Taichu Sect, Fubo Island.
This island, hidden within the numerous restrictions in the heart of the Taichu Sect, was a place even ordinary Nascent Soul elders of the sect were not qualified to visit. This was because it was one of the residences of the Taichu Sect's Spirit Transformation ancestors.
On this day, by a picturesque emerald lake in the center of Fubo Island, there was a pavilion.
On the stone table in the pavilion, a spread of delicious food, exuding an enticing aroma and overflowing with spiritual energy, was laid out. Several cultivators were seated around the stone table.
A young man in a green robe, with an exceptionally handsome and refined demeanor, was Wen Yuchen, a Spirit Transformation cultivator of the Taichu Sect whom Ning Fa had met before.
A middle-aged beautiful woman in a blue palace dress, wearing a veil, was Fairy Linghua, a rogue Spirit Transformation cultivator from Jiulong Sea, from Xihua Island.
And there was a middle-aged burly man in a crimson robe, engulfed in flames and radiating intense heat. He had a full beard, yet strangely gave off a refined impression. This person was Lord Liyang, another Spirit Transformation cultivator of the Taichu Sect.
Beside him sat a pale-faced young man in a white robe, looking as if he had not yet recovered from a serious illness.
Ning Fa also recognized this person. He was Tu Li, the half-demon Spirit Transformation cultivator invited by Yan Jingchen previously. Tu Li had been severely injured by the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant and had fled. It was clear he had not yet recovered his strength.
Besides these four Spirit Transformation cultivators, there were three others.
One was an elder with white hair and beard, with kind eyes and a face as rosy as a baby's. He wore a star-gazing robe, with star patterns slowly rotating on it, giving him an air of unfathomable mystery.
Another was a young man around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, handsome to the point of being unearthly. He wore a dark robe with blood-red trim, and a black ring shaped like a solar eclipse hung at the center of his belt, emitting a strange aura that seemed to devour the mind.
The last one was a sturdy man of about fifty. He had broad shoulders and a wide back, with sharp, chiseled features. A faint scar ran from his left eyebrow to the corner of his eye. Far from detracting from his appearance, it added a touch of iron-blooded valor.
Although these three were not at the Spirit Transformation stage, they were all at the peak of the late Nascent Soul stage, and clearly not comparable to ordinary great cultivators.
They were True Lord Xingxuan, the Hall Master of Xingluo Hall; Demon Lord Tunyan, the Sect Master of the Sun-Eating Demonic Abyss; and Xiao Lie, the patriarch of the Xiao family, the foremost of the six great families of the Yuan Shou Ancestral Court.
These people were all silent for a moment, their expressions not very good. Yet, no one spoke, as if waiting for others.
Before long, the Spirit Transformation cultivators looked to the right. Suddenly, a white-haired old man leaning on a cane appeared in that direction.
His figure was slightly stooped, but with one step, it was as if he had traversed space, directly arriving more than ten zhang away. In just a few steps, he reached the pavilion.
Wen Yuchen and Lord Liyang, these two Spirit Transformation cultivators of the Taichu Sect, immediately stood up and respectfully called out, "Senior Brother."
The white-haired old man nodded with a smile and calmly took the main seat.
Fairy Linghua and Tu Li looked at the white-haired old man with some shock.
"Fellow Daoist Jizhao, I never expected you to still be alive in this world," Fairy Linghua said with some disbelief.
Although she had heard rumors before that this Spirit Transformation expert of the Taichu Sect, known as Venerable Jizhao, had not perished, she had always been skeptical.
After all, in her memory, Venerable Jizhao was a Spirit Transformation expert of the previous generation.
Based on his lifespan, the other party should have reached the limit of 2,400 years for Spirit Transformation cultivators. She never imagined he was still alive.
Moreover, he was now at the middle stage of Spirit Transformation, and even at the peak of the middle stage, only one step away from the late stage of Spirit Transformation.
A smile appeared on Venerable Jizhao's wrinkled face: "You two fellow Daoists need not be surprised. Although my cultivation technique and strength are not as good as those of my peers, I am quite skilled in the art of health preservation. Coupled with some fortuitous encounters, my lifespan has been extended.
However, I do not have many years left to live. But fortunately, I did not perish too early, and I can still contribute some strength to our human race.
By the way, I remember we have another rogue Spirit Transformation cultivator in Jiulong Sea, Fellow Daoist Yunxiu. Is he not coming today?"
Fairy Linghua shook her head: "Unfortunately, Fellow Daoist Yunxiu is currently refining an important treasure and cannot get away.
But he asked me to convey his message: he will not stand idly by in this major event and will also take action."
Venerable Jizhao nodded: "That is excellent. I have heard that Fellow Daoist Yunxiu's strength is quite outstanding, and he will be a great help to us."
After speaking, he looked at the half-demon Spirit Transformation cultivator Tu Li and could not help but show some surprise: "This must be Fellow Daoist Tu, right? Why do you look so seriously injured?"
Tu Li gave a bitter smile, unsure how to respond for a moment.
At this moment, Wen Yuchen moved his lips and transmitted a few words. Venerable Jizhao's expression immediately became surprised, and a thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.
Then, he lightly flicked his right hand, and a blood-red pill the size of a thumb flew to Tu Li.
The pill was shrouded in blood-red light. Although its medicinal aroma was rich, it exuded a fierce aura.
Tu Li was stunned at first, then his face was filled with ecstasy: "This is... the Calamity-Averting Pill!"
"Indeed, it is this pill. Although this pill has some side effects, your situation is special, and I believe these side effects will not affect you much. With the efficacy of this pill, it should be enough to help you recover from your injuries in a short period," Venerable Jizhao said with a smile.
Tu Li solemnly cupped his hands: "Thank you for the pill, fellow Daoist. I will do my best in the upcoming battle."
He then carefully put away the Calamity-Averting Pill.
Venerable Jizhao was about to say something more when he looked up at the sky as if sensing something.
He saw a dazzling sword light streaking from that direction. In the blink of an eye, a figure appeared in front of the pavilion.
His stature was not particularly tall, but he gave the impression of being able to support the sky. His handsome face, as if carved by a knife, was like ten thousand years of profound ice, devoid of emotion. Wherever his gaze passed, the void seemed to freeze.
He carried a seemingly ordinary long sword on his back. His powerful spiritual pressure made him stand out even among these many Spirit Transformation cultivators.
Although his spiritual pressure was not as powerful as Venerable Jizhao's, his sharp aura was even more pronounced, as dazzling as the midday sun.
Compared to him, the other Spirit Transformation cultivators paled in comparison.
Upon seeing this person arrive, the expressions of the others changed, especially Tu Li, the half-demon Spirit Transformation stage cultivator, whose face became unnaturally awkward.
This was because the newcomer was none other than the universally acknowledged strongest human cultivator in Nine Dragon Sea, Lord Xuanyi of the Pure Sword Sect.
Lord Xuanyi immediately looked at Venerable Jizhao, and even his face, which was as cold as profound ice, couldn't help but show a slight change. He said calmly, "Fellow Daoist Jizhao, you have indeed come."
Venerable Jizhao looked at him, a hint of emotion appearing in his slightly cloudy eyes:
"The last time I saw you, Fellow Daoist, you were only at the late Nascent Soul stage. I never expected that after six hundred years, you would have grown to this extent. I'm sure that old fellow Mad Sword would be very pleased if he knew."
Hearing such praise, Lord Xuanyi's expression didn't change much. He nodded lightly, then directly took his seat, showing no intention of greeting anyone else.
The others, clearly aware of his temperament, acted as if they were accustomed to it.
Wen Yuchen, however, frowned and asked, "Is Fellow Daoist Ye also not appearing today?"
The world knew that the Pure Sword Sanctum was guarded by the incredibly powerful Lord Xuanyi, but in reality, the Pure Sword Sanctum had another Spirit Transformation stage cultivator who had advanced to that stage only a century later than Lord Xuanyi.
However, this Spirit Transformation stage cultivator was extremely mysterious and had never appeared in public. Even Spirit Transformation stage cultivators like Wen Yuchen from the Primordial Gate only knew of her existence but had never met her.
Lord Xuanyi said with an icy expression, "When it's time for her to act, she will naturally appear."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yuchen said no more.
Venerable Jizhao, however, let out a light sigh, his expression turning serious. "Since all who should be here have arrived, let us begin our formal discussion.
As for what exactly this matter is, I believe everyone has already heard.
A month ago, the Star Luo Palace received strong divination signs, and now the situation has finally been confirmed. Fellow Daoist Xingxuan, please explain the specifics."
The expressions of the other Spirit Transformation stage cultivators turned serious, and even Lord Xuanyi was no exception.
True Lord Xingxuan stood up, cupped his fists towards Venerable Jizhao and the other Spirit Transformation stage cultivators, and then took out a blue orb about the size of a fist.
As True Lord Xingxuan sent a magic art towards it, the blue orb immediately shot out a blue light, instantly forming a dark blue light screen about ten feet in size.
A scene vaguely appeared within it. Although the image was not clear, one could clearly see a colossal crack spanning across the sky. Numerous figures, like locusts, were swarming out of this crack, exuding immense pressure.
Soon, the image disappeared, and the faces of those present turned very grim.
True Lord Xingxuan couldn't help but sigh, "Although we received divination signs before and guessed that the Sea Race might make a big move, we never expected them to open a passage to another realm adjacent to the Human Realm.
While we don't know what realm it is, the Sea Race from that realm is undoubtedly extremely powerful. A large army of the Sea Race has now crossed over.
Although it hasn't been confirmed, there should be a considerable number of Spirit Transformation stage Sea Race cultivators. Judging from the divination signs, their numbers might be comparable to all the human Spirit Transformation stage cultivators in our Human Realm."
True Lord Xingxuan's tone shifted as he continued, "After our Star Luo Palace used the Myriad Star Disk for divination, we also received some good news.
That spatial passage is not without limitations. It should only be able to withstand cultivators at the mid-Spirit Transformation stage at most.
Furthermore, the use of this spatial passage requires a very precious material, so it's unlikely that the other realm can provide unlimited reinforcements.
Even so, our situation is still extremely dire. If we're not careful, our world might fall into the hands of the Sea Race."
After True Lord Xingxuan finished speaking, he sat down again, and the others fell into silence.
At this moment, Venerable Jizhao tapped the stone table. He slowly scanned everyone, his expression solemn.
"Everyone, it's no exaggeration to say that we have reached a point of life and death, and our Nine Dragon Sea is the first to bear the brunt.
Therefore, we must cooperate wholeheartedly to seek a sliver of hope."
After speaking, Venerable Jizhao looked at Lord Xuanyi. Lord Xuanyi's face remained icy, his expression showing little change. He calmly said, "I only know how to fight. Therefore, I trouble Fellow Daoist Jizhao to lead the overall situation. My Pure Sword斋 will follow orders."
"Please, Fellow Daoist Jizhao, lead the overall situation." Fairy Linghua and Tu Li also stood up, cupping their fists.
"Please, Senior Jizhao, lead the overall situation." True Lord Xingxuan, Demon Lord Tunyan, and Xiao Lie, the three Nascent Soul cultivators, also stood up and shouted.
Venerable Jizhao nodded, his tone solemn. "Since that is the case, I shall take advantage of my age.
The most important thing is to immediately contact the Great Qin and Tianwu, the two major immortal cultivation worlds, and ask them to send reinforcements immediately.
Although the higher-ups of these two major immortal cultivation worlds have always harbored ill intentions towards our Nine Dragon Sea, in the face of such a crisis, I believe they understand the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold'."
Wen Yuchen immediately said, "I will be responsible for this. Just a few days ago, due to the matter of the Ancient Star Stone Tablet, our three major immortal cultivation worlds' communication has become much closer than before.
I expect they have already discovered something is amiss and won't be foolish enough to remain indifferent."
Upon hearing the words "Ancient Star Stone Tablet," Demon Lord Tunyan and Xiao Lie looked somewhat bewildered, while the others, including True Lord Xingxuan, remained expressionless.
Fairy Linghua's eyes flickered as she said, "With the Sea Race making such a significant move this time, could it be related to this Ancient Star Stone Tablet?"
The expressions of several Spirit Transformation stage cultivators suddenly shifted.
Wen Yuchen slowly said, "It's not impossible.
If that's the case, then the mystery of this Ancient Star Stone Tablet is far beyond our expectations.
However, if it can be used to exchange for peace in this world, it's not impossible to consider handing it over."
Upon hearing this, Lord Xuanyi immediately looked at him coldly, his expression showing considerable displeasure.
At this moment, Venerable Jizhao shook his head and said, "Junior Brother, you might be thinking too simply.
Even if the Sea Race's objective is indeed the Ancient Star Stone Tablet, now that the spatial passage has been opened, the Sea Race will definitely not give up on directly occupying our Human Realm.
After all, according to the ancient texts passed down in the sects, the Sea Race has always been extremely warlike, fond of conquering and occupying other realms to obtain resources to feed their upper realms."
Speaking of which, if our realm hadn't been inexplicably sealed, the Sea Race's influence wouldn't have stopped here, nor would they have been so compliant.
After all, according to those ancient texts, realms where the Sea Race appeared were, six or seven out of ten times, eventually conquered by them. With the protection of the Ancestral Sea, they could more easily obtain aid from the upper realms.
Therefore, in the current situation, we shouldn't think about seeking peace with them for now. At the very least, we need to make them feel the pain first."
Wen Yuchen nodded and said no more.
Venerable Jizhao's expression softened as he said, "Besides Great Qin and Tianwu, other immortal cultivation realms must also be notified as soon as possible.
The cross-realm teleportation arrays that we sealed off for various reasons in the past should also be reopened.
Of course, we cannot completely rely on external reinforcements.
Firstly, it will take time for reinforcements to arrive. Moreover, the Nine Dragon Sea is not their territory, so they won't be overly concerned about our losses.
Therefore, we must be prepared now.
We need Daoist Xingxuan to immediately organize personnel from your sect to deploy the Nine Palaces Vast Star Grand Array in the main immortal cities of several major sea regions, especially the Five Spirits Sea, Leiming Sea, and Xuetting Sea, which border the Sea Race.
In addition, our Taichu Sect will also bring out our treasured Myriad Waves Tree.
With the assistance of these two items, we should be able to significantly restrict the ability of opposing Spirit Transformation stage cultivators to mobilize Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, thereby reducing their threat."
True Lord Xingxuan immediately stood up and said, "This junior understands."
Venerable Jizhao then said gravely, "Another crucial point is that we must find a way to increase the number of Spirit Transformation stage cultivators as soon as possible.
Therefore, I intend to bring out the Spirit Taming Mirror Pool for cultivators in our Nine Dragon Sea who have the potential to break through to the Spirit Transformation stage to use.
Daoist Xuanyi, you have no objections, right? After all, this spiritual pool is jointly owned by our two sects."
"There is no reason not to," Lord Xuanyi said, his words as precious as gold.