139: Chapter 139 The Beginning of Preparations

The light of the Void Realm Mirror gradually dimmed, and the old man's phantom slowly dissipated.

In the secret chamber, Lin Yue sat alone in meditation, his expression as grave as iron.

Parasitism... these two words coiled in his heart like a venomous snake.

If the Star Track Pavilion Master's speculation was true, then the Black Lotus Cult was not merely a simple Evil Path Sect.

It was a tentacle extended by the Spirit Devouring Clan into the world of the Human Race.

And the White Bone Demon Venerable's southward advance was likely not just for revenge.

The deeper purpose was—to destroy the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal and release their imprisoned kin!

"This is a huge problem..."

Lin Yue murmured to himself.

He had originally thought that the Black Lotus Cult only coveted the Star Lord Inheritance and wanted to annex the Southern Region.

Now it seemed that perspective was too narrow.

Their ambition was the entire cultivation world!

"Master."

Hao Tian's voice echoed in his Sea of Consciousness:

"What the Star Track Pavilion Master said does make sense. While searching the memories of that Golden Core captive, I also discovered some anomalies."

"What anomalies?"

"The operational logic of the Black Lotus Cult's higher-ups differs from that of normal Cultivators."

Hao Tian said slowly:

"Normal Cultivators compete for resources to Cultivate, for longevity, and to strengthen themselves. But the Black Lotus Cult's purpose... seems to be solely destruction. They don't care about resource ownership, territorial gains or losses, or even Disciple casualties."

"Just like Blood Lotus Venerable's southward advance this time. He clearly knew Luoxia City's strength was not weak, clearly knew he might suffer losses, yet he still came. And from the start, he engaged in a fight to the death, with no intention of probing."

"This defies common sense."

Lin Yue's eyes sharpened.

Indeed.

Blood Lotus Venerable was, after all, a great power at the Mid Nascent Soul Stage. Those who Cultivate to this level are all shrewd individuals.

Even if seeking revenge, he should first probe the situation, find weaknesses, and proceed gradually.

Yet he chose the most foolish method—a frontal assault.

Unless... "Unless he doesn't care about these losses."

Lin Yue said solemnly:

"Or, he has a reason why he must capture Luoxia City as quickly as possible."

"And that reason is likely the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal!"

"Exactly."

Hao Tian agreed:

"Looking at the timeline, Blood Lotus Venerable's southward advance happened right after we destroyed the Burial Dragon Abyss altar and obtained the Star Lord Inheritance. This is probably not a coincidence."

Lin Yue stood up and began pacing in the secret chamber.

The clues in his mind gradually connected.

The Black Lotus Cult's arrangements in the Southern Region had been in place for at least a hundred years.

Infiltrating various Families, nurturing subsidiary forces like the Green Robe Hall and Green Wood Sect, secretly controlling the Burial Dragon Abyss... all of this was to one day completely destroy the Seal and release the Spirit Devouring Clan.

And the rise of Luoxia City disrupted their plans.

Especially after Lin Yue obtained the Star Lord Inheritance, they felt threatened.

That's why Blood Lotus Venerable rushed southward regardless of the consequences, wanting to strangle it before the Starfall Sect could firmly establish itself.

"White Bone Demon Venerable..."

Lin Yue stopped pacing, a cold light flashing in his eyes:

"If he is truly parasitized, then this battle... will be a direct confrontation between humans and the Spirit Devouring Clan."

He took a deep breath and made a decision:

"Hao Tian, adjust the war preparation plan."

"Master, please give your orders."

"First, all Cultivators in the War Department must be equipped with 'Evil-Breaking Talismans' from now on. The Pill Hall must devote all efforts to drawing these Talismans, sparing no cost."

The Evil-Breaking Talisman is a basic Talisman recorded in the "Star Lord Secret Records," effective against evil and impure Qi.

Although its grade is not high, its advantages are simple refinement and special effectiveness against parasitic evil creatures.

"Second, notify the Artifact Refining Hall that all newly refined Magical Artifacts must incorporate 'Star Purification' or 'Dragon Qi Yang' attributes."

"Third..."

Lin Yue paused, then said solemnly:

"I want to refine a batch of 'Soul-Destroying Arrows.'"

"Soul-Destroying Arrows?!"

Hao Tian was startled:

"Master, those are forbidden Magical Artifacts specifically targeting Divine Souls. The refinement process is extremely dangerous; the slightest mistake can cause backlash..."

"We can't worry about that now."

Lin Yue shook his head:

"If the White Bone Demon Venerable is truly parasitized, ordinary methods will hardly harm him. Only Soul-Destroying Arrows can directly attack the parasite's Origin."

"But the Materials..."

"If the warehouse doesn't have them, then buy, trade, or... seize them."

Lin Yue's gaze was firm:

"Within a month, I want to see at least ten Soul-Destroying Arrows."

"...Understood."

Hao Tian acknowledged.

It knew that Lin Yue had made up his mind... The next morning.

The atmosphere in Luoxia City was more solemn and murderous than usual.

On the city walls, War Department Cultivators patrolled back and forth, their gazes vigilant.

Inside the city, the Artifact Refining Hall, Pill Hall, Formation Hall... all departments were operating at full speed.

The air was filled with tension and oppression.

City Lord's Mansion, Council Hall.

The Lin Family's core members had gathered, their expressions growing increasingly grave.

"City Lord."

Lin Cang spoke first:

"As per your instructions, all shops and workshops in the city have switched to wartime status. All supplies are prioritized for war preparations, and all non-essential trade has been suspended."

"Additionally, the city's civilians have begun evacuation. The elderly, weak, women, and children are being sent to the Qinglan Sect for temporary shelter, while able-bodied adults remain to assist in city defense."

"Well done."

Lin Yue nodded:

"What about the War Department's situation?"

"Reporting to the City Lord."

Lin Hu stepped forward:

"The three thousand Cultivators of the War Department have recovered eighty percent of their combat strength after yesterday's rest. The newly issued Evil-Breaking Talismans have been fully equipped by all."

"Three dragon roar cannons have been repaired, and five new ones have been refined, making a total of fifty-two available for battle."

"Also, as per your request, the War Department has begun practicing the 'Seven Star Evil-Breaking Formation,' specifically targeting evil and impure Qi."

"Good."

Lin Yue looked at Lin Shi:

"What about the Artifact Refining Hall?"

"Reporting to the Sect Master."

Lin Shi's face was somewhat pale, clearly having stayed up all night:

"The new-style Magical Artifacts have begun batch refinement, but incorporating the Star Purification attribute requires 'star sand.' The inventory is only enough for three hundred pieces..."

"star sand will be provided by the Star Track Pavilion."

Lin Yue interrupted him:

"You just focus on refining; I'll handle the Materials issue."

"Yes!"

Lin Shi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Pill Hall..."

Lin Yue looked at Lin De.

"Sect Master, rest assured."

Lin De said solemnly:

"We have sufficient stock of Medicinal Pills for healing, recovery, and burst power. The drawing of Evil-Breaking Talismans has also begun, currently producing a thousand per day, and in three days, we can reach three thousand per day."

"Not enough."

Lin Yue shook his head:

"I want five thousand per day."

"...This subordinate will do his best."

"Not just your best; it must be done."

Lin Yue's gaze swept over everyone:

"Everyone, I know you're all tired and under great pressure. But I must tell you—this battle is not an ordinary Sect conflict."

He paused, enunciating each word:

"Our enemy may no longer be human."

The hall fell dead silent.

"Sect Master... what do you mean by that?"

Lin Hu couldn't help but ask.

"Exactly what it sounds like."

Lin Yue did not conceal the truth, explaining the Star Track Pavilion Master's speculation.

Of course, he omitted the details of the Void Realm Mirror meeting, only saying it was discovered from the captive's memories.

Even so, it was enough to make everyone's expressions change drastically.

"The... the Spirit Devouring Clan?!"

Lin Cang's voice trembled:

"Isn't that the legendary world-destroying clan? How could..."

"The Black Lotus Cult being parasitized is just speculation. But we must prepare for the worst."

Lin Yue said solemnly:

"From today onward, all high-ranking members must carry 'Soul-Calming Jade' at all times. If any abnormalities are detected, report immediately."

Soul-Calming Jade is a protective Magic Treasure recorded in the Star Lord Inheritance, capable of resisting Divine Soul erosion.

Although its grade is not high, it has a warning effect against parasitic evil creatures.

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in unison.

"Additionally..."

Lin Yue looked at Star Radiance:

"Star Envoy, when will the Star Track Pavilion's support arrive?"

"Within five days at the latest."

Star Radiance replied:

"Three Star Gazing Emissaries, ten tons of starfall iron, a hundred cubic meters of star sand, and fifty Void Realm Crystals will all be delivered together."

"Good."

Lin Yue nodded:

"In five days, I will begin setting up the 'Star Dragon Evil-Breaking Grand Array.'"

"This Formation requires at least three Nascent Soul Cultivators to guard the formation eyes. The Star Track Pavilion's Star Gazing Emissaries are arriving just in time."

"Sect Master."

Lin Hu suddenly said:

"Can the Seven Star Alliance's reinforcements arrive within three days?"

"They should be able to."

Lin Yue's eyes flashed with a profound meaning:

"Since Mysterious Yang Master has agreed, he won't go back on his word. After all... this battle also concerns the Seven Star Alliance's reputation."

As soon as he finished speaking.

A report came from outside the hall:

"Report—! The Seven Star Alliance reinforcements have arrived thirty li outside the city!"

"Oh?"

Lin Yue raised an eyebrow:

"They came quite quickly."

He stood up:

"Come, follow me out of the city to welcome them."

...Thirty li outside the city.

A hundred-person team was rapidly approaching.

All wearing Seven Star Daoist robes, their auras imposing.

The three leaders were all at the Early Nascent Soul Stage, two men and one woman, each with an extraordinary demeanor.

On the left was a middle-aged Daoist, carrying a long sword on his back, his expression cold and stern.

On the right was an old man, holding a horsetail whisk, smiling.

In the middle was a female Cultivator in green robes, with a clear and beautiful appearance, yet an heroic air between her brows.

Behind them, a hundred Golden Core Cultivators marched in Formation, disciplined and orderly.

Further back were five hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Although their cultivation was lower, their eyes were sharp, clearly elites.

"Halt."

The team stopped three li outside the city gate.

The female Cultivator in green robes stepped forward and said clearly:

"Seven Star Alliance, Big Dipper Star: Mizar Department, 'Azure Phoenix Immortal Master,' under orders from Elder Xuan Yangzi, leads troops to support Luoxia City."

Her voice was clear and melodious, spreading in all directions.

The city gates opened wide.

Lin Yue led everyone out, clasping his fists:

"Lin Yue of the Luoxia Sect, welcomes Azure Phoenix Immortal Master and all Fellow Daoists."

Azure Phoenix Immortal Master examined Lin Yue, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes:

"You are Lin Yue? The one who condensed the star dragon nascent soul?"

"That's right."

Lin Yue replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Truly extraordinary."

Azure Phoenix Immortal Master nodded, turning to introduce:

"This is 'True Person Xuan Jian,' the chief swordsman of the Big Dipper Star: Mizar Department."

The middle-aged Daoist gave a slight nod as a greeting.

"This is 'Cloud Crane Immortal Master,' a Formation expert of the Big Dipper Star: Mizar Department."

The old man smiled and cupped his hands:

"Young friend Lin, I've long heard of you."

"Greetings to both Immortal Masters."

Lin Yue returned the courtesy, then looked at Azure Phoenix Immortal Master:

"Azure Phoenix Immortal Master, you've come a long way and must be tired. Please enter the city to rest."

"No rush."

Azure Phoenix Immortal Master shook her head, saying seriously:

"Elder Xuan Yangzi ordered that upon our arrival, we must immediately discuss defense matters with Sect Master Lin. Also..."

She paused:

"The Elder asked me to bring one hundred thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones and a batch of Formation Materials, all stored in a storage ring."

As she spoke, she took out a storage ring and handed it to Lin Yue.

Lin Yue took it, scanned it with his Divine Sense, and was secretly shocked.

One hundred thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones were piled up like a small mountain.

There were also various rare Formation Materials, many of which were uncommon in the Southern Region.

The Seven Star Alliance had really invested heavily this time...

"Thank you, Elder Xuan Yangzi, and thank you, Azure Phoenix Immortal Master."

Lin Yue accepted it solemnly:

"In that case, let's enter the city to discuss."

He stepped aside to make way:

"Please."

Azure Phoenix Immortal Master nodded and led the troops into the city.

As the team passed, Lin Yue could clearly feel how strong this hundred-person team was.

Of the hundred Golden Core Cultivators, most were at the Middle Golden Core Stage or above.

The five hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators were all formidable without exception.

This was definitely a force that could decide the outcome of the battle.

"It seems Mysterious Yang Master truly wants to defend the Southern Region..."

Lin Yue thought to himself.

At the same time, he became even more certain—

This battle was anything but simple.

Otherwise, the Seven Star Alliance wouldn't have sent such elite forces.

"Sect Master."

Lin Cang leaned over and whispered:

"This team... is too strong. Our city defenses will probably need readjustment."

"Yes."

Lin Yue nodded:

"Later, you coordinate with Azure Phoenix Immortal Master to arrange accommodations and assign defense sectors."

"Understood."

Everyone entered the city.

The city gates slowly closed.

Outside the city, the sunset was as red as blood.

A storm was about to arrive.

And Luoxia City was ready to face the battle.

But... Lin Yue gazed at the bloody hue on the horizon, an inexplicable unease rising in his heart.

White Bone Demon Venerable... have you, after all, arrived?