Summoning the Gods: Start by creating the Eternal Night.

The Blood Demon Ancestor looked at Xue Wutian and said, "Second brother, spread the word and tell everyone to get ready. The Blood Soul Formation must be completely perfected within three days."

"Once those so-called righteous heroes enter the Nine Nether Abyss, it will be their death! It will also be our chance to restore our strength!"

"Yes, brother!" Xue Wutian accepted the order, his eyes flashing with a bloodthirsty light.

Mo Tianchou frowned, a hint of worry on his face:

"Master, Uncle-Master, the forces that have attacked this time are numerous, including many experts at the peak of the Celestial Realm."

"There are also mysterious and unpredictable forces such as the Eternal Night Heaven and the Star Pavilion."

"We are bound by the rules of heaven and earth, and cannot unleash the true power of terrestrial immortals."

"We can only suppress our cultivation to the Celestial Realm level to make a move, which is really disadvantageous for us."

He knew very well that although the difference between a terrestrial immortal and a celestial being seemed to be only one step, they were actually worlds apart.

If we could go all out, dealing with these so-called righteous alliances would be a piece of cake.

But now that he can only suppress his cultivation, his chances of winning have been reduced.

The Blood Demon Ancestor waved his hand, a sinister smile appearing on his face:

"It's alright, this is a small matter, I had already anticipated it."

"They think they can raze my Nine Nether Demon Sect and destroy this old ancestor by gathering a rabble? They're delusional!"

Little did they know, this old ancestor was just waiting for them to come and "deliver food" to him.

The Blood Demon Ancestor licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with greed.

"The more of them they come, the better it will be for me and your uncle to recover our strength!"

Mo Tianchou still hesitated: "But Master, what if... what if something unexpected happens?"

"After all, the enemy has a large number of people and is powerful. If they really launch a full-scale attack regardless of the consequences, we will probably suffer heavy losses as well."

The Blood Demon Ancestor snorted coldly, his tone brimming with confidence: "An accident? On my territory, it's not their place to create an accident!"

"Besides, this old ancestor has already prepared a way out."

He changed the subject, looking at Mo Tianchou, "Tianchou, do you remember the ancient formation I asked you to seal up in the back mountain?"

Mo Tianchou's eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded, "This disciple remembers! I wonder what the purpose of that formation is?"

Xue Wutian, standing to the side, couldn't help but ask, "Yeah, big brother! What kind of formation is it?"

The Blood Demon Ancestor wore a smug smile. "You'll see then."

"That formation was almost completely repaired by me thousands of years ago. It only needs one last step to be fully activated."

....

Qingyun Sect, Sect Master's Hall.

Xuanxiaozi sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the elders and core disciples below, and said in a deep voice:

"You have all probably already heard the news that the Grand Elder sent back from Jiulin Mountain."

"In this Demon-Slaying Assembly, the Great Qian has been appointed as the alliance leader. My Qingyun Sect has a long-standing grudge against the Great Qian."

"This trip is dangerous. They will most likely take the opportunity to launch an attack, turning our disciples into cannon fodder."

He paused, his tone tinged with weariness and helplessness:

"Therefore, my participation in the demon-slaying operation in Pingyang City, Cangzhou, is entirely voluntary."

"If you do not wish to go, no one will criticize you; if you wish to go, the sect will fully support you and prepare magical artifacts and elixirs."

Xuanxiaozi's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, plunging everyone present into silence.

Going there means facing difficulties from the Great Qian Dynasty and dangers from the Nine Nether Demon Sect, and even risking one's life.

If we don't go, what will become of the sect's reputation? Won't the Qingyun Sect be ridiculed by other forces for being cowardly and afraid of death?

The hall was completely silent, save for the heavy breathing of the crowd.

"Wow!"

A sharp shout broke the silence, and Yunhe abruptly stood up, his eyes flashing with an indomitable light:

"Our Qingyun Sect already lost face in the Fallen Immortal Mountains some time ago. If we back down again this time, wouldn't we become a laughingstock to the world?"

Even knowing the danger, I have to go!

"Vice Sect Master Yunhe is right!" another elder stood up and echoed.

"Our Qingyun Sect has been established for a thousand years and has never been one to fear death! How could we cower within our sect simply because we are afraid of the Great Qian and the Demonic Sect?"

Count me in!

"And me!"

"Aren't those brats from the Xuanming Sect always arguing with us lately? Let them see the power of my Qingyun Sect!"

With Yunhe taking the lead, the elders in the hall responded enthusiastically, and even the disciples outside the hall who heard the commotion were filled with excitement, their shouts shaking the heavens:

"I am willing to accompany the elders to Cangzhou!"

"To vanquish demons and uphold justice is the bounden duty of our Qingyun Sect!"

"Those who are afraid of death are not Qingyun people!"

Looking at the enthusiastic crowd before him, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Xuanxiaozi's eyes.

Just then, an aged yet powerful laugh suddenly rang out in the hall:

"Hahaha...Good! Good! As expected of the disciples of my Qingyun Sect, not one of them is a coward! I, the patriarch, am very pleased to hear this!"

Everyone was startled by the sound, and saw a figure appear out of thin air in the center of the hall.

The newcomer was dressed in a simple blue Taoist robe, with white hair and beard, but a ruddy complexion and sharp eyes like swords. He was none other than Jian Xiaotian, the reclusive patriarch of the Qingyun Sect who had been living in seclusion for many years!

"Greetings, Ancestor!"

Xuanxiaozi and the elders and disciples all stood up and bowed, their faces full of respect and excitement.

Jian Xiaotian has been in seclusion for nearly a thousand years, and only a very few people in the sect have seen him. His sudden appearance today is obviously for this demon-slaying operation.

Jian Xiaotian waved his hand, signaling everyone to stand up. His gaze swept across the entire room as he announced loudly:

"I heard everything you said just now. You have guts; you haven't disgraced my Qingyun Sect!"

He looked at Xuanxiaozi: "But for this operation, the sect leader needs to stay behind to oversee the sect and manage the overall situation."

"Yes, Ancestor," Xuanxiaozi replied with a bow.

Jian Xiaotian then looked at Yun He: "Yun He, you may choose the people to go to Pingyang City."

"Remember, disciples of the Qingyun Sect may die, but they must never lose their integrity!"

"If the Great Qian dares to take this opportunity to make things difficult, we must not hold back. If we are to fight the Demonic Sect, we will use our swords to show them the power of the Azure Cloud Sword Technique!"

Yunhe immediately bowed and accepted the order: "I will obey the Ancestor's decree! This disciple will do everything in my power to protect my fellow disciples and bring them back safely!"

"Hahaha..." Jian Xiaotian laughed loudly, "Go. Remember, you are people of the Qingyun Sect. Wherever you go, you must hold your heads high!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure gradually became transparent and eventually disappeared from the hall, as if he had never existed.

Inside the main hall, everyone was still immersed in the excitement of the ancestor's appearance.

Yun He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and said loudly to the elders beside him:

"Gentlemen, since the Ancestor has given his instructions, how can we fail to do so?"

"Select disciples immediately, prepare your belongings, and depart for Pingyang City in Cangzhou early tomorrow morning!"

"yes!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit.

Although Xuanxiaozi agreed with the ancestor's words, he still turned to Yunhe and instructed him:

"Be cautious on this journey. If conflicts arise, be patient and avoid direct confrontation. Preserving your strength is of utmost importance."

Yunhe nodded: "Sect Master, rest assured."

....

Eternal Night, Council Hall.

Ye Junlin sat in the main seat, with Donghuang Taiyi, Dugu Qiubai, Li Xunhuan, Yan Shisan, Yang Guo, Zhang Wuji, and others below him.

Yuan Tiangang and Yan Guiren had just returned from Jiulin Mountain and were standing in the center of the hall, reporting the proceedings of the conference to Ye Junlin, who was seated at the head of the table.

"My lord, the Nine Ridges Mountain Tournament has concluded. The Great Qian Dynasty has secured the position of Alliance Leader by winning by a mere half-move from Qian Yuan."

"Three days later, all the major forces will gather in Pingyang City, Cangzhou, and march together into the Nine Nether Abyss."

Yuan Tiangang briefly recounted the course of the conference, including the twists and turns of the struggle for the leadership of the alliance.

The attitudes of the various factions, and the little incident where Master Mingkong secretly launched an attack at the end.

"Although many forces are involved in this demon-slaying campaign, their hearts are divided and their alliance is loose, so it is unlikely to amount to much."

Ye Junlin sat upright in the main seat, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, after listening to the two men's reports:

"These so-called righteous alliances are formed out of self-interest, and it is unrealistic to expect them to work together wholeheartedly."

Everyone present agreed with Ye Junlin's statement. Then Yuan Tiangang stepped forward and asked in a deep voice:

"My lord, who from Eternal Night Heaven will be going on this journey to the Nine Nether Abyss?"

Ye Junlin sat upright in the main seat, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest: "This time, let Yan Guiren, Yan Shisan, and Li Xunhuan go together."

He looked at Yuan Tiangang: "You still need to stay and oversee the Bad Guys; you don't need to go there personally."

"Yes, sir!" Yuan Tiangang, Yan Guiren, Yan Shisan, and Li Xunhuan bowed and accepted the order.

Ye Junlin's gaze swept over Yan Guiren and the other two, and he slowly said:

"You need not appear in person to accompany the major powers on this trip. Just act covertly; there's no need to rush to expose yourselves."

These words surprised not only Yan Guiren and his two companions, but also Yang Guo and Zhang Wuji, who were standing nearby.

Logically speaking, since Yongyetian has agreed to participate in the demon-slaying campaign, he should cooperate with the allied forces. Why then does he act in secret?

Ye Junlin seemed to see through everyone's thoughts and explained:

"Our goal is not simply to eliminate the Blood Demon Ancestor and Bloodless Heaven."

He looked at Donghuang Taiyi, who was resting with his eyes closed: "Donghuang Taiyi has already made some deductions. There are probably other hidden stories behind these two people. It's not that simple."

Upon hearing this, Donghuang Taiyi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sparkling like starlight: "Not bad."

"Although the 'Blood Demon Great Art' cultivated by the Blood Demon Ancestor and Bloodless Heaven is sinister and domineering, it violates the laws of Heaven."

"Logically speaking, they should have been devoured by the rules of heaven and earth long ago, and it would be impossible for them to have survived until now, let alone reach the realm of terrestrial immortals."

"When I was making my calculations, I sensed a subtle aura of the Heavenly Dao swirling around them. This aura was cold and unpredictable; I'm afraid..."

Ye Junlin nodded: "This is just speculation, but we must be on guard."

"If the speculation is true, then the Blood Demon Ancestor and Bloodless Heaven must be extraordinary individuals!"

"Therefore," Ye Junlin's gaze fell again on Yan Guiren and the other two, his tone grave,

"Your mission is to secretly follow those forces and investigate the Blood Demon Ancestor and Bloodless Heaven's background. If you discover anything unusual, do not linger in battle; retreat immediately!"

"As for the battle between the Demon-Slaying Alliance and the Nine Nether Demon Sect, let them fight it out!"

Yan Guiren and his two companions suddenly understood and bowed in unison, saying, "We understand!"