Even Lu Yuan had to be nipped in the bud.
The two superpowers had descended upon Earth for far more than just the so-called fortunes. The great era's providence, and things even more vital, were their true goals.
Both factions fundamentally recognized that Lu Yuan's existence would disrupt their plans and introduce unforeseen variables.
After all, no one had anticipated that Earth could produce a being of the Saint Realm in such a short span of time.
If all restrictions were to lift, combined with the unique conditions of this world, what would happen if they allowed him to keep growing?
It would be catastrophic.
Furthermore, he had already provoked them; naturally, they would show no mercy.
"Very well, let us set out now." At this moment, Yu Xiong pondered no further and agreed with Zhou Yunqiong's proposal. Deeming that they could afford no more delay, he immediately stepped forward.
Not far from this mountainous area stood a vast host of extraterrestrial beings, with dozens who were at least in the Saint Realm.
Of course, a considerable portion of them had descended only recently.
Even out in the extraterrestrial star sectors, Saints were exceedingly hard to come by, representing a formidable tier of combat power.
Only the great clans ranked near the top of the top hundred star sectors fared slightly better.
Yet precisely because of this, certain races harbored bone-deep hatred toward Lu Yuan.
"Everyone, the time has come," Yu Xiong spoke once more, looking at the assembled crowd with firm resolve. "Mount Tai lies right before us. When the time comes, I am willing to join you in settling every score and avenging every grievance."
His intention was to leverage the strength of the various clans to confront Lu Yuan together.
Such an agenda, however, could not be stated openly.
Belonging to the Eternal Clan, if he wanted them to strike together, he had to lead the charge.
"Settle every score! Avenge every grievance!"
"Settle every score! Avenge every grievance!"
The resentment of the various clans was instantly ignited by Yu Xiong, and they cried out in unison.
They had indeed come to kill Lu Yuan, to avenge past grudges and clear the path for their future ambitions.
Now, the hour of action was almost at hand.
Watching this scene unfold, Zhou Yunqiong recalled how, not long ago, an extraterrestrial host led by the Celestial Clan and the Yin Sparrow Clan had likewise marched directly on Mount Tai, seeking Lu Yuan's life.
Back then, however, the man had been far too cunning, fabricating rumors that he was injured and duping everyone.
Now things were different. Two top superpowers of the starry skies were allied, backed by numerous Saints present and even Great Saint-level figures holding the fort.
To her mind, Lu Yuan was doomed.
And so, led by Zhou Yunqiong and Yu Xiong, the extraterrestrial beings advanced once again in a grand, formidable wave toward Mount Tai.
Naturally, word of their advance reached the Heavenly Court immediately.
In truth, news of the extraterrestrials mounting a second march on Mount Tai had spread across the outside world as well. Many Awakened had been ready to rush over and lend their aid.
However, the leadership had stopped them, deeming it unnecessary; should another massive clash erupt, countless innocents would inevitably be caught in the crossfire.
The Heavenly Court had been established to protect the living beings of this world.
It could not allow people to throw their lives away in vain over this matter.
The members and leaders of the Heavenly Court treated this crisis as a trial.
They all knew similar incidents would continue to happen in the future; they could not rely on rescue every single time.
Now, with the latest reports confirming that the extraterrestrials led by the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan were drawing closer, they acted swiftly, ordering everyone to guard the threshold and await their arrival.
Meanwhile, on the other side...
Lu Yuan sat cross-legged inside his room. The golden vital energy around his body had begun to fade from sight.
Yet the aura emanating from him was even more terrifying than before, having attained a state of near-flawless perfection.
"The peak of the Demi-Saint Realm... One more step, and I will be a Great Saint." Before long, he opened his eyes. Sensing his current condition, a faint smile surfaced in his gaze.
Indeed, it was difficult for him to make further progress now—not because of any lack of capability, but because he was constrained by the rules of this realm.
Yet Lu Yuan was in no hurry. He continued to steady his condition, for his goal this time encompassed far more than just the extraterrestrials who had already descended.
Soon, he brought his cultivation to a halt.
Stretching languidly, he stepped out of his room.
He found Zhu Qingyu and the others already waiting outside.
"Are the extraterrestrial beings almost here?" Lu Yuan asked with a smile upon seeing them.
He had instructed them earlier to notify him immediately when the enemy drew near.
"Yes, King Lu," everyone replied.
Among them, the young celestial master Chunyang hesitated briefly before speaking up: "King Lu, could this matter be left to us first? We have prepared for a long time and gathered our strongest forces. Even if we cannot resolve the problem entirely, one thing is certain: we can at least whittle down some of their strength. It wouldn't be too late for you to intervene then."
Beside him, Gu Sang nodded in agreement.
Lu Yuan, however, simply replied, "There is no need. Since they came for me, I should naturally settle it myself."
He understood what they were thinking: they wanted to face the crisis on their own. But in his view, it was still too early.
The Heavenly Court had begun to take shape, yet it was not truly formidable just yet.
It still needed time to build its strength.
Without lingering on the topic, Lu Yuan walked straight outside.
Just then, two more figures emerged from the adjacent room.
It was the Jiang siblings—Jiang Ningxian and Jiang Haokong.
"Brother Lu, if you need anything, just say the word. I'll gladly lend a hand," Jiang Haokong said. Though he was constantly suppressed and secretly chafed at it, his attitude toward outsiders was entirely different.
Moreover, the Jiang clan had long allied with the Heavenly Court led by Lu Yuan. Now that the Heavenly Court faced a crisis, he could hardly stand idly by.
Thus, as soon as his sister spoke, he had immediately ended his secluded cultivation.
"Thank you," Lu Yuan said with a smile. "But it is not time yet. Your turn will come."
With that, he nodded to Jiang Ningxian and departed with Zhu Qingyu and the others.
At that moment, by the main gate of the Mount Tai Trial Academy...
The Trial Academy had only one main entrance, which faced south.
Because this location served as the Heavenly Court's headquarters, many students and Awakened had playfully taken to calling it the Southern Heavenly Gate.
When the upper management heard of this, they simply adopted the name outright.
The Heavenly Court possessing a Southern Heavenly Gate was only fitting.
Today, at the Southern Heavenly Gate, the Four Divisions, the Thirty-six Heavenly Generals, and others had all assembled.
They were currently the most outstanding Awakened. The Thirty-six Heavenly Generals, in particular, had progressed at an astonishing pace thanks to their divine investiture.
Most of them had reached the Sovereign King Realm.
In the past, such a feat would have been nearly impossible. Yet here it was, a reality brought about not only by the blessing of providence, but more importantly, by the concentrated resources poured into them.
Now, standing before the Southern Heavenly Gate and knowing that the allied extraterrestrial host was rapidly approaching, not a single one backed down.
Even Chen Song was there, standing among the crowd with determination in his eyes.
Time slipped away, second by second.
Before anyone knew how long had passed—
Rumble!
With a violent, thundering roar, everyone lifted their heads.
Chapter 299