Ethereal World: Vicious Cannon Fodder's Immortality Road-Chapter 928: The Call Across the Forgotten Domain

[Immortal Realm, Scarlet Continent, Forgotten Domain, Northern Region, Ember Dune Desert, Storm Roc Clan]

The departure of Shenlian Yingyue and her companions marked the beginning of a tense vigilance within the Storm Roc clan. The revelation of the Raksasha-masked men’s conspiracy and the sinister Blood Formation they had been constructing sent ripples of urgency through the clan. Survival in the unforgiving Immortal Realm demanded swift action, and Peng Ruining, the usually carefree and flirtatious ruler of the Storm Roc clan, now stood with an air of undeniable authority.

Gathered in the grand hall, the elders and key members of the clan listened intently as Peng Ruining issued orders with a voice that brooked no argument. His long, silvery-gray hair swayed faintly as he moved, the golden hues of his eyes gleaming with an intensity that mirrored the desert sun. The playful glint that often danced in his gaze was gone, replaced by the sharp focus of a ruler who understood the gravity of the threat looming over them.

"Double the patrols around our territory, and send messengers to our allies immediately. We cannot afford to face this alone." Peng Ruining commanded, his tone firm.

The elders nodded, though hesitation flickered in the eyes of a few. The Storm Roc clan had allies, but not all neighboring powers were so easily swayed.

"Your Highness, the Flame Scorpion and Sand Golem clans will heed our warning without question, but what of the Glass Lizard, Sand Wyrm, and Sand Viper Spirit clans? They have never been easy to negotiate with." the Second Elder spoke cautiously.

Peng Ruining’s lips thinned. He knew the challenges well.

The Glass Lizard clan was reclusive, hidden behind ancient formations that even the Storm Rocs could not easily breach. Their leader, Li Bing, had long since withdrawn from outside affairs, his trust in outsiders shattered by past betrayals. Though their nature was not inherently hostile, their hearts were as unyielding as the stone they revered.

The Sand Wyrm race was proud and aloof, their stoic demeanor masking a deep-seated arrogance. They considered themselves the true descendants of the desert’s ancient lineage, looking down upon those who soared the skies or walked the sands with restless ambition. They spoke little, acted only after long deliberation, and rarely involved themselves in the affairs of others.

As for the Sand Viper Spirit clan, they were as elusive as the shifting dunes. Cunning and seductive, they wrapped their words in honeyed deceit, their true intentions always veiled. They formed alliances when it suited them, only to vanish when the winds of fortune changed.

"We have no choice but to try. The Blood Formation isn’t just a surface-level threat, it’s buried beneath the sands. The Flame Scorpions, Sand Wyrms, and Sand Viper Spirits dwell in the depths of the desert. If anyone can track the markings of this formation, it’s them." Peng Ruining exhaled slowly, his fingers idly tracing the smooth surface of the communication stone Shenlian Yingyue had left him.

"If they refuse..." The Fifth Elder stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"Then we find another way," Peng Ruining cut in, his voice unwavering. "She has already given us the means to act. It’s up to us to see this through."

"As Your Highness commands." The elders exchanged glances before bowing in unison.

With that, the five elders vanished from the hall, each heading toward their assigned clans to deliver the urgent warning.

Left alone, Peng Ruining’s gaze darkened. The weight of leadership pressed upon him, a reminder that despite his usual indulgences, he was no fool. A ruler who could maintain power in the ruthless Immortal Realm was not one to be underestimated. His people turned a blind eye to his frivolous tendencies because they knew, when the time came, he would act with the precision and decisiveness of a true king.

"It’s time to raise my strength," he murmured to himself.

Raising a hand, he traced golden characters in the air, each stroke shimmering with latent power. The moment he finished, the letters dissolved into motes of light, streaking across the desert in two distinct directions.

Somewhere in the vast expanse of the Ember Dune Desert, forces were being set into motion. Whether the other clans would answer the call remained to be seen, but the Storm Roc clan would not stand idle while danger crept beneath their feet.

The sands of fate were shifting, and Peng Ruining intended to ensure his people were not buried beneath them.

[Forgotten Domain, Central Region, Qilin Clan (Kirin Race)]

Deep within the sacred mountains of the Qilin Clan, hidden among ancient forests veiled in mist, the air carried the crisp scent of pine and the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms. Crystal-clear streams trickled over moss-covered stones, their gentle murmurs blending with the rustling leaves. The serene atmosphere of this divine sanctuary seemed untouched by time, radiating an aura of tranquility and holiness.

Beneath the sprawling branches of a centuries-old cherry blossom tree, a man of ethereal beauty sat in deep meditation. His dark purple eyes, gleaming like rare amethyst crystals, slowly opened as he received a message.

"Qilin Yu, there is something strange happening in the Forgotten Domain." The golden letters materialized before him, bearing urgent words from Peng Ruining.

The message detailed the appearance of a sinister Blood Formation, drawn by mysterious figures wearing Raksasha masks. The implications were dire, this dark ritual could bring unimaginable disaster.

As Qilin Yu absorbed the information, his piercing eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he vanished from his secluded sanctuary, reappearing moments later in the grand hall of the Qilin Clan. There, he relayed the grave news to the elders, his voice calm but laced with urgency. The clan, known for their wisdom and foresight, immediately took action, preparing to investigate the looming threat.

[Forgotten Domain, Central Region, Jingling Clan (Sylph Race)]

Meanwhile, high above the mortal world, amidst floating islands suspended in a sea of shimmering clouds, the Jingling Clan resided in their celestial domain. The sky here was painted in hues of lavender and gold, and the air hummed with the faint, enchanting melodies of distant spirits. Crystal spires rose from the cliffs, their surfaces shimmering with ancient magic, as though the very essence of the realm was alive.

Jingling Xiuli, the Third Prince of the Sylph Race, stood at the edge of a floating isle, his translucent wings glimmering like lotus petals under the sunlight. His delicate yet masculine features exuded an otherworldly grace, his presence both serene and commanding. When Peng Ruining’s message reached him, the golden letters unfolded before his eyes, bearing the same warning as the one sent to Qilin Yu.

However, Jingling Xiuli’s reaction was far less composed. His peach blossom eyes darkened with cold fury as he read the final line, an insult disguised as a warning, "You bitch sylph better be fast and hurry up. If anything bad happens because of your slow inform, I’ll break your ugly wings and boil them to feed my pets."

A sharp twitch crossed his flawless features before his lips curled into a chilling smile. "Bastard, Peng Ruining. How I would love to cut off that venomous tongue and feed it to my pets instead," he hissed under his breath, his fingers tightening around nothing as if imagining the demon’s throat in his grasp.

Suppressing his rage, he took flight, his wings carrying him swiftly to the central island where the clan elders resided. Though his pride burned at Peng Ruining’s words, the urgency of the matter outweighed his anger. Within moments, the Sylph elders were alerted, and the clan mobilized to address the growing danger.

In less than a month, whispers of the mysterious Blood Formation and the Raksasha-masked figures spread like wildfire across the Forgotten Domain. Though the clans often held differing opinions and rivalries, the potential catastrophe forced them into rare cooperation. Investigations were launched, scouts dispatched, and defenses reinforced. Some dismissed the warnings as exaggerated, while others took immediate precautions.

Yet, regardless of their skepticism, none dared ignore the threat entirely. After all, when the balance of the Forgotten Domain was at stake, even the proudest of immortals knew better than to hesitate. The realm held its breath, waiting to see what darkness lurked behind the masks, and whether the united efforts of its clans would be enough to stop it.