Chapter 847: Gathered Masters

Inside the meeting hall.

Although Li Yi's abrupt appearance interrupted the meeting, no one was angry; though they were leaders and high-ranking officials, they were often scolded face-to-face by squad commanders and were publicly known as the ones who took abuse.

After all, nowadays an evolver's status is determined by strength, not position.

"Li Yi, you want to initiate the Realm War directly?" Hearing Li Yi's words, Zhao Yongshan immediately understood his intent.

"Hasn't the Realm War already begun? I'm just adding more fuel." Li Yi said: "How long are we going to waste like this? You know we can't match their depth of resources—so why not risk everything? Smash them all in one go—the experts sent by the Demon God Realm and the Xuan Immortal Continent."

"How do we smash them? They have ten Immortals stationed, a True Immortal overseeing from afar, at least hundreds of Mahayana cultivators—this is only one outpost of the Xuan Immortal Continent. The two Demon Kings of the Demon God Realm are ready to enter the battle at any moment, many great demons have joined, and the dark gods' shadows have already spread for hundreds of miles. Do you think we want to cower? We just can't win."

One high-ranking official spoke, slightly ashamed and irritated.

If he were afraid of death, he wouldn't have come to the Earth Front. But the situation is simply hopeless.

"Li Yi, I know you've been hunted by the Demon Kings and are full of rage, wanting revenge—but you must be rational. Though the dozens of reinforcements you brought are top-tier experts, frankly, we still lack the capability to counterattack." Xiao Jianguo sighed and began to reason with him.

"There are a thousand reasons not to fight, but only one reason to fight."

Li Yi scanned the group: "I've already sent word to other allies. I plan to act this afternoon. If possible, I'd like Wang Chengjun, Li Weiguo, and Zhang Xinghua to join— their strength is immense and they can hold off the Demon Kings, greatly aiding me."

"Li Yi, you're acting recklessly!" One high-ranking official exclaimed in shock and anger—he hadn't expected Li Yi to be so decisive, already rallying others.

Zhao Yongshan and Xiao Jianguo were both stunned; from Li Yi's expression, it was clear he meant it.

"Li Yi, how confident are you?" Zhao Yongshan spoke after a brief silence: "You must understand—once we act, the situation will spiral completely out of control. The Demon Kings will enter, the dark gods will manifest, True Immortals will descend. Put bluntly, Earth itself might be shattered."

"You fear this and fear that—do they not fear it too? If you're strong enough, they'll retreat." Li Yi said: "If Earth is shattered, I'll cross over to their world and shatter theirs too. Let's see who loses more."

"Remember, we can cross realms—they can't. At this point, why cling to so many hesitations? Besides, haven't you already prepared refuge worlds?"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately felt Li Yi's logic held weight.

Unlike other worlds, though Earth lacks depth, it has countless cross-realm escape routes, and many have already migrated to other worlds—our culture and heritage won't vanish no matter what.

"Li Yi, how do you plan to fight?"

At that moment, two familiar figures suddenly appeared in the meeting room.

"Wang Chengjun, Li Weiguo?" Li Yi glanced and immediately recognized them.

These were powerful cultivators who practiced the Qi Fortune Art—but he remembered there was another strong one named Zhang Xinghua. Why were only these two here? Had that one been killed?

Though only a guess, Li Yi felt the likelihood was high, but he didn't ask further; instead, he said directly: "Let's strike first at the Xuan Immortal Continent. Their cultivators are all cowardly, lacking combat will—crushing them shouldn't be hard."

"How will you handle the Immortals?" Wang Chengjun asked again.

Li Yi said: "My current strength allows me to slay Immortals, and the allies I brought include True Immortal-level experts."

"What if True Immortals descend?" Li Weiguo added.

Li Yi said: "It depends on how many. If fewer than three, we can still win. If more than three, it'll get tricky—war is uncontrollable, and we can't predict every variable. But I believe the Xuan Immortal Continent won't dare to send their full force—they won't risk a mutual annihilation with us."

"The Demon God Realm and the dark gods are watching like tigers."

Hearing this, Li Weiguo and Wang Chengjun nodded slightly, then added: "The other two factions won't aid us either—they're happy to sit back and watch us fight. With your strength, this operation is viable."

"Of course. If I had no confidence, would I go charge in alone to die?" Li Yi said: "I just want to know your thoughts."

"We'll coordinate with you. No matter the outcome, we won't blame you."

Wang Chengjun didn't hesitate: "You fight for the Earth Front, bringing so many experts, determined to break the deadlock—we can't just stand idle. If we're going to fight, we'll fight with you."

"Exactly. The situation is already dire—what's one more step worse? If we win, everything improves. If we lose, I'll die on the battlefield—better than dying in shame." Li Weiguo spoke firmly.

With both Earth Front commanders now committed, no one else dared to object.

Zhao Yongshan immediately said: "Li Yi, though the Earth Front's AI counts 765 personnel, only 320 are actually combat-ready on the frontlines. How many will you take with you?"

He was laying his cards on the table.

Li Yi understood at once: "Don't waste words. How many top-tier evolvers can still fight Great Demons and Mahayana cultivators? Just tell me straight—this level of battle isn't about numbers, it's about quality." Zhao Yongshan paused, then said: "Thirty-eight. I can give you the list—but whether they'll follow you, I can't guarantee. I'll do my best to coordinate."

"Then let's move quickly. In one hour, those willing to join gather near the Black Great Wall. Those unwilling—fine, I won't force anyone."

Li Yi finished speaking, turned, and left without delay.

The moment he stepped out.

The people in the meeting hall exchanged glances, then immediately began contacting others without hesitation.

They had worked together for years—many things didn't need saying. Now that the decision was made, they wouldn't waste time with hindsight. They'd give Li Yi every possible support.

Meanwhile, Li Yi, having left the hall, led others to a stretch of the Black Great Wall. He gazed at the distant darkness, frowning slightly. Though he had no desire to play the hero or shoulder such a world-saving burden, he couldn't stand by and watch Earth fall, his loved ones driven like stray dogs across the land.

He was simply doing what he must.

"Tai Yi, don't worry. Though outnumbered, we'll still win—I'm a Great Perfection cultivator. Numbers mean nothing to me." Xiang Xiangzi spoke, thinking Li Yi was nervous before battle, offering comfort.

Li Yi nodded slightly. He was about to speak when he suddenly turned toward a distance.

A five-colored aura streaked toward them.

"Tai Yi." Wu Laodao arrived, dusty and weary, wounded, his aura far from its peak—he had clearly pushed himself hard on the Earth Front.

"Ah, Wu Laodao." Xiang Xiangzi sneered: "You're still alive? I thought you'd been dead for ages. Where's the bald monk? Did a Great Demon eat him?"

"Immortal Lady, the bald Daoist joined Zero Survival Base—he's now their chief armorer. I just heard Tai Yi had returned and came specially to pay my respects." Wu Laodao hurriedly replied.

Seeing his old companions, his face lit up.

How little time had passed—and now all forty-odd Daoists from the End of the Dharma Era had gathered here.

Though a few were missing, it didn't matter much.

Li Yi, however, spoke seriously: "Wu Elder, you've worked hard lately. You've given much to the Earth Front—I won't waste words thanking you. As repayment, I gift you three Crimson Gold Dao Treasures. I hope you won't refuse."

Though he'd been displeased that Wu Laodao ignored Tianchang City's safety last time, this time Wu Laodao had truly contributed to Earth—he deserved recognition.

Without hesitation, he gave three Crimson Gold Dao Treasures—one more than he gave other Daoists.

"Crimson Gold Dao Treasures." Wu Laodao's eyes narrowed slightly upon seeing them.

As a Daoist, he knew their value—once, they'd been sect treasures, heirloom artifacts.

And now Tai Yi, upon meeting him, gifted three outright.

In that moment, Wu Laodao's heart swelled with emotion—he had fought to the death on the Earth Front, and it had been worth it. With these three treasures, he no longer feared death on the battlefield.

"Th-thank you, Tai Yi." He didn't pretend modesty, bowed respectfully, and swiftly took the three treasures.

"You're wounded. Here—this is Life Water. It will aid your recovery." Li Yi then handed him a large bottle of Life Water for healing.

Wu Laodao accepted it immediately and expressed his gratitude again.

Indeed, following Tai Yi had its rewards—work hard, and the returns came instantly.

Others merely smiled, feeling no envy.

After all, Wu Laodao had contributed more than them—earning an extra Crimson Gold Dao Treasure was only fair. No one objected.

Soon.

Li Yi sensed many other auras approaching. He looked up—other Earth Front evolver experts had arrived. One glance revealed familiar faces.

Like Ye Jingtian, Su Mu, Li Yugang, and past comrades Jiang Yue, Zheng Duoduo, Liu Yunbai, Xiang Feiming—but some familiar faces were gone, likely fallen on the battlefield.

(End of Chapter)