Chapter 1840: Contesting Territory, Rear Left Vulnerable

Lightning-based dao techniques were inherently powerful, and Wang Mengbin's strength significantly increased after he advanced to the late Nascent Soul stage.

"Madam Cheng, you flatter me," Wang Mengbin replied modestly. "If you hadn't contained the enemy, I wouldn't have been able to defeat them so easily."

"Let's quickly deal with the remaining enemies, collect the treasures here, and then head to the next stronghold," Wang Youwei suggested, his expression excited.

As long as they didn't encounter a Soul Transformation cultivator, no one in the Thousand Gourd Realm should be a match for them. After all, they each possessed fifth-tier talismans.

Wang Mengbin nodded. With a light touch of his finger, a deafening thunderclap reverberated from above. Thousands of silver lightning bolts ripped through the sky, striking the demonic cultivators on Thousand Spirit Island.

Piercing screams erupted as the lightning surged skyward.

Wang Youwei and the others immediately took action. In less than ten breaths, no demonic cultivators resisted on Thousand Spirit Island, and over a hundred expressed their surrender.

At the northwest corner of Thousand Spirit Island, a towering emerald-green peak rose into the clouds. Wang Mengbin and his group stood at its base. Not far away, a blue stone tablet, over ten zhang tall, bore the three golden characters "Thousand Spirit Peak."

"Seniors, this is where our branch's treasure vault is located," said a thin, reedy middle-aged man, pointing to Thousand Spirit Peak with a respectful expression. The middle-aged man's name was Chen Mo, a Core Formation cultivator. The enemy's strength was overwhelming, and he had no desire to die.

Wang Mengbin extended his hand and lightly pointed at Thousand Spirit Peak. Following a tremendous roar, thousands of silver lightning bolts struck down.

After a series of deafening crashes, dazzling silver lightning engulfed Thousand Spirit Peak, and dust flew everywhere.

A moment later, the lightning dispersed. More than half of Thousand Spirit Peak had vanished, revealing a faint blue water curtain. Behind it stood a blue stone gate, its surface shimmering with runes, clearly indicating a powerful restriction.

Wang Youwei performed a hand seal, and the giant yellow ape's fists glowed with blinding yellow light as they smashed towards the blue water curtain.

A tremendous crash! With a resounding thud, the blue water curtain caved in, and Thousand Spirit Peak shook violently.

Wang Mengbin pointed his finger, and hundreds of silver lightning bolts flew out from the thundercloud, converging into a silver lightning spear several hundred zhang long. Surrounded by crackling lightning, it shot directly towards the blue water curtain.

The silver lightning spear struck the blue water curtain, tearing it open like thin paper. The spear then hit the blue stone gate, which instantly shattered, revealing a stone chamber several mu in size.

Wang Youwei and the others entered one by one. Inside the stone chamber, more than a dozen shelves were laden with minerals, magic treasures, spirit herbs, and other items.

Wang Mengbin smiled knowingly, realizing their efforts had not been in vain. His gaze swept across the room and landed on a blue jade box adorned with a silver talisman. Intricate patterns were carved into the surface of the jade box.

He quickly walked over, removed the talisman, and opened the lid. Inside was a fist-sized golden crystal, emitting a powerful magnetic force.

"This is a Primordial Magnet Crystal!" Wang Mengbin exclaimed, his expression filled with excitement. When Murong Yuyao offered a heavenly-grade secret realm, they had obtained a small piece of Primordial Magnet Crystal. The crystal before them was much larger than that one.

"This treasure was originally meant to be offered to Ancestor Chen," Chen Mo explained. "It came from a large primordial magnet ore vein, and there are still many primordial magnet stones." Chen Mo explained, adding that he had made a small fortune himself when he participated in the excavation of the ore vein. The Ancestor Chen he referred to was Chen Datong, the only fifth-tier artifact refining master of the Demon Race.

"This Primordial Magnet Crystal is quite sizable; offering it to Senior Wang is undoubtedly the best option," Cheng Zhenyu said with a smile. If not for Wang Changsheng, they wouldn't have had the opportunity to come to the Thousand Gourd Realm, let alone gather cultivation resources.

Wang Mengbin nodded and said, "This Primordial Magnet Crystal and the primordial magnet stones will be presented to the Ancestor. As for everything else, we'll divide it amongst ourselves."

Hearing this, Cheng Zhenyu and Zheng Nan were overjoyed. All the items here were useful for spirit cultivators, greatly benefiting their cultivation paths.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Wang Mengbin and his group departed from Thousand Spirit Island. Led by Chen Mo, they proceeded to other branch strongholds of the Demon Race to continue gathering cultivation resources.

Similar scenes unfolded across the Thousand Gourd Realm.

Eastfence Realm, Azure Lotus Island.

In the council hall, Wang Qingshan, Wang Qingling, Wang Qingjing, Fairy Ziyue, and others gathered, their expressions filled with excitement.

"I never expected the war to go so smoothly, taking down the Thousand Gourd Realm so quickly," Wang Qingling remarked with a smile. She had thought it would take decades, not such a swift resolution against the Demon Race.

Wang Qingshan nodded. "Indeed! I didn't expect it either. Ninth Uncle asked me to return and gather a group of people to go to the Thousand Gourd Realm to seize territory and plunder cultivation resources. Without the protection of Soul Transformation stage demons, the Thousand Gourd Realm is a massive piece of fat, and everyone wants a bite."

Large numbers of experts from the Eastfence Realm and Sky-Wave Realm rushed to the Thousand Gourd Realm to plunder cultivation resources. At this time, whoever took the lead would seize more resources.

"Fairy Tian, would you like to lead a team there? Now is an excellent time to plunder cultivation resources," Wang Qingshan asked, looking at Fairy Ziyue.

Fairy Ziyue pondered for a moment, then nodded. "I'll return to my sect immediately to gather people and head to the Thousand Gourd Realm with you."

"Seventh Brother, please be careful," Wang Qingling cautioned. "I'll stay behind in the Eastfence Realm." She reminded him that with a large number of experts transferred to the Thousand Gourd Realm, defenses would surely be weakened. Azure Lotus Island could not be left without a strong presence. With her Ice Wind Dragon, she could even hold her own against a late Nascent Soul cultivator.

Wang Qingshan did not object. After discussing for over half an hour, the meeting concluded. In addition to their own clan members, the Wang family also recruited personnel from their affiliated forces.

Seven days later, on a blue stone plaza spanning a thousand mu.

Over three thousand cultivators stood in neat formation. Wang Qingshan, Wang Qingjing, Murong Yuyao, Fairy Ziyue, and Guang Dongren stood at the very front. The Wang family had mobilized one hundred Core Formation cultivators and over three thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators for this expedition, with the majority coming from their affiliated forces. After centuries of development, the Wang family was formidable, capable of mobilizing tens of thousands of cultivators. This time, sending over three thousand cultivators to the Thousand Gourd Realm to plunder resources was a significant investment. Most of the Wang family's elite forces had departed for the Thousand Gourd Realm, leaving not many high-level cultivators within the clan.

"You all understand this mission," Wang Qingshan's voice echoed across the blue stone plaza, clear for all cultivators to hear. "Everyone must obey orders. Violators will be severely punished without leniency."

"Yes, Ancestor (Senior Wang)," the cultivators responded in unison, their expressions excited. They all knew they were going to the Thousand Gourd Realm to plunder cultivation resources, and since the formidable enemy had been eliminated, there wasn't much danger.

"Depart!"

Wang Qingshan summoned his Qian-Guang Light-Shadow Evasion Shuttle and boarded it. Guang Dongren and the others followed close behind. Wang Qingshan performed a hand seal, and the Qian-Guang Light-Shadow Evasion Shuttle's light brightened significantly, soaring towards the horizon.

From a certain mountaintop, Fairy Cailian watched Wang Qingshan and his group disappear into the distance, her willow-like brows furrowed in thought.

"The great tribulation ended so quickly? Did Great-Grandfather make a mistake?" Fairy Cailian mumbled to herself, looking utterly bewildered.

Myriad Beast Island, Council Hall.

Sun Tianhu convened a meeting with dozens of elders, and Gongsun Yang was also present. Their expressions varied.

"The demon race in the Thousand Gourd Realm was destroyed so quickly? Was the great tribulation really that simple?"

"I believe this already was the great tribulation," one elder said. "To eliminate the demon race, twenty Soul Transformation cultivators went to war, and most suffered casualties. Furthermore, our Eastfence Realm has been fighting the Sky-Wave Realm for over a hundred years, resulting in tens of thousands of cultivator casualties. Now is an excellent opportunity to seize territory and plunder cultivation resources. Supreme Elder, we should dispatch forces to reinforce the Thousand Gourd Realm and acquire more resources."

"Exactly," another agreed. "Now is a prime opportunity for our sect to grow. Perhaps we can seize this chance to become the leading sect in the Eastfence Realm."

"Diviners are not infallible; it's normal for them to make mistakes," another elder stated. "With the Soul Transformation stage demons killed, the Thousand Gourd Realm is now a huge piece of fat. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime."

Most elders agreed to go to the Thousand Gourd Realm to plunder cultivation resources and seize territory.

"Disciple Nephew Gongsun, you should lead the team back to the Thousand Gourd Realm," Sun Tianhu said gravely. "I will remain here to guard the main altar." Sun Tianhu spoke solemnly, as he was more inclined to believe divination. He felt the great tribulation would not be this simple. With Gongsun Yang leading the expedition to plunder resources in the Thousand Gourd Realm, as long as Sun Tianhu remained alive, other forces would show respect to Myriad Beast Island. Sun Tianhu's continued existence was their greatest deterrent.

"Yes, Ancestor Sun," Gongsun Yang readily agreed.

"Regarding the secret realms or forbidden lands in the Thousand Gourd Realm, you must act within your capabilities," Sun Tianhu cautioned, still somewhat concerned. "It's best to send others in, don't put yourself in danger. You are still young." He was worried that Gongsun Yang might act impulsively and die in a forbidden area of the Thousand Gourd Realm. Even he wouldn't dare trespass into all the forbidden lands of the Eastfence Realm, let alone those in the Thousand Gourd Realm.

Gongsun Yang repeatedly affirmed his understanding and agreed.

Seven days later, Gongsun Yang departed Myriad Beast Island with over ten thousand cultivators, most of whom were conscripted from affiliated forces.

Eastern Wilderness, Taiyi Immortal Sect.

In the council hall, Meng Tianzheng, Zhang Zhanfeng, and others wore expressions of grief. They had learned of Liu Ye's death in battle, which was undoubtedly a significant loss for the Taiyi Immortal Sect.

"Martial Uncle Sect Master, quickly mobilize personnel," Meng Tianzheng said gravely. "I want to lead a team to the Thousand Gourd Realm. Ancestor Liu cannot have died in vain; we must acquire sufficient cultivation resources." Meng Tianzheng's tone was heavy. If they only sent Nascent Soul cultivators, they certainly wouldn't be able to compete with forces led by Soul Transformation cultivators. Verbal agreements still depended on strength. The Azure Lotus Immortals were also busy plundering resources and likely wouldn't have time to consider the Taiyi Immortal Sect. After all, these were the cultivation resources of an entire realm, and everyone wanted to claim more. Meng Tianzheng also had his own considerations. Resources in the Eastfence Realm were largely controlled by major powers, making it difficult for him to advance further. In contrast, the Thousand Gourd Realm had been ruled by demons for a millennium. With the demon race's downfall, everything in the Thousand Gourd Realm was unclaimed, belonging to whoever seized it.

"Disciple Nephew Meng, should we wait a bit?" Zhang Zhanfeng proposed. "Once the situation in the Thousand Gourd Realm stabilizes, you can go there, and we can send more people." Zhang Zhanfeng suggested this because if Meng Tianzheng led the team to the Thousand Gourd Realm, the Taiyi Immortal Sect's strength would be weakened.

"The major powers have already agreed not to start any conflicts, or they will become common enemies," Meng Tianzheng replied. "I've thought it over. I'll have Disciple Nephew Liu lead the team, and I'll go incognito among them. That way, few people will know I'm heading to the Thousand Gourd Realm. Martial Uncle Sect Master, I understand your concerns, but if Ancestor Liu died and I don't go to the Thousand Gourd Realm, how many cultivation resources will our sect be able to claim?" Meng Tianzheng sighed, acting with both public and private interests in mind.

"As long as the Azure Lotus Immortals and I are alive, the Eastern Wilderness demon race won't dare to cause trouble," Meng Tianzheng stated confidently. He knew Zhang Zhanfeng was worried about the Eastern Wilderness demon race, but even if they started a war, at most they would only seize some territory.

"If the demon race learns that the Thousand Gourd Realm demons have been eliminated, they will likely also send people to the Thousand Gourd Realm," Zhang Zhanfeng cautioned. "In any case, you must still be extra careful." There was no point in saying more; he could only advise Meng Tianzheng to be cautious.

Deep within demon territory, a steep and towering peak.

Cheng Zhanxian and Ancestor Black Tiger sat in a blue stone pavilion atop the mountain, discussing something.

"The demon race was eradicated so quickly; it's truly unexpected," Cheng Zhanxian remarked with some surprise. Some demon scouts had returned to report.

"So many mid-Soul Transformation cultivators died, yet the Azure Lotus Immortals are completely unharmed. Their divine abilities are not to be underestimated," Ancestor Black Tiger said, frowning. He then changed his tone, adding, "Since all the Soul Transformation stage demons in the Thousand Gourd Realm are dead, this is an excellent opportunity for us to make a fortune. I will personally lead a team to the Thousand Gourd Realm. Fellow Daoist Cheng, you continue to guard the Eastern Wilderness." This was his chance to advance to the mid-Soul Transformation stage, and Ancestor Black Tiger absolutely would not let this opportunity slip away.

"No problem. Go ahead and mobilize more people!" Cheng Zhanxian readily agreed. Frankly, he also wanted to go to the Thousand Gourd Realm, but he wasn't certain if all the Soul Transformation stage demons there were dead. It was better not to take risks; going to the Thousand Gourd Realm a bit later wouldn't be too late, even if it meant acquiring slightly fewer cultivation resources. He felt somewhat fortunate that he hadn't accompanied Shangguan Tianhong on the expedition, or he might have died as well.

Central Plains, Great Yan Dynasty.

A resplendent palace, its gates wide open.

Zhou Ningshuang sat on the main seat, her brows furrowed. Daoist Haoyu sat beside her, while dozens of cultivators stood before them, each with a solemn expression.

"Ancestor died at the hands of the demon race," Zhou Ningshuang said with righteous indignation. "I intend to lead a team to the Thousand Gourd Realm, to act on behalf of heaven and fulfill Ancestor's last wish." With Zhou Xingguo's death in battle, the Great Yan Dynasty no longer had a Soul Transformation cultivator. Without one, the Great Yan Dynasty would have little influence. Now was the time for the Thousand Gourd Realm to re-establish order, and the best time to plunder cultivation resources.

"Senior Zhou treated me well; I am willing to accompany the Princess to the Thousand Gourd Realm," Daoist Haoyu affirmed. He wished to attempt to break through to the Soul Transformation stage again, and going to the Thousand Gourd Realm was the best option.

"We wish to follow the Princess to the Thousand Gourd Realm to act on behalf of heaven," dozens of cultivators declared in unison. Zhou Ningshuang's face showed satisfaction. Without a Soul Transformation cultivator to lead the team, she planned to mobilize more personnel.

A month later, Zhou Ningshuang departed the Central Plains cultivation world with thirty thousand cultivators, heading towards the Northern Frontier.

Upon learning that the demon race in the Thousand Gourd Realm had been eliminated, the major forces of the Eastfence Realm dispatched personnel to the Thousand Gourd Realm to plunder cultivation resources and seize territory. Everyone wanted to profit from the chaos. Most of the major forces' elites had gone to the Thousand Gourd Realm, leaving their rear defenses depleted. However, since the Eastfence Realm had established a cooperative relationship with the Sky-Wave Realm, there was no need to worry about problems in the Eastfence Realm. At this time, all major forces were preoccupied with seizing territory in the Thousand Gourd Realm, and no one had any inclination for internal strife.