Chapter 238: The Counter Invasion Begins
Around the location in the Pocket Dimension where the enormous dimensional void passages lay an intense battle had broken out as thousands upon thousands of experts clashed. Some time ago, after eliminating the many hindrances that invaded through one particular passage, a large scale counter invasion erupted. The White Star Radiance alliance and several other forces had charged into this place after handling the invasion from their own side.
The demon alliance experts and the enemy natives were quickly pushed back and forced to retreat an immense distance before regaining enough stability to form the current explosive warfront. Powerful experts beyond Early Stage Mortal Lord were present on both sides, so it was inevitable that the devastation would gradually reach a terrifying tipping point.
Aeloria and several other leaders surveyed the landscape with composed expressions as they formulated plans.
"Be on the lookout for the group that the Vice Sect Leader Heavens Star Eyes sent. Joe-Pine, I will leave you in charge of that matter." Aeloria calmly stated as she directed her gaze toward him.
"Understood Lady Aeloria." Joe-Pine replied with a confident smile before moving out as he gathered a troop of experts.
"From this point forward our Aka Boshi no Tengan clan will be moving about on our own at least temporarily. Our top priority in this place is naturally the disposal of any significant threats to our clansmen while watching over Lady Christy." An Early Stage Mortal Lord expert of the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan stated with a respectful bow before leaving.
"Our Soloman clan will naturally do the same. Unlike the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan not all of our people are so enthusiastic about allying with the White Star Radiance sect." A Mortal Lord of the Soloman clan remarked before leading his people away.
Two other factions moved out to carve their path as the battlefield continued to expand with relentless ferocity.
"Truthfully it does not matter what the others decide since every force will inevitably be dragged into the battles here. In fact, I believe that this demonic alliance in this region will eventually retreat once again after unleashing another extensive wave of all out attacks. It probably will not cause any major issues since we remain so close to the void entrance with a Master Realm expert guarding the opposite side." An Elder of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect commented with a faint smile. Everyone who heard him nodded their heads in agreement.
"Then let us consolidate ourselves before that moment so we can unleash waves of attacks of our own." Aeloria said as her eyes began to glow with a majestic light that seemed to pierce through the surrounding space. Her gaze became slightly distant. "Hmm? Fufufu even now I find it miraculous that Lady Shayleaf has ascended into the Mortal Shedding realm so quickly. Slight change of plans everyone! We will be moving far sooner than expected. Also someone needs to inform Joe-Pine about an important matter. On top of that a message must be relayed to the Aka Boshi no Tengan people who departed earlier."
"Ehh? What is going on Mortal Lord Aeloria? What exactly is happening?" An expert asked with confusion as the others listened closely.
"Let us call it intuition for now. I will explain everything in a moment. First, give the orders for all factions and divisions to prepare to move out immediately." Aeloria said with a stern expression that allowed no hesitation.
The other leaders glanced at each other with uncertainty before following her command. She was the current commander of the White Star Radiance alliance and had never failed them. Orders rapidly spread and the plan began forming with surprising clarity and coordination.
Not long after, the Star Dimming alliance initiated their own full scale counter invasion along with several powerful clans and sects emerging from the other three passages connected to the giant void. Once this occurred the demonic alliance unleashed dreadful waves of devastating attacks that collapsed massive portions of the battlefield. Many were killed, but three Master Realm auras erupted from outside the void and crushed much of the demonic remnants. Soul Tier experts and Late Stage Mortal Lords also played their roles from above inside the Pocket Dimension.
As predicted, the demonic alliance retreated once again before establishing numerous bases deeper within the region to prepare for more battles ahead.
Joe-Pine and his troops moved with great focus as they surveyed the lands. Many suffered lingering injuries from the massive explosions earlier. As they looked forward an Aka Boshi no Tengan clan expert suddenly appeared before them.
"Over there. I see a group of individuals wearing those White Star Radiance sect outfits with the emblems. Interestingly enough several members of my own Aka Boshi no Tengan clan appear to be among them. They seem to be in a troubling situation as all of them are heavily injured while fighting against a group of native experts from this place." The man stated as his Aka Boshi no Tengan eyes pierced into the distance.
"Thank you for that sir. Let us move everyone!" Joe-Pine said as he offered his gratitude before commanding the army forward.
The Aka Boshi no Tengan clan expert shrugged and gathered his own clansmen as they also moved toward the same battlefield with killing intent in their gazes.
…
Secretly emerging from one of the four passages connected to the enormous main passage from Desert Red Star into the Pocket Dimension was an army of eerie devilish experts. As they poured in they scanned the surroundings with calm yet sinister expressions. Their attire unmistakably revealed their affiliation which was none other than the Nights Light Devouring Church.
Their leader stepped forward with a dazed expression carrying a cruel and distorted intent. The war torn battlefield presented a perfect opportunity in his eyes. He was the same man who once stood at the pulpit, executing orders given from above to take care of Zoro and the so called traitors.
He lifted his hand, silently signaling for movement, and with great haste everyone rushed forward before stopping to retrieve many magical cars from their Spatial bags. After mounting them they sped off into the distance. Although many people noticed their presence, they paid little attention because they were not members of the demonic alliance. Under normal circumstances no one would have cared too much about them.
However, a particular individual observed them with a deep intrigue. He quietly informed others who shared his ideals and soon they began to follow the direction of the Church's people.
Jumanga Helmsley chuckled darkly as he had already guessed their intentions.
"As I suspected! The core members of the White Star Radiance are definitely in this place. It would make no sense for them to avoid appearing outside their sect for an entire month during such dire times. I even suspect there is another matter hidden amidst all of this. Judging by the Church's direction they may know where Zoro Tatsumaki is. My job is to ensure his disposal." Jumanga thought to himself with a chilling light in his eyes.
…
Joe-Pine and the others launched fierce attacks that caught the enemies off guard. Through a three way pincer from his forces, the Aka Boshi no Tengan clansmen, and the Umankan race warriors, they eventually slaughtered and scattered the remaining natives. Afterward everyone took time to tend to injuries and restore their strength.
"Thank you all again for coming to our aid. It would have taken us much longer with far heavier consequences without your help." Obinna said grimly with a respectful bow.
"It is fine Sir Obinna. I am glad that we arrived at the perfect moment. The White Star Radiance alliance will be heading in this direction soon, so let us take this opportunity to prepare." Joe-Pine calmly replied, easing the atmosphere.
The Aka Boshi no Tengan experts, both belonging to and outside the White Star Radiance sect, began exchanging information. The non sect members were astonished by what they heard about the inner sect lands.
Obianuju sat cross legged in a small tent guarded by two Umankan warriors as she gathered magic to contact Obioma. After relaying details to be reported to Christy she ended the communication.
…
By the next day another story began to rapidly spread regarding an incident that occurred the prior night.
The tale described a black dual sword wielding devil who slaughtered demons, humans, and every other foe alike. Within the story a demon with immense power and a human with similar might charged in to deliver a killing blow only for a devastating counter attack to descend like judgment from the heavens. The demon was heavily injured and the human barely defended before fleeing. What followed was even stranger. The divine eyes of a goddess descended upon the battlefield and stared directly into the souls of every survivor.
The unsettling part was that the divine eyes did not take sides. Demons and demonic cultivators fell into chaos as their minds fractured. A troop of escaping humans aligned with the demons convulsed with many entering a state of confusion. The opposing side similarly met ruin as their strength crumbled like puppets with severed strings.
Worst of all was how certain survivors claimed the divine eyes seemed most focused on the black sword wielding devil.
A colossal explosion of black light was said to end everything, leaving behind only fear, silence, and dread as the unknown lingered in all minds.