Chapter 111: Battle Between Good and Evil (Thanks to the League Leader He Shi Fu Guang Han!)
Years passed in the blink of an eye during cultivation. Two fleeting years had gone by.
Qiongbi Peak.
The morning mist enveloped the entire mountain, and faintly within it, sounds of chickens, ducks, cows, and sheep could be heard.
"Little Blackie!"
At dawn, Ning Daoran gracefully approached the fish pond.
"Squeak squeak~~~"
The Big Black Fish instantly surfaced halfway out of the water, its black scales glinting faintly as it desperately showed off its cultivation progress to its master.
"Not bad."
Ning Daoran raised his hand and unsheathed his sword, slicing off several dozen pounds of Black Jiao meat from his storage bag and tossing it into the pond.
The Big Black Fish leapt into the air, opened its massive blood-red mouth, and with a loud "plop," swallowed the Black Jiao meat in one gulp, displaying a thoroughly satisfied expression.
"We're running low on Black Jiao meat."
Ning Daoran's smile gradually acquired a hint of menace.
"Squeak squeak squeak~~~"
The Big Black Fish's scales stood on end in sheer terror, nearly jumping out of its skin.
"Hmph!"
Ning Daoran scanned the fish pond with his Divine Sense and announced, "Starting today, you'll be allowed to eat twenty percent more Spirit Fish each day."
The Big Black Fish finally breathed a sigh of relief—its heartless master hadn't given up on it just yet.
...
"Uncle."
Through the mist, Chen Weimo gracefully emerged, clad in a white dress.
She had now reached Qi Refining Fifth Layer, and her Qi Refining Mid-stage cultivation lent her a faint aura of maturity.
"What is it?"
"A senior brother from Qi Refining Ninth Layer on Purple Cloud Peak said he wants to buy twenty pounds of Purple Jade Spirit Rice from our Qiongbi Peak. He's hoping for a discount."
"No discounts."
Ning Daoran replied, "Next time this happens, just say that cultivators on Qiongbi Peak are steadily increasing, and we barely have enough for ourselves—how could we spare any for others?"
"Understood, Uncle."
Chen Weimo turned away and left.
Over the years, Chen Weimo had been serving as the 'Chief Manager' of Qiongbi Peak, diligently handling many matters, proving quite convenient.
In this regard, Ning Daoran truly acknowledged the capability of his niece.
However, he was far less impressed with her cultivation progress.
By now, Chen Weimo was forty years old yet still stuck at Qi Refining Fifth Layer. This sluggish pace of cultivation was truly exasperating.
*At forty years old, I was already at Foundation Establishment!*
*Bah, forget it. There's no point in dwelling on it—the more I think about it, the more infuriating it becomes.*
"Swish——"
Suddenly, a Sound Transmission Talisman sped over from the direction of Purple Cloud Peak—a transmission from Senior Sister Jiang Yu: "Junior Brother Ning, come to Purple Cloud Hall right away; something big has happened!"
*Could it be that matter…?*
Ning Daoran's brow furrowed. Calling upon Big Stupid Deer, the two transformed into streaks of tunneling light, flying straight toward Purple Cloud Peak.
...
Purple Cloud Hall.
By the time Ning Daoran arrived, many Inner Sect and Outer Sect Elders had already gathered.
All four of the sect's Golden Core cultivators were present, alongside Lin Sheng, Han Bing, Lin Zhuojun, and other new-generation Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"Sect Master, what has transpired?"
Outer Elder Huang Chengyan asked.
Jiang Yu's expression was grim. "The Demon Path has officially invaded!"
"What?"
A group of elders stared in shock. "The… the Demon Path is attacking us, the Righteous?"
"Correct."
Jiang Yu turned to the crowd. "Immediately send out orders for all disciples currently on external missions to return to the sect. Moreover, the Heavenly Gang Hundred Fierce Formation and Yellow Dragon Square's defensive arrays need to be prepared and on standby to guard against the Demon Path's invasion at any time!"
"Understood, Sect Master!"
"All Foundation Establishment cultivators should also remain within the sect and be ready to act at any moment."
Jiang Yu's gaze remained serious as she continued, "Currently, forces led by the Soul Devouring Sect, Heavenly Slaughter Sect, Ghost Sect, and Yellow Spring Sect are fiercely attacking the Sea Burning Sect. The Sea Burning Sect has already activated their grand array.
Our Chaotic Sect, alongside Star Moon Pavilion and Steel Gate Sect, will form a secondary defense line to stop the Demon Path's southern advance!"
The crowd nodded in agreement.
Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer exchanged a glance, each seeing the same worry reflected in the other's eyes.
...
The storm was brewing; the moment war broke out at the Sea Burning Sect, fear began spreading throughout the Qingzhou Cultivation World.
At Yellow Dragon Square, prices of Magic Artifacts, Elixir Pills, and Talismans instantly soared by fifty percent. Even Spirit Rice and Spirit Fruit saw a twenty percent increase.
Qiongbi Peak.
Ning Daoran carried on as usual. The Demon Path invasion was significant, but panicking was pointless.
As Qiongbi Peak's Peak Master, it was imperative to lead by example.
Every day, he continued wielding his hoe, zipping back and forth. When there was work, he worked; when there wasn't, he invented activities to stay occupied.
A month later, a shocking piece of news arrived.
The Qingzhou True Path's foremost sect, Sea Burning Sect, had been breached!
In just one month, Sea Burning Sect's supposedly impregnable Third-tier Mid-grade Grand Array was broken!
Reportedly, an internal traitor was the cause of its downfall—it turned out to be none other than Old Monster Jinxia, who had supposedly died during the Five Saints Sect battle.
Somehow, the elder had mysteriously come back to life…
Not only was Old Monster Jinxia resurrected, but as a Supreme Elder of Sea Burning Sect, his betrayal allowed the Demon Path's invasion to progress with unstoppable momentum.
Rumors claimed that Sea Burning Sect's leader—Old Monster Tian Hai—was surrounded in his secret underground cave mansion by Soul-devouring Demon, Old Monster Jinxia, and several other Golden Core cultivators.
Eventually, Old Monster Tian Hai's fate became unknown.
As for why Chaotic Sect, Star Moon Pavilion, and other sects didn't rush to their aid, there were several reasons.
First, the distance was considerable—Sea Burning Sect was at least half a month's journey away. Second, the sect was well-equipped with a Third-tier Mid-grade array and rich resources; no one expected them to fall so quickly.
And a third, more critical reason?
Sea Burning Sect had long used its status as Qingzhou's top sect to covertly exploit and oppress Chaotic Sect and others. These sects harbored animosity—they wouldn't actively hope for Sea Burning Sect's destruction, but risking their disciples' lives to save them? Absolutely out of the question. ThiscontentishostedatM|V|LE^MPYR.
As evening fell, Jiang Yu's decree spread through the entire sect. Chaotic Sect was assembling a team to head north into the depths of Yellow Dragon Mountain Range to establish a position and block the Demon Path's southern advance.
The first expedition would be led by Great Elder Gongyang Yan, including ten Foundation Establishment cultivators and three hundred skilled disciples.
Ning Daoran's name was notably absent from the list of those departing.
However, peaceful times within Chaotic Sect were gone for good. The entire sect grew restless and anxious.
Even those not participating in the expedition couldn't shake their unease, fearing the defensive lines might collapse any moment. Should the Demon Path sweep south, all they had would turn to ashes.
...
Soon after, news arrived.
The northern battle had begun. Led by Chaotic Sect, forces from Star Moon Pavilion, Steel Gate Sect, Purple Cloud Sect, and others deployed their elite forces along a northern battlefront to clash with the Demon Path.
*If the Righteous forces claimed victory, Qingzhou Cultivation World's dominant hierarchy could remain intact.*
*If they failed, Righteous cultivators would face subjugation within Qingzhou henceforth.*
Half a month later.
Late at night, Jiang Yu summoned everyone once more.
Ning Daoran, Han Bing, Lin Sheng, and Lin Zhuojun—all Foundation Establishment cultivators—found their names in the second wave's battle roster.
The expedition would be led personally by Jiang Yu, who would take ten Foundation Establishment cultivators and five hundred disciples to the frontlines.
Although she withheld details of the situation ahead, everyone could sense the unfavorable tilt of the war for Righteous forces.
The next morning.
Lei Peng spread its wings and soared into the skies, cutting through the wind with Ning Daoran and the others heading urgently to the battlefield.
By dusk, the team descended into a dense forest.
Far and wide, mana surged palpitatingly. Grand arrays stretched across the terrain—Righteous and Demon Path forces were already embroiled in a chaotic war.
Lei Peng carried the group into one of the Righteous grand arrays.
At this moment, Gongyang Yan returned with a disgruntled expression, holding the decapitated head of a Demon Path cultivator. "In just three days, we've lost two Foundation Establishment cultivators and over a hundred disciples. The Demon Path's attack is fierce."
"Understood."
Jiang Yu responded, "Set up defensive positions."
"Understood!"
Ultimately, Ning Daoran was stationed on the left side of the defensive line, accompanied by several dozen Inner Sect and Outer Sect disciples.
Lining the wilderness were a few primitive tents, alongside an exceptionally rudimentary First-tier Lower Grade Defensive Array—a setup fragile enough to scatter under a mere breeze.
"Martial Uncle Ning…"
A middle-aged Outer Disciple with bloodstains on his face spoke, "Our defensive line has been breached, and Demon Path cultivators could attack us from any direction. Martial Uncle, we…"
"Don't worry."
Ning Daoran patted his storage bag and produced three Array Flags and three Array Plates. Casting spells swiftly, he set up a First-tier Top-grade Array around their perimeter.
"This array is called Moon Reflected Water Curtain Array—it boasts formidable defensive capabilities."
Turning to the group, Ning Daoran instructed, "Stay within the array and guard this position. Refrain from venturing outside—I'll scout the situation myself."
"Understood, Martial Uncle Ning!"
An evident glimmer lit up the disciples' eyes.
*Rumor had it that this Martial Uncle was 'famously cautious,' never taking reckless risks. Evidently, the stories were true!*
*Following this Martial Uncle definitely boosted survival odds!*
The disciples were visibly energized, as if catching sight of hope.
...
Night fell.
From afar, a dense, shadowy mist unfurled across the horizon like a living tide.
"This is bad—it's Ghost Fog!"
A Qi Refining Ninth Layer disciple exclaimed in panic, "Members of Ghost Sect have arrived!"
"Stay calm."
Ning Daoran spoke evenly. "Hold your positions within Moon Reflected Water Curtain Array—what's there to panic about?"
"Understood, Martial Uncle…"
"I'll go take a closer look."
Ning Daoran took Old Lu and slipped into the Ghost Fog.
...
"Old Lu, same old plan—you tunnel underground. Strike when the opportunity arises."
"Moo moo~~~"
Man and deer switched into combat mode.
Ning Daoran swiftly disguised himself as a lean young cultivator, dressed in an Outer Disciple uniform of Chaotic Sect, wielding the sturdy Big Green Dragon sword. Restricting his emitted aura to Perfect Qi Refining, he strolled confidently into the Ghost Fog.
Meanwhile, Big Stupid Deer utilized Earth Tunneling, traveling steadily underground.
"Look over there—a Chaotic Sect member!"
Not far away, a dozen Demon Path disciples lit up like predators spotting prey. Their eyes gleamed wickedly.
"Just a Perfect Qi Refining cultivator. Let's take him down together!"
"Attack!"
The group dashed forward.
"You're courting death…"
Ning Daoran snarled, "Old Lu, kill them! Don't let a single one escape!"
As he spoke, his left hand rose to deploy the True Feather Fan, injecting Foundation Establishment power into it. A burst of fierce flames instantly erupted, incinerating seven or eight Demon Path disciples into ashes amidst their screams.
"Moo moo~~~"
Big Stupid Deer sped underground, launching projectiles of Ice Cones that skewered foes above the surface!
"Oh my… what the…?!"
Shocked Demon Path disciples cursed, but in mere moments, their bodies were riddled with Ice Cones, leaving behind a bloody carnage.