Chapter 1259 : Eve of the Great Calamity

With the participation of these 3, the Zhou Tian Star Formation underwent substantial modifications and refinements. Numerous formation artifacts and array patterns were replaced, resulting in a correspondingly immense boost in its power.

Today, the power of the Zhou Tian Stars Grand Formation had greatly increased. Especially under the impetus of the 3 Glazed Paradise elders, the formation's might could be pushed to its absolute limit.

Although they were missing a crucial array-suppressing artifact, under the command of the 3 women, the power unleashed by this formation was still extraordinary.

According to Eldrin's (Person Name) estimation, a mid-stage Earth Immortal elder would likely be unable to breach the Zhou Tian Star Formation through sheer individual power alone—unless accompanied by an army and the World-Crossing Ancient Ark.

At this thought, Eldrin smiled and said, "Since the formation is complete, we shall guard the Sea of Returning Abyss. Let the great tribulation come as it may."

"Whoosh."

As they spoke, a streak of light suddenly shot across the sky.

Eldrin flicked his sleeve and summoned the flowing light, discovering it was a letter. After opening it and glancing at the contents, his expression subtly shifted.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing this, Lyra (Person Name) couldn't help but speak up.

Eldrin handed the letter to her and said gravely, "Word has come from the Flowing Fire Star Palace—the Heaven Slaughter Clan has already dispatched troops to the Flowing River's 100 Seas. A great war is about to begin."

In addition to the Heavenly Fiend Clan, the surrounding demon tribes were also stirring restlessly, while the 1000 Dragon Lake had mobilized its entire force to march upon the Flowing Streams and 100 Seas.

"The intention of the Flowing Fire Star Palace is to gather us to lend them a hand." After reading the letter, Lyra (Person Name) found her gaze growing increasingly grave.

She said nothing more, only stating, "Gather everyone. We shall hold a war council before the battle."

"Very well."

Eldrin nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon where heaven and earth converged. A trace of unshakable composure gradually returned to his expression.

Within the celestial hall, immortals gathered in great number.

Eldrin gazed calmly at the assembled immortals, waving his hand with detached composure as he passed the letter to the gathering.

The immortals perused the letter, their countenances shifting subtly as profound gravity settled upon their features.

The 6 Stars Immortal swept his gaze over the assembly and declared, "We have managed the Sea of Returning Abyss for many years, forging it into an impregnable stronghold."

"If we go to aid the Flaming Star Palace now, what of our own Returning Abyss Sea?" The immortals present all shifted countenance slightly at these words.

The 6 Stars Immortal made a valid point. These 20-some immortal islands of the Abyssal Sea serve as the foundation of existence for all immortals present here. Naturally, they would never abandon them.

At this thought, the Void Refinement Immortal also remarked, "If we hadn’t deployed the Cosmic Star Formation, we might have considered heading to the Flowing Fire Star Palace and leveraging its power to withstand the great calamity."

"However, with the Cosmic Star Formation Grand Array now deployed, we can withstand even an all-out assault from an Earth Immortal's blessed realm. Our priority should remain guarding the Abyssal Sea."

"Indeed," Daoist Tianyu nodded, his expression grave. "The Flowing Fire Star Palace lies at the heart of this tribulation. Should we venture there, we might join forces within its grand formation to weather the storm together."

"But we are not core disciples of the Flowing Fire Star Palace. Should the tides of war turn against us, I fear we would be the first to be abandoned, becoming the initial wave of immortals to face the tribulation."

"My advice is to remain stationed in the Abyssal Sea for now. After all, the Flaming Empyrean Palace is a supreme Earth Immortal blessed land—it’s unlikely to fall so easily. It may well hold out until the great calamity passes."

The assembled immortals, upon hearing this, once again turned their gazes toward Eldrin.

All the immortals present knew full well that the true authority of the Abyssal Alliance still rested with its prodigiously gifted leader.

Observing the expressions of the crowd, Eldrin did not speak immediately. Instead, he turned to Chen Ethan and asked, "Have the surrounding demon tribes and other races made any moves?"

Chen Ethan walked out, his expression calm as he began to speak, "Among the 3 great seas bordering our territory, the Sky Demon Sea has already begun to clash with the Vacuous Abode Temple."

"The Suwei Sea Region has already mobilized its forces and is gathering tens of thousands of demonic creatures and ferocious beasts. It appears they are preparing to launch a beast tide to attack us."

“Yet the Setting Sun Sea Zone is peculiar—the Setting Sun Blessed Land has yet to conceal itself within the void.” Hearing this, the immortals faintly furrowed their brows, each revealing a trace of astonishment.

Princess Riji’s brow furrowed slightly before she spoke, “Could it be that the Setting Sun Patriarch is so resolute as to risk calamity for the sake of the Slanting Sun Patriarch?”

"There is no need to overthink it." Moon Princess shook her head before continuing, "The Setting Sun Blessed Land is, after all, of the human race. It is highly unlikely they would attack the Returning Abyss Sea, which is also governed by fellow humans."

Upon hearing this, all the immortals nodded in agreement.

Star Princess turned her gaze toward Eldrin (Person Name) and could not help but remark, "It seems that for now, our challenge lies in dealing with the Suwei Sea and the Tianyao Sea."

Eldrin did not answer immediately. Having previously offended Patriarch Oblique Sun within the Crimson Sun Blessed Land, tensions already existed between the 2 parties.

But after much deliberation, he still believed that under the current circumstances, the Setting Sun Blessed Land would not jeopardize the greater situation for the sake of a supreme-grade immortal treasure.

After a moment of contemplation, he suppressed the thought.

Having attained the path of immortality for many years, Eldrin had gained a certain understanding of the grand scheme of Liuchuan Baihai.

He had gained a clear understanding of the approximate strength of both sides, particularly in the several sea regions surrounding the Special Return-to-Annihilation Sea.

Among the 3 great seas surrounding the Abyssal Ruins Sea, the Sky Demon Sea is ruled by the Sky Demon lineage, which boasts 2 half-step Earth Immortal level Sky Demons.

The Kongming Ancient Monastery had stood guard against the Sky Demon Sea for countless years. Though perpetually outmatched in its enduring conflict with the sea's demonic forces, the sacred sanctuary had never succumbed to complete annihilation.

The Suwei Sea Domain was also a maritime territory under the dominion of the demon race. Among its lineage stood a half-step Earth Immortal who had attained the Dao through the White Tiger path, bearing the Daoist title Patriarch Suwei. Once rivaling the Crimson Dragon Patriarch as equals, they were renowned throughout the 100 Seas of Flowing Rivers as the Twin Jewels of Dragon and Tiger.

The Patriarch Suwei, who wielded the power of the Western Extreme Gengjin Rule and had cultivated the White Tiger Genesis Manifestation True Body, possessed truly formidable strength. Even among the half-step Earth Immortals of the Flowing Rivers and 100 Seas, he could rank within the top 10, establishing him as a pinnacle half-step Earth Immortal.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke: "As early as 1 million years ago, Patriarch Suwei was already comparable to a 6 Tribulations Half-Step Earth Immortal, renowned throughout the Flowing Rivers and 100 Seas."

"His current strength is likely approaching that of a 7 Calamities Half-Step Earth Immortal. Should he successfully transcend this tribulation, he would likely possess the foundation of a 7 Calamities Half-Step Earth Immortal."

"It appears he is likely seizing the opportunity of the great calamity to slay those of us caught within it, obliterating the Abyssal Sea to forge his own Dao."

Upon hearing this, all the immortals revealed faint smiles.

The Demon Sage Kun Peng gently stroked his long beard, his expression serene as he remarked, "Although Patriarch Suwei possesses astonishing power, he remains unaware that our strength far surpasses the ordinary. Coupled with the Cosmic Star Formation, even if he were to launch a full-scale assault, he would merely be courting his own doom."

"Not necessarily." The Lord of the Dao Palace shook his head, his expression grave. "The Great Tribulation is no trivial matter. None can tell if Patriarch Suwei still holds hidden trump cards. We must proceed with utmost caution."

Seeing this, Eldrin also nodded and said, "In that case, you shall first guard your respective islands and await the beast tide's assault."

Chapter 1: The Azure Cloud Sect's Disciple Examination The mountain peaks pierced the heavens like emerald swords, shrouded in perpetual mist that swirled like dancing immortals. Spiritual energy coalesced into visible streams of light, weaving through ancient pines whose branches seemed to grasp at the very fabric of dao. Upon the jade steps that ascended into the clouds, countless young aspirants gathered, their faces a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. "Next candidate, Luo Feng (Person Name)," announced an elder in azure robes, his voice calm yet carrying immense authority that echoed across the precipice. A youth of 16 summers stepped forward, his simple hemp robes fluttering in the spiritual winds. His eyes held a depth uncommon for his age as he placed his palm upon the Testing Jade (Magical Artifact). The stone remained dull. A wave of whispers swept through the crowd. "Mortals dare seek immortality? How presumptuous!" The elder's gaze held neither pity nor contempt. "No spiritual roots detected. You may depart." Luo Feng's knuckles turned white, yet his voice remained steady. "Esteemed elder, I request to attempt the Path of Ascending Mist." Gasps erupted from the spectators. The Path of Ascending Mist (Cultivation Trial) had claimed the lives of 30-7 aspirants in the past decade alone. Its 9 1000 steps were lined with bones of those who sought to defy heaven's will. The elder studied him for a long moment. "The path offers no quarter. Yet since you choose to court death, I shall not hinder you. Begin." As Luo Feng set foot upon the first step, crushing pressure descended. The air thickened until each breath became a battle, each movement a test of will. He recalled the words from the nameless cultivation manual he'd discovered in that forgotten cave: "True strength lies not in conquering heaven, but in conquering oneself." Blood trickled from his nostrils at the 3 thousandth step. At the 5 thousandth, his bones groaned under pressure that would have crushed ordinary men. Yet his eyes burned with unwavering determination. "Foolish mortal," sneered a voice from above. A young master in silken robes descended gracefully, hovering just beyond the path's boundary. Chu Tian (Person Name), scion of the prestigious Chu Clan, floated amid spiritual light. "Know your place. The immortal path wasn't meant for gutter rats like you." Luo Feng didn't bother looking up, his focus entirely on the next step. "The dao embraces all who dare walk its path, young master." Chu Tian's expression darkened. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the Crimson Phoenix Feather (Magical Treasure), directing a wave of scorching spiritual energy toward the path. "Then perish like the ant you are!" The elder's voice thundered across the peaks. "Chu Tian! Interference with the trial means immediate disqualification!" But the warning came too late. The spiritual attack struck Luo Feng, yet instead of incinerating him, the energy was absorbed by the ancient formation, amplifying the pressure tenfold. Luo Feng's legs buckled, his knees cracking against the stone. Chu Tian laughed mockingly before flying off in a streak of crimson light. As darkness encroached on his vision, Luo Feng felt something stir within his dantian. The cultivation manual he'd memorized began cycling on its own, drawing upon the amplified pressure to refine his meridians. Agony became ecstasy as impurities were forced from his body in black streams. He rose. Step by excruciating step, he continued his ascent. The remaining aspirants watched in stunned silence as the supposed mortal defied all reason. At the final step, the pressure vanished completely. Luo Feng stood at the summit, his body remade, spiritual energy swirling around him in visible vortices. The elder approached, his previously impassive face now filled with astonishment. "You've not only completed the path but formed a perfect foundation in the process. This... this hasn't happened in over 10 1000 years." Luo Feng bowed deeply. "This humble 1 merely wished for an opportunity to cultivate, elder." A rare smile touched the elder's lips. "From this day forward, you shall be known as Luo Feng of the Azure Cloud Sect. But remember well - your journey has drawn attention, and in the world of cultivation, attention often brings danger." Far above in the clouds, an ancient being opened eyes that hadn't stirred in centuries. "After 10 millennia, the Heaven Devouring Art has found a new master. The winds of change begin to blow..."