Chapter 220: Stalemate and the Aftermath
Though declarations of alliance had been made and the backing of numerous clans and sects secured, the aftermath was far from peaceful. Power was never so easily balanced. After all, not every organization feared the Aka Boshi no Tengan Clan or the Soloman Clan, not even the supposedly unshakable Bright Brilliant Blade Sect.
As a result, the battles never truly ended. In fact, they became more complicated. The only saving grace, for reasons known only to a select few, was that experts above the Early Stage Mortal Lord Realm were forbidden from participating. This restriction prevented catastrophic destruction, especially since Desert Red Star was still embroiled in its ongoing continental struggle with Purple Starmist.
Even so, it was inevitable that the White Star Radiance Sect and its allies would continue expanding their territory and influence. Within a week of battle, an agreement had been reached among several factions, creating a powerful alliance with White Star Radiance at its core.
Among those joining the alliance were the Angelic Cherub Nation and the Barbaric Olgar Clan. To everyone's surprise, even experts from the Great Brawlman Sect, including representatives of Brawlmanica's royal and noble factions, joined the coalition.
Individuals like Jumanga Helmsley could no longer interfere freely without sparking political conflict. The Brassaint Kingdom, with Second Prince Jin Fang as its envoy, likewise moved swiftly to forge ties with White Star Radiance.
Those truly in the know had already realized something deeper. Many of White Star Radiance's core forces had not yet even appeared. The Echoing Longbi Tribe, among others, arrived only a day after Elton's declaration of the sect's founding, marking them as one of its prominent divisions.
For the past week, Elton, atop Orochicanda, had primarily overseen the flow of battle, rarely making direct moves himself. Yet his continuous presence alone struck fear into countless observers. Even without being a Mortal Lord, he remained active for over seven days without rest, a feat that unsettled many. Mortal Lords themselves could remain perpetually active for only four to five days before exhaustion began to set in. But Elton endured, unmoved, unyielding, and seemingly tireless.
At random intervals, terrifying blasts of white electrical Ki rained down from the heavens, shredding enemy lines. Beside him, Orochicanda's patience wore thin as fatigue set in, but its frustration only made it more ferocious. Dark Wing Bombs, Wind Blades, and Purplish-Orange Breath Beams ravaged enemy formations, causing entire regiments to scatter.
Of course, Elton and Orochicanda were far from a two-man army. They fought behind a broad coalition of allied forces. The opposition, disciples of the Purple Rumblings Martial Sect and other regional powers, responded with waves of counterattacks. Yet, little by little, their ground eroded, and the White Star Radiance coalition advanced further each day.
Ten days after the battles began, a stalemate finally emerged.
The rival factions and opportunistic neutrals found themselves unable to focus solely on this conflict. Two days earlier, news had erupted that Purple Starmist had plunged into chaos, its organizations turning on one another after a series of shocking events. The cross-continental invasions between Desert Red Star and Purple Starmist escalated into full-scale warfare.
The turmoil did not stop there. Reports soon spread that the Red Star Empire itself, the largest and most powerful nation on the continent, had called for a meeting among the continent's peak experts. Whispers followed that the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect Master, along with several high-ranking elites, had returned gravely injured.
To most, this was simply troubling news. But to a select few, those with access to classified intelligence, this was a cover story for something far darker. Because of that fear of the unknown, many forces quietly shifted their positions. Several factions opposing White Star Radiance withdrew entirely, following cautious orders from their higher-ups.
When the dust finally settled, the results were clear. White Star Radiance had conquered over five miles of territory, establishing their first true stronghold. However, defiant to the end, an alliance of twelve rival powers calling themselves the Star Dimming Alliance seized the adjacent lands. From that day forward, both sides would continue expanding, locked in an unending struggle for dominance, glory, and survival.
When the stalemate officially paused the war on the eleventh day, Shayleaf, with the aid of countless Elven kin and Elton himself, began transforming the land. Using the Great Tree Creation Art, they expanded their forested domain until it spanned over four miles in radius.
The bodies and blood of fallen enemies, and even some allies, were absorbed into the soil, becoming nourishment for the forest. Within hours, wooden structures and spiritual dwellings began forming naturally from the roots and trees, shaped by the elves' magic.
For seven hours, ten giant sacred trees grew, forming a vast circle around the perimeter. They rose high into the heavens, glowing with divine green light before unleashing a surge of power. A brilliant dome of emerald energy covered the entire area before fading into transparency.
"Hehehe! How's that, Brother Elly?" Shayleaf exclaimed, spreading her arms proudly. "Although this dome isn't as strong as the smaller one before, it'll steadily grow stronger as time stabilizes, so long as no one bombards it with heavy attacks. Oh, and that's just the outer barrier! Even though It's meant for our allied forces, they can handle their own defenses."
She grinned, her fangs glinting as she looked skyward. "The true inner barrier, two miles around our Treemansion, belongs solely to our White Star Radiance Sect!"
Elton and the others stood in awe, marveling at the spectacle. The architecture blended Elven craftsmanship with human design, while certain areas reflected the unique styles of the Echoing Longbi Tribe. Elton had already decided that their core members would reside within the inner domain once he fully mastered control of the Treasured Orb.
Moments later, Tongsheng appeared beside Elton with a smile before her expression turned serious. "Hello, Master Elton. It's been a while."
Elton smiled in return.
"Tongsheng! It really does feel like it's been a long time. For you to appear here from the inner sect lands like this, has something happened? Or perhaps you bring good news? One can only hope."
"Well, yes, in a way," Tongsheng said with a serious look, "but also… some not-so-good news."
Elton's expression hardened as he nodded.
"Alright. Let me call everyone over. It's about time we headed back to the inner sect lands anyway. You can tell everyone at once."
Tongsheng nodded in agreement and followed his lead.
Not long after, Elton, Tongsheng, Ramiro, Christy, Erica, Zoro, Shayleaf, and several others gathered. Among them were Aeloria, Jewleaf, Christy's parents, the current Echoing Longbi Tribe Chief, and other key figures. Amberleaf had also arrived seven days earlier, bringing reinforcements from the Fanged Elf forces during the battle.
"Now then, Tongsheng," Elton said as his gaze settled on her, "tell us what's going on."
"Yes," Tongsheng began, her tone sharp and professional. "As you were already informed seven days ago, the inner sect region was discovered by individuals from the neighboring domain. However, we'd already prepared for that. For the past six days, we've fought and hunted them down. On top of that, we managed to form a small alliance with a tribe of theirs, thanks to the ever-so-efficient Sir Joe-Pine. None of this was easy, but we succeeded as you wished, Master."
"This princess feels Ms. Tongsheng herself is very efficient," Amberleaf said, her tone laced with noble pride. "Hm… but what exactly was the not-so-great news?"
"Now, now, Amber, she was just getting to that part. Proceed," Elton said with a small smile.
"H-Hmph! I kind of missed that way of speaking you have, and m-maybe you— Don't get me wrong though, my P-Prin— Mmm! Mmm!"
As Amberleaf began rambling through her flustered monologue, Shayleaf smiled sweetly and covered her mouth. Amberleaf struggled in protest while everyone else in the room pretended not to notice.
Tongsheng glanced over with a faint smirk and continued.
"Yes. To keep it short, the invasion of Demonkin and other races has already begun within that pocket dimension. According to the tribe we aligned with—the Morganta Tribe—things have escalated drastically. They're only a day away from breaking through the dimensional barrier and crossing into Desert Red Star. They haven't found our sect's inner lands yet, unlike some of the others in that place."
"So it has begun…" Elton muttered grimly. "In any case, our mission is clear. We protect the sect and annihilate any invaders who breach our lands. We'll also prepare to show our strength on Desert Red Star itself, but the core battles will take place in the inner sect area and the connecting zones of the pocket dimension. I'll be counting on all of you, especially while I continue to gain control of the Treasured Orb."
"Hahahaha! Oh, Elton, don't worry yourself too much. I and my— uh— Lion's Spearhearts will handle everything with overwhelming strength!" Ramiro laughed boldly, causing several in the room to sigh and smile wryly.
"Doragun Supia Baka-me," Zoro sneered, his voice calm and cutting.
(Translation: Dragon Spear Idiot)
"Oi! Tonta espada negra de diablo! I think it's time I smacked you around with my spear for a while!" Ramiro barked, standing up and pointing at him.
(Translatiion: Stupid Black Devil Sword)
"Hooh? How about I dice you up good first, then?" Zoro replied with a smug grin.
"You two…" Christy sighed with a weary smile as she waved her palms, instantly casting a barrier that isolated both of them.
"H-How did you do that so fast and easily?!" Ramiro shouted in surprise.
"Well, I knew you two would act up again, so…" Christy shrugged innocently, earning laughter from Elton and the others.
Later, everyone returned to the sect's inner lands to make preparations for what was coming. Aeloria, though not officially part of the White Star Radiance Sect, took command of the territories they had recently conquered for the outer sect.