World of Cultivation Nine Hundred and Seven – The Dawn is Near

Yang Yuan Hao stood frozen, a statue carved from stone, as he absorbed the message in his palm. The news of Gu Liang Dao's demise in battle struck him with profound shock.

Before their recent actions, the notion of an all-out war erupting between Kun Lun and Mo Cloud Sea was beyond contemplation. Even now, a sense of daze clung to him.

An arrow shot from the bow could never be recalled. Should the opportunity to turn back arise, his choices would be few. He felt certain Gu Liang Dao would have arrived at the same conclusions.

Kun Lun... haha!

What a pity. Gu Liang Dao perished!

His own circumstances bore an uncanny resemblance to Gu Liang Dao’s. The sole distinction lay in the greater burdens Gu Liang Dao carried. While Yang Yuan Hao served as the sword and shield for the Four Minor Dhyana Sects, he still benefited from a shield against the harsh winds of internal politics. Gu Liang Dao, however, had no such protection. He never did. His betrayal of Xi Xian, followed by his ascension to Xi Xian's leadership with Zhong De's backing, ultimately dissolved when that support vanished during the Central Plains conflict.

Yet, he was not Zuo Mo.

As a battlefield commander, Gu Liang Dao was exceptional, possessing both courage and sagacity. His defeat at Xue Dong’s hands was less a personal failure and more a consequence of Kun Lun’s circumstances than Xue Dong’s prowess.

From the outset, Gu Liang Dao was weighed down by an overwhelming number of responsibilities, leaving him no avenues for retreat or alternative paths. Consider his betrayal of Xi Xuan; who, under normal circumstances, would willingly betray their own sect unless cornered? This act propelled him into leadership of a territory. Yang Yuan Hao believed these pressures were the true force that ultimately crushed the spirit of a peerless battle general.

Not everyone could be Zuo Mo, Yang Yuan Hao mused, the thought echoing again.

Much like his combat methodology, Yang Yuan Hao possessed a clear understanding of his own capabilities. He, too, would opt for the most rational course of action. It might not be the absolute best, but it would certainly never be the worst.

Yang Yuan Hao did not recklessly charge into Kun Lun territory. Though the stationed battalions were no match for him, he deemed it imprudent to advance too far, risking a lack of supplies and reinforcements. The strategic value he could achieve in such a deep incursion would be limited, while the inherent dangers would escalate. The current situation diverged significantly from the past; Mo Cloud Sea and Kun Lun were now locked in an all-out war, necessitating a reassessment of his strategy.

With Zuo Mo absent, and Gongsun Cha and Bie Han deployed elsewhere, the onus fell upon him to strategize independently.

When Wei Sheng's message arrived, disbelief nearly consumed him. For an extended period, he stared at it in a state of bewildered shock.

Wei Sheng had vanquished Lin Qian!

Lin Qian had been forced to flee!

This... this... this...!

No outcome from any front-line battle, not even Gongsun Cha's victory over Xue Dong, had ever shaken Yang Yuan Hao as profoundly as this revelation.

Illogical! It defied all logic!

That was Lin Qian! The very Sect Leader of Kun Lun, Lin Qian!

After a prolonged period of stunned silence, Yang Yuan Hao began to regain his composure, shifting his thoughts towards the potential ramifications of this event.

He reluctantly acknowledged that this news represented a catastrophic blow to Kun Lun's morale. Lin Qian's standing within Kun Lun was virtually unassailable; he was widely regarded as the most exceptional leader in Kun Lun's history. Even in this era of upheaval, he remained untarnished. Kun Lun had consistently pursued self-improvement under his guidance.

If a single oversight were to be attributed to him, it would perhaps be his failure to curb Mo Cloud Sea's burgeoning power.

However, who could have realistically halted Mo Cloud Sea's ascent?

Lin Qian embodied perfection. He was humble and refined, his loyalty to Kun Lun etched into his very being. Even the most recalcitrant disciples adhered implicitly to his directives. He had ventured deep into the mo realms, emerging victorious through his own might. It was he who first grasped the essence of shen power, ushering Kun Lun into a new era. He had profoundly transformed Kun Lun, strategically integrating Chao Xin and other younger disciples. Kun Lun stood as the sole great sect among the four that had not succumbed to decline or internal fragmentation. He had never experienced defeat, always leading from the front – a natural-born leader.

Yet, a figure of such stature had been defeated!

A stark realization dawned upon Yang Yuan Hao: Kun Lun teetered on the precipice of ruin.

He had never, in his wildest imaginings, foreseen Lin Qian's defeat.

The war between Kun Lun and Mo Cloud Sea had barely commenced, and the tide of conflict had already turned with astonishing unpredictability. In Yang Yuan Hao's assessment, Lin Qian represented Kun Lun's ultimate strength, an anchor that absolutely could not falter. Even with the return of Wei Sheng and his comrades, Yang Yuan Hao had believed that merely matching Lin Qian would be a commendable achievement.

Defeating Mu Xuan or Xue Dong would not destabilize Kun Lun's core. Only the downfall of Lin Qian could precipitate true panic within the sect.

Lin Qian had been vanquished!

Kun Lun found itself in grave peril.

However, the unfolding sequence of events still managed to surpass Yang Yuan Hao’s most daring predictions.

The news of Lin Qian's defeat at Wei Sheng's hands resonated throughout the world!

Yang Yuan Hao hadn't broadcasted the news. Unable to locate Lin Qian, Wei Sheng resolved to journey to Kun Lun.

Wielding his sword, Wei Sheng launched an assault on Kun Lun. He advanced directly towards Tian Huan's main peak in broad daylight, making no attempt at stealth.

Everywhere he traversed, cities crumbled before him, and foes fell beneath his blade; none could impede his advance. Despite the flood of Kun Lun's forces and experts, they were utterly incapable of stopping Wei Sheng.

Not a single one of his attacks could be withstood.

Through his sword, Wei Sheng proclaimed to the world the formidable might of a god-level existence.

The entire world watched in awe, stunned by Wei Sheng's overwhelming strength and audacious actions!

Kun Lun descended into chaos. Just as Yang Yuan Hao had foreseen, Lin Qian's defeat had sown deep anxiety throughout Kun Lun. Wei Sheng's aggressive advance seemed to have stirred a hornet's nest, prompting all of Kun Lun's battalions and experts to race furiously towards reinforcing the main peak.

The primary mountain peak of Kun Lun served as its core, the very heart of the Sect, and its sacred ground. It held an unmatched status and had never known the ravages of war, representing Kun Lun's greatest source of pride!

"Protect the main peak!"

"Protect the Sect Leader!"

Like a moth drawn to a flame, they charged fearlessly, desperate to halt Wei Sheng.

Kun Lun had gone mad.

The world had gone mad.

Xue Dong's eyes blazed with rage. He paid no heed to the Vermillion Bird Camp pursuing him closely.

He couldn't comprehend it. Eldest Shixiong had been defeated?

How was this even possible?

Upon hearing the news, he had nearly burst into laughter. How could Eldest Shixiong possibly be defeated? He had been engrossed in his own duel with Gongsun Cha, a battle where both were evenly matched. However, shortly after it began, news arrived of Wei Sheng's approach towards Kun Lun's main peak. Only then did the truth sink in: Eldest Shixiong had truly been defeated.

Without a moment's hesitation, Xue Dong redirected his battalion, charging back towards Kun Lun!

He felt as if he were trapped in a dreadful nightmare. Kun Lun, so suddenly, was plunged into such a perilous situation.

"Protect the main peak!"

"Protect the Sect Leader!"

The desperate rallying cries exposed the dire state of Kun Lun's defenses. Mu Xuan, who was cornered by Bie Han's Sin Battalion and unable to escape, still issued a command for Mu Xuan to return to Kun Lun at any cost!

Even if it meant her death!

Xue Dong's mind was exceptionally sharp in that moment. Every member of Kun Lun could be sacrificed, including himself. Only Eldest Shixiong could not fall!

He had already begun contemplating the possibility of defeat. While the situation grew more urgent, he paradoxically became calmer. Defeat held no terror; as long as Eldest Shixiong remained alive, even if they lost territory, they could ultimately turn the tide.

No matter the sacrifice, Wei Sheng had to be stopped!

Xue Dong's Battalion moved with a disregard for their own lives, swiftly leaving the Vermillion Bird Camp far behind.

In stark contrast to Kun Lun's panic, the Mo Cloud Sea rejoiced.

"Teacher Wei is incredibly powerful! He actually defeated Lin Qian! Unbelievable!"

"Teacher Wei's return couldn't have been more timely. I always knew Teacher Wei was god-level!"

"Oh please, you only realized that after the fact!"

"To reach Kun Lun's main peak through his own might alone... I can feel my blood boiling just thinking about it!"

Gongsun Cha also wore a subtle smile. His engagement with Xue Dong had been halted during its initial probing phase. Both sides seemed to recognize that it wasn't the opportune moment for a decisive battle, and thus, neither spared their full strength.

Yet, in those tentative exchanges, both found the other to be a formidable opponent.

Gongsun Cha was still in a state of wonder upon learning of Wei Sheng's astonishing and overpowering advance towards Kun Lun's main peak.

The terrifying power of a god-level cultivator was fully showcased in this engagement. Wei Sheng, single-handedly, had thrown all of Kun Lun into disarray.

Gongsun Cha and his companions quickly shook off their elation. Discussions immediately commenced regarding strategies to counter a god-level expert. After half a day of deliberation, they arrived at the same conclusion as before: only a god-level expert could contend with a god-level expert. Otherwise, they would need to wait another decade, by which time the average strength of their cultivators would have ascended two more ranks, potentially enabling top-tier battalions to challenge a god-level entity.

The strategic discussions proved fruitless, and the focus shifted to exploiting the current advantageous opportunity.

To squander such a golden chance would be inviting disaster.

For individuals brimming with cunning schemes, this topic presented the most delectable of feasts. A fervent discussion erupted amongst them almost instantaneously.

Insidious and malevolent plans began to materialize rapidly.

When Zuo Mo received word of Wei Sheng's victory over Lin Qian, he too was initially astonished. However, the subsequent arrival of the details tempered his joy.

Gu Liang Dao was gone. Shuang Yu was also gone.

The vivacious and forthright Gu Liang Dao, the gentle and innocent Shuang Yu. Recalling their initial encounters and interactions from years past, Zuo Mo's spirits sank. He had envisioned a joyous reunion, a toast to their shared experiences upon his return to Mo Cloud Sea. However, fate had other plans...

Zuo Mo remained transfixed, gazing at the nocturnal expanse above. A Gui observed him with evident concern, maintaining a silent watch. She understood that her Young Master required this moment of solitude.

After a considerable interval, Zuo Mo regained his composure, setting aside the crushing weight of his sorrow and grief. A line of nascent light appeared on the distant horizon, signaling the impending arrival of dawn. The night had, without his noticing, elapsed.

Dawn was nigh...

The final vestiges of melancholy were banished from Zuo Mo's eyes, replaced by an unyielding resolve.

He pivoted abruptly, addressing A Gui with sudden pronouncement,