He felt his soul ascend to new heights.
Like the diners in "Cooking Master Boy" who seemed to float to heaven after tasting exquisite dishes, what he once thought was exaggeration turned out to be inspired by reality.
In his euphoria, two streams of white mist shot from Lu Ding's nostrils!
This tonic was insane!!!
He immediately held his breath and wolfed down the remaining Cistanche Meat. The Sin Dragon within him writhed wildly, equally intoxicated by this wondrous sensation.
Checking his Spiritual Sea, Lu Ding saw the damn creature doing backstroke leisurely across the energy currents. Unbelievable. He couldn't let it enjoy such comfort.
Fingers forming a seal, he commanded: "Get to work!!!"
Within the Jade Capital, the enthroned deity lifted its face to bathe in starlight, its divinity intensifying by the moment. The conversion rate of medicinal potency into spiritual energy would leave any witness speechless with shock - it was downright terrifying.
With a thunderous boom, Lu Ding's cultivation broke through to the eighth layer of Si Ming realm effortlessly. His hand seals grew more intricate as his power continued surging toward the ninth layer.
The 9,000 contribution points' worth of special effects now unfolded in full splendor:
- Fish-scale auspicious clouds layered the skies
- Nectar rains revitalized the world
- Lightning struck clear heavens, refining the Jade Capital into gleaming brilliance
- Mist materialized from nothing as divine maidens circled the Dragon Gate, their sleeves billowing gracefully
- Soothing rainfall calmed the mind while thunder accentuated majesty
Even Lu Ding stood momentarily awestruck by this premium spectacle.
Meanwhile, in the external world...
Bai Hemen had arrived but chose not to join Yan Feifan's group immediately. Instead, he stationed himself outside Lu Ding's secluded training grounds. Though guards were already present, Bai Hemen felt their numbers insufficient.
Lu Ding had deliberately kept his protection detail light - interruptions didn't concern him. But Bai Hemen, raised on conventional wisdom that cultivation must never be disturbed, grew anxious seeing so few defenders.
With a sigh, he found a nearby boulder and plopped down heavily. The utterly domestic gesture betrayed his grandmother's upbringing influence. There he waited patiently.
Current Tai Island maintained harmonious tranquility. But the enemy camp was anything but calm!
Three words haunted them like a cursed headband: "What now?!"
Great Han's new developments made warfare seem impossible. Were they not already committed, surrender would've been tempting. But withdrawal required mutual agreement - their retreat matched by Great Han's mercy.
Great Han fought tooth and nail over imagined slights. Now holding absolute moral high ground? This war would elevate their international standing beyond imagination. Losses would be reimbursed; gains multiplied. Avoiding conflict now meant Great Han footing their own bills - unacceptable!
Tai Island, Wei Gao and allies understood this perfectly yet found no solutions. Desperate, they appealed to their patron:
"Godfather! We're finished! Great Han bullies us mercilessly!"
White Eagle analysts reviewed the intel and sighed in relief - the situation remained manageable. Great Han's displays, while impressive, surely concealed greater capabilities. More concerning than their weapons was Lu Ding's Dharma Form - more stable with higher potential.
Playing their usual "better thee than me" strategy, White Eagle encouraged: "Keep fighting! Today, tomorrow, perpetually! We'll support you."
The allied nations stared expectantly - words alone wouldn't suffice. Reluctantly, White Eagle distributed flawed "Seraph Project" prototypes (two-winged sequence) for field testing, warning:
"These match Great Han's displays... roughly. Two conditions: First, deploy only against Lu Ding. Second, wait until Great Han activates new tech first."
When allies protested about absorbing first strikes, White Eagle's unspoken response was "Not my problem." Diplomatically, they simply asked: "Take it or leave it."
Tai Island and Wei Gao had no choice. Without these prototypes, their frontline would collapse instantly.
Post-distribution, the blame game commenced.
Tai Island delegates sneered: "Wei Gao boasted impregnable defenses, yet shattered without even seeing the enemy! At least we've exchanged blows with Great Han!"
Wei Gao representatives remained silent, as did others avoiding entanglement.
Tai Island pressed their advantage: "Since this is Wei Gao's failure, you'll hold the final pre-international waters defensive line!"
Cornered, Wei Gao accepted bitterly.
Post-meeting, Wei Gao convened emergency councils. Park Yong-ho's proposal was greenlit:
For insurance, Wei Gao mobilized substantial reinforcements - traditional warfare demanded proper forces, not Lu Ding's opening-with-ultimate-move nonsense.
Thus commenced the stalemate: East Kang Island and Tai Island glared across waters, both playing defense.
Great Han awaited Lu Ding's emergence; Wei Gao hoped prolonged siege would demoralize attackers.
Day 1: No movement from either side.
Day 3: Tai Island grew restless - why wasn't Great Han following standard invasion protocols?!
"Where are they?! Attack already!"
"No failed assaults means no morale damage! How can we destabilize Lu Ding's mentality ?!"