“Since that's the case, let the operation commence in full.
We shall annihilate them all—the Alliance Army, the Restorer Faction, the Fire Clan, Flower Goddess Palace, the Three Thousand Worlds and the other related world clusters and factions. Not a single one shall be spared.
I believe that once we have eradicated these factions and world clusters connected to Ye Yunfei, the remaining forces within this void will submit obediently to our Guardian Faction. None will dare defy us any longer.
Well then, I propose we dispatch several armies simultaneously to deal with these factions affiliated with Ye Yunfei.
This Eighth Void is exceedingly weak. We should easily be able to wipe out these forces just by casually sending a few True Gods.
Also, dispatch emissaries to recruit all factions and world clusters within this void. They must come voluntarily to pledge allegiance to our Guardian Faction within ten days. Otherwise, the Guardian Faction will come knocking on their doors, settling the score one by one.”
A burly elderly man dressed in blue robes spoke up. He hailed from the Sixth Void and was also a Perfected Void God.
To gain complete control of the Eighth Void, the Guardian Faction headquarters had mobilized forces from four voids to converge here: the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Voids. Moreover, each delegation was led personally by a Perfected Void God. Such a formation made dominating the Eighth Void appear a trifling matter.
Thus, the True Gods of the Guardian Faction were all carefree and relaxed, their demeanor like they were on vacation. They all believed suppressing such a weak void was a simple task given their strength.
“Whatever works is fine, just start acting sooner rather than later.
Although this void is weak, I believe it should have a fair amount of cultivation resources. After traveling such a long distance, aside from completing the task assigned by headquarters, we should also gather some cultivation resources here in passing, as a reward for our efforts.”
The blue-robed elder from the Sixth Void added.
“Hahaha…
Well said! I’ve heard there are quite a few famous secret realms within this Eighth Void. When the time comes, we can venture in together.
Especially the Colorless Abyss. I hear it was already a famous secret realm back in the ancient Chaos Void Sea, and remains largely unexplored. It must hide many valuable treasures. When we go in together, we might reap a handsome harvest.”
Listening to this, the other True God experts in the hall grew invigorated. Someone chimed in.
“Makes sense. After toiling all this way, of course we should have some spoils.”
The Perfect True God from the Fifth Void laughed heartily.
“Men! Bring that whatever-his-name-is from the worthless Shangguan Family to me immediately. Let's see if he’s still as sharp-tongued.”
The Perfect True God from the Fifth Void then commanded.
Soon after, a middle-aged man was dragged into the hall.
This middle-aged man was covered in blood and grime. The energy within him had long been sealed. The lower half of his body had vanished, leaving only a mangled torso from the waist up. His internal organs hung loose, dragging along the ground, painting a trail of fresh blood. The stench of gore was overwhelming.
“Who would have thought a mere ant like you would have some backbone? Even after days of torture, you refuse to talk or pledge allegiance to our Guardian Faction.”
The Perfect True God from the Fifth Void looked at the man's bisected body and sneered coldly.
Had Ye Yunfei been here, he would have immediately recognized the blood-soaked middle-aged man as the Shangguan Clan Leader.
When Ye Yunfei had led his forces to assault the headquarters of the Guardian Faction in the Eighth Void long ago, a great formation had blocked their path. In the end, it was this very Shangguan Clan Leader who stepped in, helping Ye Yunfei dismantle that formation.
Because the Guardian Faction headquarters in the Eighth Void had, in ancient times, actually been the ancestral home of the Shangguan Family. Later, it was forcibly seized by the Guardian Faction and became their base.
After that formation was broken, Ye Yunfei led his army deep into the headquarters, wiping out the Guardian Faction of the Eighth Void at that time. He then allowed the Shangguan Family's forces to garrison the place, effectively returning the headquarters to them.
Not long ago, forces from the Guardian Faction of four voids had almost simultaneously entered the Eighth Void, reoccupying this headquarters. Nearly half of the Shangguan Family had been slaughtered, and their Clan Leader was captured.
Originally, the Guardian Faction demanded that the Shangguan Family surrender and become a vassal force. However, the Shangguan Family held a deep-seated enmity towards the Guardian Faction since ancient times, compounded by the fact that they had already joined the Alliance Army. The higher-ups of the Shangguan Family would rather die than submit. As a result, over half were captured, while a small faction of elders led a portion of the clan members to flee.
“You mutt-like wretches, what right do you have to demand our Shangguan Family's surrender?
Just wait! Young Master Ye will soon return, and he will surely wipe out all you mongrel beasts! Your day of reckoning approaches.”
Seeing these Guardian Faction experts before him, the Shangguan Clan Leader immediately began hurling abuse.
“Ant with no concept of death!”
The Perfect True God from the Fifth Void darkened his expression. With a flick of his finger, a strand of Soul Power shot directly into the Shangguan Clan Leader's Soul Sea, materializing into a small knife that began methodically slicing his Soul Body. The Shangguan Clan Leader screamed in agony.
All energy within the Shangguan Clan Leader, including Soul Power, had been sealed. He was utterly defenseless, forced to endure the torment of having his Soul Body carved piece by piece.
During this period, he had endured various forms of torture. Both his body and Soul Body had suffered horrific pain. But it must be said, this Shangguan Clan Leader indeed had spine. No matter how he was tortured, he refused to yield or surrender. Whenever he got a chance, he cursed.
His defiant behavior both amused and infuriated the Guardian Faction higher-ups. For these True Gods, killing the Shangguan Clan Leader was a matter of snapping their fingers, utterly trivial. Yet they now saw it as a personal challenge, especially this Perfect True God from the Fifth Void.
“Oh, so you have a stubborn will, do you?
Very well, I'll continue torturing you, subjecting you to unending agony. I believe there will come a day when you yield and kneel before me, begging for mercy.”
After the Shangguan Clan Leader had screamed for a moment, the Fifth Void's Perfect True God saw no sign of plea and couldn't help but laugh coldly.
“You wretched mongrel! Go to hell!
What virtue or capability do you possess to make me kneel and beg?”
The Shangguan Clan Leader roared even as he screamed.
“This insignificant figure is beneath notice. I could kill him with a flick of my finger. Why waste time on him?”
The Perfect True God from the Sixth Void gave the Shangguan Clan Leader a cold, dismissive glance.
“No! I want to see exactly how long he can keep this hard-nosed act. I will make him wish for death yet be unable to die, condemned to endless torment and agony. One day, I will witness him kneeling before me, begging for mercy. That will be truly satisfying.”
Hearing this, the other True Gods in the hall shook their heads and chuckled faintly. For a prestigious Perfect True God to find pleasure in torturing others could only be called a twisted taste.
“I heard this fellow is a member of the Alliance Army. Let's do this: when we attack the Alliance Army headquarters, we'll hang this wretch from our standard pole, so the people of the Alliance Army can see the consequences of defying our Guardian Faction.”
The Perfect True God from the Fifth Void thought for a moment before speaking up again.
“As you wish. Let's start our action now and not waste any more time.
Dealing with such a weak void is a walk in the park. We don't need any preparation, just set out directly.
The most important thing is to seize control of this void swiftly, then plunder cultivation resources.”
The Perfect True God from the Sixth Void declared.
“Agreed!”
The other True Gods all voiced their agreement.
Not long after, several grand armies marched out from the Guardian Faction's headquarters, advancing solemnly through the void.
“Look, the Guardian Faction has indeed resurged.
This place originally belonged to the Shangguan Family's headquarters, but now it’s been forcibly retaken by the Guardian Faction.
Now, the Guardian Faction sends out such vast armies—they're surely going to settle accounts with the Alliance Army and Ye Yunfei.
It seems our Eighth Void is entering another period of turmoil.
Sigh... Our Eighth Void just enjoyed a stretch of peace, only for the Guardian Faction to rear its head again.
The coming days are unavoidable: bloody battles will rage, corpses piled high.”
The Guardian Faction's massive armies, parading grandly through the void, quickly stirred up a stir. Many looked upon the forces marching through the void and lamented.
In truth, once the Guardian Faction had retaken their former headquarters, news had already spread throughout the Eighth Void. Everyone knew the Guardian Faction was making a comeback.
And from the reports, these returning armies of the Guardian Faction were far stronger than before.
At the same time, within the council hall of the Three Thousand Worlds Alliance Army headquarters, a large group of senior members was gathered, each countenance grim.
Elder Kong, Xiao Ziming, and over a dozen other core leaders were present.
“Everyone, we've just received news. Several armies of the Guardian Faction have marched out from their headquarters simultaneously. It appears they are about to declare war on us. We must prepare for battle.”
Elder Kong spoke slowly.
Elder Kong was now an Intermediate Void God.
Many of the other Alliance Army leaders gathered in the hall had also attained the Void God level.
Before departing, Ye Yunfei had left behind batches of elixirs for the Alliance Army's top brass. Moreover, the Alliance Army had grown into the Eighth Void's strongest super-faction in overall might, commanding vast cultivation resources. Therefore, these high-ups were never short on cultivation supplies and had progressed swiftly.
“According to our scouts' reports, these newly arrived Guardian Faction forces possess formidable collective strength and are backed by True Gods. Everyone must brace themselves.
Given our capabilities, we cannot possibly combat True Gods. So, the current situation is extremely dire for the Alliance Army.”
Xiao Ziming sighed and spoke slowly.
“True Gods!”
At these words, the mood within the hall grew exceptionally heavy.
Although the Alliance Army's overall strength had grown significantly—many senior members having broken through to the Deity realm—they were all Void Gods, with not a single True God among them.
“Report! We've just received news. The Guardian Faction has publicly declared that all factions and world clusters within the Eighth Void must voluntarily submit to them within ten days, thenceforth obeying the Guardian Faction's commands. Any who defy will face the Guardian Faction’s army, which will descend upon them, exterminating their worlds and slaughtering their clans, leaving no soul behind.”
Just then, a scout from the Alliance Army rushed into the hall and reported respectfully to the gathered leaders.
“Indeed, the Guardian Faction remains as ambitious as before, fixated on ruling the Eighth Void.”
Hearing the scout’s report, anger spread across every leader's face.
“It won’t be easy for them to rule the Eighth Void. First, they'd have to ask our Alliance Army whether we agree!
As long as our Alliance Army stands, those wretched beasts of the Guardian Faction will never gain sway over the Eighth Void.”
“We should send troops immediately to combat the Guardian Faction. Our Eighth Void must never again permit the Guardian Faction to intrude!”
...
Many leaders could no longer restrain their fury, roaring with indignation.
For a moment, the hall was filled with righteous fury, everyone itching to go and wage war on the Guardian Faction.
“Esteemed leaders, we have also gathered intelligence that the Guardian Faction’s armies boast a minimum of over twenty True Gods.”
Seeing the hall's leaders aflame with battle intent, the scout hesitated for a moment before reporting softly.
“What?!
Over twenty True Gods!”
With that single report, silence instantly descended upon the hall.
The Alliance Army had zero True Gods, while their opponents fielded over twenty. Such a disparity was far too vast.
Frankly speaking, even facing a single True God, these Alliance Army leaders wouldn’t hold much confidence. To face more than twenty...
“It seems the rumors are true. The Guardian Faction’s power in other voids is terrifying. They've come well-prepared this time. We must handle this with utmost caution, and cannot afford the slightest complacency.”
After a period of silence within the hall, Xiao Ziming sighed and spoke slowly.
“Report! We've just received intel. The Guardian Faction has dispatched several armies, one of which is headed straight for our Alliance Army headquarters.
Additionally, the Guardian Faction’s other forces appear headed for the Restorer Faction’s headquarters, the Fire Clan's headquarters, the Flower Goddess Palace’s headquarters, and the Hall of Vanishing Light’s headquarters, among other destinations.
The army bound for our Alliance Army headquarters is drawing ever closer.”
Just then, another scout hurried into the hall and announced the news respectfully to all present.
“So they arrive with such swiftness.”
Hearing the scout’s words, every leader in the hall rose to their feet, hearts weighed down heavily.
If the Guardian Faction truly possessed so many True Gods, the army at their gates meant the Alliance Army’s situation was incredibly precarious.
“Everyone, the enemy’s strength is overwhelming. We must prepare on two fronts.
First, prepare for combat. Second, evacuate our vital personnel.”
Elder Kong stood up and declared in a clear voice.
“Indeed, we need both strategies.”
Xiao Ziming nodded. The core leaders of the Alliance Army immediately began giving orders, deploying experts to start evacuating the essential personnel.
“We must send people immediately to Heaven's Tear Realm to evacuate Young Master Ye’s clansmen and relatives. The faster, the better.”
Elder Kong personally dispatched over a dozen high-level figures of considerable strength, leading an elite team to rush to Heaven's Tear Realm at top speed.
“Friends, I've already sent someone to inform the six Elders.
Those six Elders told us not to worry, just prepare for battle. They will find a way to deal with the True Gods among the Guardian Faction.
So don't be overly anxious. I firmly believe that evil can never prevail over righteousness.
Moreover, our Alliance Army fights for the welfare of this entire void, for justice, and for the defense of our homeland. Whether victorious or defeated, we have no way back. Our Alliance Army must not shrink back.
If our Alliance Army doesn't step forward to resist the Guardian Faction, how many factions and world clusters within the void would dare stand up to protect it?”
Amidst the hall, Ouyang Tao proclaimed loudly.
“Those six Elders will deal with the True Gods!”
Hearing Ouyang Tao's words, everyone's spirits lifted as they glimpsed a thread of hope.
Just at that moment, a figure suddenly appeared inside the hall.
“Young Master Ye is here!”
Seeing the figure, all were gripped by excitement, instantly finding their pillar of support.
Although Ye Yunfei's true form had already left the Eighth Void, before departing he had left numerous Clones scattered across the void. This particular Clone had been specifically left here at the Alliance Army headquarters.
Ye Yunfei’s Clone usually remained in seclusion within a meditation chamber, cultivating in quiet. Regular intelligence reports from the Alliance Army were delivered to this Clone. Important matters were brought to this Clone for decision-making.
Having received word that the Guardian Faction had returned to the Eighth Void, Ye Yunfei’s Clone had emerged from its closed-door chamber and come to the council hall.
“I am aware of everything. Everyone, do not worry. My true form should return soon, to lead you all in facing the Guardian Faction.
Moreover, our Three Thousand Worlds are not to be bullied lightly. A few True Gods might not necessarily be enough to push us around.
Alright, go and prepare immediately, making ready for war.”
Ye Yunfei’s Clone spoke unhurriedly.
“Could it be that our Three Thousand Worlds hold hidden trump cards?”
Listening to Ye Yunfei's words, while elated, the Alliance Army's leadership couldn’t help but wonder inwardly.