The six top powers in the Wu Shan star domain, excluding the True Fire Cave Heaven which had not declared its stance and the Six Kings' Mansion standing behind Zhang Fan, were all aligned against Zhang Fan. They were joined by the Colossal Spirit Hall from the Shattered Star Domain.
Although this was a contest among the younger generation, their status and strength meant they could, to a certain extent, represent their respective sects' attitudes. To stand against these five top forces was not something one could do with mere courage.
Without corresponding strength, who would be deemed worthy to oppose them?
Zhang Fan was fearless, and his disciples and followers naturally would not cower. However, Shen Feichen and Xiao Yi hesitated. While they didn't fear the Black Sand Cave Heaven and the Flying Immortal Mansion, they could grit their teeth and face them even with the addition of the Sun Shadow Cave Heaven. But the Azure Sea Hall was different.
Though all were top powers on the Boundary Heart Continent, the other five still lacked considerable depth compared to the Azure Sea Hall, because the founder of the Azure Sea Hall was a powerhouse who had broken through the limits of the Nascent Soul stage and entered the Spirit Transformation stage.
Nascent Soul and Spirit Transformation, though seemingly a single step apart, were as different as mortal and immortal.
Nascent Soul stage cultivators, though called heavenly immortals, were still bound by the limitations of heaven and earth. Every step forward required enduring heavenly tribulations, and failure meant annihilation under the heavenly lightning.
Only by enduring ten layers of heavenly tribulations, cultivating to perfection, transforming from mortal to spirit, and forging an indestructible primordial spirit, free from the torment of Nascent Soul tribulations, could one cross the cosmic rivers, roam the dark void, and travel between various star domains at will. That was the true path to everlasting life.
Although the Spirit Transformation expert from the Azure Sea Hall had left the Wu Shan star domain hundreds of thousands of years ago and no news had been heard since, all parties still dared not underestimate him. Even if a Spirit Transformation true immortal perished, the methods they left behind would still instill fear.
Furthermore, the current strongest individual in the Wu Shan star domain, the Southern Venerable, also hailed from the Azure Sea Hall, granting the Azure Sea Hall an extremely transcendent position in the Wu Shan star domain.
The conflict among this group of individuals no longer solely represented them personally, but also the forces behind them. Thus, after Zhang Fan spoke, there was no immediate response. Instead, all eyes fell on Shen Feichen. How would he choose?
Shen Feichen's heart was also quite conflicted. Zhang Fan's strength far exceeded his expectations, to the point that even disciples of the Azure Sea Hall were wary and now involved. This was something none of them had anticipated.
However, he was, after all, a Ninth Tribulation realm expert who had weathered countless storms. The moment all eyes focused on him, he cast aside his distractions, his gaze becoming resolute. Since their Six Kings' Mansion had identified Zhang Fan as a friend, how could they retreat at this juncture?
If he could be deterred by this situation, how could he face the even more terrifying tribulation of Spirit Transformation?
Shen Feichen stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Zhang Fan. His imposing figure was as unshakeable as a mountain. As his gaze swept across them, a hint of disdainful amusement spread across his face, followed by a hearty laugh that boomed like thunder. "Brother Zhang Fan is a friend of our Six Kings' Mansion. As he said, since you wish to interfere, then come at us all. I, too, wish to witness the capabilities of the two esteemed princes of the Azure Sea Hall!"
"Good! It is said that every cultivator of the Six Kings' Mansion is unparalleled in loyalty. I never believed it before, but Brother Feichen's actions today truly impress me." Cang Lan Mingyue cast a deep look at Shen Feichen, then added, "However, the competition for the Grand Luo Hall brooks no deviation. Therefore, we must resort to arms today. I hope you will forgive us."
Cang Lan Mingyue did not speak of righteousness. Instead, she frankly stated that it was a struggle for opportunity, which earned Zhang Fan a measure of respect.
"To face your own heart and admit your actions boldly, you do possess some of the spirit of the Azure Sea Hall. With these words, I shall spare your life today." Zhang Fan said, staring at Cang Lan Mingyue.
Among the younger generation in the Wu Shan star domain, perhaps only Zhang Fan dared to utter such a statement. However, Cang Lan Mingyue did not get angry. Instead, she smiled faintly.
"Brother Feichen, to deal with a group of youngsters, why would you need to act? I am sufficient!"
Before Zhang Fan's words had even fallen, he took a step forward. The rules of the sword surged through the heavens and earth. His Sword Dao Domain enveloped the cultivators from the Flying Immortal Mansion, Black Sand Cave Heaven, Sun Shadow Cave Heaven, Colossal Spirit Hall, and Azure Sea Hall.
"Elder Bai, remain. Everyone else, withdraw from the domain!" Nangong Feng held a long spear, its length exceeding nine feet and entirely black, with terrifying lightning flickering upon it. He stared directly at Zhang Fan, a hint of fervor in his dark eyes.
Upon hearing Nangong Feng's words, the Flying Immortal Mansion members did not hesitate. They immediately turned and flew away from Flat Top Mountain. Zhang Fan's Sword Dao Domain was too powerful; they would be of no help staying behind, and would only become a burden.
The only one who remained was Elder Bai, also a Ninth Tribulation realm cultivator. He had entered the Grand Luo Realm and refined numerous heavenly elixirs derived from the Nascent Souls of demonic beasts to achieve the Ninth Tribulation realm.
Although he was only in the early stage of the Ninth Tribulation realm, he could still exert some strength under Zhang Fan's domain. As for the other cultivators in the Seventh and Eighth Tribulation realms, they could only hope to survive within Zhang Fan's domain, offering no assistance.
With Zhang Fan's current cultivation, he didn't even need to act against cultivators below the Seventh Tribulation realm; his Sword Dao Domain alone could easily annihilate them.
The other parties similarly withdrew all cultivators below the Ninth Tribulation realm from Flat Top Mountain. Zhang Fan watched this unfold quietly, not interfering. He nodded to Shen Feichen, who understood his intent. Shen Feichen then led Lin Haotian and the rest of the Six Kings' Mansion personnel away from Flat Top Mountain.
Within a few breaths, the once bustling Flat Top Mountain was left with only a handful of over ten individuals.
The Cang Lan Mingyue siblings, along with two Ninth Tribulation realm cultivators each from the Flying Immortal Mansion, Black Sand Cave Heaven, Sun Shadow Cave Heaven, and Colossal Spirit Hall, remained. Counting them all, there were ten Ninth Tribulation realm cultivators present.
The cultivators who had left Flat Top Mountain witnessed this scene. Even with their composure, they found it hard to remain calm. Looking at the youth standing with his sword, his expression serene, they couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration and yearning. Even the cultivators from the opposing forces, the Flying Immortal Mansion and the Black Sand Cave Heaven, had to admit that this was a worthy opponent.
One had to understand that in the Wu Shan star domain, Ninth Tribulation realm cultivators stood at the pinnacle. Even the sect leaders of the top powers were merely at the Ninth Tribulation realm.
Yet, Zhang Fan, at the Eighth Tribulation realm, had forced a group of Ninth Tribulation realm experts to join forces against him. With such strength, it was unlikely a second person could be found in the Wu Shan star domain.