Hearing True Lord Green Wood's words, many people nodded slightly.
Indeed.
Golden Core and Nascent Soul—a single difference in cultivation realm meant a world of difference in status across Heavenly South.
With Soul Formation stage experts hidden from the world, Nascent Soul cultivators were the absolute peak experts.
And monsters like Tianluo, who could rival an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator while only at Golden Core Perfection, were exceedingly rare in the entirety of Heavenly South.
"Daoist Friend Green Wood, the various factions of Heavenly Azure Prefecture follow the lead of the Heavenly Azure Sect. We will leave the arrangements to you," Mo Wenshang said.
"The Nascent Soul Grand Elders have their own plans, so I shall discuss the arrangements for the rest of us," True Lord Green Wood replied.
"The manpower deployment will be similar to last time. However, considering the ferocious momentum of the Greedy Wolf Prefecture's invasion, you may all leave forty percent of your forces back in your clans. Prepare yourselves for the possibility that the three great arrays might fall.
"Given the selfish and self-serving nature of the demonic cultivators from Greedy Wolf Prefecture, they will likely scatter once they break through the Thousand Stone Forest, Grand Harmony Lake, and Thousand Gates Pass.
"If the Greedy Wolf Sect wishes to drive them forward, they will undoubtedly arrange things this way.
"If things reach that point, it will all depend on each clan's own foundation and strength. After all, our Heavenly Azure Sect will certainly bear the brunt of their main assault.
"I just want to offer a word of warning. If your strength is insufficient, do not ask a tiger for its skin. If you believe their sweet words and it ultimately leads to your entire clan's annihilation, do not blame our Heavenly Azure Sect.
"The War of the Two Prefectures is a life-or-death struggle.
"At least until the overall situation is settled, the slaughter and plunder will not cease."
"True Lord Green Wood, then why don't we just directly defend our respective clans?" a Golden Core Perfected Being asked.
"Firstly, to whittle down their forces. Secondly, to lure them into scattering,"
True Lord Green Wood explained calmly, not angered by the question. "Given the combat strength of Greedy Wolf Prefecture's three separate routes, besides our Heavenly Azure Sect, which Daoist friend here do you think could hold them off for even thirty minutes?"
The crowd fell silent.
"Divide and conquer. Luring them to split into dozens of smaller groups is the only way to preserve the majority of Heavenly Azure Prefecture's factions."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly. Although he agreed with True Lord Green Wood's words, there were two sides to every coin.
If the enemies scattered, the threat to the Heavenly Azure Sect would naturally decrease.
If more than seventy percent of Greedy Wolf Prefecture's Golden Core cultivators converged on the Heavenly Azure Sect, the sect wouldn't last more than a few days.
Unfortunately, the Heavenly Azure Sect still underestimated Demon Lord Tianluo's strength.
Possessing power comparable to a Grand Cultivator, he alone could shatter the Heavenly Azure Sect's Tier 4 low-grade grand array.
Of course, that would only be possible if he unleashed his full strength and manifested his Dharma Idol Phantom.
If he held back, combining his efforts with the rest of the Greedy Wolf Sect, it would probably only take a day or two.
Xi Daoyun would definitely keep Qi Tianxiong occupied.
Otherwise, if the two Nascent Soul cultivators attacked together, the speed of breaking the grand array would only be faster.
As for Mo Wentian, there was a high probability he wouldn't participate.
At the very least, before the Greedy Wolf Sect's army reached the Heavenly Azure Sect, he would likely still pin down one Nascent Soul expert.
'The more famous a faction is, the more it will be targeted. Our Xu family will probably be among the first in their sights, just like the Seven Heavenly Azure Cities, the Three Sects, and the Lei Family.'
In the blink of an eye, they discussed for an hour.
"That is all I have to say. Everyone, return and prepare. As long as you arrive at your designated battlegrounds within half a month, there is no need to gather at our Heavenly Azure Sect again.
"This battle concerns our very survival. If anyone fails to put in the effort, our Heavenly Azure Sect will strictly hold them accountable afterward.
"Any traitors will have their homes confiscated and their entire clans exterminated without mercy!"
The Golden Core factions each occupied their own territories and had reaped all the benefits for hundreds of years. If they didn't contribute during a critical crisis, the Heavenly Azure Sect naturally wouldn't tolerate it.
However, if they resisted until the bitter end and were simply powerless, that would be excusable.
Everyone could hear the underlying meaning in True Lord Green Wood's words. They cupped their fists in succession and declared, "We will go all out in this battle to protect the peace of Heavenly Azure Prefecture."
Shortly after.
The crowd began to disperse.
Perfected Person Ximen stepped forward to greet him. "It hasn't been long, yet I get to fight side-by-side with Daoist Friend Withered Glory again. I hope we can look out for each other on the battlefield."
"Naturally," Xu Chuan nodded slightly.
The Yan, Tang, and Luo families from Heart Constellation City, as well as the four great aristocratic clans—Shangguan, Ouyang, Wenren, and Dongfang—from Corner Constellation City also came to exchange greetings with Xu Chuan one after another.
Xu Chuan responded to them all with polite courtesy.
He performed a quick divination calculation on his fingers and foresaw hidden twists. He knew there was a high probability that someone among these people had already defected to the Greedy Wolf Sect.
As for exactly who it was, he couldn't yet be certain.
However, even without his divination, he wouldn't let his guard down.
In this War of the Two Prefectures, he only trusted his own people.
Returning to Cloudstream Town.
Xu Chuan recalled all their deployed personnel and halted all business operations, concentrating all manpower and resources within the Xu family.
Other than a necessary supply of pills and Dharma tools, over ninety percent of their assets were stored in storage pouches and sent into the Xu Clan's Grotto-heaven.
Next, he convened a grand assembly at the Cloud Brook Market plaza to announce the situation.
"Xu Clan Head, with the Greedy Wolf Prefecture launching a full-scale invasion, can we hold them off?"
Xu Chuan shook his head. "I will state this clearly to everyone. The three grand array checkpoints at Thousand Stone Forest, Grand Harmony Lake, and Thousand Gates Pass will not be able to stop the Greedy Wolf Prefecture's advance.
"However, we aren't entirely powerless. It's still possible to hold out for a few days, perhaps even longer."
"Those who cannot bear to abandon their foundations may stay and defend them. Those who are alone are perfectly free to leave. But regardless of your choice, you must take responsibility for your own lives."
Xu Chuan swept his gaze across the crowd and continued, "For those who choose to stay, if you survive this, our Xu family will exempt you from taxes for a hundred years. If you fall but leave behind descendants, we will afford them proper care."
The plaza was packed with a sea of people. They all looked at each other, hesitating.
"I am willing to live and die with Cloudstream and the Xu family!" a Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Li declared. "I am a rogue cultivator and have resided in many places across Heavenly Azure Prefecture—White Cloud Market, Jade Bamboo Market, and the Seven Heavenly Azure Cities.
"But it's only been these past few years in Cloudstream Town that I have lived comfortably and securely.
"This peace is extremely rare and precious.
"If Greedy Wolf Prefecture takes over, one can only imagine the days ahead. Rather than constantly fleeing and living a life of wandering displacement, I'd rather contribute my strength to fight for this peace."
"Brother Li is right. I'm willing to stay too! It's not like all the demonic cultivators are going to swarm Cloudstream Town. If we unite our strength, we can definitely keep Cloudstream safe!"
More and more people began to respond to the call.
Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "I thank you all.
"Within this half a month, our Xu family will deploy a Tier 3 formation to cover the entirety of Cloudstream Town. Defending from within the array will make things much easier for everyone."
Cloudstream Town was slated to be expanded into a city in the future, so a City Protection Great Formation was naturally indispensable.
Xu Mingxian had previously proposed using the Xu family's Five Elements Heavenly Dipper Array as the core to rapidly set up a Tier 3 low-grade variant of the formation.
Under Xu Mingxian's control, even a Tier 3 low-grade array could exhibit the might of a mid-grade one.
Moreover, this array wasn't just for defense; it integrated both offense and defense, capable of continuously condensing five elements attacks comparable to the Golden Core stage.
It was just a pity that there wasn't enough time. If Xu Mingxian were given the chance to lay down a Bewildering Tracks Array as well...
As long as no Nascent Soul expert or Grandmaster of Array Formations appeared, Cloudstream Town could potentially hold out for over a month.
Upon hearing that a grand array would be set up for defense, those who were originally hesitant also made up their minds to join.
Xu Mingxian had already begun planning the array layout two days prior.
Deploying a large-scale array was extremely troublesome. Xu Mingxian was only confident in completing it within half a month by utilizing some clever shortcuts.
In the southern part of Heavenly South, at the Heavenly Foundry Sect.
The back mountain of the main peak.
"You want to return to Heavenly Azure Prefecture?"
Zhen Yangzi and Yan Longzi looked at Xu Deling, who stood before them, with slight frowns.
"It's about time I went back. The Origin Magnetism Shield has already been forged, but the Dragon Blood Fruit is still at my Xu family. I should go retrieve it,"
Xu Deling's eyes rippled slightly as she said, "Oh right, Second Master, why don't you make a trip with Senior Brother Fierce Sun and me?
"Once we get the Dragon Blood Fruit, you can refine it immediately, saving us from the risk of losing it on the road."
Yan Longzi stroked his red beard, a smile in his eyes. "What's this? Are you trying to trick your master into going to your Xu family to work as hired muscle?"
"You're joking, Second Master. Since it's a transaction, it must be completed. If my Xu family accidentally lets the Dragon Blood Fruit get plundered, wouldn't the deal be ruined?
"Second Master, if you don't seize this opportunity to advance to the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm, who knows how long you'll have to painstakingly cultivate before you succeed if you miss this chance.
"That would be a massive loss for our Heavenly Foundry Sect."
Xu Deling quickly added, "After you arrive, if you don't wish to intervene in any fights, you can simply ignore them."
Yan Longzi chuckled. "I'm afraid that when the time comes, it won't be up to me whether I intervene or not."
"Second Master, you're underestimating my Xu family too much, aren't you? This disciple dares to guarantee that as long as no Nascent Soul beings make a move, my Xu family will absolutely not be in any major danger."
"You said it yourself. Don't think about tricking this old man into teaching a bunch of juniors a lesson when the time comes."
Nascent Soul immortal cultivators were willing to brave even the most dangerous places for the sake of their advancement opportunities. Taking a trip to Heavenly Azure Prefecture naturally wouldn't be an issue.
Earlier, he had merely been teasing Xu Deling.
"Senior Brother, please look after the sect while I accompany little Ling'er on this trip."
Zhen Yangzi smiled faintly. "Go on."
The next day.
Xu Deling, Yan Longzi, and True Lord Fierce Sun used Heavenly Foundry City's teleportation array to travel to Profound Moon City.
"Second Master, your disciple wishes to visit the Profound Moon Sect and pay respects to the Ancestor of Profound Moon."
"It is only right to pay a visit, though I don't know if that Grand Cultivator will be willing to see us."
The three of them flew through the air, their escape lights streaking like rainbows. In just a short while, they had crossed hundreds of miles, and the mountain gate of the Profound Moon Sect was already in sight.
Surrounded by mountains and wreathed in clouds and mist, majestic eaves and arches were faintly visible. Two white jade lions guarded the mountain gate, shrouded in swirling spiritual qi, giving it the true bearing of an immortal sect.
"Who goes there?! Halt and state your identities!"
Seeing the approaching figures, the two green-robed disciples guarding the gate were about to shout sternly, but they suddenly felt three majestic auras crashing toward them.
Xu Deling and True Lord Fierce Sun's Golden Core pressure was already formidable, but the Nascent Soul aura radiating from Yan Longzi was like a surging ocean.
The sheer pressure suffocated the two disciples, and cold sweat instantly soaked their robes.
How could the two disciples dare to be negligent? They immediately bowed and cupped their fists, their attitude respectful to the extreme. "We didn't know three seniors were gracing us with your presence. Please forgive our rudeness!
"May we ask which elder of our sect you seniors wish to visit?"
"We have come to seek an audience with the Ancestor of Profound Moon," Xu Deling said in a calm tone.
Hearing this, the disciples' pupils shrank abruptly, their faces full of disbelief.
After exchanging a glance, they both looked troubled. "To answer the senior, our Ancestor has been in secluded cultivation for a long time. With our lowly status, we absolutely have no right to contact him.
"Within the sect, only Ancestor Tianya and the Lord Sect Master possess the qualifications to meet the Ancestor of Profound Moon."
"Then contact your Sect Master. Have him pass this token to the Ancestor of Profound Moon. He might just agree to see us."
As Xu Deling spoke, she flipped her delicate hand, and a simple, unadorned token appeared in her palm.
"This token looks somewhat similar to our Profound Moon Sect's token, yet it's different?" one of the disciples remarked in surprise after glancing at it.
"Please inform them," she requested.
The disciple immediately sent a message to a certain elder of the Profound Moon Sect, reporting the matter.
He specifically mentioned that a Nascent Soul immortal cultivator had arrived. The elder didn't dare to delay and forwarded the message directly to the Sect Master.
Inside the Sect Master's grand hall.
The purple-robed middle-aged man showed a look of surprise upon receiving the message.
If it were an ordinary Golden Core visitor, he naturally wouldn't need to play host as the Sect Master. But with a Nascent Soul expert arriving, it was only proper for him to step forward.
With this thought, he sent a message instructing that elder to bring the guests to the grand hall.
In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a streak of light arrived from the distance, landing before the mountain gate. The person cupped his fists and said, "I am Wu Shan of the Profound Moon Sect. Greetings to the two Daoist friends and senior. May I ask for your origins?"
"I am Xu Deling of the Heavenly Foundry Sect. This is my senior brother, True Lord Fierce Sun, and this is my master, Yan Longzi."
"The number one prodigy, Fairy Feng Ling!"
Wu Shan sounded slightly surprised. "So it is Daoist friends from the Heavenly Foundry Sect traveling from afar. Our Profound Moon Sect has failed to welcome you properly. Please follow me to the grand hall; the Sect Master is already waiting there."
"Thank you for your trouble," Xu Deling cupped her fists.
Shortly after, the group arrived at the Sect Master's grand hall.
"Daoist Friend Yan Longzi, you have come to visit our Profound Moon Sect. For what matter do you seek an audience with my master?"
Wu Shan had already transmitted their identities to the purple-robed middle-aged man.
Yan Longzi replied calmly, "It is not I who wishes to meet Daoist Friend Profound Moon, but my disciple here."
The purple-robed middle-aged man cast a surprised look at Xu Deling, then asked, "I hear you have a token resembling that of our Profound Moon Sect to give to my master?"
"That is correct."
Before her voice faded, the token appeared out of thin air in Xu Deling's hand, and she offered it to the middle-aged man.
The purple-robed man's pupils shrank slightly. "I understand. Wait here while I go see my master. As for whether he is willing to meet you, I cannot say."
The purple-robed middle-aged man was Zhang Fan's adopted son and disciple, named Zhang Daoran. Among all his disciples, he was the only one who had stepped into the Nascent Soul stage; the rest had mostly perished over the years.
Zhang Daoran departed.
Yan Longzi looked at Xu Deling with curiosity. "Little Ling'er, what is the origin of that token? It seems to have quite a deep connection with the Profound Moon Sect. Otherwise, their Sect Master wouldn't have acted so straightforwardly."
True Lord Fierce Sun also looked over curiously.
"Second Master, this is a secret of my Xu family. Unless you become a guest elder of our family, forgive your disciple for keeping it to myself." Xu Deling smiled mischievously.
"Your bias knows no bounds. You're actually trying to poach your own master for your family," Yan Longzi scolded with a laugh.
On a certain mountain peak, in a grand hall at the summit.
The purple-robed Zhang Daoran descended from the sky in front of the hall. He walked inside and cupped his fists toward the white-bearded old man sitting cross-legged atop seven tiers of steps. "Master."
"What is it?"
"Someone has come holding the Ancient Profound Moon Token."
"Who is it?"
"Heavenly Foundry Sect's Fairy Feng Ling, along with True Lord Fierce Sun and Yan Longzi."
As he spoke, he took out the Ancient Profound Moon Token.
The white-bearded elder opened his eyes and raised a hand, drawing the token into his grasp. He gently caressed it for a moment. "A thousand years... unfortunately, it isn't him."
"Who are you speaking of, Master?"
"You don't need to ask. Go bring that girl called Feng Ling here. As for the other two, simply host them well."
"Yes, Master."
Zhang Daoran immediately departed. Returning to the grand hall, he spoke to Xu Deling, "My master wishes to see you alone. Follow me. As for Daoist Friend Yan Longzi and True Lord Fierce Sun, the two of you may wait here for now.
"Elder Wu Shan, bring out the spirit wine and spirit fruit, and treat them well."
Xu Deling gave Yan Longzi a slight nod. Yan Longzi didn't say anything more, only thinking to himself, 'It seems the Xu family is truly not simple.
'Even a Nascent Soul cultivator like me cannot casually meet the Ancestor of Profound Moon.'
Zhang Daoran brought Xu Deling to the summit hall and then turned to leave.
Xu Deling stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Junior Xu Deling pays her respects to Senior Zhang."
"You look far more beautiful than your grandfather,"
Xu Deling hadn't expected him to say such a thing right off the bat. She responded with a faint smile, "I inherited more of my mother's looks, though my grandfather isn't bad-looking either.
"Does Senior know my grandfather?"
"I've only seen him; I wouldn't call it truly knowing him."
Zhang Fan stroked the Ancient Profound Moon Token in his hand. "I originally thought he would be the one to come holding this token."
"My grandfather has admired Senior for a long time and naturally wanted to visit personally. But alas, he has been swept up in the war between Heavenly Azure Prefecture and Greedy Wolf Prefecture, and must remain there to oversee the situation."
"Those are just excuses." Zhang Fan stroked his beard. "Anyone else would be itching to escape that place of trouble. The fact that he's staying there means he surely has other schemes.
"Is he hoping to take advantage of the chaos and supplant them?
"Or even annex both prefectures?"
"However, your Xu family shouldn't have such immense strength right now." Zhang Fan grinned. "So, little girl, what exactly is your grandfather trying to do?"
"What schemes? You're joking, Senior. My Xu family only wishes to develop in peace."
Zhang Fan stared at Xu Deling, observing her for a moment before saying, "Forget it, it's fine if you don't want to talk about it. Then let's discuss why you've come looking for me."
"My grandfather said that this token allows one person to join the Profound Moon Sect."
"Indeed. Could it be you wish to switch allegiances to our sect? If so, this old man would welcome you with open arms." Zhang Fan chuckled, stroking his beard.
"You jest, Senior. My grandfather mentioned that you must be a Tier 4 Array Master. I'm here to recommend a disciple to you."
"Recommend a disciple to me?" Zhang Fan said. "But I haven't taken an apprentice in hundreds of years. Just tell him to come straight to the Profound Moon Sect; naturally, someone here will take him in."
"But in the entire Profound Moon Sect, only you, Senior, have the qualifications to teach him."
"Little girl, what a bold claim!"
"He is barely over a hundred years old. Within ten years, breaking through via the Divine Ability Golden Core Path won't be difficult for him. He's approaching the level of a Tier 3 high-grade array master and has even created his own Battle Array divine ability.
"Does Senior think such a person is fit to be your personal disciple?"
Zhang Fan looked surprised upon hearing this. After some thought, he said, "Are you talking about your fifth uncle, Xu Mingxian?"
"Exactly."
"His talent is indeed tempting." Zhang Fan stroked his beard. "However, is your grandfather willing to let him join my Profound Moon Sect?"
"If I could join the Heavenly Foundry Sect, then my fifth uncle can certainly join the Profound Moon Sect."
"Don't expect me to be like the Heavenly Foundry Sect and establish a branch sect in Heavenly Azure Prefecture."
"You jest, Senior. But the Profound Moon Sect doesn't forbid its disciples from going out to travel and gain experience, does it?"
"Hahaha!" Zhang Fan threw his head back and laughed, stroking his beard. "Your grandfather truly is shrewd."
"I really do fancy Xu Mingxian's talent in the Array Dao."
"Then please accompany this junior on a trip to Heavenly Azure Prefecture, Senior, to test him personally. If you aren't satisfied, you can always refuse.
"At the same time, it will also be a test of you from my fifth uncle.
"After all, just as a master chooses a disciple, a disciple also chooses their master."
"That's a novel theory. But are you sure this isn't just an excuse to trick me into going to Heavenly Azure Prefecture? For you to come at this time, Greedy Wolf Prefecture must have already launched their full-scale invasion on Heavenly Azure Prefecture."
Xu Deling seemed to feel an invisible pressure condensing in the air. She cupped her fists and bowed slightly. "I've been at the Heavenly Foundry Sect these past few years, so I am not clear on the specific situation in Heavenly Azure Prefecture.
"However, Greedy Wolf Prefecture did have intentions of launching a massive invasion; I just don't know exactly when."
Zhang Fan's eyes rippled slightly. "Coming together with Yan Longzi, I suppose you speak the truth. But that second half of your sentence... why don't I believe it at all?"
Xu Deling continued, "Actually, there's another reason for inviting Senior on this trip, besides my fifth uncle's apprenticeship. There is a matter we hope Senior could verify personally."
"What matter?"
"Tianluo, an elder of the Greedy Wolf Sect, is suspected to be a Soul Formation stage Ancient True Demon who underwent possession to cultivate anew. He has likely already formed his Nascent Soul. My grandfather suspects that if he truly is an Ancient True Demon, his strength after reaching the Nascent Soul Formation stage will rival that of a Grand Cultivator.
"This might cause tremendous turmoil in the Northwest Region."
Hearing about a true demon forming a Nascent Soul, Zhang Fan's pupils contracted sharply. Soon after, he said mildly,
"If this Tianluo really is an Ancient True Demon who performed possession, then your grandfather's guess is correct. A true demon cultivating anew will form a True Demon Nascent Soul, possessing strength of at least the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm or higher.
"A true demon from the Soul Formation stage or above, depending on the number of divine abilities they've mastered, will inevitably rival an ordinary Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator after forming their soul.
"They are usually like rats hiding in the dark. Even if they quietly undergo possession and cultivate back to the Nascent Soul stage, they wouldn't dare to show themselves easily.
"I killed one several hundred years ago. I didn't expect another one would dare to poke its head out now."
"According to my grandfather's guess, that true demon was likely released by the Greedy Wolf Sect only in the past few decades. He's been keeping a low profile inside the sect, wholeheartedly recovering his strength.
"The reason he's revealing himself now is probably due to some agreement with the Greedy Wolf Sect's Sect Master."
"No one would release a true demon sealed in a secret realm for no reason... However, little girl, your grandfather sure knows how to make guesses,"
Zhang Fan remarked sarcastically.
Going to see his future disciple wasn't reason enough, so they threw in another one: a suspected Nascent Soul true demon about to wreak havoc in the Northwest Region.
With both reasons combined, it was enough to persuade Zhang Fan to make the trip.
Though Zhang Fan saw through Xu Chuan's intentions—he wanted him to intervene and had predicted that only he, in the entire Northwest Region, possessed the capability to do so.
But this was an open scheme. If it wasn't resolved now, the hidden true demon organization would definitely make contact, allowing this demon to vanish into the shadows.
By then, tracking him down again would be exceedingly difficult.
"Fine, I will make the trip with you."
Hearing this, Xu Deling immediately bowed respectfully. "This junior thanks Senior for fulfilling this request."
"Your grandfather taught you to say all this, didn't he?"
Xu Deling didn't answer directly, but merely smiled. "Senior, whatever you think it is, it is."
Back in the Sect Master's grand hall.
Suddenly, two streaks of light arrived. Zhang Daoran was startled when he saw Zhang Fan and hastily stood up to cup his fists. "Master."
"Why have you come?"
"Greetings to Daoist Friend (Senior) Profound Moon!" True Lord Fierce Sun and Yan Longzi also cupped their fists.
"I am taking a trip to Heavenly Azure Prefecture. Daoran, stay and look after the sect."
Zhang Fan then turned to Yan Longzi. "Daoist Friend Yan Longzi, I hope our Profound Moon Sect hasn't been poor hosts?"
"Not at all."
"Then let's go together. You shouldn't mind having this old man tag along for the journey, right?"
"It is our honor that Daoist Friend Profound Moon is joining us."
"Then let's go."
Xu Deling, Zhang Fan, Yan Longzi, and True Lord Fierce Sun immediately transformed into four dazzling streaks of light and departed from the grand hall.
Zhang Daoran watched them leave in the distance, feeling utterly perplexed. 'Why is Master going to Heavenly Azure Prefecture?'
'Just what did that Xu Deling talk about to convince him so easily?'
More than ten days later, a sudden mutation occurred in the skies above Cloudstream Town.
A translucent, five-colored light screen manifested out of thin air. It converged from all directions, like a massive inverted glazed bowl, entirely enveloping the town.
As light swirled across its surface, runes faintly flickered, exuding the solid, profound aura of a powerful array.
A moment later, it faded into invisibility.
On this very day, a colossal magic skiff belonging to the Xu family slowly rose into the sky.
With its hull flashing with runes and shrouded in spiritual light, it carried hundreds of Foundation Establishment cultivators, piercing through the clouds as it headed straight toward the Thousand Stone Forest.
At the bow of the skiff, Xu Chuan and Perfected Person Fire Cloud stood shoulder to shoulder. Their robes fluttered in the wind, their expressions stern.
Behind them stood a group of core members, including Ye Fan and his wife, as well as Huang Tianba and Huang Tianxiong. Every single one of them exuded a heavy, composed aura.
Upon closer inspection, the majority of the cultivators on the skiff were in the early to mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, representing the elite forces of Cloudstream Town's various families and rogue cultivators.
The magic skiff sailed above the sea of clouds, gradually disappearing into the distance.
Several days later, at the Thousand Stone Forest.
The clouds and mist in the sky churned violently as a magic skiff tore through the air.
Two patrolling Foundation Establishment disciples from the Heavenly Azure Sect spotted it from afar and couldn't help but stop.
"Another skiff has arrived. I wonder which clan's Daoist friends they are?"
When the skiff drew closer and they could clearly see the flag snapping in the wind, one of them realized, "It's the insignia of the Xu Clan from Cloudstream."
Hearing this, his companion showed a sighing expression. "True Lord Withered Glory is truly a peerless genius. In just over twenty years, he has actually managed the Xu family to such blazing renown, practically rivaling a top-tier aristocratic family like the Lei Family."
"It's more than that. The Xu family seems favored by providence, producing prodigies left and right.
"Half a year ago, the Cold Moon Fairy achieved Core Formation. The outside world is all saying that she walked the Divine Ability Golden Core Path, though I wonder if it's true..."
While they were speaking, the magic skiff had already arrived before them.
The two disciples hurriedly flew up to greet them, cupping their fists respectfully before the skiff. "Thank you, Senior True Lord Withered Glory, for coming to our aid!"
Standing at the bow, Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "Have the Daoist friends from the other factions arrived?"
One disciple answered, "The forces from the three cities—Kang Constellation, Heart Constellation, and Corner Constellation—have all arrived. Elder Green Wood has also mentioned you several times, Senior, and has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Xu Chuan gave a faint smile. The magic skiff did not linger, passing through the defensive line and sailing straight into the heart of the Thousand Stone Forest.
Up ahead, strange peaks stood in dense clusters, pointing toward the sky like swords, presenting a bizarre and uncanny landscape.
It didn't take long for them to reach the very front line where the Heavenly Azure Sect was stationed.
Everyone split up to handle their respective tasks.
Xu Chuan, Perfected Person Fire Cloud, and Xu Deyue headed straight for the Golden Core commanders' tent.
Meanwhile, Ye Fan led the group of Foundation Establishment cultivators from Cloudstream Town to select a site and pitch camp, gathering everyone in one place to facilitate unified deployment and evacuation later.
Inside the Golden Core tent, the atmosphere was solemn.
The moment Xu Chuan, Perfected Person Fire Cloud, and Xu Deyue stepped inside, the various Golden Core cultivators in the tent stood up one after another to greet them warmly.
"We're not late, I hope?" Xu Chuan asked with a smile.
Sitting in the master seat, True Lord Green Wood stroked his beard with a smile. "Daoist Friend Withered Glory has arrived at the perfect time."
Off to the side, the Golden Core Ancestor of the Shangguan Family had a trace of hidden worry on his brow. "The number of Golden Core cultivators on our side at the Thousand Stone Forest is similar to last time, but who knows how many people Greedy Wolf Prefecture will send over?"
Hearing this, quite a few Golden Core experts revealed expressions of concern.
The overall number of Golden Core cultivators in Greedy Wolf Prefecture was significantly higher than in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, although at least a dozen of them had perished last time.
But it was estimated that their numbers still exceeded Heavenly Azure Prefecture's.
"When soldiers come, the general repels them; when water comes, earth dams it," True Lord Green Wood waved his hand dismissively, his expression calm. "We'll know the specific enemy situation when the time comes.
"Today, we should first hold a welcoming banquet for Daoist Friend Withered Glory, Cold Moon Fairy, and the others. We can discuss the rest later."
"It should indeed be so," the Golden Core cultivators echoed in unison.
After a brief welcoming gathering, they discussed matters for about thirty minutes before everyone left the tent to return to their respective camps.
"Deyue, when the great battle breaks out in the coming days, you and Perfected Person Fire Cloud shouldn't stray too far from each other. That way, you can look out for each other."
Beside them, Perfected Person Fire Cloud stroked his beard and chuckled softly upon hearing this, showing a bit of smugness. "Rest assured, Clan Head. I will definitely take good care of Elder Deyue..."
Unexpectedly, before he could even finish speaking, Xu Chuan's mouth twitched slightly, and he calmly corrected, "What I meant was for Deyue to take good care of you when the time comes."
Xu Deyue covered her mouth and giggled.
The smile on Perfected Person Fire Cloud's face instantly froze, replaced by a mix of embarrassment and defiance. He argued, "This... Clan Head, why do you say that? I am still at the fourth layer of the Golden Core stage, and I've even forged a mid-grade defensive magic treasure now."
"Perfected Person, could you withstand a full-power strike from True Lord Heavenly Wolf?"
Xu Chuan's single sentence immediately forced Perfected Person Fire Cloud to obediently shut his mouth.
Perfected Person Fire Cloud opened his mouth, but upon recalling the scene of Xu Deyue taking a strike head-on from True Lord Heavenly Wolf, his imposing manner instantly deflated. He could only stroke his beard awkwardly and mumble, "Well... I really can't block that.
"Even with a mid-grade defensive magic treasure, its defense would be shattered in one hit, and I would be heavily injured."
"There is no harm in telling you, Elder Fire Cloud. Deyue also stepped onto the Divine Ability Golden Core Path. Although she hasn't been in the Core Formation stage for long and Deling hasn't prepared a magic treasure for her yet, through a fortuitous opportunity, she already possesses a natal high-grade magic treasure flying sword."
"Is it the one she used last time? That is actually her natal magic treasure?" Perfected Person Fire Cloud was astonished.
"Exactly," Xu Chuan nodded slightly, smiling. "In terms of mana quality, Deyue is actually a notch above you. What she lacks is merely the total capacity of her mana.
"But her strongest explosive attack is more than enough to heavily injure a late-stage Golden Core expert."
"No wonder everyone dreams of pursuing the Divine Ability Golden Core Path. Once you succeed and enter the Golden Core stage, you can easily handle mid-stage cultivators even while only at the early stage.
"And if you have a high-grade magic treasure in hand, you wouldn't even fear ordinary late-stage Golden Core opponents."
After his emotional sigh, Perfected Person Fire Cloud cupped his fists toward Xu Chuan. "The Clan Head was sincerely considering this old man's well-being. I offer my thanks in advance."
"You are Deling's master and a guest elder of our Xu family. You have contributed greatly to us, so it is naturally our duty to ensure your safety."
Perfected Person Fire Cloud stroked his beard and said with a smile, "It seems my decision to join the Xu family back then wasn't wrong at all."
Xu Deyue interjected, "Rest assured, Grandfather. I will definitely not let anything happen to Elder Fire Cloud."
Xu Chuan nodded slightly. "However, the battlefield is unpredictable and changes in the blink of an eye. If you encounter lethal danger, ignore everything else. Use any means necessary, such as detonating your Dharma tools, to flee and get far away from here."
Five or six days passed in a flash.
Outside the Thousand Stone Forest, the sky abruptly changed.
From the direction of Greedy Wolf Prefecture, clouds churned violently as one massive magic skiff after another pierced through the mist. They flooded over the border like a black tide, stretching endlessly in a terrifying procession.
In just a short moment, seven or eight gigantic magic skiffs had lined up their forces before the defensive array laid down by the Heavenly Azure Sect.
Banners blotted out the sky as spiritual pressure intertwined. Their momentum was utterly overwhelming, showing not a single trace of wanting to conceal themselves.
The patrolling disciples of the Heavenly Azure Sect had long since noticed this and immediately sent out warnings. Hearing the news, the various forces quickly spurred into action.
It wasn't long before streaks of light shot up from within the array, hovering midair to face the invading enemy from afar.
As the two armies stood at a standoff, a chilling, murderous aura permeated the surrounding wilderness.
However, the soaring killing intent from Greedy Wolf Prefecture's side was nearly tangible. A greedy and vicious glint shone in the eyes of every single cultivator among them.
In terms of sheer imposing aura alone, Greedy Wolf Prefecture was clearly vastly superior.
Just as the massive battle was on the verge of erupting...
Two boundless and unparalleled Nascent Soul pressures suddenly descended. Like two invisible mountains pressing down on everyone's shoulders, the air within a fifty-kilometer radius completely stagnated.