Chapter 1312: The Perfect Moment to Net Them All—The Golden Book of Covenant Appears
Chapter 1312: The Perfect Moment to Net Them All—The Golden Book of Covenant Appears
Deep within the Mountain of Wonders, divine rainbows and celestial gates connected heaven and earth. Ancient warships and chariots loomed in all directions, and over the past few days, countless figures shrouded in terrifying auras had descended, treading upon the rules of the Great Dao.
The elders and disciples of Yuxian Pavilion were nearly overwhelmed with hosting duties, forced to direct the arriving guests to various pavilions to wait.
For the Primary Hope Civilisation, the signing of the Primary Hope Covenant was an event monumental enough to be recorded in history—a true milestone.
From Dao Realm existences down to ordinary cultivators, all eyes were fixed upon this moment, watching intently.
Divine trees swayed, their leaves rustling as cascading star rivers shimmered like sacred radiance. Within the grand halls, crowds surged, packed with cultivators and living beings of all kinds.
Whether from the younger generation or the older, all were eager to witness the contents of this covenant.
Leaders of various races gathered here, and many who already knew the covenant's terms whispered among themselves, informing others while quietly observing the situation.
Even now, the Heavenslayers Alliance had yet to appear, stirring unease among many factions. Until the covenant was signed, no one could predict the outcome.
This uncertainty weighed heavily on their hearts, leaving them restless, fearing unforeseen complications.
Yet some factions remained composed, believing that since Gu Changge had publicly promised to sign the Primary Hope Covenant in front of so many lineages, he would not go back on his word.
Though the Heavenslayers Alliance was powerful, it still lacked the strength to oppose the entire Primary Hope Civilisation, and doing so would bring them no benefit.
"It seems the Heavenslayers Alliance has quite the airs about them, making so many factions wait like this."
Shang Chongming, an ancient being from Empty Boundary Ridge, took a sip of wine from a cup handed to him by a servant, watching the scene with amused interest.
The other ancient beings present regarded him with wariness and reverence, none daring to casually refute his words.
Yet the continued absence of the Heavenslayers Alliance had soured the moods of many, making them feel as though they were being deliberately toyed with. Such a grand event had been announced to the entire Primary Hope Civilisation, and even distant minor factions from remote corners of the cosmos had rushed here, fearing delays.
But the Heavenslayers Alliance seemed utterly indifferent—no sign of them for days, not a single representative in sight.
Whether it was the Beast Court, the Jing Family, or Purple Sky Mountain, there was not the slightest hint of movement.
"The Heavenslayers Alliance will come. Everyone, remain patient."
Ling Yuling observed the crowd's expressions and spoke softly to reassure them.
She understood Gu Changge's methods well—even if he had ulterior motives, he would not miss this moment.
"We are not impatient, but the longer this drags on, the more complications may arise. After all, long nights invite many dreams."
A sect master shook his head lightly, his gaze drifting beyond the Mountain of Wonders with faint concern.
Not long after Ling Yuling's words, however, cultivators sensed disturbances rippling through space-time billions of miles away from the Mountain of Wonders.
A tremendous commotion erupted, as if an army of thousands was charging across the cosmos. The very heavens trembled, the sound carrying across infinite distances. Radiant mists flooded the sky, churning the depths of space and obscuring vast swathes of the universe.
Within the chaos, shadowy figures loomed in dense, endless waves. Chaos Qi surged like a cataclysmic tide, sweeping past surrounding stars as it rapidly approached.
Sharp-eyed cultivators spotted a war banner, forged from unknown materials, fluttering amidst the roiling mist. Emblazoned upon it were three ancient characters:
"Heavenslayers Alliance."
The strokes were bold and powerful, each brushstroke exuding an aura that made the Heavenly Dao rumble, celestial music resound, and Dao light suppress the cosmos.
It was a sight that shook hearts and souls.
Within the radiant mist, glimpses of primordial ferocious beasts flickered—azure dragons, Qingluan, Pixiu, savage Zheng, and crimson Zhuyan, all clad in armor, their scaled wings and iridescent feathers gleaming.
Terrifying figures sat astride these beasts, their auras so oppressive it felt as though the heavens themselves might collapse.
The true bodies of these primordial beasts were so massive they could fill the starry sky, their strength unimaginable. A mere swipe of their claws could annihilate entire nations.
Behind them rolled an endless procession of war chariots, each one rumbling through the void, leaving behind visible spatial fissures.
Every chariot carried countless figures wielding Heavenly Blades and halberds, their killing intent shaking the heavens as if they had just emerged from mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
The sight sent shockwaves through the Mountain of Wonders, leaving many cultivators and living beings pale-faced.
No one had expected the Heavenslayers Alliance to arrive with such overwhelming force. Even without counting, they could sense the terrifying auras of countless supreme experts among them.
In terms of Dao Realm existences alone, their numbers surpassed the combined might of many Immortal Dao lineages.
"These Heavenslayers Alliance members... it seems they've just arrived from another battlefield, still reeking of blood and slaughter."
"Regardless, we must remain cautious. However, with the combined peak forces of our Primary Hope Civilisation gathered here, we can sweep away any foe. No matter how bold the Heavenslayers Alliance is, they wouldn't dare act recklessly."
Deep within the Mountain of Wonders, the leaders and sect masters of various races observed the scene with slightly changed expressions, murmuring among themselves.
Yet, as they glanced at the numerous peers and ancient beings around them, their unease gradually settled.
"The Mountain of Wonders has special rules that suppress even Dao Realm experts from acting freely. The Heavenslayers Alliance wouldn't dare cause trouble here."
An Ancestral Elder from the Imperial Immortal Palace also spoke in a low voice, "But judging by their appearance, it seems the Heavenslayers Alliance has been waging war elsewhere—as if they've just returned from battle."
"Yet the Primary Hope Civilisation hasn't received any news of such conflicts."
"Could they have been fighting somewhere in the Boundless Expanse?"
An ancient existence frowned deeply, his gaze fixed on the bloodthirsty army of the Heavenslayers Alliance stationed outside the Mountain of Wonders.
Though such an army posed no real threat to them, it was undeniable proof that the Heavenslayers Alliance had not been idle—they had been expanding their influence, setting their sights on the Boundless Expanse rather than focusing solely on the Primary Hope Civilisation.
But if the matters of the Primary Hope Civilisation remained unresolved, why would the Heavenslayers Alliance divert their forces to conquer territories in the Boundless Expanse?
"This only means the Heavenslayers Alliance doesn't even consider the Primary Hope Civilisation a true concern. The Primary Hope Covenant we've been so anxious about... they likely never took it seriously to begin with."
A Dao Realm expert from the Bright Light Temple let out a self-deprecating laugh.
His words resonated with many, though others grew even more uneasy, sensing that this was not a good sign.
The more the Heavenslayers Alliance disregarded the Primary Hope Civilisation, the more it proved their overwhelming confidence—that they could easily dominate it without effort.
Countless cultivators and living beings began murmuring among themselves.
The vast, turbulent mist of chaos halted beyond the heavens, and the endless procession of ancient ferocious beasts and battle chariots remained stationed outside, not yet entering the Mountain of Wonders.
Then, divine rainbows pierced through the cosmos one after another, golden pathways extending downward as numerous figures descended, their forms veiled in radiant mist, indistinct yet imposing.
"Senior Brother Gu..."
Ling Yuxian, standing beside Ling Yuling, murmured softly, her gaze fixed on the approaching figures.
Even Shang Chongming, the second-in-command of Empty Boundary Ridge, and the other ancient beings narrowed their eyes, watching intently.
Beyond the Mountain of Wonders, a young man led the entirety of the Heavenslayers Alliance forward.
The golden path stretched all the way to the foot of the divine tree, yet his steps were unhurried—each movement resonating with the Great Dao, as if he were the axis of the universe itself.
For many cultivators and living beings, this was their first glimpse of the Heavenslayers Alliance's true leader. Some were stunned, especially the younger generation, who found it hard to believe.
"He looks... far too young and flawless."
"He doesn't seem like a real living being—more like something descended from a dream."
The whispers were met with silent agreement. Setting aside their allegiances, the leader of the Heavenslayers Alliance was, by appearance alone, peerlessly elegant and immaculate.
His features were so perfect they could inspire envy in all women—his skin crystalline, his figure tall and poised, wreathed in immortal mist, divine radiance flowing through his hair.
But for the many Dao Realm experts present, appearances were mere illusions—fleeting and meaningless. To them, changing one's face or form was as simple as a thought.
Now that Gu Changge, the leader of the Heavenslayers Alliance, had finally arrived, the hearts of the various leaders and sect masters tightened.
The once-lively atmosphere grew heavy with tension.
"Alliance Lord!"
From the branches of the divine tree, Mu Yan, Mo Tong, the White Bone Ancestor King, and others who had been waiting for a long time stepped forward to greet him.
"You've worked hard these past days." Gu Changge gave a slight nod.
By his side stood Jing Tianyuan, Zi Wanhe, Di Kun, Chu Heng, Zhuo Fengxie, Hun Yuanjun, and several other Ancestral Dao Realm experts he had subdued during this time.
In the distance, the leaders and sect masters of various factions frowned, stepping out from the depths of the Mountain of Wonders. Some wanted to approach, but upon seeing the terrifying entourage behind Gu Changge, they hesitated.
This was a force that could make even the most ancient and unshakable factions pale in fear.
At a glance, there were no fewer than ten Ancestral Dao Realm experts—surpassing even the scale of the former Immortal Palace.
A single Ancestral Dao Realm expert was enough to suppress eternal Fortuity and annihilate an Ancient True World with ease.
And that wasn't even counting the numerous Dao Realm experts among them—far more than what had been seen at the Imperial Immortal Palace.
"It seems the Heavenslayers Alliance has subdued even more powerhouses in this short time."
An ancient being sighed deeply.
The current might of the Heavenslayers Alliance was even more fearsome and intimidating. Even ancient existences like Dao Monarch Chang Ming couldn't help but frown and pause in their steps.
"It seems Young Master Gu has indeed been quite busy these days. The scale of the Heavenslayers Alliance has grown considerably compared to before," a gentle voice rang out as a brilliant streak of Great Dao light descended.
Ling Yuling emerged from the depths of the Mountain of Wonders, accompanied by numerous elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace as she personally came forward to greet them. Her face still carried that same refined and gentle expression, her eyes shimmering like tranquil waters.
"Many True Worlds and nations beyond the Boundless Expanse wish to become part of the Heavenslayers Alliance, seeking shelter from the coming Great Tribulation," Gu Changge replied with a faint smile. "I've indeed been rather occupied with this matter. If Miss Yuling were willing to share some of this burden, it would lighten my load considerably."
"You flatter me, Young Master Gu. This humble woman lacks the capability to assist you in such matters," Ling Yuling responded with a soft laugh, gesturing for Gu Changge to follow her deeper into the Mountain of Wonders.
Between the mountain forests, numerous divine trees swayed like pillars holding up the heavens, their canopies stretching to touch the sun, moon, and stars, blotting out the sky. Though this was called the Mountain of Wonders, its actual contours had long been obscured by these towering trees, with only gaps between branches allowing passage for cultivators.
"The Primary Hope Covenant has been drafted and finalized," Gu Changge remarked as he led the Heavenslayers Alliance members behind Ling Yuling, his gaze sweeping across the mountain's terrain with subtle curiosity. "Though Miss Yuling specifically chose this location for signing the covenant—it seems you still harbor some distrust toward our Heavenslayers Alliance."
"You overthink matters, Young Master Gu," Ling Yuling replied with a gentle smile. "This location was carefully considered. The signing of the Primary Hope Covenant concerns the entire Primary Hope Civilisation—we cannot afford carelessness. What if someone attempted sabotage on the signing day? That would only create unnecessary complications."
Deep within the Mountain of Wonders, leaders and sect masters from various factions had long been waiting, many standing eagerly outside the grand hall in anticipation. Seeing Ling Yuling, the founding ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace, personally escort Gu Changge and his entourage, they finally exhaled in relief.
"Once the Primary Hope Covenant is signed, everything will proceed smoothly," an ancient existence murmured within the grand hall. Yet until the moment of signing arrived, their hearts remained unsettled.
This vast and ancient hall was reserved only for those at the Dao Realm, where the most crucial discussions and alliances were forged. Those factions without a Dao Realm expert to represent them could only wait beyond the Mountain of Wonders, observing from afar.
To the Primary Hope Civilisation, factions without a Dao Realm guardian hardly qualified as true factions—they could vanish at any moment from unforeseen calamities.
Gu Changge led the Heavenslayers Alliance into the grand hall, his gaze sweeping across the gathered figures. This signing ceremony had brought together nearly all the top orthodoxies and powers of the Primary Hope Civilisation—for him, it presented the perfect opportunity to eliminate them all at once.
In a way, he ought to thank Ling Yuling for saving him so much trouble.
"These are the terms of the Primary Hope Covenant, Young Master Gu," Ling Yuling said without preamble upon returning to the hall. With a graceful motion of her slender jade hand, a golden radiance manifested, expanding instantly in her palm before unfurling across the heavens.
It was a Golden Book—though "book" hardly did it justice. It resembled more a golden scripture bursting with dazzling light, its ancient characters imbued with supreme laws, each glyph more radiant and immense than a star.
The material of this Golden Book was unfathomable—perhaps Eternal Sacred Gold—its entire form gleaming with an immortal aura as it materialized within the boundless hall, instantly spanning heaven and earth. It hovered between the firmament, illuminating the dark abyss of the cosmos, its brilliance so piercing it rendered distant spacetime translucent, as if illuminating past and future.
Every character that emerged shone with overwhelming splendor, causing the heavens to tremble and even the Great Dao itself to seem suppressed. The vast cosmic expanse was bathed in its radiance, stretching across billions of miles in an instant, traversing the Nine Hells and piercing through time itself.
To ordinary cultivators and living beings, this was nothing short of a divine miracle. Countless beings across the universe prostrated themselves in worship toward this heavenly light, their faces filled with reverence.
"The Golden Book of Covenant..."
The ancient existences who had jointly forged this treasure stirred, many revealing satisfied smiles. This Golden Book represented their collective effort, requiring immense sacrifices—the materials consumed alone were beyond calculation. Yet seeing its divine completion now brought them some solace—their painstaking labor had not been in vain.
Every cultivator and living being within the Mountain of Wonders watched this spectacle in awe...