126: Sword Pointing at Shura

The Star Palace's reputation soared after repelling the Asura Clan, making it the most prominent force in the Immortal Realm at the moment. The sect felt like it was New Year's every day, with disciples walking with a spring in their step. But Lin Xuan knew perfectly well that beneath this good fortune lurked undercurrents. The Asura Clan had temporarily retreated, but they were brewing a big move, and once they recovered, or if that Nether Skeleton Emperor made a move, trouble was sure to follow.

And there were those old schemers like the Nether Skull Ghost King, who were definitely up to no good. Not to mention the Xuan Gu Remnant Soul, who was hiding somewhere unknown, and that terrifying-sounding “Ancient Burial Lord.”

“We can’t just wait to be attacked; we need to be proactive and nip the trouble in the bud,” Lin Xuan mused. It would be best to unite with other forces to completely suppress the menace of the Asura Clan.

He thought of the five Emperors of the Immortal Realm. They had previously shown goodwill and secretly offered support. Now that he was also an Immortal Venerable, he was qualified to sit at the table and discuss cooperation.

No sooner said than done. Lin Xuan had Bai Li, through the channels of the Demon Clan, formally extend an invitation to the five Emperors for a meeting.

Not long after the news spread, there was a response. The five Emperors all showed great respect, agreeing to project their images to the Star Palace for discussions. This level of prestige was unique in the Immortal Realm!

On the day of the meeting, the main hall of the Star Palace was exceptionally solemn. Lin Xuan sat in the main seat, flanked by Bai Li and Bi Xiao, Elder of the Void Palace. In the center of the hall, five majestic projections slowly materialized.

Emperor Yu of the Human Clan, with his imposing gait and vast Imperial might, looked at Lin Xuan with approval. The Azure Nether Emperor of the Demon Clan looked at his disciple Bai Li and Lin Xuan with a somewhat complex but generally supportive gaze. Spirit Wa Yuanjun of the Spirit Clan, with her gentle aura, scanned Lin Xuan with kindness. Ao Guang Dragon Emperor of the Dragon Clan, with his golden dragon eyes, scrutinized Lin Xuan with a hint of recognition. Luo Hou Demon Lord of the Demon Clan, shrouded in demonic energy, smiled the most broadly at Lin Xuan, wearing an expression that said, “The kid I favor is truly awesome.”

“Seniors, your presence honors the Star Palace,” Lin Xuan rose and saluted, neither humble nor arrogant.

“Little Friend Lin, there’s no need for such formality,” Emperor Yu spoke first, his voice steady. “You are now also an Immortal Venerable, and you may address us as equals. What is the purpose of inviting us here this time? Please speak freely.”

Lin Xuan didn't beat around the bush and directly stated his thoughts: “Seniors, the Asura Clan has plagued the Immortal Realm for a long time. Now, with the Queen of Bugs acting unusually, there may be a greater conspiracy behind it. This junior believes that instead of waiting for them to fully prepare and return, we should join forces, take the initiative, and completely eradicate this cancerous growth! At the very least, we should severely cripple them so they dare not offend us for ten thousand years!”

He paused, then added: “The Star Palace is willing to be the vanguard!”

The Emperors exchanged glances but did not immediately reply. A joint counterattack against the Asura Clan was a monumental undertaking, involving extensive implications.

Luo Hou Demon Lord was the first to cackle: “Good! This Venerable has long found those blood clots an eyesore! Lin Xuan, you have guts! My Demon Clan warriors are willing to contribute a third of our strength to fight to our heart’s content with you!” The Demon Clan and the Asura Clan were already at odds, so he naturally supported any opportunity to beat the other side.

Spirit Wa Yuanjun nodded slightly: “The Asura Clan’s slaughter is excessive and harms the natural order. The blood-fiend resentment they create also pollutes the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. If they can be eliminated, it will be a good deed for all beings in the Immortal Realm. I can command my Spirit Clan to provide healing and purification assistance, and open some ancient teleportation arrays to facilitate troop movements.” Her primary consideration was to maintain the balance of heaven and earth.

The Azure Nether Emperor looked at Bai Li, then at Lin Xuan, and sighed: “Alright, the Demon Clan will also send troops. Bai Li, you will coordinate this matter; be sure to be careful.” He had essentially tied his disciple and the Demon Clan to Lin Xuan’s war chariot.

Ao Guang Dragon Emperor pondered for a moment and said: “The Dragon Clan can send elite Dragon Riders to assist and provide a batch of Demon-Slaying Dragon Flame Talismans. However, this King has one condition: if the Asura core area is breached, any ‘Dragon Soul Crystals’ or ‘Ancient Dragon Clan Remains’ found within must belong to my Dragon Clan.” The Dragon Clan was proud but also pragmatic, discussing benefits.

Finally, everyone’s gaze turned to Emperor Yu. The Human Clan was the largest clan in the Immortal Realm, and his attitude was the most crucial.

Emperor Yu’s gaze swept over everyone, and he slowly said: “The Asura Clan is indeed a major hidden danger. A joint extermination is imperative. This Emperor can mobilize the main force of the Human Clan’s Immortal Army and unite with various Immortal Domain sects to form a coalition army. However, the Asura's old lair has been operating for many years and must have numerous defenses, especially that Nether Skeleton Emperor, whose strength is unfathomable. We need to plan carefully and act decisively.”

He looked at Lin Xuan: “Little Friend Lin, since you are the vanguard, do you know the true nature of the Asura Clan’s core stronghold, the Blood Hell Demon Abyss?”

Lin Xuan had already had Su Yuan do his homework and immediately replied: “To Emperor Yu, according to our investigation and analysis, the outer perimeter of the Blood Hell Demon Abyss is protected by three astonishing demonic arrays. Inside, blood-fiend energy pervades, and space is folded, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Its core should be the ‘Bone Throne’ where the Nether Skeleton Emperor resides, and… the ‘Hatching Nest’ where the Queen of Bugs is nurtured.”

He brought up a light screen, displaying the simulated map that Su Yuan had calculated: “A direct assault would incur too many losses. This junior believes we can divide our forces into three routes. One route will feign an attack from the front to attract their main attention; an elite small team, led by experts, will seize an opportunity to infiltrate and destroy the demonic array nodes or directly launch a surprise attack on the Hatching Nest; the last route will require all of Your Majesties to personally take action to contain or even encircle and kill the Nether Skeleton Emperor and other Asura Emperor-level existences.”

The Emperors looked at the detailed simulation map and attack plan, all showing surprise. They hadn't expected Lin Xuan to be so thoroughly prepared; this plan sounded highly feasible.

“Excellent!” Emperor Yu nodded. “We shall proceed with this plan! All parties are to immediately mobilize their forces. In one month, assemble at the ‘Meteorite Defense Line’!”

“Good!” “No problem!” The Emperors all agreed.

The alliance was thus formed!

Over the next month, the entire Immortal Realm was set in motion!

Throughout the various Immortal Domains of the Human Clan, battle banners fluttered, countless immortal ships and warships set sail, and elite immortal armies marched to the front lines. Within the Demon Clan territories, ten thousand demons surged, demonic energy soared, and warriors from various clans gathered under the coordination of the Azure Nether Emperor’s generals and Bai Li. The Spirit Clan opened several ancient stellar pathways, allowing the grand army to move quickly, and countless Spirit Clan members skilled in healing and purification also joined the ranks. The Demon Clan was the most excited; Luo Hou Demon Lord dispatched several of his most battle-hungry Demon Lords, leading a vast Demon Clan army, eager for battle. Although the Dragon Clan sent fewer troops, each one was a powerful descendant of ancient dragons, exuding formidable dragon might.

The Star Palace was even more fully mobilized. Lin Xuan personally led as commander, with Yun Qingyao as vice-commander, overseeing the entire situation. The million-strong Star Palace army served as the vanguard, equipped with the finest gear and exceptionally high morale. Chu Xinghe led the formation master team, arriving at the front line early to begin setting up super-large siege and blockade formations. Su Yuan’s intelligence network operated at full capacity, monitoring the Asura Clan’s movements in real-time.

Such a large-scale joint military operation could not be concealed. News quickly reached the Asura Clan.

Deep within the Blood Hell Demon Abyss, the colossal figure of the Nether Skeleton Emperor, shrouded in endless blood mist, let out a furious roar!

“A bunch of useless trash! How dare those rabble of the Immortal Realm unite!” His voice shook the entire Demon Abyss.

The several Asura Royal Family and Demon Lords kneeling below trembled in fear.

“Your Majesty, calm your anger! The allied army is vast, especially that Lin Xuan and the Star Palace, whose momentum is currently strong…”

“Hmph! Lin Xuan! A mere clown!” The Nether Skeleton Emperor snorted coldly. “Do you really think becoming an Immortal Venerable can make you contend with this Emperor? And those old geezers like Emperor Yu, since you’ve come to seek death yourselves, don’t blame this Emperor for being ruthless!”

A cruel light flashed in his eyes: “Issue the order! Activate the ‘Ten Thousand Souls Blood Sacrifice Array’! Throw all those useless slaves and captives into the blood pool! Provide the final nourishment for the Queen of Bugs! As long as the Queen of Bugs can complete her final evolution ahead of schedule and hatch the complete ‘Destruction Bug Emperor,’ what allied army? They’re all just food!”

“Also! Extend an invitation to the ‘Void Shadows’ and the ‘Star Devourers’! Tell them that as long as they are willing to act, they will get three-tenths of the Immortal Realm’s benefits!”

The Asura Clan also began its final frantic preparations for war! The entire Blood Hell Demon Abyss was like a giant war furnace, filled with despair and a bloody aura.

A month passed in a flash.

The Immortal Realm Allied Army, hundreds of millions strong, like an endless tide, gathered at the Meteorite Defense Line. Immortal light, demonic energy, infernal flames, spiritual radiance, and dragon might intertwined, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring momentum that shook the universe!

Lin Xuan stood at the bow of the Star Palace flagship, with the projections of the five Emperors behind him. He looked at the Blood Hell Demon Abyss ahead, shrouded in thick blood-fiend energy, like the gaping maw of a demon. He took a deep breath and raised the bronze battle axe in his hand.

His voice, amplified by his magic power, spread throughout the entire allied army:

“Everyone! The Asura have wreaked havoc and troubled the Immortal Realm for too long! Today, we gather here, not for personal vendettas, but for justice! To forge a bright and clear universe for the ten thousand clans of the Immortal Realm!”

“This battle! We shall be victorious!”

“Victorious!” “Victorious!” “Victorious!”

Hundreds of millions of cultivators roared in unison, their voices shattering the stars!

“Attack!”

As Lin Xuan’s battle axe fell, countless immortal ships and warships, like arrows leaving their bows, unleashed destructive beams of light, blasting towards the outer defensive demonic arrays of the Blood Hell Demon Abyss!

Boom, boom, boom!

The great battle erupted instantly!

The allied forces feigning a frontal attack surged like a raging tide, fiercely impacting the Asura Clan’s defenses. The demonic arrays’ lights flickered wildly, and countless Asura soldiers and insectoids poured out of the Demon Abyss, fighting to the death!

Meanwhile, several commando teams, composed of elite experts from all sides, used the Spirit Clan’s ancient teleportation arrays and Bi Xiao, Elder of the Void Palace’s spatial abilities to silently bypass the Demon Abyss’s flank, like venomous fangs, stabbing at the vulnerable nodes of the demonic arrays!

Lin Xuan did not stay in the rear to command; he temporarily handed over command to Yun Qingyao and Bai Li. He himself, with a flicker of his figure, merged into the void, personally leading one of the most elite teams—its members including Leng Yuechan, Ye Chen, Mo Sha, Kong Ming, and several Human Clan and Demon Clan Immortal Monarch experts—straight towards the most crucial target: the Queen of Bugs’ Hatching Nest!

He knew that only by destroying the Queen of Bugs as quickly as possible could they cut off the Asura Clan’s foundation and prevent the emergence of that “Destruction Bug Emperor.”

The entrance to the nest was extremely heavily guarded, not only by powerful Asura Demon Lords but also by countless mutated high-level insectoids and layers of evil restrictions.

“Charge in!” Lin Xuan roared, activating the Time Law again!

“Instantaneous Slowdown!”

The movements of the guards at the entrance instantly became sluggish!

“Annihilation!” Leng Yuechan’s sword light was like the scythe of death, harvesting lives. Ye Chen’s figure flickered, specifically destroying the core of the restrictions. Mo Sha roared, smashing through all obstacles in his path. Kong Ming’s Buddha's Light protected everyone, resisting the pervasive blood-fiend erosion.

The team, like a red-hot knife cutting through butter, forcibly broke into the Hatching Nest!

Inside the nest, the scene was even more terrifying. Countless giant flesh tumors pulsed like hearts, various grotesque insect eggs soaked in viscous nutrient fluid, and the air was filled with a nauseatingly sweet stench and powerful life fluctuations.

And in the deepest part of the nest, an unimaginably huge, translucent flesh tumor was violently contracting and expanding, vaguely revealing a terrifying and grotesque silhouette taking shape within, exuding a heart-palpitating pressure!

The Queen of Bugs! And it seemed to be evolving towards its final form!

“It must be stopped!” A fierce light flashed in Lin Xuan’s eyes. He raised the bronze battle axe, gathered all his strength, and was about to cleave the giant flesh tumor!

However, at that very moment—

A cold, venomous, yet somewhat madly triumphant voice suddenly echoed from the shadows of the nest:

“Lin Xuan… you finally came… This sovereign has been waiting for you for a long time!”

The shadows twisted, and a phantom, ethereal soul body, yet exuding a bizarrely powerful aura, slowly emerged.

It was—the Xuan Gu Remnant Soul! But his aura at this moment had become incredibly strange and powerful, even… subtly carrying a trace of the deathly stillness similar to that of the “Ancient Burial Lord”!

He had actually arrived here first, and it seemed… he had formed some strange connection with the Queen of Bugs?

Lin Xuan’s pupils suddenly contracted: “Xuan Gu?! What have you done?!”

Xuan Gu Remnant Soul let out a cackling laugh: “Nothing much… just gave a trace of the ‘Extinction Origin’ bestowed by the Ancient Burial Lord to this esteemed Queen of Bugs as a snack… Now, it’s very excited…”

As he spoke, the giant flesh tumor violently shook, and the terrifying existence within it seemed to… open its eyes!

A terrifying pressure, far exceeding the Immortal Venerable level, mixed with the insectoid’s devouring instinct and the deathly aura of extinction, erupted with a roar!

Lin Xuan’s heart suddenly sank.

The situation, it seemed, had exceeded expectations…