Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 850 Friends and Relatives, the Second Batch of Ascension (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The array's aura was remarkable, enough to trap an ordinary late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

"The basic structure is acceptable, and the array's key points are cleverly designed."

Li Yunjing scanned the area with his divine sense and nodded slightly: "But you pursued change and confusion too much, and instead neglected the stability of the formation itself and the concentration of power."

"Look here, here, and here, the flow of spiritual energy is not smooth enough, there are weak points..."

As he spoke, he pointed out several tiny bolts of lightning in mid-air, precisely striking several inconspicuous spots in the formation.

With a few soft "poof" sounds, the great array that Yan Yang had painstakingly set up suddenly dimmed its spiritual light like a burst bubble, and completely dissipated within a few breaths.

Yan Yang stared in disbelief, his face filled with shame: "Disciple...disciple knows he was wrong."

"In the path of array formations, while unpredictability is important, a solid foundation and concentrated power are fundamental."

Li Yunjing said seriously, "Especially since you have a free-spirited nature, you need to calm down and hone your skills in this field."

"From now on, you need to set aside one hour each day to repeatedly practice outlining the basic array patterns and precisely controlling spiritual power."

"Yes! Your disciple will obey your orders!"

Yan Yang accepted the instruction with awe.

Afterwards, Li Yunjing patiently answered all the specific questions the two encountered during their cultivation.

He discussed the profound meaning of the "Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin of Thunder Scripture," the deep application of the laws of thunder, and the integration of formations with the power of heaven and earth...

His words were profound yet simple, pointing directly to the essence of the Dao, which captivated Lin Xuan and Yan Yang, and many of their long-standing doubts were suddenly cleared up.

This instruction lasted for a full two weeks.

When his two disciples had reached their limits, Li Yunjing stopped lecturing. Looking at the two disciples before him, whose eyes were bright and whose auras seemed to have become more refined, he nodded in satisfaction.

"The path of cultivation is led in by a master, but the cultivation is up to the individual."

"What I have said today you two must carefully understand and diligently practice, and you must not slack off."

Li Yunjing gave instructions.

"Yes! Thank you for your teachings, Master!"

Lin Xuan and Yan Yang bowed respectfully, their hearts filled with gratitude and reverence for their master.

"Go."

Li Yunjing waved his hand.

Watching his two disciples bow and leave the main hall, their figures disappearing into the morning light, Li Yunjing once again turned his gaze to the vast world outside the hall.

After dealing with the backlog of sect affairs and personally instructing his direct disciples, the taut string in his heart seemed to completely relax, and a sense of enlightenment, with a clear understanding of the overall situation and the path of cultivation, arose spontaneously.

The rest period is completely over.

However, just as Li Yunjing was preparing to further plan his own cultivation and the long-term development of his sect, a joint announcement that spanned the endless void and contained extreme sharpness and ethereal Dao charm spread like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly reaching every corner of "Tianlan Star" and once again igniting the entire cultivation world!

"I am the Sword Master of Taixu (Yu Chenzi), and my fellow Daoist Yu Chenzi (Sword Master of Taixu) feel the difficulty of the Great Dao. The road ahead is blocked, but our desire to seek it never ceases."

"Now, drawing on the successful experiences of fellow Daoists Huangze and Tianzhen, we two will join forces to trigger the Ascension Tribulation on the day of Wuxu in the month of Gengchen in the year of Jiazi, at the summit of Wanjian Cliff in the far north of the Luofu Continent, and together venture onto the path to heaven!"

"This is to inform all fellow practitioners that those who wish to attend the ceremony may go to the designated area outside 'Ten Thousand Swords Cliff' at that time."

"However, the place of ascension is extremely dangerous. I hope that all fellow Daoists will be careful and not trespass into the core, lest they suffer the backlash of the heavenly tribulation and perish."

This ascension announcement, jointly issued by the Sword Master of Taixu and Yu Chenzi, was more concise and direct than that of Emperor Huangze back then, but the shock it brought was no less!

"what?"

"Are the Sword Master of Taixu and Yu Chenzi also going to ascend?"

"How long has it been since?"

"Less than a hundred years!"

"And they're working together! It seems that the success of Emperor Huangze and Senior Tianzhenzi has completely given them confidence!"

"What a sight it would be if the Supreme Sword Master and the Grandmaster of the Mystic Sect joined forces!"

"Quickly! Prepare the itinerary immediately and head to the Luofu Continent!"

"This ceremony is absolutely not to be missed!"

……

The entire "Tianlan Star" was in an uproar once again!
The boiling emotions that had just subsided were instantly ignited to an even higher level.

Compared to the doubts and hesitations that lingered when Emperor Huangze and Tianzhenzi ascended to heaven, the announcements by the Sword Master of Taixu and Yuchenzi this time brought more certainty and fervor!

The success of Emperor Huangze and Tianzhenzi was like lighting the first lighthouse in the dark night sky, proving that the path to ascension is not a dead end and that it is indeed feasible to overcome tribulations together!

This injected an incredibly powerful boost into all the cultivators trapped at the pinnacle of this realm.

In an instant, the winds of change rose again, and all streams converged!

The powerful figures, Nascent Soul cultivators, and ancient ancestors who had just dispersed were once again mobilized, riding various kinds of escape lights, flying boats, and spirit beasts. Like rivers flowing into the sea, they converged from all directions of "Tianlan Star" towards "Wanjian Cliff" in the far north of "Luofu Continent".

Inside the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," Li Yunjing, who had just finished giving a sermon, naturally also received this earth-shattering announcement.

Holding the jade slip containing sharp sword intent and ethereal Dao charm, he gazed through the cloud palace toward the direction of "Luofu Continent," his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

"Tai Xu, Yu Chen... has indeed taken action."

He muttered to himself, a smile of expectation mixed with anticipation playing on his lips, "What kind of sparks will fly when the way of the sword is combined with the way of nature?"

"Attending this ceremony may give me a deeper understanding of the integration of 'strength' and 'skill,' 'hardness' and 'softness.'"

Without any hesitation, he immediately issued the order:

"Pass down the order: Xuanzhenjun will temporarily take charge of the affairs of the Shenxiao Dao Sect and strictly guard the mountain gate."

"Divine Phoenix True Monarch, Nine Heavens True Monarch, Five Elements True Monarch, and Ming Lingchuan, Xiao Anran... and a hundred other Nascent Soul Elders, will accompany me to the 'Luofu Continent' to witness the Ascension Ceremony!"

"Furthermore, in my name, I have sent a message to the 'Huangze Dynasty' inviting His Majesty Ji Beichen to join us if he is interested."

The order was quickly relayed by the disciples in charge, and the entire "Shenxiao Dao Sect" began to operate efficiently once again.

Unlike last time when he was invited as a special guest, this time Li Yunjing went as the head of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," a leader of a significant force in this world, representing not only himself but also the face and influence of the entire sect.

Therefore, the necessary ceremonial guard and accompanying personnel are indispensable.

At the same time, his invitation to Ji Beichen to accompany him was intended to both solidify the alliance and to demonstrate to the outside world the close alliance between the two powers.

Soon after, Ji Beichen's reply arrived, his words earnest, stating that he would personally lead the royal delegation to meet with Li Yunjing and travel together to the "Luofu Continent" to attend the ceremony.

The new emperor had only recently ascended the throne and was eager to use such a grand event to consolidate his position and expand his network of connections, so he naturally wouldn't miss it.

Several months later, a magnificent procession, composed of members from the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and the "Huangze Dynasty," arrived at the northern border of the "Luofu Continent" aboard several large and ornate "Sky Patrol Ships."

At this time, the area around "Ten Thousand Swords Cliff" was already packed with people, a scene even more impressive than the outer perimeter of "Imperial Secret Realm" back then.

Countless cultivators gathered here, the sky was filled with precious light, and temporary caves and camps were set up one after another on the ground.

Disciples from the Taixu Sword Sect and the Luofu Dao Sect were responsible for maintaining order and designating the viewing area. Everything seemed orderly, yet the excitement and anticipation that permeated the air was palpable.

When the joint delegation led by Li Yunjing and Ji Beichen arrived, it immediately caused quite a stir.

"It's Sect Leader Li of the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' and the new emperor of the 'Huangze Dynasty'!"

"They are indeed here!"

"And they came together!"

"It seems that the alliance between these two companies is even stronger than we thought."

"With Sect Leader Li Yunjing here, the ceremony will be much safer this time. At least we don't have to worry about being spoiled by some petty scoundrels."

……

The murmurs among the crowd were filled with awe for Li Yunjing and apprehension towards the alliance of the two major powers.

The Taixu Sword Sect and the Luofu Dao Sect also sent heavyweight elders to greet them, and were extremely polite, directly leading Li Yunjing, Ji Beichen and their party to the most central viewing area with the best view.

The summit of a mountain that had been temporarily leveled and reinforced with a powerful defensive array.

Here, Li Yunjing met many acquaintances, including some sect leaders of the "Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens" and some reclusive late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, everyone turned their gaze to the distant "Ten Thousand Swords Cliff," a cliff that pierced the sky like a sharp sword and exuded an ancient and desolate sword aura.

Unlike the majestic and magnificent Huangji Peak, Wanjian Cliff gives people only a feeling of pure "sharpness" and "aloneness", as if all obstacles in the world would be cut off in front of it.

Li Yunjing could clearly sense that on the cliff top, two auras, both having reached the Void Returning stage but with completely different characteristics, were merging and brewing.

A sharp and unparalleled force, seemingly capable of severing cause and effect and breaking through chaos, was none other than the sword will of the Taixu Sword Master.

The other is tranquil and inactive, ethereal and otherworldly, perfectly integrated with the surrounding heaven and earth, drawing upon the spiritual energy of the universe; it is the natural Dao of Yu Chenzi.

These two auras are not simply superimposed, but rather intertwined and complement each other in a wonderful tacit understanding. The sword intent becomes more agile and changeable because of the Daoist method, and the Daoist method becomes more powerful in destroying evil and eliminating falsehood because of the sword intent.

The fusion was so exquisite that it seemed to have an even more natural and seamless quality than the collaboration between Emperor Huangze and Tianzhenzi back then.

"It seems that over the past few decades, fellow Daoists Taixu and Yuchen have found the most suitable way to join forces."

Li Yunjing secretly praised it, and looked forward to the upcoming tribulation of ascension even more.

Not long after, the Blood Demon Ancestor also arrived.

Blood-red light shrouded the horizon, and a demonic figure stood silently in the void, watching the place of tribulation.

No one could see the Blood Demon Ancestor's expression clearly, but it's easy to imagine that with his four old friends ascending to immortality one after another, he must have felt a mix of emotions.

Li Yunjing glanced at the old demon and understood that the Blood Demon Ancestor would soon embark on his own tribulation journey!

After all, once you reach the Void Returning Realm, staying on "Tianlan Star" really has no meaning.

Beside Li Yunjing, besides the sect elders and imperial nobles, there was a group of figures whose auras were relatively "weak" but who had an extremely close relationship with him.

It was the six wives, Yu Yunyi, Lü Ruoxi, Liu Ruyan, Zhao Qi, Xing'er, and Yue'er, as well as their personal disciples Lin Xuan and Yan Yang, and a group of old friends, including Fu Chao and Ma Xingyuan, with whom they had been close friends since their humble beginnings.

With most of them at the Golden Core stage of cultivation, there would have been absolutely no way they could have entered this most central viewing area.

However, Li Yunjing's current status is extraordinary. He is a giant who can associate with Void Returning Realm experts and is in charge of a top sect. The "family" and old friends he brought with him naturally deserve the highest level of courtesy from the "Tai Xu Sword Sect" and "Luo Fu Dao Sect", and they made an exception to settle them here.

Yu Yunyi and the others had never seen such a scene before.
Surrounded by legendary figures, including many Nascent Soul True Monarchs, the invisible pressure and Daoist aura emanating from them made them feel both nervous and incredibly curious and excited.

They followed closely beside Li Yunjing, their beautiful eyes sparkling with wonder as they gazed at the towering and perilous "Ten Thousand Swords Cliff" in the distance, their hearts filled with gratitude and pride that their husband had brought them to witness such a sight.

Lin Xuan and Yan Yang were even more excited.

Although they were geniuses, witnessing the ascension of the strongest beings in this world and feeling the vast heavenly might and supreme Dao realm was an unprecedented baptism for their Dao hearts.

"One day, I too will stand at the pinnacle of this world!"

Lin Xuan clenched his fists, lightning flashing in his eyes, as if he could see the peak he would climb in the future.

"It's really amazing!"

"If I could comprehend even a tenth of the formations and restrictions of these great figures, it would be enough to benefit me for a lifetime!"

Yan Yang focused intently on sensing the changes in the surrounding天地气机 and array formation, attempting to comprehend deeper mysteries of the array principles.

Fu Chao, Ma Xingyuan, and others were filled with emotion.

As they gazed at Li Yunjing's back, standing with his hands behind his back, and recalled the years they had fought together in the sect, it felt like a lifetime ago.

Being able to stand here is all thanks to the blessing of this former senior brother, now the sect leader.

They secretly vowed to cultivate themselves more diligently and not to let down this opportunity and friendship.

Li Yunjing took in the reactions of everyone around him and nodded slightly in his heart.

He brought them here precisely for this purpose.

On the path of spiritual practice, working in isolation is ultimately a low-level approach. One must broaden one's horizons, see the vastness of the world, to understand one's own insignificance, and to cultivate a spirit of striving.

Witnessing the ascension to the void firsthand is a profound experience that surpasses any verbal instruction in its shock and understanding.

I imagine that the people around me must have been touched and gained some insights, right?
Just then, the sun on the horizon seemed to dim for a moment.

At the top of "Ten Thousand Swords Cliff", the intertwined sword intent and Dao rhythm suddenly contracted and condensed to the extreme!
The figures of the Sword Master of Taixu and Yu Chenzi were clearly visible.

The Sword Master of Taixu was still dressed in a green robe and carried an ancient sword on his back, but he seemed to have become one with the ancient sword behind him, transforming into a peerless divine weapon that was about to be unsheathed and cleave the sky!

His gaze seemed to crackle with every blink, making it impossible to look directly at him.

Yu Chenzi, dressed in a flowing Taoist robe, held a whisk in his hand, his face serene, and a pure aura emanating from him, as if he had merged with the world around him, yet also seemed to transcend worldly affairs.

His presence alone exuded a sense of tranquility and natural harmony, a stark contrast to the extreme sharpness of the Taixu Sword Master, yet they were remarkably in sync.

Without the grand pronouncements of Emperor Huangze, the Sword Master of Taixu merely glanced at the countless spectators below, his gaze lingering briefly in the direction of Li Yunjing before exchanging a look with Yu Chenzi.

The two nodded slightly at the same time.

"Clang!"

The next moment, the ancient sword behind the Taixu Sword Master was not drawn, but a phantom sword shadow, condensed to the extreme and seemingly composed of the pure law of "slashing", burst forth from his sea of ​​consciousness between his eyebrows and pierced straight into the sky!

This sword strike was silent and stealthy, yet it caused all cultivators who saw it, regardless of their cultivation level, to feel a tremor as if their magical treasures, protective spiritual light, and even their souls were about to be severed!

Almost simultaneously, Yu Chenzi lightly flicked his whisk, chanting incantations, and countless profound innate Dao patterns emerged from the void, like rivers flowing into the sea, merging into the illusory sword shadow.

With the blessing of the Dao patterns, the sword shadow did not become more complex, but instead became more solid and restrained. Its sharpness increased exponentially, as if it possessed the supreme power to "break all laws" and "sever cause and effect"!

"Boom!!!"

The Heavenly Dao seemed to be completely enraged by this extreme provocation!
The sky above "Ten Thousand Swords Cliff" instantly transformed into a chaotic sea of ​​lightning!
But what was churning within this sea of ​​lightning was not ordinary lightning, but countless fine, hair-like "invisible sword energy" containing terrifying tearing and penetrating power!
Even more terrifying is the "Inner Sword Tribulation," where the demonic sword sound resounds directly through the primordial spirit, triggering a backlash of one's own sword energy...

The ascension tribulations of the Taixu Sword Master and Yu Chenzi immediately revealed terrifying characteristics that were completely different from those of Emperor Huangze and Tianzhenzi, unique to sword cultivators and Daoist masters!
Faced with this devastating sea of ​​sword energy and lightning, and the invisible killing calamity, the Taixu Sword Master remained calm, pointing his fingers like a sword and slashing through the air.

He didn't use any fancy sword techniques, just the simplest thrusts, slashes, parries, and hooks... but each move contained the supreme principles of swordsmanship, annihilating and deflecting the surging sea of ​​sword energy and lightning.

Yu Chenzi, like a pillar of strength, always stood beside the Sword Master of the Void. With each wave of his whisk, he moved with the natural way, sometimes conjuring a Taiji diagram to deflect the force, sometimes drawing upon the stars of the heavens to suppress it, and sometimes channeling some of the tribulation power into the void...

With his unparalleled Dao realm, he helped the Sword Master of the Void resolve those bizarre tribulations that could not be overcome by sword force alone, ensuring that he could focus wholeheartedly and face the heavenly tribulations with the purest sword heart.

The two worked together flawlessly.

One is a master swordsman, unparalleled in attack; the other is in harmony with the Dao, ensuring complete protection.

It brought the combination of "spear" and "shield," "attack" and "defense" to its ultimate expression.

"it is good!"

"Truly a peerless figure of our time!"

Li Yunjing was mesmerized and deeply moved.

Although he followed the righteous path of thunder magic, which also possessed the inclusive spirit of chaos, the extreme focus and unwavering sword heart of the Taixu Sword Master, as well as Yu Chenzi's Dao realm of conforming to the laws of nature and using external forces against them, greatly inspired him. He vaguely felt that his understanding of "destruction" and "creation," "fierceness" and "agility" in the laws of thunder was quietly undergoing a transformation.

Yu Yunyi, Lin Xuan, and others around him were captivated, completely mesmerized.

Although they could not fully comprehend the high-level collision of laws, the pure manifestation of the Dao and the sword, and the will to defy fate and advance hand in hand, had been deeply imprinted in their hearts, becoming the most precious resources on their future path.

Time passed amidst the breathtaking standoff and the dazzling display of Taoist magic and sword light.

The power of the Heavenly Tribulation continued to increase, and its form became increasingly bizarre. There were even "Defiled Spirit Swords" that could corrupt the spirits of magical treasures and erode one's foundation, as well as "Swords of Time" that could directly attack the very source of one's lifespan...

Taixu Sword Master and Yu Chenzi gradually showed signs of fatigue. Cracks appeared on Taixu Sword Master's blue robe, and several strands of Yu Chenzi's whisk broke off.

But the determination and tacit understanding in their eyes remained unchanged.

Finally, on the seventh day, the Heavenly Tribulation once again gathered its final power, transforming into a "Sword of the End" that seemed to be formed from the destructive will of the entire "Tianlan Star". Carrying a terrifying aura that could reduce all things to nothingness and bring about the end of the Great Dao, it slowly locked onto the two people on the cliff top!

At that very moment, the Sword Master of Taixu and Yu Chenzi exchanged a smile, a smile that conveyed relief, resolve, and unwavering trust in each other.

The Sword Master of Taixu let out a long roar, and his whole body transformed into a pure light, which was his sword heart, his Dao, and everything he was!
It was incorporated into that ancient sword that had never been drawn!

The ancient sword let out a mournful cry that shook the heavens and finally drew its sheath!
There was no earth-shattering sword light, only a trace so subtle it seemed nonexistent, yet it truly grazed everyone's senses.

Yu Chenzi also threw out his whisk, and his own Dao body and primordial spirit burned, transforming into the purest innate Qi, which merged into the "sword mark" like sweet rain.

"cut."

A simple syllable, as if it came from eternity ago.

The subtle "sword mark" gently moved forward and touched the tip of the "Sword of the End".

There was no sound, no burst of light.

Before everyone's incredulous eyes, the "Sword of Doom," which seemed capable of ending everything, began to crumble and dissipate silently from its tip, like a sandcastle, as if it had never existed.

One sword, shattering all calamities!
The sky cracked open, and pure, peaceful, and infinitely vibrant seven-colored immortal light descended once more, like a bridge of guidance, enveloping the Taixu Sword Master and Yu Chenzi, whose auras had become extremely weak and whose figures had even begun to become illusory.

The two looked down at the land that had nurtured them, taking one last look. Their gazes swept over Li Yunjing, over the Blood Demon Ancestor, and over all the spectators, carrying a hint of relief and farewell. Then, hand in hand, they stepped into the celestial light, their figures rising slowly along the bridge of light until they finally disappeared completely into the horizon.

The seven-colored celestial light slowly receded.

In the vast world, only the still solitary "Ten Thousand Swords Cliff" remains, along with countless spectators whose hearts are surging with emotion and who are unable to recover for a long time.

The Sword Master of Taixu and Yu Chenzi also successfully ascended to immortality!

After a brief silence, thunderous cheers and discussions once again resounded through the sky!
Standing alone atop the mountain, Li Yunjing gazed at the empty cliff top, feeling the excitement of his fellow Daoists, disciples, and friends around him, and a sense of peace and open-mindedness settled in his heart.

The twilight of the old era is about to fade, and a new chapter of the era will be written by these successors.

And his path became increasingly clear.

Ascension is not out of reach, but before that, he needs to solidify the foundation of his sect and cultivate the people around him so that he can pursue the true pinnacle of the Great Dao without any worries.

His gaze involuntarily drifted once more to the still-lingering, thick crimson light in the distance.

Blood Demon Ancestor, isn't it your turn next?
"Ugh……"

A deep sigh, seemingly containing endless complex emotions, drifted from the blood-red light on the distant horizon, echoing clearly in the ears of every spectator who had not yet left.

In that sigh, there was envy for his old friends' successive successes, a resolute determination about his own path, and perhaps, a trace of loneliness that even he himself was unwilling to admit.

The blood-red light immediately subsided, and the demonic shadow vanished silently, as if it had never existed.

The crowd gradually dispersed amidst the shock and heated discussions, but the fervor and confidence brought about by the successful ascension of the Taixu Sword Master and Yu Chenzi spread like wildfire throughout the cultivation world of "Tianlan Star".

The fact that two Void Returning Realm experts successfully ascended to immortality in succession gave almost everyone the illusion that they had been mistaken!
The tribulation of ascension does not seem to be insurmountable.

However, this atmosphere of blind optimism did not last long.

In the third year after Taixu and Yuchen ascended to heaven, a proclamation filled with violence, determination, and even a hint of madness swept across Tianlan Star like a biting winter wind:
"I am the Blood Demon Ancestor, having cultivated for over four thousand years, and have roamed this realm unchallenged!"

"But with the great path before us, how can we be content with mediocrity?"

"Today, at the bottom of the 'Void of Blood,' I will trigger a heavenly tribulation and venture alone onto the path to immortality!"

"Success means freedom in the celestial realm; failure means death and the annihilation of one's cultivation, but without regret!"

"We are all of the same ilk, there is no need for formalities, may we all take care!"

The announcement came suddenly, and the tone was arrogant and resolute, clearly refusing any attendance.

This stands in stark contrast to the two previous grand ascension events, which extended invitations to like-minded individuals.

The news sent shockwaves through the world once again, but this time, the shock was mixed with more uncertainty and underlying anxiety.

"The Blood Demon Ancestor intends to ascend alone?"

"Isn't he going to find someone to join forces with?"

"Emperor Huangze and the others only succeeded by working together!"

"The Blood Demon Ancestor has always been a loner, and his arrogant nature probably makes him disdainful of joining forces with others, right?"

"It's not arrogance, but rather that there's no one in the world who can join forces with him!"

"Facing the tribulation of ascension alone...this..."

An ominous premonition began to spread in the minds of some sober monks.

When Li Yunjing received this announcement in the "Divine Cloud Palace", he remained silent for a long time.

He had long anticipated that the Blood Demon Ancestor would take this step, but upon truly hearing this resolute declaration, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.
It's as if I can already see that proud old demon, facing the majestic power of heaven alone in a tragic scene.

"The Great Dao is a solitary path... Blood Demon Ancestor, good luck."

He sighed softly and did not go to "Wanxue Guixu".

Since the other party has clearly declined to attend the ceremony, he naturally respects that decision.

A few months later.

On this day, Li Yunjing was meditating and comprehending the wonders of the birth and death of thunder when he suddenly sensed something and abruptly opened his eyes. His gaze pierced through the endless void and looked toward the location of the headquarters of the "Blood God Sect".

Not only him, but all the cultivators who had reached the Nascent Soul stage felt a sense of connection at that moment and looked in that direction without prior agreement.

An indescribable, terrifying aura, a mixture of overwhelming bloodlust, endless resentment, and a certain ultimate destructive will, is erupting from the depths of "Ten Thousand Blood Returns to Ruins," causing a violent tremor in the laws of the entire "Tianlan Star"!

Even though they were hundreds of millions of miles apart, everyone seemed to be able to "see" that the sky had been dyed a chilling dark red, and countless blood lightning, demonic fire, bone-corroding winds... all kinds of bizarre calamities that had never been heard of were pouring down in an unprecedentedly violent manner!

That was the ascension tribulation unique to the giants of the demonic path, and its ferocity and destructiveness seemed to be far more severe than those faced by righteous cultivators!
Without the help of allies, without the complementarity of their respective Daoist arts, only the Blood Demon Ancestor, with his unparalleled Blood Dao Demon Art, was able to withstand this world-destroying power!

That earth-shattering fluctuation lasted for a whole day.

All the powerful individuals who sensed this calamity held their breath and watched silently.

Some people hoped for a miracle, some watched coldly, and many more were filled with anxiety.

Li Yunjing could clearly sense that the terrifying, unruly aura belonging to the Blood Demon Ancestor, after its initial powerful outburst, began to dim and become chaotic, like a candle flickering in the wind, under the endless bombardment of the heavenly tribulation...

"Do not!!!"

Finally, at a certain moment, a roar filled with endless resentment, anger and a trace of despair seemed to transcend time and space, faintly echoing in the minds of many powerful individuals!

Immediately afterwards, the aura of the Blood Demon Ancestor, which had been dim but still stubbornly present, vanished abruptly, like a flame that had been completely extinguished!

The dark red celestial phenomenon above the direction of "Ten Thousand Blood Returns to Ruins" also receded rapidly like a tide, the vibrations of the laws between heaven and earth slowly subsided, and finally... returned to deathly silence.

it's all over.

There was no seven-colored celestial light, no bridge for guidance.

Only the completely dissipated aura of returning to the void, and the faint, lingering sorrowful aura of a top-tier expert's fall, silently recounted everything that had just happened.

Blood Demon Ancestor, failed his tribulation!
With his death, his cultivation vanished, and four thousand years of practice turned to nothing!
This news, like the coldest wind, spread to every corner of "Tianlan Star" at a speed even faster than the announcement of ascension.

The entire cultivation world seemed to have been doused with a bucket of ice water, instantly sobering them up from the frenzy generated by their consecutive successful ascensions!
"Failed... Blood Demon Ancestor... is dead?"

"A Void Returning Grandmaster who dominated for thousands of years, just like that... gone?"

"Soaring alone...is it really this dangerous?"

"So... so the success of Emperor Huangze and Sword Master Taixu was not inevitable! Joining forces was crucial!"

"The power of the heavenly tribulation is truly terrifying! Is it something that no human can withstand alone?"

……

Panic, lingering fear, relief, reflection... a variety of complex emotions spread throughout the cultivation world.

The failure of the Blood Demon Ancestor was like a heavy hammer blow, slapping all the cultivators who had been blinded by successive successes back to reality.

It cruelly reveals the true face of the path to ascension!

That was a narrow bridge with a slim chance of survival, allowing no room for luck!
The success of Emperor Huangze and others was the result of a combination of strength, preparation, luck, and, most importantly, "joining forces," and it was by no means an easy feat.

Inside the "Shenxiao Dao Sect", Li Yunjing slowly withdrew his gaze, his face expressionless, only a trace of solemnity flashing deep in his eyes.

"see it?"

He spoke softly, whether asking himself or warning future generations who would pursue the Great Way, "The Great Way is difficult, like walking on thin ice."

"Even a powerful Blood Demon can be doomed if he makes a single mistake."

"The road ahead is long, so we should approach it with reverence and proceed with caution."

Behind him, Yu Yunyi, Lin Xuan, Yan Yang and others who rushed over upon hearing the news were all pale-faced and still shaken.

Having just witnessed the glory of successful ascension, they immediately saw the cruelty of failure and fall. This stark contrast made their understanding of the path of cultivation more profound and clear.

The fall of the Blood Demon Ancestor cast a heavy shadow over the hearts of all cultivators on Tianlan Star who aspired to the Great Dao, and for a considerable period of time afterward, no one dared to easily mention the word "ascension."

After a brief period of fervor, the cultivation world has returned to a more pragmatic, yet more repressive, tranquility.

Without the five Void Returning Great Powers, the power structure of "Tianlan Star" inevitably underwent new changes.

As the most profound alliance with the largest number of Nascent Soul True Monarchs, the influence of the "Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens" is undoubtedly evident at this moment.

These ancient blessed lands, though individually perhaps not as dazzling as the five great Void Returning Sects of the past, possess enough combined power to shake the entire landscape of "Tianlan Star".

In contrast, the four top powers, namely the "Huangze Dynasty", "Luofu Dao Sect", "Taixu Sword Sect" and "Blood God Sect", have inevitably lost much of their influence due to the loss of the absolute deterrent power of the Returning Void Ancestor.

Although it remains a formidable behemoth, it no longer holds the dominant position it once commanded.

Just as undercurrents were swirling, a letter jointly issued by the seven top-tier grotto-heavens was solemnly delivered to the desk of Li Yunjing, the leader of "Shenxiao Peak".

The post, written on a base of ancient warm jade and in stardust, exudes a faint glow and an undeniable majesty.

The signature section listed seven names that were renowned throughout the cultivation world of "Tianlan Star":

"Jade Void Grotto Heaven" Qingwei True Lord!
"Biyou Cave Heaven" Pure Void True Lord!
"Yaoguang Cave Heaven" Xuanji Zhenjun!
"Treasure Pavilion" - The True Lord of Wealth!
"Medicine King Valley" - True Lord of a Hundred Herbs!
"Tianji Pavilion" Tianyan Zhenjun!
"Tianyin Pavilion" Tianyin Zhenjun!
These seven are all the most powerful and prestigious late-stage Nascent Soul True Monarchs among the "Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens," each in charge of a vast force with influence throughout the entire "Tianlan Star."

The post was concise yet carried immense weight:

"It is hereby decided that ten years from now, on the day of Gengzi in the month of Bingyin in the year of Jiazi, the Tianlan Alliance will be held in the Jade Void Cave Heaven on the Canglan Continent to discuss the future order of Tianlan Star, the allocation of resources, the aftermath of the demonic calamity, and other important matters in response to future changes."

"We respectfully invite Master Li Yunjing of the Shenxiao Dao Sect to grace us with his presence."

Looking at the heavy invitation in his hand, Li Yunjing's gaze was as deep as an abyss.

He gently put down the jade token, his fingertips tapping slowly on the cool jade surface, producing a crisp sound that echoed in the silent hall.

"What was bound to happen has finally happened."

He muttered to himself, a subtle, enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his lips.

This so-called "Tianlan Alliance Meeting" was ostensibly a meeting to discuss important matters, but in reality it was a blatant power redistribution conference.

The "Thirty-Six Heavenly Caves" intend to take this opportunity to unite with other forces, rewrite the rules of "Tianlan Star," and establish a new order with themselves at its core.

As a newly emerging top power, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" possesses multiple immortal artifacts and has unlimited potential. Furthermore, it has formed a solid alliance with the "Huangze Dynasty," making it an extremely important and unique variable in this power reshuffle.

The joint invitation from the seven great grotto heavens is both an acknowledgment of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect's" status and a test and consideration.

"Where should the Divine Firmament Dao Sect go from here?"

Li Yunjing fell into deep thought.

Is it to maintain a close alliance with the "Huangze Dynasty" and jointly deal with the pressure that may come from the "Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens"?

Or should we assess the situation and seek a more advantageous position within the new landscape?
Or perhaps... by leveraging its own strengths and resources, it can gain a more proactive position in this game?

The interests involved are complex and intertwined; one wrong step could bring considerable trouble to the sect.

He immediately issued an order to summon the core elders of the sect, including True Lord Jiuxiao, True Lord Wuxing, True Lord Shenfeng, True Lord Xuan, as well as strategist elders such as Ming Lingchuan and Xiao Anran, to come to the "Shenxiao Palace" for a meeting.

A moment later, everyone gathered together.

When Li Yunjing showed the joint petition from the seven great grotto heavens to everyone and explained the key points, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became solemn.

"Hmph! The 'Thirty-Six Heavenly Caves' have quite the grand air!"

"Is this an attempt to take advantage of the ascension of several Void Returning elders and reshape the world?"

The Nine Heavens True Lord, being the most upright and incorruptible, was the first to snort coldly, his face showing resentment.

"Circumstances are beyond our control."

"Now that all the senior Void Returners have left, the peak Nascent Soul stage is the top combat power."

"The 'Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens' united do indeed possess the strongest appeal and power."

The Five Elements True Lord pondered and said, "It is reasonable for them to hold this meeting."

"The key lies in the stance of my 'Shenxiao Dao Sect'."

“We are allied with the ‘Huangze Dynasty’ by blood, and this time the ‘Huangze Dynasty’ will definitely lose its position as the leader of the alliance.”

"If we stand with them at the alliance meeting, we will inevitably clash directly with the 'Thirty-Six Heavens' who intend to dominate the meeting."

A hint of worry flashed in Shenfeng Zhenjun's beautiful eyes: "But if we break the alliance, it will be against morality, it will chill the hearts of the people, and it will also ruin the reputation of our sect."

"Moreover, although our sect has a solid foundation and a powerful sect leader, it has only been around for a short time. The number of high-end combatants, especially those in the late Nascent Soul stage, is far less than that of the 'Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens'."

Xuanzhenjun added, "A head-on confrontation is not the best strategy."

Xuanzhenjun has reached the end of his life. He has become increasingly frail in recent years and is now in his final days.

"Shenxiao Dao Sect" was his only concern, and Xuanzhenjun was unwilling for "Shenxiao Dao Sect" to ruin the good situation because of its stance.

As long as the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" develops step by step, it will surely become the number one sect in the world once Li Yunjing breaks through to the Nascent Soul realm!

There is no need to make decisions that are detrimental to ourselves at this time!
Xuanzhenjun's words carried a heavy weight and echoed in the hall.

(End of this chapter)