CHAPTER 320: CHAPTER 315 EXPEDITION

On the second day, there were many rumors circulating within the West Emperor Palace.

The woman who achieved a breakthrough last night was from the West Sea Moon Palace, yet she refused to return with the palace envoy.

Moreover, there were suspicions that Yang Qingshan and the woman had significant backgrounds, with speculations that their master might be the world-renowned Great Sword Cultivator, leading many to discuss the matter.

However, there was little more information available.

The secrets of the Moon Palace from back then were known to few, with only the highest ranks of the West Emperor Palace aware, and they kept it tightly sealed, not spreading it outside.

As time passed, new developments arose regarding the demon-slaying efforts.

Li Fan was cultivating when Sun Zhao came to find him.

"Uncle Sun, is it time to take action again?" Li Fan asked, having heard some of the commotion outside.

"Yes," Sun Zhao nodded. "The demons from the West Sea are causing chaos everywhere, with many islands being eroded, which is a disaster for the inhabitants of those islands. Furthermore, the demons are even invading the islands surrounding the Sun and Moon Palace.’

Li Fan nodded slightly. The messengers from the Sun and Moon Dual Palace came to the West Emperor Palace to support the Demon Slaying Summit, but it was also for their own interests. With the demon chaos, no force in the West Sea could remain uninvolved; joining forces was essential.

It wasn’t just the cultivators of the Demon Slaying Summit uniting, but also aligning with top forces like the West Emperor Palace and West Flame Island.

"The Sun and Moon Palace and the West Emperor Palace have been investigating the demon lair. It’s said that they found it and are preparing to unite the forces of the West Sea and attack the demon lair, possibly taking action soon," Sun Zhao said.

To catch the thief, first capture the king.

To resolve the demon calamity, attacking the demon lair and exterminating the demon leader is indeed a good choice.

It was rumored that the West Sea chaos was due to the resurrection of the Nine Infant fierce beast, commanding the Ten Thousand Demons. Killing the demon leader could leave the demons headless, allowing the West Sea to return to human control. Without unity, the demons would find it difficult to cause trouble and grow strong.

"Wait for news," Li Fan said. He had joined the West Emperor Palace with the intention of slaying demons, so he naturally waited patiently. The events of West Flame Island and the Moon Palace were merely side stories.

The Moon Palace incident, involving Lu Yuan’s background, would eventually need to be resolved, but now was not the time.

As predicted, news soon emerged from the West Emperor Palace. In three days, they would gather and set off, slaying demons in the nearby sea regions. Meanwhile, the West Emperor Palace summoned cultivators to the West Emperor Island, inviting those willing to partake in the demon-slaying ’feast’ to accompany them.

On the West Emperor Island, countless cultivators responded to the call from the West Emperor Palace, eager to participate in the demon-slaying efforts.

All cultivators knew that joining this level of battle below the Ning Dan Realm risked being mere cannon fodder, yet still, some pressed forward persistently.

On that day, within and outside the West Emperor Palace, crowds surged.

Li Fan and his party were ready, standing outside the courtyard, gazing into the distance. Above the West Emperor Palace, figures soared through the air in unison.

"There’s word spreading that the demon lair is deep within the Demon Sea, in the Nine Infant Island domain, where the environment is extremely harsh and has been deemed a forbidden land for humans. Many years ago, it was known as the Nine Yin Island domain, a place of extreme yin within the sea, and the gathering place for the Demon Race. After the sudden rise of the Nine Infant fierce beast, commanding the demons in the West Sea, it was renamed the Nine Infant Island domain. This demon-slaying operation might be extremely perilous," Luo Qingyan said.

"Since forces like the Sun and Moon Dual Palace and West Emperor Island are participating, the greatest risks are being shouldered by others. We just need to focus on our part," Li Fan said.

"Yes, this operation is indeed surprising, with the Sun and Moon Dual Palace and the West Emperor Palace displaying immense decisiveness," Luo Qingyan nodded. "However, aside from the demons, human hearts can be unpredictable, so caution is necessary."

After all, they had made quite a few enemies and offended many factions. While in the West Emperor Palace, nothing might happen, but the journey to the Nine Infant Island domain would be uncertain.

"Got it. Remember, don’t stray too far from me," Li Fan advised.

"Understood, I’ll cling to you, Brother Qingshan," Luo Qingyan joked. Clinging to him was a must, especially as a Loose Cultivator, whose path often ended at the Ning Dan Realm.

Yet Li Fan’s presence allowed them a glimpse of higher vistas.

Saying this, Luo Qingyan glanced at Lu Yuan and Yue Qingqiu beside Li Fan, smiling lightly at Lu Yuan. "I don’t have any intentions like that."

Lu Yuan’s eyes revealed a trace of an awkward expression, glancing at Luo Qingyan, then at Li Fan, then gazing forward, perhaps Luo Qingyan had misunderstood something.

"Let’s go," Li Fan said softly, and with that, the group soared into the air, heading out of the West Emperor Palace.

At this time, hovering outside the West Emperor Palace were large warships, emanating powerful waves of mana.

When Li Fan arrived here, his gaze fell upon the massive warship at the forefront, his eyes slightly wavering.

The West Sea territory indeed has airborne warships.

"The West Emperor Palace is a top power in the sea domain, capable of crafting such warships. While the hull is easy to make, its core requires an array to drive it, consuming a lot of spiritual energy, so it’s basically not used on ordinary days," Luo Qingyan explained beside him.

A group from the West Emperor Palace approached from the distance, led by none other than the Palace Master of the West Emperor Palace, Liu Zonglin. Upon seeing him appear, the vast army of cultivators outside bowed in reverent salute.

With the Palace Master of the West Emperor Palace personally leading the army, everyone felt more at ease.

Liu Zonglin ascended to the highest point of the massive warship, gazed at the crowd, and said in a clear voice, "Demons have ravaged the West Sea territory, having destroyed numerous human islands, causing untold suffering. We, cultivators of the West Sea, must take a stand, exterminate demons, and bring peace to the West Sea. Our West Emperor Palace will join forces with the Sun and Moon Palace, West Flame Island, and many other powers of the sea domain to set out and slay demons together."

The crowd’s expressions turned solemn, and they respectfully admired him, with battle intent swirling in their eyes.

Liu Zonglin took a cup of wine from beside him and raised it to the crowd.

"To all who have gathered here today, on behalf of all who cultivate in the West Sea territory, I toast you warriors," Liu Zonglin declared before downing it and spoke in a clear voice, "Those willing to join me in slaying demons, board the ships."

As he finished speaking, figures from the West Emperor Palace soared into the air, boarding the warships.

The cultivators ahead, filled with hot blood, also made their way toward different warships.

"Brother Yang, over here." A voice called out, and Li Fan looked up to see Yuwen Jing standing at the forefront of a warship on the side of the main ship, beckoning to Li Fan.

Luo Qingyan and Meng Hong, among others, all looked at Yuwen Jing in surprise. What was the intent of the West Flame Island Sword Cultivator inviting Li Fan?

"Alright," Li Fan replied without much concern, flashing toward them, with the others naturally following, boarding the warship where Yuwen Jing was located.

Behind Yuwen Jing were several Sword Cultivators from West Flame Island, their gazes toward Li Fan carrying some hostility, especially those who had been defeated by Li Fan, whose eyes were filled with sharpness.

Li Fan paid no attention to their gazes, instead looking toward the main ship, where some were also looking back at him, including a pair of particularly cold eyes belonging to Lu Zhanchen from the Moon Palace.

On the other side, Sikong from the Sun Palace gave Li Fan a faint smile.

Yuwen Jing, the Palace Master of the West Emperor Palace, seemed to sense something and also looked toward Li Fan. He nodded slightly to Li Fan, who returned the gesture with respect.

"It seems the Palace Master and the two emissaries already know Brother Yang’s identity, yet we’re still in the dark," Yuwen Jing laughed softly, genuinely unable to guess Li Fan’s identity.

The Sword Cultivators of West Flame Island had always cultivated on the island, knowing little of the outside world, and Yuwen Jing had only recently begun truly engaging with the world.

Judging by Liu Zonglin and the two emissaries’ attitudes, he guessed they all knew where Li Fan came from.

"It’s not important," Li Fan replied.

"Indeed," Yuwen Jing nodded. "This demon slaying mission will take us to the Nine Infant Island domain, where we’ll have the chance to witness Brother Yang’s sword."

"Equally, we’ll have the chance to witness Brother Yuwen’s sword," Li Fan responded politely. Once the vast army of cultivators had boarded the warships, Liu Zonglin waved his hand, and the warships set sail.

On West Emperor Island, countless cultivators stood outside, looking up at the warships embarking on their mission, all filled with solemn admiration.

Months ago, demons invaded West Emperor Island, nearly bringing it to ruin, countless humans massacred by demons. Although the demons were eventually repelled, West Emperor Island was left littered with corpses.

Thus, this expedition was born.

Although human cultivators also engage in deceit and treachery, when faced with the great calamity of the demon threat, those at the top among the cultivators ultimately stood out to fight for human survival.

Li Fan stood at the edge of the massive warship, looking at the crowd on West Emperor Island, feeling slightly moved in his heart.

For a thousand years, on Li Mountain, slaying demons and exterminating evil may just be for this greater good. Without these guardians, how could peace be maintained in the world?

On another warship, gazes turned toward Li Fan and his group, coming from Song Siyu and other cultivators of the West Emperor Palace. Their eyes on Li Fan were filled with complex emotions.

Now, everyone in the West Emperor Palace knew that Li Fan had an extraordinary origin, even the woman by his side, who came from the Moon Palace and was a talented Sword Cultivator with the Taiyin Body.

Was there still hope for her Song Family’s revenge?