Chapter 997:
1358: Many parties attack and fell, A tragic battle with no retreat
Many people’s eyes were drawn to the Dao Realm in the hall, eager to hear their opinions. Gu Wuwang remained silent, his gaze shining brightly as he contemplated something. Jiu Jianxian had shed his previous disheveled appearance, now wearing a dignified expression as he observed the battle reflected in the ancient mirror.
The great universe on the frontier was collapsing, its laws shattered, and it seemed to be on the verge of returning to ruins.
Uncle Gu isn’t the kind of person they say he is. He treated people well in Green Mountain Village; why would he abandon the Dao Chang Realm?
Wang Xiaoniu, now grown and resembling a young swordsman, stood beside his master, Jiu Jianxian, speaking softly to himself in disbelief.
He had shone brilliantly in the battle against the immortal civilization, taking down many enemies. Among his exceptionally talented peers, he truly stood out.
At this moment, many young people in the hall, who had good relationships with him, couldn’t help but engage in conversation and ask questions. Most knew that Wang Xiaoniu, accepted as an apprentice by Jiu Jianxian, referred to Gu Changge as Uncle Gu, which made his identity quite special. However, Wang Xiaoniu had never shared the reason for this designation with anyone.
When he uttered the words “Uncle Gu” today, many people looked at him with curiosity. Wang Xiaoniu shook his head, choosing not to elaborate on the topic. Gu Changge had once lived in Green Mountain Village for a time, but aside from him and Master Jiu Jianxian, only a few others knew it.
The atmosphere in the hall remained heavy and oppressive, as if thick clouds were pressing down on everyone, making it hard to breathe.
Watching the tragic battle reflected in the ancient mirror, many felt a deep sense of sorrow and anguish.“I wonder if Daoist has any news about the lord. The lord highly values him, and during this time, his strength has grown tremendously. He nearly killed a quasi-immortal emperor of the immortal civilization. Given enough time, he will surely surpass the deputy lord and the others.”
“The leader has trained Daoist as his successor; it’s unthinkable that he would neglect Daoist’s safety.”
“Moreover, I heard that the one the lord regards as Ni Lin was also fighting against foreign enemies on the boundless battlefield recently. It’s even more unlikely that the lord wouldn’t care about her.”
“That’s true, but the leader might not feel the need to look after us. He has the skills and backing to protect those around him. Why should we worry?”
Many began to murmur in low voices, bitterness etched on their faces.
The most talked about figures were “Wang Wushang,” the Daoist of the Heaven Slaying Alliance, and Gu Xian’er, who had recently appeared on the boundless battlefield and performed remarkably.
Anyone familiar with the Upper Realm and Gu Changge’s past recognized Gu Xian’er’s identity. Consequently, when news spread that she had killed enemies on the boundless battlefield, many ancient existences from the Heaven Slaying Alliance were alarmed. They went there personally, concerned for her safety, fearing something might happen to her.
In that place, even an Immortal King could struggle to protect themselves. Despite her talent, she was still too young to confront the army of the immortal civilization. Unfortunately, Gu Xian’er ignored their warnings and chose to remain, continuing to fight the enemy, while no one dared to force her to leave.
The Heaven Slaying Alliance had no choice but to monitor her situation constantly, worried that accidents could occur.
On the other side of the boundless battlefield, Gu Xian’er performed exceptionally well, taking down several immortal kings of the immortal civilization. This greatly boosted the morale of the Dao Chang Realm’s army and allowed her to accumulate considerable prestige, with many strong warriors eager to follow her into battle.
The news of her exploits spread back, prompting many young and middle-aged talents to rush to join the fight against foreign enemies. Even Hei Ming, another Daoist from the Dao Chang Realm, appeared in person to protect Gu Xian’er. A figure from the age of innate mythology, he was among the oldest in the Dao Chang Realm and understood that Gu Xianer’s previous life was that of the lord who once led the Heavens.
Although Gu Xian’er had been reincarnated, she may not have cared much about her past.
For Ming, Gu Xian’er remained a lord deserving of admiration and respect. However, Gu Xian’er was resolute in her decision to forgo his protection, believing that this battle served as vital training that would help her grow and make up for the years she had missed.
When Gu Xian’er was mentioned, many in the hall wore strange expressions. Ming, sensing their thoughts, glanced around indifferently and said, “Miss Xian’er’s experiences on the vast battlefield are her own decision and have nothing to do with the lord. It’s best not to impose your views on her.”
In his opinion, Gu Changge would never ignore Gu Xian’er and the others. However, protecting family and confidants was one thing, while safeguarding the entire Dao Chang Realm was another, and those should not be confused. Gu Changge had made it clear before: what did the whole world have to do with him?
After Hei Ming spoke, everyone in the hall fell silent, hesitant to voice any further opinions.
At this moment, the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan wore a solemn expression, his face reflecting compassion as he clasped his hands together.
“I came here to help the Immortal Domain through this crisis, but I never anticipated the enemy’s strength would be so formidable. As an old cultivator with limited power, I may not be able to contribute much in the end.”
He spoke candidly, wanting everyone to understand his position. If it came down to a life-and-death situation, he would certainly not fight to the last breath. Before arriving in the Dao Chang Realm, Yuan Chan had never imagined that the enemy he would face would be so powerful.
During this time, the immortal civilization had been probing the Dao Chang Realm’s strengths, but had this side not also assessed the enemy’s capabilities?
“Master…”
Qing Feng’s expression grew somber. Despite having the strength of an Immortal King, he realized he might not have much impact in this battle.
The ancient cultivator Yuan Chan glanced at Qing Feng, shook his head, and said, “If you keep the green hills, you need not worry about firewood. This catastrophe will be difficult to navigate, and you must be mentally prepared. Though Nine Heavens is far away, as a teacher, you still possess capabilities, as do your clansmen—all of them are there.”
Had he not responded to Daoist Eternal Monarch’s orders, he would not have concerned himself with Qing Feng and the Dao Chang Realm. It was a truly helpless situation. Yuan Chan’s words only deepened the distress on everyone’s faces; many felt hopeless, unable to see any hope.
“In any case, this catastrophe is something we all must face, and it’s useless to entrust our fate to anyone at this time,” an ancient existence in the main hall sighed. “Even if we perish, we will make the invading enemies pay the price.”
No one could guess Gu Changge’s thoughts or plans, leaving them uncertain whether he intended to protect the Dao Chang Realm.
Previously, Gu Changge had a poor reputation; whenever his name was mentioned, it was often accompanied by fear. Instead of placing their hopes on the elusive expectations of Gu Changge, many felt it would be better to rely on themselves.
“I don’t know what the deputy leader’s plan is, so I can only depend on you now,” someone said, turning their attention to Gu Wuwang. Apart from the ancient cultivator Yuan Chan, Gu Wuwang was regarded as the strongest expert in the Dao Chang Realm. If he could turn the tide, there might be a chance for a turnaround.
“The long river of fate has not dried up. Even in the face of catastrophe, it still holds vitality,” Gu Wuwang said calmly.
At that moment, as his words echoed, a terrifying scene suddenly unfolded in the ancient mirror.
A terrifying black hand suddenly descended in the star field at the edge of the vast battlefield. Along with fragments of time and the Dao, the universe was torn apart and plunged into chaos.
Not good! The existence of the Dao Realm is directly attacking; the fairy civilization is about to launch a full assault.
As this scene unfolded, Hei Ming and Jiu Jianxian’s expressions shifted simultaneously, and their figures vanished from the hall in an instant.
The leaders of all ethnic groups were equally shocked, transforming into divine lights that rushed out to observe the vast battlefield. Even from an immense distance, they could see the sky above was shattered and completely breached.
The overwhelming fluctuations crashed down, causing the Dao to tremble, and the light above the boundary embankment was rapidly extinguished. Beams of light that could have easily annihilated armies collapsed instantly, turning into a rain of light that burst through the embankment and scattered in all directions.
A terrifying figure appeared to loom in the depths of multiple layers of time and space, overlooking the entire Dao Chang Realm with indifference. He stretched out his massive black hand, piercing the universe layer by layer, covering the world. Mountains and rivers collapsed, stars exploded, and the universe was instantly reduced to ashes.
No living beings or cultivators could withstand it; they disintegrated like smoke blown by the wind, vanishing into thin air.
Boom!!!
With a slight shake of that immense hand, many fragmented universes on the edge of the vast battlefield collapsed and disintegrated. The ancient warship that lay there erupted in an explosion, completely shattering, while the long river of time evaporated instantly.
No creature, regardless of its nature, could resist such overwhelming fluctuations, which stemmed from complete levels of crushing strength. This was the power of an existence from the Dao Realm. Just extending a hand, without even employing any divine powers, was enough to be called an act of world-destruction, reopening the chaos.
Rumble!
The laws of heaven and earth collided, and the Dao was obliterated, creating a violent, turbulent sound. Behind this terrifying figure, more armies of the immortal civilization descended, high and mighty, obscuring the sky and sun.
A thick, boundless fog stretched across the horizon as if it had no end. Dense black clouds covered the sky, enveloping all directions. Standing behind this army were many fearsome figures, immense sizes and overwhelming auras leaving no room for breath.
The immortal civilization launched a massive invasion, with endless troops pouring out from the ancient warship. One side of the world opened up, releasing countless creatures that flooded forth, completely submerging the realm.
“Everyone, listen to my orders! Break through the barriers of this world, annihilate this true world, and kill all beings above the immortal realm!” commanded the terrifying figure. His colossal hand did not retreat; instead, it continued to strike down, determined to breach the world’s barriers, allowing the army to surge forward.
Boom!!!
A loud tremor echoed, as if it were about to destroy every vast universe.
“You are courting death!”
Jiu Jianxian charged forward, unleashing a sword energy capable of slicing through time and space and annihilating the Dao, aimed at the descending hand.
The existence of the Dao Realm from the immortal civilization had made a move, and Jiu Jianxian knew he had to fight to the death against this formidable opponent. His figure pierced through multiple layers of space and appeared in the endless world.
“It’s ridiculous! With this power alone, you think you can stop us?” a voice taunted.
“In countless years past, the real worlds my kind has obliterated are many times stronger than yours. If you are sensible, don’t resist. Submit and serve my people, and you may continue to survive.”
Another figure, comparable to the Dao realm, emerged from the ranks of the immortal civilization. He radiated a strange fluctuation, as if he didn’t truly exist, instead woven into the fabric of the universe itself.
On the edge of the vast battlefield, Hei Ming surged forward, his expression indifferent as he directly confronted this being. When the clash erupted, the aftermath alone was powerful enough to blow away even an Immortal King.
Boom!!!
At this moment in the Dao Chang Realm, figures surged forth from various directions, their cultivation levels varying—some comparable to Immortal Kings, while others reached the level of quasi-immortal Emperors—all engaged in fierce combat. The world was overturned, the universe collapsed, and the army of the immortal civilization appeared invincible and unstoppable.
In another direction, an existence comparable to the Dao Realm made its presence felt. With just a shake of its massive hand, time and space shattered. Not only did Immortal Kings struggle, but even Immortal Emperors coughed up blood and were torn apart by the force.
Amidst the chaos, ancient cultivator Yuan Chan had no choice but to rally his apprentices to fight alongside him, attempting to delay the Dao Realm figures as much as possible. Fortunately, his cultivation was relatively strong, second only to Gu Wuwang. These enemies were only at the early stages of the Dao Realm, allowing them to hold their ground—barely.
This final battle had arrived too suddenly, catching everyone off guard and leaving them unprepared.
Many people in the Dao Chang Realm hadn’t fully grasped the situation yet, but in an instant, the boundless battlefield had fallen, and a vast area of the universe crumbled. Regions collapsed and disintegrated instantly, turning the cultivators and creatures within them into mere light rain, unable to react in time.
Countless battles raged on, from Immortal Kings to cultivators of the human realm, the sounds of combat echoing through every small world. Gu Xian’er fought fiercely, drenched in blood as she faced several Immortal Kings alone, still managing to lend support to others on the battlefield.
In another area, her younger sister Shen Xian’er was also engaged in battle, her hair matted with blood and numerous wounds covering her body. No one was spared from this monumental conflict that engulfed the entire Dao Chang Realm.
The army of the immortal civilization advanced with a ferocity unmatched by any previous offensive. Alongside them was a plundering formation from the Dao Realm, breaking through the barriers of the universe. The army of the Dao Chang Realm could only continue to retreat in the face of this overwhelming onslaught.
In an instant, numerous universes outside the Immortal Domain were captured and fell. Many people’s eyes were filled with rage as they fought desperately; retreating any further would mean the collapse of their last line of defense.
A devastating blow loomed in the heart of the Dao Chang Realm, where all races and forces coexisted. The impending destruction threatened to engulf their world and universe, forcing everyone to confront the grim reality of their situation.