Divine Replication System

Below, the sect's protective barrier remained active. Even without the oversight of a peak Emperor Level practitioner, the barrier was more than capable of withstanding assaults from several of their ilk, amply safeguarding the Elemental Spirit Hall.    

Ruan Zhu watched the fleet disappear into the distance, silently offering a prayer. "I hope they return safely."    

The East Saint Sect, Devil Cloud Sect, and Elemental Spirit Sect were all situated in the heart of Dongyuan Continent's most central and flourishing First-class State, Dongyuan State. Despite its vastness, Dongyuan State was not too far for an Emperor Level Flying Ship to traverse. There was no need for a Cross-Domain Transportation Array, as the ships could reach their destination swiftly.    

With hundreds of thousands of warriors, using the Cross-Domain Transportation Array would be impractical. The sheer magnitude of their departure could not be concealed, drawing the covert attention of numerous independent cultivators and members of other factions.    

Two days passed, and word of the impending colossal battle had reached many within the middle and upper ranks of various sects and factions. Anticipation was high for what might be the most significant conflict to ever unfold on the Dongyuan Continent—a battle that could shape its future.    

The Devil Cloud Sect was widely reviled. Its campaigns had spread war across the continent, shattering the peace and altering the lives and futures of countless individuals, while also leading to untold deaths and tragedies.    

The sect was loathed to the core. Yet, previously, the Devil Cloud Sect's formidable power had left the other five major forces at the same level powerless to intervene. They had no choice but to tolerate the situation.    

Now, Lin Xuan had boldly initiated a campaign against the Devil Cloud Sect, and the martial community welcomed this move with great anticipation. Yet, they could only wait in silence for the outcome of this monumental battle, not daring to get too close to observe or join the fray.    

In a conflict of such magnitude, the highest level battle across the entire continent, the likelihood of perishing without the protection of elite warriors was alarmingly high. A mere aftershock could engulf them from dozens of miles away. They certainly did not wish to meet their end in such a manner.    

Conversely, should the Devil Cloud Sect be forced to retreat, they would relish the opportunity to pursue and strike at their weakened adversaries.    

Meanwhile, the East Saint Sect, Canglan Sect, Thunder Yang Pavilion, and Purple Cauldron Sect had dispatched a significant number of martial artists to converge on the Devil Cloud Sect headquarters. They dared not defy Lin Xuan's commands, a fearsome expert whose power surpassed that of the entire East Essence, even without having witnessed his might firsthand.    

They were unwilling to gamble; a lost bet could spell the end of their entire sect. Lin Xuan had requested only half of their combat strength, a demand they could begrudgingly meet, easing the mobilization process.    

However, those selected were often warriors with limited potential or those nearing the twilight of their lives. While their combat prowess was not in question, their prospects for future accomplishments were dim. A substantial loss among them would not jeopardize the sect's foundation.    

Lin Xuan had not specified a deadline, prompting the four major sects to depart promptly. The Canglan Sect hailed from Canglan State, the Purple Cauldron Sect from Wuchen State, and the Thunder Yang Pavilion from Leiyun State. These three states were among the top First-class States of the Dongyuan Continent, situated adjacent to Dongyuan State. Their greater distance necessitated an earlier departure.    

As time silently progressed, over two hours later, Lin Xuan led the Elemental Spirit Sect's Emperor Level Flying Ships into the Devil Cloud Sect's domain. From afar, he could spot four flying ship fleets positioned dozens of miles from the Devil Cloud Sect's central base. The nearest Devil Essence City was desolate, nearly devoid of inhabitants. The news of Lin Xuan's intent to lead a coalition against the Devil Cloud Sect had already permeated the area, prompting a swift evacuation from Devil Essence City.    

To prevent their sect's grand array from being breached and their martial artists within Devil Essence City from being slaughtered by the enraged warriors of the five great powers, the Devil Cloud Sect recalled all their stationed elders and disciples back to the sect.    

Since the encirclement of Demon Aura, the Devil Cloud Sect, along with the East Saint Sect, Elemental Spirit Sect, and the other major forces, have been at each other's throats, with animosity that knows no bounds.    

However, the defensive formation of the Devil Cloud Sect proved too formidable, and the five great forces suffered significant losses in combat strength during the battle of Demon Aura, which caused them to hold back.    

Given the chance, the five great forces would not hesitate to strike.    

As for the non-Devil Cloud Sect martial artists, those from affiliated forces, other stationed powers, and independent cultivators, they were well aware that a titanic battle was on the horizon.    

The fallout could potentially obliterate the entire Devil Essence City, and they stood no chance of withstanding it.    

Staying would mean certain death.    

With the Devil Cloud Sect martial artists now evacuated, and no one left to oppose them, everyone seized the opportunity to escape.    

What remained was a desolate city.    

"He's back again."    

Standing on the deck of the Emperor Level High-grade Flying Ship, Lin Xuan gazed down at Devil Essence City below, his heart heavy with countless emotions.    

It had been a year since his last visit.    

The upheaval in Devil Essence City last time had forced him to flee the Elemental Spirit Sect and venture to the Central Essence Continent.    

Had it not been for that, he might have had to extend his stay on the Central Essence Continent.    

Back then, his cultivation was too weak; he hadn't even reached the Martial King Stage.    

Lin Xuan then shifted his gaze towards the Devil Cloud Sect area behind Devil Essence City.    

The sect was situated on a vast plain, surrounded on three sides by an endless mountain range.    

Clearly, the Devil Cloud Sect had leveled the mountains in this region to create their territory, which was noticeably larger than that of the Elemental Spirit Sect.    

At that moment, the entire Devil Cloud Sect was shrouded by a massive inverted black and red bowl—their protective barrier had been activated.    

"Master, this is the Devil Cloud Sect's grand protective array, the Demon Blood Sky-Crushing Array. It integrates offense and defense, capable of conjuring a blood-colored greatsword that locks space, making it impossible to dodge.    

Previously, during the Demon Aura's siege, several peak Emperor Level powerhouses and late-stage Emperor Level experts from our five major forces were slain by that conjured blood-colored greatsword!"    

Elemental Spirit explained to Lin Xuan.    

"An Emperor Level Spell Formation, that explains it. Despite its significant damage, it's still beyond the capabilities of you peak Emperor Level experts to withstand."    

Lin Xuan spoke with a nonchalant tone, a slight smile gracing his face.    

Even after hearing of the Elemental Spirit's battle achievements, he seemed utterly unfazed.    

Lin Xuan's gaze swept over the black and red protective shield, effortlessly perceiving the exceedingly faint Emperor Aura within.    

This Emperor Aura was so diluted that even peak Emperor Level warriors couldn't detect any threat from it.    

It was even less potent than the aura Lin Xuan himself had mustered.    

Regardless, it was still Emperor Aura.    

This indicated that the Devil Cloud Sect's grand protective array was indeed an Emperor Level Spell Formation.    

Even in its severely damaged state, the power it could unleash was far superior to the grand arrays on the Dongyuan Continent, like the Elemental Spirit Sect's protective array.    

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