Chapter 1714: Killing the Enemy

The foul domain was not only larger than before, but the defilement within also seemed more concentrated. This was undoubtedly a result of the death of numerous low-level Foul Race members, especially those spherical creatures whose bodies contained potent defilement. They seemed to have been born specifically to congeal foul domains.

The Moon Sages of Jade Helix were scattered in all directions, unable to relax their vigilance even when meditating. Seeing their posture, Lu Ye knew they had endured many battles recently. They had clearly tried to prevent the Foul Race Moon Sages from descending, but unfortunately, they had not succeeded. This was because the foul domain now contained the aura of another group of Foul Race Moon Sages, even more numerous than before. As before, they were setting up those tower-like structures, attempting to stabilize the wormhole. Lu Ye also noticed that the wormhole seemed to have expanded, indicating further changes had occurred since he left.

Sensing the presence of Lu Ye and his companions, Qiu Wu immediately came forward to greet them. At first glance, he was stunned to see so many Moon Sages accompanying Lu Ye. When Lu Ye had previously mentioned getting reinforcements, Qiu Wu couldn't fathom how he would do it. But now, it was clear that reinforcements had indeed arrived: over ten Moon Sages, all radiating powerful auras.

"Junior Brother Lu," Qiu Wu said, approaching with a group of Jade Helix Moon Sages to offer greetings.

"Sector Master Qiu," Lu Ye replied, looking at the foul area with slight confusion. "How is that wormhole more stable than before?" Based on his previous observations, each Moon Sage passing through the wormhole would destabilize it. Logically, with so many more Foul Race Moon Sages arriving, the wormhole's stability should have worsened. However, the opposite was true; the wormhole had become even more solid instead of deteriorating.

Qiu Wu explained, "I don't know what the Foul Race did, but about ten days ago, the wormhole suddenly changed, and several Foul Race Moon Sages rushed out. We were caught unprepared and had no choice but to retreat, leading to the current situation." The Jade Helix Moon Sages had been fighting in the foul domain for extended periods, enduring immense consumption and constantly guarding against the defilement's erosion. Their situation was arduous. If they had only faced a group of Divine Sea Foul Race members, it would have been manageable, but they were utterly incapable of stopping a sudden emergence of Foul Race Moon Sages. Had they not retreated quickly, there might have been casualties.

Hearing this, Lu Ye knew that Xu Yuan was right: the Foul Race indeed had a method to stabilize the wormhole, though it came at a cost. The Foul Race must have used this method with restraint, as it hadn't yet reached the point where Sun Sages could pass through. Thus, the cost incurred wasn't significant and remained within their acceptable limits.

Xu Yuan suddenly spoke slowly, "Lad, if we kill this group of Foul Race members, they should retreat voluntarily." The first wave of Foul Race Moon Sages had been completely annihilated. Now, the Foul Race had sent another group of Moon Sages. If this yielded no results, the Foul Race would pose no further threat to Jade Helix unless they forcibly brought down Sun Sages. The Foul Race likely wouldn't resort to such measures unless Jade Helix presented a sufficiently significant benefit. They had invaded various parts of the starfield, establishing multiple battlefields, and not every one of them was easily conquered. Therefore, the Foul Race wasn't absolutely determined to take Jade Helix, provided Jade Helix could demonstrate sufficient self-preservation capabilities.

"This is..." Qiu Wu looked at Xu Yuan. With his peak Moon Sage cultivation, he couldn't discern Xu Yuan's true strength, causing a chill in his heart as a realization dawned on him. Anyone whose depth he couldn't perceive had to be a Sun Sage! From the Undulating Star System? But it had been less than a month; how could Lu Ye have traveled so far to bring a Sun Sage from there?

"This is Elder Xu Yuan!" Lu Ye introduced simply, without elaborating.

Led by Qiu Wu, the group of Moon Sages immediately bowed. Qiu Wu said, "Thank you, Elder, for your assistance. Jade Helix is immensely grateful."

Xu Yuan waved his hand. "The Foul Race is our blood enemy. While we are helping you, we are also avenging our own. There's no need for thanks."

Qiu Wu paused, then asked, "May I ask, Elder, what is your race?" He wasn't as knowledgeable as Ma Shangsi. While he did sense that Xu Yuan and his companions weren't human, he couldn't identify their specific race.

"They are the Soul Race," Lu Ye explained. "The Soul Race possesses the ability to possess, which can greatly enhance the strength of the possessed individual. Later, we will cooperate with our Soul Race senior brothers and sisters to eliminate the enemy."

Qiu Wu and the others' eyes lit up. Although they had never heard of the Soul Race, this possession ability sounded extraordinary.

"How is everyone's condition?" Lu Ye asked.

Qiu Wu replied, "We've all mostly recovered." They had retreated and hadn't launched any further attacks, and ten days were sufficient for a full recovery.

"Then let's make our move!" Knowing that such matters should not be delayed, Lu Ye turned to the many Soul Race Moon Sages behind Xu Yuan. "We appreciate your efforts, senior brothers and sisters!"

One of the Soul Race Moon Sages smiled and said, "It is our duty to resist external enemies together."

Lu Ye's expression became serious as he looked at Qiu Wu and the others. "Please do not resist; just relax your minds and bodies!" Although somewhat bewildered, everyone complied.

The next moment, one by one, the Soul Race Moon Sages flickered and surged towards the Jade Helix Moon Sages. In an instant, all the Soul Race Moon Sages vanished, while the Jade Helix individuals revealed expressions of shock.

The Soul Race's possession technique could provide a remarkably significant boost to the possessed. This enhancement was all-encompassing; while it wouldn't directly raise one's cultivation realm, it was comparable. Upon experiencing it, the Jade Helix Moon Sages felt that in their current state, they could even fight above their usual level without issue. Ma Shangsi's expression was particularly intriguing. He had never imagined that as a Blood Race member, he would one day be cooperating with the Soul Race.

Lu Ye had prior experience with possession, but back then, both he and Li Shang were only at the late-stage Star Constellation realm. Now, he was an early-stage Moon Sage, and the one possessing him was the individual who had just spoken, a late-stage Moon Sage. This instantaneous surge in power made Lu Ye feel as if his body was brimming with overflowing strength, ready to be unleashed. This was just a late-stage Moon Sage possessing him; if Xu Yuan were to possess him... Of course, that thought wasn't practical, as the stronger the Soul Race cultivator, the greater the pressure on the possessed individual. Moon Sage cultivators could only withstand possession by Soul Race members of the Moon Sage realm. If Xu Yuan were to use his possession technique on Lu Ye, Lu Ye wouldn't be able to bear it.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, inform me if you feel any pressure," the Soul Race Moon Sage's voice echoed in his mind.

Lu Ye nodded. "I'm fine!" His physique had reached its peak in the Star Constellation realm, having condensed his own Body Flower. In terms of spiritual power, he also had the Seven-Colored Divine Lotus. Therefore, being possessed by a late-stage Moon Sage truly didn't put much pressure on Lu Ye. Any other early-stage Moon Sage would certainly not have found it as easy as him.

"Let's go!" Staring at the foul domain, Lu Ye spoke softly.

Qiu Wu also let out a low roar, "Everyone, follow me to slay the enemy!"

At his command, Qiu Wu led the charge forward, followed fiercely by the group of Jade Helix Moon Sages, pressing onward. This was a battle to protect their homeland, a fight with no retreat. If they lost this battle, Jade Helix's fate would surely not be good. Even though they had to face more Foul Race Moon Sages this time than before, everyone was filled with confidence. Last time, even without the Soul Race's assistance, they had managed to annihilate the enemy. With the added benefit of Soul Race possession this time, there was no reason to lose.

The great battle erupted instantly. The clash of Moon Sages created aftershocks that were unbearable for the Divine Sea Foul Race. While the Star Constellation Foul Race could withstand them, they couldn't interfere in the battle. Battles erupted simultaneously across multiple fronts.

The Foul Race Moon Sages were astonished to find that their enemies were different this time. They had previously engaged Qiu Wu and his group when rushing out of the wormhole and were naturally aware of the Jade Helix Moon Sages' true capabilities. However, in this confrontation, the Jade Helix Moon Sages' strength had significantly increased. Moreover, during the engagement, Soul Arts continuously assaulted their spiritual senses, causing the Foul Race Moon Sages to feel immense pressure almost immediately. If not for their superior numbers, they would have instantly been at a disadvantage.

Lu Ye, meanwhile, had confronted a mid-stage Moon Sage Star Beast Foul Race member. This Foul Race creature lacked consciousness and was in a state of enslavement. He knew that to break the deadlock in this battle, he needed to reduce the enemy's numbers. Given the current state of the Jade Helix cultivators, they would definitely gain an advantage if the numbers were roughly equal. That's why he immediately targeted this Star Beast Foul Race member, as enemies without consciousness were easier to kill. With a late-stage Moon Sage Soul Race member possessing him, combined with Lu Ye's own profound foundation, it wasn't difficult to eliminate this Star Beast Foul Race member.

The opponent was like an octopus, its massive tentacles sweeping and thrashing. Many Divine Sea Foul Race members who couldn't dodge in time were torn to pieces by its attacks. Lu Ye swiftly evaded its attacks, appearing above its head. As his spiritual power surged, a great sun burst forth, engulfing the creature. Foul blood splattered as the Star Beast Foul Race roared. A massive tentacle swept towards Lu Ye from above its head, but Lu Ye showed no intention of dodging. He lifted his long saber and directly slashed at one of the tentacles. Empowered by the divine blade, the massive tentacle was severed as easily as cutting tofu, flying an unknown distance due to inertia. Saber light continuously flashed, and in just two short breaths, all the Star Beast Foul Race's tentacles were severed, leaving only an oval-shaped body. Foul blood flowed from the wounds, and driven by instinct, a look of terror flashed in its eyes. A massive saber aura suddenly struck from the front. As Lu Ye's figure swept past, the Star Beast Foul Race was already split in two.

Having been the first to slay an enemy, Lu Ye immediately rushed to the nearest battlefield. Outside the foul domain, Xu Yuan, who had concealed his aura, watched this scene. His brow slightly furrowed; he suddenly realized that Lu Ye's strength was unusually potent.