C1383 Preparation
C1383 Preparation
Moreover, a Half-level Emperor represented the pinnacle of combat strength that could determine the power of a force, and they were not deployed lightly. It's probable that, to the high-ranking officials of the Demon Aura Hall, the entire Devil Cloud Sect wasn't as valuable as a single Half-level Emperor. The possibility of them providing assistance at any moment was even less likely.
Indeed, that was the case. Although the Devil Cloud Sect was a branch of the Demon Aura Hall, the latter mostly left the sect to its own devices. A few high-ranking members were dispatched from the Demon Aura Hall, but the middle and lower ranks were composed almost entirely of native warriors from the Dongyuan Continent. Unless the Devil Cloud Sect faced total destruction, the Demon Aura Hall seldom intervened. After all, meddling in every affair would be an excessive drain on resources. If everything required the headquarters' involvement, there would be no point in having a branch.
Ultimately, the Devil Cloud Sect had to rely on itself—or more precisely, on its sect-protecting grand array. This grand array wasn't native to the Dongyuan Continent but was brought over from the Demon Aura Hall of the Central Essence Continent. It was not just a High-grade Emperor Level Spell Formation but also an incomplete Emperor Level grand array. However, its damage was severe and couldn't compare to the incomplete Emperor Level grand arrays of the Central Essence Continent's dominant four sects and five great families.
Despite being one of the two mightiest overlords, the Demon Aura Hall couldn't afford to provide a Spell Formation on par with those protecting the grand arrays of the four sects and five great families to its branches on other continents. Yet, even in its heavily damaged state, it remained an Emperor Level grand array.
In every aspect, from the spiritual energy that permeated the continent to the levels of martial prowess, the Dongyuan Continent was a notch below the Central Essence Continent. It was akin to a dimensional onslaught.
The sect-protecting grand array of the Devil Cloud Sect was vastly superior to those of the other six major powers on the Dongyuan Continent, such as the East Saint Sect and the Elemental Spirit Sect. Its strength was incomparable.
Even warriors at the peak of the Emperor Level found it nearly impossible to withstand its might. This was the key to their previous victories, including the decisive battle within the Demon Aura encirclement where numerous peak and late-period Emperor Level warriors were slain.
Whether in offense or defense, the power of the Devil Cloud Sect's grand array far surpassed the combined combat strength of its high-ranking members.
Aware of this, the upper echelons of the Devil Cloud Sect learned that the other five great powers had begun to mobilize, following Lin Xuan's command. They were amassing formidable forces, converging on the Devil Cloud Sect with overwhelming and undisguised might.
The Devil Cloud Sect's leadership was filled with dread, yet they refrained from launching preemptive strikes or harassment. They opted to remain within the stronghold of their headquarters, bracing for the impending clash with the armies of the five great forces.
They were ready for a direct, no-holds-barred confrontation. Victory in this battle would leave the Dongyuan Continent at their mercy, free for the Devil Cloud Sect to dominate. Defeat, on the other hand, would likely lead to their annihilation—a fate all too familiar to those who wield the Demon Force.
They had never imagined, however, that they would find themselves on the receiving end of such a fate. It was as if the cycle of karma had come full circle, with the heavens showing mercy to none.
The Devil Cloud Sect pinned their final hopes on their sect-protecting grand array. The might of this incomplete Emperor Level formation exceeded all their expectations. Yet, the more powerful the spell formation, the greater the demands on its wielder. Without the proper control, the formation's potential would be severely limited. Even within the Devil Cloud Sect, the highest level of mastery reached was at the peak of the Emperor Level.
The combined efforts of peak Emperor Level warriors could maximize the power of the spell formation.
Even if they couldn't unleash its full potential, as long as it was sufficient, that would suffice.
However, this approach had a significant downside.
Once the sect's protective grand array was breached, everyone in the Devil Cloud Sect would be trapped, with no chance of escape.
It was a desperate measure.
The Devil Cloud Sect had made too many enemies across the Dongyuan Continent with their rampant slaughter, becoming the world's adversary.
A direct escape would only lead to a swift and certain death by siege.
The Devil Cloud Sect was confident in their ability to best any other force on the Dongyuan Continent in one-on-one combat.
But without the protection of their grand array, facing a siege from the other five major forces, they had little assurance of their own safety.
When one-on-one wasn't an option, they'd face a multitude.
Quantity over quality, the combined forces of the five great powers had more warriors than the Devil Cloud Sect.
Even before Lin Xuan's return, the Devil Cloud Sect refrained from dispatching large numbers of their high-level members, fearing encirclement and annihilation.
Now, with Lin Xuan's formidable presence, they were even more cautious.
Their hope was to leverage the grand array to its greatest extent, keeping Lin Xuan at bay.
They dared not contemplate the consequences of failing to do so.
Time slipped by silently.
Soon, the two days Lin Xuan had spoken of elapsed.
Nearly everyone from the Elemental Spirit Hall had emerged from their dwellings and palaces, converging in various plazas.
Above the main peak of Elemental Spirit, several enormous Emperor Level High-grade Flying Ships floated, casting vast shadows as they blocked the sunlight.
Similarly, flying ships of various grades were either docked or hovering over the plazas of the other main peaks.
The Emperor Level High-grade Flying Ships, including the three brought by Lin Xuan, were the most prestigious, with a total of six in their ranks.
In essence, the entire Elemental Spirit Sect could muster only three High-grade Emperor Level Flying Ships, underscoring their immense value.
It's no surprise that when Lin Xuan piloted a High-grade Emperor Level Flying Ship across the Dongyuan Continent, it sparked a sensation and drew the gaze of various powers. Such vessels were exclusive to the Six Great Forces and the Million Treasure Pavilion, whose actual base was in the Central Essence Continent.
Their numbers were limited.
On this occasion, the Elemental Spirit Sect had to dig deep into its reserves. Usually, they would deploy just one on any given day. The rest were kept within the sect, reserved for emergencies.
A High-grade Emperor Level Flying Ship not only boasted the might of the late Emperor Level but was also colossal in size, stretching for thousands of meters. Theoretically, six of these ships could accommodate most of the Elemental Spirit Sect's combat forces.
Atop the other main peaks, there was an abundance of Mid Emperor Level and Low-grade Flying Ships, with the total exceeding twenty. This was not a world of equality, where basic space sufficed for all. Instead, it was a world defined by a rigid hierarchy, where the status, wealth, and influence of the elite far surpassed that of the tens of thousands below them.