Chapter 525: Breaking the Formation . . .
Less than two months remained before the deadline given by True Monarch Tian Zhu, the ultimate stage of their endeavor.
During this period, the three allied forces had launched relentless attacks, sparing no expense and disregarding all losses. Although they achieved some success, the costs they incurred were tremendous.
The depletion of materials was one thing, but the human toll was unbearable to witness. The majority of the cannon-fodder cultivators had been lost, and those who remained were mostly severely wounded. Even those lucky enough to be unharmed had lost all morale, wandering listlessly like the walking dead.
The core cultivators from the three forces suffered devastating losses as well. In the Taiyi Sect alone, despite the deliberate protection of three Guardian Spirit Generals, the casualties were substantial, with several Foundation Building cultivators falling in battle.
Now, within the Taiyi Sect, mid-stage Foundation Building cultivators were qualified to vie for positions of elders. The loss of several at this level was a crippling blow, despite the sect's recent advancement to Gold Core status, which still left the number of Foundation Building cultivators limited.
Fortunately, the losses were primarily among guest cultivators. The direct disciples favored by Meng Zhang had been carefully preserved.
The Fire Cloud Sect's cultivators had largely been spared, and their Third Rank protective mountain formation, the Flaming Ground Array, had not been fundamentally breached.
If the battle continued in this vein, even if the cultivators of the three forces bled themselves dry, they would not overcome the Fire Cloud Sect entrenched on Feihong Mountain.
The war, although short, had been brutally intense. Exhaustion gripped the cultivators from the three forces, and even the four Gold Core Daoist Masters felt a sense of despair.
The sacrifices were immense, the gains, minimal. How could they continue this warfare?
If only their supply lines were robust, they might have strained forward. But with supply lines faltering, further conflict would only lead to greater losses and minimal victories.
In fact, during the clashes, Daoist Master Scarlet Flame had sharply discerned the enemy's weakening state. Had it not been for the cautious nature of Daoist Master Dark Cloud, Daoist Master Scarlet Flame might have already initiated a counteroffensive.
Despite heavy losses, as long as the Gold Core Daoist Masters remained, they still held an advantage over the Fire Cloud Sect. The sect, relying on their Third Rank protective mountain formation, kept adversaries at bay. However, if they took the battle outside, the scenario would change dramatically.
The Fire Cloud Sect's cultivators, unyielding and cautious, gave no quarter. Without external intervention, the three forces were incapable of altering the tide.
While habitually launching assaults, the four Gold Core Daoist Masters knew in their hearts that hope for victory was dwindling.
Meng Zhang, unsure of others' thoughts, had already begun contemplating retreat.
True Monarch Tian Zhu was known for his resoluteness. Failure to accomplish their mission meant the Taiyi Sect could no longer sustain its presence in the Endless Sea of Sand, nor could it hold its foundation in the Demon Wind Gobi. The only path left was to wander in exile.
Meng Zhang wasn't the only one considering retreat. The other Gold Core Daoist Masters were visibly distracted, no longer fully invested in the conflict.
Seeing no hope for victory, Meng Zhang refused to continue the futile struggle, unwilling to waste the lives of his sect's disciples.
Under his influence, the allied forces' assault on Feihong Mountain slowed as everyone consciously conserved their strength.
Almost a month passed, and the deadline set by True Monarch Tian Zhu loomed closer.
The attack from the three forces grew increasingly feeble, and all four Gold Core Daoist Masters contemplated retreat.
How could they, having provoked a Primordial Spirit True Monarch, withdraw intact while ensuring the survival of their sects and families?
As the four Gold Core Daoist Masters wrestled with anxiety, Jin Li Daoist Master appeared before them once more.
Over the years, Jin Li Daoist Master had served True Monarch Tian Zhu, acting almost as his spokesperson.
Meng Zhang and the others initially feared Jin Li Daoist Master had come to reprimand or supervise them, meeting him with palpable guilt.
Fortunately, he had come to offer assistance.
The underhanded tactics of True Monarch Profound Wind had not escaped True Monarch Tian Zhu, nor had the plight of the three forces on the battlefield.
Ever competitive, True Monarch Tian Zhu couldn't ignore this challenge, particularly as it affected his centuries-old plans. He wouldn't stand idly by while adversaries schemed.
Though he couldn't take direct action, True Monarch Tian Zhu still had means to turn the tide.
In the presence of the four Gold Core Daoist Masters, Jin Li Daoist Master cautiously presented a golden bamboo leaf.
True Monarch Tian Zhu possessed many treasures, but finding one that could both shatter the Third Rank protective mountain formation and be controlled by Gold Core Daoist Masters was a dilemma.
In the end, True Monarch Tian Zhu, through his avatar, sacrificed his own Cultivation Base, severing a finger that transformed into the golden bamboo leaf before them.
Besides this leaf, Jin Li Daoist Master brought two Third Rank Formation Breaking Talismans, exceptionally rare and precious talismans within the Cultivation World.
Crafting a Formation Breaking Talisman requires the collaborative efforts of a skilled Talisman Master and Formation Master, utilizing numerous precious materials before successful creation is possible.
A First Rank Formation Breaking Talisman might still be purchasable with enough spirit stones, but acquiring a Second Rank Formation Breaking Talisman becomes much more challenging. A Third Rank Formation Breaking Talisman, in contrast, is considered a critical strategic resource, scarcely seen on the open market.
In the Taiyi Sect, Talisman Master Yang Xueyi and Formation Master Wen Qiansun had once collaborated in crafting Formation Breaking Talismans. They exerted immense effort and resources to produce only a few Second Rank talismans.
The success rate of crafting these talismans is exceptionally low, and the cost, in terms of materials, is prohibitive—making it an economically unfeasible venture.
However, the value of Formation Breaking Talismans cannot be measured solely in spirit stones.
Before the onset of war, the three major powers had foreseen the necessity of breaching a Third Rank protective mountain great formation. They expended significant efforts attempting to acquire Third Rank Formation Breaking Talismans, but neither the profound Flying Swan Sect nor the Taiyi Sect, closely affiliated with the Gu Yue Family, met with success.
After they began their assault on the Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation, Meng Zhang solicited the Gu Yue Family's assistance once again.
Whether the Gu Yue Family was unwilling to help or simply incapable, Meng Zhang consistently failed to acquire a Third Rank Formation Breaking Talisman.
Even Jin Li, a Daoist Master in the late stage of the Gold Core cultivation, lacked the means to obtain such talismans. The two she possessed were treasures from True Monarch Tian Zhu's collection.
Initially helpless against the Third Rank protective mountain formation known as the Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation, the four Gold Core Daoist Masters found their spirits revitalized and their fighting will reignited upon seeing the treasures Jin Li produced.
In recent days, while Meng Zhang and others engaged in fierce battles, Jin Li was not idle.
She had been stealthily observing the Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation from hidden positions, noting all its changes and seeking any vulnerabilities.
Subsequently, she returned to the Deadly Sea of Sand to meet with True Monarch Tian Zhu. After reporting her findings, they deliberated together.
With Jin Li's keen perception and True Monarch Tian Zhu's profound insight, they swiftly devised a strategy to breach the formation, leading to Jin Li's current mission.
After entrusting the talismans to Meng Zhang and the others, she provided detailed instructions.
Listening intently, Meng Zhang and his colleagues dispersed to begin their respective preparations. The allied forces of the three powers also temporarily ceased their assault, taking time to regroup.
Given the operation's gravity, Jin Li didn't depart after delivering her instructions. Instead, she ascended a nearby mountain, observing the situation in silent vigil.
Three days later, the four Gold Core Daoist Masters, having adjusted themselves to peak condition, convened near the hovering protective mountain formation.
The higher echelons of the three powers had been specially briefed.
Today, all the elite forces were mobilized. Senior members led numerous disciples and initiates towards the protective mountain formation in a decisive assault.
On the surface, this offensive appeared no different from previous attempts, with expendable cultivators leading, followed by the direct descendants of the three powers overseeing the battle and serving as reserves.
The battle soon intensified. The Fire Cloud Sect cultivators, controlling the Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation, displayed layer upon layer of transformations, repelling all foes.
Outside the battlefield, Jin Li, who had been closely monitoring the situation, suddenly frowned, berating without any courtesies.
"You dead fat pig, come out! Or do you need this Daoist Master to invite you personally?"
Accompanying her scolding, a corpulent male cultivator, resembling a meat mountain, appeared out of thin air.
He glared at Jin Li, retorting, "Jin Li, your mouth is as foul as ever."
"Unhappy? We can practice if you wish, Pig Daoist Master," Jin Li emphasized the word 'pig'.
This male cultivator, Zhu Liangyu, was a disciple of True Monarch Profound Wind. Due to his porky physique and a name phonetically similar to 'pig,' rivals had mockingly bestowed upon him the title of 'Pig Daoist Master'.
Zhu Liangyu detested this nickname, and those not wishing to openly offend him would only dare utter it behind his back.
As a high-level cultivator in the Gold Core late stage and on opposing sides, Jin Li naturally showed no courtesy. Depending on her mood, she would call him either 'Pig Daoist Master' or 'dead fat pig.'
Unable to best her in combat, Zhu Liangyu could only endure each time. Now, facing Jin Li's provocation, Zhu Liangyu didn't retreat or rage as before; instead, he laughed triumphantly.
"Jin Li, it seems that these three powers are unable to contend with the Fire Cloud Sect and cannot reclaim Feihong Mountain," said a voice, breaking the tense silence.
"Your master, True Monarch Tian Zhu's plan has been thwarted. I wonder how he will punish you, his ineffective servants," Zhu Liangyu taunted, a disciple of True Monarch Profound Wind, privy to the intricate plans of True Monarch Tian Zhu.
Over the years, following his master's orders, Zhu Liangyu had often been involved in schemes against the Flying Swan Sect. Given True Monarch Profound Wind's stature, he couldn't directly negotiate with the Fire Cloud Sect. Instead, Zhu Liangyu acted on his master's behalf, playing a significant role in the numerous wars between the Fire Cloud and Flying Swan Sects, not just as an observer but also as an instigator.
Daoist Master Jin Li glanced at Zhu Liangyu disdainfully, choosing not to engage in a war of words. The unfolding events would soon teach Zhu Liangyu a harsh lesson.
On the nearby battlefield, as the Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation was unleashed, the cultivators assaulting the mountain were swiftly put at a disadvantage. Even the four Gold Core Daoist Masters in the air seemed overwhelmed.
After a prolonged struggle, they finally seized an opportunity when the great formation underwent a brief transformation. Having attacked many times before, the Gold Core Daoist Masters were somewhat familiar with this Third Rank mountain-protecting great formation. Daoist Master Jin Li had provided them with critical insights, pointing out a clear path.
This opportunity was precious, their treasures sufficient only for one attempt. Failure meant the loss of their last glimmer of victory.
Without hesitation, the four Gold Core Daoist Masters sprang into action. Wu Mingwei and Qi Nanfei surged forward, daringly flying into the protective range of the great formation—a perilous move, for even Gold Core Daoist Masters risked their lives at such proximity.
Seeing this, Daoist Master Scarlet Flame prepared to activate the great formation's killing move. Even if they couldn't capture them, inflicting severe injuries was crucial. However, Wu Mingwei and Qi Nanfei acted faster, each deploying a Third Rank Formation Breaking Talisman.
The talismans transformed into streaks of light, striking the great formation, causing its movements to falter and momentarily stagnate. Though their power alone couldn't fully neutralize the Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation, they could immobilize it briefly, preventing it from functioning.
With the great formation suddenly exposed, defenseless, the attacking cultivator army's morale boosted. Led by the three Guardian Spirit Generals of the Taiyi Sect, they charged towards Feihong Mountain.
Daoist Masters Scarlet Flame and Dark Cloud began channeling their True Essence, striving to dissipate the power of the Formation Breaking Talismans and restore the great formation's function swiftly.
Meanwhile, the Fire Cloud Sect's defending cultivators mobilized, readying themselves for the imminent clash with the incoming enemies.
At this moment, with the great formation's power diminished, Meng Zhang, using his Deception Breaking Eye and following instructions previously given by Daoist Master Jin Li, located the core of the Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation.
Daoist Master Fei Shi and Meng Zhang, pooling their True Essence, activated the golden bamboo leaf in Meng Zhang's possession. With a determined lift of his right hand, Meng Zhang fiercely launched the leaf.
After this attack, Meng Zhang felt as if his strength had been drained, landing weakly on the ground.
The golden bamboo leaf, transformed into a sharp arrow, shot towards the formation core like lightning.
The numerous Fire Cloud Sect cultivators maintaining the great formation, including the two Gold Core Daoist Masters, couldn't react in time.
Following an earth-shattering explosion, the entire Blazing Flames Overturning Earth Great Formation began to collapse. This wasn't a temporary deactivation but a complete breakdown, rendering the formation irreparable.
With the mountain-protecting great formation's demise, many Fire Cloud Sect cultivators, who had been upholding the formation, were caught in the backlash.
One after another, the cultivators were knocked to the ground, blood trickling from their orifices, incapacitated, their fates unknown.
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