Dragon Palace Convenes Secret Council to Set Strategy, Shocked by Unforeseen Movement as Calamity Clouds Form

Inside the cave of the ancient battlefield, Tongtian slowly calmed the surging Blood Essence that churned from forcefully communicating with the Investiture of the Gods. The rage and grief in his eyes were gradually replaced by cold reason. Zhao Gongming's resolute self-sacrifice to shield him was like a thorn, deeply piercing his heart, further strengthening his resolve to rescue all disciples on the list as soon as possible.

However, this matter could not be rushed. The Investiture of the Gods was a divine treasure of the Heavenly Dao, personally held by Haotian Shangdi, and with the watchful eyes of the Saints subtly focused on it. A direct assault would be akin to seeking his own demise. He had to plan meticulously before acting, requiring a foolproof strategy or waiting for that fleeting opportunity.

"The most pressing matter currently is to enhance my strength, accumulate influence, and understand the movements of all parties as much as possible, especially the weaknesses of the Otherworld and the Investiture of the Gods," Tongtian quickly formulated a strategy in his mind. Although he was now in the late stage of Quasi-Saint, he was still insignificant when facing a Saint. The path to the Primordial Dao was long and arduous, requiring more resources and enlightenment.

He thought of the Dragon King of the East Sea, Ao Guang. The Dragon Clan was wealthy throughout the Great Desolation, with profound foundations. Furthermore, they had past connections with the Jie Teachings, and now, due to the Underworld incident, they had friction with the Western Teachings and Chan Teachings. They were the most reliable allies and sources of information at the moment.

"Wudang," Tongtian called out.

Saint Mother Wudang, who was guarding the cave entrance, immediately entered. "Master."

"Take this talisman and secretly go to the Dragon Palace of the East Sea to meet Ao Guang." Tongtian took out a black jade talisman, refined with the chaotic Netherworld's magical power. Its runes flickered, containing a unique aura that could only be identified by Primordial Unity Dao methods and was difficult for outsiders to deduce or detect. "Inform him that I have safely returned to the Great Desolation and arrange to meet him at our usual spot. Remember, conceal your tracks and do not alert anyone."

"Disciple understands!" Saint Mother Wudang solemnly accepted the jade talisman. She knew the gravity of the matter and, with a flash of her figure, transformed into a faint wisp of water vapor, merging into the surrounding malevolent energy. She departed silently.

Tongtian closed his eyes once more. On one hand, he continued to consolidate his cultivation and ponder the newly acquired destructive power of the Otherworld. On the other hand, he sent out a wisp of his divine sense, utilizing the subtle connection of Reincarnation with Empress Pingxin and the vague perception of Heavenly Secrets from the Chaos Dao Fruit, to remotely sense the flow of destiny and subtle changes across the Great Desolation.

Several days later, Saint Mother Wudang returned successfully.

"Master, His Majesty Ao Guang has received the message. He stated that he will prepare immediately and await Master at the 'Nirvana Vortex' deep within the East Sea's eye in three days," Wudang reported, her face carrying a hint of solemnity. "Furthermore, on my way back, I sensed an unusually tense atmosphere in the East Sea region. The patrolling aquatic forces have increased severalfold, seemingly on high alert for something. The air also seemed to be filled with an extremely faint, yet heart-pounding, sense of unease."

Tongtian opened his eyes, a flicker of surprise flashing within them. "Oh? A sense of unease?" His powerful divine sense immediately spread out, carefully perceiving.

Indeed, above the vast and boundless East Sea, and even throughout the entire Primordial World, there seemed to be a layer of extremely faint, yet tangible, oppressive feeling. It was not malevolent energy, nor calamity energy, but a more profound, indescribable restlessness and... fear, originating from the very essence of the world. It was as if the entire Primordial World was trembling instinctively.

[Warning: Detected unknown disturbance in the Primordial World's origin layer… Energy fluctuation frequency shows 17.3% similarity to Otherworld fragments… Disturbance source located in the direction of the East Sea's Guixu, fluctuation is slowly intensifying] the System's prompt voice confirmed his perception.

"Guixu," Tongtian's gaze sharpened. That was the end of the Primordial World, the place where all things returned to stillness, even encompassing the Chaos Sea, mysterious and unfathomable. Could the approach of the Otherworld already be affecting the Primordial World itself?

Three days later, the East Sea's eye, the Nirvana Vortex.

This was a more terrifying life forbidden zone than the Netherworld's cold abyss. The massive oceanic vortex resembled a connection to the Nine Nether Hells, swallowing all light and life. The terrifying water pressure was enough to crush the physical body of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal, and it was filled with chaotic and fragmented laws.

A dark gray stream of light ignored the destructive suction of the vortex, piercing directly into the deepest part of the vortex like a sharp sword, arriving in a strange, relatively calm, dark space.

The Dragon King of the East Sea, Ao Guang, had already been waiting here. He was not present in his true form but was a Water Element Clone condensed from his Natal Dragon Pearl, appearing extremely cautious. Seeing Tongtian appear, he immediately stepped forward, his face filled with excitement and reverence. "Sect Master! You have finally returned! Hearing about the Underworld incident, this humble king was truly... truly worried for you!"

He carefully sensed the unfathomable aura on Tongtian, which subtly resonated with the surrounding destructive environment, filling him with even greater awe. How long had it been? Tongtian's strength had undergone earth-shattering changes again! Especially that deep, silent aura, which made even him, the king of the Dragon Clan, feel a trace of trepidation.

"Thank you for your concern," Tongtian nodded slightly. "Dragon King, to make a long story short, what is the current situation in the Great Desolation? What are the movements of the Western Teachings and Chan Teachings? Has the Dragon Clan recently detected any anomalies in the world?"

Ao Guang's expression turned serious, and he quickly said, "Sect Master, the situation is dire! After the Underworld incident, the Western Teachings and Chan Alliance reacted extremely fiercely. The Western Teachings proclaimed you a 'reincarnated demon, bringing chaos to the Great Desolation,' and have united many affiliated forces to issue a 'Demon Slaying Order,' searching for your whereabouts everywhere. The reward is high enough to tempt a Quasi-Saint! Although the Chan Teachings have not issued an explicit order, Guangchengzi and others have been very active, echoing the Western Teachings and suppressing all forces related to the Jie Teachings."

He paused, his tone becoming even more solemn. "As for the anomalies in the world, Sect Master, you have also sensed them? In the past few days, an indescribable oppressive feeling has indeed appeared in the East Sea and even throughout the entire Great Desolation. Especially in the direction of Guixu, there are frequent heart-pounding dull roars, as if some colossal being is striking the world's barrier! Several of our Dragon Clan's slumbering ancient dragon ancestors have been alarmed, mentioning this as an 'ominous omen,' as if 'Outer Realm Fiends' are approaching! The waters of the Four Seas have become restless because of this, with frequent tsunamis."

Tongtian's gaze sank slightly. As expected! The approach of the Otherworld was even faster than he had anticipated! Even the origin of the Great Desolation was beginning to react.

"Dragon King, regarding these 'Outer Realm Fiends,' are there any records in the Dragon Clan's ancient texts? What is the reaction of the Western Teachings to this?"

Ao Guang smiled bitterly and shook his head. "There are only scattered records in the ancient texts, all vague and unclear, only mentioning that they are terrifying existences in Chaos that instinctively devour worlds. The Western Teachings... their reaction is very strange. On the surface, they also appear to be facing a great enemy, preaching about the 'Calamity of the End of Dharma' everywhere and calling on all beings to take refuge in Buddhism for protection. But in secret, according to the spies I've stationed near Spirit Mountain, the Spirit Mountain Treasury has been unusually active recently. It seems... it seems they are accelerating the refinement of some large-scale magical artifact, and powerful Buddhist lights have been frequently and secretly heading towards Guixu... their behavior is secretive, not like simple defense."

Tongtian sneered inwardly. Just as he thought! The Western Teachings were creating panic on one hand, while on the other, they were vigorously pushing forward their insane "enlightenment of demons" plan! They might even be trying to proactively contact the Otherworld!

"This king has also learned a piece of news," Ao Guang lowered his voice. "It is said that the Heavenly Court also attaches great importance to the recent anomalies in the world. Haotian Shangdi intends to send an envoy, and may even personally lead an expedition to investigate Guixu! At that time, the Heavenly Court's defenses will inevitably be relatively empty..."

A sharp glint flashed in Tongtian's eyes! This was an unexpected piece of news! If Haotian left the Heavenly Court, it would indeed be a rare opportunity!

"Is the news reliable?"

"About eighty percent reliable! The source is a commander from the Heavenly River Navy, who let it slip after drinking." Ao Guang confirmed.

Tongtian pondered for a moment, quickly calculating in his mind. Haotian personally leading an expedition to Guixu, leaving the Heavenly Court empty, was indeed a good opportunity to contact and even rescue the disciples on the list! But the risk was also extremely high. Who knew what precautions Haotian would leave behind, and the Western Teachings and Chan Teachings would certainly be watching the Heavenly Court closely.

"Dragon King, I am aware of this matter. The Dragon Clan must be extremely cautious and vigilant in the near future, especially in the direction of Guixu. If there are any changes, inform me immediately through this talisman." Tongtian handed Ao Guang another specially made jade talisman. "Furthermore, I will need to trouble the Dragon Clan to continue helping me collect several materials."

He listed the names of several extremely rare divine materials, some of which only existed in legends. They were all needed to further refine the Chaos Bead and to forge a special formation flag that could greatly shield Heavenly Secrets and assist in communicating with the Investiture of the Gods.

Upon hearing this, Ao Guang's face showed a hint of difficulty, but it quickly turned into determination. "Sect Master, rest assured! Even if it means emptying the Dragon Palace's secret treasury, this humble king will definitely find these materials for Sect Master!" He was completely tied to Tongtian's chariot. The stronger Tongtian became, the greater the hope for the Dragon Clan.

"Good! Tongtian remembers this kindness." Tongtian cupped his hands, said no more, and his figure slowly merged into the darkness, disappearing into the Nirvana Vortex.

Leaving the Sea's Eye, Tongtian did not immediately return to the ancient battlefield. Instead, he concealed his form and gazed towards Guixu.

There, at the end of the world, at the boundary between Chaos and the Great Desolation, the originally gray sky now faintly revealed a disturbing dark red hue! Huge spatial rifts, like wounds on the world, appeared and disappeared intermittently, emanating an aura that made the Otherworld fragments within him slightly warm!

Calamity Clouds were gathering.

At this moment, his divine sense keenly captured several extremely subtle yet immensely powerful streams of light, which were silently tearing through the sky from various directions of the Great Desolation (including Spirit Mountain and Kunlun), heading straight for Guixu!

Clearly, the Heavenly Court was not the only one that had sensed the anomalies in the world and taken action!

The prelude to the great calamity seemed to be quietly unfolding at a speed beyond everyone's expectations.

Tongtian stood on the turbulent sea surface, his robes fluttering in the wind, his eyes as deep as the starry sea.

The chaos was evident, with both opportunities and crises coexisting.

He needed to make thorough preparations as quickly as possible and carve out a path for himself and the Jie Teachings amidst this overwhelming wave of calamity!

The next moment, he turned his figure, no longer lingering, and transformed into a stream of light, fleeing towards the ancient battlefield.

Time was becoming increasingly urgent.