Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 318 Sudden Change in the Situation of the Tiangang Sect: Blue Fruit Island Encounters a Great Demon
As soon as Gangyuan Zhenjun came out of the sect's main hall, he saw a huge figure, like a mountain, pressing down on the protective array above the mountain.

It was a giant fish that was thousands of feet long, and it had now fully revealed its true form.

It is repeatedly using its massive body to attack the mountain-protecting formation.

Below the formation, two familiar faces stood in mid-air, unabashedly radiating the aura of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

They remotely locked onto the last True Lord of the Tiangang Sect, the one who was presiding over the formation—the Sky-Splitting True Lord.

However, they only held the enemy at bay, precisely positioning themselves at the edge of the formation, but did not directly engage in combat.

To put it bluntly, it was simply to cover for the sea fish and help it deplete the Tiangang Sect's spirit stone reserves.

This situation has been commonplace for the past two years.

Every morning after the spiritual energy surge ends, the opponent will come and deplete our energy.

Occasionally, they would launch a surprise attack in the afternoon or at midnight to test how many True Lords remained on Qingcang Peak.

The main purpose is to prevent any True Lord from sneaking out to launch a surprise attack on other places.

Sure enough, upon seeing Gangyuan Zhenjun appear, the Wang family patriarch immediately changed his target and locked onto him from afar with his imposing aura.

At the same time, the frequency of the sea fish's impacts decreased significantly, and it raised its position slightly, becoming increasingly cautious.

As a fourth-order great demon, it naturally already possesses considerable intelligence.

He didn't want to be careless and get trapped in the mountain-protecting formation.

But the next moment, it seemed to receive some instruction and continued to vigorously ram the array, using its weight advantage to deplete the spiritual energy within the array.

what happened?

Upon seeing this, True Lord Gangyuan immediately leaped into the formation.

At the same time, the two True Lords outside the formation simultaneously summoned their own spiritual shields.

It was clear that they were prepared to forcefully break through the formation to support the sea fish.

After a tense standoff, True Lord Gangyuan decided to play it safe.

It wasn't that it was his personality; in fact, he chose to act rashly in the first few instances.

Unfortunately, he hadn't gained any advantage in their previous encounters.

During one of the close-quarters battles, they were even ambushed by a specially made thunder pearl from the sea creatures.

Fortunately, the protective mountain formation absorbed most of the impact, and as a body cultivator, he was naturally tough and resilient, thus escaping danger.

If it were an ordinary cultivator, they would probably suffer at least a minor injury.

Given the current situation, if he gets injured, it will only make matters worse.

It was after that incident that Gangyuan Zhenjun's personality became much more stable, and he restrained his original impetuous nature as a body cultivator.

If we encounter similar anomalies again, as long as they are not particularly outrageous, we will always take precautions.

It's just a matter of consuming two more mid-grade spirit stones, which the Tiangang Sect, as one of the major sects, can still afford.

As expected, Gangyuan Zhenjun did not make a move.

The two True Lords outside exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of joy in each other's eyes.

First of all, not having to personally rush into the formation for a life-or-death battle is a happy thing in itself.

Secondly, since both True Lords of the Tiangang Sect are within the sect, the external raid can proceed smoothly.

During this period, they obtained a large number of golden sea fish from the north, which could be used as cannon fodder.

Without the intervention of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, this force is sufficient to bypass the array stronghold, penetrate directly to the rear, and cut off the safe passage of the Tiangang Sect's spirit ships to the Cangming Immortal Sect.

This forced the Tiangang Sect to redeploy its forces and abandon its main stronghold.

Even if the offensive goes smoothly, it can still achieve an initial encirclement and division.

If they could successfully surround the Tiangang Sect like the Mozhang Sect, then the entire western side of the Compassionate Sea would basically be under their control.

The main force of the Cangming Immortal Sect is still in the Shallow Sky Sea.

If they don't return to help, once they've absorbed the Mozhang Sect, they'll be attacked from both the east and west by the Sea Clan and the Zhaokong Sect.

However, if Iron Fan Zhenjun and others also retreat, then the right wing of Pudu Temple can basically be declared lost.

At that time, the Buddhist and Taoist sects can be separated into two parts and dealt with separately.

Either way, it would be quite advantageous for the sea creatures.

"Boom~!"

The sea fish in the sky continued to crash against the earth, casting a huge shadow over the land and also weighing on the hearts of every disciple of the Tiangang Sect.

This situation lasted for a full two hours.

The sea fish only retreated when it had almost exhausted its strength, returning to rest and recuperate in preparation for its attack the next morning.

Gangyuan Zhenjun nodded to Liekong Zhenjun in greeting, then turned and returned to the main hall.

By this time, True Lord Hanchuan had already finished reading the latest intelligence.

Staring at the map with a solemn expression, he said, "I agree to retreat, but we need to discuss this with Fellow Daoist Iron Fan first."

"We need to use these spiritual veins on their north side in advance to block the sea creatures' pursuit."

Gangyuan Zhenjun had obviously already considered this issue: "Of course, since we're going to the Cangming Sea, we definitely need to communicate in advance."

"I have actually already discussed this with Fellow Daoist Iron Fan once."

“The situation is special now, so borrowing spiritual veins is not a problem. They can send Fellow Daoist Yinhao back to guard the area, and in exchange, I will go to Shallow Sky Sea to maintain the formation.”

"We'll make it public that they're having a hard time maintaining the large array we set up, so I'll take charge of it."

In reality, such an exchange is naturally intended to ensure stability in the rear.

Han Chuan Zhenjun nodded slightly to show his understanding, and then asked, "There is one more question. Before we retreat, can we contact Fellow Daoist Yunfeng to pick him up and leave together?"

This matter is actually very important.

The Tiangang Sect is the closest major sect to the Mozhang Sect. If they withdraw directly, the Mozhang Sect will be basically isolated and helpless.

Putting aside other reasons, for the sake of the overall situation, we must find a way to rescue True Lord Yunfeng.

The Compassionate Sea Sect was not as wealthy as the Buddhist Sect to begin with, and it simply could not afford to suffer losses at the Nascent Soul True Monarch level.

When conditions permit.

It would be best to bring out the true disciples of the Thunderbolt Spear Sect as well, for perhaps the future of the Compassionate Sea Sect lies among them.

"Oh~!"

Gangyuan Zhenjun sighed, "We can try to contact them, but it might not be easy to get help breaking through."

He was actually being quite tactful in his words.

Judging from the current situation, the Mozhang Sect is probably beyond saving.

It is precisely because he fears repeating the same mistakes that True Lord Gangyuan is considering retreating in advance now that his escape route is clear.

"Has it come to this?"

Even the True Lord of Shaking River couldn't help but waver upon hearing this.

He had a good personal relationship with True Lord Yunfeng in his early years, or rather, he had a good relationship with several veteran True Lords of the Daoist sect.

That's why he was thinking of trying to rescue them.

But the problem now is that he is injured.

If True Lord Hanchuan had not been injured, he would have been willing to take the risk himself.

However, if it would put one's own fellow disciples at risk for the sake of the Mozhang Sect, that would be a completely different matter.

"Junior brother, there's no need to rush."

True Lord Gangyuan comforted him, saying, "Things are ever-changing; perhaps a new turning point will emerge in a couple of days."

"Let's discuss the evacuation order and specific routes first."

That was just him offering words of comfort.

Han Chuan Zhenjun could naturally understand, but still nodded: "Yes, hopefully a new turning point will appear."

The two discussed upgrading the formation and building a new defensive line while looking at the map.

They began discussing the resources accumulated in the sect's warehouse.

It's too late to take all those things with us.

At this point, it is necessary to select a portion to take away, distribute another portion directly to the disciples, and store the remainder in different locations.

This is no simple matter.

The two began to categorize and plan the contents of the several thick warehouse ledgers.

It took five or six hours to sort through the first box. It will probably take at least three or four days to sort it all out and make proper arrangements.

If you include the time it takes to actually issue the orders and prepare the hearse, it will take even longer.

"Reporting to the True Lord, there is an emergency on the south side!"

Suddenly, the shouts of the Tiangang Sect's patrol elders rang out from outside the hall.

Upon hearing this, True Lord Gangyuan first waved his hand, using his true essence to cover up the account books to prevent the visitors from seeing them.

Then he replied, "Come in and talk!"

The patrol elder immediately pushed open the door and respectfully handed over an urgent letter.

"Eight hours ago, a monitoring array on the south side detected an intruder of unknown strength."

"There were two suspected reports along the way, but they could not be confirmed due to the distance."

"Three hours ago, the Ze'er Spirit Vein Monitoring Array detected a similar figure, which was speculated to be an unfamiliar Nascent Soul True Monarch."

"Based on the existing direction of movement, the enemy is likely to approach Qingcang Peak from the left in about three hours."

This is indeed a big deal.

As Gangyuan Zhenjun looked at the urgent message in his hand, his expression immediately tightened.

Without any prior contact, a Nascent Soul True Monarch suddenly appeared.

There's a 99% chance it's reinforcements from the enemy.

It's unclear whether it's a transformed great demon from the sea race or a hostile True Lord sent by the Zhaokong Sect.

More importantly, the other party appeared on the south side.

Could it be that they are already impatient and about to launch a siege?
Thinking of this, True Lord Gangyuan felt a chill in his heart.

Facing the onslaught of two Nascent Soul True Monarchs and a fourth-tier great demon, it is already quite difficult to withstand.

Now that another Nascent Soul cultivator has appeared, it's like adding insult to injury.

"Okay, I see."

Gangyuan Zhenjun's face showed no emotion, and his tone was quite calm: "Continue to keep an eye on the formation, and report any new anomalies in a timely manner."

After the inspecting elders left the main hall and closed the door.

Only then did a hint of sorrow appear on his face.

"Unexpectedly, instead of a new turning point, a new crisis has arrived first."

Han Chuan Zhenjun's expression, however, looked much better: "The Zhao Kong Sect only has two Nascent Soul cultivators in total, and they should both be keeping an eye on Fellow Daoist Yun Feng right now."

"It must be some kind of sea creature that's coming. I'll go stop it."

"After being in seclusion for more than a year, my bones are practically rusting. It's time to get out and move around."

His speculation is not without merit; to keep a True Lord pinned down and prevent him from breaking through, at least two people are needed.

Otherwise, it might be difficult to retain people, especially when facing a veteran True Lord like True Lord Yunfeng, who has been famous for a long time, we need to be extra vigilant.

"no!"

Gangyuan Zhenjun immediately objected: "Junior brother, you should focus on healing. Let Liekong Junior Brother handle this."

However, True Monarch Hanchuan insisted, "I have recovered enough, and I will be fine in a light battle." "Junior Brother Liekong has only recently broken through and lacks combat experience, so he is likely to suffer losses when facing the sea race."

Under the immense pressure from the sea creatures, the major sects decisively abandoned their previous mutual distrust.

As early as after the incident at Kuji Temple, they quickly exchanged resources, especially spiritual items that could help break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

The purpose was to fully cultivate their own disciples and strive to train more Nascent Soul True Monarchs to fight the enemy.

Based on the principle of mutual benefit, they used their surplus resources to exchange for the remaining breakthrough spirit items that were still lacking.

At the same time, during this special period, resources that normally require a huge amount of sect contribution points to exchange for are available.

Now, some Nascent Soul seedlings can also borrow spiritual items in advance, even if they owe contributions, to attempt a breakthrough.

The latter part of the benefits not only applies to Golden Core cultivators, but also extends to Foundation Establishment cultivators at the Great Perfection stage within the sect.

The price of Tier 3 Breakthrough Pills has been drastically reduced, to as low as half of their original price.

Spiritual items like the five-colored jade coral were also discounted by 30%.

The purpose is to obtain more Golden Core disciples to participate in the maintenance of large-scale formations and resist the impact of the Golden Core Sea Fish swarm.

A crisis contains both danger and opportunity.

For a small number of cultivators, the arrival of the sea race actually led to a reduction in the degree of resource blockade, giving them the opportunity to break through to a higher realm.

Rift Sky True Lord was one of the beneficiaries.

Given his age, he was no match for the contemporary chief master, Kaiyue Zhenren.

If there is only one breakthrough item in the sect, he will definitely not be the first to use it.

However, after the resource exchange, the Tiangang Sect managed to gather a total of four sets of breakthrough spiritual items.

After reserving one portion for Master Kaiyue who was in emergency seclusion, he also received one portion from the remaining three portions.

Although the other two fellow disciples failed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage due to insufficient preparation.

However, with unwavering resolve, True Lord Liekong broke through in one go and became the third Nascent Soul True Lord of the Tiangang Sect.

They immediately received support from the sect, including spiritual artifacts and elixirs.

Under the protection of the mountain-protecting formation, it also became one of the important pillars in resisting the sea creatures' offensive.

However, True Monarch Rift Sky had only broken through to the Nascent Soul stage a year ago.

Even with the help of elixirs, the total amount of true essence is still not much, and his magical cultivation has only just begun and is on the verge of minor success.

Without the protective mountain formation, it's hard to say how much power they could unleash.

The situation is different for marine life. Fish that can live to such a size have all fought their way up through the survival of the fittest.

Although the combat style is relatively simple before the fourth tier.

However, they have also accumulated a lot of practical experience, and they have an innate physical advantage, making them more resilient than human cultivators.

Therefore, True Lord Hanchuan believed that it was more appropriate for him to handle the situation.

"Junior brother, don't be reckless."

Gangyuan Zhenjun disagreed: "Now that you are affected by the demonic energy, what if you aggravate your old injuries during the battle?"

"Although Junior Brother Liekong has not been in his breakthrough for long, he is protected by a spiritual artifact after all."

"Before he goes out this time, I will have him take a Sea Opening and Energy Accumulation Talisman for protection."

"Even if the battle situation is unfavorable, returning safely should not be a problem."

After saying that, True Lord Gangyuan emphasized, "It's settled then. I won't let you out no matter what."

Although this statement might sound a bit strange, as if it were about placing someone under house arrest.

However, the main battle flag of the Tiangang Sect's mountain-protecting formation is indeed in the hands of True Lord Gangyuan.

If he is determined to obstruct, no one will be able to get out before the formation fails.

Therefore, after hearing such resolute words, Han Chuan Zhenjun felt only helplessness, emotion, and a trace of regret.

If only he had been more careful back then.

If he hadn't been injured, or if his injuries hadn't been so severe, there certainly wouldn't have been any need for Lord Rift Sky to intervene this time.

As a newly promoted True Lord, he shouldn't have to shoulder so many tasks.

Unfortunately, the sect's situation had deteriorated, and it could no longer provide him with a stable cultivation environment.

Fortunately, True Lord Rift Sky was reasonable. After hearing the arrangement, he did not complain but nodded and agreed: "No problem, I will deal with the south side."

Lord Hanchuan gave a few more words of advice out of concern.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Hanchuan, I know what I'm doing."

True Monarch Liekong was full of confidence: "With Senior Brother's Sea Opening and Yuan Accumulation Talisman protecting me, and since we are on our own territory, a mere sea fish is nothing to fear."

He still carried the sharp edge unique to newly promoted True Monarchs.

"Boom boom boom!"

Just then, a rapid knocking sound came from outside the main hall: "Urgent report from Blue Fruit Island! A large number of Golden Core Sea Fish have crossed the border!"

After receiving permission, the patrol elder rushed in, looking anxious.

Holding up a copy of the latest intelligence: "Since the beginning of the spiritual energy surge this morning, Golden Core Sea Fish have been bypassing Blue Fruit Island and swimming towards the rear."

"The nearby surveillance array has already detected twelve large schools of sea fish."

"Based on the fluctuations in spiritual energy, there should be more than thirty Golden Core Sea Fish among them."

"In addition, there are quite a few Fan family cultivators also approaching Blue Fruit Island."

Blue Fruit Island is located on the left flank of the Tiangang Sect, which is precisely the weak point created after the loss of the fourth-order grand formation.

However, to Gangyuan Zhenjun's surprise, the opponent's attack came so quickly.

Logically speaking, although the number of Golden Core Sea Fish has increased dramatically, it is not inexhaustible. The opponent should have accumulated strength for a period of time.

Oh, I see!
Gangyuan Zhenjun understood everything in an instant.

This must be because a fourth-tier sea monster from the sea tribe has come to reinforce us from the south.

That's why the other side launched an attack in advance to support this newly arrived powerful demon.

With this fourth-tier demon leading the team, they only need a few cannon fodder to cut off the flight path.

If nothing unexpected happens, yesterday afternoon's unusual raid was also to confirm their location.

The raids this morning, in particular, should have been launched earlier than planned.

The reason they usually choose to attack after the spiritual energy tide is because the sea creatures also need to use the spiritual energy tide to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Especially those golden sea fish.

They need to be cleansed by the morning spiritual energy to become more energetic and powerful.

However, since there has been a change of events today, we should cooperate and restrain them.

as predicted.

Gangyuan Zhenjun had only just conceived this idea.

A loud bang was heard from outside.

"Boom~!"

The familiar collision sound was so obvious that you could tell it was that fourth-tier sea fish from yesterday crashing into the mountain-protecting formation again.

Although the facts differed somewhat from Gangyuan Zhenjun's speculation.

However, the sea creatures did receive reinforcements from a fourth-tier great demon, which mingled among the golden-core sea fish, preparing to head south to control the shipping lanes.

"Senior Brother Gangyuan, what do we do now?"

True Monarch Rift asked, "Which side should we deal with first?"

Now, there is a powerful sea monster to the south, and Blue Fruit Island needs reinforcements in time. There are also enemies attacking at our doorstep.

There is a shortage of personnel to handle all three aspects.

Gangyuan Zhenjun made a decisive decision: "Save Blue Fruit Island first!"

"Take the portable array plate and array base with you, and upgrade and reinforce the array there to prevent subsequent Fan family cultivators from passing through."

"The spiritual veins over there are insufficient, so let's take two boxes of mid-grade spirit stones from the warehouse for emergency use. Don't worry about the consumption, use them freely."

"If we can hold out against this sudden attack and prevent them from joining forces, the situation afterward will be much easier to handle."

Even so, this would leave an extra fourth-tier demon in the rear, almost undisturbed and able to wreak havoc everywhere.

However, given the severe imbalance in high-end combat power, this is the best solution that True Monarch Gangyuan could think of.

What else can be done?

Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice.

Given the current objective limitations, unless a Nascent Soul True Lord suddenly falls from the sky willing to help them, they are unlikely to succeed.

Otherwise, they would only be able to passively defend themselves like this.

Adopting a strategy of protracted warfare, we await a turning point that may or may not occur in the future.

However, even the wish of Gangyuan Zhenjun was met with obstacles.

Outside Qingcang Peak, besides the great sea fish demon and two True Lords who came yesterday, there were others.

Surprisingly, there were also countless schools of sea fish and more than a dozen Golden Core cultivators from the Wang family.

Each of them carried a peculiar stone tablet, which together formed a detection array that emitted waves of spiritual energy that enveloped the entire Qingcang Peak.

"Oh no! This is a formation of the sea race, and it's a new formation we've never seen before!"

True Monarch Liekong frowned deeply: "Senior Brother Gangyuan, what do we do now?"

If it's a familiar formation, that's fine; he can try to slip through.

However, given the unfamiliar sea creatures' detection array, and his complete lack of understanding of it, going out now would likely result in him being discovered on the spot.

The opponent has a numerical advantage.

Once they realize their team is scattered, they certainly won't let such a good opportunity pass them by.

Looking at the two opposing True Lords standing guard outside, True Lord Gangyuan was at a loss for what to do.

With his two junior brothers either injured or lacking in strength, he, as the most conspicuous target, couldn't leave at all.

He really had no other choice in this situation.

"It's alright, let's keep an eye on the mountain-protecting formation first."

Gangyuan Zhenjun tried to remain calm: "I will contact my fellow practitioners from Cangming Immortal Sect and Yuntao Sword Pavilion later to see if we can send someone over to help."

“Our families are not far apart, it won’t take long.”

However, despite saying that, he himself found it hard to believe his own statement.

It's true that the distance isn't far, but right now the human race simply doesn't have any extra manpower to spare for reinforcements.

So-called requests for help are nothing more than desperate measures when all other options are exhausted.

However, regardless of whether it is the Sea Clan, the Zhaokong Sect, the Fan Family, the Wang Family, or the Tiangang Sect.

No one expected that a rogue cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage would arrive not far from Blue Fruit Island.

That's right, the visitor is none other than Xiao Chen!
He originally intended to go to Qingcang Peak, but was simply passing through.

However, as they flew, they discovered that there were countless sea fish passing by below.

To his even greater surprise, a fourth-tier sea fish suddenly jumped out and blocked his way.

Xiao Chen looked around but did not see any other sea monsters.

In other words, this is a lone, fourth-tier sea fish that has delivered itself right to our doorstep!
The surprise came so suddenly that Xiao Chen was caught off guard.

(End of this chapter)