Lu Yuan's voice rang out, carrying an unmistakable note of absolute authority.
In truth, no one dared to stop him in the slightest. As for the extraterrestrial beings who had previously clashed with the forces of the Heavenly Court, they backed away one after another, reining in their auras and murderous intent. Beings from the Celestial Clan, the Nether Bull Clan, the Yin Sparrow Clan, the Three-Headed Ghost Clan, and others wished desperately that they could reduce their presence to nothing. They knew all too well that bad blood existed between their clans and Lu Yuan.
Long ago, they had even joined forces in an attempt to take his life. One could say that if Lu Yuan were a man to seek vengeance for every petty slight, he would likely strike right now. If that happened, not a single member of those prominent clans present would be spared.
Though they ranked among the top hundred great clans, what difference did that make? Both the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan had been slaughtered outright by his hand. What did the likes of them amount to in comparison? Thus, drawing attention to themselves right now was the last thing they could afford to do. Otherwise, it would be nothing short of playing with fire, and no one would be able to protect them.
Lu Yuan, however, had no idea what was running through their minds. Naturally, even if he had known, he would not have cared at all.
Indeed, factions like the Celestial Clan were no longer worthy of his notice; there was simply no need to waste effort on them. Unless they took the initiative to attack, he would not even spare them a second glance.
From Jiang Ningxian and the others, Lu Yuan had already learned that the strongest beings among the top hundred star sectors were generally Creation Immortals, with perhaps only those in the top twenty possessing Heavenly Position Immortals. That meant the supreme experts of these clans were roughly on par with that elder from the Ji clan—and in terms of actual combat power, they were bound to be weaker. After all, the Ji clan possessed terrifying reserves of heritage that ordinary top-hundred star sectors could never match. Under such circumstances, there was no reason to treat them as worthy adversaries.
Once Lu Yuan finished speaking, the members of the Heavenly Court led by Zhu Qingyu and the others immediately nodded. For them, this expedition had been a trial; though it had not lasted long, its objective had already been achieved.
At the same time, Lu Yuan waved his hand, opening up another spatial passage. Soon, the people of the Jiang clan and the Heavenly Court all stepped inside.
At that moment, the Mount Emei region fell into utter silence.
Several Immortal Realm experts could not help exchanging stunned glances, completely unable to process what had just unfolded. Never had they imagined that this grand battle over the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token would end in such a manner.
It was not that they had never considered Lu Yuan emerging as the final victor, but the process itself had been astonishing: five Grotto-Heaven Immortals had been slain, and a Creation Immortal had presumably perished as well. Even in all-out wars between star clans, losses were rarely so staggering. The Ji clan in particular—what an exalted powerhouse they were! When had they ever suffered such a devastating defeat?
"Lu Yuan of the Milky Way Star Sector has truly come into his own."
"Indeed. I fear only a sector-lord-level figure could subdue him now."
"I suddenly feel that the beings of this world calling him the Human Sovereign is not the least bit inappropriate."
"The Heavenly Court he founded is growing formidable as well. In less than a century, it will surely mature into a terrifying force."
The experts from the various clans murmured among themselves. In the past, they had acknowledged that Lu Yuan was strong, capable of standing alongside the prominent clans of powerful star sectors. But now, it was different. Everyone had come to accept that he was a true titan of the era.
Moreover, almost everyone present had witnessed the rise of a supreme powerhouse with their own eyes. After all, they had been paying close attention to Lu Yuan since long before.
"Let's depart. We must keep a lower profile from now on," a Grotto-Heaven Immortal said. After pondering for a moment, he added, "It seems to me that the protagonist of this great era has already appeared."
Without further explanation, he turned and left, paying no heed to the rest of the crowd. The figures from the other star sectors followed suit in rapid succession.
The Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token had found its master.
***
Meanwhile, back at Mount Tai.
Through the passage Lu Yuan had torn open, the Heavenly Court forces emerged. This time, every face was brimming with joy—not only because their objectives had been met, but more importantly, because of what they had witnessed.
Those extraterrestrial beings no longer looked upon the Heavenly Court with contempt; instead, they treated it with the utmost solemnity. This proved that everything they had done had not been in vain. Even though some had been wounded and others had fallen along the way, that was the nature of the path. It was impossible to guarantee that everyone would survive.
"Very well. Return to your quarters and digest what you have gained today," Lu Yuan instructed, dismissing the crowd. He then turned toward Jiang Ningxian and her two companions and said, "There is something I must discuss with you."
"It concerns the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token, doesn't it?" Jiang Huanyun spoke up directly, saying, "That item belongs to you. Our Jiang clan raises no objections whatsoever."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan furrowed his brows. "Yet it was your clan that provided the information." He was not one to monopolize everything for himself, especially when it came to something as vital as the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token. Such an artifact was of paramount importance; anyone aware of its existence would covet it. He had no wish for a rift to form between the two sides because of it.
"It was merely sharing intelligence; it amounts to very little," Jiang Huanyun replied. "If not for your intervention today, who knows whose hands the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token would have fallen into? Our Jiang clan could never have guaranteed securing it. You defeated formidable foes, awed the entire assembly, and suppressed the battlefield. You have earned this Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token fair and square."
At this moment, in Jiang Huanyun's mind, not even an Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token could match Lu Yuan's value. To slay a Creation Immortal while still in the Grotto-Heaven Immortal realm was an astounding feat. Regardless of what methods he had used, they were an undeniable reflection of his power. Moreover, how long had this young man been cultivating? If he continued on this trajectory, his future would be beyond imagination. Jiang Huanyun even felt that he was watching the rise of a sector-lord-level figure.
Weighed against such prospects, it was far better to cede the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token to him. Although the item was extraordinarily precious, the Jiang clan did not have to possess it at all costs. To give in to greed over a single object ran counter to the original purpose of the Jiang clan's descent.
"Lu Yuan, since the Fifth Ancestor has spoken, you should simply accept it," Jiang Ningxian chimed in with a smile, showing that they had already reached a consensus.
Beside her, Jiang Haokong nodded repeatedly as well.
It had to be said that partnering with the Jiang clan had truly been the wisest decision Lu Yuan had made back then. Had it been any other faction, they would never have shown such magnanimity.
"In that case, I will defer to your kindness rather than stand on ceremony," Lu Yuan said. He was never one for false modesty; since matters had reached this point, there was no need for further pleasantries.
After exchanging a few more words with them, he took his leave. For now, an even more pressing matter awaited him: fusing with the fifth Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token!
Chapter 413