Chapter 821: Tempest of the Great Dream Marsh

Deep within the Great Dream Marsh, a layer of greyish-white mist swirled like delicate gauze.

At this moment, in this perilous and uninhabited sea area, towering waves crashed like thousands of charging warriors, occasionally unleashing terrifying tsunamis.

Over a dozen Core Formation cultivators were arrayed in formation—some wielding formation flags, others holding formation plates or beast hunting crossbows—simultaneously controlling nine thick blue-gold chains as thick as water barrels.

Etched along these chains were intricate, mysterious runes that bound a massive, jet-black dragon whale, its size resembling a small, majestic mountain.

The whale’s charred, battered body oozed fresh blood as it thrashed and roared, yet apart from stirring up wave after wave of terror, its struggles proved futile.

On closer inspection, besides the nine gigantic blue-gold chains, several huge crossbow bolts resembling fangs were embedded deep in its flesh, relentlessly suppressing its monstrous demonic power.

With every desperate struggle, these fang-like bolts glowed with a faint, eerie light, intertwining with the chains and distant black formation flags to create a dazzling, oppressive array that kept it in check.

“This whale is truly extraordinary. Judging by its size and appearance, it should soon advance to fourth rank, yet it wields such fearsome power!”

In addition to the Core Formation cultivators on the sea, three Nascent Soul True Lords, exuding boundless qi, were present.

One of them, an elderly man clad in a purple-blue daoist robe with a gaunt face and a youthful look in his white hair, held a compass in one hand and a bamboo rod in the other as he admired the still-struggling Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, exclaiming in praise.

The Zhenhai Seven Sects, as one of the top forces of the Starry Sea, have dominated the sea for thousands of years by controlling maritime trade routes and hunting demon kings.

Thus, the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale was regarded as a priceless treasure.

Its demonic essence, whether used in refining some secret techniques of the Zhenhai Seven Sects or to nurture whale-like sea beasts, held immense value.

“Apart from the Forbidden Sea, could a branch sea area also harbor a true spirit bloodline? This whale surely isn’t from the depths of the Forbidden Sea, is it?”

A slender woman clad in a dark purple fish-scale soft armor with a flowing fish-tail patterned cape spoke.

Her finely arched eyebrows, high nose bridge, thin lips, and sharp, cold features combined with her sickly pale skin and dark, deep-set eyes gave her an aura both stunning and dangerously lethal.

As she spoke, her long, graceful jade-like fingers—smudged with a trace of purple powdered pigment—dipped into some of the whale’s blood, before her slightly parted lips and orchid-like tongue delicately tasted it.

“Whether it’s from the Forbidden Sea or not, the Starry Sea and the Forbidden Sea keep to their own domains. Since this whale has entered the territory of the Zhenhai Seven Sects, it’s our prey.”

Another Nascent Soul True Lord, a burly figure with a dark countenance and a mighty stature nearly a meter tall, declared.

His arms coiled with two blue-gold chains like those of a sea beast, and as he spoke, swirling black dragon-like qi enveloped his mouth and nostrils, roaring like thunder.

At that moment, a blue jade talisman flew out from the sleeves of each of the three.

“The plan has changed. An unexpected situation has arisen.”

“There are two Nascent Soul cultivators here—Fuhai is already dead!”

All three jade talismans displayed the same message.

“What!?”

Their faces turned ashen in disbelief.

According to True Lord Pinghai and Fuhai True Lord, the master of this place was merely a lucky cultivator who had once obtained a treasured opportunity…

or perhaps a reincarnated cultivator who had yet to fully mature.

How could two Nascent Soul cultivators suddenly appear and even slay Fuhai?

Even if Fuhai’s body and qi had shattered and he had to seize a new life, his Nascent Soul still surpassed that of many Nascent Soul cultivators. In danger, he could even let his Nascent Soul depart.

Moreover, apart from Fuhai, there were also True Lord Pinghai, Tunhai True Lord, and Situ Mo—the diviner.

Under such circumstances, not to mention two Nascent Soul cultivators—three or even four would not be able to dispatch him and bring down Fuhai.

Unless their opponent wasn’t an early Nascent Soul cultivator but a mid-stage juggernaut—a top cultivator!

Yet based on what they knew, this branch of the Starry Sea in the Great Dream Marsh didn’t even possess a Fourth-Rank Spiritual Vein.

And the Jiang Kingdom itself was but a remote region within the Southern Desolation’s cultivation world, with only two Nascent Soul cultivators in the entire country—how could it house a top mid-stage powerhouse?

“Tunhai cannot fake such matters. The opponent must possess a secret treasure that enabled him to slay Fuhai!”

A true lord with a dark purple fish-scale armor and stunningly cold features, Minghai True Lord, stated.

Her cultivation legacy in the Minghai Sect specialized in stealthy assassination techniques.

If conditions were perfect—harnessing favorable timing, terrain, and manpower—she too had the chance to slay a Nascent Soul cultivator.

“Tunhai’s urgent message indicates he isn’t his match. He’s likely a mid-stage powerhouse. I’ll send word to the Patriarch immediately!”

The elderly man with the compass and bamboo rod frowned, suspecting that their opponent was indeed a mid-stage giant. With a grave expression, he crushed a jade talisman in his hand.

He sent a message to their Zhenhai Seven Sects’ anchor—the Elder Patriarch of the Sea!

“Since the plan has changed, we can’t waste any more time with this whale. Let’s head back first.”

Nuhai True Lord, the burly figure, declared gravely.

They had prepared extensively for the hunt of the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale—not only did several Nascent Soul True Lords arrive, but more than a dozen Core Formation cultivators and a detachment of maritime dao soldiers had come along.

If they hadn’t planned to use the whale as bait to coordinate with True Lord Pinghai and the others, they would have long since taken it back to the Starry Sea.

There was no way they would simply wait here and let it gradually waste away.

At that moment, upon receiving Tunhai True Lord’s message, he bellowed as his muscles surged like crashing waves, roaring like countless wild beasts, and his massive body suddenly leaped three meters high amidst thunderous clamor.

“Rooooar!!!”

Almost simultaneously, over a dozen third-rank sea beasts accompanied by several hundred second-rank ones appeared in the ocean, perfectly aligned and coiled with qi, as if forming a giant sea beast that gradually merged with Nuhai True Lord.

As one of the top forces of the Starry Sea, the Zhenhai Seven Sects naturally stood apart.

Not only did each sect station a Nascent Soul True Lord, but they also had the guardian sacred beasts and dao soldiers that upheld each sect’s foundation.

It was thanks to this that the Zhenhai Seven Sects could dominate the sea and control numerous maritime trade routes.

For instance, that maritime dao soldier unit was part of the Zhenhai Sect’s own forces! The Zhenhai Seven Sects were no ordinary alliance.

The founding Patriarch of the Zhenhai Seven Sects had deep, intertwined origins—their cultivation methods were even passed down in the same lineage.

For thousands of years, their bonds had remained remarkably tight.

Even dao soldiers of the Zhenhai Sect could be controlled by Nuhai True Lord via dao soldier talismans.

Empowered by these maritime dao soldiers, Nuhai True Lord resembled a monstrous humanoid demon king as he coiled nine thick blue-gold chains around himself.

Then, together with the other Core Formation cultivators, he employed formations to completely suppress the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, gradually shrinking its mountain-like bulk down to mere meters so it could be taken back to the Fuhai Sect.

“Hmm.”

Both Zhenhai True Lord and Minghai True Lord nodded in agreement.

With the enemy’s situation unclear, they decided to first slay Fuhai True Lord.

Even though they were confident, they refrained from rashly charging in.

They opted to return to the Fuhai Sect to assess the situation and wait for the Elder Patriarch of the Sea to arrive before planning their next move.

Zhenhai True Lord, holding the compass and bamboo rod, lightly lifted his palm and tossed a small boat into the water.

Soon, everyone boarded the boat, and alongside the maritime dao soldiers, they dragged the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale as they broke through the waves toward the Fuhai Sect.

However, just as they were about to reach the Fuhai Sect, the jade talisman on a sleeve began trembling violently once again.

It was Tunhai True Lord’s urgent call for help! “What the—!?”

Zhenhai True Lord, Nuhai True Lord, and Minghai True Lord exchanged bewildered glances, all their faces clouded with uncertainty.

Only recently, Tunhai True Lord had sent word that Fuhai True Lord had been slain.

And now, scarcely had time elapsed before another emergency message came in.

Not only had Fuhai been killed, but they were now also being oppressed along with True Lord Pinghai? Situ Mo?

How could this be!

Even a top mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator wouldn’t be so brazen, would they?

Remember, the Nascent Soul True Lords of the Zhenhai Seven Sects were not merely those who had broken through by luck alone.

Each one was among the best of their kind.

Moreover, if they couldn’t win, would they not simply flee?

This infinite ocean was their home turf—exhibiting water escape divine abilities far outclassing most cultivators.

Yet at this moment, witnessing Tunhai True Lord’s desperate plea, Nuhai True Lord was preparing to go lend his aid.

After all, the seven sects were closely bound like family.

Now that Fuhai True Lord had encountered trouble and Lingbo True Lord was gravely injured, if Tunhai and True Lord Pinghai were to fall next, it would spell a major blow to the Zhenhai Seven Sects.

“Why is it always Tunhai calling for help? Why hasn’t Pinghai reacted at all?”

But Zhenhai True Lord furrowed his brow, sensing something amiss.

True Lord Pinghai was supposed to be the primary mover in this matter and was several notches stronger than Tunhai True Lord.

Moreover, True Lord Pinghai was even closer to Fuhai True Lord. If Fuhai were killed and he was overwhelmed, he should have immediately sent word or called for help to notify the Elder Patriarch of the Sea.

Yet while Tunhai True Lord repeatedly sent desperate messages, True Lord Pinghai remained silent. Something was definitely off.

Minghai True Lord, overhearing this, also sensed the inconsistency. She quickly interjected, “This can’t be!”

“Pinghai’s strength exceeds Fuhai’s. Even if Tunhai were facing a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, he would be able to escape.”

“The opponent’s use of a secret treasure to launch a surprise attack and slay Fuhai is already exceptionally devious. How could he also kill Pinghai!”

Minghai True Lord’s face turned cold as she spoke.

To kill Fuhai—and Pinghai—in such a short time, even the Elder Patriarch of the Sea couldn’t be expected to handle them. They were simply outclassed.

In such a remote place, possessing a top-tier cultivator was unthinkable! “Let’s go together,” she declared.

Zhenhai True Lord glanced at Minghai True Lord and Nuhai True Lord before speaking.

Although the seven sects were united, they didn’t share each other’s soul lamps or life tokens, and none knew Pinghai’s condition well.

But to be safe, they decided to proceed together.

The three Nascent Soul cultivators, over a dozen Core Formation cultivators ready to form battle arrays, and 500 maritime dao soldiers were assembled.

They had also brought with them the heritage spirit treasures of the Zhenhai Seven Sects: [Sea and Sky Black Water Flag], [Prisoning Heavenly Chains], and [Spirit-Binding Forbid Technique Crossbow].

Even when facing mid-stage Nascent Soul powerhouses, they could fight—and even suppress them!

Unless the opponent was one of the top Nascent Soul cultivators like the master of the Divine Maiden Palace, the Star King, Yue Zun, or the Six Paths Demon Lord.

Moreover, Tunhai True Lord was still active.

After deciding, Zhenhai True Lord immediately steered the small boat and charged back toward the Great Dream Marsh.

To be safe, in case the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale broke free during their distraction, he retrieved two Fourth-Rank Demon Suppressing Talismans from his storage ring.

He activated the talismans and hurled them into the whale’s body, completely sealing its flesh and demonic power.

Meanwhile, deep in the boundless sea, Tunhai True Lord, dragging his blood-soaked, half-destroyed body, his eyes bloodshot, burned through his life essence in a frantic bid to escape using his spirit treasure.

Earlier, he had seen Lu Changsheng’s sword wipe out Fuhai True Lord—obliterating even his Nascent Soul—and his skin had crawled with fear.

In that moment, he chose to flee, determined to alert the others and the Elder Patriarch of the Sea.

But he never expected Lu Changsheng to pursue him.

Wasn’t Lu Changsheng supposed to intercept True Lord Pinghai? Why was he now troubling him?

Although he had not yet unleashed the Life-Burning Technique,

the Nascent Soul True Lord, harnessing the power of the void, bolted with such speed that in an instant he traversed a thousand miles.

Astonishingly, even after intercepting True Lord Pinghai, Lu Changsheng managed to catch up to him—an almost unthinkable feat.

Moreover, in this boundless ocean, using the sea to cloak his presence, it was nearly impossible for his pursuer to track him.

But then, with a devastating, all-consuming slash that rent the endless waters as if the heavens and earth were collapsing, he struck—leaving him trembling in terror.

Had he not been cloaked and possessing a secret treasure for protection, his body and qi would have shattered instantly.

Faced with such an overwhelming force, he was overcome with dread and, in a final desperate act, burned his life essence to activate a life-preserving escape talisman and flee.

He then called out for help to Zhenhai True Lord, Minghai True Lord, and Nuhai True Lord.

It was all too terrifying.

In a place like this, how could such a formidable foe exist?! Recalling how Lu Changsheng had intercepted True Lord Pinghai earlier, he began to fear that Pinghai might have already fallen at his hands.

Then, the five-colored clouds behind him began closing in, accompanied by relentless, murderous sword light that slashed everything as if a nine-leaf sword grass had rooted itself in the heavens to mow down all in its path!

“How can a friend be so merciless? Aren’t you afraid of the Zhenhai Seven Sects’ revenge?”

Tunhai True Lord roared upward, his eyes and voice bubbling with resentment and unwillingness, before allowing his Nascent Soul to depart and vanish into the void, a thousand miles away.

He had realized that his opponent’s escape speed far exceeded his own.

Even if he burned through his life essence, he wouldn’t be able to shake him off.

If Lu Changsheng attacked with two more slashes, his body and qi would shatter—and if his Nascent Soul were injured in the process, he’d be doomed.

Rather than risk it, he opted to let his Nascent Soul depart and escape immediately.

Though Tunhai True Lord seethed with frustration and unwillingness,

Lu Changsheng was simply too terrifying!

“Nascent Soul departure is such a hassle!”

Lu Changsheng frowned as he observed Tunhai True Lord’s Nascent Soul, along with his life’s magical treasure and storage ring, vanish into the void, and then, without hesitation, gathered his remaining robes and fragments of his dao artifact.

His power surged like a raging river as he activated his treasured [Misty Dust Banner], from which multicolored rays flowed, as he sped off in pursuit of Tunhai True Lord.

A normal Nascent Soul cultivator could never unleash the Misty Dust Banner or the Nine Calamity Sword with such abandon.

But possessing the [Heavenly Yuan Lotus] in his second dantian, Lu Changsheng’s magical energy seemed inexhaustible and flowed without end.

Furthermore, his Fourth-Rank physique allowed his body, meridians, and dantian to endure prolonged high-level magical energy exertion.

His Nascent Soul would ignore all sorts of magical restrictions and field suppressions, moving several times faster than normal.

Even wielding the Misty Dust Banner, Lu Changsheng could scarcely catch up.

Especially when his Nascent Soul vanished into the void and his magical energy dissipated, he could no longer rely on it to track the enemy’s whereabouts.

Still, Lu Changsheng guessed that Tunhai True Lord was surely fleeing toward where the others hunting Lu Lingjing were.

After all, his divination indicated that Lu Lingjing was in mortal peril.

It implied that besides the four who had ambushed him, someone else had attacked Lu Lingjing, perhaps even capturing him!

Had it not been for the fact that Lu Changsheng’s divine abilities were not yet fully cultivated and he wasn’t holding any items that could restrict Nascent Soul True Lords, he wouldn’t have struck with lethal force against the three.

Instead, he had chosen to capture them—after all, a living Nascent Soul True Lord was far more valuable!

The five-colored clouds, like streaming starlight, tore through the void as they blinked forward toward the Starry Sea.

“Crash——”

In the dangerous sea area, shrouded in greyish mist, a small boat carrying over ten figures, along with hundreds of sea beast dao soldiers dragging a battered whale, battled furiously against the stormy waves.

Then, on the boat, Zhenhai True Lord, Minghai True Lord, and Nuhai True Lord suddenly fixed their gaze ahead.

A ripple distorted the void before them.

A Nascent Soul, cradling two spirit treasures and bearing an uncanny resemblance to Tunhai True Lord, had appeared.

“Friends of Zhenhai, Nuhai, Minghai—help me!”

The feeble face of Tunhai True Lord’s Nascent Soul pleaded, his voice desperate as he shouted at the three before him.

Fearing that Lu Changsheng—a harbinger of death—might catch up, he resorted to burning his Nascent Soul essence to maximize his escape speed.

Upon seeing the trio, his tense composure eased slightly, but recalling Lu Changsheng’s all-devouring, almost obliterating sword light still made him tremble as he cried, “Friends, quickly form the array! That harbinger is almost upon us!”

Zhenhai True Lord, Nuhai True Lord, Minghai True Lord, and the Zhenhai Seven Sects cultivators aboard the boat looked at Tunhai True Lord’s Nascent Soul in shock and apprehension.

Under normal circumstances—a life-or-death crisis—the Nascent Soul True Lord wouldn’t choose to let his Nascent Soul depart, yet here Tunhai True Lord not only allowed it but did so in palpable fear.

It was clear something truly terrifying was at hand—especially as Zhenhai True Lord and his two peers detected a conspicuous pallor in Tunhai True Lord’s Nascent Soul, hinting at severe injuries and even the burning of his Nascent Soul essence.

Without hesitation, Zhenhai True Lord flung his companion, a daoist spirit pet, onto the ground to form an array.

The Zhenhai Seven Sects cultivators on board hastily lined up, channeling their cultivation methods to establish a battle formation in readiness.

Instantly, Nuhai True Lord’s life’s magical treasure, the [Nuhai Stake], materialized.

In an instant, waves from all around, as if manipulated by an invisible power, roared wildly.

Tornado-like sea tsunamis, like towering pillars, surged upward, merging with the qi of Nuhai True Lord and the 500 maritime dao soldiers, their might only growing stronger by the second.

Minghai True Lord’s fish-tail patterned cape fluttered softly around her, enveloping her graceful form as she seemingly merged with the boundless sea, vanishing altogether.

Even Zhenhai True Lord and Nuhai True Lord found it difficult to detect her whereabouts.

“Wooo,”

The restrained Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, subdued by the [Prisoning Heavenly Chains], [Spirit-Binding Forbid Technique Arrow], and [Fourth-Rank Demon Suppressing Talismans], slowly lifted its head, its dull black eyes glancing forward.

After a long moment, a ripple stirred in the void ahead.

A structure crafted from five-colored clouds tore through the void and burst from the water.

As the five-colored light gradually faded, a tall, slender man appeared.

He held a five-colored long banner in his left hand and a blue-gray longsword, its lethal aura swirling around its blade, in his right.

His body and features were shrouded in chaotic energy, making it impossible to discern his exact appearance.