Chapter 469:

Zhong State, Shenmu Sect

After the defeat of Bing State’s Pure Jade Sect, the main forces of the demon clan advanced towards Shenmu Sect. Learning from Pure Jade Sect’s mistakes, Shenmu Sect quickly abandoned all their territories under their control, concentrating their forces around Shenmu Sect’s mountain gate and Shenmu City, relying on the terrain, fortifications, and steady resistance.

During their retreat, Shenmu Sect also ordered scorched earth tactics—taking all spiritual beings from the vassal territories that could be taken and destroying everything else, even ordinary forests, if possible.

At the same time, Shenmu Sect actively sought help from Zhong State. Their request for help was met with positive responses for two main reasons. Firstly, Shenmu Sect had good relations with other major sects in Zhong State and shared a bond of friendship. This advantage set them apart from Pure Jade Sect. Secondly, witnessing the fall of Bing State, all sects saw the threat looming over Zhong State. Consequently, the sects put aside their differences and united to fight against the demon race, understanding that if they didn’t act now, they might be the next target.

"Ancestor, the major sects of Zhong State, except Shanhe Sect and Purple Cloud Sect, have all arrived."

On the city wall of Shenmu City, a disciple told Ancestor He that Shanhe Sect from Zhong State had marched into Liang State from the west to resist the demons. Purple Cloud Sect, on the other hand, was stationed in the east of Zhong State, holding back the demon army led by the Demon Queen.

"How many people did each sect bring?"

"Some brought over a thousand, while others brought three to five thousand, all elite warriors."

"What about resources?"

"Resources are scarce, all sects are asking for supplies for the battle."

"Provide them with resources, as this is a matter of survival now."

Ancestor He promptly responded, feeling fortunate that the sects were willing to send their fighters. He found it normal that they hesitated to contribute financially.

"Ancestor, with Shenmu Sect’s strength, we can only support this army of nearly two million for about a month."

"I will talk to the people from Danxia Sect. Shenmu Sect is willing to fight to the end. If we exhaust all our resources and other sects are still unwilling to cooperate wholeheartedly, then Shenmu Sect will follow Pure Jade Sect’s example."

Ancestor He said that the demon tribe had reached their doorstep, and Shenmu Sect was willing to set an example by using up all their resources. If even after that, other sects were still unwilling to cooperate fully, then Shenmu Sect would have to follow Pure Jade Sect’s path and close their doors.

"Ancestor, Ancestor Wu and the others have arrived."

Just as Ancestor He finished speaking, Wu Zilin and other Tao Achieving members walked over. They were also inspecting the defense of Shenmu Sect.

"Ancestor Wu."

"Ancestor He, let’s find a quiet place to talk."

"Okay."

Ancestor He led everyone into a hidden underground chamber on the city walls and set up a barrier.

"Ancestor Wu, what’s the matter?"

"Regarding the war, this battle is crucial to the safety of the entire human race, not just our Zhong State. So, I want to strengthen the Immortal Alliance’s position and compel some sects to provide troops and funds."

Wu Zilin said, "Now the demon tribe has penetrated into Zhong State, but many places are still indifferent, especially some powers far from the demon tribe’s forces, who feel that the matter doesn’t concern them. They are unwilling to send people or money. Half of the human race’s strength has not been mobilized."

"That’s great, my Shenmu Sect will certainly agree."

"Then, in the name of all Tao Achieving members of the Immortal Alliance, let’s issue an order to mobilize all human forces as much as possible, only then can we have a chance of winning."

"That’s no problem, but Ancestor Wu, the Immortal Alliance needs someone to give orders, even if it’s just in name."

"To address this matter, we have decided to elect Ancestor He as the Alliance Leader today."

"I, I can’t, I can’t, what qualities do I have?"

"Among the various Tao Achieving members in the cultivation world, Ancestor He is the strongest. Besides you, no one else can do it better."

Wu Zilin said that these days, he has been increasingly reminded of what Xia Qingshan said before – that the human race really needs a Human Emperor. He also regrets attacking Zhou Huaiying in the beginning.

If Zhou Huaiying had not died, with his strength and status, he would have been the perfect candidate for the Human Emperor. Even though Zhou Huaiying may not be a perfect Human Emperor, he is still stronger than others.

Ancestor He suddenly felt uneasy. Is it really so easy to be a Human Emperor? If it were peacetime, he would have agreed immediately. There would be little danger and many benefits.

But now, there are no benefits in sight, only a lot of risks. Several Demon Emperors of the demon race are equivalent to peak Tao Achieving. If they provoke him, should he fight back? What if he cannot win?

"Ancestor Wu, Danxia Sect is now the strongest sect in the world, with four Tao Achieving members. The position of the leader must belong to Danxia Sect."

Ancestor He immediately refused. Danxia Sect has produced another Tao Achieving member in recent years, making them the strongest in the human race. If Danxia Sect doesn’t take the position, then who will?

Just as Wu Zilin was about to persuade further, a warning bell rang outside. People emerged from the hidden cave and saw that the demons had already begun their attack.

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"The human race is in trouble. We have divided our forces, and they cannot resist."

Feng Jiu looked at Shenmu City and said, they thought they had exposed the weakness of the human race. They intentionally split their forces to give the humans a chance to be defeated one by one.

But the humans couldn’t hold on. Another group of troops went into Qing State, and Qing State didn’t have much resistance. Conquering the cities was very easy.

"I didn’t expect the humans to be so weak."

Phoenix Demon Emperor said, he really didn’t expect the humans to be so weak. In his impression, the humans were very strong, especially in times of crisis. The humans would have many wise men emerging, rallying the people, uniting all strengths, and even sacrificing themselves. But now, he only saw disarray.

"Grandpa, then we need to change our plan. Let’s gather all troops to Zhong State and directly sweep through Zhong State."

"Okay, but we must ensure that none of the humans escape, or else we won’t complete our plan."

"They can’t escape, the cultivation world is so big, they absolutely can’t escape."

Feng Jiu said, the cultivation world is so big, where can they run to?

"The number of human Tao Achieving has been counted. Before the battle, there were twenty-seven, with about half breaking through in recent centuries, not very strong. Even the experienced Tao Achieving didn’t show any strong individuals. In the battle in Qing State, the humans lost the most elite power."

The Phoenix Demon Emperor then said that he paid close attention to the human race. He knew that in the battle at Qing State, the most elite power of the human race was destroyed. Outstanding talents like Lin Batian, Yang Luo, and Shenmu Ancestor were all top-notch experts. Otherwise, the demon race would not have been so successful.

"Now there are only twenty-four left, maybe one or two haven’t been counted."

"It’s okay if some haven’t been counted. Just gather enough, and if needed, the Demon Emperor will take charge. Feng Jiu, the heavy responsibility is on you."

"Grandfather, rest assured. Feng Jiu knows what to do. The overall situation is in our demon race’s favor, and we can definitely accomplish the plan."

"I’m worried about the person from North State. I don’t know if Xia Qingshan’s plan will work. If it fails, we will all end up playing into someone else’s hands."

"The arrow is on the string and must be shot. Since he hasn’t shown up yet, it means the opportunity hasn’t arrived. We still have a chance. Once I devour all the human Tao Achieving, advance to the eighth rank, we may not be unable to fight. My phoenix clan, born as divine beasts, are not inferior to any other race."

Confidently, Feng Jiu said that for the demon race, devouring human Tao Achieving is a great benefit. If he can devour over twenty human Tao Achieving, he can definitely advance to the eighth rank.

Reaching the eighth rank is equivalent to the human Disaster Crossing Period, reaching the ceiling of this world. Coupled with his bloodline ability as a divine beast, he is confident in facing any strong opponent.

"Let’s attack. First, test the waters of Zhong State, give them some pressure, and gather more strength."

The Phoenix Demon Emperor nodded, now it’s the demons who are eager to engage in the final battle, only after dealing with the Human Race’s Tao Achieving, can they proceed to the next plan.