Several days later.
A fire dragon surged through the Tai Bai Sword Formation, using fire to counter metal. The entire Tai Bai Sword Formation rumbled and then collapsed, revealing Altai’s encampment behind it.
“Haha… Follow me and charge!”
Zhang Tianxiang was overjoyed and ordered his entire army to advance, defeating Altai soundly. Ten thousand of Altai’s fifty thousand troops were killed, twenty thousand captured, and Altai barely escaped alone, fleeing back to the capital of Bai Xiang on a single horse.
Zhang Tianxiang pursued his victory relentlessly, eager to destroy the enemy completely. He continued to capture cities and advance his forces directly toward Bai Xiang’s capital. He further played the card of Princess Udambara, quickly gaining the support of many old nobles within Bai Xiang, leaving Altai’s rule in grave danger.
Meanwhile, more and more cultivators were drawn into the conflict, resulting in heavy casualties. Many cultivators who had cultivated for hundreds or even thousands of years lost all their achievements, reduced to ashes.
…
In an unknown space, Wu Ming sat high upon a cloud bed, silently observing the unfolding events with an expressionless face.
With a wave of his hand, the outline of Bai Xiang Kingdom appeared, transforming into swirling black and white vapors. Amidst them, blood-red light surged skyward.
“The essence of the world is limited. Cultivators going against the heavens consume this essence the most. Therefore, once a threshold is crossed, heaven will surely unleash a great calamity. This is the principle of balance…”
Despite the heavy casualties among the inheritors of the Purple Luo sect, Wu Ming remained indifferent, showing no emotion whatsoever.
With a gentle wave of his hand, the black and white calamity clouds and blood-red light shrouding Bai Xiang Kingdom dissipated, revealing the true fortune of the land.
In Wu Ming’s eyes, a red dragon with golden lines along its back was slowly advancing toward Bai Xiang’s capital, fierce and menacing, though already showing signs of fatigue due to its relatively small size.
At the same time, white vapors rose from within Bai Xiang’s capital, forming a disheveled sacred elephant that was barely distinguishable in shape.
Dragon qi is the manifestation of the people’s hearts and thus varies in appearance depending on the region, though its essence remains the same.
“Altai’s royal aura is weak. Without external assistance, he will surely perish along with his clan, doomed to eternal oblivion…”
Wu Ming’s gaze shifted further west.
There, brilliant white light surged skyward, taking the form of a divine angel. Behind it was a cross, and it was fiercely advancing eastward.
“The God of Light… finally couldn’t hold back, huh?”
A cold smile appeared on Wu Ming’s lips: “With the Daoist Five Patriarchs split, the Jade Emperor indifferent, and the power of the Brahman gods weakened, the God of Light has finally decided to enter the fray!”
…
The geography of the Great Zhou’s Western Regions Chronicle world is quite fascinating.
In the east of this world, the Great Zhou reigns supreme, known as the Celestial Empire. Vassal states pay homage, and even a deputy diplomat can wield the prestige of the empire like a tiger’s might.
Further west of the Great Zhou lies the territory of the Thirty-Six Western Kingdoms. Though vast, the Western Regions are fragmented, with most kings receiving their titles from the Central Kingdom’s emperor and paying tribute yearly.
The Thirty-Six Western Kingdoms mark the furthest extent of the Great Zhou’s influence. Beyond them, further west, lies a mighty empire, vast and prosperous, with abundant resources and a collective faith in the God of Light. It practices divine right of kings and is the dominant power of the western extremities, known as the Empire of the West—Taixi Empire!
At this moment, on the border between the Taixi Empire and the Western Kingdoms, an endless sea of troops was gathering.
These armies were primarily composed of knights and their retainers from various feudal lords. The knights wore chainmail, their armor and swords adorned with cross motifs. They were fierce warriors, and their retainers were also first-rate elite soldiers.
Each knight led several retainers, who in turn commanded foot soldiers composed of farmers and hunters, numbering from dozens to hundreds. Layer upon layer, they formed massive battle formations.
“Under the guidance of God!”
At the front of the army, the Pope, clad in white and gold robes and wearing a golden crown, his presence more imposing than an emperor, proclaimed loudly: “I have heard the divine command! Our Lord, the God of Light, says… go east! Conquer the infidels with blood and sword!”
Boom!
At the moment his voice fell, resounding hymns suddenly echoed around. Amidst boundless light, an angel with six wings descended, and a ray of holy light fell upon the Pope: “I bestow my blessing upon you, the executor of my Lord in the mortal world!”
Her face radiated light and compassion. Suddenly spreading her wings, she scattered points of light over the army: “I bless you, my Lord’s loyal warriors. Your souls shall be redeemed and ascend to heaven after death!”
“Holy War!”
“Holy War!!”
The Crusaders’ eyes burned with fervor, their morale soaring to the peak.
To soldiers, death is not terrifying, especially when their god promises redemption of the soul. The fanatical fighting spirit they could unleash was beyond anyone’s imagination!
…
“Report!”
At the same time, Zhang Tianxiang received intelligence.
A messenger almost stumbled into the tent, his face filled with terror, his voice trembling as he spoke: “The false king Altai has requested aid from the Taixi Empire. The Taixi Empire has formed an expeditionary force and entered the western border of Bai Xiang Kingdom!”
“How many troops?”
Zhang Tianxiang furrowed his brow.
“Fif… Fifty thousand!!!”
The soldier almost bit his teeth to spit out the number, causing everyone in the tent to gasp in shock.
“Goodness! Fifty thousand troops! This is no ordinary force… The killing aura they bring might even suppress a Cultivation Master…”
Wu Hexian stroked his chin, speaking in a strange tone.
Even a Daoist Master can fearlessly display supernatural abilities against the killing aura of ten thousand soldiers, but facing fifty thousand troops, even a Master would be completely suppressed!
Even if Wu Hexian had great powers capable of killing large numbers of ordinary soldiers, he would never dare to do so, for the massive bloodshed would surely invite heavenly punishment!
A few thousand or ten thousand might be manageable, but once the number exceeded one hundred thousand, heavenly thunder would descend instantly, reducing him to ashes!
“Report!”
At this moment, another piece of bad news arrived: “The World Honored One of the Fan Sect, leading three thousand martial monks, has set up the Vajra Mount Sumeru Formation outside Bai Xiang’s capital. Our Fire Dragon Formation cannot break it, and our vanguard has suffered heavy casualties!”
“What?”
Zhang Tianxiang’s face changed, feeling a surge of anger rising from his chest.
…
The Crusader army, numbering fifty thousand, boasted a force of one hundred thousand, directly marching toward Bai Xiang’s capital.
Within the capital, Altai had summoned the World Honored One to set up the Vajra Mount Sumeru Formation. The entire city was shrouded in Buddhist light and chants, golden scriptures floating in the air, making the city as solid as a rock, enduring the attacks of the invading army.
In such a situation, even Zhang Tianxiang felt uneasy.
The heavenly mandate established by the Daoist Patriarchs merely indicated that a great calamity would arise from the west!
As for how events would unfold after the Daoist Five Patriarchs turned against each other, everything was now left to fate, and any outcome was possible.
In other words, if the Eastern Expeditionary Army were to suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of Zhang Tianxiang, and the enemy continued to march eastward, reaching the borders of the Great Zhou and reigniting the flames of war in the east, such a scenario was not beyond possibility!
Human affairs are half determined by heaven, half by human effort!
Changes in military momentum naturally influence the overall situation of the world!
It must be said, the God of Light’s scheming and patience were truly formidable!
“Zhang… I think we should retreat temporarily now!”
Princess Udambara murmured, clearly stunned by the number fifty thousand.
“Hehe!”
At this moment, someone suddenly laughed out loud.
“Master Mingyue, do you have any brilliant insights?”
Zhang Tianxiang was about to get angry but held himself when he saw it was Mingyue.
After all, this person was deeply skilled in Daoist arts, seemed to have a connection with Wu Hexian, and had a formidable background. Even if he acted somewhat inappropriately, Zhang could only endure it.
“What is merely a Buddhist formation from the Fan Sect?”
Mingyue said: “I have the Mountain and River Inkstone, which can alter the flow of mountains and rivers. If combined with Qingfeng’s Heaven and Earth Fan, the Fan Sect’s Vajra Mount Sumeru Formation can be destroyed in an instant!”
“Oh?”
Zhang Tianxiang was delighted and asked: “May I ask where Master Qingfeng is now?”
Mingyue’s smile faltered slightly as he shook his head: “I’m not entirely sure, but if the general can give me a few days, I can find him. At the very least, I can borrow his magical artifact!”
“There’s no need!”
At this moment, a breeze stirred at the entrance of the tent, and a Daoist priest walked in—it was Qingfeng.
“Poor Daoist Qingfeng greets you, my lord!”
Zhang Tianxiang was startled, then overjoyed: “Master, what brings you here?”
“Of course, it’s to break the formation!”
Qingfeng bowed and, without even looking at Mingyue, spoke directly.
Both he and Mingyue had been child attendants at the Miaocheng Monastery, following the Great Luo Dao Monarch in observing the world. Compared to other wandering cultivators, they had a clearer understanding of the situation and knew that Zhang Tianxiang was the one favored by fate. Naturally, they had to attach themselves to him now in order to accumulate merit and fortune to survive the tribulations.
“Poor Daoist has brought the Heaven and Earth Fan, which can alter the winds of the Nine Heavens. Combined with the Mountain and River Inkstone, its power rivals treasures of heaven and earth, enough to change the heavens and earth. It can break the Vajra Mount Sumeru Formation. However, there will be some complications afterward, requiring someone to guard us while we perform the ritual…”
Qingfeng calmly explained, then turned to look at Wu Hexian beside him: “At that time, we will need the help of your gourd, fellow Daoist!”
“Of course!”
Wu Hexian’s eyes flashed with sharp light, and he readily agreed.
After all, he had a deep friendship with Qingfeng and Mingyue. Of course, friendship was one thing; the other was that he knew these two were close confidants of the Purple Luo Dao Monarch, protected by the Monarch’s fortune. Following them should be safe.
At the same time, a realization dawned in his mind:
“I wonder if that’s why the Dao Monarch gave me this magical artifact back then, foreseeing today’s situation?”
Thinking this, Wu Hexian couldn’t help but feel even more reverence for the Purple Luo Dao Monarch.
…
The next day, Zhang Tianxiang gathered his forces and marched to the outskirts of Bai Xiang’s capital, ordering Qingfeng and Mingyue to break the formation.
“This Vajra Mount Sumeru Formation uses secret Buddhist methods to draw upon the power of heaven and earth, protected by mountains and rivers, endlessly replenishing its strength. To break the formation, we must first sever the land veins!”
Qingfeng and Mingyue stepped forward, summoning the Mountain and River Inkstone, which emitted a circle of radiant light.
Boom!
The earth trembled, and massive cracks appeared. The Vajra Mount Sumeru Formation immediately became unstable, its light flickering.
“Now is the time!”
With a light chuckle, Qingfeng opened his jade fan and waved it toward the formation.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Fierce winds from the Nine Heavens appeared instantly, tearing through the thick protective barrier, revealing the terrified Bai Xiang warriors inside.
“Jiejie… Come die for my ancestors!”
Wu Hexian was the most excited. He summoned his Seven-Slaying Gourd, and when brave Buddhist disciples rushed to stop the spellcasting, he slashed with his sword, leaving heads rolling and offering a grand sacrifice to his ancestral altar.
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