Chapter 911: Storm Before the Storm

Six months later, they reached their destination: an island over a hundred *li* in size. At its center lay an open expanse, dominated by a magnificent golden palace. The palace's stone pillars were adorned with carvings of the sun and moon. Surrounding the palace, hundreds of cultivators stood guard, most of whom were at the Core Formation stage. Their varied attire suggested they hailed from diverse factions.

Inside the spacious main hall, a golden-robed elder and a silver-robed old woman occupied the foremost seats. Five Nascent Soul cultivators were seated on either side, each bearing a solemn expression.

“Fellow Daoist Zhao, why haven’t the Taiyi Immortal Sect members arrived yet? They are incredibly unpunctual, keeping so many of us waiting!” A ruddy-faced elder in red robes frowned as he spoke, his tone suggesting a distinct lack of fear towards the Taiyi Immortal Sect.

A benevolent-looking old woman in blue robes smiled and explained, “Please bear with us for a moment, Fellow Daoist Chen. The Coral Sea Domain is quite distant from here, so their delay is understandable. This isn’t a matter concerning just one sect or faction; it’s a human affair. A little more patience, please.”

“Hmph, Madam Lan, everyone knows your Four Seas Sect and the Taiyi Immortal Sect are hand in glove. Without your Four Seas Sect’s backing, the Taiyi Immortal Sect wouldn’t dare to cause such havoc in the Coral Sea Domain. Once the Coral Sea Domain descends into disorder, other sea domains will surely follow. Had we not restrained our affiliated forces, the entire South Sea cultivation world would have erupted into utter chaos.” The red-robed elder snorted, expressing his displeasure.

The golden-robed elder waved a hand and said with a smile, “Enough, everyone. We are gathered here to discuss crucial matters, not to quarrel.”

“Fellow Daoist Zhao is absolutely right. As members of humanity, our Taiyi Immortal Sect naturally intends to contribute our part.” A robust voice suddenly resounded, and a streak of green light appeared in the sky, swiftly descending onto the island. With a flash of green, Liu Jin and his companions were revealed. Wang Mingren was genuinely startled to see the numerous Core Formation cultivators nearby. This concentration of power was no less formidable than that of Huanglong Island. Could the South Sea cultivation world be on the brink of significant upheaval? So many Core Formation cultivators from diverse factions were gathered once more.

“Nephew Wang, all of you are to remain outside obediently; do not wander off,” Liu Jin instructed, then strode towards the golden palace.

He soon entered the golden palace. Cupping his hands to the assembled cultivators, he spoke with an apologetic tone, “Fellow Daoists, I sincerely apologize for keeping you waiting.”

The golden-robed elder nodded and smiled, “You are too polite, Fellow Daoist Liu. Please take a seat. Now that everyone is present, let us begin!”

“Fellow Daoist Liu, the demon race’s ambition to annihilate our human race remains unyielding. They have repeatedly slain our high-ranking cultivators. Not long ago, the demons cruelly massacred two fellow Daoists. Our Sun Moon Palace wishes to invite your Taiyi Immortal Sect to join us in a punitive expedition against the demon race. What are your thoughts on this?” The Sun Moon Palace’s Nascent Soul cultivator made no mention of the conflicts in the Coral Sea Domain, instead shifting the focus to the demon race. It was widely known that the demon race’s power in the South Sea had always been formidable.

Liu Jin frowned, turning his gaze to the blue-robed old woman. He asked with curiosity, “A punitive expedition against the demon race? Madam Lan, will your Four Seas Sect also be participating?”

“Precisely. As long as the demon race remains, they will perpetually be a grave threat to us. We propose to jointly develop the Myriad Demon Sea Domain. Fellow Daoist Liu, this presents a splendid opportunity to expand our territories. The demon race controls hundreds of thousands of islands; they are incredibly brutal and completely inept at utilizing resources wisely. They view our high-ranking human cultivators as mere sustenance. It is our duty to eliminate them; this would be a tremendous boon for future generations.”

The South Sea comprises dozens of sea domains, yet these only represent the territories under human control. A vast number of islands remain under demon control. Should humans descend into internal strife, the demon race would launch a full-scale invasion. The demon race has perpetually been a significant threat to humanity, and the Sun Moon Palace intends to unite with other powers to jointly develop the Myriad Demon Sea Domain.

It is a well-known fact that the Myriad Demon Sea Domain possesses the most abundant cultivation resources. Conquering it would benefit the entire human race.

The Ten Great Sects of the South Sea could also leverage this opportunity to expand their own spheres of influence. As of now, the cultivation resources of the South Sea cultivation world are largely controlled by humans. For other factions to grow and prosper, they inevitably resort to annexing rivals through warfare—the most direct and brutal approach.

Rather than engaging in internal conflict and providing an opening for the demon race, it is far more sensible to unite and confront them.

Liu Jin narrowed his eyes, weighing the pros and cons of the proposal. The suggestion held immense appeal; establishing branch strongholds in the Myriad Demon Sea Domain would undoubtedly yield far greater profits than those from the Coral Sea Domain.

While Liu Jin and the others were engaged in their discussion, Wang Mingren and Su Bingbing were chatting idly outside the golden palace.

A delicate-featured young woman in a green dress approached, her gaze settling on Wang Mingren. She smiled sweetly and said, “This humble one is Lin Qing from the Sun Moon Palace. How may I address you two, Fellow Daoists?”

Wang Mingren assessed Lin Qing from head to toe, confirming he had never seen her before. “I am Wang Mingren. May I ask what counsel Immortal Lin wishes to offer?” Wang Mingren asked cautiously. This was their first encounter, and while the relationship between the Sun Moon Palace and the Taiyi Immortal Sect was neither close nor hostile, he knew that unsolicited overtures often concealed ulterior motives.

“I wouldn’t call it counsel,” Lin Qing replied with a charming smile, making her proposal. “Your Taiyi Immortal Sect has certainly made quite an impact in the Coral Sea Domain. Fellow Daoist Wang, given that you accompany your sect elders, you must be an elite disciple. Would you be interested in a friendly sparring match? I’ve long heard that cultivators from the Taiyi Immortal Sect possess profound techniques, and few can rival them. I specifically wished to seek your guidance, Fellow Daoist Wang.”

Wang Mingren frowned, shook his head, and replied indifferently, “I’m not interested.” Winning would be acceptable, but a loss wouldn't just be his personal embarrassment; it would tarnish the reputation of the Taiyi Immortal Sect.

Lin Qing showed no sign of anger. She said meaningfully, “I believe there will be opportunities in the future. I hope Fellow Daoist Wang does not disappoint me.” With that, she turned and departed.

Wang Mingren was utterly bewildered. Could it be that the Sun Moon Palace intended to propose a death match later?

“Senior Brother Wang, have you offended this person?” Su Bingbing asked via voice transmission, her eyes brimming with curiosity.

Wang Mingren shook his head and replied via voice transmission, “I don’t believe so. I haven’t visited the South Sea many times, nor have I had any contact with individuals from the Sun Moon Palace, or offended anyone. Perhaps she merely spoke casually! I rarely cause trouble.” He carefully reviewed his memories, reaffirming that he was meeting Lin Qing for the first time. He secretly committed her face to memory, hoping she wouldn't turn out to be an adversary.

An hour later, Liu Jin emerged from the golden palace, his expression grave.

Wang Mingren and the others quickly approached him. Liu Jin waved his hand, saying, “Let’s go! The negotiations went smoothly; it’s time to head back!” He summoned a green flying boat, which carried Wang Mingren and the others soaring through the air. One by one, other Nascent Soul cultivators emerged from the golden palace, departing with their disciples.

Six months later, all factions overseen by Nascent Soul cultivators received directives from the Ten Great Sects of the South Sea. These orders mandated that affiliated forces restrain themselves, forbidding mutual warfare, and specifically prohibiting Core Formation cultivators from engaging in battles to the death. Violators would face severe punishment without leniency.