Seeing this, Xiao'er was overjoyed. He carefully accepted the gift and respectfully retreated. It was the first time he had encountered such a generous guest. A piece of Dao Source like this would even make Dao Realm existences envious.
"The Cangyun Ancient Domain—this should be the former territory of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. However, after its fall, it has become the territory of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance."
"Chenyi Ancient City was also one of the major cities of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. It seems that to gather information about the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, I'll have to stay here for a while."
After Xiao'er left, the black-robed woman waved her hand, casting several restrictions outside the cave's entrance. Then, with a thoughtful expression, she murmured to herself.
The cave didn't look large from the outside, but inside, it was a different world. Deep within was a small realm with mountains, ancient peaks, lakes, and rivers—everything one could imagine.
She casually found a cushion to sit on, then raised her hand, summoning a stream of light that transformed into a crystalline ancient mirror.
The blurry surface of the mirror shifted, showing scenes of falling fire raining from the sky. Deep within, shattered spatial rifts were visible, and endless black mist surged out from those rifts, blotting out the sky and devouring entire worlds. Under the terrifying black mist, worlds were quickly consumed, leaving behind only desolation.
"I can't find the True World that Little Nine nurtured back then. Could it have already been sacrificed to the Dark Beings?"
"If that's true, how will I face her when the time comes?"
The black-robed woman stared intently at the mirror, her brows tightly furrowed.
She was the Third Princess of the Ji Chan Clan from the Ancient Treasure Civilization.
Since leaving the Ancient Treasure Civilization, she had been tirelessly working to fulfill the promise she made to Little Nine.
The sudden arrival of the Black Calamity disrupted her initial plans, forcing her to search for the True World that Little Nine had nurtured.
A newly born True World, in the vast expanse of the Vast Expanse, was like a speck of dust—utterly insignificant.
Faced with such a sudden calamity, there was no possibility of resistance, which is why she was so worried about unforeseen events.
However, even though she had left behind coordinates in the Vast Expanse, finding it again proved to be extremely difficult.
Despite expending much effort, she couldn't locate the True World. No matter how she deduced, there was no trace of it, as if it had never existed.
This filled her with worry and unease. She suspected that the True World might have already been sacrificed to the Dark Beings, consumed by the black mist, just like many other newly born True Worlds.
If that were the case, how would she explain it to Little Nine when they met again?
"Little Nine, for the sake of the Ji Chan Clan, was willing to swallow her pride and seek forgiveness from the Grand Priest. Yet, I couldn't even fulfill the simple task of protecting the newly born True World she entrusted to me…"
The black-robed woman couldn't help but sigh. In her heart, she had already given up hope. Over the years since the Black Calamity reappeared, countless newly born True Worlds had been destroyed, sacrificed as offerings. The number was beyond counting. Even if one more True World was added to that number, it wouldn't be surprising.
Now that she had arrived in the territory of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, she needed to focus on her original plan. She no longer had the energy to search for that True World.
Whether the Ji Chan Clan could break free from its predetermined fate and escape the torrent of destiny depended on this gamble of hers.
Her eyes were filled with deep contemplation. The main purpose of coming to the territory of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was to determine whether the Heaven-Slaying Alliance could truly live up to its name and "slay heaven."
Could the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's leader, who was revered as a god by countless cultivators and beings, truly accomplish such a feat?
If so, even if her actions would lead the Ji Chan Clan to ruin, she was willing to take this gamble.
"Countless years have passed. Back then, the Sui Lord of our Ji Chan Clan was a figure of unparalleled greatness. Yet now, our clan has been reduced to a mere vassal of a True World, living under the thumb of others. How tragic."
Thinking of this, the black-robed woman's emotions began to stir, and her eyes filled with deep sorrow and resentment.
---
**Cangyun Ancient Domain**
The stars swirled, and chaos descended. Endless mottled mist enveloped this region—a nameless, boundless area that could only be found at specific times and nodes.
Around the chaotic nodes, fragments of shattered time floated amidst the void. Even for powerful Dao Realm existences, tearing through this space was incredibly difficult.
For ordinary cultivators, the terrifying aura here could instantly tear them into countless fragments, making it one of the most dangerous forbidden lands.
"Alliance Leader, the entrance to the Boundary Void Ridge is here. I only stumbled upon this place by chance and met Shang Chongming, the second-in-command of the Boundary Void Ridge."
A man with a handsome and upright face looked at the chaotic, shattered region before him and spoke respectfully.
"Shang Chongming has survived eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations and is only the second-in-command of the Boundary Void Ridge. That means the leader of the Boundary Void Ridge should be quite interesting."
Beside the man, a young man with an immortal-like demeanor and divine bearing smiled faintly. He wore a dark, narrow-sleeved robe with the sun, moon, and stars embroidered on the cuffs. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his sleeves and ink-black hair fluttered gently in the wind. This was Gu Changge, who had left the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
"I didn't get to meet the leader of the Boundary Void Ridge back then, but Shang Chongming spoke of him with great respect. His strength must be extraordinary," the handsome man replied.
He was the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, who had long since pledged allegiance to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. After the destruction of the Xiyuan Covenant, he hadn't been able to escape with Shang Chongming and the others. He was captured and, to show his loyalty, voluntarily submitted to Gu Changge.
"I hope he doesn't disappoint me."
Gu Changge smiled faintly and casually waved his hand. The shattered region before him was torn apart like ink on paper, revealing a rift.
Since the birth of the Alliance of Righteous Unity, which chose to oppose the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, Gu Changge hadn't been idle.
While having Ling Yuling manage the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, Gu Changge had also been planning to form a new force.
This force, tentatively named the Heaven-Slaying Division, would be distinct from the Heavenly Faction and the Follower Tribes.
Of course, unlike the fanatical believers of the Heaven-Slaying Guards, those chosen by Gu Changge to join the Heaven-Slaying Division would have to possess extraordinary qualities.
During this time, he had thoroughly investigated the areas around the Xiyuan Civilization. No one, no matter how deeply hidden, could escape his perception.
The Boundary Void Ridge was one of the more powerful places he had sensed.
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord led the way, stepping forward first, while Gu Changge followed at a leisurely pace.
Passing through layers of mist, they entered a vast sea of stars. The area was boundless, with countless stars shining brightly.
Looking around, massive stars and mountain ranges floated in the starry expanse, each place brimming with life and astonishing spiritual energy.
From above, the stars below were covered in blue oceans and lush lands, exuding a primitive, untouched aura, as if they had never been in contact with the outside world.
"Thud," "thud"...
In the mountains, various ancient creatures roamed, their scales glinting with a cold light, their auras overwhelming.
Among them, a phoenix-like ancient bird soared through the sky, its feathers as red as phoenix blood gold. With a single cry, the mountains and stars trembled.
This was a scene from an ancient era, with all sorts of primordial beasts and birds, all rare ancient species.
In these lands, many clans lived, each naturally powerful. Though isolated from the greater universe and unable to leave this place, they all practiced cultivation and were incredibly strong.
"Dong," "dong," "dong"...
However, as Gu Changge and the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord arrived, the sound of a massive bell suddenly rang out.
The sky shook as an ancient bronze bell, covered in dust and dirt, rose from the mountains, swaying violently in the air.
The resonant bell sounds spread like ripples, exploding in every inch of the void, as if the silence of eternity had been shattered. The entire place was instantly thrown into chaos.
Deep within the stars, at the end of the mountain ranges, in the floating cities and palaces, countless beings were startled. Whether human or otherwise, they all soared into the sky.
"So, they've finally come."
In a grand palace, a handsome man who had been in seclusion suddenly opened his eyes. He wore a brocade robe with a jade belt, resembling a pampered prince.
However, his expression was grim, filled more with fear and apprehension.
"What's happening?"
More beings looked in the direction of the giant bell, confused. It had been countless years since such a bell had tolled.
As a forbidden land isolated from the world, the tranquility of the Boundary Void Ridge had been shattered.
This could only mean one of two things: either an enemy had invaded, or the Boundary Void Ridge had encountered an overwhelmingly powerful force that threatened its destruction.
**Boom!**
Suddenly, a deafening explosion rang out, as if a thunderbolt had struck the depths of the sky. Endless energy surged and crashed.
Then, blood rain fell from the sky, and white bone fragments scattered. The beings of the Boundary Void Ridge watched in horror as a body fell from above, covered in blood. A massive hole pierced its chest, the wound charred and exuding a terrifying aura of destruction.
As the body hit the ground, it shattered the surrounding stars, creating massive fissures.
"It's... the Sixth Boss..."
When the beings recognized the figure, they were filled with terror and disbelief, their voices trembling.
The Boundary Void Ridge had nine bosses, each a powerful figure who had survived multiple Heavenly Decline Tribulations.
Even the Third and Second Bosses were Ancestral Dao Realm existences who had survived seven Heavenly Decline Tribulations.
Yet now, the mighty Sixth Boss had fallen from the sky, covered in blood. Clearly, he had engaged in a battle with an enemy without anyone noticing.
Unfortunately, not only had he lost, but he had also been severely injured, with no ability to resist.
In the depths of the sky, terrifying energy still churned. Blood-red lightning intertwined, each bolt thicker than a star, forming an endless sea.
A figure in a dark robe walked out from there at a leisurely pace.
His hands were clasped behind his back, his sleeves fluttering gently. His calm, indifferent gaze seemed to look down upon all living beings. Every creature present felt a bone-chilling cold, as if their souls had been frozen.
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord couldn't hide his shock and awe, following respectfully behind Gu Changge.
He hadn't even noticed the Sixth Boss of the Boundary Void Ridge suddenly attacking. And yet, despite the Sixth Boss's ferocious assault, he was useless. Before he could even get close to Gu Changge, a single finger pointed in his direction sent a beam of light piercing through his chest, sending him flying and severely injured.
"Distinguished guests, the Boundary Void Ridge has been remiss in its hospitality. We apologize for any offense."
From the depths of the floating cities, figures began to approach. An elderly man with black ox horns on his forehead led the group, cupping his hands in greeting. His eyes couldn't hide his shock and fear.
He wasn't human, but his figure was taller and more robust than an ordinary person's.
Behind him, more figures arrived—various ancient species that had lived in the Boundary Void Ridge for generations. They all looked at Gu Changge with deep fear.
Among them were the other bosses, both male and female, mostly maintaining human forms with some non-human features. The weakest among them had survived three Heavenly Decline Tribulations and were Void Dao Realm existences.
Some of the figures went to where the Sixth Boss had fallen, trying to help him up.
"Distinguished guests? Not quite. I'm here to see your leader. If he comes out now, it might save us all a lot of trouble and time."
Gu Changge descended from the sky, a faint smile on his face, getting straight to the point.
"Greetings, Alliance Leader."
In the distance, another figure appeared. It was Shang Chongming, his expression grave. He had already guessed that Gu Changge would come.
After escaping back then, he had been worried about this day. For a long time, he hadn't dared to return to the Boundary Void Ridge, waiting to see how things would unfold.
During that time, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had been expanding, annexing surrounding civilizations and True Worlds. With the Black Calamity descending, it seemed they had no time to deal with him, which allowed Shang Chongming to breathe a sigh of relief and return to the Boundary Void Ridge.
He hadn't spoken openly about the Xiyuan Covenant, only sharing it with a few of the bosses he was close to.
At first, they had been worried about being implicated, but when nothing happened, they gradually relaxed and stopped thinking about it.
"Oh? So you did return to the Boundary Void Ridge. You don't seem surprised by my arrival. But I'm not here to make enemies. Today, I'm here to recruit your leader."
Gu Changge's gaze briefly swept over Shang Chongming's face.
His indifferent, dismissive attitude made everyone in the Boundary Void Ridge even more tense. They didn't think Gu Changge was being arrogant.
Moreover, while he spoke of recruitment, his demeanor didn't seem like that of someone seeking allies.
Who would come in such a domineering manner, severely injuring their Sixth Boss right from the start?
Although the Boundary Void Ridge had no contact with the outside world, that didn't mean they were unaware of what was happening.
During this time, the reputation of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had spread far and wide, striking fear into countless beings across the Vast Expanse.
Many civilizations and True Worlds had been annexed, and all who resisted were destroyed, buried in ruins.
Now, the leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had personally arrived. How could they not be filled with terror, apprehension, and fear?
"Our leader hasn't appeared for many epochs. We don't even know if she's still in the Boundary Void Ridge."
"If the Alliance Leader wishes to meet her, you might need to find another way."
Shang Chongming had personally witnessed Gu Changge's power. Back then, even the combined forces of the Xiyuan Civilization, with the support of the civilization's supreme treasure, the Mirror of Reincarnation, had been unable to withstand Gu Changge.
Thus, he didn't dare to resist in the slightest and immediately explained, not daring to hide anything.
Hearing this, Gu Changge's expression didn't change.
He still wore a faint smile as he said, "I've never had the patience for games of hide-and-seek. I know your leader is here. He probably doesn't want me to dismantle the Boundary Void Ridge."
Shang Chongming and the others all paled. Though Gu Changge's words were casual, they felt an indescribable pressure, as if even breathing had become difficult.
"Second Boss..."
A child-like being with a topknot frowned deeply, looking at Shang Chongming with anger and frustration.
They had once been mighty figures, dominating eras and fearing nothing, not even death. Though they had chosen to live in seclusion in the Boundary Void Ridge, staying out of worldly affairs, that didn't mean they were pushovers to be bullied.
Now, they were being threatened outright, with someone demanding to dismantle the Boundary Void Ridge. How could they tolerate this?
Seeing this, Shang Chongming's expression changed, and he was about to speak when a deep, resonant sound suddenly came from deep within the Boundary Void Ridge, from an area shrouded in miasma and mist.
An ancient, dilapidated coffin, exuding a decaying aura, burst forth. Thick miasma surged into the sky, rolling like smoke and blotting out the heavens.