Everyone in the depths of the grand hall was shaken by Saintess Xiyuan's words.
"That wisp of black mist has returned?"
Was she referring to the Black Calamity that had once brought chaos to the entire Vast Expanse?
Many were especially trembling with fear because of her last sentence.
Saintess Xiyuan's master was none other than Sage Xi, the former owner of the Mirror of Reincarnation. Even she had predicted that such events would happen again in the future?
If the Black Calamity were to sweep through again, where would the beings of the Vast Expanse go, and how would they resist?
They had not experienced the battle from countless years ago, but from the ancient records, they could vaguely sense how brutal and terrifying that battle had been.
Countless clans, nations, civilizations, and universes had perished, vanishing into the long river of history.
And now, such a tragic scene might play out again.
Many were filled with fear, unable to accept this, and even foresaw the collapse of civilizations in the near future.
The leaders of various factions and traditions looked particularly grave. Saintess Xiyuan's sudden words at this moment likely hinted at something.
Ling Yuling also agreed with Saintess Xiyuan's words.
"Indeed, that battle back then was extremely arduous. Countless predecessors and sages fought desperately, paying a terrible price to successfully seal the Source of the Black Calamity."
Her voice was soft as she nodded, "However, although the Lord of the Black Calamity was sealed in the Land of the Dark Source, no one can be sure whether he has already broken free."
"Moreover, what was sealed back then was only his will. No being in this world can destroy his body. Now, countless years have passed, and the six primordial Supreme Treasures of Civilization used to seal him have almost completely vanished."
"Whether there are still clans guarding the Land of the Dark Source is also unknown."
"Perhaps, the Lord of the Black Calamity has already broken free and is calmly watching all worlds from some dimension of time and space."
She noticed that when Saintess Xiyuan spoke these words, her gaze had been fixed on Gu Changge.
This made Ling Yuling speculate.
Did Saintess Xiyuan know some hidden truths and secrets? After all, she now possessed the Mirror of Reincarnation.
Before the fall of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, Saintess Xiyuan must have already foreseen its outcome, which was why she ultimately chose to protect herself.
But now, she was facing the entire Prime-Origin Civilization, which might share the same fate as the Vast Expanse.
By saying this, was she implying that she too had to make a choice?
"The Black Calamity once spread across all worlds, causing boundless disaster. After countless years, is it about to return?"
"No wonder the celestial phenomena in various regions have been so turbulent lately. So this is the reason."
"Countless years ago, many sages and predecessors united to resist the Black Calamity, paying a terrible price to barely seal it."
"Sigh, it's truly one crisis after another."
Hearing Ling Yuling's words, many beings whispered among themselves.
The matter of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had yet to be resolved, and now they were suddenly being told that the Lord of the Black Calamity, who had once brought chaos to the Vast Expanse, might return to reign over all worlds once more.
With this series of troubles arising, how could they protect themselves?
Moreover, some were pondering whether there was a subtle connection between these two events.
Especially since Gu Changge's identity was so mysterious. No one knew who he truly was or which era he came from.
As for the members of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, they seemed to have anticipated this news long ago, showing no surprise. Everyone remained calm.
This made the cultivators of various factions secretly uneasy and fearful. It seemed the Heaven-Slaying Alliance might have already known about this.
Or perhaps, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance itself was inextricably linked to the remnants of the Black Calamity.
"What does the leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance think about this matter?"
Seeing that Gu Changge had ignored her gaze, Saintess Xiyuan directly asked him.
Beside her, Xi Yin frowned slightly, her heart filled with worry.
Originally, she had felt some gratitude toward Gu Changge for helping Saintess Xiyuan escape from the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan.
After all, if Gu Changge hadn't sent the distant ancestor of the Jing Clan to inform the Prime-Origin Civilization, they might still be unaware of Saintess Xiyuan's plight, trapped by the schemes of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
But later, Xi Yin realized that the so-called assistance to the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan was just a pretense, a cover for Gu Changge to deal with the Immortal Chu Dynasty and bring about its downfall.
Many factions, including the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan, had been used by him, reduced to mere pawns in his game.
And Saintess Xiyuan had known all along, which was why she hadn't been worried while trapped in the void prison.
She had even known that Gu Changge would come to rescue her after the fall of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
After understanding all this, Xi Yin indeed felt some displeasure and anger at being played.
But at the same time, she also felt a slight sense of fear. In the grand scheme that led to the fall of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, many factions of the Prime-Origin Civilization had been manipulated without even realizing it.
It was only afterward that they understood what had happened, which was enough to show how terrifying this man was.
Even powerful Ancestral Dao realm experts were nothing more than pawns in his hands. Now, with so many strong followers, his force was enough to sweep through any faction or clan in the Prime-Origin Civilization.
"Since that wisp of black mist has returned, isn't it the best solution for all beings to unite and resist together?"
"In my opinion, this is the best opportunity for all races to come together in unity."
Gu Changge seemed not to notice Saintess Xiyuan's gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Young Master Gu is right. With the calamity approaching, the best course of action is for everyone to unite and resist, to once again eradicate the black mist and cleanse the world."
Ling Yuling also nodded slightly, agreeing with Gu Changge's words.
Her words caused the expressions of many ancient beings and sect leaders present to change, worried that Ling Yuling might side with Gu Changge.
However, just as they were about to speak, Ling Yuling continued,
"That's why I've invited all factions here to the Imperial Immortal Palace to discuss the establishment of the Prime-Origin Covenant."
"The Prime-Origin Covenant?"
These words shocked everyone present.
Those who had anticipated this breathed a sigh of relief, realizing they had overthought things.
How could the ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace, a sage who had fought against the Black Calamity, collude with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?
If the Prime-Origin Covenant could restrain the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, it would prevent them from acting recklessly and expanding their influence unchecked.
This would at least curb the development of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and stop its ambition to unify the Prime-Origin Civilization.
This was the best solution many had thought of earlier.
After all, no one wanted to clash head-on with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. The outcome wouldn't be good, and even if they managed to win, the cost would be devastating.
"Oh? The Prime-Origin Covenant?"
"If I recall correctly, Chu Gucheng, the ruler of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, once tried to establish the Prime-Origin Covenant with the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan, but he failed and perished."
"Is Miss Yuling also planning to follow in Chu Gucheng's footsteps and take the same path to destruction?"
Gu Changge showed a hint of surprise, as if he didn't know Ling Yuling's intentions.
Hearing him deliberately bring this up, Saintess Xiyuan clenched her slender hands hidden in her wide sleeves, wanting to glare at Gu Changge.
She felt extremely uncomfortable. This matter was undoubtedly a disgrace to her, and she wished she could erase all memory of it from her mind.
Although it was Chu Gucheng who had used his daughter Chu Xinyue to impersonate her and spread the rumors, for Saintess Xiyuan, it felt like someone had dumped a bucket of filth on her head.
Every time she thought about it, she felt nauseous and disgusted.
"Chu Gucheng established the Prime-Origin Covenant only to satisfy his own selfish desires, not to protect all living beings. It's no surprise he failed."
"Back when I and many predecessors fought against the Black Calamity, we also established a covenant. Later, it proved that our approach was correct. Without rules, there is no order."
"At this moment, establishing the Prime-Origin Covenant is actually a hope that all factions and traditions of the Prime-Origin Civilization will unite as one, abide by the rules, and not engage in petty conflicts over trivial gains, thereby disrupting the stability and peace of the civilization."
Ling Yuling spoke softly.
"The Senior is absolutely right. Without rules, there is no order. At this moment, we need a new covenant to restrain everyone, lest some act recklessly and trample on the rules and laws."
"My Prime Sun Heavenly Sect is the first to express its support and is willing to abide by the Prime-Origin Covenant, working together to maintain the rules and order of the Prime-Origin Civilization."
The sect leader wearing a black-gold Dao crown and a purple Dao robe was the first to speak up in agreement.
Although his Prime Sun Heavenly Sect was not as ancient or deeply rooted as the Imperial Immortal Palace, Purple Mist Mountain, or the Divine Ascension Cavern, it still had an Ancestral Dao realm expert overseeing it, making its strength nothing to scoff at.
And he himself was also an Ancestral Dao realm expert, which was why he had dared to stand alongside other sect leaders earlier and face Gu Changge without fear.
"That's right. The Prime-Origin Civilization today is different from the past. With the calamity approaching, no one can escape unscathed. If we remain selfish and only care about our own survival, we will only perish in this calamity."
"Fellow Daoists, the fall of the Immortal Chu Dynasty is a lesson for us all. We must keep our eyes open and make the right choices at this time."
With the leader of the Prime Sun Heavenly Sect speaking up first, the other leaders and sect masters also voiced their agreement, expressing their willingness to work with the Imperial Immortal Palace to establish the Prime-Origin Covenant.
"We too are willing to abide by the new Prime-Origin Covenant and stand together with everyone."
Soon after, the leaders of factions such as Tuoyang Mountain, Brahma Sound Hall, Imperial Star Sect, Whirling Light Cave, and Nine Nether Sparrow also expressed their willingness to abide by the new Prime-Origin Covenant without much hesitation.
It could be said that, aside from top-tier factions like the Imperial Immortal Palace, Purple Mist Mountain, and the Temple of Light and Darkness, which had yet to make their stance clear, most of the other factions and clans had already declared their positions.
Even some ancient beings who had recently emerged from seclusion, after some thought, chose to stand with the majority.
No one was foolish. Rather than being swallowed up by the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, it was better to band together first and resist the immense pressure together.
This was far better than inexplicably becoming part of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
In the eyes of many cultivators and factions, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was less like a tumor and more like a venomous snake to be avoided at all costs.
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance was strange and mysterious. Even though they had never interacted with it, it seemed to possess a magical power that could convert people, silently turning them into loyal followers.
Even figures like Jing Tianyuan, the ancestor of the Jing Clan, Zi Wanhe, the master of Purple Mist Mountain, and Di Kun, the current Demon Emperor of the Demon Court, were no exception.
How could ordinary cultivators resist such a force?
"The contents of the Prime-Origin Covenant will not be decided by me alone. We will gather opinions and ensure that all factions and clans can participate, guaranteeing fairness and avoiding bias toward any one side."
Ling Yuling's gaze turned to the factions that had yet to declare their stance, including the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan, the Divine Ascension Cavern, the Temple of Light and Darkness, and the Buddha Kingdom, the top-tier factions of the Prime-Origin Civilization.
In her view, the stance of these factions was even more important, as they had numerous branches and subordinate factions under them.
"Junior Sister, what do you think of this matter?" Xi Yin asked Saintess Xiyuan beside her.
Although she was slightly older in seniority, the decision ultimately rested with Saintess Xiyuan.
"Let's not rush into the Prime-Origin Covenant. We'll wait and see how things develop." Saintess Xiyuan shook her head slightly, transmitting her thoughts.
She had always been worried. Even though Gu Changge could guess Ling Yuling's intentions and the reason for her public announcement, why had he still brought the members of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance here?
"Amitabha, the Prime-Origin Covenant is of great importance. Our Buddha Kingdom has always been compassionate and merciful, unwilling to see disaster befall the world. In this matter, we share the same view as Senior Ling Yuling."
The ruler of the Buddha Kingdom had not come in person. Instead, an elderly monk in simple robes and a tattered Buddhist hat stepped forward. He clasped his hands together and exchanged glances with the ancient Buddhas beside him before declaring his stance.
Soon after, the Temple of Light and Darkness, the Divine Ascension Cavern, and other factions also expressed their willingness to jointly establish and abide by the Prime-Origin Covenant for the benefit of all beings in the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Ling Yuling, with her graceful figure and radiant, flawless beauty, couldn't help but smile at this scene. "The fact that this matter has gained the recognition and support of everyone is a blessing for the beings of the Prime-Origin Civilization. On behalf of all living beings, I thank you all."
The leaders and sect masters of various factions quickly clasped their hands and responded politely,
"Senior, you are too kind. With you taking the lead and standing up for all living beings, it is our honor."
"Otherwise, who knows what kind of chaos the Prime-Origin Civilization would fall into."
"We have always revered the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan and respected Senior Sage Xi, but we never expected that the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan would turn a blind eye to the current state of the Prime-Origin Civilization."
"Although the Immortal Chu Dynasty fell due to its own schemes, this is not the foundation of our Prime-Origin Civilization."
Aside from the members of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, who had yet to declare their stance, the only ones left were some wandering cultivators from civilizations outside the Vast Expanse and the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan, which had not yet agreed.
This left many feeling dissatisfied, wondering what Saintess Xiyuan was thinking.
Back in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, she had taken a stance, defending Gu Changge and claiming that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had nothing to do with the remnants of the Black Calamity.
Later, when the master of Purple Mist Mountain sent a replica of the Coffin of World Burial, causing widespread devastation across the Immortal Chu Dynasty, it was Saintess Xiyuan who stepped forward to prove that the black coffin had nothing to do with the remnants of the Black Calamity.
If it had only happened once, it might have been acceptable, but after several such incidents, many began to lose trust in Saintess Xiyuan's credibility.
Now, with the Sacred Hall of Xiyuan still refusing to declare its stance, many factions were growing increasingly dissatisfied.
"Junior Sister..." Xi Yin also seemed worried.
However, Saintess Xiyuan's expression remained unchanged, as if she had anticipated this.
"Young Master Gu, what do you think of the Prime-Origin Covenant I mentioned?"
Ling Yuling ignored the others and turned to Gu Changge, seemingly seeking his opinion.
"Miss Yuling, you are considering the well-being of all living beings and the myriad creatures of the world. Naturally, there is no dispute about the Prime-Origin Covenant. I fully support it and am willing to discuss and respond together."
Gu Changge smiled faintly.
"However, if the Prime-Origin Covenant cannot be agreed upon, what does Miss Yuling plan to do? We are, after all, acquaintances. There's no need to hide anything."
Ling Yuling, with her slender neck and elegant demeanor, showed a hint of apology. "Young Master Gu, I will never forget the life-saving grace you showed me. But the matter of the Prime-Origin Covenant concerns the fate of all beings in the Prime-Origin Civilization, so I must be cautious. I hope you can understand."
"If the covenant cannot be agreed upon, then I will have to consider other methods. I cannot stand by and watch the current state of our civilization."
Hearing Ling Yuling's words, everyone present was stunned for a moment before suddenly realizing.
So, the leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, Gu Changge, had once saved the life of the ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace, and the two were even somewhat familiar with each other.
In that case, wouldn't the Prime-Origin Covenant be settled now?