Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 783 High-Level Meeting of the Sect's Top Combat Force (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Three days later, the peace treaty was officially signed.

Next, Li Yunjing went to the western front and met with True Lord Chiyang again. What they discussed in secret is unknown.

However, the next day, on the western front, the Zhao state and the "Yuanyang Daozong" also reached a ceasefire agreement.

Of course, the Yuanyang Dao Sect was the main force, and its offensive was overwhelming. Later, it mobilized thirty Nascent Soul Realm cultivators from within the sect to come out of seclusion, putting enormous pressure on the Zhao Kingdom.

Under such circumstances, the ceasefire agreement signed by the Yuanyang Dao Sect was much harsher than that of the Shenxiao Dao Sect.

After the State of Zhao satisfied the demands of the Yuanyang Dao Sect, the five-year war finally ended with a great victory for the Shenxiao Dao Sect and the Yuanyang Dao Sect.

When the news reached the Zhao state, the whole country was naturally filled with grief, but also with a sense of relief at surviving a calamity.

After a simple celebration ceremony, the Eastern Front camp began to systematically arrange the withdrawal of troops. Some elite troops remained to guard the newly designated border, while the main force prepared to return to the capital.

Li Yunjing did not linger any longer, entrusting all subsequent matters to Li Cangqiong, Xiao Anran, and others. He then took eight True Immortals and the massive resources obtained from the Western Front War and the peace talks, and set off ahead, transforming into a streak of light and heading straight for the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" mountain gate.

The main hall of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

The hall, shrouded in mist, was quiet and solemn.

The sect leader, Ming Lingchuan, dressed in a white Taoist robe, sat on a futon. His aura was as deep as the sea, and he seemed to have improved considerably since Li Yunjing last saw him. Clearly, he had made great progress in his seclusion.

When Li Yunjing's figure appeared outside the palace gate, Ming Lingchuan slowly opened his closed eyes, a hint of relief and amazement flashing in them.

Although he was in seclusion, he had already learned of the major events happening outside the sect, especially Li Yunjing's astonishing achievements on the western front, through secret communication methods.

"Li Yunjing pays respects to the Supreme Master."

Li Yunjing entered the hall and bowed in greeting.

Although he was already the deputy sect leader with immense power, he always maintained his respect for the sect leader who had always trusted and promoted him.

After all, under Ming Lingchuan's leadership, the Shenxiao Dao Sect conquered the Hengyue Mountain Range, a feat that was extremely rare.

In this respect alone, Ming Lingchuan's achievements surpass those of many previous sect leaders.

"Yun Jing, no need for formalities, please sit down."

"I know everything about your work on the western front."

"Well done! Far exceeding my expectations!"

Ming Lingchuan smiled and raised his hand to help, "After this battle, the prestige of my 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' will surely reach an unprecedented peak, and there will be no more worries about war in the surrounding area for thousands of years!"

His tone was full of admiration and pride.

Li Yunjing's growth rate was so fast that even he found it unbelievable.

It's nothing short of a miracle that such a prodigy was born in the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

This is also an extremely fortunate event for the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

"You flatter me, Sect Leader. This is my duty, and it is also a matter of the sect's good fortune."

Li Yunjing sat down on a futon to the side, his tone calm and without any hint of arrogance.

Ming Lingchuan nodded in satisfaction; the more composed he was, the more extraordinary he appeared.

He was about to ask for more details when he saw Li Yunjing's expression turn serious and become extremely solemn.

"Sect Leader, my hasty return this time is not solely to report the battle results."

"But there is a matter of utmost importance concerning the survival of our sect, and even the life and death of billions of living beings on the entire 'Tianlan Star,' which must be reported to the sect leader immediately so that the sect leader and the Supreme Elders can make a decision!"

Li Yunjing's deep voice echoed softly in the empty hall.

Upon hearing this, Ming Lingchuan's smile vanished instantly, and his expression turned serious.

He knew Li Yunjing well; he was by no means someone who would exaggerate or spread rumors. Such a solemn tone meant that it must be something of great importance.

"What is it? Please speak freely!"

Ming Lingchuan said in a deep voice.

Li Yunjing took a deep breath and told Ming Lingchuan in great detail what he had gleaned three days ago at the eastern camp through the "Chaos Palace" and by using the three supreme divination treasures.

Including the cracked star barrier outside "Tianlan Star", and the boundless, ferocious, terrifying, and poised extraterrestrial demon army outside the barrier... every detail is presented without reservation.

As Li Yunjing narrated, Ming Lingchuan's expression grew increasingly solemn, his eyes filled with shock and horror.

Even with his cultivation level and mental state, hearing about "extraterrestrial demons," "the star barrier on the verge of collapse," and "a world-class demonic calamity" made him feel a tremor in his mind and a chill run down his spine!

He knew about this matter; the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" had been preparing for it for years, but the fact that it was actually happening still terrified him!
There's no reason not to be afraid!
The power of the extraterrestrial demons far surpasses the Nascent Soul and Deity Transformation realms, and may even include beings at the Immortal Dao level!

Such combat power is something that "Tianlan Star" cannot currently resist.

Ming Lingchuan felt a heavy weight in his heart. He had been preparing silently for years, but had subconsciously avoided this topic because it was too heavy.

If things go wrong, "Tianlan Star" will become a thing of the past.

He had no doubt about the truthfulness of Li Yunjing's words.

"...According to my calculations, once the barrier breaks, a demonic calamity will descend. It will happen within ten to a hundred years!"

Li Yunjing concluded in a somber voice, "This is a catastrophe that will sweep across the entire world; no one can escape unscathed. Our sect must prepare as soon as possible!"

A long silence fell over the main hall.

Ming Lingchuan slowly closed his eyes, his fingers unconsciously twitching, as if he were deducing something, or perhaps digesting this earth-shattering news.

After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with determination and murderous intent.

"What you've said is of paramount importance..."

Ming Lingchuan's voice was deep and powerful, "I need to immediately summon all the Supreme Elders who are in seclusion to discuss this matter!"

Without any hesitation, he crushed an ancient jade talisman hidden in his sleeve.

hum!
An invisible wave instantly spread throughout the deepest forbidden areas of the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect".

A moment later, powerful and unfathomable divine thoughts awakened from the forbidden area, sweeping towards the main hall with doubts and questions.

"All Supreme Elders, proceed immediately to the main hall for a meeting! This matter concerns the survival of the sect and the rise and fall of Tianlan!"

Ming Lingchuan focused his divine sense and issued the most urgent summons.

Soon, figures appeared silently in the hall like ghosts.

Some had white hair and youthful faces, some looked like middle-aged people, and some even looked like young people, but without exception, they all exuded a terrifying pressure that made people's breath suffocate. They were all ancestors at the Nascent Soul stage!

In a short period of time, more than a hundred Nascent Soul Realm cultivators gathered together!
Then, Li Yunjing's teacher, Jiuxiao Zhenjun, and Xuanzhenjun, who was in seclusion in the "Shenxiao Secret Realm," also appeared.

Finally, even the guardian beast of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," the fire phoenix, transformed into a woman in golden robes and appeared in the main hall.

Three Nascent Soul level warriors and hundreds of Core Formation level experts!
This is the core and most powerful force of the Shenxiao Dao Sect. Most of them are usually asleep or in seclusion, and they will not easily reveal themselves unless there is a calamity that wipes out the sect.

Of course, besides these people, a large number of the True Persons of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" remained in other places.

"Crossing the mountain range", "Youyue Kingdom", "Ming Dynasty", "East China Sea", "South China Sea", "Luofu Continent", "Zhao Kingdom", and even some beings who travel to other continents.

In terms of high-end combat power, Li Yunjing estimated that there were at least two hundred, if not three hundred, Nascent Soul Realm True Persons in the sect!
As for whether there are still any pillars of support at the Nascent Soul stage.
Then the only hope is that someone traveling abroad will obtain an extraordinary opportunity to break through this important realm.

Their gazes first fell on Ming Lingchuan, and then they all looked at Li Yunjing, who was present, with a hint of curiosity and scrutiny in their eyes.

They had also heard about the young deputy leader's legendary achievements.

"Ling Chuan, what is the matter so urgent that you have used the 'Shock Talisman' to summon us here?"

An old man with a simple and profound appearance spoke slowly. He was one of the most senior elders of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect", and his Daoist name was "Xuanjizi".

He was also the supreme leader of the previous three generations!
Unfortunately, this person was unlucky; even after reaching the limit of his lifespan, he still failed to break through to the Nascent Soul realm!

Xuanji Zi, who had been in seclusion for a long time, was woken up, so it would be strange if he was in a good mood.

Ming Lingchuan stood up, bowed to the elders, and said in a deep voice, "My fellow disciples, this matter is of great importance. I, Li Yunjing, the deputy sect leader, will give you a detailed report."

All eyes immediately focused on Li Yunjing.

Facing the gazes of three Nascent Soul Ancestors and hundreds of Supreme Elders, Li Yunjing felt immense pressure, but his expression remained unchanged. He calmly stood up and clearly and calmly repeated what he had just said to Ming Lingchuan.

This time, he described it in even more detail, and even used his divine sense to directly simulate the terrifying scene of "ten thousand demons attacking the world" that he had glimpsed, and presented it to everyone!

"Om..."

When the cracked star barrier and the endless, ferocious, roaring army of demons outside the barrier appeared before everyone, even these old monsters who had lived for countless years and seen countless storms changed color!
Inside the main hall, there was complete silence for a moment, broken only by heavy breathing.

Everyone's expression turned extremely grim and solemn.

They understood what "extraterrestrial demons" meant better than Li Yunjing and Ming Lingchuan!
That was a terrifying calamity recorded in ancient times, powerful enough to destroy one civilization after another!
"The celestial signs... are actually true..."

Another female elder, dressed in palace attire and possessing a cool and aloof demeanor, muttered to herself. She was an expert in divination, and at this moment, her fingertips moved rapidly, her face growing paler and paler.

"The Star Barrier... it really does exist, and... is it really about to collapse?"

Elder Xuanjizi sighed deeply, his eyes filled with vicissitudes and worry, "The ancient legends were indeed true..."

"Catastrophe! This is the real catastrophe! Compared to this, the battles between sects are nothing but child's play!"

"A hot-tempered elder roared, his fists clenched.

Once the news was confirmed, a tremendous sense of crisis instantly enveloped all the senior executives.

"Li Yunjing, you have done a great service!"

Elder Xuanji looked sharply at Li Yunjing with unprecedented praise, "If you hadn't foreseen the secrets of heaven in advance, we would probably have had to deal with it hastily when the demonic calamity struck, and the consequences would have been unimaginable!"

"It is my duty as a disciple."

Li Yunjing bowed and said.

"Alright, now is not the time for praise."

Ming Lingchuan interrupted, his gaze sweeping over the assembled high-ranking officials, "The most urgent matter is how to respond. I urge all my senior uncles, senior brothers, and fellow disciples to discuss our strategies!"

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became extremely serious.

The gazes of hundreds of Nascent Soul cultivators and three Deity Transformation beings exchanged, the air thick with shock, anxiety, and a barely perceptible fear. The threat of the extraterrestrial demons hung like a sword over their heads, making even these normally high and mighty beings feel their own insignificance.

"Now that the news has been confirmed, panicking will not help."

Elder Xuanjizi, the most senior Grand Elder, was the first to break the silence. His voice was hoarse but carried an undeniable authority: "The most urgent task is to devise a countermeasure. Lingchuan, as the sect leader, do you have any preliminary plans?"

All eyes were once again focused on Ming Lingchuan.

"Dear senior uncles, junior brothers, and Lord Shenfeng."

Ming Lingchuan took a deep breath, clearly having already given it some thought, and said in a deep voice, "In my opinion, to deal with this catastrophe, we need to immediately address several matters!"

"First, top secret."

"The matter of the Heavenly Demon is of too great importance. If it is leaked, it may cause chaos throughout the world and lead to defeat before the battle even begins."

"This matter is currently kept secret from those of us present and is strictly prohibited from being disseminated outside!"

"Each peak and hall should simply follow the subsequent orders and should not inquire about the reasons."

Everyone nodded in agreement. If this matter were to spread, not only would the mortal world be thrown into chaos and madness, but the cultivation world itself would also be plunged into madness. The news must be strictly contained.

The collapse of the world order could be even more dangerous than a catastrophe.

"Second, full preparation for war."

"Effective immediately, the sect is entering a state of highest combat readiness."

"All Nascent Soul and Golden Core disciples who are traveling or stationed elsewhere, except for those who are necessary to stay behind, are to be recalled!"

"Stop all unnecessary internal strife and resource consumption, and allocate all resources to war preparedness."

Everyone nodded again, agreeing with Ming Lingchuan's approach.

"Third, strengthen defenses."

"At all costs, immediately begin upgrading the 'Divine Firmament Thunder Array,' connecting it to the earth's veins at a deeper level, covering all important branches, mines, and herb gardens!"

"At the same time, I ordered the Weapon Hall, Talisman Hall, and Pill Hall to work with all their might to refine magical artifacts, talismans, and pills to counter demonic energy and subdue demonic creatures."

"The Array Hall needs to research large-scale arrays for purifying demonic energy."

The leaders of the relevant mountains nodded, acknowledging that they would naturally have to shoulder the responsibility.

Fourth, enhance our strength.

"The sect's secret vault will be opened to higher levels of access. Meritorious disciples and elders can exchange their contributions for cultivation techniques, supernatural abilities, and resources that were previously unattainable."

"We must maximize our overall strength before the catastrophe strikes!"

"We must especially focus on cultivating Nascent Soul Realm cultivators!"

Although everyone felt sorry for them, they couldn't care less about the sect's treasures during this great calamity.

If they fail, they'll lose not only the treasure, but their lives too.

Fifth, contact allies.

“This matter cannot be kept secret forever, nor should I bear the responsibility alone.”

"We need to choose the right time and a safe approach to contact reliable allies such as the Yuanyang Dao Sect, communicate with them secretly, and discuss important matters together."

"At the very least, we need to get them started preparing as well."

As he said this, he glanced at Li Yunjing, clearly thinking of Li Yunjing's relationship with True Lord Chiyang, which might be a breakthrough.

Sixth, explore historical sites.

“The ancient books of the sects, as well as the ancient ruins in various parts of the continent, may contain records of our ancestors’ fight against the Heavenly Demon, cultivation techniques, or even left-behind weapons or formations.”

"We need to immediately organize an elite force to take charge of this matter and find a solution."

Ming Lingchuan presented six preliminary plans in a clear and logical manner, demonstrating the courage and foresight of a sect leader.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people in the hall eased slightly, as if they had found their pillar of support.

"What the sect leader says is absolutely right!"

Nine Heavens True Lord was the first to express his support, saying, "Especially recalling disciples, upgrading the great formation, and refining items specifically to counter demons—these are the foundation!"

"Contacting allies is indeed necessary, but extreme caution must be exercised to avoid premature dissemination of information, which could backfire."

Xuanzhenjun nodded slowly: "Regarding the matter of exploring ancient sites, I can lead a team to investigate several known ancient battlefield ruins."

"I can lend a hand with the power of the earth's veins to strengthen the foundation of the great formation."

The golden-clad woman, a guardian beast at the Nascent Soul level, spoke for the first time, her voice clear and melodious like a phoenix's cry: "The demonic energy is filthy, but my natal true fire can also restrain it, and can assist the Pill Hall and Weapon Hall."

"As for resources, I can take charge of overall coordination and ensure supply!"

"The Artifact Hall shall immediately begin research into new magical artifacts specifically designed to counter demons!"

"We must immediately increase the production of breakthrough pills such as the 'Nascent Soul Pill,' sparing no expense on rare herbs!"

……

The various Nascent Soul stage elders also offered their suggestions!

"Yun Jing, you have brought back this news; your contribution is immense."

Do you have any additional suggestions for countermeasures?

Seeing that everyone quickly reached a consensus and began to add details, Ming Lingchuan felt a little relieved. He finally turned his gaze to Li Yunjing: "In the future, many affairs of the sect, especially dangerous matters such as external conquests and exploration of ancient sites, will probably require your continued support."

"The sect leader's arrangements are extremely thorough."

"I'd like to add two points!"

"Firstly, a special agency needs to be established immediately, composed of cultivators proficient in divination, formations, and ancient texts, working day and night to monitor changes in the barrier, calculate the exact movements and weaknesses of the demon army, and strive to more accurately predict the timing of the demonic calamity."

Li Yunjing stood up and solemnly said, "Secondly, I suggest that we secretly collect information about relics that may lead to other worlds, such as the 'Ascension Platform' and the 'Ancient Teleportation Array'."

He paused, his voice low but clear: "We should fight to the death to protect our homeland, but... we must also prepare for the worst and preserve a spark of hope for the sect's continuation."

This last sentence sent a chill down everyone's spine, but no one refuted it.

This is not pessimism, but the most realistic consideration.

If things are truly beyond saving, it is the responsibility of a leader to leave a glimmer of hope for the orthodox tradition.

"good!"

"As Yun Jing said."

"The monitoring will be personally overseen by Uncle-Master Xuanji."

Ming Lingchuan nodded emphatically, “Yun Jing, you will lead the search for ancient ruins and teleportation array information, with Uncle Xuanzhenjun assisting you. All resources of the sect can be mobilized to cooperate!”

"Yes!"

Li Yunjing and Xuanzhenjun received the order at the same time.

"In that case, there's no time to lose!"

"Everyone! A great calamity is imminent. This is the greatest crisis since the founding of our 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect,' but it may also be the greatest opportunity!"

Ming Lingchuan's gaze swept across the entire arena, and his voice suddenly became firm and powerful, "If we can overcome this calamity, our sect will surely shine for eternity!"

"From this moment forward, proceed as agreed! Any progress or difficulties may be reported directly to me or the three Nascent Soul Ancestors!"

"I will obey the sect leader's decree!"

All the cultivators in the hall, including the three Nascent Soul cultivators, bowed in unison and responded, their voices resounding throughout the hall.

After the meeting ended, figures quickly and silently left the main hall, transforming into streaks of light and heading to various parts of the sect.

The once peaceful and serene "Shenxiao Daozong" mountain gate, like a sleeping giant, began to slowly awaken and would operate at its highest efficiency, making the most arduous preparations for that unknown but destined to be brutal battle for survival.

After exchanging a few more whispered words with Ming Lingchuan, Jiuxiao Zhenjun, Xuanzhenjun, Shenfeng, and others, Li Yunjing turned and strode out of the main hall.

After Li Yunjing left, Ming Lingchuan, Jiuxiao Zhenjun, Xuanzhenjun, and Shenfeng did not disperse. Instead, they held a four-person meeting.

"Everyone, I intend to hand over the position of the supreme leader of the Shenxiao Dao Sect to Li Yunjing."

Inside the main hall, the warmth of the departing crowd still lingered, but the four at the core remained.

Ming Lingchuan, Jiuxiao Zhenjun, Xuanzhenjun, and the transformed divine phoenix remained, making the atmosphere even more subtle and solemn than before.

Ming Lingchuan's earth-shattering words were like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, stirring up huge waves in the hearts of the three.

"Ling Chuan, are you... really telling the truth?"

Nine Heavens True Lord spoke first, his tone filled with disbelief.

He was Li Yunjing's master and was naturally happy to see his disciple succeed. However, the position of the supreme leader of the sect was no small matter, as it concerned the rise and fall of the sect. How could it be decided so easily?
Moreover, Ming Lingchuan is at the peak of his power, with profound cultivation, and has no intention of abdicating.

He supported Ming Lingchuan, believing that Ming Lingchuan had excellent leadership skills and was suitable to lead the "Shenxiao Daozong" through this critical moment.

"Why do you say that, Sect Leader?"

"Although Yun Jing is a genius with outstanding achievements, he is still young. Although his cultivation and combat power are amazing, he has not yet reached the Transcendent Realm."

A hint of surprise flashed in Xuanzhenjun's eyes, which seemed to have seen through the world. He slowly said, "The position of sect leader requires a combination of virtue, talent, and seniority. Isn't it... too hasty?"

“Ming Lingchuan, you should know that the change of sect leader is not a trivial matter.”

The phoenix woman in golden palace attire frowned slightly, and her clear, cold voice rang out: "At this critical juncture when a great calamity is imminent, a sudden change of ownership would likely cause turmoil within the sect, which is not a wise move."

Faced with the questions from the three sect's top combatants, Ming Lingchuan remained calm, clearly having anticipated their reaction.

"How could Lingchuan not know what the venerable ancestors have said?"

He took a deep breath, his gaze swept over the three of them, and said in a deep voice, "It is precisely because we are facing an unprecedented calamity that Ling Chuan has this idea. It is not an impulsive decision, but a well-thought-out plan for the sect!"

Upon hearing this, the three elders were shocked and turned their gazes to Ming Lingchuan, wanting to hear what he was thinking!
(End of this chapter)