Chapter 42

After a brief transmission, Xu Qing looked deeply at the person before him.

"The family has mobilized fully and has instructed us to find the traces of that cross-realm passage."

After speaking, Xu Qing added, "It seems that the rewards from the Heavenly Court task have indeed captivated the family's interest."

"Indeed, a third-grade top-tier cultivation method, a secret technique, and a third-grade top-tier breakthrough elixir, these treasures together are priceless. If obtained, they can certainly add a third-grade consummate cultivator to the family!"

In the current world, the strongest cultivators are those at the third-grade consummate level.

The Xu family, a great family before and after the catastrophe, has deep foundations and has already produced third-grade cultivators.

However, when it comes to third-grade consummate cultivators, no one in the Xu family has yet reached this level.

Hearing this, Xu Bo slightly shook his head and said, "The family is searching for the cross-realm passage not just for the reward but also to uncover the truth about the cross-realm invasion."

"If there is indeed an invasion from another world, the alliance's structure will inevitably change. To seize a chance in this chaotic situation, we must prepare early."

Then, Xu Bo looked at Xu Qing and decisively said, "Order all members of the existing hunting squad to act separately to search for the cross-realm passage; also, form a new hunting squad composed of second-grade cultivators to hunt third-grade beasts with me."

"You want to hunt third-grade beasts?!" Xu Qing's face changed slightly.

Third-grade beasts are terrifyingly powerful, not something ordinary second-grade cultivators can contend with. Although Xu Bo had recently made a breakthrough, advancing from mid-second grade to late-second grade, fighting a third-grade beast still held great danger.

"The offerings from second-grade beasts are meager, only third-grade beasts can bring substantial rewards. The world is about to fall into chaos, and strength is the hard truth."

"Staying at the second grade is ultimately weak, only by advancing to the third grade can we have a say in the chaotic times." Xu Bo's face was serious as he expressed his thoughts.

After listening, Xu Qing could no longer object and immediately began contacting others to form a hunting squad mainly composed of second-grade cultivators.

...

With the announcement of the cross-realm passage exploration task, the entire alliance was shaken, and many cultivators set out to seek the cross-realm entrance, all coveting the rich rewards.

For many loose cultivators, the rewards of this task were undoubtedly a chance to leap into greatness, and once they successfully advanced to the third grade, it was almost guaranteed.

Even if they could not use the third-grade top-tier breakthrough elixir themselves, they could trade it with other cultivators for resources sufficient to directly break through to the third grade.

Indeed, trading.

Items in the Heavenly Court Market, except for cultivation methods and secret techniques that cannot be traded, could all be freely exchanged. From the price of second-grade breakthrough elixirs, one could infer the high cost of third-grade top-tier breakthrough elixirs.

At the same time, doomsday prophecy rumors also began to spread, causing fear in many people's hearts.

Upon learning the details of this task, the high-ranking officials of the alliance immediately gathered in an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.

A middle-aged cultivator was the first to speak: "The Heavenly Court would not issue a task for no reason, so the possibility of a cross-realm invasion is very high."

"The current problem is that even the existing beasts in our world already leave us exhausted. If there is indeed a cross-realm invasion, how will the alliance defend against it?"

His words caused the atmosphere in the room to become heavy.

Gu Fang responded solemnly, "The primary issue now is that we have no understanding of the cross-realm world."

"In my opinion, we should first contact the lord of the Ten Thousand Mountains to explore the specifics of the cross-realm world before discussing further strategies."

"The doomsday rumors currently spreading are also an urgent issue. If these rumors cause panic, some people might exploit the chaos for personal gain."

"Exactly, the most critical thing now is to quell the rumors and stabilize people's hearts..."

During the alliance high-level meeting, everyone expressed their views. Although the scene was somewhat chaotic, they were all actively seeking solutions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please quiet down for a moment."

Just as the discussion was heated, Ji Xuan suddenly spoke, silencing the noisy room instantly.

Looking around, Ji Xuan continued, "The issue of doomsday rumors must be strictly controlled. First, send people to investigate the source and punish them with thunderous means. If there is resistance, kill without mercy."

"In addition, Gu Fang, you have a deep friendship with Qingyang Xianmu, so please go to him to inquire about the details of the cross-realm world."

"Furthermore, the third-grade market has already appeared, and the fourth-grade market is still under construction, with an unknown opening date."

"But as long as we have enough third-grade cultivators, completely solving the beast problem is not difficult. Therefore, I believe we should integrate alliance resources and concentrate efforts to cultivate a batch of third-grade cultivators. They will be the vanguard to reclaim the alliance's lost ground!"

If there is indeed a cross-realm invasion, the beast problem must be resolved first.

Otherwise, when the cross-realm invasion truly arrives, the alliance will face a dilemma of fighting on two fronts.

Only by thoroughly solving the beast problem can the alliance gather its strength to fully confront the impending crisis.

Ji Xuan's speech received unanimous approval from those present.

Thus, Gu Fang, on behalf of the alliance, once again embarked on the journey to the Ten Thousand Mountains.

Having visited the Ten Thousand Mountains many times, Gu Fang was no longer as awed as he was the first time.

Especially when he saw Lu Qingyang, feeling the warm sunlight-like radiance that bathed his body, he felt very comfortable.

...

In the depths of the Ten Thousand Mountains.

Gu Fang bowed respectfully and inquired about the cross-realm invasion issue.

Lu Qingyang had already foreseen his arrival, so he gave an appropriate response as soon as Gu Fang asked.

"The exact time of the cross-realm invasion may be sooner or later, even I cannot precisely predict it. As for the strength of the other world, I also do not know."

"If humanity is to pass on without extinction in the coming catastrophe, it must strive to enhance its cultivation."

Lu Qingyang's answer left Gu Fang slightly disappointed. He had hoped to gather more information about the other world but to no avail. He couldn't even determine the exact time of the cross-realm invasion.

The only certainty was that the cross-realm invasion was indeed a real threat.

Until more information was obtained, the alliance could only remain on constant alert. Eliminating the beasts and reclaiming lost ground were urgent tasks.

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