183: Chapter 183 The Allied Forces Arrive, Power Struggle

Lin Yue and the Spirit Devourer Commander stared at each other across the distance.

The fifty-zhang fissure was like a wound tearing the sky, and dark red evil qi poured out like a waterfall.

The Commander sat upon the White Bone Throne. Although only half of its body had squeezed into this realm, the Mid stage Soul Transformation pressure already covered a hundred miles like a tangible entity.

“Star Lord Successor...”

The Commander's voice was like grinding metal, harsh and cold: “That you could reach this step truly surprised this Lord.”

“But, this is where it ends.”

It slowly raised the White Bone Scepter, and dark red light gathered at the tip of the staff.

“This strike will send you... to meet the Star Lord.”

Before the words finished, the scepter pointed out!

A dark red blood line pierced the sky. Wherever it passed, space was annihilated inch by inch, aiming straight for Lin Yue's glabella!

This strike had already exceeded the Nascent Soul scope, touching upon the full power of Mid stage Soul Transformation!

“Young Friend Lin!”

The Star Track Pavilion Master's expression changed drastically, wanting to rush forward.

But someone was faster than him.

Buzz—!

The sound of a sword cry was like a Dragon's roar!

An azure sword light arrived from beyond the heavens, reaching first despite starting later, accurately striking the center of the dark red blood line!

Boom—!!!

The blood line shattered, and the sword light also dispersed.

An azure-robed Daoist stepped through the air and landed in front of Lin Yue.

The Daoist had a clean and vigorous appearance and carried a simple, ancient longsword on his back. It was none other than the Sect Master of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect—Sword Origin Master!

“You Spirit Devouring Clan scum, if you want to touch a Human Race genius, you must first ask the sword in this old man's hand!”

Sword Origin Master's voice was clear and resonant, and his Sword Intent soared into the sky. He was clearly also an Early Spirit Transformation Stage Cultivator!

“Sword Origin Master...”

A trace of apprehension flashed in the Commander's crimson pupils, but it immediately turned into mockery: “A mere Early Spirit Transformation Stage Cultivator dares to stop this Lord?”

“If it were only this old man, naturally I wouldn't dare.”

Sword Origin Master smiled faintly: “But those who came today... are not just this old man.”

As his voice fell.

Powerful auras simultaneously descended from the eastern and western skies!

From the east, Ancestor Chi Yang stepped on fire clouds, flames raging around him, his Mid stage Soul Transformation pressure completely undisguised!

From the west, Xuan Mingzi stepped on a Xuan Gui Phantom, his aura deep as the sea, and he was also an Early Spirit Transformation Stage Cultivator!

Three Spirit Transformation Ancestors had arrived simultaneously!

“Old Ghost Chi Yang, Xuan Mingzi...”

Gravity finally appeared in the Commander's eyes.

It wasn't afraid of a single Sword Origin Master, but with three Soul Transformation Cultivators working together, even though it was Mid stage Soul Transformation, having only half its body descended meant it wouldn't fare well.

“Good, good, good...”

It uttered three 'good's in a row, its voice sinister and cold: “The Human Race is quite united. But this Lord wants to see how long you can protect him.”

With that, it retracted the scepter and sat back on the White Bone Throne.

But those crimson eyes still stared intensely at Lin Yue, as if wanting to devour him alive.

The crisis was temporarily averted.

Sword Origin Master turned to look at Lin Yue, a look of approval flashing in his eyes: “Sect Master Lin, have your injuries recovered?”

“Thank you, Senior, for your help. I am fine now.”

Lin Yue cupped his hands, but his heart tightened.

Sword Origin Master had seen at a glance that he had been injured. This insight... truly worthy of a Spirit Transformation Ancestor.

“It's good that you've recovered.”

Sword Origin Master nodded: “The Allied Army has all arrived, totaling three Soul Transformation Cultivators, ten Nascent Soul Cultivators, and three hundred Golden Core Cultivators. They have now been stationed throughout the defense line.”

He paused: “However, there are some matters... that need to be discussed with Sect Master Lin.”

Lin Yue understood immediately.

The power struggle was about to begin.

Frontline Command Post, temporary grand hall.

Seven figures sat in separate seats.

The three at the head were Lin Yue, the Star Track Pavilion Master, and Sword Origin Master.

On the left: Ancestor Chi Yang, Xuan Mingzi, and Heavenly Craftsman.

On the right: The Qingyang Sect representative, True Person Chi Yan (Late Nascent Soul Stage), the Xuantian Sect representative, Immortal Master Xuan Feng (Late Nascent Soul Stage), and the Ten Thousand Swords Sect representative, Elder Jian Chen (Mid Nascent Soul Stage).

The atmosphere was delicate.

Although Ancestor Chi Yang had previously lost to Lin Yue, he was still a Mid stage Soul Transformation Cultivator. He sat expressionless, meditating.

Xuan Mingzi, however, was scrutinizing Lin Yue, his eyes full of assessment.

And True Person Chi Yan of the Qingyang Sect made no attempt to hide the arrogance on his face.

“Since everyone is here, let's get straight to the point.”

Sword Origin Master spoke first: “Now that the Allied Army has arrived, unified command is necessary to maximize combat power. In this old man's opinion, the frontline command authority should be held by Sect Master Lin.”

“I object!”

True Person Chi Yan immediately stood up and said coldly: “Although Lin Yue holds the Star Lord Inheritance, he is ultimately only Late Nascent Soul Stage. How can a junior Nascent Soul Cultivator command Soul Transformation Ancestors? What kind of system is that?”

He looked at Sword Origin Master: “Sect Master Sword Origin, I respect you as a Senior, but I must refuse to comply with this matter.”

Sword Origin Master frowned: “Chi Yan, this is wartime; we must prioritize the overall situation.”

“It is precisely for the overall situation!”

True Person Chi Yan raised his voice: “Command authority concerns the lives and deaths of tens of thousands of Cultivators. How can we treat it as a joke? In my view, it should be jointly managed by the three Soul Transformation Ancestors. As for Sect Master Lin... he can assist on the side.”

Although the words were polite, the intention was to marginalize Lin Yue.

The Star Track Pavilion Master's face darkened: “Fellow Daoist Chi Yan, the Southern Territory is Luoxia Sect's territory, and Sect Master Lin is the Star Lord Successor, with the most experience fighting the Spirit Devouring Clan. Is it appropriate for him just to assist?”

“What's inappropriate about it?”

True Person Chi Yan sneered: “Rich in experience? Then why is the Burial Dragon Abyss fissure getting wider and wider? Why is the Spirit Devourer Commander about to descend?”

“Ultimately, it's due to insufficient strength!”

He looked at Lin Yue, his eyes full of provocation: “Sect Master Lin, if you truly have the ability to command the Allied Army, why don't you... show us your skills?”

Naked provocation!

Inside the hall, the atmosphere instantly turned cold.

Sword Origin Master's expression was grim, and he was about to reprimand him.

But Lin Yue smiled.

“True Person Chi Yan wants to... spar?”

“Exactly!”

True Person Chi Yan lifted his head: “If you can withstand three of my moves, I will recognize your position as commander. If you cannot...”

He sneered: “Then obediently step down and yield your position to a worthy person!”

Three moves?

Everyone's expressions were strange.

True Person Chi Yan was Late Nascent Soul Stage, and Lin Yue was also Nascent Soul Peak.

To decide the winner in three moves among Late Nascent Soul Cultivators? This was clearly taking advantage of Lin Yue's youth and lack of experience.

But Lin Yue nodded: “Alright.”

“Young Friend Lin...”

The Star Track Pavilion Master wanted to dissuade him.

Lin Yue waved his hand: “It's fine. Since True Person Chi Yan is unconvinced, then I... will convince him.”

He stood up and walked toward the hall entrance.

“Let's decide the winner in one move. I'm in a hurry.”

True Person Chi Yan's face flushed red.

Too arrogant!

“Fine! One move it is!”

He was furious and quickly followed out.

The people inside the hall exchanged glances and also followed them out.

Outside the plaza.

Lin Yue and True Person Chi Yan stood a hundred zhang apart.

Crimson flames rose around True Person Chi Yan, his Late Nascent Soul Stage pressure fully erupting. A crimson long spear appeared in his hand, the tip spitting fire. It was clearly a High Grade Tier 4 Magic Treasure!

“Lin Yue, don't say I bullied you. This spear of mine, 'Crimson Sun Piercing the Sky,' once heavily injured a Nascent Soul Peak demonic creature. If you surrender now, you still have time!”

Lin Yue merely looked at him calmly, without even drawing his sword.

“Please.”

“You're courting death!”

True Person Chi Yan roared in anger. He shook his long spear, and man and spear merged into one, transforming into a crimson meteor that stabbed directly at Lin Yue!

This spear was as fast as lightning. Before it arrived, the blazing Spear Intent had already enveloped the surrounding hundred zhang!

The ground was scorched black, and the air warped.

The surrounding Nascent Soul Cultivators changed their expressions—the power of this spear had already touched the threshold of Soul Transformation!

A trace of satisfaction flashed in Ancestor Chi Yang's eyes.

Chi Yan was his Personal Disciple, and this spear had inherited seventy percent of his true Legacy. He had few rivals within the Nascent Soul realm.

Lin Yue... must lose!

But in the next moment.

Lin Yue moved.

He simply took a gentle step forward...

Then, his figure disappeared.

No, not disappeared.

But... too fast!

So fast that even the Divine Sense of a Soul Transformation Ancestor could only capture an afterimage!

“Time Acceleration?!”

Ancestor Chi Yang's pupils suddenly contracted.

He finally understood how he had lost before!

On the battlefield.

True Person Chi Yan's spear missed its target, and the alarm bells in his heart rang loudly.

He tried to retract his spear to defend, but was horrified to find that his movements... were half a beat too slow!

No, it wasn't that he was slow.

It was that Lin Yue... was too fast!

“First move.”

Lin Yue's voice sounded behind him.

Simultaneously, a hand gently pressed against his back.

There was no force applied.

But True Person Chi Yan's body stiffened, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

Because he felt that if that hand exerted even the slightest force, his Nascent Soul... would be shattered!

“Second move.”

Lin Yue's figure flashed again, appearing to True Person Chi Yan's left.

His right hand, fingers pressed together like a sword, pointed at his throat.

Sword Qi pulsed, stinging his skin painfully.

“Third move.”

Lin Yue returned to his original position, as if he had never moved.

But the long spear in True Person Chi Yan's hand, at some unknown point... was now in Lin Yue's hand.

Lin Yue toyed with the crimson long spear. The flame at the tip was as docile as a lamb in his palm.

“True Person Chi Yan, do you wish to continue?”

True Person Chi Yan stood rooted to the spot, his face pale.

Three moves?

No, Lin Yue hadn't even made a single move!

He had only... demonstrated his speed.

An overwhelming speed that left him no time to react!

“I... I concede.”

True Person Chi Yan lowered his head bitterly.

The entire scene was silent.

Even Sword Origin Master and Xuan Mingzi looked stunned.

They knew Lin Yue was strong, but they hadn't expected... him to be this strong!

True Person Chi Yan, a Nascent Soul Peak Cultivator, was utterly helpless before him, like a child!

“Now, does anyone still question Sect Master Lin's command authority?”

The Star Track Pavilion Master scanned the crowd, his voice calm but carrying undeniable authority.

No one answered.

Ancestor Chi Yang snorted coldly and turned his head away, but he didn't object further.

Xuan Mingzi looked deeply at Lin Yue, finally nodding: “The Xuantian Sect... has no objections.”

The overall situation was settled.

Lin Yue tossed the long spear back to True Person Chi Yan and turned to walk back into the grand hall.

As he passed Ancestor Chi Yang, he paused slightly and whispered: “Old Ancestor, the battlefield is not a place for petty rivalry. If you truly want to prove yourself...”

He looked toward the Burial Dragon Abyss, a cold light flashing in his eyes: “There, you will find better opponents.”

Ancestor Chi Yang's body trembled. He looked at the White Bone Throne deep within the fissure, flames flickering in his eyes.

Finally, he took a deep breath: “Good. In this battle... I will follow your command.”

Lin Yue nodded and said no more.

As he walked back into the hall, he gazed at the fifty-zhang fissure in the distance, yet felt no sense of relief.

Because just now, during the 'spar' with True Person Chi Yan, he clearly sensed—

Deep within the fissure, the figure on the White Bone Throne... curled its lips into a mocking, cold smile.

As if to say:

“Are you done playing?”

“If you're done playing...”

“Then it's time for this Lord to take the stage.”