Chapter 78: The Gathering Storm: The Grand Summit of the Ages (2)

In the hallowed chambers of the Heaven Overseeing Tower, an air of anticipation hangs heavy as the cultivators gather for a meeting of paramount importance. Zenith Heaven Emperor's gaze sweeps over the assembled groups. The cultivators, their hearts pounding with a mixture of reverence and curiosity, await his words with bated breath.

"Let the meeting commence," Zenith Heaven Emperor begins, his voice a melodic resonance that reverberates through the room. The atmosphere crackles with a palpable energy as the cultivators lean forward, their eyes fixed on the revered figure before them.

"First, I would like to receive a status report from each of the factions," Zenith Heaven Emperor declares, his voice carrying a weight of authority that brooks no opposition. The cultivators nod, acknowledging the importance of this update, and prepare themselves to present their findings.

The representatives of the Coalition of Cultivators, steps forward to deliver their report. The room grows silent as the Ruism Holy Man, Reincarnation Blade, and Demon Emperor É take their positions, their gazes focused and determined. Their voices resonate with a blend of confidence and urgency as they begin to recount the current state of affairs.

"All forces are gathering," the Ruism Holy Man announces, his voice resonating with an air of solemnity. "While we are gathered here, they come together in unified strength, holding combined drills to hone their skills and forge alliances."

Reincarnation Blade, her presence exuding an ethereal elegance, continues the report. "The forces aligning with us include the Ruism Lineage, the Heavenly River Su Clan, the Limitless Demon Sect, and a myriad of minor forces whose determination matches their size."

Demon Emperor É, adds his perspective. "Among the major forces, only the Star Exterminating Cult, the Sun Worshiping Sect, and the Church of Doomsday have refused to join us." The atmosphere in the room darkens at the mention of these three factions, each notorious for their extremist views and ruthless methods.

As the voices of the Coalition of Cultivators fade, a mysterious presence captures the attention of the room. The enigmatic figure, draped in a flowing black robe, stands beside Zenith Heaven Emperor, acting as an assistant whose purpose and identity remain shrouded in secrecy. Their presence adds an aura of intrigue, their silence fueling the curiosity of those present.

As the report of the forces concludes, a subtle tension fills the air. It is then that the mysterious woman, her voice laced with a hint of disdain, interjects with a sharp remark. "Is this the extent of Ruism's leadership? A failure to secure the allegiance of all major forces?" Her words cut through the silence.

The Demon Emperor raises an eyebrow at the woman's audacity. He shoots her a piercing glare, his eyes narrowed with thinly veiled annoyance. Most others in the room, sensing the air of impudence, nod in silent agreement, their expressions conveying their disapproval. 'How dare this mere assistant question the esteemed leaders gathered here?'

The Ruism Holy Man remains composed. He meets the woman's gaze with a calm demeanor, his voice carrying the weight of his experience. "Our path is not without its challenges," he responds, his words resonating with quiet authority. "Leadership lies not solely in securing allegiance but in inspiring trust and unity among those who stand beside us."

The mysterious woman's lips curl into a subtle smirk, as if she finds his response lacking. Her eyes flicker with a hint of superiority, a belief that she possesses knowledge beyond their reach. Yet, she refrains from further provocation, her attention returning to Zenith Heaven Emperor, who stands at the heart of the gathering.

"Let us remember our purpose," he declares, his words a reminder of the gravity of their mission. Zenith Heaven Emperor acknowledges the report of the Coalition of Cultivators with a nod of approval, "Thank you for your update. Your efforts to unite the forces of cultivation are commendable."

In the grand hall of the Heaven Overseeing Tower, the atmosphere grows taut as Zenith Heaven Emperor's commanding voice resonates through the air. He gestures towards the next group, his eyes glimmering with anticipation. "It is time for the Heavenly Way Must Step Down Alliance to present their report," he declares, his voice carrying a weight that demands attention. The cultivators shift in their seats, their eyes fixed on the group that now stands before them.

Cheng Lin and Song ONE, the enigmatic leaders of the Heavenly Way Must Step Down Alliance, step forward. Their presence exudes an air of quiet determination, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of confidence and vigilance. Behind them, Heavenly Aspiration of Mohism and Dao Priest Scarlet Firmament.

Cheng Lin, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze, begins the report. "The ranks of the Heavenly Way Must Step Down Alliance have swelled in recent days," she announces, her words carrying an undercurrent of hidden power. "Over one hundred Loose Cultivators of the Eternal Life Being rank and more than three hundred Tribulation Immortals have pledged their allegiance to our cause."

Her words hang in the air, filling the room with a sense of awe. The cultivators exchange glances, their minds reeling at the sheer magnitude of the forces gathered. The Heavenly Way Must Step Down Alliance, with its ever-expanding influence, stands poised to challenge the heavens themselves.

Cheng Lin continues, her voice steady and unwavering. "Approximately half of these cultivators have agreed to fight alongside us, while the others have pledged their resources and support," she reveals. The cultivators nod, acknowledging the value of both swords and strategy in their battle against the entrenched Heavenly Way.

"But the true triumph lies in our discovery," Song ONE interjects, his voice carrying a note of quiet triumph. "Through painstaking investigation and unyielding determination, we have unraveled the intricate web of the Heavenly Way's backhands." His eyes flash with a mix of confidence and righteous anger.

He pauses for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "And at the heart of it all," he continues, his voice dropping to a hushed tone, "lies the Son of Heaven." A collective gasp escapes the lips of the assembled cultivators.

Ruism Holy Man's voice reverberates in the air, breaking the silence that envelops the hall. "But who or what exactly is this Son of Heaven?" he inquires, his tone laden with curiosity and a hint of urgency.

Heavenly Aspiration's, being the quickest among them to reply, begins to unravel the mystery. "The Son of Heaven," he begins, his voice steady and filled with conviction, "is the final backhand of the Current Heaven." The cultivators lean in, their attention fully captivated by his words. The revelation hangs in the air, heavy with implications.

"He resides deep within the Primordial Chaos World," Heavenly Aspiration continues, his voice growing more solemn. "Hidden from the prying eyes of cultivators, the Son of Heaven exists as a manifestation of the Heavenly Way."

"Destroying the Son of Heaven," Heavenly Aspiration reveals, his voice tinged with solemnity, "will unleash a chain reaction that will bring about the immediate collapse of the Heavenly Way, bringing an end to the Era of Changing Heaven."

The words hang in the air, the weight of their meaning sinking deep into the hearts of those present.

The Ruism Holy Man, his eyes burning with an unwavering resolve, nods in understanding.

Cheng Lin picks up where Song ONE left off, her voice resolute. "The Heavenly Way, burdened by its own weight and the passage of time, teeters on the edge of collapse," she reveals. "Our intervention, though formidable, may not even be necessary. The very foundations upon which the Heavenly Way stands are crumbling, but we want to speed up things by destroying the Son of Heaven."

"Thank you for your comprehensive report," Zenith Heaven Emperor nods in appreciation, his eyes shifting from Cheng Lin to Song ONE. "Your efforts in gathering so many powerful cultivators are commendable. With your support, we are one step closer to achieving our goal." The cultivators murmur in agreement.