Staying in the sect, controlling beasts and cultivating immortals

Elder Qingyan listened quietly, his face, covered with bark-like textures, revealing little emotion, except for a glint of light in his eyes, indicating that he was rapidly considering and weighing his options.

He slowly said, "Destroying the Bone Tower... The commander of the Burial God Guard is stationed there, the tower is surrounded by perception restrictions and withering traps, and there are patrol teams shuttling around, making it extremely dangerous."

Infiltrating the Bone Domain of the Burial Gods to attack the golem node... is practically suicide. The annihilating impact of the skeletal golem is enough to instantly annihilate a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Therefore, the wisdom and strength of the nobility are needed."

Mo Heng continued, pointing to the green lotus seeds in the jade box, "These three green lotus seeds can help noble warriors resist deadly erosion at crucial moments, or instantly unleash purifying power to create opportunities. Furthermore,"

He took out a jade talisman.

"This is the 'Return to the Void Concealment Talisman' crafted by the Emperor. It can temporarily distort the perception of the turbulent currents of the Void and the withered laws of the Dao, increasing the success rate of infiltration. The Divine Dynasty will also provide some specially made 'Malaria-Breaking Pills' and 'Soul-Protecting Talismans'."

He paused, his tone becoming even more serious: "More importantly, the infiltration team is not fighting alone."

When the noble warriors take action, a powerful figure from the Divine Dynasty will launch a surprise attack outside the Burial God Ridge that will shake the very foundation of the entire Sky Rift Alliance, creating the greatest chaos and drawing most of your attention away from the chaos!
"It might even directly tie down the main force of the Burial God Guard!" He didn't name names, but the fighting spirit that instantly ignited in Wang Cheng's eyes and Mo Heng's certainty made Qingyan realize that this must be a terrifying existence no weaker than the Emperor himself!
Elder Qingyan remained silent.

He was weighing the options, calculating the consequences. Destroying the Bone Tower, paralyzing the great formation, and weakening the Bone Domain's defenses were all concrete actions that could strike at the Sky Rift Alliance, alleviate the pressure on the main force of the Divine Dynasty, and also align with the Miasma Spirit Clan's goal of revenge.

Although it was extremely dangerous, with the support of the Divine Dynasty and the restraint of that mysterious powerful figure, there was still a glimmer of hope.

Most importantly, those three green lotus seeds... are the hope for the revival of the sacred tree and the continuation of the race! And the future promised by the Divine Dynasty... is a vision that this endangered race cannot refuse.

He raised his aged hand, gently brushing across the shimmering branches of the sacred tree, sensing the faint resistance within them. Finally, his cloudy yet resolute gaze swept over Wang Cheng, Mo Heng, and Gui Yinzi, and he said in a deep voice:

"The Rifting Sky Alliance treats our race like dirt, slaughtering and plundering us, leaving us with countless blood debts! Today, with the help of the Divine Dynasty, we see an opportunity for revenge. How can the Miasma Spirit Clan retreat any longer?"

He gripped the bone staff tightly, the crystal at its tip gleaming brightly green. His voice suddenly rose, like thunder exploding over the village, containing a thousand years of pent-up grief and resolute determination:

"I swear in the name of Azure Rock, guardian of the Rotten Swamp! The Miasma Spirit Clan, in accordance with the alliance of the Divine Dynasty! We are willing to be the vanguard, to break through their array's core, and to disrupt their Bone Domain! With the pure blood of my clan, we will burn away the Heaven-Splitting Demons!"

"Roar!" In the village, all the Shadow Swamp Guards, along with the wounded but rekindled flames in the eyes of the Miasma Spirits who emerged from the treehouses, simultaneously unleashed a roar that had been suppressed for so long, filled with endless hatred and a death wish! This roar pierced through the miasma of the Rotten Swamp Forest, soaring straight into the sky, as if proclaiming to the entire Central Continent that the race, oppressed to the brink of despair, had finally bared its fangs of revenge!

Wang Cheng and Mo Heng's faces lit up with excitement, while Gui Yinzi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, deep within the swamp, before their common enemy, the alliance was formally forged!
Elder Qingyan composed himself and looked at Mo Heng: "Master Mo, time is of the essence. Please provide me with the detailed location of the Bone Tower, its defensive layout, and the possible locations of the Skeleton Golem nodes. I need to immediately select the most elite 'Shadow Eaters' and 'Light Purifiers' to familiarize themselves with the routes and formulate an infiltration plan."

He then looked at Wang Cheng: "General Wang, noble warriors need to be familiar with the combat methods and trap characteristics of the Burial God Guard, especially how to identify and avoid those deadly withering runes."

Elder Guiyinzi, I implore you to impart all your knowledge of this matter!

“That’s only right!” Guiyinzi quickly replied.

“Okay!” Wang Cheng nodded emphatically.

"There is no time to lose! Master Mo, send a message back to Purple Mountain Fortress to report to the Emperor that the alliance has been formed! The warriors of the Miasma Spirit Clan are ready to fight at any time! Please, Emperor... proceed with the plan!"

Mo Heng immediately sat down cross-legged, formed a hand seal, and a wisp of pure divine thought merged into the sub-compass he carried with him, which was connected to the star track compass of the Purple Mountain Returning Ruins sentry post. The information was instantly transmitted across spatial barriers.

Meanwhile, under Elder Qingyan's command, the entire Zhangling Village sprang into action like a sophisticated war machine.

Several Shadow Swamp Guard captains, whose auras were the most concentrated and whose bodies radiated the most intense purifying green light, were summoned to the foot of the Sacred Tree. They were the leaders of the "Shadow Eaters".

Deep within the swamp, the last wisp of divine light swirling around Mo Heng's fingertips extinguished, and the gray dots returning to the core of the Void Star Orbit sub-disc slowly subsided.

He opened his eyes, his withered face bearing the weariness of having completed his mission, but his gaze was as sharp as a newly forged blade.

"Your Majesty, the alliance is complete! Elder Qingyan has sworn a blood oath, and the Miasma Spirit Clan is willing to be the vanguard, breaking through the Bone Tower and the Chaotic Bone Domain! Their elite 'Shadow Eaters' and 'Purifying Light Envoys' are gathering and ready to act according to plan at any time!"

Mo Heng's voice, carrying the lingering echo of his divine thought transmission, resonated clearly within the core array eye of the Purple Mountain Barrier.

Yu Changsheng, who was sitting cross-legged at the core of the formation, slowly opened his eyes.

The deep purple-gold cracks on the Emperor's body, set against the pale purple light membrane of the barrier, resembled an ancient star map bearing the stars of the heavens. The Annihilation Sword, which was stuck diagonally in front of him, seemed to have a flash of dark red fire within the cracks on its spine. The core of the Returning Void Star Orbit Compass at the hilt throbbed slightly faster, as if sensing its master's emotions and the determination of its distant allies to fight to the death.

"Good." Yu Changsheng's voice was deep, yet it contained the will to tear apart the Void, instantly spreading throughout the entire fortress. Wang Cheng, Chen Xueqing, and all the soldiers who were on high alert were all invigorated.

His gaze swept over the star map projection floating in front of him. The twisted and treacherous outline of Burial God Ridge resembled a lurking prehistoric beast. The three points marked on its outer perimeter, "Rotten Spring," "Dead Wind Valley," and "Black Swamp Pool," were precisely the location of the core of the Thousand Miasma Annihilation Array—the location of the Bone Tower.

"The various tribes of miasma spirits are born in rotten swamps and grow in desolate lands. Their will is commendable and their courage is awe-inspiring. Their tyrannical and destructive nature will eventually come to an end."

Yu Changsheng slowly stood up. As he moved, the entire Purple Mountain Returning Ruins Formation emitted a low hum. The illusory image of the Purple Gold Mountain Range on the barrier's light membrane seemed to become even more solid, firmly resisting the withered Dao Principle mist surging from the Central Plains.

"However, Burial God Ridge is a demonic lair cultivated by Rift Heaven for a thousand years, fraught with unpredictable dangers. For the warriors of the Miasma Spirits to infiltrate it is like walking on a knife's edge in the dark, with a nine-out-of-ten chance of death. We are its allies, and even its main force. We should do everything in our power to tear open Rift Heaven's strongest shield and create a glimmer of hope for them!"

His gaze was like lightning, instantly locking onto a salient on the star map—a salient slightly distant from the core of Burial God Ridge, but strategically vital—marked "Broken Ridge Cliff." Its treacherous terrain and energy signatures indicated heavy troop deployment; it was a crucial garrison and supply hub for the Burial God Guards. "Wang Cheng!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Wang Cheng stepped forward, his newly formed chaotic bone arm glowing with a restrained dark golden light, yet radiating a chilling sense of power, like a volcano poised to erupt.

"I hereby command all the war puppets of the Ruins of Return, and slaughter the elite of the Demon Army and the Ruins of Return Camp to form the 'Breaking Army Arrow Formation'! Target: the outer perimeter of Burial God Ridge—Broken Ridge Cliff!"

Yu Changsheng pointed to the coordinates on the star map, his voice resolute.

"At all costs, launch a full-scale attack on this place! We must eliminate all mobile forces, high-level cultivators, and even any potential reserve God-Burial Guards of the Rift Sky Alliance in and around Broken Ridge Cliff the moment the Miasma Spirit Clan sends out its signal! Draw their full attention and create the greatest chaos in the history of God-Burial Ridge!"

"The general will obey the order!"

A terrifying fighting spirit erupted in Wang Cheng's eyes, and his Chaos Bone Arm clenched into a fist, the joints cracking like thunder.

"I will make those bastards from the Sky-Splitting Heaven think that the main force of my Divine Dynasty has arrived and they have no time to spare! For the sake of my brothers from the Miasma Spirits, I will carve a bloody path through them!" He turned around and roared throughout the fortress: "Demon Slaughter Army! Ruins of Return! Board the ships! Target: Broken Ridge Cliff, crush them!"

The entire barrier instantly boiled over.

The war puppets of the Void Barrier, standing solemnly, had a bright red light in their eyes. With heavy steps, guided by the cultivators of the Void Camp, they silently and efficiently boarded the assault ship, which had been converted from the wreckage of the Sky Patrol Army's flying boat after emergency repairs and reinforcements. Although the surviving Demon Slayer Army soldiers numbered less than a thousand, each of them exuded a fierce aura and had a resolute gaze, quickly completing their assembly.

Wang Cheng stood like a drawn sword at the bow of the flagship.

"Mo Heng!"

"Your old minister is here!" Mo Heng forced himself to stand tall, his thin body ramrod straight.

"You shall sit in the central hub of the fortress, using the Myriad Transformations Returning to the Void Furnace as the core, and do everything in your power to maintain the stability of the Purple Mountain Returning to the Void Enclosure Array! At the same time, use the Star Orbit Compass to lock onto the energy flow in the core area of ​​the Burial God Ridge, especially the changes in the nodes of the four skeletal golems in the Burial God Bone Domain! Once the 'Purifying Light Envoy' of the Miasma Spirit Clan succeeds in his operation and the golem defenses fluctuate, immediately synchronize this information to Wang Cheng's troops and... to me! And be ready to provide support at any time!" Yu Changsheng's instructions were precise to the millimeter.

"Your humble servant obeys! I will ensure the fortifications remain secure and keep abreast of the enemy's movements!" Mo Heng nodded emphatically, his withered fingers already pressed on the buzzing projection of the Myriad Transformations Returning to the Void Furnace, his attention completely focused.

"Xueqing." Yu Changsheng's gaze turned to the beautiful figure on the lotus platform, his tone softening slightly.

“Brother Yu.” Chen Xueqing opened her eyes. The illusory image of the Pure Lotus slowly rotated behind her. The jade lotus platform shimmered with light. Although its aura had not yet reached its peak, it was already calm and stable, carrying a tranquil power that came after experiencing calamities. “The power of the Lotus is ready. It can purify evil spirits, heal wounds, and protect the fortress and the soldiers at any time.”

"Your purification is a crucial link in this battle, and also an anchor to stabilize the cracks in your Dao foundation." Yu Changsheng gave her a deep look. "Sit in the fortress and use the power of the Purifying Lotus to maintain the connection between me and Qingzhou's destiny! If Wang Cheng's troops are in danger, or if I need to take full action, your lotus will be the last line of defense!"

"Xueqing understands!" Chen Xueqing nodded, and gently tapped the lotus platform with her fingertip. A more condensed emerald light merged into the barrier's light membrane, making the entire Purple Mountain phantom seem even more "vibrant" and significantly enhancing its repulsive force against the withered Dao principles.

Yu Changsheng's final gaze fell upon the cracked Sword of Annihilation. He reached out, not to grasp the hilt, but to gently brush his fingertips across the cold spine. An invisible force flowed between the emperor and the weapon.

"The leader of the Sky-Splitting Clan is hiding in the Core of the Burial of Gods, holding the final key... If this fiend is not eliminated, the heavens will not be at peace." Yu Changsheng's voice was barely audible, yet it carried a killing intent that seemed to transcend time and space.

"When the fortifications are secure and chaos has arisen... that will be the time for me to personally venture into the core of Burial God Ridge. Annihilation... I know your desire. In this battle, we shall drink our fill of the enemy chieftain's blood and devour the filth of the source core!"

The Sword of Annihilation emitted a deep, resonant hum. The dark red light within the cracks in its spine flickered like breath. The pulsation of the sword's core, the heartbeat of Yu Changsheng, and the rhythm of the barrier formation, all achieved a strange synchronization under the connection of the Qingzhou Qi Luck Threads.

Just then, the core of the Star Orbit Compass in front of Mo Heng suddenly lit up! An extremely faint encrypted signal, carrying the unique aura of the Rotten Swamp Forest and a firm and resolute will, was captured and amplified.

"Your Majesty! The 'Shadow Eater' and 'Purifying Light Envoy' of the Miasma Spirit Clan have set off! Target: Rotten Spring Bone Tower, Dead Wind Valley Bone Tower! Elder Qingyan personally escorted them, using a branch of the Sacred Tree as a guide. Operation codename—'Rotten Swamp Thunder'!" Mo Heng's voice carried a hint of excitement.

Almost simultaneously, another, more concealed signal, sent by Ling Wuying, was transmitted back, containing only a brief message and an energy scan map: "The Burial God Guards on the outskirts of Burial God Ridge have been mobilized abnormally, and the Broken Ridge Cliff has been reinforced by 30%, suspected to be overseen by a peak Void Refinement cultivator. Attached image: Energy node distribution."

The purple-gold light in Yu Changsheng's eyes surged, and his imperial might was like a prison!

"Wang Cheng! The time has come! As planned, launch a full-scale attack on Broken Ridge Cliff! Display the might of the Divine Dynasty and make Burial God Ridge tremble!"

"Your subordinate obeys! Divine Dynasty warriors, follow me—to break the enemy!" Wang Cheng roared like thunder, his chaotic bone arm slashing forward! Dozens of assault ships roared, tearing through space, carrying the heavy baleful aura of the Returning Void Barrier war puppets and the soaring military might of the Demon Slaughter Army. Like a pack of ferocious beasts breaking free of their shackles, they fiercely broke through the purple light membrane of the Purple Mountain Barrier, leaving long energy trails, and resolutely rushed towards the broken ridge of Burial God Ridge, which resembled the fangs of a giant beast!

"Mo Heng, lock onto the four demonic statue nodes of the Burial God Bone Domain! Xue Qing, protect with the Azure Lotus!"

"Ghostly Shadow Child, you must guide the Miasma Warriors to strike with unerring accuracy!"

Yu Changsheng's command echoed within the fortress like the final beat of a war drum. He sat down cross-legged again, the Annihilation Sword held horizontally before his knees, and slowly closed his eyes. His entire aura was like a star core about to explode, completely merging with the Purple Mountain fortress, the fierce weapon before his knees, and the distant destiny of Qingzhou, awaiting the arrival of his moment to strike at the heart of the enemy.

In the direction of Burial God Ridge, the misty, withered path that shrouded the heavens and earth churned violently, as if foreshadowing the coming of a destructive storm. Above Broken Ridge Cliff, the piercing sirens of alarms and the roar of energy shields rising could already be faintly heard.

Deep within the rotten swamp forest, several dark green and gray-brown figures, almost blending into their surroundings, silently slipped into the dense, impenetrable miasma surrounding the Burial God Ridge, like the most deadly venomous snakes.

Bearing the blood feud and hopes of their entire clan, they gripped poisoned bone blades and strange magical artifacts emitting a faint purifying light, and silently swam toward the two bone towers that symbolized death and suppression.

The Battle of Rift Ridge, the oath sworn in blood and fire, resounded with a thunderous roar at this moment! (End of Chapter)