Night without Borders

Chapter 535 Supreme Showdown
The night fog surged and the sea roared, the waves crashed against the sky, and the golden list spread out fiercely, expanding in all directions, its interwoven patterns like crisscrossing paths, covering the void.

Moreover, towering mountains then materialized, and rivers and seas surged and flowed.

Bathed in the golden glow of the sunset, it resembled a sun high in the sky. The scene was magnificent, a living masterpiece of landscape painting.

The golden list materialized and roared away into the distance.

Along the way, the boundless darkness was dispelled wherever it passed, and the surging night fog, like a vast ocean, burst open, as if rapidly melting and evaporating.

The imperial examination results were sent to a distant land, and a war against foreign powers began.

In the blink of an eye, the Sky City behind it was already as faint as a firefly, almost invisible in the vast ocean of black fog.

This shows just how fast the results are achieved!

Back home, many people silently saw it off, watching it disappear into the distance, each with a heavy heart, wondering if their fathers and brothers would return alive.

The army standing on the golden list was deeply shocked.

A master whispered, "In ancient times, when the gods and immortals of heaven went on expeditions to capture unparalleled demons on earth, this was probably what it looked like."

At this moment, the army set out, truly resembling a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers and generals marching forth, banners waving, and armor gleaming in the celestial mist, a magnificent and imposing sight.

“You can understand it that way too,” Jinbang responded.

It is accelerating and getting bigger.

"Is this a grotto-heaven?" someone asked.

The mountains and rivers became increasingly clear, and the group seemed to be standing in a real world where the sun shone brightly, majestic mountains stretched endlessly, and mighty rivers flowed across the land.

A supreme Earth Immortal spoke up: "This is the state of war after the full recovery of the Golden List. Mountains and seas are presented, great formations are integrated, and magic chains are intertwined."

He came from Misty Peak, and as a high-ranking member of the old mountain in the sky, he naturally had some knowledge of the Golden List.

"The Mountain and Sea Map?" Many people were astonished. Just from the name, they knew how vast and terrifying this activated war domain was.

An old monster from the Huang family spoke up: "In fact, times have changed, this is already a weakened version. In the primitive era when one could fly in the sky with their physical body at the second realm, the 'sea' in the Mountain and Sea Map did not refer to the sea on the ground, but to wander in the sea of ​​stars."

At several important junctures in history, the clan had celestial beings presiding over them, demonstrating their unfathomable depth and understanding of their distant past, which is not surprising.

Unfortunately, now, let alone a sea of ​​stars, not even a single star can be seen. The sun has disappeared, the moon has vanished, and the world is shrouded in endless darkness.

A rogue cultivator asked, "The moon isn't that far from us, so isn't there any powerful cultivator who would try to fly over and go up to take a look?"

"Of course there are some! Some ancient sages once went on a spiritual journey to search for them, but they never returned."

Even more powerful beings have crossed the moon in their physical bodies. Although they eventually returned alive, they remained tight-lipped about it and never mentioned it again. No one knows whether they ever saw the moon.

The golden list shines, and the mountains and rivers are revealed.

Soon, the young talents, the mid-level masters, and the top old monsters changed positions, some standing on different mountains, others standing on the banks of great rivers.

Everyone was wearing standard armor, their faces were covered, and now a large amount of white mist was spreading, making it difficult to distinguish who was who, and everyone was scattered in different positions.

"This is a battle formation system, a grand showdown between supreme civilizations. Victory or defeat will not depend on individual strength. At that time, everyone will need to work together, resonate with the Dao patterns of this War Golden List, and cooperate to defend against the enemy."

This means that all those who went on the expedition were a unified whole, sharing both glory and ruin, their fates closely intertwined.

Everyone's expression changed instantly. This massive bloodbath would be incredibly brutal; it would either result in a complete victory or total annihilation.

If one of the two large battle formations were to be breached, the scene would be unimaginable, destined to be extremely bloody and brutal.

The winner takes all, and the loser is left with mountains of corpses and seas of blood—that's probably the final scene.

Even a grandmaster turned pale, saying, "This is too ruthless. It's a complete gamble with everything. If they lose, the foundation of a supreme civilization will be wiped out. It's far too devastating!"

He was telling the truth. When conflicts between supreme civilizations escalate to this point, there is no turning back; the only option is to fight to the death.

A Seven-Day Overlayer said in a deep voice, "Therefore, in the depths of the Night Fog World, it is not surprising that the flames of some supreme civilizations are extinguished overnight."

For a moment, the atmosphere became somber, and the color drained from the faces of some people, who felt a deep sense of oppression.

This was completely different from what they had imagined. The Golden List was going to drag everyone into a final battle, and there were only two options: a great victory or total annihilation?

"Isn't this a bit... hasty?" Even an old monster from the Earth Immortal realm spoke cautiously.

Clearly, this combat mode is completely different from the past.

Even if an individual is exceptionally talented, it's not of much use unless they are far beyond what is truly remarkable.

Jin Bang revealed, "The massive bloodbath between supreme civilizations is merely a last resort and may not necessarily erupt into a full-blown conflict, but the battle formations must be activated, and we must be prepared to fight to the death at any time."

Faced with such an invasion from a supreme Daoist sect, if Yujing doesn't put up a strong show of force, perhaps other scarlet eyes will open and set their sights on this side from the depths of the Night Mist World!
Then it further stated that even in localized wars, all-out preparations must be made, as bloodshed could escalate at any time.

Soon, people learned that even small-scale battles could be brutal.

At that time, the Golden List Association will be stationed in the rear to coordinate and deploy Grandmasters, Earth Immortals, and other powerful individuals to the appropriate battlefields based on the specific circumstances of each region.

People realized that it was indeed a sophisticated war machine, overlooking the entire battlefield and able to make reasonable and effective arrangements in the first instance.

Under normal circumstances, a one-sided tragedy like a terrestrial immortal slaying a grandmaster would not occur.

The Golden List's internal rules operate on their own; wherever there are signs of imbalance, it will send out corresponding power to maintain control over the overall situation.

For example, if a Seven-Day Stacker suddenly appears on the opposing side, the Golden List can immediately teleport powerful figures like Sages and Sword Immortals to their location.

If one's own side has enough strong individuals, then the Golden Ranking will no longer carefully maintain the balance, but will quickly send out immortals and grandmasters to form an overwhelming situation.

An old monster reassured the descendants, saying, "So, if you, as a celestial being, unfortunately encounter a grandmaster on a local battlefield, don't panic too much. The Golden List will dispatch experts to help you out of the predicament as soon as possible."

Even so, everyone felt heavy-hearted.

They were about to enter the highest battlefield, a battlefield that was rare to encounter even in countless great eras, one that even their fathers and ancestors had never experienced.

"We've deployed all our elite troops, leaving our rear vulnerable. What if the enemy doesn't play by the rules and launches a surprise attack?"

“Even deep within the world of night fog, crimson eyes may open and set their sights on our base.”

Some people are worried that the list of winners is too aggressive.

"Don't worry, when that moment really comes, the New List will spare no expense to awaken the Dao List."

"Does the Dao Ranking still really exist?" asked a Seven-Day Stacker.

Jinbang said, "It shouldn't be completely rotten yet."

From people to things, no matter how high their level, even the most powerful ruler of the Jade Capital changes generation after generation, and each will eventually perish.

"Where did Yujing go after it disappeared?" someone couldn't help but ask.

Some even secretly questioned whether the Jade Capital had disappeared and run away. Yet the Golden List remained rigid and strictly adhered to ancient rules. Why was that?
"It is trying to survive, searching for a way out." Jinbang's response was concise, without saying much more.

A heavy weight settled in everyone's hearts, as if a mountain were pressing down on them. Although they had heard rumors beforehand, they still felt that the road ahead was uncertain, and that the world was as unpredictable as a sudden downpour of fire from the heavens.

Within the Golden List, the mountains and seas are clearly visible. On some majestic mountains, precious cauldrons glow, bubbling and simmering the essence of the ancestral tree and brewing spiritual vines.

"The elixir has been successfully refined!"

The rich aroma of herbs brought everyone back to their senses.

These are visible benefits. On each mountain, there are medicine furnaces, with ethereal mist and five-colored medicinal light rising and attracting everyone's attention.

"We're about to cross the boundary, soon to be far from the area radiated by Yujing!" Jinbang reminded.

Ahead, a massive, dark abyss stretched across the sky, as if a giant axe had cleaved the heavens into an unhealable wound.

This is the most original fog gate, spanning even further, connecting to unknown and distant mysterious lands. It is an ancient road that was only discovered after generations of people explored it repeatedly.

It is because of this road that Yujing was able to have an enclave in the distance.

Jinbang warned: "Prepare for battle. You are about to enter a new world in the distance, where you may encounter harsh environments at any time." A thick fog shrouded the area, starlight flickered, countless wisps of light appeared, and otherworldly poisonous fire raged within this chasm-like passage, making it extremely difficult for ordinary people to pass through.

With a whoosh, the golden list, carrying the wonders of the mountains and rivers, rushed past and instantly arrived in a completely new world.

This foreign land even has a different Daoist aura. If one were to stand outside the Mountain and Sea Map, many people would probably feel quite uncomfortable.

Subsequently, Jinbang intentionally let them experience it, allowing the Daoist aura to surge in, and some people indeed felt that staying here for a long time would be a burden.

"The world is changing, and you must gradually adapt."

The night fog was thick over the land, but the expeditionary force consisted of elites, many of whom carried rare treasures or had cultivated spiritual eyes that could pierce through the clouds and see parts of the blurry landscape.

Large areas were barren, riddled with holes and riddled with mine shafts.

In contrast, some areas are lush with vegetation, with endless primeval forests where monkeys howl and tigers roar, resembling two complete extremes.

An earth immortal even used his magic mirror to capture the scene of a city inhabited by tall barbarians, who were half a head taller than normal humans.

Within the city walls, a green flame was enshrined, and many people danced a sacrificial dance around it, constantly worshipping, creating an atmosphere of barbarity.

Although they lived in a city, they were more like a large tribe.

"In the past, this place was mostly inhabited by humans. After the invasion by the barbarian gods, many human and savage beings underwent a complete mutation, their bodies grew exponentially, and they became barbarians."

Upon hearing these words, the old barbarian god's eyes widened in disbelief, feeling as if he had been inexplicably "shot."

That was an invasion by an evil god; it had nothing to do with him.

The once prosperous cities have mostly become tribalized, a primitive form of worship, where ancient and powerful gods are worshipped.

Jinbang said, "To be precise, it is a totem god."

Everyone finally understood why they faced all sorts of bizarre, primitive monsters when practicing battle formations and entering the golden consciousness space; these were the opponents they might encounter next.

Jin Bang frankly admitted that there may be more serious hidden matters or enemies behind this, which urgently need to be investigated.

Suddenly, a bright light appeared in the night sky ahead, the thick clouds were churning, and a magnificent celestial palace was faintly visible.

"A friend comes from afar, but he carries a knife and hides trouble; I fear he has ill intentions."

In that region, amidst a sea of ​​clouds, celestial palaces, silver halls, and jade palaces stretched out in a vast and ethereal expanse, as if one were approaching a celestial realm.

The scene before me didn't seem to be in the style of a primal god; it was too exquisite.

The mountain lord of Star Mountain spoke up: "This is the territory ruled by my Jade Capital. You evil gods have invaded, yet you dare to speak so arrogantly!"

"Brother, please calm down. We are just passing through this area and are taking a short rest here. At most, we will stay for fifty years. At that time, we will return the treasure intact."

The Palace Master of Lei Ze Palace said, "It's all talk. Do you think we are your followers who can be fooled and deceived? Since you're just passing by, then move over immediately and return all the rare minerals."

Opposite them, a god exuding a primal aura stepped forward. He was tall and robust, his lower body draped in animal skins while his upper body was naked, with long, flowing hair. He laughed heartily and said, "Fellow Daoist, you are too stingy."

Then, a cat-faced deity stepped forward, his face grim, and said, "Let's not talk about who's who. Yesterday, you stole our clan's secret medicine, so we're even."

On the Jade Capital side, a Seven-Day Accumulation cultivator spoke up: "How can it be reasonable for bandits to settle scores just because they've taken up residence in our territory? Are you leaving or not?"

A primordial deity in the form of flames proclaimed, “Everyone, let’s talk this out. Everything can be discussed slowly. Look, we’ve opened the Heavenly Palace and the Jade Palace, prepared fine wine, and waited for so long, isn’t it all to turn hostility into friendship?”

Jinbang's voice boomed: "You occupy my territory and dare to talk about peace? Are you leaving or not?"

In an instant, mountains and seas appeared, causing the entire sea of ​​night mist to ripple.

Ahead, the magnificent palaces and numerous celestial pavilions were shaking violently in the clouds, as if they were about to disintegrate.

"Fellow Daoist, please calm down."

Just then, behind the buildings shrouded in spiritual light, the endless sea of ​​clouds was broken open, and a vast, ancient, and powerful aura swept out.

In an instant, it brought the turbulent fairy palace complex to a standstill.

It was a great mountain, and the moment it appeared, it seemed to crush the sky.

It was as black as ink, tall and heavy, and at its base were 108 terrifying phantoms, like gods, working together to support the mountain.

"Could it really be... a celestial afterimage?" On the Golden List side, many people were deeply shaken, feeling that the Daoist aura of those afterimages was terrifying and unpredictable.

A local immortal from the Huang family revealed the truth: "In this era, there are no gods. They have all died many years ago. They may have existed in history, but they were accumulated over a long period of time. Now, they are just empty shells, showing off their past glory."

Everyone nodded; this made sense.

The list of names trembled, and Dao patterns instantly spread out, suppressing the aura of the 108 illusory figures, making them seem less unfathomable.

Jinbang spoke up: "Now that you've come, do you intend to wage a great battle between our supreme civilizations?"

Undoubtedly, that dark mountain was a large-scale war machine belonging to the Totem God camp, and its status should be equivalent to the Golden List on the Jade Capital side.

"I've come only to stop the fighting and prevent you from acting too impulsively, fellow Daoist," the massive mountain spoke.

On its dark mountainside are engraved numerous patterns, all primitive totems, making it appear profound and unfathomable, as if the gods were supporting it.

It has been worshipped by various ethnic groups throughout many great eras and has become the resting place of many totems.

"Are you threatening me?" Jinbang said in a deep voice.

Totem Sacred Mountain spoke up: "No, I'm just preparing for the worst. If you insist on a bloody battle, I'll gladly fight to the bitter end."

Then it added, "I would like to ask you to reconsider and carefully evaluate the situation. After all, the consequences of a war between our two supreme civilizations would be unbearable for both of us."

Jinbang said, "This is robber logic! You're occupying our territory, and you're talking to me like this?"

The dark mountain said, "I am willing to make compensation in other ways, which can be discussed."

Jinbang said, "You have to get out of this area before we can talk!"

Totem Sacred Mountain said, "It seems this battle is unavoidable. However, I would like to ask you to consider this carefully. Before that, how about we conduct a brief 'test of the waters'? Let's get to know each other and see if we really need to engage in a bloody battle of the highest caliber."

The so-called "testing the waters" naturally involves making small-scale contact and weighing the pros and cons, allowing both sides to get to know each other and, ideally, intimidate one side.

“Okay!” Jinbang agreed.

Totem Sacred Mountain said, "The best outcome would be that after our sparring, we would both appreciate each other's talents and finally drink wine and enjoy songs and dances in front of the Heavenly Palace and Immortal Palace, thus turning the page."

Before that celestial palace, countless divine runes intertwined, revealing a vast open space that would become a battlefield.

It is obvious that the so-called mutual respect is just a pretext and excuse that one party finds to save face after feeling that it is not strong enough and is too cowardly to fight.

It was supposed to be a friendly spar, a small-scale test, but the other side went straight to the gods, with a seventh-realm expert stepping forward.

Totem Sacred Mountain said, "Even in small-scale 'exchanges,' there shouldn't be too few people. People of all ages should participate so that we can understand each other's true strength and avoid misjudging each other."

Its voice wasn't loud, and it was always very polite, but in reality, it was very assertive and full of confidence.

"As you wish!" Jinbang agreed and began to call out names. Experts from the seventh realm stepped forward, including sages, the Dog Sword Immortal, and some mountain lords, palace lords, and cave lords from the old mountains in the heavens.

However, they were all wearing the same standard armor, and even their faces were covered, making it impossible to tell who was who.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the crowd. From the young and strong members of the totem camp, a terrifying behemoth emerged, its entire body enveloped in golden light.

"This is... a mutated super golden behemoth!" Some people gasped, especially the experts from Yezhou who had experienced the behemoth disaster and were most sensitive to such giant creatures. Their hearts sank.

Moreover, there were five-colored giant beasts behind them, their bodies covered with divine patterns and flowing with rich Daoist charm.

Even the expressions of many veteran experts changed. This was a mutated behemoth that had been totemized since childhood, and could be called a primordial sacred beast.

"Just some beasts, no need to care. Taiyi, step forward and get ready!" After the Golden List finished calling out the experts of the seventh realm, when the roll was called again, the first one was "Taiyi".

For a moment, the map of mountains and seas fell silent. Everyone was too familiar with this name. He was the former number one, mysterious and unpredictable. He was also present and was highlighted by the Golden List.

(End of this chapter)