Seeing that the golden oriole seemed to have been frightened into silence, the red-robed woman nodded in satisfaction. She then lightly tapped, and a faint gray mist fell onto the golden oriole.
The golden oriole, which had been terrified, suddenly looked puzzled. It opened its clever little beak and realized it could speak again.
"You evil demon, you will face retribution sooner or later! You destroyed my homeland, displaced my people, and turned my ancestral land into ruins... chirp chirp chirp..."
A clear and melodious, yet furious voice came from its mouth.
However, before it could finish, the red-robed woman shook her head impatiently and sealed its mouth again. "So disobedient. If it weren't for your pure and rare bloodline, I would have sent you to join your kin long ago."
The golden oriole's mouth was sealed again, leaving it only able to chirp helplessly. It flapped its wings and slammed its body against the cage in frustration.
The red-robed woman ignored it, holding the birdcage as she leisurely walked. A maid behind her brought out a wicker recliner, and the red-robed woman lazily lay down on it. Her figure was graceful and alluring, her eyes half-closed as she gazed over the vast expanse of the underworld.
"Can you tear through this defense line within half a month?"
Her voice was lazy, carrying a strange charm, like a cat scratching at one's heart.
The Dark Beings kneeling before her all replied respectfully, "Qi Luo Sacrifice, rest assured. Within half a month, we will break through this place and advance unimpeded."
"Go."
The red-robed woman nodded slightly in satisfaction, her slender jade hand waving casually.
The boundless black mist surged forward like a black dragon, tearing through the sky as it roared toward the towering dam ahead.
An immense explosion of energy erupted, as if a black sun had detonated, obliterating everything in its path.
The dam, which reached the heavens, trembled violently.
Countless runes scattered like chaotic currents, and rocks flew through the air. The dark energy was too terrifying, more frightening than raging ocean waves. It surged overwhelmingly, submerging everything and crashing into the dam.
In some areas of the dam, countless runes were obliterated, and cracks began to appear, threatening to collapse.
This scene caused the many powerful figures and beings of the Alliance of Righteous Unity to pale in terror.
Even the Ancestral Dao Realm existences, who were confronting powerful enemies in the depths of the sky, were shaken and filled with dread.
It was clear that the being who had just attacked far exceeded their expectations. This was undoubtedly a true heavyweight among the Dark Beings.
Ordinary cultivators and beings were terrified to the extreme, their bodies trembling and their souls freezing cold, as if they were about to kneel and collapse.
The Alliance of Righteous Unity huddled behind this ancient dam, using it as a natural defense against the Dark Beings.
There were seventy-three such dams in total, constructed by the ancient ancestors with the combined strength of countless worlds. They were imbued with immense power and inscribed with countless runes.
Each dam spanned over 108,000 billion miles, arranged in a nebula-like formation that enveloped the Alliance of Righteous Unity. The edges were chaotic spatial currents and desolate lands filled with calamitous auras.
Only Ancestral Dao Realm existences could cross them, making them the most natural and stable defense lines. There was no need to worry about a large-scale invasion by the Dark Beings.
Unless the Dark Beings expended tremendous resources to open and stabilize a passage, which would inevitably be detected by the higher-ups of the Alliance of Righteous Unity.
Thus, during this time, while welcoming various sects and forces, the Alliance of Righteous Unity also dispatched many powerful figures to guard the seventy-three dams.
However, an event like today, where countless Dark Beings gathered and launched a coordinated attack on one of the dams, was beyond the Alliance of Righteous Unity's expectations.
The scale of this Dark Being invasion far exceeded previous ones. Endless armies of Dark Beings pressed forward, merging with the black mist.
In the distant, shattered universes, an unknown number of Dark Beings lay in wait.
The situation for the Alliance of Righteous Unity was dire. To make matters worse, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was also gathering troops to "seek revenge." Caught between two enemies, reversing the situation seemed nearly impossible.
All the cultivators and beings on the dam felt a deep sense of despair and helplessness.
Boom!
From the distant horizon, the sound of war horns echoed once more. Countless Dark Beings charged forward.
Some rode on snow-white corpses, wielding long spears and slanted heavenly blades. Their numbers were uncountable, like an army of the undead returning from the netherworld, roaring in fury at the living.
On the dam, countless brilliant lights lit up. Arrays, sword shadows, thunder, storms, true fire, frost... Various divine abilities and Dao techniques, along with grand Dao runes, were unleashed recklessly toward the enemy.
This was a rare and brutal battle in history. The vast desert was submerged in blood and black mist, and the surrounding star systems and universes were shattered, leaving behind ruins.
Wherever the black mist spread, desolation followed, leaving no trace of life.
The red-robed woman lazily reclined on the wicker chair, still half-closing her eyes as she played with the golden oriole in the cage. Deep in her eyes, there was only cold indifference.
"Liu Yun, has that person you mentioned last time contacted you again?"
She tilted her head slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with interest as she looked at the white-robed woman beside her.
"Reporting to Qi Luo Sacrifice, no. That old man only asked me to relay that message to you," the white-robed woman named Liu Yun shook her head.
"The Heavenly Decline Faction went out of their way to find you and deliver that message to me. What does it mean?"
"'They are watching us'?"
The red-robed woman named Qi Luo narrowed her eyes, pretending to ponder.
Liu Yun remained silent, not daring to speculate or make any assumptions.
Among the Heavenly Faction, aside from the supreme Grand Sacrifice, there were nine Sacrifices, ranked from one to nine. The higher the rank, the more terrifying the Sacrifice's strength.
The red-robed woman named Qi Luo was the fourth-ranked Sacrifice, often referred to as the "Red Yama" by the beings of the Heavenly Faction, a testament to her fearsome reputation.
Within the Heavenly Faction, the Grand Sacrifice was elusive, rarely seen, and shrouded in mystery.
Additionally, the first and second Sacrifices were also rarely seen.
Even during the recent appearance of the Grand Sacrifice for the grand sacrificial ritual, those two Sacrifices did not show up.
Thus, the third and fourth Sacrifices, Qi Luo, were the undisputed rulers of the Heavenly Faction. Even the other Sacrifices and protectors were deeply wary and fearful of them.
The fact that the fourth Sacrifice, Qi Luo, was personally leading the troops to attack the Alliance of Righteous Unity was of great significance. No one could guess her true intentions.
As her subordinate, Liu Yun could only make vague conjectures.
Perhaps it was related to the message that the old man from the Heavenly Decline Faction had asked her to deliver.
At that time, she had clearly noticed a significant change in Qi Luo Sacrifice's expression, something that had remained unshaken for countless years.
Moreover, the most important thing was that, given Qi Luo Sacrifice's strength, breaking through this dam would be effortless. Yet, she had not acted, as if waiting for something.
"Back then, Grand Sacrifice Wu Yue asked you to stay by my side. Did she promise you something in return?"
As Liu Yun's thoughts raced, Qi Luo Sacrifice's light, almost teasing voice interrupted her.
"The Grand Sacrifice only asked me to serve by your side. She made no promises."
Liu Yun's heart tightened, but she lowered her eyes and replied respectfully.
A pale, slender hand, like a peeled onion root, reached out and caressed her smooth, jade-like face.
Liu Yun did not dare to move or look up.
The warm, delicate hand felt like a slippery snake, exuding danger, as if it could twist her head off at any moment.
Qi Luo smiled faintly. "Whatever she promised you, I can fulfill it. Why do you need to serve her?"
Liu Yun stood silently, not responding.
Qi Luo seemed to find it boring and withdrew her hand, shaking her head. "I was waiting to see a good show, but no one has stepped onto the stage yet. How dull."
"Half a month should be enough to break through this dam. I wonder what the others are planning, or if they're just testing the waters and waiting."
With that, her cold, distant gaze turned back to the massive dam ahead, lost in thought.
The black mist churned, and the sounds of battle filled the air. Beings fell, only to be replaced by others, like endless waves of grass being cut down and regrowing.
Since the Heaven-Slaying Alliance issued the decree to wage war against the Alliance of Righteous Unity, a silent storm had begun to brew.
The various members of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had to defend against the Dark Beings attacking the dams while also preparing for the impending assault from the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
On the borderlines, battles had already erupted. Vast armies clashed, their war cries shaking the heavens. The scale of the conflict was staggering.
The entire universe had become a battlefield. Ancient warships traversed time and space, and colossal war beasts and fortresses appeared.
Massive streams of runic energy, thick enough to destroy worlds, obliterated entire star systems in an instant.
This scene resembled the great cataclysmic battles of ancient times. All living beings and cultivators were drawn into the conflict, and no civilization could remain untouched.
The various sects and forces of the Alliance of Righteous Unity immediately sent reinforcements to the battlefields. Even the younger generation was dispatched to resist this sudden calamity.
For the Alliance of Righteous Unity, this disaster was a matter of life and death, determining whether it could continue to exist.
In the Endless Yang True World, the Cosmic Annihilation Mansion's lord, who had survived eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations, stood with his hands behind his back. His cold eyes watched the star map before him, where regions were dimming one after another.
Each region represented a civilization or True World. As they dimmed and vanished, it meant they had been conquered and corrupted by the Dark Beings.
This disaster had come suddenly, affecting not just one battlefield. Even the Endless Yang True World had been drawn into the conflict.
As a core True World within the Alliance of Righteous Unity, the Endless Yang True World had been working with other civilizations to resist the Black Calamity.
However, even a Supreme True World like the Endless Yang True World could not protect all the civilizations under its wing.
Its power could not extend to every corner of the universe. Even if it mobilized its forces immediately, it would be too late to save those distant civilizations.
At this point, the only option might be to abandon those civilizations and shrink their territory to protect the core regions and their people.
"This invasion by the Dark Beings seems premeditated, as if they had an agreement with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance."
"The origins of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance are unclear, and its leader is even more mysterious. All signs point to him having some inexplicable connection with the Dark Beings."
The lord of the Cosmic Annihilation Mansion's eyes reflected the collapse of star systems and the birth and death of universes. His expression was as dark as if it could drip water.
He had survived eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations only with the help of a benefactor.
The establishment of the Alliance of Righteous Unity was also directly related to that mysterious benefactor.
Such help did not come without a price. If the Alliance of Righteous Unity were to collapse now, the consequences he would face would be dire.
"In these troubled times, we can only cut our losses and retreat to the core regions."
"It seems that benefactor foresaw today's situation, which is why he had me prepare early and consolidate the forces of the Endless Yang True World."
The lord of the Cosmic Annihilation Mansion let out a heavy sigh, then turned into a wisp of smoke, intending to discuss with the leaders of other civilizations and True Worlds.
Since this war could not be avoided, they had no choice but to face it head-on.
Whether it was the invading Dark Beings or the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, they would strike back fiercely and make them pay.
The Alliance of Righteous Unity was not as simple as it appeared on the surface. Its current weakness was due to the scattered forces of its members, unable to unite as one.
As their territory shrank, the concentrated power of the Alliance of Righteous Unity would grow stronger. This was the inevitable trend.
In the Crescent Moon Sect, mountains and islands stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist and radiant light. The atmosphere was solemn.
Many elders and disciples gathered in the central square, and beams of divine light converged from all directions.
"There is no turning back now. The Dark Beings are attacking, trying to breach the dams. Our Crescent Moon Sect has received orders to join forces with other sects to defend Dam Seventeen. Today, we gather to discuss this matter."
"All disciples above the Immortal King realm must answer the call. They will be led by Dao Realm elders to defend Dam Seventeen."
The sect master of the Crescent Moon Sect, with his long beard and immortal demeanor, spoke with a heavy expression.
As he scanned the crowd, his resonant voice echoed through the mountains and caves.
Dam Seventeen was the closest to the Crescent Moon Sect. If it fell and the Dark Beings broke through, the Crescent Moon Sect and other sects would face the Dark Beings directly.
They would likely fall, becoming ruins like the other destroyed civilizations.
Thus, this battle was a matter of life and death for the Crescent Moon Sect.
"We cultivators fear neither battle nor death. We are willing to go to the frontlines and fight the Dark Beings."
A mighty voice resounded through the mountains and islands, shaking the clouds and rocks, filled with unyielding determination.
All the elders and disciples of the Crescent Moon Sect wore solemn expressions, ready to sacrifice themselves without hesitation.
In the face of life and death, everyone displayed great righteousness and calmness.
Perhaps inspired by Elder Chen Yi's selfless actions, no trace of fear or hesitation could be seen on the faces of the disciples and elders.
The sect master of the Crescent Moon Sect nodded, feeling both comforted and helpless.
"Elder Chen Yi, if your spirit in heaven sees this, you would surely be comforted."
On another island, Lan Xin and her fellow disciples, dressed in white mourning clothes, also wore resolute expressions, ready to sacrifice themselves for this battle.
Gu Xian'er stood beside them, her small face serious and silent.
Soon, ancient warships soared through the sky, carrying the elders and disciples of the Crescent Moon Sect to the frontlines.
The war had erupted suddenly, leaving no time for preparation.
Many disciples had never experienced life-and-death battles or the cruelty of war. Yet, they were now being sent to the frontlines.
Although Gu Xian'er was not well-liked in the Crescent Moon Sect, she had often been cared for by Lan Xin and the others.
Faced with the overwhelming and destructive Dark Beings, she naturally stood with the Crescent Moon Sect.
Meanwhile, in a courtyard at the headquarters of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, everything was calm, as if nothing had happened.
Tap...
The crisp sound of a chess piece being placed echoed on the board. Gu Changge withdrew his hand, looking at the chessboard with a thoughtful expression.
"Does this also involve the predecessor of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty?"
As he murmured, the Book of Scavenging appeared. A wisp of green smoke drifted out, and a figure materialized before him.