In the rune master world, it was almost impossible to see a 9th-rank rune master even once in your life since they were incredibly rare.
The ones that were widely known were all Rulers of empires and continents who had attained this pinnacle of power and often wielded immense political and martial strength, shaping the destinies of nations and kingdoms with their unparalleled abilities. Their names echoed throughout history, revered and feared in equal measure.
In addition to these visible figures, there existed a select few who chose to dwell in seclusion, hidden away within secret realms or remote locations. These reclusive masters preferred solitude, dedicating themselves to esoteric pursuits or guarding ancient secrets that could reshape the world.
There were even those of the evil or demonic path and even some masters of other races other than humans.
However, despite that being the case, in this day hundreds of these powerhouses had gathered in one spot, creating a massive disturbance in the fabric of space-time.
They all had gathered here after agreeing to discuss the current disturbance they felt in the balance of the world and the pleading cry of the laws and planet.
Be it evil, demonic, or righteous, they all gathered in one spot to discuss the future of their world.
Han Jiao Long, who had acquired the title of Grand Illusion Sovereign upon reaching the 9th rank, stood among this gathering of formidable individuals. Surrounded by fellow rulers, sect masters, and masters of various paths, Han Jiao Long observed the assembly with a keen eye.
Despite the diversity of backgrounds and beliefs among those present, they had all set aside their differences to address the urgent matter at hand—the destabilization of their world.
As discussions unfolded and opinions were exchanged, Han Jiao Long listened intently, weighing each perspective with careful consideration. He recognized the gravity of the situation and understood the importance of unity in the face of impending crisis.
Among the gathered masters, some advocated for swift and decisive action, believing that the disturbance in the balance of the world required immediate intervention to prevent catastrophe. Others cautioned against hasty decisions, urging for patience and thorough deliberation to fully understand the nature of the threat they faced.
Unlike most, Han Jiao Long knew more after meeting up with the Rune Sword Immortal, understanding that the disturbance was due to the upcoming invasion by the federation. Many 9th-rank rune masters knew of the systems and considered them parasites, but they never thought they would become such an issue to the point of a full-scale invasion by an alien civilization.
At this moment while some getting into a heated argument, the Rune Sword Immortal’s figure appeared amidst them, his aura unleashed fully.
Many paled and backed off since the aura was sharp and full of killing intent. It was obvious that the manic was not in a great mood by this action alone. Even Han Jiao Long who was his ally couldn’t help but swallow his saliva.
‘Just how is he still more powerful than us even though we are at the same rank?’
He couldn’t help but think since he clearly felt the giant gap between them despite their ranks being the same. Of course, ranks existed even in the 9th rank, but the gap shouldn’t be that big from initial to peak.
It was evident that the Rune Sword Immortal had somehow broken through another threshold, reaching halfway to the next level after the 9th, though that was almost impossible since the laws of the world didn’t allow for a rank above the 9th to exist.
The Rune Sword Immortal, his eyes gleaming with fierce determination, surveyed the assembly before addressing them.
"The disturbance we all sense is not merely a natural imbalance but a harbinger of a greater threat. An invasion is imminent, orchestrated by an outside force. They seek to conquer our world, utilizing the power of 'systems' to strengthen their warriors. You lot know how I’ve always held animosity towards those who fell victim and utilized those parasites despite their power."
A murmur of shock and disbelief rippled through the crowd. The Rune Sword Immortal continued, his tone unwavering.
"The invaders have advanced their plans, reducing our time to prepare from millennia to mere centuries. I have tried to come into contact with the other worlds, but have failed to do so, as a wall has been created around each of our planets. This is no longer a matter of individual paths or sects or even our world; it is a matter of survival for all our plains."
The Rune Sword Immortal’s declaration hung heavy in the air, silencing the assembly of powerful rune masters.
“You’re joking, right? Invaders?”
At this moment a woman wearing extremely revealing clothes spoke. Two horns extruded from her forehead, while her face was covered in countless tattoos. A black aura was constantly moving around her.
The Rune Sword Immortal’s gaze fixed on her.
"Do you think I would jest about something of this magnitude, Abyssal Enchantress?"
The Abyssal Enchantress, who was the clan leader of the Mo clan, sneered. Since she belonged to a demon race, she, of course, had a lot of hatred and animosity toward the other rune masters. She was in severe danger of participating in this meeting.
"Many of us have lived through millennia without seeing such threats materialize. Why should we believe you now?"
Han Jiao Long stepped forward, countering her argument.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"The evidence is overwhelming. The very fabric of our world is trembling. The parasites have always been a problem, but now they are being mobilized to expedite an invasion. We must unite to defend our world."
A master from the righteous path, his robes shimmering with divine light, spoke with a voice like rolling thunder.
"If what the Rune Sword Immortal says is true, we must act. Ignoring the warning could lead to our annihilation."
The assembly erupted into a cacophony of voices, some expressing doubt, others rallying behind the call to arms. The Rune Sword Immortal raised his hand, silencing them once more.
"Doubt will not shield us from what is to come. We have mere centuries to prepare—a blink of an eye for beings like us. The invasion is inevitable at this point. We are powerful, but are numbers are very limited. We would need more powerhouses to be able to even contend against them."
The crowd began discussing amongst each other after hearing his words, worry evident in their face. They knew how hard it was to reach the 9th rank and each one of them went through at least a thousand years of cultivation.
Reaching the next rank was impossible since the world rules didn’t allow them unless they somehow ascended to a higher-level planet. However, the gates to ascension were closed a long time ago.
“So, what do you suggest we do?”
At this moment a man dressed in monk attire spoke, his bald head shining brightly.
Everyone looked at the Sword Immortal at that moment with questioning looks. It was clear that the Sword Immortal had some sort of plan in mind.
“As quick as usual, Heavenly Monk. You’re right, I do have a plan in mind, though I don’t think you lot will like it, especially since it includes using your resources.”
The assembly fell silent, tension thick in the air as the Rune Sword Immortal continued.
“I plan on sending my descendants into a mystic realm to make them reach the 9th rank within 200 years. I’m sure you all know what mystic realm I’m talking about.”
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. The Abyssal Enchantress's eyes narrowed, her suspicion deepening.
“You can’t mean…”
“Yes.”
The Rune Sword Immortal interrupted, his voice resolute.
“The Abyssal Arcane Realm.”
The murmurs turned into an uproar. The Abyssal Arcane Realm was notorious, a place of untold dangers and unimaginable treasures. It was a realm where the laws of the world were more malleable, allowing for accelerated cultivation and breakthroughs. However, it was also a place where few ever returned.
A master from the demonic Path, her robes glowing in an eery red hue, spoke up, her voice tinged with concern.
“The Abyssal Arcane Realm is incredibly dangerous. Only those with exceptional talent and immense willpower can hope to survive, let alone thrive.”
The Rune Sword Immortal nodded.
“I am aware. But desperate times call for desperate measures. We must take the risk if we are to have any hope of defending our world. You lot still seem to be underestimating the danger this invasion poses to us.”
The Heavenly Monk, his serene expression unwavering, chimed in.
“You suggest we send our descendants and disciples into this realm? That we risk the future of our sects and clans on this gamble?”
“Yes.”
The Rune Sword Immortal replied, his gaze sweeping across the assembly.
“We must pool our resources and talents. Those who enter the Abyssal Arcane Realm will have access to the collective knowledge and treasures we possess. We will equip them with everything they need to survive and grow stronger. It is our only chance. It will be a free-for-all all for survival. Only those who are strong will survive.”
Many frowned at those words, especially the ones who had sects or empires to take care of. Meanwhile, those on the evil and demonic path were interested in his proposition.
“HAHAHAHAH, THAT’S A GREAT PROPOSITION FROM THIS OLD MAN’S SON-IN-LAW!”
At this moment a chubby old man with long white hair and a beard stepped forward from the spatial gate. His hearty laughter reverberated across the assembly, his presence exuding an air of ancient authority and power. The rune on his forehead, resembling a willow tree, shimmered with a faint, mystical light.
The Rune Sword Immortal's expression remained stern, but a hint of respect flashed in his eyes as he addressed the newcomer.
"Willow Sage, your presence honors us."
The Willow Sage, a legendary 9th rank rune master who was the closest to ascension. He was born in the period where ascension was still possible and his true age was unknown. He was also the Rune Sword Immortal’s father-in-law. Guang Fu Wen Jian still remembered how bad of a time he had pursuing Lianhua and it was all due to this crazy old man.
The Willow Sage smiled broadly, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Well, boy, you’ve got everyone’s attention now. Let’s see if your plan holds water. Also, You should have let me kill that grandson of mine with my own hands. He didn’t deserve to have my blood running through his veins.”
The Rune Sword Immortal’s jaw tightened slightly at the mention of his disgraced son, but he maintained his composure.
“The past is behind us, Willow Sage. Our focus must be on the future.”
His heart still felt heavy at the fact that he had to kill his own son, but there was no other way around it.
At this moment another figure appeared from the spatial gate, their arms crossed. Long black hair covered their shoulders and their eyes were a bright blue color with glowing white pupils. A rune resembling a snake eating itself shone on his forehead.
Everyone paled at his appearance and even the Willow Sage took a guarded stance as soon as he sensed the spatial crack.
“Well, I didn’t expect such a greeting after exiting my seclusion.”
The man said mockingly, his sharp eyes scanning all the individuals on the scene.
“Heavenly Demon, you stupid brat! I thought it was the immortal Emperor!”
At this moment, the Willow Sage approached the heavenly demon and slapped him on the back of his head, almost causing him to fall from the sky, while everyone else stared in stupor, the Rune Sword Immortal included.
He had some enmity with the Heavenly Demon, especially after Rui acquired his techniques, so he didn’t expect his father-in-law to know him. He had never asked to begin with. The current Heavenly Demon also felt different, not just appearance-wise. It was as if his intelligence had returned and his senile nature was nowhere to be seen. The crazy old man had transformed into a charming young man.
The Heavenly Demon, his sharp eyes narrowing at the Willow Sage, rubbed the back of his head and retorted,
"Old man, you haven't changed a bit. Always the same brutish way of showing affection."
The Willow Sage chuckled heartily, ignoring the disapproving looks from some of the more rigidly righteous masters.
"Enough with the pleasantries, Heavenly Demon. Are you here to contribute to the discussion, or did you just come to stir up trouble?"
The Heavenly Demon shrugged nonchalantly, his aura of dark energy making the air around him seem to crackle.
"Both, if I'm being honest. But mostly, I’m here because I sensed a disturbance. Hmmm, now that I’m here I can clearly sense the issue. Someone is trying to break the world's barriers? An invasion? Well, that seems unexpected. Well, at least I'll be able to ascend after it’s broken, so who cares.”
The Heavenly demon casually spoke to himself, rubbing his chin as he examined his surroundings. However, the faces of the rest of the masters weren’t casual, as he mentioned a taboo so casually.
“What do you mean we will be able to ascend after the barrier is broken? Are you speaking the truth?”
At this moment, a master from the demonic sect holding a giant saber spoke. He was known as the Saber Demon. His question obviously was what everyone wanted to ask. The next rank had eluded them for the longest time and since ascension was impossible, all they could do was rot away for thousands of years without any further advancement.
The Heavenly Demon turned his gaze towards the Saber Demon, a sly smile playing on his lips.
"Oh, it's quite simple really. The barrier that has kept us confined, preventing ascension, is tied to the stability of our world's laws. An invasion, especially on such a massive scale, will disrupt those laws significantly. If we survive, the ascension pathway might open again."
The assembly erupted into a mix of hopeful murmurs and skeptical mutterings. The idea of ascending, of finally breaking through the limitations that had bound them for so long, was tantalizing. Yet, the cost and the risk were immense.
The Rune Sword Immortal raised his hand for silence.
"The Heavenly Demon speaks true. The invasion may indeed offer an opportunity for ascension, but we must survive the initial onslaught and repel the invaders first. This requires cooperation and sacrifice."
The Willow Sage, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and seriousness, added,
"Listen to the boy. This is our best chance. We need to pool our resources and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best."
A stern voice cut through the murmurs.
"And what if the invaders succeed? What if our efforts are in vain?"
The speaker was the Shadow Emperor, a figure shrouded in darkness, known for his pessimistic yet pragmatic outlook. His presence alone was enough to instill a sense of dread among the lesser masters. A rune resembling a skull shone on his forehead.
The Rune Sword Immortal met his gaze steadily.
"If we fail, then our world will fall, and with it, everything we hold dear. But if we do nothing, we are guaranteed to lose. We must take this chance, no matter how slim it may be."
A moment of silence followed as the gravity of their situation sank in. Then, one by one, the masters began to nod in agreement. Even the Abyssal Enchantress, her skepticism still apparent, grudgingly conceded.