[Tian Xing Cultivator Abode]
[The site where Venerable Tian Xing, an expert at the pinnacle of the Divinity Transformation stage, underwent transformation millennia ago. The Rules he mastered manifest here as a minor world, spontaneously generating spirit medicines, spirit beasts, and spirit objects. Numerous Divinity Transformation stage cultivators in Eternal Sun Prefecture eye this location, but to avoid entanglement with karmic consequence [*], they dispatch their juniors to explore and contend for its treasures.]
[*]=(High-level cultivators often avoid direct involvement in seizing inheritances like this to avoid unforeseen consequences, karmic backlash, or triggering protective measures left by the original owner, which could affect their own cultivation or fate.)
At this moment.
Cultivators from every direction were converging on a small mountain named 'Seren Hill' in Eternal Sun Prefecture, arriving either via sword flight or aboard various spirit artifacts. Originally a barren locale, the sudden appearance of the Tian Xing Abode had instantly transformed Seren Hill into a bustling hub. In the surrounding villages, the common folk craned their necks, gazing up at the 'Immortal Masters' assembling in the sky, their hearts filled with immense envy.
Notably, several large spiritual arrays were active in the skies above Seren Hill; whenever a cultivator drew near, ripples would visibly spread through the air, as if they were passing through water.
Within the mountain at Seren Hill, there was a cave entrance before which stood a vertically oriented spiritual array resembling a swirling vortex. Cultivators arriving would simply step into the vortex, whereupon their figures vanished from sight.
Yet, several tens of miles away from that mountain cave, a peculiar scene unfolded that caused every passing cultivator to pause and observe, their expressions invariably turning to ones of wry amusement. High above, over a hundred talismans, each radiating a dreadful aura, slowly revolved. Golden inscriptions pulsed upon their surfaces. Trapped within the boundary formed by these revolving talismans were four figures, all experts at the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul stage, effectively imprisoned in mid-air.
Were these not the very four peak Nascent Soul experts dispatched by Region Prince Jiang Chenghuan? Who else could they possibly be?
These four had barely arrived, not even glimpsing the Tian Xing Abode's entrance, when, without uttering even half a word, the Divinity Transformation stage Grand Elder from an Eternal Sun Prefecture sect known as the 'Sacred Heart Sect' employed immense spiritual power and trapped them! No one knew what specific arts this Sacred Heart Sect's Old Ancestor practiced, but somehow Ye Xiu, an expert reputed to be unmatched within his Region, couldn't blast his way through these seemingly delicate talismans!
The expert from the Jiang family (Jiang Mingyu) frowned, cupped his fists towards the sky where the Grand Elder presumably was, and called out, "Senior! The opportunities of the Tian Xing Abode are meant for all who are able. Why do you treat us juniors thus? Is this not taking bullying too far?!"
However, the Sacred Heart Sect's Old Ancestor offered no reply whatsoever, clearly demonstrating his intent to simply bully them with superior power. This left the four trapped cultivators with exceedingly ugly expressions.
"What good does talking to him do?!" Ye Xiu was still bombarding the spiritual array, cursing aloud, "It's bloody obvious! They're scared our Azure Cloud region might actually gain some major opportunity here! Terrified one of us will break through to the Divinity Transformation stage! I bet they've had us targeted ever since we stepped foot outside the Azure Cloud region!"
"Ai." Old Ancestor Tianye and the Mi family's Old Ancestor could only let out deep sighs. They had known for a long time that the Eternal Sun Prefecture actively restrained the Azure Cloud region's development, but they had never imagined the suppression would extend this far, to openly trapping their designated representatives.
That Divinity Transformation stage cultivator didn't even dare to release them, terrified that even if let go, they would immediately cause trouble out of sheer fury. On the other hand, he also didn't dare actually kill them either. Azure Cloud region was still embroiled in its great war against the Wu Clan, and it wasn't as if Azure Cloud region lacked its own Divinity Transformation stage protectors.
.....
"???"
At this moment, Li Wei found himself following alongside Li Changsheng and Li Changyao. The siblings were part of a hastily assembled team of cultivators entering the Abode together, led by a Golden Core expert from the Eternal Sun Prefecture Li family. It was then that Li Wei also caught sight of the four Azure Cloud region representatives imprisoned high in the sky.
Li Wei thought wryly, "They came here supposedly to fight for resources, and now look? Stuck hanging in the sky like 'Lucky Charms'?"
"It's a good thing our Li family showed up," Li Wei mused. "Otherwise, looks like the official Azure Cloud region expedition team would be going home completely empty-handed this time."
Not that Li Wei felt particularly pleased about the situation; ultimately, they were all supposed to be on the same side. In truth, while his own family members were conducting their secret operation, they had hoped the official Azure Cloud region expedition team could also make some gains, as that would bolster Azure Cloud region's overall strength.
Li Wei thought furiously, "That Divinity Transformation stage cultivator from Eternal Sun Prefecture is utterly shameless! This isn't just bullying Ye Xiu's group; it's an insult to all of the Azure Cloud region!"
"So this is what passes for a Divinity Transformation stage expert in Eternal Sun Prefecture?" Li Changsheng commented, his expression ugly. "And what a 'Sacred Heart Sect'! Just like their members, the name is full of lofty benevolence and morality, but their actions are anything but human! For years, our Azure Cloud region has bled against the Wu Clan! Every single one of those four seniors has stood against the Wu on the battlefield! They come here seeking an opportunity, only for this Sacred Heart Sect to resort to such despicable tactics!"
Li Changyao, who carried an enormous longbow strapped to her back, frowned deeply. "Since they insist on being so treacherous," she began, "then perhaps we..."
"...Then there's no need for us to stand on ceremony with them," Li Changsheng finished.
Saying no more, Li Changsheng had Li Changyao push his wheelchair into the Cultivator Abode.