Chapter 2092: How Can One Look Away

As everyone withdrew their spiritual energy, the mountains shook and rocks crumbled. Rivers flowed backward, and the earth tore open.

Dust and smoke rose everywhere, laments filled the land, and birds and beasts were in utter panic. The landscape, once like a blessed immortal realm, was severely damaged.

The disciples of Qingyang Temple were awakened, utterly horrified by the shocking sight.

They had not anticipated their sect's failure, and even if they had, they couldn't have imagined such severe consequences. The new sect grounds seemed destined to become ruins, and decades of effort by the entire sect were ruined in an instant!

This failure severely impacted the morale of the Qingyang Temple disciples.

Everyone flew into the sky, looking towards the main peak.

The main peak was the highest, home to the main hall of the temple and many other important structures. The main hall constantly shone with golden light, a symbol of Qingyang Temple. Previously, the brilliant golden light and the silhouette of the main peak could be seen from anywhere within the sect.

Now, with dust and smoke everywhere, the golden light on the main peak had also vanished, obscured by the haze. The entire sky was gray, like the gloom in their hearts.

Those with higher cultivation could sense clues: this wasn't a normal mishap, but someone forcibly preventing their array from forming. They needed an answer.

Just as everyone was at a loss, the main peak suddenly shot out golden light, thousands of feet high. Although the golden brilliance couldn't clear the vast sky, it could calm everyone's minds.

With a chime, the Temple Master's voice echoed throughout the sect.

"The Changyou clan is invading, and the North Sea is in danger! Disciples above the Golden Core stage, quickly follow me to the North Sea. Other disciples, follow orders!"

This was another severe blow, weighing heavily on everyone's minds, but they also understood why the Temple Master made such a choice.

Even if not prioritizing the overall situation, the Beichen Realm was where Qingyang Temple's ancestral grounds were located, along with various branch temples and sub-temples. Many fellow disciples were stationed in the North Sea; they absolutely couldn't abandon them.

Furthermore, it was they who had invited experts from various sects, leading to the North Sea's vulnerability and giving the enemy an opportunity. Both for public duty and private conscience, they had to save the North Sea first!

Only in a moment of crisis would the Temple Master issue orders via golden talismans, with violators considered traitors to the sect. Within Qingyang Temple, all Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators dared not hesitate and immediately flew to the main peak.

At the same time, beneath the golden light, vast shadows emerged: airships, one after another.

Qingyang Temple disciples converged on the main peak from all directions. Some observant individuals noticed anomalies and grew suspicious.

Why was the timing of the enemy's attack so precise?

The God Transformation cultivators were also very puzzled. Qingyang Temple had invited them secretly, and they were only supposed to stay for a few months at most.

The Changyou clan not only seized the perfect opportunity but also, all signs indicated that such a massive offensive couldn't have been achieved with their previously deployed forces in the North Sea. They must have planned this for a long time, secretly mobilizing a large army into the North Sea much earlier.

"Temple Master Li!"

Fairy Qiuzhi's eyebrows furrowed, "How many people knew about this?"

Li Yufu gave a wry smile, "Shortly after the sect was established, this poor Daoist ordered the mountain sealed, refusing visitors. This time, inviting you all for assistance, I personally visited each of you, so our movements should not have been leaked. Only when we initially decided to re-establish the sect, some fellow Daoists came to visit, but those Daoists were all highly respected individuals..."

"It's hard to know what's in people's hearts, Temple Master Li was too careless!" Han Xi exclaimed, regretting the situation.

"If someone deliberately leaked this, their intentions are damnable!" Qiu Muxing said coldly.

It was too late to say anything now. Everyone had to return immediately. If the Changyou clan managed to invade the Crescent Moon Realm, the situation would be perilous.

Li Yufu called a few true disciples, gave them instructions, and then, with the other God Transformation cultivators, set off to reinforce the North Sea first.

After Li Yufu and the others left, Qingyang Temple busily prepared. Disciples boarded the airships one after another, and the airships sliced through the sky, disappearing into the horizon.

At this moment, the panicked Qingyang Temple disciples did not notice that all the God Transformation experts, including the Temple Master, had departed, leaving no one to suppress the grand array's conflict. Yet, the collapse did not continue indefinitely.

Unbeknownst to them, the sect grounds were undergoing a subtle change; quietly, the doomsday-like scene became less intense.

Inside the forbidden area.

Qin Sang sat cross-legged on the altar, his palm open, facing upwards.

His divine sense and spiritual energy extended outwards, eventually covering the entire Qingyang Temple. Every mountain, every stream, every blade of grass, every tree, was within his mind.

Qin Sang was intimately aware of all the changes at Qingyang Temple, including the collapsing mountain-protecting grand array. The grand array, which required the combined efforts of several God Transformation cultivators to activate, was now under his sole control.

Many parts of the grand array had collapsed, and two adjacent sub-arrays conflicted with each other. Not only could they not merge, but their powers continuously clashed, subsequently shaking the spiritual veins and causing tremors.

Qin Sang's mind stirred slightly, and his palm slowly lifted upwards. Silently, all the spiritual veins became stable again. The chaos on the ground had not completely subsided, but those were merely superficial effects.

Immediately after, all the sub-arrays came under Qin Sang's control. For the undamaged sub-arrays, cracks rapidly mended, and array tools were restored.

During the construction of the mountain-protecting grand array, Li Yufu had crafted extra parts and stored them in the treasure vault. At this moment, Qin Sang retrieved them and sent them to the damaged sub-arrays.

Before long, all sub-arrays were restored to their original state.

Qin Sang's expression was calm. His palm suddenly clenched. Qingyang Temple had spent a great deal on the mountain-protecting grand array; it certainly couldn't be used merely as bait and allowed to be destroyed.

With Qin Sang present, it could be completely reversed!

While the God Transformation cultivators needed to be cautious when combining their arrays, Qin Sang effortlessly managed it alone. In his estimation, this wasn't even the complete mountain-protecting grand array yet.

Without any surprise, the grand array took shape in Qin Sang's hands, transforming into an invisible, unknown power that encircled the sect grounds.

This act had to continue. Qin Sang did not immediately activate the grand array, and the chaos on the ground persisted.

"Temple Master Li, Palace Master Tong, I'm afraid you two will have to personally write to the Demon Clan, Witch Clan, and various sects in Central Province to request assistance to resolve this crisis."

Mansion Lord Li, the head of Jiang Lei Mansion, wore a carefree headscarf and a Daoist robe with lightning patterns. His long beard reached his chest, his eyes were bright, and his face was well-defined.

By the time they returned to the North Sea, they didn't know how dire the situation would be. Even if they rallied their forces, they could at best slow down the Changyou clan's advance, making a counterattack difficult.

To repel the Changyou clan, they had to secure reinforcements from Central Province.

"King Yu's secret letter should also arrive soon. When generals are outside, they should adapt to changing circumstances. I can also write a letter in King Yu's name," Han Xi interjected.

Qingyang Temple had Qin Sang, and Xuantian Palace had Liuli. These two great sects were considered sacred by the people of the Storm Realm, enjoying immense prestige. Coupled with the North Sea Demon Clan, their combined weight was significant enough.

"That should be the case!"

Li Yufu nodded. He, Tong Lingyu, and Han Xi discussed and carefully worded a letter explaining the situation, which was then sent to various clans and sects under their three names.

Meanwhile, Central Province had already received news of the North Sea attack, but their primary concern was the Western Desolate.

As expected, the Western Desolate was also under fierce attack from the Changyou clan's army, with continuous warfare.

The Changyou clan attacked the North Sea while simultaneously threatening the Western Desolate. This attack came without any warning, and the Western Desolate was in distress.

Western Desolate, Grand Compassion Zen Temple.

The original site of Grand Compassion Zen Temple was destroyed shortly after engaging the Changyou clan, forcing it to relocate inland. Grandmaster Huaiyin led the Western Desolate monks to rebuild the temple around the ancient teleportation array leading to Central Province.

With a formidable enemy at hand, the people of the Western Desolate united. At the same time, the various sects in Central Province understood that if the Western Desolate fell, Central Province would lose its strongest barrier. During that period, they fully reinforced the Western Desolate, sparing no expense, to defend this ancient teleportation array. Qingyang Temple, Xuantian Palace, and other North Sea forces also contributed significantly.

This teleportation array was located within the Grand Compassion Zen Temple. For hundreds of years, despite all trials and tribulations, the array remained intact.

Now, Grand Compassion Zen Temple also served as the main camp for the Western Desolate Allied Army.

Besides cultivators from the Western Desolate, the Allied Army included cultivators from Central Province, demons from the Demon Sea and East Sea, Witch Clan members, and cultivators from Canglang Sea. Furthermore, with Qingyang Temple's main branch relocating to Luye, they also sent many disciples to guard the Western Desolate.

The internal forces within the Allied Army were complex, and if each acted independently, there would be numerous hidden dangers. After suffering several setbacks, the various clans and sects established three main rules.

Each faction was divided by major regions, belonging to a single unit, and appointed a master to lead them, permanently stationed in the Western Desolate.

Simultaneously, the Allied Army also needed a supreme commander. Initially, Fairy Liuli naturally took the position, but as the strength of the various clans and sects gradually increased, Fairy Liuli no longer needed to personally manage everything and ceded the position. At that time, humanity's influence was significant, and the Three Sects Alliance was the strongest, gradually forming a rule of rotation among the Eight Views Pavilion, Ganlu Zen Temple, and Tianhao Tower.

Grandmaster Huaiyin was the local lord, but his cultivation and prestige were somewhat lesser. However, his status was transcendent; although not the supreme commander, all matters concerning the Western Desolate had to be discussed with him first.

As time passed, the power of the Three Sects Alliance grew stronger, but they hadn't expected that their greatest threat wouldn't be Fairy Liuli, but the Demon Clan.

The Demon Clans of the East Sea and Demon Sea were growing increasingly powerful, but they hadn't yet directly contended for leadership of the Allied Army. At this time, the commander of the Allied Army was still from the Three Sects Alliance, namely Elder Fan, the Grand Elder of Tianhao Tower.

After Sect Master Yu fell, Elder Fan had intended to contend for the position of Sect Master, but Elder Kurong proved superior, so he could only continue as Grand Elder.

Grand Compassion Zen Temple.

The atmosphere in the Grand Hall was heavy. Elder Fan, Grandmaster Huaiyin, and experts from various regions were gathered.

Among them were old acquaintances of Qin Sang, such as Valley Master Mu representing the Witch Clan, Yuan Zhu representing the Demon Sea Demon Clan, and Bao Xi representing Canglang Sea.

"What do you all think?"

Elder Fan was seated prominently in the commander's seat, with Grandmaster Huaiyin to his left. He cast a gloomy gaze over the assembly, finally resting his eyes on Grandmaster Huaiyin.

Grandmaster Huaiyin pondered, "This poor monk personally investigated the front line just now and confirmed with several fellow Daoists: the Changyou clan's current attack, while seemingly fierce, hasn't actually increased their forces much. Their main strength is still those previously stationed in the Western Desolate, and we haven't seen any of the Changyou clan elders appear."

Bao Xi pressed, "So, you can confirm that the Changyou clan's main attack direction is the North Sea?"

"How do you know it's not a feint by the enemy, to attack the West while seeming to target the East!"

Elder Fan frowned, bluntly interrupting Bao Xi, and gazed at Grandmaster Huaiyin, "Are you sure you've thoroughly investigated the enemy's details, Holy Monk? If your judgment is wrong, the consequences would be unimaginable!"

"Well..."

Grandmaster Huaiyin showed hesitation.

The matter was of great importance, and no one had absolute certainty.

Elder Fan looked around at everyone, "Fellow Daoists, you must know that on the battlefield, the seemingly real can be false, and the seemingly false can be real. Perhaps the Changyou clan's attack on the North Sea is a feint, and their true target is us. We must be vigilant!"

Bao Xi anxiously said, "The North Sea's first line of defense has been lost, and they are retreating step by step. Isn't that enough to explain the situation?"

"That's what the North Sea brought upon itself!" Elder Fan scoffed coldly. "If Qingyang Temple hadn't taken away so many God Transformation experts, leading to the North Sea's emptiness, where would all these troubles come from?"

Yuan Zhu's eyes flickered slightly, and he shook his head, "Elder Fan, your words are biased. Qingyang Temple only invited away a portion of the experts. Furthermore, the North Sea's army hasn't moved, yet they, after years of management, crumbled in a single battle with no power to counterattack. The enemy's strength is evident. Moreover, the Changyou clan elders have appeared repeatedly in the North Sea. They cannot simultaneously target both the North Sea and Central Province. Even if they have hidden troops in the Western Desolate, we can withstand them."

Elder Fan coldly questioned, "Elder Yuan Zhu must have sought instructions from Dragon King Jiao and Golden Toad King. Is this what those two fellow Daoists mean?"

Yuan Zhu's expression stiffened. He had sent back several talismanic messages, but they had all gone unanswered, and he simply couldn't understand what his clan was thinking.

A sneer played on Elder Fan's lips. At this moment, Valley Master Mu suddenly interjected, "May I ask what the Three Sects Alliance intends to do?"

Elder Fan could not be too obvious. He composed his expression and said, "As you all should know, the three Sect Masters have long been in seclusion, preparing to refine a spiritual treasure to counter the heavenly might of the late God Transformation stage. Their place of seclusion is sealed by a grand array, and even I dare not trespass. Currently presiding over the Three Sects Alliance headquarters are True Monarch Qishen of Eight Views Pavilion and Saint Yinci of Ganlu Zen Temple. Their prestige is not as high as the three Sect Masters, making it difficult to command all parties. The two fellow Daoists have not yet replied, likely gathering various sects and factions for discussion. How to proceed will depend on the evolving situation."

"Elder Fan, do you mean that the Three Sects Alliance cannot immediately reinforce the North Sea? Can't we divide our forces to manage both locations?" Valley Master Mu pressed.

Elder Fan calmly replied, "Whether to divide forces, True Monarch Qishen and Saint Yinci will certainly consider deeply. You must understand that traveling to the North Sea is far less convenient than to the Western Desolate. Once troops are dispatched, if the Western Desolate becomes critical, it will be difficult to send reinforcements back."

Before his words finished, someone suddenly said, "That's not right!"

Elder Fan's gaze sharpened, but then he realized the speaker was Grandmaster Huaiyin. He frowned and asked, "What do you mean, Holy Monk?"

"Back then, when our temple was ruined and the Western Desolate fell, Fairy Liuli and many fellow Daoists from the North Sea came to our aid, fighting valiantly. That scene remains vivid in this poor monk's memory, forever etched in my heart, with no way to repay it. Now, Fairy Liuli is severely wounded, also because of her great battle with the Changyou clan leader; otherwise, we wouldn't have obtained so much Azure Spirit Qi. When the North Sea is in trouble, how can we turn a blind eye!"

Grandmaster Huaiyin's expression was solemn.

He was the overlord of the Western Desolate and the abbot of Grand Compassion Zen Temple. His words represented the will of the entire Western Desolate, carrying significantly different weight. Even Elder Fan found it difficult to openly refute him.

Valley Master Mu and the others were overjoyed, agreeing repeatedly, acknowledging the truth of his statement.

It wasn't just the Western Desolate; the Demon Sea and Canglang Sea had also benefited from her grace. If Fairy Liuli hadn't stepped forward to lead the experts from Central Province and the North Sea to their aid, they would have long since perished, their homes and clans destroyed.

However, not everyone possessed a grateful heart.

Elder Fan hadn't expected Grandmaster Huaiyin to be the first to speak out. He couldn't help but inwardly curse, "It seems even the Buddhist sect isn't a solid block. I wonder how those bald monks from Ganlu Zen Temple are doing things!"

Just then, someone outside the hall suddenly shouted.

"Report! A secret message from Qingyang Temple has arrived!"