Chapter 1719: Bloodstained Zhou Tian (I)
The erosion of the Eastern Divine Region by the Northern Divine Region was like an audible plague.
Too long a period of peace, along with an age-old contempt for the Northern Divine Region, meant that when the profound practitioners of the Eastern Divine Region suddenly heard news of the Northern Domain demon people invading, the thought of a "catastrophic disaster" never once crossed their minds.
And the upper-level star realms, which should have served as the main fighting force, naturally chose to defend themselves on the grounds that they would not be eroded, waiting for the "prime instigator," the Zhou Tian God Realm, to come and resolve the issue. They absolutely refused to be the "suckers" who would sacrifice themselves for others in vain.
But by the time this dark "plague" spread with astonishing speed to the very heart of the Eastern Domain, it would probably be too late for them to react.
————
Southern Divine Region, Nanming Divine Realm.
The news arrived. Nanming Shendi slowly rose to his feet, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
"In just two days, the northern border of the Eastern Domain has seen over two hundred star realms seized by the demon people. They're like a pack of rabid dogs that have lost their minds."
The speaker was clad in silver robes, his gaze fierce and sinister.
His name was Nan Feihong, one of the four Nanming Underworld Kings — the "Northern Prison Underworld King."
"However, these star realms are all mid-level and lower-level realms, so it's not a huge loss. But it's said that those star realms invaded by the demon people are half-soaked in blood, and as for these blood debts..." The Northern Prison Underworld King let out a mocking low laugh: "They'll probably all be borne by Zhou Tian."
"Right now, all Zhou Tian needs to do is issue orders and organize the upper-level star realms for a counterattack. It's only a matter of time before we slaughter these frenzied demon people completely. But Zhou Tian's reputation is likely to be severely damaged from here on out."
After the Northern Prison Underworld King finished speaking, he saw that Nanming Shendi remained lost in thought, and immediately asked, "Your Majesty, could it be that you find something suspicious about this matter?"
Nanming Shendi lifted his eyes, then let out a low laugh: "Come with me to the Eastern Divine Region."
The Northern Prison Underworld King frowned: "Is Your Majesty planning to... lend a helping hand?"
Based on his understanding of Nanming Shendi, under the current circumstances, the last thing he would do is offer aid to the Eastern Divine Region; in fact, he would be delighted to see the Eastern Divine Region thrown into half-crippled chaos.
Nanming Shendi said, "Zhou Tian wants to suppress this demon rebellion as quickly as possible and minimize losses. They'll likely seek help from Fantian, the Moon God, and the Star God... This is a golden opportunity that comes once in ten thousand years."
"Opportunity?" The Northern Prison Underworld King was even more puzzled. He stepped forward and said in an extremely low voice, "Is my king planning to..."
"Don't ask unnecessary questions." Nanming Shendi turned his gaze northward, then suddenly his brow darkened.
"This timing seems too coincidental as well."
He sensed something was wrong, but in this world, nothing could surpass the temptation of "eternal life."
"Since they're willing to be a spear," Nanming Shendi sneered, "then let them be thoroughly used!"
As he murmured, a murderous glint flashed in his eyes.
Whether they were willing or not was one thing, but anyone who dared to use him as a spear... did they think he would let them off easy!
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Eastern Divine Region, Yue Shen Realm.
Yao Yue, Lian Yue, and Jin Yue all reverently bowed before the moon-white gauze curtain, reporting the chaos in the north to Yue Shen Di.
In not much time at all, the number of star realms occupied by the demon people had already reached three hundred. The speed was such that it was impossible not to be horrified.
Behind the gauze curtain, Yue Shen Di spoke slowly: "Destroying their own star realms to frame Zhou Tian, using revenge as a pretext to swiftly attack and breach the mid-level and lower-level star realms, then holding the myriad spirits hostage, yet deliberately avoiding touching the upper-level star realms — this causes all the upper-level star realms to focus their resentment on Zhou Tian as the prime culprit, unwilling to sacrifice themselves to save the mid-level and lower-level star realms they already look down upon."
"Faced with the demon people, a battle line that should have been easily formed collapsed from the very beginning."
"Being able to manipulate the human heart to such a degree — this should be the work of that Northern Domain Demon Empress."
"Frame?" Yao Yue was puzzled: "But I have confirmed repeatedly that the projection indeed showed the Void Cauldron without a doubt."
"Lian Yue," said Yue Shen Di.
"Yes." Lian Yue nodded and explained: "Two years ago, in the Tai Chu Divine Realm, at the place where Tai Yin Zunzhe fell, I found traces of the Void Cauldron's power. It must have been at that time that the Void Cauldron fell into Yun Che's hands."
"As for what happened in Tai Chu Divine Realm, it involves Zhou Qingchen. Zhou Tian Shen Di could not possibly make it public. And the world would never believe that such an important Divine Legacy Artifact as the Void Cauldron could fall into the hands of the Northern Divine Region."
"Something like this actually happened." Yao Yue's face showed surprise.
"The scale and ambition of the demon invasion are far more terrifying than what you see." Yue Shen Di spoke slowly: "They seem only bold enough to bully the mid-level and lower-level star realms, claiming to await Zhou Tian's response."
"But those mysterious ships 'fleeing' from the occupied star realms — those are the most dangerous hidden threats."
"Huh?" Lian Yue's delicate brows furrowed: "Master is worried that the Northern Domain demon people might use those star realms' mysterious ships to infiltrate the Eastern Divine Region? That should be difficult to achieve. The dark profound force of the demon people is extremely prone to losing control and getting exposed. Even hidden deep within a mysterious ship, they would be easily detected, and large-scale migration would be even more impossible."
After a brief silence, the figure behind the gauze curtain spoke softly: "Indeed, the most dangerous and terrifying things in this world are not the unknown, but 'things that transcend understanding.'"
The three women exchanged glances. Yao Yue said, "All the Moon Gods and Divine Envoys have been assembled in Shenyue City and are awaiting orders. All forces at every level have also been fully prepared. As long as Master gives the order, we can move north to suppress them at any time."
The gauze curtain was lifted, and Xia Qingyue slowly walked out. Her figure then flickered and appeared far behind the three women: "I will first go personally to Zhou Tian. Before I return, no one is to act recklessly."
Just before stepping out of the Imperial Palace, she paused and said, "Jin Yue, Shui Meiyin possesses the Stainless Divine Soul and is full of schemes. Now that chaos has erupted, she might try to seize the opportunity to escape. During this time, you will guard her personally."
Jin Yue was startled for a moment, but could not defy the order and softly replied, "Yes."
…………
The atmosphere at Zhou Tian God Realm was more unprecedented than ever.
News of the demon chaos in the north arrived every half hour, each time more shocking than the last. Countless pleas for help also came pouring in amid the confusion.
The Northern Domain demon people claimed this invasion was retribution against Zhou Tian. Even the various realms of the Eastern Divine Region were all waiting for Zhou Tian to act.
His most beloved son had died in the Northern Divine Region less than two years ago, and the last of the Eastern Divine Region's Primeval Divine Marrow had also been lost. Zhou Xuzi's heart wound had not yet healed, and he, who was clearly the greatest victim, had suddenly become... the instigator of this heaven-sent demon calamity!?
Zhou Xuzi finally understood the meaning behind the various rumors of unknown origin and the framing that they had been too lazy to deal with earlier — what was it all for.
"The Chifeng Realm has fallen! The Chifeng Realm King is dead, seventy percent of the royal sect destroyed, thirty percent surrendered!"
"Reporting to the master, Qiantian and Zihong have been breached. We have issued several strict orders for the four nearest upper-level star realms to go support and retake them, but none of them is willing to act first!"
"All nine Mohe realms have been occupied by the demon people..."
"Reporting to the master, the number of demon people mobilized by the Northern Divine Region this time is at least fifty times greater than yesterday's estimate. It is very likely... very likely that this is still not the full picture. Moreover, it has been confirmed multiple times that the dark profound force of these demon people shows no sign of weakening in the Eastern Divine Region!"
"Master, the northern star realms are now in complete chaos. Countless profound practitioners and mysterious ships are frantically fleeing southward every moment. Panic and disorder have also begun to spread to varying degrees in the central and southern regions."
"..."
One side was fully prepared, the other was a heap of loose sand.
One side was fearless of death, the other was each cherishing their own lives.
Having been at peace for too long, the Eastern Divine Region never expected that when faced with true disaster, it would be in such a state of utter chaos.
The constant stream of news darkened Zhou Tian Shen Di's face, but he did not lose his composure.
Below, the vast army of Zhou Tian had been fully assembled, including a full six Guardians.
"Master, we cannot wait any longer," said Taiyu Zunzhe.
Every single moment, countless profound practitioners of the Eastern Domain were losing their lives, and half of this blood debt... would be recorded against the Northern Domain demon people, while the other half would be placed on the heads of their Zhou Tian God Realm.
No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't shake it off.
"How many have come?" Zhou Xuzi asked.
"Currently, the core combat forces of one hundred and forty-three upper-level star realms have arrived, all personally accompanying their Realm Kings," said Taiyu Zunzhe. "However, somewhat strangely, the nearest Shengyu Realm has not responded at all."
"Additionally, the teleportation profound formations have been prepared. The power stored within them is sufficient to transport everyone to the edge of the northern border in five trips."
Zhou Tian God Realm specialized in spatial power. Even without the Void Cauldron, they could still quickly construct spatial profound formations capable of teleporting vast numbers over extremely long distances... though the consumption was, without a doubt, enormous.
"Indeed, we cannot wait any longer." Zhou Xuzi muttered softly. At that moment, his gaze suddenly shifted to one side.
A purple figure approached in an instant, as if stepping out from a spatial rift, and stood beside Zhou Xuzi.
"Has Yue Shen Di also come to condemn this old man?" Zhou Xuzi said indifferently.
Although the messengers were deliberately hiding the fact, he didn't need to imagine to know that those suffering star realms and the terrified Eastern Domain profound practitioners must all be condemning and cursing him with words even more venomous than he could imagine.
Although, perhaps just a few days ago, these same people were sincerely revering and tirelessly praising him.
This was the most natural reaction, the most natural human nature.
Xia Qingyue smiled coldly and said, "Your Zhou Tian lost a Void Cauldron and gained an extraordinarily large pot in return. I feel pity for you, so why would I condemn you?"
Zhou Xuzi's expression shifted slightly, then he said, "As expected, Yue Shen Di has sharp eyes. I wonder how many of Yue Shen Di's spies are still in Zhou Tian."
"This doesn't seem like something Zhou Tian Shen Di should be concerned about right now." Xia Qingyue showed no intention of denying it. She turned and said, "Earlier, you disdained to clarify matters. Now, clarification is impossible. This pot will have to be carried firmly on your back."
She glanced at the great array in the distance that exuded a dense spatial aura, her crescent brows slightly furrowing: "Over a hundred upper-level star realm kings and great sects. As expected of Zhou Tian God Realm. Even burdened with the crime of inviting a demon calamity, they can still gather such enormous power in such a short time."
"Let me guess where this newly constructed teleportation array is headed..." Her moon pupils narrowed, then she whispered: "Is it the edge of the northern border of the Eastern Domain?"
"Correct." Zhou Xuzi nodded.
Xia Qingyue said, "To teleport such a massive force behind the Northern Domain demon people, then advance from the north and south simultaneously with the forces from the central and southern Eastern Domain — once the formation is complete, all the demon people who have invaded the Eastern Domain will be like turtles in a jar."
"As expected of Zhou Tian Shen Di. You didn't move for several days, but when you do, it's so ruthless. It seems this demon calamity will soon dissipate. I have no need to worry unnecessarily."
As she finished speaking, Xia Qingyue turned and seemed ready to leave.
"Is the Yue Shen Realm not prepared to offer assistance?" Zhou Tian Shen Di asked.
Xia Qingyue said, "In the eyes of the world, this demon calamity arose because of Zhou Tian. If Zhou Tian can resolve it alone, the curses borne afterward will naturally be the lightest."
"But if the demon people prove stronger than expected..." Xia Qingyue cast a sidelong glance: "That teleportation array is right there. Our Yue Shen Realm will act immediately. I imagine Qianye Fantian thinks the same."
"However, information from all sides has been repeatedly confirmed. The Northern Divine Region has mobilized a large number of upper-level and mid-level star realm forces, but there is no sign of the three king realms appearing. After all, overlords fear death — how could they dare to appear personally outside the Northern Domain? It seems our Yue Shen and Fantian will have no chance to 'intervene.'"
On the surface, it seemed she was thinking of Zhou Tian, letting them take all the credit and reduce the blame.
In truth... neither Yue Shen nor Fantian wanted to expend their own strength.
"Sigh." Zhou Tian Shen Di let out a long sigh.
Looking back, when he decided to take Zhou Qingchen to the Northern Divine Region... he had completely fallen into Chi Wuyue's manipulation.
Xia Qingyue left. Zhou Xuzi no longer waited for those upper-level star realms that had not yet responded, and said, "Prepare for teleportation!"
"Taiyu, you stay and guard."
"Yes." Taiyu Zunzhe accepted the order.
"Father King!" A young man in white robes, with sword-like brows and deep eyes, descended from the air and landed before Zhou Xuzi, his gaze resolute: "Your son requests to join the battle."
This son was Zhou Qingfeng, whom Zhou Xuzi had chosen as the new Zhou Tian Crown Prince, and who was soon to undergo the enfeoffment ceremony.
"Qingfeng, you must not," said Taiyu Zunzhe. "Those demon people are extremely vicious, and this invasion is full of anomalies. You are the future Crown Prince — you must not take risks!"
"No," Zhou Qingfeng looked up, his face fearless: "Precisely because Qingfeng is about to become Crown Prince, I must not shrink from battle in the face of such a demon calamity! This is a disaster for the Eastern Domain, and even more so for Zhou Tian. I beg Father King to allow your son to fight alongside you, to share the burden together, even if death brings no regrets!"
A hint of gratification appeared in Zhou Xuzi's eyes. He did not hesitate long, and slowly nodded: "Good, Qingfeng, you will come with your father, and together we will bury these demon people forever in the Eastern Domain."
"Yes!" Zhou Qingfeng bowed joyfully, his eyes burning.
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[The groundwork for the strange plot is mostly laid. Next, I'm about to start the big explosion... Zhou Tian, Yue Shen, Fantian, tremble!]
[Eh? Seems like I missed one? Is there a fourth king realm in the Eastern Divine Region? Whatever, not important!]