Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 836 Gift of Immortal Artifact, Fifth Level of Nascent Soul (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
In the sky, the thunderclouds that had just dispersed gathered again, but this time, it was not the thunder of destruction, but the "thunder of creation" that contained vitality!
This is a gift and a test bestowed by the laws of heaven and earth when a cultivator breaks through a major realm!

"Crack! Click!"

One after another, streaks of cyan-purple "divine lightning of creation" struck down, but they were all absorbed by the lightning cocoons around Li Yunjing's body, instead becoming resources for him to consolidate his cultivation and temper his physical body.

Under this double baptism, his "Heavenly Thunder Divine Body" took another step towards becoming a "Chaotic Thunder Body." His physical strength was comparable to that of a body cultivator of the same level, his meridians expanded several times over, and the total amount of mana he could hold far exceeded that of an ordinary cultivator at the third level of the Nascent Soul realm.

After an unknown amount of time, when the last trace of power fed back by the immortal artifact was completely refined, the strange phenomenon in the sky slowly dissipated.

Li Yunjing suddenly opened his eyes, a flash of chaotic lightning appearing and disappearing in them. An aura far stronger than before emanated from his body, causing the surrounding space to distort slightly.

Fifth level of Nascent Soul, peak!

They're only one step away from the sixth heaven!
He felt the surging, pure thunderous power within his body, as vast and boundless as the Yangtze River, and the heightened sensitivity of his divine sense, whose coverage had nearly doubled. A powerful sense of confidence welled up within him.

Now, even without the power of the immortal artifact, he is capable of directly confronting or even defeating ordinary second-level Nascent Soul cultivators!

If combined with the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal" and the advantageous terrain of "Dragon Locking Abyss," its combat power will reach a terrifying level.

Even if a cultivator at the fourth level of the Nascent Soul realm came, he could still kill him here!

"Congratulations, Sect Leader, on your great progress in cultivation! The path to immortality is within your reach!"

Xiao Anran, the Five Elements True Lord, and others who had been protecting him all along sensed the unfathomable aura emanating from Li Yunjing and stepped forward, their faces beaming with genuine joy.

The stronger the sect leader, the more stable the sect will be.

"There has been only slight improvement, entirely thanks to the protection of the ancestor and the feedback from the immortal artifact."

Li Yunjing composed himself and smiled slightly: "What's the situation on all sides?"

Xiao Anran immediately reported: "According to the latest news, Emperor Huangze, Sword Master Taixu, and six other groups have arrived at the target area one after another and are working to reinforce the seal. So far, there is no bad news."

Li Yun nodded, his gaze once again falling upon the unfathomable "Dragon-Locking Abyss." He felt somewhat relieved as he sensed the aura of the "Prison-Suppressing Demon Lord," who was now completely submerged and firmly suppressed by the nine chaotic thunder dragon chains below.

But he knew this was only a temporary calm.

Having endured a calamity, Tianlan Star suffered a severe blow. Although its external enemies have temporarily retreated, internal hidden dangers have not been completely eliminated, and the road to reconstruction is long and arduous.

As the leader of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and one of the top experts who rose to prominence during this demonic calamity, he himself bears an even heavier responsibility.

He looked up into the distance, as if he could see the figures of his comrades fighting in various forbidden areas, and he could also feel the tenacious vitality slowly recovering beneath this ravaged land.

"Pass the order,"

Li Yunjing said in a deep voice, "The entire sect, except for those who must remain, must do everything in its power to assist the surrounding mortal kingdoms and cultivation forces in rebuilding their homes and purifying the remaining demonic energy. At the same time, we must closely monitor the starry sky and keep track of the movements of the 'Void Demon Clan,' without the slightest negligence!"

"Yes, Sect Leader!"

Everyone accepted the order in unison, their morale soaring.

Li Yunjing closed his eyes again, consolidating his newly broken-through cultivation while silently sensing the "Dutian Divine Thunder Tower" buried deep in the earth's veins through the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal," continuing to deepen his connection with this sect-protecting immortal artifact and accumulating power to cope with any challenges that may arise in the future.

While the bigwigs of the "Tianlan Alliance" were taking action, the lower and middle levels of the alliance were also busy at work...

In the previous great war, the various continents and seas of "Tianlan Star" were shattered, and countless people from all sects and families died or were injured, and too many resources were destroyed.

Taking advantage of the fact that one of the founders of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" descended to the mortal realm and temporarily quelled the demonic scourge, all forces were racing against time to repair their mountain gates, treat the wounded, refine magical artifacts, distribute talismans, and repair formations in preparation for the next decisive battle.

The once prosperous and thriving capital of Huangze is now in ruins, with its city walls broken and palaces in disrepair. However, the remaining cultivators and conscripted laborers are clearing the ruins and moving huge stones under the organization of the imperial officials.

The array masters, holding compasses, inscribed new array patterns among the broken walls and ruins, attempting to restore some of the functions of the "Nine Dragons Supporting the Sky Array" as soon as possible, even if it was just the simplest early warning and protection.

Deep within the "Ten Thousand Demon Mountains," the surviving demons licked their wounds, and under the leadership of their respective demon kings, collected the remains of their kin and restored their ancestral land, which had been polluted by demonic energy.

They gather the essence of the sun and moon, draw upon the demonic energy of the earth's veins, and carefully wash over every node of the "Ancestral Land Demon God Array." The deep chanting of demonic script echoes through the valley, a lament as well as a prayer for rebirth.

Inside the Dragon Palace of the Four Seas, shrimp soldiers and crab generals busily moved about, repairing the damaged crystal palace walls.

The dragon elders joined forces to activate the "Four Seas Stabilizing Pearl," calming the chaotic ocean currents and tsunamis caused by the great war and purifying the seawater stained black by demonic blood.

One by one, the water elemental barriers lit up again. Although their light was not as dazzling as before, they stubbornly protected the peace of the underwater world.

The totem warriors of the Hundred Tribes of the Southern Wilderness danced a desolate and ancient war dance around the sacred mountain that had been lost and regained or barely held on.

The shamans sprinkled their treasured herbs and animal blood onto the earth, chanting secret incantations to communicate with their ancestors, guiding their meager faith into the broken totem poles, attempting to rekindle the flame that protected the tribe.

Small and medium-sized sects and cultivation families went all out. They may not have top-tier experts or immortal artifacts, but they possessed the most tenacious will to survive.

The sect leader and clan chief personally led teams deep into dangerous areas to collect resources, and organized disciples to refine healing pills, repair magical artifacts, and draw talismans day and night.

Every spiritual vein node was reorganized, and every remaining defensive formation was reinforced. They placed all their hopes on this race against time to prepare.

The structure of the "Tianlan Alliance" played a significant role at this time.

The “Reconstruction Division,” “Purification Division,” and “Relief Division,” composed of elites from various factions, operate efficiently.

The cultivators of the "Reconstruction Division" are like worker bees, shuttling between various states and counties, using earth and wood-based magic to help mortals rebuild their homes, dredge waterways, and restore farmland.

The members of the "Demon Purification Division" are mostly Buddhist cultivators, lightning cultivators, or cultivators with purification abilities. They form small teams and venture deep into areas that were once occupied by demons or heavily polluted by demonic energy. They chant scriptures and recite Buddhist mantras, perform purification spells, purify the land inch by inch, deliver the souls of the dead, and prevent the demonic energy from resurfacing.

The “Relief Department” has the heaviest task. They are responsible for tallying the war losses of each faction, distributing relief resources allocated by the alliance, comforting the relatives and disciples of fallen cultivators, ensuring stability in the rear, and keeping morale high.

The entire "Tianlan Star," from top to bottom, was permeated with a sense of exhaustion from surviving a catastrophe, but it was also filled with an indomitable and unwavering belief in rebuilding their home.

The shadow of war has not completely dissipated, and everyone knows that the next wave of demons could return at any time. They must use this precious respite to become stronger than ever before.

Meanwhile, high above, the remaining "Starships" and the cultivators skilled in observing celestial phenomena kept a close eye on the starry sky, monitoring any unusual activity in the direction of the "Crimson Flame Realm" passage.

They are the first to spot danger, bearing the heavy responsibility of buying early warning time for the entire "Tianlan Star".

While the inhabitants of Tianlan Star were busy rebuilding their homes and strengthening their defenses, the battle deep within the star field above the nine heavens had already transcended the comprehension of mortal beings.

The clash between true immortals and true demons is not a simple battle of supernatural powers or a collision of laws.

That was a struggle at the level of the Great Dao, a confrontation between two completely opposite and irreconcilable primordial wills of the universe.

Occasionally, those with profound cultivation, such as Emperor Huangze and Li Yunjing, can vaguely perceive the soul-stirring fluctuations from the endless distant starry sky by relying on their own faint connection with the laws of heaven and earth.

The fluctuations sometimes resembled a gentle spring breeze and a refreshing rain, bringing a moment of tranquility and peace, as if all things were reviving and the profound truths of the universe were resounding in one's heart.

That was a sign that the power of the true immortals had gained the upper hand.

At other times, it was as if a harsh winter had suddenly arrived, and the will of destruction and chaos spread like a cold tide, casting a shadow over the hearts of all living beings, darkening their minds, and causing their magical power to stagnate.

That was a manifestation of the rampant power of true demons.

These two distinct fluctuations alternated, sometimes with celestial light overwhelming the demonic aura, and sometimes with demonic roars tearing apart auspicious omens, repeating endlessly in a stalemate.

There was no earth-shattering explosion, no dazzling brilliance, but its level of danger far exceeded any battle inside "Tianlan Star".

That was a showdown that would determine the ultimate fate of this world. Its outcome would directly decide whether "Tianlan Star" would usher in a true dawn or fall into eternal darkness.

The timescale of this level of combat far exceeds what ordinary people can imagine.

In the blink of an eye, there may be hundreds or thousands of clashes of the Great Dao, and a single confrontation may last for months in the mortal world.

The cultivators on "Tianlan Star" could only use this mysterious and profound sense to judge the faint wind direction of the ultimate battle in the starry sky.

Each time they sensed the immortal aura gaining the upper hand, everyone felt a surge of energy, and their steps toward rebuilding became even more powerful; while whenever demonic intent surged, everyone's hearts would tighten, and they would desperately reinforce their defenses and enhance their strength.

This uncertainty hangs like the Sword of Damocles over the hearts of everyone in the know.

It brought immense pressure, but it also fostered unprecedented motivation and cohesion.

At the edge of the "Dragon Locking Abyss," Li Yunjing consolidated his cultivation while silently sensing through the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal."

He could feel the aftershocks of that battle more clearly than others. The chaotic lightning seemed to have some kind of common origin with the aura of immortality, allowing him to glimpse a trace of the mysterious power that transcended the mortal realm.

"Master...you must win!"

He silently repeated it to himself, which strengthened his resolve.

Regardless of the outcome of the interstellar war, "Tianlan Star" must possess the ability to protect itself and must never place all its hopes on others.

Driven by this sense of urgency, the reconstruction and preparation efficiency of "Tianlan Star" reached its peak.

Each school and sect has brought out its most treasured secrets and invested resources without regard to cost.

A group of young disciples who performed exceptionally well during the demonic tribulation and possessed unwavering resolve were given special attention and received a significant influx of resources. Their cultivation levels improved at a visible pace, making them the new hope for the sect's future.

In this situation, Li Yunjing's two disciples, Yan Yang and Lin Xuan, also survived and both broke through to the Golden Core realm, becoming elders of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

Because of Li Yunjing's relationship with the two, even though Li Yunjing didn't say anything to take care of them, the leaders of the sect still secretly looked after them.

This is also why the two of them were able to survive such a brutal battle!
In this battle, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" suffered heavy losses.

Within the sect, Ming Lingchuan temporarily took on the daily affairs, one of which was summarizing losses and resource consumption.

The Shenxiao Dao Sect originally had two hundred Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, but after contacting the sect, only seventy of them were confirmed to be safe and sound!
There are only three thousand elders at the Golden Core stage!
Of the Foundation Establishment cultivators, 70,000 survived!
Because of their low combat strength, cultivators at the Qi Refining stage were only responsible for auxiliary work and operated under the protection of their sects. However, the largest number of them remained, totaling 300,000.

The entire "Shenxiao Dao Sect" has less than 400,000 people left!
Before the demonic calamity broke out, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" was a powerful sect with two million cultivators!

Now, four-fifths of it has been lost!

Only this much essence remains!
The war is not completely over yet, and no one knows how many people will survive!
Although the seventy-two main peaks of the Shenxiao Dao Sect are no longer the magnificent sight of thousands of peaks vying for beauty and tens of thousands of cultivators gathering, they are like stubborn iron tempered by thunder and fire, exuding an indomitable spirit.

The peak masters and elders of each peak, who were still able to move, had all emerged from seclusion to lead their disciples in clearing the ruins, repairing the spiritual veins, and resetting the formations.

On "Dan Ding Peak", the remaining alchemists worked day and night, and the furnace fires were almost never extinguished.

Using the spiritual herbs salvaged from the ruins and those allocated by the alliance, they refined urgently needed supplies such as healing pills, rejuvenation pills, and demon-repelling pills.

The air was filled with a strong medicinal aroma, mixed with the smell of scorched earth, creating a peculiar and tragic atmosphere.

"Tiangongtang" was also bustling with activity.

The weapon refiners collected fragments of broken magical artifacts, the shells and bones of demons, and even shattered rocks, repeatedly tempering them with lightning and fire to reforge them into flying swords, shields, and array flags.

Although the quality is mostly not as good as before, the quantity is better, and the goal is to ensure that every disciple who can still fight has a decent magic weapon.

Shenxiao Peak, the core main peak that originally controlled the sect's laws and regulations and issued missions, has now become a place for information to be gathered.

The daily casualties, resource needs, and repair progress of each peak converge here like streams. The elders stationed here then organize and coordinate the information before reporting it to Ming Lingchuan, who is temporarily handling sect affairs, or directly to the sect leader, Li Yunjing.

Although Li Yunjing was stationed in "Locking Dragon Abyss", after breaking through to the peak of the fifth level of the Nascent Soul Realm, his divine sense was extremely powerful, enough to multitask.

He separated a wisp of his divine sense to keep a close eye on the situation within the sect, and maintained contact with Ming Lingchuan and the core elders through the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal" to make various decisions.

"Prioritize the treatment of the wounded, and give all medical treatments to the wounded without exception."

"The defensive formations of each peak should be based on the 'Small Heavenly Thunder Light Formation' and should be restored to their coordinated state as soon as possible to form a unified whole."

"Issue sect missions to encourage disciples to form teams and clear out the remaining low-level demons within ten thousand miles of the sect. This will not only provide training opportunities but also purify the environment and collect materials."

“Now that Yan Yang and Lin Xuan have advanced to the Golden Core stage, they can, according to the sect’s old practice, choose a spiritual peak in the outer sect area to open a cave dwelling, recruit disciples, and pass on the lineage.”

……

The clear and precise instructions allowed the sect, having survived the calamity, to slowly but steadily begin to function again, like a sophisticated instrument.

Yan Yang and Lin Xuan, as the sect leader's personal disciples, performed admirably in this demonic tribulation.

With the help of the exquisite thunder magic taught by Li Yunjing, they faced danger without fear in several battles, slaying many demons and undergoing the tempering of blood and fire.

Now that they have broken through to the Golden Core stage, they are exactly the backbone that the sect urgently needs.

After receiving the sect's order, the two were concerned for their master, but they also knew that this was the time to share the sect's burdens.

They chose two adjacent spiritual peaks that were relatively less damaged, and led some of the assigned outer disciples and servants to begin the reconstruction work.

They opened up a cave dwelling, sorted out the earth's veins, and set up simple spirit-gathering and protective arrays...

As disciples of the sect leader, they take themselves as the starting point to cultivate new seedlings for the "Shenxiao Daozong".

The entire sect was permeated with an atmosphere of turning grief into strength.

The fall of their fellow disciples and the ruin of the sect did not break their will; instead, it inspired a stronger sense of unity and responsibility among all the survivors.

Everyone is contributing their share to the revival of the sect and to prepare for the possible recurrence of the crisis.

Meanwhile, the six powerful figures dispatched to reinforce the seals in various forbidden areas also sent back messages one after another.

Good news kept coming, which eased the tension on the nerves of everyone on "Tianlan Star" a little.

With internal problems being eliminated one by one and reconstruction work on track, everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

However, top experts like Li Yunjing and Emperor Huangze never let their guard down.

They could clearly feel that the fluctuations from the battle between immortals and demons deep in the starry sky were still continuing, and... becoming increasingly intense.

On this day, Li Yunjing was concentrating on comprehending the connection between the Thunder Seal and the Divine Tower at the edge of the "Dragon Locking Abyss" when he suddenly felt something and abruptly looked up at the sky.

Not only him, but also Emperor Huangze, Sword Master Taixu, Yu Chenzi and all other cultivators above the Void Returning Realm and Divine Transformation Realm felt their hearts tremble at the same moment!

The sky, which had been dark and gloomy due to the demonic energy, was now shrouded in an indescribable and magnificent color!

It was not an auspicious omen, but a strange radiance that seemed to indicate that the origin of the universe had been torn apart and that all the laws of nature were wailing!

The fluctuations emanating from the starry sky suddenly became incredibly violent!

The aura of immortality and the will of demonic power, like two ancient behemoths, engaged in the most brutal battle!

"It's time to decide the winner!"

The thought arose in the minds of all the powerful individuals, causing them to involuntarily clench their fists and hold their breath.

"boom!!!"

A tremendous roar, indescribable in sound and seemingly originating from the soul, swept across the entire "Tianlan Star"!
The magnificent colors in the sky were instantly swallowed up by the endless darkness, but that darkness was not the dark red of demonic energy, but a pure, void darkness from which even light could not escape!

Immediately afterwards, a point of extreme white light burst forth in the center of that void of darkness, spreading rapidly, like the first ray of light at the beginning of creation!

Where the white light passed, the remaining demonic energy that permeated the world of "Tianlan Star" melted away instantly, like snowflakes thrown into a raging fire!
The murky river became clear, the withered grass and trees regained their vitality, and even the gloom left in the hearts of the cultivators by the demonic tribulation was dispelled by this warm and vast light!
"This is... divine light purification!"

"They won?! Did the Grandmaster win?!"

Countless people looked up at the sky with excitement, their eyes filled with anticipation.

However, the intense white light did not last long before it slowly subsided.

The suffocating and terrifying fluctuations in the starry sky receded like the tide, eventually returning to calm.

An unprecedented sense of emptiness enveloped the starry sky.

It was as if nothing had ever happened there, or as if everything had been completely reset to zero.

A moment later, a faint yet pure immortal intent, like a spring breeze and gentle rain, quietly fell upon the hearts of every cultivator above the Nascent Soul stage on "Tianlan Star".

There was no specific information in my mind, only a faint sense of relief, a barely perceptible weariness, and a clear warning:

"The demon leader has been killed, and the remaining villains have fled."

"The crisis in this world has been temporarily averted, but the universe is vast, and calamities are endless." "May you all diligently cultivate and protect our homeland, for the sake of a better future..."

The thought abruptly ended there.

"It's the Ancestor! The Ancestor has won!"

"The demon leader has been killed! We won! We really won!"

After a brief silence, thunderous cheers resounded throughout every corner of "Tianlan Star"!
Whether it was human cities, demon forests, sea dragon palaces, or barbarian tribes, all living beings were plunged into the ecstasy of surviving a catastrophe!

"Good! Good!"

Emperor Huangze let out a long sigh of relief, and a relieved smile finally appeared on his tense face.

The Sword Master of Taixu sheathed his sword, a hint of relief flashing in his usually cold eyes.

Yu Chenzi clapped his hands and laughed, tears streaming down his face.

As Li Yunjing sensed the dissipating immortal intent, a huge weight was finally lifted from his heart.

With the patriarch safe and sound and the demon leader vanquished, it means that "Tianlan Star" has truly ushered in a chance to catch its breath, and may even enjoy a long period of peace.

He looked down at the "Divine Thunder Seal" in his hand, and then at the "Dragon Locking Abyss" firmly sealed beneath his feet. Although the demonic calamity had temporarily subsided, what the patriarch had said was true.

The universe is vast, and calamities are endless.

"Tianlan Star" cannot rely on the protection of the immortals in the upper realm forever.

"Self-improvement is the foundation."

The patriarch's admonition still rings in my ears.

He took a deep breath, and his voice, transmitted through the thunder seal, resounded throughout the entire "Divine Firmament Dao Sect," and also reached his allies, including Emperor Huangze:
"Everyone, the demonic calamity has been quelled, but the path ahead is long."

"We must keep in mind the teachings of our ancestors, work diligently to restore our vitality, and strengthen our lineage!"

"Let my 'Tianlan Star' truly possess the ability to stand tall in the sea of ​​stars!"

His voice, imbued with the majesty of thunder and an unwavering resolve, echoed throughout the heavens and earth…

Three years later, all the forces had stabilized.

The last high-level meeting of the "Tianlan Alliance" was held in the "Qingtian Hall," the remaining main hall of the former Huangze Imperial Capital.

Although the palace has undergone emergency repairs, broken beams and crumbling walls can still be seen, telling the story of the tragedy that day.

The attendees were no longer the same group of spirited and energetic people they once were. The remaining fifty-odd leaders of the behemoth sects and families, all at the Nascent Soul stage, sat solemnly, their faces filled with sorrow. Although their auras were strong, they could not hide the deep-seated weariness and pain that had penetrated to their very bones.

Emperor Huangze sat in the main seat. Although he had broken through to the Void Returning stage, there was little joy between his brows. Instead, his expression became even more somber.

Taixu Sword Master, Yu Chenzi, Tianzhenzi, Blood Demon Ancestor, and other newly promoted Void Returning experts sat on either side, their expressions equally solemn.

Li Yunjing, as the vice leader, also holds a high position. Although his cultivation level is not high, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" sent a true immortal to the mortal realm during the great calamity, which secured the victory!

Based on this alone, the contributions of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" cannot be erased, and Li Yunjing, as one of the leaders of the "Tianlan Alliance," will surely be praised for many years to come.

Therefore, he sat in the sixth high position, second only to the top five alliance leaders, the Void Returning Great Power!
The vice leaders of other sects were ranked after them.

Next down are the members of the Supreme Elder Council.

As for the top-tier and first-tier sects, they did not participate in this conference.

At the start of the meeting, the Supreme Elder of the Alliance's "Financial Affairs Department," in a trembling voice, read out the blood-stained final statistics:
"Before the demonic calamity, there were ninety-eight registered cultivation sects, families, and independent cultivator alliances with established traditions and foundations on Tianlan Star."

"Currently... there are still 53 lineages that can participate in this meeting."

The voice echoed in the hall, each word like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of everyone present.

A total of forty-five mega-powers have disappeared!

Some of these forces resisted the demonic calamity and were wiped out, while others were demonic sects that defected to the "Void Demon Clan" and were annihilated by the "Tianlan Alliance".

In short, Tianlan Star has lost half of its powerful forces!
"The total number of cultivators... Before the demonic calamity, the total number from all sides was approximately 370 million."

"Now... less than 120 million remain. More than two-thirds have been lost."

The hall was deathly silent, save for heavy breathing and suppressed sobs.

Those are not just cold numbers; they are the blood of countless comrades, the fall of teachers and friends, and the severing of the legacy.

"Regarding high-level cultivators... in the Void Returning Realm, there are only five new additions: Emperor, Sword Master, Fellow Daoist Yu Chenzi, Blood Demon Ancestor, and Tianzhenzi."

"There were originally 265 True Monarchs at the Nascent Soul Realm, but now... there are 81 remaining."

"There were originally over five thousand Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, but now... there are only seven hundred and twenty-nine..."

……

A series of shocking figures paints a picture of a chaotic battlefield.

The cultivation world of "Tianlan Star" suffered a severe blow, its very backbone almost broken.

Many small and medium-sized forces have completely vanished, and even these behemoths have suffered severe damage, with only six or seven out of ten of their core forces remaining.

"The price paid by our 'Tianlan Star' in this battle was far too heavy."

Emperor Huangze slowly closed his eyes, and after a long while opened them, he said with deep sorrow, "Every comrade who fell fought to protect this world. Their heroic souls are immortal, and their achievements will live on forever!"

Everyone fell silent, and a solemn atmosphere filled the hall.

Li Yunjing was also deeply saddened. He knew how much the Shenxiao Dao Sect had lost. For the past three years, he had been in seclusion in the "Locking Dragon Abyss." Besides cultivation, there was another reason: he did not want to return to the sect and see that tragic scene!

He is the supreme leader of the sect, and he personally issues the vast majority of orders.

Countless elders, peers, and juniors were personally sent to the battlefield where they were destined to die by him!

Even a powerful figure like Li Yunjing found this kind of pain somewhat unbearable.

Now, with this painful topic being brought up again, Li Yunjing felt a pang of pain in his heart, and familiar smiling faces kept flashing through his mind...

Those were all his former comrades-in-arms, his respected disciples, and his mentors...

And they disappeared forever...

He will never see these people again!

Perhaps in the next few hundred or even a thousand years, these people will gradually fade from his memory...

After the mourning period, the meeting moved on to substantive topics.

The last batch of strategic resources in the alliance's inventory, including high-grade pills, rare spiritual materials, magical artifacts and talismans, were distributed fairly according to the contribution and losses of each faction in this demonic calamity.

This is both a final act of aid and an affirmation of past achievements.

This time, many behemoth sects and families abandoned those top-tier, first-tier, and second-tier sects and families, and divided up these riches among themselves!
It's not that they've forgotten the contributions of others!
Rather, as the pillars of these behemoth forces, they have suffered enormous losses!

It's gotten so big that it desperately needs any kind of help to recover!

If they cannot recover their strength within the next few hundred years, they may even fall from a behemoth power to a top-tier power!
This is an outcome that the surviving forces cannot accept!

Therefore, the allocation principle was passed almost unanimously by default!

Li Yunjing naturally wouldn't consider the interests of the "East Sea Alliance," the "Great Ming Cultivation World," the "Zhao Kingdom," the "Youyue Kingdom," or the "Cang Kingdom," among their many affiliated forces.

He's too busy taking care of himself right now!
"The demonic calamity has subsided, and the starry sky is temporarily at peace."

After the resources were distributed, Emperor Huangze looked around at everyone, his voice regaining its usual majesty, but with a hint of relief: "'Tianlan Alliance' was established to deal with the invasion of the demon race. Now that the great threat has been eliminated, the mission of the alliance has been accomplished."

"I propose that, effective immediately, the 'Tianlan Alliance' be disbanded!"

These words elicited complex expressions from the crowd.

Some breathed a sigh of relief, some were reluctant to part, and others felt lost about the future.

But everyone understands that the extraordinary period is over, the massive alliance system is no longer necessary, and all parties need to return to their home countries, lick their wounds, and recuperate.

"What Your Majesty says is very true."

The Sword Master of Taixu spoke in a clear and melodious voice, “Although the alliance has disbanded, the camaraderie we shared in fighting side by side and our responsibility to protect this world will never fade away.”

"In the future, we should help each other and fight against foreign aggression together."

"Exactly."

Li Yunjing nodded in agreement: "The dissolution of the alliance is intended to allow all parties to focus on recovery."

"However, communication channels must not be severed. In the future, we can establish a permanent liaison office, which will be chaired by our fifty-three forces on a rotating basis. In case of major events, we can respond quickly."

This proposal was unanimously approved, and it was decided to establish the "Tianlan Joint Conference".

This can be considered the highest authority of "Tianlan Star".

The specific division of power is self-evident; it will undoubtedly be led by the Alliance Leader, with nine Vice Alliance Leaders and these ten major forces as the main powers.

The "Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens" within the "Supreme Elder Council" also hold a pivotal position.

In this great battle, the "Thirty-Six Heavenly Caves" survived despite paying a heavy price, thanks to their profound resources.

The "Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens" have a close relationship that has existed since ancient times, and the small alliance they have formed also checks and balances the "Tianlan Joint Conference".

As for the other behemoth sects?

They don't have much strength left.

Moreover, these behemoth sects all have intricate connections with the alliance leader and the nine vice-leader forces, and they generally won't go against the top ten forces!
Just like the "Yuanyang Dao Sect" and the Xiao family of the "Chang'an Dynasty", they have close ties with the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and are long-term comrades-in-arms.

When the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" made a proposal at the "Tianlan Joint Conference," these two forces naturally did not oppose it and even cheered it on!
The establishment of the "Tianlan Joint Conference" marks the beginning of a new order for "Tianlan Star" in the post-Demon Calamity era.

This loose alliance, composed of fifty-three remaining giants, no longer possessed the highly centralized mobilization power of the wartime "Tianlan Alliance," but it maintained basic communication channels and a balance of power, avoiding internal turmoil that could have been caused by a power vacuum.

What followed was a more realistic and ruthless division of interests.

The legacy left behind by the forty-five behemoth forces that were completely wiped out in the demonic calamity!
A vast territory, ruined but still fundamental sect blessed lands, mineral veins and medicinal gardens not completely destroyed, and even scattered fragments of inheritance...

They all became ownerless, or rather, became spoils to be divided among the survivors.

The five newly promoted Void Returning Great Powers—Emperor Huangze, Sword Master Taixu, Yu Chenzi, Tianzhenzi, and Blood Demon Ancestor—naturally occupied a dominant position due to their absolute strength and the prestige they had established during the Demon Tribulation.

Their faction, along with their core allies, received the largest share in the spoils.

Although the Shenxiao Dao Sect lacks a Void Returning expert to oversee it, it still maintains a strong position in the first tier and has secured a very generous share of the "cake" thanks to the outstanding performance of its leader, Li Yunjing, in the later stages of the Demonic Tribulation, his unparalleled achievement in suppressing the "Locking Dragon Abyss," and the invisible deterrent effect brought by that ancestor from the lower realm.

This includes the former territories of two fallen dynasties adjacent to the "Ming Dynasty", priority mining rights to three large spirit stone veins, and exploration rights to a relatively well-preserved ancient secret realm.

These resources are like a timely help to the Shenxiao Dao Sect, which is in dire need of rebuilding, and can greatly accelerate the sect's recovery process.

Li Yunjing was not overjoyed at the fact that the Shenxiao Dao Sect had acquired almost three-fifths of the Southern Continent. He simply accepted the allocation on behalf of the sect.

These resources are stained with the blood of countless fallen comrades. How they are used is related to the future of the sect, and even more so to morality and the hearts of the people.

The Shenxiao Dao Sect shouldn't behave too badly!
The behemoth that wiped out the entire clan, along with its numerous affiliated sects, families, and dynasties, surely still has people who survived.

How should these people be settled?
We certainly cannot kill them like we would an enemy!
This is the biggest problem facing Li Yunjing.

Other forces, such as the "Luofu Dao Sect", "Taixu Sword Sect", "Crystal Palace", "Southern Wilderness Hundred Barbarian Sect", "Kasyapa Baoguang Temple", and "Biyou Cave Heaven", have also defined new spheres of influence or acquired key resources based on their own strength, contributions, and geographical location.

Even demonic sects like the "Heavenly Demon Sect" gained a certain amount of living space and resource compensation because they did not betray this world in the final battle.

Although there were occasional disputes during the entire division process, the overall order was maintained and no major conflicts broke out, thanks to the coordination of the five Void Returners and the tacit approval of heavyweight figures such as Li Yunjing.

Everyone understands that internal strife at this moment is tantamount to self-destruction.

The calamity has passed, yet it hasn't truly passed.

The founder of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" descended to the mortal realm but failed to kill the true demon from that dimensional space-time!
Theoretically speaking, as long as the "Void Demons" reopen the spacetime tunnel connecting this world, the demonic calamity will still erupt.

Of course, this is not an easy task.

The Void Demons also lack the ability to continuously open spacetime tunnels.

The next demonic calamity will definitely not erupt in the short term.

"Tianlan Star" still has a chance to recuperate.

As for what happens next?
That can be discussed later!

Now is the time to divide the spoils!

Half a month later, with the division of interests settled, the atmosphere inside the "Sky-Supporting Hall" became even more tense.

"Everyone!"

Emperor Huangze spoke slowly, his gaze sweeping over every ruler present, "The starry sea is vast, and no one knows where those 'Void Demons' will lurk, or when they will make a comeback."

“Our Tianlan Star has suffered a great loss of strength after this calamity, and we can no longer withstand a second invasion of the same scale.”

"Therefore, I propose that all parties return to their homeland, with the primary task being to restore their vitality and cultivate future generations."

The master of the Taixu Sword spoke, his sword aura concealed, but his words were as sharp as a sword's edge: "At the same time, we need to jointly establish an early warning system covering the main star regions to monitor the 'Crimson Flame Realm' passage and the anomalies in the surrounding star regions."

"This matter requires the coordination of the 'Joint Committee' and the efforts of all parties."

"Fellow Daoist Tianzhenzi is the most proficient in this field, and no one but you is qualified to construct the early warning array."

Yu Chenzi looked at Tian Zhenzi, who had a profound aura and whose body was covered with flowing array patterns.

"Obligated!"

Tianzhenzi, this newly promoted Void Returner, is a descendant of an ancient master of array formations. He turned the tide during the demonic calamity by relying on the Dao of Array Formation. Upon hearing this, he nodded slightly: "I will take the lead in designing the blueprint for the 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Early Warning Array'. However, the required materials are enormous, and the array nodes also require the strong support of various sects."

"Materials and manpower are allocated in a unified manner by the 'Joint Conference'."

Emperor Huangze made the final decision.

"Your Majesty, fellow Daoists, we must guard against external threats, but we must also be mindful of internal troubles."

Li Yunjing spoke at this moment, his voice carrying the lingering echo of thunder: "'Locking Dragon Abyss' has been stabilized, but the other ancient forbidden areas in this realm, after being tainted by this demonic energy, may still experience changes."

"It is recommended that the 'Joint Council' regularly organize forces to patrol various prohibited areas to prevent problems before they occur."

"What Master Li says is absolutely right."

The Dragon King of the Vast Seas said in a deep voice, "I will personally keep a close eye on the 'Eye of the Ruins' beneath the four seas."

Golden-Winged Roc Saint, Barbarian Elder, and others also expressed their commitment to monitoring the ancient threats within their respective spheres of influence.

After the "Sky-Supporting Hall" meeting concluded, the leaders of various factions, filled with complex emotions, transformed into streaks of light and headed towards their respective mountain gates.

(End of this chapter)