120: Chapter 120 Heroic Souls Return to Their Place, the Dao Protects for Eternity

The sealing light barrier of the Void Abyss condensed into eternity, and the pale cyan light of the Spiritual Veins washed over the bottom of the abyss, smoothing away the millennia of desolation and scars upon this land.

A wisp of warm sunlight pierced through the clouds, spilling over the blood-stained Guardian Coalition. The bloodstains on their battle armor had dried into a dark red, yet they could not block the light within the soldiers' eyes.

Bai Yunzhou leaned against the sides of Zhou Zhiting and Ling Shuang, slowly circulating the Power of Chaos to soothe his injuries. With a gentle wave of his fingertips, a clear radiance cascaded down, purifying the lingering aura of the Void left on the battlefield.

True Monarch Tianxing raised his hand and waved, gathering the spiritual light across the sky into a lotus platform that carried everyone to land before the sealing light barrier. The three Vice Alliance Leaders looked at the indestructible runes, all of them wearing expressions of relief.

"This battle has finally ended, and the Myriad Realms are at peace." Sword Sovereign Hanbing's voice trembled slightly as he raised a hand to stroke the light barrier; what his fingertips touched was the stability forged with the lives of the Cultivators of the Myriad Realms.

Master Cangwu Zi bent down to pick up a broken Dao-protecting sword. Though the lotus patterns on the sword body were faint, they still condensed the intent of Dao Protection. He said softly, "We must write biographies for the fallen heroes and forever engrave their deeds."

Bai Yunzhou nodded, the clear radiance around him shining brightly once more. A streak of spiritual light shot straight into the clouds, transforming into a communication talisman that was transmitted to every domain of the Myriad Realms: "The decisive battle is won, the Void is pacified. Quickly gather the roster of fallen heroes and return them to the Hall of Heroes."

As the message spread across the Myriad Realms, the Hall of Heroes in Black Stone City was the first to open. Disciples of the Guardian Academy stood waiting before the hall with brush and ink, recording the names and deeds of every fallen individual.

Cultivators from the Guardian branch Alliances of various domains traveled day and night, rushing to Black Stone City with the rosters of the fallen soldiers. The handwriting on the rosters, whether neat or scrawled, was stained with a faint sorrow.

The elderly Clan Chief of the Yao Race from Qingmang Mountain personally held the beast bone tablets of the fallen heroes of the Yao Race. Inscribed upon the tablets were Yao scripts, every single character being the name of a warrior who died to protect the Star Domain.

Representative surviving refugees of Liuyun Domain and Canglan Domain, supporting the old and weak while holding the rosters, kowtowed every step of the way as they walked before the Hall of Heroes, their eyes brimming with tears yet filled with utmost reverence.

After recovering from his injuries, Bai Yunzhou's very first task was to personally visit the Hall of Heroes. Clad in a plain dharma robe and shedding the majesty of an Alliance leader, he bowed in salute before the hall, paying respects to the thousands of heroes' souls.

Zhou Zhiting and Ling Shuang, dressed in plain white garments and holding white chrysanthemums, followed behind Bai Yunzhou, scattering petals across the plaza before the Hall of Heroes. The fluttering petals carried their deep sorrow and remembrance.

The Disciples of the Guardian Academy formed neat ranks, holding burning incense and bowing in worship. The youths' eyes were filled with solemnity, knowing that today's peace was exchanged with the lives of their predecessors.

Bai Yunzhou accepted the comprehensive roster of fallen heroes neatly organized by Su Wanqing. The pages were heavy, densely filled with tens of thousands of names. He raised his hand to condense spiritual light, transforming the roster into a golden glow that merged into the Monument of Heroes.

"All who perished for Dao Protection shall enter the heroes' register, reside forever in the Hall of Heroes, receive the incense offerings of the Myriad Realms, and protect the Star Domain for eons." Bai Yunzhou's steady voice spread to every corner of Black Stone City.

As the golden light entered the monument, the Monument of Heroes abruptly lit up. The names densely covering the monument shimmered with flowing light, and behind every single name lay a legend of protection.

Across all parts of the Myriad Realms, branch halls of heroes and branch monuments of heroes were established. Wherever there were common folk, there were incense offerings to sacrifice to the fallen heroes; wherever there were Cultivators, there was the initial aspiration to uphold Dao Protection.

Once the heroes' souls had returned to the register, Bai Yunzhou held the Myriad Realms Guardian Alliance assembly in the Alliance Grand Hall. Representatives of all races and domains of the Myriad Realms gathered together; inside the hall, there was no joy of celebration, only solemnity and gratitude.

"In this battle, more than half of the Coalition suffered casualties, and countless heroes stained the battlefield with their blood in exchange for the peace of the Myriad Realms," Bai Yunzhou said, standing at the master seat in a low voice. "Today, the Alliance's primary matter for discussion is compensation and relief."

"All families of the fallen heroes shall be provided for by the Alliance, and their children may enter the Guardian Academy without examinations to enjoy the optimal resources. All disabled soldiers shall be bestowed with supreme treasures for healing, rewarded with fertile fields and fine residences, and live out their remaining years in peace."

"All Cultivators who participated in the battle shall be credited with contributions to Dao Protection, rewarded with gathering-qi pearls and Dao-protecting talismans. In the Spiritual Vein lands of various domains, they may have priority in choosing locations to Cultivate, sharing in the benefits of Spiritual Vein nourishment."

Order after order concerning compensation was promulgated, and not a single person raised any objections. Representatives of various domains bowed one after another, willing to exhaust their domain's strength to help the Alliance settle the families of the fallen heroes and the disabled soldiers.

The Logistics Hall immediately took action. Disciples of the Pill Hall refined healing pills, Disciples of the Artifact Hall forged Spirit Treasures for travel, and the common folk of various domains spontaneously donated supplies. Inside and outside Black Stone City, warmth permeated the air.

Zhou Zhiting personally led a team, rushing to various domains to comfort the families of the fallen heroes. Stowing away the sharpness of the battle blood spear, she held the elderly folks' hands, softly comforting them and handing over the Alliance's relief supplies.

Ling Shuang remained at the Guardian Academy, establishing a school for the children of fallen heroes and personally teaching the youths to Cultivate, imparting the Sword Intent of the Dao-protecting sword and the thought of protection entirely to the younger generation.

Within several months, the Myriad Realms recovered their vitality. The disabled soldiers were all properly settled, and the children of the fallen heroes studied and practiced diligently at the Guardian Academy, their eyes condensing the same obsessive determination to protect as their fathers' generation.

The main branch of the Guardian Academy in Black Stone City expanded its scale once more. It not only housed Genius Disciples from the Myriad Realms, but also countless descendants of fallen heroes. The youths in green robes practiced swordsmanship side by side, their Sword Intent fusing together, making their resolve to protect the Dao increasingly steadfast.

On this day, after inspecting the eight Spiritual Vein Guardian points, Bai Yunzhou returned to Black Stone City. As he walked to the Martial Arts Arena of the Guardian Academy, he saw thousands of youths practicing swordsmanship, swords flashing like shadows and spiritual light shimmering.

The leading youths were all descendants of fallen heroes. Although their sword moves were still somewhat immature, they carried an indomitable intent of protection, and every single stance followed the Dao-protecting swordsmanship.

A youth from Liuyun Domain, whose father was a garrison general of Yunxing Domain and died at the hands of the Void Clan, executed steady sword moves with eyes full of determination. Aside from practicing swordsmanship, he also helped his Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters polish their sword weapons.

A Yao Race youth, whose mother was part of the Qingmang Mountain iron cavalry and died protecting Ling Shuang, possessed a naturally formidable physique, yet he did not use his strength to bully the weak, living in harmony with the human Disciples and learning from each other's strengths.

Standing by the edge of the Martial Arts Arena, Bai Yunzhou watched the figures of the youths, his eyes filled with warmth. The ambition to protect the Dao had finally taken deep roots in the hearts of generation after generation of youths.

Ling Shuang walked to Bai Yunzhou's side and said softly, "Alliance Leader, these children are all moldable talents. Given time, they will surely become the backbone of protecting the Dao in the Myriad Realms."

Bai Yunzhou nodded and raised his hand in a wave, casting a clear radiance toward the Martial Arts Arena. The Power of Chaos merged into the youths' swords, helping them comprehend the Dao-protecting Sword Intent: "The path of protecting the Dao is inherently passed down from generation to generation."

"The peace we have guarded must be protected by them; the Dao-protecting barrier we have forged must be reinforced by them; the thought of protection in our hearts must be passed down by them through ages eternal."

Ling Shuang nodded, her eyes full of expectations. She raised a hand to summon the youths, having them stand before Bai Yunzhou. The youths bowed in salute, their voices clear and resonant: "Greetings, Alliance Leader!"

Looking at each tender yet resolute face, Bai Yunzhou said softly, "Your fathers perished to protect the Myriad Realms. Their names are engraved on the Monument of Heroes and remembered in the hearts of the Myriad Realms."

"You entered the Guardian Academy to Cultivate the methods of protecting the Dao not for personal strength, but to safeguard the peace of the Myriad Realms. I hope you will firmly remember your initial aspiration, steadfastly adhere to the Righteous Path, and not fail the fallen heroes or the Myriad Realms."

The youths answered in unison, their voices shaking the Martial Arts Arena: "Firmly remember our initial aspiration, steadfastly adhere to the Righteous Path, protect the Dao for eons, and never fail the Myriad Realms!"

The oath reverberated, merging into the morning bell of the Guardian Academy and spreading to all four directions of the Myriad Realms, transforming into wisps of the Power of Dao Protection that lingered over every inch of land in the Star Domain.

Inside the Alliance Grand Hall, Bai Yunzhou, the three Vice Alliance Leaders, and the heads of the three halls and three departments discussed strategies for the Alliance's subsequent development. In peaceful times, it was even more necessary to uphold righteousness and act with dedication.

"Although the Spiritual Vein light barrier of protecting the domain has been formed, it requires constant nourishment. The eight Spiritual Vein Guardian points must be stationed year-round without slackening," True Monarch Tianxing said. "We can order Disciples of the Guardian Academy to take turns stationed there to practice actual combat."

Sword Sovereign Hanbing echoed, "The Spiritual Veins of the Myriad Realms are fused and resources are shared. We should establish Dao-protecting branch halls in various domains to teach the common folk basic cultivation methods to strengthen their bodies and preempt troubles before they arise."

"In addition, although the calamity of the Void has been pacified, we must remain vigilant against abnormalities in other dimensions. The Investigation Department should expand its scale and patrol the four directions of the Myriad Realms to ensure the Star Domain remains free of peril."

Master Cangwu Zi added, "The Dao-protecting branch armies of various domains must not be disbanded; they should regularly drill to maintain combat effectiveness. The Alliance can hold a Myriad Realms Dao Protection Martial Arts Tournament every year, using competition in place of training to condense combat power."

Listening to everyone's words, Bai Yunzhou understood in his heart. He raised his hand to make markings on the star chart, setting down the regulations one by one: "What you all have said conforms to the purpose of protecting the Dao. Today, let us establish three policies and transmit them to the Myriad Realms."

"First, Spiritual Vein protection: Disciples of the Guardian Academy and the Guardian Coalition will take turns stationed at the eight Guardian points, changing every month to both solidify the light barrier and practice actual combat."

"Second, universally benefiting and protecting the Dao: establish Dao-protecting branch halls in various domains to teach basic Body Refining and self-protection methods, and Disciples of the Pill Hall will regularly provide free medical consultations to the common folk to save the world and bring peace to the people."

"Third, sharpening weapons and horses: the Guardian Coalition will retain its organizational structure, regularly drilling and holding the Myriad Realms Dao Protection Martial Arts Tournament every autumn, with elites from various domains and sects participating to display combat power and unite hearts."

Once the three policies were promulgated, all domains of the Myriad Realms took action immediately. Disciples of the Guardian Academy went in batches to the Spiritual Vein Guardian points to take turns on duty, and the youths at the Guardian points witnessed the vastness of the Star Domain and came to understand the responsibility of protection even more deeply.

Dao-protecting branch halls in various domains were successively opened, and the common folk flocked to study. The methods of Body Refining strengthened their muscles and bones, the methods of self-protection warded off dangers, and the free consultations by the Pill Hall Disciples made the common folk feel even more grateful for the virtue of the Alliance.

The drilling sounds of the Guardian Coalition reverberated across the Martial Arts Arenas of all domains in the Myriad Realms. The figures in silver-white battle armor became the most reassuring scenery in the Star Domain, ready at any moment to respond to all crises.

Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, several years passed. Batch after batch of Dao-protecting Disciples stepped out of the main branch of the Guardian Academy in Black Stone City, rushing to various places across the Myriad Realms to either guard Spiritual Veins, open branch halls, or lead military troops.

The children of the fallen heroes from days past had all grown into adults. Some had become Elders of the Guardian Academy, some had become commanders of Spiritual Vein Guardian points, and some had become generals of the Guardian Coalition.

That youth from Liuyun Domain had become the commander of the Spiritual Vein Guardian point in Yunxing Domain. Holding the sword left behind by his father, he guarded the land where his father had died in battle, protecting the peace of that region.

That Yao Race youth from Qingmang Mountain had become an Elder of the Body Hall in the Guardian Academy. He fused the Yao Race's Body Refining methods with human cultivation techniques, compiling a new Body Refining formula and passing it down to the Myriad Realms.

The Myriad Realms Dao Protection Martial Arts Tournament was held as scheduled every year. Elites from various domains gathered in Black Stone City to spar and compete, placing less emphasis on victory or defeat and more on exchange, making the connections among the Cultivators of the Myriad Realms increasingly close.

On the Martial Arts Arena, sword shadows fluttered and spiritual light flickered. Outside of sparring, the Cultivators learned from each other's strengths, and the methods of protecting the Dao became increasingly perfected through exchange, making the Power of Dao Protection in the Myriad Realms ever more formidable.

In the autumn of this year, during the finals of the Myriad Realms Dao Protection Martial Arts Tournament, two young Cultivators dueled: one was the son of ordinary common folk from the Northern Domain, and the other was a descendant of fallen heroes from Canglan Domain.

Their sword moves blended together, both belonging to Dao-protecting swordsmanship. Every stance and movement upheld righteousness without attacking recklessly, stopping at the appropriate point. In the end, they fought to a draw, smiled at each other, and bowed in salute side by side.

Standing upon the high platform, Bai Yunzhou watched this scene, his eyes filled with profound gratification. With the Myriad Realms of one heart, making no distinction of noble or humble, and ignoring regional boundaries, this was the most precious appearance of the path of protecting the Dao.

After the tournament concluded, Bai Yunzhou announced a decision in the Alliance Grand Hall that shocked the Myriad Realms: "Now that the Myriad Realms are at peace and the Power of Dao Protection is growing day by day, the position of Alliance Leader should be abdicated in favor of the younger generation."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone inside the hall was shocked. True Monarch Tianxing hurriedly said, "Alliance Leader, you are the core of protecting the Dao in the Myriad Realms; how can you abdicate?"

Bai Yunzhou smiled faintly and raised a hand to signal everyone to quiet down: "The path of protecting the Dao cannot be guarded by a single person; it requires generational inheritance. Though I am in my early thirties and can still protect the Dao, I also need to pave the way for the younger generation."

"Today, I resign from my position as the Alliance Leader of the Myriad Realms Guardian Alliance, and recommend Ling Shuang as the new Alliance Leader, Zhou Zhiting as the Grand Guardian General overseeing the Coalition, and Song Xinghe as the Alliance Chief Administrator overseeing the three halls and three departments."

"I am willing to serve as a Guardian Elder of the Myriad Realms, patrolling the four directions of the Star Domain, nourishing the Spiritual Vein light barriers, and teaching the Dao-protecting Disciples. My heart of protecting the Dao will never change."

Hearing this, Ling Shuang hurriedly bowed: "Alliance Leader, this Disciple is lacking in virtue and ability, and fears she can hardly shoulder this heavy responsibility."

"You hold protection in your heart, are well-versed in educational affairs, and excel at uniting the Disciples of the Myriad Realms. You are the best candidate for Alliance Leader," Bai Yunzhou said, raising a hand to support Ling Shuang upright. "With the Myriad Realms of one heart and everyone assisting you, you will definitely not fail the trust placed in you."

Zhou Zhiting and Song Xinghe also bowed to accept the order, and representatives of various domains across the Myriad Realms stood up one after another, bowing in salute: "We strictly obey the Alliance Leader's command and are willing to honor Alliance Leader Ling Shuang as our master, jointly protecting the Myriad Realms!"

Inside the Alliance Grand Hall, Ling Shuang received the Seal of the Myriad Realms Guardian Alliance Leader. Upon the Seal, the four characters "Guard the Dao and Keep the Heart" shone brilliantly. She raised her hands in a bow toward Bai Yunzhou and the representatives of the Myriad Realms, stating solemnly: "This Disciple, Ling Shuang, shall definitely steadfastly maintain her initial aspiration, command the Myriad Realms Guardian Alliance, protect the peace of the Star Domain, safeguard the tranquility of the common folk, and not fail the trust of the Alliance Leader or the expectations of the Myriad Realms!"

As the Seal settled into her hands, tens of thousands of strands of spiritual light gushed forth from the Seal, merging into the Spiritual Vein light barrier protecting the domain. The light barrier grew increasingly radiant, blessing the Myriad Realms and witnessing the inheritance of the ambition to protect the Dao.

Watching Ling Shuang receive the Seal, Bai Yunzhou's eyes were filled with expectations. He turned and walked out of the Alliance Grand Hall, with Zhou Zhiting and Song Xinghe closely following behind. The three of them stood shoulder to shoulder on the Star-Gazing Platform of Black Stone City.

The autumn sunlight spilled over the three of them. In the distance, the morning bell of the Guardian Academy rang out, and the sounds of youths practicing swordsmanship were clearly audible. In the direction of the Hall of Heroes, incense smoke curled upwards, wreathed in azure mist.

"Zhiting, Xinghe, from now on, protecting the Dao in the Myriad Realms will depend on you and Ling Shuang joining hands," Bai Yunzhou said softly. "Uphold righteousness and act with dedication, save the world and bring peace to the people, protect the Dao for eons, and never forget your initial aspiration."

Zhou Zhiting and Song Xinghe bowed in acknowledgment: "We will definitely not fail the Alliance Leader's trust; we will protect the Dao for eons and never let each other down!"

Bai Yunzhou smiled slightly, the clear radiance around his body flashing as he transformed into a streak of azure rainbow that shot straight into the clouds. He would patrol the four directions of the Myriad Realms, nourish the Spiritual Vein light barriers, teach the Dao-protecting Disciples, and be the most ordinary Guardian.

The azure rainbow swept across the sky above Black Stone City, across the Martial Arts Arena of the Guardian Academy, across the Monument of Heroes in the Hall of Heroes, and across every single Spiritual Vein Guardian point in the Myriad Realms.

Wherever it passed, the Spiritual Veins grew increasingly rich and the light barriers increasingly radiant. The common folk looked up and bowed in salute, chanting: "Guardian Elder, safely protect the Myriad Realms."

Standing at the master seat of the Alliance Grand Hall and holding the Alliance Leader's Seal, Ling Shuang looked at the territories of the Myriad Realms on the star chart, her eyes filled with determination. She knew that the burden on her shoulders was heavy, yet she was utterly without fear.

Because behind her stood the Cultivators of the Myriad Realms who shared the same heart and virtue, the diligently practicing Dao-protecting Disciples, the thousands of fallen heroes whose incense offerings would endure forever, and the entire Star Domain whose heart of protecting the Dao would never be extinguished.

Zhou Zhiting commanded the Guardian Coalition, stationed at the eight Spiritual Vein Guardian points. The battle blood spear remained sharp, yet it carried a few more touches of gentle protection. The figures of the Guardian Coalition formed the most solid barrier in the Star Domain.

Song Xinghe oversaw the three halls and three departments, keeping the Alliance's affairs in perfect order. The Investigation Department patrolled the four directions, the Logistics Hall supplied without fail, and the Law Enforcement Hall upheld justice impartially, making the operation of the Guardian Alliance increasingly smooth.

The morning bell of the Guardian Academy rang out on schedule every day, spreading from Black Stone City to all four directions of the Myriad Realms. The bell toll was clear and resonant, carrying the obsessive determination of protection, the hope of inheritance, and the conviction of the Myriad Realms sharing a single heart.

The incense of the Hall of Heroes never ceased throughout the year. The common folk of the Myriad Realms burned incense to worship, feeling grateful for the grace of the fallen heroes, while the heart of protecting the Dao was passed down generation after generation within the incense smoke, fusing into their bones and blood.

The mountains and rivers of the Myriad Realms grew increasingly verdant, and the flowing waters of the Spiritual Veins became increasingly clear. The common folk lived and worked in peace, the Cultivators studied and practiced diligently, the Yao Race and humans lived in harmony, and all domains shared a single heart, enjoying peace together.

Whenever there were occasional spatial anomalies, the Investigation Department would report them at the very first instance, and the Guardian Coalition would immediately rush to reinforce them. The Cultivators at the Spiritual Vein Guardian points would join hands to deploy defenses, and all crises were readily resolved.