54: A Call to Arms and Liberation

The battle against Vorthul and the abyssal invaders had sent shockwaves throughout the cosmos. The Forest Immortal Sect, under the leadership of Celestial Boundless Dream, had proven to be a formidable force, but the threat from the Abyss was far from over. Realizing the scale of the impending danger, Boundless Dream knew that they needed to unite the entire world and elevate as many cultivators as possible to help in the fight.

She began her mission by reaching out to every major city, sect, and realm, her celestial presence making her a revered and authoritative figure. Boundless Dream stood before the gathered leaders and representatives, her voice carrying the weight of her divine purpose.

“The Abyss threatens not just our sect but the entire cosmos,” she declared. “We must stand united, elevate our strengths, and embrace the Dao to prepare for the battles to come. I ask each city and realm to release all slaves, to grant them the freedom they deserve. Together, we will empower them to become warriors in this cosmic struggle.”

The leaders listened, their expressions a mix of awe and determination. Boundless Dream’s words resonated deeply, and the urgency of the situation left little room for dissent. One by one, they agreed to her request, understanding that unity was their best chance for survival.

Across the world, cities and realms began to “gently” release their slaves. The process was swift and humane, guided by Boundless Dream’s influence. As the freed individuals stepped into the light of their newfound freedom, Boundless Dream herself traveled to each location, her presence a beacon of hope and power.

In grand gatherings, she imprinted cultivation techniques directly into the minds of the former slaves. Her celestial energy flowed into them, bestowing knowledge and power that would allow them to cultivate to immense levels, even if they were ever captured again in the future. She spoke to them, instilling a sense of purpose and resilience.

“Remember this day,” she told them. “You are no longer bound by chains. Cultivate your strength, embrace the Dao, and rise to protect this world. The power within you is limitless.”

As the former slaves began their journeys as cultivators, the cosmic energy around them seemed to vibrate with renewed vigor. The entire world felt the shift, the rising tide of power and unity.

Back at the Forest Immortal Sect, Boundless Dream convened a council to discuss how to prevent further invasions of darkness energy through the portals. Eldrathorn, Li Mei, Mei Bao, and the masters of the Hidden Temple gathered, their faces reflecting both determination and concern.

“We need to understand how the darkness energy penetrated our world,” Boundless Dream began. “Only then can we develop effective measures to prevent it from happening again.”

Eldrathorn spoke first, his voice thoughtful. “The Abyss uses rifts as conduits to our realm. These rifts are drawn to places of weak spiritual defenses. Strengthening these points is crucial.”

Li Mei added, “We should create barriers infused with both celestial and elemental energies. These combined forces can act as a powerful deterrent against the darkness.”

Mei Bao, known for her strategic acumen, suggested, “We should also employ sentinels—cultivators specifically trained to monitor and guard these vulnerable points. Their presence can provide an early warning system and immediate response to any breaches.”

The masters from the Hidden Temple, drawing from their vast knowledge, proposed creating a network of linked formations, similar to the Unified Chaos Formation, but designed specifically to detect and neutralize dark energy. “This network can be placed across the world, creating a web of protection that alerts us to any signs of abyssal intrusion.”

Boundless Dream listened, her mind absorbing the strategies and weaving them into a comprehensive plan. “We will implement all these measures. Strengthening the spiritual defenses, creating barriers, employing sentinels, and establishing a network of formations. Together, these will form a formidable defense against the Abyss.”

She looked at her allies, her eyes filled with resolve. “We have faced the darkness and emerged victorious once. With these measures, we will ensure that our world remains protected. The light of the Dao will shine through, and the darkness will find no foothold here.”