The sudden appearance of countless bizarre insects in the Death Crystal Field plunged the region into chaos. People fled in droves, including many cultivators who had been training there. Only late-stage Spirit-Wandering experts stood a chance of escaping unharmed; the rest were either devoured by the insects or slaughtered outright.
News of this spread rapidly among all factions. When people first heard that the Death Crystal Field had changed so drastically, most refused to believe it. But the events that followed soon made them accept the truth.
Somehow, these strange insects burst out of the Death Crystal Field and attacked numerous towns—a true massacre. Unless one had the ability to protect themselves or had already gone into hiding, anyone who encountered the insects was doomed to be killed.
Before long, many towns across the continent were reduced to sites of carnage—whole cities stained red by slaughter.
Some cities, having caught wind of the crisis, evacuated immediately. Others hesitated, unable to believe it—was this the end of the world? Many rushed to consult the Blue Clan, seeking answers.
At this moment, the entire Blue Clan was assembled in their castle—never before had every seat been filled like this.
When Terry Blue and the others saw so many relatives gathered before them, they could hardly believe what was happening—it was enough to force everyone out of seclusion.
But what they didn’t realize was that this wasn’t a voluntary emergence from seclusion—they had been forced out.
“Is it really this serious?” The Blue Clan Patriarch still couldn’t believe it and turned to ask Benson Blue.
"Yes, it's already dire. The insects are incredibly strong—they've broken through our Blue Clan's encirclement and surged out of the Death Crystal Field. We must act fast, or soon the entire continent will be soaked in blood." Benson Blue sighed.
"They’re planning to invite everyone to Baina to plan how to fight the insect swarms," the Demon Sect Patriarch told Joel Qiao after receiving the latest news.
At this moment, he had no choice but to make a decision.
"This was never just our Blue Clan’s problem. I think the others need to know—especially since the cities near the Death Crystal Field are already under attack. Only by uniting everyone can we hope to survive." someone suggested.
Benson Blue agreed with the suggestion. As for the Blue Clan Patriarch, letting go of his pride to negotiate with others was difficult, but seeing that his clan simply couldn’t resist so many powerful insects, he could only sigh and say, "Then notify all the great families, major sects, and powerful loose cultivators. Announce this to the world, and call for all Spirit-Wandering and above experts to gather at Baina City and plan a countermeasure together."
Those in the Blue Clan who knew about the insect crisis all nodded and began to act. Meanwhile, Terry Blue and the others were still clueless, only wondering if things could really be so serious.
Soon, all factions across the continent received the news, along with introductions to these insects.
When everyone learned that the insects had emerged from the Death Crystal Field, they were stunned. Hearing about the carnage in those cities only deepened their anxiety.
With that, the entire continent plunged into a state of catastrophe.
Some small sects and families began to disband or seek refuge under the great clans and sects.
After receiving the news, the Demon Sect members reacted. Joel Qiao frowned and said to the Demon Sect Patriarch, "Why has it started a year early?"
"I don't know. He never told us anything," replied the Demon Sect Patriarch, puzzled.
"Forget it. He’s always been an odd one. As for our previous cooperation, let’s cancel it." Joel Qiao finally spoke up after hearing the Demon Sect Patriarch’s confusion.
"Don’t you want to rule the continent together?" The Demon Sect Patriarch was shocked to hear the plan was being canceled.
"Rule? That’s assuming we survive. These insects aren’t human, and the person who’s fused with them is just as strange. We may be Demon Sect, but we’re still human. Do you really want to live alongside insects? Are you planning to command an insect army in the future?" Joel Qiao shook his head helplessly.
"But..." The Demon Sect Patriarch was still tempted by the offer.
"No buts. I know what you mean. I originally planned to cooperate with them for what I wanted, but Evan Yang has vanished, so there’s no need. Why lose our humanity just to work with these freaks?" Joel Qiao explained his thoughts.
"Fine. If he comes looking for us, we’ll just make excuses," sighed the Demon Sect Patriarch.
"Mm." Joel Qiao nodded.
Just then, the Demon Sect Patriarch received a message. After reading it, he exclaimed, "The Blue Clan has invited you."
"Invited me? What’s going on?" Joel Qiao asked suspiciously.
"They’re planning to invite everyone to Baina to discuss how to deal with the insects," the Demon Sect Patriarch told Joel Qiao after receiving the latest news.
Joel Qiao sighed. "Let’s go. I’d like to hear their explanation for these insects."
"But..." The Demon Sect Patriarch realized that this meant the Demon Sect would now stand on the same front as the Blue Clan.
"When dealing with people, timing matters. Even now, we can cooperate with them, but that doesn’t mean we’ll always work together. It’s just a matter of shared interests. Don’t forget how terrifying these insects are. If the Demon Sect wants to stay out of it, that’ll be tough—unless everyone hides and avoids the insects. Otherwise, the Demon Sect’s operatives in cities and sects will also be sacrificed." Joel Qiao analyzed.
"Fine." The Demon Sect Patriarch had spent years embedding agents everywhere; if their identities were exposed now, he absolutely couldn’t allow it—so he reluctantly agreed.
So Joel Qiao, the Demon Sect Patriarch, and several experts set out for Baina.
Not just the Demon Sect—even the Free Alliance members were shocked. Vice Alliance Master Grant emerged from seclusion, analyzed the situation, and quickly led a group toward Baina as well.
With this, Baina instantly became a boiling hub. Many Spirit-Wandering experts gathered there—one step in any direction and you might bump into one. Low-level disciples could only watch in envy.
Furthermore, many timid people, hearing that all the top experts were gathering in Baina, rushed there for safety. The population exploded, forcing the city to tear down its walls and expand outward. Hills were claimed by sects, families, or even small groups, and from above, Baina looked like the most densely packed place on the continent.
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"The Blue Clan has invited us too," Janelle Jiang announced after receiving the news.
The elders exchanged glances, but Logan Li spoke up: "Why go? Who knows if they’ll try something against us later!"
"That’s exactly why I’m telling everyone," said Janelle Jiang, worried about the possibility. If the Blue Clan had any designs on them, leaving would be nearly impossible.
Everyone understood Janelle Jiang’s concern and agreed not to go. But she continued, "Evan Yang has been missing for over ten years—there’s little hope. It’s hard for Shadowhand Guild to make a comeback. Since the Blue Clan wants us to help fight the strange insects, it’s a good opportunity for Shadowhand to return to the stage."
Everyone found Janelle Jiang’s reasoning sound. If the Blue Clan invited Shadowhand Guild, they’d have to let bygones be bygones and sit down to discuss how to deal with the insects. That would give Shadowhand an advantage in returning, but safety remained a concern.
"Don’t worry. I’ll go myself—everyone else should stay here. Even if they try to catch me, it’ll only be me. Shadowhand Guild won’t suffer major losses, but I can still represent us." Janelle Jiang intended to sacrifice herself to help Shadowhand return, especially since Evan Yang’s disappearance had hit her hard, and she wanted to get out and clear her mind.
"No way!" The others immediately objected, but Janelle Jiang persisted until they reluctantly agreed to let her go to Baina—sending a few companions with her.
And so, Janelle Jiang of Shadowhand Guild headed for Baina.
Within days, Baina was flooded with experts, sects, and even some reclusive figures. Seeing so many Spirit-Wandering experts gathered on the continent left everyone stunned.
Many Spirit-Wandering experts had escaped from the Death Crystal Field, with nowhere else to go, so they came here to discuss how to deal with the strange insects.
Not everyone was united. Some caused trouble as soon as they arrived, picking fights and making Baina chaotic. In the end, the Blue Clan stepped in to stop the disorder and issued a notice: fighting was forbidden in Baina, and everyone had to set aside personal grudges—otherwise, they’d be expelled from the Alliance.
This Alliance was named by the Blue Clan themselves—the Salvation Alliance. Some doubted whether the insects were really that powerful, capable of ending the world, but only the Blue Clan and those who had experienced the Death Crystal Field firsthand knew how terrifying they were. Without unity, extinction was certain.
With the Alliance established and rules in place, most people calmed down. No one dared stir up trouble—anyone who did was immediately detained by powerful experts.
So after the chaos, things became especially harmonious and calm. Even if sworn enemies met on the street, they could only stare or arrange to settle things elsewhere in private.
Meanwhile, the Blue Clan, Huang Clan, Dugald Family, and Beiming Family pooled all the cities’ information and the latest news so everyone could learn how the frontline cities were faring against the insects and plan their next moves.
On the fifth day after the notice, a grand palace was built outside Baina Castle, and anyone who was invited could enter.
Inside, the palace was filled with great families, major sects, powerful loose cultivators, and famous figures from across the continent.
It was lively inside, and there were two main purposes for today: first, to elect the Alliance Leader; second, to discuss strategies for attacking the insects.
Janelle Jiang and Logan Li arrived at the palace entrance, but were stopped by two attendants. "Who are you? Which sect are you from?"
"Shadowhand Guild." Janelle Jiang knew that saying those words meant Shadowhand would reappear in public and face many questions, so she hesitated before finally speaking.
Those waiting to enter or just inside, upon hearing Janelle Jiang say those words, all turned their attention to her and her companions.