23: Prepare for the storm in advance

The people of Beyond Heaven rushed back without stopping, carrying the treasures obtained from the ruins. Although they were exhausted along the way, their eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation, knowing that this harvest would have a profound impact on the future of Beyond Heaven.

Upon returning to Beyond Heaven, Jun Xiaoyao immediately gathered the core members in a secret chamber to discuss the situation. "Although we returned loaded with treasures from this trip to the ruins, we have also completely infuriated the Earthly Fiend Alliance. They will certainly return for revenge. Everyone, what should we do to respond?" Jun Xiaoyao scanned the group, his expression serious.

Qiao Feng was the first to speak: "Master, the Earthly Fiend Alliance is powerful. Since they are preparing for a full-scale attack, we must also go all out. I suggest strengthening the defenses of Beyond Heaven while simultaneously improving our own strength. I will quickly Cultivate that Cultivation Technique Secret Manual and strive to Breakthrough the Realm as soon as possible."

"What Brother Qiao said is exactly right." Fu Hongxue continued, "After taking the Medicinal Pill, I will also enter secluded Cultivation to increase my strength. Marshal, The Unruly needs further enhanced training to improve their combat capabilities."

Marshal of the Unruly nodded and said, "This old servant will make the arrangements. I will ensure The Unruly becomes the sharpest blade of Beyond Heaven."

After a moment of thought, Shen Lang said, "Master, besides improving our own strength, we can utilize The Net's intelligence network to preemptively grasp the Earthly Fiend Alliance's attack plans. At the same time, we should try to form alliances with other neutral forces to strengthen our power."

"Mm, Shen Lang is right. Zhao Gao, I am counting on you for The Net's intelligence gathering. You must grasp the movements of the Earthly Fiend Alliance immediately. Xu Ziling, go with Shen Lang to contact the neutral forces and see if we can form an alliance." Jun Xiaoyao arranged everything methodically.

"Yes, Master!" Zhao Gao and Xu Ziling responded in unison.

"Xiang Shaolong, continue to refine the defensive mechanisms. Combine the experience gained from the trip to the ruins to create stronger and more practical mechanisms to enhance Beyond Heaven's defensive capabilities." Jun Xiaoyao then looked at Xiang Shaolong.

"Master, rest assured, I will give it my all," Xiang Shaolong said firmly.

After the arrangements were made, everyone threw themselves into the intense preparations. In the secret chamber, Qiao Feng devoted himself to Cultivating the Cultivation Technique Secret Manual obtained from the ruins. The text on the Secret Manual was obscure and difficult to understand, but Qiao Feng, relying on his profound martial arts foundation and extraordinary comprehension, gradually grasped the essentials of Cultivation. He circulated his Internal Energy, guiding the spiritual power within his body according to the Cultivation Technique route described in the Secret Manual, attempting to Breakthrough the Bottleneck of the Earthly Immortal Early-Stage.

After taking the Medicinal Pill, Fu Hongxue also began his secluded Cultivation. The medicinal power of the Medicinal Pill dispersed within his body, transforming into a powerful force that impacted his Meridians. Fu Hongxue gritted his teeth, guiding the medicinal power with all his might to strengthen his own capabilities. He could feel that his "Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon," under the effect of the medicinal power, seemed to have gained new insights, and his Saber Intent became increasingly sharp.

Meanwhile, Marshal of the Unruly was conducting rigorous training for The Unruly on the training grounds. "Snap out of it! The life and death of Beyond Heaven depends on you!" Marshal of the Unruly roared loudly, his long whip whistling as he swung it. The Unruly sweated profusely under the scorching sun, constantly engaging in various combat drills to enhance teamwork and fighting skills.

Zhao Gao commanded The Net's intelligence agents to secretly scout for news of the Earthly Fiend Alliance across various regions. The Net's intelligence network was like a gigantic spiderweb, spread throughout the continent, ensuring that no disturbance could escape their notice. Soon, news arrived from The Net.

"Master, according to reports from The Net's scouts, the Earthly Fiend Alliance is gathering experts from all regions and seems prepared to launch an attack against us in one month. They have also contacted some minor forces that have grudges against us, planning to use these minor forces as vanguards to deplete our strength." Zhao Gao reported to Jun Xiaoyao with a grave expression.

"One month? Time is pressing, but it's enough for us to make some preparations. Notify everyone to speed up the preparations. Furthermore, closely monitor the movements of those minor forces and see if we can deal with them beforehand to disrupt the Earthly Fiend Alliance's plan." Jun Xiaoyao said.

Xu Ziling and Shen Lang traveled across the continent, making contact with various neutral forces. They first arrived at the Danxia Sect. The Sect Head of the Danxia Sect, Master of Danxia, was an upright person, highly respected in the Jianghu, and the Danxia Sect had always maintained neutrality, not participating in the disputes between various factions.

After meeting the Master of Danxia, Xu Ziling and Shen Lang respectfully saluted: "We have long heard of the great name of the Danxia Sect. I am Xu Ziling and I am Shen Lang, and we represent Beyond Heaven. Currently, Beyond Heaven is coveted by the Earthly Fiend Alliance, and they are preparing to launch a full-scale attack against us. If Beyond Heaven is destroyed, the Earthly Fiend Alliance will surely become even more reckless, and the entire continent will fall into turmoil. We hope the Danxia Sect can form an alliance with Beyond Heaven to jointly resist the Earthly Fiend Alliance."

The Master of Danxia frowned slightly, and after pondering for a moment, he said, "I have also heard of the wicked deeds of the Earthly Fiend Alliance. They have been ambitious and expanding everywhere in recent years. However, the matter of forming an alliance is significant. Allow me to discuss it with the Elders of the sect."

Xu Ziling and Shen Lang knew this matter couldn't be rushed, so they waited patiently. Just then, a sudden clamor came from outside the Danxia Sect. Xu Ziling and Shen Lang exchanged glances and hurried out to investigate. They saw a group of Earthly Fiend Alliance Disciples clashing with the Danxia Sect guards.

"You Danxia Sect dare to collude with Beyond Heaven? Are you trying to become enemies with our Earthly Fiend Alliance?" an arrogant Earthly Fiend Alliance Disciple shouted.

"We have not colluded with Beyond Heaven! Don't slander us!" the Danxia Sect guard responded angrily.

Shen Lang's heart stirred. He knew this must be a scheme by the Earthly Fiend Alliance, intending to use this to sabotage the alliance between Beyond Heaven and the Danxia Sect. He stepped forward and calmly said, "Everyone, there must be a misunderstanding. Beyond Heaven is dedicated to maintaining peace on the continent. Our visit here was merely to exchange martial arts insights with the Danxia Sect. However, for your sect to mobilize with such fanfare, I fear you must have other intentions, no?"

The Earthly Fiend Alliance Disciple was rendered speechless by Shen Lang but still retorted stubbornly, "Hmph, stop making excuses! In short, colluding with Beyond Heaven means being an enemy of our Earthly Fiend Alliance!"

Seeing this, the Master of Danxia was extremely displeased with the Earthly Fiend Alliance's behavior: "Your Earthly Fiend Alliance is so overbearing, slandering others at will. The Danxia Sect has taken note of today's incident."

Seeing that their objective was not achieved and not wanting to completely fall out with the Danxia Sect, the Earthly Fiend Alliance Disciples could only lead their people away dejectedly.

"Young Master Xu, Young Master Shen, it seems the Earthly Fiend Alliance doesn't want us to form an alliance. But through this incident, I have clearly seen the true face of the Earthly Fiend Alliance. My Danxia Sect is willing to form an alliance with Beyond Heaven to jointly resist the Earthly Fiend Alliance," the Master of Danxia said.

Xu Ziling and Shen Lang were overjoyed: "Thank you, Sect Head. With the help of the Danxia Sect, we have a greater chance of victory against the Earthly Fiend Alliance."

After forming the alliance with the Danxia Sect, Xu Ziling and Shen Lang continued to visit other neutral forces. Relying on their excellent eloquence and the current prestige of Beyond Heaven, they successfully persuaded several neutral forces to ally with Beyond Heaven.

Meanwhile, at Beyond Heaven, Xiang Shaolong worked day and night, combining the mechanisms and traps encountered during the trip to the ruins to comprehensively upgrade the defensive mechanisms. He created a new type of Spiritual Power Ballista, which possessed immense power and could attack enemies from long distances; he also designed a hidden underground Mechanism Formation, which, once enemies stepped into it, would trigger various traps, leaving the enemies completely vulnerable.

As time passed, the one-month deadline drew closer. Through the efforts of everyone, Beyond Heaven's defensive capabilities were greatly enhanced, and their strength also saw a significant improvement. However, the Earthly Fiend Alliance's attack was fierce and imminent. Could Beyond Heaven successfully resist the Earthly Fiend Alliance's full-scale offensive and protect its honor? In this impending great war, who would have the final laugh? The entire continent was watching this fierce collision about to erupt, and the situation grew increasingly tense...