Lu Qing glanced at the date the notice was posted and realized it had been more than half a year ago.
He estimated that there was less than a month left until the day when the Five Treasures Taoist Priest and the others were to be executed.
"One month is enough."
With the Void Flying Boat in hand, distance was not a problem for Lu Qing, even though the Tianyuan Great World was vast.
Since there's still a month left, he can use that time to reflect and recharge.
We will enhance the power of some Taoist techniques and supernatural abilities so that we can give the Holy Alliance a big surprise.
Tiansheng Peak.
This is a colossal mountain even more vast than Tian Shu Divine Mountain, and it is also the headquarters of the Holy Alliance.
"Lord Lei, do you think that demon will come?" an old man with white hair asked.
“It’s hard to say.” Lei Tian shook his head. “However, based on our understanding of that demon, he seems to be very protective of his own and values his friends highly. If he knows about this, even if he doesn’t come to the rescue, he will definitely come to see what’s going on. That will be our opportunity.”
"Protecting one's own and valuing one's friends—is such a person truly a demon?" the white-haired elder said. "Lord Lei, I've always wanted to say this: must our Holy Alliance and this person have come to this point? Isn't there any possibility of reconciliation?"
"It's too late," Lei Tian sighed. "From the moment we joined forces with the demon race to set up an array to kill him, we were already mortal enemies."
Lord Bai, you've seen the fate of the Gongshu family. They are people who hold grudges and seek revenge.
Our Holy Alliance has thoroughly offended him, and there is no room for reconciliation.
So whether he is a demon or not is irrelevant; all that matters is that he is now an enemy of our Holy Alliance.
The white-haired old man fell silent.
This is also what makes him feel helpless.
As a moderate within the Holy Alliance, he has always advocated for a conciliatory approach.
Just like decades ago, if the elder who went to check on the situation during his tribulation had been more accommodating, the outcome might have been different.
Unfortunately, the Holy Alliance has existed for too long.
Most of the elders and senior members inside were used to being high and mighty, and had an arrogant and domineering attitude.
This is why the Holy Alliance has attracted such a terrifying enemy.
Moreover, the mighty Holy Alliance is now willing to sacrifice the lives of more than ten of its own human Golden Core elites to force a "demon" to reveal itself.
This absurd situation made the white-haired old man feel even more strongly that the Holy Alliance had truly changed.
It is no longer the alliance that was founded with the mission of protecting humanity to the death.
It has become a massive force that is just as scheming, factional, and corrupt as any other sect.
What distressed the white-haired old man even more was that he knew the root of the problem, but he was powerless to change it.
This is human nature, and it cannot be changed by his abilities.
"Have you found out what the human race is up to? It's just the execution of a few Golden Core cultivators, why are they making such a big fuss?"
In the Demon Realm, a terrifying figure shrouded in black mist sat upon a colossal throne.
Around him were seventeen similar thrones, but only a few figures were seated on them at the moment, and they were not all occupied.
A slender figure was kneeling on one knee in the very center.
"Reporting to the Demon Lord," the slender figure said, "we have not yet determined the true intentions of the human race, but according to the information from our spies in the Holy Alliance, they seem to want to force a certain person to show themselves."
"Oh? What kind of person could attract the attention of those old fogies in the Holy Alliance?"
The terrifying figure shrouded in black mist immediately became interested.
The other powerful beings on the thrones also turned their gazes towards this location.
The gazes of several demon lords immediately put pressure on the slender figure.
However, she quickly regained her composure and said seriously, "The spy was unwilling to reveal the specifics, but I suspect it is related to the fall of Zhou Tian City and the removal of the Gongshu family from the list of the thirty-six superior clans."
"Is it related to the Zhou Tiancheng incident?" The terrifying figure raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of which, why was Zhou Tiancheng captured? Have you found anything?"
"Reporting to the Demon Lord, we have only found out that a powerful being suddenly appeared in Zhou Tian City, cleaved the entire city in two with a single sword strike, killed many of the Gongshu family's Nascent Soul and Golden Core realm cultivators, and looted all their treasures. As for who that mysterious being is, we have not yet found out."
"To cleave Zhou Tian City in two with a single sword strike?"
Upon hearing this, not only the terrifying figure shrouded in black mist, but also the other beings on the thrones were somewhat surprised.
Although they had never been to Zhou Tian City in person, the thirty-six superior clans of the human race were powerful forces, and the Gongshu family, being one of the higher-ranking clans, was certainly not weak in strength.
As the stronghold of the Gongshu family, Zhou Tiancheng must have been managed to be as impregnable as a fortress.
Now that it has been cut down with a single sword strike, just how high must the swordsman's skill be?
How did the Gongshu family come to provoke such an enemy?
"Interesting. Could it be that the mysterious entity that broke through Zhou Tian City has a grudge against the Holy Alliance? And are those Golden Core Realm cultivators that the human race is so publicly announcing their execution related to that mysterious entity?"
The terrifying figure, shrouded in demonic energy, rested his chin on his hand, gently tapping his cheek with his fingers, lost in thought.
"Silence, what do you think?"
Suddenly, the terrifying figure shrouded in demonic energy looked at a figure at the end of the throne and asked.
The Demon Lord of Annihilation seemed not to have expected that this person would suddenly ask him a question.
His demonic energy trembled slightly. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head and said, "There is too little information, so I can't say for sure. But I think this is a good thing. No matter who that mysterious expert is, since he is at odds with the Holy Alliance, it is advantageous to us."
“Well said.” The terrifying figure nodded in approval. “This matter is indeed in our favor. Let’s see how many surprises this mysterious expert can bring us. If he can kill a few elders of the Holy Alliance, it will be a great opportunity for our demon race.”
"Nine Killers, what are you trying to do..."
Upon hearing this, all the figures on the other thrones were startled.
"That's right. If a few old guys in the Holy Alliance really die, it might be time for us to expand our territory."
The terrifying figure shrouded in black mist said calmly, "This Tianyuan Great World has been peaceful for too long. It's time for it to liven things up a bit."
...
"Is this Tian Sheng Peak?"
High in the sky, Lu Qing gazed at the vast mountain peaks ahead.
Tian Sheng Peak is a sacred mountain that appears even more vast than Tian Shu Divine Mountain, and it is also the location of the headquarters of the Human Race Holy Alliance.
The Holy Alliance's Heavenly Prison was also located inside Heavenly Saint Peak.
That's why when Lu Qing inquired about the situation in the Holy Alliance's Heavenly Prison, Nangong Yuanwu didn't immediately realize that he was planning a prison break.
After all, even the most powerful Demon Lord of the Demon Race wouldn't have such a crazy idea as storming into the Holy Alliance's headquarters to break into prison.
Lu Qing originally planned to use the high-grade spirit stones in his possession to cultivate to the ninth level of the Nascent Soul stage before emerging from seclusion.
At that time, no one in the entire Tianyuan Great World will be his match.
The so-called Holy Alliance headquarters couldn't possibly stop him.
Unexpectedly, the Holy Alliance, unable to find his whereabouts, resorted to threatening the life of the Five Treasures Taoist, hoping to force him to reveal himself.
"Since you're so eager to see me, then enjoy the surprise I've prepared for you."
Lu Qing looked at the vast Heavenly Sacred Mountain in front of him and murmured to himself.
Although the Holy Alliance's move was somewhat unexpected, it was not without its benefits.
That was the day of execution. They needed to bring the Five Treasures Taoist and others out of the Heavenly Prison and escort them to the execution ground.
That way, he can save himself the trouble of searching for someone.
Lu Qing's figure suddenly disappeared into the sky.
When they reappeared, they were already in front of a vast city.
His aura and appearance also changed completely, transforming him into an ordinary Golden Core cultivator who had come from afar to watch the excitement.
Yes, just watching the excitement.
A year ago, the Holy Alliance posted notices all over the world, announcing that it would execute a group of human traitors who colluded with evil spirits a year later.
This immediately caused a sensation throughout the world.
This aroused the curiosity of countless cultivators, who all wanted to see what kind of traitor would warrant such a huge fuss from the Holy Alliance, leading to his public execution.
There is never a shortage of busybodies in the world, so over the past year, countless cultivators have come from all over the world and gathered at the foot of Tian Sheng Peak every day.
I wanted to join in the fun.
The city in front of Lu Qing was one of the eight major cities at the foot of Tiansheng Peak.
It is also the city closest to the execution ground, the Heavenly Execution Platform.
With Lu Qing's current cultivation level, the aura he exudes is naturally undetectable to anyone.
Therefore, he easily slipped into the city and found an inn to stay in.
Tomorrow at noon is the time for the execution as stated in the notice; he has one day to prepare.
Just as Lu Qing infiltrated the city and lay in wait, on Tian Sheng Peak, many powerful figures gathered together, seemingly discussing something.
"Lord Lei, tomorrow is the day of execution. The demon hasn't appeared for a year. Is your suggestion reliable?" an elder asked, frowning.
“Indeed, we have been on high alert all year, but the evil spirit has made no move. Are you sure this method will work?” another elder asked.
"In my opinion, aren't you placing too much importance on the relationship between those Golden Core cultivators and the demons? According to the information we found, they only traveled with the demons for a period of time; their relationship wasn't that close at all."
"Gentlemen, please be patient." Faced with the doubts of the elders, Lei Tian remained calm. "Whether it is true or not, we will know the answer at noon tomorrow. Why rush it?"
"What if the demon still doesn't appear by noon tomorrow? Will you really kill those Golden Core cultivators?" an elder asked.
“Of course.” Lei Tian nodded. “Colluding with demons is a capital offense. Our Holy Alliance has already publicized this matter, so how can it be changed? Besides, everyone knows that those Golden Core cultivators do have close ties with demons and deserve to die.”
Even if we can't lure that demon out, at least we can deter the wicked and show them the consequences of betraying humanity.
Upon hearing this, some of the elders showed a hint of unease.
They knew that Lei Tian's words were actually a fabrication.
According to the information found by the Holy Alliance, Wu Bao Daoshi and Ye Qingzhu had been secretly getting close to that evil spirit for a period of time.
But that was because the demons had concealed their identities, and they hadn't recognized them.
Strictly speaking, they were deceived and did not actually collude with evil spirits.
Because of such a thing, he was to be executed, and some of the elders couldn't help but feel a little reluctant.
However, after seeing Lei Tian's indifferent expression and the many elders standing behind him, they could only suppress their reluctance.
Currently, within the Holy Alliance, the Xing Palace and the Sword Palace are the most powerful, controlling most of the discourse power within the Holy Alliance.
Even if they object, they will likely be overshadowed by the majority voice in the end.
Seeing that no further questions were raised, Lei Tian revealed a satisfied smile.
Taking advantage of the crisis caused by the emergence of evil spirits, he seized the opportunity to win over a group of elders, greatly increasing his influence within the Holy Alliance.
In a sense, he should thank that evil spirit.
However, Lei Tian quickly wiped away his smile and said seriously, "Everyone, we must not be careless. Tomorrow is the most important day. If that evil spirit really appears, we will have to rely on you all to suppress it."
“Of course, this is Tian Sheng Peak. Even a cultivator at the ninth level of the Nascent Soul stage would have to kneel before me. How could a mere demon possibly turn the tide?” an elder immediately said.
"Then I'll have to trouble you all."
After leaving the council hall, Lei Tian did not return to his cave, but went straight to the Heavenly Prison.
"Lord Lei, what brings you here?"
As soon as they got close, the bald old man who was in charge of guarding the Heavenly Prison revealed himself.
A hint of wariness lingered in his eyes as he looked at Lei Tian.
Over the past few years, he has personally witnessed how this person used the return of the evil spirits to manipulate people's hearts and minds.
In just a few years, he saw the man's great ambition.
If it weren't for the fact that there was another leader above him keeping him in check, this guy would probably have caused even more trouble.
However, the Alliance Leader's true form has been in seclusion in the Starry Sky Secret Realm for many years, comprehending the Great Dao, and has long since rarely inquired about the affairs of the Tianyuan Great World.
So even though the bald old man was dissatisfied, he didn't show it.
"It's nothing. Tomorrow is the execution date. I just came to see if there's anything I can help with," Lei Tian said with a smile.
The bald old man shook his head and said, "Everything is fine inside the Heavenly Prison. With the spirit of the artifact there, the villains inside won't be able to cause any trouble."
The Holy Alliance's Heavenly Prison holds many beings at the Nascent Soul Realm.
But over all these tens of thousands of years, there has never been a mistake.
The key is that the Heavenly Prison itself is an extremely powerful magic weapon.
The spirit inside constantly monitors the activity, and the bald old man can know immediately whatever the prisoners do.
"With you here, I naturally feel at ease. By the way, I would like to visit those Golden Core cultivators again, is that alright?"
"Who are those people that Lord Lei wants to see?" The bald old man was slightly taken aback. "I wonder what Lord Lei wants to see them for?"
"I just wanted to give them some things."
A strange smile appeared on Lei Tian's face. (End of Chapter)
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