Chapter 779: The Standoff
Northern Purple Cloud Pass
The Northern Purple Cloud Pass, a famed stronghold on the northern border of the Purple Cloud Sect, served as the demarcation line for their territory.
Any factions within the area were required to pay tribute to the sect. But today, this renowned pass became a gathering place for countless powerful figures.
Bright streaks of light tore through the skies as powerful cultivators converged on the pass.
The reason?
The army of the newly risen Origin Realm, which had swept through the Northern Region, was now advancing directly toward the Northern Purple Cloud Pass.
Speculation and Unease
The bold expansion of the Origin Realm had alarmed countless factions. Many observers gathered near the pass, debating how the Three Overlord Factions the Purple Cloud Sect, Thunder Sound Mountain, and Golden Roc Mansion would respond.
"Do you think the Three Overlords will resist?"
"Hard to say. This is a clash between giants. For people like us, it's a calamity waiting to happen. Let's just hope we don't get caught in the crossfire," a worried onlooker muttered.
Another elder, clad in a black robe and sporting a white beard, chimed in, his tone authoritative:
"Given the circumstances, I'd wager the Three Overlords will act. The Origin Realm's strength is unproven despite their swift conquest of the Northern Region."
"After all," he continued, "the Northern Region has always been chaotic a shallow pond filled with countless small fish. None of its so called leaders even reached the Upper Earth Sovereign Realm. Without their Heaven Sovereign taking action, I doubt the Origin Realm can match the Three Overlords."
The surrounding crowd nodded in agreement, finding the elder's reasoning convincing.
The Arrival of the Origin Army
As discussions swirled, the crowd's attention shifted to the horizon. A wave of golden clouds rolled in, carrying an overwhelming battle aura.
The sheer intensity of this aura caused countless cultivators in the area to feel suffocated.
Golden light surged across the sky, bathing half the heavens in its brilliance.
Under the crowd's astonished gazes, a figure dressed in a black gown stepped forward. Her expression was icy, and her golden pupils radiated an undeniable dominance.
This was Mandala, the commander of the Holy Flame Army and an Upper Earth Sovereign.
Though her cultivation level matched that of several onlookers, the army behind her commanded undeniable respect.
Even the previously confident black robed elder wiped cold sweat from his brow. "It seems I underestimated the Origin Realm's strength."
The Three Overlords Reveal Themselves
As the Holy Flame Army advanced, three figures appeared in the skies above the Northern Purple Cloud Pass.
They were none other than the leaders of the Three Overlords: the Sect Master of Purple Cloud, the Lord of Thunder Sound Mountain, and the Master of Golden Roc Mansion.
Behind them stood nearly ten Peak Earth Sovereigns, alongside legions of formidable subordinates.
A Bold Demand
The Sect Master of Purple Cloud spoke first, his tone firm yet guarded:
"Our Purple Cloud Sect has never interfered with the Origin Realm. Why, then, do you march here today?"
Mandala's response was succinct, her tone cold:
"War or submission."
Her words sent shockwaves through the crowd. No one had expected such blunt terms.
Among the onlookers, the black robed elder muttered, "This will undoubtedly escalate into a full scale war. The Three Overlords control 80% of the Northern Territory. There's no way they'll hand over their lands without a fight."
The Sect Master of Purple Cloud, maintaining his composure, attempted a diplomatic approach:
"Is there truly no room for negotiation? The Origin Realm has already conquered the Northern Region. Surely that's enough. After all, the waters of the Tianluo Continent run deep. Even your leader, the Origin Sovereign, must understand the risks of provoking too many enemies."
Mandala smirked, her tone sharp:
"Oh? So it's acceptable for the Three Overlords to use puppets to control 80% of the Northern Territory, but the Origin Realm isn't allowed to expand?
"Since you're so unwilling to negotiate, let's settle this through combat."
The Battle Begins
The Sect Master of Purple Cloud's expression darkened. With no other choice, he signaled his forces to prepare for battle.
Mandala floated back toward the Holy Flame Army. A vast ocean of battle intent surged from the army, crashing toward the Three Overlords.
The three leaders, experienced in their craft, synchronized their energies, dispersing the oncoming waves with ease.
Seeing their success, the leader of Thunder Sound Mountain chuckled confidently:
"Mandala, if this is all your famed army can do, you'd best retreat now."
But Mandala's smirk deepened.
"That was just a warm up."
She raised her hand, revealing a golden mark resembling a tree on the back of her palm.
The golden ocean of battle intent began to transform. From its depths, a radiant golden sun emerged, exuding an aura of unparalleled power.
A Shocking Revelation
The Three Overlords' confidence wavered as they noticed the intricate battle marks covering the golden sun.
"Over ten million battle marks!?"
Their voices trembled with disbelief. Such a display of refined battle intent far surpassed anything they had anticipated.
Mandala's voice was calm yet chilling:
"You claim to have touched the threshold of the Heaven Sovereign Realm? Let me show you just how vast the gap truly is!"
With a wave of her hand, the golden sun surged forward, its battle marks pulsating with overwhelming might.
The crowd held their breaths, watching as the Holy Flame Army prepared to unleash its devastating power.
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