Chapter 667 : Guardians of the Star Mansion Sea

Outside the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen and over thirty other True Lord [a title for cultivators who have reached the Primordial Spirit realm] gathered to discuss the assignments for defending the various territories.

Eldrin Chen glanced at the seven Fifth Rank Spirit Island [islands imbued with potent spiritual energy, suitable for high-level cultivation] within the Star Mansion Sea [a vast celestial sea region dotted with star-like islands]. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Within the Star Mansion Sea region, the main island, Star Sun Island, is a Fifth Rank High-Grade [the highest quality tier within the Fifth Rank] Spirit Island. It is also one of the seven Formation Eye [a crucial node in a large-scale defensive or offensive magical array] of the Vermilion Bird Star Palace Archipelago. It requires a substantial garrison to ensure its absolute security."

Vast Righteousness True Lord nodded and said, "I am responsible for overseeing the entire Star Mansion Sea region. I cannot be confined to defending just a single Spirit Island."

"What if Star Sun Island is jointly garrisoned by forces from Ji Continent, Vast Sea, and Tianlu Continent? What do you all think?"

Upon hearing this, the assembled cultivators stirred inwardly. The thirty-eight True Lords present hailed from over a dozen different major continents.

However, the core of their strength clearly originated from just three: Ji Continent, Vast Sea, and Tianlu Continent.

For this campaign, the Chen Clan had contributed seven True Lords, while Tianlu Continent had sent its Heavenly Reed Sect Master—a cultivator at the Infant Soul Late Stage [an advanced stage within the Primordial Spirit realm]—along with two other True Lords.

This was not to mention the five Infant Soul True Lord [True Lords specifically at the Primordial Spirit stage] present: Violet Consort Yan, Spirit Consort, Ethereal Mistress Ling, Patriarch Mo-ink, and Quentin Qiu.

One could say their combined might was formidable, constituting roughly seventy percent of the total force gathered in the hall.

Yet, as a core Formation Eye, Star Sun Island's strategic importance far surpassed that of the other Spirit Islands, truly warranting a heavy garrison. Continue reading this story at audio-novel.com.

With this thought in mind, everyone nodded in agreement. The master of the Heavenly Star Sect then spoke: "Since that is the case, our Heavenly Star Sect will take responsibility for guarding one of the Fifth Rank Spirit Islands."

"Our Celestial Barrens Province will take responsibility for guarding a secondary Formation Eye [a key node in a large-scale defensive or offensive array]," declared the Desolate Heaven Sect Master from the Celestial Barrens Province.

As a major continent within the Three Veins Ancient Domain, Celestial Barrens Province was home to three Infant Soul Immortal Clan immortal sects.

The Desolate Heaven Sect alone currently boasted six Infant Soul True Lords [cultivators who have successfully formed their Primordial Spirit]. Its Clan Patriarch was a great cultivator at the Infant Soul Late Stage. For this battle, this lineage had dispatched five Infant Soul True Lords. Now, by shouldering the great responsibility of guarding a secondary Formation Eye, they were truly committing their full strength.

With three of the seven Fifth Rank Spiritual Veins [geographical features that concentrate and radiate spiritual energy of the fifth rank] already claimed, the remaining parties also took on their duties. The more powerful factions occupied an island alone, while the weaker ones joined forces to guard a single Spirit Island.

After the assignments were complete, Vast Righteousness True Lord spoke again: "The eighteen Treasure Ships [massive, fortress-like flying vessels used for transport and warfare] we brought can also unleash significant combat power at critical moments."

"Each Treasure Ship shall retain a garrison of one hundred thousand cultivators. They will serve as a mobile reserve force, ready to reinforce the various Spirit Islands."

"We understand," the assembly replied.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. He had already arranged for the less combat-oriented Lior Chen and Elara Lin to command the Crimson Flood Dragon Treasure Ship and the Golden Rhino Treasure Ship, preparing them to rush to the aid of any sector at a moment's notice.

With these arrangements settled, everyone immediately departed to organize the defense of their assigned Spirit Islands.

However, Vast Righteousness True Lord [a powerful cultivator known for his immense moral authority] left behind the two Dao companions of Eldrin Chen, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master [the leader of the Heavenly Reed Sect], the Desolate Heaven Sect Master [the leader of the Desolate Heaven Sect], and three other combatants at the Infant Soul Late Stage [the final stage of the Infant Soul cultivation realm].

With a faint smile, he then spoke, "The region of the Vermilion Bird Star Palace [the celestial palace associated with the Vermilion Bird constellation] is all guarded by forces from our Three Veins Ancient Domain [an ancient and powerful domain]. While we still have some time, let us, the combatants at the Infant Soul Late Stage level and above, first convene."

"Very well."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and followed the Vast Righteousness True Lord to a secluded courtyard.

Before long, one formidable Great Power Figure [a title for a cultivator of immense power and influence] after another, each a name that commanded respect across the Three Veins Ancient Domain, gathered. Among them were fellow cultivators Eldrin Chen recognized, as well as mighty figures who had only recently emerged from decades of secluded cultivation.

The assembly gathered, exchanging greetings and smiles in small groups.

For instance, the renowned Immortal Maiden Ivy [an elegant and powerful female immortal], along with the familiar Nine Rivers Path Master [a master of the path of the nine rivers], both approached Eldrin Chen with warm smiles, reminiscing about events from recent years.

The Nine Rivers Path Master greeted Eldrin Chen and said with a laugh, "The territory I am tasked with guarding lies within the Extended Net [the 'Extended Net' star constellation] region, merely five million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] from your own. I hope we can lend each other support when the crucial moment arrives."

"It shall be so."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. A distance of five million Li-length was but a journey of two days for a combatant at the Infant Soul Late Stage level.

It is a pity that the space near the Heavenly Scar is unstable, making it impossible to deploy a Teleportation Formation [a magical array for instant long-distance travel]. Otherwise, a mere territory of a few hundred Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] would significantly ease the pressure on everyone.

Seeing this, the Mistress of Ivy Palace gave a slight bow and said, "The Chariot Mansion region under my watch lacks a Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a cultivator on the verge of forming their Primordial Spirit] to anchor its defenses. In times of dire crisis, I must humbly ask for your support."

"Rest assured, Immortal Maiden, we would never stand idly by," they assured her.

The Nine Rivers Path Master smiled faintly. This Mistress of Ivy Palace was ranked among the top ten beauties of the Eastern Region Great Wasteland. Moreover, her cultivation had recently broken through to the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the pinnacle stage of the Infant Soul realm, just below Primordial Spirit]. Naturally, she was admired by many True Lord [a title for powerful cultivators at the Primordial Spirit realm], including this very Nine Rivers Path Master.

However, a peerless talent like the Mistress of Ivy Palace typically had exceedingly high standards. Without truly exceptional qualities, winning her favor was no easy feat.

Everyone present seized this opportunity to forge closer ties, all hoping to secure mutual aid for the coming great battle. Dive deeper into the Dao at https://audio-novel.com.

Meanwhile, Vast Righteousness True Lord and the other few cultivators with Half-Step Primordial Spirit combat prowess also gathered to discuss strategy.

With a grave expression, the Master of Featherflight Pavilion spoke, his brow furrowed with concern, "Although our Vermilion Bird Star Palace is on the periphery, we lack a Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a Path Lord is a powerful cultivator who has forged their own unique Dao Path, typically at or above the Primordial Spirit realm] to anchor our defenses."

"If a Primordial Spirit Realm [the cultivation realm where one forms their Primordial Spirit, the spiritual core of their being] Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this world] breaks through, we would be in grave danger."

The others nodded in agreement. Sea-Calmer Path Master said solemnly, "Indeed. Should a Primordial Spirit Heavenly Demon breach the blockade, none among us would be able to withstand it."

"Apart from relying on the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and flows used for defense or cultivation], the only way to hold out is by joining forces and utilizing the power of two Primordial Solar Spiritual Treasure [artifacts imbued with the essence of the primordial sun]."

Vast Righteousness True Lord also took a deep breath, glanced at Sea-Calmer Path Master, and said, "If it truly comes to that, only by you and I joining forces can we hold the line for a brief moment, defending the Formation Eye [the core, controlling node of a defensive or offensive formation] of the Vermilion Bird Star Palace."

"Let us hope it does not come to that."

Master of Featherflight Pavilion sighed. With their combat prowess, their chances of survival were great, so long as no Primordial Spirit Demonic Cultivator [a demonic practitioner who has cultivated their spiritual core to the Primordial Spirit realm] appeared.

But if matters did progress to that dire stage, their hope of returning alive would grow exceedingly faint.

Their gathering lasted for three Shichen-time [one Shichen-time equals two hours]. After finalizing their plans for mutual offense and defense, Sea-Calmer Path Master produced a set of communication talismans and distributed them to everyone.

"Although each Spirit Island [an island rich in spiritual energy] possesses its own communication Spiritual Object [an object imbued with or channeling spiritual energy], these talismans will be more reliable in a critical moment, just in case."

With that, the assembly dispersed.

Eldrin Chen returned to the Crimson Flood Dragon Treasure Ship and commanded the Treasure Ship to set course for the Vermilion Bird Star Palace. After flying for over half a month, they finally arrived at Star Sun Island.

Upon reaching Star Sun Island, Eldrin Chen gathered the numerous Infant Soul True Lord [cultivators who have reached the Infant Soul stage, a high level of spiritual development] and unfurled a map of the entire area surrounding Star Sun Island.

"Esteemed colleagues, please review these smaller islands. How should we arrange their defense?"

Eldrin Chen gazed at the map, his brow furrowed in contemplation as he spoke. As a core Formation Eye, Star Moon Island was surrounded by over a hundred fourth-rank Spirit Island [islands imbued with concentrated spiritual energy].

These Spirit Island served as Formation Eye [key nodes that channel and amplify the power of a larger defensive array] for Star Moon Island. If they were to be completely overrun, the potency of the grand defensive formation on Star Moon Island would be compromised. Therefore, a significant number of cultivators needed to be stationed there as well.

After a moment of thought, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master proposed, "Our total forces number three million. Let us allocate two million cultivators to garrison these subsidiary Spirit Island."

"Furthermore, we should assign three Golden Core Cultivator [powerful cultivators who have condensed their spiritual energy into a stable, golden core] to each Spirit Island. What are your thoughts on this arrangement?" This chapter appears courtesy of audio_novel.com.