The atmosphere in the Lingxu Market was tense and bustling. Lin Yang swiftly dispatched envoys, carrying detailed intelligence and sincere letters, to various cultivation sects. The letters elaborated on the mysterious force's conspiracy and its threat to the entire cultivation world, urging all sects to set aside past grievances, cooperate, and jointly resist the impending crisis.

Upon receiving the news, all the major sects realized the gravity of the situation. The sect leader of Qingyun Sect frowned as he looked at the intelligence report in his hand: "This mysterious force has great ambitions. If it is not contained, the cultivation world will surely be plunged into an abyss of no return."

The Palace Master of Zixiao Palace nodded in agreement: "Indeed, the Lingxu Market's proposal is very timely. We should unite and deal with it together."

After some discussion, various cultivation sects responded to the call of the Spirit Ruins Market. More than ten sizable sects, including the Azure Cloud Sect, Purple Cloud Palace, and Myriad Manifestations Pavilion, decided to form an alliance with the Spirit Ruins Market. They each selected their elite disciples and quickly headed towards the Spirit Ruins Market to discuss strategies for defense.

Inside the council hall of the Lingxu Market, the atmosphere was solemn and serious. The leaders and elders of various sects gathered together for a heated discussion about the threat posed by the mysterious force.

Lin Yang spoke first: "Seniors, this mysterious force has come with great force, not only attempting to annex the Spirit Ruins market, but also posing a huge threat to the peace and tranquility of the entire cultivation world. We must formulate an effective countermeasure as soon as possible."

The sect leader of Qingyun Sect stroked his beard and said, "According to intelligence, this mysterious force has a large number of members, and their techniques and magical treasures are cleverly combined. We must not underestimate them and need to formulate a meticulous battle plan."

The Palace Master of Zixiao Palace chimed in, "That's right. Moreover, we know very little about the strength and characteristics of their leader's techniques, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of our response. The most urgent task is to gather as much intelligence as possible about their leader."

The head of Wanbaoge stood up and said, "Regarding magical artifacts, our Wanbaoge has developed a batch of new magical artifacts specifically designed for the characteristics of the mysterious forces. These artifacts can interfere with their spiritual energy circulation and break through their defensive barriers, and should play a significant role in battle."

The elder of the Spirit Sword Sect also said, "The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect have undergone special training to counter the sword formations and spells of the mysterious forces, and have mastered a variety of countermeasures. We are confident that we can deal a heavy blow to the enemy on the battlefield."

Everyone chimed in, offering their opinions and suggestions. After a lengthy discussion, a detailed battle plan was finally formulated.

First, the Linghe Chamber of Commerce's intelligence agents will continue to gather in-depth information on the mysterious force, especially the specific strength of its leader, the characteristics of its techniques, and any potential weaknesses. Simultaneously, they will closely monitor the mysterious force's movements to ensure the alliance can prepare a response in advance.

Secondly, Wanbaoge will accelerate the mass production of new magical artifacts and distribute them to disciples of various sects within the alliance as soon as possible to enhance overall combat strength. In battle, Wanbaoge disciples will be responsible for using these artifacts to disrupt the spiritual energy operations of the mysterious forces, creating opportunities for attacks from other sects.

The Spirit Sword Sect, acting as the vanguard, used its exquisite swordsmanship and flexible sword formations to engage the mysterious force head-on. The sword cultivators would use their powerful attacks to break through the enemy's defenses, creating conditions for the advance of subsequent troops.

Sects such as Qingyun Sect and Zixiao Palace were responsible for flanking the mysterious force, using their respective strengths in magic to encircle and strike it. At the same time, these sects also needed to send out some disciples to form defensive teams to prevent surprise attacks and flanking maneuvers by the mysterious force.

As the alliance's logistical support force, Wanxiang Pavilion is responsible for providing frontline disciples with supplies such as spiritual energy recovery pills and healing elixirs to ensure that combat personnel can maintain a good combat condition.

In addition, the alliance decided to deploy a series of powerful defensive formations around the Lingxu Market. These formations were designed and deployed by formation masters from various sects, incorporating multiple different formation principles. They can effectively resist enemy attacks while also inflicting damage on enemies who enter the formation's range.

Once the plan was finalized, all sects immediately sprang into action. The Linghe Chamber of Commerce's intelligence agents moved like ghosts through every corner of the cultivation world, meeting with informants and gathering intelligence. Inside the Wanbao Pavilion, the weapon refiners worked tirelessly day and night, manipulating the furnaces to expedite the forging of new magical treasures. The sword cultivators of the Lingjian Sect practiced diligently day and night in the training grounds, constantly refining the variations of their sword formations and their sword techniques. The Qingyun Sect, Zixiao Palace, and other sects also began their own intense pre-battle preparations, with disciples diligently cultivating to improve their strength.

However, just as the alliance was making intensive preparations for war, the mysterious forces seemed to have also noticed their movements. Inside a mysterious camp in the Southern Wilderness, the leader of the mysterious forces sat on a huge throne, his face grim.

"These sects have actually joined forces. Hmph, do they think they can stop me from dominating the cultivation world?" The leader's eyes flashed with a cold light.

The man in black robes knelt to one side and said cautiously, "Leader, the Spirit Ruins Market has united many sects, and its strength should not be underestimated. Should we adjust our plans?"

After a moment's thought, the leader snorted coldly, "No need. It's better if they unite; it'll save us the trouble of dealing with them one by one. We'll speed up the training and secretly set some traps. When they come to us willingly, we'll give them a good beating!"

"Yes, the leader is wise!" the man in black robes replied hastily.

What traps are these mysterious forces secretly setting? Can the alliance see through them in time and successfully counter them? In this great war in the cultivation world, who will have the last laugh? The situation is becoming increasingly tense, and a major battle is about to break out, drawing everyone into this storm.

In the days that followed, the Linghe Chamber of Commerce's intelligence agents successively reported back some crucial information. "Young Master Lin, we've learned some news about the leader of the mysterious force. It's said that he cultivates an extremely ancient and evil technique called 'Dark Devouring Heaven Technique.' This technique can devour the spiritual power of others, thereby enhancing his own strength. Moreover, he seems to be constantly searching for a legendary divine artifact; once he obtains it, his power will greatly increase," the intelligence agent reported to Lin Yang.

Lin Yang's heart skipped a beat: "'Dark Sky-Eroding Technique'? Such an evil technique! It seems we must be even more careful. Is the information about the divine artifact reliable?"

The intelligence officer nodded and said, "The source is quite reliable. But we still don't know what this artifact is or where it's hidden."

After a moment of contemplation, Lin Yang said, "Immediately inform all sects of this news and raise their vigilance. At the same time, continue to investigate the whereabouts of the artifact. If the leader of the mysterious force obtains the artifact, our situation will become even more difficult."

Meanwhile, the Wanbao Pavilion made significant progress in crafting magical artifacts. Batches of new artifacts were produced and distributed to disciples of various sects within the alliance. These artifacts performed exceptionally well in combat drills, successfully disrupting the simulated spiritual energy flow of a mysterious force and greatly enhancing the alliance's combat power.

The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect have reached new heights in their sword formation practice. Their sword formations are more flexible and unpredictable, and their power is even greater. The sword cultivators are full of confidence and look forward to a direct confrontation with the mysterious force.

However, just as the alliance was ready and awaiting the mysterious force's move, the mysterious force suddenly launched a small-scale probing attack. A group of cultivators from the mysterious force took advantage of the night to raid a border town in the Spirit Ruins Market.

The town's guards immediately rose up in resistance, but the cultivators from the mysterious force were stronger and more coordinated. In an instant, the town descended into chaos, filled with shouts of battle and screams of agony.

"Oh no! A mysterious force is attacking! Quickly call for help from the Spirit Ruins Market!" shouted the town's guard captain.

A guard quickly retrieved a communication artifact and sent a distress signal to the Spirit Ruins Market. Upon receiving the message, Lin Yang immediately ordered: "The vanguard of the Spirit Sword Sect must depart immediately to support the town! Other sects, prepare for battle in case of a large-scale attack by the mysterious forces!"

The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect quickly assembled and rushed towards the town. Could they successfully repel the probing attack from the mysterious force? Was this attack merely a ruse by the mysterious force, and what conspiracy lay hidden behind it? The situation in the cultivation world became even more complex, and the prelude to a great war had quietly begun.

The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect rushed towards the border town like the wind. In the darkness of night, their figures darted swiftly through the mountains and forests, their sword energy gleaming coldly in the moonlight.

When they arrived in the town, they saw flames engulfing the city, and cultivators from the mysterious force were burning, killing, and looting everywhere. Without hesitation, the sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect instantly unleashed their sword formation. The "Spirit Concealing Ice-Breaking Sword Formation" shone brightly, its five-colored sword energy shooting towards the cultivators of the mysterious force like dragons emerging from the sea.

"It's reinforcements from the Spirit Ruins Market! Everyone be careful!" shouted a cultivator from a mysterious force.

The cultivators from the mysterious force quickly assembled, preparing for battle. They unleashed various bizarre spells, with black spiritual energy smoke and red fireballs hurtling towards the sword cultivators. However, the sword formation of the Spirit Sword Sect cultivators remained as solid as a mountain, their sword energy crisscrossing and deflecting all the incoming spells.

The sword cultivators slowly advanced, parrying attacks as they went. Su Ran, as the captain of the sword cultivator squad, moved with lightning speed, weaving through the enemy ranks. He wielded his sword, unleashing the "Thousandfold Sword Shadows," each sword aura slicing through the enemy like a sharp blade. Under his leadership, the sword cultivators gradually gained the upper hand.

Seeing the situation was dire, the cultivators from the mysterious force attempted to retreat. "Trying to run? Not so easy!" Su Ran shouted. He unleashed "Sword Controlling the Wind and Clouds," a powerful sword aura soaring into the sky, transforming into the power of wind and clouds, enveloping the fleeing enemies. Instantly, screams of agony filled the air as many cultivators from the mysterious force were struck by the sword aura and collapsed to the ground.

After a fierce battle, the sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect successfully repelled the probing attack from the mysterious force. The guards and villagers of the town gathered around to express their gratitude to the sword cultivators.

"Thank you all for your help, immortals. If you hadn't arrived in time, our town would have been in grave danger," the town's guard captain said gratefully.

Su Ran wiped the blood off his sword and said, "It's good that everyone is alright. This was just a test by the mysterious force. They will definitely have more to do, so everyone needs to be vigilant."

Just then, an intelligence agent from the Linghe Chamber of Commerce rushed over. "Captain Su, something bad has happened! We just received news that while the mysterious force is attacking the town, it has also dispatched an elite force that bypasses the Lingxu Market and is heading towards the Qingyun Sect!"

Su Ran was shocked: "What? They're using a feint! Quick, we must rush to the aid of the Qingyun Sect!"

After saying this, Su Ran led the sword cultivators towards the Qingyun Sect without stopping. Meanwhile, the Qingyun Sect also received news of the mysterious force's attack. The sect leader quickly summoned his disciples to prepare for battle.

"I never expected the mysterious force to be so cunning, daring to launch a sneak attack on us. Disciples, this battle concerns the survival of the Qingyun Sect, everyone must go all out!" the Qingyun Sect Master shouted.

The disciples of the Qingyun Sect responded enthusiastically, wielding their magical treasures and channeling their spiritual energy to set up defensive formations around the sect. The elite forces of the mysterious force quickly arrived at the Qingyun Sect. Leading them was a man in a blood-red robe. Looking at the Qingyun Sect's prepared defenses, he sneered, "Hmph, you think this can stop us? Attack!"

At his command, the elite troops of the mysterious force surged toward the Qingyun Sect like a tidal wave.