Supreme Showdown
The Night Mist Sea roared, the waves crashed against the sky, Golden Ranking spread out violently, expanding in all directions, its interwoven patterns like crisscrossing paths, covering the void.
Moreover, towering mountains then materialized, and Jiang Hai surged and flowed.
Bathed in Golden Haze light, it resembles a Solar Yang high in the sky. The scene is magnificent, a living Brocade Landscape painting.
The Golden Ranking materialized and roared away into the distance.
Along the way, wherever it passed, the boundless darkness was dispelled, and the surging night fog, like a vast ocean, burst open, as if rapidly melting and evaporating.
The Golden Ranking were sent to Foreign Domain, External War began.
In the blink of an eye, the Sky City behind it was already as faint as a firefly, almost invisible in the vast ocean of black fog.
This shows just how fast the Golden Ranking are achieved!
Back home, many people silently saw it off, watching it disappear into the distance, each with a heavy heart, wondering if their fathers and brothers would return alive.
The vast army standing on the Golden Ranking was utterly awestruck.
A Master murmured, "In ancient times, when the Gods and immortals of heaven went on expeditions to capture the most powerful demons on earth, this must have been the scene."
At this moment, the army set out, truly resembling a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers and generals marching forth, banners waving, armor gleaming in the Immortal Mist, a magnificent and imposing sight.
"You can understand it that way too," Golden Ranking responded.
It's accelerating, and getting bigger and bigger.
"Is this Grotto-Heaven?" someone asked.
The mountains and rivers became increasingly clear, and the group seemed to be standing in a real world where the Solar Yang shone brightly, majestic mountains stretched endlessly, and mighty rivers flowed across the land.
A Peak Earth Immortal spoke, "This is the state of war after the Golden Ranking has fully recovered. Mountains and seas are manifesting, great formations are merging, and Law Chain are intertwined."
He came from Misty Peak, and as a high-ranking member of the Old Mountain Peak in the Sky, he naturally had some knowledge of the Golden Ranking.
"The Mountain-Sea Map?" Many people were astonished. Just from the name, they knew how vast and terrifying this activated war domain was.
An old monster from the Huang Family spoke up, "Actually, times have changed. This is already a weakened version. In the primitive era when one could fly with their physical body at the Second Realm, the 'sea' in the Mountain-Sea Map didn't refer to the sea on land, but rather to wandering in Xinghai."
At several important Nodes in history, this clan had Heavenly Immortal beings presiding over them, demonstrating their unfathomable depth and understanding of their distant past, which is not surprising.
Unfortunately, now, let alone Xinghai, not even a single star can be seen. The Solar Yang has disappeared, the moon has vanished, and the world is shrouded in endless darkness.
A Rogue Cultivator asked, "The moon isn't that far from us, so isn't there any powerful cultivator who could try to fly over and take a look?"
"Of course there are! Some sages of the past once Spirit Travel there in spirit to search for it, but they never returned."
Even more powerful beings have crossed the moon in their physical bodies. Although they eventually returned alive, they remained tight-lipped about it and never mentioned it again. No one knows whether they ever saw the moon.
The Golden Ranking shines, and the mountains and rivers manifest.
Soon, the young talents, the mid-level Master, and the top old monsters changed positions, some standing on different mountains, others standing on the banks of great rivers.
Everyone was wearing standard armor, their faces covered, and now a large amount of white mist was spreading, making it difficult to distinguish who was who. Everyone was scattered.
"This is a battle formation system, a grand battle between Supreme Civilization. Victory will not depend on individual strength. At that time, all personnel will need to work together, resonate with the Dao Patterns of this War Golden Ranking, and coordinate to defend against the enemy."
This means that all those who went to Golden Ranking were a unified whole, sharing both glory and ruin, their fates closely intertwined.
Everyone's expression changed instantly. This massive battle would be incredibly brutal; it would either result in a decisive victory for the entire group or total annihilation.
If one of the two large battle formations were to be breached, the scene would be unimaginable, destined to be extremely bloody and brutal.
The winner takes all, the loser is left with mountains of corpses and Blood Sea – that's probably the final scene.
Even a Grandmaster turned pale, saying, "This is too reckless! It's a complete gamble with everything they have. If they lose, the foundation of a Supreme Civilization will be wiped out. It's far too devastating!"
He was telling the truth. When conflicts between Supreme Civilization escalate to this point, there is no turning back; the only option is to fight to the death.
A Seven-Day Accumulator said in a deep voice, "Therefore, in the depths of the Night Mist World, it is not surprising that the flames of some Supreme Civilization are extinguished overnight."
For a moment, the atmosphere became somber, and the color drained from the faces of some people, who felt a deep sense of oppression.
This was completely different from what they had imagined. The Golden Ranking was going to drag everyone into a final battle, and there were only two options: a great victory or total annihilation?
"Isn't this a bit too hasty?" Even an Earth Immortal immortal asked cautiously.
Clearly, this combat mode is completely different from the past.
Even if an individual is exceptionally talented, it's not of much use unless they are far beyond what is truly remarkable.
Golden Ranking Bang revealed, "The massive bloodbath between Supreme Civilization is merely a last resort, and may not necessarily erupt into a full-blown conflict. However, the battle formations must be activated, and we must be prepared to fight to the bitter end at any time."
Faced with such an invasion from a Supreme Dao Field, if Jade Capital doesn't display its power, other scarlet eyes might open and set their sights on them from the depths of the Night Mist World.
Then it further stated that even in localized wars, all-out preparations must be made, as bloodshed could escalate at any time.
Soon, people learned that even small-scale battles could be brutal.
At that time, the Golden Ranking will be stationed in the rear to coordinate and deploy Master, Earth Immortal, and other powerful individuals to the appropriate battlefields based on the specific circumstances of each region.
People realized that it was indeed a sophisticated war machine, overlooking the entire battlefield and able to make reasonable and effective arrangements in the first instance.
Under normal circumstances, a one-sided tragedy like Earth Immortal slaying Master would not occur.
The Golden Ranking's internal rules operate on their own; wherever there are signs of imbalance, it will send out corresponding power to maintain control over the overall situation.
For example, if a Seven-Day Accumulator from the opposing faction suddenly appears, the Golden Ranking can immediately list Sage,
A powerful figure like the Dog Sword Immortal was teleported there.
If one's own side has enough strong individuals, then the Golden Ranking will no longer carefully maintain the balance, but will quickly send out All Immortals and Master to create an overwhelming situation.
An old monster reassured his descendants, saying, "Therefore, if you, as Immortal Seed, unfortunately encounter a Grandmaster on a local battlefield, don't panic too much. The Golden Ranking will dispatch experts to help you out as soon as possible."
Even so, everyone felt heavy-hearted.
They were about to enter the Supreme Battlefield, a battlefield that was rare to encounter even in countless great eras, one that even their fathers and Ancestor had never experienced.
"We've deployed all our elite troops; isn't our rear area too vulnerable? What if the enemy doesn't play by the rules and launches a surprise attack?"
"Even deep within the Night Mist World, crimson eyes might open and set their sights on our base."
Some people worry that the Golden Ranking is too aggressive.
"Don't worry, when that moment really comes, the New Ranking will spare no expense to awaken the Dao Ranking."
"Does the Dao Ranking still really exist?" asked a Seven-Day Accumulator.
Golden Ranking said, "It shouldn't be completely rotten yet."
From people to things, no matter how high their level, even the most powerful Lord of Jade Capital changes generation after generation, and each has its day of demise.
"Where did Jade Capital go after it disappeared?" someone couldn't help but ask.
Some even secretly questioned whether the Jade Capital had vanished, for it had simply disappeared. Yet the Golden Ranking remained steadfast, adhering strictly to ancient rules. Why was this?
"It's trying to survive, searching for a way out." Golden Ranking's response was concise, without Say More more.
A heavy feeling settled over everyone, as if a mountain was pressing down on them. Although they had heard rumors before, they still felt that the road ahead was uncertain, and that the world was as dangerous as fire from the Beyond Heaven.
Within the Golden Ranking, the mountains and seas are clearly visible. On some majestic mountains, precious cauldrons glow, bubbling and simmering the essence of the ancestral tree and brewing spiritual vines.
"The Great Medicine has been successfully refined!"
The rich aroma of herbs brought everyone back to their senses.
These are visible benefits. On each mountain, there are medicine furnaces, with Immortal Mist and five-colored medicinal light rising and attracting everyone's attention.
"We're about to cross the boundary, soon to be far from the area affected by Jade Capital Radiation!" Golden Ranking reminded.
Ahead, a massive, Heavenly Chasm Black Hole stretched across the Above the Nine Heavens, as if a giant axe had cleaved the heavens into an unhealable wound.
This is the most original Mist Gate, spanning even further, connecting to unknown and distant mysterious realms. It is an ancient path that was only discovered after generations of people explored it repeatedly.
It is because of this road that Jade Capital was able to have an Exclave in the distance.
The Golden Ranking warns. "Prepare for battle. You are about to enter New World in the distance, where you may encounter harsh environments at any time."
A thick fog blanketed the area, obscuring starlight. Countless wisps of light and Outworld Poison Fire raged within this Heavenly Chasm passage, making it extremely difficult for ordinary people to pass through.
With a whoosh, the Golden Ranking, carrying the wonders of the mountains and rivers, rushed past and instantly arrived in a completely new world.
This Foreign Domain even has a different Daoist aura; if one were to stand outside the Mountain-Sea Map, many people would probably feel quite uncomfortable.
Subsequently, Golden Ranking intentionally let them experience it, allowing the Daoist aura to surge in, and some people indeed felt that staying here for a long time would be a burden.
"The world is changing, and you must gradually adapt."
The night fog was thick over the land, but the expeditionary force consisted of elites, many of whom carried rare treasures or had cultivated Spirit Eye that allowed them to pierce through the clouds and see parts of the blurry landscape.
Large areas are barren, riddled with holes and riddled with mine shafts.
In contrast, some areas are lush with vegetation, with endless primeval forests where monkeys howl and tigers roar, resembling two complete extremes.
A Earth Immortal even used his Treasure Mirror to capture the scene of a city inhabited by tall Barbarian, who were half a head taller than normal humans.
Within the city walls, a green flame was enshrined, and many people were dancing a sacrificial dance around it, constantly worshipping, creating an atmosphere of Savage Wilderness.
Although they lived in a city, they were more like a large tribe.
"In the past, this place was mostly inhabited by humans. After the invasion by the Barbarian God, many humanoid beings underwent a complete mutation, their bodies grew exponentially, and they became Barbarian."
Upon hearing these words, the Old Barbarian God's Copper Bell Eyes widened in disbelief, feeling as if he had been inexplicably "shot."
That was an invasion by an evil god; it had nothing to do with him.
The once prosperous cities have mostly become tribalized, a primitive Barbarian God Civilization, worshipping ancient and powerful deities.
Golden Ranking said, "To be precise, it's Totem God."
Everyone finally understood why they faced all sorts of bizarre, primitive monsters when practicing battle formations and entering the Golden Consciousness Space; these were the opponents they might encounter next.
Golden Ranking frankly admitted that there may be more serious hidden matters or enemies behind this, which urgently need to be investigated.
Suddenly, a bright light shone in the night sky ahead, the thick clouds churned, and a magnificent celestial palace appeared and disappeared.
"A friend comes from afar, but he carries a knife and hides trouble; I fear he has ill intentions."
In that region, amidst Cloud Mist Sea, Celestial Tower, silver halls, and Jade Palace stretched out in a vast and ethereal expanse, as if one were approaching a celestial realm.
The scene before me didn't seem to be in the style of Barbarian God; it was too exquisite.
The lord of Star Mountain spoke up, "This is the territory ruled by Jade Capital. You evil gods have invaded, yet you dare to speak so arrogantly!"
"Brother, please calm down. We are merely passing through this region and are taking a short rest here. At most, we will stay for fifty years, at which time we will surely return the treasure intact."
The Palace Master of the Thunder Marsh Palace said, "Words are easier said than done. Do you think we are your followers who can be fooled and deceived? Since you are just passing by, then move out immediately and return all the rare minerals."
Opposite them, a primal deity stepped forward. Tall and imposing, his lower body clad in animal skins, his upper body bare, and his long hair flowing freely, he laughed heartily, "Fellow Daoist, you're too stingy."
Then, a cat-faced deity stepped forward, his face grim, and said, "Let's not accuse each other. Yesterday, you stole our clan's Secret Medicine, so we're even."
On the Jade Capital Territory side, a being Seven-Day Accumulator power spoke up, "How can we expect bandits to settle scores just because they've taken refuge in our territory? Are you leaving or not?"
A primordial deity in the form of flames proclaimed, "Gentlemen, let's talk this out. Everything can be discussed calmly. Look, we've opened the Heavenly Palace and Jade Palace, prepared fine wine, and waited for so long—isn't it all to turn hostility into friendship?"
Golden Ranking's voice boomed. "You occupy my territory and dare to talk about peace? Are you leaving or not?"
In an instant, mountains and sea appeared, causing the entire Night Mist Sea to ripple.
Ahead, the Jade Towers and numerous celestial pavilions were violently shaking above the clouds, as if they were about to disintegrate.
"Fellow Daoist, please calm down."
Just then, behind the buildings shrouded in spiritual light, the endless sea of clouds was broken open, and a vast, ancient, and powerful aura swept out.
In an instant, it brought the turbulent fairy palace complex to a standstill.
It was a massive mountain, and the moment it appeared, it seemed to crush the heavens.
It was as black as ink, tall and heavy, and at its base were 108 terrifying phantoms, like Heavenly God, working together to support the mountain.
"Could it really be... Heavenly God afterimage?" On the Golden Ranking side, many people were deeply shaken, feeling that the Daoist aura of those afterimages was terrifying and unpredictable.
A Earth Immortal from the Huang Family revealed the truth. "In this era, there are no Heavenly God. They have all died many years ago. They may have existed in history, but that was an accumulation over a long period of time. Now, they are just empty shells, merely showing off their past glory."
Everyone nodded; this made sense.
The Golden Ranking trembled, Dao Patterns instantly spread out, suppressing the aura of the 108 illusory figures, making them seem less unfathomable.
Golden Ranking spoke up, "Now that you've come, do you intend to wage a decisive battle between our Supreme Civilization?"
Undoubtedly, that dark mountain was a large-scale war machine belonging to the Totem God Faction, and its status should be equivalent to the Golden Ranking on the Jade Capital side.
"I've come only to stop the fighting and prevent you from acting too impulsively, fellow Daoist," the massive mountain spoke.
On its dark mountainside are engraved numerous patterns, all primitive totems, making it appear profound and unfathomable, as if the Gods were supporting it.
It has been worshipped by various ethnic groups throughout many great eras and has become the resting place of many totems.
"Are you threatening me?" Golden Ranking said in a deep voice.
Totem Sacred Mountain spoke up, "No, I'm just preparing for the worst. If you insist on a bloody battle, I'll gladly fight to the bitter end."
It then added, "I would like to ask you, fellow Daoist, to reconsider and carefully evaluate the situation. After all, the consequences of a war between our two Supreme Civilization would be unbearable for both of us."
Golden Ranking said, "That's robber logic! You're occupying our territory, and you're talking to me like that?"
The Black Mountain said, "I'm willing to make compensation in other ways; we can discuss it."
Golden Ranking said, "You have to get out of this area before we can talk!"
Totem Sacred Mountain said, "It seems this battle is unavoidable. However, I still want you to consider this. Before that, how about we do a short test? Let's get to know each other and see if we really need to unleash a bloody battle of the highest caliber."
The so-called "testing the waters" naturally involves making small-scale contact and assessing each other's strengths and weaknesses, and ideally, intimidating one side.
"Okay!" Golden Ranking agreed.
Totem Sacred Mountain said, "The best outcome would be if, after our sparring, we could both appreciate each other's skills and finally drink wine and enjoy songs and dances before the Heavenly Palace and Immortal Pavilion, thus turning the page."
Before that celestial palace, countless divine runes intertwined, revealing a vast open area that would become a battlefield.
It is obvious that the so-called mutual respect is just a pretext and excuse that one party finds to save face after feeling that it is not strong enough and is too cowardly to accept the challenge.
It was supposed to be a friendly spar, a small-scale test, but the opposing side went straight to the gods, with the Seventh Realm expert stepping forward.
Totem Sacred Mountain said, "Even in small-scale exchanges, there shouldn't be too few people. People of all ages should participate so that everyone can understand each other's true strength and avoid misjudging each other."
Its voice wasn't loud, and it was always very polite, but in reality, it was very assertive and full of confidence.
"As you wish!" Golden Ranking agreed and began to call out names. Experts from the Seventh Realm stepped forward, including Sage, the Dog Sword Immortal, and some mountain lords, palace lords, and cave lords from the Old Mountain Peak in the Sky.
However, they were all wearing the same standard armor, and even their faces were covered, making it impossible to tell who was who.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the crowd. From the young and strong men of the Totem Faction, a terrifying behemoth emerged, its entire body enveloped in golden light.
"This is—a mutated super Golden Behemoth!" Some people gasped, especially the experts from Night Prefecture, who had experienced the behemoth disaster and were most sensitive to such Colossal Being; their hearts sank.
Moreover, there were five-colored giant beasts behind them, their bodies covered with divine patterns and flowing with rich Daoist charm.
Even the expressions of many veteran experts changed. This was a mutated behemoth that had been totemized since childhood, and could practically be called a Heavenly Sage.
"Just some beasts, no need to worry about them. Taiyi, step forward and prepare!" After the Golden Ranking finished calling out the experts of the Seventh Realm, the first name called again was "Taiyi".
For a moment, the Mountain-Sea Map fell silent. Everyone was too familiar with this name; the former top-ranked figure, mysterious and unpredictable, was also present and was highlighted on the Golden Ranking.