Chapter 1728: Gathering Tianyuan, Welcoming the Decisive Battle

Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou, central region, the Great Star Plain.

The area where the Lingxiang Grotto-Heaven is located.

Ever since the aura of the "Withering-Glory Phase" had leaked out from the Lingxiang Grotto-Heaven back then, this region had almost become the most core area of the ten Outer Shenzhous. Led by the Shenzhou Assembly, all the allied factions had poured in everything they had, laying down one terrifyingly powerful strange formation after another across this land.

The native Li Tianwang-level powers on Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou had also set up heavy defenses here.

It was precisely because of these defenses that the rampaging Otherworlds that had plagued these years had been unable to extend their tendrils into this region.

And now, this land had become the focus of attention of countless living beings across the ten Outer Shenzhous.

Only because what would erupt here next was a brutal decisive battle that would determine the fate of the ten Outer Shenzhous.

The ten Outer Shenzhous and the Dark World would collide here with everything they had!

At the center of the plain, one man-made towering mountain peak after another rose straight from the ground. Vast energy formed light rainbows above them, weaving together as if forming a terrifyingly powerful strange formation that covered the heavens.

At this moment, countless streaks of light shuttled back and forth between heaven and earth, the atmosphere Solemn and oppressive.

At the peak of the central mountain, one towering figure after another stood. It was precisely the pressure radiating from these figures that gave the slightest peace of mind to the armies of the various powers across this land.

At the very front of those figures, one towering silhouette drew the most attention. Its pupils were like a blazing great sun, endless radiance blooming behind it, within which a divine temple seemed to flicker in and out of view.

The King of Radiance, Qi Huang!

As the current head of the Shenzhou Assembly, Qi Huang was undoubtedly the true leader of the ten Outer Shenzhous. The allied factions and top experts all held considerable faith in and respect for him.

And over these past few years, under Qi Huang's command and coordination, numerous new Kings had surged forth like a rising tide across the ten Outer Shenzhous, greatly bolstering their foundation.

Qi Huang stood at the mountain peak. He raised his head, his gaze looking toward the void above the Great Star Plain, where he could see the space showing signs of fracturing. The Lingxiang Grotto-Heaven, which had once vanished, once again revealed traces of itself from those fractured voids.

But this time, the Lingxiang Grotto-Heaven that appeared was vastly different from before.

In the past, the Lingxiang Grotto-Heaven was merely a place of trial for some juniors on Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou. But when it reappeared this time, the energy fluctuations emanating from within were such that even an existence like Qi Huang faintly felt a suffocating pressure.

It was all because the Lingxiang Grotto-Heaven was currently releasing two extremely special energies.

Those two kinds of energy radiated from deep within the void rifts, stretching north to south.

And a million li south of the Great Star Plain, the vitality between heaven and earth was vigorous. Wherever that energy passed, lush Lin Hai spread out unceasingly, white bones sprouted flesh, severed limbs regenerated...

But a million li to the north, all matter withered along with it, as if all vitality had been severed.

This was... Withering and Glory!

"Truly the Withering-Glory Phase. In terms of intensity, it's even a notch stronger than the 'Wind-Fire Phase' that appeared in Daxia before." Qi Huang stared into the depths of the fractured void, his expression also turning Solemn.

Only that legendary sect master could have achieved this step, leaving his own phase nature behind for ten thousand ages without perishing.

Clearly, this "Withering-Glory Phase" had also given birth to a divine fruit.

It was fortunate that the Tianwangs of the ten Outer Shenzhous could not manifest in this world right now, otherwise at this moment the great demon kings of the Dark World would likely have descended without a care, going mad, directly turning the "Battle of Return-to-One" white-hot.

"No matter what, this divine fruit Withering-Glory Phase absolutely cannot fall into the hands of the Dark World and the Return-to-One Society. Otherwise, once the ten-year Heavenly Fortune ends, the Tianwangs of the ten Outer Shenzhous will face even greater pressure." Qi Huang took a deep breath, his gaze gradually turning piercingly cold.

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping toward the four directions in the distance. He could sense that the reinforcements from the other Outer Shenzhous were rapidly rushing over.

However, at the distant western border of Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou, extremely terrifying evil intent was also gathering. Within that thick-as-ink source of evil intent, Qi Huang had already sensed one presence after another that even he had to face with full effort.

"The Nine Calamity Demon Kings have all descended by now, haven't they... The evil intent fluctuations there have already begun to run wild. I imagine that before long, they will gather into a destructive momentum and begin advancing toward the Great Star Plain."

Qi Huang's expression was solemn. Judging from overall strength, the Dark World held a clear advantage. If they wished to stop them from seizing the "Withering-Glory Phase" this time, the ten Outer Shenzhous' side would inevitably pay a grievous price.

While Qi Huang was pondering, streaks of flowing light tore through the sky from the distant horizon.

"Assembly Head Qi Huang, our Li Li Tianwang lineage has, with the aid of the Heaven-Shifting Art, moved the five main mountains to the front northwestern defense line. The clan-protecting grand formation has been activated." The first batch of figures to arrive were led by none other than Li Li Tianji of the Li Li Tianwang lineage.

And behind him were all familiar figures.

Li Li Qingying, Li Li Jinjiao, Li Li Xuanwu—the three branch heads.

But what was most surprising was that behind them, there were also the figures of Li Li Qingpeng and Li Li Jiluo. Judging from the origin fluctuations emanating from their bodies, they had clearly also stepped into the One-Crown King tier.

"Assembly Head Qi Huang, our Qin Li Tianwang lineage has also relocated the main hall of our headquarters here. The hall-protecting grand formation is activated and can hold the southeastern defense line!" Another batch of extraordinary light figures swept in, and a clear, gentle, beautiful voice slowly drifted over.

The one who came had a graceful figure, a countenance of matchless elegance, long hair fluttering, like a fairy upon the waters.

It was none other than Qin Yi of the Qin Li Tianwang lineage.

"Hahaha, and our Zhu Li Tianwang lineage is here too! We've already moved our mountains to the designated locations as planned!" A thunderous, resonant laughter rang out. The void was seen to be shattered, and several figures as gaunt as skeletons walked out from the void.

The one leading them was the most emaciated. He wore a yellow robe, his gaze sharp as lightning. Above his head, a towering, vast three-layered crown manifested, inhaling and exhaling the origin of heaven and earth.

His name was Zhu Zhongming, and he was the current branch head of the Zhu Li Tianwang lineage.

"The Zhao Li Tianwang lineage has also arrived!" Immediately after, a clear phoenix cry rang out. As stars flowed, several human figures stepped upon the starry sky to arrive. The leader wore a star robe, white hair loose, holding a white ruler. It was precisely Zhao Huaijin of the Zhao Li Tianwang lineage.

The four native Li Tianwang lineages of Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou had all appeared.

Qi Huang cupped his hands toward the forces from all directions in thanks, saying: "Many thanks to all of you for your cooperation."

For this deployment of the defense line, Qi Huang had directly moved the headquarters of the native Li Tianwang lineage forces of Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou here, intending to use their clan-protecting grand formations as the defense line.

However, this kind of relocation would cause no small damage to the four Li Tianwang lineages. When the clan-protecting grand formations were torn apart and shattered, the millennia of accumulated foundations within the mountains would also be destroyed in an instant. But the four lineages ultimately chose to agree to Qi Huang's plan. After all, the battlefield for this decisive battle was on Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou. If the allied army were to fail and the Dark World corroded everything, the entire Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou would become a dead land. At that point, the so-called sect foundations would all be meaningless things.

Therefore, not only did the four Li Tianwang lineages choose to burn their boats, even those other top powers also poured in everything they had, adding another layer of thickness to this final defense line against the Dark World's assault.

Facing Qi Huang's thanks, Li Li Tianji, Qin Yi, Zhu Zhongming, and Zhao Huaijin all hurriedly bowed.

Li Li Tianji, his face full of admiration, said: "We can only do our meager part. If we wish to stop the Dark World's invasion, we still need Assembly Head Qi Huang to stabilize the situation."

Qi Huang could not help but laugh: "Branch Head Li Tianji, don't put such high hats on me. If I had the power to stabilize the situation, would I still be in such a wretched state?"

"If you're really talking about stabilizing the situation, you'd be better off placing your hopes on that one from your family."

"If he can succeed, the pressure on our ten Outer Shenzhous will be greatly relieved."

Li Li Tianji's expression shifted, and he said: "Is it Li Luo? There hasn't been any news of him for a long time."

Qi Huang's smile faded slightly, and he said with some complexity: "He's in closed-door cultivation at Golden Dragon Mountain, attempting a breakthrough to Unparalleled Nine-Rank."

At these words, Li Li Tianji, Qin Yi, Zhu Zhongming, Zhao Xuanjin, and the others were all shaken to the core. Especially Qin Yi—her red lips pressed slightly together, and the image of that handsome, bright youth flashed through her mind. After so many years without seeing him, he had actually already begun to reach this step?

Unparalleled Nine-Rank...

If this step succeeded, wouldn't Li Luo become the strongest among the ten Outer Shenzhous? And in this decisive battle, the disadvantage on their ten Outer Shenzhous' side would be greatly compensated.

"Can Xiao Luo succeed?" The one who spoke was Li Li Qingpeng. This uncle had now also advanced into the King tier, following Li Li Jiluo around like a shadow, driving the latter to despair.

Qi Huang was silent for a few breaths, then said, "I don't know either."

How arduous the Peerless Nine Grades were, perhaps no one in this world knew better than he.

Li Luo was a Myriad Phase Seed, bearing five phase palaces and ten phase natures, all of which were said to have evolved to Upper Nine Grades by now. With such a foundation, he did indeed possess the qualification to contend for the Peerless Nine Grades.

But as for whether he would ultimately succeed, Qi Huang found it hard to say.

"Haha, Qi Huang, our Academy Alliance has also come to join the battle!"

And just at this moment, a majestic voice resounded through heaven and earth. One saw vast, surging origin force sweep across the world, the void was torn apart, and numerous streaks of light pierced through the sky to arrive.

At the head of those many streaks of light, a figure with a towering aura, standing as still as a deep pool or a great mountain, stepped through the air. It was a peak Three-Crowned King!

The Dean of the Tianyuan Ancient Academy, Wang Xuanjin!

Behind Wang Xuanjin were also the Grand Dean of the Holy Light Ancient Academy, Ling Zhu Xuan, and the Grand Dean of the Xuanling Ancient Academy, Xiao Lingzhu. They were all peak Three-Crowned Kings.

Further behind were all the King-realm experts of the Academy Alliance. This time, this transcendent force had brought out its full foundation.

"The Dragon Race, bearing all races, has come to join the battle!"

At this very moment, another part of the void shattered. A heaven-shaking dragon's roar resounded, myriad beast howls echoed across heaven and earth, and a fierce, domineering woman's voice, wrapped in the dragon's roar, spread throughout the Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou.

One saw, from the shattered void, a tall, well-proportioned, voluptuous figure step out through the air — a woman clad in Jin Jia, wielding a Shou Chi Zhong. A terrifying Heavenly Dragon pressure swept across heaven and earth like a tide. It was precisely Zhen Linshuang.

Her gorgeous cheeks still brimmed with arrogance. Her beautiful eyes swept the surroundings, as if searching for a certain figure.

Behind her, numerous Beast Kings roared, unleashing their ferocious might as they charged forth.

And what surprised people most was that, among those many Beast Kings, a streak of golden light flapped its wings and pierced through the sky. The origin fluctuations it released were in no way weaker than Zhen Linshuang's, drawing looks of reverence from the many Beast Kings.

It was a Jin Chida that ranked at the peak Three-Crowned King level!

Wherever its wings swept, even space was easily sliced apart. With a single beat of its wings, it could cross tens of thousands of miles.

Earlier, the Light King Qi Huang had said that the ten Outer Shenzhou had five peak Three-Crowned Kings, and this ancient Jin Chida before them was one of those five!

However, Zhen Linshuang and that Jin Chida kept some distance between them; the two sides had not even made eye contact. This was because the Dragon Race and the Jin Chida race shared deep enmity — ordinarily, when they met, it was a fight to the death. Only before this decisive battle concerning the survival of all living beings in the ten Outer Shenzhou would they appear together.

As these weighty forces arrived, the countless experts in the Tianxing Great Plain were all stirred with excitement, erupting into earth-shaking cheers.

And Qi Huang also smiled and cupped his fists, declaring in a clear voice, "I've been waiting for you all!"

At the same time, Qi Huang also looked toward other directions, because he sensed that the energy between heaven and earth was growing increasingly restless, with more and more powerful fluctuations doing their utmost to rush over at top speed.

All the forces of the ten Outer Shenzhou were converging here.

Therefore, not long after, the sound of void rumbling continuously rang out above the Tianxing Great Plain.

Cracks, like enormous gateways, kept emerging high in the sky.

As these gateway-like spatial rifts emerged, one heaven-shaking voice after another immediately reverberated like thunder.

"The Thunder Fire Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

"The Cangming Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

"The Wanfeng Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

"The Bailing Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

"The Extreme Night Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

"The Central Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

"The Xuanling Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

"The Shenyang Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

Each time a thunderous shout echoed, a force radiating vast origin fluctuations would burst forth from a spatial gateway and hover in the sky.

These were all the full foundations brought forth by every great Outer Shenzhou!

When the last spatial gateway opened, an incomparably beautiful figure with twelve wings of light unfurling behind her, holding a Sacred Phoenix Umbrella, slowly walked out from within.

The light-origin force, which even appeared more sacred than that of the Light King Qi Huang, immediately drew the attention of all the top experts from the other great Outer Shenzhou.

And under the gaze of those many astonished eyes, that goddess-like figure slightly parted her crimson lips, and a calm, fearless, cool voice rang out.

"The Eastern Domain Outer Shenzhou, here to join the battle!"

These shouts reverberated mightily through every corner of the Tianyuan Outer Shenzhou.

Countless living beings, stirred with Miss Jiang, raised their heads at this moment, looking toward the Tianxing Great Plain, the blood within them seeming to boil over at this very instant.

What a magnificent battle this is!