C1388 Surrounding
C1388 Surrounding
Moreover, as the most formidable power on the Dongyuan Continent, Lin Xuan had no intention of overlooking the treasures, spirit stones, and spiritual materials that had been amassed. If he were to display his formidable power, he could easily flatten the entire region of the Devil Cloud Sect with a single blow. Everyone would perish instantly, resolving the issue in one fell swoop. Lin Xuan was certain he could accomplish this.
However, such destruction would make it challenging to locate the treasures afterward, requiring additional time and effort. These treasures were, after all, one of the primary reasons for Lin Xuan's return to the Dongyuan Continent. Therefore, it made more sense to enlist the help of the five great forces.
The Elemental Spirit Hall, along with the East Saint Sect, Canglan Sect, and the other two powers, mobilized half their combat strength. United, five against one, they matched or even surpassed the Devil Cloud Sect in both top-tier and mid-to-high-level combat power. Handling them was no longer an issue.
This strategy allowed for the complete eradication of the Devil Cloud Sect without a single escapee, while also preserving the sect's infrastructure for easier post-battle treasure hunting. It was a win-win situation.
After the battle, Lin Xuan would claim nearly all the spoils for his future cultivation. Yet, he wouldn't leave the five great forces empty-handed. Though he pocketed all the Devil Cloud Sect's accumulated wealth and treasures, he couldn't carry away their controlled territories, resources, mines, and herb fields. These would be distributed among the five great forces, providing them with more than enough bounty.
Lin Xuan's gaze then swept over the Emperor Level Flying Ships belonging to the other four great powers.
Suddenly, a glint of sharpness flashed in his eyes.
It settled on an elder of the Purple Cauldron Sect, who had recently advanced to Level 7 of the Martial Monarch Stage.
Then, he withdrew his gaze.
First things first, let's handle the Devil Cloud Sect—no need to rush.
"Everyone, follow me."
Lin Xuan's voice echoed in all directions.
He made his way toward the location of the Elemental Spirit's Emperor Level Flying Ship.
The senior leaders of the four major powers wore expressions of bitterness.
They had hoped to stay back and wait for the outcome before joining the battle, to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.
Now, it seemed that was no longer an option.
The power Lin Xuan had demonstrated was simply too formidable.
They couldn't afford to disobey.
They quickly maneuvered their Emperor Level Flying Ships and followed suit.
Lin Xuan directed the four major powers to disperse across three other positions.
Together, they encircled the Devil Cloud Sect.
The Elemental Spirit Hall took the foremost position, as Lin Xuan was there, drawing all the main forces to him.
Despite their fear of the Devil Cloud Sect's powerful protective formation, the threat to their lives compelled the four powers to comply.
Yet their will to fight had significantly diminished, and they were ready to flee at a moment's notice.
In the past, the Devil Cloud Sect below would have already launched an offensive.
It was a prime opportunity, with the elite forces of the five powers all present and within striking distance—easy targets.
If they could be eliminated in one fell swoop, the forces could then sweep across the entire Dongyuan Continent unopposed.
But oddly enough, there was utter silence below, with no sign of movement.
Even as Lin Xuan had the Flying Ships of the five powers envelop the Devil Cloud Sect, the situation remained unchanged.
This was because the Devil Cloud Sect's high-ranking members within the black and red light barrier had also sensed something was amiss.
When Lin Xuan's gaze had swept over them earlier.
The protective shield might as well have been non-existent, penetrated by Lin Xuan's piercing gaze.
It had swept over the Devil Cloud Sect's peak Emperor Level and late-period Emperor Level leaders.
In that moment, the complexions of the high-ranking cultivators shifted subtly, a sense of foreboding prickling at their backs, causing them to tremble.
It was as though they had encountered an indescribable terror.
Then, they witnessed Lin Xuan's assault on Wei Zhengzhen.
With a single slap from Lin Xuan, Wei Zhengzhen was left without any ability to fight back.
After sustaining injuries, he even proactively offered apologies and sought to make amends.
Being among the elite of the Dongyuan Continent, they were quite familiar with Wei Zhengzhen.
They were aware of his typically haughty nature and his impressive combat prowess.
None of them would dare claim they could best Wei Zhengzhen in a one-on-one fight.
Yet, Wei Zhengzhen was effortlessly sent flying with a slap from Lin Xuan, completely subdued and without any remaining defiance.
The comparison made Lin Xuan's fearsomeness self-evident.
"Who is this enigmatic powerhouse that's emerged? He's significantly stronger than a peak Emperor Level cultivator!"
"Indeed. Wei Zhengzhen stood no chance against him. We probably wouldn't fare much better!"
"Could he be one of those legendary Half-level Emperors?"
"I doubt it. There's nothing on the Dongyuan Continent that a Half-level Emperor would covet enough to make the journey from the Central Essence Continent!"
"We're backed by the mightiest sovereign of the Central Essence Continent, the Demon Aura Hall. Surely, most Half-level Emperors wouldn't dare to cross the Demon Aura Hall, would they?"
"Then why has this individual come to trouble our Devil Cloud Sect?"
"I'm not sure. Let's just observe for now. We better not act rashly and risk provoking him."
"Exactly. And it's uncertain whether our sect's protective formation could even hold up!"
"..."
The senior members of the Devil Cloud Sect were communicating telepathically, deeply apprehensive about Lin Xuan's demonstrated martial capabilities.
Thankfully, they had the powerful protective formation that had always shielded them, allowing them to remain composed.
"I am Mo Ying, the Sect Master of the Devil Cloud Sect. Greetings, esteemed Senior. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit with the five major forces?"
Below, Mo Ying levitated and approached the Elemental Spirit Hall's Flying Ship.
Despite addressing Lin Xuan as a senior, due to his formidable strength, there was a subtle undertone of hostility in his words.
Clearly, the formidable protective array of the Devil Cloud Sect had provided substantial support for him.
Unlike Wei Zhengzhen and his peers, who were intimidated by Lin Xuan.
"What brings you here? Hehe, can't you see?"
Lin Xuan let out a cold laugh.
"I'm well aware of your Devil Cloud Sect's secrets. I've come here today to annihilate your entire sect. No one will escape!"
Lin Xuan's words carried a hidden message that made Mo Ying's frame shudder with realization.
"If that's the case, let's see what you're truly capable of!"
Mo Ying feigned composure and retorted with an icy tone.
Now that hostilities were open, there was no room for courtesy.
He no longer even bothered with the honorific 'senior.'
"Our Devil Cloud Sect's protective array is the stuff of legends, an Emperor Level formation. I wonder, can you really withstand it?"
With those words, the black and red shield radiated intensely.
A formidable aura burst forth, tangible and spreading in all directions.
It left countless warriors in awe.
Yet, it vanished without a trace before even nearing Lin Xuan, as if it had never been there at all.
Mo Ying's pupils contracted at the sight.
Still, he managed to maintain a facade, showing no sign of weakness.
The Devil Cloud Sect, being an extension of the Demon Aura Palace on the Dongyuan Continent, had a unique structure compared to the other five major forces.