Chapter 1018: Unknown Power

After the various senior courtyard leaders hurriedly gave some instructions, they all rushed toward the direction of the power eruption.

The disciples who remained behind watched this scene with a mix of curiosity and solemnity. It was evident from the courtyard leaders' reactions that this was an unexpected situation, especially the part where Fang Zhiyou mentioned that they must stay on the War Saint Ladder.

"What's going on? We're not on the War Saint Ladder, should we retreat?" some disciples whispered.

"Yeah, if there's any danger, the War Saint Ladder can protect them, but what about us?"

"But... it seems we can't leave either."

Several discussions ensued among the disciples, and some attempted to leave the boundaries of the War Saint Mountain. However, the formidable array barrier blocked their way, making it difficult for them to exit.

Lin Mo raised his eyes to glance at the departing senior courtyard leaders, his expression slightly grave. However, he quickly shifted his mindset and increased his absorption of the Heavenly Dragon's energy.

After the intense battles, he had already recovered sufficiently. Now, he could start breaking through. In this War Saint Ladder competition, after numerous battles, his foundation in martial arts had become as solid as a rock. All he needed was to absorb and refine enough Heavenly Dragon's energy to break through to the Sixth Heaven of the Ten Thousand Forms Realm.

"Lin Mo, the power fluctuations coming from over there seem terrifying," the old man Gui Yan said within the Emperor's Spirit Space.

"Could it be the demons?" Lin Mo's expression changed slightly.

"It's unlikely. Those powers are distinct, and they don't carry a dark or demonic aura," Gui Yan continued.

"Then where could it be from?" Nine Lives asked with concern.

"I don't know, but I can be certain that they are very powerful."

"In that case, I need to break through as soon as possible. Regardless of the enemy's strength, I should contribute as much as I can," Lin Mo decided.

Gui Yan shook his head and said, "Perhaps your strength is insignificant in their eyes. I'll set up some formations just in case. If the situation becomes uncontrollable, I can protect you."

"Alright," Lin Mo agreed.

Gui Yan then emerged from the Emperor's Spirit Space and found a spot with fewer people to start setting up formations. Meanwhile, Lin Mo continued absorbing the Heavenly Dragon's energy, advancing on his path to breakthrough.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Ten minutes later, intense rumblings echoed from the direction of the power eruption. This time, it wasn't just energy surges but also a clash of formidable powers.

Moments later, an extremely terrifying elemental energy storm swept toward them, knocking over any disciples not standing on the War Saint Ladder.

"What's happening?"

The people below the War Saint Mountain were taken aback.

"Don't panic, if they encounter a strong enemy, the courtyard leaders will have a solution," Yao Qing reassured many disciples who were becoming anxious.

"Besides, this is the War Saint Mountain, protected by countless array formations. There's no need to worry."

"You have the War Saint Ladder protecting you, which means you are also protected by the array formations. We don't have anything down here."

"That's right, just a while ago, when that elemental energy storm came, all of you on the War Saint Ladder were unharmed, but we down here would have been in trouble."

The crowd calmed down after Yao Qing spoke. Even though some people wanted to go up, they were intimidated by her imposing aura and chose to remain silent.

"Ha-ha, are the old heads of the Nine Continents incapable now?"

"Is there anyone stronger coming to spar with me?"

"I was almost getting sick of waiting over there. This is much more comfortable."

Some disciples adjusted their conditions for thirty minutes, and then they heard bursts of wild laughter from above. The senior courtyard leaders who were previously confident had all returned, albeit with somewhat disheveled appearances.

The people below the War Saint Mountain became even more apprehensive. While they regarded their courtyard leaders as invincible, it seemed that they hadn't gained any advantage this time. How strong could their opponents be?

Lin Mo also felt tremendous pressure. During the Hundred Courtyards Competition, demons had appeared, but back then, Xue Jianfeng and the others had managed to handle them. However, now that the senior courtyard leaders had collectively retreated, it was difficult to estimate the strength of their opponents.

"Courtiers, catch the sword!" Lin Mo shouted to the senior courtyard leaders above and immediately threw the Azure Dragon Sacred Sword into the sky.

Xue Jianfeng nodded and swiftly caught the Azure Dragon Sacred Sword. However, the moment he held it, his expression changed, as did those of Fang Zhiyou and the others.

"We can only activate the War Saint Mountain's array formations for defense," Fang Zhiyou said, quickly coordinating with the other senior courtyard leaders.

"Respected seniors, we have no malicious intent," a sinister voice suddenly echoed from the void.

Following that, a terrifying surge of power erupted and rushed toward them.

"If you're afraid, you can come up the Golden Ladder, and I'll go down!" Yao Qing declared with a solemn tone.

Upon hearing Yao Qing's words, the disciples below fell silent. They couldn't help but think about their own actions. While they initially wanted to ascend to the War Saint Ladder, they were now hesitant due to Yao Qing's imposing presence.

"Couriers, are you saying that you want to retreat when faced with danger?" Lin Mo suddenly stood up and spoke, his voice resounding below.