C705 Disloyal

In the Forgotten Ruins, within Gavanas, Zhu Peining presided over a chamber adorned with numerous crystal balls. Her gaze was intense, vigilantly monitoring the ever-shifting scenes within the orbs. These crystal balls reflected the current state of the Everlands, revealing the myriad of enigmatic locales within.

Through similar orbs, the leaders of the Skyreach Consortium's branches in this realm could discern the perilous nature of various locales and predict the unfolding of events. One particularly large crystal ball showcased the periphery of the Godsblight Marsh.

There, archdemons in their real body forms, massive as mountains, were seen converging on the marsh. Some of these archdemons were indigenous to the Godsblight Marsh, having scattered across the world following Untamed's previous decree to depart. Now, many who had taken refuge in the Forgotten Ruins heeded Untamed's new summons, returning to the marsh.

Yet, numerous other archdemons, previously unaffiliated with Shadow's Keep or Untamed, were also making the long trek to the Godsblight Marsh.

"Lu Qingyu, Lei Jiao, and Huoluo!" Zhu Peining's eyes narrowed upon recognizing three familiar archdemons, now in human guise, heading towards the marsh, her expression subtly shifting.

Jiang Yurong, the deacon, and Gao Qin stood by her side. Gao Qin spoke in hushed tones, "The world is in disarray. The Moonfall Sanctuary, Frozen Hellscape, Rainbow Ocean, and Land of Terror are just a few of the extraordinary places now teeming with Sky Fiends and formidable extraterrestrial Otherkin. The conflict extends beyond the Everlands into the stars, where the battles rage even fiercer. The three upper sects, Devil Palace, and Shadow's Keep have yet to secure a decisive advantage."

The Skyreach Consortium possessed unparalleled insight into the affairs within and beyond the Everlands, fully aware of the precariousness of the current climate. Consequently, a significant rift had formed within the organization.

One faction was convinced that the coalition led by the five supreme sects would emerge victorious. Conversely, others believed that the returning, formidable Boulderdawn would reassert its dominance in the Everlands.

For now, the Consortium's strategy was to watch and wait, offering support to neither side.

Jiang Yurong concurred, "Those three archdemons had come to the Forgotten Ruins because of Yu Zhu's affiliation with Shadow's Keep. But their decision to flock to the Godsblight Marsh, to seek Untamed's protection, speaks volumes. It suggests they no longer wish to be pawns of Shadow's Keep, to be commanded into battle against the extraterrestrial invaders."

Zhu Peining let out a deep sigh. "The world has never been in such disarray."

As she gazed into the crystal ball, she noticed that apart from the Songbird Empire, the other empires were still embroiled in fierce battles with no end in sight.

Numerous peculiar and deadly places were plagued by the presence of Sky Fiends, while formidable beings from the Otherworld emerged. Terra Fiends and savage archdemons made their appearance as well.

Close to Gavanas, the Moonfall Sanctuary was overrun by demons. Countless alien souls and devils were locked in combat with the stalwart champions of the sects, led by the Sunlit Order.

Ding Ling!

A clear bell-like sound emanated from the bracelet worn by Gao Qin as he channeled his focus into it.

Moments later, Gao Qin spoke with alarm, "I've just received word from Jin Xiaolie. After the Songbird Queen shattered her Divine Visage to lead them away, she has departed from the Everlands!"

"What?" Jiang Yurong gasped in disbelief.

She had been aware of the anomalies in Afnetalos, including the encroaching Ashen Shadowmist and the influx of Sky Fiends and other malevolent entities from the Scarlet Dunes with their nefarious schemes.

Yet, she could never have anticipated such a radical upheaval in Afnetalos.

"The Chen family, specifically Chen Liangquan, coerced the Songbird Queen into relinquishing her throne," Gao Qin inhaled sharply. "Alongside him were Zu Ann of Skyreach Peak and the archdemon Green Willow. The trio's combined force left the Songbird Queen with no choice but to acknowledge her compromised Unbound state and make a swift exit."

Gao Qin laid bare the astonishing developments that had transpired in Afnetalos.

After finishing his account, he made a point to add, "Yu Yuan is allied with Zu Ann and Chen Liangquan! Every cultivator who survived in Afnetalos witnessed it firsthand before being escorted away by the Songbird Queen and Tan Junshan!"

"Ah!" Zhu Peining was equally taken aback. "How could Yu Yuan align himself with such malevolent forces?"

"I wish I knew," Gao Qin lamented.

"We're in trouble now," Jiang Yurong lamented, her face a portrait of despair.

...

In Euwrea, within the Sword Cave, Chen Qingyan was immersed among the sharp Spirit Swords. With concentrated breaths, she honed her newly formed Lunar Spirit with strands of the sword's will.

She had been compelled to retreat into seclusion. Amidst the turmoil of the world, she seized the chance to advance to the Lunar Spirit Realm and manifest her Lunar Spirit.

Now, she was consolidating her realm, allowing her Lunar Spirit to harvest strands of sword's will within the Sword Cave to purify and refine her soul.

Whoosh!

Loong Tianxiao appeared, his expression a mix of emotions, and greeted, "Master."

Chen Qingyan opened her eyes and inquired, "What brings you here?"

"Master, the Songbird Empire, from whence you hail, has undergone a tremendous upheaval." Loong Tianxiao bowed his head and detailed the events, revealing that the Songbird Queen had ventured across the Star River and Chen Liangquan had ascended as the new emperor. Yu Yuan and Zu Ann had turned their backs on the Everlands.

Chen Qingyan listened in shock, repeatedly murmuring, "How could this happen? Why would this happen?"

"Master, please be at ease. Your mentor sent me to assure you that you do not possess Otherkin lineage. She had scrutinized your bloodline thoroughly when she accepted you as her apprentice," Loong Tianxiao reassured her gently. "She advised you to diligently refine your Lunar Spirit and not to overthink."

"Not to overthink?" Chen Qingyan, visibly confused, shook her head, then resolved, "I must leave seclusion at once!"

...

In the Land of Quiescence, home to the Ruby Hand sect.

Atop a tumultuous volcano engulfed in flames, Yuan Lianyao, known as the Blazing Red Lotus, sat in meditation. Her Lunar Spirit, detached from her body, hovered above the churning lava, drawing in the fiery essence to temper her soul.

Swoosh!

Yuan Qiufang materialized unexpectedly, watching his daughter deeply engrossed in her cultivation, struggling to speak.

"Father, what is it?" Yuan Lianyao asked with a radiant smile, her beauty beyond compare.

"I've received a startling message from Lord Faang Yao," Yuan Qiufang exhaled heavily, steeling himself to deliver the news. "Yu Yuan has forsaken the Everlands, allying himself with the nefarious demons of the Otherworld. Zu Ann of Skyreach Peak and Chen Liangquan of the Songbird Empire are shielding him. Together, they've slain numerous disciples and elders from our sect."

Boom!

Yuan Lianyao's Lunar Spirit suddenly erupted in a blaze of glory before retracting into her body. She trembled and abruptly stood, exclaiming, "That's impossible!"

"Many have witnessed it," Yuan Qiufang said with a wry smile. "Elders and young leaders from all the sects saw him with Zu Ann and Chen Liangquan before they evacuated Afnetalos. Zu Ann and Chen Liangquan, along with a host of Sky Fiends, Otherkin, archdemons, and Terra Fiends, nearly wiped out the entire city!"

"The Ditdite of Ethereal Void and a Solar Spirit cultivator from Thunder Sect both perished in Afnetalos."

"My dear, it's best you forget Yu Yuan. Remember, from now on, avoid any association with him. If anyone inquires, make it clear that your relationship with him wasn't profound," Yuan Qiufang advised earnestly.

"No, no, I refuse to believe it!" Yuan Lianyao protested vehemently.

...

Meanwhile, in the Land of Quiescence.

Deep within a cave webbed with cobwebs, a small, dilapidated teleportation circle suddenly ignited with light, pulsating with intense spatial waves.

In a flash, Yu Yuan found himself standing alone at the heart of the rune circle.

"Mr. Yu, greetings. It's good to see you again."

On the periphery of the circle stood a portly old man, whisk in one hand and a wine jug in the other. His attire was an old robe from the early days of the Skyreach Consortium, and his face bore a welcoming grin. "I've received instructions from Lord Zu Ann to escort you to the Land of Terror," he said cheerfully.

This fat old man was one of the so-called Evil Devils released from the Sword Prison in the Godsblight Marsh. An expert in space magic, he had once served as a counselor for the Skyreach Consortium, responsible for constructing their teleportation circles. Thanks to his return to the Everlands and his subsequent repairs, this once inoperative circle had been restored to working order.

"Good to see you after such a long time," Yu Yuan replied with a sheepish smile.

The fat old man burst into hearty laughter. "President Lyi was correct; you've always been one of us, even if you didn't realize it. When Lord Zu Ann messaged me to guide you, I wasn't the least bit surprised."

"Let's go!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he seized Yu Yuan's arm. "I have a shortcut that will take you straight to the Land of Terror."

He effortlessly opened a spatial passage with a flick of his horsetail whisk.

Together, they stepped through it.

...