The Eternal Warship had appeared once more. Those representing the two great factions were staging a comeback, and this time, the feeling they gave off was distinctly different from before.
From beyond the atmosphere, powerful auras continuously surged downward, causing violent rumbles of thunder across the sky every single day. Evidently, the powerhouses aboard the Eternal Warship had no intention of concealing their intimidating presence.
The reason was simple: on Earth today, the strongest cultivator was merely a Grotto-Heaven Immortal. The one stationed at the Heavenly Court was Jiang Huanyun, and while his strength was formidable, he was still only a Grotto-Heaven Immortal, far inferior compared to true top-tier powerhouses. Although there were other Immortal Realm figures present, and the strength of the Heavenly Court's ranks was nothing like before—in fact, in terms of numbers, they were no longer inferior to the so-called Top Hundred Star Sectors—the real problem was that they were now facing the two great factions.
Judging by the auras radiating from beyond Earth, the enemies were bound to be peak experts. If they truly launched an attack, could anyone on Earth genuinely stand against them?
"What should we do next? The living beings of the various star sectors are far better behaved now, completely deterred by the name of King Lu, but the two great factions likely won't care about that. If they strike, they certainly won't show mercy." On Mount Tai, Zhu Qingyu and the others had gathered once again, their brows tightly furrowed.
Clearly, they were filled with anxiety over what was to come. With great difficulty, they had finally gained the recognition of the various star sectors for the Heavenly Court, and none of those beings dared make covert moves anymore. One could say everything had been heading in a good direction.
Yet now, the Ji clan and the Eternal Clan had arrived. The Heavenly Court had dealt with them before, and Lu Yuan in particular had fought more than one major battle against both factions.
Had the two factions not shown up, the court naturally wouldn't have had cause for alarm. But now they had arrived without the slightest attempt to hide their presence. In everyone's eyes, any strike from them was bound to fall like thunder.
"Unfortunately, King Lu is still out in the starry sky. If he were here presiding over the Heavenly Court, we wouldn't have to worry," Young Celestial Master Chunyang said with a deep frown. He knew that relying on their own power to contend with the two great factions was utterly impossible, and what was worse, even adding the Jiang clan into the equation would not change that.
"King Lu already entrusted the Heavenly Court to us. We cannot run to him for help with every difficulty we encounter," Zhu Qingyu said, shaking her head. She believed that at this point, the only ones they could rely on were themselves.
Moreover, the Heavenly Court would encounter all sorts of troubles in the future. If they always expected Lu Yuan to step in and resolve everything, what use would she and the others present have?
"Qingyu is right. At any rate, my opinion is to adapt to whatever comes and meet each blow as it lands," Ice Fairy chimed in, agreeing with Zhu Qingyu. After all, things had come to this pass.
They had all reached the Saint Realm, and with time, someone among them was bound to attain the Immortal Realm. They had to be able to stand on their own; they could not rely on others forever. Furthermore, during this time, they could constantly feel the power of providence bestowed upon them growing stronger and stronger. That was the backing Lu Yuan had given them, all so that they would ultimately become true powerhouses in their own right.
"That's right. No matter what the situation becomes, even if the two great factions descend, there is only one thing we must do: fight with everything we have." Zhu Qingyu rose to her feet, her gaze turning exceptionally resolute.
Though she was not the most naturally gifted among those present, she was the most hardworking. As a result, her cultivation surpassed everyone else gathered here, making her the closest person in the Heavenly Court to the Immortal Realm, aside from the Jiang clan members. Now, facing the descent and predatory glare of the two great factions, she harbored no fear and rallied everyone to stand together.
Ice Fairy, Young Celestial Master Chunyang, and the rest nodded in agreement right away, raising no objections. After all, since the founding of the Heavenly Court, how many hardships and perils had they faced? And what had the outcome always been? Hadn't every single one been resolved in the end? They believed this time would be no different.
Just then, Jiang Huanyun walked over. Currently, he essentially served as the pillar stationed at the Heavenly Court since he was the strongest person present. Having overheard their conversation, he said, "Lu Yuan entrusting the Heavenly Court to you was indeed an utterly correct choice. Undaunted and composed in the face of crisis—very good. I also ask everyone to rest assured on one point: my Jiang clan will advance and retreat alongside the Heavenly Court."
When the Eternal Warship appeared and people from the two great factions arrived, he could sense that this force represented the accumulated foundation of the Ji clan and the Eternal Clan. Among them, there was even a Heavenly Position Immortal. If a battle truly broke out, no one on their side would be a match.
Yet so what if that was the case? Should they refuse to fight just because of that? Representing the Jiang clan, Jiang Huanyun had long made up his mind: no matter how many powerhouses came, they would not shrink in fear.
Especially since he had received news from the extraterrestrial void not long ago, a smile appeared on his face as he looked at Zhu Qingyu and the others. "There is one more thing that I believe will bring you immense joy upon hearing it. Lu Yuan has already set out from deep space and is on his way back to Earth. Before long, he will return to the Milky Way Star Sector, so none of you need to worry about this."
Lu Yuan's return was tremendous news, whether for the Heavenly Court or Jiang Huanyun, and it was especially so under the current circumstances. Although the two great factions had not yet descended onto Earth, that was only temporary. Jiang Huanyun naturally hoped the Ji clan and Eternal Clan would descend as late as possible, leaving sufficient time for Lu Yuan to return.
Jiang Huanyun knew full well that Lu Yuan had reached the Creation Immortal realm long ago, and had recently broken through straight to the Heavenly Position Immortal realm. Combined with his peerless foundation and unmatched combat prowess, Jiang Huanyun was certain that as long as Lu Yuan returned, the two great factions would be nothing to fear unless a Domain Lord-level being descended.
Yet evidently, that would not happen for now. Thus, once Lu Yuan returned, no matter how many methods the two great factions possessed, they would all be futile.
Upon hearing that Lu Yuan was coming back, a flicker of pleasant surprise surfaced in everyone's eyes. This was not only because of the current crisis, but also because he had indeed been gone for some time. Although it was not exceedingly long in cosmic terms, for them, it had already felt quite lengthy. His impending return brought genuine joy. In particular, a gleam of brightness welled up in Zhu Qingyu's eyes.
Even so, Jiang Huanyun added, "However, everyone, the path across the cosmos is vast and distant. While Lu Yuan is indeed returning, the journey will take some time. So for what lies ahead, we must still rely on ourselves!"
Chapter 526