Jiang Ningxian knew that Lu Yuan was strong. In terms of both natural talent and combat prowess, he was almost unreasonable. Especially once he reached the same realm as his opponents, he was virtually invincible. After all, he had demonstrated as much back in the Saint Realm and the Undying Immortal realm.
Below the Saint Realm, he had crushed everyone without question, wielding terrifying combat power. But now he was dealing with Grotto-Heaven Immortals, where the disparity between every single step was immense.
Jiang Ningxian did not deny that he could still achieve invincibility within the same cultivation stage, but shouldn't he need more time to adapt to this realm?
If he had only just broken through, there would still be so much he had not acclimated to yet. In such a state, it was difficult to draw upon the fullest power of this stage. Under these conditions, managing to remain undefeated against peers in the same realm—especially those who had been Grotto-Heaven Immortals for an eternity—would already be a tremendous feat.
Yet what was his plan now? He intended to rely on his own strength alone to suppress everyone at his level. What was more, no fewer than ten Grotto-Heaven Immortals had already joined the fray.
In her eyes, such an action was utterly insane.
"You can let the Fifth Ancestor help you," Jiang Ningxian said at last, voicing her true thoughts. With Jiang Huanyun at his side, she would feel far more at ease; even if Lu Yuan were besieged, he would not be caught off guard.
The others around them nodded in agreement. This was a matter of grave importance. More than ten Grotto-Heaven Immortals—if they joined forces against a single person, the consequences would be catastrophic. Unless one were a Creation Immortal, how could anyone fight off such odds?
"Victory and defeat won't be decided so quickly. You can wait a little longer," Jiang Huanyun chimed in as well. His meaning was simple: he believed Lu Yuan had only just made a breakthrough and was merely eager to test the growth of his strength. Driven by youthful vigor, it was only natural for him to feel this way. He could understand that. Still, taking such a risk was ill-advised, and he did not recommend it.
"How about this: if Senior sees that I truly cannot hold my own, you may intervene as needed," Lu Yuan said, knowing they were concerned for his safety. "And I will choose to pull back immediately rather than act rashly. How does that sound?"
In truth, he felt like explaining that a dozen or so Grotto-Heaven Immortals were genuinely nothing in his eyes—just another battle. Yet he said this only because he did not want them to worry needlessly.
"You must realize that once a clash between Grotto-Heaven Immortals begins, it becomes exceedingly dangerous," Jiang Huanyun urged again. As someone in the same realm, how could he not understand? "Especially with your current reputation and your grudges against those two great factions—the moment they see an opening, they will strike with lethal intent."
"I understand, but no matter what, I will proceed with caution," Lu Yuan said, nodding with utmost seriousness. It served as his definitive stance.
"Fine," Jiang Ningxian finally agreed. Even so, she added, "Remember, act within your limits." She could not help it. It was not that she doubted Lu Yuan's strength, but the enemies he faced this time were truly an entirely different breed.
Lu Yuan nodded and said no more. He turned his gaze toward the distance, where the Grotto-Heaven Immortals of the two great factions and the other prominent clans had already begun their battle.
However, they were still in the probing stage and had not yet fought with full fury; otherwise, the scene would look far more devastating. Afterward, he glanced in another direction, where the younger generation led by Zhu Qingyu and the others was stationed.
They were locked in combat with beings from the Celestial Clan, the Nether Bull Clan, and other factions. Each of them had deliberately chosen an opponent slightly stronger than themselves. Without Lu Yuan and the Jiang clan shielding them this time, they faced immense mortal peril with practically every breath.
Yet Lu Yuan was not anxious in the slightest. On the contrary, a faint smile surfaced on his face. Only through genuine life-and-death struggle could one truly be tempered. That was his very purpose in bringing his subordinates here, and now he saw that goal being fulfilled.
Lu Yuan raised his head, finally fixing his eyes on the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token. Within his body, strands of purple qi surged, exuding a formidable aura unique to him.
He wasted no more words. He was determined to claim this fifth Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token. Then, he took a direct stride forward.
*Boom!* Golden vitality swept forth, unfurling in an instant. In a mere breath, Lu Yuan closed in on where the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token hung.
"He actually dares to make a move! Stop him!"
His movement was immediately noticed by members of the two great factions.
The Ji Clan Third Ancestor in particular felt killing intent surge within his eyes. Previously, he had held back only out of concern for the bigger picture, keeping his focus on countering the other Grotto-Heaven Immortals. Now that Lu Yuan had actively involved himself, an idea struck him: why not incite everyone present to turn their attacks on him? No matter how powerful the young man was, surely he could not withstand such a barrage.
Sure enough, upon seeing this, the Grotto-Heaven Immortals of the other great clans struck instantly as well. In the next moment, waves of immense auras surged, blanketing heaven and earth.
Joining forces, they wove their power through the void, directly barring Lu Yuan's path forward. That combined might seemed impossible to shatter, even for a force capable of tearing space asunder.
Yet Lu Yuan's expression did not waver. He raised a hand and threw another punch.
*Thud!* The fist was enveloped in golden vitality. As it blasted forward, it sounded like the detonation of ten thousand thunders. In practically a flash, the combined power unleashed by those several Grotto-Heaven Immortals was shattered in an instant.
Lu Yuan continued advancing.
*What?!*
Seeing this, the Grotto-Heaven Immortals all suffered a slight change in expression.
At last, they cast aside their former contempt and surged forward. They understood all too well that if they did not act now, that Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token might truly fall into his hands. Thus, every single one of them chose to strike.
The Ji Clan Third Ancestor was momentarily dazed. When he had seen Lu Yuan previously, the youth had still been in the Undying realm. Yet the method Lu Yuan had just displayed clearly belonged to the scope of a Grotto-Heaven Immortal.
*Could this man have broken through again? How could that be? How much time has even passed?*
He found it hard to believe, but he snapped back to his senses an instant later.
No matter what, they could not let this man succeed today. Immediately joining forces with the Eternal Clan and the remaining dozen or so Grotto-Heaven Immortals, he charged straight at Lu Yuan. After all, for those who had reached this realm, crossing the intervening distance took merely a fraction of a second.
Auras ran rampant as they grew deadly serious. Lu Yuan felt it as well, and he halted his advance.
"Junior, this Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token is not something you are qualified to touch."
"In light of your youth, you should withdraw."
Those Grotto-Heaven Immortals spoke one after another. Astounding though Lu Yuan's earlier strike had been, if they united to target a single individual, the situation would be entirely different.
"If you persist in your delusions, we will join forces to suppress and execute you!" the Ji Clan Third Ancestor barked shortly thereafter, completely ignoring what the others thought. His intent was explicit: he wanted to eliminate Lu Yuan then and there!
Chapter 406