Chapter 571

Hearing the Flower Sect Elder speak this way, many watching powerhouses changed expression, sensing something unusual in the air.

"This is the Yan Alliance fully winning over the Flower Sect." Seeing this scene, someone muttered.

Many knew Yun Yun had originally been the Sect Master of Yun Lan Sect, then mysteriously joined the Flower Sect and became its Sect Master before Nalan Yanran took the position, and many had heard rumors about Yun Yun and Xiao Yan.

The Yan Alliance and the Tianming Sect harbored deep grudges, so deep they were sworn enemies, irreconcilable—this was known to many in Zhong Zhou.

Today, the Yan Alliance suddenly launched an attack on the Tianming Sect, shocking many; though the Yan Alliance was at its peak, the Tianming Sect was no pushover, and had allied with the Nine Underworld Dark Serpent Clan—no one expected this day to come so soon, with not even a hint of warning.

But the Hidden Sects who truly knew the inside story, especially the surviving members of a few ancient families who had once entered the Bodhi Ancient Tree to help fight the Semi-Saint puppet, understood something—they immediately realized the Yan Alliance's attack on the Tianming Sect was far from simple.

"Xiao Yan must have obtained the Bodhi Heart!"

For a moment, the elders of major families' eyes flickered with unusual light—if Xiao Yan truly had the Bodhi Heart, then the Yan Alliance's current confidence was that of a Dou Saint! Not a Semi-Saint, but a true Dou Saint!

Whoever obtains the Bodhi Heart is destined to become a Dou Saint; such a person is usually called the Bodhi Ancient Saint, meaning the Dou Saint who possesses the Bodhi Heart.

Tianming Zi's face was icy as he coldly said: "When one seeks to frame you, what excuse won't they find? If your Yan Alliance insists on war, then the Tianming Sect is no coward—come at us if you dare! I, Tianming Zi, will not flinch!"

"Today, I'll see on what grounds your Yan Alliance dares attack my Tianming Sect! All Tianming Sect disciples and Elders, heed my order—activate the Sect Protection Demonic Array!"

"Yes!!"

Whirrrr—suddenly, rings of light rose from the Tianming Sect's gate, and countless Demonic Arrays instantly shielded the sect, sealing every passageway against invaders.

Seeing the Tianming Sect's Sect Protection Demonic Array rise, Nalan Yanran smoothed her long hair with her right hand, flicked her head, and drew from her space ring a silver-white longsword still bearing faint rust.

This sword was absolutely worth what Xiao Yan paid for it; though two Chengzun Spirit Pills were extremely valuable—enough to buy a Heaven Grade Cultivation Method—this sword not only bore the Heaven Grade Dou Technique created by a former Saint known as the Mountain-Sea Saint, but was also an extraordinary weapon.

When the Dou Technique is perfected, the sword reveals its true power; after appraisal, this silver blade surpassed even the Yun Sha Black Sword in rank—it was the former weapon of the Mountain-Sea Saint, a Rank Nine weapon.

Qing! Nalan Yanran stared coldly at the Tianming Sect's gate, her expression icy and merciless—completely unlike the little Bi Nu who had once been bullied by Xiao Yan and stamped her foot in rage. Once she gripped the sword against an enemy, Nalan Yanran radiated lethal intent.

Nalan Yanran had spent the longest time meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree; now her cultivation had risen from Two Star Dou Zun to Seven Star, and waves of Sword Intent surged from her body, razor-sharp—even the Heaven Flame Sovereign felt a piercing edge.

Nalan Yanran slowly ascended, her sword pointing straight at the Tianming Sect, coldly commanding: "All Yun Lan Sect disciples and Elders, heed my order—break the array!"

"Yes, Sect Master!"

Whirrrr!! Dozens of Dou Huang and Dou Zong, clad in Yun Lan Sect robes, formed hand seals, their Dou Qi linking into a colossal array.

The Yun Lan Sect was no longer the same as in Yun Shan's time; grounded in the Yan Alliance's power, its branch sects now spanned the entire Northwest Region, Zhongzhou Xiyu, and North Domain, recruiting many talented disciples—there were not just many Dou Huang, but even numerous Dou Zong and even Nine-Star Dou Zong.

Yet Dou Zun were still only Nalan Yanran and Yun Yun.

Dou Qi coalesced, forming a massive longsword.

Xiao Yan's earlier purchase of the Heaven Grade Array Diagram had undoubtedly compensated for the Yan Alliance's lack of array expertise—finally, the Yun Lan Sect no longer relied on the Yun Yan Fu Ri Formation.

Boom!! The colossal sword slashed violently against the Tianming Sect's Sect Protection Demonic Array, the shockwave shattering the space.

"The Tianming Sect truly is one of the Two Sects—this Yun Lan Sect's array is clearly Heaven Grade, yet it still hasn't broken!"

Seeing the Tianming Sect's Sect Protection Demonic Array still standing, only cracked in places, many powerhouses were stunned.

As long as the array remained intact, it could absorb the Earth Vein energy beneath the sect to repair itself.

"Heh, you're wrong—the Yan Alliance hasn't even begun. This was merely a probe. Did you think their Sky-Drifting Vessel came from nowhere?"

Seeing the Yun Lan Sect's array fail to break the Tianming Sect's defense, Yao Ye's eyes narrowed in the Sky-Drifting Vessel's cockpit, and he barked: "Blow it open!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Whirr! Suddenly, the entire massive Sky-Drifting Vessel emitted violent vibrations, its entire hull flashing with terrifying Lei Dian energy, each lightning arc fracturing the surrounding space.

This special airship could store energy, functioning like a colossal Magic Core.

A bolt of Lei Dian suddenly erupted from the front of the Sky-Drifting Vessel; though not as pitch-black as Black Demon Thunder, it already carried a hint of its menace. The thick lightning instantly struck the weakest point of the Sect Protection Demonic Array.

Boom-boom-boom! The lightning pierced straight through the Tianming Sect's Sect Protection Demonic Array, its momentum unbroken, leveling an entire mountain peak and leaving a massive crater on the ground.

Seeing the Tianming Sect's Sect Protection Demonic Array shattered in one blow, some old-generation powerhouses who knew the origin of the Sky-Drifting Vessel felt their hearts sink: "Truly worthy of the relics passed down from ancient times—this is a true weapon of mass destruction."

"If only the charging took less time—just a few more volleys, and no sect could withstand it."

"Yes, even if the Gu Clan has agreed not to interfere in Dou Qi Continent affairs, merely providing a bit of their ancestral heritage is enough to tip the balance of any great war!"

The Gu Clan indeed did not intervene, nor did Xiao Yan come—but even a single top-tier Sky-Drifting Vessel had caused such devastating destruction.

Seeing the Sect Protection Demonic Array shattered, Nalan Yanran summoned a whirlwind around her, then gripped her sword and charged ahead, leading the Yun Lan Sect disciples straight into the Tianming Sect.

"Kill!!"

"Avenge our fallen brothers!"

Seeing their Sect Master lead the charge, the Yan Alliance disciples who had once been oppressed or harbored grudges against the Tianming Sect could no longer hold back—they leapt from the Sky-Drifting Vessel, becoming streaks of light that surged into the Tianming Sect.

It was easy to imagine how much hatred had accumulated between the Yan Alliance and the Tianming Sect over these years.

Not just Yun Lan Sect—there were also familiar figures: Han Xue and Han Yue of the Han Family, a Dou Zong Elder from the Ye Family, Liu Qing of the Liu Family, Lin Yan, and others—all had reached Dou Zong, though most were low-level Dou Zong, yet still formidable.

Instantly, Yan Alliance powerhouses leapt from the Sky-Drifting Vessel; Nalan Yanran, the Heaven Flame Sovereign, and the Flower Sect split into three forces, like iron torrents surging toward the Tianming Sect's main lineage—like three razor-sharp blades aiming to pierce straight into the Tianming Sect's heart.

Seeing Nalan Yanran, a Seven Star Dou Zun, act so arrogantly, the Tianming Sect's powerhouses clenched their teeth in fury.

"Brothers, sound the horns—fight back!"

"The Yan Alliance is a faction barely ten years old—let them see the true strength of the Tianming Sect!"

"Long live the Tianming Sect!"

At that moment, a Tianming Sect disciple roared, and all others soared from the peaks, attacking the Sky-Drifting Vessel!

Crowds collided instantly in the sky, igniting a colossal battle!

Wu!! The horn blasts echoed across the entire Tianming Sect, the drumbeats pounded the earth, and in an instant, every member of the Tianming Sect burned with fighting spirit, their Battle Intent soaring—every disciple vowed to fight to the death.

The enmity between both sides was no longer merely about the Xuanming Sect—it ran far deeper, rooted in greater conflicts and accumulated grudges.

"Little girl, do you really think your Yan Alliance can break through my Tianming Sect? Dream on!" At that moment, a Star Eight Dou Zun, the Tianming Sect's Supreme Elder, sneered and blocked Nalan Yanran's path.

Even among the Two Sects, high-level Dou Zun were exceedingly rare.

"You're not enough." Nalan Yanran instantly unleashed her sword technique, without the slightest hesitation.

A flash of cold light—suddenly, her silver-white blade wrapped in a razor wind vortex; this strike was too fast, too swift for anyone to see how she drew her sword—single stroke, lethal strike, aimed straight at the Supreme Elder's throat!

At the instant Nalan Yanran moved, the Star Eight Dou Zun's heart skipped a beat—this sword's speed made even him tremble.

"Hah!" But the opponent, no less than an Eight-Star Dou Zun, activated a Defensive Dou Technique at the last moment—a massive shield instantly appeared before him.

*Clang! * Nalan Yanran's sword slashed against the shield, sparks spraying in all directions.

Seeing his defense block Nalan Yanran's attack, the Tianming Sect Elder sneered coldly: "Little girl, don't think a bit of fortune makes you invincible—you're still too green. Tianming Blood Hand!"

As Nalan Yanran's sword was deflected, the Tianming Sect Elder smirked, then his left hand emitted a crimson glow—a bloodied palm imprint surged toward her.

But the Tianming Sect Elder failed to notice that Nalan Yanran's eyes held no panic—only a flicker of disdain.

*Shhh! * A streak of black light flashed—a severed hand flew upward, then blood sprayed.

"Aaaah!" A piercing, heart-wrenching scream rang out. Only then did everyone see: the Tianming Sect Elder's left arm had been cleanly severed at the shoulder. Nalan Yanran now held a black sword in her left hand—it was this blade that had cut off the Elder's arm!

Two swords!

"Mountain, River, Sun, Moon Slash!" Nalan Yanran cried inwardly. Instantly, Dou Qi surged—the Heaven and Earth Power erupted in frenzy, drawing in the forces of a hundred li around into both swords.

In the blink of an eye, after severing the arm, Nalan Yanran gripped one sword in each hand—black and white blades slashed down with the precision and grace of a deer's antler hanging on a branch.

The enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Ancient Tree did more than raise one's Cultivation Realm; its greatest gift was enhancing comprehension—an ability no Elixir could ever grant.

The Defensive Dou Technique shattered instantly. Two sword beams, like sun and moon, struck—the Tianming Sect Elder could not believe it: a woman of Seven-Star Dou Zun strength, weaker than him by one star, had killed him so easily!

Seeing Nalan Yanran grow so powerful, Yun Yun's face showed a trace of relief, followed by a faint hint of regret. She knew well that Nalan Yanran's strength came from following Xiao Yan's path and receiving his aid.

She felt guilt for having once agreed to Nalan Yanran's request to break off the engagement, blaming herself as her master for this mistake.

The Tianming Sect Master, Tianmingzi, who fought Yun Yun, gritted his teeth in fury, his heart sinking: "How has the Yan Alliance suddenly grown so strong?!"

Not just Nalan Yanran—Hei Bodong and Heavenly Flame Zun were also immensely powerful. Each was peerless in their rank, wielding Dou Techniques of devastating might. And Yun Yun before them was terrifying.

Though her Cultivation Realm was only Fourth-Transformation Dou Zun, she could match him—and even subtly suppress him. Yet he was a Seventh-Transformation Dou Zun!!

"The Bodhi Ancient Tree! It must be the Bodhi Ancient Tree!! Damn it—these people must have all received gifts from the Bodhi Ancient Tree!"

Soon, Tianmingzi understood—it was only a Supreme Treasure like the Bodhi Ancient Tree that could awaken insight, boost Cultivation Realm, and enhance comprehension, causing explosive growth in power!

After another dozen clashes, Tianmingzi realized his sect's elites were no match. The Huazong's strength was already nearly equal to his own; now, with the strengthened Yan Alliance, the Tianming Sect members—including Tianmingzi himself—were being pushed back step by step.

The Heaven and Earth Power began to boil. Tianmingzi roared, thrusting out a palm and activating a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique: "Great Blood Demon Palm!"

Facing Tianmingzi's Heavenly Rank Dou Technique, Yun Yun remained calm, lifting her sword in a flourish, whispering softly in her heart: "Flower Light, Willow Shadow."

Streams of sword wind swirled like petals and willow branches caught in the wind—gentle, delicate. Against the crushing, terrifying crimson palm, the sword wind yielded to overcome hardness. Huazong's techniques never favored offense; they relied on yielding to conquer, draining the opponent's Dou Qi, relying on defense to counterattack.

"Hah!" Yun Yun cried softly, twisting her sword to deflect the monstrous crimson palm, then flicking the blade—sending the sword flowers spiraling toward the Tianming Sect's ancestral grounds.

*Boom! * The crimson palm slammed into the ancestral grounds, exploding with blood-colored Dou Qi. The highly corrosive blood Dou Qi immediately ate through the ground, carving out a massive crater.

Yun Yun flicked her sword, standing midair with noble grace, as light as a cloud. Though Yun Yun lacked Nalan Yanran's ferocity, this yielding, Taiji-sword-like technique was the most maddening to face.

It felt like striking cotton.

Though Tianmingzi was unharmed, over half his Dou Qi was spent—even his Heavenly Rank Dou Technique had failed to touch Yun Yun.

Tianmingzi's eyes narrowed. He scanned the surroundings—still no sign of Xiao Yan. He pulled out a Space Jade Slip. Seeing the Tianming Sect produce the Space Jade Slip, Yun Yun's face changed. She transformed her Dou Qi into a whirlwind, snatching up Nalan Yanran—who had pressed too far—and yanking her sharply backward.

The instant the Space Jade Slip shattered, the spiritual pressure of a high-level Half-Sage erupted.

"Your Yan Alliance is truly bold."

(End of Chapter)