Chapter 986: One Word to Repel the Enemy

"Chen Qingdi, your identity is well-known, why bother using the alias 'Turtle Immortal'?" Taishi Weiguang said in a deep voice. Although he was an old man, his gaze was sharp, and his aura was even more powerful than that of the Young Demon Venerable.

"Grand Elder Taishi, your reputation precedes you. I won't beat around the bush. May I ask why you and so many cultivators from the Myriad Star Alliance have come to the borders of East Continent?" As Chen Mobai finished speaking, the five Nascent Souls opposite him sneered.

"Why are we here? Doesn't Daozi Yiyuan know? Junior Brother Zuo died by the Primordial True Qi, and the Skyfall Star Sand he was guarding was also taken. Shouldn't you give us an explanation for this?" Taishi Weiguang's eyes were cold and his tone sharp. As he spoke, the surrounding sea surface suddenly churned with layers of waves radiating outwards from him, as if the entire sea level had been lowered by his aura.

"Zuo Dongdu died by Primordial True Qi, but this doesn't necessarily relate to your alliance with demons to attack Dongwu, does it? This action is not a wise choice for the Myriad Star Alliance." Upon hearing this, Taishi Weiguang's brows furrowed slightly, and the two Nascent Soul cultivators beside him showed displeasure.

"Chen Qingdi, for the sake of the other three sacred lands in the Eastern Lands, as long as your Yiyuan Dao Palace hands over the Skyfall Star Sand, our Myriad Star Alliance can remain neutral in this war between righteous and demonic cultivators in East Continent." At this moment, a thin Nascent Soul cultivator spoke. He was Tao Zhengdian, another Sand Master from the Flying Sand Sect.

He had reservations about the Flying Sand Sect's army coming here this time. After all, there were no more Deities in the Barren Sea, and this action would certainly offend the sacred lands of East Continent. However, without one of the Five-Directional Divine Sands, the Flying Sand Sect would lose its foundation to resist Deities, so they didn't want to miss such a good opportunity.

In Tao Zhengdian's view, as long as they could retrieve the lost Skyfall Star Sand, Zuo Dongdu's revenge could be temporarily put aside. They could exact it later, when the Yiyuan Dao Palace had completely declined.

Chen Mobai listened, unhurried, his tone calm: "Zuo Dongdu's death was orchestrated by Ming Zun of the Eastern Li demonic path, and the Skyfall Star Sand is now in Ming Zun's hands. Whether you believe it or not, I can assure you that what I'm saying is the truth."

"Today, with so many cultivators from your Myriad Star Alliance entering the waters of East Continent, you have already violated the rules set by the sacred lands of East Continent. If you withdraw now, I will consider this incident as never having happened."

"I hope you understand that there are no more Deities in the Barren Sea, and in the war between righteous and demonic cultivators, only the righteous path will prevail. If you wish to become targets for reckoning by the sacred lands of the Eastern Lands in the future, then by all means, ally yourselves with the demons."

"I have said all I can. I hope you will consider carefully whether you can withstand the wrath of a Deity."

After the war of conquest, Chen Mobai was most aware of the might of a Deity. Compared to the other two battlefields, the territory of Dongwu was simply not on the sacred lands' radar. If not for Chen Mobai's good relationship with Ye Qing, it's likely that the Eastern Barren would not have concerned the sacred lands either. Even if all three border regions of East Continent fell, it would not affect the outcome of the war between righteous and demonic cultivators. In this world, what ultimately decides everything is a Deity! And the Barren Sea had no Deities.

Taishi Weiguang was also very clear about this. It was precisely for this reason that he urgently wanted to retrieve the lost Skyfall Star Sand, as only with the complete Five-Directional Divine Sands could they resist a Deity.

After Chen Mobai finished speaking, Taishi Weiguang fell silent. The several Nascent Souls beside him had varying reactions: some turned ashen, some had anger in their eyes, and others wore complex expressions, frowning with bowed heads. Among the Five Continents and Four Seas, the Barren Sea was the most desperate for a Deity.

"Daozi Yiyuan said that Junior Brother Zuo's death was orchestrated by Ming Zun, and the Skyfall Star Sand is also in his hands. I wonder if you would be willing to swear an oath to that effect?" While Taishi Weiguang was silent, Tao Zhengdian spoke up.

"I'm merely informing you of this matter because I don't wish for the sacred lands of the Eastern Lands to commit further massacres. I hope you act wisely." As Chen Mobai's words fell, one of the burly Sand Masters laughed in extreme anger, unable to restrain himself from attacking.

He opened a gourd at his waist, from which particles of purple-golden thunder sand shimmered, like pulsating thunder pellets, glowing brightly as they flew out and struck towards Chen Mobai. However, Chen Mobai's presence here was merely a void illusion. He didn't show off his void magic, and shaking his head in disappointment, he was about to dissipate this avatar.

"Daozi Yiyuan, may this old man propose a deal?" But at that moment, the previously silent Taishi Weiguang made his move, directly blocking all the Skymarsh Thunder Sand that flew out of the gourd's mouth. He gripped the myriad gleaming bolts of lightning in one hand and pressed them back.

"Please speak, Grand Elder Taishi." Chen Mobai was slightly surprised to see this. Judging solely by that move, Taishi Weiguang truly lived up to his reputation.

"Even if Ming Zun orchestrated it, the fact that Junior Brother Zuo died by your Yiyuan Dao Palace's Primordial True Qi is undeniable. In the future, if Daozi Yiyuan returns to Five Emperors Mountain, I hope you can give my Flying Sand Sect an explanation regarding this matter. No matter who killed my junior brother, I will make them pay with their life." Taishi Weiguang spoke, his tone very forceful.

Regardless, the Flying Sand Sect was once a sacred land of the Barren Sea. Although it now lacked a Deity, it still needed to maintain its prestige. Last time, he had personally gone to East Continent, originally intending to ascend Five Emperors Mountain, but was unfortunately blocked by the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect and others.

"I have no connection to the Yiyuan Dao Palace, but I have an enmity with Ming Zun. In the future, after I ascend to Deityhood, if I encounter him along the way, I will kill him and consider it an explanation to your Flying Sand Sect." Chen Mobai, however, spoke words that made all five people opposite him widen their eyes.

This person is truly arrogant! Does he really think ascending to Deityhood is that simple? Moreover, Ming Zun is one of the top fifteen cultivators in the Tianhe Realm; even Yuan Qingque, the foremost in East Continent, can only suppress him, not kill him.

"Alright, for the sake of Daozi Yiyuan's words, my Flying Sand Sect will give you this respect today. We withdraw!" Taishi Weiguang had originally been hesitant, wanting revenge yet not wishing to offend the Deities of East Continent. However, the Five-Directional Divine Sands were simply too important to their Flying Sand Sect, so after receiving the information, they had no choice but to come.

But who would have thought that this Daozi Yiyuan before them would be so arrogant! With their army pressing down, he not only showed no fear but even dared to threaten them. If it were anyone else, Taishi Weiguang would have torn them apart immediately. But this Chen Qingdi—he was not only Daozi Yiyuan but also displayed Void Illusion.

That was a secret art of the Grand Void Ethereal Palace, passed down only to select individuals. His open use of it clearly indicated he had gained the recognition of this super-force in the Tianhe Realm. And for Chen Qingdi to be able to master Void Illusion showed his exceptional talent in spatial arts. With the support of Yiyuan Dao Palace and Grand Void Ethereal Palace, he likely already had a spot reserved for a Sacred Spirit Elixir of Enlightenment. It was probably because of this that he was so confident about ascending to Deityhood. Thinking of this, Taishi Weiguang decided to show respect to someone who was very likely a future Deity.

"Thank you!" Chen Mobai smiled slightly upon hearing this, then dispersed into a sky full of silver light, vanishing from the spot.

"Grand Elder, why?" Once only their own people remained, the burly Sand Master in charge of the Skymarsh Thunder Sand asked, his face full of bewilderment. It was only because Taishi Weiguang's prestige was high; otherwise, the others present would certainly not have tolerated it.

"Earlier, I used the sect's secret treasure-refining incantation to try and recall the Skyfall Star Sand, but there was no response. However, I still had some sense of its general location, confirming it to be in the upper-middle part of East Continent, likely in the Eastern Lands or Eastern Li. Before, I thought it was suppressed by the Primordial Bell, but now, combining it with Chen Qingdi's words, it's possible Ming Zun put it into the Wheel of Reincarnation." At this point, everyone present's expressions grew solemn.

If the Skyfall Star Sand truly was stolen by Ming Zun, then even if their Flying Sand Sect produced a Deity, they might not be able to retrieve it. "I hope the righteous sacred lands of East Continent can slay Ming Zun." Tao Zhengdian sighed, uttering these words.

This was the sorrow of not having a Deity. They had arrived aggressively, only to be sent back with a single statement from Chen Mobai, invoking the name of a Deity. If the Flying Sand Sect had a Deity, even if Chen Mobai's words were true, they would have first broken through the Eastern Barren, captured this Daozi Yiyuan, and then had the Deities from East Continent's sacred lands come to negotiate.

"Let's retreat. Our presence here has at least drawn out the demon kings of Myriad Immortal Island. I hope they all perish on the lands of East Continent." Taishi Weiguang ordered all thousand treasure ships of the Myriad Star Alliance to retreat.

Upon hearing his words, the other four Nascent Souls suddenly understood. News of Chen Mobai's feat of slaying the Young Demon Venerable and Du Mengyun had also reached the major powers of the Barren Sea. The demon kings of Myriad Immortal Island were in a difficult position, wanting to avenge the Young Demon Venerable but also fearing heavy losses that would leave them vulnerable to the Myriad Star Alliance after the war.

It was precisely for this reason that the Dongwu battlefield had been calm for a long time. After Taishi Weiguang received information from Wen Buyue, he decided, considering the Flying Sand Sect's overall interests, to lead his army out for an expedition.

If they could force Chen Mobai to retreat, that would be ideal. It would both restore the Flying Sand Sect's prestige and possibly help them retrieve the lost Skyfall Star Sand. Even if they were instead forced to retreat by Chen Mobai, the Myriad Star Alliance's actions would still spur on the cautious demon kings of Myriad Immortal Island.

Now, the demon army of Myriad Immortal Island had gathered, a force of nearly a million. Furthermore, without tools like treasure ships, they couldn't retreat at any time like the Myriad Star Alliance. Under these circumstances, the three great demon kings of Myriad Immortal Island were bound to engage Daozi Yiyuan in battle on the Dongwu front. Regardless of who won or lost, the Myriad Star Alliance, observing from the sidelines, would surely be the beneficiary.

After understanding this, the few Nascent Souls who had been somewhat reluctant immediately chuckled and directed their treasure ships to turn around.

Soon, intelligence of the Myriad Star Alliance army's disappearance reached the demons of the Barren Sea. Chen Mobai's open conversation with Taishi Weiguang and others in mid-air was also witnessed by people on the thousand treasure ships, including some demonic spies.

Although the demonic cultivators below didn't know the exact details of the Nascent Souls' conversation, they understood that Daozi Yiyuan had, in just a few words, forced Taishi Weiguang, the foremost cultivator of the Barren Sea, to retreat. Instantly, the name of Daozi Yiyuan resounded throughout the Barren Sea.

"That old geezer turned out to be a coward, letting a young man ride all over him like that!" Upon learning this, the Myriad Immortal Island side immediately began to curse vehemently.

They and the Myriad Star Alliance also harbored deep-seated enmity, but Taishi Weiguang was undeniably the strongest in the Barren Sea and possessed fifth-tier Divine Sand. Therefore, upon hearing that he was leading the Myriad Star Alliance cultivators into action, they all felt it was a good opportunity to break through Dongwu's Eastern Barren and summoned a million demons from the Barren Sea.

Who would have known that Taishi Weiguang would discard his dignity, make a feint, bring a thousand treasure ships for a brief display, and then be directly bluffed away by Chen Mobai.

"The Flying Sand Sect, after all, originated from the Eastern Lands' Imperial Court and is considered a human sacred land. Clearly, they don't want to offend the sacred lands of East Continent—" Present, besides the three great demon kings of Myriad Immortal Island, was Diao Xianlan.

When she was young, she had clashed with Taishi Weiguang, and it was a draw. It was precisely because of this that she became even more wary of Chen Mobai. The Young Demon Venerable was slain, and Taishi Weiguang met him once and immediately turned to retreat. To what extent had this person's cultivation truly reached?

"So, should we retreat as well?" A woman of exquisite beauty, with skin as white as jade, her body covered only by a few shells at key areas, said with a frown, holding a fragrant fan.

She was a transformed clam spirit, known as Jade Pearl Demon King. Her cultivation was considered the weakest among the three great demon kings, but she commanded the most aquatic beasts and had close ties with many fourth-tier demons in the Barren Sea, making her a core demon king for maintaining the Myriad Immortal Island alliance.

"No, we cannot! So many of us demons have come here; if we retreat shamefully like the Myriad Star Alliance, how will our Barren Sea demon race ever hold our heads high in other seas of the Tianhe Realm in the future?" A brawny demon king with two heads spoke. He was a transformed two-headed sea serpent, naturally possessing two inner cores, and was said to have the bloodline of the Profound Flood Dragon Royal Court, named Two-Headed Demon King.

"Senior Brother, what do you say?" Jade Pearl Demon King turned to look at the last demon king, who had remained silent. He had fully transformed into a human, with a slender build, long green hair, and jade-green eyes.

He was the leader of the three great demon kings of Myriad Immortal Island, and the first Nascent Soul demon taught by the Demon Venerable: King Binhai. His reputation among the human race in the Barren Sea was similar to Taishi Weiguang's among the demon race.

However, after the Young Demon Venerable appeared, he gradually ceded power over Myriad Immortal Island to this junior brother, merely occupying the ruins of Myriad Immortal Island for secluded cultivation, pursuing the fifth-tier Deity realm. If not for the death of the Young Demon Venerable this time, he would not have stepped out of Myriad Immortal Island.

"Do you still remember what Master said?" King Binhai asked.

Jade Pearl Demon King and Two-Headed Demon King exchanged glances, their faces full of confusion. The Demon Venerable had said countless things during his sermons on Myriad Immortal Island; they didn't know which statement King Binhai was referring to.

"Master said that our opportunity for Deityhood lies on the land, but once we step onto the land, it will also trigger our tribulation for Deityhood—" As King Binhai's words fell, the other two demon kings' faces lit up with sudden understanding, recalling that the Demon Venerable had indeed spoken those words.

However, compared to King Binhai and the Young Demon Venerable, they were only equivalent to late-stage Nascent Souls and had not yet reached that critical juncture. Upon hearing this, Xi Xianlan's heart stirred. She recalled the Young Demon Venerable dying at Chen Mobai's hands and wondered if this could have been the Young Demon Venerable's tribulation for Deityhood. If that were truly the case, then the Demon Venerable's realm was indeed unfathomably profound, truly worthy of being one of the world's Six Prodigies, having calculated this so many years ago.

"I have meditated for centuries beneath Master's former seat on Myriad Immortal Island, yet I have never been able to take that final step. It seems, ultimately, I must venture onto the land." As King Binhai uttered these words, everyone present understood his meaning. This battle was going to happen!

And at this very moment, within the Dongwu encampment, Chen Mobai's fluctuating Heavenly Heart warning suddenly stabilized. Three days later, many puppets deployed by the Five Elements Sect in the sea reacted, confirming two pieces of information.

Song Huangda, who was in charge of this matter, rushed into the encampment to report. The Myriad Star Alliance had retreated, and Myriad Immortal Island was attacking!

Besides the three great demon kings, the puppets in the sea also detected the terrifying auras of ten fourth-tier demon beasts. Myriad Immortal Island alone was equivalent to thirteen Nascent Soul cultivators. If the demonic path were added, the number would be even greater. However, demonic cultivators were accustomed to being hunted and habituated to concealing their auras, making them undetectable by the Five Elements Sect's puppets.

Such formidable strength was no longer something the Five Elements Sect could withstand. However, after hearing this, Chen Mobai's mood settled.

The Doushuai Demon Refining Array and Myriad Rivers Returning to Sea Array, deployed in Dongwu, had reached the peak fourth-tier level after years of Chen Mobai's improvements and enhancements, integrating Dongwu's spiritual veins. Facing the million-strong demon army of the Barren Sea and the demonic path, he believed they could hold out for a long time.

And even if these two arrays were broken, there was still the Sky Curtain Earth Net in the Eastern Barren behind them. As one of the few fifth-tier array masters in the Immortal Sect, Chen Mobai had strong confidence in the Sky Curtain Earth Net.

Although the version in the Eastern Barren was simplified, he was confident it could block even a Deity True Monarch. If the Golden Crow Immortal City could rely on a fifth-tier array to block the Deity Black Flood Dragon, Chen Mobai felt it was somewhat overkill to use the Sky Curtain Earth Net to block the Barren Sea demons in the Eastern Barren.

"Senior Brother Mo, inform Dongwu to retreat!" With his opponent's intentions clear, Chen Mobai relaxed, instructing Mo Douguang to lead the cultivators of the Five Elements Sect and Dongwu back to their original encampment at Jinfeng Slope.

This matter had been hinted at long ago, so Dongwu wasn't panicked. In fact, they were eager to retreat. Upon receiving the formal notification, they immediately converted their treasure ships to flight mode, loaded their family cultivators, and followed the Five Elements Sect's flying boats in retreat.

Chen Mobai and Mo Douguang stayed behind to cover the retreat, accompanied by the Grand Sui Child. The Grand Sui Child controlled the fourth-tier Wutu Immortal Array deployed here by Zhuo Ming, and by itself, it could activate the array to a degree that Zhuo Ming would only achieve by consuming Wutu Dao soldiers or even expelling essence blood.

"Great Master, everything is ready." After fully activating the array, the Grand Sui Child came over and bowed to Chen Mobai.

Originally, it called him "Master," but Qingnu found it unpleasant. She came from the Immortal Sect, where feudal relationships like master-servant had long been deemed obsolete. Chen Mobai didn't mind, but the Grand Sui Child, after transforming, was very clever in certain aspects. Since its mistress, Qingnu, disliked the term, it immediately changed its address, adopting a term from mythological plays, and began calling him "Great Master."

"You've worked hard." Chen Mobai nodded gently at the Grand Sui Child upon hearing this. The latter immediately responded that it was no hardship, just its duty, and so on.

Within this Wutu Immortal Array, some other Five Elements Sect disciples also retreated one after another through a medium-sized teleportation array. After the last group departed, Chen Mobai looked up towards the seaside.

Four terrifying auras emerged, and within a few breaths of appearing, they had landed on the coastline, their gazes meeting those of Chen Mobai. "This one, he should be Daozi Yiyuan, who killed my junior brother, right!" The leading male cultivator with green hair and jade-green eyes pointed at Chen Mobai and asked Diao Xianlan beside him. The latter nodded slightly.

Upon receiving confirmation, King Binhai said nothing more. He drew a verdant halberd and directly slashed it down towards Chen Mobai. "Bold!" Seeing this, Chen Mobai couldn't help but frown. He hadn't expected a demon to show such disrespect after he had slain the Young Demon Venerable.

However, he also knew of King Binhai's reputation, aware that centuries ago, he was already at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm, and had been the demon cultivator who listened to the Demon Venerable's sermons for the longest time. This attack's might even surpassed that of the Young Demon Venerable.

"Senior Brother, you retreat first. I'll follow shortly." Chen Mobai said to Mo Douguang. The latter also knew that his presence would only hinder Chen Mobai's performance, so he nodded and flew directly into the teleportation array.

Seeing this, the Jade Pearl Demon King on the side immediately struck, conjuring a gleaming white pearl that dropped down, intending to prevent Mo Douguang from leaving. However, an earthy yellow barrier of light appeared out of thin air, blocking the pearl in mid-air.

The Wutu Immortal Array, amidst violent shaking, actually twisted slightly. The Grand Sui Child immediately spat out a mouthful of incredibly pure earth spiritual energy, merging it into the array disc in its palm. Chen Mobai had already imparted the essence of this array to it during these past days.

Although it was a transformed spirit creature with ordinary comprehension, it could forcibly remember earth-attribute related content due to its innate talent. Under its control, the array burst forth with the brightest earthy yellow light, then abruptly bounced back the pearl that was pressing against the barrier.

Seeing this, the Jade Pearl Demon King immediately felt her prestige slipping. Her beautiful eyes narrowed, and she flicked her finger, injecting a powerful stream of water essence into the returning pearl from a distance. Immediately, the gleaming white pearl, like a gushing stream of water light, changed direction again and blasted towards the Wutu Immortal Array.

Amidst a thunderous roar, the Grand Sui Child felt the array disc in its palm suddenly grow heavy, even developing a slight crack. However, this array was integrated with the surrounding spiritual veins; to break it, all its spiritual energy would first need to be depleted. So, although it appeared on the verge of shattering and unable to hold, under the pearl's bombardment, it continuously twisted but remained unbroken.

Meanwhile, Chen Mobai had already drawn his sword and was engaging in battle with Myriad Immortal Island's renowned King Binhai. A colossal Myriad Swords Dharma Body rose from behind him. Amidst the hum of the Purple Lightning Sword, bolts of heavenly lightning instantly descended from the sky, absorbed by this fifth-tier mid-grade sword, clashing with the halberd that slashed down from above.

Accompanying a deafening roar, the cliff where Chen Mobai stood instantly crumbled, shattering into countless fragments. The seawater, too, spread outwards from the center of their clash. With just one strike! The coastal environment, formed over who knew how many years, was completely altered.

The cliff beneath Chen Mobai's feet had completely vanished. The seawater that had been pushed out by the aftermath of their clash began to surge back, and the coastline advanced hundreds of meters inland.

King Binhai solemnly withdrew his halberd. He had used ninety percent of his power in that last strike; even the Young Demon Venerable would have had to transform into his true form and use his dragon horns to resist it. This Daozi Yiyuan's strength was indeed terrifying!

At this thought, the killing intent in King Binhai's jade-green eyes intensified. They were already sworn enemies, and it was a matter of life and death. Since Chen Mobai was cornered here today, even if it meant losing face, he had to be completely slain on this spot.

"Let's attack together!" The Jade Pearl Demon King and Two-Headed Demon King, who had been waiting for King Binhai to unleash his full power, suddenly heard this unexpected command.

It was known that even when facing Taishi Weiguang, King Binhai had never called for their help. Was this Daozi Yiyuan truly so terrifying?

With this thought, the Jade Pearl Demon King could only abandon the Wutu Immortal Array, which was almost shattered by her pearl. She drew a coral longsword from behind her, holding another pearl in her other hand, and attacked Chen Mobai's Myriad Swords Dharma Body from another direction.

The Two-Headed Demon King was even more direct, manifesting its true form as a two-headed serpent directly over the sea. It was hundreds of meters long, no less imposing than the Myriad Swords Dharma Body.

The colossal two-headed serpent, like a demonic god of the sea, commanded terrifying winds and colossal waves. The sky suddenly turned overcast, and bolts of thunder rained down, moving with it, coiling and opening its jaws to bite at the Myriad Swords Dharma Body!

Chen Mobai couldn't help but be slightly stunned when he saw the Two-Headed Demon King's true form. He felt it was somewhat similar to the Young Demon Venerable's true form!

It wasn't that their appearances were similar, but that both possessed dual powers of thunder and water attributes. However, the Young Demon Venerable had a richer foundation, possessing two fifth-tier inner cores, while the Two-Headed Demon King clearly relied solely on its arduous cultivation, thus only exhibiting an aura at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm.

Rumble! And at this moment, King Binhai had once again wielded his fifth-tier halberd. With a single swing, the entire sea surface and sky were split in two.

The terrifying murderous aura made Chen Mobai's hair stand on end! This single strike was enough to threaten his life.

"Retreat!" At this moment, Chen Mobai issued a command to the Grand Sui Child. Mo Douguang had already departed during the previous distraction.

There was no need for him to seek trouble by facing the three great demon kings of the Barren Sea and Diao Xianlan alone. Upon hearing this, the Grand Sui Child immediately took the array disc, first destroyed the teleportation array there, and then, using its innate earth evasion, vanished deep into the earth.