Chapter 268: An Endless Gathering of Cultivators!

“Bai Li Clan, the true army of cultivators—the vanguard of Da Li!”

“It’s them, the descendants of the War Realm Camp of the human race!”

…

Throughout the cities, powerful factions shouted in astonishment, losing their composure. The Bai Li Clan had always maintained a low profile in Da Li, but their strength was unquestionable—no one dared to provoke them!

Their true battlefield lay by the Celestial River’s edge, with Da Li serving merely as their rear base. Yet, even so, the forces stationed here could contend with any major power.

If the Bai Li Clan were angered, the War Realm Camp’s retaliation from the Celestial River would bring bloodshed across the land. No one dared bear the brunt of such wrath.

“So, this is the legendary Bai Li Clan…”

“With the opening of the Heaven’s Gate, there will be bloodshed. If you’re afraid now, then don’t bother going!”

“Great opportunities naturally come with great risks. We cultivators must have those who face them fearlessly. Since the Bai Li Clan has taken the lead, I will follow!”

…

The cities erupted in a clamor of shock, disbelief plastered on faces. It was the first time anyone had seen a cultivator army; in their understanding, cultivators always fought individually.

Many were still in a state of shock, unable to awaken from the awe-inspiring sight before them.

Some cultivators turned pale, their minds buzzing, bodies shivering, and spirits shattered.

“We should leave… this Heaven’s Gate is beyond our reach.”

“Right… right, it’s not for us.”

In the corners of cities, Foundation Establishment cultivators exchanged hesitant glances, their spirits crushed, their blood almost frozen with fear.

Some cultivators resolutely pressed forward, following the Bai Li Clan’s warships. Others quietly fled, heading in the opposite direction.

And then, there were three figures standing in a dilapidated courtyard, their eyes wide open, unable to speak. The sight before them was overwhelming, and this was just the prelude to the march.

“Incredible…”

“Moo~~”

“Terrifying…”

Chen Xun, Black Ox, and Xiao Chi exchanged glances, their mouths agape. It was beyond anything they had ever imagined. Back then, Chen Xun and Black Ox had never witnessed such a large-scale deployment—they had been assigned to agricultural duties and couldn’t join even if they wanted to. Besides, the significance of those past battles was entirely different from now.

*Buzz!*

*Buzz!*

The sky filled with the roar of ships breaking through the air as countless war vessels appeared on the horizon. The vast, cloudless sky was now completely cleared.

These ships followed behind the Bai Li Clan’s vanguard, and the sight of the war banners billowing in the wind stirred a fervor in hearts and instilled fear.

Chen Xun’s breath grew heavier. The countless warships roaring overhead made him truly feel the weight of the cultivation world and what it meant to be a cultivator.

Black Ox’s nostrils flared as it stood, dumbfounded, the scene far exceeding its expectations.

Xiao Chi, hiding under Black Ox, trembled. The fearless and overwhelming momentum surpassed any limitations of strength—such a human race could never be defeated.

Its eyes showed deep fear. The outcome of the ancient wars between humans and spirit beasts was inevitable.

“Brothers, let’s go. Everyone is gathering.”

“Moo!”

“Brother Ox, slow down!”

The three figures stepped out of the shop, feeling as if they had entered an entirely new world.

The streets were filled with cultivators holding magical artifacts, moving swiftly with cold, determined gazes.

They came from various sects and noble families, and there were many rogue cultivators who knew the truth. The commotion was overwhelming.

Chen Xun and his companions took a deep breath, blending into the vast crowd of cultivators as they made their way toward the teleportation array on the western coastline.

Along the way, they encountered numerous cultivators, and their eyes lingered for a moment.

“Qi Gengyun, you don’t have to follow me. The Thousand-Year Heaven’s Gate journey has few who return. I have no hope of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage; this is my only option.”

“Haha, Zhuang Yun, you’re only in the early stages of the Golden Core. Without protection, the corrupted beings won’t spare you. What if you die?”

“You have dual spiritual roots and have reached the late Golden Core stage. You have a chance to break through to the Nascent Soul stage here in Da Li. There’s no need to take this risk.”

Zhuang Yun frowned at the carefree man. They had known each other since childhood in their sect, but their statuses had become unequal. “If I die, so be it!”

“Heh, easy for you to say. Do you think I care about you?”

Qi Gengyun laughed, glancing at Zhuang Yun. “I’m joining the army. We just happen to be heading the same way. Don’t think too much, woman.”

“You!” Zhuang Yun huffed, turning away in anger. “Suit yourself.”

Qi Gengyun snorted, though his actions betrayed him as he walked closer to Zhuang Yun, afraid she might disappear in the crowd.

Feeling a warmth in her heart, Zhuang Yun said nothing more.

Chen Xun and his companions passed by the two, a smile tugging at the corner of Chen Xun’s mouth.

“Old Ox, Xiao Chi, stay calm and composed. Don’t lose focus.”

“Moo!”

“Brother Xun… as the Flameglow Ancient Lion, I’m all in.” Xiao Chi’s voice trembled as it saw the numerous cultivators and large spirit beasts around them. “If I die, please take me back to Heaven’s End…”

Before he could finish, Black Ox grabbed Xiao Chi, placing him on its back. But Xiao Chi’s body twitched as he collapsed onto its back.

Chen Xun and Black Ox exchanged solemn looks. The sky was filled with warships, and the ground was covered with cultivators. The massive teleportation arrays stood silent and heavy, no longer collecting spiritual stones.

At the rear of Gui Yi City, the teleportation arrays flashed with spiritual light as powerful cultivators continued to emerge. The beams of energy shot into the sky, stirring the wind and clouds.

All forces in Da Li were converging on the western coastline!

...

In Da Li’s Fenglin Province, at one of the five great ancient sects, the Lingwu Ancient Immortal Sect.

Hundreds of main peaks pierced the sky, surrounded by arcs of lightning and guarded by immense formations—grand and awe-inspiring.

Today, the peaks were anything but peaceful. Mist shrouded each peak, stirring the sky with powerful currents.

Even the Supreme Elders emerged from seclusion, their auras overwhelming, their faces solemn and silent.

High above the peaks, Nascent Soul cultivators flew, their rainbow lights flashing. The disciples, unaware of the reason for the commotion, looked on in shock. Was something significant about to happen in the sect?

Atop one main peak, a man sat cross-legged, exuding an aura of detachment from the mundane world.

He suddenly opened his eyes, stood, and bowed in a certain direction. “Master, the Heaven’s Gate is about to open. It’s time for me to leave.”

“Are you certain?” A distant voice echoed from all directions, carrying a hint of sighing. “By the Celestial River’s edge, bones will lie by the millions. It may all be for nothing.”

“I am certain, Master. Someone must forge ahead. If the Bai Li Clan does not fear, then neither do I.”

The man’s eyes shone with clarity as he bowed his head slightly. “I ask that you activate the teleportation array, Master. I am ready to depart now.”