[On that day, Daoist Wenjing finally recalled the terror when River Ming Ancestor was destroyed by Heaven’s punishment.]

As she watched that beam of light pierce through the endless darkness, Wenjing’s heart clenched tightly.

After being struck several times, Spirit Mountain’s multiple grand formations—built with countless precious materials—were penetrated by this beam of light as if they were mere paper!

Several elder Daoists tried to block this beam, only to dissolve instantly;

Even Sacred One Zhunti personally intervened, sacrificing a Dharma Body arm to finally exhaust this beam’s spiritual power…

This scene was eerily similar to when Heaven’s punishment descended upon the Blood Sea!

Back then, heavenly thunder had also fallen like pillars, its pure and violent spiritual power directly evaporating half the Blood Sea. River Ming Ancestor perished as a result, the Asura Clan fell from prosperity to decline, and their Blood Mosquito Clan was forced to leave the Blood Sea.

The current situation at Spirit Mountain…

It was truly, remarkably similar.

However, it didn’t have much to do with her.

Just now, Wenjing’s divine consciousness had been fixed on her Grand Consort, catching the conversation between her Grand Consort and Immortal Yun Xiao. She now knew that this jade statue of Immortal Yun Xiao was merely a small trinket crafted by Star-Lord.

A small trinket…

Ah, Star-Lord, she was just a little mosquito of the Human Path, not some great commander of the Western Path!

How could the Western Path continue fighting like this?

A Sacred One’s Dharma Body had lost an arm—though quickly reformed, overall, the Western Path had lost both in personnel and formations.

Faced with that inexplicable divine ability from that mysterious jade statue, even a Sacred One appeared somewhat flustered!

The human-shaped magical treasure suddenly unleashed by Immortal Yun Xiao was truly frightening!

That beam seemed to contain some extreme and pure Great Dao, piercing through Heaven and Earth, destroying rules, and creating countless fissures along its path. When it collided with the Sacred One’s Dharma Body, it seemed about to explode but was suppressed by the rules of Heaven and Earth.

Someone in Wenjing’s Dao realm and experience naturally perceived the terrifying nature of this magical treasure.

If there were five or ten jade statue treasures firing simultaneously at a Sacred One’s domain, forcing the Sacred One to physically intercept… they might truly be injured by such treasures!

After one shot, the jade statue slowly began to shrink…

Wenjing finally came to her senses, hiding underground while looking up to gaze at the Grand Master’s figure, a captivating smile appearing on her lips.

Mm~ Today again, the Grand Consort was as magnificent and powerful as ever when facing a Sacred One.

“Commander,” came the voice transmission of a Primordial Beast from behind, “the situation seems somewhat unfavorable. Shouldn’t we make preparations early?”

Wenjing frowned at the female scorpion transmitting to her, snorted coldly, and transmitted back:

“If you wish to die, don’t drag this poor Daoist along!

Below a Sacred One, all are insects. Today with a Sacred One present, what is there to fear from the Severing Sect’s numbers?”

After transmitting, Wenjing said in a low voice: “Those who fear death can wait here and accept punishment after the battle.

This poor Daoist hasn’t forced you into anything.”

Throughout the underground cave, pairs of eyes lit up, and streaks of fierce aura echoed, though locked in place by formations.

They were the ambush force, but now they were just watching the show.

After that terrifying spiritual light beam dispersed, the Heaven and Earth fissures were quickly filled. The Heavenly Dao revealed intersecting Great Dao rules, seemingly completely enveloping this area to prevent the battle from truly shattering the Western Oxhead Continent.

The Severing Sect seized the initiative, with the Sacred One’s pressure mostly neutralized. Severing Sect immortals surrounding from all directions attacked almost simultaneously, countless streams of light blooming toward Spirit Mountain.

Western Path’s Second Patriarch Zhunti coldly snorted, his Dharma Body expanding into a ring of light that instantly covered Spirit Mountain’s core area, deflecting those countless light streams.

On Spirit Mountain’s side, the elder Daoists and Sacred One’s disciples’ hearts steadied!

Just then!

Grand Master Xuandu and Duobao Daoist simultaneously heard a certain transmission. The two senior brothers exchanged glances and charged together at Zhunti wielding Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasures!

The Spirit Mountain disciples were about to rush forward to intercept, but a Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree suddenly appeared before Zhunti, directly sweeping the Spirit Mountain disciples from the sky, while taking the opportunity to ‘seal’ many magical treasures in the Severing Sect immortals’ hands.

Right after Zhunti made his move, the Chaos Bell and Taiji Diagram struck simultaneously!

First came a bell toll, gray light waves sweeping across Spirit Mountain’s sky;

The Taiji Diagram’s Yin and Yang energies were self-activated, transforming from ‘flat’ to ‘three-dimensional’, the Yin-Yang fish constantly chasing each other in balance, instantly spreading black and white Dao rhythms.

Years, Heaven and Earth!

Time and Space.

Under the gazes of all the experts, within the treasure light blooming from Grand Master and Duobao Daoist’s charging forms, with a finger flick from that skinny elder above the Nine Heavens…

A black-light orb flashed and disappeared, taking with it Sacred One Zhunti’s Dharma Body and true form within, Grand Master and Duobao Daoist, the Chaos Bell, and Taiji Diagram, all vanishing completely!

“Form Formation! Quickly!” a famous Western Path disciple shouted furiously, immediately realizing they no longer had a Sacred One’s might protecting them.

The Severing Sect’s assault rose again!

This time, there was no Sacred One to resist…

Chaos erupted, powerful immortals battling.

Spiritual energy surged, shocking gods and ghosts.

Divine abilities and magical treasures poured down, Spirit Mountain’s space-time distorted in various places, figures exploding amidst immortal light.

Golden Light Sacred Mother took the lead, manifesting her Dharma Body and activating magical treasures, single-handedly fighting four Western Path great disciples without disadvantage.

Turtle Spirit Sacred Mother held a jade flute, playing soul-stealing melodies completely different from her usual docile, quiet, and innocent demeanor.

Qiong Xiao wielded the Golden Flood Dragons Shears following beside Golden Light Sacred Mother, occasionally releasing ancient flood dragons to bite.

There were also Wudang, Lu Yue, Qin Wan…

One powerful Severing Sect expert after another displayed divine abilities. Spirit Mountain relied on terrain and remnant formations to defend step by step, trying to delay until the Sacred One’s return.

Two thin membranes had appeared at some point between Heaven and Earth, faintly protecting them, preventing ancient tragedies from recurring.

In the chaos, a small insect flew back and forth, entering Immortal Yun Xiao’s sleeve before quickly appearing on her shoulder, beginning to quietly advise:

“Yun, don’t charge so far forward, be careful of being surrounded.”

“Watch out this side, magical treasures are flying over.”

“Why not go back to guard the jade statue, wait for its formation to restart, then deliver the decisive blow…”

Yun Xiao’s cold face showed slight helplessness. Seeing Severing Sect immortals stabilizing victory everywhere, she slowed her advance, constantly using the Mixed Origin Golden Dipper to aid injured fellow disciples.

That small insect…

Was naturally Li Changshou’s transformation.

He had come along with the Grand Master, taking advantage of everyone’s attention being drawn by the hundred-fold spirit cannon to quietly mix in beside Yun Xiao.

Li Changshou’s current purpose was very clear—to prevent problems before they arose, avoiding Yun Xiao falling into crisis.

The Severing Sect’s reason for battle was orchestrated by him, and when the situation was unfavorable, it was his script that helped Turtle Spirit Sacred Mother turn the tide and force out the Western Path’s Sacred One;

The previous situation was also his arrangement, his teacher helped take away Sacred One Zhunti, and his senior brother helped resist Sacred One Zhunti.

If the Severing Sect were to demand that he, the ‘Investiture of the Gods referee’, appear to help fight the Western Path, that would purely be moral coercion.

Li Changshou didn’t want to come here, but he had secured things—having Kong Xuan stay at Little Qiong Peak to avoid entangling karma with the Western Path, while personally coming to mix in beside Yun Xiao as a bodyguard.

By the way, if things couldn’t be concluded well, help the Severing Sect conclude them.

As an ordinary Sacred One’s disciple, this was all he could do.

Incidentally, the one who had just transmitted to warn the Grand Master and Duobao was also Li Changshou, saying that same line—

[A Sacred One Cannot Die].

Yun Xiao’s figure wove through the battle’s outskirts, constantly taking injured Severing Sect immortals into the Mixed Origin Golden Dipper, proving more effective than if she had charged forward to kill enemies directly.

Seeing the situation stabilize, with the Severing Sect breaking through Spirit Mountain’s battle formations step by step, she began interweaving thoughts with Li Changshou, exchanging several questions.

“Just now, was it truly the Taiji Diagram and Chaos Bell that moved Sacred One Zhunti away?”

Yun Xiao asked with some confusion.

Li Changshou smiled: “If it were the Taiji Diagram and Chaos Bell wielded by Teacher and Uncle Master, they could indeed easily move a Sacred One, but Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasures cannot display their true power without a Sacred One.

Just now, it was Teacher acting secretly, merely borrowing the resonance of the Taiji Diagram and Chaos Bell.”

Yun Xiao remained silent for a while, focusing on rescuing several Severing Sect immortal maidens who had fallen into difficulty, then transmitted:

“I’m somewhat worried about Elder Brother’s situation.”

“Rest assured, Senior Brother Duobao’s thoughts weren’t wrong. Even if the Enlightenment Sect comes to Spirit Mountain today, they wouldn’t dare openly protect Spirit Mountain, let alone deal with Brother Gongming at this critical moment.”

Li Changshou pondered briefly, then added: “However, it would be difficult to rely on Brother Gongming to delay time and send word. The Enlightenment Sect should already be heading here.

They naturally wouldn’t want the Western Path’s experts to be depleted.”

Yun Xiao sighed: “You’ve still been drawn into this matter after all.”

“Which disciple of the Dao Path can stay aloof?” Li Changshou smiled and asked rhetorically, his transformed insect form lying on Yun Xiao’s shoulder, watching everywhere.

The Western Path already had many great disciples beginning to sustain injuries, with casualties accelerating.

Just then, bell sounds rang out within the Western Path, and two more groups of experts rushed out from the depths, though their strength couldn’t be considered that of great divine ability users.

Mere padding.

Li Changshou’s divine consciousness swept past, quickly noticing Wenjing and the various Primordial Beasts hidden underground, quietly warning Yun Xiao, who began focusing on guarding against the Primordial Beasts causing trouble.

Another moment passed, and the Western Path retreated step by step.

When the Severing Sect immortals attacked, Daoist Wenjing had been ordered to lead the Primordial Beasts and remnants of ancient demon beasts to secretly hide beneath Spirit Mountain, waiting for the great battle to erupt.

Now Wenjing finally received the order to assist, personally leading the remnants to ambush the rear of the Severing Sect’s Iron Barrel Formation, harassing the enemy briefly before immediately retreating, tying up considerable energy from the Severing Sect immortals.

Li Changshou had part of his divine consciousness on several paper avatars, naturally coordinating the overall situation and grasping timing.

Suddenly a jade talisman shattered in his sleeve—it was Dragon Princess sending word;

At Jade Void Palace, she could no longer delay.

The Enlightenment Sect immortals were rushing toward Spirit Mountain. How much longer Zhao Gongming could delay would determine how many experts the Western Path would have left in the end.

Almost simultaneously, Li Changshou’s paper avatar in the Netherworld noticed a streak of light rising from the Samsara Tower;

His paper avatar at the edge of the Primordial World sensed the battle fluctuations drawing ever closer to the Primordial World.

Sacred One Jieyin discovered the situation had been calculated by Taiqing, Spirit Mountain was on the verge of collapse, and regardless of everything else wanted to rush back to the Five Continents region, but was steadily blocked by Ancestral Master Tongtian.

Li Changshou was waiting at this moment, searching.

Maitreya was considered his heart’s concern. If he appeared at Spirit Mountain today, Li Changshou would naturally appear to fight him to the death.

Along with this, Golden Roc was hiding in the high sky, similarly waiting for Maitreya to appear.

If this Spirit Mountain Senior Brother didn’t even come for such a great battle today…

That would truly be too cold-blooded.

…

At Jade Void Palace, in the main hall.

Dragon Princess held a jade cup, and sipped some Jade Spring tea, immediately showing an expression of appreciation.

The main hall was now empty except for those Jasper Pool immortal maidens Dragon Princess had brought, and two Heaven Court Golden Immortal realm commanders.

Besides Dragon Princess, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals remained here to keep her company—naturally Guanyin Daoist.

Streams of light rose from outside the hall, but Dragon Princess remained quite calm.

Guanyin Daoist sat quietly beside her, curiosity showing in her eyes, suddenly transmitting a question:

“Has Star Lord set how long to delay for a friend? Seeing friend so relaxed, could it be Star Lord’s calculations are already sufficient?”

Dragon Princess blinked gently, smiled, and said: “I don’t quite understand what friend is saying.

My teacher hasn’t calculated anything, only had me bring more gifts over to apologize once more for the previous matter with Vice Patriarch Dengzhen.

After all, although my teacher eliminated the Western Path’s spy at that time and maintained the Dao Path’s prestige, it damaged the Enlightenment Sect’s reputation.”

Dragon Princess’s words carried hidden meanings, naturally containing mockery.

Hearing this, Guanyin Daoist sighed without speaking.

She wore a light blue Daoist robe, and a white gauze scarf on her head, habitually holding either a duster or pure vase. Now frowning slightly with a sigh, she still carried quite a merciful and serene artistic conception.

Guanyin Daoist considered her words carefully, saying softly:

“Our Enlightenment Sect also has its difficulties.

Now the Severing Sect pressures the Western family, destroying as they please, truly too forceful.

When the Great Tribulation descends, the Dao Path faces tribulation. If our Enlightenment Sect doesn’t make some precautions and preparations, with many immortals in the Severing Sect harboring evil intentions and poor conduct, we would be endangering ourselves.”

“I don’t understand things like Great Tribulation,” Dragon Princess smiled, “only that Teacher said I seem to need to prepare to face tribulation as well, though I don’t know how to deal with it.

But overall, though the Severing Sect has many people and great influence, their destiny is damaged and karmic obstacles entangle them;

Though the Enlightenment Sect has fewer disciples, their destiny flows on, with countless merits and blessed karma.

My teacher once said, below Sacred Ones all are insects, the final direction of the great sects’ struggle is still decided by several Sacred Ones.

From this perspective, the Enlightenment Sect isn’t necessarily the weaker party.”

“Oh?”

Guanyin Daoist smiled: “This is the first time I’ve heard such a saying.”

“Friend can rest assured,” Dragon Princess said, “Since my teacher has gained Heaven’s Dao trust, he will naturally be impartial in presiding over the Investiture of the God Great Tribulation.

Of course, these are my words, my teacher hasn’t mentioned these things to me.”

Guanyin revealed a slight smile, not saying more.

Dragon Princess also lowered her head to drink tea, having nothing more to discuss with this Twelve Golden Immortal.

Jade Void Palace was quiet, the Sacred One’s Dao rhythm seeming to gradually thin. Dragon Princess waited here for the Enlightenment Sect immortals to return, continuing to introduce the various treasure gifts she had brought.

Doing things from beginning to end could only then be considered steady.

Guanyin Daoist pointed out a cloud mirror, watching the Enlightenment Sect immortals’ movements.

At this moment, Guanyin Daoist and Dragon Princess happened to see streams of light stopping…

A water-blue light screen had appeared in the sky ahead, perfectly blocking the Enlightenment Sect crowd’s path.

Just seeing that light screen, without needing to search for the twenty-four Sea Stabilizing Divine Zhenzhus’ whereabouts, Guanyin Daoist already recognized who was blocking the path.

Severing Sect outer door great disciple, Zhao Gongming!

When immortal light rose at Jade Void Palace, Zhao Gongming’s spirit shook, and he directly sat cross-legged, blocking the western path of the Jade Void Palace crowd.

Twenty-four Sea Stabilizing Divine Zhenzhus sealed Heaven and Earth. Now the Sea Stabilizing Divine Zhenzhus were hidden within Heaven and Earth itself, their traces unfindable, making such magical treasure divine abilities harder to break.

Streams of light shot over, having to stop tens of miles from Zhao Gongming, led by Guangcheng Zi and the Twelve Golden Immortals.

Guangcheng Zi didn’t want to waste time, immediately saying: “Junior Brother Taiyi, go ask how Junior Brother Zhao Gongming is, we’ll detour around the south side!”

As soon as Guangcheng Zi finished speaking, he turned to lead several hundred Enlightenment Sect immortals onward;

Taiyi True Person’s mouth twitched, very calmly put his hands behind his back as he went toward Zhao Gongming.

Zhao Gongming muttered secretly, but seeing this immediately adjusted his strategy, flipping through “One Hundred Sounds of Porcelain Colliding” in his mind. Still sitting cross-legged, he suddenly opened his eyes.

Their face flushed, lips pale, his whole body trembling chaotically, clearly appearing to have entered Qi Deviation!

“Who! Who’s speaking so loudly!”

Zhao Gongming roared, then “wa” spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his beard covered in blood stains as he cried out tremblingly:

“Teacher, disciple’s Dao is wounded… can’t return anymore.”

Black lines covered all the Enlightenment Sect immortals’ foreheads.