Chapter 612: Gathering Storms
With the simultaneous appearance of the twin moons and the alignment of nine stars, a strong surge of energy rippled through the world. Mysterious mists materialized out of thin air, spreading throughout the atmosphere, and faintly, sounds akin to tidal waves echoed between heaven and earth. Xiao Ze extended his hand, playing with the mists around him. As he manipulated them, sounds of waves followed, as though he wasn't just stirring mists, but actual ocean waters.
"The tides of heaven and earth… this is the mighty force of nature," Xiao Ze reflected. "To think that one could invoke such a vast movement of the world's tides with their own Qi is simply unthinkable."
As he pondered, a dozen streaks of light sped towards him from various parts of the Holy Pill City, arriving near Xiao Ze's Elder Tower in a flash. However, these figures did not rashly intrude into Xiao Ze's tower but stopped nearby. Xiao Ze waved his hand, and the defensive formations around the Elder Tower became visible momentarily before settling down, allowing free passage. This was a protective formation Xiao Ze had acquired from ancient ruins and had since enhanced with his improved abilities. Now, even a Saint might find it a formidable barrier.
Considering that the Elder Tower was located within the inner domain of the Holy Pill City, Xiao Ze had modified the formation to prevent accidental intrusions by fellow Pill Alliance members who might not understand its intricacies. The outer layer was a repelling formation, which kept strangers at bay, while the inner layer, the true protective formation, would activate to deal with any determined intruders.
The dozen figures that landed on the rooftop of the Elder Tower were Pill Alliance's Dou Saints: Yao Chen, Huo Yun Ancestor, the Qinghua twins, and the Ancient Dragon Saints. Notably, Xiao Yan, who had been away on a mission, was also among them, having returned just in time.
Xiao Yan clapped Xiao Ze on the shoulder and chuckled, "Little brother, I've heard about your rapid progress in strength. It's quite frightening."
Xiao Ze responded with a broad grin and a bear hug. "Just a bit of luck and the favor of the heavens," he joked. He then addressed the group, "With the tides of heaven and earth manifesting, the descent of the Pure Lotus Demonic Flame must be imminent."
As he spoke, everyone felt a sense of urgency and turned their eyes toward the northwest. In the dark of the night, under a canopy of stars, the area was a void of blackness; but suddenly, it burst into intense light. Within this brilliance was an extremely terrifying heat.
Waves of light and heat spread out rapidly, their reach unknown. Even in the central regions of Zhongzhou, where the Holy Pill City was located, the effects were felt.
Xiao Yan, gazing towards the northwest, commented with a grave expression, "Such a fearsome Pure Lotus Demonic Flame. Even from such a distance, it raises a scorching heat that surges from within."
"It seems eager to break its bonds at the first chance it gets after the emergence of the tidal forces of heaven and earth," Xiao Ze mused, looking around at the assembly of saints.
"Everyone should be prepared by now. Apart from the saints, all others should remain at the Pill Alliance," he instructed. "The Demonic Flame realm has been nurtured by the Pure Lotus Demonic Flame for thousands of years. If one is not strong enough and still insists on going, they must be ready to face the consequences."
All present nodded in agreement, fully aware of the fearsome reputation of the Pure Lotus Demonic Flame. Although the allure of the flame was great, it paled in comparison to the years of cultivation and life they might risk.
At Xiao Ze's command, the group set off towards the northwest in a formidable array. Although only the saints proceeded, the years of conflict had allowed the Pill Alliance to accumulate a considerable number of saints, especially since Xiao Ze had acquired numerous Bodhi seeds from the Bodhi Tree, which could help one break through to the Saint realm and had significantly increased the number of saints in the Alliance.
As the Pill Alliance mobilized, other major sects and powers across the Zhongzhou continent also began converging towards the northwest. In just one night, the entire continent was stirred into action.
As Xiao Ze and the others neared their destination, they noticed a dramatic change in the environment. What had once been a verdant range of mountains and ridges had transformed into a vast desert an astounding change that underscored the terrifying power of the Pure Lotus Demonic Flame.
Clutching his fist, Xiao Yan observed the transformation akin to seas turning into mulberry fields, deepening his understanding of the flame's formidable nature.
"Such an event really stirs up a storm across Zhongzhou," Xiao Ze remarked, signaling everyone to continue onward. As they approached the area where the demonic flame was sealed, the temperature became increasingly unbearable. Still, the group pressed on, bolstered by their formidable strength, even as other parties nearby struggled under the oppressive heat.
Xiao Yan noted, "Thankfully, we heeded your advice, Xiao Ze, not to let the Alliance's Dou Zun participate in this fight, or we might have suffered heavy casualties."
Xiao Ze chuckled, "Let's hope they don't think I've robbed them of their chance."
Amidst laughter, everyone understood that while some always hoped against hope, this operation's stakes were clear. Only those prepared for the harshest conditions dared venture further into the domain of the demonic flame, where the fierce heat signalled the imminent rise of the Pure Lotus Demonic Flame.
(End of Chapter)
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