Yingzhou Island, once the dojo of the Eastern King, appeared again before everyone after being hidden from the Three Realms for many years.

"Is this Yingzhou Island?" Nezha murmured to himself.

He was filled with curiosity about this legendary island, which had once been famous in the Three Realms, but had hidden itself away by the time he began his adventures there.

While the Heavenly Army was eyeing Yingzhou Island with covetous intent, the Eastern King also keenly felt the spatial disturbance and, after a brief assessment, understood the cause and effect.

He stared at the Core of the Immortal Transformation Pond in his hand and sighed softly, realizing that he had been too greedy. He had not expected that the Jade Emperor would have tampered with the core so soon, and now it was his own fault that people had come knocking on his door.

"My lord, we’re in trouble!" a Daoist boy ran in, clearly panicked at the sight of the ferocious Heavenly Army outside.

"There’s no need to panic; this day was inevitable," said the Eastern King, completely composed, seemingly without a trace of urgency in his demeanor.

At his level of attainment, control over one’s emotions was naturally beyond what ordinary people could compare with; despite the precarious situation, he remained calm and composed.

The breathless Daoist boy, seeing the Eastern King so composed, gradually settled down, and felt his cheeks blush when thinking about his behavior moments earlier.

It was indeed embarrassing. He had let himself be panicked by the Heavenly Army to the point of utter disarray. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

However, the Eastern King did not wish to dwell on it further. These children had all been born on Yingzhou Island and had not experienced brutal war. Therefore, their temperament was still a bit tender, and it was natural for them to feel fear at the sight of the Heavenly Court’s formidable forces.

Reflecting on this, the Eastern King sighed. He had intended to create the Immortal Transformation Pond to challenge the Jade Emperor, knowing all too well that Yingzhou Island’s current resources and manpower made it extremely difficult to compete with the Heavenly Court.

If he had a great number of undying Heavenly soldiers, he would be in a much better position, but alas, the Jade Emperor had not given him even the slightest chance.

With the enemy forces bearing down on them, the Eastern King had no choice but to confront them.

He rose slowly, tidied up his attire, and then spoke slowly, "Summon everyone to the great hall for a meeting!"

The little Daoist boy hurriedly ran out.

Before long, the originally empty great hall gathered all the formidable cultivators of Yingzhou Island, each with a grim expression, clearly distressed by the impending pressure of the Heavenly Army.

"Your Majesty, this is all my fault. I did not expect there to be a trap within the core," said Taoist Qingyun, who was the first to speak.

He did not shirk responsibility, taking all the blame upon himself.

Yet, the Eastern King gestured for him to stop talking.

"I did not foresee the Jade Emperor’s schemes either. Since the Core has been transformed into the Immortal Transformation Pond, it could no longer be tampered with. This means the Jade Emperor must have set the trap a long time ago. It was not something you or I could have detected. This matter is not your fault. As long as we sought the Immortal Transformation Pond, we would eventually fall into this trap," he explained.

The Eastern King’s words echoed through the hall, bringing order to the chaotic crowd.

"Now that the enemy forces are at our doorstep, we must unite and resist the invaders together. We must not fight among ourselves."

The Eastern King, after saying this, specifically glanced at some people in the great hall. Where there are people, there will be struggles, particularly on Yingzhou Island, where the inhabitants had always lived in peace, their internal conflicts were even more severe.

This time, Taoist Qingyun had come back from the brink of death, successfully stealing the Core of the Fairy Transformation Pond from the Heavenly Court, earning monumental merit.

However, for some on Yingzhou Island, this was not good news. Watching Taoist Qingyun rise into the decision-making strata of Yingzhou Island due to this merit, one could only imagine the jealousy in their hearts.

Now, with the Heavenly Army approaching because of the Core of the Fairy Transformation Pond, for these individuals, it was an opportunity that comes once in a blue moon. Perhaps they could seize this chance to take down Taoist Qingyun and his supporters in one fell swoop.

Indeed, even at such a critical moment, there were still those on Yingzhou Island thinking of infighting.

Such shortsightedness was alarming, yet it was also a common problem among many powers. In the initial stages of their rise, they might unify against all odds, but once they enter an era of peace, the weakening external pressures inevitably lead to increased internal strife.

And characters who grow in such environments tend to excel at internal scheming but lack strategic vision.

The Eastern King was well aware of these flaws and had intended to compensate with the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals of the Immortal Transformation Pond, but before the Core could be put to use, the Heavenly Army was already at the gates.

The might of the Eastern King was, of course, extraordinary, and those who had been eager immediately held back their flags and drums, daring not to further trouble Taoist Qingyun.

After clearing the internal chaos, the Eastern King naturally focused on contesting the Heavenly Court.

He waved his hand to dismiss the crowd to prepare but kept Taoist Qingyun behind.

"I’m sorry, Your Majesty, I botched it," said Taoist Qingyun, full of guilt.

"I’ve said it’s not your fault at this time. The enemy’s tactics were hidden, and fundamentally unpredictable. You don’t need to feel guilty about it," the Eastern King said without concern.

Taoist Qingyun still wore a face of shame. He felt he should have been more cautious. Knowing the strength of the Heavenly Court, he understood the chances of victory were slim.

He was prepared to die, ready to share the fate of Yingzhou Island.

"I need you to do something for me!" the Eastern King said gravely.

"Whatever Your Majesty commands, I shall not hesitate to die," Taoist Qingyun declared resolutely.

The Eastern King could hear the determination and resolve in his voice and nodded in satisfaction, "I want you to lead a group of people off Yingzhou Island quietly to the outside world!"

Shock flashed in Taoist Qingyun’s eyes. He said urgently, "Your Majesty, I won’t leave. I want to share the fate of Yingzhou Island. Let me stay. After all, I’m already a marked man by the Heavenly Court, my life is of no consequence. Let someone more suitable undertake this task."

Yet the Eastern King sighed deeply, "I can’t think of anyone more suitable than you on the entire Yingzhou Island. Not everyone can have the resolve to endure many years, to hold on until the first light of dawn, even when facing a future filled with darkness."

"Death is not to be feared. Sometimes, living is much more painful than dying. I believe you can endure, though it will be very painful. You must prepare yourself mentally."

Taoist Qingyun fell silent, understanding the Eastern King’s intention. Holding on through darkness was a terrifying ordeal, as many with strong wills had worn away their beliefs over endless years.