Chapter 776: Crisis in the Daluo Heavenly Domain
Tianluo Continent, Northern Region.
Following the last Grand Hunt, the Daluo Heavenly Domain had firmly established itself as a top tier faction. With two Earth tier Sovereigns among its ranks, its strength inspired awe and trepidation throughout the northern region.
The domain's burgeoning power attracted numerous wandering experts, all seeking refuge under its banner. With the continuous influx of talents, Daluo's strength swelled, and after annexing the territories of the Blood Spirit Sect, its lands grew vast enough to support an even greater number of followers.
In Xiao Ze's absence, Mandala had chosen a conservative approach, focusing on consolidating existing territories rather than expanding aggressively.
However, this restraint had provoked suspicion and greed among other top tier factions.
Many feared the rapid growth of the Daluo Heavenly Domain, which threatened to produce an Upper Earth Sovereign. The potential of such a transformation made the other faction leaders uneasy, unwilling to see their years of hard work overshadowed by Daluo's ascendance.
Among them, the Lord of the Divine Pavilion nursed a personal vendetta.
Severely wounded by Xiao Ze and Mandala during their previous confrontation, the Divine Pavilion Lord had spent a fortune procuring a divine pill to recover his strength. Ever since, he harbored deep hatred for Daluo, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
Recently, he learned that the Daluo Heavenly Domain's second Earth Sovereign was away on a journey. Seizing this chance, he conspired with other faction leaders, rallying them against the domain.
An Intimidating Arrival
Today, the tension within the Daluo Heavenly Domain reached a fever pitch.
Mandala stood at the forefront of a vast formation, flanked by her three kings and countless experts. Dressed in her usual black robes, her golden eyes glimmered with frost.
Above them, the skies darkened as the lords of multiple top tier factions gathered, each emanating an overwhelming aura.
Mandala's icy voice pierced the silence.
"Your presence here today is clearly hostile. State your intentions."
A smirking figure stepped forward it was the Lord of the Divine Pavilion.
"Heh, Daluo Domain Lord, you've brought this upon yourself. A single faction with two Earth Sovereigns? That's a threat we cannot ignore."
"If your domain continues to grow unchecked, it won't be long before you produce an Upper Earth Sovereign," he added with a sneer.
"That would render all of our efforts in the northern region meaningless."
Mandala's expression darkened. She realized that the Divine Pavilion Lord had successfully united others under a shared fear of Daluo's rise.
While some leaders were merely present to maintain appearances, others particularly the Netherworld Palace and Xuantian Hall had old grudges with Daluo and were eager to see it fall.
Though a few factions remained neutral, their presence lent weight to the Divine Pavilion Lord's forces, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
Even without direct hostility, the overwhelming display of strength caused many within Daluo to falter. Some of the recently recruited experts began to regret their decision, silently cursing their bad fortune.
Betrayal in the Ranks
Sensing hesitation among Daluo's forces, the Divine Pavilion Lord pressed his advantage.
"Why struggle, Mandala? I've confirmed that your second Earth Sovereign is absent. With only you remaining, what hope do you have of stopping us?"
His words sent ripples of panic through Daluo's ranks.
Mandala, however, remained unfazed, her lips curving into a faint smile.
"Perhaps it's time to clean house. After our rapid expansion, it seems some unwanted elements have crept into my domain," she said coolly, her gaze sweeping over her forces.
Her words were an unspoken invitation for dissenters to reveal themselves.
The Xuantian Hall Lord sneered. "Still so composed? Your domain won't last the day."
"Indeed," the Netherworld Palace Lord added. "Once we're finished here, the spoils of your lands will be divided among us. Those who wish to join us should act now there's no need to follow a sinking ship."
Emboldened, several opportunistic cultivators began stepping forward, eager to align with the attacking factions.
The Divine Pavilion Lord seized the moment, promising wealth and safety to any who defected.
A Calculated Calm
Despite the betrayals, Mandala's calm demeanor didn't waver.
Those loyal to her stood firm, while the defectors hastily fled to the enemy's side. Mandala's golden eyes swept over the remaining crowd, and to her satisfaction, most of her trusted followers remained.
The Xuantian Hall Lord sneered. "Still concerned for your subordinates? Worry about yourself first, Mandala."
Just as he prepared to launch an attack, a chuckle echoed across the battlefield.
"Quite the lively gathering. Mind if I join in the fun?"
The Return of Xiao Ze
Mandala froze momentarily, then visibly relaxed. A genuine smile broke through her icy exterior as she turned toward the source of the voice.
"Xiao Ze. You're finally back."
The other faction leaders were taken aback. They hadn't sensed Xiao Ze's presence until he spoke, which sent shivers down their spines.
A moment later, a figure emerged. Clad in black robes adorned with faintly shimmering starlight, Xiao Ze appeared in the sky, his gaze sweeping over the scene.
He chuckled as he met Mandala's eyes, noting her subtle satisfaction.
Unbeknownst to the others, Xiao Ze had arrived some time ago but chose to remain hidden. He had quickly discerned Mandala's strategy using the current crisis to expose and purge traitors from her ranks.
Now that the time was right, he revealed himself.
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