Chapter 498: The City They Protected, The Betrayal Of The Clans

The terrifying force swept instantly across the world, causing heaven to quiver and stars to collapse.

*Boom!* The giant hand emerged from the Upper Realm, crossing the sky and falling towards Sky Deer City to strike it off the world. The altar glowed brightly as strange energy began to emanate to stabilise the World Principles of the location, while neutralising the attack for the other side.

In the Upper Realm camp, Gu Changge and the others watched with varying expressions. To be honest, Gu Lang was currently the most powerful expert in the Upper Realm who could fight. Even the supreme experts who had come here weren't as accomplished as him in cultivation. He had even struck and killed the Great Elder of Purple Mansion during the Immortal War between the Immortal Gu Family and Purple Mansion, so his strength was undeniable.

Those from other forces, who were close to the Immortal Realm, went into deep retreat and never easily showed themselves. However, Ancestor Gu Lang had already appeared in Upper Realm before and did not care much about it like anyone else.

"Bad news! The Upper Realm is attacking the city!" A soldier on the city walls of Sky Deer City called out after noticing this while shivering in fear. He did not have to do so, since many experts had already sensed the all-encompassing energy and had to force down the urge to fall to their shaking knees.

Someone from the Upper Realm was much stronger than the True Daoist who had attacked them! It caused runes within the city to flicker, nearly exploding to pieces. Everyone could sense the suffocating energy, which caused their hearts to almost stop beating and their breathing to become laboured. Their souls felt ready to implode as they couldn't withstand such a powerful attack, even behind the barrier. Even their bones cracked, with their spines nearly crushed.

"We don't know if this can stop him. This person is even stronger than a True Daoist!" Everyone was quivering inside Sky Deer City, their voices shaking with fear and desperation.

A formidable-looking figure, as tall as the sky, could be faintly seen in the distance, hair fluttering in the air while exuding aura beyond belief. His palm came down towards Sky Deer City to destroy every living thing within. Everyone inside fell to the ground in prayer, unable to withstand his aura.

"He is someone who has half a foot in the Immortal Realm!"

"They are going to attack!"

The ancient beings standing on the city walls became pale and fearful. They were quivering despite their abilities, since no one could withstand the aura or stay on their feet.

*Crack!* The sky cracked and collapsed from the impact, like the universe had been pierced through. Billions of light beams shone down from the sky while a commotion erupted in front of Sky Deer City.

Light illuminated the sky as every rune glowed as they materialised in midair.

These ancient markings condensed into mist and expelled infinite amounts of multicoloured light. The unbelievably strong beams released an attack which struck the palm, making it shake briefly before it steadily continued falling as before.

All runes in its path were destroyed, accompanied by rumblings and bursts of light. The land became indistinct soon after as everything became chaotic and blindingly bright, making everything difficult to see.

"That was scary!"

"Fortunately, it got blocked."

"Without Sky Deer City, how are we going to be protected against such a being?"

Violent quakes shook the city's front gates, while the people standing above the city walls watched on with pale faces. They were so terrified they nearly fell off, unable to maintain their footing. At that point, everyone could sense the city walls shaking since it had already withstood a lot from the impact. All the stars around it had already exploded to ashes, with the surrounding World Principles breaking apart.

The energy was far too territing, even a True Daoist wouldn't be able to block it. When the enormous palm landed on the barrier, and cracked with a thumping sound. The palm soon transformed into a giant wave of energy, unable to penetrate the barrier.

However, the remnant force flooded the world, resulting in a giant crevice within the void. Meanwhile, the entire ground seemed to have been turned inside out.

Those in the city breathed a sigh of relief. Their hearts had been in their throats, fearing that the city would be breached. They wouldn't even have the time to run then. They were like helpless ants in the face of such an attack, which could be killed easily with a swat.

"What a pity. The Eighteenth Ancestor was just testing things out, but it would take so much more to break the barrier. The claim that it could block an Immortal's attack isn't an exaggeration." Gu Changge sighed and shook his head regretfully. If the Eighteenth Ancestor could successfully breach the city, then he wouldn't have to waste more effort. It seemed unrealistic to conquer the city via force in the short term, so he could only wait for Lin Wu to act.

"Has it failed? Even someone close to the Immortal Realm could not break through."

"It's just like the shell of a tortoise. Is it that hard to penetrate?"

Those of the Upper Realm watched on with disappointment, not because the Gu Family Ancestor wasn't strong enough but because the barrier was strangely robust beyond comprehension.

"The founder of Sky Deer City is said to be very good friends with the man who had stolen the Upper Realm's Fortuity. He might even be a Master in arrays." Many ancient beings sighed while frowning. Had the barrier been so easily broken, the city wouldn't have held out for so long.

*Boom!* Powerful energy surged once more from the horizon, like there was an ocean stirring violently. The fog dissipated as the figure of the Gu Family Ancestor faded away without attempting a second attack. He had already successfully deduced the limit of the array. He knew that he couldn't breach it, so he just retreated.

The terrifying force that was pressing down from the sky and suppressing everyone's Soul, receded instantly like a tide.

The resigned look on everyone's faces from the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, who had witnessed this, was finally replaced by a smile. They felt like they had survived a disaster since they had been worried about the city being captured, reducing everything to ashes.

"Don't be so hopeful yet. This is just the other side testing things out."

Several more alert Elders didn't look optimistic, knowing that the current Upper Realm Army definitely had other beings comparable to the one from before. More of these people would soon result in the city being conquered.

The military forces sent by the Upper Realm looked intimidating due to their size, but the Elders knew that that was merely a fraction of the strength possessed by the Upper Realm. The other side hadn't displayed its full might yet. It was clear Sky Deer City would be instantly reduced to ashes when that day comes.

"No matter what, we successfully blocked it." Several Elders exchanged glances filled with varying emotions, all of them deep in thought. Soon, they disappeared from the top of the city walls and returned to the camps of their respective clans.

Rumours of the supreme experts' plan to abandon the city still ran rampant, though it wasn't baseless. Several clans had already gotten announcements from extremely senior members of their clans to gather their members. It was best to not confront the Upper Realm since the event which had transpired had started and ended too suddenly. This made them wary as they felt if this kept up, Sky Deer City might end up being invaded and it would be far too late then

An invisible storm was stirring within Sky Deer City. Many still did not have confirmation that the unrivalled supreme experts, who they thought would fight the Upper Realm, were planning to flee the city. Witnessing the barrier successfully withstand the attack from the all-powerful Upper Realm expert, who was close to being Immortal, excited them. Thus, many campfires could be seen within the walls as people gathered in groups to consume alcohol in celebration.

"They seem very optimistic." On an ancient battleship millions of kilometres away where mountains were surrounded by swirling mist, Gu Changge watched the fires with intrigue, hands clasped behind his back as his sleeves fluttered in the wind.

"They may have found some hope." The Sky Deer Goddess appeared behind him, her hair fluttering about due to the mountain breeze to reveal her flawless features. Her expression was somewhat complicated.

"Hope? Let's see how long that will last." He smiled and looked back at her. "Does Sky Deer City have any secrets which we don't know about?"

The Sky Deer Goddess was stunned, not understanding what he was saying.

"Why do you say that, Young Master Gu?" she asked with confusion.

"Things have already progressed to such a stage, so why are the True Daoists not giving up hope? Do you think they are smart or stupid? Or are they extremely selfless and self-sacrificing?"

His gaze was meaningful as he stretched out an arm. A light appeared before them as their view of Sky Deer City abruptly changed. Usually at night, billions of galaxies were splashed across the sky while the city glowed. The stars would surround it like clouds of stardust, culminating in a majestic sight. However, now, they could see a Death Qi strengthening inside, which fed on the others' auras, giving them the feeling that Sky Deer City was rotting away.

"What..." The Sky Deer Goddess hadn't noticed this and looked surprised in disbelief.

"Why is there the aura of death? Is it because of the Upper Realm's attack? This didn't happen the last few times. Did something strange happen?" She frowned in puzzlement.

"Using your understanding of those supreme experts of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, what do you think they would choose now? Fight the Upper Realm valiantly, or abandon the city?" Gu Changge lifted a hand to smoothen her fringe. "Or do they still have something concealed, even now?"

"Concealed?" She shook her head. If they truly did, she wouldn't have surrendered like this. Sky Deer City was now facing its greatest threat, yet the decision that would be made by the True Daoists made her uneasy. If things progressed to that stage, it was clear which route they would take. This made her sigh.

"If there truly is a secret, that might be the Land of Rebirth. However, the remains of generations of supreme experts who died in battle with the Upper Realm are buried there in the hopes that they would be reborn or restored." She recalled something after some thought. As the guardian of Sky Deer City, she naturally knew of that mysterious place. Yet, she hadn't gone there due to fear of disturbing the souls of those supreme experts resting there. Thus, she didn't know a lot about it.

"The Land of Rebirth? Is there a connection with it?" Gu Changge raised his eyebrows, feeling that this sudden aura of death might have come from the so-called Land of Rebirth. It seemed that Sky Deer City was built here for a reason; he would have to explore that place when they take over the city.

*Boom!* Fluctuations came from the space behind them, which they both sensed immediately thanks to their powerful abilities. Gu Changge wasn't surprised but the Sky Deer Goddess looked cautious after sensing how strong the aura was.

"Greetings, Eighteenth Ancestor." He smiled towards the source of the fluctuations.

Gu Lang materialised, no longer the valiant and formidable character from before. He currently looked like any other old man with a hunched back as well as with a pale and wrinkled face. However, his eyes looked wise and unwavering.

"The Eighteenth Ancestor?" The Sky Deer Goddess was shocked as she recognised the figure, who was the man close to the Immortal Realm who had just attacked Sky Deer City.

If not for the limitation, he would have been a True Immortal. The power he held could destroy the universe and reduce it to ash. No one would expect this unrivalled being, who nearly felled Sky Deer City with his hand, to be such an ordinary-looking old man. Even so, she dared not underestimate him.

Besides, she was also astounded by how Gu Changge had addressed the man. [The Eighteenth Ancestor? Did this person merely rank eighteenth out of all the Gu Family Ancestors?]

"Did I disturb you?" Gu Lang smirked at Gu Changge after showing himself. He didn't mind the Sky Deer Goddess, who was from the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. He didn't treat her like an enemy like the other older beings.

"A little." Gu Changge nodded with a smile.

"You can't even give me some courtesy?" Gu Lang didn't seem surprised by the words and smiled openly before staring straight at Gu Changge. "It hasn't been a long time since I saw you, yet you can now fight against True Daoists. Everyone has their secrets, and while no one in the Upper Realm would dare investigate you because of your status, you still need to be careful."

"You don't have to worry, Eighteenth Ancestor." Gu Changge raised his eyebrows, trying to guess what this man meant. He eventually concluded that it was because his current cultivation level was far too unfathomable. However, he didn't believe anyone would dare verify his identity at this point, plus the true Successor of Demonic Arts, Su Qingge, was in the Upper Realm and could be tracked down easily. Thus, nothing could be traced back to him.

As for the Sky Deer Goddess, Ancestor Gu Lang didn't ask too many questions nor was concerned about her. After talking briefly with Gu Changge, he left in a light and serene carefree manner, like he was here in the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains just for some fresh air.

In contrast, the Sky Deer Goddess was extremely guarded against him. After all, the hidden power of the Immortal Gu Family was truly unimaginable.

...

A few days later, something which shook the entire Sky Deer City suddenly happened. Divine rainbows had suddenly shot down from the sky and appeared within the pavilions and palaces. Bright Space Tunnels then appeared in the sky as countless people were stored within artifacts, and were taken away.

This shocked the city, with many noticing that those who had left belonged to a mighty great clan of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. They didn't even hide their intentions, whisking their members away in broad daylight.

One of the clan's True Daoists quickly left after tearing space apart, as if wanting to leave this place as soon as possible.

Everything happened so abruptly that those in Sky Deer City couldn't recover from the news.

[Are they abandoning the city?]

They became angry after recovering from the shock, criticising the clan and calling them cowards. However, this wasn't the end of it, since many other forces began to follow suit.

Cultivators could be seen fleeing the city all day long; while older beings appeared to stop them, it was ineffective. These people had come in high spirits but ended up running away in humiliation, refusing to stay here any longer.

After witnessing how terrifying and undefeatable the Upper Realm was, it only made them determined to leave this doomed place.

More became worried and lost, knowing that someone had already taken the first step. What was the use of them stubbornly guarding the city when everyone else had fled? Were they going to wait for death to take them? Absolutely not! Why should they risk their lives while the others had already left? It was unfair.

The sentiment quickly spread, enveloping the city in a desperate, anxious, and fearful atmosphere. The motivation the inhabitants had gained after watching the city barrier block that strike quickly faded away into uneasiness. Even those who still had some hope became lost and stunned, feeling helpless in this situation. Was this the Sky Deer City and the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains they had risked their lives to protect? Was it worth it?

"Your strategy is truly wise. That way, no one would comment on anything when we are the last to retreat, instead, it would giving everyone a good impression."

"Naturally. We have to flee because we have no other choice, we have to at least seem like we are protecting the city until we can no longer do so."

In the depths of Sky Deer City, several figures surrounded by clouds of Chaos Qi couldn't help but chuckle while watching the events unfold within the city. They sounded sentimental yet gleeful since they had sent their order for their clans to flee. They even made up a logical excuse to escape from the city in broad daylight. As they had expected, the city had become far too chaotic and no one would say anything about them leaving. However, they hadn't reached that stage in their plans yet. They still need to order their clans to continue 'protecting' the city. This gave them more reason as well as moral credibility.

Sky Deer City was still restless even after a few days, with more people getting worried, frightened, and doubtful regarding the betrayal of the clans. After all, they could see divine rainbows and ancient battleships disappear into the sky without looking back every single day.

"Is this the city my Master was determined to protect?" Song Chan, the current Sky Deer Goddess, had moved on from being angry and anxious and was now sad and resigned. She had been hesitant about listening to Lin Wu. After all, it was a tumultuous and irreversible decision, but now, her gaze was one of determination.