"This must be the Night Demon Clan's trump card, luring us out with the construction of a World-Severing Altar—" "However, such a desperate gamble must have a contingency!" "Precisely. Knowing that my Great Qian Dynasty has at least five Sovereigns as backup, they still dare to erect this altar. I suspect they are either mad or possess seven or eight parts certainty!" "Does that mean our Great Qian's chances of winning are slim?" "Not necessarily. The Dark World Demonic Court only knows of the Twelve Guardian Bronze Men, the Myriad Beings Sword Formation, and the Floating Spirit Sword Formation. They might not be aware of other assets—"

Zong Shou listened quietly, musing that since the Dark Night Demon Court dared to initiate this challenge, they must possess a means to counter the Twelve Guardian Bronze Men, unlike the God-Stabbing Profound Heart Needle, which could only provide containment.

He wondered if the Dark World Demonic Court was aware of the Zeng Xuan Chi Fa Yi (Mystic Enhancement Magic Wing) he held.

Furthermore, the Divine Treasure that Lin Xuanshuang had refined specifically for herself using the Nine-Aperture Genesis Stone was another trump card the Night Demon Race was completely ignorant of.

The situation was now a dilemma. If they allowed the Night Demon Race to complete the World-Severing Altar, this battle would be rendered pointless, and they would have to retreat directly to the Cloud Realm.

But to destroy this altar meant inevitably engaging the Dark World Demonic Court in a fight to the death!

However, for such a momentous decision, even as the Sovereign of the Great Qian Dynasty, he could not decide unilaterally. Whether to fight or retreat required consultation with the Supreme Sovereigns first.

As this thought arose, he heard Lin Xuanshuang's cold laugh ringing out from the north side of this Majestic Heaven Immortal Estate.

"Why the incessant chatter? To dare raise this World-Severing Altar, do those Night Demons think my Cloud Realm is devoid of capable individuals? Or that we can be manipulated like the Great Heng World? If they want a fight, then let us fight! This old woman also wishes to test the true mettle of the Night Demon Race!"

Wei Xu’s voice followed closely behind, sounding more cautious: "The Cloud Realm is fundamentally tied to the foundation of the Myriad Beings Path; it must not be sullied by foreign races. If it truly comes to the worst, the Myriad Beings Path is honor-bound to intervene!"

There was no sound transmitted from Long Ying, but a single sword shot skyward. Like a giant dragon brimming with fighting spirit, it soared through the expanse. Finally, it descended before the entrance of the Majestic Heaven Immortal Estate, its sword qi erupting, soaring in all directions.

Sensing that peerless, piercing sword intent, everyone knew Long Ying’s decision. Relief washed over them. To destroy the World-Severing Altar, the main forces would naturally be the Myriad Beings Path and the Long Ying Sword Saint. Since these Sovereigns feared nothing, the Great Qian Dynasty had substantial confidence.

Xu Fu also nodded in agreement: "I share this view. If Your Majesty requires my service in battle, I, Xu Fu, will never refuse."

Zong Shou, however, noticed the phrase 'if it truly comes to the worst' in Wei Xu's words, suggesting a potential reluctance. As the Seat Master of the Myriad Beings Path, Wei Xu naturally needed to be more careful.

Abandoning the Tianfang World might not necessarily lead to defeat. However, attacking the World-Severing Altar would undoubtedly determine the rise or fall of the entire Dark World Demonic Court and the Myriad Beings Path, making extreme caution necessary.

Zong Shou narrowed his eyes, intently studying the blood-colored clouds several worlds away, pondering deeply, unable to make a decision for a long time.

This was the first time he had felt so hesitant. Was it truly necessary to commit all their strength to a single, high-stakes gamble, aiming for a decisive victory in one move?

This was no longer the initial phase; they had gained several months for preparation. The tens of millions of troops conscripted from the Cloud Realm and the Primordial Lotus World had been arriving sequentially.

Resisting within the Cloud Realm offered superior advantages in terms of timing, geography, and manpower—

After a long while, Zong Shou finally reached a decision: "They say, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.' At this juncture, we can at best claim to know ourselves; we remain ignorant of the Night Demon Race’s true methods. Moreover, this World-Severing Altar has only just begun construction; even if a decision must be made, it is not the right time now."

Everyone exchanged smiles, showing admiration and approval. Here was the decisive spirit of a ruler, yet not reckless—truly worthy of being the Holy Monarch recognized by Heaven and Earth.

Just at that moment, a sudden, pitch-black rift tore open in the void nearby. As the few people inside frowned slightly, a tall, slender figure stepped out of this dark tear.

Then, both Ming Rixuan and Kong Yao showed expressions of sudden realization. Able to traverse dozens of worlds freely, among Zong Shou’s subordinates, besides the few Supreme Sovereigns, there was only this one who had mastered the Xi (Gap/Rift) Character Divine Art: Lu Wubing!

Emerging from the spatial rift, Lu Wubing was also surprised, puzzled by the gathering of so many people. However, he temporarily suppressed his astonishment and respectfully bowed to Zong Shou: "Your subject has not failed the trust placed in him. I have successfully negotiated with the Asura Clan to form an alliance, integrated for offense and defense. The matter of purchasing vessels is also complete; in another two months, the forty Grand Unity Divine Thunder Ships ordered from various worlds will begin arriving. Furthermore, there is monumental good news: the Primordial Lotus World should ascend to become a Great Thousand World within a year or eighteen months at most. I congratulate Your Majesty!"

Yet, after speaking, he found no joy in the eyes of those present. Lu Wubing grew increasingly perplexed. The spontaneous elevation of the Primordial Lotus World was a rare opportunity, something coveted by the Myriad Beings Path, the Sword Sect, and Buddhism alike.

The ascension of the Primordial Lotus World was no small matter. It would invariably attract countless cultivators, and while observation might be harmless, malicious intent would spell disaster. The Great Qian Dynasty would necessarily have to divert significant forces to guard the Primordial Lotus World. However, conceding the Tianfang World would ensure the conflict dragged on indefinitely.

Shaking his head, Zong Shou asked directly: "It is indeed the World-Severing Altar. What are your insights?"

Lu Wubing let out a light chuckle: "Your Majesty already has a plan firmly in mind, why ask this subordinate? However, I might be able to devise a way to delay the completion of the World-Severing Altar by ten to fifteen days."

Zong Shou was momentarily speechless. Regarding having a firm plan, he actually did possess one. However, his certainty was at best fifty-fifty. But if the Asura Clan and Lu Wubing were factored in, his confidence could rise to eighty percent.