Chapter 520: Aberrant Forms Devouring Souls and Flesh, Breeding Proliferation

In the center of Tianji Shengyu, the anomaly of the ancient pagoda has become a heavy burden on the hearts of all cultivators.

The descent of blood rain, the expansion of the fire region, and the awakening of aberrant shapes—these signs all foretell an unprecedented disaster looming.

Cultivators from all major powers, whether orthodox or heretical, all felt deep unease and dread.

They knew that if they did not act swiftly, the entirety of Tianji Shengyu, and even the wider world, would face catastrophe.

In this tense atmosphere, the ten major orthodox and heretical powers of Huanyu issued orders, summoning cultivators who had reached the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Spirit Realm to gather at the Ancient Plain.

These cultivators are the elites of their respective forces, possessing great strength and rich experience, and they are the key strength in resisting the anomaly of the ancient pagoda.

At the gathering site on the Ancient Plain, cultivators gathered in small groups, discussing the situation of the ancient pagoda and future plans.

Their faces were filled with worry, and they felt uneasy about the upcoming trials.

"Have you heard? The aberrant shapes inside the ancient pagoda have begun to awaken; this disaster is likely far worse than we imagined." A cultivator in a green robe said softly, his eyes revealing a hint of fear.

"Yeah, I've heard that the power of those aberrant shapes is immense—even cultivators of the Heavenly Spirit Realm struggle to resist them." Another cultivator replied, tightly gripping a Dharma Implement, seemingly seeking a sense of security.

"We must quickly find a way to seal the ancient pagoda, or else Tianji Shengyu will fall into chaos." An elder cultivator said solemnly, his voice carrying a hint of resolve.

Among these cultivators, the strong figures of the major powers were also tense in discussing countermeasures; this operation will determine the future of Tianji Shengyu.

"As the Grand Elder of Profound Heaven Sect, Xuanji Zi, I hereby pledge that our sect will spare no effort to assist in sealing the ancient pagoda." A white‑haired elder stepped forward, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

Xuanji Zi is the top expert of Profound Heaven Sect, his power unfathomable, and he is a leading figure among the orthodox powers.

"The Netherworld Palace will not stand idly by; we will lead our palace's elites to jointly resist the anomaly of the ancient pagoda." A middle‑aged man in black robes, his face grim, said this.

The Netherworld Old Ancestor is an outstanding figure among the heretical powers; his strength is equally great, but his manner of acting is strange, making him hard to fathom.

"The Heavenly Sword Sect will also lead our sword cultivators to contribute strength to sealing the ancient pagoda." A youth carrying a long sword, with a stern demeanor, said this.

Jian Wuchen is a genius sword cultivator of the Heavenly Sword Sect, unmatched among the younger generation, and a rising star among the orthodox powers.

"Spirit Medicine Valley will also provide the necessary elixir support to help everyone recover from injuries and enhance strength." An elderly woman in a green dress, her countenance kind, said this.

She is the valley master of Spirit Medicine Valley, Granny Lingyao, skilled at concocting various miraculous elixirs, and an important supporter of all major powers.

Under the leadership of these strong figures, the cultivators of the major powers began to unite; only through unity could they possibly resist the anomaly of the ancient pagoda.

"We must act with caution, for the power of the ancient pagoda is mysterious and unfathomable; we cannot afford any carelessness." Xuanji Zi reminded, his eyes flashing with vigilance.

"Yeah, we also need more information to understand the structure of the ancient pagoda and the method of sealing it." The Netherworld Old Ancestor echoed, his voice carrying a hint of gravity.

"I have already sent people to collect the blueprints and related data of the ancient pagoda, hoping to find clues for sealing it from them." Jian Wuchen said, his eyes fixed on the direction of the ancient pagoda, as if searching for something.

"Spirit Medicine Valley will also prepare sufficient elixir to provide support for everyone." Granny Lingyao said, her eyes showing a hint of determination.

In the discussion among these strong figures, the cultivators also began to prepare.

They knew that the impending battle would be a life‑and‑death struggle, requiring thorough preparation.

"It is said that the aberrant shapes within the ancient pagoda possess strong regenerative abilities, making it difficult for attacks to inflict lethal damage upon them." A cultivator said worriedly.

"That's right; we must find their weaknesses in order to defeat them effectively." Another cultivator replied.

"I suggest we operate in small groups, each responsible for exploring different areas of the ancient pagoda, so we can find sealing clues more quickly." An experienced cultivator proposed.

"Good idea; we can make use of our specialties—for example, cultivators skilled in speed can handle reconnaissance, while those skilled in strength can handle attack." Another cultivator added.

In the cultivators' discussion, a detailed plan gradually took shape, deciding to split into multiple groups, each with clear tasks and goals, and to use each group's specialties to jointly resist the anomaly of the ancient pagoda.

As the plan was formulated, the cultivators began to act.

They knew time was pressing, they must quickly find a way to seal the ancient pagoda, their eyes flashing with resolute light, their determination as firm as a boulder.

At the gathering site on the Ancient Plain, the cultivators began to busy themselves.

They prepared Dharma Implements, refined elixirs, studied data on the ancient pagoda, and each person was making preparations for the impending battle.

They knew this would be a grueling battle, but they also believed that as long as they remained united, they would surely overcome the anomaly of the ancient pagoda.

As the cultivators prepared, a powerful aura gathered in the skies above the Ancient Plain.

This is a force condensed from belief and determination, giving all cultivators a sense of unprecedented courage.

No matter how difficult the road ahead, they will forge forward, fighting for the future of Tianji Shengyu.

Under the leadership of the strong figures of the major powers, the cultivators began to advance toward the ancient pagoda.

Their silhouettes formed lines of resolve on the Ancient Plain, their footsteps echoing across the open expanse, as if proclaiming their determination.

……

In the council hall of History Tiger City, the atmosphere was tense and solemn.

Longling's return brought news of the ancient pagoda's anomaly, causing the high‑ranking figures of History Tiger City—Tiger King, Peng King, Ziyang True Person, and Qingxu True Person—to feel an unprecedented pressure.

They sat around a massive round table, brows furrowed, discussing how to respond to a disaster that could engulf the entirety of Tianji Shengyu.

"We must immediately muster at the Ancient Plain; the anomaly of the ancient pagoda is already beyond what History Tiger City can handle alone." Tiger King's voice was low, his eyes revealing a hint of resolve.

"But the cultivators gathering at the Ancient Plain come from all major powers; how can we guarantee they will not be adverse to us Earth cultivators?" Peng King objected, his eyes showing a hint of worry.

Ziyang True Person and Qingxu True Person also showed concern; this anomaly of the ancient pagoda is no trivial matter—if no action is taken, the strength of all Earth cultivators will be threatened.

Yet they also worried that, once they joined the gathering at the Ancient Plain, the Earth cultivators might fall into even greater danger.

Just as everyone was arguing without cease, the figures of Qin Shi Huang and the Great Sage Monkey King appeared at the doorway of the council hall, their appearance instantly drawing everyone's gaze.

"Your arrival brings us new hope." Longling rose to his feet, welcoming Qin Shi Huang and the Great Sage Monkey King.

Qin Shi Huang nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, then he spoke slowly: "Although Earth cultivators are newcomers in Tianji Shengyu, we also have our advantages.

The aberrant shapes sealed within the ancient pagoda for too long must possess something extraordinary.

We can observe them covertly and gain benefits from it."

The Great Sage Monkey King also nodded, his voice loud and powerful: "Indeed, we cannot only see the danger and overlook the opportunity therein.

"This anomaly of the ancient pagoda, for us, is also an excellent opportunity to enhance our strength."

Upon hearing the words of Qin Shi Huang and the Great Sage Monkey King, everyone's eyes showed a hint of contemplation.

These two are outstanding figures among Earth cultivators, and their opinions often bring new perspectives.

"Through this opportunity we can make the Ten Thousand Souls Banner perfect." Longling then said, his eyes flashing with a hint of brilliance, "Once the power of the Ten Thousand Souls Banner is perfected, the strength of Earth cultivators will be greatly enhanced."

The Tiger King and Peng King exchanged a glance, knowing Longling's words made sense.

The Myriad Soul Banner is the town-protecting treasure of Lihu City; once completed, its power will not be insignificant.

"Moreover, we can weaken the Huanyu cultivators' strength through this opportunity," Qin Shi Huang continued, "Greedy and arrogant, this anomaly of the ancient pagoda is the perfect chance for us to diminish their power."

"Exactly, we must seize this opportunity to strengthen Earth's defenses," the Great Sage Monkey King added, "If the Huanyu cultivators discover even a single Earth passage, given the gap in peak combat strength, we would stand no chance against them."

Everyone felt a sense of urgency after hearing Qin Shi Huang and the Great Sage Monkey King's analysis.

The benefits Earth cultivators gain in the Tianji Shengyu are far fewer than those of the Huanyu cultivators; this anomaly of the ancient pagoda is their chance to change the situation.

"Alright, that's decided," the Tiger King finally declared, "Assemble immediately at the Ancient Plain, but remain vigilant and do not let the Huanyu cultivators discover our true intent."

"At the same time, we must prepare to retreat immediately if the situation changes, ensuring the safety of Earth cultivators," the Peng King added.

Purple Yang True Person and Clear Void True Person also nodded, knowing this operation is fraught with danger yet also seeing its opportunity.

If they can seize the opportunity, Earth cultivators may gain greater influence in the Tianji Shengyu.

With the decision made, the cultivators of Lihu City began to act.

As the cultivators prepared, a powerful aura gathered above the Ancient Plain.

This is a force condensed from belief and resolve, granting all cultivators an unprecedented courage.

No matter how arduous the road ahead, they will press forward, fighting for the future of the Tianji Shengyu.

Under the leadership of Qin Shi Huang and the Great Sage Monkey King, Earth cultivators began to march toward the Ancient Pagoda.

Their silhouettes formed steady lines across the Ancient Plain, their footsteps echoing over the vast expanse.

Although the anomaly of the Ancient Pagoda posed a great threat to the Tianji Shengyu, it also ignited the cultivators' fighting spirit.

In the depths of the Ancient Pagoda, the power of the Aberrations was gradually awakening.

They had been sealed for too long; once awakened, they would surely unleash destructive power.

At the heart of the Tianji Shengyu, the anomaly of the Ancient Pagoda has become a nightmare for everyone.

Once simple and unadorned, the pagoda's body is now shrouded in a layer of blood-red light, as if blood flows across its surface.

As time passed, the disturbance intensified; fiery clouds in the sky blotted out the sun, and countless fire shadows fell like a meteor shower, bringing destructive power.

"Look, what is that!" a cultivator cried in terror, pointing at the sky, voice trembling, eyes filled with fear.

Everyone looked up to see the fiery clouds roiling, fire shadows dropping like raindrops; upon hitting the ground, they instantly ignited raging blazes.

These flames differ from ordinary fire; their temperature is extreme, easily melting stone, and trees and grass turn to ash in an instant.

"Fire rain! It's fire rain!" someone screamed, voice laced with despair.

The fire rain's spread grew wider, scorching many areas into fire domains.

These fire domains are extremely hot; any life entering them is instantly consumed by flame.

The cultivators fled in panic, trying to escape the fire domains, but found their expansion far outpaced their flight speed.

Above the Ancient Pagoda, terrifying runes began to permeate the air, intertwining to form a massive formation.

This formation is ancient and mysterious, emanating powerful energy fluctuations; the cultivators knew its appearance signified the imminent emergence of the Aberrations.

"Good heavens, the seal on the Aberrations is being broken!" an elder cultivator trembled, voice hinting at despair.

"We must act now, or the entire Tianji Shengyu will be destroyed by the Aberrations!" another cultivator shouted, voice edged with resolve.

The inhabitants of the Tianji Shengyu sank into deep panic.

The afflicted cultivators wept, having lost their homes, their loved ones, and their livelihoods utterly destroyed.

People trembled with anxiety, unaware of what would come next.

Boom—

At the moment the Ancient Pagoda's seal was shattered, a terrifying aura swept across the entire Tianji Shengyu.

The fiery clouds in the sky churned more violently, as if the heavens themselves were being torn apart.

Countless fire shadows poured down from the sky, no longer scattered fire rain but a deluge like a flood, scorching the earth into a vast fire domain.

"Ah! Run!" a cultivator shrieked in terror, his voice echoing through the flames, but soon drowned out by the sound of fire consuming everything.

Within the fire domain, the silhouettes of the Aberrations began to appear.

Their forms varied—some like gigantic lizards armored with hard scales;

others like enormous spiders, eight legs skittering swiftly through the flames;

still others sprouting countless tentacles studded with suckers and barbs, exuding a nauseating stench.

The Aberrations' power is immense; they dart through the flames like demons released from hell into the mortal realm.

Their eyes flickered with feral light, each attack carrying devastating force.

"No! Don't come near!" a cultivator shouted in desperation, trying to strike the approaching Aberration with his Dharma Implement, but its power proved pitiful against the creature.

The Aberrations' claws easily shredded the cultivators' defenses, their teeth able to crush the hardest rock.

Under the Aberrations' assault, cultivators' bodies were torn apart, blood and entrails spilling everywhere—a gruesome, horrific sight.

"Save me! Save me!" a young female cultivator wept, attempting to flee, but the Aberration's speed was too great; she was quickly overtaken.

The Aberration's tentacles coiled tightly around her body, she felt her life force rapidly ebbing away.

"Release me!" the female cultivator struggled desperately, yet her strength seemed insignificant before the Aberration.

The Aberration's tentacles began to tighten, her bones cracking under the pressure, until, in a final anguished scream, her body was utterly devoured by the Aberration.

Around the Ancient Pagoda, such scenes played out repeatedly.

The Aberrations surged forth like a tide, devouring anyone they encountered without mercy or hesitation.

The cultivators fled in panic, yet discovered that no matter where they ran, they could not escape the Aberrations' pursuit.

"Only by uniting can we hope to resist these Aberrations!" an elder cultivator bellowed, voice edged with resolve.

The cultivators began to gather, preparing to join forces against the Aberrations.

Their powers intertwined in the air, forming a solid barrier.

However, the power of the aberrants was too great; their attacks easily tore through the cultivators' defenses.

"Ah!" a cultivator screamed, his chest pierced by the aberrant's claws, blood gushing out like a fountain.

His body collapsed helplessly to the ground, his eyes filled with fear and unwillingness.

"No! We cannot just give up like this!" another cultivator roared, his body beginning to radiate a blinding light, ready to sacrifice his life to perish together with the aberrants.

However, the number of aberrants was simply too great, and their power was also too overwhelming.

The cultivators' bodies kept falling under the aberrants' attacks, their blood staining the ground red, their screams echoing in the sea of fire.

"Oh god, what should we do?" a cultivator cried out in despair, his eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

The disaster brought by the anomaly of the ancient pagoda far exceeded people's imagination. The aberrants were not merely terrifying devourers; after consuming living beings, they would grow at an astonishing speed, becoming even stronger.

As the last cultivator's scream cut off abruptly, the aberrants' massive bodies began to change.

Beneath their skin, something seemed to writhe, as if new life were gestating.

Suddenly, the aberrants opened their huge mouths full of sharp teeth and spat out a series of spherical, milky-white objects.

These objects, upon hitting the ground, began to hatch rapidly, as if they were eggs carrying the seeds of life.

"Look quickly! What are those?!" a cultivator pointed in terror at the milky-white objects hatching on the ground.

The surface of the milky-white objects began to crack, breaking open like eggshells. From within emerged a tiny aberrant. Though small in size, their bloodthirsty instinct had already awakened. These young aberrants, upon birth, immediately began searching for food, their target being the souls of cultivators who had fallen in battle.

The cultivators' souls scattered and fled under the aberrants' attacks, but the young aberrants, like beasts that had smelled blood, swiftly gave chase. Their speed was astonishing, almost instantly catching up to the souls, then they began to rend and devour with their sharp teeth and claws.

"No! No!" a cultivator's soul pleaded in despair, but his voice was soon drowned out by the young aberrants' tearing sounds.

After the souls were devoured, the young aberrants' bodies began to swell; beneath their skin, new power seemed to surge, and their growth rate surpassed that of adult aberrants.

This scene repeated constantly on the battlefield; the aberrants, by devouring living beings, continually reproduced and grew.

Their population increased rapidly, their strength continually growing. The entire Tianji Shengyu seemed to have fallen into a desperate cycle.

"Roar……"

Just then, a terrifying hiss suddenly came from the air.

This sound seemed to come from the depths of hell, filled with violence and rage.

Upon hearing this sound, the aberrants' horns on their heads began to sway, emitting a strange noise in response.

This sound was like an ancient language, conveying some kind of command or signal.

"What are they doing?!" a cultivator asked in terror, his voice trembling.

"They are preparing for the next wave of attack!" another cultivator replied despairingly, his eyes filled with fear.

The aberrants' horns swayed more violently; they seemed to be communicating this way, preparing for a more fierce assault.

As the horns swayed, the aberrants' bodies began to emit an eerie light, their power reaching its peak at this moment.

"Everyone be careful, they are about to attack again!" Longling shouted loudly, his voice carrying a hint of resolve.

The aberrants let out an earth-shaking roar, their bodies like arrows released from a bow, charging toward the cultivators.

Their claws and teeth flashed with cold light, each attack carrying lethal power.