Chapter 1746. The Frost Master’s sacrifice still relied on the Fatian Alliance for protection

Within the Slanting Moon Sect, the scene was one of utter desolation, with mournful cries and gloomy clouds hanging low.

After news spread that the Zhengyi Alliance intended to abandon all the borderlands, everyone first felt anger, then despair and helplessness. At that moment, there was simply no solution—facing the encroaching dark creatures, they could find no way out.

The Zhengyi Alliance had abandoned them; there was no support at all. Except for the path to death, almost no other choice remained.

Upon receiving the news, many of the elders immediately guided the disciples from the outside back, then tried to send them away in batches.

Within just a few days, more than half of the Slanting Moon Sect had been emptied. Many of the immortal mountains and islands were evacuated, and even the spiritual springs and hidden Daoist treasures buried deep within the ley lines were taken away.

As for scriptures and ancient texts, the extensive records and profound knowledge were also removed. Every pavilion and palace was cleared, leaving behind only emptiness and chill.

On the ancient battle terraces, light flickered and spatial energies emerged, sending yet another batch of disciples away.

Each group of disciples was led by an elder, but where they would ultimately escape to, or what dangers awaited them ahead, remained unknown.

Gu Xian’er, Lan Xin, and the others were brought back to the Slanting Moon Sect and were busy packing their belongings, their hearts heavy with worry. It was estimated that within a few days, the dark creatures would breach the dam-like defenses and storm the inner lands.

Across the surrounding star regions and cosmic civilizations of the True Realm, no one would be spared. Other sects and Daoist powers were also doing their best to preserve a remnant of their lineage, sending disciples away early.

The Slanting Moon Sect was no exception. Many disciples and elders had already died in the recent battles, and those who survived were all elites.

Late at night, under a thick night sky with the moonlight flowing like water, the scent of wine intoxicating the air, the last banquet was laid out in the empty pavilions. The remaining disciples of the Slanting Moon Sect were all present—some silent, others drinking to excess, trying to forget everything.

They had not chosen to be sent away but had decided to stay. Many had been born in the Slanting Moon Sect and considered it their home. Even knowing death was inevitable, they still chose to remain.

Gu Xian’er was also present. Initially indifferent to the banquet, she could not refuse when Lan Xin invited her so earnestly, and thus she came.

To her surprise, Song Yu—the enigmatic figure of extraordinary origin who had been concealing his identity—had also not left and remained at the Slanting Moon Sect.

It seemed he was still determined to find the Nine Forbidden Secrets of the Binding Heaven Sect.

However, he was protected by a powerful figure of the Ancestral Dao realm. In a critical moment, he would be able to escape safely, more than enough for now.

Song Yu noticed Gu Xian’er, his expression slightly awkward at first, but he quickly composed himself and turned back to drink freely with the other disciples.

As Gu Xian’er had suspected, Song Yu remained obsessed with the Nine Forbidden Secrets of the Binding Heaven Sect.

This calamity had arrived suddenly; even he had no preparations. He had intended to proceed cautiously, but now there was little time left. He had planned to secretly take all relics related to the Binding Heaven Sect after the Slanting Moon Sect fell. Perhaps Uncle Lan would act to refine the entire Slanting Moon Mountain, taking all remaining artifacts away, leaving him time later to study and comprehend them.

“Ha ha ha… How laughable. We die defending the front lines, yet the Zhengyi Alliance colludes with the dark creatures behind our backs, abandoning us all.”

“It’s just a pity for the Master. He fought the dark creatures to save us, and now even his remains cannot be found.”

“I hate it! I hate the cold-blooded ruthlessness of the dark creatures, I hate the despicable treachery of the Zhengyi Alliance, and I hate my own weakness and helplessness.”

Within the pavilion, many were drunk, holding wine jars and drinking deeply, then tilting their heads back and wailing, tears streaming down their faces.

Others remained silent, drinking incessantly, saying nothing, carrying a heavy burden of grief and sorrow.

With disaster imminent and life uncertain, perhaps this drunken revelry would be their last pleasure in life.

Gu Xian’er also remained silent, drinking with Lan Xin. She was not a pure disciple of the Slanting Moon Sect; in truth, she had no sense of belonging here. Her presence in the sect was entirely thanks to the old madwoman.

Yet seeing this scene before her, her heart was deeply moved. She felt sadness and helplessness stir within her.

Beyond the dam, Elder Zhou advanced fearlessly, sacrificing his life. His silhouette remained vivid in her mind.

Perhaps now, the Slanting Moon Sect resembled the Daochang True Realm when it once faced invading enemies.

“Junior Sister Xian’er, I hope you can forgive the many offenses I’ve committed before. Please do not take them to heart.”

“On the dam, if you hadn’t come to our aid, my junior brothers and I would have already perished in the Black Tide.”

Then, someone stepped forward, holding a wine cup, and toasted Gu Xian’er, his face full of gratitude and guilt.

Gu Xian’er was slightly puzzled; she didn’t know these disciples personally. However, during the great battle, she had indeed saved quite a number of people.

“Senior Brother, you’re too polite. In times of calamity, when fellow disciples face danger, it’s only right to help,” she said gently, shaking her head.

After experiencing a fierce, bloody battle, many of the younger disciples of the Slanting Moon Sect had come to acknowledge Gu Xian’er. They were no longer as resistant to her as they had been initially.

In such desperate times, few cared whether she carried any ill omen. Moreover, her display of power in this war had impressed many.

She had even saved numerous fellow disciples, which caused those who once despised, resisted, or looked down on her to feel guilty and ashamed, embarrassed to face her.

Afterward, many more disciples came forward to toast her, expressing their gratitude.

Lan Xin looked on, feeling slightly relieved. These disciples still understood reason and gratitude—but regrettably, they realized this too late. If it had been earlier, perhaps Junior Sister Xian’er could have had a natural rapport with them.

“Unexpectedly, in the end, this girl has stayed.”

“With her talent, she should have left… actually.”

“Back then, it was our Slanting Moon Sect that wronged her.”

From the distant mountain peaks, many elders watched this scene, silent and deeply contemplative. They, too, had chosen to stay in the end, regardless of the outcome, remaining on the land to which they had devoted all their efforts.

The Sect Master of Slanting Moon Sect, along with several patriarchs and foundational figures, also watched silently.

Disaster was imminent, yet tonight was unusually calm.

“The eternal foundation of our Slanting Moon Sect… I never imagined it would one day falter, facing disintegration…” one patriarch sighed.

He was only a step away from reaching the Ancestral Dao realm, ranking among the top figures of the sect. Yet in the face of this great calamity, he was little different from an ordinary Daoist master.

“Our Slanting Moon Sect cannot be destroyed like this. Sect Master, you should lead the disciples to flee tomorrow. The final legacy of the sect… we will take responsibility for safeguarding it,” another patriarch said, his gaze deep, staring toward the distant mountains.

The Sect Master remained silent upon hearing this, looking at the gradually quieting and cold sect, his heart filled with melancholy and sorrow.

“I have wronged Elder Chen Yi…”

He shook his head. In an instant, he appeared much older, utterly defeated in spirit, recalling the day he had agreed to the Zhengyi Alliance’s request, sending Elder Chen Yi to the Fatian Alliance—to her death.

Sure enough, the Slanting Moon Sect now faced calamity. This was the cycle of heaven, retribution inevitable.

“As long as the flame of hope remains, it may yet blaze across the world in the future. You all go now.”

From deep within the Slanting Moon Sect, in a vast, silent expanse, a sigh suddenly echoed.

With swirling seven-colored mist rising, a faint, ethereal figure appeared.

It was a vague, indistinct form, surrounded by fragments of space-time, twisting the void itself, as if it had existed since the dawn of creation.

Its features were indistinguishable; only a surging aura filled the surrounding space, with divine rings orbiting behind its head.

All the elders and disciples of the Slanting Moon Sect were stunned. Several of the most ancient patriarchs couldn’t help widening their eyes, scrutinizing the figure, and then, filled with excitement, their voices trembling, they were about to kneel and pay respects.

“Are you the Founder…?”

The patriarch who spoke trembled.

The other elders and disciples also stared, wide-eyed, at the suddenly appearing figure.

“I am merely a lingering will he left behind. I only awaken when the Slanting Moon Sect faces great calamity, and even then, I possess only one-tenth of his full strength,” the figure said calmly.

Hearing this, the elders and disciples were stunned. Gradually, their excitement subsided, replaced by a sense of melancholy.

The Founder was a figure from an ancient age; no matter how extraordinary his powers, how could he still be alive today? Not everyone could be like the Founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace, still alive and well after countless ages.

Elsewhere in the Slanting Moon Sect, amidst ruins and relics, an old woman with disheveled hair sat on a stone, staring blankly at this area.

For a moment, a flicker passed through her originally hollow, vacant eyes, like thunder in the air, vanishing like lightning—sudden and unsettling.

Yet she soon returned to her previous dazed expression, sitting there as if nothing had happened.

The Founder’s lingering will seemed to sense this, glancing towards that ruined area. It said nothing further, only shaking its head.

The hearts of the elders and disciples grew even heavier with grief. Even the lingering will of the Founder had appeared—but what difference could it make? Those destined to perish would still perish. In the flood of this great calamity, no individual power could alter the outcome.

Late at night, after the banquet ended, Gu Xian’er returned to her own cave dwelling. She had already informed the Scarlet Phoenix and the white-clad woman about the current situation of the Slanting Moon Sect. She chose to flee alongside the sect’s elders. Relying solely on her own strength against the approaching Black Tide, survival was almost impossible.

During her time in the Slanting Moon Sect, the white-clad woman still showed no sign of regaining her memories. She spent each day within the cave, rarely venturing out. Even now, Gu Xian’er did not know her origins or identity, but she had grown accustomed to it and did not mind.

“Early tomorrow, all the elders of the Slanting Moon Sect will evacuate. Will you come with us, Senior?” Gu Xian’er asked the white-clad woman.

“I still cannot remember who I am. I will continue to follow you,” the white-clad woman replied. Her eyes were clear, her flawless face glowing like polished jade.

Gu Xian’er had packed everything in the cave, including the many spiritual plants and marvelous trees outside, which she carefully transplanted into her small world.

The Slanting Moon Sect had been almost entirely emptied. If there had been more time, Gu Xian’er would have taken even the remaining ruins, which contained the hidden secrets of the Nine Forbidden Secrets of the Binding Heaven Sect.

Boom!

Suddenly, a thunderous explosion shook the heavens and earth, startling everyone in the Slanting Moon Sect.

At the far edge of the world, black clouds pressed down, churning with rolling black mist. The heavens seemed to be torn open by a massive hand. Lightning and thunder crashed, filling the void, illuminating the dark star fields like the arrival of an apocalyptic catastrophe.

Dark, oppressive creatures stood there, their cold, eerie eyes fixed on the direction of the Slanting Moon Sect.

“The dark creatures have arrived…”

An elder was the first to notice, shouting with anger and alarm, his voice echoing across the peaks of the sect.

Everyone was stunned. They had not expected the dark creatures to arrive so soon. They had thought they could delay for a while longer, but now it was clear—the dam had been breached.

“To hell with the dark creatures!”

A disciple roared, drawing a Daoist sword, flying into the air to face the countless dark creatures pressing down from afar.

At that moment, the world was swallowed in absolute darkness. The dawn moon and stars were obscured. Mist swirled, thunder cracked, black clouds surged, and rain poured in torrents. The sky seemed ripped open, letting endless rain fall like a flood.

The lingering will of the Founder of the Slanting Moon Sect calmly observed the scene. Raising a hand, he pointed, and the once-silent mountains of the sect seemed to come alive. Ancient symbols erupted from the ley lines and peaks, shining brilliantly, dazzling in the darkness.

In the pitch-black night, it was as if one sun after another rose, driving away darkness and spreading light.

“Everyone, leave now,” he said calmly, stepping forward, surrounded by a dense Daoist mist.

Before he could act further, from a distant land, a terrifying hand reached out—immense and overpowering. The surrounding star regions trembled and collapsed under its pressure, as if one hand alone could annihilate the Slanting Moon Sect.

Amid the black mist, a gentle woman stood under an oil-paper umbrella, her eyes curved in a soft smile. “Wuyang, do not destroy that piece of the ruins. The young lady specifically requested it.”

“Yes, Chief Priest Li Shuang,” came the reply.

The hand belonged to Wuyang. He restrained some of his force upon hearing her, but still struck with a palm, unconcerned.

Ordinary Ancestral Dao-level existences were no match for him. With only a few disciples left in the Slanting Moon Sect, who could oppose him?

The gentle woman’s smile radiated warmth and grace, yet even someone as formidable as Wuyang dared not show disrespect before her.

The roles of Chief Priest and regular priests differed. The Chief Priest was personally chosen by the Grand Chief Priest and was a trusted confidant. During grand rituals, at least one Chief Priest must preside.

By virtue of being the Grand Chief Priest’s trusted aide, the Chief Priest ranked higher than ordinary priests in the eyes of the faithful—though of course, this was separate from the authority of the First or Second Priests.

As Wuyang struck, the lingering will of the sect’s Founder also extended its hand to meet his attack.

Boom!

The collision unleashed terrifying energy, surging violently like two worlds colliding. Time rippled, and the laws of the Dao scattered.

This was the shockwave of Ancestral Dao-level combat, where Dao techniques had reached their ultimate refinement.

Many disciples and elders of the Slanting Moon Sect roared as they charged. Torrential rain fell, black mist swirled, and a chaotic battle erupted suddenly.

At the same time, the Zhengyi Alliance’s defenses along the dams were falling one by one, and news spread of them abandoning various clans.

The Fatian Alliance’s armies advanced like a storm, breaking through other defensive lines into the heartlands.

Ancient warships crossed the void, crushing across the cosmos. Ling Yuling, Chu Heng, and others stood at the prow, looking down upon the scattered battlefields and devastation across the universe.

“It seems the Alliance Leader anticipated the Zhengyi Alliance’s actions and instructed us to attack from the border defenses,” someone said, gazing at the emptied star regions. “Only weak clans and factions remain. The Daoist powers capable of traversing the time-space tunnels have already advanced towards the heart of the Zhengyi Alliance.”

Now, the star regions were filled with the old, the weak, the sick, and the helpless.

Once the dark creatures arrived, these regions would become mere nourishment for their consumption, unable to resist in any way.

“The world fears our Fatian Alliance as fierce as tiger and venomous as serpent—but in the end, only we of the Fatian Alliance can provide protection.”

“Truly laughable,” someone sneered.

The vast Fatian Alliance army swept across the cosmos without disturbing the few remaining weak clans.

These clans, resigned to death, could only stare blankly, eyes wide, unable to comprehend what was happening.

Ancient warships passed over their territories. The unstoppable Fatian Alliance forces surged onward like a tidal wave, thundering towards the direction from which the black mist approached.

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