Outside the Immortal Spirit City, a once barren mountainous region had now been transformed into a construction site of such staggering magnitude that it was breathtaking to behold.
A massive base rose from the earth, constructed from a mixture of black obsidian and white steel jade that contained spiritual energy, shimmering with a steady and solid luster. Thousands of artisan cultivators were busy upon it, either carving reinforcing formation patterns, transporting massive building materials, or adjusting the core of the observation formation arrays floating above.
Spirit-powered mechanical puppets emitted a low hum, assisting in lifting the coiled dragon stone pillars, each requiring ten men to encircle. As far as the eye could see, the forms of towering arenas were taking shape, surrounding the central main arena, which was as vast as a small plain.
The tiered stands rose in layers like embracing mountains, designed to comfortably accommodate hundreds of thousands of spectators for battle.
Its magnificence far even surpassed the Celestial Stele Plaza of the Great Zhou, which had once symbolized the destiny of the Central Continent.
Two figures stood atop a nearby peak, overlooking the bustling yet orderly construction site below.
The night wind blew through their robes, causing them to flutter and rustle.
One of them wore black form-fitting clothes with a dark cloak embroidered with gold patterns. His posture was as tall and straight as a pine tree, his face handsome with chiseled features, and he appeared to be about thirty years old. Between his brows carried an imposing righteousness that commanded respect without anger, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's yet revealing a broad and open-minded demeanor.
He was the current acting leader of the Celestial Alliance and the head of the Immortal Spirit Sacred Land, Xiao Chen.
The other person stood half a step behind him to the side, wearing an indigo elder's robe. His figure appeared somewhat slender, and his face looked even younger. His demeanor was calm and steady, with a thoughtful and cautious light always in his eyes.
It was Han Yu, Xiao Chen's junior disciple, now the core strategist and Law Enforcement Elder of the Tian Alliance.
"Brother, at this rate, the competition venue will be completed on schedule without any issue." Han Yu's voice was steady, revealing little emotion as he simply stated the facts objectively.
Xiao Chen nodded, his gaze still sweeping over the construction below. He said in a deep voice, "Thank you for your hard work, junior brother. This competition is of extraordinary significance.
It's not just about selecting the next Alliance Leader, but also about showcasing the prestige and strength of our Celestial Alliance to the entire Xuanying Continent. The venue is our face, and it cannot afford any mistakes."
His voice was resonant and powerful, carrying a convincing and infectious charisma.
Han Yu gave a slight nod, indicating he understood.
He fell silent for a moment before shifting the topic, his tone growing more solemn: "The matter at the conference is secondary, Senior Brother. The situation on the continent may appear prosperous for our Heavenly Alliance, but in reality, undercurrents are raging, and we are far from being out of danger."
Hearing this, Xiao Chen turned, his bright expression gradually fading as he grew serious. "I understand. Our Master gave us only a century to unify this Xuan Ying Continent, which has been in chaos for ten thousand years.
Now, twenty years have passed. Relying on our Master's prestige and the foundations of the Immortal Spirit Holy Land, coupled with our alliance's fair dealings, we have attracted numerous small and medium-sized sects as well as rogue cultivators. Our territory has expanded rapidly, now encompassing most of the continent.
It seems to be going smoothly..."
He paused, his gaze drifting into the distant, heavy night as if he could pierce the darkness and see those lurking beasts.
"But the real stubborn ones are yet to come," Han Yu interjected, his voice low. "Those who have yet to show their allegiance or are openly and secretly resisting our alliance are mostly the former top great clans, ancient families, and super sects with long-standing legacies. Which of these powers doesn't have a Saint Realm old monster backing them up?
Some might even have more than one. They are deeply entrenched with profound foundations and will never easily bow down and submit."
Xiao Chen snorted coldly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "So what if they're in the Sacred Realm? My master has now reached the Immortal Lord realm, more than enough to suppress these old fools' defiance.
My Heavenly Alliance is now powerful and well-equipped, it's only a matter of time before we sweep them all away!"
Han Yu shook his head. His character was more cautious and thorough than Xiao Chen's. "Senior brother, we will certainly sweep them clean.
But the question is how to do it? A direct assault, even if victorious, would result in heavy losses for both sides, take a long time, and easily provoke a backlash from the entire upper cultivation world. It might even force them to unite.
The century our master gave us isn't just for us to conquer by force, but to achieve true 'unification'—winning hearts, gaining allegiance, and reshaping the order."
He sighed and continued, "Furthermore, external threats remain while internal troubles have already emerged. Our Heavenly Alliance has expanded too quickly, absorbing too many and too varied factions. Now within the alliance, numerous factions have risen, each with their own power base.
There is friction between newcomers and old members, a divide between local and outsider factions, and old grudges between those from different sects. Resource allocation, division of power and responsibility, ideological differences... conflicts are everywhere, merely suppressed for now by the rapid momentum of our growth and your prestige, Senior Brother.
These hidden dangers, if not properly addressed and reconciled in time, could lead to our downfall once external pressure increases or internal changes occur."
Xiao Chen fell silent. He wasn't blind to these issues, but as the Alliance Leader, he had to always display absolute confidence and strength. Hearing his junior speak so bluntly, he frowned and said slowly, "So, this past century hasn't been easy.
We need time, we need a grand competition like this to reunite our people, select those truly loyal to the Celestial Alliance's ideals, and at the same time... intimidate both our internal and external enemies."
"That's right," Han Yu nodded. "This competition is a crucial move. I hope everything goes smoothly."
The two fell silent once more, their gazes returning to the brightly lit, massive construction site below that lay like a slumbering beast, and to the distant Immortal Spirit City, which in the night resembled a brilliant stellar disk.
Within the city, thousands of lights flickered, appearing peaceful and serene.
Yet among the countless towers, courtyards, and secret chambers, factions and cultivators from all corners of the Profound Ocean Continent, each harboring different ambitions, were quietly preparing and lying in wait. Some rubbed their hands together, eager to make a name for themselves in battle; some secretly conspired, plotting mischief; some watched coldly from the sidelines, waiting for the winds to shift; while others silently gathered their strength, preparing to seize the greatest benefits in the coming tide.
A great stillness, like the calm before a storm, enveloped the entire Xianling City.
Everyone was waiting quietly.
Awaiting the Heavenly Alliance Grand Com
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petition, an event that was about to begin and was destined to profoundly affect, if not completely overturn, the entire power structure of the Xuan Ying Continent.
Beneath the night sky, undercurrents surged silently.