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墨書 Inktalez
The storm was brewing, and the winds filled the building!
As Zuo Dao and his companions made their final preparations to leave the Great Celestial Domain, countless Five Continents Cultivators began to surge toward the Transcendence Location. Among them were some reclusive masters who had long since withdrawn from the world.
This situation caused immense headaches for the Four Great Star Seas. It was a form of coercion, a subtle siege. Although these Cultivators did not assault the defenses set up by the Four Star Sea, they had established their own formation across from it. They neither attacked nor made any overtly aggressive moves; they simply surrounded the defenses of the Four Star Sea in silence.
Among the Cultivators stood an old man whose face resembled tree bark and whose hands were like withered claws. Leaning on a black wooden staff, he trembled as he walked forward. Each step seemed to consume a great deal of his energy, and by the time he reached the front of the Star Sea Cultivators, he was panting heavily, his voice sounding like a wheezing bellows.
Yet no Cultivator dared to look at this elderly man, who was clearly nearing his end.
“Ao Yu, are you here? Let him come out to see me,” he croaked, his voice startlingly loud.
“How dare you! The Dragon King's name is not something you can call!” A Cultivator from the Mo Hai Faction stepped forward, reaching out to seize the old man.
His hand descended like a mountain upon the old man, but this Cultivator was somewhat restrained in his actions; he intended only to suppress him without causing harm.
However, while one may not intend to kill a tiger, the tiger may still harm.
At that moment, as the Cultivator made his move, the old man lifted his white-haired head and fixed his emotionless gaze upon him.
An invisible force suddenly bound the Moyun Sea Cultivator, causing him to feel as if his entire body were being sliced apart by countless sharp blades. Even with his strong willpower, he could not help but cry out in sudden agony.
“Ah!” A piercing scream erupted from the Cultivator's mouth.
With that scream, it appeared as though he was being flayed alive; pieces of flesh floated in the air before instantly turning into a pool of blood.
The Moyun Sea Cultivator was a squad leader among them. Seeing their captain meet such a gruesome fate, his team members rushed forward in fury, attacking the old man.
Before their allies could intervene, bursts of blood blossomed in the starry sea. The old man remained motionless as he swiftly slaughtered an entire squad of Cultivators.
The Star Sea Cultivators were furious. Although the old man possessed strange methods and profound cultivation, they could not stand by and watch as their fellow Cultivators were ruthlessly slaughtered. Waves of murderous intent surged into the starry sky.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
Several squads stepped forward, ready to charge at the old man.
The air was thick with killing intent, weaving together above into a blood-red cloud. It was important to note that the Star Sea Cultivators were different from those of the Five Continents. The Four Dragon Kings had always been dedicated to expanding their territory. Every squad under the Great Star Sea was forged in the fires of battle, growing stronger through slaughter.
The dangers within the Star Sea stemmed from the Star Beasts that roamed its depths. Years of bloodshed had infused each Star Sea Cultivator with a fierce, iron-blooded aura.
As this aura was released, the Cultivators from the Five Continents were taken aback. In terms of combat, the Five Continents' Cultivators could never match the directness of the Star Sea Cultivators.
"Hmph!"
The old man lightly tapped his ebony staff, sending a wave of energy shooting forth. An unmatched force surged toward the blood-red cloud formed by their killing intent.
It was known that for the Garrison's Transcendence Location, the Star Sea Dragon Kings had dispatched their strongest forces. For this operation, they had even halted their conquests within the Star Sea.
The old man's power was clearly beyond what these Cultivators could contend with, yet they charged forward without hesitation. Fueled by their bloodlust and anger, these Star Sea Cultivators disregarded the gap in realms and aimed to crush their enemy before them.
The weight of the old man's strike fell upon these squads like a giant hammer, causing them to spit blood and be sent flying backward.
The Withered Wood Elder let out a soft sound of surprise. He had expected this strike to wipe out at least half of his opponents but was astonished to find that they merely coughed up blood. Though he hadn't used his full strength—only a single strike—his Half-Step Xuanxian cultivation should have been enough to overwhelm even an Immortal Emperor.
"Withered Wood Elder, it has been a long time. Your skills have improved; how bold you are to lay hands on your juniors."
Just as he was about to make a move to eliminate his foes, a warm and refined voice echoed through the air. A figure clad in a white robe approached, his garments flowing open, hair casually draped behind him as he walked step by step from afar. In an instant, he had closed the distance.
"These are just some ignorant fools; if they wish to kill, let them," said the Withered Wood Elder, raising an eyebrow slightly at the newcomer. Though he felt some trepidation toward this person, his words did not show any sign of weakness.
"In my opinion, you're just as useless, so why not just kill you!" The newcomer spoke with a tone of disdain, as if the Withered Wood Elder was nothing more than trash in his eyes.
"Aoxingyun, don't go too far!" The elder's temper flared despite his usual calm demeanor after being insulted in front of others.
"What are you going to do about it?" Aoxingyun, the Cultivator, approached the injured Star Sea Cultivator. "Not bad, at least you haven't embarrassed the Dragon King. This is a reward for you."
He tossed a pill in front of each injured Cultivator.
From the moment he appeared, Aoxingyun completely disregarded the Withered Wood Elder, which was an absolute insult to a Cultivator.
"Come on, old wood, let's have another round. In this lifetime, we've fought the Zhan Yi Team one hundred and thirteen times; you've escaped fifty-eight times. This time, since you've killed our Star Sea people, I won't show any mercy." Aoxingyun said as he walked toward the Withered Wood Elder.
At that moment, the Withered Wood Elder was no longer calm. It was a harsh slap to the face; his previous achievements were laid bare before everyone. Even his skin, like dry wood, couldn't help but flush with embarrassment.
The fact that Star Sea would send out a Cultivator of equal rank didn't surprise the Withered Wood Elder; he just didn't expect it to be his old rival.
In reality, the Five Continents had made thorough preparations for this encounter. Not only in this location but also at other positions along the Star Sea defense line, there were Half-Step Xuanxian from the Five Continents present.
This was calculated by a sect called Mechanism Gate after paying a hefty price. However, due to Zuo Dao's existence, they couldn't be sure what would happen; they only knew it was related to a significant event concerning the Great Celestial Domain's Ascend.
Naturally, the Half-Step Xuanxian from the Five Continents began to unite and discuss strategies, eventually coming up with this plan.
Mechanism Gate calculated the approximate time and location and devised a strategy to delay using Half-Step Xuanxian as a buffer.
The combat power of the Four Great Star Seas surpassed that of the Cultivators from the Five Continents. However, the Four Great Star Seas had their own shortcomings in terms of numbers when it came to Half-Step Xuanxian compared to those from the Five Continents.
This time, it was just unfortunate luck for the Withered Wood Elder to encounter Aoxingyun, who ranked among the top even within Star Sea. At other defensive lines, some Half-Step Xuanxian from Star Sea even faced two or three Half-Step Xuanxian from Five Continents.
The Withered Wood Elder clearly understood his purpose for being here. Although he would inevitably lose against Aoxingyun, he could still survive. While injuries were unavoidable, as long as he stepped into Celestial Immortal territory, it would be like gaining an extra layer of protection. At worst, he might trigger a calamity and be banished into the void.
"Aoxingyun, although I am not your match, it won't be easy for you to kill me. Besides, you should consider your subordinates. I may not be able to defeat you, but can I not deal with them?" With this thought in mind, the Withered Wood Elder felt a sense of relief wash over him, and his tone inevitably grew more assertive.
If this were before, the Withered Wood Elder would have had some influence on Aoxingyun. As long as he avoided direct confrontation and instead targeted the weaker cultivators, Aoxingyun would truly have no way to stop him. But times had changed.
Within the Great Celestial Domain, every Half-Step Xuanxian was suppressed by the Dao. Their combat strength was diminished to nearly nothing, making it difficult to unleash their full power during a fight. However, this time, with the collaboration between the Four Star Sea and Zuo Dao, and thanks to the vast amount of information provided by Long Wu, Zuo Dao had also helped the Star Sea side refine some Obscuring Jade Tablets. Although their effectiveness couldn't compare to those used by Heterodox cultivators, they greatly aided the combat strength of the Star Sea faction.
"I, the Withered Wood Elder, think too highly of myself? I'm standing right here; let's see how many cultivators from the Star Sea you can kill." Aoxingyun smiled arrogantly and gestured invitingly.
Despite his words, the aura emanating from him made everything clear: if you dared to make a move, I would strike you down with overwhelming force.
This was the might of a Half-Step Xuanxian; beneath the Immortal Emperor level, all trembled. A massive dragon appeared above Aoxingyun's head, constantly circling around. The dragon's head exuded an imposing presence.
Seeing this, the Withered Wood Elder let out a shriek.
"You have already mastered 'Startled as a Dragon'? That’s impossible."
As if witnessing something terrifying, he turned and fled; before his voice faded, he was already hundreds of miles away.
The cultivators from the Five Continents had just watched the Withered Wood Elder rampage through their ranks when he suddenly transformed into a frightened dog and fled in disarray. At this sight, even the air seemed too afraid to stir.
Aoxingyun looked at the fleeing figure of the Withered Wood Elder and revealed a disdainful smile.
"Did you really think you could escape? Are my cultivators from the Star Sea that easy to kill?"
The dragon raised its head and let out a thunderous roar. With a powerful sweep of its tail, it charged toward the Withered Wood Elder like an ancient mountain pressing down upon all.
The cultivators present trembled; the dragon's momentum was overwhelming and beyond their imagination. After a deafening roar from Aoxingyun, the Withered Wood Elder felt as if the surrounding space had become incredibly thick. What usually took him mere steps now felt like wading through molasses.
The rapid changes left the Withered Wood Elder momentarily stunned.
"Aoxingyun, how dare you unleash your might? Aren't you afraid of attracting a calamity and being banished to the void?" he shouted, his voice trembling with fear.
He was already no match for his opponent, and now he was utterly terrified. Everyone was at the Half-Step Xuanxian Realm, and a single fluctuation of energy could easily create a connection between them. The Withered Wood Elder understood all too well that if a calamity were to descend now, he would have no chance of escape.
But the shocking turn of events continued. The dragon's aura surged with its impact, quickly reaching the Half-Step Xuanxian Realm. This realm was not merely a state of suppression; it was completely wide open.
Seeing this, the Withered Wood Elder realized he could not escape this time and cursed his luck. He never expected to encounter Aoxingyun, this madman, in such a place.
It wasn't just him; similar scenes were unfolding everywhere. On the side of the Star Sea, only a few Half-Step Xuanxian cultivators managed to suppress more than a dozen Celestial Immortals from the opposing side. Despite such impressive achievements, the Dragon King felt no joy.
The cultivators from the Five Continents watched this scene with their scalps tingling, realizing that before these individuals, an Immortal Emperor was like an ant, easily crushed with a single finger.
Every technique of the Dragon Clan focused on battle, their offensive power immensely strong. Mastering "Startled as a Dragon" doubled one's combat strength. The dragon energy within their bloodline transformed into form, equating their battle power to that of their true selves.
The Withered Wood Elder never anticipated that his opponent had actually mastered "Startled as a Dragon." He had already been no match for Aoxingyun before; now that Aoxingyun unleashed "Surging Dragon," he stood no chance at all.
Within a thousand miles, the Withered Wood Elder became the first Half-Step Xuanxian to fall. He didn't even have the chance to release his own aura before Aoxingyun killed him amidst the Star Sea, leaving only a corpse drifting in the void, his Nascent Soul completely extinguished.
However, although the Star Sea side possessed the Obscuring Jade Tablet, their numbers were truly fewer than those of their opponents. Talents like Aoxingyun were rare even within the Dragon Palace; having one emerge was already a great fortune.
After killing the Withered Wood Elder, Aoxingyun stepped over his corpse and confined it in place. His intention was clear; when he looked towards the cultivators of the Five Continents, every one who met his gaze lowered their heads.
This was not merely a crime of war but rather a suppression stemming from realm disparity and the lingering terror after killing.
Yet even so, these cultivators from the Five Continents did not retreat. Aoxingyun merely cast them a cold glance and left behind a chilling remark before turning away.
"Step forward and die!"
This was the might of a Half-Step Xuanxian. Although this battle lacked any spectacular moments and relied solely on overwhelming presence, Aoxingyun's heart surged with tumultuous emotions.
He couldn't think of anyone capable of forging such a Jade Tablet, allowing his combat power to reach its fullest potential. Even in ancient times, the Dragon Palace was among the most renowned, yet such an item had never appeared in their legacy.
He felt both excited and fearful.
The excitement stemmed from finally being able to unleash his full strength, which was a significant event for any Cultivator. It was a tragic thing to have a treasure mountain but be powerless to claim its riches!
His fear arose from the thought of harnessing this power; he sensed that the Jade Tablet could only support him for two or three more battles before it would shatter. He considered that Zuo Dao might have held back some of his power, but even so, he dared not make any moves against Zuo Dao. He wasn't sure if Zuo Dao had left any hidden traps within the Jade Tablet.
Everything outside the Transcendence Location was under Zuo Dao's watchful eye. He stood firm and unmoving at the center of the Transcendence Location. This was also part of the agreement between him and the Dragon King: all battles would be handled by the Star Sea side; his only task was to focus on breaking through.
The sound of thunder echoed around him as the Cultivators from the Star Sea clashed with those from the Five Continents. Once exalted figures like the Immortal Emperors had been reduced to mere spectators in this battle. Those Immortal Kings who once flaunted their power in the Great Celestial Domain now trembled in combat.
This made them realize what it meant to say, "There are always greater beings beyond."
One hundred thousand Star Sea Cultivators formed an unbreakable defense around the Transcendence Location. The elite forces of the Dragon Palace barely held back the onslaught from the Five Continents, leading to a stalemate in the battle.
Not only was Zuo Dao waiting, but so were the Cultivators of the Star Sea and those from the Five Continents. Each had their own thoughts and plans.
Aside from the previously fallen Withered Wood Elder, no Half-Step Xuanxian had perished in subsequent battles; both sides exercised restraint, aiming to preserve their strength for that moment's arrival.
Undoubtedly, these Cultivators cared little for how many lives were lost. They were walking a path woven with blood and fire.
Cultivators from Mechanism Gate mingled among the crowd of Five Continents Cultivators, each disciple accompanied by several Immortal Emperors for protection. They calculated tirelessly, even at the cost of depleting their life source.
Three nights passed, and the battle continued; however, strange phenomena began to manifest at the Transcendence Location. This was due to an overwhelming number of Half-Step Xuanxian gathering in this area, triggering a slight reaction from the Dao.
The Half-Step Xuanxian of Star Sea had been restraining themselves to conserve their strength; meanwhile, those from Five Continents aimed to avoid provoking calamity. The current Great Celestial Domain was not suitable for them to Transcend Tribulation; only when a crack appeared in the Dao Intent Will did they see an opportunity.
At this moment, Yan Zhen had already set out on his return journey. Armed with a single sword, he traversed through the Great Celestial Domain, contemplating many things along the way. The cultivation within him underwent tremendous changes with each realization he achieved until he sensed that the Obscuring Jade Tablet could no longer contain his internal aura and finally returned to the Transcendence Location.
Of course, he did not encounter Zuo Dao anywhere when he left. However, he knew Zuo Dao very well, and their mutual understanding no longer required words to express.
The cultivators of the Star Sea had sealed off the Transcendence Location, while the cultivators from the Five Continents surrounded the perimeter tightly. Patrol squads were everywhere, and Yan Zhen, alone, quickly caught their attention.
More importantly, the sword behind him attracted the covetous gazes of the Five Continents cultivators. Although he did not wish to unleash a massacre, once each cultivator fell before him, it was as if he had stirred a hornet's nest; countless cultivators pounced upon him like bloodthirsty wolves sensing fresh blood.
Yan Zhen's appearance shocked everyone present; covered in blood, he emerged at the Transcendence Location. Following closely behind him were numerous Five Continents cultivators, each one’s eyes reflecting fear, yet not a single person chose to retreat. This situation continued until he stood before the Star Sea Cultivator.
Zuo Dao couldn't help but smile at his senior brother's condition. To provoke Yan Zhen into such a bloody rampage was truly unprecedented.
With killing intent radiating from him and blood staining his body, he still wore a faint smile on his face. He was no longer the serious and stern senior brother from before.
The Star Sea Cultivator watched as Yan Zhen appeared and parted a path for him. Step by step, he walked toward the Transcendence Location under the fearful, greedy, and admiring gazes of the surrounding cultivators.
As he looked at his senior brother approaching from afar, Zuo Dao couldn't help but recall a saying.
It felt reminiscent of swallows returning home.
"Welcome back, Senior Brother!!!"
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