Wind Rises Over the Lightless Sea, News Spreads in a Day

As the twelfth lunar month approaches, the easiest time of year to buy and sell Spirit Fish is about to arrive.

After all, even in the Cultivation World, there is a saying that there will be "fish" every year.

This is especially true for those low-level cultivators who are numerous but rarely willing to spend Spirit Stone.

People often take advantage of the festive atmosphere before the New Year, if they have the time and energy.

Therefore, it has come to this in the last few days.

Before the sun even rose in the morning, many monks had already set off early in their small boats.

I'm trying to catch a few more good fish so I can have a prosperous New Year.

At the edge of the Wind Stop Sea, an old man was leading more than ten members of his tribe to track the location of the school of fish.

He looked at his grandson, who was standing on the deck, looking around with curiosity, and said with a smile, "Xiao Wei, do you see that group of rocks over there?"

"That's Wind Stop Reef, the boundary between the Inner Sea and the Outer Sea."

"Once we cross this line, we'll be in the Outer Sea. If we continue east for a while, we'll reach the territory of the Lightless Sea."

The boy nodded, seemingly understanding, then asked curiously, "Grandpa, why is it called Wind Stop Reef?"

The old man patiently explained, "This name has a story behind it; it goes back a very, very long time."

" At the Outer Sea, extremely dangerous storms often occur, and even Golden Core True Person must give them a wide berth."

"But for many years, no wind has been able to cross that reef and enter the Wind Stop Sea."

Over time, it came to be known as the Wind Stop Reef.

"Some people occasionally call it Peace Reef or Wind Calming Reef, but the name Wind Stop Reef is the most widely used."

In fact, what he said is almost common sense in the Storm Sea.

For those who frequently go out to sea to fish, it's almost as natural as the sun rising in the east.

However, the young boy, who was not yet of age, earnestly stuck his head out of the boat, as if that would allow him to see more clearly.

He then shouted, "Grandpa's lying! The wind has clearly already passed over those rocks!"

What?

The old man immediately looked up and gazed into the distance, and saw a cold wind blowing in from the east, carried by the morning's Spiritual Qi Tide.

It covered the entire Wind Stop Reef, and its momentum remained undiminished.

Within moments, they arrived near their own spirit ship, the sails billowing in the wind.

Wow, the Spiritual Qi is so rich!

The boy's attention shifted quickly, and he was immediately drawn to the Spiritual Qi Tide.

However, the old man stood blankly on the deck, his weathered eyes fixed on Wind Stop Reef.

After a long while, he turned to look at the Inner Sea behind him and sighed softly, "The wind is coming."

The wind is coming!

But some news came even faster than the wind!

Two hours earlier, the communication array of the Demon Subduing Sword Sect had already lit up with a red light, indicating the most urgent report.

Just a quarter of an hour later.

The Internal Affairs Elder and the Sword Serving Elder, carrying intelligence, arrived together at the entrance of their Grand Elder's cave abode.

"Please inform the Ancestor that something has happened at the Lightless Sea!"

"Our ancestor is currently refining pills and should not be disturbed unless it is urgent."

The gatekeeper boy shook his head.

Then he heard the visitor reply in an unprecedentedly serious tone, "It's an important matter, a very important matter. Go in immediately and inform the Ancestor!"

It wasn't just the Demon Subduing Sword Sect that received the news.

Similar events were unfolding almost simultaneously within the Star Plucking Sword Pavilion.

"Reporting to the Grand Elder, an urgent report from the Lightless Sea: A mysterious Nascent Soul True Lord has launched a surprise attack on the Yin Corpse Sect."

The Inner Sect sect Elder, kneeling on the ground, couldn't hide his surprise. "As of now, the Yin Corpse Sect Mountain Protecting Grand Array has collapsed, and the sect has fallen!"

"A large number of Guest Elder and disciples fled, and there were many eyewitnesses."

"The intelligence from different sources corroborates each other, confirming that this is not a rumor, but a fact!"

"This matter is of great importance, and I dare not act on my own initiative. I have come to ask the Ancestor for guidance on how to handle it."

The True Xuan Ren True Monarch was in seclusion, studying Law Technique, and had just reached a critical stage.

Therefore, when I was first called out, I was still Fire Qi.

He stared wide-eyed at his junior apprentice, wanting to hear what had gotten into him.

However, after listening to the report, he was taken aback, and his Fire Qi vanished instantly.

After a moment's thought, he jumped up from his chair and snatched the intelligence from the other person's hand.

He opened it himself and read it word by word.

The Yin Corpse Sect dominates the Outer Sea and boasts six Nascent Soul True Lord.

It is not only the only hegemonic power in the Outer Sea, but also the sect with the largest number of Nascent Soul True Lord in the entire Storm Sea.

However, this powerful and influential force was attacked by a rival True Lord!

This is absolutely explosive news, a huge bombshell.

Even more frightening is that the gate of the Yin Corpse Sect was actually trampled flat!

Can you believe that?

Xuan Ren True Monarch's gaze fell on the beginning and end of the intelligence report, and he checked the Secret Mark again to confirm its authenticity.

However, it's still a bit hard to accept this disruptive and significant change in the short term.

How could that be?

He muttered to himself, unconsciously repeating, "This shouldn't be happening, how could this be?"

"Could it be that all six True Lord of the Yin Corpse Sect happened to be out on business?"

"Not even one person was left to oversee things from home?"

Otherwise, with the absolute advantage of the Mountain Protecting Grand Array, the Yin Corpse Sect's mountain gate would never have fallen so quickly.

Even so, this was still a momentous and earth-shattering change.

With the mountain gate destroyed and the Guest Elder and disciples scattered and fled, the Yin Corpse Sect was destined to lose face no matter how it handled the aftermath.

"The Lightless Sea is about to descend into chaos."

Xuan Ren True Monarch sighed and immediately ordered, "Instantly notify our people to keep a close watch on the Yin Corpse Sect's every move and report the latest developments at any time."

"In addition, we should also keep a close Inspector that unfamiliar True Lord."

"All intelligence related to him must be sent back immediately, not even a rumor or a whispered tidbit can be overlooked!"

The Soul Division Sword Pavilion, also located in the Dragon Slaying Sea, issued a similar order.

He instructed his disciples to investigate the follow-up situation thoroughly.

An hour later, Morning Wind and Spiritual Qi Tide arrived at the edge of the Dragon Slaying Sea at the same time.

So far, the Spiritual Qi Tide has only affected this area.

However, Morning Breeze could continue westward, carrying the momentous news of the incident in the Lightless Sea, which quickly swept across the entire Inner Sea.

Hundred Herbs City.

After reading the intelligence report, City Lord Huo Xinghuai solemnly handed it to his friend beside him. "Fellow Daoist Mo Mei, it seems our peaceful days are coming to an end."

A new storm is coming soon!

"Fellow Daoist with the Lantern went to the Outer Sea earlier and has not yet returned."

"I sense I should contact him immediately and remind him to be careful."

Ink Plum True Monarch quickly glanced through it, then nodded. "He did send a message back last time, saying that he had accidentally heard a rumor."

"So we'll stay there to find a miraculous spirit medicine and come back later."

"However, given the current situation, it seems no longer appropriate to linger in the Outer Sea."

"I'll send him a telepathic message right now and just call him back."

Huo Xinghuai nodded. "That's even better. If the rest of us stay together, it will be easier to look out for each other if anything happens later."

What he really wanted was for him to call them back.

However, it's not appropriate for him to say this; it would be best to let Ink Plum True Monarch, who is also a rogue cultivator, speak up.

After all, Lantern-Bearing True Monarch has not yet explicitly agreed to join Hundred Herbs City.

The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance

Upon receiving the news, the major Lineage responsible for managing daily affairs immediately convened an emergency meeting.

Despite their usual bickering, this time they reached a consensus.

That means this matter is beyond their control, and they must contact the two elders immediately.

He hurriedly summoned the messenger stationed there. "Transfer this intelligence to the two True Lord as quickly as possible, without the slightest delay."

The fact that the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance has survived to this day is naturally due to the protection provided by Nascent Soul Stage forces.

Otherwise, they would have been wiped out by other forces long ago.

Although they do not have an alliance leader, they do have two Nascent Soul True Lord are originally independent cultivators who are willing to serve as their retainers.

They collect certain resources on a regular basis, but they don't usually get involved in other matters.

However, they will step in to protect the overall interests of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance and the Ten Thousand Immortals Archipelago in important matters.

"By the way, I suggest we also inform that person from the Jade Leaf Commerce Association."

One of them suggested, "This kind of news can't be kept secret anyway; it'll be everywhere by tomorrow."

"Why don't we take the initiative to deliver it? We might even gain a favor in return."

The proposal was unanimously approved on the spot.

However, the major Lineage were in endless disputes over the specific person to deliver the message, each hoping that their own family would be responsible for passing on the intelligence.

"Alright, stop arguing!"

Finally, someone couldn't stand it anymore. "If this argument continues, it'll be the same as before—we'll argue until the day after tomorrow and still not get to a useful result."

"By then, there's no need to send any more intelligence."

"I have a suggestion: each household should send one person as a representative, and then they can go together to deliver the letter."

Those around him, hearing this, felt that what he said made sense, and so they all nodded in agreement.

Following that, the Lineage finalized their representatives.

However, a new problem arose—even if they went to deliver the message together, they could not simultaneously present the information to Nascent Soul True Lord.

What kind of order is this, with everyone talking at once and shouting in unison?

Then someone needs to be responsible for knocking on the door and answering. Who should that person be?

So, everyone got into another heated argument at the meeting over this new issue, each wanting their own representative to take the lead.

One Lineage has already withdrawn from the competition, but the remaining Lineage are still not backing down.

Their stance is simple: if it's not their turn, then it's better for no one to participate and for no one to get the benefit.

This perfectly illustrates what a loose alliance is.

In contrast, the Three Great Families of Nether Sky Sea are much more united.

Both meetings were convened immediately upon receiving intelligence, yet a comprehensive cooperation was achieved in a very short time.

Meanwhile, they dispatched people with intelligence to the outskirts of the Vast Sea Secret Realm to await Secret Realm opening.

At the same time, he ordered them to gather intelligence, just like the other sects.

Furthermore, they assigned their respective sentries the roles of lookouts, allowing them to cooperate and exchange intelligence when needed.

After all, although they are nominally three families, they are actually all servants trained by the Pagoda True Lord.

Although they often bickered and tripped each other up over trivial matters.

However, on such important matters, a consensus can be reached quickly, and no one dares to act recklessly, lest they be unable to explain themselves when the Pagoda True Lord inquires about the reasons in the future.

Of course, they don't know that yet.

Before long, they will no longer have these worldly troubles.

Following this, even the Golden Haze Sect, located at the furthest point, received the news.

After hearing the report, the leading Golden Whip True Monarch gasped in astonishment. "Hiss~, this unfamiliar True Lord is incredibly bold, daring to directly oppose the Yin Corpse Sect."

"I wonder who this person is!"

"Fortunately, my Golden Haze Sect is quite far from the Lightless Sea, separated by millions of miles."

Even if there are any new developments, they shouldn't affect this area in the short term.

As he spoke, he glanced at the Golden Haze Sect Master and several Elder waiting below. "But you can't let your guard down because of this!"

"In particular, we can't afford to be complacent just because we've acquired quite a few third-tier Spirit Beast over the years."

"To the point that they became complacent and neglected their own self-cultivation and the training of younger disciples."

"While third-tier Spirit Beast are certainly important, what's even more important for our Golden Haze Sect is cultivating a new Nascent Soul True Lord."

To say something unlucky.

"The old man is already over seven hundred years old; it won't be long before he becomes useless."

"If things continue as they are now, there will be no one to carry on the legacy."

"Hmph, by the time you're all worried after the old man closes his eyes, it will be too late!"

"Even if you have a thousand third-tier Spirit Beast, you won't be able to stop a Nascent Soul True Lord from coming and going as he pleases."

Upon hearing this, the members of the Golden Haze Sect all lowered their heads, whether out of shame or out of conformity, it was unclear.

Seeing this, Golden Whip True Monarch sighed and said, "Look at them, they dare to directly trample down the gates of the Yin Corpse Sect."

Why was he able to do this, and why did he dare to do it?

"Isn't it just because he's Nascent Soul True Lord?"

"If even one of you could be as successful as him, we wouldn't have had to be confronted by the Nether Sky Sea demanding our return a few years ago."

"If it weren't for worrying about you bunch of good-for-nothings, this old man would have already razed Nether Sky Sea to the ground!"

After grumbling and criticizing for a while, Golden Whip True Monarch was still somewhat dissatisfied.

Although the Golden Haze Sect had no informants in the Lightless Sea, the information he obtained was actually secondhand and much more simplistic.

However, with his seven hundred years of accumulated experience, he still keenly sensed the impending great change.

"From now on, every ten years... no, every three years."

Golden Whip True Monarch immediately decided. "I will personally assess your cultivation progress and the advancement of the sect's True Disciple disciples."

"Anyone who remains stagnant will be sent to the Southern Domain to search for new beast cubs."

For the Golden Core cultivator of the Golden Haze Sect

Being sent to a poor and desolate place like the Southern Domain, deep into the Ten Thousand Demons Mountain Range to search for new species of Demon Beast, would be an extremely difficult task.

This could even be considered a severe punishment.

Everyone immediately looked distressed, but they had no way to oppose the patriarch's decision, so they could only reluctantly nod in agreement.

Overall, the entire southern part of the Inner Sea is filled with discussions about the changes in the Lightless Sea.

However, for the Five Thunder Temple further north, they received another secret report almost simultaneously, True Disciple.

Normally speaking, compared to ordinary disciples and informants.

Obviously, True Disciple from one's own family is more reliable and trustworthy.

However, after seeing the contents of the secret report, Azure Firmament True Monarch checked the coded messages in the intelligence twice.

It still feels somewhat unbelievable.

Because this intelligence report mentions events that occurred earlier on Lightless Island.

This junior disciple named Li Cunyuan claimed that he personally witnessed the True Monarch Xiao destroy the Fourth-tier Defensive Formation set up by the Yin Corpse Sect on the island in just a quarter of an hour.

Not only that.

When the Nether Silkworm True Monarch, the Coffin Bearing True Monarch, and a female True Lord whom he did not recognize, who had stayed behind in the Lightless Sea, arrived together.

With the assistance of Hidden Ice True Monarch, True Monarch Xiao killed two people on the spot and continued to pursue the third.

In the end, it appears that the pursuit was successful.

Of course, this was just Li Cunyuan's personal speculation; he neither dared to chase after them to watch, nor did he have the ability to do so.

"It's not that I'm unwilling to believe Junior Nephew Li, it's just that the account in this secret report is simply too unbelievable!"

Azure Firmament True Monarch brought the secret report to his senior brother, "If it is as he described, that Newly Promoted True Monarch killed Nether Silkworm True Monarch single-handedly."

"How could such a thing happen?"

"The Nether Silkworm True Monarch defeated more than one fellow Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage back then."

"Almost universally acknowledged as the invincible Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator, and the number one person below the Nascent Soul Late Stage in the Storm Sea."

"This is absolutely absurd!"

However, Che Guang True Monarch carefully examined the secret report.

His face immediately paled in astonishment, and his breathing quickened. "I know Cunyuan very well."

"Although he usually seems a bit unreliable and likes to flirt with his Junior Sister."

"But he's always been reliable in his words and deeds, and he's always the most suitable and trustworthy leader when we go out on missions."

"With a little tempering in the future, he can be trained to become the head of the outer sect or even the Sect Master."

"This child would never embellish such important information; he must be stating the truth he actually witnessed."

"They might even describe things a little more conservatively for the sake of authenticity."

After these words were spoken, the two sat facing each other in silence for a moment.

After some deliberation.

As the senior disciple, Che Guang True Monarch spoke first, "Junior brother, look at these two intelligence reports together. A great upheaval is about to occur in the Lightless Sea."

"The Subduing Ice Sect has already entered the fray, but I reckon they're not the only ones involved."

"After all, the origins of this True Monarch Xiao are unknown, and it's hard to say what his background is."

"It's even hard to say whether it's human or not."

Um?

Upon hearing this, Azure Firmament True Monarch's pupils shrank immediately. "Senior Brother means that Great Demon Transformation?"

"Is Great Demon causing trouble in the Lightless Sea?"

"This... um..."

He felt this was even more unbelievable.

"I'm only considering this possibility for now, but I don't have any evidence yet."

There was a hint of uncertainty in Che Guang True Monarch's tone. "The main reason is that Hidden Ice True Monarch has always been unconventional, reclusive, and rarely interacts with outsiders."

"Moreover, the Subduing Ice Sect it established was a mixed bag, accepting all sorts of people from all walks of life."

"It doesn't seem like a proper founding of a school of thought at all."

"Now another True Monarch Xiao has arrived, and he already possesses such formidable abilities despite having only just broken through to the Nascent Soul."

"His performance is not what one would expect from a Newly Promoted True Monarch."

"Don't even mention that he should have only cultivated for about five years; even if he had cultivated for fifty years, it wouldn't make sense."

"Of course, these are all just guesses, or even wild speculations."

"What truly made me suspicious was the news that came from across the sea."

Che Guang True Monarch pointed to the east.

As a large number of Golden Core cultivator fled here, news of the invasion of the Compassion Sea by the Sea Race Invasion naturally spread.

Upon hearing this, Azure Firmament True Monarch wavered slightly. "Does Senior Brother mean that they might also be from the Sea Race?"

Che Guang True Monarch shook his head. "That's not necessarily true."

"Perhaps I'm just overthinking it."

"Or perhaps they are not the same group of Great Demon, after all, there are also quite a few Fourth-Order great demon in the Kunpeng Sea."

"Based on the information we have at the moment, it's too early to say."

However, Che Guang True Monarch onto his original idea.

That means finding an opportunity to meet this True Monarch Xiao, and preferably to find out more about his background.

If it were Human Race, that would be one thing.

If it were truly a Incarnation, it would be a monstrous creature that stirs up trouble.

Then we'll have to let him experience the power of our family's Thunder Method.

Even though Li Cunyuan's secret report mentioned that Xiao Chen's combat strength was extremely powerful, it didn't matter.

The Thunder Method of the Five Thunder Temple also has a considerable power boost when fighting against the Demon Race.

Besides, if it's confirmed that the opponent is Great Demon Transformation, then he doesn't necessarily have to fight alone.

At that time, we can join forces with the other True Lord to slay demons and monsters together.

Slay these daring Great Demon and restore peace and order to the Storm Sea.

"Senior brother, actually I think this might not be such a bad thing."

Azure Firmament True Monarch, however, was preoccupied with another matter. "Whether that True Monarch Xiao is a genius or Great Demon Transformation or not..."

"Since he chose to be an enemy of the Yin Corpse Sect, and has achieved considerable success in the battle."

"That will inevitably have a direct impact on the Marriage Alliance between the Yin Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect."

"If the Heavenly Sound Sect continues to choose Marriage Alliance, they will be drawn into the upheaval, which may result in manpower losses."

"Or perhaps the Heavenly Sound Sect chooses to stand by and watch, in which case this Marriage Alliance will likely fall through."

"In either case, at least we don't have to worry about the repercussions of their secret alliance."

If the Heavenly Sound Sect and the Yin Corpse Sect successfully form an alliance, it will inevitably affect the original structure of the Inner Sea.

At that time, as the major power closest to the Heavenly Sound Sect, the Five Thunder Temple will naturally bear the greatest pressure.

Now things are really messed up; trouble has broken out in the Lightless Sea, Yin Corpse Sect is in turmoil.

From the perspective of the Five Thunder Temple, Azure Firmament True Monarch felt a sense of schadenfreude.

Upon hearing Che Guang True Monarch couldn't help but shake his head and smile.

Although this kind of thinking is not good, to be fair, it is indeed the case.