For the following period of time, Ye Yunfei began to tirelessly craft puppets.
Of course, while crafting puppets, Ye Yunfei also cultivated other various techniques and secret arts, multitasking all the while.
Furthermore, during the puppet crafting process, the high-level members of the Alliance Army continuously delivered newly collected crafting materials into Ye Yunfei's hands.
Now, not only in the Eighth Void, but members of the Alliance Army from the Seventh, Sixth, Fifth, and even the Fourth Void were everywhere, helping Ye Yunfei gather the required crafting materials.
Moreover, the Alliance Army leadership had also contacted the leadership of the Hunyuan Sect, requesting they also send people to help collect materials. The Hunyuan Sect leadership naturally did not refuse, immediately dispatching a large number of personnel to assist Ye Yunfei.
Thus, in the following period, a vast quantity of crafting materials flowed continuously into the Eighth Void, ultimately reaching Ye Yunfei.
Consequently, the amount of crafting materials Ye Yunfei possessed reached an astonishing level. These numerous materials were ultimately refined by Ye Yunfei into puppets.
And so, Ye Yunfei crafted more and more puppets, all of them being Heavenly God-level puppets, of course.
The greater the number of puppets he crafted, the more proficient Ye Yunfei became, almost able to craft a new puppet in the blink of an eye.
An unknown amount of time passed.
"Alright, let's stop here for now."
Ye Yunfei suddenly ceased crafting puppets and said softly.
Ye Yunfei had been inside the Phantom Tower for over two years now.
During these two years, every moment of every day, Ye Yunfei and his dozens of avatars had tirelessly crafted puppets without pause, producing a staggering number.
"It's time to go take a look at the First, Second, and Third Voids."
Inside the Phantom Tower, Ye Yunfei slowly stood up and murmured to himself.
Then, with a flicker of his figure, Ye Yunfei walked out of the Phantom Tower. Not long after, he appeared in the meeting hall of the Alliance Army headquarters.
Many of the Alliance Army's high-level members, having heard that Ye Yunfei was at the Eighth Void headquarters, had rushed there during this time, waiting at this base.
When those high-ranking members sensed Ye Yunfei's aura appear in the meeting hall, they immediately dropped all their tasks and gathered in the hall in a short time.
"Greetings, Young Master Ye."
A large group of Alliance Army higher-ups simultaneously stepped forward to pay their respects to Ye Yunfei, each looking at him with adoring eyes.
Ye Yunfei's various deeds from earlier had long since begun to spread, and every one of these Alliance Army higher-ups admired him to the utmost.
Everyone knew that although Ye Yunfei was currently only at the Fifth Level Sovereign God realm, his true strength had already surpassed that of a Ninth Level Sovereign God.
According to rumors, Ye Yunfei had even slain a Chaos Deity back in the Sword Realm.
Ye Yunfei had always been the spiritual pillar and core leader of the Alliance Army; now his position within it was even more unshakable.
"Young Master Ye, during this period, spies sent by the Guardian Faction have appeared several times in the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Voids. It seems their ambitions remain undeterred.
Moreover, according to intelligence, members of the Great Netherworld have also been appearing frequently.
A few days ago, our scouts detected traces of Great Netherworld members in the Eighth Void."
An Alliance Army higher-up stepped forward to report to Ye Yunfei on the recent state of affairs.
"What about the Reincarnation Sect? Has the Reincarnation Sect been active in these voids?"
Ye Yunfei asked.
"Yes, they have.
Within the voids under our Alliance Army's control, the Reincarnation Sect has actually been active all along.
Moreover, we have followed your instructions, Young Master Ye, to provide the greatest possible assistance whenever we encounter members of their sect."
That higher-up immediately replied.
"Very good.
Now that the Great Netherworld and the Reincarnation Sect are in opposition, our Alliance Army stands on the Reincarnation Sect's side. Henceforth, if the Reincarnation Sect requires assistance in any way, our Alliance Army should provide it."
Ye Yunfei nodded and spoke. Due to Su Qingluo's connection, he naturally sided with the Reincarnation Sect.
"Don't worry, Young Master Ye, we understand."
That higher-up nodded, and the other higher-ups present also nodded one after another.
"For our Alliance Army, the most important task now is still to encourage everyone to diligently cultivate and elevate their strength. This is the core mission for every member.
Maintain strict surveillance over all movements of the Guardian Faction, the Great Netherworld, and the Blade Realm. Immediately report if any members of these forces appear within the voids we control.
Also, remember, the Hunyuan Sect is an ally of our Alliance Army, one of our own.
If the Hunyuan Sect encounters trouble, our Alliance Army should proactively step in to help.
If our Alliance Army requires assistance, we can also send someone to request aid from the Hunyuan Sect."
Ye Yunfei spoke again.
"Rest assured, Young Master Ye, we have already established close contact with the Hunyuan Sect and can reach each other at any time."
Another higher-up standing nearby spoke up.
"Besides the Hunyuan Sect, your Alliance Army has another potential ally."
Right at that moment, a voice suddenly sounded from outside the palace housing the meeting hall.
"Senior, it's you!"
Hearing this voice, Ye Yunfei immediately exclaimed with pleasant surprise.
Then, billowing yellow energy diffused, and a figure walked into the meeting hall from outside. Ye Yunfei hurriedly rose to welcome him.
An old man strode into the meeting hall with his hands clasped behind his back, looking at Ye Yunfei with a face full of smiles. It was Shoudi Laoren.
Though Ye Yunfei could tell at a glance that this was merely an avatar of Shoudi Laoren.
"Senior, what brings you here to find me?"
Ye Yunfei inquired.
"I came here to find you, of course, to discuss cooperation with your Alliance Army.
The current situation is far too chaotic. Many ancient and powerful forces are forming alliances, seeking to gain the initiative in this turbulent era.
Our Earth Gate remained dormant for so long. Now that we have reappeared, naturally we cannot stand aloof either. We intend to find a few allies to band together for mutual protection during these chaotic times.
The first group I thought of was the organization you established."
Shoudi Laoren said with a smile.
"This Alliance Army I established is insignificant compared to your senior's Earth Gate."
Ye Yunfei replied with a smile, understanding in his heart that Shoudi Laoren's visit to the Alliance Army headquarters was likely not because of the Alliance Army itself, but because Ye Yunfei had once saved him.
"I wouldn't say that. A voyage across the ocean relies on its helmsman.
Regardless of the Alliance Army's current strength, with you as its leader, I believe the day will come when it becomes a mighty force renowned throughout the entire Chaotic Void Sea. Therefore, Earth Gate forming an alliance with your Alliance Army would not be a disadvantageous move."
Shoudi Laoren said with a smile.
"So he's from Earth Gate..."
The Alliance Army higher-ups in the hall were greatly astonished upon hearing the conversation between Ye Yunfei and Shoudi Laoren.
Earth Gate was a mysterious and low-profile ancient force, existing only in some ancient legends.
Most of these Alliance Army higher-ups had heard various legends about the ancient Earth Gate and knew it had been an extremely powerful force even in antiquity. Learning that this old man before them was actually from Earth Gate filled them with profound shock.
Seeing Ye Yunfei's extremely respectful attitude towards Shoudi Laoren, they knew this elder's identity and strength were extraordinary.
Subsequently, Ye Yunfei introduced Shoudi Laoren to the Alliance Army higher-ups.
Upon learning that this old man before them was actually the Gate Master of Earth Gate, they felt even more astounded. They immediately stepped forward one after another, paying their respects to Shoudi Laoren with utmost reverence.
For a force like Earth Gate, which normally existed only in ancient legends, to suddenly appear before them, and for its Gate Master to personally come… such a matter was truly earth-shattering.
"To keep it brief, our Earth Gate intends to form an alliance with your Alliance Army. Henceforth, we advance and retreat together, assisting one another in these troubled times.
Everyone, come out."
Shoudi Laoren addressed Ye Yunfei.
After speaking, he waved his hand. Boundless yellow Earth Qi energy billowed forth, and everyone saw that a large group of creatures radiating sharp energy auras had now appeared beside Shoudi Laoren.
More than half of these creatures were Geomancers, with others belonging to various rare earth-elemental races.
All these creatures who had come with Shoudi Laoren were high-level members of Earth Gate, each one a Sovereign God with formidable strength.
Especially the Geomancers — each of them was shrouded in a mysterious haze of earth-yellow energy, with glyphs related to earth laws even flickering around their bodies.
Ye Yunfei knew these phenomena manifested because they cultivated rather advanced Geomancy Techniques.
Ye Yunfei immediately arranged for the Alliance Army higher-ups and the Earth Gate higher-ups to establish connections.
With both Ye Yunfei and Shoudi Laoren present as leaders, the alliance between the two forces proceeded logically, and the specific details were soon agreed upon.
The higher-ups of both sides exchanged contact methods and agreed on how members of both forces would further enhance communication and interaction in the future.
After conversing with Shoudi Laoren, Ye Yunfei came to understand that Earth Gate actually had numerous hidden branch strongholds in every void of the Chaotic Void Sea, primarily existing as unremarkable families or sects.
Moreover, Earth Gate possessed considerable strength in every void. However, due to Earth Gate being far too low-key and mysterious, always maintaining a detached stance from worldly affairs, outsiders could scarcely sense its existence.
For example, within this Eighth Void, Earth Gate's influence existed in most of the world clusters.
"Earth Gate is simply far too low-key and mysterious. We were active in the Eighth Void for so long yet never sensed this force's presence, yet it genuinely does exist.
Personally, I feel such ancient and low-key forces are the most formidable. They remain aloof from worldly conflicts, so they rarely face existential crises. Concealed quietly in the world, developing generation after generation, they often accumulate astonishing strength."
Hun Lao transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
"Indeed.
Moreover, I suspect aside from Earth Gate, there may be many more similar ancient forces within the Chaotic Void Sea."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Actually, aside from Earth Gate, there's another ancient force within this Eighth Void."
Hun Lao said with a smile.
"Old Hun, are you referring to the Colorless Abyss?"
Hearing Hun Lao's words, Ye Yunfei felt a stir in his heart and then spoke.
"Precisely. The Colorless Abyss is far too mysterious. Even now, we still don't know the true strength of the mysterious beings within it."
Hun Lao replied.