Chapter 227: Events across the lands
After the entire fiasco involving the Blue Mountain Star clan and the entity that brought them and their mountain out of the Pocket Dimension, a brief meeting was held with Rukia acting as the intermediary. The war had already begun against the invading demon alliance, so no one had time to waste. Even though the Blue Mountain Star clan escaped the bombardment from the demon alliance, they were still expected to fight as a full force alongside the other powers.
Aeloria could only smile wryly at the turn of events. She had already vaguely foreseen something like this occurring with her future sight ability, so the integration and negotiations were far smoother. Rukia and the scroll she carried played a key role in bringing the other leaders of the White Star Radiance Alliance into agreement.
Not long after, the three groups of younger generation talents from the Soloman clan, the Aka Boshi no Tengan clan, and several friends from the Bright Brilliant Blade sect arrived. Whether they liked it or not, many of the two clans' talents accepted this as a mission, while others saw it as a golden opportunity.
Joe-Pine had already coordinated the preparations with Shayleaf's aid through her doll clone, and all of them were teleported into the inner sect lands. Regardless of who they were, every one of them was shocked. The land carried a majestic and archaic atmosphere despite many areas still being renovated. Even more shocking was the dense essence energy, which made them far more excited than skeptical about entering this realm.
The Aka Boshi no Tengan clansmen were swiftly placed into the Star-Eyed Division.
The Soloman clansmen were moved into the Soloman Division.
The remaining group was placed into the General Division.
In the days that followed they were all assigned to various missions, many related directly to wartime operations. Miraculously, the remnants of the old Blue Star sect contained a vast number of abandoned resources, including a huge spirit stone mine hidden beneath a secret basement of the sect's main building. After nearly eight centuries of being untouched the mine had regenerated and accumulated an incredible stockpile.
…
Time continued to pass, and three weeks had gone by since the massive invasion initiated by the demon alliance. During that time six additional breaches appeared, mostly located in the Eastern Region of Desert Red Star. Of those six, four were directly connected to the forces of the continent that had decided to counter invade the Purple Starmist continent. As a result, a full scale continental war was now being waged, with massive forces from both sides preparing to cross the oceans for total war.
Some dimensional breaches that had been discovered and used by both sides in recent years had begun collapsing or mending themselves, preventing further travel. This dramatically shifted the tides for whichever sects or nations they had previously benefited.
…
In a certain country of the southeastern region stood a massive church building. Surrounding it were many large complexes and housing structures. Black crosses encircled by spiraling black and white lights decorated the area. People moved everywhere, including chained individuals wearing slave collars. Three huge fences connected to three grand entrances, forming the outer perimeter of the massive church grounds. On countless signboards, the words "Nights Light Devouring Church" stood out boldly.
Inside one of the large buildings, standing atop a pulpit-like structure, was a tall feminine man with red lips, long red hair, sharp eyes, a lithe build, and wearing the ceremonial robes of the Night Light Devouring Church. Beneath him was a massive gathering of fanatical believers. Behind him stood a towering statue of a black devil-like entity with four arms, with 2 each holding a black katana.
"By the order of the Red Cardinal, we of the Tenth Black White Gospel Division will resume our hunt for the traitors. We will purge them and bring them to judgment. Furthermore, we will apprehend that damned precious monster blessed by our church and retrieve what belongs to us. We will subjugate the man they call Daoist Black Devil Blades. We will crush Zoro Tatsumaki!" The feminine man declared with arms spread wide, his expression twisting with fanatical zeal.
Thunderous cheers erupted, filling the hall as killing intent surged from every believer present.
The man continued, "This also requires us to cripple the White Star Radiance sect by any means necessary. The decision from the higher ups is that our church will act as a neutral force in this war, secretly allying with both the demon invaders and the forces of our continent. We will eliminate enemies both new and old. Let us begin our preparations."
Loud cheers shook the building once more as yet another storm quietly began to gather.
…
Back in Brawlmanica, a meeting between nobles, sect leaders, clan leaders, and various other powers was taking place. The tone of the gathering was extremely serious, with several individuals grinding their teeth in frustration. Recently, news had spread that enraged many, including Crowned Prince Hunter Helmsley.
"Are you seriously able to verify this piece of news?" Hunter asked with a stern expression, directing the question toward a nobleman who was also a powerful commander stationed at a border region.
"Yes, your highness. Things have escalated in unimaginable ways. The great sects are still focused on the invaders from the Purple Starmist continent," the man replied gravely.
Another man with a twisted expression shook his head in helplessness. "It has barely been three years, and the demonic beasts of the Stone Forest are already marching toward Brawlmanica. There should be no way for them to have recovered enough power this quickly. Why now?"
"Unfortunately there is more. The Fighting Brawlman cultivation sect has officially collapsed and splintered into three factions. One of those factions is definitely involved with this. The second faction, even though they disagree with the traitors, most likely supported them in secret. As for the third, Master Dangray has aligned his faction with the Great Brawlman sect," reported a nobleman wearing a pendant that identified him as a disciple of the Fighting Brawlman sect.
Silence filled the room. A marquis finally spoke, his tone grim. "Duke Michaels and several others have not appeared for this meeting despite the circumstances. As for Duke Helmsley, while he sent you, Sir Jabonak, as his representative…"
The young man, who appeared no older than fifteen, looked over with a blank expression. "My Helmsley Ducal Household is currently experiencing a strange period of unrest. I apologize on my father's behalf."
"So I have heard," the marquis replied while frowning before going silent.
"It seems our Brawlmanica Kingdom has once again slipped into a period of division. I believe certain individuals have already begun making moves due to the current climate, especially since it concerns the rapidly solidifying White Star Radiance sect and your highness's strong connection to them," the marquis stated sternly.
The room grew tense. No one wanted to admit it aloud, but the situation made it very likely. Prince Hunter's eyes grew fierce.
"In that case, we prepare for war once more," he said calmly.
"But your highness, our current war circums–" a noble began anxiously, but Hunter immediately cut him off.
"We have little choice. Besides, I have something in mind," Hunter replied while resting his hand on his chin.
Everyone exchanged glances before nodding toward the prince with various expressions.
Soon, rumors of war in Brawlmanica once again spread in silence.
…
Back in the Pocket Dimension, some days later, whispers about a hidden force began spreading among demons, demonic cultivators, and natives. No one could pinpoint their exact location, but one thing was certain. They were a force to be reckoned with, especially given their diverse tactics.
To put things into perspective, the invaders from the Purple Starmist continent were not limited to demons and demonic cultivators. Likewise, Desert Red Star experts had also launched counter invasions through certain breaches. Even so, this mysterious new force kept appearing across different regions with unexpected frequency. Several native tribes, clans, and sects, either out of desperation or in exchange for benefits, began cooperating with them. It eventually formed something like a loosely connected alliance.
This drew attention. With attention came enemies.
"White Star Radiance sect? Is that what they are called? Let us smash this little alliance apart before they become an even bigger problem. Head west, men!" A large demon expert at the peak of Golden Lord and on the threshold of Mortal Shedding bellowed to his army, which roared back with fervor.