System's Super Sect Chapter 1026 953: The Curved Realm Passage from the Veiling Sky Tower to Heaven and Earth Lake (First Update)
He couldn't even vouch for his own survival.
...
Upon his return to the Sect, the instant Sword Demon emerged from the Teleportation Array, Wen Ping was waiting right there.
"Sect Leader!"
Sword Demon offered a slight bow, then noticed Huaikong, whose expression was grim, standing behind Wen Ping, accompanied by the other Immortal Sect Elders.
Without further words, he dutifully took his place behind Wen Ping.
Chen Xie, standing nearby, put away his Sound Transmission Stone and promptly informed Wen Ping, "Sect Leader, Shifeng has already mobilized the Demon Race and is en route back to Demon Emperor Lake."
"And those two—where have they gone?"
Chen Xie understood precisely whom the Sect Leader was inquiring about. "Those two powerhouses from Sky-Covering Tower are currently in Vast City by Thousand Mechanism Lake. My operatives and Black Shadow are keeping close tabs on them."
"Understood." Wen Ping nodded. After turning to give Qin Shan, Yu Mo, and the others a few directions, he addressed Huaikong and Sword Demon, saying, "Huaikong, once you reach Thousand Mechanism Lake, guide Sword Demon into the Demon Realm and establish the exit point there. Then, you will return via the Demon Realm to Demon Emperor Lake to reinforce Shifeng. In this initial engagement, due to You Country offering fierce resistance, Sky-Covering Tower might not have deployed their full might, but to the current Demon Race, their power will still be immense. Your task is to prepare to lead the Demon Race, in the conflicts ahead, in annihilating every invading enemy—and to utilize the upcoming war to forge yourselves and the Demon Race into greater power. Bear in mind, it may be a war fought from a position of disadvantage, but it also presents your opportunity. All that you have learned and acquired will only flourish rapidly through combat."
Wen Ping genuinely wished he could wait.
More time was also something he desired.
However, this harsh world operates by its own grim laws.
Even without a Dark Forest law present, your adversaries will assuredly annihilate you while you remain vulnerable.
They will absolutely not grant you the luxury of growth!
Thus, there was no alternative. Wen Ping could only fuel war with more war.
Should the Demon Race manage to survive this conflict, they would undoubtedly ascend to become a Race on this land, no less formidable than the Human Race.
Wen Ping continued, "Furthermore, notify all members of the Immortal Sect that anyone who wishes may utilize the Teleportation Array to enter Thousand Mechanism Lake. A Cultivator who has never endured trials of life and death—regardless of the potency of their Magic, Vein Technique, or spells—can never attain the pinnacle."
As Wen Ping's words concluded, all the Immortal Sect Elders felt a profound stirring within.
They grasped the meaning.
The moment had arrived to contribute to the Sect.
They could not indefinitely depend on the Sect Leader's protection. Relying solely on that would prevent them from ever becoming true powerhouses.
"Sect Leader, I am already prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the Sect. If the envoys of Sky-Covering Tower dare to set foot on the dominion of Heaven and Earth Lake, they will have to stride across my lifeless form first." Qin Shan was the first to vocalize his resolve in a low tone.
He had originally been a mere servant within the Qin Family on East Lake Flying Fish Island.
To receive the favor of the Sect Leader and ascend to the esteemed position of an Elder within the Immortal Sect—
Naturally, he was wholeheartedly willing to risk his life defending the Immortal Sect.
Following Qin Shan's declaration, Wandering Sword Yu Mo, and Yu Jiang, the former Demon Servant of the Demon Race's Fourth Prince, along with others, voiced their agreement in unison.
A fiery passion surged through everyone in that moment.
They all displayed an unwavering commitment, ready to lay down their lives for the Immortal Sect.
Wen Ping felt a touch of speechlessness, then placed a hand on Yu Mo's shoulder beside him and stated, "I am the Sect Leader. If anyone falls, I shall be the first to fall."
These individuals had journeyed with him since his most humble beginnings, accompanying him every step of the way to their current standing.
Consequently, Wen Ping held deep affection for each and every one of them.
Wen Ping was prepared to forfeit his own life to safeguard them, and to protect everyone within the Immortal Sect.
When Wen Ping finished speaking, a profound silence enveloped the group.
Not a single word was uttered.
Yet, their eyes and hearts overflowed with heartfelt tears.
"Enough, the time for life-or-death farewells has not yet arrived." Wen Ping offered a helpless smile before stepping into the Teleportation Array.
"Since we cannot prevent the forces of Sky-Covering Tower from descending upon Heaven and Earth Lake, then let us prepare a grand reception for them." Wen Ping's initial focus was on the other two Half-Step Celestial Unrestricted powerhouses from Sky-Covering Tower.
They served as excellent pawns, after all.
The Undead Hell lacked an abundance of Half-Step Celestial Unrestricted Undead Creatures, but Sky-Covering Tower was poised to deliver them directly to his doorstep.
Swiftly thereafter, Huaikong, Chen Xie, and Sword Demon all stepped into the Teleportation Array.
With a resounding boom, the Teleportation Array sprang to life!
Rumble—
A shaft of white light plummeted from the heavens, its descent marked by its landing just outside Vast City, beside Thousand Mechanism Lake.
The sudden spectacle caused quite a stir amongst the onlookers near Vast City. All eyes swerved towards the phenomenon, and upon glimpsing the white robes of the figures, expressions shifted dramatically.
It was as if the very face of the heavens had transformed in an instant!
"The Immortal Sect!"
"They hail from the Immortal Sect!"
Panic erupted, and the crowd rapidly dispersed. While they might not have recognized Wen Ping and his companions, the distinctive Immortal Clear Wind Robe was unmistakable.
...
The main headquarters of the Hundred Sects Alliance.
Ever since the demise of all three Golden Level Chiefs, individuals from Sky-Covering Tower had stepped in, assuming command over the entire Hundred Sects Alliance. The designation of Golden Level Chief was subsequently abolished.
Now, the sole supreme position was that of the Alliance Leader of the Hundred Sects Alliance, with Di Ting stepping into the role as the inaugural leader.
Di Ting had been among the very first powerhouses to lend aid to the Hundred Sects Alliance in their invasion of East Lake. Consequently, Sky-Covering Tower saw fit to bestow this esteemed position upon him.
Following Di Ting's assumption of leadership, the positions of Silver Level Chiefs were retained. Di Ting understood thoroughly that for Sky-Covering Tower to exert control over the Hundred Sects Alliance swiftly and efficiently, an exclusive reliance on their own personnel would be insufficient.
"My lords, have you received any dispatches from above?" Di Ting had been consumed by this very matter since learning the previous night that a Celestial Unrestricted powerhouse from Sky-Covering Tower would be opening a Curved Realm Passage. The hour of retribution, he felt, was finally drawing near.
He had endured prolonged humiliation and mistreatment in a desolate backwater like Heaven and Earth Lake, a situation he could no longer tolerate. This deep-seated desire for vengeance was a significant factor in his decision to seize control of the Hundred Sects Alliance. How could he depart before his revenge was complete?
Hei Zhao and Lan Feng stood with their hands clasped behind their backs atop the elevated viewing platform at headquarters, their spirits buoyed as they surveyed the expanse towards Vast City.
In response to Di Ting's question posed from behind them, Hei Zhao coolly replied, "There's no need to inquire. If not today, then tomorrow. With the higher-ups already designating East Lake and Demon Emperor Lake as conflict zones, their actions will undoubtedly be swift and decisive."
"I find myself genuinely puzzled—how could a place as backward and barren as Heaven and Earth Lake give rise to a Sect like the Immortal Sect? And furthermore, to produce an individual possessing a Rebirth Body. You must understand, the Rebirth Body was lost for over a millennium, only resurfacing during the era of the first Tower Master. Since then, only the Tower Master of each subsequent generation has been capable of cultivating it," Lan Feng mused with a sigh.
Hei Zhao turned, a subtle smile gracing his lips. "Once the Curved Realm Passage is unfurled, all will be revealed. Although we suffered the loss of Celestial Traveler on this expedition, we uncovered numerous discoveries entirely absent from Heaven-Gazing Gorge. This mission cannot truly be deemed a failure."
"We might even be granted a reward upon our return. The Vortex Divine Artisan Skill alone, capable of imbuing the Vortex Map with a Special Ability, is worthy of significant commendation. Not to mention all the other findings—and, of course, that individual with the Rebirth Body," Tianxing declared, throwing his head back in laughter.
He was exceptionally pleased with himself.
Di Ting interjected from the side, "My lord, I have meticulously scrutinized the historical records pertaining to the Immortal Sect and its preceding Sect Leaders. For the current Sect Leader, Wen Ping, to elevate a previously fallen Starless Sect to such heights so rapidly, there must be an exceptionally formidable expert operating behind him—one who is nearing the exhaustion of their final reserves of power."
If such an individual were not extraordinary, they could not have engineered so many novel innovations. If they were not extraordinary, they could not have facilitated the Immortal Sect's ascent to this magnitude.
However, choosing to display their might in a place like Heaven and Earth Lake suggested their power had diminished to less than a tenth of its former glory—like a lamp running on its last fumes. Otherwise, would it not be more advantageous to cultivate influence within Heaven-Gazing Gorge?
The resources available in Heaven-Gazing Gorge were incredibly abundant.
Compared to Heaven and Earth Lake, the difference was as vast as heaven and earth.
Hei Zhao offered a low hum of agreement. "Should we succeed in capturing that individual and compelling them to serve us, it would represent an immense advantage for Sky-Covering Tower. If not for the death of Celestial Traveler causing me some hesitation, I would frankly desire to personally visit East Lake, simply to ensure that person does not slip through our grasp."
Lan Feng responded with calm assurance, "He cannot escape. Upon reaching Heaven and Earth Lake, his avenue of retreat was cut off. Where else could he possibly go?"
Following this exchange, the two figures engaged in elaborate speculation and prediction regarding the mysterious individual orchestrating the Immortal Sect's affairs from behind the scenes.
Simultaneously, their minds turned towards Weisheng Xingyu, the one possessing the Rebirth Body, engaging in careful speculation.
However, individuals as astute as themselves—
Every conclusion they reached proved to be incorrect.
Despite their lively discussion.
Just as their conversation reached its peak, a brilliant pillar of white light descended from the heavens.
Boom!
Both of them distinctly witnessed the radiant column impact the ground just beyond Vast City.
Information regarding this celestial beam had previously been conveyed to them by Di Ting.
It was identified as belonging to the Immortal Sect.
On the prior occasion this pillar manifested, individuals from the Immortal Sect emerged from within.
"The Immortal Sect has arrived!"
Hei Zhao's Perception instantly extended, and he exclaimed in astonishment, "There is one Demon God from the Upper Realm and a Human Race powerhouse, also from the Upper Realm. Of the remaining two, I cannot ascertain the Realm of one, while the other is merely at the Earth Unrestricted Lower Realm."
"And they still possess the audacity to appear here? Let us depart and apprehend them."
Lan Feng immediately took to the skies!
(A reader named Brother Qilin, with 500 tips, has just been noticed. Gratitude also for the 100 tips from a straightforward individual.)