Chapter 553: The Trend of the Times, the Alliance Grows Stronger

Xuantian Daoren and Cang Shan Lao Ren also expressed their agreement one after another.

Finally, Yunxiaozi concluded, "Since everyone is in agreement, we shall make a formal decision: each sect will dispatch Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses to take action personally, ensuring the Reform Alliance is thoroughly eradicated. The goal of this operation is no longer a simple warning or probe, but to completely resolve this deep-seated threat."

He paused, then continued, "I, Yunxiaozi, am willing to come out of seclusion myself. Although I have remained at the Nascent Soul Late Stage for several decades, it should be more than enough to deal with those younger generations. I ask all other fellow Daoists to also dispatch the strongest Nascent Soul Stage Elders from your respective sects."

"Feiyun Sect is willing to dispatch our Supreme Elder, Feiyun Laozu, who is at the Nascent Soul Mid-stage," Feiyunzi responded immediately.

"Taiji Gate will also dispatch Taiji True Person, who is likewise at the Nascent Soul Mid-stage," Taixuzi followed closely behind.

"Wanxiang Sect's Wanxiang Laozu will come out of seclusion; he is at the peak of the Nascent Soul Mid-stage," Wanxiang Zhenren also made a commitment.

"Zixiao Palace's Zixiao Laozu, Nascent Soul Mid-stage," Zi Xiao Xian Zi said concisely.

"Xuantian Temple's Xuantian Laozu, Nascent Soul Mid-stage late phase," Xuantian Daoren's voice sounded particularly solemn.

"Cangshan Sect's Cangshan Taizu, peak of the Nascent Soul Mid-stage," Cang Shan Lao Ren said in a deep voice.

Finally, Huikong Fangzhang said, "Leiyin Temple's Huiming Fangzhang will come out of seclusion, at the early phase of the Nascent Soul Late Stage."

Upon hearing this lineup, even Yunxiaozi gasped. Eight Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses joining forces—such a lineup was enough to sweep across the entire Cultivation World. Even during the great demonic tribulation of the past, such a terrifying collection of power had never appeared.

"Very good," Yunxiaozi nodded with satisfaction, "With such a lineup, let alone the Reform Alliance, even if the Yuan Gu Moshen were resurrected, there would be nothing to fear. I suggest we gather at the Heavenly Sword Sect in three days, then strike in one fell swoop to completely resolve this trouble."

After the meeting ended, the major sects immediately began to take action. These Nascent Soul Stage Ancestors, who had been in seclusion for many years, woke up one after another, preparing to step back into the world.

In the forbidden area behind the Heavenly Sword Sect, an ancient cave dwelling suddenly burst forth with brilliant light. Yunxiaozi stood before the cave, bowing respectfully: "Disciple Yunxiaozi requests the Taizu to come out of seclusion to eliminate the demons for the righteous path."

From deep within the cave came an aged and majestic voice: "Little one, I have already heard your transmission. I did not expect such rebellious matters to appear in the Cultivation World today. Since that is the case, I shall come out of seclusion once to let those ignorant juniors see what true power is."

As the voice fell, the entire mountain peak began to shake. A terrifying pressure radiated from the cave, causing the demonic beasts within a radius of thousands of miles to prostrate themselves on the ground, trembling.

Similar situations played out simultaneously in the other seven major sects. Those Ancestors who had been in seclusion for decades or even hundreds of years woke up one after another, their pressure causing the Spirit Qi of the entire Cultivation World to tremble.

After the news spread, the entire Cultivation World was plunged into unprecedented shock.

"What? The Eight Great Sects are going to dispatch Nascent Soul Stage Ancestors?"

"How is this possible? Weren't those Ancestors all in seclusion?"

"It seems the Reform Alliance has really poked a hornet's nest this time, actually alarming these living fossils."

"Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses—those are legendary existences. Ordinary cultivators might not even see one in their entire lives, and now eight are going to appear at once."

Cultivators all over the Cultivation World were heatedly discussing this earth-shattering news. Some worried for the Reform Alliance, some gloated, but everyone understood that an unprecedented battle was about to erupt.

Within Wuji Gate, Wujizi urgently convened a meeting of Elders: "Everyone, the situation is more severe than we imagined. The Eight Great Sects have actually dispatched Nascent Soul Stage Ancestors; such a lineup is enough to destroy the heavens and the earth. We must make a decision immediately: should we continue to remain neutral, or..."

The Great Elder said with deep concern, "Sect Leader, with the strength of Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses, I fear the Reform Alliance is in grave danger. Should we reconsider our stance?"

The Second Elder held a different view: "But if we lean toward the Righteous Alliance now, wouldn't that be kicking them while they are down? Besides, who knows if the Reform Alliance still has any trump cards?"

The Third Elder was even more outspoken: "I think we should take this opportunity to stay far away from this place of trouble. Once caught up in a battle of this level, the entire sect could be wiped out."

Wujizi fell into deep thought. As the Sect Leader of a mid-sized sect, he had to make the wisest choice for the survival of the sect.

Just as the Nascent Soul Stage Ancestors of the Eight Great Sects were coming out of seclusion, the other side of the Cultivation World was undergoing completely different changes. The news of the Reform Alliance's first victory spread across the land like a spring breeze, and those neutral sects that had been hesitant and watching began to re-evaluate the balance of power between the two sides.

Inside the council hall of Wuji Gate, an important meeting concerning the future of the sect was underway.

Wujizi stood in the center of the council hall, looking around at the dozen or so Elders present, his expression exceptionally solemn: "Everyone, regarding the issue of our sect's stance, I believe you have all thought it over carefully for a long time. Today, I want to announce my final decision to you all."

The Great Elder said with deep concern, "Sect Leader, the Nascent Soul Stage Ancestors of the Eight Great Sects are about to come out; is it too hasty to make a decision at this time?"

"It is precisely because of this that we must choose even more cautiously," Wujizi said firmly, "If we could remain neutral before, it is impossible now. The Eight Great Sects have clearly stated that anyone who remains neutral will be regarded as secretly aiding the rebels. This means we must choose a side."

The Second Elder nodded in agreement: "The Sect Leader is right. And judging from the results of the battle at Clear Water Sect, the strength of the Reform Alliance is by no means as simple as it appears on the surface. That they could defeat the elite troops of the Heavenly Sword Sect shows they truly have extraordinary capabilities."

"More importantly, it is the philosophy," the Third Elder said excitedly, "The founding tenet of our Wuji Gate is 'Wuji gives birth to Taiji, and Taiji gives birth to all things,' emphasizing tolerance and change. The Reform Alliance's philosophy of 'Harmonious Symbiosis' coincides with our tenet."

The Fourth Elder expressed a different worry: "But everyone knows the power of Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses; can the Reform Alliance really withstand it? If they lose, wouldn't we be buried with them?"

Wujizi was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Everyone, the path of cultivation is inherently an act of defying the heavens. If we only live to survive, what is there to talk about regarding cultivation? Although my cultivation is not high, I, Wujizi, have my own Dao heart."

His voice gradually became firm: "The philosophy of the Reform Alliance represents the future of the Cultivation World, while the practices of the traditional forces will only make the Cultivation World increasingly rigid. As cultivators, we should choose the light, not the darkness."