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Chapter 1016: Attempts to Retain, Chaos Arises

Qin Ming did not reprimand the Devouring Rat for interrupting, because this was also a major question in his mind.

After all, Yunzhou Immortal City is a major city for independent cultivators in the southern region of the Myriad Spirits Realm. Even if it faces the offensive of the Myriad Immortals Alliance, it shouldn't be so desperate that it has to ask him, an outsider, for help.

Moreover, there is a powerful figure from the Giant Toad Clan in charge. Although everyone has only heard of him and no one has ever seen that Mahayana True Spirit, he is still someone that many people are wary of.

Elder Xintu, faced with the question from the Devouring Sky Rat, didn't try to evade it. He immediately raised his hand to create a barrier, then considered it carefully for a while before saying:

"This matter is of great importance, and I have a favor to ask of Fellow Daoist Qin. In any case, please keep it a secret."

This was the first time Qin Ming had seen this elder from Yunzhou Immortal City so cautious, so he nodded slightly and said:
"Elder Xin, rest assured, I have been traveling in the cultivation world for many years and have relied on the reputation and credibility I have built up."

“Absolutely, absolutely, I can vouch for that. We’re all on the same side,” said Young Master Fei from the side.

If Qin Ming hadn't told him the traitor's whereabouts, he didn't know how long it would have taken to find him, like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Young Master Fei still felt extremely grateful to him for this matter.

Elder Xintu nodded upon hearing this, then sighed and said:

"Fellow Daoist Qin, you may not know this, but that senior from the Giant Toad Clan is probably unable to make an appearance this time."

“Our cultivation has reached this level. Fellow Daoist Qin should also know that even the Mahayana stage has its tribulations, which are called the ‘Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man’.”

"The senior member of the Giant Toad Clan who is stationed in this city has encountered such a calamity and needs to find a top-secret place known only to himself to undergo seclusion and tribulation. Even I was unaware of such a secret matter."

"I was just a few days ago when I heard the information from Fellow Daoist Qin and was about to report it to you, but who knew that the city lord left a letter and then disappeared."

"Yunzhou Immortal City is now heavily blockaded by the Myriad Immortals Alliance, and not even a single message can get out. It can be said to be isolated and helpless."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming revealed a thoughtful expression. It turned out that the Great Ascension True Spirit of the Giant Toad Clan had encountered a rare tribulation in his cultivation realm.

He secretly transmitted his thoughts to the Devouring Rat and asked, "Even if you ancient true spirits have cultivated to the Mahayana realm, do you also experience the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man?"

"Didn't they say that once you cultivate a true spirit bloodline, you no longer need to undergo tribulation?"

The Devouring Rat looked bewildered: "Huh? Master, you're asking me? I don't know either?"

Qin Ming was speechless and said, "Alright, you can continue eating."

However, the old demon Qingyang in the Lesser Spirit Realm chuckled and said, "Hehehe! You should ask me about this, young friend Qin. The tribulations that one must overcome in the Great Ascension stage are all formidable, progressing step by step. Some involve physical decline, some involve the depletion of magical power, and some may even suddenly fall into the state of a mortal, powerless and even killed by a mortal. Therefore, the decline of the celestial being is extremely terrifying for the Great Ascension stage. A slight mistake can lead to eternal damnation."

"If my enemy came knocking on my door at a time like this, I'd be in big trouble, hehehe!"

"Even the ancient true spirits are no exception. Once they reach this level, all races in the spirit world are the same. The only difference is the strength of their tribulations."

"Those powerful clans in the spirit world have multiple layers of protection, so they only need to go into seclusion to avoid tribulations. But it's different for those rogue cultivators. They have to find an extremely safe place to undergo their tribulations."

“At times like these, you can’t even trust your closest family members.”

"I reckon that the Mahayana cultivator from the Giant Toad Clan has most likely gone back to his clan to avoid a calamity. If it is the Calamity of Decay of Man's Magic Power among the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man, he probably won't be able to come out for at least a thousand or eight hundred years."

“Ancient true spirits like the Giant Toad Clan may even go into seclusion for tens of thousands of years.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming suddenly realized what was going on.

The Devouring Rat's face showed shock: "Does that mean that the giant toad boss has already abandoned the Immortal City and run away?"

"Aren't the rogue cultivators guarding this place doomed to die?"

"And what about those Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man? Are they really that terrifying? Luckily, I have my master's little spirit realm. When the time comes, I'll stockpile supplies and I'm not coming out no matter what."

Qin Ming: "."

……

……

Inside the main hall.

After learning the reason, Qin Ming was deeply saddened.

No wonder Elder Xintu spared no effort to keep Qin Ming, this outsider cultivator, here.

If we can get his help, perhaps Yunzhou Immortal City can survive this calamity.

Moreover, Young Master Fei of the Gu Clan is also here, partly to capture his fellow clansman, and partly to teach the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance a lesson.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, we have already sent the message back to the clan, but it will probably take some time before the clan elders arrive to provide assistance."

"During this period, we need to withstand the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance's offensive against the Immortal City; otherwise, I wouldn't be telling you these things frankly."

Young Master Fei also looked sincere.

"Of course, as a reward for Fellow Daoist Qin's efforts, our city will also show corresponding sincerity. Here are three mid-grade seventh-rank 'Mysterious Dust Pills' that can enhance the cultivation of the early stage of the Integration Realm. They were personally refined by this old man." After Elder Xin Tu finished speaking, he took out a jade pill and handed it to Qin Ming.

"In addition, Fellow Daoist Qin can enjoy the same treatment of offerings as I do in Yunzhou Immortal City."

Yunzhou Immortal City spared no expense in trying to win over Qin Ming, a rogue cultivator at the Integration stage.

The main reason was that he also brought along a spirit pet with the combat power of a Fusion Realm expert. After some consideration, Elder Xintu decided it was quite worthwhile.

A mid-grade seventh-rank pill is extremely rare even in the entire Spirit Realm, and is an invaluable item for Nascent Soul cultivators to enhance their cultivation.

Elder Xintu originally thought that Qin Ming, this rogue cultivator, would agree without hesitation after seeing the miraculous pills.

To everyone's surprise, Qin Ming only opened the jade box and glanced at it a few times, showing little interest whatsoever.

Qin Ming now has abundant cultivation resources. He has already looted a lot of spiritual items from the storage bags of those Nascent Soul demon cultivators he killed.

Although the seventh-tier 'Mysterious Dust Pill' is precious, it's not worth the risk for him.

After all, the Yunzhou Immortal City is going to face the Myriad Immortals Alliance, which has risen in the Myriad Spirits Realm and dares to challenge the sixteen great True Spirit Clans.

Its leader is even at the level of a Mahayana Immortal.

Getting involved in such trouble was definitely not his purpose in coming to the Realm of Myriad Spirits.

After a moment's thought, Qin Ming cupped his hands and replied, "Thank you both for your kindness, but I have other matters to attend to in this journey to the Myriad Spirits Realm, and I am unable to offer any further assistance."

Upon hearing this, both Young Master Fei and Elder Xintu were stunned.

However, they couldn't force him to do something against his will, and they greatly regretted Qin Ming's choice. After bidding farewell to the two, Qin Ming secretly headed towards the outskirts of Yunzhou Immortal City.

The blockade imposed by the Myriad Immortals Alliance was meaningless to him, a Nascent Soul cultivator, and he could come and go as he pleased.

This is because high-level cultivators have full control over their own destiny, unlike low-level rogue cultivators in the city who can only obey the orders of the immortal city and cannot desert in the face of battle.

After he left, only Young Master Fei and Elder Xintu remained in the council hall, and the atmosphere was somewhat somber.

Looking outside, Young Master Fei stroked his chin and said, "This Fellow Daoist Qin is truly an oddball. Even seventh-grade pills couldn't tempt him, but I still admire his character and conduct."

“Alas! It is truly not easy for us rogue cultivators to reach the Integration Realm. Fellow Daoist Qin is an outsider who came to the Myriad Spirits Realm only to seek opportunities. It is understandable that he chooses to protect himself,” Elder Xin Tu said, stroking his beard.

Young Master Fei remained calm and comforted Elder Xintu:

"Fellow Daoist Xin need not worry too much. I have already sent a message back to my clan. As long as we can hold out for two months, strong reinforcements will arrive from within the clan. In addition, the Giant Toad Clan will not stand idly by after receiving the news. At that time, the crisis in Yunzhou Immortal City will be resolved immediately."

Upon hearing this, Elder Xintu stood up, clasped his hands in gratitude, and said, "I thank Fellow Daoist Fei very much. I will never forget this kindness. Please feel free to ask me for help in the future."

"It's alright. Our Gu tribe has formed an alliance with your city to capture that traitor as soon as possible. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement." Young Master Fei waved his hand, seemingly not taking the matter to heart.

"Let's prepare our defenses as soon as possible. We don't know who the Myriad Immortals Alliance will send this time."

The two then began to discuss the matter inside the hall.

……

Outside the Immortal City of Yunzhou.

Dozens of large alien fleets rapidly assembled in the sky, like dark clouds pressing down overhead.

Behind these main warships followed a densely packed army of cultivators, a sight of unprecedented scale.

Qin Ming and Lin Shanjun rode away in their Boundary-Breaking Shuttle, watching this scene with sighs and emotions.

"As a holy land for rogue cultivators, Yunzhou Immortal City has finally been targeted by the Myriad Immortals Alliance. This time, it is likely to be more ominous than hopeless."

"This place has been peaceful for tens of thousands of years and has never experienced large-scale conflicts. It is estimated that it cannot withstand a large force like the Myriad Immortals Alliance, which has been expanding and fighting for years."

Lin Shanjun shook his head and sighed.

Qin Ming didn't say anything more after hearing this, and let the Devouring Sky Rat continue to ride the flying shuttle and disappear into the void.

On the deck of the massive magic ship leading the Myriad Immortals Alliance stood a tall, imposing figure with a scar on his face, eyes like knives, sharp and piercing, and a dense aura of malevolence emanating from him. His robes fluttered in the wind, moving even without wind.

His hands were clearly stained with a lot of blood, and his cultivation aura was unfathomable.

Behind him stood several alien beings, one of whom was none other than Fei Chan, the traitor of the Gu clan who had previously escaped from Ash Valley.

This person originally detonated his physical body to escape, but he recovered completely in no time, which shows how terrifying the sacred artifact in his hand was.

Fei Chan gazed at the distant Yunzhou Immortal City with a flicker in her eyes, and said to the scarred man, "Chief Chen, are you confident that you can take Yunzhou Immortal City in one fell swoop this time?"

“My cousin chased me all the way to the Southern Region and is currently in the city. I believe our clan’s reinforcements will arrive soon.”

"Brother Fei, rest assured, the Alliance Leader has already secretly learned that the Great Ascension cultivator of the Giant Toad Clan has returned to his clan to deal with the calamity, and has no time to attend to this rogue cultivator city."

"Currently, only that old bone Xin Tu and that Radiant Envoy of the noble family are in charge of the city. The two of them are no match for me. I can wipe out Yunzhou Immortal City in less than half a month."

"They simply can't wait for outside help."

The scarred man surnamed Chen spoke coldly, his voice slightly hoarse.

He then swiftly waved his hand, and a deafening roar echoed through the heavens and earth. More than ten colossal beasts, thousands of feet tall and covered in black iron armor, began their attack on the city.

Rumble!
The protective array of Yunzhou Immortal City was fully activated, beginning to resist this first wave of fierce impact.

Those smaller alien forces that joined the Myriad Immortals Alliance were also used as cannon fodder, trying to persuade the seventh-order grand formation with both soft and hard tactics.

One after another, towering psionic cannons streaked across the void in terrifying arcs before landing on the array's light barrier.

In an instant, the mountains shook and the earth trembled, as if the end of the world had arrived.

"They're armored beasts!! How can there be so many of them?"

The defenses of Yunzhou Immortal City appeared to be on the verge of collapse under the fierce offensive of the Myriad Immortals Alliance.

Those rogue cultivators who stayed behind to guard the area were all paralyzed with fear upon witnessing such a horrific scene.

Two streaks of light flew out from the mountaintop within the city, revealing the figures of Young Master Fei and Elder Xintu.

But when they saw the figures on the Wanxian Alliance's ships outside, their expressions changed drastically!
"It's actually Chen Batian from the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance! This man is a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, known as the Number One Blade of the Western Regions." Elder Xintu recognized the leader at a glance and revealed an extremely solemn expression.

Young Master Fei stared at Fei Chan across from him, gritting his teeth as he said, "Fei Chan, you traitorous and rebellious traitor, you actually dared to collude with the Myriad Immortals Alliance and come to our doorstep yourself."

Upon seeing his cousin on the deck, Fei Chan looked at him with venomous eyes and said:
"Hmph! Why should those old fogies in the clan pour resources into you, while I'm just left to watch from the sidelines?"

"Since you're relentlessly pursuing me, let's settle things today and see if you, the 'Radiant Messenger,' have made any progress over the years?"

However, when he saw the gray-robed elder behind Young Master Fei, his eyes narrowed sharply, and he turned to Chen Batian of the Myriad Immortals Alliance, saying:
"That gray-robed old man is Fei Ao's protector. He has a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation level and his strength in his clan should not be underestimated."

"Hmph, these few scoundrels can't stop me. Since Brother Fei has joined our alliance, this is a welcome feast for you." Chen Batian revealed a bloodthirsty smile.

Then.

The Wanxian Alliance's offensive grew increasingly fierce, and the two armies of cultivators clashed in mid-air.

But just then...

Chen Batian's smile suddenly froze as he sensed a strong surge of light flying towards him.

He frowned and looked into the distance, his expression grave.

A flash of crimson light streaked across the sky and arrived at the outskirts of Yunzhou Immortal City, revealing a tall figure with long, flowing hair. It was none other than the infamous first great evil cultivator of ancient times—Blood Slaughter Heavenly Venerable!
He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the figures below, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

"With so many high-level blood sacrifices, I believe that after this place is used for a blood sacrifice, I can recover a lot of my strength. Hehehe!"

When Fei Chan saw this person, the fear deep in her soul was awakened again, and she revealed an extremely terrified expression.

(End of this chapter)