SWDnovel Chapter 30 The Preparations of Major Forces and the Demon Clan's Plan
Chapter 30 The Preparations of Major Forces and the Demon Clan's Plan
News of the reappearance of the Chaotic Star Sea ruins could not be kept secret for long. Within just a few months, the mysterious name "Void Heaven Palace" spread like thunder throughout Tiannan, Dajin, Wulonghai, Tiansha Continent, and even other major cultivation regions in the human realm. Countless sects, families, and high-level rogue cultivators were stirred up by the news, creating a turbulent undercurrent.
At this moment, deep within the forbidden area of Kunwu Mountain, a universally recognized sacred place for cultivation in the human realm and the core of the "Kunwu Alliance," a coalition of human realm deity-level forces.
Inside a serene and ancient cave dwelling, three elders with profound and unfathomable auras sat around a jade table. They were none other than the Three Elders of Kunwu, who held sway over the Kunwu Alliance and whose power resounded throughout the human realm!
To the left stood an elderly Taoist priest, dressed in a blue robe, wearing a jade hairpin, with a gaunt face, white hair, and a youthful appearance, his eyes wise and profound. This was Xuan Qingzi, a master of Taoist arts and ancient runes.
To the right sat an elderly monk, draped in a plain robe and holding prayer beads. His face was kind, but his eyes held a clear understanding of the ways of the world. This was Master Dingchen, a man of profound Buddhist knowledge, with a wide circle of friends and exceptionally well-informed.
Seated in the center was an elderly man dressed in a Confucian robe and wearing a square cap. He possessed a gentle and refined demeanor, yet exuded an undeniable air of authority. He was Master Wenheng, in charge of the alliance's records and various mundane affairs, and had close ties with the Great Jin imperial family.
These three are all top-tier cultivators in the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, truly standing at the pinnacle of existence in the human world.
Xuan Qingzi put down an ancient jade slip in his hand, his brows furrowed slightly, and spoke first: "The anomalies in the Chaotic Star Sea and the Wind Sea are undeniable. The name 'Void Heaven Palace' has also been confirmed by many sources. However, I have searched through all the secret records in the alliance, going back more than 30,000 years, and I have not found a single clear record of the 'Void Heaven Palace.' Its name and form seem to have appeared out of thin air."
Master Dingchen plucked his prayer beads and slowly said, "I also used my connections to inquire with several reclusive old friends and asked several sects in the Great Jin Dynasty, known for their long-standing traditions, to secretly check their ancestral texts. The reply I received was the same as what Brother Xuanqing said—unheard of and without any evidence."
The two elders' words made the atmosphere in the cave even more tense. The fact that the Kunwu Alliance and the top human forces couldn't find any trace of them was itself highly unusual.
Mr. Wenheng stroked his beard gently, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I have consulted the secret historical records of the Great Jin Dynasty, which are kept hidden for ten thousand years. They contain detailed records of all known ancient ruins, secret realms, and powerful cave dwellings in the human realm since the beginning of time. However, there is no mention of the name 'Xutian Palace'."
He paused, a hint of seriousness and speculation flashing in his eyes: "Judging from this, the origin of this palace is probably far more ancient or special than any ancient ruins we know of. It may not even be something that ever existed in the human world."
Xuan Qingzi and Master Dingchen both looked at him at the same time.
Mr. Wenheng continued in a deep voice, "Don't forget, everyone, there are also scattered records in ancient books that when powerful beings in the upper realm fought, or when the realm was in turmoil, occasionally objects from the upper realm, along with a small piece of space they were attached to, were completely shattered and banished, eventually falling into the lower realm and becoming independent secret realms, isolated from the long river of time... Could this 'Void Heaven Palace' be... some remnant left behind from the upper realm?"
"A relic from the upper realm?!"
Upon hearing this, even those of Xuan Qingzi and Master Dingchen, with their profound cultivation and temperament, couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in their hearts!
If that's the case, then the opportunities, cultivation techniques, treasures, and even the laws of the upper realm that the "Void Heaven Palace" contains will be an unimaginable temptation for cultivators in the human realm!
The air inside the cave seemed to become scorching hot because of this bold conjecture.
After a moment of silence, Xuan Qingzi slowly said, "Regardless of its origin, the appearance of this palace is a foregone conclusion. The storm in the surrounding space has not yet subsided, and it would be unwise to force our way in. We need to make preparations as soon as possible."
Master Dingchen nodded: "Since our alliance is undertaking this task for the entire human realm, we should take on the responsibility of overall planning and investigation. This is to prevent various forces from blindly rushing in and killing each other when the ruins are opened, which would only increase casualties and even cause chaos."
Mr. Wenheng said, "Indeed. The first priority is to investigate the foundation of this palace and assess the risks. I suggest that, in the name of the Kunwu Alliance, we convene representatives of the Nascent Soul stage from all the major forces in the human realm to gather at Kunwu Mountain to discuss the matter of the 'Void Heaven Palace.' At the same time, we should send more people to closely monitor the movements in the Tianfeng Sea and... try to find those who may know more ancient secrets."
Just as the three elders of Kunwu were having a secret meeting deep in Kunwu Mountain, the news of the appearance of the "Void Heaven Palace" stirred up a huge wave among the high-ranking officials of various forces in the human realm, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.
Deep within the Great Jin imperial palace, several Nascent Soul stage elders who had been in seclusion for a long time were urgently awakened. Surrounded by a series of communication jade slips, they solemnly discussed countermeasures and potential candidates to be sent to the Chaotic Star Sea. In the secret halls of the ten major sects and ancient families, elder councils held frequent meetings, analyzing the authenticity of the information, assessing the risks and opportunities, and secretly mobilizing resources to select elites.
In the southern lands, the leaders of both the righteous and demonic paths, as well as the major cultivation families, have all received word of the news. They are also discussing it, and several well-known rogue cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage have already been unable to contain themselves and have quietly set off, crossing the continent towards the Chaotic Star Sea. For them, this may be an excellent opportunity for those without a sect or affiliation to ascend to the heavens in one step.
The various island alliances of the Five Dragons Sea, the ascetic sects of the Heavenly Sand Continent, the mysterious inheritance of the Far West Sea… wherever information flows, the “Void Heaven Palace” is being discussed. Some are cautiously observing, some are eager to try their luck, and others have already begun planning how to get a share of this upcoming feast.
In the far north, deep within the forbidden grounds of the Little Extreme Palace, which is covered in ice and snow year-round.
In a quiet chamber entirely constructed of millennia-old ice, a woman dressed in a simple white gown, with an exquisitely beautiful face yet exuding an ancient chill, slowly opened her eyes. She was none other than the Ice Soul Fairy.
A communication jade talisman was quietly floating in front of her, containing detailed information about the anomalies in the Chaotic Star Sea and the appearance of the "Void Heaven Palace".
A rare ripple appeared in the Ice Soul Fairy's eyes, which seemed capable of freezing everything. Unlike others, she didn't analyze the pros and cons or weigh the risks; instead, a strong tremor surged within her the moment she heard the words "Void Heaven Palace"!
It was as if something of great importance, intimately connected to her destiny, was calling to her from the distant southern sea!
This feeling was mysterious and profound, yet incredibly clear and urgent. At her level, in the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, such spiritual perceptions often foreshadowed great opportunities or calamities.
"The Void Heaven Palace..." The Ice Soul Fairy parted her cherry lips slightly, the words she uttered carrying a chilling quality like the clash of ice crystals, yet containing an unprecedented solemnity.
She slowly rose, her body radiating an even greater chill, causing the icy spiritual energy within the quiet room to intensify. Without much hesitation, a divine thought was sent out of the palace: "Prepare the carriage; I am personally going to the Chaotic Star Sea."
Just as various forces in the human realm were stirring with anticipation of the "Void Heaven Palace's" appearance and were turning their attention and elite forces toward the Chaotic Star Sea.
Deep within an underground demon palace, hidden in a secluded corner of the human realm and shrouded in layers of demonic arrays.
The ancient demon, Mojue, sat atop a throne of bones, toying with a black bone talisman whose communication light had just faded. Within the talisman was detailed intelligence from Heiming, who lurked in the Chaotic Star Sea, regarding the appearance of the "Void Heaven Palace" and the movements of various forces.
Below the throne, several powerful and varied ancient demons stood with their hands at their sides, awaiting his commands.
A cold and mocking smile appeared on the face of the demonic hawk, which was covered with fine demonic patterns: "The Void Heaven Palace? Ancient ruins? Heh... The ants of the human realm always fight tooth and nail for these illusory opportunities."
He slowly stood up, emanating a terrifying, suffocating magical pressure, his scarlet eyes flashing with scheming and cruel light.
"Pass down the order," the Demon Dove's voice was resolute and carried an unquestionable authority, "The Holy Realm Descent Plan has reached its final stage, and the required life essence and blood offerings are still far from sufficient. Inform all personnel hidden in various locations to remain inactive and not participate in the struggle for the Chaotic Star Sea Ruins!"
His gaze swept over his demonic subordinates as he continued, "The attention of the major powers in the human realm, especially those Nascent Soul stage experts, has largely been drawn to the Chaotic Star Sea. This is a golden opportunity! Issue my order: launch Operation 'Soul Hunt'! Targets—the Heavenly Mystery Sect, the Flowing Cloud Sect, and the Azure Wave Immortal City of the Five Dragon Sea within the Southern Heavenly Realm! Take advantage of their vulnerability and annihilate them with lightning speed, collecting the souls and essence of all cultivators! The action must be swift; it must be completed before anyone can react!"
"Yes! We will obey Lord Demon Dove's decree!" The eyes of the demons below immediately flashed with bloodthirsty excitement as they answered in unison.
The Demon Dove nodded in satisfaction, sat back on its throne, took out an ancient bronze mirror, and transmitted its final instructions to Hei Ming, who was far away in the Chaotic Star Sea: "Hei Ming, continue to lie low and closely monitor the movements of the ruins. If any treasures appear or who obtains them, simply record the details; there is no need to fight for them. When my Holy Realm army descends upon this world, not only will a mere ruin be subject to my Holy Race's wrath, but the entire human realm will prostrate itself at our feet! At that time, all the treasures will be ours!"