Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 846 Thunderous Divine Mace, the Ultimate Weapon (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Boom!!!"

However, just as the lightning domain was about to close, the right eye hole carved in the skull seemed to sense the approach of Wei Henian's clone and suddenly lit up with a faint red light!

Immediately afterwards, a vast, chaotic will filled with endless death and destruction, like a ferocious beast that had been sleeping for countless ages, was quietly awakened by this red light!
Although it was only a trace, its level was so high that it far surpassed the Nascent Soul stage, and even made Emperor Huangze feel a sense of unease!
"boom!"

An invisible shock, centered on the skull, crashed violently into Li Yunjing's lightning domain!
"Crack!"

The incredibly resilient Thunder Domain was actually forced open by this invisible impact, creating a tiny crack!

Wei Henian's clone, transformed into a stream of light, seized this critical opportunity and, like a fish, darted through the gap, its speed increasing dramatically before disappearing into the skull's right eye socket!
"Leave!"

Li Yunjing was both shocked and furious, never expecting the backlash from the core of the formation to be so powerful.

He disregarded everything else, opened his mouth and spat out a chaotic primordial lightning arc, condensed to the extreme and as thin as a hair, which struck the stream of light directly!
This is a killing move he unleashed with his own very essence. It is extremely powerful, but the energy consumption is also astonishing!

"call out!"

The speed of the primordial lightning arc far exceeded that of the flowing light, and it struck the skull with pinpoint accuracy!

"what……"

Damaged by the aftershocks, Wei Henian's clone let out a shrill, soul-piercing scream. Its semi-transparent body instantly became blurry, as if it were about to disintegrate at any moment, and the wisp of pure demonic energy at its core also vibrated violently.

But it did not disappear immediately!

Protected by that wisp of pure demonic energy, it carried its severely injured remnant soul and plunged headlong into the right eye of the skull that was glowing red!

"puff……"

Like a drop of water merging into the ocean, Wei Henian's clone completely disappeared into the skull.

"Boom!!!"

The next moment, the entire "Hall of Ten Thousand Demons"—no, the entire "Swamp of Burial Gods"—trembled violently!
"Roar……"

The wall, which was carved with reliefs of demons, seemed to come alive at this moment, emitting a silent roar!
The skull's eye sockets blazed with crimson light, like two bloodshot eyes ready to devour their prey!
A clearer and more terrifying will of destruction spread out from the depths of the earth like a tide, locking onto Li Yunjing and Emperor Huangze inside the main hall!
"Hahaha!"

The Nine Netherworld Cult Leader burst into wild laughter, his voice filled with smugness and madness: "Too late! Li Yunjing! You can't stop it!"

"The blood sacrifice is complete, and the Abyss of Demons is about to open!"

"It is your honor to become sacrifices to awaken the will of the 'Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons'!"

Li Yunjing's face darkened. He finally understood that Wei Henian's role was not a sneak attack or ambush at all.

His true mission is to use his special soul, which has been refined by the Nine Netherworld Sect Master, as a guide, combined with the power accumulated in the "Ten Thousand Demons Palace," to complete a crucial blood sacrifice ritual and accelerate the awakening of the dormant will of the abyss!
"Sect Leader Li, we must stop him!"

"Otherwise the consequences will be disastrous!"

Emperor Huangze's expression was extremely solemn. He sensed a terrifying aura that was about to awaken, one that could threaten him as a Void Returning cultivator.

"Stop? No..."

Li Yunjing's eyes were sharp as knives, and the chaotic lightning around him did not retreat due to the strange change in front of him. Instead, it became even more intense, like a thunder torch burning in the darkness!
"Today, I will wipe out this demonic abyss, along with that so-called will of the abyss!"

Before he finished speaking, he held nothing back, communicating with the unseen world through his thoughts!
"The Tower of Ten Thousand Demons, descend!"

boom! ! !
A terrifying pressure, far more vast and ancient than the previous projection, suddenly descended upon the "Hall of Ten Thousand Demons"!
It was not a projection, but the true form of the "Tower of Ten Thousand Demons," which traversed endless space and directly manifested a corner of it!
Above the dome of the main hall, the void was forcibly torn open like a curtain, and the base of a giant tower, pitch black, surrounded by endless chaotic energy, and covered with patterns of billions of demons submitting, slowly emerged!
Although it was only a corner, the supreme power it exuded, which suppressed all demons and ruled over all the heavens, instantly silenced the entire boiling "Hall of Ten Thousand Demons"!
The demonic reliefs that came to life on the walls seemed to have encountered their natural nemesis, emitting terrified wails and their movements becoming sluggish; the dark red vein patterns flowing on the ground dimmed; even the blood-red light shooting from the skull's eyes was forcibly suppressed by this overwhelming pressure, flickering violently as if struggling!

"What?! The true form of this immortal artifact?!"

The Nine Netherworld Cult Leader's maniacal laughter abruptly stopped, and his figure, shrouded in demonic energy, trembled violently. For the first time, his voice carried an expression of disbelief and horror!
He never imagined that Li Yunjing could summon the complete form of a top-grade immortal artifact!

This was completely beyond his expectations and calculations!
"Your Majesty, please lend me a hand and temporarily subdue this fiend!"

Li Yunjing let out a long roar. The "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal" above his head and a corner of the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower" in the sky above complemented each other. The lightning and chaotic energy merged and turned into thick, gray chains, like chains of order, which directly wrapped around the wall with the relief of the demon god, especially the violently trembling skull in the center!
He wanted to forcibly interrupt this blood sacrifice ritual and seal or even destroy the vessel of this abyssal will!

"it is good!"

Although Emperor Huangze was also shocked by the arrival of the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower", he reacted very quickly.

He knew this was the most crucial moment, and he absolutely could not allow the Nine Nether Sect Master to interfere with Li Yunjing.

"The Imperial Way seals the heavens, the Nine Dragons suppress the world!"

He formed hand seals, and the imperial dragon energy around him erupted without reservation, transforming into nine solid, scaled, five-clawed golden dragons. They let out a deafening dragon roar, coiling and intertwining to form a huge golden cage, trapping the shocked and furious Nine Nether Sect Master and his surrounding demonic energy in place!
At the same time, his immortal artifact, the "Nine Dragons Emperor Seal," flew out and suppressed the surrounding area. The demon lords and true immortals of the "Nine Nether Demon Sect" were unable to move under the immortal artifact and could only barely resist, unable to interfere with Li Yunjing!

"Break for me, Your Majesty!"

The Lord of the Nine Netherworlds roared, thrusting out the "Nine Netherworld Soul-Devouring Spear" wildly. Countless spear beams that tore through space bombarded the golden dragon cage, causing the dragon shadows to tumble and golden light to scatter, yet it was difficult to break through for the time being.

Meanwhile, Li Yunjing manipulated the power of the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower," combining it with his own "Chaotic Divine Thunder," and the resulting gray chains had already tightly bound the wall.

"Zizzizi!"

The chains made a violent corrosive sound as they came into contact with the animated demon relief on the wall.

The phantoms of demons shattered amidst wails, and cracks began to appear on the walls themselves.

However, the skull at the core, though its red glow was suppressed, was exceptionally resilient and was constantly drawing upon the death essence of the entire "Burial God Swamp" and even deeper ley lines to resist the seal.

"Resist tenaciously!"

Li Yunjing's eyes turned cold. He bit his tongue and spat a mouthful of blood onto the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal"!
"With my blood, I summon the true form of the Thunder Ancestor!"

"Divine Thunder Ancestor, assist me in vanquishing the demon!"

The "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal" shone brightly, and the four Dao characters "Heavenly Thunder Edict" at the bottom of the seal seemed to come alive. A blurry but ancient and majestic thunder giant phantom flashed and disappeared above the Thunder Seal!
Although it was only a fleeting moment, a terrifying thunderous might that surpassed all living beings and held the power of heavenly punishment spread out like a tide!
Under the blessing of this thunderous power, the gray chains instantly turned into a dazzling purple-gold color, their power increasing dramatically!

"Crack!"

The cracks on the wall spread rapidly like a spider web, instantly covering the entire wall!

The skull at the core groaned under the strain, its red light flashing rapidly, on the verge of shattering!
"Damn it!"

Trapped in the golden dragon cage, the Nine Netherworld Cult Leader let out a desperate roar. He could feel that the key node he had planned for many years to guide the will of the "Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons" was about to be completely destroyed!

However, just when all seemed lost, another unexpected event occurred!
From the right eye socket of the crumbling skull, a point of extreme darkness suddenly expanded, like a black hole in the universe!
Immediately afterwards, a soul fluctuation filled with resentment, madness, yet also carrying a strange sense of liberation, erupted like a final curse!
It was Wei Henian's last madness in his remaining consciousness!

"Li Yunjing! Let's all perish together!!!"

This outburst was not an attack, but rather a signal, a coordinate, that ignited the energy accumulated within the skull and the frantic surge from the depths of the "Swamp of Burial Gods"...

The primordial power of all death and destruction!
"Boom!!!"

The skull, along with the entire wall, didn't crumble; instead... it collapsed inwards!

It was as if an invisible origin had appeared there, swallowing up all light, sound, and energy!

A dark vortex, no bigger than a fist, yet emanating a power that made the "Tower of Ten Thousand Demons" tremble slightly, appeared where the wall had been!
The vortex spun slowly, its center seemingly connected to the final destination of the universe, radiating a chilling and deathly stillness that could freeze one's soul!

A terrifying will, far clearer and more than ten times stronger than before, like an awakened world-destroying demon god, coldly "stared" at Li Yunjing and Emperor Huangze through that small vortex!

"A portion of the will of the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons... has been forcibly drawn over!"

Emperor Huangze cried out in shock, his face turning deathly pale instantly.

This is no longer simply demonic energy or resentment, but represents the manifestation of one of the ultimate rules of the universe!

"Hahaha! God help me too!"

"Wei Henian, you piece of trash, you've finally found some value!"

The Nine Netherworld Cult Leader was taken aback at first, then let out an even more rampant and hysterical laugh: "The will of the abyss has arrived, you are finished!"

The dark vortex rippled slightly, and a thin, gray current, seemingly capable of erasing all traces of existence, shot silently towards Li Yunjing, who was fully activating his immortal artifact, like a venomous snake!

Wherever this gray current passed, space didn't shatter, but simply vanished into nothingness!

Even the laws of nature were completely annihilated!
This is true world-destroying power!
"careful!"

Emperor Huangze was horrified and wanted to help, but he was locked on by the will of the abyss, and his dragon aura was about to dissipate, making him a beat too slow!
Faced with this inescapable gray current that contained the power to obliterate at the level of rules, Li Yunjing's pupils shrank sharply, and he felt an unprecedented threat of death!
"Chaos... Return to Nothingness!"

He abandoned all defenses and poured all his mental energy, all his magical power, and the power enhanced by the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal" and the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower" into his sea of ​​consciousness!

He would transform himself into lightning, confront destruction with chaos, and forcefully withstand the blow of the abyss's will!
His body seemed to transform into transparent lightning at this moment, with earth, fire, water, and wind replaying within it, and worlds being born and dying!
Just as the all-consuming gray aura was about to touch Li Yunjing, the "Thunder Divine Mace" mark, which had been dormant for a long time and represented the ultimate authority of thunder, suddenly burst out with unprecedented light from the deepest part of his sea of ​​consciousness!
It was not a physical object that descended, but rather a wisp of the most primordial thunder law contained within, which transcended the understanding of this world. Li Yunjing used his own "Chaotic Thunder Body" as a guide and his resolute will as fuel to forcibly draw it out!

"Boom!!!"

A phantom divine mace, composed entirely of pure lightning essence, appeared in Li Yunjing's hand.

This divine mace may seem illusory, but every ray of lightning flowing across it seems to contain the first thunderclap at the beginning of creation, and the ultimate mystery of judgment and creation, destruction and rebirth!
The moment it appeared, the chaotic laws within the entire "Hall of Ten Thousand Demons" seemed to be forcibly clarified and suppressed!
The rotation of that dark vortex even paused!
"break!"

Li Yunjing exerted all his strength and wielded the illusory "Thunder Divine Mace" in his hand!
There was no earth-shattering explosion, no dazzling light.

Only one deep, rumbling sound, seemingly from the ancient wilderness, piercing the depths of the soul!
"Boom!!!"

The phantom of the "Thunderous Divine Mace" collided silently with the gray aura that obliterated everything.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

The next instant, an invisible yet unstoppable ripple spread out from the point of impact!
Where the ripples passed, the dark vortex connecting to the "Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons" distorted and trembled violently, like the reflection of a stone thrown into water, emitting a mournful cry of unbearable strain. A terrifying will emanating from within let out a silent roar filled with shock and rage. Then, the vortex abruptly contracted, and then…

"puff!"

Like a bubble bursting, it vanished without a trace!

Along with the surrounding space that had been swallowed up and turned into nothingness, it began to slowly repair itself under the self-healing power of the laws of heaven and earth.

The gray current containing the annihilating power of the abyss's will was like ice and snow meeting the blazing sun. Under the impact of the Thunder Divine Mace's original power, it disintegrated inch by inch and vanished into nothingness!
one strike!
With just one strike, the seemingly unstoppable invasion of the abyss's will, the world-destroying power that would make even a Void Returning Grandmaster change color, was forcibly shattered by this wisp of lightning origin, along with the space-time passage, and was completely destroyed!

"puff……"

Li Yunjing paid a heavy price for forcibly activating the thunderous essence far exceeding his own level.

His face instantly turned ashen, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. The strange phenomenon around him, which seemed to be turning into lightning, instantly dissipated, and his aura plummeted like a tide, becoming extremely weak. He even seemed to be struggling to stay afloat.

The illusory "Thunder Divine Mace" in his hand also vanished.

But he still managed to stay upright, his eyes still sharp, staring intently at the spot where the dark vortex had disappeared, confirming that the suffocating will had indeed been temporarily banished.

quiet!
Deathly silence!

"The third immortal artifact?"

"What level of immortal artifact is this?"

"Could this be Li Yunjing's true strength?"

Emperor Huangze stared in disbelief at the scene. Even with his Void Returning Realm cultivation, he could not hide the surging emotions within him.

What is that power?
It can actually shatter the invasion of the will of the abyss?

Li Yunjing's trump cards have repeatedly surprised him!
Those demon lords and demon cultivators suppressed by the "Nine Dragons Emperor Seal" were terrified, their eyes filled with boundless fear as they looked at Li Yunjing as if he were a thunder god descending to earth.

"No...impossible!!!"

The most horrified of all was the Nine Netherworld Cult Leader!

The portion of the Abyss's will that he had so highly hoped for, even at the cost of sacrificing Wei Henian as a key pawn, had actually... actually been shattered by Li Yunjing in a single blow?!
This completely subverted his cognition!

The power level of that thunderous origin made him tremble from the depths of his soul!

"nothing is impossible."

Li Yunjing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his voice weak but firm.

He slowly raised his head and looked at the Nine Nether Sect Master, whose aura was disordered due to the backlash caused by the destruction of the array's core and the repulsion of the Abyss's will. His eyes flashed with killing intent again.

"Your support is gone."

"Now, it's your turn!"

Although he was in extremely poor condition, Li Yunjing knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The Nine Netherworld Sect Leader was suffering from mental and physical damage, and his formation was broken, making him the weakest he could be!
He forcefully drew up a mouthful of chaotic thunder energy, and the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal" above his head, whose light had dimmed considerably, slowly rose again, echoing the corner of the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower" that still exuded oppressive power in the sky.

Emperor Huangze reacted instantly, suppressing his shock. The "Nine Dragons Emperor Seal" shone brightly, and together with the Golden Dragon Cage, it suppressed the struggling Nine Nether Sect Master!
"Master of the Nine Netherworlds, submit to your fate!"

The two locked onto their target once again. Although Li Yunjing was already at his limit, with the combined power of Emperor Huangze and the three immortal artifacts, the balance of victory had already shifted!

"I'm not reconciled!"

"Li Yunjing! This sect leader will fight you to the death!!!"

The Nine Netherworld Cult Leader's face, shrouded in demonic energy, twisted as he let out a roar of resentment and venom.

He had been planning for thousands of years, and it seemed that his great cause was about to be accomplished, but he failed at the last moment and was defeated by a "junior" whom he had not originally paid much attention to!
"Not reconciled?"

"I can't help you!"

Emperor Huangze's voice boomed like a bell. Seizing the perfect opportunity when the Nine Nether Sect Master was out of his mind and his breathing was disordered, the "Nine Dragons Imperial Seal" crashed down!
Nine golden dragon phantoms solidified into a tangible form, carrying the immense fortune of the entire "Huangze Continent," like nine divine mountains, fiercely suppressing the surging demonic energy surrounding the Nine Nether Sect Master!

"boom!!!"

The demonic energy exploded violently, and the Nine Nether Sect Master let out a muffled groan. Most of the dense demonic energy that had enveloped his body was forcibly dispersed, revealing a pale and distorted middle-aged face with dark purple blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

The "Nine Nether Soul Devouring Spear" in his hand let out a mournful cry, and its light dimmed.

At the same time, Li Yunjing endured the excruciating pain and weakness caused by his serious injuries and frantically urged his mind to work!
In the sky above, the chaotic energy of the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower" surged and raged, and the bottom of the tower emitted a dark light that devoured everything, like a giant mouth closing in on the severely injured Nine Netherworld Sect Master!
This is not suppression, but... refining!
As the supreme immortal artifact for suppressing demonic forces, the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower" has an innate ability to restrain and refine the pure demonic essence of the Nine Nether Sect Master!

"No! This leader will not perish here!!"

The Nine Netherworld Cult Leader felt the targeted and terrifying suction force of the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower," and his own demonic energy began to stir uncontrollably. He finally panicked completely.

He frantically burned his innate demonic energy, attempting to break free from the suppression of the "Nine Dragons Emperor Seal" and the devouring of the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower".

"sucker Punch!"

Li Yunjing's eyes were icy cold. Ignoring the stinging pain in his sea of ​​consciousness, he once again activated the "Divine Firmament Thunder Seal"!
Although it can no longer summon the original power of the "Thunderous Divine Mace", its remaining thunderous might is still not to be underestimated.

A condensed purple lightning bolt, like a sword of divine punishment, tore through space and struck directly at the crown of the Nine Netherworld Sect Master!

The Emperor's Seal suppresses it from the front, the Demon Tower devours it from above, and the Thunderous Aura strikes it from behind!

Attacked from three sides, all displaying the power of immortal artifacts!
Even though the Nine Netherworld Sect Master possessed the cultivation of a half-step Void Returner, he was powerless to reverse the situation after suffering repeated injuries and losing all his trump cards!
"what!!!"

With a desperate roar filled with endless resentment and unwillingness, the purple lightning struck first, completely shattering his protective demonic light!
Immediately afterwards, the "Nine Dragons Imperial Seal" crushed his bones inch by inch with immense force!
Finally, the dark light of the "Tower of Ten Thousand Demons" completely engulfed him!

Within the dark light, one could only hear the chilling hissing sound of demonic energy being forcibly stripped and refined, as well as the miserable howls of the Nine Nether Sect Master as he rapidly weakened.

After a few breaths, the dark light subsided.

A corner of the "Tower of Ten Thousand Demons" slowly disappeared into the void.

The Nine Netherworld Master had vanished without a trace, leaving only a small clump of pure, yet devoid of all consciousness imprints, pitch-black demonic energy, and the Nine Netherworld Soul-Devouring Spear, which had lost its spirituality and was covered in cracks, suspended in mid-air.

The Nine Netherworld Cult Master, who had dominated the region and plotted for thousands of years, was now... annihilated, his body and soul destroyed, and all his cultivation was refined by the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower"!
With the fall of the Nine Netherworld Sect Master, the remaining Demon Lords and Demon Cultivators completely lost their will to fight. Under the pressure of the "Nine Dragons Emperor Seal," they attempted to escape, but were all annihilated by Emperor Huangze with a few golden rays of light.

The dense demonic energy that permeated the entire "Burial God Swamp" began to slowly dissipate.

That suffocating stillness and destructive will, like a rootless duckweed, gradually returned to tranquility.

“It’s over…” Li Yunjing looked at everything in front of him, his tense mind relaxed, and a strong sense of weakness surged over him like a tide. His vision went black, his body swayed, and he almost fell from the sky.

"Sect Leader Li!"

Emperor Huangze flashed and appeared beside him, a gentle and mellow imperial dragon energy flowing into his body, stabilizing his disordered breathing and injuries.

"This time, it is all thanks to Headmaster Li's efforts in turning the tide."

Emperor Huangze looked at Li Yunjing, whose face was pale, and his tone was filled with sincere admiration and a hint of complexity.

In today's battle, Li Yunjing's strength, decisiveness, and unfathomable trump cards completely earned the respect of this Void Returning Grandmaster.

Li Yunjing waved his hand, swallowed several precious healing pills, barely suppressing his injuries, and looked at the refined pure demonic energy and the broken "Nine Nether Soul Devouring Spear".

"Your Majesty, the demonic threat here has been eliminated, and these spoils of war..."

"Eh,"

Emperor Huangze interrupted him, saying solemnly, "The Nine Nether Sect Master was personally killed by Sect Leader Li, and the Demon Cave was also breached under the leadership of the Sect Leader. How can I claim credit for this?"

"These spoils of war naturally belong to the sect leader."

"As for the subsequent cleanup and sealing of this 'Burial God Swamp,' we can leave that to our dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Li Yunjing no longer declined.

That ball of pure demonic energy was useless to him, but it was a good supplement for the "Ten Thousand Demon Tower".

The damaged "Nine Nether Soul Devouring Spear" might be reforged, or some of the secret techniques of the "Nine Nether Demon Sect" might be discovered from it.

He waved his hand and put away the demonic energy and the demonic spear.

……

The Emperor's private study, unlike the grand hall of the outer court, exudes elegance and refinement.

The bookshelves on all four walls reached to the ceiling, displaying ancient books on jade slips that were not ordinary items, and the air was filled with a faint, calming ambergris fragrance.

The two sat facing each other before a tea table carved from a thousand-year-old agarwood. Two cups of spiritual tea on the table emitted wisps of white steam, exuding a refreshing and invigorating spiritual energy.

Emperor Huangze had changed out of his imperial robes and was now wearing a bright yellow casual outfit. He had lost some of the imposing imperial aura he displayed in the court, but gained a more peaceful demeanor and a hint of barely perceptible sigh.

He gently stroked the warm teacup, his gaze falling on Li Yunjing through the rising steam.

"Sect Leader Li,"

He spoke slowly, his voice low and deep, "If it weren't for your heroic efforts in turning the tide during this trip to the 'Northern Mang Ghost Domain,' the consequences would have been unimaginable."

“The will of the ‘Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons’ is something that ordinary forces in this world cannot contend with, even if it is only a trace of it.”

"Your methods, your courage, and especially the thunderous source you finally unleashed... truly amaze me."

Even a powerful cultivator like him, who had returned to the capital, still felt lingering fear about the previous battle.

After some initial breathing adjustments, Li Yunjing's face was still somewhat pale, but his breathing had become much more stable.

"Your Majesty flatters me."

He bowed slightly: "It is our duty to eradicate the demonic threat and protect the peace of this world."

"If the Emperor hadn't personally intervened to restrain the Nine Nether Sect Master, I would have had little chance to destroy that Demon Abyss node."

Emperor Huangze waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for modesty.

He remained silent for a moment, and only the aroma of spiritual tea lingered quietly in the study.

After a long while, he raised his head, his eyes becoming deep and solemn.

"Friend Li Dao,"

He changed his form of address, implying that what followed was a conversation between two powerful figures at the pinnacle of this world: "As we both know, the path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind."

"The lifespan of a Nascent Soul cultivator is five thousand years, while the lifespan of a Void cultivator is ten thousand years. These seem like long periods, but in the face of the Great Dao, they are but a fleeting moment."

"I have been in this position for over three thousand years."

He paused, his gaze seemingly piercing through the walls of the study and looking into the endless void: "'Huangze Continent' is in my hands, and can be considered a place of peace and prosperity, with its traditions flourishing."

"However, my cultivation has reached its limit."

"The laws of this world have reached a point where I cannot comprehend them. The path ahead... is blocked."

……

Li Yunjing listened quietly, already understanding what Emperor Huangze was about to say.

This is a problem that every powerful individual who reaches the pinnacle of this realm must eventually face.

The limit that "Tianlan Star" can withstand is the peak of the Nascent Soul realm!
Emperor Huangze, Blood Demon Ancestor, Taixu Sword Master, Tianzhenzi, and Yuchenzi, the five great powerhouses, all broke through to the Void Returning Realm because of the outbreak of the Demonic Tribulation, which brought them to the brink of death and gave them a chance to break through!

Otherwise, achieving a real breakthrough would be as difficult as climbing to the sky!
This is also one of the "Thirty-Six Grotto-Heavens," and there are many other behemoth sects with some peak Nascent Soul realm experts who have been stuck at this realm for thousands of years, unable to make any progress.

This is because the laws of "Tianlan Star" are insufficient to support their cultivation.

Now, Li Yunjing naturally understood what Emperor Huangze meant.

Staying on "Tianlan Star" is a waste of time; leaving is the only option!

Unless Emperor Huangze wants to waste his lifespan and die of old age on "Tianlan Star"!
But this is certainly not the choice of a normal cultivator.

If it were Li Yunjing, and he truly reached the level of Emperor Huangze, he would also abandon the foundation of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," choose to ascend and leave, and seek the path to immortality.

"I have decided to go into seclusion soon to give some instructions before breaking through the barrier and departing."

Emperor Huangze's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable resolve: "The outcome of this journey is uncertain."

"If you succeed, you will step into a wider world and pursue the true path."

"If we fail... then all will be lost, and we will die and our spirit will perish."

"After I leave, although the foundation of the 'Huangze Dynasty' will remain, without the return of the Void to oversee it, it will inevitably attract covetousness from all sides."

He looked at Li Yunjing, his eyes carrying a hint of entrustment: "There might be some unnecessary turmoil arising internally."

"My princes are not lacking in talent, but it will take time before they grow up to be capable of standing on their own."

"Today, I wish to make a request to you as a fellow Daoist."

Emperor Huangze leaned forward slightly, his tone extremely sincere, "If I successfully ascend, and if the 'Huangze Dynasty' is ever in danger of collapse, I earnestly request Fellow Daoist Yun Jing to do what is within your power to help ensure the survival of my Ji royal family and protect the billions of lives on the 'Huangze Continent' from annihilation."

As he spoke, this emperor, who had ruled over a continent for thousands of years, actually bowed slightly to Li Yunjing.

Li Yunjing's expression turned solemn. He did not immediately step aside, but accepted the bow with composure.

This was not a formal greeting from an emperor to a sect leader, but a solemn entrustment from a father about to embark on a long journey, a monarch, to a trustworthy strongman, and to allies of the sect.

By accepting this bow, he indicated his willingness to shoulder this responsibility.

"The Emperor treated him with sincerity, and Yun Jing dared not speak falsely."

He pondered for a moment, then met Emperor Huangze's gaze with clear and firm eyes: "Your Majesty is about to ascend to the Great Dao, which is the lifelong pursuit of every cultivator. I can only wish Your Majesty a speedy success and ascension to the Upper Realm."

"As for the 'Huangze Dynasty'..."

His tone turned calmer, “'Shenxiao Dao Sect' and 'Huangze Dynasty' are allies who have gone through the demonic tribulation together, and their friendship is extraordinary.”

"As long as I, Li Yunjing, am still on Tianlan Star, and as long as the lineage of Shenxiao Dao Sect continues, I will regard Huangze Dynasty as my brother."

“If there are any blind fools who want to do evil, or if the dynasty faces a crisis of survival, I, Li Yunjing, and my ‘Shenxiao Dao Sect’ will definitely not sit idly by.”

He didn't make any boastful promises about ensuring the dynasty's eternal prosperity; that would be unrealistic.

However, he promised that within his capabilities he would step in to protect the Ji clan's legacy and the stability of the continent—a pragmatic and weighty promise.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huangze's eyes flashed with a hint of relief and satisfaction.

He knew the value of Li Yunjing's words.

Given the potential and foundation that Li Yunjing has demonstrated today, his future status in this world will certainly not stop at the Nascent Soul stage; he may even reach the pinnacle of this world much faster.

His promise is worth more than a thousand troops.

"Good! With Fellow Daoist Li's words, I can now go into seclusion with peace of mind!"

Emperor Huangze clapped his hands and laughed, the slight worry between his brows disappearing, and he regained his domineering air. "If I am fortunate enough to succeed one day, perhaps we will meet again in the Upper Realm!"

"Then we'll drink and chat again!"

"certainly!"

Li Yunjing smiled and raised his teacup, "I will offer this tea in place of wine to wish Your Majesty a soaring journey to the heavens!"

Two teacups gently clinked together in mid-air, producing a crisp sound.

This moment is not only an agreement between two powerful individuals, but also the cornerstone for the solid alliance between the two top powers for hundreds or even thousands of years to come.

After chatting for a while and exchanging views on cultivation and the situation on the mainland, Li Yunjing got up to take his leave.

His injuries had not yet healed, and he needed to return to the residence arranged by Emperor Huangze to recuperate and digest the gains from this great battle, especially the insights gained from breaking through in battle and triggering the source of thunder.

Emperor Huangze personally escorted Li Yunjing to the outside of the palace, watching the lightning disappear from sight.

“Li Yunjing…this boy is no ordinary person.”

Standing in the empty hall, Emperor Huangze stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the vast sky outside the hall, and murmured to himself, "This world of 'Tianlan Star' probably won't be able to confine him for long."

"With him here, the 'Imperial Grace' can be guaranteed after me..."

He turned around and walked resolutely toward the secluded chamber that had been prepared long ago deep within the palace.

A few days later, Emperor Huangze summoned the most core members of the dynasty to the "Chengtian Hall," the highest-ranking hall in the capital.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn and dignified, with an invisible pressure permeating the air.

On the left are three powerful members of the royal family with profound auras, dressed in python robes or marquis's robes. They are Ji Haoyun, the younger brother of Emperor Huangze, known as the "King of Zhenhai", and two royal uncles of higher seniority, Ji Yonglie, known as the "King of Cheng" and Ji Yongchen, known as the "King of Jing".

On the right are the civil and military officials, led by the Prime Minister and the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion. They are all pillars of the dynasty, with cultivation levels at least at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage. Among them are also several deities and generals at the Divine Transformation stage.

The Emperor's several adult princes, such as the steady and composed Crown Prince Ji Beichen, the valiant Second Prince Ji Nanfeng, and the somewhat unruly but talented Third Prince Ji Dongyang, all stood respectfully a little ahead of the imperial steps.

Emperor Huangze sat high on the Nine Dragon Throne. Today, he did not wear his usual clothes, but instead put on his most formal twelve-symbol imperial robe with dragon patterns, and wore a twelve-tassel flat crown. The beaded curtains fell down, covering part of his face, making him appear even more unfathomable.

And standing to his right was the Grand Master Tianzhenzi, a Void Returning expert!
On the left is the Empress, Fairy Miaodan!
These are the foundations upon which the "Huangze Dynasty" can command Tianlan!

Emperor Huangze's gaze slowly swept over every important official in the hall. Those whose eyes met his were all filled with awe and bowed their heads in respect.

"I have summoned all of you today,"

Emperor Huangze spoke, his voice calm yet clear to everyone, carrying an undeniable authority: "There is a matter concerning the eternal foundation of my 'Huangze Dynasty,' which I must explain to you all and make arrangements for."

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; everyone sensed that a momentous event was about to be announced.

"I have been cultivating for three thousand eight hundred years."

"Thanks to the protection of the previous emperors and the blessings of our ancestors, as well as the assistance of our ministers and the support of our millions of people, we have the great prosperity of 'Imperial Grace' today."

His tone was calm, as if he were reviewing or summarizing, “However, the Great Dao is infinite, but lifespan is finite.”

"My cultivation has reached the limit that this world can contain. The path ahead... is blocked."

"boom!"

Although some top officials had already guessed this, the fact that the Emperor himself confirmed it still struck everyone like a thunderbolt!

Crown Prince Ji Beichen suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with shock and a hint of barely perceptible complexity.

The Second Prince Ji Nanfeng clenched his fists slightly.

Several royal princes and high-ranking officials also changed their expressions drastically, exchanging glances and seeing the horror in each other's eyes.

"Father!"

Crown Prince Ji Beichen couldn't help but step forward, his voice filled with urgency, "You..."

"To me, staying in this realm is already a waste of time."

Emperor Huangze raised his hand slightly to stop the Crown Prince from speaking, and continued calmly, "Only by breaking through the boundary and ascending can one pursue the true path of the Great Dao."

"I have decided that three months from now, at the summit of 'Huangji Peak,' I will trigger the Ascension Tribulation and attempt to break through the boundary!"

"Think twice, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty! The tribulation of ascension is extremely perilous; throughout history, only one in ten who have succeeded has survived!"

"Father! You must not take this risk!"

In an instant, voices of dissuasion arose throughout the hall.

In particular, several elder members of the royal family and the crown prince spoke earnestly, their words filled with concern.

The loss of a dynasty's leader in the Void Returning Realm is a completely different concept from having one in the Void Returning Realm!

This means that the "Huangze Dynasty" will fall from the top echelon of power!

"enough."

Emperor Huangze's voice was not loud, but it instantly suppressed all the noise.

"My mind is made up; there is no need to discuss this matter further."

His gaze swept over the crowd like lightning. "I have summoned you all today not to discuss whether I will ascend to immortality, but to arrange the future of the dynasty after my departure."

The hall fell silent again, and the atmosphere became even more somber.

Emperor Huangze's gaze first fell on Crown Prince Ji Beichen: "Beichen."

"My son is here!"

Ji Beichen took a deep breath and stepped forward, bowing.

After years of waiting, my wish is finally about to come true.

The Celestial Dynasty is different from ordinary dynasties. The emperor has a long lifespan, and the crown prince, as an heir, is practically just a figurehead!
His presence has been relatively low over the years!
The ordeal drove him to despair, especially after his father broke through to the Void Returning Realm, gaining nearly 7000 more years of lifespan!
Not to mention him, even his sons, grandsons, and all his descendants will be outlived by this father!
He thought he was completely finished!
it's good now!

The father seeks ascension to heaven, for this vast dynasty is finally about to be handed over to him.

"If I successfully ascend to heaven, you will be the new emperor of the 'Huangze Dynasty'."

Emperor Huangze said in a serious tone, "You are calm and composed, and you consider the overall situation. I am very pleased with you."

(End of this chapter)