Translator: CinderTL
"In ancient times, the Human Race was a weak and insignificant tribe in the Chaotic Sea, preyed upon by the Demon Race as blood food. It was through the extraordinary wisdom and unwavering determination of countless ancestral sages that we forged a path of cultivation against the heavens, transforming our destiny and driving the Demon Race into the barren outer seas."
"Unwilling to remain confined to the outer seas, the Demon Race has repeatedly attempted to reclaim the Inner Sea. But generation after generation of our predecessors have repelled their advances with unwavering resolve."
"Now, the Demon Race has returned with renewed vigor. For the survival of our race, the continuation of our sects, and the safety of our own lives, we must emulate our ancestors and crush the Demon Race."
Ye Hua's impassioned speech stirred the hearts of all present, their expressions grave. Everyone understood that this was a life-or-death struggle from which none could escape.
"The Wu Ji Sect, Liangyi Sect, and Cui Clan have jointly resolved to launch a coordinated counteroffensive against the Demon Race in the Eastern Region. Our aim is to decisively drive the demons from the Inner Sea once and for all. Years ago, I ordered each of your halls to prepare the necessary war supplies. How far along are those preparations?" Ye Hua demanded.
The Eastern Region served as the Demon Race's primary foothold in the Inner Sea and their main base of operations. By eliminating their forces there, the remaining demons in the Northern Region would pose little threat.
Next, Ye Hua inquired about the resource preparation status of each hall.
Most supplies had already been secured. The few exceptions, like the Alchemy Hall, were only short a few minor items.
"Expedite the procurement of any outstanding supplies," Ye Hua warned. "If your negligence jeopardizes our war effort, don't expect mercy from this Sovereign, even as fellow sect members."
At that moment, outside the Great Hall, a burly elder descended from the sky, his urgency evident. Behind him trailed a young girl in the bloom of youth.
The girl possessed exquisite beauty, her skin as flawless and delicate as fine porcelain. Like a flower bud on the verge of unfurling, she radiated fragile allure. Tears streamed down her face, giving her the appearance of a rain-drenched pear blossom—utterly pitiful.
The elder landed outside the Corpse King Hall, clasped his fists in salute, and announced loudly, "Jiang Lu seeks an audience with the Demon Lord and Demon Sovereign!"
"Enter," Ye Hua's voice echoed.
Jiang Lu hurried into the Great Hall, the girl trailing behind him.
Before he could offer his respects, Ye Hua spoke.
"Jiang Lu, why are you in such a panic?" Ye Hua asked.
Jiang Lu replied, "Your Excellency Demon Sovereign, Yeon-Yang Island, home to my Jiang Clan, has been suddenly attacked by the Demon Race. Hundreds of thousands of Jiang Clan members, including my elder brother Jiang Hao, along with millions of mortals on the island, have all perished, devoured by the demons."
"If Yeon-Yang Island was attacked by the Demon Race, how did you manage to escape?" Ye Hua inquired.
"I wasn't on Yeon-Yang Island when the attack occurred," Jiang Lu explained. "I was on Wu Ji Island with my granddaughter, Jiang Yan. I only learned of this tragedy just now from clan members who narrowly escaped."
Ye Hua frowned deeply and turned to Yin Shuo, seated on the upper dais.
Yeon-Yang Island was located in the northern part of the Western Region, bordering the Northern Region. Since the fall of the Northern Region, it had served as a crucial outpost for the Wu Ji Sect in monitoring the Demon Race.
The Jiang Clan, a Golden Core family affiliated with the Wu Ji Sect, boasted two Golden Core cultivators: Jiang Hao and Jiang Lu.
Jiang Lu also shared a passing acquaintance with Song Wen. As a Third-Tier Alchemist, Jiang Lu had frequently visited the Alchemy Hall to exchange knowledge and pill refinement techniques with the resident Pill Refiners, leading to several encounters with Song Wen.
"Fellow Daoist Yin Shuo," Ye Hua said, his face etched with worry, "if the Demon Race has annihilated the Jiang Clan, could their main force be stealthily advancing toward our Wu Ji Sect?"
Yin Shuo shook his head. "It's likely just a small detachment of demons. The fact that some Jiang Clan members managed to escape suggests the force that ravaged Yeon-Yang Island wasn't large. Had a full-scale demonic army been present, no one on the island would have survived."
Zi Yun agreed. "Fellow Daoist Yin Shuo speaks truly. In recent years, many peripheral clans affiliated with our Liangyi Sect have suffered from demonic predation. The Demon Race's actions serve two purposes: to weaken the overall strength of the Human Race and to eliminate our intelligence networks."
Yin Shuo rose to his feet, a dark cloud of concern settling over his brow. "It seems we must launch an offensive against the demons as soon as possible. Otherwise, the Human Race will be gradually devoured, step by step, ultimately plunging into irreversible catastrophe. The Demon Race comprises diverse species, some excelling in aerial combat, others in aquatic stealth. In the vast, lawless expanse of the Chaotic Sea, prolonged warfare will inevitably put the Human Race at a disadvantage."
With that, Yin Shuo turned to Zi Yun and continued.
"Fellow Daoist Zi Yun," Yin Shuo said, "the Wu Ji Sect's grand army will assemble within three months and march to the Eastern Region, our swords pointed at Fangzhudao. I urge you to return to the Liangyi Sect as swiftly as possible and inform Fellow Daoist Xuan Chengzi of this matter. As for the Cui Clan, I will personally deliver the news."
"In that case, I shall take my leave," Zi Yun replied. "In three months, the entire Liangyi Sect will await your esteemed sect's arrival in the Eastern Region."
With that, Zi Yun transformed into a streak of light and shot out of the Great Hall. Yin Shuo's figure vanished into thin air as well.
Ye Hua surveyed the assembled disciples, his expression grave. "Fellow sect members, you have undoubtedly heard the Demon Lord's words and Fellow Daoist Zi Yun's pledge clearly. This war will require the full might of the Human Race. As the foremost sect of the demonic path, the Wu Ji Sect bears an inescapable responsibility. We will mobilize our entire sect's forces. Upon returning to your respective halls, gather all available resources, prepare our elite disciples for battle, and maintain a vigilant defense."
Turning to Jiang Lu, he continued, "Fellow Daoist Jiang Lu, my deepest condolences. You and your daughter may reside in the Alchemy Hall for now. The coming campaign in the Eastern Region will purge the Demon Race. When that day comes, the souls of your fallen Jiang Clan members will finally find peace."
"We shall obey the Demon Sovereign's command," the assembled disciples replied in unison.
Three months later.
Ten colossal flying ships soared through the vast ocean, their dark hulls gleaming in the sunlight. Each vessel stretched over a hundred zhang in length, its towering mast bearing a black flag emblazoned with the golden characters for "Limitless." The banner snapped fiercely in the wind.
TL/N: Wu Ji = Limitless/Infinite.
The ships' metal surfaces shimmered with intricate array formations, their advanced defenses capable of withstanding attacks from Nascent Soul cultivators. Hundreds of Wu Ji Sect cultivators manned each vessel.
The sect had mobilized its entire elite force, pouring nearly all its resources into this decisive battle. Every movable treasure from Wu Ji Island had been brought along, leaving the sect with nothing held back. This was a do-or-die gamble.
Leading and trailing the fleet were two twenty-zhang shuttle-shaped Star Chariot Divine Ships, their exceptional speed ideal for reconnaissance and escort. About a thousand li south of the Wu Ji Sect's armada sailed another fleet, belonging to the Cui Clan.
The Wu Ji Sect, located in the Western Region, was separated from the Eastern Region by the Central Region. Yet instead of traversing the Central Region directly, the Wu Ji Sect's fleet had detoured through the Southern Region to rendezvous with the Cui Clan before advancing toward the Eastern Region.
(End of the Chapter)
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