Chapter 1383, Without Reaching the Dao Realm, One Is Ultimately Just an Insignificant Ant; My Dao Thrives and Flourishes

Translator: Fate

Translation Checker: Silavin

 

The number of dark beings seemed infinite. They surged forward from the other side of the embankment as though defeat was impossible. Even the sky was repeatedly battered by the jet-black aura that came crashing down in waves. It was a suffocating and despairing scene indeed.

 

Lan Xin initially rushed over to help in holding the front lines with her fellow companions. They had been steadfastly defending against the incoming enemies without retreating a single step, but their numbers gradually began to dwindle as time went on.

 

Their crimson blood stained the skies as they were crushed and devoured by the dark beings.

 

Lan Xin could only watch as one after another of her Fellow Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters slowly vanished from the world. The reinforcements that they had been waiting for never arrived. She might not fear death, but she was filled with a deep sense of anger and bitterness at this moment.

 

It was clear they had been cruelly betrayed.

 

It was initially agreed or them to maintain the front lines for seven days until the reinforcements from the Righteous Alliance arrived. However, half a month had passed since the agreed date. There were innumerable reports of breached defences from everywhere, but there was no sign of the reinforcements from the Righteous Alliance.

 

“Don’t worry, Senior Sister. We will definitely survive,” Gu Xianer reassured, persistently swinging her sword at their enemies. Her bright and innocent face bore a serious expression, which was a stark contrast to her usual playful nature.

 

Streams of Sword Qi gathered behind her like the rising tide. With a slash of her sword, the sky rumbled as though millions of swords were slicing through the air. The phenomenon seemed to shift the very fabric of reality.

 

A large number of dark beings subsequently collapsed and disintegrated into a black fog before her.

 

The entire world was filled with her sword aura. At that moment, she resembled a genuine Female Sword Celestial: fierce and powerful.

 

A torrent of Sword Qi pierced the void with a sharp whistle. Like lightning and thunder strikes, the Sword Qi left behind boundless and infinite fleeting afterimages. These afterimages shrouded the world with a hazy mist that overwhelmed the Sun and the Moon.

 

It was Gu Xianer’s first time revealing the extent of her true strength in public. Even if she went against the average Dao Realm expert, she would have the strength to contend with them.

 

Although it was not Lan Xin’s first time witnessing the other party’s strength, she could not help feeling a deep sense of awe and admiration anyway. She sighed softly in regret. “If I had known, I would never have brought you along with me. With your talent, you should be flying in broader skies. You shouldn’t be stuck here with us, defending the embankment with our lives.”

 

As the Senior Sister, she should be the one protecting Gu Xianer. Who could have known that Gu Xianer would be the one to save her on multiple occasions instead?

 

In fact, Gu Xianer often came to their aid during battle. It turned out that her true strength was even greater than they had imagined. It was just that she usually kept a low profile and concealed her abilities, so she never revealed her true strength to others.

 

“Don’t say that, Senior Sister. The Righteous Alliance might already have chosen to abandon us. Why must we continue to defend this place with our lives? I can see an overwhelmingly powerful aura approaching from a distance. It seems like an important figure among the dark beings is coming. If that’s the case, even the Elders will have a hard time protecting themselves.” Gu Xianer came to stand beside Lan Xin. Her small face was heavy with concern.

 

“Why would the Righteous Alliance abandon us? Our Master was killed by them too…” The expression on Lan Xin’s face grew even more sorrowful.

 

Gu Xianer shook her head without speaking. In the first place, she had never truly believed that the Righteous Alliance was as righteous as the rumours claimed. Now that they could finally witnessed the Righteous Alliance’s true face for themselves, there was no point in saying more.

 

[Staying here is just foolish. If I have the ability, I will definitely protect everybody. But, I can barely even protect myself now…] Gu Xianer sighed softly to herself.

 

It was not that she was cold and indifferent to the lives of her fellow Sect Disciples. It was simply just that she could not make a decisive impact on such a large-scale war with her current level of cultivation.

 

Things might have been different if the situation was similar to the scenario in the Prosperous Dao True World, where she had more experience and resources. Unfortunately, the vast Boundless Expanse was not the Prosperous Dao True World. Even Dao Realm experts were constantly at risk of death here.

 

“Without reaching the Dao Realm, one is ultimately just no different to an ant.” At that moment, her determination to forge her path and breakthrough to a higher cultivation realm grew even stronger. The desire to achieve her goal was more urgent than she had ever felt before.

 

*Boom!*

 

All of a sudden, an endless wave of Dark Concentrate surged forth. Like a monstrous tide pushed by a giant hand, the tumultuous and overwhelming energy practically overpowered the stars.

 

Star Territories in the distant universe trembled, and chaotic meteors shot through the void. It was as though a vast river had appeared out of nowhere.

 

In the midst of the energy, an entity wearing armour made of Hell’s Iron materialised. He looked forward coldly. His frigid gaze made his eyes resemble two azure Moons hanging high above the world. Furthermore, his body was so large that the universe seemed unable to contain him.

 

Following his appearance, the dark beings emitted a deafening battle cry and fervently bowed in that direction.

 

On the other hand, those people along the embankment felt a chill running down their backs. It was as though the winter frost had descended upon them. Their bodies trembled violently, and their Souls almost turned to ice. The expression on their faces reflected their extreme shock.

 

When the gaze of that terrifying entity swept over the lands, the Star Territories shuddered and shook in response. Even the World Principles seemed to unfurl beneath his feet like thick and heavy metal chains.

 

As he took a step forward, the Dao of Kings resonated with him. It was as though the King of Darkness was looking down on the world from above.

 

“How domineering…” Gu Xianer gasped breathlessly, feeling as though she was about to suffocate.

 

There was a great distance between them and the horrifying existence, stretching the span of an entire universe at least. Nevertheless, the oppressive presence of that horrifying existence had already reached them. It felt as though the sky was about to fall and crush all those here.

 

“My prediction came true after all… They are about to launch a final fierce offensive.” Lan Xin’s complexion turned pale. She swayed unsteadily, her flawless and delicate features displaying great sorrow and pain. “Master, this Disciple will be coming to meet you soon.”

 

On the other side of the distant universe, the dark clouds gathered and blocked out the entire sky. It was an eerie phenomenon.

 

Dark beings after dark beings emerged from the darkness. Every one of them possessed an unnerving aura. Like deities that existed since ancient times, they seemed to be chanting some sort of sacrificial script.

 

The sound of their prayers from the Primordial Era resounded throughout the world.

 

A vague crimson altar appeared in the shattered universe. Rays of bloodlight shot into the sky, resembling True Dragons soaring into the sky or twisted tendrils of smoke rising into the sky.

 

The lights came from various Star Territories and converged towards the blurry altar. Those were the Souls of the people who perished in this war. After their death, their essence permeated the world and transformed into the purest energy.

 

“Start the ceremony…” All of a sudden, everybody heard a ruthless and cruel voice. That voice sounded like the soft whisper of the Ancestral Demon, sending chills down their spines and freezing their very Souls.

 

The living creatures in the embankment were instantly flooded by an overwhelming terror. It felt as though their Souls were about to fly away, detaching from their bodies to drift towards the crimson altar.

 

Many became confused. Their thoughts became foggy, causing them to lose control of their bodies and leave the embankment.

 

“Run!”

 

A thunderous roar overflowing with immense rage suddenly pierced the sky. At the same time, a middle-aged man came flying over on his sword. His usually calm and indifferent face was filled with utter rage.

 

Lan Xin and the others, who had been momentarily dazed by the enemy, abruptly recovered their senses at that moment. They were so scared and shocked that they nearly dropped their weapons and fled the embankment.

 

“Elder Zhou…”

 

Many of the Waning Moon Sect Disciples glanced at the middle-aged man rushing towards them in relief. He was an outstanding Elder in the Waning Moon Sect, who was known for his formidable mastery over the Dao.

 

“The Righteous Alliance has abandoned us. They are planning to seek peace with the dark beings by actively ceding territory to the enemy. We have been thrown aside as offerings for their ceremony.” Elder Zhou announced with a grim expression, his voice trembling slightly with immense rage and sorrow.

 

Looking around, at those who had persistently defended the embankment with their lives, he could predict the tragic future that awaited them now that the layers of deceit had been torn apart.

 

These were the Disciples from the Waning Moon Sect and various other Forces from the surrounding area, who represented a vibrant future ahead. Having been ordered to defend the embankment, they had fought to the death so that the front lines never had to retreat. However, they were now faced with betrayal, abandonment, and backstabbing from the Righteous Alliance instead.

 

“What!?”

 

The people, who originally thought that they were finally receiving reinforcements, were stunned. They were so shocked that they stood frozen like clay figurines, unable to believe their ears. Even Gu Xianer was no exception, and her eyes widened in disbelief at the news.

 

The Righteous Alliance had truly abandoned them. Furthermore, the Righteous Alliance planned to seek peace with the dark beings by ceding territory and lives.

 

Such news was far too cruel for Gu Xianer and the others. Some of them, who had stubbornly held onto a small glimmer of hope, stood frozen on the spot. Their last shed of hope had been shattered, and the despair nearly caused them to collapse on the ground.

 

“We’re dead… There’s no hope left…”

 

“Hahaha! Is this the Righteous Alliance we’ve been desperately protecting? How pathetic!”

 

Many people laughed bitterly. They dazedly stumbled around with lifeless eyes, drowning in inconsolable anguish.

 

Several others clutched the bloodstained clothes and shattered armour in the corner and wept silently.

 

Those items once belonged to their fellow Disciples and Masters, who had courageously thrown themselves at the dark beings and sacrificed themselves to take their enemies down with them in an effort to buy more time for the others to survive.

 

Lan Xin’s complexion was pale, and her body swayed unsteadily. She might have had her suspicions, but she could not believe how cold and ruthless the Righteous Alliance was, to willingly abandon people who supported them this whole time.

 

“Everybody, hurry up and leave! There’s no need to defend this place any longer. The Righteous Alliance has most likely been infiltrated by the dark beings, and the dark beings are planning to initiate a grand ceremony.”

 

Elder Zhou’s voice was filled with sorrow. In addition, his expression was marked by intense rage and helplessness. When he first received the news, he had been so taken aback that he could barely believe his ears.

 

Various Forces had been ordered to defend the embankments against the relentless advance of the dark beings.

 

Yet, the higher-ups of the Righteous Alliance had secretly turned their backs on their allies and sought peace with the dark beings instead. They were even willing to abandon their allies and cede territory to their enemies for that very purpose.

 

The realisation was extremely chilling. Despair and anger naturally spread throughout the hearts of the people at the embankment. As a result, they lost their morale and Will to fight.

 

Where could they escape even if they fled the battle? The Forces behind them would not be spared once the embankment was breached. What would happen to their friends, Family, loved ones, and fellow Disciples? Who would protect those people in the chaotic aftermath if they retreated?

 

“Quickly return to the Waning Moon Sect. The Sect Master is currently discussing a plan with the Elders to preserve whatever we can. If we want to preserve the legacy of the Waning Moon Sect, we must preserve the embers of the next generation. You are the future hope of the Waning Moon Sect. So, you must not fall here.”

 

Glancing at Gu Xianer and Lan Xin, Elder Zhou explained with a heavy tone. He actually had a strong impression of Gu Xianer. Although she was considered a jinx, her exceptional talent in the Sword Dao made him value her greatly.

 

For the Waning Moon Sect to be faced with a calamity out of nowhere, the ordeal could only be seen as part of fate and a destined Tribulation. He did not wish for such an exceptional seed to perish in this place.

 

She should be given the opportunity to shine in a broader world where she could soar high and display her brilliance.

 

As for the other Disciples of the Waning Moon Sect, the fact that they managed to survive until now was enough to demonstrate their respective excellence.

 

“They are coming again. Hurry up and escape. The future of the Waning Moon Sect depends on you.”

 

Elder Zhou turned around without saying anything else. Standing on his sword, he stared coldly at the universe in the distance. He stepped forward and simultaneously unleashed a powerful wave of energy with a single strike of his sword.

 

A blazing sword-like beam swept towards the surging dark beings in the distance and instantly annihilated everything to create a vacuum zone.

 

Meanwhile, the Spacetime Rift continued to expand and form into a portal. With a swish of his wide sleeves, he sent countless people into the portal in an instant.

 

“Elder Zhou…”

 

The figures of Gu Xianer and Lan Xin quickly vanished into the portal. Watching Elder Zhou’s figure becoming increasingly blurry, they were filled with a deep sadness that tickled their noses.

 

Elder Zhou was usually a taciturn and stern man. Although he had always admired Lan Xin’s Master, he had never received a response from the other party.

 

Despite the lack of reciprocation, he had never said anything. He simply continued to protect Elder Chen Yi and her Disciples through his actions. Even in the current dire straits, he remained steadfast to his principles despite the fact that he recently learned about Elder Chen Yi’s death in the Heavenslayers Alliance.

 

The circumstances did not stop him from protecting Elder Chen Yi’s Disciples and the people of the Waning Moon Sect.

 

On the other side of the embankment, the blood-red altar became increasingly solid and tall. It was as though the altar had covered the entire universe. At the same time, the black fog surged. Seemingly endless and boundless, the black fog looked more turbulent than before.

 

Elder Zhou’s expression was indifferent as he strode across the sky and took several steps forward to face the first defeat in years. With a roar, he drew his sword. The sound of his sword sliding out of the sheath resounded through the world.

 

Boundless Sword Qi, enough to form millions of strands, filled the universes and Star Territories. It was a vast and overwhelming power.

 

“Heaven is in chaos, and my Dao flourishes!” His deafening roar echoed throughout the realm as he strode forward. Like the unstoppable sword in his hand, he charged into the endless black fog with the intention of tearing his enemies apart.

 

…

 

In the thickest parts of the black fog, Wu Yang coldly watched the scene before him. He was wearing an armour made from Hell’s Iron.

 

Next to him stood a young girl with an adorable braided hairstyle. She was holding a lotus leaf-green oil-paper umbrella to shield herself from the endless black fog that scattered from above.

 

Her alluring eyes were slightly curved, and her cherry lips resembled flower petals. She softly recited to herself, “Humanitarianism is fleeting, the Immortality is infinite, and the Ghost Dao is joyous! At the threshold of mortality, Immortality values birth while the Ghost Dao values death…”

 

The news of the Righteous Alliance choosing to abandon the border defences and seek peace with the dark beings soon stirred great waves of commotion throughout the Boundless Expanse. Nobody could have imagined that the Righteous Alliance would take such drastic action. After all, seeking peace and abandoning their border defences at this juncture was tantamount to condemning those Civilisations to ruin.

 

How were their actions any different from the actions of the Heavenslayers Alliance? What happened to the unity and mutual assistance that they originally promised? How could they go back on their word at such a crucial moment?

 

The actions of the Righteous Alliance naturally attracted immense shock and backlash, leading to widespread condemnation and scorn among the people. With the sudden shift in their reputation and influence, they faced an outpouring of criticism and disdain.

 

Despite the unfavourable circumstances that they were under, they remained unfazed by the situation.

 

The Righteous Alliance continued to decrease the range of their territory and abandon the unimportant lands under their jurisdiction. At the same time, powerful figures emerged to negotiate with the higher-ups of the dark beings and respond to the requests of the dark beings in hopes of reaching a peace agreement.