“If it were the original Disabling Beads, they indeed wouldn’t be able to handle high-level restrictions. But Brother Long doesn’t know—those Disabling Beads that have fallen into the outside world were actually incomplete, mere semi-finished products. The true Disabling Beads not only require the addition of several exceptionally rare materials but are also difficult to refine. However, they possess remarkable efficacy in breaking high-level restrictions. Of course, their uses are limited, which is why our sect has never prioritized refining them. But now, for the sake of our fellow Daoists participating in the wager battle, our sect has managed to gather ten of them. As long as they carry these beads and activate them immediately if the situation turns unfavorable, they can break free from the restrictions, ensuring no worries remain.” Supreme Yang spoke with confidence.
“I wondered why Supreme Yang Daoist seemed so unconcerned about tomorrow’s wager battle despite knowing the risks. So, this was your backup plan. With the Disabling Beads, even if the enemy resorts to tricks, there’s nothing to fear. However, for added security, our Demon Path’s Heavenly Fiend Sect has a secret pill called the Fiend Rejuvenation Pill. Taking it can stimulate one’s true essence, instantly restoring most of the depleted magic power and temporarily boosting cultivation. Of course, after the effects wear off, it will inevitably damage one’s vitality. We can provide each of these fellow Daoists with one pill. If the situation becomes truly dire, they can take it as a surprise trump card.” The Joyful Old Demon glanced at Supreme Yang before adding.
“Excellent! With these two backup plans, I, Long Han, can rest easy about the wager battle.” Long Han chuckled lightly before shifting the topic. “Now, we should consider how to deal with those black-robed figures. Since they practice demonic techniques, it would be best for the Righteous Alliance to assign a group of fellow Daoists to handle them. After all, sects like the Tai Zhen Sect possess many techniques specifically designed to counter demonic arts, which should prove effective against these demonic cultivators.” Long Han glanced at Supreme Yang, awaiting his response.
“No problem. We’ll handle these demonic cultivators. But most of the high-ranking mages among the spellcasters will be your responsibility.” Supreme Yang agreed without hesitation.
“Naturally! The spellcasters will be dealt with by our three major factions. As for the specifics…” Seeing Supreme Yang readily agree to handle the demonic cultivators from Jin, the others were greatly satisfied. They deliberated in the hall for a long time, only dispersing at sunset. Following their agreed plan, each returned to make their own preparations.
Early that morning, patrolling cultivators noticed flashes of light from the opposing spellcaster camp, followed by earth-shaking drumbeats. Teams of spellcasters emerged unhurriedly from their camp, riding magical artifacts toward the center of the border.
The prepared cultivators immediately sent back message talismans. Moments later, a deep bell toll echoed from the Tiannan camp, and the well-rested cultivators surged out, transforming into countless streaks of light soaring into the sky, heading toward the same location.
For a time, the sky was filled with multicolored spiritual lights, accompanied by cries and shouts. Compared to the menacing spellcaster army approaching from the opposite direction, it was as if two towering waves were crashing toward each other. Yet, when they were about ten miles apart, both sides abruptly halted. Whether spellcasters or cultivators, upon vaguely seeing each other, they stopped their flight and stared from afar.
One side had no retreat, fighting with their backs to the river, desperate to carve a path for their people. The other, defending their homeland against invaders, was equally high-spirited. Though no blows had been exchanged, an overwhelming killing intent already permeated the air between the two armies.
At this moment, Han Li hovered above a formation of over a thousand cultivators, coldly observing the distant spellcaster army. Across the field, patches of light shimmered, each containing hundreds of spellcasters, stretching over ten miles.
Clearly, both sides had deployed their main forces. Though exact numbers were hard to estimate, at least sixty to seventy thousand cultivators had gathered here. High-level cultivators, rarely seen under normal circumstances, were now everywhere.
Despite similar numbers, differences were evident. The spellcasters, though dressed diversely, wielded only a few simple artifacts—either glowing bowls, fist-sized orbs, or, most commonly, colored banners. Swords and blades were rare.
In contrast, the cultivators’ artifacts were varied, with swords and blades predominating. Each artifact gleamed with spiritual energy, far surpassing the spellcasters’ in quality.
Though outmatched in artifacts, the spellcaster ranks were orderly, maintaining an arcane formation even in flight, silently glaring with hostility.
The cultivators, however, were visibly untrained. Though loosely maintaining formations, chaos reigned—whispers were constant, and some strayed from ranks, forcing high-level cultivators to reprimand them.
Han Li frowned. It was no wonder—training unruly cultivators in mere months was impossible. Just forming ranks had been a headache for their leaders.
The spellcaster army, though also a coalition of tribes, was accustomed to war with the Utsuha people. Their forces, often combined, quickly became disciplined. The cultivator leaders knew this but could do little. Since victory didn’t hinge on discipline alone, they turned a blind eye.
Han Li’s gaze then fell on the spellcasters’ most striking feature—not the warriors, but over a dozen colossal ancient beasts interspersed among them, each as large as a hill. Many Jiuguo Alliance cultivators, familiar with their ferocity, eyed them warily.
Looking up at the cloudless sky and down at the disorganized cultivators, Han Li sighed and shook his head. He then produced two small items—a thumb-sized black bead and a pungent red pill—given to him the previous night by Supreme Yang’s envoy. Every participant in the wager battle had received them. Han Li, though surprised, accepted them without hesitation. Clearly, the three great cultivators were sparing no effort, even revealing previously hidden treasures.
But they weren’t the only ones. Han Li glanced at another nearby formation of about a thousand cultivators, among whom were thirty-two men and women in red and green robes carrying two massive coffins—one black, one white—covered in dozens of talismans. These were disciples of the Joyful Sect, the foremost demonic sect, piquing Han Li’s curiosity. His earlier attempt to probe the coffins with his spiritual sense had been blocked by powerful restrictions.
Other formations also held peculiar objects—a towering bronze platform with a giant gilded gong, floating black statues of ancient beasts, and more. Seeing these, Han Li felt reassured. Every sect was pulling out their most prized treasures, boosting their chances. And who knew what else lay hidden in their storage bags?
The spellcaster army, aside from the beasts, showed no other anomalies. Han Li doubted this was all they had—some deadly stratagem was surely concealed. The outcome of this battle remained unpredictable.
As the last of the cultivators and spellcasters arrived, most descended to the ground, falling silent. From the spellcaster ranks emerged three figures—the gaunt elder, the dwarf, and the middle-aged scholar, the three great mages of Mulan. From the cultivators’ side, three streaks of light shot forth—Supreme Yang, Wei Wuyan, and the Joyful Old Demon. They halted a few dozen yards apart.
“Well? It’s not too late to reconsider. Surrender half of Tiannan to our Mulan people, and we can cease hostilities, becoming allies. Otherwise, win or lose, your Tiannan cultivation world will suffer greatly!” Scholar Zhong said coldly.
“Ridiculous! Our cultivation world may suffer, but if you lose this battle, your Mulan people face extinction. It’s you who should be cautious!” Wei Wuyan retorted calmly.
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