Chapter 1272 : Clash of Celestial Treasures

"Do not underestimate them."

Duskfall Ancient Ancestor spoke, his expression one of considerable surprise: "This Formation possesses a certain flair reminiscent of the Heaven-Opening Grand Formation."

As his words fell, Duskfall Ancient Ancestor flicked his sleeve, manifesting a resplendent celestial wheel—the World-Opening Treasure, the Duskfall Celestial Wheel.

This Duskfall Celestial Wheel was crafted from a fragment of bone from the Setting Sun Celestial God [a primordial deity of dusk and decline]. Shaped like a crescent moon, it resembled a broken Supreme Yang [the ultimate principle of active, masculine energy], yet in truth, it was a peerlessly sharp offensive World-Opening Treasure [a treasure of immense power capable of shaping reality].

Within it churned boundless intent of slaughter, seemingly containing a wisp of the infinite resentment left behind at the moment of the Setting Sun Celestial God's fall. Its destructive power ranked among the formidable even among mid-grade World-Opening Treasure.

Such a world-shaking treasure, propelled by Duskfall Ancient Ancestor, descended with matchless sharpness, as if intending to cleave and sink the entire Abyssal Sea Region beneath the waves.

"Focus your spirits! Channel the Formation with all your might!"

As the Duskfall Celestial Wheel bore down upon them, the immortals within the Abyssal Sea Region paled, and a majestic voice resounded in all directions.

In that instant, countless cultivators within the Cosmic Archipelago poured their full power into the Formation. Boundless, endless starlight converged Nine Heavens Above [in the highest celestial realms], and the might of the entire Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation was unleashed to its absolute limit.

And in that very moment, the Duskfall Celestial Wheel slammed into the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation, striking it with such force that the entire formation's radiance shuddered violently. Continue your cultivation journey at http://www . audio-novel.com.

Among the tens of thousands of Spirit Island [islands imbued with spiritual energy], in a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time], the light emanating from over a hundred of them was extinguished. It was clear that the Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts used to anchor the formation] suppressing those islands had been destroyed by the backlash of that single strike.

Upon the myriad Spirit Island, over thirty percent of the cultivators present coughed up blood on the spot, suffering significant internal injuries. Those with unstable foundations were even annihilated outright by the backlash. "What a formidable strike."

From her position atop one of the Spirit Island, Lyra Jiang drew a sharp, cold breath.

The force of that single blow from the Duskfall Celestial Wheel [a supreme celestial artifact] had been mostly absorbed by the Formation [the defensive array]. The remaining shockwave was then dispersed by the anchoring treasures within the Abyssal Sea Region [a vast, deep-sea territory], shedding ninety percent of its power.

The mere fraction of the backlash that remained was what the hundreds of millions of cultivators of the Immortal Alliance [a grand coalition of immortal sects and clans] had to bear collectively. Yet, it still left over thirty percent severely wounded, with the number of those who perished being beyond count.

If the Duskfall Ancient Ancestor [an ancient, powerful being] were to recklessly expend the power of heaven and earth to drive the Duskfall Celestial Wheel in a frenzy of a hundred or so strikes, it was likely that the tens of thousands of Spirit Island forming the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation [the Grand Formation of the Heavenly Stars of Zhou] would be shattered, and countless cultivators would perish in the ensuing backlash.

"We can no longer hold back our hidden means."

Lyra Jiang murmured, immediately activating the full power of the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation.

In that instant, a majestic Ancient Bell [a primordial bell artifact] soared into the heavens, dominating the Nine Heavens Above [the highest celestial realms] like the sovereign lord of all stars.

Boundless power of the Starry Dao Rule [the Dao principle governing the stars] converged from the Nine Heavens [the nine celestial layers]. This World Creation [the foundational act of creation] Ancient Bell blazed with radiant light. Furthermore, strands of the Heaven-Opening Rule [the cosmic principle of cleaving the heavens] descended from the Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos [the Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos] and seamlessly merged into the Formation.

Consequently, the vast Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation harnessing the power of the celestial stars] saw its might surge dramatically, its protective light barrier growing substantially more robust.

"Hmm?"

At the same moment, high in the Nine Heavens Above [the highest celestial realms], Duskfall Ancient Ancestor sensed the change in the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation. A slight frown creased his brow.

He cast a glance at the Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos [an ancient bell artifact imbued with cosmic star power] and snorted coldly, "Hmph, Skywind, you wretched scourge! It seems failing to eradicate you has indeed allowed a calamity to fester!"

With those words, Duskfall Ancient Ancestor struck once more, summoning forth the Duskfall Celestial Wheel [a celestial wheel treasure embodying the power of the setting sun] to press down with crushing force.

Yet, the Formation [a structured array of power], now bolstered by the Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos, possessed a potency incomparable to its former self. Even under the relentless bombardment of the Duskfall Celestial Wheel, it showed not the slightest sign of damage.

The Duskfall Ancient Ancestor drove the Duskfall Celestial Wheel in a continuous assault, unleashing a succession of ten mighty blows. Finding the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation still unbreached, his expression grew increasingly grim.

An Earth Immortal Progenitor [a progenitor-level Earth Immortal cultivator] harbors an Earth Immortal World [a miniature world within their body] within, granting them nearly boundless Mana [spiritual energy for casting arts and techniques]. However, activating a World-Opening Treasure [a treasure of immense power capable of splitting open worlds] still exacts a tremendous toll.

After all, a World-Opening Treasure possesses limitless might, wielding the power of World Creation [the act of creating or cleaving apart worlds]. Even with the support of an entire world's energy, one cannot wield it endlessly.

This Duskfall Ancient Ancestor had only opened three layers of worlds within his body. His foundation was not considered strong among Earth Immortal [cultivators who have ascended to the Earth Immortal realm]. At most, he could only activate a World-Opening Treasure around a hundred times.

If it exceeds one hundred times, forcibly activating it further would deplete the Primordial Source [the foundational energy of heaven and earth], with an absolute limit of around two hundred and some activations.

However, activating it to such an extent would cause his internal Earth Immortal World [the miniature world cultivated within an Earth Immortal] to completely collapse, and he himself would be unable to escape a fate of perishing.

Therefore, unless fighting for his life, an Earth Immortal Progenitor [a powerful cultivator who has established their own miniature world] would never push a World-Opening Treasure [a treasure of immense power capable of shaping worlds] to its absolute limit.

Moreover, this Duskfall Celestial Wheel is a mid-grade World-Opening Treasure. While its power surpasses that of a low-grade one, its consumption of energy is precisely doubled.

Consequently, Duskfall Ancient Ancestor could activate it at most fifty times. Even if he managed fifty strikes with the Duskfall Celestial Wheel, it would still be insufficient to breach the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation.

Even if it were possible, considering the omnipresent dangers within the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial], he could not possibly expend all his internal World-Opening Power [the primordial force used to activate World-Opening Treasures] solely on the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation. Find this and other novels at audio-novel . com.

Thinking this, Duskfall Ancient Ancestor recalled the Duskfall Celestial Wheel, his expression turning grim as he declared, "Let our disciples and followers deplete the power of the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation."

Upon hearing this, Setting Sun Ancient Ancestor's countenance shifted slightly.

The precedent of Su Wei Sea [the Sea of Su Wei, a location] was clear. Sending their disciples, followers, Treasure Ships [enchanted vessels], and Dao Soldiers [soldiers cultivated through special techniques] against such a grand formation was nothing but a path to certain death.

Their only purpose would be to drain the Stellar Power [energy drawn from the stars] and spiritual energy within the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation with their deaths, paving the way for their masters to breach the Formation.

At this thought, the Pyros the Elder beside him could not help but speak, "Ancient Ancestor, why not use it..."

"No!"

Duskfall Ancient Ancestor refused decisively, then said, "This Formation [a complex arrangement of energy channels and nodes used for defense, attack, or cultivation] is extraordinary. That Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos possesses the power to suppress heaven and earth, and Solara also holds the World-Opening Treasure Great Solar Celestial Wheel in her hands."

"If we do not first deplete the power of the Zhou Heavenly Stars Grand Formation, their simultaneous assault might destroy it."

Upon hearing this, the expression of Pyros the Elder tightened slightly.

That treasure was indeed damaged and incomplete. He could not help but sigh, "But it is a bitter task for these children."

As his words fell, Pyros the Elder waved his hand, and the Dao Soldiers [elite cultivator-soldiers trained in specific formations and tactics] and disciples under his command began their assault on the Abyssal Sea Region.

A million Treasure Ship [flying vessels imbued with defensive and offensive enchantments] soared into the sky, and several dozen Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and attained a higher state of existence] charged towards the Abyssal Sea Region. These Immortal were either Guest Elder of the Setting Sun Blessed Land or Immortal invited by the Setting Sun Blessed Land to lend their aid.

The Guest Elder were not the direct lineage of the Setting Sun Blessed Land. They usually enjoyed the stipends provided by the Setting Sun Blessed Land, but now, with the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic event of cosmic scale that reshapes fate and destiny] upon them, they became the first wave of cannon fodder.

As for the Immortal invited to assist, most had also received treasures from the Setting Sun Sea and thus were naturally required to be the first to strike.

"These people..."

Lyra Jiang stood upon the Void [a profound state of emptiness and potential], gazing down at the Immortal [cultivators who have ascended to a state of longevity and great power] below, recognizing several familiar faces among them.

Most of these Immortal hailed from the Setting Sun Sea. Over the years, they had crossed paths at the Barter Convention [a grand gathering for trade and exchange among cultivators], their relationships cordial yet distant. Who could have foreseen they would now meet on the field of battle?

The thought stirred a pang within her. Lyra Jiang could not help but speak out, her voice carrying across the divide. "Honored fellow cultivators, the Demon Race Dragon Palace and the Heaven's Malignance Tribe have ignited the flames of the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic conflict ordained by fate]. Should we, the Human Race, not stand united against this common foe?"

"You are all Human Race Immortal. How can you, for the ambitions of the Setting Sun Blessed Land [a sacred realm of cultivation], willingly become mere cannon fodder in another's hands?"