Chapter 1182: Battle Begins

“Fellow Daoist, you can actually see through Chan Ling’s concealment art!”

Jing Lin’s expression shifted.

Daoist Chan Ling was quite renowned. Anyone who fought him found him extremely challenging, and this person was also exceptionally cunning, always avoiding experts like Old Daoist Zhen Yi. If one's strength was inferior to Daoist Chan Ling, there was no way to fight him, as he could retreat at any time, maintaining an unbeatable position. Yet, a demon cultivator who had just advanced to the Transformation stage could easily discern Chan Ling's movements! It was no coincidence; judging by Demon King Ming Yue's tone, Chan Ling was practically transparent before him. Jing Lin recalled how he and Si Di had been greatly disappointed earlier upon learning the helper's background. Now they realized they had underestimated Demon King Ming Yue.

“My divine ability happens to counteract this kind of concealment method,” Qin Sang explained calmly.

Jing Lin, who had been a little flustered, now looked excited. “That old rogue Chan Ling has finally met his match!” He immediately transmitted a message, informing Si Di of all the details.

“How much do the two Fellow Daoists know about Chan Ling?” Qin Sang remained calm. Even if Chan Ling’s concealment art was nullified, he was still a formidable Nascent Soul Mid-stage expert. Three against three, maintaining the Cold Bell Array unbroken wouldn't be difficult. The challenge lay in how to force back or even defeat the opponents; a prolonged battle would lead to an unpredictable outcome!

It was clear that the previously devised tactics were now useless. With Chan Ling present, and Old Devil Pei controlling the Nether Crystal Pagoda for support, an ambush opportunity was almost impossible. If a Nascent Soul cultivator were controlling the Cold Bell Array, they might be able to provide assistance. But now, it was only a Core Formation cultivator, who was already struggling just to avoid revealing weaknesses, let alone helping them.

“Having battled Sin Abyss for so long, we have some understanding of their Nascent Soul cultivators. Apart from that mysterious magic treasure, Chan Ling has not displayed any other powerful divine abilities. However, he is, after all, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator…” Jing Lin sobered, knowing that no Nascent Soul devil could be underestimated. No one knew if Chan Ling had any hidden trump cards. More often than not, Chan Ling had calmly retreated before the situation became desperate.

“So, Fellow Daoist, you don't have complete confidence either? It seems we can either abandon the plan, hold our ground and wait for reinforcements, or devise another strategy,” Qin Sang said in a deep voice.

Jing Lin was unwilling. “It would be a great pity to give up now, after finally gaining a helper who can counter Chan Ling and seizing the initiative!”

Qin Sang pondered for a moment, then said, “Chan Ling and Old Devil Tan are attempting to encircle and attack Fellow Daoist Si Di. If we engage either of them, the other, along with the Nether Crystal Pagoda, can provide timely reinforcements. Only Old Devil Pei, who is controlling the Nether Crystal Pagoda, will be trailing behind. However, if we turn their scheme against Old Devil Pei, Fellow Daoist Si Di must act as bait and endure the attacks of three Nascent Soul cultivators alone, which carries significant risk…”

“Sin Abyss has always maintained very strict defenses around the Nether Crystal Pagoda. Its controller can use the Pagoda's power for protection, making it generally difficult to break through their defenses via him. However, Old Devil Pei doesn't know the Cold Bell Array is strong on the outside but weak inside, so he will certainly fully cooperate with Chan Ling and the other to hunt Fellow Daoist Si Di. The moment they make their move will be when Old Devil Pei is most relaxed, presenting an opportune moment.”

Jing Lin also hesitated slightly. “As you said, Fellow Daoist Si Di’s situation will be very dangerous. We must ask for his willingness.”

After a silent exchange, a hint of joy flashed in Jing Lin’s eyes. “Fellow Daoist Si Di is willing to act as bait! He has recently learned a new divine ability that can handle this situation, which will give Sin Abyss a pleasant surprise!”

It was unexpected that Si Di actually agreed. Qin Sang was somewhat surprised and said gravely, “We must not betray Fellow Daoist Si Di's trust. This assassination attempt on Old Devil Pei must not fail!”

Jing Lin nodded. “There’s only one chance. Once Old Devil Pei and the others react, it will be very difficult to harm him again. My innate magic treasure is the Wind-Calling Bracelet…”

The two communicated carefully, discussed the details, and quickly finalized their plan.

As they discussed, Sin Abyss's army had already advanced, charging towards the sea of mist without the slightest hesitation.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

Three Nether Crystal Pagodas landed and rapidly expanded. Black light radiated in all directions, forming three immensely tall colossal pagodas that stood in a 'pin' formation on the battlefield, overlooking the cultivators and confronting the Cold Bell Array. The three colossal pagodas glowed, and black rays filled the sky and earth, converging into halos that slowly descended, covering the Sin Abyss cultivators and forming a shimmering membrane of light. The Sin Abyss cultivators roared in unison, their momentum astounding.

Old Devil Tan flew through the air, leading the charge like a sharp blade, while Old Devil Pei and Chan Ling were nowhere to be seen. Behind him, the Sin Abyss cultivators charged forward, simultaneously engaging in various preparations. The next moment, clusters of light of various colors erupted from the center of the battle formation. The Sin Abyss battle formation appeared even more organized and disciplined than that of the Two Domains Alliance. These light clusters represented various restrictions, Five Elements Daoist spells and techniques, as well as artifacts and magic treasures. Although seemingly chaotic, they were, in fact, coordinated very closely. As so much power was activated, it converged and merged within the Sin Abyss ranks, forming a massive light barrier that enveloped everyone inside, concealing the Nether Crystal Pagoda's light membrane.

They swiftly advanced. Old Devil Tan looked left and right, issuing commands intermittently. Streaks of light flew from the battle formation, landing on the ground ahead. Then, restriction talismans materialized, the earth tore open, and lava and tree vines surged forth in succession. However, all these anomalies quickly dissipated. It was clear that the cultivators of the Two Domains had set traps in advance. Unfortunately, such methods had little noticeable effect against enemies led by Nascent Soul cultivators. Under Old Devil Tan's command, the Sin Abyss cultivators cleared away these traps as if sweeping the ground clean.

“Whoosh, whoosh…”

The Nether Crystal Pagodas shot out black rays that condensed in the void, transforming into black, hiltless fierce blades. These enormous blades streaked across the sky. The moment the cultivators charged forward, the blades swung horizontally, slashing towards the cold mist ahead!

“Boom!”

The fierce blade cut straight into the cold mist. As the two forces collided, terrifying fluctuations instantly rippled outwards. The ground shook violently. A clear gap appeared in the cold mist. Wherever the fierce blade passed, the mist became incredibly thin, with surrounding mist continuously rushing in. An urgent ringing sound emanated from within the great array. The power of the Nether Crystal Pagodas and the Cold Bell Array began to erode and consume each other. Inside the central tall building, the Core Formation cultivator controlling the array artifact was pale-faced, gritting his teeth and persevering. He strictly followed Jing Lin's orders, maintaining a defensive posture.

At this moment, the Sin Abyss forces could already see the cultivators of the Two Domains, standing ready within the mist. They had been preparing since the enemy's presence was detected, and were already poised for action.

“Kill!” A roar erupted from within the Cold Bell Array. Enemies, meeting face to face, were filled with intense animosity!

Before the Sin Abyss cultivators could even reach the sea of mist, they felt a sudden flash before their eyes: countless blade and sword lights and Five Elements Daoist spells surged forth like a tide, overwhelming them from the Two Domains Alliance. Facing such an onslaught, even Old Devil Tan, a Nascent Soul cultivator, dared not be careless and prudently retreated. Under his guidance, everyone worked together to push the light barrier forward, stacking layers between themselves and the incoming attacks.