping his hand.
And he could conveniently collect a little interest for his junior brother, True Lord Canglang."
"Honored Master, who do you think this person could be?"
"Naturally, it's someone who fears our Xu Family but dares not act against us directly, yet also possesses the capital to make True Lord Heavenly Wolf willingly agree to this condition."
A moment later.
Xu Mingxian and Ye Fan spoke in unison: "Mo Wentian!"
"What a treacherous Mo Family, forgetting favors in the face of profit! Honored Master, you helped him form his Nascent Soul, yet he repays you like this. Truly detestable!" Ye Fan cursed viciously, his eyes filled with contempt.
"It was a transaction back then, and I received compensation of equal value. Mo Wentian has tremendous foresight. He knows that regardless of how the war between the two prefectures turns out, his Mo Family will absolutely remain standing.
What he's looking at is the Mo Family's future development.
Although our Xu Family is currently far inferior to the Mo Family, the potential we've displayed has already made him wary.
Ye Fan, if it were you who had endured silently for hundreds of years to finally become a Nascent Soul cultivator, and you were faced with our Xu Family, would you choose to suppress us? Or would you watch helplessly as the Xu Family surpasses you one day, allowing someone else to ride on your head again?"
Ye Fan fell silent, sinking into deep thought.
"Mo Wentian won't and doesn't dare to gamble on the possibility that, once our Xu Family becomes the ruler of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture one day, we will treat the Mo Family kindly.
I've heard Mo Wentian briefly mention his Mo Family's grudge with the Xi Family. If the Mo Family had been as high-profile as our Xu Family back then, displaying such terrifying potential...
...they would have likely been wiped out by that ancestor of the Xi Family long ago."
"Father, if the Mo Family truly harbors malicious intentions toward our Xu Family, then..."
"Don't worry," Xu Chuan raised a hand to stop him from continuing. "Until the final favor is repaid, the Mo Family will remain our allies on the surface.
The only thing they can do is kill with a borrowed knife.
The troublesome part is that during this upcoming war between the two prefectures, the members of our Xu Family will likely receive special attention."
"Father, regarding Deling's ambush last time, do you think that could have also been the Mo Family's doing?" Xu Mingxian suddenly brought up the past matter.
"At that time, Mo Wentian was still in secluded cultivation attempting his Nascent Soul formation. It was most likely the Xi Family pulling the strings, aiming to completely sever any possibility of our Xu Family colluding with the Greedy Wolf Sect."
"The Mo Family, the Xi Family, the Greedy Wolf Sect... Honored Master, a storm is truly descending upon our Xu Family!" Ye Fan sighed deeply.
"It appears to be a crisis from all sides, but if we investigate thoroughly by unreeling silk and peeling a cocoon, there is absolutely no way those three forces would join hands!" The corners of Xu Chuan's lips curled up slightly. "If they want to touch my Xu Family, we'll see who is the superior player!
I'm just afraid that when the time comes, they won't be able to make a move even if they want to!"
Xu Deyue had been assassinated by True Lord Heavenly Wolf at the Golden Core Grand Ceremony.
Widespread discussion speculated that True Lord Heavenly Wolf had acted out of fear of the Xu Family's potential.
Meanwhile, True Lord Green Wood immediately dispatched people to track True Lord Heavenly Wolf's movements. He also expended considerable effort to summon and interrogate the various Golden Core aristocratic families one by one.
True Lord Heavenly Wolf did not linger. He immediately returned to the Greedy Wolf Prefecture via the Black Wind Mountain Range route.
Upon returning to the Greedy Wolf Sect, he reported the matter.
"Another person from the Xu Family achieved a Divine Ability Core Formation?" Qi Tianxiong was slightly taken aback. "Just what is the origin of this Xu Family? How is everyone from there so outstanding?
Could they possess some special bloodline inheritance that easily produces unique constitutions?"
"Your assassination of Xu Deyue was a bit reckless. Were you trying to avenge Canglang in passing?"
"I beg the Sect Master's forgiveness."
"Forget it. At the very least, the Heavenly Azure Prefecture will be thrown into chaos for a while. However, Mo Wentian is quite a scheming individual. To be able to rise up right under the Heavenly Azure Sect's nose shows that he is far from simple.
As for the Xu Family..."
Qi Tianxiong paused for a moment before chuckling, "Even if prodigies emerge in large numbers, being too ostentatious is never a good thing."
"I suspect his Xu Family has already become a thorn in the side of both the Mo Family and the Heavenly Azure Sect."
"If it weren't for this impending war, the Xu Family would likely have been wiped out by those two sooner or later."
"Then, Sect Master, should we target the Xu Family in this war?"
Qi Tianxiong stared at him deeply. "The Xu Family must be destroyed!"
"The continuous birth of prodigies achieving Divine Ability Core Formation is enough to send chills down anyone's spine!"
"Of course, it would be best to cripple their cultivation and keep them in captivity like livestock. We can research what makes their bloodline so special. If they can provide our sect with a steady stream of geniuses, then keeping them alive a bit longer is fine."
"The Sect Master's words are extremely reasonable!"
"In three or four months at most, Tianluo will attempt his Nascent Soul formation. You should stay peacefully within the sect during this time."
"Yes, Sect Master."
Three months passed in a flash.
On this day, the sky above the Greedy Wolf Sect's territory suddenly underwent a drastic change!
Dark clouds gathered from all directions, as black as ink and churning like boiling water. In an instant, they completely smothered hundreds of miles of mountains and rivers.
Within the cloud layers, there were no ordinary thunderbolts. Instead, streaks of blood-red lightning serpents danced wildly, tearing through the firmament and painting heaven and earth a gruesome crimson.
The rumbling thunder did not sound like the majesty of the heavens; rather, it resembled the roars of tens of thousands of demon gods, shaking the mountains and terrifying all living creatures into hiding.
The center of the cloud vortex was situated directly above the Greedy Wolf Sect's main peak.
An indescribable, terrifying spiritual pressure spread out from the mountain peak. It was chilling, domineering, and brimming with an aura of plunder and destruction.
Demonic energy soared into the heavens, faintly condensing into the Dharma Idol Phantom of a colossal demon with three heads and six arms, overlooking the mortal realm.
Ordinary cultivators caught beneath this pressure felt their hearts turn cold with terror. Those with weaker cultivation found their muscles turning to jelly, nearly dropping to their knees in submission.
"Is that the Dharma Idol Phantom that can only be hoped to be formed with three Perfection stage divine abilities?"
Qi Tianxiong muttered, "No wonder he claimed that once he stepped into the Nascent Soul realm, he would be able to contend with ordinary Great Nascent Soul cultivators."
Merely a moment later.
The Dharma Idol Phantom dissipated.
A figure shot out from the mountain peak and plunged into the sea of clouds, using the blood-red lightning to temper his body.
A long while later.
The demonic clouds dispersed, and the sky overhead returned to a clear, boundless blue.
The previous scene felt as if it had only been a dream.
Qi Tianxiong flew into the sky and arrived in front of Tianluo. He cupped his fists and said, "Congratulations on your successful Nascent Soul formation, Daoist Friend Tianluo. That Dharma Idol Phantom was truly astonishing."
"You are too polite, Daoist Friend Qi. It's all thanks to the Greedy Wolf Sect's support."
"Rest assured, this seat will keep the promise I made to you. After all, I swore a True Demon Oath back then.
Wait for me for half a year. Once my realm is thoroughly consolidated, Daoist Friend Qi can launch a full-scale invasion of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture."
"Excellent."
Qi Tianxiong departed with a hearty laugh.
──────────
At the same time.
Within the borders of the Cangshan Prefecture, inside a gloomy underground hall hidden deep within a mountain range.
The hall was lit only by ghostly green flames. Hideous, blood-red demonic runes covered the four walls, and the air was thick with a chilling, bloody stench.
In the center of the hall, a waist-high, ink-black compass hovered above a high dais. It was forged from black iron mixed with netherworld demonic jade, its surface densely covered in demonic sigils.
At this moment, the compass hummed. Countless complex runes on its surface lit up one after another, radiating an intense, eerie light, as though a bottomless demonic eye had suddenly snapped open.
On the eastern side, three thrones were arranged in a triangle. They were crafted from thousand-year sunken wood. The backrests were carved with three-headed demonic lions, their maws holding skull lanterns with flickering ghost fires.
The armrests were wrapped in chains refined from cultivators' spines, and the seats were draped in ancient fierce beast pelts that gave off a pungent, bloody odor. The oppressive aura exuding from the three thrones felt like a literal hell.
A black-robed figure sat on each throne, their robes embroidered with blood-red demonic runes.
Seeing the anomaly with the compass, the three black-robed figures all opened their eyes, locking their gazes onto it.
"Someone has formed a True Demon Nascent Soul," the central black-robed figure spoke, his voice hoarse. "I wonder if it is one of our clan or a human demonic cultivator."
"Big Brother, looking at the direction the compass points, it's right within our Northwest Region. It appears to be... in the Greedy Wolf Prefecture," the left figure said in a gruff voice. "Do you want me to make a trip?"
"Let Third Brother go."
"Yes, Big Brother," the rightmost figure replied indifferently. He flicked his sleeve robe, and his entire body transformed into a streak of black light, vanishing from sight.
A moment later.
The burly figure on the left spoke up, "Big Brother, Third Brother is a human demonic cultivator after all. The human race has a saying: 'Killing with a borrowed knife is easy, but trusting an outsider is hard. Those who are not of our kin are sure to have different hearts.'"
"But this realm is ultimately the territory of the human race. Having him handle matters will save us a lot of trouble," the central figure replied. "He cultivated our clan's True Demon Dao and formed a True Demon Nascent Soul.
Ordinary demonic cultivation methods are completely incompatible with him. If Third Brother wants to continue growing stronger, he must obtain True Demon cultivation methods from our hands."
"It's all because of the cursed Heavenly Dao of this realm. Before forming a True Demon Nascent Soul, there was no such terrifying suppression. It's been two thousand years, yet I am still trapped in the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm.
I wonder how long this situation will last!"
"The struggle for providence... everything will be revealed when the time comes."
"By the way, there are only ten years left until the Ancient Battlefield opens again. This time, we must assist the Blackwater Region side in releasing more of our True Demon Clan's primordial spirits, and kill a few more Heavenly South prodigies while we're at it."
"Understood, Big Brother."
More than a month later.
A thousand miles away from the Greedy Wolf Sect, a solitary peak pierced straight into the clouds. Jagged rocks littered its summit as freezing winds howled incessantly.
Suddenly, a streak of black light tore across the sky, crashing onto the peak like a falling meteor.
As the light faded, a black-robed figure emerged. The loose sleeves concealed his body, and the hood obscured most of his face, revealing only a pale jaw.
He gripped an ink-black compass tightly in his hand—the True Demon perception compass belonging to the Netherworld organization. The demonic sigils on its surface flickered faintly, and its needle was locked firmly toward the west, pointing straight at the Greedy Wolf Sect.
"It seems the newly born True Demon Nascent Soul belongs to someone from the Greedy Wolf Sect."
The black-robed figure's voice was deep and hoarse, like the grating of dry leaves.
As his words fell, his hands swiftly formed a Netherworld secret method. Black energy coiled around his fingertips, condensing into three twisted demonic runes before exploding mid-air.
The power of the secret method instantly rippled outward. Within a radius of ten thousand miles, anyone who had condensed a True Demon Nascent Soul would be able to sense this unique resonance.
Deep inside the Greedy Wolf Sect, within a grotto-residence on a certain mountain peak.
Tianluo, who was still consolidating his realm, abruptly opened his eyes, a demonic light flashing in them.
"A True Demon secret method?!"
"This can only be cast by someone who has condensed a True Demon Nascent Soul. Interesting. I wonder if this person is of my clan or a human demonic cultivator?"
He curled his lips into a cold sneer. His demonic energy quietly retracted. Without alerting a single soul, he turned into an imperceptible shadow, phased right through the sect-protecting grand formation, and silently swept toward the solitary peak.
Less than half a cup of tea's time later.
Tianluo arrived in the sky above the solitary peak. Looking down at the black-robed figure, he asked flatly, "Who are you?"
The black-robed figure slowly raised his eyes. His gaze from beneath the hood met Tianluo's. "So it's an Ancient True Demon who has taken possession of a body to cultivate anew."
"You aren't bad yourself. To practice our Holy Clan's cultivation methods and actually manage to form a True Demon Nascent Soul in this realm... Have you pledged allegiance to my Holy Clan?"
"It's merely a matter of taking what we each need."
Saying so, the black-robed figure gave his sleeve a flick. A pitch-black token shot through the air and hovered directly in front of Tianluo.
The token was completely covered in engraved demonic runes. The front bore the characters for 'Netherworld', while the demonic patterns on the back concealed a demon clan character for 'Four'.
The token exuded a chilling demonic aura and contained a trace of True Demon energy.
"What is this?"
"A Netherworld Token. It's the highest authority token within our Netherworld organization. A new throne token is only created whenever a new King is born."
Tianluo pondered for a few breaths before smiling faintly. "It seems the Netherworld is an organization founded by my Holy Clan. Only those who condense a True Demon Nascent Soul can become a King within it."
"Correct. If you accept this token, you will become the fourth King of our Netherworld organization."
"Very well."
Tianluo did not hesitate. He flicked his finger, and a drop of dark green blood landed on the token. The token immediately began to vibrate. Soon after, demonic energy surged from it, forming bizarre patterns in the air above.
A short while later.
All the demonic energy shrank back into the token, leaving its surface to emit a faint black light.
"Each King has their own title. You can choose one for yourself."
"What are the names of the previous Kings?"
"The first King is Rakshasa. The second King is Avici. I am King Nirvanic Silence."
"Then this seat shall be King Dark Nether."
The black-robed figure nodded slightly, no other emotion visible on his face.
"Since my task is complete, would King Dark Nether like to accompany me to the Netherworld headquarters to meet the other two Kings?"
"No need. This seat still has matters to handle at the Greedy Wolf Sect. Once everything is finished, I will naturally go and meet the other two. But when that time comes, how shall I find you?"
"The activated Netherworld Token contains the coordinates of our headquarters and branches. If you need the Netherworld organization to handle something, you can simply go to a branch and present your token. The people there will unconditionally carry out your orders."
"That is truly convenient."
"If there is nothing else, this King will take his leave."
"Aren't you curious as to why I'm staying at the Greedy Wolf Sect and what I intend to do?"
"It's nothing more than asking a tiger for its skin. Those who make deals with Ancient True Demons never meet a good end."
"Are you talking about yourself as well?"
The black-robed figure said no more. His body swayed slightly, turning into a streak of black light that vanished over the horizon.
Tianluo stood atop the peak, his black robes fluttering wildly in the wind. The Netherworld Token in his palm glowed faintly.
The corners of his lips quirked upward. He stowed away the token, turned around, and swept back to the Greedy Wolf Sect as a black shadow to continue consolidating his realm.
Several months later.
Tianluo had initially consolidated his Nascent Soul realm.
He had thought it would be much faster, but it turned out to be slower than he imagined.
During this period, he constantly felt an invisible suppression bearing down on him, making the condensation of his mana several times slower than before.
"So this is the suppression of the Heavenly Dao?!"
Tianluo frowned deeply but was completely helpless against it. He sighed softly, "It seems this seat will be stuck in this realm for a very long time."
If Ancient True Demons could quickly return to their peak upon cultivating anew, this realm would have been occupied by the True Demon Clan long ago.
"I will first help Qi Tianxiong unify the two prefectures. Then, I'll replace him and become the master of the Greedy Wolf Sect. Either way, as long as the title of the Greedy Wolf Sect dominates the Northwest Region...
...it won't be considered violating my oath!"
Expecting an Ancient True Demon to work as your subordinate was virtually impossible.
Tianluo emerged from seclusion.
Qi Tianxiong issued a dharma decree, summoning all factions at the Golden Core stage or above within the Greedy Wolf Prefecture to gather at the Greedy Wolf Sect.
As the news spread, the various Golden Core demonic cultivators roughly guessed what this was all about. They immediately set off to attend the gathering.
"A great war is about to break out."
Xiao Zhan took to the sky, leaving the City Lord's Mansion, and hurried toward the Greedy Wolf Sect at full speed.
A few days later.
The crowd gathered in the main hall of the Greedy Wolf Sect.
Inside the grand hall, dozens of Golden Core cultivators sat according to their respective factions. Demonic energy interwove in the air. The atmosphere within the hall was heavy, and everyone's eyes burned with intensity.
Shortly after, two figures walked in shoulder-to-shoulder through the hall doors.
On the left, Qi Tianxiong wore his Sect Master's black robes, his aura imposing and steadfast. On the right, Tianluo was clad in a dark demonic robe. Their Nascent Soul spiritual pressure descended like an invisible mountain. The moment they appeared, it blanketed the entire venue, causing the hearts of all the Golden Core cultivators to sink heavily.
Tianluo had indeed formed his Nascent Soul!
Before arriving, it had only been speculation, but seeing it with their own eyes, they were all thoroughly intimidated by the dense demonic might radiating from him.
The two of them took their seats.
Qi Tianxiong announced, "By summoning everyone here today, I imagine you have already guessed my purpose."
"That's right. I have decided that half a month from now, we will mobilize the entire prefecture's strength and invade the Heavenly Azure Prefecture from three routes to avenge our past humiliation.
I believe that the humiliation from last time is still vivid in everyone's minds, yes?"
"Last time, many geniuses from my clan fell, and one of our Golden Core elders died in battle. This time, we will definitely make the Heavenly Azure Prefecture's Xu Family pay the price!"
"My good friend also died at the hands of True Lord Withered Glory!"
"Blood for blood!"
For a time, the crowd was riled up, and the hall burst into noisy clamor.
"I can understand the feelings of all the Daoist friends here. Therefore, during the invasion in half a month, you are free to attack the aristocratic families of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture as you please, and all the spoils will belong to you entirely.
This will continue until our Greedy Wolf Sect breaches the Heavenly Azure Sect."
"Sect Master Qi is truly magnanimous!"
"Sect Master Qi is wise!"
"Aside from that, I have one more matter to announce. Demon Lord Tianluo has successfully formed his Nascent Soul. From this day forth, he shall be the Vice Sect Master of my Greedy Wolf Sect."
"We greet Demon Lord Tianluo!"
"We greet Demon Lord Tianluo!"
The crowd of Golden Core cultivators all cupped their hands in unison.
Xiao Zhan glanced at Demon Lord Tianluo. The heavy demonic might he exuded actually felt even more oppressive than Qi Tianxiong's.
The Heavenly Azure Prefecture was in grave danger!
It seemed he needed to quickly inform Revered Lord Xu Chuan!
"You are too polite, Daoist friends!" Demon Lord Tianluo nodded slightly.
Qi Tianxiong continued, "Next, let us divide our forces into the three routes."
Once the discussions were complete.
Everyone returned to make their preparations.
Xiao Zhan had initially traveled alongside others, but gradually, he was left alone. Using his spiritual sense probing to check the surroundings, he confirmed there was no one else within dozens of miles before brushing his hand over his storage pouch. A jade pendant appeared in his palm.
Then, without a moment's hesitation, he crushed it.
'With two great Nascent Soul sects clashing, I wonder what the Revered Lord plans to do. Could he be planning to pull chestnuts from the fire?'
'But no matter which side wins, the Revered Lord still lacks the strength to suppress the remnants of either victor.'
Xiao Zhan racked his brain but could not figure it out. Finally, he gave his head a gentle shake, glanced around one more time, and continued rushing toward Mountain and Sea City.
Regardless, he was already a puppet on Xu Chuan's strings.
Only if the Xu Family did well would he be safe.
At the same time.
Xu Chuan, who was in secluded cultivation, immediately sensed that the spiritual sense jade pendant he had left with Xiao Zhan had been shattered. He muttered, "It's finally starting."
He immediately invited Xu Deling into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
Over at the Heavenly Foundry Sect.
Xu Deling sensed Xu Chuan summoning her and thought, 'It's not the usual evening time. It seems there is an urgent matter. Could it be that the time is ripe?'
She did not resist the nameless force coming from the void.
In the next moment, her divine sense was pulled into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
"Deling, the time has come. You should return."
"Yes, Grandfather," Xu Deling replied. "Do you have any other instructions?"
"If possible, ask Yan Longzi to personally make a trip to our Xu Family to collect the Dragon Blood Fruit."
"Understood, Grandfather."
Xu Deling exited the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven. Xu Chuan cast a glance at Xu Huai and, seeing that his aura had grown significantly, couldn't help but praise, "You've reached the middle stage of the second tier. Not bad. Keep up the good work."
Xu Huai swayed his trunk happily, his dense canopy rustling with a "Swish-swish" sound.
"Thank you, Master."
Xu Huai was naturally no ordinary locust tree. He seemed to be a type of ancient spirit wood, a Profound Yin Spirit Locust, a top-grade Yin-attribute spirit wood.
Yet, it felt somewhat different at the same time.
It was as if he had undergone a mutation. Xu Chuan wasn't sure if it was related to the initial cosmic creation of the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
Compared to Xu Chuan himself, Xu Huai had undoubtedly gained immense fortune from this, though Xu Chuan still did not know exactly what that fortune entailed.
But he was absolutely certain that Xu Huai's fate was now intrinsically bound with the Xu Family.
Perhaps he would find some clues once Xu Huai advanced to the third tier.
Xu Chuan's eyes rippled slightly before he too exited the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
"The enemy is strong while we are weak. The Heavenly Azure Prefecture should still be prepared, otherwise, being caught off guard will lead to catastrophic losses."
Xu Chuan immediately sent a message to the steward of the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion in Heart Constellation City, instructing him to pass the intelligence to the Heavenly Azure Sect deacon stationed there.
Although this relay was troublesome, it was much faster than him rushing to the Heavenly Azure Sect in person.
Heart Constellation City.
The Heavenly Azure Sect's outpost.
The deacon was quietly cultivating in his room when a disciple suddenly came knocking.
"What is it?"
"Deacon, a message has arrived from the Immortal-Ascension Pavilion, saying..."
"Stop stammering and speak clearly."
"They sent word that the Greedy Wolf Prefecture will be making a move soon. They advised us to notify the sect so we can prepare in advance."
The deacon snapped his eyes open and bolted out of bed. With a flick of his sleeve, he threw the door open and appeared before the disciple like a gust of wind, his face nearly pressing into the disciple's nose.
"Is this true?"
"I do not know if it is true, but because the matter is of grave importance, this disciple rushed to report it."
"Then what are you waiting for?! Quickly send word to the sect—wait! Make sure to emphasize that this information came from the Xu Family's Immortal-Ascension Pavilion!"
"Yes, Deacon."
In just a moment's time.
The Sect Master of the Heavenly Azure Sect received the news. Given its severe implications, he immediately relayed it to True Lord Green Wood, True Lord Bingqian, and a group of other Late-Stage Golden Core elders.
They quickly congregated in the sect's main hall.
"Senior Brother Green Wood, how true do you think this message is?"
"Given True Lord Withered Glory's character, he wouldn't go out of his way to deceive people. It should be at least sixty or seventy percent credible."
Bai Yan asked in confusion, "This elder is very curious about how True Lord Withered Glory learned of this. After all, the borders of both prefectures are almost entirely sealed off right now. It should be impossible to transmit messages."
True Lord Green Wood wore a solemn expression. "I will make a trip to Cloudstream Town. Wait for my word. If this proves true, we will summon all the Golden Core factions to the Heavenly Azure Sect to discuss our countermeasures."
"Understood, Senior Brother Green Wood."
True Lord Green Wood executed an evasion technique, sparing no expense on mana consumption.
He arrived at the Xu Family estate in just half an incense stick's time.
"Daoist Friend Withered Glory, please grant me an audience."
True Lord Green Wood knew that the Xu Family was guarded by formidable formations. Even if he tried to force his way in, he wouldn't succeed. Thus, he transmitted his voice past the gates.
The gate guard immediately cupped his hands and said, "True Lord Green Wood, the Family Head has already given instructions. Please follow this humble one inside."
True Lord Green Wood landed before the Xu Family gates. He nodded slightly and followed the guard into the main reception hall.
Just a short moment later.
Xu Chuan also appeared in the hall.
"Daoist Friend Green Wood," Xu Chuan greeted with cupped fists.
"Daoist Friend Withered Glory, this True Lord will skip the pleasantries. I have come to ask just one thing: is the message you had sent to my sect true?"
Xu Chuan took a seat and nodded slightly.
"How did you find out?"
"Daoist Friend Green Wood, weren't you very curious as to why I left by myself back then? It was so I could plant a hidden piece to pass along intelligence."
"A normal transmission shouldn't be able to penetrate the restriction grand formations, right? Furthermore, with the two locations so far apart, it's impossible for them to send a message directly to you."
"It's very simple. I merely made a deal with someone. When the Greedy Wolf Prefecture makes its move, he was to crush the spiritual sense jade pendant I left with him.
It wasn't a message transmission, but a notification signal. The specific meaning behind that signal was agreed upon long ago."
"Impressive!" True Lord Green Wood felt a surge of genuine admiration.
Several years ago, there might have been quite a few people who predicted that the Greedy Wolf Prefecture would launch a full-scale invasion of the Heavenly Azure Prefecture. However, no one else had been as meticulous as Xu Chuan to actually leave behind a backup plan within the Greedy Wolf Prefecture itself.
"May I ask who this person is, and if their source is accurate?" True Lord Green Wood pressed.
"It is a private transaction. It would be best if Daoist Friend Green Wood did not ask too much. As for whether the news is entirely accurate, you'll have to judge that for yourselves. But based on my estimations, it should be about eighty or ninety percent certain.
Given the strength Tianluo displayed last time, his Nascent Soul formation was bound to happen within three or four years. If there had been no news for several years, there would be a certain possibility that he perished during the attempt. But if the Greedy Wolf Prefecture has now decided on a full-scale invasion...
...then Tianluo must have succeeded in his Nascent Soul formation."
Mentioning Tianluo caused True Lord Green Wood's heart to sink heavily.
"Then how soon do you think they might attack?"
"Calculating based on the time needed to mobilize all their forces... as quickly as half a month, or at most, a little over a month."
"This True Lord understands. Thank you!" True Lord Green Wood had come in a hurry and left in just as much of a rush.
Before he even returned to the Heavenly Azure Sect, the summons for all the factions had already been passed down layer by layer.
The Heavenly Azure Sect demanded that all Golden Core factions must arrive in two days to discuss the War of the Two Prefectures.
Many factions knew that this day would eventually come, but none expected it to arrive so quickly. Almost every Golden Core cultivator traveled with a heavy heart.
Two days later.
Inside the Heavenly Azure Sect's main hall.
The hall was packed with Golden Core cultivators. This scene felt somewhat familiar.
The difference was that last time, the Heavenly Azure Sect had been brimming with confidence due to the Mo Clan Ancestor's successful Nascent Soul formation, discussing how to breach the Greedy Wolf Sect and score a massive fortune.
Admittedly, even though they lost the previous battle, every family had at least gained considerable benefits.
Someone like Xu Chuan had reaped an absolutely massive harvest.
He directly gained two enormous trump cards—a peak tier-3 Rakshasa Ghost King and five Late-Stage tier-3 Profound Yin Blood Corpses!
But this time.
The Heavenly Azure Prefecture was the one being invaded. Even if the people present maintained neutral expressions, they were all plagued by deep anxiety within.
Xu Chuan swept his gaze across the crowd.
He surmised that out of all the Golden Core factions in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture, probably more than half had secretly met with True Lord Heavenly Wolf.
There were even many who might have already reached an agreement with him.
"Everyone who has gathered here today must already have their guesses," True Lord Green Wood spoke in a deep voice. "That's right. According to the intelligence our sect has received, the Greedy Wolf Sect is currently carrying out a full-scale mobilization of their forces.
They plan to launch an all-out invasion of our Heavenly Azure Prefecture very soon."
Mo Wenshang raised his head and looked at True Lord Green Wood. "Is there concrete information on the timeframe?"
"Not yet, but it's estimated to be within half a month to a month. Therefore, within this half-month, our Heavenly Azure Prefecture must also make full preparations to meet the enemy.
Today, we must discuss and reach a conclusive decision.
Otherwise, once the battlefield erupts within the Heavenly Azure Prefecture, you should all be able to predict just how devastating the losses will be for each of your factions."
Everyone's hearts felt unbearably heavy.
During their last expedition to the Greedy Wolf Prefecture, they had annihilated over a dozen families, as well as several Golden Core aristocratic families.
Facing the combined might of an entire prefecture was simply overwhelming force. Unless it was a tier-4 sect-protecting grand formation like the Heavenly Azure Sect's, even high-grade tier-3 arrays wouldn't be able to hold out for long.
Furthermore, there were hardly any factions protected by a high-grade tier-3 formation.
Due to the incident of Tianluo massacring cities last time...
...only seven cities had upgraded to high-grade tier-3 formations so far. Among the remaining Golden Core factions, the Mo Family and Lei Family had profound foundations and possessed high-grade tier-3 arrays, followed by the Xu Family, the three sects, and so on.
The seven cities housed the most Golden Core aristocratic families and had the densest concentration of immortal cultivators. That was also why the Heavenly Azure Sect ultimately decided to pay a massive price to upgrade all their city protection great formations.
The person who accomplished this monumental task was none other than the Cang Family Patriarch, Cang Fengyan.
A True Lord-level expert at Golden Core Perfection, as well as the number one figure of the Array Dao in the Heavenly Azure Prefecture!
Lei Wuji pondered for a moment before asking, "Daoist Friend Green Wood, did Tianluo succeed in forming his Nascent Soul?"
True Lord Green Wood nodded heavily. "If not for that, how would the Greedy Wolf Sect dare to invade?"
"That devil actually formed his Nascent Soul?!"
"He was already capable of matching the newly-advanced Nascent Soul Mo Clan Ancestor while still in the Golden Core stage! How terrifyingly strong will he be now that he has formed a Nascent Soul?"
"Who could possibly stop him?!"
Widespread discussion erupted among the crowd.
"What are you panicking for, Daoist friends? Nascent Soul demonic cultivators will naturally be handled by my sect's Grand Elder and the Mo Clan Ancestor. It's not as if they will immediately target us Golden Core stage immortal cultivators from the start.
After all, we still aren't worthy enough to enter the eyes of the Nascent Soul ancestors."