Chapter 579. An Inexplicable Sense of Crisis, the True Calamity

What the Celestial Court had achieved was already remarkable, at least in the eyes of everyone else.

How long had it been since Earth awakened and its people first encountered extraordinary power? Even starfields with only modest foundations possessed cultivation histories far longer than Earth's, let alone the top hundred starfields.

Despite this disparity, the Celestial Court had withstood the enemy's attacks under the leadership of Zhu Qingyu and its other core members. That alone was reason for pride, especially since they had accomplished it while protecting most of Earth's population.

If the Celestial Court abandoned those it protected, it could even take the offensive and counterattack. Zhu Qingyu refused to consider that option. Moving out would expose openings for the enemy to exploit, and the safety of ordinary citizens remained her sole priority.

Her strategy might have seemed overly cautious and passive to outsiders, but she believed that avoiding mistakes was more important than forcing a victory. That restraint had allowed both the Celestial Court and the people under its protection a chance to breathe. Even with enemies on every side, they had continued to hold firm.

Zhu Qingyu had also reached out to those who refused to submit to the Eternals and the Ji Clan. She asked them to assist the Celestial Court however they could, whether by joining the fighting or simply providing information.

Thanks to the Celestial Court's reputation and the impression Lu Yuan had left behind, the effort produced encouraging results.

Even Jiang Huanyun was impressed by what Zhu Qingyu had achieved. In his eyes, for a woman to have brought the Celestial Court this far was no small feat.

Still, how long could the situation last?

Jiang Huanyun did not know.

Meanwhile, aboard the Eternal Warship, an expert of the Eternals regarded the situation with surprise.

"I didn't expect the Celestial Court to hold out this long. I thought that once we made our move, even if we couldn't destroy them outright, we would at least deal them a devastating blow. Who would have imagined that we would accomplish nothing?"

Aside from the Jiang Clan members, the Celestial Court had virtually no Immortals, yet it had endured attacks from beings of numerous races.

"Indeed. It seems we'll have to handle this ourselves," a Ji Clan expert said. Though the result had surprised him, he was not particularly concerned. They had never expected their new followers to conquer Earth on their behalf. When the decisive moment arrived, the two forces would still have to act themselves.

"That moment is almost here."

The Eternals' Celestial Seat Immortal sensed the changes in the surrounding world and smiled. "In a few more days, the remaining defenses left by Earth's ancient experts will be completely worn away. Then it will be our turn."

They had long since grown impatient, but waiting a few more days would eliminate the possibility of an unexpected threat.

"That's right. Only a few days remain," the Ji Clan expert agreed. "When the time comes, no one will be able to stop our plan."

The members of the two forces exchanged satisfied smiles. As far as they were concerned, everything they had planned would soon become reality.

They said nothing more and waited.

Time passed, and on Jade Emperor Peak at Mount Tai, Jiang Huanyun stood with a solemn expression, carefully sensing the aura of the surrounding world.

"I wasn't mistaken. The change is becoming more pronounced. But is it good or bad?"

He frowned. A persistent sense of unease had taken root in his heart, though he could not tell whether it came from the changes in the world or something else. His cultivation was not high enough to perceive more.

Soon, Zhu Qingyu and the other core members of the Celestial Court arrived.

"Senior, did you call for us?" ℴ

Jiang Huanyun nodded. "Lately, I haven't been able to shake the feeling that something is wrong. It feels as though something terrible is about to happen, though I can't say what. I called you here to warn you to remain vigilant in the coming days, even if there may be little we can do..."

His voice faded, and his gaze grew grave.

"None of us have let down our guard, Senior," Young Celestial Master Chunyang assured him. "The moment anything happens, wherever it may be, we'll receive word and respond immediately."

Everyone present had been so busy that they barely had time to eat, but none of them cared. They understood their responsibilities and remained confident that they could contain any sudden disturbance.

Jiang Huanyun nodded, though the unease in his heart did not lessen. The others found his reaction strange. They had never seen him so troubled before.

Rumble!

A violent roar suddenly erupted from the void. Endless thunder spread across the sky as an overwhelmingly powerful presence descended. Even the Eternal Warship hovering above Earth sank lower than before.

What was happening?

Had the two forces finally decided to attack?

Alarm swept through the group at the thought. Before they could respond, Golden-Winged Great Peng swooped down from the distance.

"Something's wrong! An unknown power has appeared in many of the famous mountains and great rivers, along with a strange black mist. The mist seems to possess some mysterious ability. Weaker beings lose their minds as soon as they come into contact with it."

Everyone was stunned, and Jiang Huanyun's face tightened.

Before leaving Earth, Lu Yuan had told them about the Extracosmic Heavenly Demons. Their most distinctive sign was a black mist that possessed unfathomable abilities.

The report immediately brought those beings to mind. But how had the power of the Extracosmic Heavenly Demons appeared on Earth without Jiang Huanyun sensing it beforehand?

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, unable to explain what had happened.

However, one thing was certain.

The true calamity was about to descend.