The Wu Yue God had already been paying close attention in secret. As Xue Li's figure disappeared in an instant, a vast expanse of black qi suddenly surged from his sleeves, engulfing the area within dozens of feet around him, and several black evil ghosts appeared, raising their heads and letting out piercing screeches.

Bang, bang, bang...

The disciples of the Wu Yue Sect outside the hall hadn't figured out what was happening before their heads burst open, with blood and brains scattered all around, their bodies slumping to the ground in disarray.

Not far away, the Blood Demon Ancestor's face revealed shock, his body's blood light greatly intensified, especially around his head, where it was exceptionally thick. He hastily retreated.

Behind Wu Yue God, a figure blurred and Xue Li's form suddenly materialized, a black fist striking toward Wu Yue God's chest.

This strike was without any flourish, its only characteristic was its speed, like a streak of black lightning.

Wu Yue God swiped his sleeve, and a yellow shield appeared behind him.

The shield's surface manifested the phantom of a mountain peak, emitting fluctuations of spiritual power that were extraordinary, revealing that it was a replicated Spiritual Treasure. It spun rapidly, enlarging tenfold in an instant, protecting his rear heart.

The black fist struck like lightning, hitting hard against the shield.

With a "clang" sound, the yellow shield caved in, with spider-web-like cracks spreading across its surface before exploding into countless fragments.

A sliver of surprise flashed in Wu Yue God's eyes, but he didn't mind. The black mist around his body rolled as several black evil ghosts with bared fangs came forth, their screeching sound waves converging into a wave that struck at Xue Li.

Xue Li's mouth curled into a hint of mockery as he inhaled sharply.

His mouth suddenly became excessively large, almost bigger than his body itself, engulfing everything voraciously.

In the blink of an eye, it seemed as if a black hole had opened within his mouth, with strong winds wreaking havoc within a few miles, and space itself seemingly collapsing and pouring into his mouth.

Wu Yue God and the few black evil ghosts were swallowed without resistance, gurgling as they were devoured by Xue Li.

Xue Li's massive maw then returned to normal at a pace visible to the naked eye. His figure also began to descend slowly from midair. He stuck out his tongue to lick his lips, contentedly rubbing his slightly bulging stomach as if he had just enjoyed a hearty meal.

The Blood Demon Ancestor, witnessing this scene, was both shocked and pleased, clearly not expecting Xue Li's divine skills to be so formidable.

But Wu Yue God was an ally, the leader of the Wu Yue Sect, so he couldn't afford to have an accident.

"Lord Xue Li truly possesses boundless divine skills, but Wu Yue God is one of our own. Please show mercy for his rudeness this time," the Blood Demon Ancestor stepped forward and said.

Xue Li glanced at the Blood Demon Ancestor, spat out a figure from his mouth, and it was Wu Yue God.

Wu Yue God staggered as he landed, his face pale, a trace of fear in his eyes as he looked at Xue Li.

Those few breaths of time had felt like years to him.

He had fallen into a black void where an invisible current pervaded. His mana and soul power were involuntarily leaking out, merging into that current.

He tried to stop it but found himself utterly unable to, so he could only watch helplessly as his mana and soul power were drawn out bit by bit, and his strength continuously weakened.

He would not resign himself to fate, immediately activating various offensive measures in an attempt to puncture a hole in the black void.

Though Wu Yue God primarily cultivated the path of Soul Cultivators, his magic practitioner skills were equally strong. However, regardless of what attacks or magic treasures he employed, they all seemed to disappear without a trace when they hit the surroundings, unable to stir up the slightest ripple. F&i^rst% p.ub$l%is@h$ed! on *.#

A trace of indescribable fear finally surged up from deep within his heart. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in many years—the feeling of helplessness, as if he had returned to his early days in the Cultivation World, facing an opponent whose cultivation level he knew nothing about.

But just when he was about to despair, the darkness before his eyes cleared like clouds parting to reveal the sun, sweeping away in an instant, and he reappeared inside Chang Chun Temple's main hall.

One could say that had Xue Li not spat him out at the last moment, he might have been digested inside, his physical body and divine soul ceasing to exist, as if he had never existed in this world.

"Seeing as Fellow Daoist Blood Demon is concerned, I will let this matter slide this time. Go and guard the Great Array immediately," Xue Li said, glancing at Wu Yue God with a cold voice.

This time, Wu Yue God didn't speak another word, silently turning around and flying towards the peak of Chaotian Peak.

The Blood Demon Ancestor was about to follow when a streak of black light flew in from outside. It was a black Sound Transmission Talisman.

His divine sense entered, and his expression changed slightly, murmuring, "The Cloud Desolate Alliance really knows our purpose. To send so many people!"

Xue Li waved his hand, grabbing the Sound Transmission Talisman. After a probe with his divine sense, he showed a look of disdain, "Merely a rabble, not worth worrying about!"

"Lord Xue Li, now that the Cloud Desolate Alliance has gathered so many cultivators in their quest for self-preservation, our fight might be quite desperate. Shouldn't we think of a strategy to deal with them?" the Blood Demon Ancestor suggested.

"The Yunhuang Continent is just a remote place in the Chuyun Realm, with sparse spiritual energy and no substantial cultivation technique heritage, hardly worth mentioning. My Swallowing Heaven Demon Technique just needs a lot of high-level essence blood for nourishment. Their arrival is timely," Xue Li said, uncaring, with a light laugh. His form turned into a crimson rainbow that shot out of the hall and tunneled into the distance.

The Blood Demon Ancestor watched the receding blood-colored rainbow and sighed.

He had absolute confidence in Xue Li's strength, but he was worried about his arrogance.

Blood Demon Ancestor fell silent for a moment, then clapped his hands.

"Master," the nearby shadow darkened, and a tall figure in black armor emerged from nowhere. It was the same person who had made contact with Wuyue God in Zhao Country.

"Summon all the Demon Guards without sparing the Blood Cave's consumption, and drive the power of all the guards to the extreme," Blood Demon Ancestor ordered in a deep voice.

"Yes," the Black Armor Soldier replied and quickly retreated.

…

Cloud Ridge Mountain Range, Cloud Desolate Alliance's main hall.

"Today, two more sects and eight families, nearly six hundred cultivators, joined the alliance. I have already settled them," Ancestor Ming Quan excitedly reported to Tian Jizi.

Wan Tianren, Gu Xuanyang, Luo Zhu, He Cha, Yuan Ming, Xi Ying, and others were all here.

In addition to them, leaders of sects that had recently joined the Cloud Desolate Alliance were also present.

"Unexpectedly, there are so many hidden sects and noble families on Yunhuang Continent, truly a fortune for the alliance. But have we thoroughly investigated these sects and families to ensure there are no spies from Wuyue Sect or Demon Clan lurking among them? We cannot have another incident like that of the Cao Family," Tian Jizi said.

"Alliance Hierarch, rest assured, I have already investigated thoroughly. There is no problem. Moreover, these cultivators have now been stationed on the outskirts of the alliance's territory and are being closely guarded. There won't be any more issues," Ancestor Ming Quan said.

Tian Jizi nodded, then waved his hand.

Ancestor Ming Quan bowed and left.

"Everyone must be aware of the current situation of the alliance. Cultivators from all over continue to come together. If we wait a few more days, we might increase our troops by a few thousand. However, Wuyue Sect's plans are pressing. If we keep waiting, there might be changes. I called you all here today to ask for opinions on how we should proceed," Tian Jizi said as he looked around at the people in the hall.

"Wuyue Sect is trying to open a channel to the Demon World. If they succeed, Yunhuang will be devastated. Time is of the essence. I think we should mobilize immediately, capture Chang Chun Temple, and destroy the Demon Array," Wan Tianren immediately said.

"Exactly, with our current strength, we are sufficient to contend against Wuyue Sect and those Demon Clan scoundrels. Waiting any longer is dangerously risky."

"That's right," others expressed their agreement.

Yuan Ming was not surprised by the current situation; everyone present was wise. Even if previously they had their own thoughts or were hostile to each other, on the brink of survival, they naturally came to a unanimous decision.

Tian Jizi held this meeting as a formality and also to show a stance to the recently joined sect leaders.

"Very well, since everyone agrees we should attack, the alliance naturally consents. Return immediately to gather your disciples, and today we set out for Chang Chun Temple!" Tian Jizi rose and declared.

Half a day later, hundreds of huge Flying Boats and Flying Cars of the Cloud Desolate Alliance, along with a swarm of tunneling light, soared up and headed straight towards Chang Chun Temple.

In a certain part of the Cloud Ridge Mountain Range, an old man holding a banner climbed up a low slope, gasping for breath. Facing the direction of Chang Chun Temple, it was the blind old man who had taught Wulu the Void Thought Technique.

"With the help of the Void Thought Technique, that boy can barely be considered a Returning Void presence. Coupled with the Body of Wanxiang and a Word Witch, he should be able to resolve this demonic calamity," the blind old man murmured to himself.

Footsteps approached, and a white-garbed young man emerged from the nearby woods.

If Yuan Ming were here, he would be greatly surprised, for this person was Liu Tianming.

However, Liu Tianming now stared blankly ahead, his eyes hollow, his expression stiff, like a soulless shell.

"It's time to deal with the tomb of the Reincarnation Demon Lord. Leaving it in Yunhuang Continent is a hidden danger after all." The old man, his eyes rolled back, glanced at Liu Tianming without concern and shakily set off towards the south.

Liu Tianming followed closely behind.

…

On a Flying Boat where the believers of the Moon God Sect were, Yuan Ming and Xi Ying stood side by side at the bow.

"What do you think are our chances in this battle?" Xi Ying asked.

"With my current strength, I can certainly deal with Blood Demon Ancestor. Your Soul Cultivation has broken through to the Word Witch Realm. It shouldn't be hard to restrain Wuyue God. The Cloud Desolate Alliance has the advantage in numbers. Furthermore, the aim of the alliance is not to exterminate Wuyue Sect, but to destroy the Demon Array. No matter how powerful Wuyue Sect is, it's unlikely that they can protect the Demon Array while resisting the attack of the Cloud Desolate Alliance. Therefore, if there are no unforeseen circumstances, the Cloud Desolate Alliance should have an 80% chance of victory," Yuan Ming said.

"My worry is exactly about such unforeseen circumstances. If the Demon World intends to open a spatial passage, how could they be unprepared?" Xi Ying commented.

"That does make sense, Fellow Daoist Yan. Yesterday, I asked you to divine the outcome of this battle. Did you discern anything?" Yuan Ming asked, turning to the three standing behind him: Yan Siyun, Yan Sijing, and Xu Che.

Yan Siyun and Yan Sijing's expressions were complex. They now knew Yuan Ming was the Nether Moon God.

The two women had known Yuan Ming far longer than the people from East Sea, always thinking that Yuan Ming was merely a Divine Envoy of the Nether Moon God. They could not have imagined that he was the Nether Moon God himself. The shock they received was much greater than others'.