One hour later.
Bai Li Zhonghu clasped his hands respectfully toward Chen Xun atop the mountain and then stepped away, eyes still filled with awe. "Ninth Brother’s choice in people… quite remarkable indeed!"
Standing at the mountain’s peak, Chen Xun smiled lightly, holding a jade slip inscribed by Bai Li Zhonghu himself—a precious “key” for their upcoming journey. The legacy of Da Li was deeply rooted in the Bai Li Clan, and this slip would grant them vital access. He was also rather curious about the Demon-Suppressing Apes.
"Alright, brothers, let’s get ready for the final stage."
Chen Xun spoke calmly as a dark aura began to swirl around him, erupting into a whirlwind that tore through the Mountain of Corpses, reducing it to shattered fragnts.
A gleam sparked in his eyes as sixteen divine apertures and an additional four divine apertures began to circulate within him, his aura growing increasingly terrifying.
Brother Ox gave a quiet moo, looking over at Chen Xun. His big brother had fully awakened all twenty divine apertures, granting him power comparable to that of a late-stage Deity Transformation cultivator!
Brother Ox glanced at the small book in Chen Xun’s hand, wondering how many plans had been scribbled there, then sidled over and nudged him, making Chen Xun chuckle.
Xiao Chi’s eyes narrowed as he watched Brother Xun’s black hair ripple in the wind. There was a tinge of fear in his heart, realizing that even the Marshal likely wouldn’t dare cross Brother Xun.
Boom!
A piercing sound echoed, as the entire mountain collapsed into nothing, and the three figures faded into the mist of the War Realm Camp.
The mont they vanished, the soldiers of the Iron-Blood Legion flinched.
From afar, Bai Li Zhonghu looked back, observing that the corrupted corpses and tainted blood had been completely wiped away.
With a steady gaze, he took a deep breath, deciding to place his trust in his younger brother this ti, though he would reserve final judgnt until results were clear.
“Inform all three armies and the cultivator forces: secure the camp and halt any advancent for now!”
“Yes, Marshal!”
“Yes, Marshal!”
...
The shouted responses echoed with unwavering obedience. Orders were orders, after all.
A hum reverberated through the sky as ten massive warships glided into the distance, disappearing into the darkness.
The Next Day
At the frontline, banners waved like a forest, and the cold gleam of weapons shone like stars under the dreary sky, a brewing storm of battle. Sect cultivators, independent cultivators, armies, and even spirit beasts had gathered, ready for conflict.
Though their weapons varied, the sa bloodlust burned in their eyes. Waves of power surged wildly, as corrupted beings continued their relentless advance, their tainted blood flooding the earth.
It was a true inferno of human suffering. Grueso corpses and crimson blood painted the battlefield, stretching for hundreds of miles.
The retreat order caused a stir as cultivators from major factions rushed toward the main camp, their expressions serious.
The sky filled with a great rumbling as warships gradually retreated, thousands of Demon-Suppressing Apes gathering from all sides, exuding raw, unyielding power.
“Rumble, rumble…”
The ground trembled as dark mist spread, and space itself seed to vibrate.
The warships charged toward the corrupted beings to hold the rear, while the warriors on board stood fearless and ready.
"Attack!"
"Attack!"
Roar!
The vast army surged like a raging torrent, charging fiercely at the corrupted beings that flooded the battlefield. Their resolve was unwavering, tragic, and courageous!
So cultivators suddenly collapsed along the way, their divine senses fading, their lifespans ending.
Many other cultivators, trembling, began to retreat. They hadn’t co here to sacrifice their lives, rely to increase their cultivation.
The din of battle, the violent clashes of power, and the overwhelming killing intent marked the essence of the War Realm Camp.
In the chaos, Yu Chen’s hair was disheveled, and he panted heavily, but his face remained resolute as he held his Extinguishing Spirit Weapon, peering into the dark surroundings.
Here, even Nascent Soul cultivators seed insignificant. He took to the air, heading toward another battle zone.
Elsewhere on the battlefield, a young man held the body of a woman, his face expressionless but his bloodshot eyes betraying his sorrow.
A ghastly wound stretched across her abdon—a mark left by a life-sapping strike from a corrupted Nascent Soul. His Golden Core stage power had been too slow; he couldn’t save her.
“Zhuang Yun…”
Qi Gengyun’s voice was a pained roar as his crimson gaze turned forward, his deanor shifting to one of cold detachnt.
He suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood, his eyes growing bloodshot.
Half an hour later, Qi Gengyun, still holding Zhuang Yun’s body, walked away. He needed to grow stronger quickly; it wasn’t ti to throw his life away yet.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
On the front line, a defensive line was forming as powerful cultivators from all factions unleashed their spells, clearing away the corrupted beings surging forward!
All fell silent for a mont, even the corrupted army, as if receiving so silent command, held back, staring down the Domain forces with seething hatred that spread in every direction.
Three Days Later, By the Celestial River
Beyond the darkness of the battlefield, sunlight broke through, casting warmth across the landscape. A wide, mighty river flowed from the Celestial Gate, winding its way down in a powerful current.
This river served as the ancient barrier, dividing the realms and protecting the beings on this side for countless ages. Thousands of tombstones lined the banks, each inscribed with the nas of fallen souls—a vast and solemn morial.
The river seed to murmur as though alive, repelling the corruption’s power as it flowed.
Across the bank lay a fortress with towering statues, each one a testant to the countless battles fought. This fortress was a symbol of resilience, an inspiration for generations of cultivators.
Beyond the fortress was a bustling city, where cultivators traveled back and forth. So settled here, while others earned military rits for resources. The hum of life and community perated the air.
From afar, Chen Xun, Brother Ox, and Xiao Chi gazed upon the sight in awe.
“Well worth the journey.”
“Moo~~”
“Brother Xun, we’ve really learned a lot here.”
They sat down in silence, each lost in thought. Chen Xun pulled out his sketchpad and began drawing, his expression serene.
As his cultivation grew, he felt a peculiar emptiness, as if happiness was slipping further away. Life’s journey, he mused, truly was strange.
“Moo…” Brother Ox rested his head on Chen Xun’s shoulder, nuzzling him softly.
“Brother Xun,” Xiao Chi murmured, sensing his weariness. This wasn’t the life their big brother had envisioned.
“No need to worry. Growth cos with responsibilities—it’s just part of the path. But once we reach the Grand World…” Chen Xun chuckled, waving his pen in a flourish, “We’re letting loose, no need to pave the way for anyone else. Just enjoying life.”
“Moo! Moo!”
“So, no more battles?”
“Exactly. We’ll just be another face in the crowd, with heavenly talents all around.”
Chen Xun continued his sketch, a renewed excitent gleaming in his eyes. “Let’s get there first and make plans later.”
Brother Ox and Xiao Chi shared his laughter. Knowing the deeper truths weighed on them, but they had faith in their leader.
“Moo?!”
“Brother Xun, you’ve drawn it wrong!”
“Huh? What?!”
The three burst into laughter as Chen Xun realized he’d accidentally sketched the grand statues as… little dwarfs.
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