High above the sea of clouds, the Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect changed expression.
Daoist Randeng wore a plain Daoist robe, his face grave and deep wariness flickering in his eyes.
Guang Chengzi, Chi Jingzi, True Man Yuding, and the other veteran Golden Immortals exchanged glances. Each saw the same unease and surprise in the others' eyes.
Despite countless years of cultivation, they had never known that the entire Phoenix Clan had rallied to protect Great Shang—or that it had concealed such astonishing strength.
After a brief moment of shock, the Chan Sect immortals moved as one. They broke through the drifting clouds and descended to the center of the sky above Zhaoge.
Immortal Light blazed around them, and Jade Purity Dao Resonance spread across the heavens. Opposite them, the Phoenix Clan's surging flames and divine might rose in defiance.
The winds and clouds of the Nine Heavens froze. As the pressure of the two mighty factions collided, the entire sky began to tremble.
Daoist Randeng stepped forward. Buddha Light mingled with Dao Resonance around him, and his voice rang through the clouds, bearing the weight of the Heavenly Dao Trend.
"Fellow Daoists of the Phoenix Clan, the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods is decreed by the Heavenly Dao. It concerns the Three Realms, and following Heaven's will is the righteous path!
"You defy Heaven by obstructing the tribulation and resisting its order. Do you not fear that the saints will come to hold you accountable, leaving you dead, your Dao destroyed, and your clan in ruin?"
His words rang with the commanding authority of the Chan Sect. He meant to force the Phoenix Clan back with the threat of saintly power.
At that, a striking figure stepped out from the Phoenix Clan's ranks.
Feng Wu wore