Chapter 2118: Undetermined Eight Extremes Diagram

The Mortal Realm

Inside the imperial carriage, a scroll hung suspended, depicting the locations and terrain of the major regions within the Storm Realm. Min Zhuo walked in, hearing King Lu and others discussing where to launch their attack.

After listening quietly for a moment, King Lu looked at him and asked, "Clan Chief Min Zhuo has fought against these foreign tribes for many years. Do you have any good strategies? Feel free to speak." The Grand Arch-Priest, Lu Gan, and several generals under King Lu's command all looked at Min Zhuo. Only the Young Master remained with his eyes closed, resting, appearing unconcerned.

Min Zhuo looked straight ahead, his mind quickly turning over thoughts.

The Storm Realm can be roughly divided into three regions. The Eastern Sea, Central Continent, and Western Land, when considered as one, form the Central Continent, which is the undisputed core of the Storm Realm. The other two regions are considered remote.

He had just heard that some among Lu Gan and the others advocated for dividing their forces into three armies, led by King Lu, the Grand Arch-Priest, and the Young Master respectively. These three armies would launch a simultaneous attack on the three major regions.

So far, there were no signs of other armies arriving to reinforce the foreign tribes, and the Siyou Clan's army held an absolute advantage.

The most crucial factor was the unknown number of Void Refinement experts on the enemy side. As long as the Siyou Clan could dispatch forces to tie them down, and then order their main army to advance and launch an all-out assault, they would have the chance to sweep through and decisively settle the conflict in one fell swoop.

Once they lost both their territory and their people, the morale of those Void Refinement experts would surely plummet, making it easier to defeat them one by one.

However, the Young Master had not expressed his opinion on this, and a too-rapid defeat of the foreign tribes would not align with Min Zhuo's interests.

He stepped forward two paces, acknowledged the question, and pointed to a spot on the sea map, recounting the details of previous major battles. "...The North Sea and the Central Continent are connected by teleportation formations, allowing for timely reinforcements between the two. However, there's one exception: a place the foreign tribes call the Azure Waves Sea and the Demonic Sea. It's the most remote area. Years ago, our clan targeted this region, successfully occupying this sea, but unfortunately, it was later reclaimed by the enemy. However..."

Min Zhuo's tone shifted, "Before, I had not achieved my breakthrough, and the enemy also had no Void Refinement experts. Our past experiences cannot be applied directly to the present. Back then, planning for one region before the whole, and gradually encroaching, was a feasible strategy. Now, the foreign tribes' strength is unfathomable, and they possess altars that have never appeared before. True Lord Qin surely wouldn't consider the gain or loss of a single region very important; it might even be a trap."

King Lu pondered, "Clan Chief Min Zhuo, do you mean that if we divide our forces, it would play right into the enemy's hands, allowing them to defeat us one by one?"

"These are merely my conjectures, without concrete evidence."

Min Zhuo slightly bowed, "The intelligence continuously sent from various regions aligns with what Daoist Lu Gan personally investigated: the foreign tribes are simultaneously constructing countless altars across all major regions. If these altars all belong to a single altar formation, and all three regions are within this formation, then the person controlling the formation from the main altar can direct its divine power to any location. In that case, attacking anywhere would be the same. Thus, dividing our forces would be akin to actively weakening ourselves, while the enemy's power could be concentrated through the formation in one place, leading to a situation where they are strong and we are weak in that specific area!"

He paused, then added, "Of course, this is assuming they have constructed a killing formation! If the altars are only for defense and cannot attack, then they are just a tortoise shell, nothing to worry about!"

King Lu smiled, "Clan Chief Min Zhuo's idea perfectly aligns with the Grand Arch-Priest's. The top priority now is to ascertain the true nature of those altars."

Min Zhuo replied, "I wouldn't dare. The Grand Arch-Priest surely possesses profound foresight and has already made plans. My humble words are but a source of amusement."

King Lu waved his hand, then turned his gaze to the sea map. He raised his hand and pointed to the Western Land, his voice filled with vigor, "Since that's the case, we will march directly to their doorstep. This is our target!"

Everyone responded, "As you command."

Lu Gan said coldly, "I'm eager to meet True Lord Qin again!"

"I just hope those altars aren't just for show, used to cover their escape!"

"If they wanted to flee, they wouldn't have waited until today," the Grand Arch-Priest subtly shook his head, stepped forward two paces, and took over from King Lu in deploying the troops.

The Grand Arch-Priest did not assign any tasks to the Young Master. After several attempts to gauge him, the Young Master's attitude was already very clear.

Lu Gan and the others accepted their orders and departed.

The army set off directly towards the Western Land, their momentum undisguised. As they advanced, the weather changed drastically wherever they passed.

King Lu nodded with satisfaction and exchanged a glance with the Grand Arch-Priest. The Grand Arch-Priest turned and bowed to the Young Master, saying, "We will reach the Western Land in a few days. Young Master, when do you plan to activate the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram?"

The Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram was the formation map King Lu had requested from Emperor Si.

It was said that this diagram possessed immense power. King Lu had obtained it specifically to counter the enemy's altar formations. Should the enemy launch a surprise attack, having this diagram's protection would prevent them from being caught off guard and suffering heavy losses.

The imperial family treasured the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram as a precious artifact. Although Emperor Si had agreed to lend it, it had to be personally wielded by the Young Master.

The Young Master raised his eyelids, his demeanor lazy, and said, "Oh? We haven't even encountered the enemy yet, and you want to activate this diagram already?"

"Activating the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram in advance allows us to respond promptly if any unexpected situations arise. By the time we reach the front lines, it might be too late to deploy it. This battle won't be decided in a single day, and we need the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram to create a stable rear, steady the morale of the troops, and only then can we advance steadily, step by step, gradually forcing out the enemy's true strength. My King specifically implored Emperor Si for this diagram precisely for this moment. Furthermore... it is rumored that the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram is not easy to deploy. Once unfurled, its presence is grand, but its power doesn't immediately reach its peak; it requires continuous refinement for its power to gradually increase. Is this true or false?"

Although the Grand Arch-Priest's latter words were a question, his tone was very certain.

The Young Master's eyes flickered, "I didn't expect the Grand Arch-Priest to know so much about the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram, even these secrets. As expected, he is indeed well-informed, worthy of someone from 'that place'!"

Hearing this, Yuan Mu and Min Zhuo couldn't help but glance sideways, secretly wondering what "that place" the Young Master was referring to.

The Grand Arch-Priest chuckled, his expression unfazed, his eyes fixed on the Young Master's sleeve.

"Very well!"

The Young Master stood up. A faint, mystic-yellow glow flashed from his sleeve, and a small, mystic-yellow scroll flew out.

The next moment, the Young Master appeared outside the imperial carriage. With a flick of his large sleeve, the scroll glowed brightly and slowly unfurled.

A rich, mystic-yellow light emanated from the scroll, covering the sky and the earth. A layer of yellow light enveloped the surrounding magic vessels and cultivators.

The scroll floated before the Young Master, its surface shimmering with spiritual light. The scenery within the painting was not constant, revealing various strange and mysterious sights, appearing like mountains yet not mountains, like water yet not water.

Unexpectedly, after activating the scroll, the Young Master ceased all movement and turned his gaze towards the sea. King Lu and the others did not urge him, waiting in silence.

Not far ahead, a shadow appeared on the sea surface—it was an island.

The island was lush and green, with no signs of human activity.

The Young Master's expression subtly changed. The scroll flew through the air towards the island. Upon reaching the airspace above the island, it suddenly flipped, with its image facing downwards, and the mystic-yellow light enveloped the entire island.

Immediately after, an astonishing scene unfolded: as the mystic-yellow light spread, the island began to "melt." The soil and rocks became soft, flowing down from the mountaintops and ground as if a mudslide had occurred. Soon, all the peaks and hills on the island dissolved, and the entire island melted, resembling an island of quicksand. Only the vegetation did not sink into the ground but flowed along with the soil.

Following this, a yellow light suddenly emerged from the island, shooting towards the scroll. The soil and rocks of the island followed the yellow light, flowing upwards against the current, continuously being swallowed by the scroll. In the blink of an eye, a small part of the island was devoured. The scroll seemed to contain infinite space, and the swallowing continued.

Ultimately, the entire island vanished into thin air. The seawater filled the void, leaving no trace behind.

The scroll swiftly flew back, its surface glowing with an even richer yellow light. Looking at the image now, a mystic-yellow wind rotated continuously within it.

The Young Master's hand seals changed rapidly, and he consecutively unleashed several magic spells. The mystic-yellow wind swirled upwards, finally transforming into a strong gale that filled the sky.

The void turned a murky yellow.

Those with profound cultivation looked down, surprised to discover a piece of land had appeared beneath their feet.

Evidently, this land was formed from the island absorbed by the scroll, but its area was several times larger than the original island because its crust was thinner.

Subsequently, the army continued its advance, with the Young Master continuously activating the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram. Countless islands were absorbed by him. The troops no longer needed to travel by magic vessels; they could stand firmly on a massive landmass.

This was a landmass capable of flying in the sky or floating on the sea, large enough to accommodate everyone, and its speed surpassed that of magic vessels!

The Young Master finally stopped the absorption. With a downward press of his hand, the scroll trembled, fell to the ground, and vanished without a trace.

He scanned the surroundings, a satisfied expression on his face. He took out a jade slip and handed it to the Grand Arch-Priest, "You all, according to the marked positions on this, send people to guard and help me absorb the mighty power of heaven and earth to continue refining the Unfixed Eight Extremes Diagram. During this refinement, I do not wish to be disturbed."

The Grand Arch-Priest solemnly said, "We understand the importance and will absolutely not disturb the Young Master!"

The Young Master nodded, lightly tapped his foot, and vanished into thin air, escaping into a certain part of the earth.

King Lu and the others surveyed their surroundings, seeing a landmass with rolling mountains, towering peaks, bizarre rock formations, and dense forests, all appearing perfectly natural, without any trace of human alteration.

The army was arrayed on the landmass, awaiting orders.

This scene made it seem as if they had moved their homes along with them, fighting with their homeland by their side.

...On the vast expanse of water, emerald waves stretched for miles.

A bird plunged into the sea, caught a small fish, and was about to ascend back into the air when it was suddenly enveloped by a shadow.

The bird tilted its head, stunned by the sight before it, dropping the prey from its beak without even realizing it.

A landmass was actually flying through the sky, and at an astonishing speed, it had flown to the horizon in the blink of an eye.

"Reporting to King Lu, once we cross this sea, we will reach the Western Land," Min Zhuo said, pointing ahead.

King Lu smiled faintly, "I wonder what the remnants of the Yan Mountain Si family are preparing to greet us with."

Before his words faded, a dull thunderous roar suddenly came from the east.

Despite the clear skies and a high-hanging sun, the thunder was distinctly audible. When it reached their location, those with weaker cultivation felt their qi and blood surge, and their minds unsettled.

King Lu and the others' expressions subtly changed. They gazed intently, initially seeing only the calm sky, with no abnormalities.

As the army continued its advance, celestial phenomena finally appeared: the eastern sky suddenly turned dark.

The darkness lasted only a moment, then was instantly illuminated by dazzling lightning. From afar, streaks of lightning dragons and electric pythons could be seen dancing beneath the sky, their thunderous power transmitting across the distance.

This was no ordinary heavenly thunder. The lightning traveled across the sky's extreme points, stirring but not striking, indicating someone was surely casting a spell there.

However, the scale of this spell was simply too vast. The horizon was a brilliant silver, completely transformed into a boundless swamp of lightning.

It was hard to imagine how much thunder was concealed there, and what terrifying power it would unleash once activated.

"It's a lightning altar!"

The Grand Arch-Priest said in a deep voice, and the expressions of King Lu and the others grew even more solemn.

It was well-known that among all cultivation methods, lightning spells were the most formidable. Lightning spells used purely for defense were extremely rare, indicating that the altar formation was highly likely a killing formation!

One must enter the tiger's den to catch the tiger's cub!

The Siyou Clan's army did not halt. Maintaining its original speed, it gradually approached the lightning swamp.

Amidst the heaven-shaking thunder, a magnificent voice suddenly rang out. This sound, shaking heaven and earth, overpowered the thunder and rolled towards them.

"Halt, intruders!"

King Lu looked at the Grand Arch-Priest, who understood instantly. He cast a spell, and the landmass immediately hovered motionless, confronting the lightning swamp across the void.

Immediately, one of King Lu's subordinates shouted loudly, "Who are you, and why do you block our path!"

The other party did not answer, but instead sternly questioned, "Who are you people, daring to intrude upon this humble Daoist's sacred ground!"

"Hahahaha..." Lu Gan suddenly burst into hearty laughter and stepped forward from the crowd. "Is that True Lord Qin? Do you still remember this old man? Today, I've come to fulfill the promise made that day."

The voice from the other side said coldly, "So it's you, a defeated opponent. What courage can you speak of!"

Lu Gan secretly fumed and snorted, "You're on the verge of death and don't even realize it."

"This old man advised you kindly back then. It's still not too late if you hand over that vile creature now. If you remain stubborn, today will be your day of reckoning!"

The only response he received was a disdainful sneer.

Just then, a person quietly materialized beside King Lu. The Young Master had also emerged from his seclusion.

King Lu stopped Lu Gan from speaking further. He flew alone into mid-air and bowed from a distance, "I am King Lu. True Lord Qin, why do you not show yourself and speak?"

Before his words finished, the lightning-plasma in the opposing lightning swamp churned, finally condensing into a human figure, whose appearance was identical to Qin Sang.

He casually performed a Daoist salute and said indifferently, "King Lu of Hanjiang, I've heard much about you! Has King Lu personally led this expedition specifically to conquer this humble Daoist?"

King Lu took no offense, smiling grandly, "True Lord Qin, if you wish, you can withdraw at any time. We have come by Emperor Si's command to suppress the rebellion. Whether we fight or seek peace depends on your side's stance."

As he spoke, he glanced behind Qin Sang, "True Lord Qin is ultimately not of our clan. Why not invite the true master out? Or are the esteemed Young Lord of Yan Mountain and Xia Changshi, the foremost attendant under King Yan, now only daring to act like cowardly turtles, afraid to step out and confront us face-to-face?"

At this moment, Qin Sang's Dharma Body presided over the main altar, and the cultivators at all the subsidiary altars took their positions, jointly activating the altar formation.

The lightning swamp was a manifestation of a portion of the altar formation's power, but its true might remained hidden and unactivated.

In the center of the lightning swamp, Qin Sang's true self and a Blazing Feather Bird stood side by side, observing the situation outside.

The Blazing Feather Bird was Si Lu's companion beast. Si Lu knew she couldn't avoid this confrontation and had already prepared to face them directly. However, provoked by King Lu, she couldn't help but feel a surge of hidden anger, her frustration hard to suppress.

Flames flickered around the Blazing Feather Bird, and it transformed into Si Lu's form. She nodded to Qin Sang and flew to the front of the formation.