99: Chapter 99 The Discussion on Refining the Void: Undercurrents Surge

Tiandu City was once again shaken because of Lin Wan.

In just a few short days, this newly appointed Inspection Envoy had once again accomplished a feat worthy of being recorded in the history of the Five Regions—at Liangjie Mountain, he had single-handedly killed the Emperor Yan, Old Ancestor Guyou, and Tiangongzi, who had ambushed him, as well as two mysterious Cultivators suspected of being high-level minions of "the end"!

Among them, Emperor Yan was a Soul Transformation Late Stage expert, one of the "Five Directions Council Elders," the Sect Master of the Skyfire Sect, and a titan who had dominated the Eastern Wasteland for hundreds of years!

Old Ancestor Guyou and Tiangongzi were also renowned Soul Transformation Middle Stage powerhouses who had been famous for many years.

As for those two mysterious Cultivators, according to the descriptions of survivors (the eerie incident where Tiangongzi was "cast into Reincarnation" was not made public; it was officially declared that he had fallen), their auras were cold and deathly, identical to the characteristics of the erosion by "the end." Furthermore, their strength was unfathomable, making it highly likely that they were "Apostle"-level existences dispatched to this realm by "the end"!

Such a battle record could no longer be described as merely that of a "Prodigy."

Killing someone of the same rank might not be much, but to use Soul Transformation Middle Stage cultivation to counter-kill five major powerhouses, including a Soul Transformation Late Stage expert, while the opponent was prepared and had set up a fatal trap—with two of them being high-ranking members of "the end"—this was nothing short of a myth! A legend!

What was even more shocking was that from the remnant soul of one of the "Apostles of the end," Lin Wan had obtained core secrets regarding the "Void Church," including its "Holy Lord," "Lords," and "Anchors," through soul searching!

This confirmed that the erosion by "the end" was not a chaotic natural disaster, but an organized, premeditated, and naked war of invasion driven by a massive force that possessed power beyond this realm's understanding!

Moreover, the enemy had long since infiltrated the Five Regions, establishing at least three large-scale "Anchors," and there might even be higher-level "Lord"-level existences already hiding in this realm!

Once this news broke, it was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a pot of boiling oil, instantly igniting the nerves of everyone in Tiandu City, and indeed, all those in the Five Regions who were privy to the information!

Fear, anger, lingering fear, disbelief... all sorts of emotions intertwined.

It turned out that what they had been facing all along was not a scattered group of soldiers, but a terrifying behemoth, hidden in the shadows, so massive that it was unimaginable! And yet, they had remained immersed in their past pride and internal strife, completely unaware that an apocalyptic disaster was already imminent.

The "Five Directions Council Elder Council" was convened urgently, and Lin Wan was summoned to "Chaotian Palace" immediately. Facing the five Void Refining titans who had arrived in person—including Emperor Yan—as well as the other members of the "Detailed Rules Formulation Elder Council," he detailed the events of the battle at Liangjie Mountain and presented the key intelligence regarding the "Void Church" that he had obtained through soul searching, which he had preliminarily screened and organized.

Inside Chaotian Palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt as if it could drip water.

The Imperial Dragon Qi around Emperor Yan fluctuated slightly, revealing the unrest in his heart.

Venerable Dan, Fairy Yaoxi, Jian Wuya, and Elder Xingshu all wore solemn expressions, their eyes flashing with divine light, clearly digesting and deducing this shocking information.

"Little Friend Lin Wan, this matter... is of great consequence. Are you certain that the intelligence you obtained is true?" After a long silence, Emperor Yan spoke slowly, his voice still calm but carrying an unprecedented weight.

"This Junior swears upon my Dao Heart that everything I have stated stems from the soul searching and is not a lie," Lin Wan said solemnly. "It is just that the soul of that 'Apostle of the end' was unusual and had been placed under an extremely strong Restriction. When I forcibly searched it, much of the information obtained was fragmented and chaotic. Furthermore, parts concerning the core secrets of the 'Void Church,' the whereabouts of 'Lord'-level existences, and the specific locations of the 'Anchors' seemed to have been protected or erased by a higher-level power, making it difficult to see the full picture. However, its organizational structure, erosion patterns, and the fact that there are at least three large-scale 'Anchors' in this realm and 'Lord'-level existences lurking here—these key pieces of information should be largely correct."

"Three large-scale 'Anchors'... Western Desert, Southern Region, Central State..." Fairy Yaoxi's cold voice carried a hint of chill. "In the Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom, Master Liaoyin sits in command; if there were any abnormalities, he should be able to detect them. The Southern Region has Little Friend Lin sitting in command, and with the operation of the Anti-Calamity Alliance, an investigation should not be difficult. It is only this Central State..."

She did not continue, but everyone present understood what she meant. Central State was the core of the Five Regions, where powers were intertwined and the waters ran deepest. If an "Anchor" of the "Void Church" were truly hidden in Central State, perhaps even right under the nose of Tiandu City, what a terrifying thing that would be! This meant that the place they had always regarded as their base camp and the safest location had very likely already been infiltrated by the enemy until it was riddled with holes!

"Immediately initiate the highest level of investigation! Use every means available to thoroughly search the entire territory of Central State, especially the ten thousand miles surrounding Tiandu City! It is better to kill the wrong person than to let one slip by!" Sword Master Jian Wuming's eyes were filled with sharp Sword Intent and surging Killing Intent. He had always been decisive in his actions and hated those who hid their heads and showed their tails, engaging in conspiracies and ambushes.

"An investigation is, of course, necessary. But since the 'Void Church' has been able to hide until now without being discovered, its concealment methods must be extraordinary. Conventional methods are unlikely to be effective." Great Elder Danchenzi stroked his beard and pondered, "We need to use special methods to sense the Origin power of 'the end' or track its traces of erosion. Little Friend Lin's 'Reincarnation' Dao rhythm seems to have a special resonance with the power of 'the end,' perhaps..."

Everyone's gaze focused once again on Lin Wan. Indeed, that Lin Wan could kill an "Apostle of the end" while at the Soul Transformation Middle Stage, and that his "Reincarnation" Dao rhythm acted as a restraint against "the end," was the key. If he could lead or participate in the investigation of Central State, perhaps they could achieve twice the result with half the effort.

"This Junior is duty-bound." Lin Wan cupped his hands and said, "However, Central State is vast and its powers are complex. Relying on this Junior alone, I fear my strength will be insufficient. Moreover, since the 'Void Church' has 'Lord'-level existences lurking, their strength is likely at the Soul Transformation Peak, or even... reaching Void Refining. This Junior will need the assistance of you Seniors before I dare to act freely."

"That is only natural." Emperor Yan nodded. "Investigating Central State is the top priority at present. I will personally issue the order to mobilize the elites of the Human Emperor Palace to cooperate with Little Friend Lin's actions. Sword Master Jian Wuming, Fairy Yaoxi, you two shall also assist from the side. Danchen, Xingshu, you two shall sit in command of Tiandu, deducing the heavenly secrets and monitoring the overall situation to prevent any unforeseen events."

The five Void Refining titans quickly divided the tasks. Clearly, the death of Emperor Yan and the exposure of the "Void Church" intelligence had made them truly realize the seriousness and urgency of the situation. They were no longer limited to previous "reforms" and "discussions," but were preparing to enter the fray personally and use thunderous means.

"In addition," Emperor Yan's gaze swept over the other members of the "Detailed Rules Formulation Elder Council" in the hall, pausing slightly on the faces of several Soul Transformation True Monarchs from major Central State powers, "Emperor Yan colluded with 'the end,' betrayed the Alliance, and has already been executed on the spot by Inspection Envoy Lin Wan. This matter is supported by conclusive evidence and is indisputable. His Skyfire Sect must be sealed immediately, and all Disciples must be examined one by one. Anyone suspected of colluding with 'the end' will be severely punished without leniency! The Sect's resources will be confiscated by the Alliance and used for the Anti-Calamity efforts. The Eastern Wasteland branch Alliance will be temporarily overseen by the Palace Master of Lihuo Palace and Master Liaoyin of the Western Desert, until the investigation is complete, at which point further decisions will be made."

"Old Ancestor Guyou and Tiangongzi shall be treated with the same guilt. Their affiliated forces must also be thoroughly investigated."

Emperor Yan's voice carried an unquestionable majesty, instantly defining the nature of the matter regarding Emperor Yan and the others, and also announcing that a major purge within the Alliance, targeting "internal agents" and "hidden dangers," was about to begin. Those representatives of forces who had originally been linked to Emperor Yan, Old Ancestor Guyou, and Tiangongzi, or who might not be clean themselves, were all pale and sweating profusely, not daring to raise the slightest objection.

"As for Little Friend Lin Wan," Emperor Yan looked at Lin Wan, a trace of approval and solemnity flashing in his eyes, "You have repeatedly achieved immortal merits. For the Alliance and for the Five Regions, you have cleared away great dangers and revealed the truth; your contributions are truly immense. According to the Alliance's merits, you should be heavily rewarded. After discussing with my four Fellow Daoists, I have decided to exceptionally promote you to... the sixth seat of the 'Five Directions Council Elder Council'! You shall enjoy the same rights of discussion and decision-making as us! Furthermore, I officially appoint you as the Commander-in-Chief of the 'Demon-Slaying Special Action General Corps,' with full authority to build and command the Alliance's 'Demon-Slaying' forces to purge 'the end' and its internal agents! I hope you will not fail the public expectations and will continue to achieve new merits!"

"The sixth seat of the Five Directions Council Elder Council!"

"Commander-in-Chief of the Demon-Slaying General Corps!"

As these words were spoken, the entire hall was stunned! Even Lin Wan himself was slightly taken aback.

The "Five Directions Council" had always held only five seats, corresponding to the five major powers of the Central Plains. Now, a sixth seat had been exceptionally created for Lin Wan! This meant that Lin Wan's status was now on par with the five great Void Refining giants, making him one of the six people at the very pinnacle of the power pyramid within the Alliance! Although his cultivation might not yet match theirs, his authority, prestige, and the potential he represented were already enough to stand alongside them!

And as "Commander of the Demon-Slaying General Corps", the Alliance had placed its sharpest and most elite "blade" into Lin Wan's hands! This essentially granted him one of the highest military command authorities in the war against "the end"!

Such a promotion was nothing short of astonishing and significant! Yet, no one dared to raise an objection. This was because Lin Wan's contributions were simply too great. Slaying Emperor Yan, annihilating the "Apostle" of "the end", and exposing the "Void Church"—any one of these feats was enough to shake the Five Regions. With all three combined, their weight had already surpassed ordinary "merit," rising to the level of a "Savior" and "Revealer." Granting him such status and authority was both a reward and an expectation, but also a necessity born of the helplessness in facing the full-scale invasion of "the end"—there was a need for a powerhouse with sufficient prestige, strength, and a powerful ability to restrain "the end" to command the overall situation and consolidate their forces.

"Junior Lin Wan thanks Your Majesty Emperor Yan and thanks all you Seniors for your great kindness!" Lin Wan quickly steadied his mind, bowed, and said with a solemn expression, "This Junior will do everything in his power to purge the demons, protect this realm, and live up to the trust of Your Majesty and all you Seniors, and not disappoint the hopes of the living beings of the Five Regions!"

"Good!" Emperor Yan clapped his hands. "In that case, there is no time to delay. Sword Master Jian Wuming, Fairy Yaoxi, you shall immediately discuss the matters of the investigation in the Central Plains with Elder Lin Wan. Great Elder Danchenzi, Elder Xingshu, follow this Emperor to hold the central command and coordinate the overall situation. As for the rest of you, perform your respective duties and coordinate your actions. From this day forth, the Five Domains Alliance Against the Calamity enters... a state of total war!"

As the six words "state of total war" were spoken, they struck everyone's hearts like a resounding bell. Everyone knew that the days of ease were gone, never to return. The war against "the end" would move from the shadows to the open; it would be a battle for the survival of the race, a fight to the death!

The Alliance meeting dispersed, and everyone left in a hurry, each with their own thoughts, to begin executing their respective tasks. The atmosphere in Tiandu City became even more somber and tense.

Lin Wan, Sword Master Jian Wuming, and Fairy Yaoxi arrived at the Inspection Hall to begin their secret discussion.

"Little Friend Lin, oh no, Elder Lin," Sword Master Jian Wuming maintained his cold and stern demeanor, but his tone held a bit more equality and recognition. "Regarding the investigation in the Central Plains, how do you intend to start? Do you have a plan?"

Fairy Yaoxi also looked at Lin Wan, waiting for his opinion.

"This Junior has some preliminary thoughts." Lin Wan pondered and said, "The 'anchors' of the 'Void Church' must be hidden extremely deep, and they are surely concealed by powerful Formations or treasures. Conventional Divine Thought probes will likely fail to find them. This Junior's 'Reincarnation' Dao Rhyme is sensitive to the power of 'the end.' We could try to use this as a core, combined with Senior Sword Master Jian Wuming's 'Nothing Cannot Be Cut' Sword Intent and Senior Fairy Yaoxi's 'Pure World Immortal Light,' to refine a special 'Tracking Compass' or 'Sensing Formation' specifically designed to capture and lock onto the minute traces of erosion caused by 'the end.' At the same time, by combining this with Senior Elder Xingshu's heavenly divination and the intelligence the Alliance holds on all individuals and forces that may have had contact with 'the end' or exhibited abnormal behavior, we can perform cross-comparisons to lock onto suspicious areas before conducting targeted investigations."

"This method is feasible." Sword Master Jian Wuming nodded. "My Sword Intent is best at breaking illusions and cutting through the void. Yaoxi's immortal light can purify and reveal forms. Combined with your 'Reincarnation' perception, the 'tracking device' we refine should have miraculous effects. However, refining such a treasure will require top-tier Materials and time."

"Regarding Materials, this Junior can provide some, and the Alliance treasury can also be utilized. Time... is indeed pressing, but we must act as quickly as possible. This Junior suggests we start with Tiandu City and the surrounding ten thousand miles; this is the core of the Alliance, and if it has been infiltrated, the consequences would be unimaginable. At the same time, we must secretly investigate all members of the 'Council for Establishing Detailed Rules' who hail from the Central Plains, as well as the forces they belong to. Since Emperor Yan could sit in this position, there is no guarantee there isn't a second 'Emperor Yan'." A cold glint flashed in Lin Wan's eyes.

Fairy Yaoxi's beautiful eyes flickered. "Are you suspecting... that there are still insiders within the high-level leadership of the Alliance?"

"We must guard against it." Lin Wan said in a deep voice. "If the 'Void Church' could develop Emperor Yan, they could develop others. Especially those who are stuck at a Bottleneck, eager for a Breakthrough, or dissatisfied with the status quo and filled with ambition. Investigating the high-level leadership is imperative. This matter must be conducted in secret, and it would be best to request secret authorization from His Majesty Emperor Yan."

Sword Master Jian Wuming and Fairy Yaoxi exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other's eyes. If it were truly as Lin Wan suspected, and there were still insiders from the 'Void Church' within the Alliance's high-level leadership, that would be a massive hidden danger! It must be eliminated!

"Regarding this matter, I and Yaoxi will secretly report it to His Majesty. As for the investigation, the sooner, the better." Sword Master Jian Wuming said.

"I trouble you both, Seniors." Lin Wan cupped his hands. With the strong support of these two Void Refining powerhouses, many things would be much easier to handle.

The three discussed a few more details, then Sword Master Jian Wuming and Fairy Yaoxi hurried away to make their own preparations.

Lin Wan sat alone in the hall, rubbing his temples. In just a few short days, he had gone from an Inspection Envoy to an 'Elder of the Five Directions Council.' His power and status had skyrocketed, but the burden on his shoulders had also become heavier. He not only had to deal with the threat of the 'Void Church,' but also guard against potential hidden arrows from within, and furthermore, consolidate the forces of the Five Regions to prepare for total war.

"The pressure is not small..." He muttered to himself, but there was no fear in his eyes, only firmness and determination.

Just then, the door to the quiet room was gently knocked.

"Come in."

Elder Zhou pushed the door open and entered, his expression somewhat strange, holding a gold-embossed invitation in his hand.

"Elder Lin, someone just delivered an invitation, specifically requesting it be handed to you."

"Oh? Who is inviting me?" Lin Wan took the invitation. The material of the invitation was unique, neither gold nor jade, feeling warm and cool to the touch. The cover was decorated with ancient cloud patterns, exuding a low-key luxury and mystery. Opening it, there was only a line of elegant, flowing calligraphy written with Dao Rhyme inside:

"Tonight at the Hour of the Rat, three thousand miles outside Tiandu City, at 'Wangyou Valley,' I await Elder Lin's arrival. There are important matters to discuss, concerning the secrets of 'Reincarnation' and 'the end.' Come alone, and do not let others know. — A descendant of an old acquaintance."

There was no signature, but the ancient, vicissitudinous, yet indescribably intimate Dao Rhyme emanating from between the lines caused the Chaos Return-to-Ruins Dao Fruit between Lin Wan's brows to stir slightly.

"A descendant of an old acquaintance? Concerning the secrets of 'Reincarnation' and 'the end'?" A strange look flashed in Lin Wan's eyes. In this Tiannan Continent, apart from the Qingyun Sect, where would he have any 'old acquaintances'? Moreover, the other party seemed to know that he possessed the power of 'Reincarnation' and even mentioned 'the end'...

Was it an enemy? A friend? A trap? Or... was it truly related to his own background and that 'Source Seed of Life'?

"Where is the person who delivered the invitation?" Lin Wan asked.

"It was a common Mortal servant who said he was entrusted by an old person passing by whose face could not be seen, and was given some silver to deliver it. This subordinate has checked, and that servant is indeed just an ordinary Mortal who knows nothing about the person who entrusted him." Elder Zhou replied.

"Understood, you may leave." Lin Wan waved his hand.

Elder Zhou bowed and retreated.

Lin Wan held the invitation, his fingertips gently stroking the line of small characters, feeling the faint, elusive, and strange Dao Rhyme contained within that made his Dao Fruit palpitate.

Tonight at the Hour of the Rat, Wangyou Valley...

"It seems the waters of Tiandu City are even deeper than I imagined."

He muttered to himself, the chaotic and emerald light swirling in his eyes, eventually settling into a profound calm.

"Very well, I shall go and meet this... 'descendant of an old acquaintance'."

"Let's see who exactly you are."