Although Jiang Ningxian had always believed in Lu Yuan and knew that with his innate talent and foundation, achieving the Immortal Realm was only a matter of time, she still felt that the period he had spent evolving and cultivating was far too brief.
The Great Saint Realm and the Immortal Realm were two entirely different concepts, far more difficult to cross than stepping straight from the Sovereign King Realm into the Saint Domain.
This was another qualitative transformation on the cultivation path—one could even call it a form of transcendence. Even for true peerless chosen prides, figures at the level of Divine Sons and Holy Maidens, reaching this realm required an extensive period.
Moreover, it demanded meticulous preparations and even the assistance of elders from within one's clan to cross over smoothly. Otherwise, if anything went wrong during the process, it would become a catastrophic issue, potentially damaging one's dao foundation. It was not something to be undertaken lightly.
Yet now, judging by Lu Yuan's conduct before her, he genuinely intended to break through amidst an intense battle. There were even omens pointing to it.
Others might only think Lu Yuan was fighting to the bitter end, but only Jiang Ningxian realized that he was intentionally driving himself into a desperate corner. She knew he would succeed sooner or later, but doing so now was undeniably fraught with peril.
"Sis, what did you just say?" Jiang Haokong spoke up, having missed Lu Yuan's intent and feeling bewildered.
"Nothing. Just focus on the battle," Jiang Ningxian replied, shaking her head. Saying no more, she fixed her gaze entirely upon the clash.
At the same time, nearly everyone following the fight—whether extraterrestrial beings or members of the Heavenly Court—felt their nerves strained to the breaking point.
There was no helping it; the stakes of this battle were simply too colossal. For the extraterrestrials, Lu Yuan's death would be a blessing. They could then carve up and plunder this world to their hearts' content. Even with the Jiang clan present, could the Jiang clan hold out against the entire cosmos?
Thus, Lu Yuan was the only obstacle standing in their way.
As for the members of the Heavenly Court and the ordinary people of this world, King Lu embodied hope itself. He was an invincible existence, and his fate would determine everyone's future.
Rumble!
At that moment, the battle erupted once more. Sky-piercing battle will surged from Lu Yuan's body.
Wreathed in golden blood energy, a powerful aura arose around him, surging continuously like a raging torrent.
Even though he was injured and his clothes were stained with blood, the demeanor he displayed now was fiercer than ever. He threw punch after punch, devoid of flashy movements or divine abilities—there was only a battle waged with all of his heart and soul.
Boom!
Another fist crashed forward. Mountains and rivers trembled, and the firmament seemed torn asunder, revealing a massive rift.
"I already knew this man would be difficult to slay, but who would have thought he would only grow stronger as he fights?" the Eternal Divine Son remarked. The divine halo behind his head had already fused with his body, bathing him entirely in radiant splendor.
Even so, as he fought Lu Yuan, his brows furrowed tightly. Lu Yuan's display of prowess had somewhat exceeded his expectations.
"Indeed. Perhaps he truly did obtain that wisp of great era providence," the Ji Clan Divine Son said with a grave expression.
Both Divine Sons were genuinely taken aback by Lu Yuan's strength, but that was all. The reason was simple: they had made ample preparations beforehand.
The projections they had sent down possessed the formidable might of the First Tier Immortal.
They had accounted for nearly every conceivable variable—unless, against all odds, Lu Yuan managed to step into the Immortal Realm during this clash.
Yet how could that be possible? The Immortal Realm required an immense amount of preparation and foundational depth.
A breakthrough in the middle of battle? That was pure delusion; even the two Divine Sons lacked the audacity to attempt such a feat. Lu Yuan's methods were formidable, but they remained within their grasp.
That was precisely why they had prepared for so long: to counter any sudden, unforeseen developments.
Take the present situation. The combat power Lu Yuan displayed was greater than before, but what difference did it make?
An inexplicable aura surged as the two Divine Sons unleashed Immortal power, blanketing a radius of ten thousand li.
Then, mirroring Lu Yuan, they simply hurled a straightforward punch.
Yet such a simple action suppressed all creation. The heavens and earth plunged into gloom. Extraterrestrial beings watching far off at Mount Tai and from the sidelines all felt the impact, their faces turning pale.
Most terrifying of all, this immense aura caused the stars in outer space to tremble, seemingly unable to bear the strain.
The power of an Immortal was truly monstrous. If they so desired, even while standing upon the earth, they could shatter the stars in the heavens. Such was power that humanity's prior technology could never explain.
Nearly everyone who felt this force turned pale, knowing full well that in the face of such might, there was only one outcome for them.
And this was not even the full strength of the two Divine Sons in their prime.
Opposite them, Lu Yuan felt it as well. For the first time, he sensed mortal danger threatening his life. Yet it did not instill the slightest hint of fear in his heart; instead, it ignited his battle will even further.
"Die!" Lu Yuan roared, a blazing battle spirit burning within his eyes. His entire demeanor transformed in that instant.
Within his sea of consciousness, the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token seemed to sense it. Strands of purple aura welled forth continuously from it.
In a flash, it merged seamlessly with both his physical body and soul. In that fleeting instant, Lu Yuan felt as though he had touched something profound.
Yet right at that moment, the strikes of the two Divine Sons descended upon him.
Rumble!
Amidst a deafening crash, the heavens and earth seemed to cave in. Senses failed; no one could see or hear anything, as if the end of the world had arrived.
After a time, once the devastation subsided, the onlookers could see the two Divine Sons still standing proudly in the high sky.
Across from them stood Lu Yuan, covered in blood. His bones seemed broken, and his body was somewhat collapsed. His hair was disheveled, and his aura fluctuated wildly.
Shock seized everyone who beheld the scene.
The strongest reaction came from the members of the Heavenly Court. Their faces drained of color; this was the first time they had ever seen King Lu in such a state.
Was King Lu about to fall?
That was the first thought that flashed through their minds.
As for the extraterrestrial beings, excitement gleamed in their eyes. In their view, Lu Yuan had reached the end of the line. Should the two Divine Sons strike again, he would have no means to withstand them.
Success!
At this moment, those who had been lurking in the shadows and waiting for an opening began to harbor restless ambitions.
Jiang Haokong's expression also changed in dismay. "The gap is simply too vast. One has to achieve the Immortal Realm to match them." He acknowledged Lu Yuan's strength, yet—
"Who says he cannot become an Immortal?" a voice rang out. It was Jiang Ningxian.
Chapter 350