Sangxing Island had a protective Formation, which was only half-open during normal times, making the barrier almost transparent.
Now, a yellowish mist drifted over Sangxing Island, protecting the entire island. This mist could block Divine Sense and sight, preventing anyone from probing.
The coastline on the southeast corner of the island was the only open entrance.
Suddenly, a rumbling sound echoed across the island, almost reverberating throughout.
"Currently, Sangxing Island is under full martial law. All Fellow Daoists on the island are requested to cooperate by staying in their Immortal Caves, not leaving the market, and not wandering around freely. Otherwise, if you are mistaken for a spy of the Inverse Star Alliance and Star Palace and killed, do not blame us."
This was Gu Changyang's voice, and some people still remembered it.
"As for safety, there's no need to worry. Our Sangxing Island's defenses are as solid as a mountain!"
...
Many people began to discuss, and the market was in an uproar.
"This is too sudden, without any warning!"
"Star Palace and Inverse Star Alliance have actually allied. It seems they are afraid Sangxing Island will surpass them in the future, and they can even temporarily put aside their past grievances."
"What do you think, will this become a gluttonous feast for the two giant forces? Although Sangxing Island has a strong momentum, its development time is only a hundred years, and its foundation is too weak."
"Not necessarily. If Li Feiyu is promoted to Great Cultivator, with his Great Five Elements Sword Formation, he would probably be almost invincible even among Great Cultivators."
"Moreover, you see how the Blazing Zenith Sect is responding so orderly, it's clear they knew about this long ago."
"We can't afford to provoke them, so let's just obey. If we're really mistaken for spies and killed, that would be too innocent."
...
Gu Changyang and Gu Mingyang led a group of people to the outside of the grand Formation. They were very close to the grand Formation and could return at any time.
Whooshing sounds came from afar, like streaks of dazzling light streaking across the sky, arriving near the grand Formation.
Black demonic winds howled.
Gu Changyang activated the xuanhuang great seal, emitting a yellowish mist that blocked the demonic wind.
The demonic wind swirled back, revealing a human form: a middle-aged man in a green robe, with a domineering look in his eyes.
Beside him was an old man in a white robe, with a calm expression.
Behind them was a group of people, numbering over a thousand Cultivators. Of course, most of them were at the Foundation Establishment Stage, nearly six to seven hundred.
There were over ten Nascent Soul Cultivators, and the rest were at the Core Formation.
In contrast, Gu Changyang's side had a similar number of Foundation Establishment, but dozens fewer Core Formation stage, and only one Nascent Soul.
"Sect Master Gu, where is your Master? Could it be that he's scared?"
Listening to Feng Mo's words, Gu Changyang retorted, "Feng Mo, don't just talk big. Do you really think you can take down my Blazing Zenith Sect and Five Elements Sect with just this many people? You're underestimating us too much."
"You have indeed developed rapidly, cultivating so many Cultivators in such a short time."
Feng Mo saw some unfamiliar faces and thought they must have come from Heavenly South. Although he hadn't been there himself, some Core Formation Cultivators had gone and brought back some news.
This was also the main reason for the Inverse Star Alliance's covetousness.
If they weren't sure that Li Feiyu was out traveling, they wouldn't have attacked so rashly.
It must be said that both the Inverse Star Alliance and Star Palace were extremely wary of Li Feiyu.
Gu Mingyang said, "You can only say such things now. If my Master were truly here, you would have already fled with your tails between your legs."
"Even if Li Feiyu is very strong now, the advantage in numbers is something an individual cannot compare to."
"If he were present, we naturally wouldn't have this lineup, but facing the siege of dozens of Nascent Soul Cultivators, he believes he would still find it hard to escape death!"
"As for you, you will die today!"
Gu Changyang remained unfazed, "Let's talk after you can break through our protective grand Formation!"
Feng Mo transmitted a message to the Third Elder of Xinggong, "Brother Wu, have you heard of their grand Formation?"
The Third Elder of Xinggong shook his head, "The Blazing Zenith Sect's island-protecting grand Formation is extremely powerful and is their top-secret information. Only the Sect Master can know and control it."
"Outsiders cannot know anything about it."
"A rash attack would likely result in significant losses."
"Perhaps we can first dampen their morale."
The Third Elder of Xinggong looked at Feng Mo, his eyebrows twitching, "How so?"
"A competition, a one-on-one death match. Each Realm sends out three people. I don't believe that those they've cultivated in just a hundred years can surpass the elite Disciples of our two forces."
The Third Elder of Xinggong thought for a moment, hesitating for a while, "That works, but I've heard that they often hunt Demon Beasts in the Outer Star Sea to hone themselves, so their combat experience cannot be underestimated."
"Are you saying our people have killed fewer Demon Beasts?"
"Moreover, we must also guard against more people coming from Heavenly South. Even if the Five Elements Sect doesn't have many Nascent Soul Cultivators, with their prestige in Heavenly South, it shouldn't be a problem to gather some assistance."
"I've heard there's a grand Formation guarding that area, making it difficult for even Nascent Soul Cultivators to break through."
"We've sent several Formation Great Masters and several Nascent Soul to that area, and they also need time."
The Star Palace Elder no longer hesitated.
That's right, to be foolproof, the reinforcements must be cut off!
Feng Mo stopped his sound transmission, his lips parted slightly, and his voice boomed out.
"I have a suggestion. Before the official battle begins, why don't we have a competition between the various Realms? If you win more matches, we will retreat a hundred miles and not attack for three days, giving you a moment to catch your breath."
"How about it?"
Feng Mo and his group seemed to be looking down on them, but Gu Changyang and the others all showed disdain.
"Don't lift a rock to drop on your own feet!"
Whether it was the Five Elements Sect or the Blazing Zenith Sect, anyone above Foundation Establishment whose identity was not in doubt would be taught the first layer of the Great Development Art.
Subsequent content required Disciples or Elders to exchange for it with contributions.
Anyone who advanced to the ninth layer of Qi Refining could receive a free exquisite Magical Artifact of any type: attack, defense, or flight.
Core Formation could receive a free Magic Treasure or some Artifact Refining Materials.
As long as it wasn't too high-grade, it was basically free.
Monthly Medicinal Pills were also generally enough for half a month of Cultivation.
The Sect advocated not to always Cultivate assiduously, but also to go out for experience and enhance combat experience.
Those cultivated under such conditions were mostly elites.
Those at the top of each Realm were true top-tier Cultivators.
The two Sects looked harmonious, but in fact, the Sect's style was quite fierce, and daily sparring and competition were common.
Gu Mingyang said, "Compete then, just don't regret it."
"Which Disciple of my Five Elements Sect is willing to fight? The winner will receive corresponding Sect contribution points: Early-Stage Foundation Establishment five hundred, Middle Stage eight hundred, Late Stage one thousand five hundred... late stage Core Formation eight thousand."
"Me, me, me..."
Countless people volunteered, one by one, like wolves and tigers.
Most of the Sect rules of the Blazing Zenith Sect and Five Elements Sect were the same. Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, Materials, Magic Treasures, etc., all had to be exchanged for with Sect contribution points.
This was much more valuable than Spirit Stones.
"Disciples of my Blazing Zenith Sect, do you fear a battle?"
"No fear, no fear, no fear..."
Their Aura was like a rainbow, shaking heaven and earth. The drifting clouds in the sky seemed to hide, and the sky was clear blue, washed clean for thousands of miles.
"Individual battles, three people from each Realm will fight. Two out of three wins will determine the victor for each Realm."
Gu Changyang pondered for a moment and guessed their intentions, transmitting a message to Gu Mingyang.
"They want to stall for time. They're probably going to destroy the Ancient Teleportation Array."
Gu Mingyang replied, "Let them go ahead. Unless the Six Extremes True Saint arrives in person, whoever goes will die!"
Gu Changyang was astonished, "Could it be that Master is personally there?"
"Master isn't that free!"
"It's Master's Spirit Beast and attendant."
"Crimson Crow? Crimson Crow is actually willing to be separated from Master?"
"What are you thinking? It's a new recruit, but also extraordinary."
"One is a mutated ancient beast from the barren lands, who embarked on the path of a Yao Cultivator, Undergoing Tribulation and transforming into human form. Although she is only in the Early Stage of human transformation, few in the Middle Stage are her match. She can fight a Great Cultivator, and her nickname is Poisonous Woman."
"The other two are a level ten Heaven and Earth Spirit Beast, the Profound Rock Turtle, and the other is Wood Puppet, even stronger than the Profound Rock Turtle."
Gu Changyang's eyes widened suddenly, not knowing what to say, and finally said, "Master is indeed Master."
"By the way, Master's Realm hasn't reached Deity Transformation, has it?"
"I asked, and Master said not yet, but soon."
"Don't you know that a few years ago, Master turned Yue Kingdom into a Forbidden Land in Heavenly South, and at the same time challenged five Great Cultivators, easily defeating them. They couldn't even harm Master in the slightest."
"Presumably, he is now pursuing the Dao of advancing to Deity Transformation. Soon, our two factions will have the youngest Deity Transformation Cultivator in the entire Mortal Realm."
The two chatted excitedly, while Feng Mo on the opposite side had bulging veins and a dark expression.
Chatting openly?
Am I not here?
...
Hundreds of miles from Kui Xing Island, on an unnamed deserted island.
A group of people flew over.
The arrivals were Formation Great Masters and Nascent Soul Cultivators sent by the Inverse Star Alliance and Star Palace.
"The Blazing Zenith Sect really stepped in dog shit luck to discover a complete Ancient Teleportation Array. They've amassed considerable wealth relying on the Teleportation Array these past few years."
An old man with a long beard and white hair said, "Most of the Teleportation Arrays left from ancient times are damaged. It's also possible they've mastered the technique to repair Ancient Teleportation Arrays."
"This old man is quite interested in this. If your alliance and Star Palace conquer the Blazing Zenith Sect, could you provide a copy of the relevant Formation knowledge to this old man?"
A tall, thin middle-aged man smiled, "Of course. As long as it's done, everyone will get a share."
As soon as the group approached the island, several streaks of rainbow light flew out from a certain part of the cliff, appearing before them.
"The Ancient Teleportation Array is temporarily closed. From where you came, you should return."
The speaker was a Core Formation Cultivator, accompanied by two others, both with cultivation at or above the Core Formation Middle Stage.
The Cultivators of the Inverse Star Alliance and Star Palace did not hide their Aura, so they naturally noticed them.
However, the Cultivators stationed here showed no fear and maintained an extremely firm attitude.
"What a joke! A mere Core Formation dares to speak so wildly to us. You're truly seeking death!"
A Nascent Soul Cultivator from the Inverse Star Alliance let out two cold laughs, opened his mouth, and spat out a ball of black Qi, surging towards the people in front.
One of them's mouth curved slightly. He quickly retreated with his companions and shouted loudly, "Sir, someone is causing trouble!"
The expressions of the Inverse Star Alliance and Star Palace members changed.
Sir?
What sir?
Could there also be Nascent Soul Cultivators here?
Purple-black, earthy yellow, and dark green—three rays of light flashed, appearing above everyone.
The three were obscured by the light, their faces unclear, but the Aura they exuded was extremely powerful.
"G-Great Cultivator?!"
Everyone couldn't help but tremble.
Just as the group was about to act, a Aura burst forth from the green shadow. Dozens of green vines flew out, like lightning, aiming to bind everyone.
They each used their methods, resisting with Magic Treasures, fire Divine Ability, and Formation Plates. The green vines glowed brightly, completely unafraid of their Magic Treasures' cutting or the flames' burning. However, the protective barrier activated by the Formation Plate temporarily held them off.
But the light curtain activated by the Formation Plate trembled for only a moment before shattering.
In a blink of an eye, everyone who had come was bound by the green vines, unable to use their magical power.
Poisonous Woman's hand emitted a ball of purple-black light, ready to throw it over.
A Core Formation Disciple below said, "Sir, please show mercy. The Sect Master said that Formation Great Masters are scarce in the Sect. If there are existing ones, keep them."
"As long as they are willing, a Restriction can be planted, and they can work for free for a hundred years to repay their debt."
Then, he looked at the four Formation Great Masters, "Are you willing, sirs?"
"This old man... is willing."
"I, too, am willing."
...
"Please, Sir, plant a Restriction to control them. As for the others, please do as you wish."
Poisonous Woman and the others naturally knew that the Sect Master they referred to was Li Feiyu's Personal Disciple, who held a very high position, and their words could not be disregarded.
The green shadow flicked its finger, shooting out four green light spots that flew into the bodies of the four Formation Great Masters.
These were parasitic seeds, very difficult for anyone below Great Cultivator to get rid of, let alone Core Formation Cultivators who hadn't even reached Nascent Soul.
"We are also willing to surrender. We are also willing to serve the Blazing Zenith Sect for a hundred years."
The Core Formation guards did not speak again.
The green shadow struck again, extracting the Nascent Souls of several people, which the several great Demon Beasts then shared.
As for their Physical Bodies, Gui Ling wielded a staff, turning them all into a bloody mist, with blood rain scattering.
Refining Nascent Souls takes time, so the three Demon Beasts returned to the deserted island to refine them.
The Core Formation also continued to stand guard.
Sangxing Island.
At this time, the three matches of Early-Stage Foundation Establishment had just concluded.
Two wins, one loss.
The first round was won by a Blazing Zenith Sect Disciple.
Just as Feng Mo was about to send out a Core Formation Middle Stage Disciple, his expression changed, and so did the Third Elder of Xinggong.
The two looked at each other, speechless, but both knew what the other wanted to say.
The Nascent Soul Cultivators who went to the Ancient Teleportation Array to destroy it were annihilated!
It seems they need to re-evaluate the strength of the Blazing Zenith Sect and Five Elements Sect.
The competition continued, but both of them secretly sent people back to the Inverse Star Alliance headquarters and Star Palace to report the matter.
Xue Li hid high in the sky, watching this scene, a cold sneer on his lips, "Star Palace Double Saints probably won't come out yet. Six Extremes True Saint, will you come?"
"Come quickly, or this grand show will be meaningless."
The Inverse Star Alliance selected elites, whose strength was considerable, but the people sent by the Blazing Zenith Sect and Five Elements Sect were even more outstanding.
Occasionally, there were evenly matched contests.
But most were annihilated by the Blazing Zenith Sect's side.
The death of a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator was nothing, but a Core Formation Cultivator was a pillar of any force.
Especially those with strong power and great potential; losing even one would be heartbreaking.
Yun Xingzhou appeared in the Core Formation Middle Stage. He was newly in the Core Formation Middle Stage, and his opponent was at the Peak of the Core Formation Middle Stage.
That person thought his good luck had arrived.
Cultivation after Core Formation stage was much more difficult than before. In just a hundred years, it was unlikely that any outstanding individuals could be cultivated.
Yun Xingzhou's wood-element Spiritual Root was the most outstanding. He primarily cultivated the Azure Essence Sword Art, and also practiced some Divine Abilities from the Ten Thousand Swords Skill, Taiyin True Scripture, and Azure Wood Green Thunder Art.
He was skilled in sword Dao Divine Ability, wood-element thunder techniques, and extreme cold ice flames.
As soon as he made a move, he instantly unleashed a blue lightning arc, his technique extremely proficient.
The thunder technique was extremely powerful, and the opponent did not dare to underestimate it, getting into a flurry.
Then, streaks of Sword Qi condensed from blue True Essence swept towards the opponent.
The Ten Thousand Swords Skill had unique aspects in controlling Sword Qi and other areas, which Yun Xingzhou integrated and applied elsewhere.
Zhou Yuan nodded slightly, a faint smile on his face.
Gu Mingyang again chatted with Gu Changyang about gossip, "Senior Brother, don't you think Yun Xingzhou is a bit special, doesn't he resemble someone?"
"He does somewhat, but I can't remember who at the moment."
"You're silly. Master! Don't you think he has a three-tenths resemblance to Master between his brows?"
"I suspect he's Master's illegitimate son."
Gu Changyang looked over, his face filled with shock.
This gossip is a bit big, are you sure?