Ten days to half a month, or even longer, was originally planned.
The strategy was to lure out the cultivators and powerhouses of the Shangling Sect one by one by attacking their strongholds.
Then, they would be eliminated in batches to achieve the best effect.
However, upon learning that the cultivators of the Shangling Sect were practicing the techniques of the Blood Fiend Hall,
The group immediately unleashed their full power without any hesitation, decisively eliminating the opponents.
The reason was simple: cultivators of the three realms from the five demonic sects never appeared alone.
Once they made a public appearance or were about to undertake any action, it would invariably be a joint effort of two or three sects.
Therefore, the reinforcements the opponents were calling for would not solely consist of the Shangling Sect.
Although they were not weak and even possessed the ability to challenge ordinary sects,
Their fate would be uncertain if they were surrounded by a large number of powerful figures from the five demonic sects.
Furthermore, if the opponents were to discover that the inner elders of the Nine Xuan Sect, along with two contemporary prodigies, were present,
At the very least, cultivators from the five demonic sects would rush over with precious treasures at the fastest speed.
And if a Golden Core Great Cultivator heard the news, they might also set out to eliminate them with a casual sweep.
Certain rules, or unwritten conventions between various factions,
Were essentially mere trifles to cultivators of the demonic path.
Thus, Ji Yuan and the others unleashed their full power without hesitation, not holding back even a little.
Under their full assault, amidst roaring sounds, the vast sea of blood suddenly collapsed.
The three cultivators of the Blood Fiend Hall at the Ming Dao realm did not even have a chance to reform into human shape.
Their souls, along with the sea of blood, shattered. All their power was either annihilated by the attack or absorbed by the towering tree transformed by Shangguan Wuxiang and the ten-zhang Xuan Tian Shi Ling Pagoda.
"Go!"
Ji Yuan let out a low cry.
At the same time, his mind moved, and the Xuan Tian Shi Ling Pagoda vibrated, emitting powerful ripples. The golden lotuses in the void swayed, scattering golden light.
Confirming that the souls of the three opponents had vanished without a trace,
The four of them immediately turned and fled, not even bothering with the mine below.
Any delay now would increase the risk of being surrounded by the powerful figures of the five demonic sects.
Even with the strength of Ji Yuan and the others, they absolutely wished to avoid such a situation unless absolutely necessary.
They transformed into streaks of light, not returning the way they came, but instead, using the divine abilities of Ji Yuan's natal flying sword, they plunged into the void and took a long detour.
Fortunately, the group managed to return to the county town without incident.
Here, while not absolutely safe, they at least had some assurance.
Although the existence of the Rebirth Tower was no longer a secret, and any faction with some power was aware of it,
It had not yet fully surfaced.
Unless it was the final battle and victory had been achieved.
Otherwise, neither the Rebirth Tower nor the five demonic sects would dare to openly reveal their identities.
This was one of the few unspoken rules between the two sides.
If the opposing side dared to move from the shadows into the open, regardless of the games played between various factions, they would have to join forces to attack.
This was a matter of different stances. Whether for their own interests or for other reasons, they had to firmly express their attitude.
Unless they chose to defect to the Rebirth Tower and completely part ways with the imperial court, the righteous path, and so on.
If that were to happen, the final battle would break out prematurely.
Given the current situation, the chaos was estimated to last for quite some time. If it erupted early, it might not be a good thing for any party.
It was only after returning to the Ming Xin Pavilion that the group finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With the protection of the grand formation here, even if a Golden Core Great Cultivator attacked with full force, they could hold out for a while.
During this time, it would be enough for Wang Zhenyuan, the Director of the Ming Jian Division, to intervene.
Some time ago, Ji Yuan had already visited and secured an opportunity to request Wang Zhenyuan's assistance.
Given their relationship, obtaining even one instance of intervention was already difficult.
Under normal circumstances, it was something they wouldn't even dare to think of.
It was clear that Wang Zhenyuan favored this junior and granted him preferential treatment.
But that was all. It wasn't that he couldn't provide more, but he had no obligation to do so.
However, even one instance of intervention was enough for Ji Yuan.
If used wisely, it could play a decisive role.
"A few days ago, several sects suddenly dispatched powerhouses in secret."
As soon as they returned to the Ming Xin Pavilion, they received a piece of intelligence.
The cultivators of the three realms who had quietly left the county town had ultimately gathered and were heading towards the mine of the Shangling Sect.
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan's gaze sharpened. This confirmed that these sects likely belonged to the five demonic sects.
Their actions were not inconspicuous, but they were still no match for Elder Hong Tian.
Their tracks were easily discovered, and they did not realize they had been followed for some distance.
"It's not just the five demonic sects; I also detected two or three demonic auras."
Elder Hong Tian said in a deep voice.
At these words, everyone's hearts sank.
The presence of demonic auras within the demonic faction might indicate interference from the demon race.
After all, any demon that reached the three realms was inextricably linked to the Demon Realm.
It was unknown which Demon Realm was interfering in Luoxia County.
Within the territory of the Great Yu Dynasty, there were a total of nine Demon Realms. Their Demon Kings and Demon Generals had earned their positions by following Emperor Tianwu in his conquest.
However, as Emperor Tianwu grew old and his lifespan dwindled, the demons in these Demon Realms began to stir.
Now that Emperor Tianwu had passed away, no one could believe that the nine Demon Realms would remain silent.
Looking back over the past few decades, there had been many voices from the Demon Realms suggesting that this vast territory should rightfully belong to their race.
If their demon race had not lost nearly seventy percent of their kin in the past, Emperor Tianwu would not have been able to establish a prosperous era.
Yet, after the war ended, the demons who had sacrificed everything for Emperor Tianwu were relegated to nine Demon Realms, forbidden to leave, and prohibited from interacting with the human world.
On this matter, it wasn't just the ordinary demons below, but even the nine Demon Kings were discontent and had already expressed their grievances.
However, during the past wars, the human race's strength had not diminished much. Coupled with the resources gained from enjoying a vast territory,
Their strength had long surpassed that of the demon race by several, even more than ten times!
But now, with the death of Emperor Tianwu and the new emperor yet to be chosen,
Combined with the Rebirth Tower, rebellions in various regions, and some restless factions and individuals,
The Great Yu Dynasty, while not on the verge of collapse, was no longer as impregnable as before.
Therefore, the cooperation between the demon race and the Rebirth Tower seemed not entirely strange.
In fact, it was within everyone's expectations.
If the nine Demon Realms did nothing, it would instead arouse suspicion, making one wonder if a greater conspiracy was being brewed.
"Although it was anticipated, the interference of the demon race will ultimately make the situation more chaotic."
Ji Yuan sighed, a rare look of worry on his face.
He was not a pessimistic person. While he appeared more composed than others, his disposition was usually carefree.
However, upon hearing about the demon race's movements, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
Normally, demons of the same realm possessed strength far exceeding that of humans.
Of course, this was when disregarding cultivation techniques and magical artifacts.
But even when taking into account cultivation techniques and magical artifacts, humans might not hold an advantage.
After all, among the demon race, there were also ancient celestial techniques and supreme treasures forged with countless rare materials.
The true advantage of the human race lay in their sheer numbers.
Because of their large population, there were also more powerhouses, which was why they gradually widened the gap in aspects such as the deduction of cultivation techniques and the creation of magical artifacts.
However, if a war between the two races were to truly erupt, no one in the world would dare to definitively state who the ultimate victor would be.
The current situation in Luoxia County, whether it involved the Rebirth Tower or the imperial court, the demonic path or the righteous path, was still a struggle and game of chess among humans.
Even if it caused widespread destruction and suffering, it would only be considered an internal issue.
But if the demon race were to get involved, it would be a completely different matter.
The meaning of transforming from an internal human conflict into a war between two races was self-evident.
"Contact the Ming Jian Division and ask them if they want to earn some merit!"
Ji Yuan suddenly said.
A glint flashed in his eyes, and a playful smile appeared on his face.
Since the other party could join forces with the demon race in an attempt to intercept and ambush them,
Why couldn't he cooperate with the Ming Jian Division and use their own tactics against them?
Cultivators of the five demonic sects, plus the powerful demons cooperating with them.
Such a feat was not something that presented itself at any time.
He believed that the Ming Jian Division would readily agree.
And as Ji Yuan expected, within half an hour, Xu Lin arrived with dozens of blade-wielding officers.
Although there were many of them, only seven were martial artists above the third realm.
Including Xu Lin himself, there were exactly eight.
However, of these, five were recent recruits, while the other three were powerhouses cultivated by the Ming Jian Division themselves.
Their combat power was such that they could contend against two or even three opponents.
The only drawback was that the blade-wielding officers of the Ming Jian Division lacked the ability to fight in mid-air.
Fortunately, with the combined suppression of Ji Yuan and the others, the battlefield could be confined to the ground.