Let's go back to January.
At this time, Li Ming was still in seclusion, breaking through to a higher realm, while on the other side of Da Xuan, things were turbulent and the situation was changing suddenly.
First, a group of prodigies emerged, and one after another, some of them broke through to the Martial Saint level.
They all seem to be chasing after someone.
And at this time.
Prince Jiang Yuanba, one of the two peerless heroes, has made a powerful return, claiming that he has obtained the inheritance of the former dynasty's overlord, found his divine weapon, the Overlord Divine Halberd, and even reached the Enlightenment Realm.
He challenged the celestial beings and was undefeated.
For a time, they were the most popular.
He climbed to the top of the Heavenly Ranking at an extremely fast pace, and was already ranked first among his peers.
The ranking is even higher than Li Ming, whose popularity has already faded.
Wan Qiankun's name was even forgotten for a time.
Then a major event instantly ignited the thirteen states of the Great Xuan Dynasty.
There was unusual activity on the northern border. Scouts learned that many tribes of the Great Yan Dynasty had made contact, and the major royal courts had begun to consolidate their forces, their intentions were crystal clear.
The Great Yan State Religion, the Heavenly God Religion, even issued a divine decree.
The gods said, "Conquer the Great Mystery, expand our territory, and strengthen our people and enrich our nation."
Within the territory of the Great Yan, a surge in military enlistment instantly emerged. As a nation where everyone was a soldier, the formation of a large army was extremely rapid.
This news spread rapidly throughout the Great Xuan territory, causing shock and disbelief within the Great Xuan royal family.
Crown Prince Jiang Xuanji immediately summoned all his generals and ministers.
While they were discussing who should go to provide support, Jiang Yuanba volunteered, saying that he had learned the Overlord's Army Strategy and had a divine weapon in hand, so he was extremely confident.
So Jiang Xuanji didn't think much of it and sent three martial saints from the Imperial Clan Court to lead the Xuanjia Dao soldiers to aid Liangzhou.
He also issued an order to all counties and prefectures in the three northern states, instructing them to cooperate.
In an instant, the world was shaken, and every state was filled with fear and unease. Snowstorms were approaching, and a great battle was imminent. In addition, some demonic organizations were stirring up trouble, causing panic among countless people.
The Blood God Cult's actions, in particular, were even more unbridled. It was probably because Li Ming killed their divine son that this demonic cult, which had existed for even longer than the Great Xuan Dynasty, was thoroughly enraged.
All the prefectures of the imperial court were attacked by the Blood God Cult. Only then did people discover that the Blood God Cult had already colluded with many sects, families, and even officials of the imperial court!
The sect leader, Xue Chen, even issued a warrant for Li Ming's arrest within the sect. Anyone who takes his head will be directly promoted to a Divine Child, and an elder can be promoted to Vice Sect Leader.
However, many ambitious individuals within the Great Xuan also set out for the border to fight against the Great Yan cavalry!
Among them were martial arts masters from all over the country, disciples of aristocratic families and sects, as well as some wandering cultivators.
...
"Judging by the time, the Great Yan will probably start organizing an attack soon."
However, if the Celestial God Cult truly unites the eight royal courts, along with the forces of numerous smaller tribes, can this pass... really be held?
Li Ming looked at the message that had been sent to him and muttered to himself.
"The leader of the Heavenly God Sect is said to be only one step away from becoming a Martial God. Even the sect master of Wanfa Mountain, who is currently ranked number one on the Heavenly Ranking, once said that the strength of the Great Yan Yuan Stone is definitely not below his."
"Difficult, difficult, difficult."
It's not that the army of Da Xuan is inferior to that of Da Yan; Yu Shenji's command ability makes the army he leads extremely powerful.
But wars in this world largely depend on absolute individual strength.
The real victory or defeat often has nothing to do with the battles at the lower levels.
The purpose of creating Dao soldiers is often simply to exhaust the physical strength of the opponent's martial arts masters and test their strength, rather than to conquer cities and seize strongholds.
Even an ordinary million-strong army would find it difficult to withstand the offensive of a peerless genius.
When the Great Yan army marches south, Yuan Shi, the leader of the Heavenly God Sect, will certainly follow.
This is already considered the highest level of combat power in mortal warfare.
Normally, beings at the level of a martial god cannot participate in such battles between dynasties.
These are rules set by the Great Emperor of the Human Race, and they are still upheld by divine dynasties and holy lands to this day.
In reality, no martial god would violate this rule, not even a martial god from the demonic path would openly do so.
Because the resources needed by martial gods are often beyond the reach of ordinary dynasties, most crucial cultivation resources are controlled by major religions and holy lands.
This is why, after becoming a Martial God, the Overlord left the Chu Kingdom, which he had built from scratch.
"But... at the very least, I have to protect those people..."
Li Ming wasn't particularly concerned about what would happen to the Great Xuan Association; instead, he thought of his acquaintances in Cangzhou and his master.
With his talent, he would leave Da Xuan sooner or later to go to a wider world. Although Da Xuan helped him a lot, he didn't owe anything.
However, he could not ignore the rampage of the Great Yan and march south.
At that time, not only will Liangzhou be destroyed, but Cangzhou, Yizhou, and Yunzhou will also be quickly razed to the ground. And since he killed Tuoba Wushuang, the Great Yan will definitely hate him to the bone.
They will not let go of anyone associated with him.
...
Inside Qianji City, gongs and drums resounded, and colorful flags fluttered in the sky along with firecrackers. Even the end of the year could not compare to the liveliness of today.
At this time, it was barely dawn.
As the slight chill of early spring permeates the air, major cities and streets are already brightly decorated, creating a festive atmosphere.
This isn't a holiday celebration, but rather a celebration of the 500th birthday of Li Canghai, the master of Thousand Machine Island!
"Long live the Island Lord!"
"Wishing the Island Lord all the best and everlasting prosperity..."
Blessings echoed from every household.
At this time of year, the Li family would send out floats to distribute gifts.
Among them were gold and silver treasures, as well as some elixirs for spiritual cultivation.
Countless people knelt down to pray for blessings.
The entire Thousand Machine City was bustling with activity as the island lord celebrated his birthday.
Whether it was the four major families in the city, or the many smaller families from the city and other islands, they all moved at the first sign of trouble, preparing generous gifts and waiting for nightfall.
...
Inside the Ling family's main hall, the disciples had closed the doors to visitors early on, prepared a boat, and were waiting.
"I've heard that those other companies have also made moves, and they'll definitely head there together tonight..."
"Most of the other smaller clans also agreed. A few families didn't want to go, but they didn't dare not accept the invitation, so they will probably go tonight."
"It is said that a true disciple with the cultivation of a Celestial Being has arrived at the Myriad Spirits Pavilion. Is it possible that this person will succeed him?"
Ling Yong frowned slightly upon hearing the report. After the disciples finished speaking, he looked up at the darkening sky and said:
"I always felt that the Li family didn't have any good intentions... In previous birthday banquets, they almost never asked people from the smaller clans to attend. It was usually some of the smaller clans who went to curry favor with the Li family by sending gifts."
Now, invitations are being sent out widely, specifically naming experts from various prominent families. Is this to offer congratulations... or to hold a martial arts tournament?
After hearing this, Li Ming nodded, seemingly understanding:
"The Li family is ruthless. They even tolerated the demonic path and the refining of blood pills... Moreover, they will surely face a calamity on this journey."
"Make sure you are well prepared."
He wasn't talking nonsense; he was observing the aura and even predicting what would happen in the future.
After entering the realm of celestial beings, he has sorted out what he has learned in the past two days. He has already explored some of the mysteries of the Chaotic Heavenly Eye, and has even glimpsed the long river of time and space, and seen a corner of the future.
Above the Li family's residence, dark clouds rolled in... But if one could break through the dark clouds, one could see the blue sky through the fog; fortune and misfortune are interdependent.
However, Li Ming was not careless. Since ancient times, "calamity" and "fortune" have been linked, and cause and effect are intertwined. When calamity and fortune entangle one's body, there are also some people with extraordinary luck who are blinded and fall into the abyss.
Even ancient immortals and gods were bound by calamity and perished under the weight of tribulation, let alone a mere mortal like him.
"Let's go, there's no point in saying more... If we don't go this time, things might get even worse."
Li Ming said calmly.
It's true that the Li family has problems, but it would be foolish not to go, since the essence of the five elements is right in front of him, how could he not go and take it?
"Alright, then let's go to the banquet!"
...
Boom!
The sun had not yet set, but the sea of clouds had already turned inky black.
The torrential rain was accompanied by the booming sound of thunder and lightning!
The hustle and bustle of Qianji City seemed to vanish in an instant, the noise fading away under the blanket of the heavy rain.
As night fell, the city seemed exceptionally desolate.
In the Upper District, amidst the swirling clouds and mist, in the Li family's territory, a 33-story building rises from the ground.
From afar, it seemed as if a lot of noise could be heard.
However, the sound of the raindrops gradually drowned it out.
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