80: Chapter 80 The Final Calamity, the Five Domains Resolution

As Emperor Yan's voice fell, the atmosphere, which had been slightly quiet due to the "Soul Transformation Dao Discussion," was instantly shattered, replaced by a heavy, murderous tension like an approaching storm.

The Calamity of "the end"!

These four words pressed upon the hearts of everyone in the know like a ten-thousand-jun boulder.

Countless people's Faces changed abruptly, their breathing quickened, and their eyes were filled with undisguisable panic and despair.

Even those Soul Transformation and Void Refining giants, with profound cultivation and accustomed to weathering storms, wore solemn expressions at this moment, the atmosphere oppressive.

This was not groundless, but based on concrete and despairing evidence—the Sky Rift, that blade of destruction hanging above the Five Regions and slowly spreading, was the most intuitive alarm bell.

In recent years, its spreading speed had clearly accelerated, and the heart-palpitating aura of destruction it emitted had become increasingly intense.

There were even many areas near the edge of the "Sky Rift" where terrifying natural disasters—such as spatial instability, chaotic Spiritual Qi, the breeding of devilish creatures, and even the annihilation of small spaces—had appeared.

This indicated that the legendary "the end" calamity, which could return the world to Chaos, was not a distant myth, but... a reality approaching step by step!

Countless small and medium-sized forces and Loose Cultivators might still harbor luck or remain ignorant.

But those giants and powerful beings perched at the pinnacle of the Five Regions had long since learned of the severity of the situation through various channels.

This was the fundamental reason why this "Five Regions Dao Discussion Conference" was of such high caliber, gathering almost all the top powers of the Tiannan Continent.

The Calamity of "the end" was no longer a matter of one region or one place, but a paramount issue concerning the survival of the entire Tiannan Continent, and even the entire cultivation world!

We must unite the power of the Five Regions to Face it together!

"The Sky Rift is spreading, Devilish Qi is breeding, and space is unstable; all signs indicate that the 'the end' calamity from the ancient prophecies is approaching." Emperor Yan's voice was filled with unquestionable majesty. "This calamity cannot be blocked by any single sect, faction, region, or place. If we fight on our own, we will eventually be defeated one by one, the Five Regions will sink, all spirits will perish, and the world will return to Chaos."

"Therefore, I propose that the Five Regions join hands to establish the 'Anti-Calamity Alliance,' to coordinate the resources of the Five Regions and fight the great calamity together! All Cultivators of Tiannan, regardless of background, whether righteous or evil, should cast aside previous grudges and work together with one heart to seek a glimmer of survival for this world!"

The Anti-Calamity Alliance! The Five Regions joining hands!

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue was in an uproar!

Although it had been expected, the significance and weight were completely different when explicitly proposed in public by the master of the Central Region's Human Emperor Palace.

This signaled that the Five Regions' joint resistance against the calamity had moved from private discussions and secret preparations to being officially placed on the table, entering a substantive stage of advancement.

"Amitabha, Your Majesty Emperor Yan is absolutely right." Master Liaoyin pressed his palms together and was the first to state his position. "The Buddhist Kingdom of the Western Desert is willing to join hands with the Central Region to fight the great calamity together and protect our common people."

"The Wuji Sword Sect seconds the motion." Jian Wuya's voice remained cold, but the determination within it was unquestionable.

"Dan Ding Pavilion seconds the motion." Grand Elder Danchenzi also spoke slowly.

"Tianyan Sect seconds the motion." Elder Xingshu also stated his position.

"Yaochi Holy Land seconds the motion." Fairy Yaoxi's cold, clear voice rang out.

The five major forces of the Central Region were the first to state their positions, unified in opinion and resolute in attitude.

This was not unexpected; as the core of the Five Regions, the Central Region had the strongest power and the most abundant resources, but once the "Sky Rift" erupted fully, the Central Region would inevitably bear the brunt and suffer the most grievous losses.

They were the most eager and had the most motivation to facilitate the union of the Five Regions.

"The Eastern Wasteland is willing to join hands with the Central Region to fight the great calamity together." The Flame Emperor's voice rang out; although not much emotion could be heard, since he had stated his position, he acknowledged the general direction of joint resistance.

However, his flickering flames faintly pointed towards the Southern Region area, and the deeper meaning within was self-evident.

Clearly, joining the resistance was fine, but the feud with the Southern Region and Lin Wan would not be eliminated because of this; it might even continue or intensify in another form under the grand framework of the Alliance.

"The Northern Plains... seconds the motion." That newly promoted Ghost Dao Soul Transformation Cultivator, whose aura was unstable, also braced himself to state his position.

The Northern Plains were weak now; in the Face of the "the end" calamity, they were like a lone boat in a storm, having no choice but to rely on the strong.

Everyone's gaze turned towards the Western Desert and the Southern Region.

As for the Western Desert, Master Liaoyin had already stated his position; the Buddhist Kingdom had always been on good terms with the Central Region, so their stance went without saying.

Only... the Southern Region remained.

Everyone's gaze focused once again on Lin Wan.

Now, he was not only the leader of the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance but also a legendary figure who had just resisted the Dao Rhyme of the masses with a Nascent Soul body on the "Soul Transformation Dao Discussion" platform, winning the praise of "Great Dao" from Emperor Yan.

His attitude, in a sense, determined the direction of the Southern Region, and even the entire "Anti-Calamity Alliance" union.

Facing countless gazes, Lin Wan's expression remained calm as he slowly stood up, slightly cupping his hands towards Emperor Yan and the various giants on the main seats:

"The Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance was established to deal with the 'the end' calamity. Uniting the Five Regions to fight the great calamity together is the proper course of action and the only path to survival. My Southern Region will naturally support it with all our might, and we have no objections."

As soon as these words were spoken, many people secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The greatest obstacle to the joint resistance seemed to have been cleared.

However, the Flame Emperor's cold voice rang out once again at this moment:

"It is naturally good that the Southern Region is willing to join. However..."

He changed the subject, his flames flickering as he looked at Lin Wan with undisguised malice:

"Since we are to unite against the calamity, we must naturally unify our commands, allocate resources reasonably, and clarify rights and responsibilities. The Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance is, after all, only an Alliance of one corner of the Southern Region; how can it represent the entire Southern Region?"

"Furthermore, Alliance Leader Lin, although your strength is not bad, you are ultimately only at the Nascent Soul Realm. How can you sit on equal footing with the Soul Transformation and Void Refining Seniors present and discuss major affairs?"

"In this Emperor's view, this Five Regions 'Anti-Calamity Alliance' should be led by the Central Region, and Fellow Daoists at the Soul Transformation Realm and above from each region should form an 'Anti-Calamity Elder Council' to coordinate everything. As for Nascent Soul Cultivators and below, they need only follow orders. Only in this way can orders be executed, prohibitions enforced, and maximum effectiveness achieved."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the scene suddenly became subtle.

The Flame Emperor's words appeared to be discussing the Alliance structure, but in reality, he was openly questioning and even attempting to weaken the status and voice of Lin Wan and the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance in the soon-to-be-established "Five Regions Anti-Calamity Alliance"!

He was excluding Lin Wan from the core decision-making layer and demoting the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance to an ordinary member force that only "follows orders"!

This was naked suppression and exclusion!

Many representatives of forces who were on good terms with the Eastern Wasteland or were already wary of Lin Wan's rise flickered their eyes, faintly showing intentions to agree.

After all, for a Nascent Soul Cultivator to sit on equal footing with Soul Transformation and Void Refining giants and make decisions together did make them feel somewhat uncomfortable, even if this Nascent Soul's combat power was world-shocking.

"Amitabha, Fellow Daoist Flame Emperor, these words are incorrect." Master Liaoyin frowned slightly and spoke, "The great cause of resisting the calamity concerns life and death; we should prioritize the overall situation and base decisions on ability. Although young friend Lin Wan is at the Nascent Soul Realm, his Dao practice and combat power are already no less than ordinary Soul Transformation Cultivators, and he has a far greater understanding and preparation for the 'the end' calamity than ordinary people. His Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance was the first to be established, has integrated the Southern Region most thoroughly, and has the most abundant experience. Excluding him from decision-making is unreasonable, irrational, and does not fit the overall situation."

"Hmph! Master Liaoyin, you are on good terms with this Lin Wan, so naturally, you speak for him." The Flame Emperor snorted coldly. "Rules are rules! Those below the Soul Transformation Realm cannot participate in the highest decision-making; this is the convention of the Five Regions! Otherwise, if everyone discusses things based on combat power and ignores cultivation Realms, wouldn't this Alliance become a farce?!"

"Correct! Fellow Daoist Flame Emperor's words are reasonable!"

"A Nascent Soul is ultimately a Nascent Soul; how can its Lifespan, vision, and comprehension of the Laws of Heaven and Earth compare to Soul Transformation Seniors?"

"The great matter of resisting the calamity should be decided by Seniors at the Soul Transformation Realm and above to be secure!"

For a time, many voices echoed in agreement, mostly from forces close to the Eastern Wasteland or those who were already dissatisfied with Lin Wan.

Fairy Yaoguang, Sword Master Jian Wuming, and others frowned slightly but did not speak immediately. This was a fundamental issue concerning the Alliance's power structure, and they also needed to weigh the pros and cons.

Emperor Yan's gaze was calm as he looked at Lin Wan: "Young friend Lin Wan, what are your thoughts on this?"

Everyone's gaze focused once again on Lin Wan, watching how he would deal with this naked suppression in the name of "rules."

Lin Wan's expression remained calm, as if he hadn't taken the Flame Emperor's harassment to heart. His gaze swept over the sources of those echoing voices and finally landed on the Flame Emperor, his lips slowly curling into a smile that was not quite a smile:

"What the Flame Emperor says is nothing more than feeling that Lin's cultivation is insufficient and that I am not qualified to sit on equal footing with you all to discuss major affairs, is that it?"

"And what if it is?" The flames around the Flame Emperor intensified, undisguised.

"Heh..." Lin Wan chuckled, shook his head, and turned his gaze to Emperor Yan on the main seat, as well as Fairy Yaoxi, Jian Wuya, Venerable Dan, and Elder Xingshu. His voice was clear but carried an unquestionable confidence and arrogance:

"Cultivation Realm is certainly one of the standards for measuring a Cultivator, but it is by no means the only one, nor is it everything. The 'the end' calamity is a calamity of Heaven and Earth; it is not something one can survive just by having high cultivation. Lin is untalented, but I do have some shallow insights into the 'the end' calamity and some preparations for how to deal with it. As for qualifications..."

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

The aura of the Great Dao of Five Elements Returning to Ruins, which had just been retracted, faintly emerged once more.

Although not intense, it caused everyone, including the five giants on the main seats, to feel a faint sense of oppression originating from the level of the Dao.

"Lin Wan's qualifications are not determined by what anyone says, nor are they defined by any rules. Rather..."

He extended a finger, pointing calmly at the Flame Emperor and the representatives of the factions who were chiming in: "It relies on this."

"It relies on the sword in my hand and the Dao in my heart—how many demons I can slay, how many calamities I can overcome, and how much vitality I can secure for the common people of the Five Regions!"

"If anyone feels that Lin Wan is unworthy, or that the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance is unworthy, feel free to step forward and debate it with me. Let us see whether your reasoning is harder, or my sword is sharper!"

"Let us see whether your rules are greater, or the blade of 'the end' calamity is faster!"

The voice was not loud, yet it sounded like a thunderclap, exploding in everyone's heart.

Overbearing! Strong! Unyielding!

To dare speak like this, as a Nascent Soul Cultivator, facing Soul Transformation giants and the heroes of the Five Regions!

Yet, strangely, no one thought him arrogant. Because his performance just now on the Asking Dao Platform, his "Great Dao of Five Elements Returning to Ruins," and his strength in slaying the Corpse Monarch and Nine Nether had already proven that he possessed the confidence to speak such words!

"You—!" The flames around the Flame Emperor surged violently, his killing intent soaring to the heavens. He could barely refrain from attacking on the spot.

However, he ultimately forced down his anger. This was Tiandu Mountain, the Five Regions Dao Discussion Conference, with Emperor Yan and other giants presiding; he could not afford to be presumptuous.

More importantly, he did not have absolute certainty that he could take down Lin Wan.

"Young Friend Lin Wan, you speak too harshly." Emperor Yan finally spoke again. His voice remained calm but carried a trace of unquestionable decisiveness.

"The great cause of resisting the calamity is no trivial matter; it truly requires prioritizing the overall situation and relying on capability. Young Friend Lin Wan's Dao practice, combat power, and understanding of 'the end' calamity are all beyond the reach of ordinary people. The contribution of the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance in integrating the Southern Region cannot be ignored either."

His gaze swept across the audience, lingering for a moment on the representatives who had chimed in with the Flame Emperor. That invisible imperial pressure caused those people to lower their heads one after another, not daring to meet his eyes.

"I propose that the Five Domains Alliance Against the Calamity establish an 'Anti-Calamity Elder Council,' composed of Cultivators at the Soul Transformation Realm and above from each region, as well as Nascent Soul Peak Cultivators who have made special contributions to the Alliance and whose strength is widely recognized. This council will be responsible for the highest decision-making of the Alliance. Specific personnel will be discussed later. As for the candidate for Alliance Leader..."

Emperor Yan paused, his gaze turning to Lin Wan again as he said slowly: "I propose that the Human Emperor Palace, Danding Pavilion, Wuji Sword Sect, Tianyan Sect, and Yaochi Holy Land of the Central Plains each provide one person to form the 'Five Directions Council Elders,' who will jointly preside over the daily affairs of the Alliance and decide on major matters."

"Additionally, several 'Anti-Calamity Inspection Envoys' shall be established, to be appointed by each region from those with powerful strength and high prestige, to monitor the operation of the Alliance and execute special tasks. Young Friend Lin Wan, you may serve as the Chief Inspection Envoy and enjoy a seat on the Elder Council. How about it?"

Once these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.

The Five Directions Council Elders jointly presiding was undoubtedly a manifestation of the five major Central Plains factions wanting to firmly control the core power of the Alliance. However, considering the strength and leading position of the Central Plains, this was within reason.

And giving Lin Wan the position of "Chief Inspection Envoy" while enjoying a seat on the Elder Council was already a huge concession and recognition!

As Chief Inspection Envoy, he would hold high power, have the authority to monitor and execute, and be able to participate in the Elder Council's top decision-making!

This was almost elevating Lin Wan, and the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance behind him, to a core status on par with, or at least second only to, the five major Central Plains factions!

Although nominally under the control of the "Five Directions Council Elders," his power was already immense.

This was clearly a relatively compromise-oriented plan that Emperor Yan and the others had arrived at after weighing the pros and cons, one that could best be accepted by all parties.

It both took care of the "Face" of opponents like the Flame Emperor (Lin Wan was not at the Soul Transformation Realm, so he would not directly enter the "Five Directions Council Elders") and gave Lin Wan and the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance enough "Substance" (real power, core seats).

"I have no objections." Jian Wuya was the first to express his stance. He quite appreciated Lin Wan's sword Dao, and the Wuji Sword Sect had always respected strength; Lin Wan's strength had won his respect.

"Seconded." Venerable Dan and Elder Xingshu also nodded slowly. They valued Lin Wan's potential more, as well as the unique role his "Great Dao of Five Elements Returning to Ruins" might play in resisting the calamity in the future.

Fairy Yaoxi glanced at Lin Wan and also nodded slightly: "Acceptable."

"Hmph!" The Flame Emperor let out a cold snort. Although still dissatisfied, he knew that this was already the most favorable plan Emperor Yan and the others could offer him.

To oppose it further would be to show no respect to Emperor Yan and the others, and it would also make him seem unconcerned with the overall situation.

He could only suppress his anger, glare coldly at Lin Wan, and say nothing more. However, the killing intent in his heart toward Lin Wan grew even more intense.

Chief Inspection Envoy? Holding real power? Very well, later there would be plenty of opportunities to ensure you, this Inspection Envoy, never return!

"Young Friend Lin Wan, what do you think?" Emperor Yan looked at Lin Wan.

Lin Wan pondered for a moment. He understood that this was the best result he could strive for under current circumstances. Directly entering the core and standing on equal footing with the five major factions was unrealistic.

Being able to obtain the real-power position of "Chief Inspection Envoy" and enter the Elder Council was already enough for him and the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance to have sufficient say and autonomy in the future Alliance.

"Your Majesty Emperor Yan has considered this thoroughly. Lin Wan has no objections," Lin Wan said, cupping his hands.

"Good!" Emperor Yan nodded, his voice suddenly rising. The imperial Dragon Qi soared into the sky, and his pressure enveloped the entire venue. "Since that is the case, I declare that from this day forth, the 'Five Domains Alliance Against the Calamity' is officially established!"

"The Alliance headquarters shall be located in Tiandu City of the Central Plains! The Human Emperor Palace, Danding Pavilion, Wuji Sword Sect, Tianyan Sect, and Yaochi Holy Land shall each provide one Soul Transformation Elder to form the 'Five Directions Council Elder Council,' to preside over the daily affairs of the Alliance!"

"Each region must report the list of its Cultivators at the Soul Transformation Realm and above, as well as details of deployable resources and troops, within three months, to be uniformly allocated by the Alliance!"

"The position of 'Anti-Calamity Inspection Envoy' is established to monitor the Five Regions, execute special tasks, eliminate internal hidden dangers, and exterminate demons from outside the domain! The first Inspection Envoy shall be held by the leader of the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance, Lin Wan! Additionally, Lin Wan shall enjoy a seat on the Elder Council and participate in the Alliance's highest decision-making!"

"Each region must establish a branch Alliance, under the unified leadership of the Alliance, to resist the great calamity together! Anyone who feigns compliance, is passive in resisting the calamity, or even colludes with demons from outside the domain in secret, the Inspection Envoy has the right to execute them first and report later, and the Alliance shall jointly punish them!"

"I hope that the Cultivators of our Five Regions will cast aside past grievances, work together with one heart, resist the great calamity, protect our Tiannan, and safeguard our common people!"

Emperor Yan's voice, like a great bell, resounded through Tiandu Mountain and was transmitted to every corner of the Five Regions through special Formations.

"Work together with one heart, resist the great calamity!" "Protect our Tiannan, safeguard our common people!"

After a brief silence, thunderous responses resounded across the sky. Regardless of what they thought in their hearts, in the Face of the world-destroying crisis of "the end" calamity, union was the only choice.

The "Five Domains Alliance Against the Calamity" thus officially stepped onto the stage of history.

And Lin Wan, in the capacity of "Chief Inspection Envoy" and member of the Elder Council, officially entered the core circle of the highest power in the Five Regions. Although only on the periphery, he already held real power and possessed the ability to influence the direction of the entire Tiannan Continent.

However, behind the power lay heavier responsibilities and even more turbulent undercurrents.

The Flame Emperor's cold killing intent, the possible secret obstruction from the Eastern Wasteland, the hidden dangers of the Northern Plains, the infighting within the five major Central Plains factions, and even the approaching "the end" calamity itself...

Everything had only just begun.

On the summit of Tiandu Mountain, the last rays of the setting sun shone on Lin Wan's calm Face.

He looked toward the west, at the increasingly clear and increasingly hideous scar of the "Sky Rift," his gaze as deep as an abyss.

"the end... resisting the calamity... Inspection Envoy..." He whispered to himself, a cold arc slowly curving at the corners of his mouth.

"This pool of water is becoming increasingly muddy." "However, that is good too." "Only when the water is muddy is it easy to catch fish."

"This position of Inspection Envoy is just right for me to, in a legitimate and proper manner, go and meet those... mice hiding in the dark."

"By the way, it is also time to go find those last few items, to make the final preparations for that step."

"The Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed is already at Perfection." "The Soul Transformation Realm... it is only missing that final opportunity."

The evening breeze blew, and his green robe stirred slightly. The Dao Discussion Conference thus concluded.

But a grand epic concerning the fate of the entire Tiannan Continent, even more magnificent and even more treacherous and unpredictable, had only just begun.

And Lin Wan was already placed at the center of this vortex, holding a sharp sword, with the Dao in his heart, preparing to welcome the even more violent storm that was about to arrive.