I became an immortal in the mountains

Chapter 667 The Great Battle Arrives
The path of spiritual practice emphasizes wealth, companions, methods, and environment. Wealth, methods, and environment are not used here. The word "companion" does not refer to lovers, but rather to those who share the same path.

The way of heaven and earth is vast and profound. The so-called great way is to discern and clarify it. One person's understanding of the way is bound to be biased. Having like-minded friends around, being able to discuss and progress together, will naturally lead to faster progress.

The path of spiritual practice is long and lonely; only with companionship and mutual support can one go further.

With the system's support, Gu Yuanqing had no worries about his cultivation progress. However, he had been traveling alone all the way. In his spare time, when he saw the bustling outside world, his heart could not help but be stirred.

Cultivating oneself and one's mind requires enduring loneliness and maintaining one's Daoist heart. But let's not even talk about him being just a cultivator. Even immortals are still "human." Since they are human, they inevitably have emotions and desires, and it is difficult for them to always maintain a calm and tranquil mind.

Moreover, putting aside the entanglement between Li Miaoxuan and himself, from the perspective of cultivation alone, she is the most suitable candidate for Gu Yuanqing's Daoist partner.

A Daoist partner is someone who accompanies another on the path of cultivation, supporting each other along the way, rather than one person simply dragging the other along with a heavy burden.

Li Miaoxuan was the only person Gu Yuanqing knew who could keep up with his cultivation pace!

After standing there for a long time, Gu Yuanqing finally looked away.

Calm your mind and focus your attention back on your practice.

Now is not the time to do anything else; with the New Year approaching, unexpected events could happen at any moment.

The mere existence of the Chaos Immortal might not pose a threat to Gu Yuanqing, but with the addition of a rule-based artifact, the situation becomes entirely different.

Even now, he still has to be careful, as the methods Mu Tianheng used to borrow the Heavenly Law Bell are still vivid in his mind.

……

In the Qian Yuan Realm, apart from the occasional demonic calamity, everything is relatively peaceful, and there is not much of a sense of urgency.

However, within the Divine Ruins, war raged on.

Despite the combined efforts of the Ancient Divine Sect and the Hidden Radiance Alliance, they still could not stop the Demon Race from seizing the forbidden land.

Among them were elders who had defected from the Ancient Divine Sect and had some knowledge of the approximate location of the forbidden area.

Return to the forbidden land of silence.

This is the most important target of the demon race, because this forbidden area is compatible with the cultivation method of the Demon Lord. Even without the forbidden area token, there is a way to break into the forbidden area.

The group of chaotic demons conducted a thorough search and finally located the position.

Outside the forbidden area, a blood sacrifice array was set up. One after another, demonic beasts self-destructed and turned into blood mist, which was instantly devoured by the blood sacrifice array. The array rotated, and a demonic image stood in the void. The phantom of a demonic weapon condensed and raised its hand to smash down towards the forbidden area.

The forbidden area, hidden in the void, suddenly revealed its presence.

At this very moment, the Primordial Divine Sect launched another attack from the forbidden area, but they were unable to stop the Demon Lord's clone from entering.

A great battle unfolded outside the Forbidden Land of Silence.

There are many powerful demons, and countless magical beasts.

The true purpose of the forbidden area is inheritance. Within the forbidden area, the protection is unparalleled, but its effectiveness is greatly reduced outside the forbidden area. In the battle between the two, it serves more as a battle fortress. Even though the cultivation techniques practiced by Lei Fuyue of the Ancient Divine Sect and Li Qingyang of the Three Yang Sect, both of whom are immortal cultivators, can restrain the demon race to some extent, it is difficult to truly kill them.

The true power of the Ancient Divine Sect is concentrated near the boundary gate, making it difficult to provide support. After all, there are undead demon cultivators lurking nearby, waiting for an opportunity to strike, thus restraining the strength of the Ancient Divine Sect and the Hidden Radiance Alliance.

Even with the Celestial Mirror, the demon cultivators who came were all skilled in stealth and possessed demonic artifacts that could disrupt the heavenly secrets. Even the Celestial Mirror could hardly detect them. Moreover, they did not engage in direct combat with the Primordial God Sect. If anything seemed amiss, they would immediately flee.

In a very short period of time, several small worlds almost perished.

At the same time, the Ancient Divine Sect was somewhat wary of the Hidden Radiance Alliance, and internal undercurrents were brewing. Even though they knew about the Demon Clan's plans, they were unable to send stronger support.

Outside the Forbidden Land of Guiji, this battle lasted for two months.

Suddenly, the entire forbidden area burst into light.

Lei Fuyue's heart sank; this was a sign that the forbidden area was under someone else's control.
At this point, continuing the fight would be pointless, so he shouted, sending the message to the other forbidden areas.

The three forbidden areas retreated in response, forming a triangular shape to cooperate and prevent being divided and surrounded by the demons.

The demons pursued for hundreds of thousands of miles, but seeing that the battlefield was stretching too far and they were about to be overwhelmed by the humans, they finally stopped.

News of the demons' seizure of the forbidden land quickly spread to the Ancient Divine Sect and the Hidden Radiance Alliance.

Upon hearing this, all the cultivators felt a chill in their hearts.

In a small world.

Both powerful cultivators from different sides sent their clones as well.

"Gentlemen, the current situation is clear. The demons will definitely attack before the cycle of the Yuanhui begins. The boundary gate cannot be lost, otherwise the entire Linglong Realm will be plunged into bloodshed," Mu Tianheng said in a deep voice.

Ning Xuxuan said calmly, "I agree with what Sect Master Mu said, but since it is such a critical moment, the Ancient Divine Sect should show its true strength and resources. My Hidden Radiance Alliance only has these people. Even if we are willing, we are powerless. At most, we can only use the forbidden land as a foundation to rebuild the Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Formation."

Mu Tianheng said, "What makes Alliance Leader Ning say that? Our Ancient Divine Sect has sent out all its experts to suppress the Demon Clan. There is nothing we can hide."

Ning Xuxuan sneered: "Is that so? Then where is Sect Master Mu's true form? I have known Sect Master Mu for over ten thousand years. The Sect Master is the number one expert in this world, how could his strength be more than what he has now? Everyone knows about the situation of the Demon Clan. The Demon Lord Ming Shang is a demigod-level expert. Back then, he could contend with the Forbidden Land with just demonic artifacts. Now that they have occupied the Guiji Forbidden Land, they can certainly use the power of the rule artifacts to further enhance their strength. If the Sect Master is unwilling to take action, who can defeat him?"

After these words were spoken, the room fell into such silence that you could hear a pin drop.

Lei Fuyue coughed and said, "Alliance Leader Ning, could we discuss this matter later? The Sect Master..."

Ning Xuxuan raised his hand to interrupt, saying, "If you want to talk about it, then let's make it clear now. Perhaps I know that Sect Master Mu is at a critical juncture in his cultivation, but since the great calamity is imminent, the Ancient Divine Sect controls the Ten Directions Token. As the leader of the Linglong Realm, he should not put his own interests above the interests of the realm. As the sect master, Sect Master Mu should also set an example."

At this point, Ning Xuxuan paused slightly, then smiled and said, "Isn't this what the Ancient Divine Sect often says to outsiders?"

Li Qingyang, who came from the Sanyang Sect, echoed, "That's right. Our Hidden Radiance Alliance has abandoned many small worlds to come to the vicinity of this realm gate in order to protect it. It can be said that we have spared no effort. Does the Primordial Divine Sect, which is the leader of the Linglong Realm, disregard the greater good of the world? Sect Master Ning, do you think what I said is right?"

Lei Fuyue opened his mouth, but said nothing more.

Li Lingyun, the Discipline Elder of the Ancient Divine Sect, remained silent throughout, while the Celestial Surveillance Elder observed indifferently.

As for the branch leaders like Kuang Mingyue, they frowned slightly but didn't say anything. There had been rumors within the sect that the current state of the Divine Ruins Battle was primarily the responsibility of Sect Master Mu Tianheng, and that Ye Xuanxiao's escape from the Netherworld Forbidden Land and the fall of the Spirit Abyss Realm were all related to the Sect Master.

At the same time, facing such a dangerous situation, Mu Tianheng did not reveal his true form and only focused on cultivation, which somewhat dereliction of duty as the sect leader.

Some even say that if Sect Master Mu's true form had emerged from seclusion earlier, the Boundary Abyss might not have fallen.

Amidst all the rumors, Mu Tianheng's prestige has declined considerably.

Even if no one dares to point it out openly, the fact that no elder other than Lei Fuyue has spoken out in the face of the Hidden Radiance Alliance's attack speaks volumes.

After a long while, Mu Tianheng slowly said, "If a great battle is imminent, my true body will naturally emerge from seclusion to meet the challenge, but there is one thing that Alliance Leader Ning must do."

Ning Xuxuan asked, "What is it that Sect Master Mu is referring to?"

Mu Tianheng said, "There are many demons, and countless demonic beasts. The battle line is too long. Even if we combine our strength, we can only hold off the enemy's experts, but we will not be able to stop them all. We need to gather the strength of the entire Linglong Realm to fight against them. Therefore, I intend to draw many experts at the Celestial Realm level from the realm to help us."

Ning Xuxuan pondered for a moment: "I have no objection to this matter. However, it is impossible to send out all the experts. Otherwise, if the demons tear apart space and cause a demonic disaster, the rear will be lost, and the impact will be considerable."

“That is natural. In that case, I will trouble you all to send messages within your respective sects. As for other sects, I will use the Ten Directions Token to send messages,” Mu Tianheng said.

Ning Xuxuan nodded and said, "Yes, is this what Sect Master Mu was referring to?"

Mu Tianheng said, "Of course not. What Sect Master Mu really needs to do is the matter of Gu Yuanqing in the Qian Yuan Realm!"

“Gu Yuanqing?” Ning Xuxuan frowned.

Mu Tianheng said calmly, "Resisting the demon race is not just the responsibility of my Ancient Divine Sect. All cultivators in the Linglong Realm have a duty to do so. It is unreasonable for us to fight the demon race to the death while Gu Yuanqing, a great cultivator of the Chaotic Undying Realm, occupies the forbidden area but lives a life of ease within the realm. Fellow Daoist Ning, don't you agree?"

Ning Xuxuan stared at Mu Tianheng and said, "That's true, but the grudge between the Ancient Divine Sect and Gu Yuanqing has nothing to do with me. If Sect Master Mu has any plans, the Ancient Divine Sect can do them themselves. Why bother telling me?"

Mu Tianheng smiled slightly: "Is that so? I've heard that Gu Yuanqing is a guest elder of the Illusionary Spirit Sect, and that Fellow Daoist Ning has used the power of the Measuring Ruler to break through the boundary and enter the Qian Yuan Realm on several occasions?"

Ning Xuxuan said calmly, "The words of the guest elder were merely something Gu Yuanqing did when his cultivation was weak. Sect Master, please speak frankly."

Mu Tianheng said, "Isn't my meaning clear enough? After all, the power of a forbidden area cannot be ignored. Since you have a connection with Gu Yuanqing, then I would like to trouble you to ask him to help guard the boundary gate. If he is willing to come, I, on behalf of the Ancient Divine Sect, can forgive and forget past grievances! This can resolve the grievances and also provide more strength to fight against the demons. What do you think, fellow Daoist?"

……

Ning Xuxuan ultimately couldn't refuse Mu Tianheng's request.

Two days later, he broke through the void and returned to the Qian Yuan Realm.

Gu Yuanqing was somewhat surprised, not expecting Ning Xuxuan to come again after the last time.

After exchanging pleasantries, Ning Xuxuan recounted his discussions with the Taigu Divine Sect to Gu Yuanqing.

Finally, he said, "Fellow Daoist Gu, the Demon Clan has seized a forbidden area, and its Demon Lord is suspected to be a demigod. Even the Primordial God Sect is not confident in this battle, and Mu Tianheng's true form is about to emerge from seclusion to fight."

"The Qian Yuan Realm is ultimately within the Linglong Realm. If the realm gate falls, the entire Linglong Realm will never have peace. Therefore, I, Ning, also wish to invite you to join the battle. This way, we can avoid giving the Ancient Divine Sect an excuse to attack. Besides, you may not even need me to go."

Gu Yuanqing was surprised that Ning Xuxuan had come for this matter. He fell silent for a moment, pondering whether the Ancient Divine Sect truly intended to resolve the conflict or had other motives.

After a long pause, he finally took out a token and handed it to Ning Xuxuan, saying, "However, I have not yet fully taken control of the Dao Source Forbidden Land, so I cannot bring it to the aid of the Realm Gate. But since it concerns the Linglong Realm, I will not refuse to do my part. Please take this token, fellow Daoist. If a great battle comes, crush it and I will come."

Ning Xuxuan smiled and stood up, saying, "If you are willing to help, our chances of success this time will be much greater."

Shortly after, Ning Xuxuan got up and left.

Gu Yuanqing escorted him to the outside of Beiquan Cave, and watched Ning Xuxuan's figure disappear. He frowned and pondered for a moment, then smiled.

Whether the Ancient Divine Sect wanted to resolve the grudges was not important to Gu Yuanqing. Even if they wanted to resolve the grudges, Gu Yuanqing was unwilling. You can't just fight whenever you want, and you can just resolve things whenever you want. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

He even suspected that they probably had other plans, and since they had made their move, he might as well learn from them.

Ning Xuxuan was right about one thing: the matter of the gate to the realm is related to the safety of the entire Linglong Realm, and it can also be considered a matter of concern to the Qianyuan Realm. It wouldn't hurt to contribute some effort.

The Qian Yuan Realm will eventually need to communicate and trade with other realms. If it doesn't, it will give others an excuse to attack it.

March has passed in the blink of an eye.

Within the forbidden land of Guiji.

The Demon Lord stood in the center of the forbidden area, dressed in a dark black demon robe, with his hands behind his back. His demonic energy surged around him as if it were a tangible substance, and thousands of corpses appeared and disappeared behind him, radiating a terrifying pressure that suppressed everything.

The demons knelt below, and all the magical beasts bowed their heads.

The Demon Lord spoke slowly in a low voice: "My people! We have been mired in the Abyss for countless years, without sunshine, only endless darkness. Meanwhile, the Primordial God Sect occupies the most abundant world and enjoys the purest spiritual energy, yet it has imposed endless suffering and stigma upon our race."

Today, we will shatter these shackles of humiliation with our own hands! We will wash away this deep-seated hatred with our own hands! We will rewrite the world order with our own hands!
Their souls and flesh are our best food, and the exquisite realm that suppresses us will eventually become our pasture..."

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

Countless demons roared in unison, and billions of magical beasts howled to the sky!
With a wave of his hand, the Demon Lord ordered his army to set off.

The Forbidden Land of Silence trembled and then headed toward the Gate of Boundaries, its speed increasing rapidly.

Elder Jiantian, who had been monitoring the demons' every move with the Jiantian Mirror, immediately noticed and quickly sent a message to Mu Tianheng.

Then the sound of the Heavenly Bell resounded through the void, reaching many forbidden areas and small worlds.

Ning Xuxuan gazed into the distance, muttering to himself, "Is it finally coming?"

Mu Tianheng's voice rang out again: "A great battle is imminent, let us form the Eight Desolations Demon-Suppressing Formation!"

Then the nine forbidden areas trembled slightly and emitted light. The Eight Desolations Demon Suppression Array began to take shape, cooperating with the thirty-six small worlds to form a tight defense.

Ning Xuxuan also crushed the jade talisman that Gu Yuanqing had given him.

(End of this chapter)