Chapter 701: Elites Gather
In Mandala's palace, intricate spirit array patterns shimmered as vast elemental energies converged to form an ancient Mandala Divine Flower.
For added precaution, Mandala activated the pre arranged spirit array, allowing Xiao Ze to reinforce the existing seal.
Brilliant purple light imbued with sealing power cascaded from the divine flower, so potent that Xiao Ze himself felt his internal spiritual energy flow slow to a crawl.
Golden flames spread from Xiao Ze's body to Mandala's, eventually forming fiery runes that etched themselves onto her delicate skin.
Only the powerful physique of a Sky Sovereign like Mandala could endure the overwhelming might of the Flame of Origin without harm.
However, Mandala's clothing was not as resilient, reduced to ash in the process.
The petite and exquisite Mandala sat cross legged before Xiao Ze, her jade like skin aglow with flame runes pulsing with suppressive power.
Because this was merely a reinforcement of the seal, Mandala didn't need to expend much effort to suppress the curse within her body.
Her golden eyes observed Xiao Ze closely. Seeing his calm and respectful gaze, without any inappropriate glances, she breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Soon, the golden flames on both of them dissipated. Mandala nonchalantly retrieved a black dress and slipped it on, then waved her hand to disperse the light from the spirit array.
"If you plan to enter the Fallen Battlefield, know that the rules among the major pinnacle forces will restrict your freedom of exploration. You'll have to accompany me deeper into the battlefield to search for the Sky Sovereign's hidden treasures."
Xiao Ze nodded, unfazed by the announcement.
Having chosen to join Daluo Territory for the expedition, he understood the importance of adhering to these rules. Until his strength grew enough to defy them, compliance was the only option.
The Northern Territories were home to numerous pinnacle forces, not just Daluo Territory. Breaking the rules would risk a united retaliation from rival factions.
"No problem. Besides, given my current strength, scouring the outskirts for inheritances might be too one sided." Xiao Ze smiled lightly. "The inheritances left deeper in the battlefield by stronger fallen experts will undoubtedly be more extraordinary."
Mandala, pleased with his cooperative attitude, nodded in approval.
Although Xiao Ze had not officially joined Daluo Territory, the roles she assigned him, such as Alchemy Guest Official and Supreme Commander, were more honorary than functional.
The former denoted a partnership where Xiao Ze exchanged alchemical contributions for resources, while the latter was a temporary position created to bolster morale in Daluo's army.
Satisfied with his compliance, Mandala left Xiao Ze to his preparations.
With the Great Hunt War approaching, Xiao Ze focused on cultivating his spiritual energy while dedicating some time to refining pills to amass more Supreme Spirit Liquid for his training.
He temporarily set aside the matter of improving his control over Daluo Army's battle intent, as progressing further would require enhancing his willpower something he lacked the means to do for now.
However, he didn't neglect his duties entirely. He instructed the other Daluo Army commanders in the art of wielding battle intent, sharing his insights with remarkable clarity.
His natural aptitude for battle formations allowed him to improve the commanders' understanding, enabling them to wield battle intent with greater precision.
Drawing inspiration from techniques described in Mu Chen's original story, Xiao Ze even helped the army condense a pseudo battle spirit.
Although it lacked the strength of a genuine battle spirit, the pseudo battle spirit elevated Daluo Army's combat prowess considerably enough to make them a half tier stronger.
Their task in the Fallen Battlefield would be to gather Fallen Origin Pills from the outer and inner regions. Venturing into the core was reserved for a select few, as the volatile spiritual storms in that area were lethal even to late stage Supreme experts.
When the day of the Great Hunt War finally arrived, the skies over the Northern Territories seemed to grow darker. Heavy clouds pressed down, and a suffocating aura of killing intent filled the air.
All across the region, powerful factions and lone experts alike shuddered under this oppressive atmosphere.
The history of the Great Hunt War was stained with the blood of countless fallen forces. Even pinnacle factions that dominated the Northern Territories were not immune to destruction during this deadly contest.
Severely weakened factions were mercilessly divided and consumed by their rivals.
The lure that drove this carnage was the Divine Spirit Liquid that could be found within the Fallen Battlefield.
When a Sky Sovereign perished, their Supreme Ocean did not simply dissipate. Over eons, it would condense into the essence known as Divine Spirit Liquid a treasure containing the distilled essence of their power.
For Sky Sovereigns, advancing further in their cultivation was a near impossible task. Divine Spirit Liquid offered a rare opportunity for growth, making it irresistibly valuable.
This treasure's allure extended beyond the Northern Territories, drawing outsiders as well. However, the local pinnacle forces united each time to repel intruders, ensuring the spoils remained within their territory.
A deep, resonant bell echoed across Daluo Territory, signaling the start of the Great Hunt War.
Multicolored clouds streaked across the sky, descending onto a vast plaza where numerous armies had gathered, each exuding immense spiritual power.
At the forefront of these armies stood Daluo Territory's kings the most elite warriors under its command.
This time, Daluo Territory had mobilized all its top forces.
If they suffered heavy losses, even a powerhouse like Daluo Territory might find itself vulnerable to being torn apart by its rivals.
Xiao Ze, accompanied by Mandala, descended as a streak of light onto the plaza.
He scanned the mighty armies below, nodding slightly in approval at their strength and coordination.
Meanwhile, countless eyes turned toward him, curiosity evident in their gazes.
The figure standing beside the Domain Lord herself was undoubtedly a figure of great significance.
Whispers spread quickly: "Could that be the mysterious alchemist?"
Even the three Sovereigns of Daluo Territory turned their attention to him. Xiao Ze withdrew his spiritual energy and smiled politely.
"Greetings, Sovereigns," he said respectfully.
The Spirit Eye Sovereign, recognizing him, returned the smile. "You must be the esteemed alchemist. Thanks to your pills, I've made a breakthrough in my cultivation. Allow me to express my gratitude."
Her tone carried genuine respect, reflecting the great value she and the others placed on Xiao Ze not just as Mandala's trusted ally, but as a key contributor to their strength.
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