Chapter 1749: Attack of the Giant Blade

The withdrawal of cultivators from Three Realms Island from Baiyue Island did not attract much attention at first, as it wasn't considered a major event. However, news quickly spread across the Myriad Manifestation Sea, drawing countless eyes towards the retreating force. The reason was simple: the direction of their advance was not towards Three Realms Island at all!

Twenty Tiger Shark battleships led the way, followed by dozens of large star-skiffs, forming a vast and menacing procession—a clear sign that they were heading to confront someone. Connecting this with previous events, many suddenly understood: someone was about to face trouble! That target was Giant Blade Island!

When Three Realms Island was at war with Baiyue, Giant Blade Island had dispatched a contingent of personnel. Taking advantage of Three Realms Island being unguarded, they broke through its grand formation and briefly stayed there for a very short period, less than half a day in total. Since Baiyue Island collapsed too quickly, Giant Blade Island immediately withdrew from Three Realms Island upon hearing the news, fearing retaliation from the returning Three Realms cultivators.

Although the Three Realms cultivators had gone all out at the time, everyone believed that the Moon Weavers of Three Realms Island couldn't have been unaware of this incident. How they would handle the matter was what truly piqued everyone's curiosity. In fact, Three Realms Island itself had suffered no actual damage; Giant Blade Island had merely visited and left, gaining nothing. Three Realms Island could have simply chosen to act as if nothing had happened. However, seeing the imposing formation of the Three Realms cultivators now, those who understood realized that Three Realms Island was clearly intent on repaying grievances and settling scores. Acting as if nothing had happened? Impossible!

Ten days after the uproar of the Baiyue war subsided, another commotion began. More and more cultivators, having received the news, followed the Three Realms fleet towards Giant Blade Island, each with a sense of apprehension.

The way Three Realms Island constantly dispatched its entire force, completely disregarding the safety of its own spiritual island, was truly perplexing. Throughout the Myriad Manifestation Sea, even factions that only occupied medium-grade spiritual islands treated their home island as their most prized possession. After all, it was the foundation of their presence in the Myriad Manifestation Sea, and even if friction arose with an enemy, they would always leave behind sufficient defensive forces.

Three Realms Island, however, seemed utterly unconcerned. Such a valuable stronghold lay vacant for over ten days, yet they were in no hurry to return. After leaving Baiyue, they immediately set their sights on Giant Blade Island. And yet, surprisingly, no one dared to target Three Realms Island. Three Realms Island's seemingly reckless style of operation left countless Moon Weavers across the Myriad Manifestation Sea dumbfounded and uneasy. They wondered, if they were ever to become enemies with Three Realms Island, and its entire force came to attack them, what should they do? It seemed that apart to a direct confrontation, all other tactics would be ineffective. Throughout the Myriad Manifestation Sea, conflicts over spiritual islands used to follow established rules and patterns. But Three Realms Island was like an unruly brawler, disrupting the rhythm with wild, unconventional moves.

On one of the star-skiffs in the Three Realms fleet, Old Tang was explaining the situation at Giant Blade Island to Lu Ye and others. During the attack on Baiyue, Lu Ye and the others hadn't paid attention to Giant Blade Island's invasion of Three Realms Island, nor did they have the time. However, Tang Jun, being well-informed, naturally learned of it quickly. After the Battle of Baiyue Island, the Three Realms cultivators were in no hurry to leave. Firstly, they needed to assist the Four Directions star system in establishing defenses, and secondly, they used the opportunity to rest. Giant Blade Island was their next target.

Tang Jun also took this time to gather information about Giant Blade Island. Relatively speaking, Giant Blade Island was somewhat weaker than Baiyue, as it was only a medium-grade spiritual island. Its situation was similar to that of the Four Directions star system, and its overall strength was comparable. That's why, when Yu Huan sent a message to Zhao Yunqi of Giant Blade Island, Zhao Yunqi eagerly dispatched troops to attack Three Realms Island. In his view, it was an excellent opportunity to seize a high-grade spiritual island. And he really did occupy it with ease! At that time, Zhao Yunqi was full of self-satisfaction, naively believing that from then on, Giant Blade Island would soar. However, his joy didn't last long, as news of Baiyue's collapse soon reached him, and panicked, he immediately withdrew his troops. For these ten days, the cultivators of Giant Blade Island had been living in agony. No one knew what attitude Three Realms Island would take towards them, until precise news arrived today.

Inside the main council hall of Giant Blade Island, several Moon Weavers were gathered. Zhao Yunqi's face was grim. "Everyone," he said, "the people from Three Realms Island are heading our way. It seems they've come to settle accounts."

"Then let's fight them!" a brawny body cultivator rumbled, looking unconvinced. "I've inquired, Three Realms Island's strength is similar to ours. If we truly fight, we might not lose!"

Zhao Yunqi looked at the body cultivator speechlessly, a headache brewing.

A woman beside him sighed and spoke softly, "When cultivators contend, it's not just about overt strength. How powerful was Baiyue Island? It had two thousand Constellations, a high-grade spiritual island cultivated for eight hundred years, yet Three Realms Island conquered it in an instant, with no casualties. We are inferior to Baiyue; how can we withstand the wolf-like cultivators of Three Realms Island?"

The body cultivator retorted, "Sister Le, why boost others' morale and diminish our own prestige? I heard that Baiyue lost primarily because people from Three Realms Island secretly infiltrated it. As long as we guard against that and firmly defend our spiritual island, what can Three Realms Island do to us?"

"The key is their infiltration!" Sister Le sighed. "To this day, no one knows how the people of Three Realms Island managed that. So, no matter how much we prepare, we might not be able to prevent it!" She paused for a moment, then continued, "Most importantly, Three Realms Island is coming with the formidable momentum of their great victory over Baiyue, and the Constellations on our island are all very alarmed!"

If the Constellations are afraid, their morale and combat power will be affected. Giant Blade Island cannot be defended by just a few Moon Weavers. Another elder slowly spoke, "Three Realms Island's infiltration shouldn't be easy; Baiyue was unprepared, which allowed them to succeed. If we take extra precautions, we should be able to prevent such a situation. What I fear now is that they will besiege us without attacking!" This was also a possibility, and if it happened, it would not be good for Giant Blade Island. Once besieged, with people unable to enter or exit, panic would surely set in, and problems would inevitably arise over time. Therefore, Three Realms Island's current expedition to Giant Blade posed a major crisis for Giant Blade Island.

Zhao Yunqi was filled with regret. At the time, he had been foolishly tempted, immediately attacking Three Realms Island after receiving Yu Huan's message. But who could have imagined that Three Realms Island would be so brutal, annihilating an enormous Baiyue at will... Now that they had provoked them, it would likely be difficult to escape.

The Moon Weavers discussed for half a day but couldn't devise a proper solution. Soon, a Constellation rushed in, his face pale, reporting, "Island Masters, the people from Three Realms Island have arrived!"

Zhao Yunqi and the others' expressions changed; they had arrived so quickly! Several figures immediately left the hall, soared into the air, and looked up. A few dozen miles outside the island, the Three Realms fleet had indeed arrived. Twenty Tiger Shark battleships glared menacingly, and numerous Constellations disembarked from their star-skiffs, gathering in groups of three to five, ready to form battle formations, presenting a stance of imminent assault on Giant Blade Island.

Zhao Yunqi's scalp tingled with dread. In terms of defensive strength, Giant Blade Island could not compare to Baiyue Island, so he was unsure how long their island's protective grand formation would last if Three Realms Island launched a full assault. He had heard that Three Realms Island possessed a unique Black Tortoise Grand Formation, capable of unleashing a devastating strike by combining the power of five Moon Weavers. Just over ten days ago, the central defense of Baiyue Island had been shattered by it.

Various thoughts raced through Zhao Yunqi's mind as he envisioned the worst possible scenarios. However, to his relief, Three Realms Island had merely adopted an attacking posture and had not yet made a move. Zhao Yunqi was quick-witted, and upon reflection, he realized there was still room for negotiation today. The other side didn't seem to intend to attack immediately, otherwise, battle would have already begun.

He immediately stepped forward to the front of the island's protective grand formation, looked towards where the Moon Weavers of Three Realms Island were gathered, and cupped his hands in greeting from afar. "Zhao Yunqi of Giant Blade," he called out, "I greet all fellow Daoists. May I know who is in charge among you?"

Luan Xiao'e stepped forward without hesitation and said coldly, "I am Luan Xiao'e, Grand Island Master of Three Realms Island."

"So it is Island Master Luan, a pleasure to meet you." Zhao Yunqi greeted, feigning surprise. "I wonder if my Giant Blade Island has offended your esteemed island in any way, to cause Island Master Luan to lead troops to besiege us?"

Luan Xiao'e gazed at him indifferently. "If that's how you're going to speak, then there's nothing more to discuss."

Zhao Yunqi's expression became somewhat awkward, but he dared not show anger. He cleared his throat and said, "Then I presume this is about the incident ten days ago. Island Master Luan, I can provide an explanation for that matter to your esteemed island."

Luan Xiao'e remained silent.

Zhao Yunqi continued, "It was like this: ten days ago, a group of bandits attempted to harm my Giant Blade Island. After a fierce battle with my Giant Blade cultivators, they fled. I led my troops in pursuit, and those bandits actually rushed into your esteemed island to hide. Left with no choice, I had to enter and eliminate them... Yes, that's what happened."

It must be said that Zhao Yunqi was quite adept at telling blatant lies. His fabricated story sounded plausible, and there was not a trace of deceit on his face. However, anyone could see that he had lost his composure, otherwise, he wouldn't have offered such an explanation. As a fellow Moon Weaver, Zhao Yunqi didn't wish to humble himself, but Three Realms Island had arrived with the formidable power of their great victory over Baiyue. Not only were the Constellations on his island terrified, but even he, a Moon Weaver, felt intimidated. He couldn't guarantee that Three Realms Island wouldn't be able to conquer Giant Blade Island, so no matter what, this battle had to be avoided today. It wasn't easy for the Giant Blade star system to occupy a medium-grade spiritual island in the Myriad Manifestation Sea. If it were lost under his leadership, he would become a sinner to the entire star system.

"Is that so?" Luan Xiao'e calmly replied, just as Zhao Yunqi was on edge. "But I heard that Daoist Zhao led people to forcefully attack my Three Realms grand formation and broke through it?"

"Nonsense!" Zhao Yunqi vehemently denied. "That is utterly baseless. My Giant Blade cultivators are solely focused on developing themselves in the Myriad Manifestation Sea and never get involved in disputes or conflicts with other forces. This is widely known."