76: Chapter 76: The Great War Begins, Forced to Participate

As you expected.

Although the earth-shattering battle between Golden Light and that Demonic Path titan from Heavenly Demon Valley ultimately ended without a clear result due to mutual hesitation,

this battle acted as a signal, completely igniting the powder keg of hatred that had been accumulating between the Righteous Path and the Demonic Path for centuries.

The great war thus began.

At first, it was only small-scale friction.

A Disciple of the Righteous Path was killed by a Cultivator of the Demonic Path while out gaining experience.

A stronghold of the Demonic Path was wiped out by the combined forces of the Righteous Path.

But quickly, as the number of casualties on both sides increased and the hatred deepened, the scale of the conflict began to escalate continuously.

From skirmishes between Qi Refinement Stage Disciples to duels between Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, and then to long-range spell battles between Core Formation True Persons...

The entire Northern Region cultivation world was plunged into a bloodbath.

Countless small Sects were razed to the ground in this catastrophe.

Countless Cultivators turned into dust and bones.

Finally, after the war had lasted for a full year, the Nascent Soul Old Monsters from both sides took action once again.

This time, it was no longer a test.

It was a true, life-or-death, all-out war.

That battle was so intense that it shook the heavens and earth, obscuring the sun and moon.

It is said that even a main Spiritual Vein of the Northern Region was severed.

Ultimately, after one Nascent Soul Old Monster from each side had fallen, both sides were finally frightened and could no longer fight.

A Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator is the stabilizing pillar of any Sect. Losing one means suffering a severe blow to their foundation and vitality.

If they continued to fight like this, they would likely both perish together before a victor could be decided.

Therefore, under urgent consultations between the high-level officials of both sides, a temporary and fragile ceasefire agreement was reached.

The content of the agreement was simple:

Nascent Soul Stage and above old monsters must not easily take action again.

But for Disciples below the Nascent Soul Stage—Core Formation, Foundation Establishment, and Qi Refinement Stage—you can continue to fight, to the death.

It was euphemistically called: training and tempering between Disciples.

To put it bluntly, it was just a different way to continue this war.

Using the blood of the younger generation to decide who will rule the Northern Region cultivation world for the next few hundred years.

The day after the agreement was reached, at the Azure Cloud Sect, in the Sect Master's main hall.

All Core Formation True Persons, as well as the Foundation Establishment Stage managers of each peak, were summoned here.

Liu Ruyan, as a newly promoted Core Formation True Person, was prominently among them.

And you, as the "most outstanding" Foundation Establishment Disciple of Danxia Peak, were also "honored" to receive the qualification to stand in the corner of the main hall and listen in.

Sect Master Xuanyang, sitting above in the main hall, had a face so gloomy that it seemed water could drip from it.

"I presume you all already know."

"The scoundrels of the Demonic Path have gone too far! Now, they even want to fight our Righteous Path to the death!"

"As the leader of the Righteous Path in the Northern Region, our Azure Cloud Sect must naturally take the lead at this time of crisis to slay demons, eliminate evil, and defend our Dao!"

"I hereby announce that from today, our Azure Cloud Sect enters a wartime state!"

"All Core Formation Elders will take turns going to the front line at Two Realms Mountain to guard the strongholds!"

"All Foundation Establishment and Qi Refinement Stage Disciples will be assigned to 'Demon Slaying Squads' based on their cultivation and specialties, led by Core Formation Elders, to penetrate deep behind enemy lines and execute various hunting and sabotage missions!"

"This war concerns the life and death of our Azure Cloud Sect and the ten-thousand-year Luck of the Northern Region's Righteous Path! I hope you will all work together to overcome this difficulty!"

"Anyone who performs meritorious service on the battlefield will be heavily rewarded by the Sect! Spirit Stones, Magic Treasures, Cultivation Techniques, and Medicinal Pills—everything will be available!"

"However, if anyone flees from battle or cowers, once discovered, they will be severely punished without leniency! The light penalty is the abolition of cultivation and expulsion from the Sect! The heavy penalty is immediate execution and the destruction of the Divine Soul!"

Immortal Master Xuanyang's voice echoed endlessly in the main hall, filled with a murderous aura.

The Disciples below all wore grave expressions, silent as cicadas in winter.

Standing in the corner, listening to this impassioned pre-war mobilization, you were complaining wildly in your heart.

"Familiar formula, familiar flavor."

"Painting big pictures, adding threats—a leader's manipulation tactics are truly unchanging throughout the ages."

"However, the rewards this time seem quite generous. Spirit Stones, Magic Treasures, Cultivation Techniques... hehe, interesting."

You rubbed your chin and started to calculate.

Let you go risk your life against the Demonic Path? That is impossible. Even in a simulation, it's impossible.

However, taking this opportunity to go to the battlefield, make some war profits, and by the way, fleece the Sect a little more, seems... like a pretty good choice?

While you were pondering, Sect Master Xuanyang had already begun to announce the specific formation arrangements.

"...Liu Ruyan of Danxia Peak, assigned to the Grade A No. 3 Squad, proceed immediately to the Two Realms Mountain stronghold."

Hearing Liu Ruyan's name, you subconsciously looked up. She also happened to look in your direction, with a trace of worry between her brows.

You shook your head slightly at her, giving her a reassuring look.

Just kidding, with you here, how could you let anything happen to her?

"Tang Xun of Danxia Peak, because you are skilled in Alchemy, you are specially assigned to the Logistics Camp, responsible for the refining and supply of Medicinal Pills for the front line."

"Hmm?"

Hearing your own assignment, you were stunned for a moment.

"Logistics?"

"This is great!"

"Isn't this the legendary 'high pay, light workload, close to home, prestigious position with little responsibility' dream job?"

"This Sect Master is truly a good leader who cares about his subordinates!"

Your heart was already blooming with joy, but your face wore a look of being flattered and fearful. You bowed heavily in the direction of the Sect Master.

"This Disciple will certainly not fail the Sect Master's high expectations!"

Immortal Master Xuanyang nodded with satisfaction, his gaze lingering on you for a moment before turning to others.

A meeting that decided the fate of countless people thus ended.

When the crowd dispersed, Liu Ruyan walked quickly to your side and lowered her voice, saying, "Although the Logistics Camp is safe, you are alone, so be careful in everything."

"Don't worry." You patted her hand, your face serious, "Senior Sister, you must also take care on the front line. Remember, if you can't win, run. Nothing is more important than your life. Once I get familiar with the Logistics Camp, I will send Medicinal Pills to you, as much as you need!"

Looking at your "sincere" face, Liu Ruyan felt a warmth in her heart, nodded, and then left with the group.

You watched her back until it disappeared at the hall door, and the warmth on your face gradually faded.

Replacing it was an irrepressible excitement, like a merchant seeing gold everywhere.

For others, war is a meat grinder.

For you, Tang Xun...

This damn thing is a massive business opportunity!