In the sparsely inhabited distant eastern sea.
Beneath the deep azure waters, schools of fish fed greedily in great mouthfuls. From time to time, passing sea demons would open their bloody maws and make a snack of them. Whenever that happened, the startled fish scattered at once, only gathering together again after a period of time.
The sea's formerly tranquil surface was disturbed by their presence, churning with waves.
Yet beneath this sea, brimming with vigorous life, no one would have imagined that an island floated within it.
A translucent barrier enshrouded its exterior. It resembled an enormous bubble, keeping the seawater at bay.
Within the island, pavilions and towers stood row upon row, palace after palace clustered together. Crimson banners bearing vicious souls hung high everywhere, emblazoned with the words "Blood Soul."
A refined-looking middle-aged man in a long robe stood atop a towering pavilion, calmly gazing in a direction beyond the island. At a glance, there was only pitch-black darkness, nothing but cold seawater.
An elder hurried up the pavilion stairs. Upon seeing the middle-aged man's back, he unconsciously slowed his steps and bowed respectfully. "Reporting to the Deputy Sect Master, news has arrived from the west."
"The west?" The middle-aged man slowly withdrew his gaze and turned around. "Kongsang Lifeng?"
"Precisely. He is currently joining forces with Kongsang Baijue to attack the Borderlands. They have divided their forces into six routes and deployed everything they have. Their vanguards have already exchanged blows.
"This time, the demon race of the Demon Domain will answer their call and act alongside them.
"He requests that we send troops to attack the East Sea Alliance, break the Wangyue Song Clan's will to resist, and coordinate with the demon race's assault on the Southwest Alliance."
Hearing this, the refined cultivator let out