"Tiansheng was too reckless in this matter. After all, the rumors were rampant before, and Tiansheng was curious, so he wanted to test Daoist Ning's strength.
However, he has always been rash and didn't gauge the situation properly. This top-grade spirit stone will serve as compensation for Daoist Ning."
As he spoke, Yue Long flicked his finger, and a streak of light flew in front of Ning Fa. It revealed a thumb-sized, azure spirit stone radiating extremely dense spiritual energy – it was a top-grade water spirit stone.
Ning Fa swept it with his spiritual sense, confirmed there were no tricks, and unceremoniously pocketed it.
Although he could produce plenty of top-grade spirit stones at any time, it would consume high-level Origin Points.
He suddenly understood. It seemed the Nine Immortals Association didn't quite believe the rumors and had deliberately sent Tiansheng to test his strength.
After all, for the deeply established Nine Immortals Association, they likely weren't afraid of him possessing any means that could threaten a Spirit Transformation Cultivator.
However, for some reason, looking at Yue Long's calm expression, Ning Fa had a faint feeling that Tiansheng's test of his strength might have had another purpose.
At this moment, Lord Xuanyi also looked towards Ning Fa. His previously icy expression softened slightly, and a hint of interest appeared in his eyes.
He sized Ning Fa up and down, a slight curve to his lips. "Ning Fa, your strength is indeed impressive. As Daoist Jizhao said, you are indeed qualified to associate with us as peers."
"Thank you for your assistance, Daoist Xuanyi," Ning Fa said, cupping his hands in thanks.
Xuan Yi nodded slightly, then suddenly added, "I didn't expect that besides your Lightning Law, your swordsmanship realm is also so outstanding. You've already reached the third step, which is very rare. I'll grant you an opportunity to visit our sect's Sword Embracing Cliff for enlightenment."
Without waiting for Ning Fa's reply, Xuan Yi went directly to a row of seats in front and sat down.
Old Monster Tiansheng glared fiercely at Ning Fa, but finally didn't dare to cause any more trouble and sat on the other side with Yue Long.
The expressions of the other Spirit Transformation Cultivators in the hall towards Ning Fa changed greatly. Their previous suspicion vanished, replaced by solemnity and apprehension.
Because there was no doubt that Ning Fa already possessed such strength. Once he truly advanced to Spirit Transformation, his power would undoubtedly surge, and they would be unable to catch up.
Soon, a man in black armor, exuding a formidable aura, entered.
Upon seeing him, Ning Fa's eyes widened. This person was Huangfu Jin, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
Huangfu Jin merely cast a calm glance at Ning Fa before finding a seat. Immediately after, a sound transmission reached Ning Fa's ears.
"After this meeting, let's talk."
Ning Fa withdrew his gaze. This was exactly what he wanted.
Next, an elder with skin as blue as a zombie, looking like a walking corpse, entered.
Ning Fa recognized this person as well – it was Old Ghost Star Remains from the Rakshasa Immortal Realm.
He first scanned the hall, then looked at Ning Fa with a peculiar expression, grinned, and walked towards a familiar Spirit Transformation Cultivator.
Afterward, three more Spirit Transformation Cultivators arrived.
Ning Fa didn't recognize these three, but he guessed they were likely Spirit Transformation Cultivators from Great Qin.
This was because the leading middle-aged cultivator, with his imposing demeanor, bore some resemblance to Lu Caifu. He was clearly her grandfather, one of the five Spirit Transformation Cultivators of the Qianyuan Merchant Alliance – Lu Chenyuan.
This person ranked third in the Qianyuan Merchant Alliance and was at the peak of Early Spirit Transformation.
The other two were: one, a young cultivator with rolling demonic qi, handsome and effeminate features, and faint blood-red eyes.
And the other, an old man with an immortal demeanor, carrying a peach wood sword and wearing a Daoist robe. Judging by the aura Ning Fa sensed, he surpassed most of the Spirit Transformation Cultivators in the hall.
These three were clearly famous, and the other Spirit Transformation Cultivators in the hall greeted them enthusiastically.
Ning Fa also confirmed the identities of the other two. The youth exuding demonic qi was none other than the Palace Master of Great Qin's Wushi Demonic Palace – Li Wujiu.
The old man with an immortal demeanor was the Sect Master of Great Qin's Taichu Gate – True Lord Daohong.
Lu Chenyuan looked at Ning Fa and gave him a friendly smile. Ning Fa also smiled in response.
The meeting hadn't started yet; they seemed to be waiting for Venerable Jizhao, who had not yet arrived.
At this moment, a sound transmission also reached Ning Fa's ears. After listening, Ning Fa cupped his hands in thanks towards Wen Yuchen, who was not far away. It was Wen Yuchen who had just introduced him to the other Spirit Transformation Cultivators in the hall.
Besides those from the Nine Dragons Sea, Great Qin, and Tianwu, these Spirit Transformation Cultivators hailed from six other immortal realms.
The Human Realm had nearly thirty known immortal realms, and only about nine of them had Spirit Transformation Cultivators.
Ning Fa couldn't help but sigh.
There were currently fifteen Spirit Transformation Cultivators in the hall, which was an astonishing number.
Moreover, Ning Fa believed that the number of Human Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators yet to arrive would not be less than this.
This meant the total number of Human Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators in this realm should be over thirty, which was quite substantial.
After all, the combined number of Sea Race and Demon Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators was only a little over twenty, making Ning Fa inwardly lament the considerable depth of the Human Realm.
It was truly not easy to produce so many Spirit Transformation Cultivators after the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy had been sealed for so many years.
It seemed that in its glorious past, the Human Realm was likely a relatively powerful lower realm among those where the Spirit Realm was located.
Now, if the Human Race's strength in this realm were combined, they would not be inferior to the Sea Monsters and Demon Race, and might even have an advantage in high-level power.
But the problem was, as long as that cross-realm passage of the Sea Race remained, they could continuously receive reinforcements.
According to the information obtained, the Sea Origin Realm seemed extremely powerful. If this continued, the situation would be extremely unfavorable for the Human Race in this realm.
Furthermore, the Human Race in this realm was scattered across various immortal realms, making inter-realm travel extremely difficult. Only high-level cultivators were eligible to travel to the Nine Dragons Sea, making it hard to unite their forces.
Additionally, it was hard to guarantee that Spirit Transformation Cultivators from other immortal realms would be interested in contributing to the fight against the Sea Race.
After all, in their view, perhaps the mountains were high and the roads were long, and the threat from the Sea Race would not reach their doorstep anytime soon.
Therefore, this should also be the main reason why the Tianshu Alliance convened this meeting – to unify their front.
Not long after, an old man in black robes silently entered the hall and arrived at the high platform in front of everyone. It was Venerable Jizhao of the Taichu Gate.
The Spirit Transformation cultivators in the hall immediately focused their minds; the meeting was about to officially begin.
Venerable Jizhao surveyed the room, a smile appearing on his aged face, and slowly said, "Besides the Daoist friends who are not yet convenient to attend, all those who could come should be here.
To be honest, this number is actually a little more than I expected.
But before the formal meeting begins, let us first sign our true names on the main scroll of the Taichu Spirit Sealing Scroll."
As Venerable Jizhao spoke, he flicked his right hand, and in a flash of auspicious light, a golden scroll appeared.
It slowly unfurled, its surface covered in mysterious blood-colored runes that seemed to writhe. An astonishing killing aura emanated from it, making all the cultivators in the hall gasp in shock.
"What, it's the main scroll of the Taichu Spirit Sealing Scroll? Didn't your Taichu Gate run out of this long ago?"
A Spirit Transformation cultivator, as round and obese as a ball, like a mountain of flesh, suddenly sat up straight. His flabby body jiggled, and his face was filled with astonishment.
Many other Spirit Transformation cultivators also frowned deeply.
Venerable Jizhao's expression remained unchanged as he said, "The strategy we are about to discuss for dealing with the enemy is of utmost importance. If it is leaked, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Therefore, as a precaution, and to be responsible to the Human Race of our realm, we ask for the understanding of all Daoist friends.
After all, in the end, this is just a high-level Spirit Contract. As long as you do not violate the agreements within, it will not have any effect."
Upon hearing this, although the Spirit Transformation cultivators' expressions softened, they still frowned.
This was because the main scroll of the Taichu Spirit Sealing Scroll from the Taichu Gate was arguably one of the most well-known high-level Spirit Contracts in this realm, with a grade of fifth-rank high.
This meant that if the restrictions on it were violated, even a cultivator in the Late Spirit Transformation stage could very likely be annihilated by the power of this formidable Spirit Contract.
This was why all the Spirit Transformation cultivators feared it like a tiger.
At this moment, a sharp voice rang out, "Daoist Jizhao, this is not right.
We fellow Daoists are here to help your Nine Dragons Sea, so how can you treat us with such suspicion?
Although this is just a Spirit Contract, it is too overbearing. I, Liao, have never had the habit of signing my name on such Spirit Contracts."
The speaker was a cultivator shrouded in green mist, his face obscured. However, his Spiritual Pressure was comparable to that of Lu Chenyuan of the Qianyuan Merchant Alliance, indicating that he was at the peak of the Early Spirit Transformation stage, far from ordinary.
The green mist he emitted clearly had a strong toxicity, so no one was near him; everyone kept their distance.
Upon hearing this, many Spirit Transformation cultivators nodded secretly. These individuals were mostly from immortal cultivation worlds other than the Nine Dragons Sea, Great Qin, and Tianwu.
Before Venerable Jizhao could speak, Wen Yuchen stood up, a cold smile on his face:
"Daoist Liao, you don't seem to understand the situation clearly.
The Sea Race has gone to such great lengths to open a cross-realm passage not just to annex our Nine Dragons Sea, but to rule the entire Human Realm!
If everyone harbors the idea that they are merely here to help us, then why should we, the Human Race of the Nine Dragons Sea, work so hard to resist the Sea Race's army for you? We might as well flee, or even surrender to the Sea Race.
It is likely that the flames of war will soon reach your Kunluo Immortal Realm. At that time, I'd like to see how you, Daoist Liao, will handle yourself!"
The poisonous mist around the cultivator surnamed Liao flickered, and he fell silent for a moment, seemingly speechless from the retort.
At this point, Yue Long's eyes flashed with golden light, and he spoke, "The threat of the Sea Race is not the sole responsibility of the Nine Dragons Sea. For our Human Race to have a chance of winning, we must cooperate wholeheartedly.
So, those who hold Daoist Liao's mindset, please save your energy. If you don't wish to sign the main scroll of the Taichu Spirit Sealing Scroll, you are welcome to leave now."
Lu Chenyuan of the Qianyuan Merchant Alliance also smiled calmly and said, "Our Great Qin Cultivation World shares the same opinion.
Furthermore, I would like to add one more point: any Human Race Spirit Transformation fellow Daoists who do not contribute to this battle will be denied any future assistance from our three major immortal cultivation worlds.
We will refuse all forms of item transactions, as well as the latest information regarding spatial passages."
Upon hearing this, the Spirit Transformation cultivators from other immortal cultivation worlds were startled.
Although Lu Chenyuan's words were calm, the threat was considerable.
This was because these three major immortal cultivation worlds controlled almost all the top-tier spiritual material resources in this realm. Moreover, information about spatial passages had always been controlled by these three major immortal cultivation worlds.
Seeing that the three major immortal cultivation worlds had formed a united front, these Spirit Transformation cultivators no longer voiced any objections.
At this moment, Ning Fa was observing the scroll suspended in the air. He had long heard of the renowned Taichu Spirit Sealing Scroll.
The text on it was only a single line, primarily stipulating that those who signed their true names must not betray the Human Race in any form during the war against the alien races, under penalty of their souls and forms being annihilated.
Although the words were few and even somewhat vague, the more such a restriction, the stronger its ability, enough to make those who signed their true names dare not harbor any other thoughts.
At this time, Venerable Jizhao was the first to raise his hand. Spiritual energy condensed as he inscribed his true name on the Taichu Spirit Sealing Scroll.
Following him, Wen Yuchen, Fairy Linghua, Xuan Yi, and the Spirit Transformation cultivators from Great Qin and Tianwu also signed their true names.
Ning Fa followed closely behind.
The other Spirit Transformation cultivators hesitated for a moment before finally signing their true names.
Venerable Jizhao put away the scroll, a smile on his face, and said, "Thank you all for your understanding.
Those Spirit Transformation fellow Daoists who arrive late will also be required to sign their true names on this scroll. Now, we can discuss the specific deployment."
First, regarding the cross-realm passage of the Sea Race, this passage is a major concern for us.
If we can destroy it, then with the strength of our Human Race in this realm, defeating the Sea and Demon Races would not be impossible.
However, the problem is that destroying this passage is an extremely difficult task.
Before this, Daoist Xuanyi had already made a move to test it. He infiltrated the vicinity of the cross-realm passage while the Sea and Demon Races' armies were on the move.
But Daoist Xuanyi discovered that the cross-realm passage had extremely powerful barriers, confirmed to be empowered by the Ancestral Sea's might.
At least, based on Daoist Xuanyi's perception, it would require the combined effort of at least five individuals of his strength to break through.
Furthermore, the issue is that the barrier also possesses a very potent spatial transmission attribute.
During Daoist Xuanyi's probing attack, five Sea Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators were teleported over in a short period, forcing Daoist Xuanyi to retreat.
Judging by this, the Sea Race could even teleport all their Spirit Transformation Cultivators over in a short time.
Therefore, even if all our Human Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators were to gather, destroying the cross-realm passage would be very difficult, and we might even suffer significant losses.
This is because it is the Sea Race's home base. Based on our past experiences, the Sea Race can mobilize the Ancestral Sea's might in times of crisis, greatly boosting the combat power of Spirit Transformation Cultivators within their home base.
In fact, on several occasions in history, our Nine Dragons Sea Human Race has attacked the Sea Race's home base, and it was precisely because of this that we were repelled each time.
Coupled with the Demon Race's interference, the Sea Race was able to recover its strength."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fa's expression became solemn.
He had previously asked Venerable Jizhao about this matter, but the latter was unwilling to elaborate, clearly because the main scroll of the Taichu Spirit Sealing Scroll had not yet been signed.
Now he knew that Xuan Yi had already made a move to test it, which meant the situation was dire.
The other Spirit Transformation Cultivators in the hall also looked grim.
At this moment, an old man in yellow, dressed in a straw cloak and hat, resembling an old farmer, spoke with a hoarse voice:
"If that's the case, doesn't that mean destroying the cross-realm passage is basically impossible? If this continues, will we all just slowly wait for death?"
Venerable Jizhao said slowly, "It's Daoist You.
For us to win this war, we must destroy the cross-realm passage at all costs, no matter how difficult it is, and it's not impossible.
We are already working on it. Whether it's the Star Luo Palace of our Tianshu Alliance, or the Tianhong Hall of Great Qin, or the Star Locking Platform of Tianwu, we have been fully engaged in divination and deduction to find the weakness of the barrier during this time.
As long as we can break the barrier's instantaneous teleportation ability, we will have a way to destroy that barrier.
However, due to the Ancestral Sea's power obscuring the heavenly secrets, there hasn't been much progress yet.
But what is certain is that when the Sea Race next teleports reinforcements through the cross-realm passage, it will be the weakest moment for the Ancestral Sea's power and the barrier. At that time, we will have a good chance of deducing the barrier's weakness.
Then, as long as we can find a way to lure a large number of Sea Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators away, we will have a certain degree of certainty in destroying it."
A silence fell over the hall.
At this moment, a thin old monk in gray robes turned his prayer beads, his white eyebrows slightly furrowed:
"Daoist Jizhao, doesn't this mean we can't act immediately and must wait for the Sea Race's second wave of reinforcements?"
Venerable Jizhao's old face couldn't help but show a wry smile: "It's Zen Master Yuanyi. It's been five hundred years since we last met.
Yes, it is as you say. There is no better method.
Fortunately, based on our current divination results, the cross-realm passage has a certain limit. It cannot teleport Late Spirit Transformation Cultivators, and even ordinary Spirit Transformation Cultivators cannot be teleported in large numbers.
After the Sea Race's second teleportation, their numbers will at most be equal to our Human Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators, so it will be bearable.
As long as we can destroy the cross-realm passage, we won't fear a protracted war even if they send more reinforcements.
Therefore, in this regard, the attitude of the other major race in our Human Realm – the Demon Race – is very important.
After all, besides the Nine Dragons Sea Demon Court, there are also the Myriad Monster Sea and the Cloud Break Demon Race, which together have a considerable number of Demon Race Spirit Transformation Cultivators.
If we can win them over, it will undoubtedly tip the scales in our favor.
This is also a major focus of our current meeting."
Saying this, Venerable Jizhao looked at Yue Long an