Both Jiang Ningxian and her younger brother had entered the Immortal Realm.
It was not a momentous affair, though it was certainly worth celebrating. For the two siblings, breaking through was merely a matter of time.
However, that two individuals from beyond the domain could successfully break through into the Immortal Realm at this juncture actually portended a problem: the power of the Severance of Heaven and Earth was growing weaker and weaker.
Otherwise, under the world's suppression, no matter how extraordinary their talent, it would have been impossible to break through so smoothly.
And this was precisely the reason for Jiang Ningxian's solemnity. She knew that before long, those extraterrestrial entities would be able to descend completely.
"We have made sufficient preparations. I believe that even if mighty figures arrive later on, there is nothing to worry about. Just as you said, we do not have to face the entire starry sky," Lu Yuan said, cutting straight to the point to dispel her concerns, knowing what was on her mind.
Things had come to this. The Severance of Heaven and Earth could protect the Milky Way Star Sector for a time, but it could not protect it forever. In the end, it had to be faced directly.
"I know," Jiang Ningxian nodded upon hearing his words, and continued, "Yet I have also received word that to deal with you, the Ji clan and the Eternal clan have already summoned the powerhouses within their clans, and have even allied with several other major clans. By my estimate, they intend to seek trouble with you the moment the power of the Severance of Heaven and Earth dissipates."
Two Divine Sons were already troublesome enough; if more experts joined their ranks, it would truly be difficult to handle—at least, relying on one person's strength alone would never suffice.
This was the root of her worry.
"Yet you should know that this is hardly the first time I have faced such things."
"Therefore, no matter what kind of beings I have to deal with this time, the outcome will remain the same," Lu Yuan said in a gentle tone, yet one imbued with absolute confidence.
He had already become an immortal; both his life and soul had sublimated. While there were indeed numerous powerhouses beyond the domain, posing a threat to his life would not be so simple.
"Really?" Jiang Ningxian froze for a moment, and immediately many thoughts crossed her mind. Shortly after descending, he had slaughtered Saints, then eliminated the projections of two Divine Sons, and not long ago, he had directly slain that black dragon. It truly seemed just as he said.
No matter what challenges Lu Yuan faced, he had weathered them in the end.
"Naturally," Lu Yuan nodded, then added, "Besides, isn't the Jiang clan here as well?"
"True." Jiang Ningxian's heart eased. She knew very well that he would never say or do anything he lacked confidence in.
Since he had confidence, he would surely have a way; her worries might well be superfluous.
"I feel like there's something strange between you two," Jiang Haokong, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly spoke up.
He looked at his sister and then at Lu Yuan, confusion in his eyes. The atmosphere felt rather unusual, though he could not put his finger on what was off. In any case, something was definitely going on.
"What's strange? Did you take care of contacting our clan members and having them continue sending people over, as I told you earlier?" Jiang Ningxian immediately changed the subject, dreading that he might notice something.
Fortunately, aside from his peerless talent, Jiang Haokong seemed to be missing a screw. Hearing his sister's words, he instantly put aside his curiosity and replied, "I contacted them. Before long, our Fifth Ancestor should be arriving. With the venerable elder here, even if something goes wrong, we can keep it under control."
The Fifth Ancestor he spoke of was one of the Jiang clan's hidden pillars, an Immortal Realm existence of immense power.
Lu Yuan had already learned about this previously. The Jiang clan was truly beginning to throw its weight behind them, just as promised before.
Lu Yuan spoke once more. After all, even he was not certain when the barrier of the Severance of Heaven and Earth would completely disappear, and he did not want his subordinates to take unnecessary risks.
The true trial still lay ahead. The three of them chatted for a few more moments before parting ways.
Lu Yuan then used the providence upon the Investiture Decree to confer titles upon another group of people. The Heavenly Court had now gathered essentially the most powerful beings of this world.
Saints grew increasingly numerous. However, compared to some of the top hundred star sectors, its foundation was still lacking. Just as previously noted, time had simply been far too short.
Yet it did not matter. As long as they weathered this crisis, the Milky Way Star Sector would surely rise completely in the future.
Time slipped by, moment by moment. It was during this period that the creatures across Earth—whether mutated beasts, Awakened, or ordinary living beings—all seemed to share an inexplicable sensation, as if this world was about to lose some kind of protection. Everyone felt an emptiness in their hearts, and the famed mountains and great rivers ceased their transformations.
An ethereal, lingering tension weighed on every mind. The common populace did not know what was happening, yet they paid it little heed. Everyone knew King Lu watched over this world, so whatever crisis arose, it would ultimately be resolved.
However, the mutated beasts and Awakened understood with crystal clarity: the power of the Severance of Heaven and Earth was about to vanish completely.
From here on, maintaining the current situation would depend entirely upon themselves. No one knew what would unfold or how chaotic things would become once the powerhouses among the extraterrestrial beings could descend without impediment. Fortunately, this world possessed the Heavenly Court.
Some finally realized that King Lu had founded the Heavenly Court very likely in preparation for this very day. Yet could they truly rely on the strength of a single sector to confront the entire starry sky?
No one knew, and no one could say for certain. But no matter what, what had to be faced must be faced.
Another span of time passed.
*Rumble! Boom!*
On this day, a tremendous roar suddenly echoed across the heavens.
Yet strangely, not a trace of lightning was to be seen. Though it was a bright, clear day, it gave off an overwhelmingly oppressive sensation that made everyone intensely uncomfortable.
Naturally, the upper echelons of the Heavenly Court knew full well that beyond Earth, numerous extraterrestrial beings and powerhouses were watching covetously. With the power of the Severance of Heaven and Earth continually waning, it could no longer block the auras radiating from those beings.
It was also on this day that Lu Yuan and the others all gathered together.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng, the Spirit Monkey, the Yinglong, and the rest were present as well. They stood atop Jade Emperor Peak on Mount Tai, gazing up at the firmament.
Lu Yuan, in particular, looked as though his eyes could pierce through the boundless distance to see those extraterrestrial powerhouses. He murmured softly, "At last, is it about to begin?"
*Rumble! Boom!*
Another deafening rumble erupted.
Beyond Earth, amidst the starry sky, extraterrestrial powerhouses from every clan opened their eyes in unison. They saw that the mysterious power enveloping Earth, after enduring the erosion of endless ages, could finally hold on no longer and dissipated completely!
Chapter 371