A formidable aura emanated from the token, washing over everyone present. It was a majestic power that seemed capable of transcending all things, radiating now without the slightest reserve.
Its emergence seemed to mark the very center of heaven and earth. Involuntarily, every pair of eyes turned toward it.
The Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token rose and fell, flickering with beams of radiant brilliance that illuminated the somber sky.
"The Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token—it really is the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token!"
"What are we hesitating for? Strike!"
"The chance to defy the heavens and change our destiny is right before our eyes!"
Cries rang out in rapid succession. As everyone stared at the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token, their gazes trembled with excitement. Not having seen it was one thing, but seeing it now—and especially feeling the power within it—left them astonished. That majestic might stirred a deep longing in their hearts, convincing them that if they could claim the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token, they could change their fortunes, soar into the skies, and become truly powerful beings.
*Rumble—*
The sky continued to thunder incessantly, and the earth beneath their feet began to shudder.
"Move! Seize the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token first!"
At this moment, the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan sprang into action. They had come for this very prize, and though they knew it would be troublesome, they did not hesitate. The two great factions had their vassals—such as the Nether Bull Clan, the Celestial Clan, and others. They sent these subordinates forward to hold off the crowd while their high-end combatants moved to seize the prize.
Simultaneously, the other beings attacked without a moment's hesitation.
In an instant, waves of formidable auras surged forth, flooding the space between heaven and earth. There were Saints and Immortals alike; in a single breath, the previously calm standoff devolved into utter chaos.
Nearly everyone made a move, scrambling over one another to press toward the core of Mount Emei. With a singular purpose—to seize the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token—every individual unleashed their full strength.
"We can make our move as well," Lu Yuan said, observing the scene. He knew he could not simply sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight at a time like this.
One never knew who might strike without warning. While the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token appeared distant, that span was merely an instant to those in the Immortal Realm, so any opportunity had to be seized.
Thus, he gave a direct order, commanding his Heavenly Court forces to engage. Naturally, it was not to vie for the ancient token, but to strike at the Nether Bull Clan, the Celestial Clan, and the rest. He instructed them to hold nothing back, especially against those with whom they shared prior grievances.
"Understood!"
Zhu Qingyu, the Ice Fairy, and the others understood. This was King Lu tempering them, offering them a chance to battle. Once cultivation and evolution reached a certain stage, one had to accumulate experience through great battles. If their previous fights could be considered child's play, this was now a genuine battle of life and death.
Under the lure of the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token, no one would show mercy. People might die during this clash, but there was no helping it. Such was the path of cultivation and evolution. Even Lu Yuan could not keep everyone alive forever.
*Rumble—*
And so, the great battle erupted. The forces of the Heavenly Court clashed with the various extraterrestrial beings—the Celestial Clan, the Nether Bull Clan, the Three-Headed Ghost Clan, and the Yin Sparrow Clan. These races, which Lu Yuan had long ceased to regard as worthy adversaries, now became the targets of his subordinates.
"What about us?" Jiang Ningxian asked, watching the battle unfold. Mount Emei had plunged into turmoil as everyone attempted to draw near the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token.
Yet no one succeeded. The moment anyone drew close, they were immediately targeted. Even the Grotto-Heaven Immortal experts from the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan were held back.
The reason was simple: the other great clans had also intervened. While those clans might not match the two great factions in heritage or overall might, they could still field Grotto-Heaven Immortals. Knowing the importance of the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token, they were unwilling to let it go. Both Jiang Ningxian and the members of the Jiang clan behind her furrowed their brows.
Under these circumstances, it was difficult to intervene. The final showdown would almost certainly be fought among those Grotto-Heaven Immortals, and ordinary members could not step in given the disparity in realms.
Lu Yuan, however, did not reply upon hearing her words, remaining stationary. He did not know whether a Creation Immortal would appear at such a juncture.
That would be a true archenemy. Even with his current strength, he would have to treat such a foe with utmost seriousness. Furthermore, he knew that judging from the present situation, victory would not be decided quickly. A clash between Grotto-Heaven Immortals was terrifying, every blow shaking the celestial vault.
And this was while they were still holding back, not yet fighting in earnest; otherwise, the surrounding lands would have already collapsed into ruin. Fortunately, this world had fully revived, still possessing the foundational strength of its former top-ten heritage. Moreover, although the seal of the Severance of Heaven and Earth had lapsed, it continued to protect the land. Otherwise, when those experts clashed in life-and-death combat, not even the Solar System would be able to withstand the fallout.
"I have surveyed the area; I haven't sensed the aura of any Creation Immortal nearby," Jiang Huanyun said, appearing at that moment.
He had remained concealed in the shadows all along, not waiting for a chance to strike, but watching to see if any stronger beings would emerge. For now, he had confirmed there were none.
"A Creation Immortal hasn't shown up?"
Hearing this, Lu Yuan, who had remained silent, shifted his gaze onto the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token. His aura began to slowly emanate outward.
"Though you have entered the Grotto-Heaven Immortal Realm, it hasn't been long. Striking rashly could very well invite a siege," Jiang Huanyun warned upon seeing Lu Yuan's movements.
That was precisely why he had held back. Over ten Grotto-Heaven Immortals had already appeared, and even he was reluctant to act carelessly under such conditions. As for Lu Yuan, his renown preceded him; if he moved, he would surely become the primary target.
"What I was guarding against was a Creation Immortal," Lu Yuan said with a faint smile playing across his lips. "But if there are only Grotto-Heaven Immortals..."
Without the slightest hesitation, he took a step forward.
A formidable aura welled up from his body, surging in heavy waves as golden blood-vitality swirled around him.
This was his first battle since stepping into the Grotto-Heaven Immortal Realm, and he wanted to see just what heights he could reach in this cultivation stage.
Yet Lu Yuan's actions completely stunned the Jiang clan members present. From the sound of his words, it seemed he intended to rely solely on his own strength to face all the Grotto-Heaven Immortals on the field.
How could that be possible? Once one reached the Immortal Realm, every step forward brought an immense disparity.
Even Jiang Ningxian, who held absolute confidence in Lu Yuan, was caught off guard.
Was he truly planning to suppress everyone by his strength alone?
Chapter 405