"Extraterrestrial Demons?"
Upon hearing those words, Lu Yuan's expression instantly turned solemn.
Compared to those extraterrestrial beings, he believed the true peril lay with the so-called Extraterrestrial Demons. They were entities that even the ancient sages had failed to destroy—foes branded as archenemies.
Immortal Guangchengzi's death very likely had a deep connection to them. Considering the various pieces of intelligence he had gathered earlier, Lu Yuan understood with utmost clarity: if such existences emerged, they would threaten the entire universe.
Without hesitation, he said, "Tell me."
"The Extraterrestrial Demons do not belong to this realm. Long ago, parts of both my Jiang clan and the Ji clan migrated away, crossing the universe to wage war. You should already know this, but that history is far too ancient and difficult to trace,"
Jiang Ningxian explained solemnly. "Eventually, even subsequent generations of our clans had no idea why we had left our ancestral home; they only knew we were out here to fight. Recently, my father and the clan elders consulted our archives time and again.
"Combined with the information you provided, they concluded that when our Jiang clan departed back then, it was precisely to fight the Extraterrestrial Demons. Yet for some unknown reason, that final battle did not succeed, and our clan remained stationed there to stand guard generation after generation."
The Jiang and Ji clans had left to wage war against the Extraterrestrial Demons?
Lu Yuan pondered the thought. It did make sense. As for why their original purpose had been forgotten, the explanation was simple.
The Extraterrestrial Demons had not appeared again after that, and the ancestors had likely forgotten their mission over the long ages.
Had he not obtained relevant information later on, the Jiang clan probably never would have investigated so thoroughly. After all, the Desolate Flame Star Domain was already ranked among the top ten in the universe, famed across every star sector. Under such circumstances, gradually forgetting an ancient purpose was only natural.
"Is there any other information?" Lu Yuan asked without dwelling on it further. What he wanted was actionable intelligence, and what he had heard so far was not particularly groundbreaking.
"Yes." Jiang Ningxian thought for a moment before continuing. "Our clan's ancient records state that the Extraterrestrial Demons are immensely powerful beings from another universe. Their power is exceedingly bizarre. Every so often, they find ways to invade other universes, though their motives remain unknown.
"One thing is certain, however: a considerable number of universes have been destroyed at their hands."
As the Holy Maiden of the Jiang clan, she was well aware that many different universes existed throughout the cosmos—the so-called boundless trichiliocosm. Yet this universe had always been extraordinarily strong, making other universes seem rather insignificant by comparison, much like the ordinary sectors beneath the top hundred star sectors. But those beings from beyond this universe were completely different: horrifyingly formidable, they had brought ruin to numerous worlds.
They had attempted to invade this universe before, yet had never succeeded. Even so, they continued to covet it, returning every so often to try again.
More importantly, while the Extraterrestrial Demons were few in number, every single one of them was terrifyingly strong.
"A race that invades various universes?" Hearing this, Lu Yuan understood completely.
In short, it was like the hostility between rival nations: the moment an opportunity arose, they would strike a fatal blow. It was just that on previous occasions, the ancient sages had repelled them.
"From the intelligence you gathered, can you determine when their next invasion will occur?" Lu Yuan asked. This was his greatest concern right now; if it happened too soon, it would spell immense trouble. When that time came, the entire universe would descend into total chaos.
"There are no records of that in our clan.
"Over the past several millennia, the Ji clan has been acting very strangely, so my clan wanted to wait until everything was fully confirmed before informing anyone."
Lu Yuan nodded. He agreed with this approach.
The matter of the Extraterrestrial Demons was simply too momentous. If word spread, who knew what hysteria might ensue?
Furthermore, Guangchengzi had mentioned that some Extraterrestrial Demons might still be lurking dormant within this universe, simply biding their time without revealing themselves.
"An elder of my clan once said that this era would be vastly different," Jiang Ningxian spoke up again, her tone grave and her eyes contemplative. "At first, I thought he merely meant the revival of the Milky Way Star Sector. But having walked this path—even if only for a short while—I feel there is far more to it. In this grand era, the looming catastrophe might far outweigh the fortune and opportunities."
"Indeed. First the extraterrestrial beings, and now the Extraterrestrial Demons." Lu Yuan agreed. Many things were far from as simple as they appeared on the surface, especially amid all these unfolding upheavals.
"Regardless of what happens, I will stand by your side," Jiang Ningxian said with a faint smile, meeting his gaze directly.
Lu Yuan smiled in return but said nothing. After chatting for a few more moments, the two went their separate ways.
Lu Yuan went straight into secluded cultivation. Formidable though the Great Saint Realm seemed, it was not enough for him. Only by reaching the Immortal Realm—or even above the Immortals—would he feel he had sufficient strength to protect himself.
Whenever he thought of this, he could not help finding it somewhat ironic. Every time one set of troubles was resolved, a new crisis inevitably surfaced.
Just like cultivation itself, one had to strive and contend, or face elimination. Yet none of that mattered. He would continue forward until he reached the absolute pinnacle.
Time trickled by.
With the extraterrestrial beings either departing or entering dormancy, Earth entered a period of utter tranquility.
Previously, everyone had lived in terror of sudden calamity. Now, the mutated beasts were governed by the Heavenly Court, and the extraterrestrial nemeses were deterred by King Lu. With every immediate crisis held at bay, it was naturally a glorious time for the common people.
Meanwhile, the Heavenly Court did not idle away the days. They ventured into famous mountains and great rivers in search of resources and fortune, all while continuing to recruit disciples who possessed talent, perseverance, and indomitable will.
In short, after completing its initial accumulation, the Heavenly Court entered an era of vigorous growth.
Everyone knew that even more formidable foes would emerge in the future. In the past, such thoughts had filled their hearts with fear and anxiety. Now, thanks to Lu Yuan and the chain of victories he had forged, confidence surged through every member. And sometimes, confidence was more precious than anything else.
During this time, Lu Yuan completely stabilized his realm. He practiced both his breathing method and visualization method, seeking to reach the peak of his current cultivation as swiftly as possible while honing his combat strength in preparation for what was to come.
Three months passed in the blink of an eye.
And on this very day, Lu Yuan received word from the Golden-Winged Great Peng: another of the Nine Cauldrons had appeared!
Chapter 317