The starlight was dazzling, clustered together in a blinding brilliance, yet it was still clearly discernible that there were over four thousand distinct beams of light.
Shooting straight into the clouds, they reflected and resonated with the Astral Realm.
How bizarre this sight was, and yet how glorious and dazzling, inevitably drawing the gaze of everyone across the Sixth Heaven.
In a boundless curious land, an old man sat upon a tortoise shell, the starlight radiating from his body like an ocean, making it impossible to look at him directly.
At this moment, staring toward the direction of Ziyuan Heaven, his beard twitched. "What on earth is that?"
Within the Ultimate Principle Society, the Second Society Master opened his eyes, his gaze seeming to pierce through countless layers of space. Even on his perpetually icy face, unchanged for ten thousand years, an expression of shock appeared.
"Four thousand Yang Gods gathered in one body? No, has he cultivated four thousand Dao paths of the Yang God? That's not right either!"
Amidst the shock was profound suspicion and confusion.
In Biluo Heaven, the calabash atop an old woman's head gaped wide, devouring endless starlight. Suddenly, her hand trembled. "Has the Immortal Dao Will fallen into a stupor?"
The scene unfolding in the distant realm was beyond her imagination and comprehension.
Within Taihuang Palace, an uncertain and bewildered expression appeared on Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's face.
"Wh—what is this?"
The surrounding Yang Gods were left somewhat speechless. Were it not for the constraints of status and power, they surely would have said: *Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan, aren't you the Vice Master of the All Heavens Inspection? Shouldn't we be asking you instead of you asking us?*
"It's in the direction of Ziyuan Heaven. It shouldn't be Ancestor Ziyuan. Could it be..." Heavenly Venerable Tairi narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.
Just then, Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan cast his gaze into the Astral Realm.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed. "These are the Yang Gods of the Moluo Clan, and... Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable!"
"What?"
Hearing this, the other Yang Gods of Taihuang Palace stiffened.
In an instant, they grasped the general picture.
Could it be that the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable secretly went to the Moluo Clan and subdued them in secret?
Wait... Mochi... could it be...
A horrifying thought sprang into the minds of these Yang Gods.
Could Heavenly Venerable Mochi actually be a disguise of the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable?
"No, why are there still more than four thousand Yang Gods? Aside from the First Heaven and the Sixth Heaven, this number of Yang Gods exceeds that of any other heaven!" one Yang God Heavenly Venerable wondered aloud in bewilderment.
The rest of the Yang God Heavenly Venerables were equally perplexed.
Meanwhile, in Ziyuan Heaven, countless gazes of Yang God Heavenly Venerables pierced through spacetime and landed on Qi Yuan.
At this moment, Qi Yuan's black robes were riddled with holes, and starlight streamed outward continuously, impossible to contain.
Originally, Qi Yuan thought that even if he emitted light, covering himself with black robes would suffice.
Who could have known that every single Divine Infant would radiate light? Not only that, the Moluo Clan inside the Netherworld radiated light as well!
At this moment, Bing Jian stared at Qi Yuan with utter suspicion.
An Xunlu, Ziyuan Daxue, Ziyuan Xiaolu, and the others also opened their eyes. Just a moment ago, it was as if a flashbang had gone off right in their faces. Now, their gazes could not help but fixate upon this boundless brilliance.
Shock, astonishment, confusion, daze, bewilderment...
All kinds of emotions crossed their faces.
As for the faint starlight on Bing Jian's body, it had long since been engulfed and swallowed by the deluge of starlight.
"Why am I glowing? Could I be a hidden Yang God?" Ziyuan Daxue asked, dumbfounded.
Her cultivation was low and she was not yet a Yang God, so she could not tell that the source of the brilliance originated from Qi Yuan.
An Xunlu glared fixedly at Qi Yuan, gritting her teeth. "Didn't you hear Bing Jian say that Blood Robe had thousands of lightbulbs hidden under his black robes?"
Technological creations like lightbulbs existed in Black Demon Abyss, though they were not common, mostly used by mortals or kept as novelties by certain cultivators.
"Lightbulbs?"
The prodigies involuntarily turned their eyes to Qi Yuan, still thoroughly bewildered.
"Ahem... My clothes are leaking light. Stop staring! If you keep looking, I'll be exposed!"
Qi Yuan hurriedly pressed his hands over the tears in his black robes, but there was no blocking the light. Countless rays surged outward.
He hadn't actually exposed any skin, but he had certainly leaked light.
Just then, a prodigy suddenly cried out, "No, look at the All Heavens Map of State! This is... a Yang God phenomenon!"
At that moment, all the prodigies turned toward the All Heavens Map of State, and expressions of profound shock immediately appeared on their faces.
Their gazes snapped back toward Qi Yuan with varied expressions, dominated by shock, wariness, and sheer incomprehension.
Ziyuan Daxue clutched her hair, her expression contorted. "I feel like my brain can't keep up. Blood Robe... what in the world is going on?"
"Blood Robe, have you already stepped into the Yang God realm? Wait, no—a Yang God only has a single beam of light! Why do you have so many?"
"Am I seeing things, or am I not awake yet?"
Meanwhile, throughout Ziyuan Heaven, the gazes of numerous Yang Gods rested upon Qi Yuan, filled with astonishment.
Ancestor Ziyuan was equally shocked and perplexed.
Today's events had far exceeded his expectations—or rather, his wildest imagination.
At this time, Heavenly Venerable Yuehua suddenly spoke, her expression complicated. "Qi Yuan, I never imagined you hid yourself so deeply. Not only have you comprehended two Supreme Ultimate Principles, but your body also radiates so much starlight... It is truly bizarre."
After the All Heavens Inspection, Blood Robe's identity was bound to be exposed.
Taihuang Palace had likely already deduced Qi Yuan's identity from the resonance of the astral projections in the Astral Realm.
Thus, there was no longer any need for her to conceal it on Qi Yuan's behalf.
"What? Two Supreme Ultimate Principles? He is... Mochi?"
Hearing this, the surrounding Yang God Heavenly Venerables were shaken to their core.
Ancestor Ziyuan was stunned for a moment, and then ecstatic.
In truth, the one displaying the greatest joy was Ziyuan Xiaolu. Looking at An Xunlu, she exclaimed happily, "Did you see that? Senior Brother Blood Robe has comprehended two Supreme Ultimate Principles—one more than Senior Brother Hei Jian!"
Ziyuan Daxue stared at Qi Yuan, and the doubts in her heart unraveled in an instant.
No wonder she had received Blood Robe from Heavenly Venerable Mochi back then. No wonder Blood Robe was able to meet Heavenly Venerable Yuehua.
So Mochi was one of Blood Robe's disguised identities!
Suddenly, an awkward look crossed her face.
Back when Mochi had comprehended the Supreme Ultimate Principle before the Wall of Ultimate Principle, she had mocked Mochi's ugly appearance more than a few times.
Didn't that mean Blood Robe had heard every word?
"Ahem... I've only comprehended two Supreme Ultimate Principles. It's nothing special, really quite ordinary," Qi Yuan replied humbly.
After all, out of four Supreme Ultimate Principles, comprehending merely two was hardly a big deal.
At these words, the prodigies and Yang Gods present nearly broke down.
Had they lived on Blue Star, they definitely would have accused Blood Robe of humble-bragging.
Only Ziyuan Xiaolu was brimming with excitement, shooting a glance at An Xunlu. "See that? Senior Brother Blood Robe is both formidable and humble, far surpassing Senior Brother Hei Jian. He is truly the number-one prodigy of Black Demon Abyss!"
The turmoil in the hearts of Ziyuan Heaven's Yang Gods had yet to settle.
The news revealed today was simply too sensational.
"However, these thousands of starlight beams on your body... are truly bizarre. Could it be that you have thousands of Yang Gods hidden within you?" Heavenly Venerable Yuehua hesitated.
This was also the question baffling all the Yang Gods and prodigies present.
If a Yang God had one Yang God hidden inside their body, that could still be understood.
Hiding thousands of Yang Gods—what kind of absurdity was that?
Moreover, as they scrutinized Qi Yuan, they did not detect the aura of any other Yang Gods inside him.
Even Great Ultimate Principles like Ancestor Ziyuan and Heavenly Venerable Yuehua could see nothing.
At this moment, Jin Li gripped Qi Yuan's hand tighter, her small hand slightly cold, as if worried about something.
Qi Yuan glanced at Jin Li's exquisite face and gave her a reassuring look before continuing, "Sigh, in truth, there are no Yang Gods inside my body. If there are any, they are merely Divine Infants.
"It's just that I have quite a few Divine Infants, and... they can cultivate on their own."
Toward those who treated him well, Qi Yuan naturally responded with sincerity.
Having a few extra Divine Infants wasn't an illness; there was nothing to hide.
"Divine Infants?"
"Cultivate on their own?"
"Could it be they cultivated into Yang Gods?"
"This..."
The Yang God Heavenly Venerables of Ziyuan Heaven were stunned, feeling once again that their minds could not process what they were hearing.
Even Ancestor Ziyuan, who had always believed in Qi Yuan, wore a completely dumbfounded expression.
"You mean... the starlight on you was emitted by Divine Infants?" Ancestor Ziyuan asked hesitantly.
Was this reasonable?
It made no sense whatsoever.
"Yes," Qi Yuan nodded earnestly.
As he spoke, all the starlight upon his body dispersed at that very moment.
Ziyuan Heaven returned to its original state.
This also signified that the All Heavens Inspection had ended.
Countless gazes remained fixed on Qi Yuan. For the time being, they simply could not accept his explanation.
After all, it was far too absurd, far too unreasonable.
Having one extra Divine Infant might be believable, but having thousands of extra Divine Infants, and having them cultivate on their own—how could such a thing possibly exist?
Ancestor Ziyuan looked at Qi Yuan and gradually calmed down.
After all, such a momentous event occurring in Ziyuan Heaven was enough to alter the dynamics of Black Demon Abyss, and might even affect the Linya Molt.
"Regardless, Blood Robe, the news that you have comprehended two Supreme Ultimate Principles has surely reached Taihuang Palace by now. You have yet to fully mature; you must tread carefully!" Ancestor Ziyuan was both overjoyed and apprehensive.
He was overjoyed because Blood Robe's growth had far exceeded his expectations.
Not only had he quietly stepped into the Yang God realm and possessed two Supreme Ultimate Principles, but with those four-thousand-plus dazzling beams of starlight, a single person was enough to suppress... an entire heaven!
He was apprehensive because Blood Robe's display of such shocking talent and potential would inevitably draw the attention of every major faction, especially Taihuang Palace.
Would Taihuang Palace simply watch him grow?
Qi Yuan nodded. "Don't worry, old man. I have a super great plan."
A sharp glint flashed across Qi Yuan's eyes.
He naturally understood what he would face once his strength was exposed.
He had long formulated a plan.
Not far away, hearing the word "plan," Ziyuan Xiaolu blinked, admiration written all over her face.
Bing Jian, on the other hand, let out a rueful sigh.
Originally, with so many young prodigies present and coinciding with the All Heavens Inspection, this should have been the prime opportunity to make a name for himself.
Unfortunately, his starlight had been far too dim, utterly eclipsed by Blood Robe.
Now, everyone's gaze was fixed entirely on Blood Robe, with nobody paying him any attention.
"Your Ziyuan Heaven has produced a true prodigy."
Right at that moment, a hearty voice rang out.
An old man clad in gray robes appeared, staring intently at Qi Yuan with burning eyes.
The newcomer was none other than the Third Elder of Black Demon Abyss.
With his appearance, the other elders of Black Demon Abyss emerged one after another, and among them... Hei Jian also appeared.
Hei Jian looked calmly at Qi Yuan, his expression showing little fluctuation.
Seeing these Great Ultimate Principles, Ancestor Ziyuan felt immensely pleased.
He felt both energized and full of pride.
"Old Third, didn't I tell you? When it comes to talent, Blood Robe is second to none!" Ancestor Ziyuan boasted triumphantly.
The Third Elder and the other Great Ultimate Principles gazed at Qi Yuan with complicated expressions.
"No wonder Moon Goddess Palace was willing to marry their Yue Nü to Blood Robe. With this kind of talent, even this old woman would be willing to marry him!" an old woman remarked.
At this point, the perpetually silent Hei Jian spoke: "From this day forth, within Black Demon Abyss, Blood Robe shall receive... the treatment of a Great Ultimate Principle!"
During the previous battle where the Human Sovereign Hall Emissary fought the Banner Lord, the numerous Yang Gods of Black Demon Abyss held a conference and finalized several matters.
First, Black Demon Abyss would seal its gates; second, Hei Jian would temporarily stand in for the Abyss Lord to lead Black Demon Abyss.
Now, Hei Jian's proclamation affirmed Blood Robe's strength and represented the stance of Black Demon Abyss.
Hearing this, Ancestor Ziyuan looked at Hei Jian with a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
If the Abyss Lord were still in charge of Black Demon Abyss at this moment, how could he have so easily granted Blood Robe the treatment of a Great Ultimate Principle?
With Hei Jian's declaration, at least during the Linya Molt, as long as Blood Robe committed no unforgivable offense, Black Demon Abyss would shield him.
The other Yang God Heavenly Venerables looked at Blood Robe with envious eyes.
"Before the Linya Molt begins, why not conduct this joyous occasion?" Heavenly Venerable Yuehua remarked cheerfully, a look of gratification on her face.
She too intended to strike while the iron was hot and bind Blood Robe to their front.
Yue Nü Jin Li stood quietly behind Qi Yuan. She felt no joy from Heavenly Venerable Yuehua's words; a dark cloud lingered over her snow-white face.
Ancestor Ziyuan also wore a joyful look. "This is what they call... a double blessing."
Yet... very quickly, the smile on his face froze.
Beyond the firmament of Ziyuan Heaven, a blazing great sun... suddenly descended.
All the cultivators in Ziyuan Heaven felt the roiling heatwaves in that very instant.
Ancestor Ziyuan raised his head toward the sky, his expression darkening. Looking at that phantom sun, he shouted in displeasure, "Taihuang Palace descends upon my Ziyuan Heaven without so much as a greeting? Are you not afraid my Creation Treasure might harm you?"
In the void beneath that scorching great sun, two Great Ultimate Principles appeared side by side.
Both hailed from Taihuang Palace.
One of them was none other than Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan.
Ignoring Ancestor Ziyuan's words, Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan looked at Qi Yuan, his voice cold and severe: "Qi Yuan, follow me back to Taihuang Palace to plead guilty!"
Overbearing and unquestionable.
The way he looked at Qi Yuan was as if he were scrutinizing a criminal.
"Ha! Has Taihuang Palace always been this tyrannical?" Heavenly Venerable Yuehua could not help but sneer coldly. "Whenever you see a prodigy, do you simply fabricate a crime to pin on them?"
Ancestor Ziyuan was also consumed by rage. "Even if Taihuang Palace oversees the Linya Molt, you cannot act with such arrogance! This Sixth Heaven... is not the exclusive domain of your Taihuang Palace!"
The other elders of Black Demon Abyss also released terrifying, profound auras, battle intent surging within them.
It was as though they would strike at the two Great Ultimate Principles from Taihuang Palace the moment Hei Jian gave the word.
Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan narrowed his eyes, showing no fear.
Glancing around, he said indifferently, "This is a personal grudge between the Palace Lord and him, unrelated to the rest of you. I urge you to value your lives and not bring about your own ruin!"
These words crashed into everyone's ears like thunderclaps.
A personal grudge?
Blood Robe had offended *that* Supreme Venerable as well?
With Blood Robe's level of strength, how could he have offended him?
Ziyuan Daxue covered her mouth, her face filled with disbelief.
She remembered back when she first met Blood Robe, he had claimed that his greatest enemy was that figure in Taihuang Palace.
At first, she had paid it no mind, thinking how could an ant ever provoke a star in the sky?
Now, it appeared to be true!
Ancestor Ziyuan also cast a suspicious glance at Qi Yuan.
*Could this kid have been bad-mouthing Taihuang Palace's Supreme Venerable behind his back every day, only to get caught?*
Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan stared at Qi Yuan, his gaze dark and abyssal. "He is a sinner!"
"What?"
"A sinner?"
The Yang God Heavenly Venerables present immediately connected the dots, their expressions dumbfounded.
Heavenly Venerable Yuehua could not help but shout coldly, "To think Taihuang Palace would be this shameless! Back then, to cultivate a single technique, you sank the Three Thousand Realms. When the Supreme Venerable of the Ultimate Principle Society went to Taihuang Palace demanding an explanation, your Taihuang Palace claimed that those Three Thousand Realms were all populated by sinners! Today, this old woman says that you people of Taihuang Palace are the sinners!"
The so-called "sinners" were merely a label pinned on others.
"As a sinner, instead of peacefully atoning for your sins, you secretly subverted the Three Thousand Realms! Qi Yuan... do you plead guilty?!"
Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's voice boomed with the majesty of a heavenly deity.
Just moments ago upon arriving at Ziyuan Heaven, he had learned that the person before him was none other than the Qi Yuan who had subverted the Three Thousand Realms.
Hearing this, the other Great Ultimate Principles were all aghast.
Anyone well-informed knew that within the Three Thousand Realms lay the past bodies severed by the Supreme Venerable.
The Great Sun Supreme Venerable cultivated neither future nor past, seeking only to attest to the eternal existence of the Great Sun.
He was so overwhelmingly powerful that he had to sever his past bodies and place them into the Three Thousand Realms.
Judging by this accusation, the three thousand Yang Gods of the Three Thousand Realms had been overthrown by Qi Yuan!
All the Great Ultimate Principles drew in a sharp breath of cold air, their faces etched with horror.
This was a grudge of obstructing one's Dao!
If it were an ordinary enmity, they might still intervene, but...
A life-and-death vendetta like this was hardly any less severe than the feud between Moon Goddess Yuanjun and the Great Sun Supreme Venerable!
Yet, Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's next words pushed their shock further, into numbness!
"As a sinner, subverting the Three Thousand Realms—this is your first crime!
Using Ten Suns Traversing the Sky to covet the Great Sun's venerable seat—this is your second crime!
Your crimes are unforgivable and merit death!"
Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's voice crashed like thunder into everyone's ears.
At this moment, Heavenly Venerable Yuehua's expression shifted drastically.
She stared at Qi Yuan in disbelief. "You... are the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable?"
She had never expected Qi Yuan to possess so many identities, or that he was actually the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable!
If he were merely another enemy of Taihuang Palace, Heavenly Venerable Yuehua would gladly watch him rise.
But this man was... the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable!
The Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable coveted the Great Sun's venerable seat.
From this moment forth, he was doomed to be an enemy of Moon Goddess Palace as well!
The other Great Ultimate Principles stared at Qi Yuan in terror as well.
Just how many secrets did this fellow possess?
The one who subverted the Three Thousand Realms was him, and the one daring enough to provoke Taihuang Palace and attempt to seize the Great Sun's venerable seat was also him!
Everyone was thoroughly horrified. Many prodigies quietly took a few steps back from Qi Yuan, their expressions filled with fear and dread.
Qi Yuan, however, remained exceedingly calm. Dressed in blood-red robes, he stood nonchalantly, holding Jin Li's hand. He said coolly, "Plunging the Three Thousand Realms into ruin and treating all living beings as pigs and dogs—shouldn't that be Taihuang Palace's crime?
"That Supreme Venerable of your Taihuang Palace sends his astral projections barging into my home every single day, trespassing on private property. Is that not also a crime?
"By that logic, your Taihuang Palace is the one whose monstrous crimes merit death, isn't it?"
Qi Yuan's voice was calm, yet every word resonated with resounding force.
At this time, Heavenly Venerable Yuehua looked at Qi Yuan with a tangled expression. Thinking of something, she suddenly said, "Jin Li, return to Moon Goddess Palace with me. He... is not only an enemy of Taihuang Palace, but also an enemy of our Moon Goddess Palace!"
Ancestor Ziyuan's lips moved, but in the end, he did not speak up in protest.
He understood what Heavenly Venerable Yuehua meant.
He also knew that Jin Li staying by Qi Yuan's side right now would be extremely perilous; returning to Moon Goddess Palace was far safer.
Everyone's eyes involuntarily fell upon Jin Li. Yue Nü Jin Li's expression was aloof, her gaze unwavering.
"Back then on the Moon Gazing Continent, I could only watch helplessly as he faced the extraterrestrial demons alone, powerless to do anything."
When she was a Yue Nü, she had once engraved the Yue Nü mark onto Qi Yuan's arm.
Through that lunar mark, she could feel pain every waking second.
And the pain experienced by Qi Yuan, the bearer of the mark—how unimaginably immense must it have been?
Later, she waited alone beneath the Ancient Qi Toon Tree, while the Qi Yuan who had spoken to her in the past spacetime—or rather, only yesterday—stood alone to suppress the Dijue catastrophe.
"Now that I have found him again, no matter what happens... even if the stars fall, the astral sea shatters, and the Immortal Realm collapses, I will stand by his side!"
Upon Jin Li's breathtaking face, her expression was exceptionally resolute.
Under countless watching eyes, she clasped Qi Yuan's hand tightly, speaking her heart aloud without reservation.
The words she had been unable to say in the past were finally spoken in this moment.
Hearing this, Heavenly Venerable Yuehua's gaze grew conflicted. "Have you forgotten all the favor Moon Goddess Palace has shown you over these years? Following him... will lead to death! Staying in Moon Goddess Palace is your only chance of survival!"
Since Qi Yuan had overthrown the Three Thousand Realms and was the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable, how could the Great Sun Supreme Venerable ever spare him?
No matter how peerless his talent or how vast his potential, nobody would withstand the wrath of the Great Sun Supreme Venerable on his behalf!
This was a vendetta of the Great Dao!
It could only be settled when one side was utterly eradicated.
"My mind is made up. Heavenly Venerable, speak no further," Jin Li said calmly.
Just then, a voice transmission entered Qi Yuan's ears.
"Take Jin Li and leave quickly! I'll hold off Taihuang Palace's two Great Ultimate Principles for you!"
The one transmitting the message was Ancestor Ziyuan.
Qi Yuan took a deep breath.
He knew the super great plan was still underway.
He needed to leave Black Demon Abyss right now, or else... he would drag Ziyuan Heaven down with him.
As for Taihuang Palace...
His eyes remained tranquil.
He would pay them a visit himself—not to plead guilty, but to demand accountability.
However, according to the plan, he had to feign feeling wronged and aggrieved first.
Otherwise... how would that figure from Taihuang Palace ever step into the trap?
Looking at Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan, Qi Yuan spoke with a calm demeanor: "The day the Linya Molt begins shall be the day I flatten Taihuang Palace.
"Overseeing the Linya Molt... let's see if you even get the chance!"
Qi Yuan delivered his ruthless threat.
This, too, was a part of the super great plan.
"Insolent!"
"Audacious!"
The two Great Ultimate Principles struck out in fury, their momentum overwhelming.
Seeing this, the elders of Black Demon Abyss exchanged glances; none dared step forward to intervene.
Ancestor Ziyuan moved hurriedly to counter Taihuang Palace's two Great Ultimate Principles.
Both of these Great Ultimate Principles belonged to the second tier, their power terrifying.
Facing two Great Ultimate Principles alone—both stronger than him—he was certain to suffer injuries.
Yet at that instant, the perpetually silent Hei Jian suddenly struck. A streak of white radiance flashed past, accompanied by a horrifying sweep of sword intent that halted the two Great Ultimate Principles for a split second.
Hei Jian's calm voice also reached Qi Yuan's ears.
"Go!"
Qi Yuan cast a glance at the people of Ziyuan Heaven, gripped Jin Li's hand tightly, and lingered no longer.
In that instant, his figure vanished without a trace.
A voice transmission fell into Ancestor Ziyuan's ears as well.
"Old man, if you ever feel endangered, come to Tiankun Curious Land. I'll cover you."
Qi Yuan had no choice but to leave.
For he already felt a terrifying, vast, and searing presence on the verge of locking onto him.
Evidently, that figure from Taihuang Palace... was already gathering power to obliterate him with thunderous force.
The moment Qi Yuan and Jin Li vanished—
*Boom!*
An incomparably deafening blast echoed through the void.
Countless rays resembling molten magma spilled in all directions.
Innumerable layers of empty void shattered in that single instant.
Evidently, that entity from Taihuang Palace had struck, instantly severing all void layers to cut off Qi Yuan's retreat.
Of course, he did not know that Qi Yuan had entered his own Purple Mansion.
Roughly half a breath later, a faint sound of surprise echoed in the void, then faded away.
Outside the firmament of Ziyuan Heaven, the Great Ultimate Principles felt their scalps tingle and a prickling sensation on their backs.
Because... it felt as if they had witnessed the strike of a Supreme Venerable.
That kind of power... was beyond description. A single palm strike could have obliterated them entirely.
At this moment, the faces of Ziyuan Xiaolu, Ziyuan Daxue, and the others were pale as sheet.
For they did not know whether Blood Robe had managed to escape just now.
Ancestor Ziyuan's expression was grave. After holding off the two Great Ultimate Principles, he seemed to reflect upon Qi Yuan's words.
Could it be?
Yet...
Worry covered his face.
Tiankun Curious Land... could that Tattered Robe truly hold back Taihuang Palace's Supreme Venerable?
With the All Heavens Inspection active, even if Qi Yuan hid within Tiankun Curious Land, his location would be detected by Taihuang Palace immediately.
Ancestor Ziyuan looked fraught with anxiety. He thought of something, his expression torn with inner conflict, until finally... his resolve hardened.
Following these events, Ziyuan Heaven shook, Black Demon Abyss fell into turmoil, and even across the Sixth Heaven, clamor arose everywhere, everyone utterly stunned by what had transpired today.
Yet without anyone noticing, Ancestor Ziyuan appeared alone at the foot of Black Demon Mountain.
The haughtiness on his face had completely vanished, leaving him looking like an elderly man in his twilight years.
The last time he came here to seek help from the Abyss Lord, he hadn't even caught a glimpse of the Abyss Lord's face.
Back then, he had sworn that if he ever begged the Abyss Lord again, he would be lower than a beast.
Yet now...
With Blood Robe hiding in Tiankun Curious Land, facing the crushing pressure of Taihuang Palace, how long could Blood Robe hold out?
At this moment, he cast aside all shame.
Facing Black Demon Mountain, he bowed deeply. "Blood Robe possesses transcendent natural talent and has comprehended two Supreme Ultimate Principles. He will lead Black Demon Abyss to revival. Disciple begs Master... to protect Blood Robe's Dao!"
Every extra ounce of strength would increase Blood Robe's chances of survival.
This haughty little old man bent his back low, hunched over completely.
Yet within Black Demon Mountain, all was dead silence; no one paid him any heed.
Ancestor Ziyuan's expression shifted repeatedly until he finally gritted his teeth and said, "If Master is willing to protect Blood Robe's Dao, then in this Linya Molt, I... am willing to march against the Immortal Palace on behalf of Taihuang Palace!"
Black Demon Abyss's choice to seal its borders did not come without a price.
The price was... some Great Ultimate Principles had to die.
Marching against the Immortal Palace on behalf of Taihuang Palace essentially meant... going to his death.
Right then, an ancient voice echoed from deep within Black Demon Mountain.
"Why must you do this?"
"For Black Demon Abyss... having Hei Jian... is enough."
The voice sounded hesitant, helpless, yet utterly indifferent.
Hearing this, rage flared up within Ancestor Ziyuan, yet he remained hunched over.
"Master, Blood Robe... he is the bloodline progenitor! Master... Disciple begs you... protect his Dao!"
He bowed solemnly to this master whom he had never respected or liked.
"What of being a bloodline progenitor? Having come into this universe, there is no future."
From within Black Demon Mountain, the ancient voice let out a faint sigh.
"Go back. This matter... is not something you can meddle in."
Chapter 477