Chapter 108: 93rd Chapter: Punishment, Rules
The Immortal Alliance, as a behemoth spanning aeons, had existed even longer than the entire ancient history of the Cangyun Realm.
If there was an enemy within the universe that could make the Immortal Alliance take them seriously, it would only be the Martial Hall.
But between the Martial Hall and the Immortal Alliance, a Starry Sky Barrier had been established for tens of millions of years. Although there had been frictions, there had not been a large-scale conflict for a long time.
Moreover, it was not difficult to discern from Ji Yuyan's words that the Immortal Alliance did not even know who their opponent was, which was somewhat ludicrous.
"The prophecy given by the Immortal King indicates that this is a dispute over Taoist Orthodoxy, concerning the survival of the Immortal Path. It could be from 'All Heavens,' or the Taoist Orthodoxy that was expelled to the 'Myriad Realms,' not excluding the Martial Hall."
Ji Yuyan's expression became solemn, and he spoke gravely, "This war involves a wide array, and once it begins, all cultivators above the Divine Infant Realm within the Cangyun Realm will be conscripted; everyone should be prepared."
The dispute over Taoist Orthodoxy.
Upon hearing these four words, the hall fell into silence.
The Cangyun Realm had also experienced such a dispute over Taoist Orthodoxy in the past.
After the great war, the Martial Path declined, various Taoist Orthodoxy withdrew from Cangyun, and all collected scriptures and scrolls accumulated over countless ages were burned to ashes.
Today, not even a trace can be seen, and the cruelty of it is beyond words.
"This time, indeed, the casualties were heavy. The Court Immortal is very upset, but he is in seclusion, preparing for his final Heavenly Tribulation. He couldn't spare any effort; otherwise, he would have handled this matter personally."
"The Immortal Alliance does not wish to see any more needless internal consumption and hopes that everyone can ease their relations somewhat."
As the words fell, a smile appeared on Ji Yuyan's face, his tone softened:
"What I am conveying here represents the intent of the Immortal Alliance, not my personal demand from everyone, I hope you will bear with us."
This attitude made the several Holy Masters feel somewhat flattered, and they stood up one after another, making their assurances:
"Ji Immortal's words are significant; since it's a directive from the Immortal Alliance, we will certainly comply."
"Without the several Immortal Kings resisting the invasion of different Taoist Orthodoxies, how could the Cangyun Realm be stable today?"
"We of the Heavenly Throne will fully comply with the will of the Immortal Alliance."
The Taixu Saint Lord and Geng Yiyang did not speak, but they also gave Ji Yuyan a bow as a gesture of respect.
This matter seemed to be concluded.
"Thus, from today onwards, if any cultivator above the Divine Infant Realm takes unauthorized actions, the various Holy Lands need not report it but can handle it themselves."
Ji Yuyan's smile did not diminish as he spoke softly: "Should anyone involve the innocent, the entire sect will be implicated."
The atmosphere in the hall, which had just relaxed a bit, once again turned tense.
The expressions of the several Holy Masters were somewhat unnatural, but they could only nod in agreement.
Only the Primordial Spirit Saint Lord, with a furrowed brow, hesitated for a moment before asking:
"Ji Immortal, our Primordial Spirit Saint Lord's Shang Zuling has now entered the Divine Infant Realm. He still has to participate in the upcoming Great Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects. How should this be handled?"
He appeared to be nearly sixty, slim, clad in a simple gray-green robe, with signs of aging on his face, having experienced many upheavals, now nearing the latter half of his life.
"Shang Zuling?"
Ji Yuyan's expression changed, his face showing some surprise: "Could this child possibly be... "
"Correct, he indeed has the bloodline of the Shang Family." The Primordial Spirit Saint Lord nodded.
"So he is a descendant of the Cangyun Immortal King. With such talent, it is not surprising."
Ji Yuyan's expression cleared, he pondered for a moment, then spoke softly, "Let him participate in the final competition."
"To think that in this tournament, there would be such a monstrous figure, not yet a hundred years old, who has stepped into the Divine Infant Realm. Worthy of being from the land of the Immortal King, a generation of prodigies."
His expression was somewhat moved, and then, exhibiting curiosity, he said: "The Great Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects in the Cangyun Realm is highly praised within the Immortal Alliance, and I have heard of it as well. I wonder if I could take a look at the Hidden Dragon List?"
"Of course."
The Primordial Spirit Saint Lord took out the Hidden Dragon List without delay, unable to conceal his pride.
In this Great Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects, Shang Zuling undeniably dominated the rankings, and the Primordial Spirit Holy Land had shown itself off to great effect, which was enormously beneficial to the reputation of the Holy Land.
In the current Southern Region, where the world is divided into four, although there is no warfare among the Holy Lands, they compete for territories in the shadows.
The Great Tournament of Ten Thousand Sects, observed by Immortal Sects from all places, regardless of their size or strength, had a profound influence.
By bringing out a monstrous figure like Shang Zuling, the Primordial Spirit Holy Land could at least ensure its prosperity for the next ten thousand years, leaving the other major Holy Lands significantly weaker.
Consequently, those sects that were initially undecided, as well as those surviving on trade, would naturally target the Primordial Spirit Holy Land for cooperation and allegiance.
The Hidden Dragon List slowly unfolded in the void, revealing itself to everyone present.
[Hidden Dragon List First Place: Primordial Spirit Holy Land, Shang Zuling, bone age eighty-four, cultivation in the early Divine Infant Realm.]
[Hidden Dragon List Second Place: Heavenly Throne Holy Land, Shang Tianshou, bone age eighty-eight, cultivation at Soul Condensing Realm Perfection.]
[Hidden Dragon List Third Place: Jinli Holy Land, Yu Wenshao, bone age ninety, cultivation at Soul Condensing Realm Perfection.]
...
After glancing at the Hidden Dragon List and pausing for a moment on the names of several major Holy Lands, Ji Yuyan had his speculations.
"Eighteen years old, in the late Spirit Spring Realm, Taixuan this child has decent talent, but it's a pity he was born at an inopportune time; otherwise, he might have a chance to enter the top ten in the next competition."
He turned to look at Geng Yiyang and smiled as he asked:
"How old was he when he started Nourishing Power?"
Upon hearing this, Geng Yiyang glanced at the other Holy Masters, a slight smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "Less than a year ago."
The eyes of the several Holy Masters instantly focused, locking onto the Hidden Dragon List.
[Hidden Dragon List 7,469th Place: Taixuan Holy Land, Chu Zheng, bone age eighteen, cultivation in the late Spirit Spring Realm.]