After seeing off Tianshang Honored One and Celestial Venerable Kun Ling, Li Mu gave instructions to Xue'er and Liu Yalan, then hurried back to Crescent Moon Island to tend to the Spirit Plants and refine Spirit Treasures, not wanting to get too deeply involved in external affairs.
If not for the Purple Yang Spiritual Mushroom, Yin Soul Fruit, and the batch of fourth-grade Five Elements Spirit Plants in the Painting World Treasure Mansion not yet being ripe and ready for harvest, Li Mu would have very much wanted to leave the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, this land of trouble, and find a place to continue his secluded cultivation.
Just as Li Mu was tending to the Spirit Plants and focusing on Artifact Refining.
In the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, a sudden fierce wind blew, and waves surged. A powerful 'hurricane' erupted from a certain island in the sea region, its might so great that it seemed capable of sweeping the entire sea region clean.
The source of this 'hurricane' was not a natural phenomenon, but rather forces from the Central Plains Spirit Domain, such as the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect.
The Cultivators of the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect, in conjunction with the native forces of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, launched an unprecedented carpet search, delving into every single island, rooting out all forces in this sea region, and searching for traces of the Nine Demon Sect.
The final result was that they indeed discovered the lurking Nine Demon Sect forces in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, their movements so secretive that it was astonishing.
With deeper investigation, they discovered that several Demon Ancestors and dozens of Demon Lords of the Nine Demon Sect were carrying out some unknown operation in this sea region. What was even more shocking was that several small organizations in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, such as Qingyan Brothel and Blood Shadow Tower, had already fallen into the hands of the Nine Demon Sect, becoming their secretly manipulated pawns.
A great battle was imminent. Sword Master Feng of the Xuantian Sword Sect was the first to strike, unleashing a sword with crisscrossing Sword Qi, directly targeting a Nirvana Demon Ancestor of the Nine Demon Sect...
The sudden battle lasted for several days. The entire sea region was enveloped by Sword Qi and Devilish Qi. Sword Qi crisscrossed, Devilish Qi surged, and more than half of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region fell into unprecedented Chaos, as if the end of the world had arrived. The sea surface was turbulent, and giant waves and tsunamis several tens of feet high rolled up like angry Dragons. Hundreds of islands were annihilated in this catastrophe.
Although the Demon Ancestors and Demon Lords of the Nine Demon Sect were powerful, the Central Plains allied army of the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect had the upper hand. Under the combined attack of the native forces of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, the Nine Demon Sect retreated steadily. Their hidden island concealment formations, Absolute Yin Demon Formations, and island-protecting grand formations were quickly breached, and they swiftly fell into a disadvantage.
For a time, the Demon Ancestors and Demon Lords of the Nine Demon Sect either died or fled, suffering continuous defeats. A portion of the Nine Demon Sect's forces suffered devastating blows in the chaotic battle, while another portion seized the opportunity to escape the battlefield, scattering and hiding.
...
Deep beneath the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, thousands of feet down, lay a quiet and secluded underwater cave. Here, there was no sunlight, no life, only endless darkness and the immense pressure of the deep sea.
However, this forgotten corner became a refuge for the remnants of the Nine Demon Sect. They hid within this deep-sea cave, temporarily escaping the pursuit from the Central Plains Spirit Domain and the native forces of the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
"Damn it! It's all your fault!" Wu Tian Demon Ancestor angrily glared at Hongshan and Hong Shuang, his eyes wide with fury as he roared.
"If it weren't for you instigating this Old Ancestor to seek revenge for you, how could this Sect's secret operation in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region have been so easily exposed!"
Before he finished speaking, Wu Tian Demon Ancestor suddenly struck out with his palm, sending Hongshan flying with a single blow.
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's eyes were wide with rage. The Nine Demon Sect had suffered extremely heavy losses this time. The Xuantian Sword Sect's sudden and swift attack had nearly cost him his life on the spot.
Hongshan tumbled in the air, spitting out blood, and finally fell heavily to the ground. He struggled to get up, his face filled with resentment and terror, and he said bitterly, "Demon Ancestor, spare me! How can this be my fault? It's entirely due to Huanglong Honored One's incompetence. Otherwise, how could he have aroused the other party's suspicion, and even informed the Elder of the Ten Thousand Islands Sect? This matter has absolutely nothing to do with me!"
Hearing this, Hong Shuang's body trembled, and she looked at Hongshan in disbelief. This was truly her good younger brother! So afraid of death that he would blame her to save himself. A trace of disappointment and heartache flashed in her eyes, and she felt immense anger at Hongshan's betrayal.
"Old Ancestor, Huanglong Honored One made almost no mistakes in this matter. The only reason is that Nascent Soul Cultivator was too vigilant!" At this moment, another Soul Transformation Demon Lord interjected.
"Please, Old Ancestor, see clearly!" Hong Shuang quickly knelt on one knee, her voice trembling.
Hearing this, Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's Killing Intent slightly receded, and his blood-red eyes gradually cleared. At present, the Nine Demon Sect had suffered heavy losses, yet the purpose of this trip had not yet been achieved, and the Hong Shuang siblings still had some value.
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor looked deeply at Hong Shuang and said in a deep voice, "You two siblings have three months. If you still can't find the Sealed Land, then there will be no value in keeping you!"
Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's voice was cold and firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Clearly, this was Wu Tian Demon Ancestor's final ultimatum to them. They had to complete this task within three months, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Yes!"
Hong Shuang respectfully obeyed.
During this time, she and her subordinates had been searching for the Sealed Land that Wu Tian Demon Ancestor had obtained, and they had already found some clues. If not for this unexpected encirclement, she would have found this Sealed Land long ago.
"Yes!"
A trace of fear flashed in Hongshan's eyes, and he followed suit.
"All of you, get out! Let this Old Ancestor be in peace!" Wu Tian Demon Ancestor glared at the remaining people and roared.
"Your subordinates take their leave!" Everyone quickly obeyed and swiftly left this place filled with a murderous Aura. Hong Shuang and Hongshan also followed suit, leaving the underwater cave.
...
"Sister, I was just flustered for a moment!" As soon as they exited the cave, Hongshan immediately realized that his actions had almost implicated Hong Shuang, and a wave of panic washed over him. He took a step forward and apologized to Hong Shuang.
Hong Shuang stopped, turned around, and looked deeply at Hongshan, her eyes filled with disappointment and heartache. Hongshan had once again disappointed her. Hong Shuang had already despaired of this younger brother!
Hong Shuang also understood that now was not the time to assign blame. If they failed to complete this mission, their lives might truly be in danger. At this point, blame was meaningless.
"You be careful in the future!" Hong Shuang's heart was a mix of emotions. She tried to calm herself, and her voice trembled as she gave her instructions.
After speaking, Hong Shuang turned to leave. What needed to be done now was to find the Sealed Land as quickly as possible.
"Sister, have you found any clues about that Sealed Land?" Hongshan spoke again, calling out to Hong Shuang with concern.
Hong Shuang stopped, looked back at Hongshan, and said indifferently, "Don't worry about this matter! I have my own plans!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Hong Shuang transformed into a red shadow, and her figure vanished in the blink of an eye.
Watching Hong Shuang's retreating figure, Hongshan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and a hint of joy appeared on his face. Judging by his sister's tone, this mission might just have a chance.
------
Above the harbor of Wanxing Island, a large number of Spirit Ships were densely moored like giant Dragons, their flags fluttering, their Aura like a rainbow. These Spirit Ships were all warships of various Sects, gathered here with great momentum.
The flagship of the Xuantian Sword Sect was particularly eye-catching. Ancient sword patterns were carved on its hull, emitting a sharp Sword Qi. Inside the flagship's cabin, a group of high-level Cultivators gathered, the atmosphere solemn and grave.
Sword Master Feng, a Sword Master of a Sword Peak in the Xuantian Sword Sect, was currently seated at the head, clad in a green robe, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, possessing an extraordinary temperament. His sharp gaze swept over everyone, revealing a restrained Sword Intent.
Hall Master Zeng, a Grand Elder of the Taiyi Sect, was also a Body Integration Realm powerhouse. He wore a golden robe, his black hair fluttering in the wind, his Aura restrained, like an ordinary old man.
The outstanding young generation of the Myriad Buddhas Sect, Saint Monk Qizhi, had a solemn and dignified appearance, his face showing compassion for the world. He wore a white monk's robe, his features were delicate, and he held a string of Buddhist beads in his hand, gently twirling them, emitting a faint Buddhist light.
The Elders of the Eight Great Families' branches also occupied their respective corners. They were among the core figures of the Eight Great Cultivation Families, and the decision-makers of other large and small Sects. They were either majestic, refined, or mysterious, but without exception, they were all outstanding individuals in their respective Sects, their strength not to be underestimated. They gathered together to discuss the eradication of the Nine Demon Sect's forces in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region.
"Everyone," Sword Master Feng slowly began, his voice revealing authority and power, "Through soul-searching two Demon Ancestors, we have learned the Nine Demon Sect's purpose in coming to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region."
Everyone listened intently. Sword Master Feng continued, "The main purpose of the Nine Demon Sect's trip is to find a Sealed Land."
"Ten thousand years ago, the Demon Abyss invaded this realm, leading to a great war between the two realms and immense suffering. To completely Seal the channel between the two realms and protect this realm from demonic invasion, several Dao Lords joined forces to set up eight inter-realm Seals. These eight Seals are located in the Central Plains Spirit Domain, Southern Wilderness Continent, Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, Northern Qiong Heavenly Mountain, and Western Regions, among other places. And now, the Nine Demon Sect has actually extended its demonic claws towards a certain realm Dao Seal in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region," Sword Master Feng said angrily, his eyes flashing with Sword Qi as he introduced the situation.
Everyone listened, dumbfounded. Their faces were filled with shock and incomprehension. They had never heard of the secrets regarding the Seal, nor had they imagined that the Nine Demon Sect's target this time was this Sealed Land. This news was like a cold current, instantly piercing through their hearts, making them feel a chill down their spines.
"The Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain has already fallen; we absolutely cannot let the Nine Demon Sect succeed!" The Grand Elder of the Shangguan Family said through gritted teeth.
"Fortunately, we discovered this in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable!" Saint Monk Qizhi sighed, his relief and worry intertwined.
"The ambition of the Nine Demon Sect is clear; they must be completely eradicated as soon as possible!"
...
Everyone expressed their agreement, knowing that the situation was now critical and they had to act quickly.
"Sword Master Feng." Hall Master Zeng of the Taiyi Sect looked at Sword Master Feng and asked with concern, "Since we already know the Nine Demon Sect's purpose in coming to the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, we must be on guard. What should we do next?"
Sword Master Feng nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "Our original purpose for this trip was to support the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain and completely close the crack in the Southern Wilderness Demon Abyss Channel. This matter is urgent, and the action plan remains unchanged. However, we need to leave a group of people behind to find the Sealed Land in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region and completely eradicate the remaining forces of the Nine Demon Sect."
Sword Master Feng's eyes gleamed with Killing Intent, knowing full well the Nine Demon Sect's cruelty and greed. Once they succeeded, this realm would be doomed.
Sword Master Feng then arranged, "At the same time, I will notify the various Sects in the Central Plains to closely monitor the movements of the other Sealed Lands to ensure they do not fall into the hands of the Nine Demon Sect."
"Sword Master Feng is brilliant!" Everyone praised in unison.
"Sword Master Feng is brilliant, but how will the personnel remaining in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region be arranged?" A certain Family Elder asked with concern.
"That's right! The Sealed Land in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region must not be lost. Not only must we find it faster than the Nine Demon Sect, but we must also set up multiple lines of defense to ensure absolute safety."
"Indeed, this matter is extremely crucial. We must be prepared for a decisive battle with the remaining Nine Demon Sect forces. Once they truly find the Sealed Land and attempt to unseal it, they must be swiftly and completely annihilated."
...
As soon as Sword Master Feng finished speaking, the other Family Elders and the leaders of the smaller Sects all expressed their agreement, their eyes eagerly fixed on Sword Master Feng, awaiting his next instructions.
Next, Sword Master Feng would assign the personnel to be stationed in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region, which was what they cared about most.
Both tasks that the joint fleet was undertaking to the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain were life-and-death missions, and everyone was especially eager to be left behind to deal with the remnants of the Nine Demon Sect.
Compared to undertaking the life-and-death mission in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, the task of staying behind to find the Sealed Land and eradicate the remaining Nine Demon Sect forces, though arduous, clearly offered many times more chances of survival.
Sword Master Feng's keen gaze swept over everyone's faces one by one, and he clearly understood their thoughts.
He even considered leaving this opportunity to the Disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect, as they were the core strength of the Sect... However, for the sake of the greater good, both emotionally and logically, he could not do so.
Sword Master Feng pondered for a moment and immediately made a good decision, saying in a deep voice, "This time, being able to discover the Nine Demon Sect's traces in the Ten Thousand Stars Sea Region in advance and eliminate most of their forces is thanks to Elder Chen of the Ten Thousand Islands Sect, and Tian Shang and Kun Ling of the Kun Family. It is precisely because of their keen perception and reporting of this intelligence that we were able to deal a heavy blow to the Nine Demon Sect in one fell swoop."
"The three of them have rendered great service, and each will be rewarded with 100,000 merit points. In addition, this matter will be entrusted to them. What do you all think?" After a pause, Sword Master Feng surveyed the entire hall and decided on the spot.
Hearing this, the faces of the leaders of the smaller Sects and the Family Elders all showed a hint of disappointment. However, Sword Master Feng's arrangement was very fair and reasonable, and they had no reason to object.
"Let's proceed according to Sword Master Feng's decree!" One of the smaller Sect leaders was the first to express support.
"Hmm! With the cooperation of the local Sect forces, we should be able to find that Sealed Land before the Nine Demon Sect!" Another Family Elder echoed.
...
The three had already rendered meritorious service, and faced with such an arrangement, they immediately lost the opportunity to argue. Everyone else also followed suit, supporting Sword Master Feng's decision. (End of chapter)
