TL: Etude

The Dark Forbidden Domain, on the Third-Level Battlefield.

A group of approximately sixty to seventy forbidden insects was swiftly traversing the battlefield. They advanced in a straight line toward the forbidden insect nest, making it relatively easy to discern their route.

This group of forbidden insects mainly possessed power equivalent to Sixth Heaven Dao Ancestors, with a few comparable to Fifth Heaven Dao Ancestors. Leading them were several forbidden insects with the strength of Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

In the Dark Forbidden Domain, without mastery over the Forbidden Body, even an ordinary Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestor would struggle against a top-tier Sixth Heaven forbidden insect. This was the sorrow of the Dao Ancestors—this battlefield was ill-suited for their abilities.

However, they dared not let the Forbidden Insect Race infiltrate the Dao Mountain Domain. Once they entered, expelling them would become a nearly impossible task.

Thus, despite the unfavorable environment for combat, they had no choice but to fight here.

The leading forbidden insects, with their Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestor-level power, posed the greatest threat. Only top-tier Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors could resist their assaults; otherwise, one could not withstand their coordinated attacks.

Dao Ancestor Clear River of the Limitless Sky Sect happened to be near this group of forbidden insects and immediately moved to intercept them.

Though not as powerful as Dao Ancestor Sky Claw, Clear River was a top-tier Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestor, far surpassing ordinary ones of the same level. Thus, he possessed the strength to delay the progression of this group of forbidden insects.

As for slaying them outright, he could not accomplish this alone.

(TL Note: It’s the same exact name as the rogue cultivator Dao Ancestor Clear River in chapter 1154.)

…

“Finally intercepted them!”

Dao Ancestor Clear River appeared in front of the forbidden insects, his expression somber.

The pressure on him was immense. Facing so many forbidden insects alone, even the slightest mistake could lead to his demise. Yet he had no choice. Orders from above had to be obeyed. If everyone feared death, the growth of the Forbidden Insect Race would become unchecked, and one day they would annihilate the Dao Mountain Domain.

Thus, Dao Ancestors who feared death or disobeyed orders were severely punished by the higher-ups.

With a deafening roar, the battle began as Dao Ancestor Clear River engaged the group of forbidden insects. From the outset, he found himself overwhelmed.

These forbidden insects possessed mastery over the Forbidden Body, and at an extremely high level. Their bodies could be described as possessing a “tenfold Forbidden Body,” making them extraordinarily resistant to damage. Normal attacks barely harmed them, and this battlefield was their domain.

Slaying even one forbidden insect was a daunting challenge, let alone facing an entire group.

As time passed, Dao Ancestor Clear River sustained serious injuries, managing only to kill a few weaker Fifth Heaven forbidden insects.

Moments later, another Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestor arrived.

“It’s Dao Ancestor Crazy Shark!” Dao Ancestor Clear River rejoiced.

Dao Ancestor Crazy Shark, a Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestor from the Sand Sea Sect—a Second Heaven force—was not as strong as Dao Ancestor Clear River but was still formidable. His arrival alleviated much of Dao Ancestor Clear River’s burden.

“Dao Ancestor Clear River, I’ve come to assist you!” Crazy Shark shouted as he joined the battle, significantly reducing Dao Ancestor Clear River’s pressure.

However, their mission was to eliminate this group of forbidden insects. The combined strength of the two was insufficient; more reinforcements were needed.

Unfortunately, additional Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors capable of aiding them were scarce.

The Forbidden Insect Race was too numerous, and the Dao Ancestors actively engaged in battle were few. Many were already facing multiple forbidden insects simultaneously, while others needed time to rest and recover from injuries.

In such circumstances, every Dao Ancestor had their own responsibilities. Furthermore, weaker Dao Ancestors were of little use, making reinforcements of Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors limited.

If this battle were taking place in the Divine Heaven Domain, there would be no need for concern. The Divine Heaven Domain could dispatch several Domain Ancestors to effortlessly sweep through the Forbidden Insect Race.

But this was the Dao Mountain Domain, where power was lacking—an unfortunate reality.

Moreover, the major forces were unwilling to commit all their resources to this battle. Heavy losses would be a price they could not afford to bear.

They had waited for a long time as Dao Ancestor Clear River and Dao Ancestor Crazy Shark fought before the arrival of the third Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestor.

This newcomer was a female Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestor from the Eighth Heaven force, Hundred Flowers Palace—Dao Ancestor Silver Dress. Her strength was comparable to Dao Ancestor Clear River’s, but she arrived carrying injuries. Earlier, she had been engaged in a deadly battle with another forbidden insect. Although she had successfully slain her opponent, she had sustained some wounds in the process.

Despite this, she was still able to exert more than ninety percent of her combat power.

The three Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors joined forces to battle this group of forbidden insects, quickly gaining a decisive upper hand. The weaker forbidden insects were being slain one by one.

Judging by the current trend, the final outcome appeared to be the annihilation of the forbidden insects, with the three of them only gravely injured. Such an outcome was ideal in their eyes, but reality proved cruel.

“Something’s wrong!” Dao Ancestor Clear River’s expression changed drastically.

“What is it?” Dao Ancestor Silver Dress and Dao Ancestor Crazy Shark asked.

“Sense over there—another group of forbidden insects is coming. They seem to be reinforcing this batch!” Dao Ancestor Clear River said grimly.

Dao Ancestor Silver Dress and Dao Ancestor Crazy Shark extended their senses toward the Void of the Dark Forbidden Domain. Sure enough, they detected the surging flow of Dark Forbidden Power in the distance. It was clear that numerous entities were traversing the void. In this region, only forbidden insects could create such commotion, as it was impossible for Dao Ancestors from the Dao Mountain Domain to have such an effect.

“We don’t know how many forbidden insects there are. If their numbers are large…” Dao Ancestor Clear River trailed off, a heavy concern hanging over the three of them.

If things went badly, all three of them might fall here.

Soon, the reinforcements arrived.

“63 forbidden insects!” Dao Ancestor Clear River’s expression turned pale. What’s worse, among these 63 forbidden insects, six were Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors. For the three of them, this was an absolute calamity.

“Prepare to retreat!” Dao Ancestor Clear River shouted.

Faced with such an overwhelming danger, fighting to the death would achieve nothing but delivering the corpses of three Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors to the forbidden insects.

In a situation like this, even if they escaped, the Invincible Dao Ancestors would not punish them for it.

However, the forbidden insects seemed unwilling to let them go.

The moment they tried to escape, the forbidden insects began pursuing them.

The pursuit slowed their retreat considerably, and before long, the second group of forbidden insects caught up with them.

With the two groups of forbidden insects merging, their threat level increased by several tiers.

The three of them could no longer hold their ground. Just when all hope seemed lost, a figure streaked through the void at an incredible speed, entering the range of their spiritual senses.

“It’s Dao Ancestor of Ten Thousand Laws, but his arrival won’t change anything!” Dao Ancestor Clear River said in despair.

At that moment, Dao Ancestor Silver Dress exclaimed with joy, “No, Dao Ancestor of Ten Thousand Laws is extremely powerful! Our sect’s Pinnacle Dao Ancestor once said that among the Seventh Heaven Dao Ancestors, the most terrifying ones are Dao Ancestor of Ten Thousand Laws and Heavenly King Nine Limits! Their strength has grown so rapidly that they might not be weaker than Dao Ancestor Sky Claw!”

Hearing this, a sliver of hope rose in the hearts of Dao Ancestor Clear River and Dao Ancestor Crazy Shark.