Chapter 162: The Conference of Transcendents

At Chiyun Mountain World, Chongyun Peak.

The summit of Chongyun Peak was serene. Gazing at the distant, boundless mountains, Dongbo Xueying’s heart was especially calm. Although many Transcendents lingered in taverns and teahouses, gathering news and discussing the battles between human demigods and demons, Dongbo Xueying had no interest in such matters. Would endless discussions truly help in war? No!

Thus, he cast all distractions aside and devoted himself entirely to mastering the spear.

As his spear whirled, its might surged powerfully.

Dongbo Xueying practiced slowly. His spear rotated like a colossal whirlpool of ocean waves, seemingly capable of swallowing and drawing in every incoming attack.

“‘Pinnacle Penetration’ is a purely offensive essence; it is utterly unsuitable for defense! Combining the mysteries of water, fire, and wind for defense still feels incomplete,” Dongbo Xueying pondered.

Among the three elements—water, fire, and wind—their most perfect fusion was the second-tier essence, “Pinnacle Penetration.”

When applied elsewhere, their effectiveness diminished.

For illusions, it was merely the embryonic form of the third-tier essence, “Illusory Image.”

As for defense, not even an embryonic essence had formed yet. Clearly, the combination of water, fire, and wind was more suited for offense, lacking in defense.

“Offense and defense are fundamental,” Dongbo Xueying frowned. “Relying solely on Pinnacle Penetration leaves my spear techniques with glaring flaws.”

Suddenly—

Dongbo Xueying halted his practice as his communication ring vibrated with a new message.

The Spark Palace had summoned all Transcendents for an urgent assembly.

All were ordered to gather immediately at the Spark Palace’s main hall.

“A Transcendent Assembly? Brother Xueying, why do you think the Spark Palace suddenly called for a meeting?” Yu Jingqiu had also received the message. She had been beside Dongbo Xueying the entire time, observing his spear practice while contemplating her own magical arts.

Dongbo Xueying smiled, “What else could it be? Demons, of course! If I’m not mistaken, the Spark Palace probably intends to assign us missions. Our peaceful days are likely over.”

“We?” Yu Jingqiu asked in surprise. “Are we joining the battle too?”

“All of us Transcendents,” Dongbo Xueying replied. “This is just my guess. Anyway, let’s go. We’ll know soon enough.”

Yu Jingqiu nodded thoughtfully.

Together, the two transformed into streaks of light, flying toward the exit of Chiyun Mountain World.

…

The main hall of the Spark Palace—”Beixia Hall.”

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Figures flew in from all directions, landing one by one before the hall and entering in small groups.

The hall was magnificent, its interior decorated in ancient simplicity, following the oldest traditions of the Xia Clan.

Atop the hall,

eight figures sat cross-legged. The central figure was a black-haired elder—Palace Master Chen of the Spark Palace. On either side sat seven other demigods in meditation.

These eight faced the many Transcendents entering the hall, including Dongbo Xueying.

“Hurry, let’s sit.”

Dongbo Xueying and Yu Jingqiu casually chose a spot and sat cross-legged on the cushions.

“Brother Xueying, you’re here.”

“Brother Pengshan, Jingqiu and I just arrived,” Dongbo Xueying greeted Pengshan, Cheng Lingshu, and Zong Tu, who were seated nearby.

One by one, the Transcendents entered the hall and chose cushions to sit upon.

They whispered quietly among themselves.

After Dongbo Xueying and the others had entered for about a tea’s time,

“Boom~~~” the massive hall doors slowly closed. All Transcendents turned solemn, gazing at the eight demigods seated at the front.

“You are all gathered,” Palace Master Chen, the black-haired elder, spoke. “I believe you have guessed the reason for this summons. Indeed, it concerns the Abyssal Demons!”

“Since last winter, a spatial rift has connected to the Dark Abyss, ending our Xia Clan’s peaceful days. Hordes of demons have entered our homeland, committing wanton slaughter!” Chen continued. “Initially, it was almost a blessing—they were so reckless in their pursuit of human souls that we could exterminate them in great numbers. But demons are inherently cunning and cruel. Over time, they learned from their losses, growing more secretive and elusive.”

“In the beginning, we killed many demons, even wiping out entire groups at once. But as time passed, we found fewer and fewer.”

“As of today,

it has become nearly impossible to find a single demon.

They have all hidden themselves!” Palace Master Chen’s eyes burned with killing intent. “From our many battles, we know three demigod-level demons survived. Moreover, we suspect there are others—demigod demons who have never confronted us. We’ve found traces, but these unseen ones are extremely cautious and cunning.”

“Besides the demigod demons, many other demons have also hidden themselves skillfully.”

“For demons, human souls are an extraordinary source of nourishment, greatly enhancing their power. If we allow them to remain hidden, feeding secretly on human souls, even lesser demons could rise to demigod status!”

“We cannot allow them to feed on human souls and grow stronger!”

“But now, we have too few demigods to track down these hidden demons,” Palace Master Chen said. “Therefore, now we must call upon all of you Transcendents to make sacrifices!”

Every Transcendent seated in the hall stiffened.

Sacrifice?

“Each of you has attuned yourselves to the natural world, highly sensitive to its fluctuations,” Chen continued. “I need you to return to your homelands, dispersing across the mortal world! You will travel far and wide, using your acute perception of the world to seek out demons. Once found, immediately report, and a demigod will be dispatched.”

“Not only you, but all titled knights and mages who have harmonized with heaven will also search for demons.

“But their power is far inferior to yours! You, as Transcendents, are far more advanced, with much stronger souls! Your perception of the world far surpasses theirs—you are thousands, even millions of times more capable in detecting demons.”

“You will scatter across the world, searching persistently.

The demons may remain hidden indefinitely, but the moment they dare to consume human souls, you may discover them.

Find one, kill one!

“Perhaps, during your search, you will face demonic retaliation and even death.

“Perhaps, the demons have allies who will call for help, even summoning demigod demons.

“But regardless, we must eliminate these demons as soon as possible. The sooner, the better!”

“Judging by their numbers, this war against the demons may last thousands of years,” Palace Master Chen gazed at all the Xia Clan Transcendents before him. “This generation of Transcendent lives is destined to be one of sacrifice. Many of you will fall to demonic retaliation and vengeance.”

“But—

if we, the Transcendents, fear death and refuse to fight, who will protect the mortals?”

“We must fight.

“And as the war continues, victory will ultimately be ours!” Palace Master Chen’s voice rose. “All Transcendents—from the lowest pseudo-Transcendents to the highest demigods—no one shall retreat! Every Transcendent must join the battle. In three months, you will leave the Spark World and return to your homelands. The Spark Palace will issue numerous missions and rewards. Our accumulated resources across generations will be deployed for one purpose—to kill every last demon!”

Every Transcendent in the hall burned with killing intent.

Kill.

This was a war between humanity and demons. Demons sought human souls as sustenance, so humanity had no choice but to eradicate them completely! Many among them might fall, but those who survived would continue the fight—for they were humanity’s Transcendents!

“Besides the demons, we must also be vigilant against the Demon God Cult!” Palace Master Chen warned coldly. “The Demon God Cult worships the great Demon God of the Dark Abyss. Historically, they often collude with demons. In normal times, that might be tolerable, but now—anyone identified as part of the Demon God Cult shall be executed without mercy!”