Limitless Ascension: Strength Amid Adversity – Chapter 302

Even though reality is this harsh, every year, cultivators from all corners of the world flock to this city, hoping to show off their skills and carve out a new path for themselves.

After all, Litang City is known as a cultivation metropolis; its status is not only remarkable in the North Origin State but can also be counted among the best in the entire Central Region. This is why it continually draws in fresh blood.

But now…

This high-and-mighty Litang City is facing an unprecedented disaster.

All because a horde of demonic cultivators, called forth by the Fire Cult Leader, has formed a massive army, forcefully invading the North Origin State and launching an attack on Litang City!

As the strongest cultivation faction in the North Origin State, they’re doing everything they can to resist. After all, if the demonic path folks really take over, it would be a devastating blow to the morale of cultivators there, making any chance of a comeback almost impossible.

The battle has been intense, with countless cultivators injured or killed.

Looking out, the ground outside the city is a river of blood, and the air is thick with a nauseating stench.

Dark clouds of demonic cultivators swarm the area, their eyes sharp as they grip various magical treasures, smirking coldly.

Banners flap in the wind, emblazoned with the bright red characters of the Fire Cult, as if stained with blood.

What a horrifying scene!

In contrast, the cultivators of Litang City feel the heavy weight of despair.

With their core forces significantly weakened and the defensive formations being shattered one after another, along with the protracted battle, the morale within the city has plunged.

As both sides take a breather, the demonic forces begin shouting thunderous threats:

“Hey, you folks inside! Open the city gates and surrender to the Fire Cult, and everyone can avoid death!”

“By the order of the leader, we must take this city as our base. If you resist, the consequences will be unimaginable!”

“Let’s be real: with our leader’s temperament, if they show up, the city will be slaughtered, and no one—man, woman, or child—will be spared!”

…

Seeing the prolonged stalemate, the various demons tried to stir the pot, attempting to pressure the defenders with words, demoralizing them further.

From start to finish, these demonic cultivators are entirely confident because they’re operating under the banner of the Fire Cult Leader.

There’s no chance of them backing down!

On the other hand, the cultivators inside Litang City, upon hearing these threats, feel a mixture of fear and anxiety, worrying that their continued resistance might draw the ire of the Fire Cult Leader.

You must understand, that’s the infamous Red Demon!

Not long ago, the Seven Great Sects sent a coalition of immortals to the Eastern Domain, and guess what? None of them made it back—all wiped out!

When news returned to the Central Region, it sparked massive panic and heightened fear of the Red Demon among righteous cultivators.

Though Litang City boasts many powerful cultivators and several large cultivation families, if they truly provoke the Red Demon, they could see their entire city annihilated!

In the face of absolute power, any resistance is futile!

At this moment…

Despair hangs over Litang City, and the atmosphere is stifling.

On the main battle platform, the family masters representing various major cultivation families are deep in deliberation. They are the top-tier forces in Litang City and are all immortals.

Hearing the shouts of the cultists outside, their faces darken, filled with anger and frustration.

Clearly, Litang City has reached a critical juncture, and their upcoming decisions will affect the lives of countless citizens.

“Damn it, they actually want to swallow us whole! The Fire Cult is truly overstepping!”

“What can we do? Unless we open the gates and surrender, any continued fighting will only lead to more casualties.”

“Even if we manage to repel them, what happens if their leader comes seeking revenge? How will Litang City save itself then?”

“Let’s not forget, that’s the Red Demon who slaughtered over thirty thousand immortals; how many immortals do we even have in Litang City? Probably not enough to fill his teeth!”

On the platform, all the family heads express their concerns.

They’re not afraid of the demonic cultivators’ shouting outside; they fear the real mastermind behind it all.

Should they choose to remain at a standstill, Litang City could face true calamity!

“Lord Ding, what do you think we should do in Litang City?” one family master suddenly asked respectfully.

Whoosh!

Moments later, all eyes turned to the figure sitting at the main seat.

It was a majestic old man dressed in a luxurious crimson robe, holding a mysterious blue magic staff covered in intricate patterns, his ears adorned with pendants, and his skin a highland red with freckles.

He is Ding Zhen, the master of the Ding clan!

In his youth, Ding Zhen showcased extraordinary talent, exceptional comprehension, and possessed an immortal body suitable for cultivating ice attribute techniques—a true favored one by fate.

He rose to fame early on, leading the Ding clan to power. His brilliance was so staggering that a saying was born in Litang City that remains a classic to this day:

“A young lad in fine clothes and spirited horse, who does not recognize the King of Litang?”

Yes, even as a youth, he earned the title of King of Litang, proving just how influential he is in this city.

Later, Ding Zhen took the position of clan master, dominating Litang City, his status reaching its peak, revered by all major forces within.

As he aged, Ding Zhen wanted to step back and support a new clan leader, but faced opposition from many elders because his reputation was too bright. Instead of retreating, it seemed better to continue serving.

Thus, Ding Zhen retained the title of clan master repeatedly, becoming a living symbol for the Ding family. Due to his seniority and longstanding influence, outsiders all respect him as “Lord Ding.”

Faced with the worries of the crowd, Ding Zhen slowly opened his eyes, which shone with a clarity that seemed untouched by the world’s corruption.

Everyone felt a chill and admired him silently.

Even in his old age, having witnessed the rise and fall of the city, he maintains a heart as pure as a child!

Truly worthy of being the King of Litang, Ding Zhen!

As he sat there, a snow leopard with pure white fur lay beside him.

This creature belonged to the demon clan, possessing the cultivation level of a true immortal, and has been Ding Zhen’s loyal battle partner for countless years.

Facing the dire situation, Ding Zhen pondered for a few seconds before speaking up, but at this moment, the snow leopard, bored, let out a deafening yawn, shaking the entire main battle platform.

Ding Zhen frowned, displeased:

“Snow Leopard, quiet!”