The armies of both sides advanced rapidly over the Boundary Sea, dozens of warships roaring forth, stirring up wave after wave. The terrifying energy generated by the churning waves made even Zhou Yu feel a tremor of fear. He wondered what kind of being had transformed into this Boundary Sea, and what realm of cultivation that powerful entity had reached to dare contend with the Great Dao. Even in death, having become the Boundary Sea, its residual energy remained so formidable, it was no wonder that beings entering it required immortal treasures. The very waves, in Zhou Yu's eyes, were capable of shattering even True Immortal powerhouses.
Suddenly, he looked up sharply towards the distant horizon. Extending his hand, he sensed the fluctuations of immortal energy in the void, a smile curving his lips. The Blood Sea North Star Five Qi Art had bestowed upon him formidable talent. Even with the dire curse lingering over the Boundary Sea, he could still perceive the aura of beings ahead, though his range was limited to thirty li.
"They're here!"
"Notify the entire army, prepare for battle!"
Zhou Yu turned to survey his troops, then gazed out at the sea ahead, his right hand subtly tightening around the long sword at his waist.
...
"Why do I feel so strange today?"
Xu Fei stood on the deck, an inexplicable unease settling in his heart, yet he could not pinpoint the reason. He raised his head and muttered to himself, looking into the distance.
"Great Elder, the winds and waves are strong on deck. Although immortal treasures are providing some protection, a vast amount of energy still permeates the air. Perhaps you should return to your quarters to rest. We are still quite a distance from the Great Han Immortal Dynasty's waters!" a disciple respectfully advised.
"No need!"
Xu Fei replied, "For some reason, I have a premonition that something bad is about to happen today. I will remain here and observe the changes in the weather. The winds and clouds over the Boundary Sea are shifting rapidly, and it would be unfortunate to encounter a death tsunami!"
*Boom!*
Suddenly, at the far end of the horizon, a terrifying golden light enveloped the sky. As it collided with the turbulent winds and waves flowing through the void, a brilliant cascade of sparks erupted.
Instantly, colossal waves surged across the sea. A warship bearing the flag of the Great Han and the insignia of the Yinglong Legion emerged from the edge of the ocean. Following it, one by one, a total of thirty warships appeared on the Boundary Sea.
"The Great Han Immortal Dynasty!"
At this moment, aboard several warships of the Heavenly Treasure Sect, True Immortal eighth-layer outer sect elders stared at the warships shrouded in golden divine light. A surge of spear intent erupted towards the heavens. Three warships broke away from the Great Han Legion's formation. On the prow of one vessel, Zhang Dingbian, brandishing a long spear, surveyed the Heavenly Treasure Sect's army.
The long spear in Zhang Dingbian's hand was enveloped in layers of golden divine light. A Yinglong was intricately carved onto the spear shaft, and at its tip, a yellow rune continuously flowed. Empowered by the Reincarnation Profound Yellow Pagoda, his weapon, though merely an ordinary immortal treasure, combined with the might of the Yinglong's divine power, had reached the caliber of a peerless immortal treasure.
"What kind of divine weapon is that? Even though it's only an ordinary immortal treasure, why do I feel a divine power comparable to a peerless immortal treasure?" Xu Fei gazed at Zhang Dingbian with astonishment.
As the three warships charged towards them, his astonishment turned to fury. A mere True Immortal first-layer, with only three ordinary immortal treasure warships, dared to advance alone and confront his million-strong army!
"Kill!"
A True Immortal roared, stepping forward to stand at the ship's bow. The limitations of the Boundary Sea prevented him from leaving his immortal treasure. He could only stand at the prow. The void rippled, and a long sword shot forth, unleashing a torrent of sword qi that surged for miles across the sea. It met no suppression, a peculiar characteristic of the Boundary Sea. If a being were to traverse it, they would undoubtedly face curses and restraints. However, for techniques of warfare, traversing the sea suffered no weakening. This sword strike, sharp and unyielding, was meant to cleave Zhang Dingbian, who had broken away from the main force!
"Wuji Sword?"
Zhou Yu watched the sword qi flying towards him across the sea. Back in Chang'an City, he had studied the Wuji Sword of the Wuji Star Palace, the Nine Dragon Blade of the Nine Dragon Sect, and the fragments of the Glazed Pagoda from the Heavenly Treasure Sect. Although a disciple of the Heavenly Treasure Sect, wielding the Wuji Sword of the Wuji Star Palace did not surprise Zhou Yu. It was common for the three sects to clash, and seizing their enemies' immortal treasures and divine weapons was par for the course.
"You killed my Senior Brother Hutong, Great Han Immortal Dynasty, perish!"
The being wielding the Wuji Sword glared at the fluttering Great Han flag opposite him, his face contorted with rage. With the Wuji Sword in hand, he was determined to slay Zhang Dingbian!
"All forces, unleash a rain of arrows!"
Zhou Yu observed the scene. He had not intended for this battle to be the decisive engagement, nor were all his preparations complete. To be forced into a head-on clash now would likely result in heavy losses for the Yinglong Legion. He immediately ordered his army to unleash a barrage of arrows that covered the sky, showering the Heavenly Treasure Sect's forces.
"Counterattack!"
Xu Fei bellowed, and the million-strong army raised their bows, returning fire towards the Yinglong Legion. Under the downpour of arrows, a cold glint flashed in Zhang Dingbian's eyes. He paid no heed to the arrows streaking across the sky from both sides. The Yinglong rune at the tip of his spear began to glow, and waves of blood qi surged from his right arm into the long spear. A dragon's roar erupted, and the spear shaft seemed to sprout the wings of a Yinglong soaring majestically, its boundless spear light directly colliding with the incoming sword qi!
"Daring to compete with me in immortal treasures? You court death!"
Seeing the golden spear intent surge towards him, the being tightened his grip on the Wuji Sword and shouted. He raised his left hand, conjuring a treasure pagoda that shimmered with glazed light, bathing the sword qi in its brilliance.
The spear light remained, and moments before the clash, a golden rune flowed. The Yinglong roared, and the glazed light weakened by seven parts. Then, the terrifying spear light caused the being's expression to change drastically.
*Boom!*
The spear light and sword qi collided, shattering the glazed light. The sword qi was pushed back for miles, smashing an ordinary immortal treasure warship. With a splash, tens of thousands of Heavenly Treasure Sect disciples plunged into the Boundary Sea, instantly being refined into bloody mist. A True Immortal of the Heavenly Treasure Sect, falling into the Boundary Sea, had no chance to even gasp before sinking.
"What a bizarre Boundary Sea!"
Zhou Yu, watching every detail of the battlefield from afar, saw even a True Immortal directly swallowed by the Boundary Sea. Only then did he truly take heed of Wan Aijian's words. This was the transformation of a supreme powerhouse, a formidable being who dared to contend with the Great Dao, possessing that fierce individual's terrifying immortal power. Furthermore, in its struggle against the Great Dao, it had been permeated by the Great Dao's curse. Thus, the Boundary Sea naturally contained the curses left by the Great Dao. Before the Boundary Sea, True Immortals were no more significant than dust!