In the Northern Territory of Shenzhou Haotu, various sects and prominent families had already gathered.
Whether they were part of the Alliance's army or lone cultivators of the martial world, upon hearing the news of the cross-realm demonic invasion, few chose to retreat without a fight.
As the crowd delved deeper into the Northern Territory, they were struck by the sight of spatial fluctuations evolving into a portal, faintly revealing the silhouettes beyond.
"This must be the cross-realm portal without a doubt!"
Gu Fang's face was solemn, his eyes locked on the portal ahead, sensing a formidable pressure emanating from it.
This pressure originated not just from the portal itself but from the world beyond.
Gu Fang had already stepped into the early fourth tier, needing only one opportunity to break through to the mid-fourth tier.
His cultivation level was considered top-tier within the Alliance.
However, the aura behind the portal exerted immense pressure on Gu Fang.
It wasn't only Gu Fang who focused on the portal; leaders of other major sects and powerful figures were also fixated on the cross-realm passage.
"A cross-realm invasion..."
Zhang Ming's eyes gleamed like lightning, his blood surging, and a strong murderous intent emanated from him, showcasing his resolve to fight to the death.
"First, it was the beast tide, and now the cross-realm invasion. Do they really think we are lambs to the slaughter? If the cross-realm portal opens, I will make those demonic beings understand that the Qingyang Realm is not to be violated!"
The name "Qingyang Realm" originated from the Heavenly Court's bestowed mission.
Originally, this world had its own name, but through various changes, it was now known as the Qingyang Realm, with no objections from the people.
As Zhang Ming finished speaking, a steady voice sounded.
"Head Zhang is absolutely right. Our Qingyang Realm will not tolerate such affronts. If they dare invade, they will have no return!"
Hearing the voice, Zhang Ming turned to see a tall, resolute young man with thick eyebrows and bright eyes.
Though he appeared young, his presence exuded an authoritative aura that commanded respect.
"It's the renowned Master Lin. I've heard that your mastery of the Yuxiao Divine Sword is unparalleled, capable of slaying enemies from a hundred miles away. I have long admired you."
Zhang Ming slightly bowed, his eyes showing respect toward Lin Lin.
Lin Lin was the head of the Qingyang Sect, one of the few fourth-tier cultivators in the Qingyang Realm.
It was known that even among fourth-tier cultivators, there were varying degrees of strength.
Clearly, Lin Lin's power was formidable among fourth-tier cultivators, having the remarkable record of slaying a mid-fourth-tier demonic beast.
Hearing Zhang Ming's words, Lin Lin smiled faintly. "Head Zhang praises me too much. I have heard that your mighty fist once slew a mid-fourth-tier demonic beast. Your Nine-Piece Jade Body has reached its peak."
"I've always hoped to have the chance to fight alongside you. Today, my wish is fulfilled."
With that, Lin Lin's expression turned serious, his gaze once again fixated on the cross-realm portal.
"Head Zhang, what do you think of this cross-realm invasion?"
"It's both a challenge and an opportunity," Zhang Ming replied with a bitter smile, his simple words encapsulating his thoughts on the invasion.
Lin Lin nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this battle is both a challenge and an opportunity. Currently, there are few demonic beasts left in the Qingyang Realm, mainly in the deep seas."
"Without the invasion, who knows how long we would have to wait for a breakthrough?"
Without demonic beasts, there would be no offerings, and without offerings, they couldn't exchange for necessary items in the Heavenly Court, leading to no breakthroughs.
While the cross-realm invasion posed great danger, the Heavenly Court had also issued corresponding tasks, providing a way for them to gain offerings.
The key was whether the Qingyang Realm could withstand the first wave of the invasion.
If they could, they might continually gain offerings and use the power of the other realm to enhance their own levels.
Conversely, if they failed, the vast Qingyang Realm would be in grave danger.
...
As numerous strong individuals poured into the Northern Territory, each faction set up their own temporary camps, led by the Alliance's army.
Each camp resembled an independent force, maintaining boundaries.
Many solo cultivators also banded together, seeking reliable companions to prepare for the upcoming battle.
Of course, there were also lone travelers, confident and aloof, unwilling to join forces, trusting only themselves.
Among the many stationed forces, the most formidable was undoubtedly the Alliance's army.
At this moment, leaders from the eighteen alliances had gathered, their faces serious.
Seeing the cross-realm portal and experiencing the aura behind it firsthand, they fully realized the threat from the other realm.
"Judging from this portal alone, the danger of this battle is evident. I know each of you has your own cards, but at this point, there's no need to hold back. If Qingyang falls, everything will be lost."
The speaker was Ji Xuan, the chief commander of the First Alliance. His face, now with noticeably fewer wrinkles, looked ten years younger.
This change was a benefit of breaking through in cultivation.
Upon entering the Golden Core stage, breaking the core to form a nascent soul, becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator, one's lifespan extended to five hundred years.
Compared to mortal lifespans, fifty or sixty years were insignificant against five hundred years.
It wasn't just Ji Xuan; everyone present appeared younger.
Hearing Ji Xuan's words, their expressions varied. One person responded, "Commander Ji, rest assured. With our lives on the line, we will prioritize the greater good. How could we not understand this?"
He initially wanted to address Ji Xuan as "old commander," but seeing his now youthful appearance, the word "old" was hard to say, so he changed his address.
At this moment, Gu Fang spoke, "Half a day ago, the senior from the Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts contacted me, stating that they will also participate in this battle."
Hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted.
"The Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts will join?"
"That's great! With their support, our chances of victory increase!"
"Commander Gu, what exactly did the senior from the Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts say?"
Mentioning the Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts, everyone was elated, their eyes filled with hope.
In their hearts, the Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts were the undisputed strongest force in the Qingyang Realm.
With their intervention, the cross-realm invasion might not pose a genuine threat to the Qingyang Realm.
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