The events in Ziyuan Heaven spread in every direction, drawing the astounded gazes of countless Yang God Heavenly Venerables.
After all, this incident was practically unprecedented throughout antiquity—bizarre to the extreme.
Draped in her jade-silk robe, the White Dragon Abyss Lord furrowed her brow. "He actually turned out to be the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable... In this battle for the venerated seat, that one in Taihuang Palace will never let him off. A desperate situation, truly desperate!"
Though she coveted Blood Robe's bloodline, she could not take the risk of opposing Taihuang Palace for his sake.
"Before he dies, if he could share a night of bliss with me and sire a child... that would surely become a celebrated tale," the White Dragon Abyss Lord sighed.
When the time came, the child born from them could avenge his father and exterminate Taihuang Palace. How magnificent would that be?
Naturally, the White Dragon Abyss Lord was merely daydreaming, for... there was simply no feasibility in it.
Meanwhile.
Within Taihuang Palace, various vast and mighty auras rose and fell one after another.
Murderous intent flashed in Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's eyes. "Humph! Ancestor Ziyuan and Hei Jian are far too arrogant, daring to stand in our way!"
The Great Ultimate Principle beside him nodded. "I never expected that even with the Supreme Venerable taking action, that Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable still managed to escape."
"He may escape for a moment, but can he escape for a lifetime?" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan sneered disdainfully.
Taihuang Palace was currently presiding over the Linya Molt; they would inevitably find a way to deal with the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable.
Heavenly Venerable Tairi stood to the side, his expression complex. "I never imagined he was Heavenly Venerable Mochi, having comprehended two Supreme Ultimate Principles. If allowed to grow, he will become an absolute nemesis to Taihuang Palace!"
At the mention of this, the Yang God Heavenly Venerables present felt their hearts clench.
That Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable truly possessed the capital to challenge the Great Sun Supreme Venerable.
Once, his ten suns had blazed across the heavens, striking awe into all the realms.
Later, he had performed a feat unmatched across the ages, comprehending two Supreme Ultimate Principles.
Given enough time, it was unimaginable what heights such an existence might reach.
"For a mere sinner from the lower realms to advance this far is truly terrifying. What a pity his good fortune has run dry. What awaits him next shall be Taihuang Palace's thunderous wrath!" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan exclaimed, making no attempt to conceal his killing intent.
Right then, a voice transmission suddenly reached Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's ears. His eyes narrowed, and a stunned look crossed his face.
"He is actually hiding in Tiankun Curious Land!"
"What? Tiankun Curious Land?"
The other Yang Gods were equally astonished.
After all, Tiankun Curious Land had gained immense renown recently.
The Human Sovereign Hall Emissary had concealed himself there and soundly defeated the Banner Lord.
"Could it be... that the Human Sovereign Hall Emissary and this Qi Yuan... are the very same person?" As Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan mentioned this, a hint of wariness crept onto his face.
If the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable had immense potential from comprehending two Supreme Ultimate Principles, then the Human Sovereign Hall Emissary was someone who had already cashed in on that potential.
"If they are one and the same... that would be somewhat dangerous!"
"Humph! It was merely his Human Sovereign Banner countering the Banner Lord. If we strike, who among us could not slay him? He has no Great Ultimate Principle Engraving. Even if he possesses an offensive Creation Treasure, once the Supreme Venerable intervenes, he will without question die!" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan barked in a gruff voice.
In this Sixth Heaven of the Immortal Dao, a Great Ultimate Principle Engraving served as the Great Ultimate Principles' protective talisman.
"It is truly strange—why does he lack a Great Ultimate Principle Engraving?"
"With an anomaly like him, anything could happen!"
"We cannot allow such an enemy to remain alive out there. Otherwise... if he condenses a Great Ultimate Principle Engraving, it will become an immense headache!"
The crowd from Taihuang Palace looked tense and anxious.
They only awaited the Supreme Venerable's decree before rushing toward Tiankun Curious Land.
***
"Not bad. A few more divine arts added to the collection."
Qi Yuan held Jin Li's delicate hand, his gaze gentle.
This time, when Jin Li followed him from Moon Goddess Palace to Ziyuan Heaven, she had brought along numerous divine arts.
"Hus... husband, what do you need so many divine arts for?" A faint blush still lingered on Jin Li's pretty face, and her beautiful eyes held a trace of confusion.
After arriving in Tiankun Curious Land, Qi Yuan showed no signs of panic, nor any fear.
Instead, he leisurely leafed through various divine arts, which utterly baffled Jin Li.
"Naturally to... refine suns. One divine art makes roughly one sun. I need to make the most of my time," Qi Yuan said as he closed his eyes and began adapting the Golden Core chapter of the *Qi Yuan Scripture*.
Jin Li stood beside him, her figure lush and shapely. She looked at Qi Yuan. "Refine suns?"
At this moment, Qi Yuan was fully immersed in crafting his *Qi Yuan Scripture*, utterly focused.
Soon, the *Qi Yuan Scripture* progressed considerably.
Qi Yuan paused briefly and glanced at the game loading on the jade slip.
*The game's progress bar is getting close... I must hurry and sweep away the threat of Taihuang Palace! If the flow of time in the game is too slow and the Linya Molt begins while I'm away, it could cause latent trouble.*
When formulating his grand plan, Qi Yuan had considered everything thoroughly.
He had to resolve the threat of Taihuang Palace before the new game began.
After all, if one second in the game equated to ten thousand years in reality, by the time he finished playing, everything would have turned to cold ashes.
Therefore, before heading into the game, he had best deal with Taihuang Palace.
Exposing his identity this time had also been within his calculations. Otherwise, if he had truly wanted to avoid the Tour of the Heavens, Qi Yuan had plenty of ways to do so.
The only surprise was that the starlight erupting from his body had been far too overwhelming, like surging ocean waves.
Now, fleeing from Ziyuan Heaven and stepping into Tiankun Curious Land, he had been retreating step by step.
Only in this way would his plan look natural and reasonable.
He was being 'forced,' led by the nose one step at a time by Taihuang Palace.
"The *Qi Yuan Scripture* has already been passed to Ning Tao. When on earth is Taihuang Palace... going to show up?" Qi Yuan stretched lazily and leaned back to lay his head down on Jin Li's lap.
Surrounded by her faint, intoxicating fragrance, Qi Yuan felt completely refreshed. His mind grew tranquil, and much of the fatigue weighed upon him vanished.
Jin Li cradled Qi Yuan's head, shifting her posture to make him lie more comfortably. "Is Ning Tao an older sister or a younger sister?"
A distinct trace of jealousy laced her words.
"Uh..." Qi Yuan paused. "Are you jealous?"
"Why don't you taste for yourself... and see if I am jealous?" Yue Nü Jin Li pursed her lips, her eyes pooling with spring waters. No sooner had her voice fallen than she leaned down and kissed him.
Passionate, lingering, fierce.
Only after dozens of breaths did the entanglement part.
The usually aloof Jin Li was now panting softly, her fair face flushed crimson.
"Did you taste it?" Jin Li looped her jade-like arms around Qi Yuan's neck.
During those dozens of breaths, the offense and defense had already reversed, and Qi Yuan had claimed the upper vantage point.
Qi Yuan thought back carefully. "No jealousy?"
Jin Li was sweet and fragrant all over; where was there any sour taste of vinegar?
"Want to taste again?" Jin Li looked remarkably bold as she crouched down.
In the presence of outsiders, she was gentle, intellectual, and reserved, like a regal peony.
Yet when alone with Qi Yuan, she was exceptionally bold and alluring, wishing nothing more than to melt Qi Yuan into her very body, like a peach blossom in full spring bloom.
After an unknown amount of time, she looked up and gazed at Qi Yuan stubbornly. "Did she... ever do this with you?"
Qi Yuan felt he had heard this exact tone whenever Ziyuan Xiaolu and An Xunlu bickered.
"Probably... yes?" Qi Yuan valued honesty and integrity.
Back when he spent time with Ning Tao and the Canary as young lovers, they had naturally tasted plenty of forbidden fruit.
Sometimes Ning Tao was on top, while the Canary was below; even Qi Yuan had found himself helplessly enraptured.
Hearing this answer, Jin Li seemed to pout in petulance and lightly bit Qi Yuan on the arm—a bite so gentle it carried less force than her kiss.
"What about like this?" Jin Li thought of something, her gaze flickering.
As her words fell, the woman unfastened her white dress from the front. With her garments slightly parted, her jade-smooth, delicate body was revealed—snowy, tender skin and an exquisite, slender waistline.
Unlike Ning Tao and the Canary's petite and dainty frames, Jin Li's figure was notably more voluptuous.
There was not an ounce of excess fat on her body, yet where flesh was needed, not a single bit was lacking.
Full, curvaceous, warm jade in his embrace—it made one instinctively want to chisel away with unrestrained fervor.
She wrapped her arms around Qi Yuan, bringing them instantly flush against each other. The blush on her gorgeous, flower-like face spread even deeper.
The white dress was quickly buttoned back up. She held Qi Yuan tightly, sharing the same robe.
The scene now looked as if Qi Yuan had burrowed entirely inside Jin Li's clothes.
"We have our marriage certificate..."
"Wait... mgh..." Soft flesh filled his mouth, a warm wave washing over his face. Qi Yuan subconsciously blurted out, "This dress is hindering my performance!"
Bound inside the dress, he did not dare make any large movements.
"Did she ever do this with you?"
"Ah... no, definitely not. Her dresses were much smaller!"
"Are you... calling me fat?"
***
Joyful moments were always fleeting, and Qi Yuan knew moderation.
Though wine and lust harmed the body, Qi Yuan fortunately almost never drank wine. The last time he had indulged was on the ramparts of the City of No Return, drinking the Daughter's Fragrance shared by Zhang Sheng and Chen Jiao.
How could the Daughter's Fragrance ever compare to Jin Li's fragrance?
These past days, Jin Li had been exceptionally proactive and enthusiastic, almost like an abandoned little pet trying excessively to please, burrowing into Qi Yuan's arms whenever she had the chance.
This was completely contrary to her past haughty, icy temperament as a Yue Nü. Qi Yuan knew this stark contrast was largely due to her deep lack of security.
He also understood that she acted this way out of fear, of feeling gain and loss, combined with the compensatory longing accumulated over tens of thousands of years.
*Looks like I need to be more proactive,* Qi Yuan thought to himself, displaying his high emotional intelligence.
As he pondered, he looked at Jin Li, who was now neatly dressed. Radiant and enchanting, her simple, loose robe still failed to hide her two massive assets.
Proactive?
He looked at Jin Li and suddenly commanded in a stern tone, "Remove your armor!"
"..." Jin Li blinked, looking somewhat aggrieved, but far more filled with anticipation.
"Remove your armor!" Qi Yuan repeated once more.
***
One day in the Sixth Heaven equaled a year and a half in Tiankun Curious Land.
Qi Yuan had stayed in Tiankun Curious Land for nearly a year.
Only then did Taihuang Palace finally arrive at a leisurely pace.
Outside Tiankun Curious Land, a brilliant light abruptly blazed forth.
It was as if a great sun hung aloft in the void—the Eastern Dawn setting out upon its chariot, radiant power vastly sweeping forth.
For countless leagues around, no other stars could be seen; only that single great sun filled the eyes.
"Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable, come forth and face your death!"
The mighty voice rolled across ten thousand leagues like a clap of thunder.
Outside Tiankun Curious Land, beneath that dazzling sun, countless divine monarchs seemed to descend into the void.
Two Great Ultimate Principles stood at the vanguard, their crushing pressure causing the earth itself to tremble.
Inside Tiankun Curious Land, Qi Yuan spoke with a lazy drawl: "Isn't your Taihuang Palace supposed to be incredible? Why don't you come inside and die?"
Go out? Naturally, Qi Yuan would not step outside.
Presently, in terms of sheer raw strength, he was certainly no match for Taihuang Palace.
Yet with the Tattered Robe Dead Soul inside Tiankun Curious Land, Taihuang Palace was bound to hesitate, fearing collateral damage.
"Ten suns soared the skies, seeking to seize the venerated seat! Weren't you remarkably bold back then? Why do you now cower inside Tiankun Curious Land, not daring to step out?" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan spoke, his voice freezing cold.
Tiankun Curious Land housed the Holy Light Clan as well as the Tattered Robe Dead Soul.
He was immensely wary of both beings.
In particular, that Tattered Robe Dead Soul seemed to hail from beyond the realms. Though reduced to a wisp of a remnant soul, its power was unimaginable.
Even an ordinary Supreme Venerable would not dare rashly step into Tiankun Curious Land to clash with the Tattered Robe Dead Soul.
"I won't come out. I just won't," Qi Yuan said with utter nonchalance, showing immense shamelessness.
"You..." Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan was enraged, his face contorting repeatedly.
If the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable stayed turtled up inside Tiankun Curious Land forever, Taihuang Palace truly had no immediate way to deal with him.
Of course, given sufficient time, Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan believed Taihuang Palace would find a solution.
"Take your time speaking; don't choke on your words. Time moves fast here in Tiankun Curious Land, so I'm going to take a bath. I'll come back to curse at you later!"
Having said that, Qi Yuan vanished.
He was telling the truth.
The flow of time in Tiankun Curious Land was so rapid that during their verbal sparring, he had vastly more time to think.
Whenever he grew tired of cursing, he could grab a bite to eat or drink some water. What could be more delightful?
"You...!" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan erupted in fury. "Men, refine Tiankun Curious Land for me!"
Following his shout, countless Yin Gods emerged from the divine kingdom. Backed by the great sun, they launched relentless attacks against Tiankun Curious Land.
Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan knew that dealing with the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable was not something that could be resolved in a single day.
This attempt to refine Tiankun Curious Land was merely a preliminary probe using Yin God venerables.
After all, the Tattered Robe was still inside.
"Keep up the good work, everyone! I've finished my bath," Qi Yuan's lazy voice drifted out again.
The scene was extraordinarily surreal.
Outside Tiankun Curious Land, Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan chattered ceaselessly, spewing furious curses.
Inside Tiankun Curious Land, Qi Yuan ate, cultivated, took baths, and strolled with Jin Li, occasionally walking back to deliver a snappy comeback that hit the mark with pinpoint accuracy.
***
Over Ziyuan Heaven, dark clouds gathered thickly.
Ziyuan Xiaolu's face was pale. "I heard Taihuang Palace has surrounded Tiankun Curious Land. Senior Brother Blood Robe is inside. He won't come to harm, will he?"
This time, her worry was far greater than before.
This time, Taihuang Palace itself was taking action.
That was a Supreme Venerable.
Seeing Ziyuan Xiaolu's pale face, An Xunlu cast aside her usual sharp-tongued demeanor and consoled her, "Senior Brother Hei Jian is here, and Old Ancestor is here as well. Even Taihuang Palace... cannot simply execute Blood Robe as they please!"
Of course, these were merely empty words of comfort.
Taihuang Palace, presiding over the Linya Molt, commanded staggering prestige and might.
Most likely, not even other Supreme Venerables would step forward to shield Blood Robe.
And Hei Jian's current strength had yet to reach the Great Ultimate Principle realm; he could not alter the outcome.
Ziyuan Xiaolu said apprehensively, "I hope so."
At this moment, Ziyuan Daxue could not help but chime in, "To be honest, I'm not worried about Blood Robe's safety. For him to overturn the Three Thousand Realms as a mortal from the lower realms, his fortune and encounters must be beyond imagination. He definitely holds many trump cards.
"Furthermore... hiding inside Tiankun Curious Land, Taihuang Palace won't be able to do anything to him anytime soon."
Although Ziyuan Daxue had not seen Old Ancestor, she had met other Yang God Heavenly Venerables and possessed a deeper understanding of Tiankun Curious Land.
"Rather than worrying about him, we should worry about ourselves. I fear... if Taihuang Palace abandons all decency, they might use our Ziyuan Heaven to threaten him into coming out."
Ziyuan Daxue voiced the thought weighing on her mind.
Though Taihuang Palace was a sacred land ranked among the top three in the Sixth Heaven, one could never overestimate their shame.
There was nothing they were incapable of doing.
"This..." Ziyuan Xiaolu's face turned even paler. "I will never become a pawn for Taihuang Palace to coerce Senior Brother Blood Robe! If Taihuang Palace comes, I would rather die!"
At this time, outside the firmament of Ziyuan Heaven, Ancestor Ziyuan listened to the conversation of Ziyuan Daxue and the younger generation, a helpless look on his face.
How could he not know what Ziyuan Daxue had pointed out?
That was why, after Qi Yuan fled to Tiankun Curious Land, Ancestor Ziyuan had gone nowhere except to see the Abyss Lord.
Just then, a spatial ripple surged.
Hei Jian appeared, clad in black robes. Carrying a scholarly air, his demeanor was slightly different from before, weighed down by gravity.
Seeing Hei Jian, Ancestor Ziyuan hurried forward. "How did it go?"
Hei Jian shook his head, speaking slowly, "I went to Biluo Heaven. That Heaven Lord refused to grant me an audience."
Biluo Heaven held the closest relationship with Black Demon Abyss.
If Black Demon Abyss sought external aid, Biluo Heaven was the premier choice.
A Supreme Venerable presided over Biluo Heaven.
Hearing this, though Ancestor Ziyuan had already guessed the outcome, disappointment still flooded his chest.
"The Biluo Heaven Lord is unwilling to intervene, and Moon Goddess Yuanjun will certainly not offer aid either... Alas, this situation is precarious," Ancestor Ziyuan sighed.
"The White Dragon Abyss Lord did say she could make a secret trip to Tiankun Curious Land," Hei Jian murmured.
Ancestor Ziyuan's eyes lit up.
"She is willing to preserve a bloodline for Blood Robe," Hei Jian continued.
The light in Ancestor Ziyuan's eyes instantly died out.
"Preposterous!" Did he want Blood Robe's descendant? He wanted Blood Robe alive!
"The other sacred lands were equally unwilling to see me. As for the Ultimate Principle Society..." Hei Jian's gaze grew complicated. "If Blood Robe splits a wisp of his divine soul and offers a drop of blood essence to them, they are willing to act as peacemakers and shield him."
Hearing this, Ancestor Ziyuan's heart sank heavily.
At this level of cultivation, surrendering a split soul and blood essence to another cultivator was tantamount to laying oneself completely bare and defenseless.
How could Blood Robe ever agree to that?
If placed in his shoes, Ancestor Ziyuan wouldn't agree either.
"Is there no other way?" Ancestor Ziyuan asked.
Hei Jian took a deep breath. "Inside Tiankun Curious Land, with the Tattered Robe Dead Soul present, Junior Brother Blood Robe should be safe for now."
Saying so, he looked at Ancestor Ziyuan. "During this period, you must remain cautious and avoid leaving Ziyuan Heaven rashly. If... things become untenable... head for Tiankun Curious Land."
Hold within Hei Jian's words was a clear warning.
He already knew that Ancestor Ziyuan had gone to see the Abyss Lord.
Yet regarding the Abyss Lord's decision, he was powerless.
"Understood," Ancestor Ziyuan nodded.
Right at that moment, a streak of flowing light suddenly descended.
"Senior Brother Hei Jian! The Black Demon Mirror has met with catastrophe, and sinister evils are running rampant! Please return to the Black Demon Mirror immediately to suppress the demons!" The newcomer was an Ultimate Principle Yang God, his face stamped with urgent anxiety.
"What? An upheaval in the Black Demon Mirror?" The perpetually calm Hei Jian grew anxious as well.
The Black Demon Mirror was a Creation Treasure.
Though not an offensive Creation Treasure, it was the most precious Creation Treasure in Black Demon Abyss.
This was because the myriad beings of Black Demon Abyss had all stepped out from the Black Demon Mirror.
If anything went wrong with the Black Demon Mirror, every bearer of Black Demon Abyss's bloodline would suffer a decline in their bloodline power.
During the previous grand assembly, it had been decided that Hei Jian would oversee Black Demon Abyss, and he was currently responsible for guarding the Black Demon Mirror.
With an issue arising in the Black Demon Mirror, no matter how major or minor, he had to enter it at once to resolve the crisis.
A flicker of panic swept over his face before Hei Jian addressed the Ultimate Principle Yang God: "I will return immediately."
Saying this, he cast a glance at Ancestor Ziyuan. "Take care. Be prudent in all things. Await my return from the Black Demon Mirror before deciding anything."
With that, Hei Jian vanished alongside the Ultimate Principle Yang God.
Ancestor Ziyuan was left alone in Ziyuan Heaven. He looked toward the location of Tiankun Curious Land, then back at Ziyuan Heaven, his expression profoundly complicated.
"A storm is brewing!"
About half an hour later, he sighed softly.
"It is not brewing... but has already arrived."
At this moment, an ancient voice suddenly boomed above Ziyuan Heaven.
A terrifying pressure descended, like black clouds threatening to crush the city.
Ancestor Ziyuan looked up, his posture abruptly straightening. Gone was the hunched, weary appearance he had shown beneath Black Demon Mountain.
A sharp glint erupted from his eyes.
"Sheng Wuming, you've come!"
Sheng Wuming was none other than the name of the Abyss Lord.
In the void, Sheng Wuming's figure remained hidden, with only a dense layer of black clouds visible.
"You... are far too greedy, far too... cowardly! Had I known this day would come, I never would have yielded the opportunity to forge an offensive Creation Treasure to you back then!" Ancestor Ziyuan glared into the void, gnashing his teeth.
In the past, when Black Demon Abyss faced crisis and the entire clan was plunged into peril, both Ancestor Ziyuan and Sheng Wuming had the chance to forge an offensive Creation Treasure.
Ancestor Ziyuan had been half a step ahead of Sheng Wuming, possessing the greater likelihood of success.
Yet Black Demon Abyss's resources could never support the birth of two offensive Creation Treasures.
Under such circumstances, Sheng Wuming had plotted against his disciple, Ancestor Ziyuan, in order to complete his own offensive Creation Treasure.
And relying on that very treasure, Sheng Wuming had salvaged Black Demon Abyss from destruction.
"Ancestor Ziyuan, you... place far too much weight on sentimentality. You simply fail to understand... that the most important thing in this world is the power held within one's own grasp," Sheng Wuming's ancient voice rang out. "This seat has never regretted plotting against you back then. If I were to return to the past, I would do it even more cleanly.
"With your temperament, had you forged the offensive Creation Treasure and become master of Black Demon Abyss, how could Black Demon Abyss ever have reached today's prosperity?
"Black Demon Abyss would never have ranked among the top ten in the realms!
"Indeed, during this Linya Molt, Black Demon Abyss would have met its doom at your hands!"
In the Sixth Heaven, aside from sacred lands presided over by Supreme Venerables, Black Demon Abyss's overall strength was recognized as foremost.
Ancestor Ziyuan was incensed, brimming with killing intent.
A semi-finished offensive Creation Treasure materialized, and his aura abruptly surged, rising to a terrifying altitude.
Sheng Wuming's voice remained ancient and indifferent. "You make friends everywhere, yet this time... with Blood Robe in peril, and even now with this seat descending upon Ziyuan Heaven, has anyone come to aid you?"
"Humph!" Ancestor Ziyuan snorted coldly, refusing to speak further with Sheng Wuming.
"How about we make a wager... Will Blood Robe leave Tiankun Curious Land for your sake, for the sake of Ziyuan Heaven?" Sheng Wuming said placidly.
He held no fear that Ancestor Ziyuan might break through the encirclement and flee.
Firstly, he had already laid an inescapable net outside Ziyuan Heaven.
Secondly, he had read Ancestor Ziyuan's character like an open book—he would never abandon his clansmen in Ziyuan Heaven.
In Sheng Wuming's eyes, this was mere pedantry and foolishness, being shackled by one's own so-called morality.
Were Sheng Wuming in his place, if the clansmen died, they died.
As long as he survived, the clan endured.
Ancestor Ziyuan's expression shifted.
Naturally, he understood that Sheng Wuming intended to use him and Ziyuan Heaven to coerce Blood Robe.
To a degree, his thoughts were tangled.
On one hand, he hoped Blood Robe would prioritize the grand scheme and not fall into Taihuang Palace's trap; on the other hand, he hoped Blood Robe was not the kind of cold, heartless man who cared nothing for bonds.
"Sheng Wuming, who are you to boast so shamelessly? This is Ziyuan Heaven, my home ground! Who will win and who will lose... remains to be seen!"
Ancestor Ziyuan's figure swelled dramatically, and a dreadful aura swept through Ziyuan Heaven.
He possessed a Great Ultimate Principle Engraving. Even if Sheng Wuming wielded an offensive Creation Treasure, he could not easily kill him.
And this was Ziyuan Heaven, his home ground; at worst, he would suffer some injuries, which would hardly be fatal.
Blood Robe surely understood this, weighing the pros and cons, and would not yield to Taihuang Palace's coercion.
"Kill!"
"Do you truly think I cannot kill you?" A profound look appeared on Sheng Wuming's face. "It is merely that the Linya Molt has yet to begin. If you die now and cannot enter the Unique Hall... it would be far too wasteful."
As Sheng Wuming spoke, a single drop of blood suddenly appeared in his palm.
Seeing this drop of blood, Ancestor Ziyuan's expression shifted drastically. "Root Demon Blood... It truly was you!"
What Sheng Wuming held in his hand was indeed Root Demon Blood.
Back when Hei Jian was ambushed by Root Demon Blood, there had been a mastermind behind the scenes.
Ancestor Ziyuan had suspected the Abyss Lord, but dared not believe it.
After all, only when Hei Jian was strong would Black Demon Abyss be strong.
Yet seeing this now, the Abyss Lord... had truly been the mastermind behind it all.
This sight was absurdly comical.
Much like asking: *Why should Your Majesty rebel?*
***
Outside Tiankun Curious Land.
Receiving the news, a smile broke across Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's face.
All these days, he had been exchanging insults with Qi Yuan.
Yet because the other party enjoyed an accelerated flow of time, Qi Yuan could casually do other things while trading barbs.
This had infuriated him greatly.
Yet for the dignity of Taihuang Palace, he had been forced to bottle up his anger.
Now, he looked toward Tiankun Curious Land, his spirits lifted. "Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable, if you still refuse to come out, when you finally head to Ziyuan Heaven... you will likely be greeted by nothing but ruins."
Inside Tiankun Curious Land, Qi Yuan remained completely calm. "Your Supreme Venerable is here, and your high-end combat forces are here. Where do you have the power to go cause trouble in Ziyuan Heaven?"
Presently outside Tiankun Curious Land, the Great Sun had not manifested in full, but his attention was fixed squarely here.
Taihuang Palace's other top-tier powerhouses were also watching Tiankun Curious Land closely, wary of interference from the Ultimate Principle Society.
This meant Taihuang Palace did not have much high-end combat strength to spare for Ziyuan Heaven.
To kill Ancestor Ziyuan, a Supreme Venerable would have to step in.
"The Abyss Lord of Black Demon Abyss has already pledged to the Supreme Venerable to strike against Ziyuan Heaven. Right now... the battle has begun."
As Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan spoke, he waved his hand, projecting an image into the void.
Within the projection, two dreadful waves of aura were locked in fierce combat. One side held the distinct advantage, while the side suppressed at a disadvantage... was someone Qi Yuan knew intimately: Ancestor Ziyuan.
"Ancestor Ziyuan has a Great Ultimate Principle Engraving. That Abyss Lord probably can't kill him.
"Old man, taking a beating for my sake... tough luck. Don't worry, I'll avenge you!" Qi Yuan remarked lazily, appearing entirely unfazed.
Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan was not surprised by Qi Yuan's response. Narrowing his eyes, he added with a teasing sneer, "What if the Abyss Lord... possesses Root Demon Blood?"
"What?" Qi Yuan's expression shifted at just the right moment, his acting at its peak.
Of course, this genuinely caught him off guard.
He had long considered that Taihuang Palace might use Ziyuan Heaven to coerce him.
Yet he hadn't been worried, because so long as Taihuang Palace's Supreme Venerable did not intervene, Ancestor Ziyuan faced no mortal danger.
That Supreme Venerable was keeping a tight watch on him;
how could he leave?
Root Demon Blood was truly an unforeseen variable.
He already knew Ancestor Ziyuan had been suppressing his cultivation solely to delay the descent of the Root Demon Tribulation.
If the Root Demon Tribulation was triggered by Root Demon Blood, with Ancestor Ziyuan's current condition, he would very likely perish.
"Hmph, if the Root Demon Tribulation comes, so be it. The old man was fated to have a tribulation anyway," Qi Yuan said dismissively, continuing his performance.
In truth, he felt somewhat irritated.
His strength was still too weak.
Otherwise, why bother playing house with these people from Taihuang Palace? A single punch would have shattered the dark clouds!
"Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable, why deceive yourself?" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan said coolly. "If you do not come out, the Root Demon Blood will certainly be used. By the time you step out, what you see will likely be Ancestor Ziyuan's corpse!"
Meanwhile, countless eyes throughout the Sixth Heaven peered through various Creation Treasures, watching this unfold.
"Taihuang Palace is truly shameless, actually using Ancestor Ziyuan to coerce him!"
"If Taihuang Palace cared for shame, how could they have obtained permission from the Unique Hall?"
"What a pity for the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable!"
"This deadlock is hard to break!" an Ultimate Principle lamented. "Even if the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable refuses to come out, with the strength of Taihuang Palace's Supreme Venerable, they will eventually find a way to step into the curious land and strike down the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable with thunderous force."
"The Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable's talent is simply too dazzling. Who could have imagined that while stuck in the lower realms, he could overturn the Three Thousand Realms entirely on his own?
"Not only that, he secretly wiped out the Moluo Clan and brought them under his control.
"Furthermore, he comprehended two Supreme Ultimate Principles. Such a monster has likely never appeared before in the Immortal Realm!"
"That one in Taihuang Palace will never sit idly by and watch him grow. Who knows... what heights he might reach?"
"Alas, could heavenly fortune truly favor Taihuang Palace? Had Taihuang Palace not presided over the Linya Molt, they wouldn't have uncovered the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable's identity. With his talent and brilliance, had he bided his time for tens of millions of years, how could Taihuang Palace ever have matched him?"
Although the Supreme Venerable was wary of the Tattered Robe Dead Soul and hesitated to descend into Tiankun Curious Land alone,
given enough preparation time, the Supreme Venerable could still venture in and erase the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable.
Against any other Great Ultimate Principle wielding an offensive Creation Treasure, killing them would be extraordinarily difficult for a Supreme Venerable, perhaps even impossible.
However... the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable had not condensed a Great Ultimate Principle Engraving. No matter how astonishing his combat prowess—even suppressing the Banner Lord—
once a Supreme Venerable struck, the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable might not even last a single breath.
Such was the terror of a Supreme Venerable.
One could say the Great Ultimate Principle Engraving was what protected a Great Ultimate Principle's life,
making it arduous for a Supreme Venerable to slay them.
"Within three days, if you do not emerge... the Root Demon Blood will certainly be used!" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan declared, his tone biting.
He laid this agonizing dilemma squarely before Qi Yuan.
All the experts watched intently, seemingly curious about Qi Yuan's reaction.
"A person like me... hates being forced the most."
As Qi Yuan spoke, the lazy air on his face evaporated.
Looking at Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan, he stepped forward pace by pace.
"How about we switch places, and let me force Taihuang Palace... to make a choice?" Qi Yuan stated flatly, his voice echoing in all directions.
"A joke! Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable, what capital do you possess to force Taihuang Palace to make a choice?"
"Trapped in this land, your death is merely a matter of time."
"A creature like you thinks he can threaten Taihuang Palace?"
The Yang Gods of Taihuang Palace mocked and sneered.
They did not believe for a second that Blood Robe held any means to threaten them.
A Supreme Venerable... represented invincibility.
"Is that so?"
A bizarre smile broke across Qi Yuan's face.
"Open your eyes wide and see... what this is!"
Following Qi Yuan's voice, a primitive, profound, innate aura abruptly permeated heaven and earth.
This aura seemed to encompass the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, every law and rule in existence.
And these rules and principles... were swirling around a grand gate!
What kind of gate was that?
Incomprehensible yet sacred and towering.
Like an illusory dream, yet unquestionably real.
It stood in the void, instantly becoming the sole focal point of the world the moment it appeared.
"The Gate of Ultimate Principle! That is the Gate of Ultimate Principle!" someone cried out, voice trembling with manic fervor.
"This aura... it's undeniably the Gate of Ultimate Principle!"
"The number one Creation Treasure of the Immortal Realm, the Gate of Ultimate Principle!" an Ultimate Principle shouted, expression going mad.
"The Gate of Ultimate Principle!" Even Supreme Venerables felt their hearts violently tremble at this moment.
This was the Gate of Ultimate Principle!
The foremost Creation Treasure of the Immortal Realm!
Whoever obtained it could disregard rising deluges and ignore the Linya Molt. Hide inside the Gate of Ultimate Principle for millions of years, and upon emerging... who under the heavens could rival them?
"Indeed, this is the Gate of Ultimate Principle," Qi Yuan said calmly.
To Qi Yuan, it was the Gate of Myriad Manifestations, but to the denizens of the Immortal Realm, it was the Gate of Ultimate Principle.
"Great Sun Supreme Venerable, you must see this Gate of Ultimate Principle as well, yes?" Qi Yuan's voice was placid, a smile resting on his face. "In a moment, I will enter this Gate of Ultimate Principle and cultivate peacefully for a few million years. Once I emerge, I will settle our scores with Taihuang Palace.
"You'd better work hard. Don't go dying before I come out of the Gate of Ultimate Principle."
Hearing this, panic flashed through Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan's eyes.
Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable possessed the Gate of Ultimate Principle.
Witnessing this scene, he was utterly shaken and bewildered.
He desperately wanted to yell: *Fellow Daoist, if you had the Gate of Ultimate Principle, why didn't you say so earlier?! Or why didn't you just seal yourself inside to cultivate for a few million years? When you came out, wouldn't the Great Sun's seat be yours anyway?*
*Why wander around outside, provoking Taihuang Palace while you were still weak?!*
"Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable, are you truly going to abandon your kin and friends in Ziyuan Heaven?" Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan threatened once more.
His voice was loud, yet devoid of conviction.
If it were him, or anyone else, they would surely abandon Ziyuan Heaven and step into the Gate of Ultimate Principle.
At this moment, within Ziyuan Heaven, Ancestor Ziyuan suddenly burst into uproarious laughter. "Do you see that? Blood Robe holds the Gate of Ultimate Principle! Sheng Wuming... you are finished! Taihuang Palace will be destroyed! Hahaha! Magnificent!"
Though locked in battle, Ancestor Ziyuan and Sheng Wuming each had a clone observing the area outside Tiankun Curious Land.
Now, Blood Robe's revelation of the Gate of Ultimate Principle sent shockwaves through the entire Sixth Heaven.
This shockwave even eclipsed the sea of starlight that had erupted during the Tour of the Heavens.
This was easily understood.
Converting it to the logic of the Blue Star: between a pregnant woman suddenly giving birth to a ten-headed child and the elixir of immortality suddenly appearing, which one would ancient elders care about more?
Evidently, the Gate of Ultimate Principle captivated the hearts of myriad beings in the Sixth Heaven far more intensely.
Sheng Wuming's expression shifted erratically.
This development had completely exceeded his expectations as well.
Ancestor Ziyuan desperately wanted to send a voice transmission to Qi Yuan, urging him not to worry about Ziyuan Heaven and to enter the Gate of Ultimate Principle immediately.
Meanwhile, outside Tiankun Curious Land.
Qi Yuan looked at Heavenly Venerable Zhenyuan, his voice placid: "What I hate most is being forced, because I was born with a rebellious bone.
"Just now, you forced me. Now, I force you."
As Qi Yuan spoke, he shifted his gaze toward the blazing sun overhead.
"Great Sun Supreme Venerable, do you dare follow me into the Gate of Ultimate Principle?
"Inside the Gate of Ultimate Principle, I have laid countless traps, waiting for you to walk right in.
"If you refuse to enter, I will simply enter alone. When I come out a million years from now, by then... all of you will surely die.
"Right now, your sole chance of survival rests in your own hands. Do you dare step into the Gate of Ultimate Principle?!"
Standing before the Gate of Ultimate Principle, Qi Yuan looked completely at ease, a smile playing across his lips.
Every Great Ultimate Principle and Yang God who heard this froze in disbelief.
They never anticipated that Qi Yuan would actually force the Great Sun Supreme Venerable to enter... the Gate of Ultimate Principle.
How did he dare?
One had to realize that even if he laid an inescapable web of traps inside the Gate of Ultimate Principle, against the absolute might of the Great Sun, what use were petty schemes and trickery?
Was the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable offering up the Gate of Ultimate Principle on a silver platter?
Yet... these Great Ultimate Principles were bewildered.
The Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable was no fool; he naturally understood all this. There was bound to be a deeper calculation at play.
"One step to heaven, one step to hell." Qi Yuan slowly strolled outside the boundaries of Tiankun Curious Land. "Great Sun Supreme Venerable, do you dare follow me... into this hell?
"Or would you rather wait here bitterly for a million years, only for me to personally send you into hell?"
As the words fell, Qi Yuan and the Gate of Ultimate Principle materialized outside Tiankun Curious Land.
Without the slightest hesitation, Qi Yuan plunged headlong into the Gate of Ultimate Principle.
And the Gate of Ultimate Principle before them rapidly turned ethereal, looking as though it would vanish in the very next breath.
Countless cultivators and Great Ultimate Principles held their breath, desperate to see what the Great Sun would choose.
And the Supreme Venerables watching this scene inhaled deeply, already knowing the answer in their hearts.
Were it any of them, they would undoubtedly charge into the Gate of Ultimate Principle at this moment.
First was the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable's coercion and threat; second, as Supreme Venerables, who lacked supreme confidence in their own might to fear petty schemes? Third... that was the Gate of Ultimate Principle, the number one Creation Treasure of the Immortal Realm!
Within the Sixth Heaven, as the Gate of Ultimate Principle slowly began to disperse, a radiant great sun surged forward with peerless momentum, plunging into the Gate of Ultimate Principle at the final instant.
In an instant, the firmament plunged into absolute darkness, and the aura of the Gate of Ultimate Principle vanished without a trace.
Countless pairs of eyes stared fixedly outside Tiankun Curious Land, their expressions unfathomable.
Because... the turn of events had completely defied all expectations.
If the Great Sun Supreme Venerable seized control of the Gate of Ultimate Principle, the skies of the Sixth Heaven would truly change, turning the realm into his absolute domain.
Others were gripped by shock and doubt: how did the Ten Suns Heavenly Venerable dare to expose the Gate of Ultimate Principle and even invite the wolf into his house?!
At this moment, countless cultivators felt their hearts pound, waiting for the impending result.
They knew they would not have to wait long.
For with a Supreme Venerable's overwhelming might, dealing with a being who lacked a Great Ultimate Principle Engraving could be settled with a mere flip of the hand.
Chapter 478