Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 821

In the 7820th year of the Blue Star Xia calendar, within the vast Unknown Star Domain.

Twelve massive Sea-crossing Arks traversed the starry void with incredible speed. Lingjing Star, which initially possessed only two such vessels, had now constructed ten more through the pooling of resources, bringing their total to twelve. These arks carried with them millions of Buddhist cultivators.

Each Sea-crossing Ark was presided over by a Great Buddha, with hundreds of thousands of Buddhist disciples seated below, all engaged in the chanting of scriptures. Myriad streams of spiritual energy were channeled into the immense statues, causing them to radiate a brilliant luminosity. Flanking these colossal figures were Arhats and Bodhisattvas, bestowing their blessings.

The Sea-crossing Arks did not maintain a linear path through space. Instead, they employed a jumping technique, vanishing from one location only to reappear at a distant point. At times, they would traverse an entire star system, their movements appearing utterly unpredictable.

However, this apparent randomness belied a sophisticated system. The Buddhist sect's Stargate Secret Technique relied on precise signal guidance. Their signal emanated from an initial octahedron, a treasure crafted through their unique refining methods capable of surveying their surroundings and also serving as the beacon for their Stargate Secret Technique. These signals enabled them to successfully execute the Stargate Secret Technique for their jumps.

"Beep, beep, beep…"

As one of the Buddhist sect’s Sea-crossing Arks materialized in the outer space surrounding Cape III, numerous detectors immediately registered its presence, relaying the information to the Cape III survival base.

"What in the world is that?"

Shiyi, stationed at Cape III, was utterly bewildered. The video feed from the Cape III base did not show the Sea-crossing Ark itself, but rather an colossal Buddha statue, easily tens of thousands of meters tall, resembling a celestial body.

Without a moment's hesitation, Shiyi activated the alarm. The initial alerts were brief, but they quickly escalated into a deafening roar that was transmitted in real-time back to Blue Star.

"Space Fleet, muster!"

"Engage the enemy! All offensive Space Battleships, aircraft, and detectors, commence your attack!"

Shiyi unleashed a barrage of commands. The Space Battleships patrolling the outer reaches began to converge rapidly, while some aircraft and detectors, too distant to join the immediate formation, initiated their assault first.

Yet, none of these volleys registered as even a minor inconvenience to the Sea-crossing Ark.

"Shiyi, this is Lin Jiang. Report the situation."

"Ancestor, the situation remains unclear. Twelve immense Buddha statues have appeared in the western Star Domain adjacent to Cape III, each towering at least ten thousand meters. Our detectors are unable to ascertain conditions within. Artificial intelligence projects an impending large-scale offensive from Buddhist cultivators."

"Prepare for engagement; the initial wave is expected within thirty minutes."

"Understood, Ancestor."

Shiyi acknowledged the order. The Cape III region housed half of Blue Star’s formidable Space Fleet, comprising five colossal Space Mother Ships. Each fleet contained close to a hundred warships, supplemented by a variety of other aircraft. In contrast, Blue Star’s defense was structured around three such fleets.

Back on Blue Star, Lin Jiang also escalated the alert level to the highest possible. The entire planet commenced mobilization. Nearly all cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage and above were converging, swiftly proceeding towards Blue Star’s eight primary teleportation arrays. The destination on the other side of these arrays was the Lunar Base, serving as a transfer point.

"Uncle, I will lead the vanguard to Cape III."

"Little Ying, exercise extreme caution. I will be there shortly," Lin Jiang responded, nodding. This deployment was part of a pre-arranged strategy. Cao Ying would represent the human race, spearheading the initial entry onto the battlefield, while Lin Jiang would remain in reserve.

"Blue Star Guards, three fleets, proceed immediately to the combat zone and maintain maximum speed."

"Blue Star Alliance Headquarters, Lin Jiang transmitting. Initiate immediate mobilization protocols. All combat personnel are to return swiftly. Logistics units are to open supply depots and dispatch combat provisions to Cape III."

"Huaxia Official, the battle has commenced. You must enact a nationwide mobilization without delay. Monitor combat intelligence closely, deploy protective shields over major cities, and ensure the evacuation of smaller settlements into mountainous regions and underground shelters…"

"Cao Wang, this is Lin Jiang issuing orders. Consolidate your research team; you represent our final reserve. Should our strength falter, your intervention will be critical at the opportune moment…"

Lin Jiang continued to issue directives, personally overseeing every facet of the operation. A monumental conflict loomed. Despite extensive simulations and drills, the inevitability of unforeseen circumstances, including potential acts of cowardice at the critical moment, was not lost on him.

Within the Demon God Temple, the Demon Queen observed from the threshold of the teleportation array as waves of Demon Kings passed through it. The Shenwu Demon Emperor and the Fire Scale Demon Emperor were among the first contingent.

"Demon Queen, we depart."

"Farewell, Demon Emperors. I shall follow shortly. This engagement is of paramount importance to the very survival of our demon race. I implore you to fight valiantly against the foe."

"Demon Queen, do not be disheartened. The demon race is not inferior to the human race."

The two Demon Emperors stated this, fully aware that the demon race's future hinged on securing a planet for survival. They recognized they could never match Huaxia's technological advancements and would inevitably be suppressed. Thus, victory in this war and gaining a planet represented their final chance.

The Demon Queen nodded in agreement with them, and the teleportation array shimmered to life. One large contingent of Demon Kings vanished, followed swiftly by another. Simultaneously, across various demon territories, numerous other Demon Kings hurried towards the call, unwilling to defy the orders issued by the Demon God Temple.

On the Ying Continent, Li Qing and her companions stood near the teleportation array. Outside this array, agile flying machines, expertly piloted by individuals from across the Ying Continent, were commencing their landing procedures.

"Master, over half of our people have assembled. Are we truly compelled to depart?"

Zheng Yi inquired of Li Qing as the skilled individuals from the Ying Continent rapidly converged.

"We have no choice but to go. If the demon race places their faith in Huaxia, then we must do the same. Much like them, we face a dead end on Blue Star. Huaxia's dominance obstructs any avenue for our development."

Li Qing articulated this sentiment, a point that had been frequently echoed by the experts from the Ying Continent.

On Blue Star, Huaxia's overwhelming strength effectively halts the progress of all other major powers. For these powers to advance their technology and industry, a substantial market is essential for growth. However, Blue Star presents no such opportunity. Without the capacity for industry and technology, relying solely on cultivators has proven to be an unsustainable strategy.

Given that the current level of Immortal Language cultivation on Blue Star is insufficient for interstellar travel, reliance on technology becomes imperative. Consequently, cooperation with Huaxia is the only viable option available.

"I comprehend. The two Martial Uncles have already departed. Master, you should take the lead."

"No, you shall lead the way. I will guide the overall team. Zheng Yi, exercise greater prudence."

Li Qing placed a thoughtful hand on Zheng Yi's shoulder before stepping onto the teleportation array.

·········

Within the Cape III Planet Star Domain, Kong Yan and other prominent figures from Lingjing Star had convened. These eminent Bodhisattvas were employing their extraordinary visual acuity to observe the emerging flying machines.

"Senior Brother Kong Yan, it appears the Blue Star human race intends to confront us here."

"If we reactivate the Stargate, could we reach Blue Star directly?"

"That would be challenging; the enemy would undoubtedly attempt to impede us. We might require activation two or three times."

"Engaging in battle within the void would be detrimental to our junior disciples. Let us activate the Stargate one more time, proceed to the so-called Cape III Planet, swiftly vanquish the Blue Star human race present, and then set our sights on Blue Star itself."

Bodhisattva Kong Yan declared his strategy, having brought along millions of Buddhist cultivators. Each possessed a minimum strength equivalent to a mage, comparable to the Golden Core Stage of a cultivator. This force represented ninety-nine percent of Lingjing Star's might, as cultivators at the Golden Core Stage face significant limitations in space combat.

"Understood, Senior Brother Kong Yan."

The directives were promptly relayed to each Sea-crossing Ark, and the twelve Arks initiated their synchronized efforts to activate the Stargate.

"No need to await further orders, fire, fire!"

Shiyi, upon witnessing the colossal Stargate and observing a towering Buddha statue entering it, erupted in excited shouts.

The leading Space Battleship unleashed its offensive immediately. Electromagnetic cannons, particle cannons, Spiritual Cannons, lasers, and a variety of other armaments converged their fire.

"Boom, boom…"

However, these barrages failed to breach the Stargate's integrity.

"Brother Shiyi, look quickly, the Stargate has materialized, and they are en route to Cape III Planet!"

"Oh no, turn us around, hurry, turn around! Space Battleship, return!"

Shiyi stood frozen in shock as the Space Battleship rapidly retreated, with the enemy now alarmingly close?

"Ground-based cannon, orient the barrel and bombard the Stargate."

Shiyi hastily revised his commands. Cape III Planet still had nearby defensive forces. He directed the cannon's aim toward the Stargate and engaged.

The vanguard Sea-crossing Ark sustained a direct hit, causing its divine radiance to dissipate. Some of the lower-ranking Buddhist cultivators perished from the impact's force.

"Senior Brother Kong Yan, the enemy has altered their trajectory."

"Detail three Sea-crossing Arks to engage and eliminate the enemy. The rest of us will proceed with our jump to Blue Star. The enemy is prepared, and we must resist being drawn into their schemes."

Kong Yan stated, his expression grave. It appeared the enemy had orchestrated a decisive engagement, necessitating a disruption of their plans rather than succumbing to their maneuvers.