The green-robed cultivator's face twisted in agony, his severe injuries only making him more ferocious.
Once a renowned True Person in the Uncelestial Realm, he never expected to be reduced to such dire straits.
"Even if I have to risk my life today, I'll make you pay with blood!"
The green-robed cultivator roared like thunder, his punches carrying the force to shatter mountains, clashing with the roots of the Heavenly Fiend Ancient Tree, causing them to explode into fragments.
Roots shattered, and dark green sap rained down like a shower.
The Heavenly Fiend Ancient Tree trembled violently, its branches and leaves thrashing as if in indescribable pain.
However, the force of the other ancient trees followed immediately, and the terrifying power engulfed the green-robed cultivator, worsening his injuries.
Just as the green-robed cultivator was about to be defeated, several powerful auras, comparable to the fifth rank, surged from the alien portal.
Then, one after another, figures as imposing as the green-robed cultivator stepped out from the portal.
Their terrifying auras swept across the heavens and earth like a storm, bringing a sense of despair.
"Another fifth-rank strongman!"
"With the previous green-robed cultivator, there are now six fifth-rank powerhouses present!"
The alliance cultivators looked grim, with blood at the corner of Ji Xuan's mouth. He gazed at the five hovering powerhouses with a mix of shock and resolve.
The strength displayed by the invaders had already exceeded Ji Xuan's expectations.
If it were just one fifth-rank strongman, the alliance and the support from the Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts might still have a chance;
But facing six fifth-rank strongmen was far beyond what the alliance could bear.
Even if these fifth-rank strongmen did not act, their mere presence was enough to suppress the fourth-rank cultivators and render those below the fourth rank powerless.
The only hope now was for the being from the Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts to intervene personally.
However,
As the alliance leader and Grand Marshal of the First Alliance, Ji Xuan would not retreat without a fight.
Thus, when the five fifth-rank invaders appeared, he immediately activated his spiritual power.
The boundless Celestial Flame engulfed the enemies, and without hesitation, Ji Xuan charged towards the fifth-rank powerhouses in mid-air.
"Just a mere fourth-rank ant, but you have some courage. Unfortunately, it's like a moth to the flame, ignorant of its limits."
One of the invaders sneered, brandishing a spear that tore through the Celestial Flame with unstoppable force, aiming straight at Ji Xuan.
"Boom—"
The overwhelming power pierced through Ji Xuan's defenses, creating a ghastly hole in his chest.
Such injuries would have been fatal to ordinary people, but for a fourth-rank cultivator, it was not immediately life-threatening but still extremely serious.
However,
The strike from the invader still caused Ji Xuan to fall from the sky.
Seeing this, the attacking strongman walked through the air, his spear gleaming with a cold light, ready to finish off Ji Xuan.
At the critical moment,
A burly cultivator descended from the sky, his arms bulging with veins like dragons, his entire body's blood energy gathered, unleashing an ultimate punch.
Blood energy roared, dragon cries echoed, and the full-force punch shattered the spear's light,
But the recoil left his arms torn and bloody.
"A fifth-rank cultivator!"
Gu Fang looked at his bleeding arms, his gaze locked on the invader, filled with seriousness and battle intent.
He had been busy setting up formations earlier and couldn't intervene in time. When the formation was complete, he rushed over and saw Ji Xuan in trouble.
Without hesitation, Gu Fang used all his strength to save Ji Xuan, successfully blocking the fatal blow.
"Marshal Ji, are you alright?"
Gu Fang's chest heaved violently. Although his torn flesh had already begun to heal, the turbulent blood energy within him had not yet settled.
Ji Xuan shook his head slightly: "I won't die just yet. But with several fifth-rank invaders here, the alliance is unlikely to win."
"Cultivators have never feared dying on the battlefield. Even if we die, we'll make them pay!"
Gu Fang laughed heartily, his face fearless, filled with heroic spirit.
Seemingly inspired by Gu Fang's fighting spirit, Ji Xuan's face also showed a trace of relief.
"General Gu is right. Today we'll fight side by side and take on these invaders!"
Their conversation reached the ears of the invader, making his eyes colder.
Although he couldn't understand the Qingyang Realm's language, he could sense their disregard from their expressions.
This only fueled his anger.
In an instant,
The invader, spear in hand, charged forward, his domineering power tearing through space, the spear's cold light terrifying.
Seeing this, both Gu Fang and Ji Xuan's faces turned solemn. They exchanged a glance and tacitly attacked from both sides.
At the same time,
The remaining four fifth-rank invaders did not stand idle. They jointly attacked the Wanqing Ancient Tree and other beings.
Under the assault of five ancient trees, the green-robed cultivator was in a miserable state.
If they did not intervene, the green-robed cultivator was at risk of falling.
Before invading the Qingyang Realm, the forces of the Ancient Wilderness had agreed not to let the green-robed cultivator perish.
With the addition of the five fifth-rank invaders, the situation where the Wanqing Ancient Tree and others suppressed the green-robed cultivator changed instantly.
In an instant,
The roots of the ancient trees shattered, and the five ancient trees, including the Wanqing Ancient Tree, were severely injured.
...
"Six fifth-rank strongmen!"
In the Ten Thousand Heavenly Courts, Lu Qingyang's cold eyes observed the fierce battle in the Northern Territory.
According to Xue Wei's memories, there were not many fifth-rank strongmen in the Ancient Wilderness. Each was a leader of a great sect or an elder of a cave heaven.
Now, with so many fifth-rank strongmen appearing in one invasion of the Qingyang Realm, Lu Qingyang was indeed surprised.
He initially intended not to intervene,
To avoid prematurely exposing the greatest asset of the Qingyang Realm and giving the Uncelestial Realm a chance to prepare.
However, the appearance of six fifth-rank cultivators made Lu Qingyang realize that if he did not act, the Qingyang Realm would face defeat.
Reluctantly,
The Qingyang Realm's foundation was too shallow.
Only thirty years ago did the phenomenon of celestial revival occur.
And cultivation had not yet truly spread. Billions of mortals groped in the dark, walking a distorted path of cultivation.
It wasn't until the Heavenly Court emerged fifteen years ago that orthodox cultivation became popular.
In fifteen years,
The alliance grew from nothing, with the strongest reaching the fourth rank, almost at the limit.
Now, the strongest in the alliance, such as Gu Fang, were only at the early fourth rank.
If given more time, perhaps fifth-rank strongmen could emerge.
However,
The Uncelestial Realm clearly would not give them this chance.
The reason the Wanqing Ancient Tree and others could break through to the late fourth rank, close to the fifth rank,
Was due to Lu Qingyang's secret assistance, sparing no effort to elevate them.
...
"Boom—"
The powerful force shattered the roots again, the trunk of the Wanqing Ancient Tree cracked, and large amounts of sap flowed from the wounds.
Just as it was about to perish, a suffocating oppressive force suddenly surged from the sky.
The invaders attacking the Wanqing Ancient Tree and others seemed to sense something and instinctively looked up at the sky.