Months passed, and Sword Master Feng, leading the Xuantian Sword Sect's Sword Elders, blockaded the Nether Sect, with a major battle on the verge of breaking out, the atmosphere so tense it could almost be wrung dry.
The Nether Sect's mountain gate was shrouded in thick, dark clouds, and the Nether Sect Disciples stood ready, their eyes reflecting both fear of the unknown and a resolute determination to defend their Sect to the death.
The Nether Sect's mountain protection Formation was activated, its patterns faintly visible within the dark clouds, slowly awakening like ancient totems. A faint green light flowed within the Formation, forming a stark contrast with the brilliant Sword Qi emanating from Sword Master Feng and the others. The entire mountain gate area seemed enveloped by a sea of death.
The Nether Sect's mountain protection Formation, named the "Heaven Burial Formation," was created by generations of Nether Sect ancestors who expended countless efforts, gathering the most Yin and evil powers from heaven and earth. It not only possessed powerful defensive capabilities, able to resist all external attacks, but also contained strange offensive methods. It could silently erode the enemy's mind, causing Cultivators caught within it to experience endless fear and illusions, and could even boost the combat power of Disciples practicing the Sect's Nether Cultivation Technique by several times.
As the mountain protection Formation, the "Heaven Burial Formation," was fully activated, the Nether Sect Disciples' morale surged. A fervent light flashed in their eyes, as if encouraged by a mysterious power. Their Auras resonated with the faint green light of the Formation, and they seemed to merge with this sea of death.
"Nether Sect Disciples, heed my command! Today is the moment of our Sect's life and death. The Heaven Burial Formation has been activated! This is our time to display the power of the Nether and protect the glory of our Sect!" Nether Sect Master Gao Hong stood atop the mountain gate, his voice piercing through the thick, dark clouds, reaching the ears of every Disciple, igniting the fighting spirit deep within them.
The Disciples responded in unison, their voices echoing through the clouds, filled with unyielding determination. They swiftly positioned themselves at various nodes of the grand Formation according to pre-rehearsed Formations, connecting their spiritual power with the Formation to form an unbreakable line of defense.
"Feng, there's no blood feud between our two Sects. Do you truly intend to fight our Sect to the death?!"
Nether Sect Master Gao Hong's voice was low and powerful, his hair bristling with rage as he loudly questioned Sword Master Feng.
"Hand over our Sect's Elder Li! If even a single hair on him is harmed, our Sect will spare no expense to completely flatten the Nether Sect!" Sword Master Feng's voice also resounded across the sky, carrying an undeniable resolve and fury. He stared intently at Gao Hong, the blade of the Qingyuan Dao Sword trembling slightly, as if the Killing Intent within it could erupt at any moment.
"Elder Li Mu is an indispensable pillar of our Xuantian Sword Sect. The Nether Sect's unprovoked abduction of him is an act that defies heavenly principles! Today, we are determined to rescue Elder Li. If he is not released, there is no longer any need for the Nether Sect to exist!"
No sooner had Sword Master Feng finished speaking than Sword Master Chen, standing beside him, sternly rebuked them.
Behind Sword Master Chen, the seven Sword Elders and the assembled Disciples were equally enraged, their Sword Qi flashing, vowing to follow the two Sword Masters and fight the Nether Sect to the bitter end.
Upon hearing this, Gao Hong's face turned so grim it seemed water could drip from it. Today's battle was likely unavoidable, yet a sliver of hope and unwillingness remained in his heart. He looked around, seeing the determined and resolute glint in the eyes of every Nether Sect Disciple, clearly prepared to live or die with their Sect.
"Hmph, Sword Master Feng, don't think our Nether Sect truly fears you! Our Heaven Burial Formation has been activated. If you wish to destroy our Nether Sect, your Xuantian Sword Sect will not escape unscathed! Today, let us see who will have the last laugh!"
Gao Hong roared, his figure suddenly rising, surrounded by a dense Aura of the Nether, like a demon god emerging from Hell.
In an instant, the atmosphere on site became extremely tense. A decisive battle concerning the fate of the Sect was on the verge of breaking out!
"Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen, you must think carefully. If the Xuantian Sword Sect dares to attack the Nether Sect, our Sect will not stand idly by!"
At this moment, Xuanxiao Sect Leader Xin Tiansen, standing beside Gao Hong, suddenly spoke.
The Xuanxiao Sect and the Nether Sect were both located in the Outer Domain, but their strength was inferior to that of the Xuantian Sword Sect. If the Nether Sect were destroyed by the Xuantian Sword Sect, it would be a case of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold.'
If the Nether Sect fell, it could trigger a chain reaction. The Xuantian Sword Sect would surely continue its efforts, extending its influence into the Outer Domain with great fanfare, causing a huge impact on the balance of power among all Outer Domain forces.
Therefore, the Xuanxiao Sect had to stand up, no matter what, and resist the Xuantian Sword Sect alongside the Nether Sect.
"My words have been spoken. Immediately hand over our Sect's Elder Li, and everything can still be discussed. Otherwise, don't blame me for being merciless with my sword!"
A flash of Killing Intent flickered in Sword Master Feng's eyes as he stared intently at Gao Hong, his voice as chilling as ice. Each word struck like a heavy hammer in everyone's heart, the surrounding air solidified, even the wind ceased, leaving only the clashing Killing Intent of both sides in the air.
"Hand him over quickly! Otherwise, even if the Xuanxiao Sect intervenes, our Sect will inevitably flatten the Nether Sect!"
Sword Master Chen followed closely, shouting sternly and unequivocally.
At this moment, Sword Qi surged around Sword Master Chen as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Sword Master Feng. Their Auras were like a rainbow, resembling two insurmountable mountains standing on the battlefield. Behind them, several Sword Elders, each holding a Dao Sword, radiated Killing Intent.
Once they unleashed their slaughter, how many people would the Nether Sect still have left?
This thought flashed through everyone's minds, yet no one dared to voice it easily. Although the Nether Sect Disciples' eyes gleamed with determination, facing the combined pressure of these two top-tier Sword Masters from the Xuantian Sword Sect, they couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.
"Sect Leader Gao, the situation favors them. It's better to return the person!" Xuanxiao Sect Leader Xin Tiansen sighed helplessly, indicating to Gao Hong.
They had originally thought that by joining forces, they could completely wipe out the Xuantian Sword Sect's influence in the Outer Domain, seize Wu Ling Star in one fell swoop, and create a fait accompli. Even if the Xuantian Sword Sect pursued the matter afterward, with the emperor far away, they would be powerless.
However, plans couldn't keep up with changes. Sword Master Feng had actually brought Li Mu to set up a super Teleportation Array on Wu Ling Star, allowing high-level Cultivators from the Xuantian Sword Sect to arrive in the Outer Domain's Wu Ling Star in a very short time, providing rapid reinforcement.
This sudden turn of events completely disrupted their deployment and forced Xin Tiansen to re-evaluate the current situation.
After hearing Xin Tiansen's words, Gao Hong's face turned extremely grim. He said bitterly, "Elder Li doesn't know what Divine Ability he used, but he has already escaped from my Nether Law Domain. What person do I have to return to them?!"
"What's going on? Fellow Daoist Gao, at a time like this, don't make such jokes!"
Xin Tiansen frowned, looking at Gao Hong in surprise.
Li Mu possessed the ability to refine Seven-Order Dao Weapons and was proficient in Formations, even capable of setting up Ancient Teleportation Arrays. Such an outstanding talent, Xin Tiansen thought Gao Hong wanted to keep him for himself, and thus fabricated such an excuse.
"Fellow Daoist Xin, I can make a Dao Heart vow to prove this. My Nether Law Domain is connected to our Sect's Nether Secret Realm. This person suddenly disappeared not long ago, and my Nether Law Domain couldn't detect any abnormality. I can only deduce that he used some unknown secret technique to escape." Gao Hong's tone was sincere, his gaze firm, clearly not joking.
Upon hearing this, Xin Tiansen's brows furrowed even deeper. Gao Hong's vow was enough to prove that his words were certainly not false. Furthermore, Gao Hong's Nether Law Domain was no small matter; even he hadn't fully grasped its depths. If Li Mu could truly escape silently from within it, then this person's ability was indeed beyond imagination.
"Could it be... that he refined some kind of escape Dao Artifact?" A thought flashed through Xin Tiansen's mind as he asked in surprise. Li Mu had displayed incredible power several times at critical moments, so it was possible he used some miraculous Dao Artifact to escape.
"Perhaps! But now is not the time to pursue that." Gao Hong interrupted Xin Tiansen's thoughts, looking at the increasingly dense Killing Intent from the Xuantian Sword Sect's side in the distance, his heart sinking as he indicated, "We must make a decision quickly. Whether to fight or make peace, a decision needs to be made soon."
Xin Tiansen sighed, looked at the Xuantian Sword Sect members opposite, and said in a deep voice, "Sword Master Feng, Sword Master Chen, your Sect's Elder Li has already escaped Fellow Daoist Gao's control, and his whereabouts are currently unknown. We are willing to assist your Sect in searching for him, and we promise that once found, he will be safely returned to the Xuantian Sword Sect. But before that, our three parties should temporarily put aside our grievances and avoid unnecessary conflicts, lest we ignite a great war that causes countless lives to perish."
As these words were spoken, the Disciples and Elders of the Xuantian Sword Sect all showed various expressions. Although the Killing Intent had not completely dissipated, it was no longer as intense as before. They whispered among themselves, expressing incredible surprise that Elder Li could escape the Nether Sect Master's control, and at the same time, there was no lack of admiration for his abilities.
"Elder Li is indeed no ordinary person; he was able to escape under such circumstances!"
"Yes, Elder Li's abilities are truly both astonishing and admirable!"
"As expected of Elder Li!"
...
Upon hearing the discussions of the Sword Elders, Sword Master Feng's expression softened slightly, but his eyes still revealed an undeniable sharpness.
"You must give me an explanation for the whereabouts of our Sect's Elder Li!"
Sword Master Feng's gaze swept over Xin Tiansen and Gao Hong as he continued, "Our Xuantian Sword Sect, since ancient times, has been founded on the Dao of the Sword, emphasizing clear distinctions between grievances and favors, repaying all grudges, and returning all kindness. The matter of Elder Li not only concerns his personal safety but also the face and dignity of our Xuantian Sword Sect."
"But!" Sword Master Feng changed his tone, a hint of deliberation in his voice as he indicated, "As Sect Leader Xin said, the current situation is delicate. Once a major battle erupts, it will surely cause widespread devastation, which is not what we desire. Therefore, I agree to temporarily put aside the grievances between the three Sects and search for Elder Li's whereabouts."
Sword Master Feng paused for a moment, then stared at Gao Hong and said, "However, I demand that you exert your full effort, without the slightest slackness. At the same time, I will also dispatch our Sect's elite Disciples to act with you, ensuring Elder Li's safe return. If he suffers an unfortunate fate, or is hidden by certain individuals, our Xuantian Sword Sect will certainly not let the matter rest!"
Upon hearing this, Gao Hong and Xin Tiansen exchanged glances, both exhaling a sigh of relief.
"Sword Master Feng shows great understanding of righteousness; we admire you." Xin Tiansen spoke first, his tone filled with respect, and he appeased, "Our Xuanxiao Sect is willing to send its most elite forces to jointly search for Elder Li's whereabouts."
"Rest assured, I will give you an explanation!" Gao Hong also immediately stated, his tone sincere, "The Nether Sect will likewise exert its full effort to search for Elder Li."
With the consensus reached among the three Sect leaders, an unprecedented joint search operation swiftly unfolded in the Star Domain near the Nether Sect.
Within the Star Domain, stars were woven like threads, shining brightly. The elites of the three major Sects moved in unison, traversing through them, forming a magnificent picture. To search for Elder Li's whereabouts, they not only mobilized the most top-tier Cultivators within their Sects but also activated various rare Magic Treasures and secret arts, striving to find clues in the shortest possible time.
The elite Disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect, piloting various types of spirit ships, shuttled between the stars. They utilized their Sect's unique Sword Intent sensing techniques to search for any traces of Sword Qi that Elder Li might have left behind.
The Cultivators of the Xuanxiao Sect, skilled in using Spells and Formations, set up layers of Formations in the Star Domain. These Formations could not only sense subtle spiritual power fluctuations. At the same time, some Cultivators of the Xuanxiao Sect used divination techniques to deduce Elder Li's possible whereabouts, providing directional guidance for the search operation.
And the Nether Sect, renowned for its unique Nether power and stealth techniques, moved like ghosts in the night, silently traversing between the stars. As local experts, they searched hidden stars and delved deeper to find Li Mu's location.
At this moment, Li Mu was in an unknown place, completely unaware of everything happening at the Nether Sect.
In a distant, unknown Star Domain, Li Mu piloted the Nine Nether Kun Whale, traversing through the endless abyss of the Universe. The massive body of the Nine Nether Kun Whale streaked across the dark starry sky with streaks of faint blue light, like the brightest star in the night sky.
Li Mu sat cross-legged on the whale's back, eyes closed in contemplation, his Divine Thought extended outwards, searching for corresponding star positions in the vast starry sky.
As the Nine Nether Kun Whale delved deeper, he seemed to have left the known Star Domain, entering an unknown deep space Domain. Here, stars were sparse, and darkness and cold intertwined into an invisible net, testing every living being who entered this place.
"It's over! We seem to be lost!"
Li Mu opened his eyes and cried out in alarm, a hint of panic on his face.
"Master, did we fly in the wrong direction? Should we have the Kun Whale change its flight path?"
Xiaobai heard Li Mu's unease and quickly asked with concern.
"Xiaobai, don't rush. Let me check the star map and compass first."
Li Mu took out the Formation compass he carried with him, carefully comparing the coordinates in the star map with their current location, while also observing the subtle changes in the compass needle. However, in this unknown deep space, the distribution of stars was vastly different from the known star map, and the compass also seemed to have lost its usual accuracy, its needle swaying erratically, unable to give clear directions.
"The situation is a bit complicated. The star distribution and energy fields here are different from the Star Domain I'm familiar with." Li Mu frowned, soothing Xiaobai in a deep voice, "But don't panic, I'll think of other ways."
"Master, wherever you go, I will go. Xiaobai isn't worried at all!" Xiaobai gently rubbed Li Mu's hand, her eyes full of trust, showing no panic from being lost.
At present, in this strange and boundless Star Domain, completely unaware of the correct direction, Xiaobai's comfort made Li Mu feel a bit amused and helpless.
Li Mu took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. In the vast Star Domain, panic would only make the situation worse. He looked up at the vast starry sky, his mind racing, calculating a countermeasure. (End of Chapter)
