410 Chapter 1256-1258 (7.5k+ words)

Wu Ninglu was surrounded by darkness, unable to locate the source of the voice.

The voice continued to mock her incessantly, provoking her relentlessly.

"Get out!" Wu Ninglu screamed frantically.

Ignoring her, the voice illuminated the darkness with successive scenes.

Looking at them, Wu Ninglu's resentment deepened.

It showed scenes of the lively celebration when Sun Tiansi, the Sun Family's qilin child born in the Combination Realm, shook the world, and major families of the Immortal Alliance sent representatives to congratulate. Even her own family, the Chen Family of the Medicine Hall, despite the previous conflicts with the Sun Family, sent envoys to extend their congratulations. With respect to the newly born Sun Tiansi, they gracefully accepted the congratulatory gifts.

As for Wu Ninglu, the mysteriously disappeared birth mother of Sun Tiansi, no one paid her any attention.

...

"All this glory and praise should have been mine!"

The intense contrast between mother and son's fate drove Wu Ninglu even more insane.

She cried and screamed like a banshee.

At this moment, the voice echoed again.

"You..."

"Do you want to retaliate against them?"

Instinctively, Wu Ninglu wanted to vent her anger, but her remaining rationality made her gradually calm down.

Without hesitation, she answered, "I want to! Senior, save me!"

"Hahaha!"

A burst of laughter echoed in the darkness. "Your body and soul have disappeared from this world, leaving only a trace of residual consciousness. Even if you can be reborn, what qualifications do you have to confront the five Combination Realm cultivators of the Sun Family?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Ninglu's mind went blank.

Yes, even if she looked like this, even if she succeeded in swallowing the essence of heaven and earth and achieved the Combination Realm, how could she, with her individual strength, be a match for the burgeoning power of the Sun Family?

Wu Ninglu felt utterly hopeless. However, suddenly, she thought that the senior who saved her in front of the three Combination Realm cultivators wouldn't just do it for amusement.

There must be a reason for saying that...

Wu Ninglu suddenly realized.

"I hope Senior will instruct me! Regardless of success or failure, Ninglu is willing to be a servant, serving Senior willingly!"

Wu Ninglu gritted her teeth.

"Humph, you are just a remnant thought barely surviving. Do I need your consent to control or not?"

A powerful pressure enveloped Wu Ninglu, and in the terrifying suffocation, she felt her cautious consciousness could shatter at any moment.

As her thoughts weakened, despair filled Wu Ninglu's heart.

At this moment, the urgency around her inexplicably vanished.

"At least you are not completely foolish."

The voice, melodious as if from heaven, echoed in her ears.

At the same time, extremely profound text appeared in her mind.

The Three Calamities and One Hundred Tribulations Enlightened Divine Art.

One thought gives birth to myriad ghosts; this was a supreme divine technique capable of bridging the gap in quantity among cultivators.

Wu Ninglu read every word of it eagerly.

"Sun Family, Sun Family..."

Fueled by her intense desire for revenge, the terrifying obsession of the first demon god with soaring malevolence slowly took shape.

Hiding in the darkness, Li Fan's detached divine sense nodded slightly as it observed the unfolding changes.

Although the Saint of the Sun Family was a cultivator he personally nurtured, it didn't prevent him from creating a natural nemesis for the other party.

As for when this future fiend, driven solely by the desire for revenge, would be released, or whether it would be released at all, remained unknown.

All of it was just a contingency plan he left casually.

"In this world, many preparations are already in place. Next, we just need to quietly await the opening act."

"Estimating the character of the Holy Emperor and the current situation between the two sides, the first battle between them won't take too long."

...

Three months later, the first clash between the Holy Dynasty and the Immortal Alliance unfolded in an unexpected manner.

The conflict arose from a sword light that came from beyond the heavens.

On that day, golden light radiated, shimmering in the sky.

On the other side of the starry sea, beneath towering walls, a mysterious immortal ship floated through the tribulations.

In the entire Xuanhuang Realm, a seven-colored rainbow light could be seen, shining brightly with sixteen characters.

It seemed to be a peculiar form of information dissemination. Even when some members of the Immortal Alliance attempted to erase it, they were unsuccessful.

They had no choice but to let this rainbow light float quietly in the sky for seven days before it gradually dissipated.

However, the shock caused by these sixteen characters was far from subsiding.

On the brink of the abyss, the city of severed palms.

As he recalled these sixteen characters, Shang Shaojun became lost in thought.

"I knew he wasn't dead. On the other side of the starry sea, beneath towering walls..."

"He has already traveled so far?"

The carefree and unrestrained demeanor of Li Fan's Sacred Embryo reappeared in Shang Shaojun's mind, evoking a sense of nostalgia and faint loss.

"Beyond the Xuanhuang Realm."

"If I had abandoned everything back then and gone with him, what kind of scene would it be now?"

After staring blankly for a while, Shang Shaojun finally snapped back to reality and began to focus on his duties.

He started to communicate with figures like the First Sage and Ji Hongdao.

"Have you seen the rainbow light in the sky these days? That's the White Robed Sword Immortal I introduced to you before. What I said back then seemed exaggerated. How about now?"

After self-satisfaction with his bragging, Shang Shaojun checked the quantity of Clear Light Flowing Crystals in his private treasury.

Although the Immortal Alliance had long designated it as a restricted and prohibited item, most major families in the alliance still secretly possessed it.

Previously, everyone had almost forgotten about this substance. However, with the appearance of the seven-day rainbow light, Clear Light Flowing Crystals once again entered the public eye.

People had no idea how Li Fan's Sacred Embryo had left the Xuanhuang Realm.

So, there was a natural speculation about the method he used, and it seemed to be the same as the sixteen Combination Realm cultivators who had left the Immortal Alliance before.

The information conveyed by the rainbow light was clear.

On the other side of the starry sea, at a place called the towering walls, there was an immortal ship named Xuan Merchant.

The Xuan Merchant Immortal Ship possesses the supreme method and can navigate through tribulations!

These sixteen words caused countless cultivators to be captivated, their minds swaying with various thoughts, unable to restrain themselves.

Li Fan's message about the Sacred Embryo was cleverly vague.

Leveraging the subjective initiative of Xuanhuang cultivators, it made their imagined Immortal Ship even more mysterious.

Some cultivators even searched ancient records and found information about the Xuan Merchant Immortal Ship.

"Capable of freely traversing different realms for trade. After so many years, it's obviously much more prosperous than our troubled Xuanhuang Realm!"

"The Xuan Merchant Immortal Ship, just hearing the name, is enticing."

"Do you think the rainbow light from before could be..."

"Friend, be cautious!"

Regardless of the actual facts, Clear Light Flowing Crystals had once again become the hottest commodity in the Immortal Alliance.

Although the Immortal Alliance issued another prohibition, it couldn't stop various families from secretly acquiring Clear Light Flowing Crystals.

After all, this time, there were simply too many cultivators involved, reaching a point where it was challenging to punish them all.

Thus, they could only target low-level cultivators without strong backgrounds to make an example and instill some fear.

In fact, even the high-level members of the Immortal Alliance had different opinions.

Sun Family.

Returning to the secret room of the Limitless Mirror, Sun Luyuan was filled with worries.

"Brother, are you concerned about the recent uproar regarding the rainbow light transmission?" asked the spirit of the Limitless Mirror, Sun Luyao.

"Sigh, it's more than that. The crucial issue is that this matter involves too much. The one overseeing the closure of practitioners for punishment, Jiang Qiang, has come out early due to this incident. He specifically asked me about Tianci's situation. This old man..." Sun Luyuan said with resentment.

"He meant that even though Jiaofa has Jiang Qiang suppressing the matter, it's still too significant. All the cultivators in the entire Immortal Alliance now want to know what's happening beyond the Xuanhuang Realm, at the other side of the starry sea. If they don't provide an explanation, it might lead to instability in the foundation of the Immortal Alliance. Unfortunately, since the last transmission, the Heavenly Sovereign has lost contact..."

"To stabilize the situation, the Immortal Alliance plans to announce to the world soon, creating another Clear Light Rainbow and flying out of Xuanhuang."

"To control the rainbow light, cultivators at the Combination Realm are needed. Our Sun Family has recently gained too much attention, being a family with five Combination Realms, well-known throughout the Immortal Alliance. I'm afraid if we really seek suitable cultivators to go to the stars, our Sun Family won't be able to escape."

"It's truly a case of fortune and misfortune. If I had known about Tianci's birth as a Combined Dao, I wouldn't have publicized it so widely. It was our mistake, temporarily losing our minds." Sun Luyuan sighed.

Hearing this, Sun Luyao, the spirit of the Limitless Mirror, frowned, feeling difficult to handle the situation.

"Based on the clues I gathered internally in the Tianxuan Mirror, there might be a significant crisis beyond the stars. Even though there was a precedent for the Clear Light Rainbow before, this time it's unpredictable. If they really arrange for our Sun Family to send cultivators, we might have to be prepared for sacrifices." After a long pause, he said in a deep voice.

"We have already discussed this. It's almost unavoidable. If the decree really comes, let Luchang handle it. I'm afraid..."

Sun Luyuan paused, sighed, and his voice suddenly became much lower, "I'm afraid that more than one person will be assigned to our Sun Family."

The underground secret room fell silent for a while.

"Brother, I have a clever plan."

At this moment, Sun Luyao suddenly suggested.

"Oh?"

Sun Luyuan perked up his ears, his eyes brightening.

Before long, there were rumors spreading among various corners of the Immortal Alliance.

The high-level members of the Immortal Alliance have agreed to the plan to create Clear Light Flowing Crystals again. This time, there might be even more cultivators able to leave Xuanhuang and enter the starry sky than before.

However, the specific quotas for cultivators have likely already been divided among the upper echelons, maybe even predetermined. Some powerful families might even have more than one.

Such sensational revelations spread like wildfire.

Cultivators, upon hearing this, were indignant and furious.

Beyond the stars, what kind of opportunity and fate awaited? Was it going to be divided like this without considering the feelings of those grassroots Combined Dao cultivators who diligently suppressed the various states?

Although the Immortal Alliance quickly debunked this information, the storm caused by the uncertainty of the list's release proved difficult to quell.

Even many Combined Dao cultivators who hadn't returned to the Immortal Alliance headquarters for years came back, breaking the norm just to seek an answer.

As for the Immortal Alliance's repeated emphasis that going to the starry sea might have fatal dangers, and the chances of returning safely were almost negligible, angry cultivators took it all as an excuse.

They had a set of counterarguments.

They said that it's better to die pursuing the Dao than to live without it. Facing danger was nothing to those who had overcome numerous hardships on the path to Combination. If they were destined to be trapped in Xuanhuang for life, dying in the starry sea would be a preferable outcome.

The Combined Dao cultivators guarding the various states were the cornerstone of the Immortal Alliance's rule.

Now that these people had united, even the envoys found it somewhat troublesome.

After careful deliberation, they eventually provided a response.

The Immortal Alliance would thoroughly consider the personnel list, aiming for fairness and justice that everyone would trust.

With the personal assurances of the envoys, the Combined Dao cultivators left the Immortal Alliance headquarters.

However, at the same time, the earlier rumors about the Immortal Alliance recreating the Clear Light Rainbow were confirmed.

For a while, Immortal Alliance cultivators privately discussed these matters.

Having explored the stars once, the Immortal Alliance's actions to explore the starry sky would undoubtedly not stop here.

Even though they hadn't reached Combination Realm at the moment, who could say about the future? Even if they couldn't achieve Combination Realm in this lifetime, wouldn't Clear Light Flowing Crystals be something they could obtain?

They might not be able to consume them, but couldn't they at least enjoy the light?

In the private market, the price of Clear Light Flowing Crystals surged again. As soon as they appeared, they were immediately snapped up, even at higher prices.

Some smart individuals had already started searching various secret worlds, digging three feet into the ground, looking for traces of Clear Light Flowing Crystals.

In the Holy Dynasty,

Inside the Emperor's throne room, Li Ping's disciples were present.

They were aware of the commotion in the Immortal Alliance.

However, everything in the Holy Dynasty was decided by the Emperor's words.

Without Li Ping's orders, they had to treat this matter as if it hadn't happened at all.

"Master, about that Clear Light Flowing Crystal, should we get involved?"

"Breaking out of Xuanhuang, exploring the unknown starry sea, just thinking about it is exhilarating," said Oushang Tian with the boldest courage, smiling.

"Since the Immortal Alliance wants to court death, let them go. The more Combined Dao cultivators they send out, the better it is for us," the Holy Emperor decided the course of action with just a casual sentence.

Oushang Tian showed a somewhat regretful expression.

However, others pondered the meaning behind the Holy Emperor's words.

"Next, you must be on high alert and ready for battle at any time."

But the Holy Emperor's subsequent words shook them.

Sun Erlang nodded, "Those Immortal Alliance cultivators are now like madmen, searching for that Clear Light Flowing Crystal in various small worlds. As for our Holy Dynasty, it doesn't matter; they certainly won't encounter it. The most important thing is those many affiliated small worlds we have already conquered..."

Li Ping added, "Avoid direct conflicts for now, but there's no need to deliberately avoid them either."

"When you strike, be decisive, and do not reveal any information related to the Holy Dynasty," said the Holy Emperor, stirring the enthusiasm of the disciples.

"Sun Erlang."

"Disciple is here."

"Ishu has been with us for quite some time. You and him, go back to Tai Yan Sect again," the Holy Emperor said casually.

"Disciple obeys," Sun Erlang bowed.

Chapter 1257: The Stone Mother Returns Beyond the Stars

The Holy Emperor's intentions were very clear.

With the impending war between the Holy Dynasty and the Immortal Alliance, it was time for Tai Yan Sect to make its final choice.

When Sun Erlang found Ishu in the Holy Capital, Ishu was already prepared, waiting with a smile.

"Young Lord, let's go."

Sun Erlang was not hesitant. He nodded and the two headed straight for Tai Yan Sect.

"Senior, during your time in our Holy Dynasty, have you gained anything special?" Sun Erlang asked tentatively on the way back.

Ishu smiled, "The scene in the Holy Dynasty is different from the Immortal Alliance, and it's completely different from the Xuanhuang Realm for millions of years. We have also benefited greatly. Currently, the sect has reached a unanimous decision, and it has also gained the approval of the Stone Mother. You'll know more about it later."

"By the way, this time, you might have the opportunity to meet the Stone Mother."

Ishu's words intrigued Sun Erlang.

Wanting to inquire more about the inside information, Ishu changed the topic and talked about recent events in Daqi.

"The people of the Holy Dynasty live in abundance, so they have higher spiritual pursuits. Although their cultivation strength is average, some of their thoughts are genuinely interesting. This time, I met a scholar who wrote a strange novel. It describes the situation in the Xuanhuang Realm when there is no Transcendent Emperor."

Sun Erlang was slightly surprised, and Ishu continued, "Unlike the simulated world you experienced, although the novel doesn't explicitly mention the Transcendent Emperor, disasters still occur, and calamities befall the Xuanhuang Realm."

"There are three venerables who rise from obscurity, creating a dominance that spans the world. One educates and nurtures the people, known as the 'Teacher of Heaven and Earth.' One upholds the pure and noble virtues of a sage, gaining the admiration and allegiance of those around him, forming an unshakable alliance. This is the 'Sage of the World.' The last one possesses boundless power, establishing an immortal dynasty on the earth, and all things bow to his command. This is the 'Great Mystical Immortal Emperor.'"

When Ishu reached this point, Sun Erlang's expression became quite subtle.

"The three venerables engage in a fierce struggle, and after several hundred years, it is difficult to determine the winner. Although the details are extrapolated with personal strength and somewhat crude, it is still very interesting and unique."

Sun Erlang couldn't help but ask, "So who won in the end?"

"This novel 'Xuanhuang Three Realms' hasn't been finished yet. The scholar was blocked at his doorstep by a group of people, claiming that he had disrespected the Holy Emperor. Although the official stance of the Holy Dynasty didn't intervene, as the novel revealed some mistakes of the Great Mystical Immortal Emperor, the turmoil escalated, almost causing casualties."

"That scholar dared not continue writing. With the plot stagnating, I don't know who the final winner is," Ishu said with a smile.

Sun Erlang cleared his throat, "When I go back, I'll send those people away and let him write in peace. It's just a strange novel. How can our Master not tolerate such things?"

But Ishu hinted, "Although the Holy Emperor indeed doesn't care, the people of the Holy Dynasty may not necessarily think the same way."

Sun Erlang wanted to argue, but they had already arrived within the territory of Tai Yan Sect.

In the floating city within the crystal wall in the sky, Sun Erlang entered once again. Unlike the last time, all the cultivators he encountered on the way greeted him with smiles, as if they were very familiar with him.

It seemed like they all knew him very well.

Sun Erlang knew that Tai Yan Sect shared information collectively, essentially acting as a whole. However, the feeling of the other party knowing him, while he remained oblivious to their details, still made him feel awkward.

Fortunately, the journey was not far, and Sun Erlang soon arrived at the central hub of Tai Yan Sect, meeting Chen Tianhai.

Chen Tianhai was holding a scroll, reading it attentively.

Ishu did not enter.

"Respects to the senior."

Sun Erlang saluted, but Chen Tianhai remained unmoved, as if he hadn't heard.

After a long silence, Chen Tianhai finally spoke, getting straight to the point, "With the Holy Dynasty entering into hostilities with the Immortal Alliance, our Tai Yan Sect has decided..."

"Mutual non-interference."

This answer was somewhat unexpected for Sun Erlang, leaving him stunned on the spot.

Even if they made a show of support? Being a fence-sitter and watching the tigers fight from the mountain might ensure temporary safety. However, once everything settled, they would undoubtedly face the most severe repercussions.

Logically, Tai Yan Sect should not make such an unwise decision.

Sun Erlang looked at Chen Tianhai with confusion.

"We made this decision not only because of the Stone Mother's countless calculations but also because we have decided to temporarily leave the Xuanhuang Realm," Chen Tianhai said, astonishingly.

"Huh?!" Sun Erlang was suddenly taken aback.

"Is it because of the recent commotion about the Clear Bright Rainbow?" Sun Erlang asked.

"Yes and no. In fact, our Tai Yan Sect had long planned to traverse the stars. However, the dangers of the starry sea have always kept us indefinitely postponed. But the sword message that crossed the starry sea and arrived here changed our minds," Chen Tianhai said with a slight smile.

"Does it have something to do with the Clear Bright Rainbow?" Sun Erlang asked.

"Yes, but not entirely. In fact, we in Tai Yan Sect had long considered venturing into the starry sky. However, the starry sea is dangerous, and the plan was put on hold indefinitely. However, the sword message that crossed the starry sea and arrived here changed our minds," Chen Tianhai said confidently.

"Starry sea beyond, beneath the towering walls, is indeed fascinating," Chen Tianhai sighed.

Sun Erlang also seemed to sense the unanimous will of the entire Tai Yan Sect.

Knowing that this matter was unstoppable, Sun Erlang's thoughts quickly turned to wanting to return and inform his Master as soon as possible.

"Young Lord, there's no need to rush. After this separation, we don't know when we'll meet again. How about meeting the Stone Mother before you leave?" Chen Tianhai suggested.

After hesitating for a moment, Sun Erlang nodded.

The moment he agreed, the surroundings vanished. As if placed in the midst of the starry sea, everything around was pitch black.

Only a brilliant blue light came from the depths of the darkness, turning into a thin line that sped through the starry sea.

The moment Sun Erlang saw this blue line, he had a sudden realization.

This was the Dao-transformation Stone.

The original Dao-transformation Stone.

"I am not originally from the Xuanhuang Realm. However, due to a fortuitous coincidence, I traversed the starry sea and arrived in this realm," a voice echoed in Sun Erlang's mind.

It wasn't through the exchange of senses or divine perception but directly through the resonance between the Dao-transformation Stone crystals in Sun Erlang's sea of consciousness.

Sun Erlang's expression became solemn as a sign of respect.

The Dao-transformation Stone Mother narrated, "Where I come from is untraceable. However, as for where I am going, there is an answer."

After these words from the Dao-transformation Stone Mother, Sun Erlang's mind shook intensely.

"Where are you going? What do you mean, Stone Mother?"

"To the other side of the starry sea, which is not the real other side. It's just a corner. If it weren't for the towering walls blocking my path, I should have fled far away tens of thousands of years ago. Add to that the previous severance and division, losing the ability to traverse the starry sky. Helpless, it has been so many years in the blink of an eye."

The scene in front of Sun Erlang suddenly changed.

The originally straight blue line flying in the starry sea suddenly changed direction, falling towards the Xuanhuang Realm for some unknown reason.

Discovered in the Xuanhuang Realm, with the assistance of Tai Yan Sect, it quickly became a renowned sect.

The originally severed entity had no hope of return.

However, unexpected changes occurred in the Xuanhuang Realm, calamities descended. In order to resist the calamities that couldn't be endured by ordinary cultivation, Tai Yan Sect's cultivators voluntarily decided to merge with the Dao-transformation Stone.

Information persisted, and the Dao transformation reappeared.

After experiencing countless separations and reunions over tens of thousands of years, the Dao-transformation Stone returned to its original appearance when it first arrived in the Xuanhuang Realm.

...

Scenes rapidly changed, shaking Sun Erlang's mind.

He couldn't help but ask, "Senior, after spending so long in the Xuanhuang Realm and almost knowing everything, staying in the Xuanhuang, enduring myriad calamities, is not an empty promise. Why then choose to leave? Beyond the starry sea, there are too many uncertainties. Even for seniors, there might not be an absolute certainty of survival, right?"

"Why must we go? The answer to this question is the same as why you cultivators must cultivate," the Stone Mother's words left Sun Erlang speechless.

"High walls block the starry sea. But there are things it cannot prevent," the Dao-transformation Stone Mother's tone was inexplicable.

Some confusion, mixed with an inexplicable confidence.

"Little guy, don't think too much. I just plan to take a look first. If we can't cross the high walls, we may very well come back. As for the reason I wanted to see you this time..."

The illusory blue line in front of Sun Erlang suddenly, as if tangible, shot towards his head.

Without time to react, Sun Erlang was struck by the blue beam.

Sun Erlang checked his entire body but felt no difference. However, the Dao-transformation Stone crystals in his sea of consciousness seemed to have changed.

"Little guy, don't be nervous. It's just a mark left. So that in the future, when you intend to return, you won't lose your way."

"Of course, we won't treat you unfairly. Concentrate..."

The Stone Mother's words accompanied the Dao-transformation Stone's synchronized twinkling. In Sun Erlang's senses, countless images inundated him, almost completely engulfing his sea of consciousness.

He quickly focused and slowed down the reception of the images.

These numerous scenes included the Holy Dynasty in a bitter struggle with heavy casualties and the Holy Dynasty winning consecutive victories, forcing the Immortal Alliance to barely survive in the central four states. However, without exception, all of them were events that had not yet happened in the real world.

"These are the products of my calculations, just a reference for you."

Sun Erlang felt relieved and quickly thanked the Stone Mother.

"But I must warn you, don't believe too much in these calculations, little guy."

"This Xuanhuang Realm is like a deep and bottomless pond. If the pond is calm, every ripple on the surface can be deduced. But if all the monsters at the bottom of the pond emerge, causing unrest..."

"The deduced ripples will inevitably deviate significantly from reality. Your Master must surely know this principle."

"So, in reality, whether we, Tai Yan Sect, exist or not won't change much."

The voice of the Dao-transformation Stone Mother echoed in Sun Erlang's ears. When he came to his senses, he was already outside of Tai Yan Sect.

The originally not very noticeable crystal wall was now covered with a mysterious blue light.

The entire Tai Yan Sect became even more transparent, as if it could disappear from this world at any moment.

"Young Lord, you must survive well."

"Otherwise, Tai Yan Sect won't find the way home." The words of I Shu echoed with a smile.

It seemed like a hallucination.

In a daze, the floating celestial city in front of Sun Erlang had completely disappeared from his senses.

"Say it and do it, it's too fast."

Sun Erlang secretly cursed, but there was a feeling of disappointment in his heart.

Standing there for a long time, he returned and reported the incident to his master in detail.

Looking at the faceless Holy Emperor sitting above in silence, Sun Erlang couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

However, what the Holy Emperor said next left him in a daze.

"What mark? Just a jest from the Stone Mother. The Dao Transformation Divine Stone is an extraordinary object. Even I couldn't comprehend the rainbow sword signal for a moment, but it has already deciphered it in a short time..."

"It can trace its origins, cross the starry sea; how could it not find the way?"

"Master, what exactly..." Sun Erlang was a bit puzzled. "The blue line and the mysterious feeling in my sea of consciousness when the Dao Transformation Stone collided with me, it's indeed not false."

The Holy Emperor smiled, a rare sight.

"It's your fortune."

"All Dao Transformation Stones in the world, strictly speaking, are just fragments separated from the Stone Mother. Although cultivators can use the method of Dao Transformation to make it their own, a fragment is still a fragment. Even the best Dao Transformation Stone is ultimately inferior to the Stone Mother. But the blue radiation that the Stone Mother used on you is like turning stone into gold..."

The tone of the Holy Emperor was peculiar. "Although the quality is currently only upper-tier, it has been enlightened, with infinite possibilities in the future."

"In due time, it might become another Stone Mother."

"This..." Sun Erlang couldn't help but be stunned to find out that the other party had left such a big blessing for him after leaving.

"Don't think too much about it. Everyone has their own fortune, perhaps the Stone Mother just found you more pleasing to the eye." The Holy Emperor said casually.

"Yes..." Although Sun Erlang responded like this, from his expression, it was obvious that he hadn't adapted for a while.

"By the way, Master, the Stone Mother's calculation results over ten thousand times..."

"Analyze and report after you've calmed down."

"Understood, Master."

Sun Erlang was a bit absent-minded and left the Holy Emperor's seat.

Unconsciously, he arrived at the location mentioned by I Shu earlier, where the literati who wrote "The Three Fates of Xuanhuang" were located.

At the entrance of the house, there were still many people gathered.

Although they didn't make any excessive moves, they stared at the exit as if they were waiting for something.

It seemed that the literati inside had some irreconcilable hatred with them.

Seeing Sun Erlang, their faces instantly lit up, and they hurriedly approached, wanting to tell the evil deeds of the literati.

But Sun Erlang interrupted with a slight frown.

The crowd dispersed wisely.

Sun Erlang walked into the house.

The literati was heavily drunk. Sun Erlang picked up the manuscripts on the table and started reading.

The handwriting was extremely sloppy, with large sections of smudges and deletions.

However, Sun Erlang could still get a general idea.

Under the rule of the Xuan Immortal Emperor, the Immortal Dynasty was becoming increasingly powerful, with talents emerging endlessly. They repeatedly triumphed in conflicts with the other two countries.

The teachers of heaven and the saints on earth had to join forces to resist the might of the Xuan Immortal...

This plotline was obviously not what the literati truly desired.

Not only did the writing style weaken compared to before, but even the attitude towards writing became perfunctory. Perhaps unable to endure it any longer, the literati didn't want to write anymore before reaching the conclusion. They spent their days in a drunken stupor, living aimlessly.

Sun Erlang wasn't surprised by this outcome.

With the rise of the Holy Dynasty, the symbols on the Xuan Immortal Emperor and the Faceless Holy Emperor were too similar. As long as the literati suffered a bit in the plot, they would be criticized by thousands. Under such real-world pressure, the Xuan Immortal Emperor in the plot could only enjoy smooth sailing forever. Over time, his strength surpassed the other two saints by a large margin.

However, Sun Erlang was a bit curious about what the literati originally had in mind for the plot.

With a thought, Sun Erlang separated a divine sense and entered the literati's sea of consciousness.

In a short time, amidst various chaotic thoughts, he found relevant content about "The Three Fates of Xuanhuang."

After all, the literati were natives of the Holy Dynasty, nurtured under the Holy Emperor's benevolence over the years. The subconscious reverence for the Holy Emperor made him envision an ending where the Xuan Immortal Emperor overcame various difficulties, suppressed the other two winners successively, and unified the Xuanhuang Realm.

However, there were failures, setbacks, and even moments of being on the brink of danger in the middle of the story.

Sun Erlang had to admit that compared to the modified version seen in reality, the original plot arrangement in the literati's mind was more thrilling and captivating.

"As the saying goes, a flat mountain is not pleasing to the eye. Comparatively, the version outside is like chewing wax."

Although Sun Erlang thought so, he dared not make decisions arbitrarily since the content of this book involved his master.

He flashed back to the Holy Emperor's seat and reported this to Li Ping.

Just a trivial matter, but for some reason, the Holy Emperor fell silent for a long time.

"The Xuan Immortal Emperor is me, the Saint on Earth is me, and the Teacher of Heaven is also me."

In the end, the Holy Emperor slowly uttered a sentence that echoed in the cold Holy Emperor's seat.

Sun Erlang was first stunned, then suddenly enlightened.

He left with a joyful expression.

However, Li Ping, whose heart was usually impervious to external influences, had rare ripples that couldn't be calmed because of this matter.

Perhaps he somewhat understood why the transmission of the Law, after establishing the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, had not concerned itself with worldly affairs and remained unseen by the public eye.

...

In the Hongze Realm.

Zhang Ming, a Golden Core cultivator responsible for guarding this realm during the Holy Dynasty's expansion, suddenly received a report from his subordinates.

It seemed that some uninvited guests from the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance had entered this small world.

"Three Nascent Soul cultivators, seven Golden Core cultivators."

Zhang Ming frowned tightly.

Although he had immediately sent a request for help to the Holy Dynasty, the unease in Zhang Ming's heart could not be calmed when he thought about the large Clear Void Crystal vein discovered here.

"This Hongze Realm is not big, and the aura carried by the Clear Void Crystal is very unique. Even if I use formation symbols to conceal it slightly, it's afraid these people won't be fooled by probing."

"It seems that this battle is unavoidable."

Zhang Ming quickly calculated the current strength he could muster.

Counting himself, there were only five Golden Core cultivators at best.

It could be said that the strength disparity was huge, and the defeat was inevitable.

If he chose to retreat, the Holy Dynasty would not impose severe punishment.

However, as a proud soldier of the Great Dawn, Zhang Ming was destined not to lack the courage to fight, let alone retreat without even trying.

Zhang Ming was decisive and directly activated the only "Sky Concealing Talisman."

As the name suggests, the Sky Concealing Talisman could obscure celestial phenomena.

It was well-known that after a cultivator in the Xuanhuang Realm fell, there would be signs in the sky. The details of the cultivator's life and even the specific cause of death would vividly appear in the sky.

Under normal circumstances, it was fine. However, in a life-and-death battle like today, any casualties on either side would instantly spread. This significantly increased the difficulty of the battle.

However, with the "Sky Concealing Talisman," the situation could be reversed and even turned into favorable combat conditions.

Not only could the Sky Concealing Talisman conceal the celestial signs of fallen cultivators, but it could also accurately identify and differentiate between enemies and allies.

If our side killed an enemy cultivator, there would be no signs. But if our cultivator was killed, the signs would still appear, serving as a warning.

Although Zhang Ming didn't know the specific principles behind the effectiveness of this talisman, undoubtedly, this single "Sky Concealing Talisman" could turn the tide.

"Just relying on this one talisman is not enough."

Zhang Ming looked at the white jade arrow in his arms.

"Unfortunately, with the qualifications of our small team, we can only apply for one Annihilation Arrow each time we go out."

The Annihilation Arrow was a weakened version of the Holy Dynasty's Sky Patrol Arrow.

Although it was a weakened version, it could cause devastating damage to cultivators at or below the Nascent Soul stage.

Moreover, it came with tracking and aura-locking functions. Once targeted, there was no escape.

"Just this one arrow, we need to make the most of it."

Soon, Zhang Ming had an idea.

"Fu Ge!"

"Here!" A mid-Golden Core cultivator dressed in earth-yellow attire responded promptly.

"You use the 'Surging Flow Talisman' to transport these Clear Void Crystals to the underground here." Zhang Ming marked the specific location on the map.

Fu Ge didn't hesitate at all, storing the storage ring handed over by Zhang Ming.

With a flash of yellow light, he disappeared from the ground.

The storage ring contained all the Clear Void Crystals they had mined, but it was only a small part of the giant vein here.

However, if it were detonated and guided in a special way, the overflowing aura would be enough to attract the attention of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance cultivators on the surface.

"Bing San!"

"You lay down formations along the way to hinder them. Remember, don't make it too easy for them, and don't use those killing formations."

A middle-aged man with a soil-yellow complexion went off in response.

...

Zhang Ming systematically completed the deployment of his forces in a short time.

However, even though these few individuals were all skilled in exceptional techniques, they still found themselves somewhat stretched in the face of an absolute power gap.

The plan faced an unexpected twist right from the first step.

The cultivators from the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance were not ordinary. The one responsible for luring them into the ambush location was named Qiu Di.

Among this small team, he was particularly adept at escape techniques.

Unexpectedly, right after their first encounter, before he could even employ his escape technique, Qiu Di was trapped by a white-robed man from the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance using a domain technique.

This domain was quite unique, not manifesting specific scenes. It merely emitted a white light ring, suppressing Qiu Di.

Trying various methods, there seemed to be no hope of escape.

Qiu Di resolutely chose to self-detonate, ending his own life.

Feeling the disappearance of the life aura from his subordinate, Zhang Ming's heart tightened, and his fist clenched.

The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance cultivators did not expect their opponent to be so resolute. They committed suicide at the first sign of trouble.

The atmosphere suddenly became eerie.

"Wait, Brother Lin Bai, something's not right!"

After a while, someone among them realized.

"Why is there no celestial phenomenon of falling?"

"Is it fake death?"

"Doesn't seem like it; their souls are truly annihilated."

Lin Bai's expression became serious as he looked up at the sky.

Soon, his face turned ugly. "Be cautious; someone has obscured the celestial signs."

Although he warned like this, the others were not afraid but rather became extremely excited.

"Obscuring celestial signs? In such an ordinary small world, actually using such a method. It seems there is a secret!"

"We've been running around for so long, and we finally have something to gain."

"Even if it's not Clear Void Crystals, if we can excavate the secrets of this place, the trip won't be in vain."

...

While the group was discussing, they suddenly felt the earth tremble slightly.

At the same time, a familiar aura emerged from underground.

"This is..."

The group was collectively stunned.

Then, their faces were filled with disbelief. "Is it really Clear Void Crystals?"

In their senses, besides the dispersed crystal aura, there seemed to be a few figures rapidly flying away from the trembling ground.

"It seems like we can't hide it anymore. Are they trying to escape?"

The group subconsciously thought so.

Although they wanted to explore directly, they were still somewhat cautious. Instead of acting recklessly, they all looked at Lin Bai.

After pondering for a moment, Lin Bai quickly made a decision.

"Divide our forces. Brother Qian, take three people to chase the escaping cultivators, and the rest follow me."

Without much ado, the members of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance quickly divided into two groups, four of them heading towards the sky to chase, and Lin Bai leading the others towards the source of the Clear Void Crystal aura.

Along the way, although there were some formations blocking their path.

They were easily dispelled.

"These formations are at least set up by Nascent Soul stage cultivators."

"And many of these formations, I have never seen before. Interesting..."

The excitement in their hearts grew.

Soon, they arrived at their destination.

A huge cavity left after an explosion, and they could vaguely see many fragments of Clear Void Crystals.

"Damn! So ruthless, actually directly destroyed it!"

"This is such a waste! The price of fist-sized Clear Void Crystals has already risen to fifty thousand contribution points! It's hard to come by!"

"There are still many fragments; quickly pick them up, don't waste them!"

...

Originally, the members of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance were somewhat organized. However, upon seeing the ground covered with Clear Void Crystal fragments, their greed was aroused, and they could no longer restrain themselves.

They rushed into the cavity, grabbing and snatching.

Although Lin Bai also felt a bit tempted, he habitually observed the surroundings first after finding seemingly no danger, then followed suit and entered.

"It's strange; this doesn't seem to be the original underground vein of the crystals. Could it be a storage warehouse they collected..."

As Lin Bai picked up a small piece of crystal, this thought crossed his mind.

At that moment, his expression suddenly changed.

A white jade arrow silently shot from the dark underground towards the group in the cavity.

"Be careful!" Lin Bai instinctively shouted.

The domain technique was fully deployed, and hundreds of flags were arranged around him to assist.

However, the white jade arrow was faster than expected.

A dazzling ball of light emerged underground.

In an instant, all the cultivators inside the cavity were engulfed.

Their respective domains also disappeared entirely.

Not far away, watching the death of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance members, Zhang Ming's heart remained unmoved.

"Brother Qiu Di, rest in peace."

Without any hesitation, Zhang Ming hurried towards the other subordinate acting as bait.

Compared to their situation, theirs could be considered quite miserable.

Without powerful weapons like the Clear Void Crystal Arrows, they could only rely on small tricks to resist. They were quickly caught up by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.

They fell into a bitter fight.

By the time Zhang Ming led his group there, only two were barely holding on.

The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance cultivator named Qian Xing was still trying to persuade, "Why bother, fellow Daoists? It's just external objects; how can they compare to your own lives? We have no intention of taking your lives..."

Although he spoke these words, his attacks showed no signs of relenting.

The red armor on Zhang Ming's body emitted a bright red glow.

Transforming into a red streak, he charged straight at Qian Xing.

"Brother Qian, be careful!"

With a vast difference in strength, even with the protection of the battle armor, it was not enough to bridge the gap between Nascent Soul and Golden Core stages.

Qian Xing's dodge attempt was futile.

The surprise attack failed, and instead, they suffered a heavy blow from the opponent.

The brilliance of the battle armor suddenly dimmed.

"Huh? What kind of protective treasure is this? Under my full force attack, there isn't the slightest crack?"

The tone of Qian Xing, the cultivator, carried some surprise, mixed with a hint of greed.

"It seems we are destined to die here."

Zhang Ming thought so in his mind.

However, he didn't regret it.

By delaying for such a long time, the reinforcements from the Holy Dynasty would soon arrive.

Before the massive Clear Void Crystal vein was discovered by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, the Holy Dynasty would reclaim this place.

"After my death, my family should take pride in my sacrifice."

"Perhaps, they might even receive praise from the Holy Emperor personally."

A sense of tranquility filled Zhang Ming's mind. He looked at the opposing Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance cultivators and said coldly, "Soul Ignition!"

The few remaining subordinates did not hesitate upon hearing this.

As their souls burned, the previously weakened aura suddenly erupted again.

"Are you insane?!" The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance cultivator couldn't comprehend and screamed.

For these doomed individuals, there was no need for the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance members to confront them head-on.

Even with overwhelming strength, the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance cultivators prioritized avoiding injuries.

The amplification effect brought by Soul Ignition gradually disappeared.

Zhang Ming and the others finally reached the end of their lives.

Just before their consciousness dissipated, Zhang Ming seemed to see a familiar figure.

"Young General Sun?"

Zhang Ming felt relieved.

Boundless golden light enveloped him.

In a vortex of star rivers, Zhang Ming seemed to see the majestic Faceless Holy Emperor.

...

Sun Erlang gathered the remaining thoughts of Zhang Ming and others, then looked towards the members of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.

A boundless killing intent instantly shrouded them.

After a moment, the members of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance were buried with the warriors of the Holy Dynasty.

Sun Erlang glanced at the silent sky, and something crossed his mind.

He pointed towards the sky.

An illusion of falling emerged slowly.

However, it contradicted reality, entirely fabricated information about the fall.