Chapter 1384, High Priestess Li Shuang; Still Have to Rely on the Heavenslayers Alliance for Protection

Translator: Fate

Translation Checker: Silavin

 

The Waning Moon Sect was permeated with an atmosphere of widespread mourning and despair. They were initially enraged when the Righteous Alliance first announced their decision to abandon the border defences, but their anger was soon replaced by a debilitating sense of gloom and helplessness.

 

Even at this juncture, they did not have the means to prevail over the encroaching dark beings. Not to mention, the Righteous Alliance had forsaken them. They would no longer receive support in the war. In other words, there were practically no other options awaiting them aside from death.

 

Many of the Elders immediately brought their Disciples back from the front lines as soon as they received the news and then sought ways to send their Disciples to safety in batches.

 

In just a few days, more than half of the Waning Moon Sect was gone. Most of the mystic mountains and islands had been stripped bare. Even the spirit springs and treasures buried deep within the earth had been taken away.

 

The same was true for its ancient texts and records. Various forms of literature had also been removed from their places. The pavilions and buildings that once bustled with life now stood cold and empty, leaving only a bleak and desolate atmosphere.

 

Light flickered on top of the ancient battle platform and Space Energy fluctuated as more Disciples were sent away in batches. Each batch was always accompanied by an Elder for protection, mainly because various factors such as where they would eventually flee or what dangers awaited them in the future remained unknown.

 

After Gu Xianer and Lan Xin were brought back to the Waning Moon Sect, they started packing their belongings with heavy hearts.

 

It was estimated that the dark beings would break through the embankment walls and wreak havoc across the land in just a few days. The Star Territories, universes, Civilisations, and True Worlds in the surroundings would not be spared from the rampage. Therefore, the remaining Forces were scrambling to preserve their heritage by sending their Disciples away as soon as possible.

 

The Waning Moon Sect was no exception. Countless Disciples and Elders had perished in the ongoing war. Needless to say, those who managed to survive until now were considered the elites of the elites.

 

In the deep of the night, darkness shrouded everything. Moonlight shimmered amidst the falling rain, accompanied by an intoxicating fragrance of alcohol that permeated the air.

 

A final banquet was taking place in the empty pavilions, and the Waning Moon Sect Disciples who had chosen to remain behind were gathered here. Some simply sat there silently while others drowned themselves in alcohol to forget their sorrows.

 

Rather than choosing to be sent away, these Disciples had chosen to remain behind instead. Most of them had lived in the Waning Moon Sect since they were born, so they naturally regarded this place as their home. That was why they had chosen to stay behind despite knowing that only death awaited them.

 

Gu Xianer was here too. Although she was initially disinterested in the banquet, she ultimately came because she could not bring herself to refuse Lan Xin’s insistent invitation.

 

To her surprise, the mysterious Song Yu had not left either. The man was currently travelling with his identity hidden. However, Gu Xianer knew that his identity came from extraordinary origins.

 

Seeing as he had chosen to remain behind in the Waning Moon Sect, it would seem that he had not given up on finding the Nine Heavenly Prohibitions.

 

Besides, he was constantly accompanied by a powerful Ancestral Dao Realm expert who could help him deal with any possible dangers and escape when the situation turned critical.

 

Song Yu had noticed Gu Xianer too. His expression shifted in discomfort for a moment, but he quickly composed himself once more and turned around to drink with the other Disciples.

 

The truth was just as Gu Xianer suspected: Song Yu had not given up on the Nine Heavenly Prohibitions of the Heaven Restriction Sect. Unfortunately, this catastrophe had struck too suddenly, and even he was not prepared for the current situation.

 

He had planned to carry out his strategy in a slow, gradual, methodical manner, but it would seem that time was running out for him. That was why he decided to stay behind until the Waning Moon Sect was destroyed and then secretly steal away any relics connected to the Heaven Restriction Sect.

 

Alternatively, he could ask Uncle Lan to help him refine the entire Waning Moon Mountain and retrieve everything that remained. In that way, he could carefully comb through the ruins at his leisure.

 

“Hahaha… It is truly laughable. We were defending the front lines with our lives, but the Righteous Alliance was secretly colluding with the dark beings to abandon us.”

 

“It’s such a shame about what happened to Master. He fought bravely against the dark beings to ensure our survival. In the end, even his bones are nowhere to be found now.”

 

“I hate everything. I hate the cold-blooded cruelty of the dark beings. I hate the despicable and shameless actions of the Righteous Alliance. Most of all, I hate my own weakness and powerlessness.”

 

Inside the pavilion, many of the Disciples had gotten drunk. Raising the wine bottles clutched tightly in their hands, they gulped down the alcohol without restraint.

 

Some tilted their heads back and wept bitterly, tears staining their faces. Others were silent. They simply drank heavily without saying anything, radiating with a heavy aura of despair.

 

With disaster looming over them, their survival was uncertain. There was a possibility that tonight’s banquet would be their last.

 

Similarly, Gu Xianer sat in silence as she drank with Lan Xin.

 

She was not a true Disciple of the Waning Moon Sect. More precisely, she did not have any sense of belonging to the Waning Moon Sect. The only reason she came to the Waning Moon Sect in the first place was that eccentric old woman. Be that as it may, she could not help being affected by the heartbreaking scene in front of her.

 

Her emotions stirred within her heart, filling her with a sense of melancholy and powerlessness. Even now, the scene at the embankment of Elder Zhou’s unwavering back as he sacrificed himself for their survival remained vivid in her memories.

 

Perhaps it was because the current Waning Moon Sect was responding in a manner very similar to that of the Prosperous Dao True World when faced with the invasion of external enemies, that she felt more emotional than usual.

 

“Xianer, I’m sorry for insulting you in the past. I hope you can be magnanimous and overlook my previous offences. If not for your help at the embankment, my Junior Brothers and I would likely have died.”

 

All of a sudden, somebody came forward and raised his glass to offer a toast to Gu Xianer. His expression overflowed with gratitude and regret.

 

Gu Xianer could not help feeling slightly confused and uncomfortable as she hardly remembered the other party. After all, she had rescued many people during the war.

 

Still, she shook her head gently and said, “You are too polite, Senior Brother. In times of crisis, it is only right for me to help my fellow companions in danger.”

 

Having experienced the brutal battle, many of the younger Disciples in the Waning Moon Sect had come to accept her. They were no longer as opposed to her as they were at the beginning, and few among them still cared whether she was tainted by misfortune in such precarious times.

 

Besides, her remarkable skills had become evident during the battle. She even rescued numerous fellow Disciples in the process. Her brave actions caused those who once mocked and scorned her to feel guilty and reproachful about their previous actions, making it hard for them to face her.

 

Afterwards, many other Disciples also came forward to offer her a toast in gratitude.

 

Lan Xin watched the scene with a hint of joy. These Disciples could be considered reasonable, especially since they knew how to express their gratitude. It was just a pity that their realisation had come too late. If this had happened earlier, then Xianer might have been able to normally talk with them.

 

“Who would have thought that things would end up in such a manner?”

 

“With her talent, she should have left…”

 

“The Waning Moon Sect has wronged her.”

 

Among the distant mountains stood many Elders. When they saw the Disciples expressing their gratitude to Gu Xianer, they fell silent. Their hearts grappled with extremely complicated emotions at the sight.

 

They had chosen not to leave, staying behind in the Waning Moon Sect instead. Regardless of the outcome, they planned to protect the land to which they had devoted their hearts and Souls to until the bitter end.

 

The same was true for the Sect Master, the Ancestors, and the hidden experts of the Waning Moon Sect. They insisted on bearing witness to the unfolding end.

 

As the catastrophe approached, the night was uncharacteristically tranquil.

 

“I never imagined that the ancient heritage of the Waning Moon Sect would one day stand on the brink of collapse…” One of the Ancestors sighed softly. He was only one step away from the Ancestral Dao Realm, which made him one of the strongest figures in the Waning Moon Sect. Be that as it may, he was no different from an ordinary Dao Realm expert in the face of such a calamity.

 

“The Waning Moon Sect cannot be allowed to perish. Sect Master, you should flee with the Disciples tomorrow. Let us protect the last remnants of our heritage.” Another Elder suggested as he stared at the mountains in the distance with a grim expression.

 

The Waning Moon Sect Master fell silent when he heard this suggestion. Looking at the gradually quiet and empty grounds of the Waning Moon Sect, he could not help feeling a sense of deep sorrow and regret.

 

“I have failed you, Elder Chen Yi…” Shaking his head sadly, he suddenly appeared to have aged significantly. He looked utterly defeated at the memory of the day he agreed to the demands of the Righteous Alliance and sent Elder Chen Yi to the Heavenslayers Alliance, knowing that it no different to a death sentence.

 

Sure enough, the Waning Moon Sect was struck by an impossible disaster. Such was the cycle of fate; retribution was inevitable.

 

“As long as a spark survives, it might become a raging wildfire one day. Take it with you.” In the depths of the Waning Moon Sect, a soft sigh suddenly sounded from a vast yet silent land.

 

A vague figure emerged amidst the swirling rainbow-coloured mist. It was a vague and hazy silhouette, surrounded by Fragments of Spacetime that caused a distortion in the void.

 

The figure gave off the impression of having existed from the very beginning of creation. His face was obscured, but a powerful aura shrouded his surroundings. Moreover, several divine rings orbited behind his head.

 

The people of the Waning Moon Sect froze at the sight. Some of the Ancestors could hardly contain their astonishment, their eyes widening as they stared intently at the figure.

 

Their expressions became exuberant, and their voices trembled as they joyously called out to the figure.

 

“Are you the Prime Ancestor…?” The voice of the Ancestor who spoke earlier trembled.

 

His words made the others widen their eyes in surprise, and then they turned to look at the figure that had appeared out of nowhere.

 

“I am just a part of his Will, left behind by him. I can only manifest when the Waning Moon Sect is facing a great disaster, but I can only show ten percent of his full strength.” The figure calmly explained.

 

Upon hearing the explanation, the others were momentarily stunned. Their initial shock and optimism gradually faded away as they calmed down and lowered their heads in disappointment and realisation.

 

The Prime Ancestor belonged to an extremely ancient era. No matter how extraordinary his abilities had been, and it should be impossible for him to still be alive today. After all, not everybody was like the Imperial Celestial Palace’s Founder, who managed to thrive even in this age.

 

In another area of the Waning Moon Sect, which was filled with ruins, an old woman with unkempt hair sat dazedly on a stone.

 

At this moment, she abruptly raised her head to gaze in the direction of the Waning Moon Sect Prime Ancestor’s remnant Will.

 

Something seemed to flicker through her vacant eyes, like the brief flash of thunder and lightning. It was an extremely chilling sight. However, she soon returned to her previous dazed demeanour as though nothing had happened in the first place.

 

The Waning Moon Sect Prime Ancestor’s Will seemed to sense something and glanced in the direction of the relics. Be that as it may, he simply shook his head without saying anything.

 

Meanwhile, the hearts of the Elders and Disciples grew heavier with sorrow. Although the Prime Ancestor’s Will had manifested before them, what difference would that make?

 

What was destined to perish would eventually perish. Against the raging current of this calamity, one person’s strength was powerless to effect any change.

 

…

 

As the night deepened and the banquet concluded, Gu Xianer returned to her residence. She had already informed the big red bird and the woman in white about the Waning Moon Sect’s current situation.

 

With her strength alone, her chances of survival against the impending crisis were practically zero.

 

During her stay in the Waning Moon Sect, the woman in white showed no signs of regaining her memory. She simply spent her days inside the cave and rarely ventured outside. Even now, Gu Xianer knew little about the woman’s origins and identity. It was just that she had grown accustomed to the other party’s behaviour, so she was not bothered.

 

“The Waning Moon Sect Elders will be evacuating tomorrow morning. Senior, do you want to leave with us?” Gu Xianer asked with a glance at the woman in white.

 

“I still can’t remember who I am. You should leave without me.” The woman in white replied. Her eyes were bright and clear. Her face, which was as flawless as polished jade, seemed to radiate with a luminous glow.

 

Gu Xianer had packed and stored everything in the cave, even the spirit plants and rare trees outside the cave had not been forgotten.

 

They had been carefully transplanted into her Small Universe for safekeeping. In fact, almost everything in the Waning Moon Sect had been removed at this point. If time had allowed, she would also have liked to bring the relics that held the secrets of the Nine Heavenly Prohibitions along with her.

 

*Boom!* All of a sudden, a deafening explosion that startled everybody shook the Waning Moon Sect.

 

At the farthest edge of the world, dark clouds loomed ominously. The black fog surged turbulently as though a giant hand had torn a rift in the sky. Bolts of lightning and thunder crashed down in a dense flurry, illuminating the deep and dark Star Territory.

 

It seemed to indicate that a cataclysmic disaster was coming.

 

A mass of shadowy beings stood there with their cold and eerie gazes fixed intently in the direction of the Waning Moon Sect.

 

“The dark beings are coming…” One of the Elders was the first to notice the phenomenon. His terrified shout, which echoed throughout the mountains of the Waning Moon Sect, was filled with panic and fear.

 

Everybody was stunned by the news. They had not expected the dark beings to arrive so quickly. In fact, they initially thought that they would have more time. Looking at the situation now, it would seem that the embankment had been breached.

 

“Take them down!” A Disciple roared in anger. Pulling out his sword, he soared into the air to confront the innumerable dark beings charging forward in the distance.

 

The world was abruptly plunged into absolute darkness at this moment. Even the Moon and the stars were obscured.

 

Following a distortion in the black mist, lightning flashed and thunder boomed. The black mist surged tumultuously, and heavy rain poured down. It was as though a hole had opened up in the sky, unleashing a torrent of relentless downpour.

 

The Will of the Waning Moon Sect Prime Ancestor quietly watched the phenomenon. Then, he raised a hand and pointed forward.

 

The originally silent Waning Moon Mountain seemed to come alive at that moment. Thousands of Ancient Runes that shone brilliantly erupted from the ground and the mountains, casting a blinding light into the surroundings. In the darkness of the night, it seemed as though numerous Suns were consecutively rising from that direction to dispel the darkness and bring forth light.

 

“Everyone, leave.” He said calmly as he took a step forward. His body was shrouded by a dense layer of Dharmic Spells.

 

However, a horrifying giant hand reached out from the distant lands with an overwhelming force before he could do anything. Even the Star Territories in the vicinity shuddered violently and threatened to collapse under the weight of that presence. It was as though the entire Waning Moon Sect would be annihilated from a single strike.

 

Amidst the black fog, the graceful girl standing beneath the oil-paper umbrella smiled so brightly that her eyes curved into crescents. “Wu Yang, be careful not to destroy those relics. This is a special request from the Lady.”

 

“Yes, High Priestess Li Shuang.”

 

The being who had extended his hand was none other than Wu Yang. When he heard the gentle reminder, he restrained himself slightly and casually swatted his hand in that direction without much thought.

 

Ordinary Ancestral Dao Realm experts were no match for him. Now that the Waning Moon Sect had been reduced to a few straggling members, how could there be anybody who could rival him in strength?

 

The graceful girl remained smiling, giving off an impression of infinite warmth and compassion. However, even somebody as strong as Wu Yang did not dare to show any disrespect in her presence.

 

The status of a High Priestess and a Priest was vastly different. The High Priestess was personally selected by the Grand Priestess, so High Priestesses was considered a close associate, whom the Grand Priestess should place absolute faith in.

 

Whenever a Grand Ceremony was held, at least one High Priestess had to be present to preside over the ritual.

 

In terms of status, the High Priestesses were seen as higher than that of ordinary Priest in the eyes of their faithful believers due to their association with the Grand Priestess. Needless to say, the status of the First High Priestess and the Second High Priestess was an entirely different matter altogether.

 

When Wu Yang made his move, the Will of the Waning Moon Sect Prime Ancestor similarly extended a hand to meet the attack in mid-air.

 

*Boom!*

 

At the moment of impact, a terrifying surge of energy erupted wildly. It was as though two different worlds had collided with each other. Time ripples spread throughout the world, and the Principles of Das swirled across the sky. Such was the aftermath of a battle between Ancestral Dao Realm experts, whose Dao Abilities had been perfected to the extreme.

 

Following the collision, countless Disciples and Elders of the Waning Moon Sect roared in fury and charged forward. The heavy rain poured down around them, accompanied by the billowing black fog.

 

A chaotic battle had broken out.

 

…

 

When the defences along the embankments of the Righteous Alliance crumbled one after another and news about the Righteous Alliance’s abandonment of member Forces spread throughout the world.

 

The Heavenslayers Alliance Army advanced from the other side of the Righteous Alliance’s defences. Their ancient battleships sliced through the air like a hot knife through butter, passing through several Great Universes to descend upon the battlefield.

 

Several people, including Ling Yuling and Chu Heng, stood at the bow of the ship and looked down at the raging fires and horrific scenes of battle scattered across the universe below them.

 

“It seems that the Alliance Leader anticipated the actions of the Righteous Alliance, and that’s why he specifically instructed us to advance from the border defences.” One of them glanced at the now-empty regions of the universe and observed grimly, “Only weak Forces remain. The Forces capable of traversing Spacetime portals have already headed to the Righteous Alliance’s central region.”

 

The current state of people remaining in the universes and Star Territories could only be aptly described as old, weak, ill, or disabled. Once the dark beings invaded, these universes and Star Territories would immediately become prey and nourishment to the dark beings.

 

There was no hope of resistance whatsoever.

 

“The people of the world fear the Heavenslayers Alliance as though we are a ferocious tiger or a poisonous scorpion, but they ultimately depend on the Heavenslayers Alliance for protection. How truly laughable.” Somebody else scoffed.

 

The mighty Heavenslayers Alliance Army travelled towards the distant universes without disturbing the weak Forces that remained behind. These Forces had been quietly awaiting their death, but they were stunned by the scene unfolding before them at this moment.

 

In fact, they could barely believe their eyes as numerous ancient battleships passed overhead.

 

Surging forward like a powerful torrent, the boundless Heavenslayers Alliance Army rumbled towards the direction where the black fog came drifting from.