Xiuxian: Start with the medicine boy

"But opportunity and understanding both depend on the individual!"

"Family might be able to give the next generation a better starting point."
But it couldn't provide that crucial "flash of inspiration."

"Even the top sects of the Immortal Path and the Demonic Path, which gather the fortune of an entire realm, recruit the best talents in the world, establish true lineages, and devote all their resources to nurturing them, cannot guarantee that a Nascent Soul cultivator will emerge in every generation."

When selecting true disciples, they look not only at their spiritual roots and talents, but also at their character and fortune!
Why?

Isn't it all for that faint hope, the expectation that one of them might emerge as a Nascent Soul cultivator, ensuring the continuation of the sect's lineage?

"Throughout history, many once-dominant top powers have rapidly declined due to a break in the line of cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage."
Or even suffer the tragedy of having their entire family wiped out?

The lessons of the past are still fresh in our minds!

Taihuang Wu's gaze finally softened, and he leaned back in his chair, waving his hand dismissively.

"You all understand these principles."

My repeated remarks today are simply to remind you once again:

The reason why my Taihuang Immortal Clan has been able to continue for ten thousand years is not because of its ambition to become king or dominate, but because of its 'caution' and 'inheritance'.

Do not let the seemingly attainable and glorious ambitions cloud your judgment and cause you to forget your roots.

Preserving the family business, passing on the bloodline, and patiently awaiting the opportune moment are the keys to a family's long-term survival.

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads, completely sobering up the few elders who still harbored some passion.
A thin layer of sweat even seeped out from his back.

They quickly stood up and respectfully replied:
"Elder, rest assured, we understand the gravity of the situation. We were just... momentarily moved."

"That's right, I would never dare to have any improper thoughts, and I will definitely prioritize the safety and continuation of the family!"

"We will remember the teachings of our patriarch!"

Seeing everyone's reaction, Taihuang Wu's serious expression softened slightly, and he nodded:

"It would be best if you could understand."

He stood up, his black robe fluttering even without wind:
"Now that it has been agreed upon, there is no time to lose."

We will then proceed together to the forbidden area to report in detail to the Ancestor about the descent of the Nascent Soul cultivator and our pending plan, and to receive the Ancestor's decree.

"Yes!"

"As the elder commands!"

Several clan elders responded in unison.

next moment.

Several astonishing Nascent Soul auras emanated from the main hall of Taihuang Island, followed by several figures flying towards a forbidden area deep within the island, shrouded in dense spiritual mist and ancient restrictions. However—

Just before they were about to disappear into the forbidden area's entrance!
"Buzz!"

Outside Taihuang Island, a subtle yet clear fluctuation emanated from the giant array light screen that perpetually shrouds the island and isolates it from raging storms.

This fluctuation did not originate internally.
It was not a physical contact, but rather a powerful aura emanating from the outside world that was not concealed at all!
Followed by.

A dazzling streak of light flashed from the horizon, initially just a faint point of light.
next moment!
Like a meteor falling into the sea, it traversed distant sea frontiers and arrived outside the great formation in an instant.

The fleeting light fades away...
A middle-aged cultivator with a solemn face, dressed in the dark blue robes of an elder of the Zhenhai Alliance, was revealed.

He stood with his hands behind his back atop the raging waves, his mid-stage Nascent Soul spiritual pressure naturally emanating from his body, subtly confronting the protective array of Taihuang Island.
Yet they maintained a basic, polite distance.

Immediately,

A majestic and authoritative voice, yet tinged with a formulaic politeness, resonated clearly through the solid array of light, echoing across the entire Taihuang Island and reaching the ears of every high-level cultivator:

"An envoy from the Zhenhai Alliance has arrived. Fellow martial artist, please come out and greet him!"

As the sound faded, the several streaks of light that were flying toward the forbidden area suddenly stopped in mid-air.

Several clan elders, including Taihuang Wu, Taihuang Shan, and Taihuang Chi, revealed themselves. They exchanged glances, all seeing in each other's eyes the knowing understanding that "as expected."

And a deeper sense of solemnity.

"It seems,"

Emperor Taiwu sighed softly, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger, only a calm understanding of the ways of the world.
"That senior who descended upon the Zhenhai Alliance was not merely seeking a quiet place for seclusion."

It seems that the desire to restore order and reshape the world has become irrepressible.

Upon hearing this, Taihuangshan's lips curled into a cryptic smile, a half-smile playing on his lips.

"The power of a god can move mountains and overturn seas, and grants long lifespan."

Once you reach that level, if you don't wish to ascend, what's left is nothing but these worldly desires?
Or perhaps it is the orthodox tradition.

Or it could be authority.

Or perhaps it's some scheme that we can't fathom...

Ultimately, they won't be content with loneliness.

The patriarch of the three clans, Huang Chi, was not so relaxed. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes were filled with worry. He couldn't help but speak up:

"I just hope this senior won't make a big fuss."

If it only requires us to offer some resources and give up some of our interests, no matter how much, it is not unbearable for the sake of the family's continuation.

I fear... I fear another great war of the scale of the 'Joint Strike Against the Hell Clan'!

When the past was mentioned, Taihuang Chi's voice became somewhat hoarse:
"That time, our clan responded to the leader's order and sent out all our elites. What was the result?"

Three Nascent Soul cultivators perished, dozens of Golden Core cultivators shed their blood in foreign lands, and countless treasures within the clan were lost; the clan's vitality has yet to fully recover.

If we could do it again...

Given our clan's current situation, we fear we may truly fall into an awkward predicament of generational gap and severe damage to our heritage, shaking our millennia-old foundation!

"It's no use talking more."

Taihuang Wu shook his head, interrupting his worries.
Whether it is a blessing or a curse is not something we can decide by talking about it here.

The most urgent task is to meet this envoy and find out the true intentions of that Nascent Soul senior.

Do not keep the envoy waiting, lest it be impolite and create unnecessary complications.

The words fell,

Taihuang Wu transformed into a more solid beam of light and flew off towards the outside of the island.

Taihuangshan, Taihuangchi, and others followed closely behind.

A breath later...

The array light barrier surrounding Taihuang Island rippled gently like water, opening a portal.

Several figures, including Taihuang Wu, whose auras were profound and who represented the highest power of the Taihuang Immortal Clan, stepped out side by side and stood in the void, facing the Zhenhai Alliance envoy from afar.

"I was unaware of your arrival and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me."

As a senior clan elder, Taihuang Wu first bowed with hands clasped, displaying impeccable manners and speaking in a calm tone.

Seeing this, the Zhenhai Alliance envoy dared not be arrogant.
After all, they were facing several powerful figures at the late Nascent Soul stage or even the Great Perfection stage, and behind them was an unfathomable ancient immortal clan.

He immediately returned the greeting:
"Fellow martial artist, you are too kind. I apologize for my unauthorized visit and for disturbing your peace."

After a few necessary pleasantries, Emperor Taihuangwu stepped aside to lead the way:

"The envoy has come a long way and must be tired. Please come inside the island, have some tea, and let us talk in detail."

"Sorry for bothering you."

The group transformed into streaks of light once more, passed through the formation, and returned to the main hall of Taihuang Island a moment later, where they took their seats as guests and hosts.

The sacred tea was served, its fragrance wafting through the air, but the atmosphere inside the hall was even more subtle than when the envoy had not yet arrived.

The venerable patriarch, Emperor Wu, knew that beating around the bush would be counterproductive at this point. After the envoy took a sip of the spiritual tea, he put down the teacup and went straight to the point, bowing respectfully and saying:
"As an envoy of the Zhenhai Alliance, you have come to our clan at this time, which must be due to an important mission."

But…did that descending senior issue a decree?”

Hearing this,

The Zhenhai Alliance envoy paused slightly, holding his teacup, and looked up at Taihuang Wu with a deep gaze.
That gaze seemed to be assessing the ancient family's resources and reaction speed.

He put down his teacup, nodded, and his tone carried a barely perceptible sigh:

"Fellow Martial Arts is indeed well-informed."

Upon receiving the decree, I immediately set off, traversing several seas without the slightest delay. However, I never expected that the nobles would have already learned of your arrival.

I truly admire the nobility's keen senses and swift intelligence gathering.

"Ha ha,"

The second clan elder, Huang Shan, chuckled, a perfectly measured humble smile on his face.
"Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. It's not that exaggerated."

The arrival of a Nascent Soul cultivator was truly earth-shattering, with far-reaching consequences.

Upon learning the news, the younger members of the clan who were traveling outside the village went to great lengths, using their treasured ancient communication artifacts, to manage to send the message back in the first possible moment.

Such consumption is a painful burden even for our clan, and we dare not use it more than a few times.

He was only telling the truth.
It acknowledges the family's extensive information network, points out the high cost, implies that the family is not without resources, and subtly shows weakness.

The Zhenhai Alliance envoy naturally understood the implication, but did not point it out.

At their level, some things are best left unsaid.

His expression turned serious, and his gaze returned to the patriarch of the great clan, Emperor Taiwu. His expression became extremely solemn, and he said in a deep voice:
"Fellow Martial Arts is right."

I have come here on the orders of that senior, to convey a decree to all directions.

He paused slightly, seemingly organizing his thoughts, or perhaps exerting an invisible pressure.
Then, word by word, he spoke with perfect clarity:
"Senior's decree:"
Under the Zhenhai Alliance, the strongest member of any Nascent Soul level force must personally visit the Zhenhai Alliance headquarters within one month.

Those who fail to arrive by the deadline…

The envoy's gaze swept over the slightly palpable faces of the elders present, and he slowly uttered the second half of his sentence:

"The senior will descend 'personally' to hold him accountable."

Finally, as if remembering something, he added another sentence.
The tone carried a clear reminder:
"Fellow martial artist, remember, it is the 'strongest'."

The noble family has several ancestors, their cultivation levels, and information about them within the alliance... all of which are recorded.

Do not take chances and do something unwise.

Otherwise, offending the power of a deity would have consequences far beyond what a noble could bear.

"The strongest," "personally descended," "to interrogate," "clearly recorded"... These words struck the hearts of the elders of the Taihuang Immortal Clan like heavy hammers, causing them to tremble violently!

This means that the Nascent Soul cultivator not only possessed extraordinary strength, but also had absolute confidence in controlling the situation.

Obedience is the only option.

Taihuang Wu took a deep breath, stood up first, and together with the other clan elders, solemnly cupped his hands in the direction of the Nascent Soul stage, represented by the envoy:

"Thank you for conveying the message, fellow Daoist, and thank you even more for the reminder!"
This kindness will be forever remembered by our Taihuang Immortal Clan.

"If you hadn't pointed out the key point, and if there had been any oversight that angered the wrath of our ancestors, our clan's millennia-old foundation might truly have been in danger of collapse!"

Seeing that the other party was so sensible, the Zhenhai Alliance envoy's expression softened slightly. He stood up and waved his hand:
"The imperial decree has been issued, and I have completed a small part of my mission."

"The affairs of the alliance are numerous and complex, and you may have other instructions, so I will not linger any longer."

"Fellow Taoist, please wait."

Taihuang Wu stepped forward, flipped his hand, and a seemingly simple storage bag embroidered with the Taihuang clan emblem appeared in his hand.

He handed it over with both hands, saying sincerely:

"Fellow Daoist, you have gone to great lengths to send this message from afar, and you have even given me a moment of enlightenment."

This is but a small gift, hardly enough to express our respect. Please accept it, fellow Daoist, as a token of our clan's goodwill.
This is also to express my gratitude for your hard work, fellow Daoist.

The Zhenhai Alliance envoy's gaze sharpened slightly on the storage bag, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes as he scanned it with his divine sense.

He didn't feign refusal; he naturally accepted it, tucked it into his sleeve, and smiled.
"Fellow Martial Arts, you're too kind."

Since that's the case, I'll accept it without further ado.

Farewell! "

"We'll see you off, fellow Daoist."

Accompanied by Taihuang Wu and others, the Zhenhai Alliance envoys quickly left the main hall, crossed the island, and arrived outside the great formation.

After the two sides clasped their hands in greeting again, the envoy transformed into a streak of blue light and quickly disappeared into the horizon.

Taihuang Wu, Taihuang Chi, and Taihuang Shan stood in the void at the edge of the island, gazing in the direction where the envoy had disappeared. The sea breeze blew their robes, and they remained silent for a long time.

After a while!
"Let's go back."

Taihuang Wu finally withdrew his gaze, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable determination.
"Immediately go to the forbidden area and report the matter of the Divine Transformation Decree to the Ancestor in its entirety."

Everything... is decided by the Ancestor.

"Yes!"

Taihuangchi and Taihuangshan solemnly responded.

This matter has completely exceeded their ability to make a decision.

We must disturb that semi-elder ancestor who is in seclusion.

Almost at the same time...

The envoys of the Zhenhai Alliance, carrying the decree of the Nascent Soul stage, spread like an invisible net to every corner of the Endless Sea.

Similar scenes were playing out one after another among the top forces in both the immortal and demonic realms.

however.

Faced with this sudden decree from the Nascent Soul Venerable, the various forces reacted in very different ways.

···
Heavenly Demon Island, the headquarters of the demonic path!

At the center of the enormous black city, shrouded in yin energy, stood a gate a hundred feet tall, with two massive black pillars soaring into the sky, each carved with a ferocious and extraordinary demonic dragon.

What's most shocking is...

The demonic dragon clinging to the black pillar surrounded by magical light was not an inanimate object.

The dragon scales gleamed with a dark luster, and its eyes held a hint of bloodlust. A terrifying aura, vast as an abyss, emanated from it.
It was as if it were not a simple carving, but a living, ancient dragon sealed there.

Beyond this gate lies a vast and boundless complex of palaces.

The palaces were all built of an unknown black stone, arranged in a strict and orderly manner, like silent, crouching beasts.

Each palace wall is carved with a demon god totem in a different pose.

Or glaring and roaring,

Or he closes his eyes in meditation, exuding violence.

A unique Taoist charm, sometimes enigmatic, sometimes profound...

Not bad!

These palaces are the symbols and core halls of the major sects in the Demonic Alliance.

In the center of these countless palaces, the most magnificent and imposing one has countless images of demons and gods carved densely on its outer walls!

Surrounded by countless demons, its might swallows the universe.

This is the supreme council chamber of the Demonic Alliance.
—The Palace of Ten Thousand Demons.

The atmosphere inside the Pandemonium was both solemn and noisy.

The dome of the main hall hangs high, with a scene resembling the fading of stars.

Below!

Dozens of enormous thrones, carved from icy jade from the underworld, were arranged in a circular pattern...
The venue was almost completely full.

...(End of this chapter)