Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 791 The Day of Action: A Thunderous Sweep (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Our 'Northern Emperor Sect' and 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' share both glory and ruin."

"Pass down the order to activate the highest level of the 'Mysterious Mist Illusion Array' at the mountain gate to conceal the aura of the canyon as much as possible."

"All disciples must keep their mouths shut and only tell outsiders that it is a sect exercise."

Su Muqing was silent for a moment, then a resolute glint flashed in her eyes: "Use all the treasury to meet all the needs of the four guardian armies!"

“But Ancestor… what if the ‘Mysterious Ice Palace’ discovers this…”

Some elders hesitated.

After all, Su Muqing is not the sect leader, but only a supreme elder.

Although the number of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators in the "Northern Emperor Sect" is small, and the Supreme Elders wield immense power, they are not in charge. Such an order still made this elder somewhat hesitant.

"If we are discovered, my 'Northern Emperor Faction' will be the first to be attacked!"

"But Master Li always plans carefully before acting. He would never take such a risky move if he didn't have a high degree of certainty!"

Su Muqing interrupted him, her tone resolute and authoritative, "This is a golden opportunity for our sect to advance further. How can we let it slip away because of timidity?"

"Excuting an order!"

Her beautiful eyes swept over the elders present, her voice clear and heavy with weight: "If anything goes wrong, I will take full responsibility! Go immediately and ask the sect leader to come out of seclusion; I will personally explain the situation to him."

Seeing that this newly promoted Nascent Soul Grandmaster was so resolute and willing to take responsibility, the elders said no more and went to carry out their orders.

Su Muqing holds a special position within the sect. Not only is she a Nascent Soul cultivator, but she also has a past relationship with the renowned Divine Firmament Sect Leader. No one dares to easily question her decisions.

Su Muqing stood alone in the wind and snow, gazing at the military camp below the mountain that resembled a lurking giant beast, her heart filled with turbulent emotions.

She knew Li Yunjing's methods and ruthlessness better than anyone else.

The experience of venturing together on the "Luofu Continent" back then is still vivid in my mind; this person always manages to create miracles in desperate situations.

Now that he is the head of the Divine Firmament Sect, he has laid out such a grand plan, with his target being the "Mysterious Ice Palace"... The opportunities hidden behind this may be the biggest turning point for the "Northern Emperor Sect" in tens of thousands of years!
"Li Yunjing...you always manage to do amazing things."

She murmured to herself, a complex and unfathomable light flashing in her eyes, which then turned into determination, "This time, my 'Northern Emperor Faction' will gamble with you!"

Soon, the leader of the "Northern Emperor Sect" will be appointed!
An elderly man at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm was invited out of seclusion.

After hearing Su Muqing's decision and analysis, he pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement and gave his full support.

The entire "Northern Emperor Faction" operated efficiently, with the mountain-protecting formation fully activated, resources being continuously transported to the military camp at the foot of the mountain, while information was strictly blocked.

Inside the central command tent in the valley below the mountain.

The vanguard commander of the four guardian armies.

The four powerful leaders, all at the Nascent Soul stage, naturally sensed the full cooperation of the Northern Emperor Sect.

“The Northern Emperor Sect is quite sensible, especially the newly appointed Patriarch Su Muqing, who has considerable courage.”

The Azure Dragon Army Commander, "Azure Dragon True Lord," nodded slightly. "Pass down the order: all armies must accelerate their adaptation to the extreme cold environment, and scouts must expand their reconnaissance range. I need to have a thorough understanding of the outer perimeter of the 'Mysterious Ice Palace' before the general offensive!"

"Here!"

The gears of the war machine meshed quietly at the edge of the ice field, slowly accelerating.

The Xiao family of "Luofu Continent," the "Northern Emperor Sect" near the far north ice plains, and the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect"—these four guardian armies have been quietly preparing for the great war two years from now.

Meanwhile, in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, the power of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" is also secretly shrinking.

Currently, only three Nascent Soul Realm cultivators remain to guard "Shenxiao Island" in the East Sea. Besides the ten Golden Core Realm elders, they only have three thousand Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining Realm disciples under their command.

In the East China Sea, only 20% of the troops stationed there were at their peak.

Shenxiao Island was not idle either. In accordance with the orders conveyed by the sect, it also began to recruit disciples with good spiritual roots and to train them.

They also recruited some independent cultivators from the surrounding areas to join the island's patrol teams and border guards.

The same thing happened in the South China Sea. When "Wanghai City" was being fortified, a portion of the garrison troops were secretly transferred away.

To address the shortage, similar to the East Sea, they recruited other sects, families, and independent cultivators to fill the gap.

The transfers between the two locations were kept quiet, and few people, except those who were observant, could sense that something was amiss.

The State of Zhao, this land newly incorporated into the sphere of influence of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect", has undergone the baptism of war with the State of Zhao. Although it appears desolate and dilapidated, it also contains infinite opportunities and abundant resources.

For the numerous families, sects, and independent cultivators within the "Great Ming Dynasty" and even the entire "Shenxiao Daozong" sphere of influence, this was undoubtedly a new frontier full of allure.

As the Shenxiao Dao Sect secretly shifts its strategic focus to the Xuanbing Palace in the far north, it needs to rely more on the power of local forces to develop and control this vast land of Zhao.

Thus, a massive "border defense and Zhao defense" plan was quietly launched under the leadership of the sect.

To consolidate these territories, the Shenxiao Dao Sect spared no expense and offered generous conditions for expansion.

The "Shenxiao Dao Sect" announced that any family or sect willing to relocate to the Zhao Kingdom to cultivate spiritual fields, establish strongholds, and eliminate remaining hostile forces can obtain permanent use rights or even ownership of large tracts of land based on their contributions and strength.

In these fiefdoms, the sects grant a high degree of autonomy, requiring only that the fiefdoms pay fixed taxes on time and obey the sects' wartime mobilization.

This is extremely attractive to many forces whose development is limited in their existing territories.

Newly discovered resource points such as spirit mines, medicinal mountains, and secret realms within the new territory will be opened to explorers first.

The pioneers enjoy exclusive mining rights for a certain number of years or cooperative mining rights with a very high profit-sharing ratio.

The "Shenxiao Dao Sect" provides necessary security support to ensure that resources can be smoothly transformed into strength.

At the same time, a detailed system of merit was established.

Merit points can be earned by clearing out enemy remnants, reclaiming wasteland, establishing towns, transporting supplies, and guarding borders.

Merit points can be exchanged in the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" treasury for cultivation manuals, elixirs, magic treasures, and even a spot to enter the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" cultivation holy land for further study.

This is an invaluable temptation for cultivators who aspire to enhance their own or their family's strength.

In order to allow some smaller forces to participate.

The "Shenxiao Dao Sect" even established a "Pioneering Fund" to provide low-interest spirit stone loans to forces interested in going to the Zhao Kingdom for initial construction.

At the same time, "Tiangongtang" and "Tianyaofeng" will provide necessary supplies such as magic tools, talismans, and pills at preferential prices, and even send craftsmen and alchemists to assist in the construction.

The Shenxiao Dao Sect promised to maintain a certain number of elite troops in the Zhao Kingdom.

These elite forces are actually not very powerful. The best way for the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" to rule this enclave is to absorb the surrender faction and increase their territory and power.

When the time comes, if the Zhao state goes back on its word and launches a counterattack, even without the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" saying a word, those who surrendered will not be able to give up the resources and territory they have gained.

They will be even more valiant than the "Shenxiao Dao Sect"!

Such generous terms immediately caused a huge sensation within the sphere of influence of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

Established families within the "Ming Dynasty," such as prominent clans and powerful cultivation families, coveted the vast lands and resources of the Zhao Kingdom. They organized their collateral descendants, recruited retainers, and brought large amounts of resources and people to the Zhao Kingdom to claim territory and establish new branches, hoping to gain greater room for development.

Among the sects in the "Youyue Kingdom," some medium-sized sects, which were originally fiercely competitive and had limited resources, saw an opportunity and migrated as a whole or sent elite detachments to the Zhao Kingdom, intending to occupy the blessed land of Lingshan and establish their own sects.

The independent cultivators and mercenary groups that "cross the mountains" are cultivators who have been living on the edge of danger for many years. They are the least afraid of danger and are good at fighting and exploration.

They either form temporary alliances or are hired by large families to become pioneers, responsible for clearing out the most troublesome enemy remnants and powerful monsters, risking their lives for a future.

Some families and small sects that were originally within the territory of the Zhao state and surrendered or remained neutral during the war also actively approached the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and took the initiative to cooperate with the expansion plan in order to preserve or even expand their own interests and occupy a place in the new order.

For a time, the official roads and teleportation arrays leading from the "Ming Dynasty" to the Zhao Kingdom became extremely busy.

Caravans and airships came and went in an endless stream, fully loaded with people, supplies, and hope.

On the border of the Zhao state, the once-abandoned ancient city was renovated and used as a forward base.

Further afield, new fortified villages, towns, and even small cities sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Spirit fields were cultivated, spirit mines began initial excavation, and patrols worked day and night to eliminate dangers.

The entire territory seemed to have transformed from a desolate ghost realm, rapidly radiating a rugged and vibrant vitality.

Li Yunjing's move was a win-win situation.

This not only solved the problem of ruling the "Zhao State", but also provided perfect strategic cover for the upcoming war, and fully mobilized internal forces to accumulate strength for the future of the sect.

In addition, the "Youyue Kingdom" and the "Hengyue Mountain Range" are completely secured!
The second branch of "Crossing the Mountains" has begun comprehensive development, recruiting disciples on a large scale and providing instruction.

There are nearly 300,000 disciples of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" stationed here!

If we add the more than 300,000 people of the "Youyue Kingdom", the two places have one-third of the Shenxiao Dao Sect's manpower!

Under these circumstances, the Ming Dynasty became internally vulnerable.

For example, the "Ten Thousand Swords Sect," which Li Yunjing was familiar with, had developed very well in the "Hengyue Mountains" and even sold "Ten Thousand Swords City." Now, they have collectively migrated to the new mountain gate of the "Hengyue Mountains" to develop.

There are many such examples.

The overall strength of the "Great Ming Cultivation World" has dropped by at least 50%!
In the vast vacant areas, families established by independent cultivators sprang up like mushrooms after rain.

These new forces are weak, but no one can guarantee that these families will become powerful lords a thousand years from now.

Time flies, and the two-and-a-half-year deadline is fast approaching.

The eyes of countless sects and families across the entire "Southern Continent" seemed to be focused on the grand succession ceremony of the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" that was about to take place.

The Shenxiao Mountain Range was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, with auspicious clouds and mythical beasts swirling around it. Guests flocked to the area, and gifts from all directions piled up like mountains.

A scene of joy and peace, with singing and dancing filling the air.

The delegation from the "Mysterious Ice Palace" stayed in the VIP Garden and enjoyed the treatment of honored guests. The Nascent Soul elder leading the delegation even chatted and laughed with other sect envoys from time to time, completely unaware that he was already a bird in a cage.

On the eve of the grand ceremony, the moon was bright and the stars were few.

Li Yunjing stood alone atop the "Purple Cloud Palace," gazing at the moon with his hands behind his back.

Tomorrow will be the day when the true intentions are revealed.

"Headmaster."

"Everything is in place."

“Our two grandmasters, ‘Mysterious Lord’ and ‘Nine Heavens True Lord’, have quietly emerged from seclusion and are ready to depart at any time.”

"The main forces of the four guardian armies have arrived at the 'Northern Emperor Sect' canyon through the secret teleportation array and joined the vanguard."

"A secret message has come from the Xiao family: their main force has infiltrated the southern border of the 'Cang Kingdom' using an illusion array and is waiting for a signal."

The Five Elements Master appeared silently behind him and whispered, "The teams that have infiltrated the 'Cang Kingdom' have been confirmed, and the target forces have all indicated that they will launch an uprising as agreed."

With such a major event occurring, the Five Elements Master, who had been in seclusion, had no choice but to emerge.

"Ah."

Li Yunjing responded faintly, his gaze still fixed on the cold, bright moon. "What about the 'Chang'an Dynasty'?"

"The second and third elders of the Xiao family are exceptionally capable. The Chang'an court is currently embroiled in a fierce struggle for the throne, border clashes are ongoing, and several pro-war families have suffered unexpected misfortunes one after another, leaving them with no power to look south."

The Five Elements Master smiled slightly and announced the good news.

"very good."

"Tell your fellow disciples to relax and enjoy tonight's feast."

A cold smile curved Li Yunjing's lips. "Tomorrow at noon, we will present the 'Mysterious Ice Palace' with... the greatest congratulatory gift!"

The Five Elements Master felt a chill run down his spine and bowed as he withdrew.

The next day, at noon.

The main peak square of Shenxiao Mountain was bustling with activity as countless cultivators came to pay homage.

A solemn honor guard stood at attention on both sides, while ceremonial music played.

Dressed in a purple-gold Taoist robe and wearing a lotus crown, Li Yunjing stepped onto the high platform, ready to receive congratulations from all sides and complete the final ceremony.

Below the stage, the "Mysterious Ice Palace" envoy wore a formulaic smile as he watched the ceremony alongside the other guests.

On the high platform, Li Yunjing's gaze swept over the thousands of guests below, finally pausing slightly on the envoy of the "Mysterious Ice Palace".

The time has come!

He raised his hand, preparing to announce the start of the final part of the ceremony!
suddenly!

Millions of miles away in the Cang Kingdom, a strange change suddenly occurred above the gate of the "Xuanbing Palace"!

The once clear sky suddenly darkened, and three indescribably vast and majestic figures tore through the void without warning, appearing ten thousand feet in the sky!
It was none other than the "Xuanzhenjun" and "Jiuxiaozhenjun" of the "Shenxiao Daozong" and the "Xiao Xuan Laozu" of the Xiao family!
The three Nascent Soul stage experts appeared and, without any preamble, immediately unleashed the "Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Talisman" that they had prepared long ago!
“Boom!!!!”

A massive bolt of purple divine lightning, seemingly connecting heaven and earth, containing the ultimate yang and hard power to destroy everything, struck with unparalleled precision a seemingly insignificant point within the "Mysterious Ice Palace's" "Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Ice Array," which covered an area of ​​hundreds of miles!

Meanwhile, on a high platform of Shenxiao Mountain.

Li Yunjing's raised hand did not fall, but instead transformed from a palm into a claw, and suddenly grabbed at the "Xuanbing Palace" envoy in the audience below the stage!
"Be bold!"

"Li Yunjing, what are you doing?!"

The Nascent Soul envoy was shocked and furious. He was about to resist when he found that the space around him seemed to be completely frozen. His Nascent Soul was suppressed by a towering mountain and he couldn't even move a finger!

A giant hand, formed entirely of purple lightning, appeared out of thin air, instantly grabbing him and his followers. With a flash of lightning, it was completely sealed and thrown in front of the Discipline Hall disciples.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye. It wasn't until this moment that most of the guests in the audience reacted, and there was an uproar!
"Sect Leader Li! What does this mean?!"

"Today is a grand ceremony, why are you attacking the guests?!"

Many people were stunned, completely baffled as to how a perfectly good celebration had turned into a trap.
Li Yunjing stood on the high platform, facing thousands of astonished and uncertain gazes. His voice, like thunder from the heavens, boomed in all directions and clearly reached the ears of every cultivator: "Fellow Daoists!"

"It is not that I have disregarded etiquette, but that the 'Mysterious Ice Palace' has repeatedly violated my borders, killed my disciples, and cut off my passages. Their crimes are unforgivable!"

"Today, as I assume the position of sect leader, I offer this blood of the barbarians as a sacrifice to the martyrs of my sect!"

"And with this battle, we declare to the world: 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' cannot be insulted! Those who offend Shenxiao, no matter how far away, will be punished!"

"Disciples of Shenxiao, heed my command!"

"Follow me! Let's go to war!"

Before the words were even finished, countless elite disciples of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," who had been prepared all along, surged like a tide toward the ultra-long-distance teleportation arrays in various parts of the sect, led by the elders and true masters!

Battle flags fluttered in the wind, and lightning bolts shot into the sky!
The murderous aura instantly shattered all the joy and peace!

Almost at the same time, millions of miles away.

The colossal lightning pillar, combining the power of three Nascent Soul cultivators and the full might of the "Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Talisman," struck the vital point of the "Ten Thousand Years Profound Ice Array" with tremendous force!

“Crack…Crack…”

A tooth-grinding cracking sound rang out, and the peerless array that was said to be able to withstand the attack of the Nascent Soul stage instantly became covered with countless spiderweb-like cracks on the light shield centered on the point of impact, and then collapsed with a huge gap!

"Enemy attack!!!"

The piercing alarm belatedly sounded inside the "Mysterious Ice Palace" gate. Countless disciples looked up in panic, only to see three figures, like gods and demons, charging in fiercely through the gap!
Meanwhile, on the southern border of the "Cang Kingdom", the sounds of battle shook the heavens!
The main force of the Xiao family descended like divine soldiers, tearing through their disguises and surging into the territory of the "Cang Kingdom" like a purple torrent. The outer strongholds and outposts of the "Xuanbing Palace" along the way were no match for the well-prepared elite troops and collapsed one after another!

Meanwhile, the sects and families in the southern part of the "Cang Kingdom" that had long been secretly colluding with the Divine Firmament also rebelled at almost the same time, stabbing the "Mysterious Ice Palace" in the back from within!

A pincer attack from both inside and outside, surrounded and attacked from all sides!
(End of this chapter)