When Ye Yunfei was making his way in the Canghuang Realm in the past, he had indeed developed enmity with the Ancient Demon Race, killing many of its members. Later, he had even turned the entire Ancient Demon Race into his slaves. Even now, the Ancient Demon Race in the Canghuang Realm was still a force under his command.
Who would have thought this old demon before him was actually an ancestor of the Ancient Demon Race from the Canghuang Realm!
"So that means you belong to the Ancient Demon Race, Senior."
Ye Yunfei replied calmly.
Even though this old demon before him was powerful and hailed from the Demon Realm, with Ye Yunfei's current strength, he wasn't the least bit afraid. If the earlier fight had continued, Ye Yunfei was confident he definitely wouldn't lose.
"Correct, I belong to the Ancient Demon Race. Young man, isn't it about time you set free those Ancient Demons in the Canghuang Realm?"
The old demon answered.
"That can be easily arranged. I'll have them all leave the Canghuang Realm and return to the Demon Realm."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
Those Ancient Demons in the Canghuang Realm were far too weak for Ye Yunfei now and were of no use whatsoever.
That old demon snorted coldly upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words and didn't speak further.
At this moment, the gazes of the other major faction representatives in the hall lost the sharp, aggressive edge they had earlier.
All these representatives from the major factions were old-timers, each possessing formidable strength. Previously, as a mere junior, Ye Yunfei entering this hall and sitting as their equal had displeased these old-timers somewhat, which was why the old demon had taken the opportunity to test Ye Yunfei.
But the combat prowess Ye Yunfei had just displayed made these old-timers realize that this young man's strength was truly terrifying. They no longer dared to look down on him.
In the world of martial artists, the strong were always revered. Only those with powerful strength received respect!
"Ye Yunfei, our major factions from the Main World had some past grievances with you, but now we all belong to the same alliance to oppose the Dark Faction. So let's consider our old grudges settled. We hope you won't take action against our factions."
At this point, an old man in a green robe suddenly stood up and spoke to Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei looked over, recognizing this green-robed elder as being from the Azure Profound Sect of the Main World.
"If you knew today would come, why act that way in the first place? Choosing to mingle with the Dark Faction back then, those Main World factions must have suffered considerable losses. Rest assured, since you've joined this alliance, I won't take action against you. However, the grudges you have with the Reincarnation Palace... the Palace will surely settle accounts with you in the future."
Ye Yunfei swept a glance at the green-robed elder and spoke coolly.
The representatives of those major factions from the Main World let out a sigh of relief upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words. They knew Ye Yunfei's current strength was extremely fearsome. If he were to move against their factions, it would be very troublesome. As for the Reincarnation Palace, its headquarters had been annihilated by the Dark Faction. It was hard to say whether the Reincarnation Palace would even exist as a faction in the Main World anymore, so naturally, they weren't afraid of its retaliation.
By now, the Beast Lord had ordered a servant to bring a chair for Ye Yunfei and have him sit.
"Everyone, as we previously discussed, this alliance of ours is formally established to jointly deal with the Dark Faction. I believe you all understand the overall strength of the Dark Faction is formidable. The Dark Ancestor is a Golden Immortal expert, undoubtedly a Great Perfection Golden Immortal at that. Under him, there are several thousand Earth Immortals. Therefore, if we wish to defeat the Dark Faction, none of the factions can hold back. All must bring out their full resources and cooperate sincerely."
Once Ye Yunfei was seated, the Beast Lord stood up, cast his gaze around the hall, and spoke clearly.
"Beast Lord, we already understand this. The Dark Faction has dispatched troops to attack our Demon Realm, intending to annihilate it. They are a mortal enemy. Our Demon Realm absolutely will not hold back; we will fight the Dark Faction with all our might. I believe the situation for every major faction is similar to ours. So, let's discuss the specific plan of action."
A tall elder emanating billowing devilish energy stood up and spoke.
"Right. Let's directly discuss the specifics. No need for further superfluous talk."
The old demon who had just fought with Ye Yunfei also nodded.
"Good, then let's discuss the specifics. I believe our operation can be divided into two parts. The first part is to attack the Dark Faction's Nurturing Yin Land and eliminate the Yin Seed inside. As we all should know, the true purpose for the Dark Ancestor launching this World-Destroying War is to use the flesh and blood essence, as well as the soul body essence, of all living beings in this spacetime to nurture that Yin Seed. As long as we eliminate the Yin Seed, we cut off the source of this war. After destroying the Yin Seed, we can concentrate our forces to deal with the Dark Faction in a final decisive battle.
Actually, this was the same approach the Light Faction previously adopted. The Light Faction's higher-ups once organized experts to assault the Nurturing Yin Land to destroy the Yin Seed, but later the Dark Ancestor's true body arrived unexpectedly, causing the Light Faction's operation to fail. I think we should also adopt this strategy to deal with the Dark Faction."
The Beast Lord nodded and spoke clearly.
"You speak reason, Beast Lord. First, we destroy that Yin Seed of the Dark Ancestor. That seed is the true source and motivation behind the Dark Ancestor's desire to destroy this spacetime."
A being enveloped in green light immediately spoke, expressing agreement.
"Then we first concentrate our strength to break into the Dark Faction's Nurturing Yin Land and destroy that Yin Seed. The Dark Ancestor dares to attack our major factions for the sake of that Yin Seed; he's truly deranged. Since that's the case, we'll destroy that seed and let the Dark Ancestor know our power."
...
Hearing the Beast Lord's words, the other major faction representatives all nodded in agreement one after another.
"Alright, since you all agree, our plan against the Dark Faction will be split into two parts. Step one is to attack the Nurturing Yin Land and destroy the Yin Seed. Step two is for everyone to concentrate forces and engage the Dark Faction's main army in a decisive battle."
The Beast Lord said.
"That Nurturing Yin Land is a place the Dark Ancestor values most. It has a large number of Dark Faction experts stationed guarding it, along with numerous formations and restrictions. It's fraught with danger. I think we should dispatch a team of top experts to act secretly, killing our way in before the Dark Faction detects our movements, destroying the Yin Seed with lightning speed."
An elder shrouded in a deadly aura said in a gloomy tone.
Ye Yunfei knew this elder was definitely a representative from the Underworld.
"Everyone, the Nurturing Yin Land is the core of the Dark Faction. The Dark Ancestor's true body is highly likely guarding it. Therefore, if we attack the Nurturing Yin Land, we will inevitably face the Dark Ancestor's true body. That true body is not easy to deal with."
That representative from the Demon Realm suddenly spoke up.
"Although the Dark Ancestor's true body is strong, as long as our major factions each bring out their true resources, it's not certain we can't deal with him. Moreover, a battle with the Dark Ancestor's true body is unavoidable. It is key to determining whether this alliance can defeat the Dark Faction."
The Beast Lord said solemnly.
"The Beast Lord is right. We must face the battle against the Dark Ancestor's true body. There is no escape."
The representatives of the other factions also spoke up one after another.
"Good. Everyone make preparations, organize the experts from your respective factions. We take action in five days!"
The Beast Lord stated solemnly.
"What about your Light Faction? Will you participate in this operation?"
At this moment, a representative from one of the major factions suddenly turned his gaze towards Ye Yunfei.
"I heard that not long ago, the Light Faction suffered heavy casualties. Some important resources have been depleted. Does the Light Faction still have the strength to participate in the battle against the Dark Faction?"
Another major faction's representative spoke up.
"Don't worry, everyone. Our Light Faction will participate in this operation. From ancient times to the present, within this spacetime, our Light Faction has always been fighting against the Dark Faction. We have never retreated, and this time won't be an exception. Regarding our Light Faction's current strength, I'll put it this way: I alone am more than enough to handle one or two hundred Earth Immortals of the Dark Faction. So, there's no need for you all to worry about the Light Faction's strength."
Ye Yunfei said slowly, his words brimming with confidence.
The major faction representatives in the hall were all inwardly startled upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words. Some felt he was being too arrogant; others admired his confidence.
"Hahaha… A true hero emerges in youth, indeed. That's good! Young people should have such confidence and drive!"
Hearing Ye Yunfei's words, the Beast Lord couldn't help but laugh heartily, his voice full of admiration.
"Alright! Everyone, go prepare well. When the time comes, we act!"
The Beast Lord stood up and spoke clearly.
Ye Yunfei requested a secluded chamber from the Beast Lord and entered it.
"Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, go back immediately to Senior Chu and the others at the backup base. Inform them of the situation here so they can prepare to join the operation against the Dark Faction in five days. With all the major factions of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds cooperating to form an alliance, now is the best opportunity to deal with the Dark Faction."
Ye Yunfei said to the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm.
Without delay, the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm transformed into a streak of golden light and vanished into space.
"I will use these few days for proper secluded cultivation."
Ye Yunfei entered the Phantom Image Pagoda, found a quiet spot, and sat down.
He waved a hand, and five white treasure pearls appeared, floating before him. These five white pearls were taken by Ye Yunfei from the five Dark Faction experts, forming a matched set of magic treasures that could constitute a battle formation.
"Study these five treasures well. See how they interconnect to form a battle formation."
Ye Yunfei looked at the five white pearls and spoke. He then released his Soul Power and sent his senses into the pearls to begin studying them.
"Use my other Soul Body to properly comprehend and cultivate formations."
Ye Yunfei mused inwardly. Then, his two Soul Bodies divided tasks. One studied the five white pearls, while the other comprehended and cultivated formations.
Within the Phantom Image Pagoda, a year passed unknowingly.
"So that's it! The reason these five pearls can be a matched set of treasures and form a battle formation is because corresponding profound formation markings are engraved inside each. It seems that to use treasures to form a battle formation, one must first master the method of engraving these markings. Engraving formation markings within a treasure is a challenge, but once successful, the benefits are enormous. I must give it a try."
After a year, Ye Yunfei suddenly opened his eyes and spoke.
Through a year of study, Ye Yunfei was now thoroughly familiar with these five white pearls. He knew they all had numerous profound formation markings engraved inside. It was precisely because of these markings that when the pearls were activated, their auras would connect and resonate with each other, forming a superior battle formation that unleashed powerful combat prowess. The power unleashed by the five pearls combined into a formation was absolutely not a simple sum of their individual powers. It was multiplied by hundreds, even thousands of times! Ye Yunfei found this method extremely fascinating and was determined to learn it.
Ye Yunfei took out a magic treasure and began attempting to engrave formation markings within it.
So-called formation markings were specific runic patterns used to constitute formations. These patterns contained formation energies and formation laws. Actually, when formation masters usually refined formation flags, they needed to engrave many formation markings onto them. Therefore, Ye Yunfei was naturally quite familiar with various formation markings.
However, engraving formation markings inside a magic treasure was a first-time attempt for Ye Yunfei. If he hadn't encountered these five pearls, it would never have occurred to him that markings could be engraved within treasures.
In the following period, Ye Yunfei concentrated on attempting to engrave formation markings within treasures.
With two Soul Bodies and exceptionally strong Soul Power, his comprehension and understanding abilities were definitely top-tier. Whatever he cultivated, he held greater advantages than other beings.
Approximately another half a year passed within the Phantom Image Pagoda.
"Excellent! I can finally engrave formation markings within treasures!"
Ye Yunfei suddenly opened his eyes and exclaimed with delight.
"Next, engrave markings on all the treasures I possess! This way, my treasures can be grouped into sets, with each set forming a battle formation. Activating these formations suddenly during battle is sure to unleash immense power!"
Ye Yunfei declared.
Engraving formations within treasures to form sets of battle formations, once activated, would unleash combat power combining both the treasure's might and the formation's power — a superposition of both! Ye Yunfei took out a large pile of treasures and began engraving formation markings within them, becoming increasingly proficient.
"Right, I promised that Light Race predecessor I'd help collect fragments. I mustn't break my word."
While engraving markings, Ye Yunfei remembered his promise to that Light Race senior. He then dispatched an Avatar, sending it to collect fragments of the Great Brightness Wheel. That Light Race senior had already told Ye Yunfei the specific locations of those fragments, so the Avatar could go directly to those spots to retrieve them.
Time flew. Several more months passed within the Phantom Image Pagoda.
"I have finally engraved formation markings within most of my treasures! Henceforth, these treasures of mine will possess even greater power."
Ye Yunfei muttered to himself within the Phantom Image Pagoda.
* * *
"Ancestor, I have divined Ye Yunfei's whereabouts. He should be within the Beast Realm. The Beast Lord of the Beast Realm has gathered experts from many major factions in the Beast Realm to form an alliance against our Dark Faction. Ye Yunfei probably went to join that alliance."
While Ye Yunfei was cultivating within the Beast Realm, within the Dark Faction's Nurturing Yin Land, Hei Que Mage came before the Dark Ancestor to report.
"Since those factions have formed an alliance, they will likely take action soon. We're in no hurry. We'll just sit and wait for them to come — perfect to catch them all in one swoop. The Yin Seed's preparation is nearly complete. Feeding it another batch of resources will allow it to mature fully.
Pass down the orders: Have everyone prepare for the decisive battle against the living beings of this spacetime. In this final battle, our Dark Faction army will sweep across the entire spacetime, thoroughly annihilating every living being within it. The World-Destroying War is about to conclude.
As for that Ye Yunfei, continue monitoring his movements. When the time comes, I'll dispatch a clone specifically to deal with him and kill him."
The Dark Ancestor nodded and spoke slowly.
"Understood!"
Hei Que Mage hurriedly acknowledged.
* * *
Beast Realm.
Within a palace engraved with numerous beasts and birds, over two hundred Earth Immortals had gathered. These Earth Immortals came from all major factions across this spacetime. Demon Realm, Underworld, Netherworld, Main World… Besides factions from famously special worlds, some usually low-profile but shockingly powerful factions also sent experts to participate in this operation.
"Everyone, five days have passed. As per the original plan, we begin our operation!"
Standing in the center of the great hall, the Beast Lord swept his gaze across the numerous experts and spoke.
"Now we head for the Nurturing Yin Land, attack it, and destroy that Yin Seed. Prepare yourselves mentally. A brutal, fierce battle is sure to ensue. Not only will we face a great many Dark Faction experts, but we might even encounter the Dark Ancestor's true body.
In short, this is a tough fight, but it is also the core battle in our struggle against the Dark Faction. If we can succeed in this operation, we will be much more confident in dealing with the Dark Faction subsequently."
The Beast Lord said.
This alliance was established through the Beast Lord's efforts. Moreover, the Beast Lord was a renowned top expert from antiquity in the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds. Therefore, everyone elected him to lead the alliance.
"Young Master Ye, what about the experts of your Light Faction?"
The Beast Lord addressed Ye Yunfei.
"They're here."
Ye Yunfei pointed towards the distant direction of the Beast Realm's entrance and spoke. Indeed, about a hundred Earth Immortals had just entered the Beast Realm, surging towards the palace.
Senior Chu and Zen Master Tianwu personally led them!
Seeing this force, the experts of other factions in the palace were inwardly astounded, thinking: The Light Faction truly lives up to being a major faction capable of opposing the Dark Faction long-term. Even though it suffered heavy losses in the last war against the Dark Faction, it still retained so many Earth Immortals. A ship, even rotten, still has three catties of nails.
The Beast Lord immediately stepped forward to welcome them warmly. Besides him, many experts from other factions also came forward to engage in conversation. After all, the Light Faction's strength was displayed right there; no one dared ignore it.
"Senior, I have a highly advanced space teleportation treasure. Have everyone enter my spatial treasure. Then, using my teleportation treasure, we can secretly infiltrate the Nurturing Yin Land, making our operation more covert and achieving surprise."
Ye Yunfei said to the Beast Lord.
"Excellent! That teleportation treasure of yours is perfect for this situation."
The Beast Lord nodded. Having followed Ye Yunfei recently, he had long witnessed the Space Teleportation Talisman's capabilities.
Subsequently, the Beast Lord persuaded everyone to enter the Phantom Image Pagoda together. Ye Yunfei then activated the Space Teleportation Talisman, teleporting towards the Nurturing Yin Land.
Not long after, Ye Yunfei appeared near the Dark Faction's Nurturing Yin Land.
This land was previously enclosed by a tall, black formation wall, but Ye Yunfei had destroyed that wall. This was also one of the reasons the Dark Ancestor hated Ye Yunfei so intensely and wanted to kill him personally. One must know, that formation wall was constructed long ago by the Dark Ancestor hiring a very skilled formation master from another spacetime, spending a great deal of time and consuming a sea of precious formation materials before finally succeeding.
Arriving near the Nurturing Yin Land, Ye Yunfei immediately employed several stealth secret arts, restraining his aura, and stealthily advanced into the land.
"A brutal battle is about to begin."
Ye Yunfei mused inwardly.
Besides Ye Yunfei, the experts of the other major factions were also well aware of this.