At that very instant...
The space in that region twisted completely, blurring out of focus.
The refracted light took on bizarre colors.
A low energy hum, like the breathing of some colossal beast, made even the low-level cultivators aboard the distant Army Breaker feel their hearts quail and their breath catch.
At the same time, perhaps it had received an order?
Or perhaps the aftermath of the colliding pressures had interfered with it?
The Army Breaker warship, which had been erupting with a terrifying aura, ceased its bombardment.
Northern Nether Palace's Sect Protection Formation, which had been flashing madly and was covered in cracks, finally gained a chance to catch its breath!
Though its radiance had dimmed considerably, it gradually settled down at last, barely maintaining a state short of collapse.
Countless runes struggled to repair the most critical damaged areas.
At this moment—
It was as though even time had slowed.
The bone-piercing cold wind ceased its howling.
The ice crystals drifting throughout the sky were flung up by the energy shockwaves, suspended in midair.
Every cultivator, whether they were Association cultivators aboard the Army Breaker—
Or Northern Nether Palace disciples watching anxiously from within the formation...
All eyes were locked firmly upon those three terrifying figures standing in the air.
Then—
Mystic Ice Half-Venerable, expressionless and with eyes as cold and sharp as ten-thousand-year mystic ice, finally spoke again.
His voice echoed between heaven and earth.
It was brevity itself!
And forceful to the extreme:
"Battle."
A single word, yet it declared the most resolute of stances—
No need for further words. Battle was all he desired!
Fu Wanjun Half-Venerable showed not the slightest ripple of emotion upon hearing this. He merely nodded faintly and answered with equal concision:
"Agreed."
Xuanming Half-Venerable gave a soft laugh, his sleeves