The vast army emerged from the other end of the spacetime tunnel, like an endless black tide crashing forward, shaking the heavens.
Even across the infinite distance, the sound of iron hooves trampling through the starry sky could be heard, vast and overwhelming, causing hearts to tremble with fear.
Countless cultivators and beings of the Immortal Chu Dynasty looked up in horror at this scene.
The far reaches of the sky seemed to become transparent, as shadowy figures of the army descended. Behind them, ancient warships, as large as stars, draped in immortal mist and chaotic energy, exuded an ancient, timeless aura.
This was an unimaginably terrifying army, composed of various immortal factions from the Prime-Origin Civilization, capable of sweeping through all enemies in the myriad worlds. No single faction could stand against it.
"We're finished…"
In the imperial capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, countless people turned pale, their faces filled with fear and despair.
Who could resist such an endless army? Even at its peak, the Immortal Chu Dynasty would have been powerless.
"Why is this happening…"
"Why are so many armies descending upon us out of nowhere? When did the Immortal Chu Dynasty ever collude with the remnants of the Black Calamity? This is completely unjust…"
Many cultivators and beings shouted, their faces filled with disbelief and terror.
Countless people were in despair, unable to muster any will to resist. This was the combined might of the Prime-Origin Civilization, led by the Xiyuan Sacred Hall. What faction could possibly stand against it?
On the other side of the spacetime tunnel, the leaders of various factions had arrived, standing on the same ancient warship, gazing at the Immortal Chu Dynasty on the other side.
Xi Yin, a elder figure from the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, stood at the bow of the ship, her expression calm and unreadable. She wore a cloud-patterned jade hairpin and a phoenix-embellished jade pendant, quietly observing everything.
Beside her, Gu Changge stood with his hands behind his back, also watching the scene with interest.
"The Immortal Chu Dynasty brought this upon itself by stubbornly colluding with the remnants of the Black Calamity. There is no reason for sympathy."
Jing Tianyuan, the ancestor of the Jing Clan, shook his head slightly as he watched the scenes of despair and wailing.
The leader of the Divine Ascension Cavern, an elder at the Ancestral Dao Realm level, also nodded and said, "We always thought this was due to the Immortal Chu Dynasty's ambition. We never imagined they had secretly colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity. That so-called Yinxu Cave was probably just a fabricated name. We've never heard of such a faction."
"Indeed, even I have never heard of the name Yinxu Cave. Such a faction likely doesn't exist."
"It seems that during the birthday banquet, Chu Gucheng deliberately acted in such a way to mislead everyone," Jing Tianyuan also nodded.
The leaders of various immortal factions had now gathered here, with vast armies following behind them, preparing to cross the spacetime tunnel and descend upon the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
This force was unimaginably powerful. Among those present, there were more than five beings at the Ancestral Dao Realm level.
This didn't even include Xi Yin from the Xiyuan Sacred Hall or Gu Changge.
Upon learning that the Xiyuan Sacred Hall had issued a Xiyuan Decree against the Immortal Chu Dynasty, various factions were shocked but promptly responded, assembling their armies to converge on the target.
Once the Immortal Chu Dynasty fell, its abundant resources would naturally become a feast for the various factions, all eager to take a share.
Now, some smaller factions nearby were taking advantage of the chaos, plundering the border regions of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
The Immortal Chu Dynasty was already in dire straits, unable to deal with these incursions.
"Although the Immortal Chu Dynasty colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity, its citizens are innocent. I hope everyone will instruct their disciples not to harm the innocent," Xi Yin said, her gaze sweeping across the vast territories of the Immortal Chu Dynasty through the spacetime tunnel.
Gu Changge also nodded slightly and said, "This is also what I wanted to say. While the Immortal Chu Dynasty is indeed guilty, its citizens are innocent. When Chu Gucheng fought me earlier, he sacrificed countless citizens. Now, seeing the suffering of the people across the Immortal Chu Dynasty, I can't help but feel some pity."
"Young Master Gu is truly benevolent. We will naturally restrain our disciples and ensure they do not harm the innocent. When Young Master Gu could have destroyed the Immortal Chu Dynasty in one fell swoop, he chose to spare it for the sake of its countless citizens, leaving quietly. Such actions are truly admirable."
"In contrast, Chu Gucheng, as the ruler, disregarded the lives of his own people. This is truly disheartening."
An Ancestral Dao Realm expert from the Temple of Light and Darkness also nodded in agreement, his words filled with admiration for Gu Changge.
His words were echoed by the leaders of the other factions.
Chu Gucheng, the ruler of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, stubbornly believed that Gu Changge was connected to the remnants of the Black Calamity. But everyone present was neither foolish nor blind. They could see who truly resembled someone colluding with the remnants of the Black Calamity.
Xi Yin's gaze subtly swept over Gu Changge. Although she was a disciple of Sage Xi and held a very ancient seniority, the Ancestral Dao Realm beings present clearly held Gu Changge in higher regard, treating him as their leader.
Of course, she knew this was because of the recent battle between the Immortal Chu Dynasty and Gu Changge.
That battle had elevated Gu Changge's reputation to an unimaginable level in this region.
This world was one where the strong preyed on the weak. The strong were respected wherever they went.
Although she was confident in her own strength, she knew she was no match for Gu Changge.
The events in the Immortal Chu Dynasty once again drew the attention of the entire Prime-Origin Civilization.
Less than a month had passed since the last world-shaking battle, and the Immortal Chu Dynasty was already severely weakened. Facing a coalition army even more terrifying than the Demon Court and Purple Mist Mountain, how could it possibly resist?
Everyone believed this battle would have no surprises. The Immortal Chu Dynasty's audacity in imprisoning the Saintess Xiyuan had sealed its fate.
Unless the Immortal Chu Dynasty could truly leave no traces and prevent anyone from discovering the truth.
Finally, the vast army crossed the spacetime tunnel and descended upon the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
Chu Gucheng, clad in immortal-gold armor, had long been prepared. His battle robe fluttered behind him, and his powerful aura filled the heavens and earth. The dragon energy of the world swirled around him, emitting roars that shook the universe. He stood like an immortal.
Behind Chu Gucheng, his subordinates, such as the Eight-Headed True God, were also ready to face the enemy.
The other Star Lords, Divine Generals, and numerous ministers had gathered in the imperial city, watching the endless army pressing down from the far reaches of the sky. Everyone's faces were grave and solemn.
From the various mansions and caves of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, countless cultivators and beings rushed out, horrified by what they saw.
The dark, oppressive sky seemed ready to collapse. The vast, surging clouds obscured everything, plunging the world into darkness, as if the apocalypse had arrived, and a great calamity had descended.
The imperial capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, floating like a river of stars surrounded by life-bearing planets, now seemed as insignificant as dust before this terrifying army.
Not to mention the Ancestral Dao Realm figures standing among the army, each of their auras surpassing the limits of heaven and earth, as if a single hand could obliterate the imperial capital.
"My lord, the Immortal Chu Dynasty is doomed today. No one can resist. We should not…"
Behind Champion Marquis Chu Heng, Han Feng and others tried to persuade him, their voices trembling.
"The Immortal Chu Dynasty raised me and showed me kindness. No matter what, the eldest prince has already paid for his actions. How can I abandon the Immortal Chu Dynasty at this moment?"
Chu Heng shook his head and waved his hand, his tone resolute, cutting off Han Feng and others' attempts to dissuade him.
Han Feng and the others sighed softly. Many opened their mouths but fell silent. They had always followed Champion Marquis Chu Heng, but today's situation was clear to everyone. The Immortal Chu Dynasty had no chance of survival.
Facing such a terrifying coalition army, what faction in the Prime-Origin Civilization could resist? The outcome was already predestined.
"My lord, this is blind loyalty…" Chu Bai smiled bitterly, also feeling helpless, unsure how to persuade Champion Marquis.
Elder Xingying from the Yinxu Cave stood in the imperial palace, her silver-white eyes coldly gazing at the sky.
"What a great accusation of colluding with the remnants of the Black Calamity. They even labeled my Yinxu Cave as part of the Black Calamity," she sneered.
Outside the imperial capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, numerous armies also followed Chu Heng's orders, gathering like a river.
Despite the heavy losses suffered in the battles against the Demon Court and Purple Mist Mountain, the Immortal Chu Dynasty still had billions of soldiers to deploy.
From many universes, numerous vassal kings, generals, and branches of the Chu Clan were sending large numbers of cultivators to gather.
"When you want to accuse someone, any excuse will do. The Immortal Chu Dynasty has never colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity. If you want to destroy us, you'll have to go through us first."
"Today, we will live or die with the Immortal Chu Dynasty."
"Kill!"
The sounds of battle cries echoed from distant universes.
Cultivators and beings of all levels and cultivation realms roared with fury, their voices like a cosmic dragon, surging toward the imperial capital.
"Chu Gucheng, release the imprisoned Saintess Xiyuan, and we may spare the innocent citizens of the Immortal Chu Dynasty."
Suddenly, a cold voice rang out from the surging clouds, echoing across the myriad worlds.
Xi Yin appeared, her robes fluttering, her black hair flowing, her expression cold and sharp. She exuded an aura that made the universe tremble as she stood on the ancient warship, overlooking the entire Immortal Chu Dynasty.
"If the rest of the Immortal Chu Dynasty remains obstinate and refuses to repent, they will be buried alongside it today."
"The remnants of the Black Calamity seek to bring chaos to the myriad worlds. Chu Gucheng colluded with them, not only attempting to manipulate the authority of the Heavenly Dao but also trying to control the Prime-Origin Civilization. His crimes deserve death."
Beside her, the leaders of various factions also appeared, coldly gazing at the Immortal Chu Dynasty, as if delivering a final ultimatum and warning.
"The victor becomes king, the loser becomes a bandit. The Immortal Chu Dynasty has met its end today. I have nothing more to say."
"The Saintess Xiyuan was indeed imprisoned by us. It's just a pity that this matter was exposed too quickly. I lost this gamble…"
Chu Gucheng stood above the imperial palace, laughing maniacally, his eyes filled with endless bitterness and madness.
Since the Xiyuan Sacred Hall had issued a必杀希元令, there must be solid evidence that the real Saintess Xiyuan had been imprisoned by the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
Chu Xinyue was not the real Saintess Xiyuan. No matter how similar her appearance, aura, or demeanor, she was not the real one. Once they acted, the truth would be exposed.
Therefore, Chu Gucheng no longer tried to deny it and chose to confess.
"What?"
Many ministers, who had believed this to be an unjust accusation by the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, were stunned upon hearing Chu Gucheng's admission, unable to believe it.
Many ministers were left speechless.
So, the ruler had indeed imprisoned the Saintess Xiyuan and found someone else to impersonate her?
"Is this really true?"
Champion Marquis Chu Heng was also shocked. He had never expected Chu Gucheng to be so bold. This was a desperate gamble.
If he had won, the Immortal Chu Dynasty would have undergone a qualitative leap, even unifying the Prime-Origin Civilization.
But if he lost, the consequences would be devastating.
"Heh, since you dared to do this, you must pay the price."
Xi Yin's expression was icy. The Xiyuan Sacred Hall had existed for an incredibly long time, standing as the most transcendent faction in the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Since its founding, no faction had ever dared to provoke it so brazenly, imprisoning the real saintess and then finding an imposter to deceive everyone.
If she hadn't been awakened, the Xiyuan Sacred Hall might have truly fallen into a trap.
Especially since Chu Gucheng had even attempted to marry the Saintess Xiyuan and form an alliance with the Xiyuan Sacred Hall.
This was simply absurd, unbelievable, and audacious.
With a boom, the battle erupted without warning.
Xi Yin was furious. A crystal-clear, jade-like hand, radiating immortal light, descended from the ancient warship, enveloping the entire heavens and earth. Rules and order swirled around her fingers, and as her palm pressed down, mountains crumbled, the earth split, and stars shattered. The terrifying and overwhelming fluctuations shook the entire Immortal Chu Dynasty.
This was a scene that filled all cultivators and beings with horror and fear, as if the apocalypse had truly arrived. No one could resist.
The armies of the Immortal Chu Dynasty charged forward with roars from their generals, only to disintegrate and explode under Xi Yin's palm, turning into mist of blood.
Even Dao Realm beings dared not confront her directly, their faces filled with terror.
Boom!
Behind Xi Yin, the cultivators and armies of various factions surged forward like a flood, spreading in all directions. Beings of all cultivation levels clashed, shaking the heavens and earth.
The battle was world-shaking, the heavens and earth overturned. Countless universes were destroyed in the aftermath.
Countless figures were sent flying, and massive hands tore through the heavens and earth, destroying everything.
Brilliant artifacts—scrolls, divine furnaces, bronze cauldrons, celestial umbrellas—descended from the sky, covering the universe. With a single shake, it was as if the great destruction had arrived, and everything was shattered.
Even Immortal Kings and Quasi-Immortal Emperors perished instantly, without any chance of survival.
This was a battle without suspense. Even if the Immortal Chu Dynasty gathered all its forces, they would be no match for this army, especially considering the core figures of various factions and the Ancestral Dao Realm beings among them.
Despair, fear, and unwillingness spread across the territories of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. Vast swathes of the universe were conquered, and many star systems were left in ruins, destroyed by the aftermath of the battle.
The border regions also fell into chaos, with many factions taking advantage of the situation. The flames of war spread in all directions.
Gu Changge watched all of this calmly, his eyes showing little emotion.
The fate of the Immortal Chu Dynasty had long been decided. It was only a matter of time before it played out.
"With the fall of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, the situation in the Prime-Origin Civilization is truly under my control."
His gaze swept across the territories of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, over the powerful figures battling the various factions, and finally landed on the bloodied and furious Chu Gucheng.
At this moment, Chu Gucheng was covered in blood, struggling against numerous enemies.
Even though he had overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation, he was no longer at his peak. In the face of so many powerful foes, he quickly fell into a disadvantage, constantly bleeding and being sent flying.
Blood flowed from Chu Gucheng's mouth, nose, and eyes. His hair was disheveled, and his armor was shattered, no longer intact.
He had already seen many of his former subordinates, surrounded and outnumbered, explode and perish on the battlefield.
The slaughter was brutal. Divine light shot into the sky from the imperial capital, and countless figures rushed forward like moths to a flame, only to perish instantly, their bodies and souls destroyed.
The scenes of carnage made Chu Gucheng's eyes burn with rage, but he was powerless to stop it. Even his master, the Law Sage, despite his severe injuries, fought desperately against the enemy.
"It's all because of you… because of you, the Immortal Chu Dynasty has come to this…" Chu Gucheng's face was filled with bitterness and hatred. He had long since noticed Gu Changge, calmly watching everything from above…