"I've already ordered the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's experts to remain at the Imperial Immortal Palace to guard the entrance to the chaotic spacetime sea. However, I'm concerned that even with their strength, they may not be able to withstand the incoming Dark Beings."
"The Dark Being I fought was terrifying. I suspect there are few in the Prime-Origin Civilization who could match him."
"Even a Ancestral Dao Realm expert who has survived seven Heavenly Decline Tribulations might perish against him."
Chu Heng spoke with a heavy expression.
Having fought Wu Yang, he understood the horror of that opponent.
Although the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was filled with powerful experts, Chu Heng was still one of the top figures. Yet, he had been severely injured twice by Wu Yang.
"I've already issued orders for all clans to send their strongest experts to reinforce the area. Although the Black Calamity has arrived unexpectedly, there's no need to worry."
Gu Changge shook his head lightly, his tone still calm and composed.
"Leader, I'm still concerned that the chaotic spacetime sea might become a gateway for the Dark Beings to invade the Prime-Origin Civilization. Even stronger Dark Beings might appear…" Chu Heng's expression remained troubled.
After the fall of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, Chu Heng had gone through a period of despair before loyally following Gu Changge.
He didn't care much for the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's principles.
From Di Kun, the ruler of The Demon Court, and Jing Tianyun, the distant ancestor of the Jing Clan, he had learned that Gu Changge, the leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, possessed not only unparalleled strength but also mysterious, god-like powers.
What Chu Heng couldn't achieve, Gu Changge could make happen.
He wanted to resurrect his deceased wife, and only Gu Changge could fulfill this wish.
"Even stronger Dark Beings?"
Gu Changge seemed to ponder Chu Heng's words.
"In that case, I'll take charge of guarding that area. The depths of the Imperial Immortal Palace were torn open during the war against the Black Calamity, causing the chaotic spacetime sea's rift to spread, creating a nearly unhealable spacetime crack."
"Over time, it became a gateway connecting the vast expanse and the chaotic spacetime…"
Ling Yuling, suppressing her sorrow, glanced at Gu Changge and spoke softly.
"No need. I'll make other arrangements. It's not suitable for you to go there now." Gu Changge looked at her and shook his head.
He then turned to Di Kun, the current ruler of The Demon Court. "Where is the Demon Ancestor now?"
Di Kun stepped forward and replied respectfully, "Leader, my father has been in seclusion deep within the Yu Abyss since his last injury and has not left since."
Gu Changge nodded slightly, then waved his hand, sending a streak of light into Di Kun's hand.
"Take this bottle to the Demon Ancestor and have him lead the Demon Court's experts to guard the depths of the Imperial Immortal Palace."
Di Kun was slightly stunned, looking at the white jade bottle in his hand with confusion.
However, since it was Gu Changge's order, he didn't dare to disobey or question it.
Although the Demon Ancestor was proud and arrogant, and had been severely injured by Gu Changge last time, it was uncertain whether he would obey Gu Changge's orders.
Di Kun didn't dare to ask further. Gu Changge's thoughts and intentions were beyond his comprehension.
Soon, Di Kun transformed into a streak of light and left with the white jade bottle.
The other high-ranking members of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance also received their orders and left, instructing their clans and factions to send their strongest experts to the depths of the Imperial Immortal Palace.
The Prime-Origin Civilization was no longer the disorganized mess it had once been.
With the Heaven-Slaying Alliance issuing orders, no faction dared to disobey. Upon receiving the decree, all forces immediately took action.
"Are you worried about the inhabitants of the floating continent that Chu Heng mentioned?"
After everyone had left the hall, Gu Changge looked at Ling Yuling, who had composed herself, and asked.
Ling Yuling didn't hide her emotions in front of Gu Changge, her expression still slightly downcast.
She nodded and said, "Those people were saved by Nan Qing at the cost of her life. I don't want her efforts to be in vain."
"The depths of the Imperial Immortal Palace may soon face an attack from the Dark Beings. I'll have Elder Jing go there and have the Imperial Immortal Palace evacuate. As for the inhabitants of the floating continent, let them stay with the Imperial Immortal Palace for now."
Gu Changge nodded slightly, then leisurely walked to the entrance of the hall, his deep eyes seemingly piercing through the distant spacetime.
Ling Yuling looked at him with slight confusion, then walked over and stood beside him.
"But didn't you suspect that the inhabitants of the floating continent were the masterminds behind the destruction of the Prime-Origin Covenant?"
"Are you just going to let them go?"
She asked softly.
Gu Changge suddenly let out a faint laugh, turning to look at her. "Are you blaming me for suspecting you earlier?"
"No, I just feel a bit unsettled."
"Thank you for trusting them. I'll prove my innocence, and theirs, with time."
Ling Yuling's bright eyes met Gu Changge's, then her long eyelashes lowered, avoiding his suddenly meaningful gaze.
Gu Changge didn't say anything more.
He had sent Chu Heng and the others to the chaotic spacetime sea to confirm one thing. As for what Ling Yuling and the others thought, that wasn't his concern.
Now, the grand plan was unfolding as he had anticipated.
The incoming Dark Beings were an excellent opportunity.
"The Demon Ancestor of The Demon Court is a Ancestral Dao Realm expert who has survived eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations. He once fought the Buddha Lord of the Tathagata Buddha Kingdom to a standstill. He's incredibly proud. How are you sure he'll obey your orders?"
"What's in that bottle?"
Ling Yuling tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly recalling the white jade bottle Gu Changge had given to Di Kun, and couldn't help but ask curiously.
Gu Changge hadn't expected her to ask about this.
"That bottle contains something the Demon Ancestor desires more than anything. At his level, that thing is even more important than his life." He smiled faintly.
At the Ancestral Dao Realm, one could vaguely sense the existence of such elusive substances but wasn't yet qualified to touch them.
It was the purest Creation Substance and Immortal Substance. Even a wisp of it could drive a Ancestral Dao Realm expert to madness.
Ling Yuling nodded thoughtfully.
"There's something I need you to do. You're the most suitable person for this task."
"The sudden arrival of the Black Calamity is an excellent opportunity to reorganize the scattered vast expanse. However, even now, many true worlds and civilizations around the Prime-Origin Civilization are still trying to oppose me."
"The Dawn Civilization, the Endless Yang True World, the Calamitous Yin True World, the Kun Ling Land, the Qian Ming Sea, and the Boundary Void Ridge…"
Gu Changge turned to Ling Yuling, his eyes calm as he reached out and gently caressed her face, as if touching a flawless piece of porcelain.
Ling Yuling was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood Gu Changge's meaning. Her clear eyes lowered slightly as she said softly, "You want me to unite those true worlds and civilizations, bringing them under the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, right?"
She was intelligent and immediately grasped Gu Changge's intent.
Just as Gu Changge had unified the Prime-Origin Civilization under the banner of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance after the destruction of the Prime-Origin Covenant, the return of the Black Calamity brought unimaginable disaster to the vast expanse.
As the world fell into panic and fear, someone needed to step forward and unite the various civilizations and true worlds to resist the Black Calamity.
As a former sage who had fought against the Black Calamity, her identity was perfect for this role.
But… how was this any different from taking advantage of the situation and deceiving the world?
"I know you're uncomfortable with this, but it will indeed save us from many unnecessary battles. You should understand my resolve. If this method doesn't work, I won't hesitate to use other means to make the vast expanse submit." Gu Changge smiled.
Ling Yuling was stunned again. She knew what Gu Changge meant.
If the Black Calamity hadn't suddenly arrived, he would have found another way to expand the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and bring the surrounding true worlds and civilizations under his control.
The only way to do that would have been through endless war and slaughter.
Thus, it was better to take advantage of the current situation to bring those civilizations under his rule, saving countless troubles and battles.
"You understand the kind of infamy and condemnation this will bring, don't you?" Ling Yuling's voice carried a hint of helplessness.
Gu Changge smiled. "Since when have I cared about such things?"
"Such cruel kindness…"
Ling Yuling shook her head slightly, placing her hand over his, which was still resting on her cheek. Her bright eyes seemed to hold complex emotions.
"I'll help you," she said softly. "But before that, I want to return to the Imperial Immortal Palace."
"Alright."
Gu Changge nodded, then smiled. "This matter isn't urgent. I have plenty of time. The priority now is to resist the incoming Dark Beings. Later, I'll have the Xiyuan Sacred Hall assist you."
"Then I'll take my leave."
Ling Yuling nodded. For now, the Imperial Immortal Palace wasn't in immediate danger. Her main concern was still the inhabitants of the floating continent.
After Ling Yuling left, the smile on Gu Changge's face gradually faded.
His deep, calm eyes looked at the void beside him as he said indifferently, "How are things progressing?"
"The inhabitants of the floating continent have been hunted and besieged by the Heavenly Faction, forcing them to hide in the chaotic spacetime sea. This time, the Heavenly Faction sent countless Dark Beings to attack them, likely due to past grievances."
"However, among them is a man named Zhu Xuan, a descendant of the Pangu Clan, who holds clues to the Creation Pool…"
Old Man Cold Crow's figure appeared, speaking respectfully.
He had actually returned to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance before Chu Heng and informed Gu Changge of what had happened in the chaotic spacetime sea.
After learning from Ling Yuling that the inhabitants of the floating continent were descendants of the ancient sages, Gu Changge had sent Old Man Cold Crow and Chu Heng to confirm the origins of the floating continent.
Gu Changge had sensed a deep karmic connection between himself and someone on the floating continent.
But now that connection had been severed, disappearing from his perception.
Perhaps that person had died, or had used some method to conceal themselves.
Gu Changge didn't want to probe the person's fate or location as he had done with Wu Yue.
Doing so could easily disrupt his current plans and attract unnecessary attention and trouble.
For now, the disappearance or death of that person wouldn't affect his current arrangements.
"The Creation Pool was once controlled by the leader of the Pangu Clan, but after his death and the decline of the Pangu Clan, the Creation Pool gradually disappeared…"
"Over the years, the Heavenly Faction has been trying to find the lost Supreme Treasures of Civilization, destroying many civilizations and true worlds in the process, along with their Supreme Treasures of Civilization."
Old Man Cold Crow continued respectfully.
The Eight Follower Tribes had also been searching for the six Supreme Treasures of Civilization. Some believed that gathering all six could break the seal on the Land of the Dark Source and welcome the return of the Heaven-Warring Organization's master.
Others thought that the six Supreme Treasures of Civilization contained supreme power. Obtaining even one could allow one to dominate a supreme true world, while gathering all six would grant the power to rule the vast expanse.
However, Old Man Cold Crow knew that within the Heavenly Faction, there was a resolute and terrifying voice calling for the destruction of all Supreme Treasures of Civilization.
Uncertain about the most mysterious of the six treasures, they had instigated numerous upheavals over the long epochs since the Black Calamity Era, destroying many civilizations and true worlds that had created Supreme Treasures of Civilization.
Adhering to the principle of "better safe than sorry," their ferocity had once struck fear into the hearts of many.
"The Creation Pool, huh?"
Gu Changge wasn't particularly interested in the six Supreme Treasures of the First Civilization. Although he now possessed the Gate of Eternal Life, as well as the Orb of Great Vow and the Book of Scavenging, which had been refined into the World Sphere.
"Master, this might be an excellent opportunity to destroy the Creation Pool."
Old Man Cold Crow's eyes gleamed with excitement as he spoke respectfully. "Of the six Supreme Treasures of Civilization, only the Tribulation-Crossing Disk and the most mysterious of the six have not yet appeared."
"If we destroy these six treasures, what force in the vast expanse could possibly threaten you?"
The matter of Zhu Xuan and the Creation Pool had never been mentioned by the inhabitants of the floating continent in front of Chu Heng and the others.
But Old Man Cold Crow was not like Chu Heng and the others. The Eight Follower Tribes he belonged to also had an unresolved feud with the descendants of the ancient sages.
During his two days on the floating continent, he had effortlessly extracted the desired secrets from the souls of some of its inhabitants, learning of Zhu Xuan's identity and the clues related to the Creation Pool.
Gu Changge merely smiled faintly, ignoring the fervor in Old Man Cold Crow's eyes.
Even if the six Supreme Treasures of Civilization had not appeared, he would have eventually discarded the identity of the Heaven-Warring Organization's master through other means.
Rather than saying that the six Supreme Treasures of the First Civilization had sealed the Heaven-Warring Organization's master, it was more accurate to say that he had chosen to end things in this manner.
"However, the emergence of the six Supreme Treasures of Civilization serves as an excellent 'trigger' for the return of the Black Calamity."
"This grand play would otherwise seem hollow and monotonous."
"Only by gathering the six Supreme Treasures of Civilization can we hope to resist the imminent revival of the Heaven-Warring Organization's master, reseal him, and restore peace to the vast expanse…"
"I've already written the script. Now, all that's left is for the protagonist to take the stage."
Gu Changge suddenly smiled with profound meaning.
At the same time, deep within the Imperial Immortal Palace, large sections of pavilions, halls, and immortal mountains had been relocated. The surrounding spacetime was sealed off.
Millions of Dao runes flickered, colliding and releasing terrifying, world-destroying power.
Ancient veins stretched through the void, forming a powerful barrier and seal.
From a distance, it looked like a square cage, radiating brilliant divine light, connected by countless black and red veins.
All the surrounding starfields were enveloped, not a single breath of air able to escape.
Outside this barrier, ancient formations were inscribed. The elite forces of various clans, already stationed there, stared intently at the spacetime rift from which black fog was slowly spreading.