The coalition's challenge was the first true test of Spirit Hall's reformation. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and smaller sects, wary of Spirit Hall's growing influence, had formed an alliance. Their goal was simple: halt Spirit Hall's expansion before it was too late.
Inside Spirit Hall's grand strategy room, a tense council meeting was underway.
The Coalition's Intentions
Shadowmaster Kael stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative. "The coalition has amassed significant forces. Intelligence suggests their main camp lies in the Forest of Eternity, a highly defensible location. They believe their unity will compensate for Spirit Hall's strength."
Xin Tian scanned the gathered leaders, his golden eyes sharp. "They underestimate us. That will be their undoing."
General Varok nodded. "The Duskblight Legion is ready. We can crush them head-on."
Archmage Liora added, "The Astral Covenant can create a magical barrier to cut off their retreat. They'll have no choice but to surrender or perish."
Bibi Dong, seated beside Xin Tian, smiled coldly. "Let's make an example of them. Their rebellion will serve as a warning to others."
Xin Tian raised a hand to silence the room. "This isn't just about crushing them. It's about sending a message. Spirit Hall isn't just a force to be feared—it's an unshakable foundation. Let's proceed with precision."
The Battle Plan
Xin Tian outlined a three-pronged strategy:
1. Disruption: The Shadow Syndicate would infiltrate the coalition, spreading misinformation and sabotaging their supplies.
2. Containment: The Astral Covenant would deploy a magical barrier to prevent reinforcements or escape.
3. Annihilation: The Duskblight Legion, led by General Varok and Xin Tian, would engage in a decisive battle, using superior tactics and martial prowess to obliterate the coalition forces.
"Failure isn't an option," Xin Tian said, his voice ringing with authority. "Let's move."
The Battle of the Forest of Eternity
The coalition forces were confident as they fortified their positions within the dense forest. Their leaders, Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Yu Xiaogang of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, believed they had time to prepare.
That illusion was shattered at dawn.
From the shadows, the Shadow Syndicate struck. Supply lines were severed, communication networks collapsed, and the coalition forces were thrown into disarray. Panic spread as soldiers found themselves cut off from their leaders.
As the chaos unfolded, the Astral Covenant activated their barrier. A shimmering dome of energy encased the forest, trapping the coalition forces inside.
"This is it," General Varok said, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "Duskblight Legion, advance!"
Xin Tian's Display of Power
Leading the charge, Xin Tian activated his Celestial Arbiter Martial Soul, his divine aura shining like the sun. His Eclipse Sword cleaved through the enemy ranks with precision, each strike amplified by his 100,000-year spirit rings.
The coalition forces, already demoralized, found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer might of Spirit Hall's army. The Duskblight Legion's discipline and tactics rendered their resistance futile.
Yu Xiaogang attempted to rally his troops, but his voice was drowned out by the sounds of battle. Ning Fengzhi, realizing the hopelessness of their situation, called for a retreat—only to discover the barrier prevented any escape.
The Final Confrontation
As the battle neared its conclusion, Xin Tian confronted the coalition's leaders. Standing amidst the ruins of their camp, he faced Yu Xiaogang, Ning Fengzhi, and the surviving sect leaders.
"Do you see now?" Xin Tian asked, his voice calm but firm. "Your resistance was futile. Spirit Hall isn't an enemy you can overcome."
Yu Xiaogang glared at him, his pride refusing to yield. "You may have won this battle, but your arrogance will be your downfall."
Xin Tian's expression didn't waver. "Arrogance is believing you could challenge Spirit Hall and survive. This was your choice. Now, you'll face the consequences."
He raised his hand, and the Chaos Suppression Aura enveloped the coalition leaders. Their bodies froze, their spirit power sealed.
"Take them," Xin Tian ordered. "They'll serve as prisoners—living reminders of what happens to those who defy Spirit Hall."
A Message to the Continent
The battle was over, but its impact was just beginning. Spirit Hall's victory sent shockwaves across the Douluo Continent. News of the coalition's defeat spread rapidly, and with it, tales of Xin Tian's unparalleled strength.
In Spirit Hall's grand hall, Xin Tian addressed the gathered members.
"Today, we've proven that Spirit Hall is unbreakable," he declared. "Let this victory remind the world of our strength and unity. But this is only the beginning. The Douluo Continent will bow to Spirit Hall—not through fear alone, but through respect for what we represent: order, power, and progress."
The hall erupted into cheers.
Bibi Dong's Revelation
Later that night, Bibi Dong approached Xin Tian in the quiet of the gardens.
"You've done what no one else could," she said, her tone admiring. "Spirit Hall is stronger than ever."
Xin Tian nodded but remained silent.
Bibi Dong studied him for a moment before continuing. "There's something I've been meaning to discuss. With your power and influence, you could become more than just Spirit Hall's leader. You could ascend to godhood."
Xin Tian's gaze shifted to the moonlit sky. The thought had crossed his mind, but for now, his focus was on reshaping the world before him.
"One step at a time," he said finally. "Let's secure this continent before we think of the heavens."
End of Chapter 18