Chapter 1667. They jointly established and adhered to the Covenant of the Xi Yuan, but did they fall out?

Everyone in the great hall was shaken by the words spoken by the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan.

Was that black mist descending again?

Was she referring to the catastrophe that once ravaged the entire Cang Mang?

Many people felt a sense of dread at her final words.

The master of the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan was once the holder of the Reincarnation Mirror, Xi Nu, and even she had foreseen that such an event would occur in the future?

If the black catastrophe were to spread again, what would become of the beings in Cang Mang, and how could they resist?

They had not experienced that battle from countless years ago, but from the ancient records, they could vaguely understand how difficult and terrifying that war had been.

Countless races, nations, civilizations, and universes perished, vanishing into the river of history.

And such a tragic scene might unfold once more.

Many people were terrified and found it hard to accept everything. Some even had a foreboding that the Xi Yuan civilization might soon face a great disaster.

Leaders of various sects and forces wore grave expressions. The Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan suddenly spoke these words, which might be foretelling something important.

Ling Yuling also agreed with the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s words.

“Indeed, the battle back then was incredibly difficult. Countless predecessors and sages fought and died, paying an extremely heavy price. Only then were they able to seal the source of the black catastrophe.”

Her voice was soft as she nodded, “However, even though the source of the black catastrophe was sealed in the land of its origin, no one can be certain if it has already escaped.”

“Moreover, what was sealed was only its will; no living being in this world could destroy its body. Now, countless years have passed, and the six treasures of the initial civilization that were used to seal it have almost vanished without a trace.”

“It is also unknown if any race is still guarding the land of the black catastrophe’s origin.”

“Perhaps the source of the black catastrophe has already escaped and is quietly observing the world from some other dimension or time.”

She noticed that as the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan spoke these words, her gaze was always directed at Gu Changge.

This made Ling Yuling speculate.

Could it be that the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan knew some hidden truths or secrets? After all, she currently possessed the Reincarnation Mirror.

Before the destruction of the Xian Chu Hao Earth, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan must have predicted its outcome, which is why she ultimately made a decision to protect herself.

But now, the entire Xi Yuan civilization, as well as the vast Cang Mang, faced its future outcome.

Was she making this statement because she, too, had to make a choice?

“Once, the black catastrophe spread through the world, causing endless suffering. After countless years, is it going to make a comeback?”

“Indeed, the celestial phenomena in various regions have been unsettled recently. It seems this event was already destined to happen.”

“Many years ago, the predecessors and sages fought against the black catastrophe, paying an incredibly heavy price, and only just managed to seal it…”

“Alas, the troubles never end… just as one wave recedes, another one rises.”

When Ling Yuling spoke like this, many people whispered among themselves, their expressions complicated.

The matter of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance had not yet been resolved, and now, suddenly, it was announced that the source of the black catastrophe, which once ravaged Cang Mang, might emerge and rule the world once more.

With all these troubles appearing, how should they manage?

Moreover, some people were pondering if there was some subtle connection between these two matters.

Especially Gu Changge’s identity, which was so mysterious. No one knew who he truly was or which era he came from.

At that moment, the people of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance, however, appeared completely calm, as if they had already anticipated this news and were not surprised at all.This made the cultivators from various Daoist factions secretly feel alarmed and uneasy. It seemed that the Pioneering Heaven Alliance might have known all along about these events. Or perhaps, the Pioneering Heaven Alliance itself was somehow connected to the remnants of the black catastrophe.

“I wonder what the Pioneering Heaven Alliance leader thinks of this matter?”

Seeing that Gu Changge had not responded to her gaze, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan directly asked him.

Xi Yin, who stood beside her, slightly furrowed her brows, her heart filled with hidden concerns.

Originally, she felt a sense of gratitude toward Gu Changge, who had helped rescue the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan from the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall. After all, if Gu Changge hadn’t sent the ancient ancestor of the Jing Clan to the Xi Yuan civilization to inform them, they might still be unaware of the plot by the people of Xian Chu Haotu to conspire against the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan.

But later, Xi Yin realized that the so-called help to the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall was just a façade. Gu Changge’s true motive was to deal with Xian Chu Haotu and bring about its destruction. Many Daoist factions, including the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, had been used as mere tools in his schemes.

In fact, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan had long known about all this, which was why she had remained unfazed even when trapped in the Void Prison. She had even known that once Xian Chu Haotu was destroyed, Gu Changge would come to rescue her.

Once Xi Yin understood all of this, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of frustration and anger, feeling somewhat played. At the same time, she also had some lingering fear. In the grand plan to destroy Xian Chu Haotu, all of the Xi Yuan civilization’s Daoist factions had been manipulated by Gu Changge, reduced to mere pawns. It wasn’t until afterward that they realized it, and this was enough to show how terrifying this person was.

Even the Ancestor Dao realm, as powerful as it was, was nothing more than a pawn in his hands. Now, with so many strong cultivators following him, his power was enough to sweep through and crush any Daoist faction in the Xi Yuan civilization.

“Since that black mist is descending again, isn’t it best for all beings to join forces and resist it together?”

Gu Changge spoke with a faint smile at the corner of his lips, as though he hadn’t noticed the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s gaze.

“Indeed, what Young Master Gu says is correct. The catastrophe is imminent, and the best course of action is for everyone to join forces and eliminate the black mist once again, dispersing it across the world.”

Ling Yuling also nodded slightly in agreement with Gu Changge’s words. Her statement caused many ancient beings and sect leaders present to change their expressions, worried that Ling Yuling might be aligning herself with Gu Changge.

However, just as they were about to speak, Ling Yuling continued.

“That is why I have invited various forces to the Yuxian Palace to discuss and establish the Xi Yuan Covenant.”

“The Xi Yuan Covenant?”

This statement shocked and stirred everyone in the room. Many who had anticipated this outcome sighed in relief, realizing their previous worries were unfounded.

How could the Ancestors of Yuxian Palace, who had once fought against the black catastrophe, collude with the Pioneering Heaven Alliance?

If the Xi Yuan Covenant could provide a balance of power, the Pioneering Heaven Alliance would definitely not dare to act recklessly and devour surrounding forces as it had before. This would somewhat restrain the Pioneering Heaven Alliance’s development and prevent it from realizing its ambition of uniting the Xi Yuan civilization.

This had been the best solution that many had thought of earlier.

After all, no one wanted to confront the Pioneering Heaven Alliance head-on, as such an outcome would not end well. Even if they barely won, it would come at an incredibly heavy cost.

“Oh? The Xi Yuan Covenant?”

“If I remember correctly, the ruler of Xian Chu Haotu, Chu Gucheng, once tried to establish the Xi Yuan Covenant with the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, but unfortunately, he failed and perished.”

“Could it be that Miss Yuling also plans to marry the way Chu Gucheng did, and form an alliance with the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall? Are you going down the same path as Xian Chu Haotu?”

Gu Changge spoke with a hint of surprise, as if unaware of Ling Yuling’s true intentions.

Upon hearing his deliberately provocative words, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan tightened her slender hand hidden under her wide sleeves. She was ready to glare at Gu Changge fiercely.

She felt deeply uncomfortable. This topic was an absolute humiliation to her, and she wished she could erase all memories of it from her mind. Although it was a rumor deliberately spread by Chu Gucheng, who had sent his daughter, Chu Xinyue, to impersonate her, it felt as though she had been made to wear a shameful burden.

Every time she thought of it, she felt an urge to vomit, as if she were suffocating.

“Chu Gucheng’s attempt to establish the Xi Yuan Covenant was simply to satisfy his own selfish desires. He never had the intention to protect the beings of the world, so it was no surprise that he failed in the end.”

“I, along with many other predecessors, once fought against the black catastrophe and established a covenant. In the end, we proved that our approach was correct — a lack of rules would lead to chaos.”

“Now, the purpose of the Xi Yuan Covenant is to unite all the Daoist factions in the Xi Yuan civilization, to ensure that we follow the rules and not let small immediate gains lead to conflict and waste. We must maintain stability and peace.”

Ling Yuling spoke softly, her voice gentle yet firm.

“You’re right, Senior. Without rules, there can be no order. At this critical time, a new covenant is exactly what is needed to restrain everyone and prevent some from acting recklessly, trampling on the laws and ironclad rules.”

“I, the head of Shouyang Tianzong, am the first to express my agreement. We are willing to adhere to the Xi Yuan Covenant and work with everyone to establish and uphold the rules and order of the Xi Yuan civilization.”

The headmaster-level figure, wearing a black-golden Daoist crown and a purple robe, was the first to speak in agreement.

Though Shouyang Tianzong’s foundation wasn’t as old and prestigious as the Yuxian Palace, Zixiao Mountain, or Ling Shen Cave, it still had the presence of a Grand Dao realm cultivator. Its power was not to be underestimated. This headmaster, himself a Grand Dao realm cultivator, had dared to face Gu Changge head-on when standing alongside other headmaster-level figures.

“That’s right. The Xi Yuan civilization today is not what it once was. A great calamity is approaching, and no one can escape it. If we continue to be selfish and only care about our own survival, we will perish in this disaster.”

“Fellow Daoists, the example of Xian Chu Haotu still lies before us. We must open our eyes and make the right choice at this moment.”

The headmaster of Shouyang Tianzong spoke first, and the other leaders and headmaster-level figures followed suit. They expressed their approval and willingness to join the Yuxian Palace in establishing the Xi Yuan Covenant.

“We, too, are willing to abide by the new Xi Yuan Covenant and stand together with all of you,” said the leaders of other factions such as Tuoyang Mountain, Fanyin Hall, Gouchen Palace, Xuanguang Cave, and Jiuyou Mingque, without hesitation.

It was clear that, except for the top-tier immortal Daoist powers like Yuxian Palace, Zixiao Mountain, and Guangming Temple, who hadn’t yet taken a stance, the other smaller factions had all shown their allegiance.

Even many ancient existences, who had only recently emerged, after some brief contemplation, chose to align themselves with the majority. No one was foolish — rather than be swallowed up by the Pioneering Heaven Alliance, it was far better to unite first and stand together with a giant like Yuxian Palace.

This was certainly better than mysteriously becoming part of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance.

In the eyes of many cultivators and factions, the Pioneering Heaven Alliance was not just a cancer, but more like a venomous snake or scorpion that one should avoid at all costs.

The Pioneering Heaven Alliance was highly enigmatic. Despite having never directly interacted with it, it seemed to possess an almost magical ability to convert people, making them its most loyal followers without them even realizing it. Even powerful existences like Jing Tianyuan, the ancestor of the Jing Clan, Zixiao Mountain’s leader, Ziwang He, and the current Demon Emperor of the Demon Court, Di Kun, had all fallen under its sway.

How could ordinary cultivators resist such influence?

“The content of the Xi Yuan Covenant will not be solely determined by me. It will be a collective effort, with as many factions and groups participating as possible, to ensure fairness and avoid any favoritism,” Ling Yuling said as she looked towards the remaining factions and Daoist powers yet to express their stance. Among them were some of the most elite factions in Xi Yuan civilization, such as the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall, Ling Shen Cave, Guangming Temple, and the Tathagata Buddha Kingdom.

In her view, their stances were particularly important, as these powers had many branches and affiliated Daoist groups under them.

“Junior Sister, what do you think about this matter?” Xi Yin asked as she turned to the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan, transmitting her voice.

Although Xi Yin was slightly older in terms of seniority, how this matter was decided ultimately depended on the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan.

“The Xi Yuan Covenant can be considered later. Let’s observe the situation and see how things unfold,” the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan responded, shaking her head slightly.

She had been feeling uneasy. It was clear that Gu Changge understood Ling Yuling’s motives and the reason for her public declaration, yet he still led the people of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance here. Why?

“Amitabha, the Xi Yuan Covenant is a matter of great importance. My Tathagata Buddha Kingdom has always been compassionate and empathetic toward all beings. Naturally, we do not wish for disaster to strike. Our view on this matter aligns with Senior Ling Yuling’s,” the head of the Tathagata Buddha Kingdom said.

Though the ruler of the Tathagata Buddha Kingdom was absent, a simple, humble monk, dressed in tattered robes with a worn-out Buddhist hat, spoke for them. He clasped his hands together in prayer, exchanged a glance with the other ancient Buddhas beside him, and expressed their support.

Following this, other Daoist factions such as Guangming Temple and Ling Shen Cave quickly followed suit, expressing their willingness to cooperate and establish the Xi Yuan Covenant to benefit the lives of all beings in the Xi Yuan civilization.

Ling Yuling, with her graceful figure and light, elegant demeanor, smiled as she gazed upon this scene. “The fact that all of you are willing to support and acknowledge this is a great blessing for the beings of Xi Yuan civilization. On their behalf, I thank all of you,” she said, her voice warm and appreciative.

The leaders and headmasters of the various Daoist factions hurriedly cupped their hands and expressed their gratitude in return, saying, “Senior is too kind. With you taking the lead and standing for the people, it is a great honor for us.”

“Otherwise, who knows what the state of Xi Yuan civilization would become?”

“We revere the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall and hold Senior Xi Nu in high esteem, but we never expected the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall to be so indifferent to the current state of Xi Yuan civilization.”

“Although Xian Chu Haotu met its deserved downfall, this is also a tragedy for Xi Yuan civilization.”

Apart from the people of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance, who had yet to express their stance, only a few scattered cultivators from outside Cang Mang and the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall had not agreed.

This made many people feel displeased. They wondered what the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s stance was on this issue.

When the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall had previously been in Xian Chu Haotu, she had made it clear that she was protecting Gu Changge and stated that there was no evidence linking the Pioneering Heaven Alliance to the remnants of the black catastrophe.

Then, after the fake burial coffin of Xian Chu Haotu was sent by the Lord of Zixiao Mountain, causing turmoil across Xian Chu Haotu, it was the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan who intervened to confirm that the black coffin was not related to the remnants of the black catastrophe.

It would have been fine if it had happened just once, but after several such incidents, it caused many to lose faith in the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan’s credibility.

Now that the Xi Yuan Sacred Hall had not expressed its stance, many Daoist factions were growing increasingly dissatisfied.”Junior Sister…” Xi Yin also looked worried upon seeing this.

However, the Sacred Maiden of Xi Yuan remained unaffected, as though she had already anticipated this moment.

“I wonder, Young Master Gu, how do you view the matter of the Xi Yuan Covenant that I mentioned?” Ling Yuling did not address anyone else, but instead, turned her attention to Gu Changge, seemingly seeking his opinion.

Ling Yuling, with her delicate neck and graceful demeanor, spoke with a slight hint of apology, “I will forever remember Young Master Gu’s life-saving grace and cannot forget it. However, the matter of the Xi Yuan Covenant is crucial for the fate of the beings in the Xi Yuan civilization, and I must be cautious and prudent in how I proceed. I hope Young Master Gu understands this.”

“If the covenant cannot be agreed upon, then I will have no choice but to find another way. I will not stand idly by while the situation in Xi Yuan civilization deteriorates.”

Upon hearing these words from Ling Yuling, the crowd was stunned for a moment before it suddenly became clear.

It turned out that Gu Changge, the leader of the Pioneering Heaven Alliance, had once saved the life of the ancestor of the Yuxian Palace. The two of them were even somewhat familiar with each other.

This raised an interesting question: did this mean that the two of them were now at odds over the Xi Yuan Covenant?

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