Chapter 442: A Wild Sparrow Dares to Swallow a Dragon

Gu Songyue stood with his hands behind his back at the center of the main peak's Dao Platform, a composed smile on his face as he exchanged pleasantries with the various Golden Core cultivators who descended one after another. Yet his heart was as clear as a mirror.

Though the scene before him seemed impressive—Golden Cores gathering like clouds, a grand spectacle, with streaks of light from all directions illuminating the sky above the Hundred Mountains as if every sect in the entire Xu Xuan Heaven had assembled here—he knew very well that not a single first-rate power truly capable of shaping the greater situation in Xu Xuan Heaven had arrived yet. Those present were merely scattered cultivators and small to medium-sized sects.

The Golden Cores from various sects took their seats on the peak's Dao Platform, exchanging greetings with Gu Songyue.

Some inquired about the purpose of the Three Origins Sect's sudden mobilization to convene this Dao Assembly, while others subtly probed for information about the legendary Ning Jiao Ancestor and what kind of figure he truly was.

Gu Songyue responded to each one with composure, leaving no cracks to exploit.

Just as the conversation on the platform grew lively, every Golden Core present fell silent in unison, their gazes turning as one toward the eastern horizon.

A vast golden light flew in from that direction.

Within the golden radiance, over a hundred figures could be faintly seen, neatly arranged, their robes fluttering in the wind.

Leading them was an elderly woman with her white hair neatly coiled into a round bun, a kind face etched with wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. She wore a gray-blue Daoist robe and leaned on a date-wood walking stick.

After landing on the main peak's Dao Platform, she spoke, "Xue Qin, Supreme Elder of the All-Through Dao Sect, leading the sect's disciples, arrives at Elder Wu's invitation to participate in the Dao Assembly."

She nodded toward Gu Songyue, "Many years have passed, Sect Master Gu. Your elegance outshines even the past."

A stone lifted from Gu Songyue's heart. He quickly clasped his hands in return and said solemnly, "Elder Xue has traveled a great distance. The Three Origins Sect is honored by your presence. Please take the seat of honor; a place has been reserved for the All-Through Dao Sect at the central Dao Platform."

Xue Qin gave a slight nod, offered no refusal, and slowly walked toward the seats with her walking stick. Behind her, over a hundred elders and disciples of the All-Through Dao Sect followed in a line, each settling onto the meditation cushions already prepared on the platform.

The arrival of the All-Through Dao Sect caused even the Golden Cores on the surrounding side peaks, who had been whispering among themselves, to involuntarily lower their voices.

The moment Xue Qin sat down, several Golden Core elders immediately transmitted messages to greet her.

"How has Elder Xue's cultivation been in recent years?"

"The All-Through Dao Sect's attendance at this assembly with such solemnity—does it mean the great heavenly calamity is indeed real?"

Xue Qin simply smiled and shook her head, neither confirming nor denying, her demeanor gentle and unbreachable.

But her very presence was already enough to speak volumes.

Those Golden Cores who had been on the fence, upon seeing the All-Through Dao Sect appear at the Hundred Mountains at that moment, immediately formed their judgment: if even the All-Through Dao Sect had dispatched their Supreme Elder to lead the delegation personally, then the so-called "great heavenly calamity" was likely not an unfounded rumor.

Just as the crowd buzzed with discussion, a crisp, cold aura suddenly drifted in from the northern sky.

As it swept over the Hundred Mountains' Dao Platform, a thin layer of white frost condensed on the stone railings.

A flock of snow-white Spirit Cranes flew in the lead, followed closely by dozens of figures dressed in plain white robes.

The cultivators of the Cold Palace from the North Sky Court and the Ten Thousand Demon Valley had also arrived, traveling together—a clear sign of the good relations between these two major powers.

After they took their seats, the Golden Core Earth Immortal from the Azure Tide Palace of the Eastern Sea also arrived.

Then, two beams of light simultaneously descended from the north onto the main peak's Dao Platform. As the light faded, two plainly dressed old men were revealed, each with a token hanging at their waist. One token bore the inscription "Blissful," and the other, "Dao."

The Blissful Heaven from Heavenly Mountain and the Dao Ground had each sent an elder as well.

Just as the rumors suggested, they remained low-key. Only two elders came, not even bringing disciples. After saluting Wu Shouzhuo, they quietly took their seats on the platform and said no more.

At this point, almost every power in Xu Xuan Heaven that could be named had arrived. But one important figure was still missing.

Xue Qin exchanged a few pleasantries with Gu Songyue, drank half a cup of tea, set down her cup, and suddenly asked, "Sect Master Gu, I dare to ask: did Elder Wu send an invitation to the Eight Tribes of the Great Marsh?"

Gu Songyue nodded. "He did. It was a personal invitation written by the elder himself and sent via Spirit Crane to the grotto of Elder White Abyss deep within the Great Marsh. By my calculations, he should have received it long ago."

Xue Qin gave a slight nod and didn't press further, but a thoughtful expression flickered in her eyes.

Meanwhile, the Earth Immortals from the Eight Wastelands, upon hearing this exchange, visibly darkened.

A burly elder from the Eight Wastelands let out a heavy snort, his voice as loud as a great bell, causing the tea in the cup on the table before him to ripple.

"Hmph! All the righteous human sects have arrived, but the demon path is still nowhere to be seen. What's the meaning of this?"

"Do they think they can look down on us fellow cultivators from the Cave Heavens and Blessed Lands, putting on airs on purpose?"

Another elder from the Eight Wastelands beside him echoed coldly, "If they didn't want to come, they should have sent word earlier. There's no need to make everyone here wait for nothing."

Gu Songyue calmly clasped his hands and said, "Fellow cultivators, please calm yourselves. The Great Marsh is far from the Southern Frontier. They may have encountered some unexpected delays along the way. Please be patient."

In his heart, he could understand the temper of these Eight Wastelands elders.

The Great Dao cultivated by the Eight Wastelands was extremely special. Though called a "Dao," it was vastly different from ordinary cultivation, much closer to the ancient beasts' methods of tempering the body.

They comprehended ancient beings and could even incorporate the visualization of those ancient existences into themselves, thereby gaining physical strength far exceeding cultivators of the same rank.

Because of this, the Golden Cores of the Eight Wastelands didn't like using flashy Dao arts. Instead, they preferred to use their pure physical strength to clash head-on with demonic beasts, which also fostered their straightforward and fiery personalities.

They always spoke their minds and vented their anger, never knowing how to beat around the bush.

When the elders from the Eight Wastelands saw Gu Songyue personally step in to explain, they slightly restrained their anger. With a cold snort, they said, "The reason our Cave Heaven and Blessed Land sects are sitting here quietly waiting is not because we have much patience for those slowpokes from the demon path, but out of respect for the Three Origins Sect's face."

"If they still haven't arrived after another incense stick's time, then let the Dao Assembly begin without them. We can't let them ruin the schedule."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a clear, resonant cry rang out from the horizon. The sound pierced through the clouds, cutting off the Eight Wastelands elder's words.

Immediately afterward, a dense demonic aura swept in from the northwestern horizon like a tidal wave.

The aura was so intense that the banners hanging on the Dao Platform fluttered violently without any wind, rustling loudly.

A few disciples with slightly weaker cultivation instinctively stepped back, only to be steadied by their senior brothers' hands on their shoulders.

The first thing to appear in sight was a massive azure phoenix. Its wings, when spread, blotted out the sky and sun, and its feathers shimmered with a flowing, green-gold luster in the sunlight.

It dove straight toward the main peak's Dao Platform, folding its wings at the last moment before crashing into it. The moment before landing, its enormous body rapidly contracted, transforming into a slender, azure figure that slammed onto the platform's stone slabs.

This figure hadn't fully taken human form. A pair of green-gold wings were still folded against his back, and his face was proud and cold.

He lifted his head, his gaze sweeping over the assembled sects. "Demon King Futian, invited by the Three Origins Sect. Who was that speaking ill of me just now?"

Behind him, half the sky was dyed red by flames as several Crimson Dragons flew in, circling the platform. Their scales glowed with a lava-like luster in the firelight, and the demonic aura they radiated made more than a few Golden Cores present involuntarily frown.

The Crimson Dragons circled in the sky with no intention of landing, as if deliberately hovering above everyone's heads to assert a condescending posture.

Gu Songyue's brow furrowed slightly. This wasn't what he had expected.

Why had Demon King Futian of the Eight Tribes come instead of Elder White Abyss? And why only the Azure Phoenix and Crimson Dragon tribes?

He suppressed his doubts and, with an unchanged expression, clasped his hands to Futian, probing, "Daoist Futian has traveled far, and for that, you have my thanks. I dare to ask: why did Elder White Abyss not come in person?"

Futian irritably shook the green-gold feathers on his shoulder and said impatiently, "That old geezer said something about a great heavenly calamity—no idea where he heard that rumor. He said there's no need for such a big fuss and sent a few of us to take a look. That's enough. It's just passing the time anyway."

He waved his hand dismissively. "What, am I, Futian, not qualified enough?"

The Eight Wastelands elder beside him let out a cold laugh. "Ha! Everyone in the world knows Elder White Abyss's character. If he were truly concerned, he would never send just a few juniors to fill the ranks. Don't tell me you little beasts made this up yourselves?"

A cold gleam flashed in Futian's eyes, and his wings spread slightly, a sharp demonic aura radiating from his entire body. "If you don't believe me, you're free to go to the Great Marsh and ask the old geezer yourselves. I won't be keeping you."

"If the Three Origins Sect doesn't welcome me, I'll take my people and leave right now."

Just as the atmosphere on the platform grew increasingly tense, a dull thud of a walking stick striking the stone slabs rang out from the central Dao Platform.

"Dong."

Everyone's mind fell still.

Xue Qin spoke slowly, "Silence. Since the Dao Assembly has begun, let us first discuss the matter of the great heavenly calamity. Any other disputes can wait until after the main business is concluded."

She gave a slight nod toward Gu Songyue. "Sect Master Gu, please continue."

The elders of the Eight Wastelands exchanged glances. Though their expressions remained displeased, they ultimately did not speak again.

After all, before them was the Supreme Elder of the All-Through Dao Sect. No one dared to contradict her openly.

Demon King Futian snorted coldly and didn't press the matter. He strode to a meditation cushion in the corner of the platform, folded his wings, and crossed his arms, assuming an air of "I'll just see what tricks you can come up with."

Gu Songyue clasped his hands to Xue Qin in thanks, his gaze sweeping over the assembled sects, but in his heart, he was deep in thought.

Elder White Abyss had not come in person, and only two of the Eight Tribes had arrived. The remaining five—Black Turtle, Nine-Tails, Silver Feather, Golden Eyes, and Jade Toad—had not sent a single demon.

This was far from normal.

If Elder White Abyss truly cared nothing for the great heavenly calamity, that was impossible. That white ape, who had lived for over a thousand years, knew better than anyone that something capable of prompting both the Three Origins Sect and the All-Through Dao Sect to convene a Dao Assembly could never be "just passing the time."

Perhaps something had happened to him.

Gu Songyue secretly transmitted a message to his personal disciple beside him, ordering him to set out immediately for the Great Marsh to investigate the situation, while his face remained unchanged.

He turned to face the main peak's Dao Platform and announced in a clear voice, "Fellow cultivators, please take your seats."

The Golden Cores of the various sects took their seats as instructed, and the clamor on the platform gradually subsided.

Just then, a clear voice rang out from the crowd.

The questioner was an elder from the Liang Yi Sect.

"Dare I ask, Sect Master Gu, since the Dao Assembly has already begun, why is Elder Wu still nowhere to be seen?"

"Since this Dao Assembly was initiated by the Three Origins Sect and uses the great heavenly calamity as the reason to gather the world's fellow cultivators, Elder Wu should not be absent, in principle."

Gu Songyue smiled unhurriedly and clasped his hands to the elder. "Fellow cultivator, please be patient. In fact, the Three Origins Sect wishes to take this opportunity to announce something to you all."

Just as his words fell, several figures could be seen flying in from the depths of the sea of clouds on the horizon.

Leading the way were two figures walking side by side.

On the left was an old man in gray-white Daoist robes—none other than Supreme Elder Wu Shouzhuo of the Three Origins Sect.

On the right was a young cultivator in a white robe, a sword hanging at his waist, his expression calm, his demeanor composed. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Wu Shouzhuo, he showed not a hint of awkwardness.

Behind the two of them followed several Golden Core elders of the Three Origins Sect, as well as Guanshan Dao Master and the Old Whale Man.

After clasping their hands in greeting to the crowd from atop the platform, Guanshan Dao Master and Old Man Whale descended to take their seats on the Dao Platform of the Eighteen Islands of Zhan County.

But the young figure in the white robe remained standing shoulder to shoulder with Wu Shouzhuo, not stepping back.

All eyes converged on him at that moment.

"Who is this young cultivator?"

"To stand shoulder to shoulder with Elder Wu, his status must be considerable."

"Could he be that newly returned Golden Core, Daoist Ning Jiao?"

"I heard the rumor of the great heavenly calamity first came from the South Sea, and the source seems to be him."

"With the All-Through Dao Sect here, this matter is probably not simple."

Amid the murmurs, Wu Shouzhuo, hands behind his back, landed at the center of the main peak's Dao Platform.

His gaze swept around and paused on Xue Qin, a smile spreading across his face. "Elder Xue, it's been a long time. You still shine as brightly as ever, your style undiminished by the years."

Xue Qin let out a light chuckle, leaning slightly on her walking stick. "Seeing that Elder Wu is still so hale and hearty, this old woman is relieved."

Her gaze shifted from Wu Shouzhuo to the white-robed youth beside him. She looked him up and down for a moment, and undisguised admiration shone in her eyes.

"This must be Sword Immortal Ning Jiao. Reputation is one thing, but meeting in person is another. What a handsome prodigy."

Chen Yu clasped his hands in return, neither humble nor arrogant. "Elder Xue flatters me."

The surrounding cultivators were quietly sizing up Chen Yu, no one knew what they were thinking.

Just as the atmosphere grew delicate, Wu Shouzhuo cleared his throat.

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this Dao Assembly. With time so short, our preparations have been lacking in many ways. I hope you will forgive us."

As he spoke, his expression suddenly turned serious, and his tone deepened. "However, the matter is urgent. The Three Origins Sect had no choice but to convene this Dao Assembly early and summon the world's fellow cultivators to discuss an important affair."

Someone blurted out, "Is it about the great heavenly calamity?"

"Indeed." Wu Shouzhuo nodded, his gaze sweeping the entire gathering. "In recent years, the waves of the South Sea have not ceased, and frequent abnormal tremors have been coming from deep within the Abyss. The fellow cultivators of the Eighteen Islands of Zhan County have already investigated in advance and confirmed that the anomalies are occurring within the Abyss—an unprecedented event."

He turned slightly, gesturing toward Guanshan Dao Master. "Guanshan Daoist will provide you with the details."

Guanshan Dao Master rose at the opportune moment and solemnly clasped his hands to the assembled sects. "Fellow cultivators, I am Chen Heting, Dao name Guanshan, one of the Dao Masters of the Eighteen Islands of Zhan County."

"This matter has indeed been confirmed through multiple investigations. It is no groundless rumor. The tremors deep within the Abyss are accelerating month by month."

"The sea fiends in the South Sea have been acting abnormally frequently lately. Many ancient creatures that dwell deep beneath the sea have surfaced in the shallows, as if fleeing from something."

The Old Whale Man beside him also rose slowly and clasped his hands to the sects. "This old man is a Demon King of the South Sea, having guarded the Abyss for generations. Today, I stake my identity as a Demon King to vouch that something has indeed gone wrong in the Abyss."

"I earnestly request that you all, for the time being, set aside the rift between humans and demons and face this impending great heavenly calamity together."

Demon King of the South Sea?

Several divine senses swept over the gray-robed old man, followed by expressions of surprise.

It was indeed the aura of a Demon King, and his Dao foundation was deep. He was no ordinary demon in disguise.

Even a Demon King had come in person to testify. Such sincerity was indeed substantial.

Only Demon King Futian, in the corner of the platform, let out a disdainful snort, deliberately raising his voice to ensure everyone present could hear.

"Hmph! I know what demons are like. Do you think I'll believe you just because you pull out a demon's identity?"

The Crimson Dragon circling behind him couldn't help but mutter under its breath, "Futian, you're insulting yourself..."

Only then did Demon King Futian seem to realize that his own words had included himself. He quickly coughed and changed his tune. "Anyway, my Eight Tribes don't believe in your fancy human tricks. A great heavenly calamity? How could a calamity just happen out of nowhere?"

"I suspect you Three Origins Sect are behind this, trying to use it as an excuse to command the world."

Chen Yu glanced at him.

This guy might not have the highest IQ, but he sure was good at causing trouble.

Just as Wu Shouzhuo had said, reaching a consensus on an occasion like this was far from simple.

Wu Shouzhuo wasn't annoyed, either, acting as if he hadn't heard Futian's words at all. He continued, "My sect's Junior Brother Ning Jiao once ventured deep into the South Sea to investigate the anomalies in the Abyss. Due to the unique nature of his Great Dao, he was able to glimpse beyond the Abyss and saw the demon that annihilates the Dao, coiled outside the realm."

He gave a slight nod toward Chen Yu.

Chen Yu understood. Raising his sleeve, he waved it, and divine sense emanated from between his brows, splitting into countless fine strands of light that entered the sea of consciousness of every cultivator present.

Instantly, the scene he had witnessed appeared in everyone's minds: in an endless silver void, a pitch-black silhouette so vast it defied description stood upright.

Merely observing its form sent a tremor and chill from the depths of their souls, causing the faces of a few disciples with slightly weaker cultivation to turn pale in an instant.

"Such, such cultivation..." a Golden Core elder exclaimed, frowning. "It far surpasses the late Golden Core stage. But how is that possible? There are actually living things outside the realm?"

"Why is that void silver?"

"Is this truly beyond the Abyss?"

"Even from this far away, that aura still makes my heart pound. If it were to truly break through the barrier of the Abyss and step into Xu Xuan Heaven, would we really have any hope of stopping it?"

The murmurs on the platform rose and fell, a mixture of doubt and horror.

Seeing that the moment was right, Wu Shouzhuo gently brushed his divine sense across the platform like an invisible, cool breeze, calming the commotion.

Once the platform was quiet again, he spoke. "Whether you believe it or not, this great heavenly calamity concerns the survival of all Xu Xuan Heaven. To face this calamity, the Three Origins Sect has made a decision, and we wish to take this opportunity to announce it to the world."

He took a deep breath. "As of this moment, I formally resign from my position as Supreme Elder of the Three Origins Sect. My Junior Brother Ning Jiao will succeed me. From now on, he will command the Southern Frontier."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire assembly was shocked, erupting into an uproar.

"Letting a young man who has just entered the Golden Core stage serve as Supreme Elder of the Three Origins Sect? Has the Three Origins Sect lost its mind?"

"Or has Elder Wu sensed that his end is near and is arranging his affairs in advance?"

"But the Three Origins Sect has many Golden Core prodigies. Patriarch Dangjian, Feng Qingyun, would be an excellent choice. Why choose this obscure young sword cultivator?"

"Is it to build up his momentum? But this is too grand..."

The murmurs rose and fell, nearly drowning out the entire platform. No one could believe that this young cultivator was qualified to be Supreme Elder.

On the contrary, the few Golden Core elders of the Three Origins Sect, as if they had been prepared for this, showed no surprise at all.

They stood up in unison and solemnly clasped their hands to Chen Yu, saying in unison, "Greetings, Supreme Elder."

Among them were even the two prodigies of the Three Origins Sect, Gu Songyue and Feng Qingyun, who both bowed their heads to the white-robed youth.

Even the elders of the All-Through Dao Sect beside them couldn't help but show expressions of surprise.

Clearly, they hadn't received this news in advance, either.

Xue Qin's gaze moved back and forth between Wu Shouzhuo and Chen Yu, a thoughtful look on her face.

And Chen Yu, standing at the center of all eyes, remained as calm as still water.

He seemed to have anticipated this storm long ago. He took a step forward. "From today onward, the various sects of the Southern Frontier will heed my command and face the great heavenly calamity together."

The sect elders of the Southern Frontier who were present looked at each other in hesitation, but after a moment, they finally clasped their hands and bowed their heads. "Greetings, Dao Leader."

Chen Yu was about to continue speaking.

"Heh."

A sneer came from the corner of the platform.

Demon King Futian looked up at Chen Yu, his gaze full of provocation and contempt. "Dao Leader? We haven't agreed to that."

"You can talk until the cows come home, but don't think you can fool us with some empty title. A great heavenly calamity? That's all bullshit."

Chen Yu turned around, his gaze falling on this proud, arrogant azure phoenix. He asked with interest, "So what does Daoist Futian suggest?"

Futian lifted his chin arrogantly. "Dao Leader? Only someone who can beat me has the right to be called Dao Leader!"

Chen Yu was momentarily stunned, then couldn't help but laugh. "I'm afraid that would damage our harmony, wouldn't it?"

"Who wants harmony with you? If you want to fight, then fight. If not, we're going back to the Great Marsh to enjoy our freedom. You can be your own Dao Leader for all we care!"

Chen Yu studied Futian for a moment, then wiped the smile from his face.

He let out a light sigh and earnestly clasped his hands. "It's not that Chen is afraid. It's just that I don't know my own strength. If I accidentally hurt you, it might harm the harmony between the Great Marsh and the Southern Frontier."

He straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the few Crimson Dragons circling behind Futian.

"How about all of you demon tribes come at me together?"