Chapter 1721: Bloodstained Time and Space (Part 1)

The Northern Divine Realm's invasion of the Eastern Divine Realm was like a tangible plague. For too long, peace and a long-held contempt for the Northern Divine Realm prevented the Eastern Divine Realm's profound practitioners from perceiving the sudden incursion of northern demons as a 'catastrophic disaster.'

The Upper Star Realms, meant to be the primary fighting force, naturally chose to defend themselves, assuming they wouldn't be affected. They expected the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm, as the perceived 'instigator,' to resolve the situation, flatly refusing to be 'suckers' who would needlessly sacrifice themselves for others. However, when this dark 'plague' rapidly infiltrated the heart of the Eastern Realm, any reaction from them would likely be too late.

Southern Divine Realm, Southern Sea Divine Realm.

Upon receiving the news, the Southern Sea God Emperor slowly rose, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light.

“In merely two days, the northern reaches of the Eastern Divine Realm have been overrun by demons, seizing over two hundred star realms. They are behaving like a pack of rabid dogs.”

The speaker, clad in silver, had a sinister gaze. He was Nan Feihong, the 'Northern Prison Sea King,' one of the Southern Sea God Emperor's Four Sea Kings.

“Still, these are only Middle and Lower Star Realms, so it’s not a significant loss. However, it’s rumored that the occupied star realms are half-drenched in blood, and these blood debts…” The Northern Prison Sea King chuckled mockingly, “will likely fall entirely upon Eternal Heaven.”

“Now, Eternal Heaven simply needs to issue the command and organize the Upper Star Realms for a counterattack; slaughtering these crazed demons would merely be a matter of time. However, Eternal Heaven’s reputation is likely to suffer a severe blow because of this.”

After the Northern Prison Sea King finished speaking, he noticed the Southern Sea God Emperor was deep in thought. He promptly asked, “Your Majesty, do you suspect there’s something amiss?”

The Southern Sea God Emperor raised his gaze, then chuckled softly, “Accompany me to the Eastern Divine Realm.”

The Northern Prison Sea King frowned, “Is Your Majesty considering… offering aid?” Based on his understanding of the Southern Sea God Emperor, the least likely action in the current situation would be to offer aid to the Eastern Divine Realm. He would even prefer to see the Eastern Divine Realm crippled by chaos.

The Southern Sea God Emperor said, “Eternal Heaven will want to suppress this demon uprising as quickly as possible and minimize its losses. They are highly likely to seek help from the Brahma Emperor, the Moon God, and the Star God… This presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“An opportunity?” The Northern Prison Sea King was even more perplexed. He stepped forward and whispered, “Is Your Majesty intending to…”

“No need for further questions,” the Southern Sea God Emperor said, turning his gaze north. His brow suddenly furrowed.

“This timing, it seems almost too convenient.”

He sensed something was amiss, but in this world, nothing could surpass the allure of 'eternal life.'

“It’s rare that I’m willing to be a pawn,” the Southern Sea God Emperor sneered. “In that case, let’s play the part completely!”

As he whispered, a murderous glint appeared in his eyes. Whether he was willing or not was one thing, but anyone daring to use him as a pawn… he certainly wouldn’t let them off lightly!

Eastern Divine Realm, Moon God Realm.

Yao Yue, Lian Yue, and Jin Yue all bowed respectfully before the moon-white sand curtain, reporting on the chaotic situation in the north to the Moon God Emperor. In a short span of time, the number of star realms overrun by demons had already reached three hundred. The sheer speed was horrifying.

From behind the sand curtain, the Moon God Emperor slowly spoke: “Destroying their own star realms to frame Eternal Heaven, then using revenge as a pretext to swiftly breach Middle and Lower Star Realms. They take all living beings hostage but deliberately avoid engaging Upper Star Realms. This makes the Upper Star Realms view Eternal Heaven as the primary culprit, causing them to be unwilling to sacrifice themselves to rescue the Middle and Lower Star Realms, which they already hold in low regard.”

“A battle line that should have easily formed against the demons completely disintegrated from the outset.”

“To be able to manipulate human hearts to such an extent, this must be the work of the Northern Realm Demon Queen.”

“Framing?” Yao Yue asked, bewildered. “But I have repeatedly confirmed that the projection clearly showed the Universe Smelting Cauldron.”

“Lian Yue,” the Moon God Emperor said.

“Yes,” Lian Yue nodded, explaining, “Two years ago, in the Primordial God Realm, at the place where Venerable Taiyin perished, I detected the energy signature of the Universe Smelting Cauldron. It must have been then that the Universe Smelting Cauldron fell into Yun Che’s hands.”

“Furthermore, what transpired in the Primordial God Realm involved Zhou Qingchen, making it impossible for the Eternal Heaven God Emperor to disclose it publicly. Likewise, the world would never believe that such an important divine relic as the Universe Smelting Cauldron could fall into the hands of the Northern Divine Realm.”

“Such a thing actually happened,” Yao Yue exclaimed, surprise on her face.

“The scale and ambition of this demonic invasion are far more terrifying than you realize,” the Moon God Emperor slowly stated. “They appear to only dare to oppress Middle and Lower Star Realms, claiming to await a response from Eternal Heaven.”

“However, the profound arks ‘escaping’ from the occupied star realms are the most terrifying hidden danger.”

“Oh?” Lian Yue’s delicate brows furrowed. “Is Master concerned that the northern demons might infiltrate the Eastern Divine Realm using those profound arks? That seems unlikely to succeed. The demons’ dark aura is notoriously difficult to control and easily exposed. Even if they hid in the deepest recesses of a profound ark, they would be easily detected, let alone achieve large-scale migration.”

A brief silence followed, then the figure behind the sand curtain spoke softly: “Indeed, the most dangerous and terrifying thing in this world is not the unknown, but ‘that which transcends understanding.’”

The three women exchanged glances. Yao Yue said, “All Moon Gods and Divine Envoys are on standby in Divine Moon City, and forces of all levels have been fully prepared. With your command, they can move north to suppress the invasion at any moment.”

The sand curtain lifted, and Xia Qingyue slowly emerged. Her figure then blurred, appearing far behind the three women. “I will personally visit Eternal Heaven first. Before my return, no one is to act rashly.”

Before stepping out of the Imperial Hall, she paused. “Jin Yue,” she instructed, “Shui Meiyin possesses an immaculate divine soul and is extremely cunning. With the current turmoil, she might seize the opportunity to escape. For now, you are to personally keep watch over her.”

Jin Yue was momentarily stunned but, unable to defy the command, quietly replied, “Yes.”

The atmosphere within the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm was eerier than ever before. News of the northern demonic chaos arrived every half hour, each update more alarming than the last. Countless cries for help also accompanied the chaotic reports. The northern demons claimed this invasion was retaliation against Eternal Heaven, and even the various realms of the Eastern Divine Realm were awaiting Eternal Heaven’s intervention.

His most beloved son had died in the Northern Divine Realm less than two years prior, and the Eastern Divine Realm’s last wild divine marrow had been lost. Zhou Xuzi’s heart was still wounded. He, clearly the greatest victim, had suddenly become… the instigator of this divinely inflicted demonic calamity!?

Zhou Xuzi finally understood the true purpose behind the various rumors from unknown sources and the framing incident they had been too complacent to address.

“The Red Wind Realm has fallen! Its Realm King is dead, seventy percent of its Royal Sect is destroyed, and thirty percent have surrendered!”

“Reporting, my Lord, Qiantian and Zihong have been breached. We have issued several strict orders for the four nearest Upper Star Realms to provide support and retake them, but none of them are willing to move first!”

“All nine Maha Realms have been seized by demons…”

“Reporting, my Lord, the number of demons dispatched by the Northern Divine Realm this time is at least fifty times greater than yesterday’s estimate. It is highly probable… highly probable that this isn’t even the full extent of their forces. Furthermore, it has been repeatedly confirmed that the dark profound energy of these demons shows absolutely no signs of weakening within the Eastern Divine Realm!”

“My Lord, the various northern star realms are now in utter chaos. Every moment, countless profound practitioners and profound arks are frantically fleeing south. The central and southern regions have also begun to experience varying degrees of panic and disorder.”

One side was well-prepared, the other was a scattered mess. One side fought without fear of death, while the other desperately clung to life. The Eastern Divine Realm, having enjoyed peace for too long, was now utterly chaotic in the face of true disaster, a sight no one could have imagined.

The constant influx of news made the Eternal Heaven God Emperor’s expression exceedingly grim, yet he maintained his composure. Below, the formidable Eternal Heaven forces were fully prepared, including six Guardians.

“My Lord, we cannot wait any longer,” said Venerable Taiyu. Every moment of delay meant countless Eastern Realm profound practitioners would perish. These blood debts… half would be attributed to the northern demons, and the other half would fall squarely upon the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm. They would be unable to shake it off.

“How many have arrived?” Zhou Xuzi inquired.

“Currently, the core combat forces from one hundred and forty-three Upper Star Realms have arrived, all personal retinues of their Realm Kings,” Venerable Taiyu reported. “However, it’s somewhat peculiar that there’s been no response from the nearby Sacred Universe Realm.”

“Additionally, the profound teleportation array is ready. It possesses enough power to transport everyone to the northern border in five transmissions.”

The Eternal Heaven Divine Realm excels at spatial manipulation. Even without the Universe Smelting Cauldron, they can still swiftly construct profound spatial arrays capable of tremendous range and large-scale transportation… though the energy consumption is undeniably immense.

“Indeed, we cannot wait any longer,” Zhou Xuzi murmured. Just then, his gaze abruptly shifted. A purple figure instantly appeared from a distance, moving so swiftly it seemed to emerge from a crack in the void, coming to rest beside Zhou Xuzi.

“Has the Moon God Emperor also come to reprimand this old man?” Zhou Xuzi asked, his tone flat.

Though the messengers were deliberately concealing it, he knew without a doubt that the afflicted star realms and the terrified profound practitioners of the Eastern Realm were undoubtedly… blaming and cursing him with words perhaps even more venomous than he imagined. Yet, perhaps only days ago, these very people had genuinely revered and unreservedly praised him. This was merely a natural reaction, a natural display of human nature.

Xia Qingyue smiled indifferently. “Your Eternal Heaven lost a Universe Smelting Cauldron, only to gain an extraordinarily massive burden,” she said. “I barely have time for pity, let alone blame.”

Zhou Xuzi was slightly moved. “The Moon God Emperor truly possesses keen insight,” he conceded. “I merely wonder how many of Eternal Heaven’s people are informants for the Moon God Emperor.”

“That hardly seems to be the Eternal Heaven God Emperor’s primary concern at the moment,” Xia Qingyue said, not bothering to deny anything. She continued, “You disdained clarification before, and now it’s impossible. This burden, you can only bear it firmly.”

She glanced at the vast array in the distance, which was radiating a potent spatial aura. Her moon-like brows furrowed slightly. “Over a hundred great sects from the Upper Star Realms and their Realm Kings. Truly worthy of the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm. Even after being accused of instigating this demonic calamity, you can still assemble such a colossal force in such a short time.”

“Allow me to guess where this newly constructed teleportation array is headed…” Her moon-like eyes narrowed slightly, then she whispered, “Is it to the northern edge of the Eastern Realm?”

“Precisely,” Zhou Xuzi affirmed with a nod.

Xia Qingyue explained, “Teleporting such an immense force behind the northern demons, then coordinating with forces from the central and southern Eastern Realm to advance from north and south, respectively. Once this formation is complete, all demons who have invaded the Eastern Realm will be trapped like turtles in a jar.”

“Truly, as expected of the Eternal Heaven God Emperor. After days of inaction, your move is utterly ruthless. It appears this demonic calamity will soon dissipate, and I need not worry unnecessarily.”

With her words, Xia Qingyue turned, seemingly preparing to depart.

“Is the Moon God Realm not preparing to offer assistance?” the Eternal Heaven God Emperor inquired.

Xia Qingyue replied, “In the eyes of the world, this demonic calamity originated from your Eternal Heaven. If your Eternal Heaven can resolve it independently, the infamy you bear afterward will naturally be minimized.”

“However, should the demons prove far stronger than anticipated…” Xia Qingyue’s gaze flickered. “The great teleportation array is right there; our Moon God Realm will naturally intervene immediately. I imagine Qianye Fantian shares this perspective.”

“However, information from all sides has repeatedly confirmed that while the Northern Divine Realm has deployed a large number of forces from Upper and Middle Star Realms, there’s no trace of the Three King Realms. After all, supreme rulers are inherently fearful of death; how could they dare to personally appear outside the Northern Realm? I’m afraid neither my Moon God Realm nor the Brahma Emperor God Realm will have an opportunity to ‘intervene’.”

Her words seemed to consider Eternal Heaven’s benefit, allowing them to claim sole credit and reduce their infamy. In reality… neither the Moon God Realm nor the Brahma Emperor God Realm wished to expend their own strength.

“Alas,” the Eternal Heaven God Emperor sighed deeply. Recalling the past, when he decided to take Zhou Qingchen to the Northern Divine Realm… he had completely fallen into Chi Wuyao’s manipulation.

With Xia Qingyue’s departure, Zhou Xuzi no longer waited for the unresponsive Upper Star Realms. “Prepare for teleportation!” he commanded.

“Taiyu, remain here and guard.”

“Understood,” Venerable Taiyu acknowledged.

“Father!” A young man, clad in white with sharp brows and deep eyes, descended from the sky, landing before Zhou Xuzi. His gaze was resolute as he declared, “Your son requests to join the battle.”

This was Zhou Qingfeng, the son chosen by Zhou Xuzi to be the new Crown Prince of Eternal Heaven, whose grand enthronement ceremony was soon to take place.

“Qingfeng, you cannot,” Venerable Taiyu interjected. “Those demons are exceedingly vicious, and this invasion has many unsettling aspects. As the future Crown Prince, you must not put yourself in danger!”

“No,” Zhou Qingfeng replied, raising his head, his face devoid of fear. “Precisely because I am to be the Crown Prince, I must not shrink from battle in the face of such a demonic calamity! This is a disaster for the Eastern Realm, and even more so for Eternal Heaven. Please allow your son to fight by your side, to bear this burden together, and I shall have no regrets, even in death!”

A hint of gratification appeared in Zhou Xuzi’s eyes. He didn’t hesitate long, slowly nodding. “Very well, Qingfeng. You shall accompany your father, and together, we will bury these demons in the Eastern Realm forever.”

“Yes!” Zhou Qingfeng bowed with joy, his eyes burning with resolve.

The curious plot is nearly fully laid out; next comes the grand climax… Eternal Heaven, Moon God, Brahma Emperor, tremble! Hmm? Did I miss one? Is there a fourth King Realm in the Eastern Divine Realm? Never mind, it's not important!