The vast and mighty army of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had come quickly and retreated just as quickly. The boundless killing intent that had shrouded the heavens, earth, and universe dissipated along with the rapid retreat of the ancient war ships.
The Dao Realms existences that had been fighting fiercely across various spacetimes also withdrew swiftly, unwilling to prolong the battle.
Clashes between beings of the same level could easily last tens of millions of years; without multiple parties intervening, it was difficult to determine a victor, let alone life or death.
Unless they were ambushed, Dao Realms existences rarely fell in such large-scale battles.
Neither the Heaven-Slaying Alliance nor the Alliance of Righteous Unity suffered many losses among their Dao Realms existences.
Rumble rumble!
One ancient war ship after another swept across the sky, spacetime ripples spread, and portal tunnels were opened one after another. The Heaven-Slaying Alliance army had come fiercely, and they retreated just as unbridled, seemingly unafraid of pursuit from the Alliance of Righteous Unity.
Many high-level figures such as Chu Xiao, Zhuo Fengxie, and Hun Yuanjun guarded the rear, facing off against the strongmen of the Alliance of Righteous Unity from across a universe. Only after watching the massive army retreat did they turn and leave.
That white-robed figure stood quietly in the universe with his hands behind his back, expressionless and offering no resistance.
Many strongmen of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had ugly expressions, but none dared to step forward and stop them. They could only watch helplessly as the Heaven-Slaying Alliance army retreated like the tide.
Although this battle seemed to have given them the upper hand and allowed them to gain some advantage, they knew very well that the Alliance of Righteous Unity had never held any advantage at all.
From the start of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's campaign against the Alliance of Righteous Unity until now, that mysterious and invincible Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had never appeared, let alone made a move.
From across vast spatiotemporal dimensions, he sat guard within the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, intimidating the entire Vast Expanse. Countless civilizations and traditions, countless clans, dared not act rashly.
Even the overbearing and domineering Dark Beings dared not set foot on or invade so much as an inch of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's territory.
The existence of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's Alliance Leader was like a terrifying demonic mountain hanging over the heads of all living beings, bringing with it unparalleled terror and intimidation.
The Alliance of Righteous Unity had indeed won this battle, but what about the next?
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance would certainly not let the Alliance of Righteous Unity go.
If that Alliance Leader acted personally, what would the result be?
Many high-level members of the Alliance of Righteous Unity, who had breathed a sigh of relief because of this victory, now felt their hearts grow heavy again, with gloom rising in their minds.
"When the time comes, can we still count on this Senior?" Someone looked at that mysterious white-robed figure and thought of the Killing Array Diagram in his hand.
Could the so-called Fourth Ancient Killing Formation, said to slay immortals and kill gods, withstand the Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?
After this great battle, devastation was everywhere across the various universes. Star domains were shattered, corpses and weapon fragments littered the void, the stench of blood was strong, and many broken chariots drifted through the cosmos.
Although the army of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had no fear of fighting the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, many still couldn't help but breathe long sighs of relief as they watched the vast Heaven-Slaying Alliance army retreat, finally relaxing.
The terrifying sense of oppression that had hung over their heads finally dissipated.
At least for now, the Alliance of Righteous Unity could catch its breath and gain a period of relative respite.
Meanwhile, many beings across the various regions of the Vast Expanse who had been closely watching this pivotal battle now withdrew their gazes, their moods varied and exceedingly complex.
Many were surprised by the outcome of this battle. They hadn't expected the Alliance of Righteous Unity to produce such a mysterious existence, one who also wielded the Fourth Ancient Killing Formation and possessed powerful methods, trapping the Vice-Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and forcing the Heaven-Slaying Alliance army to retreat.
But looking at the long-term situation, although the Alliance of Righteous Unity had repelled the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, it did not mean they could rest easy from now on.
The Alliance of Righteous Unity could defeat the Heaven-Slaying Alliance countless times, but the Heaven-Slaying Alliance only needed to defeat the Alliance of Righteous Unity once.
The vast disparity in strength had been laid bare in this battle.
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance still had many formidable and terrifying figures who had not yet taken the field.
On the side of the Alliance of Righteous Unity, they had almost exhausted their entire foundation.
Not to mention the Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, whom the entire Vast Expanse feared and dreaded, had never made a move from beginning to end.
"The Heaven-Slaying Alliance army dares to retreat so wantonly, yet the Alliance of Righteous Unity dares not pursue—that's because they lack confidence and feel guilty…"
Many ancient existences couldn't help but sigh.
Both the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and the Alliance of Righteous Unity were behemoths that had gathered numerous traditions and civilizations, with foundations and strength far exceeding ordinary Supreme True Worlds.
With the Land of the Dark Source about to approach and return to the Vast Expanse, they also did not want these two behemoths to fight to mutual destruction, allowing the Dark Beings to benefit from the conflict.
No one could guess the thoughts and intentions of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's Alliance Leader, let alone persuade him to change his mind.
The outcome of this pivotal battle between the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and the Alliance of Righteous Unity quickly spread across the various regions and spacetimes of the Vast Expanse, causing a huge sensation.
Many traditions and civilizations were speculating about the identity and origin of that mysterious white-robed figure.
After all, he had essentially single-handedly repelled the army of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance—such a feat was truly astonishing.
Many beings even speculated that the mysterious white-robed figure's strength surpassed that of ordinary Ancestral Dao Realm existences, and that he might very well be an existence who had weathered nine instances of the Heavenly Decline Tribulation.
As soon as this speculation emerged, it caused an uproar across various regions and civilizations.
In the current era, what did it mean to have weathered nine instances of the Heavenly Decline Tribulation? It meant that he was already approaching the End of the Path, having reached a point on the Dao Realms path that few had ever attained.
However, many ancient existences also felt it was unlikely. If he were an Ancestral Dao Realm existence who had weathered nine instances of the Heavenly Decline Tribulation, he should not have allowed the Heaven-Slaying Alliance army to retreat unharmed.
With such strength, why would he need to fear the Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?
Before this, some traditions and civilizations had already speculated that Gu Changge, the Alliance Leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, was an existence who had weathered nine instances of the Heavenly Decline Tribulation and truly stepped into the End of the Path.
But this speculation had never been verified. Those who had truly seen the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's Alliance Leader make a move were either dead or had submitted to him and become his subordinates.
If that mysterious white-robed figure's strength rivaled that of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's Alliance Leader, how could the Alliance of Righteous Unity have let such a good opportunity to oppose the Heaven-Slaying Alliance slip away?
In the short few days since the Heaven-Slaying Alliance withdrew its troops, various rumors and speculations emerged, and the various regions of the Vast Expanse were stirred up with wind and clouds, full of discussion.
Many traditions and civilizations also paid attention to the whereabouts of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance army.
When they saw that many ancient war ships had halted in the borderlands of the Alliance of Righteous Unity, staying within those universes and not truly retreating, they understood that this great battle was not yet over.
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance would likely next discuss countermeasures against that mysterious white-robed figure.
As for how the Alliance of Righteous Unity would respond, that was the Alliance of Righteous Unity's own affair.
The impending approach and return of the Land of the Dark Source made many civilizations and clans feel urgency and pressure.
If it weren't for the fact that the great war between the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and the Alliance of Righteous Unity had seized the attention of countless traditions, the various regions of the Vast Expanse might have already erupted in a great war against the Dark Beings.
"Now that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and the Alliance of Righteous Unity have ceased fighting, perhaps we can discuss countermeasures and persuade them to set aside past prejudices and enmities to join forces against the Dark Beings."
"The Dark Beings are the great scourge that all clans of the Vast Expanse must face. No one wants to see the past calamities repeat themselves."
"Regardless, the top priority now is to prevent the return of the Land of the Dark Source and to stop the schemes of the Dark Beings. If we allow the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and the Alliance of Righteous Unity to continue fighting, that would only play into the Dark Beings' hands."
Of course, many clans were also worried and focused their thoughts on dealing with the Dark Beings. They felt that the withdrawal of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance army had given the Alliance of Righteous Unity a chance to breathe, and this was also a good opportunity to persuade the two behemoths to temporarily set aside their differences and join forces.
After discussions, many clans promptly dispatched their most respected and venerable elders, bearing numerous precious treasures, to hurry toward the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and the Alliance of Righteous Unity respectively, hoping to persuade both sides to join forces.
At the same time, under the leadership of many reclusive clans that had emerged from seclusion, many traditions and civilizations that had friction and grudges with each other also temporarily set aside their enmities, agreeing to join forces, establish rules, and form an alliance to contend with the Dark Beings.
This news spread rapidly across the various regions of the Vast Expanse, bringing waves of excitement to many cultivators and beings.
However, some also expressed concern, noting that the establishment of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had been founded on the premise of dealing with the Dark Beings and benefiting all living beings.
Yet many of the actions taken by the Alliance of Righteous Unity after its establishment had been truly frustrating and disheartening.
No one knew what consequences the establishment of this new alliance would bring. With the precedent set before them, many clans and forces were reluctant to trust again.
Faced with such doubts, some cultivators and beings quickly came forward to explain, arguing that the emergence of a new alliance was inevitable. Just as the Alliance of Righteous Unity had been established to counter the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and maintain order in the Vast Expanse, not to deal with the Dark Beings.
As for the Alliance of Righteous Unity signing a humiliating peace treaty with the Dark Beings, that was also forced upon them. At that time, the Alliance of Righteous Unity was caught between the Dark Beings and the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, attacked from both sides.
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance was bent on destroying and absorbing the Alliance of Righteous Unity. Faced with such circumstances, the only thing the Alliance of Righteous Unity could do was compromise and retreat, sacrificing some clans and forces in exchange for the safety of its remaining member civilizations.
If the Alliance of Righteous Unity had chosen to fight the Dark Beings to the death, then the Heaven-Slaying Alliance would have benefited in the end. Without the balancing force of the Alliance of Righteous Unity, wouldn't the Heaven-Slaying Alliance become even more lawless and unrestrained?
In this dilemma, the Alliance of Righteous Unity's only option was to compromise with the Dark Beings, cede territory, abandon some clans and forces, and thus bear numerous condemnations and scorn.
Under this explanation, all the actions of the Alliance of Righteous Unity seemed to become reasonable.
Yet this still could not erase its current image in the hearts of all Vast Expanse clans as cowardly, shameless, and treacherous.
The many high-level members of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had not expected that some beings and cultivators would explain things on their behalf. Although it was like a veiled "whitewashing" of their decisions and actions, the stains on the Alliance of Righteous Unity were simply too many, no less than those of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
This also led many clans and forces to be full of anticipation for this newly established alliance, placing many of their hopes upon it.
Perhaps this new alliance would become the only ray of light to cling to in the current darkness.
"The emergence of this new alliance has likely been long prepared, and now it's just a case of meeting the right moment. Before this, weren't you all curious as to where the fourth party force hidden in the shadows came from?"
"Now, take a look—hasn't it finally shown its true colors?"
Within the Alliance of Righteous Unity, in a grand and ancient hall, the Master of the Cosmic Annihilation Mansion, who also served as Vice-Alliance Leader, smiled faintly.
Beside him, many high-level members of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had gathered to discuss the matter of the new alliance.
The withdrawal of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance army had indeed given the Alliance of Righteous Unity a chance to catch its breath.
During this time, all the external rumors and news had naturally reached the ears of the high-level members of the Alliance of Righteous Unity.
And among them, the matters concerning this new alliance had drawn their great attention.
Although this new alliance appeared to deal with the Dark Beings, from another perspective, it would also become a new vast force to check and balance the Alliance of Righteous Unity.
Currently, the Vast Expanse could be roughly divided into three forces: the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, the Alliance of Righteous Unity, and the Dark Beings, in a tripartite balance.
The many scattered civilizations, traditions, clans, and forces were insufficient to challenge or contend with any one of these forces.
But the emergence of this new alliance was clearly an attempt to unite those scattered civilizations, traditions, clans, and forces, to gather that loose sand into a single whole.
Once this force gathered, it would not be negligible.
"This fourth party force that has remained hidden until now likely has great ambitions. Previously, it spread many messages, clarifying the relationship between the Dark Beings and the former Heaven's Proxy Organization, then turned its矛头 against us, intending to incite various civilizations to oppose us."
"Now it seems, once this new alliance is established, the situation in the Vast Expanse will likely take a turn…"
"Given the character of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's Alliance Leader, he does not seem like someone who would willingly hand over the benefits before him."
"He might temporarily turn his矛头 against this newly established alliance, or directly forbid its establishment."
In the hall, the high-level members of the Alliance of Righteous Unity all speculated and discussed.
Many had flickering eyes, full of unusual expression, believing that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance might act next to disrupt the establishment of the new alliance.
And that would also be an opportunity for the Alliance of Righteous Unity.
At the same time, back in the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, Chu Xiao, Zhuo Fengxie, and the others were reporting to Gu Changge about the many events of this great battle.
Their faces carried shame and remorse. With such a huge advantage, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had been forced to retreat by the Alliance of Righteous Unity in this battle, and had even caused Vice-Alliance Leader Ling Yuling to meet with misfortune, possibly trapped in a void spacetime.
If they had investigated the strength and methods of that mysterious white-robed figure earlier, they would not have suffered such a great loss.
In the end, it was because their advantage had been too great, leading to overconfidence and carelessness.
"This battle is not your fault. The main reason is that I was too lazy and underestimated it, not paying much attention or concern."
Gu Changge waved his hand. He sat calmly in a pavilion, dressed in feathered robes, spotless, his eyes peaceful and warm, carrying an air of detachment and transcendence. He did not blame Chu Xiao and the others.
Of course, that was what he said, but the specific reason was that he had already known the outcome of this battle and had not deliberately done anything.
He was simply waiting for the Master of Fate to act personally, thereby bringing into play those "big fish" that had been hiding all along.
If the Heaven-Slaying Alliance did not give the Alliance of Righteous Unity a chance to catch its breath, how could those "big fish" lurking in the shadows have an opportunity to operate?
Take this upcoming new alliance, for example.
The emergence of this new alliance also meant that those fellows had finally lost patience.
"Alliance Leader, Senior Yuling may be trapped in a void spacetime…"
Although Gu Changge showed no intention of blaming them, Chu Xiao was still full of remorse and couldn't help speaking up, somewhat worried.
"You need not worry about Ling Yuling's matter. I will resolve it." Gu Changge waved his hand again and said calmly.