Summoning the Gods: Start by creating the Eternal Night.

Cangzhou

Wanfo Temple.

The ancient temple, with its thousand-year history, was shrouded in solemnity. Incense smoke swirled and bells rang melodiously, yet the heavy atmosphere within could not be concealed.

Strange things have been happening frequently in Cangzhou lately, with many cultivators disappearing without a trace, neither alive nor dead.

Anyone with eyes can guess that this was most likely the work of the Nine Nether Demon Sect.

With the return of the Blood Demon Ancestor, he urgently needs to replenish his essence and blood, and these missing cultivators have likely become his "supplements".

As the leader of the righteous path in Cangzhou, Wanfo Temple could no longer sit idly by.

Inside the main hall, all the high-ranking monks of the temple were present, wearing kasayas, with their hands clasped together, looking solemnly at the abbot at the head of the hall.

The abbot, clad in a brocade robe, though aged, was still vigorous. His gaze swept over the monks, and he said in a deep voice:

"Now that the Blood Demon Ancestor has been reborn and is colluding with Xue Wutian, the Nine Nether Demon Sect is arrogant and rampant, and the people of Cangzhou are in a state of panic."

"What do you all think is the best way for Wanfo Temple to respond?"

Master Mingjue stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell:

"Abbot, the shackles of Heaven's Dao are loosening and the seal is about to break. This is the time when demons and monsters run rampant."

"Both the Blood Demon Ancestor and Bloodless Heaven are wicked demons who bring disaster to the world. If we allow these two demons to recover to their peak,..."

Not only is my Wanfo Temple in imminent danger, but the entire Cangzhou region and even the Eastern Region will be plunged into chaos and death!

"Their cultivation hasn't recovered to its peak yet, making this the perfect opportunity to strike. Junior Brother, I believe we should seize this chance and eliminate them as quickly as possible!"

"Junior Brother Mingjue is absolutely right," Master Mingkong echoed.

"To let this scourge run rampant is tantamount to raising a tiger to cause trouble. If we try to take action later, it will be as difficult as climbing to heaven."

Master Mingwu, standing to the side, frowned slightly: "What my two junior brothers say makes sense."

"But the Blood Demon Ancestor was already at the peak of the Land Immortal realm back then, and Xue Wutian was at the late stage of the Land Immortal realm."

"Although neither of them has recovered to their peak, their combined strength is unfathomable."

"Although my Wanfo Temple has a strong foundation, it is not necessarily certain that we can win. If we force a move, we may have to pay a heavy price."

Silence fell over the hall, and all the monks understood that what was said was true.

The Blood Demon Ancestor once dominated the Eastern Region, even Qianlong had to fight him to the death. Now, with the addition of Xue Wutian, no single force can contend with him.

The abbot spoke slowly, a calculating glint in his eyes:

"The world has suffered under the Blood Demon for too long, and all the major powers have more or less a blood feud with him."

"Since our temple is struggling to cope alone, why not unite with all those who share our beliefs and jointly attack the Nine Nether Demonic Sect?"

"In this way, we can share the risks and get all parties to work together, so that Wanfo Temple won't have to fight alone while others reap the benefits."

Upon hearing this, all the monks nodded in agreement.

Having lived most of their lives, they have long been adept at navigating the world and would never bear the burden of pressure themselves if they could share it with others.

Master Mingkong laughed and said, "Abbot Brother's insight is brilliant! Dealing with the Nine Nether Demon Sect is a matter for all people, and we should all share the responsibility."

"If we can unite all forces, with Wanfo Temple acting as the central coordinator, we can both eliminate demons and protect the righteous path, and also demonstrate the prestige of our temple. It would be the best of both worlds."

Many eminent monks' eyes flashed with anticipation; if they could seize this opportunity to take the lead, the reputation of Wanfo Temple would surely resound throughout the Eastern Region.

Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, the abbot announced loudly:

"In that case, our temple will take the lead in convening a martial arts conference, inviting the top forces of the Eastern Region to discuss the grand plan to destroy the demon. At that time..."

Before he could finish speaking, a young novice monk hurriedly entered the hall and bowed in greeting.

"Abbot, there are officials from the Great Qian Dynasty outside requesting an audience. They say they have sent a hero's invitation, sincerely inviting our temple to Jiulin Mountain on the eighth day of next month to discuss the important matter of slaying the demon."

"What?"

The monks in the hall were all stunned, their expressions immediately turning astonished.

They had just discussed uniting various forces to hold a martial arts conference when the Great Qian Dynasty had already taken the initiative and extended an invitation.

A flicker of surprise crossed the abbot's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice:

"Present the invitation and tell the envoy of the Great Qian Dynasty that Wanfo Temple will definitely keep the appointment on time."

The young novice monk acknowledged and withdrew, returning shortly with a gold-embossed invitation.

The abbot opened it and saw that it was indeed written by Emperor Qian Tian of the Great Qian Dynasty. The words were earnest, inviting heroes from all over the world to go to Jiulin Mountain to fight against the Nine Nether Demon Sect.

"I didn't expect the Great Qian Dynasty to act so quickly." The abbot handed the invitation to Mingjue beside him and said slowly.

"Gentlemen, now that the Great Qian Dynasty has taken the lead, our temple need not start from scratch. However, we cannot easily relinquish control of this Demon Extermination Assembly."

Mingjue accepted the invitation, read it, and then said loudly, "What Abbot Brother says is absolutely right."

"Although the Great Qian Dynasty was the hegemon of the Eastern Region ten thousand years ago, in terms of prestige in the martial arts world today, my Wanfo Temple may not be inferior to it."

"This gathering at Mount Jiulin presents a golden opportunity for our temple to vie for the position of leader!"

"If I can become the leader of the alliance and command all the heroes under heaven, the status of my Wanfo Temple will surely rise to a higher level!"

The monks all agreed, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

The abbot nodded: "In that case, Junior Brothers Mingjue and Mingkong will lead a hundred disciples to this conference."

"Remember, you must act with composure. We must demonstrate our temple's strength while also securing support from all sides. We must win the position of leader!"

"Yes, Abbot!" Mingjue and Mingkong replied in unison.

……

At the same time, the top powers in the Eastern Region also received invitations to join the Great Qian Dynasty.

Qingzhou City

Inside the Immortal Inquiry Pavilion, Xing Luoyao looked at the invitation and asked Xing Xuanfeng beside her, "Fourth Brother, what do you think of the Demon Extermination Conference held by the Great Qian Dynasty?"

Xing Xuanfeng pondered, "The reappearance of the Blood Demon Ancestor, coupled with his alliance with Xue Wutian, does indeed pose a certain threat."

"This initiative by the Great Qian Dynasty is exactly what I wanted. Our Star Pavilion will seize this opportunity to fully reveal itself to the world."

"I will personally go to Jiulin Mountain to attend the meeting and take the opportunity to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of all parties."

"Alright then, Fourth Brother, you go and take a look!" Xing Luoyao replied.

...

At the Xuanming Sect's headquarters, the sect leader slammed the invitation on the table, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes:

"The Blood Demon Ancestor has caused the deaths of many of our sect's elders and disciples. Our Xuanming Sect must attend this grand assembly!"

"Leng Wuyai, you will personally lead the team to participate."

"Yes, sir!"

...

Qingyun Sect

In the Qingyun Palace, Xuanxiaozi looked at the invitation with a furrowed brow.

The details of Yongyetian's background have not yet been investigated, but now they have to divert their attention to deal with the Demon Extermination Assembly.

But the Blood Demon Ancestor posed a greater threat. He pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice:

"Elder, you will travel to Jiulin Mountain with Zhong Xiang."

"Remember, besides dealing with the Great Qian, also keep an eye out for whether the Eternal Night Heaven will show up. If you have the chance, be sure to find out their background!"

"Yes, Sect Master!"

Xuanqing Taoism, Blood Slaughter Pavilion... all the major and minor forces in the Eastern Region that received the invitation were on high alert and began preparing for the conference.

In just a few days, the news that "the Great Qian Dynasty is calling on all chivalrous people to go to Jiulin Mountain to slay the demon on the eighth day of next month" spread throughout the streets and alleys of the Eastern Region.

"The Demon-Slaying Assembly at Mount Jiulin? This is going to be interesting!"

"I heard all the major powers are going; it seems they're serious!"

"The Blood Demon Ancestor and Bloodless Heaven are in for a rough time, aren't they? With so many forces joining forces, even if they're powerful, they can't withstand it!"

"It's hard to say. Those Blood Demon Ancestor and Blood Wutian are ancient monsters who have lived for thousands of years, and their methods are extremely strange..."

"I wonder which faction will become the alliance leader?"

"I'll bet big on it; after all, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse!"

"I think Wanfo Temple is more likely, given its high reputation in Buddhism..."

"In any case, this trip to Jiulin Mountain is bound to be a fierce and exciting battle!"

"Let's join in the fun; after all, this is a grand event that only happens once every few thousand years!"

....

Teahouses, taverns, and inns were filled with discussions about the upcoming conference.

...