68: Chapter 68 Southern Region Alliance

Using thunderous methods, Lin Wan deposed the Peak Revered Masters of Tianquan Peak, Danxia Peak, and Refining Cauldron Peak within a single day, issuing iron-fisted decrees to completely seize control of the Qingyun Sect.

The news swept through the Southern Region like a hurricane, shaking all directions.

His terrifying Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivation base, along with his shocking combat power that was nearly "unrivaled below Soul Transformation," left all factions that heard the news restless, forcing them to re-evaluate their relationship with this "True Monarch Guixu" and the Qingyun Sect behind him.

For a time, various Sects and aristocratic families in the Southern Region, whether actively or passively, sent envoys bearing heavy gifts to the Qingyun Sect.

Some came for the purpose of "offering congratulations," while actually intending to probe the truth and curry favor; others came simply to "plead guilty," fearing that any past entanglements with the Ice Soul Palace, Xuanming Sect, or even the faction of the Ghost Hand Daoist would lead to this decisive "True Monarch Guixu" settling scores later.

The Qingyun Sect's mountain gate became unprecedentedly "lively."

Every day, a constant stream of various cloud boats and beams of light entered and exited the gate.

The "Reception Hall" for guests had its threshold almost worn flat.

The Elder in charge of external affairs was so busy that his feet barely touched the ground.

Yet, the initiator of all this, Lin Wan, did not pay much attention to these trivial matters.

After initially controlling the Sect and stabilizing internal affairs, he handed over most specific tasks to True Monarch Daoxuan, Peak Master Yue Lingyun, and several reliable Nascent Soul Elders (including Han Lingtian, whom he had appointed as the new, acting Peak Revered Master of Tianquan Peak) to handle.

He himself, along with Great Master Liao Chen, held a crucial secret meeting with True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun in a quiet room named "Dao Seeking Pavilion," located deep within Lingyun Peak.

Inside the "Dao Seeking Pavilion," all Restrictions were fully activated, isolating the interior from the exterior.

True Monarch Daoxuan, Peak Master Yue Lingyun, Lin Wan, and Great Master Liao Chen sat cross-legged.

A low table was placed in the center with steaming clear tea, yet no one had the leisure to taste it.

"Lin Wan, tell us in detail about what you saw and heard regarding 'the end' in the Heavenly Ruins, as well as the related records you obtained from the Five Elements Sect Legacy." True Monarch Daoxuan said with a solemn expression.

Although Lin Wan had briefly mentioned it upon his return, now that the situation had stabilized slightly, it was time to understand in detail this terrifying threat that concerned the survival of this realm.

Lin Wan nodded, no longer holding anything back.

He began by recounting the Ruin Fiend Spirits he encountered at the "Blood Fiend Core," the Five Elements Sect Formation spirit that had been eroded and polluted by "the end," the tragic scenes at the ancient battlefield ruins, the discovery of the "Five Elements Barrier," the encounter with the "Apostle" of "Shadow of the End" probing him, the attack by the "Hunters" squad, and finally, his life-and-death struggle with "The End Hunter."

In between, he interspersed some of the truth he learned from the historical materials of the Five Elements Barrier regarding the ancient war between the Five Elements Sect and "the end," as well as the terrifying nature of "the end" in eroding the myriad worlds, twisting Laws, and corrupting living beings.

He spoke in detail, especially regarding the combat styles and bizarre abilities of the minions of "the end," as well as the potentially more vast and rigorous "organizational" system behind them.

He also mentioned that his Dao Seed had accidentally absorbed and fused with a fragment of the "Ending" Law while resisting the "Ending Domain," giving him a deeper understanding of the Five Elements Returning to Ruins Dao.

True Monarch Daoxuan, Peak Master Yue Lingyun, and Great Master Liao Chen all listened with changing expressions, at times shocked, at times fearful, and at times deep in thought.

Although they had already guessed about "the end" from Lin Wan's previous performance and scattered rumors, hearing Lin Wan describe it in detail now—especially learning that "the end" was not merely some simple Evil Path, but a terrifying existence akin to a "natural disaster" or a "concept" that could erode all things, possessed a rigorous organization, and had Advanced combat units—made their hearts heavy, feeling unprecedented pressure.

"...Now, although I have initially controlled the Five Elements Barrier and my cultivation has improved, the threat of 'the end' is definitely not something I alone, or even the Qingyun Sect alone, can handle." Lin Wan concluded, his gaze sweeping over the three.

"According to the historical records of the Five Elements Sect, when 'the end' eroded this realm back then, the Five Elements Sect poured the strength of the entire Sect and united with allies from the heavens to set up the 'War Barrier,' yet they could only barely resist it, and were eventually forced to seal themselves. Now, the tentacles of 'the end' are reaching into this realm again, and its actions are even more secretive and bizarre. We must unite as much strength as possible and prepare early before it truly launches a large-scale erosion and outbreak."

"Amitabha." Great Master Liao Chen pressed his palms together, his expression compassionate and grave.

"Fellow Daoist Lin is absolutely right. This poor monk will report this matter in detail to the Abbot and the various Martial Uncles and Grand Uncles upon returning to the Western Desert. Our Buddhist Sect takes saving all living beings and protecting the common people as our duty; we are duty-bound to resist such world-destroying evil. The Vajra Temple of the Western Desert is willing to form an Alliance with the Qingyun Sect to resist 'the end' together."

"Great Master Liao Chen is righteous. On behalf of the Qingyun Sect, I thank you in advance." Lin Wan said solemnly.

"Lin Wan, do you mean... you want to unite the Righteous Path forces of the Southern Region, and even the entire Tiannan Continent?" Peak Master Yue Lingyun frowned deeply.

"This is easier said than done. There is constant friction and mutual suspicion between the major regions. Those top forces in the Central Province are even more arrogant and may not necessarily look at our Southern Region. Wanting them to set aside their prejudices and join hands to fight against a 'threat' that has not yet manifested on a large scale is, I fear..."

"Revered Master is right; that is indeed the difficulty." Lin Wan nodded.

"But it is not entirely impossible. The erosion of 'the end' is not just targeting our Southern Region, or just the Qingyun Sect. Its tentacles have already reached into the Heavenly Ruins and the Central Province (as can be known from the Five Elements Sect historical records and the few words from 'The End Hunter'). As long as we bring out concrete evidence and demonstrate sufficient strength and sincerity, it is not impossible to persuade some far-sighted forces. Moreover..."

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"We do not necessarily need to unite all forces from the beginning. We can start by integrating the interior of the Southern Region to form a relatively stable Alliance with the Qingyun Sect at its core. Then, using this as a foundation, we can contact some forces in the Western Desert, Eastern Wasteland, Northern Plains, and even the Central Province. As for those who are obstinate or harbor malicious intentions... in the Face of the great trend of 'the end,' they will either submit or... be eliminated."

His words carried an unquestionable decisiveness within their calmness.

Clearly, he already had a preliminary blueprint in mind for integrating forces to resist "the end," and his attitude was resolute.

True Monarch Daoxuan pondered for a long time, then slowly said, "Lin Wan, your thoughts are indeed reasonable. Resisting such a great calamity truly requires gathering the strength of many. With your current strength, reputation, and the Legacy of the Five Elements Sect, integrating the Southern Region may be achievable. The Sect will fully support you."

He looked at Lin Wan, his eyes full of trust and expectation.

"However, this matter must be handled step by step; one cannot be too hasty. The interior of the Southern Region is not an iron plate either. The 'Xuantian Sword Sect,' 'Hundred Flowers Valley,' 'Beast Taming Mountain,' and others, although they have a decent relationship with our Sect, involve fundamental Sect interests and leadership rights, so they may not easily bow their heads. Not to mention, there are also forces like the 'Ten Thousand Poisons Cult' and 'Yin Corpse Sect' that are both righteous and evil, acting in mysterious ways, as well as some stubborn factions that are attached to the remnants of the Ice Soul Palace and Xuanming Sect."

"Sect Head, rest assured, this Disciple understands." Lin Wan said.

"For this matter, I intend to issue 'Southern Region Alliance Meeting' invitations in the name of 'True Monarch Guixu,' inviting all Sects and aristocratic families in the Southern Region above the Nascent Soul stage to gather at our Qingyun Sect's 'Tianyun Platform' in three months to discuss the great plan of 'dealing with extraterrestrial demons (temporarily using this to refer to 'the end') and protecting the peace of the Southern Region.' At the Alliance Meeting, I will present some evidence, demonstrate my strength, and explain the pros and cons. Those who are willing can form an Alliance to resist together; those who are not, as long as they do not make an enemy of me and do not collude with 'the end,' can go their own way. But if anyone harbors malicious intentions or is tainted by 'the end'..."

A cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Then do not blame me, Lin, for acting on behalf of the heavens and cleaning house."

"Southern Region Alliance Meeting..." True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun looked at each other, both seeing the gravity and determination in the other's eyes.

This was undoubtedly a risky move, but it was also an inevitable step to integrate the Southern Region and deal with the future great calamity.

With Lin Wan's current strength and methods, perhaps, he could really succeed.

"Good! Then it shall be as you say!" True Monarch Daoxuan made the final decision. "The Sect will immediately begin preparations for the 'Southern Region Alliance Meeting'. You will personally draft the contents of the invitations. When the time comes, I and Peak Master Yue Lingyun will fully support you."

"Amitabha, I will also send a message to the temple, requesting the Abbot to dispatch high monks to come and show support," Liao Chen also said.

"Many thanks, Sect Head, Revered Master, Fellow Daoist Liao Chen," Lin Wan said, cupping his hands.

With the plan decided, the four of them discussed the specific details of the Alliance Meeting, potential complications, and contingency plans in detail. The secret meeting did not disperse until late at night.

Over the next few months, the vast machine that was the Qingyun Sect began to operate efficiently under Lin Wan's will.

The news of the 'Southern Region Alliance Meeting' spread to every corner of the Southern Region with the utmost speed.

On the invitations, in the name of 'True Monarch Guixu' Lin Wan, the words were earnest yet implicitly majestic, explaining the threat of the emerging 'Outer World Demons', calling upon Fellow Daoists of the Southern Region to set aside past grievances, discuss the grand plan together, and protect their homeland.

At the end of the invitations was a unique seal condensed by Lin Wan using the power of the Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed, emitting a faint, heart-palpitating Chaos Dao rhyme that no one could forge.

Once the news broke, the Southern Region was shaken once again!

"The Southern Region Alliance Meeting? Initiated by True Monarch Guixu?"

"Outer World Demons? What is that? I've never heard of it!"

"Discuss the grand plan? Protect the Southern Region? That sounds high-sounding, but I'm afraid it's just an excuse to integrate the Southern Region and let the Qingyun Sect dominate alone, right?"

"Not go? Can we really not go? Didn't you see the seal on the invitation? That is the mark of 'True Monarch Guixu', a Nascent Soul Great Perfection who can kill six Nascent Souls with one sword! If we don't go, wouldn't that be not giving him Face? What if he settles the score later..."

"Go! We must go! Let's see what tricks this 'True Monarch Guixu' wants to play! And let's see if this so-called 'Outer World Demons' is true or false!"

The major forces of the Southern Region reacted differently. There was suspicion, resistance, and hesitation, but some small and medium-sized forces that were on good terms with the Qingyun Sect, or had witnessed Lin Wan's might, decisively stated that they would attend on time.

The three top-tier Sects comparable in strength to the Qingyun Sect—the Xuantian Sword Sect, Hundred Flowers Valley, and Beast Taming Mountain—also went through intense internal debates.

In the end, out of fear of 'True Monarch Guixu's' strength and curiosity and vigilance regarding the rumors of 'Outer World Demons', they all decided to send delegations led by Late Stage Grand Elders to attend the meeting and investigate.

As for the Evil Path Sects like the Ten Thousand Poisons Cult and Yin Corpse Sect, as well as some remnants and die-hard loyalists of the Ice Soul Palace and Xuanming Sect, their attitudes were ambiguous; they indicated either openly or secretly that they would not participate, and even colluded in the shadows, seemingly plotting something.

Lin Wan did not care about these things. His goal was to integrate the forces willing to fight against 'the end'.

As for those who were stubborn, if they dared to cause trouble at the Alliance Meeting or collude with 'the end' in the future, he would not mind cleaning them up, which would serve as a perfect example to warn others.

The entire Qingyun Sect was busy preparing for the Alliance Meeting.

Renovating and expanding the 'Tianyun Platform' (the Sect's largest martial arts and gathering plaza), setting up defensive and warning Formations, preparing reception matters, and mobilizing elite Disciples to maintain order... everything proceeded in an orderly manner.

Lin Wan himself entered a short period of seclusion once again.

He needed to consolidate his Cultivation to the absolute limit and further familiarize himself with and refine parts of the permissions of the Five Elements Barrier, making full preparations for the upcoming Alliance Meeting and potential conflicts.

At the same time, he also organized some basic Cultivation Techniques and battle Formation knowledge brought back from the Five Elements Barrier that were suitable for large-scale teaching into manuals and handed them to Peak Master Yue Lingyun, asking him to select reliable Disciples to practice them secretly in advance, as one of the trump cards for fighting 'the end' in the future.

Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and Lin Jingyun also knew that this was a critical period, so they did not disturb Lin Wan, but instead cultivated silently on Guixu Peak, handling affairs within the peak, while also feeling a hint of nervousness and anticipation for the upcoming 'Southern Region Alliance Meeting' that might determine the future landscape of the Southern Region.

Time passed quickly amidst tense preparations and the attention of all parties.

The three-month deadline arrived in the blink of an eye.

On this day, the sky was clear and the air was crisp, with a gentle breeze.

The Qingyun Sect's mountain gate was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners, yet it was heavily guarded.

The huge 'Tianyun Platform' plaza had long been renovated, with the ground paved with white jade that was bright enough to reflect a person's image.

Around the plaza stood eighty-one jade pillars, each ten zhang high, engraved with the Qingyun Sect's cloud patterns and Five Elements Returning to Ruins runes, faintly forming a massive composite Formation for gathering Qi and defense.

In the center of the plaza, a nine-zhang high, wide, and magnificent 'Alliance Platform' had been erected, with dozens of rosewood chairs arranged on it, divided into main seats and guest seats.

Delegations from the major Sects and noble families of the Southern Region arrived one after another.

The Xuantian Sword Sect's 'Sword Xiaoyun Ship' was silvery white throughout, with Sword Qi soaring into the sky; the Hundred Flowers Valley's 'Hundred Flowers Spirit Boat' was filled with intoxicating fragrance and surrounded by colorful butterflies; the Beast Taming Mountain's 'Ten Thousand Beasts War Chariot' was pulled by several ferocious Spirit Beasts, their roars shaking the sky... There were also various cloud ships, flying pavilions, and Spirit Beast mounts of different shapes and sizes, flying different flags, descending from the sky and landing in designated mooring areas.

The arrival of each delegation caused quite a stir. Especially when those leading the teams were all renowned Late Stage Nascent Soul Cultivators in the Southern Region, it made people feel the high status and heavy weight of this Alliance Meeting.

"Look! It's 'True Monarch Xiaoyun' of the Xuantian Sword Sect! It is said that his Sword Dao has reached the Transcendent realm, and he was already a Late Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator a hundred years ago!"

"Fairy Baihua of the Hundred Flowers Valley has also come! It is said that she has touched the threshold of Soul Transformation and is one of the people in the Southern Region most likely to advance to Soul Transformation!"

"The 'Mountain Lord' of Beast Taming Mountain! His natal Spirit Beast, the 'Earth-Splitting Dragon Rhino', is said to have the Bloodline of an ancient Dragon, with combat power comparable to a Late Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator!"

The big shots exchanged pleasantries, their gazes crossing with a hint of scrutiny and gravity. They all felt that this Alliance Meeting was by no means ordinary. What exactly did that 'True Monarch Guixu' of the Qingyun Sect want to do?

The sun was high in the sky, and the auspicious time had arrived.

"Clang——!!!"

A melodious, resonant bell chime that seemed to cleanse the soul rang out from the top of Lingyun Peak, instantly spreading across the entire Tianyun Platform, suppressing all the noise.

Amidst the lingering echoes of the bell, several figures stepped through the air from the direction of Lingyun Peak and slowly landed on the main seats of the Alliance Platform.

The leader, dressed in a green robe, standing with a sword on his back, with a calm expression and deep eyes, was none other than 'True Monarch Guixu' Lin Wan.

On his left was the Qingyun Sect Leader, True Monarch Daoxuan, and on his right was Peak Master Yue Lingyun. Han Lingtian, Great Master Liao Chen (representing the Western Desert Vajra Temple), and several core Nascent Soul Elders of the Qingyun Sect were lined up on both sides.

As soon as Lin Wan appeared, the entire bustling Tianyun Platform instantly fell silent. Countless gazes focused on him in unison. Curiosity, inquiry, awe, fear, defiance... various emotions were intertwined.

Everyone could feel the terrifying aura on this seemingly young green-robed Cultivator, which was restrained to the extreme yet seemed capable of suppressing the heavens and the earth.

Especially those Late Stage Nascent Soul Cultivators, their hearts trembled slightly, because they felt a faint sense of oppression from Lin Wan that made even them feel palpitations. This was definitely not as simple as just Nascent Soul Great Perfection!

Lin Wan's gaze calmly swept over the dense crowd below the platform, over the empty guest seats on the Alliance Platform, and also over the distant sky, at the escape lights belonging to forces like the Ten Thousand Poisons Cult and Yin Corpse Sect that were faintly hovering and had not yet landed.

He stepped forward, his voice clear, calm, yet carrying a strange penetrating power, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present:

"Fellow Daoists, thank you for your long journey. I, Lin Wan of the Qingyun Sect, represent the Qingyun Sect here to welcome you all to the 'Southern Region Alliance Meeting'."

The voice was not loud, yet it seemed to ring in everyone's heart, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

"Inviting you all here today is not for private gain, nor for power, but for... a massive matter concerning the life and death of the billions of living beings in our Southern Region, and even the future Luck of this world."

He paused, his gaze becoming as sharp as a sword.

"This matter is—the calamity of 'the end'."