# Chapter 2474: Determination and Counterattack
Within the Nine Heavens, at the Flame Temple, scorching flames seemed to envelop the entire temple. In one particular area, seven figures sat cross-legged, seemingly discussing something.
"Everyone, our plan has failed again. Not only did Lin Feng not die, but he was also taken away by the Divine Forging Master. I'm afraid that old man from the Fate Temple knows. If Lin Feng remains, we will inevitably use every means to kill him," the Flame Temple Lord said, his voice breaking the silence. The others' gazes immediately fell upon one figure draped in a golden long robe, his eyes sharp as blades—it was the Roc King.
"This time, Brother Roc made a surprise move. I thought Lin Feng would surely die."
"Why don't you try it yourself?" the Roc King snorted coldly.
"Brother Roc's Heavenly Roc speed is unmatched in the Nine Heavens. If you can't do it, who can? This time, it's not Brother Roc's fault. The Fate Temple excels at prophecy and is full of cunning schemes. They were already on guard, constantly protecting Lin Feng. On top of that, Lin Feng himself has supreme-level protectors, which is why we failed," the Flame Temple Lord said with a smile, defending the Roc King.
"But Lin Feng's departure isn't necessarily a bad thing. At least he's taken several supreme-level experts with him. However, the Sound Temple and the Earth Temple are quite bold, forming an alliance with the Fate Temple under these circumstances. What do you all think we should do?"
"The Sound Temple is truly seeking death, and the Earth Temple as well. Since they want to court destruction, we'll grant their wish. Moreover, I believe that once results appear, the Thunder Temple and the Soul Temple—even if they want to remain neutral—won't have that choice anymore," the Ice and Snow Temple Lord said, his entire body radiating icy coldness, his calm voice carrying a chilling aura.
"Of course, we shouldn't provoke them now, lest they directly join the Fate Temple's alliance. We must wait until we achieve certain results before discussing this matter with them. I think they will make the right choice."
The temple lords present all revealed faint smiles. The alliance of the six great temples seemed to be preparing to overthrow the Nine Heavens Celestial Court.
"Of course, I hope that within our ranks, no one harbors any ulterior motives. You all know that forming this alliance was not easy. If there are any more underhanded moves, it will become fragile and collapse," the Flame Temple Lord warned, causing the others to feel a chill in their hearts. They understood this as well. Their six temples forming an iron alliance was rare, but breaking it would be easy. Once anyone had second thoughts, it would lead to collapse, because none of them could afford a stab in the back.
"First step, what should we do?" the Void Divine Temple Lord asked.
"Build more teleportation arrays to connect the six temples. At the same time, order core disciples to reduce outings to prevent devastating retaliatory actions. Wait for an opportunity, and when we find one, deliver a fatal blow," the Flame Temple Lord replied.
"Now is the time. I wonder if you all are willing to act or not?" the Radiant Gold Temple Lord said, drawing everyone's attention.
"The Fate Temple's alliance has yet to stabilize. Their current forces include the Fate Temple, the Earth Temple, the Sound Temple, the Ancient Realm Clan, and a few of Lin Feng's old friends. Meanwhile, we have six temples plus Brother Roc. If we simultaneously attack one of their temples, what would the outcome be?" the Radiant Gold Temple Lord proposed, causing the others' expressions to flicker with interest.
"We can launch a surprise attack," the Flame Temple Lord said after a moment's deliberation. "Target: the Sound Temple. Now, everyone immediately return to prepare. Gather supreme-level experts and ensure the defense of your own temples. At the same time, each temple must send three supreme-level experts to participate in this operation to ensure we suffer no losses. What do you all think?"
"Agreed," the crowd nodded in succession. Each temple had to send three people; otherwise, if any side lost supreme-level experts, it would easily breed resentment.
"Everyone, go back. We'll communicate through transmission messages."
The crowd rose one after another and, using the teleportation arrays built by the Flame Temple, teleported away to return to their own temples.
Soon, only two figures remained. They simply looked at each other, faint smiles on their lips, as if their smiles were identical.
"How has your cultivation been lately?" the Flame Temple Lord asked.
"Not bad. This technique is too difficult to comprehend and cultivate, but I think it won't take too much longer," the Ice and Snow Temple Lord replied with a smile. "And you? Lately, you seem a bit high-spirited."
"I'm doing well too," the Flame Temple Lord said with a smile, standing up. "You should go back and prepare as well."
"Alright. See you at the Sound Temple," the Ice and Snow Temple Lord said as he walked out, then teleported away through the array. It seemed a storm was brewing.
After the turmoil at the Fate Temple, the Nine Heavens Celestial Court suddenly fell silent. All the great temples seemed to have quieted down at once, with almost no activity. However, the people of the Nine Heavens could smell an unusual atmosphere—it was the calm before a storm. Perhaps soon, a terrifying vortex would sweep through the Nine Heavens.
On that day, in the city below the Sound Temple, a figure looked up, his gaze fixed on the temple. His body slowly rose into the air, walking toward the Sound Temple. Soon, he stood above it.
He was not alone. One by one, figures floated in the void, staring blankly at the Sound Temple. The people in the city also looked up, staring at them in a daze. These were terrifying existences—the experts of the six-temple alliance had arrived. News of the alliance between the Sound Temple and the Fate Temple had already spread, but no one expected them to strike with such lightning speed.
But the figures in the void fell silent. The entire Sound Temple was... empty.
"Although we moved quickly, they seemed to move even faster," one figure said. Golden light surged into the Sound Temple.
"Many ancient walls and relics have been destroyed. All scrolls and records have been taken. They abandoned the temple."
"What boldness," the group fell silent. Abandoning a temple that symbolized the pinnacle of power in the Nine Heavens required immense courage and determination. Yet the Sound Temple had done just that. If they eventually returned here, it would mean they were the victors in this Nine Heavens upheaval. If not, this temple would no longer be the Sound Temple.
At the same time, at the Radiant Gold Temple's floating castle, golden light shone brilliantly. Suddenly, faint beams of light flickered, and figures seemed to step out of the void, appearing above the Radiant Gold Temple.
The people of the Radiant Gold Temple looked up, their hearts trembling violently. Someone roared: "Activate the grand formation and all teleportation arrays! Notify all temples! Hurry, hurry!"
"Chi..." A terrifying sound of melody descended from the sky, transforming into countless killing notes. Wherever they passed, figures were directly sliced apart and died. At the same time, the light of fate enveloped the entire temple. Heavenly Fate Severing descended from the sky, reaping lives one after another.
"Hurry, hurry!" Maddened shouts rang out. Beams of light shot up into the sky. All teleportation arrays were activated, and many figures appeared at the Radiant Gold Temple. The aura of supreme-level experts was terrifying as they soared upward. At the same time, a golden light curtain rose, attempting to envelop the entire Radiant Gold Temple.
"Explode!" the Earth Temple Lord roared, wielding a terrifying giant axe—seemingly the Earth Divine Axe—and slashed downward. Rumbling sounds echoed as the temple trembled. The entire Radiant Gold Temple began to split from within, then exploded. At the same time, terrifying sound waves swept through the temple like a windstorm, and in that brief instant, countless experts fell.
"Will you all not act?" a hoarse voice shouted.
"They have super-sacred artifacts."
"Next time, we must not let the temple lord take weapons out," everyone thought bitterly. Caught off guard by this attack, they were in deep trouble.
Far away at the Sound Temple, the Radiant Gold Temple Lord's face turned pale upon receiving the news. The group madly rushed back. They had planned a surprise attack on the Sound Temple, but the enemy had directly abandoned the temple and hidden themselves within the Nine Heavens, delivering a devastating blow. So many experts had been gathered at the Sound Temple that even if all the other experts from the six temples converged on the Radiant Gold Temple, they might not be able to withstand the enemy.
The Radiant Gold Temple Lord's heart convulsed. The proposal to attack the Sound Temple had been his own. He couldn't even blame anyone else.
"Retreat! All of you, retreat through the teleportation arrays to the other temples!" the Radiant Gold Temple Lord roared in response to a message. Then he looked at the others, his expression extremely grim. "The Fate Temple gathered their strongest forces and launched this attack."
The others fell silent for a moment, then the Flame Temple Lord said: "Since they abandoned their temple, we should abandon the Radiant Gold Temple as well. We didn't anticipate this. To eliminate them, some cost is inevitable. I didn't expect the Fate Temple to be so cunning, convincing two temple lords to directly abandon their temple castles."
"Exactly, Brother Jin. When we formed this iron alliance, wasn't it precisely to guard against their counterattack and retaliation? Although this incident came quickly, it serves as a warning. Next time, we won't give them this opportunity again," the Ice and Snow Temple Lord also spoke. Now, there was no turning back.
(Note: The original text ends here. The translation continues to the end of the provided content.)