Battle Through the Heavens: Purple Heaven Thunder Emperor

Chapter 434 Emperor-grade embryonic pills, are they so easy to snatch?

Following the founding ceremony of the Zixiao Palace, an explosive piece of news spread like wildfire throughout the entire Central Plains in just a few days.

Zixiao Palace, Palace Master Xiao Bai, a young powerhouse whose rise is as meteoric as a comet and whose strength is unfathomable.

They even openly announced the news of a Dou Di cave at their founding ceremony.

This news immediately triggered an unprecedented and massive earthquake!

Tuoshegudi!

The last Dou Di of the Dou Qi Continent!

What does its cave dwelling signify?

It signifies the inheritance of the Dou Di, endless power, long lifespan, and the authority to rule the continent!

And these are the ultimate temptations that would drive any force or powerful individual across the entire Dou Qi Continent mad!

In an instant, the entire Central Plains was in an uproar.

Whether it's the forces in the open, the ancient sects that live in seclusion, or even the powerful rogue cultivators who are rarely seen in ordinary times.

They all cast their burning, even greedy, gazes toward the northwestern continent they once regarded as a barbaric wasteland.

Black Corner Region.

That corner, which was once somewhat notorious for its disorder, instantly became the center of a storm converging across the entire continent.

Countless powerful auras began to surge, and spatial passages were hastily constructed, all pointing directly to the northwest!

Beneath the surface, a tense and frenzied atmosphere, like the calm before a storm, filled the air.

However, compared to the commotion of these overt forces, the situation within the ancient races that truly determined the continent's格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or pattern of the continent) was far more complex and unpredictable.

Ancient tribes, ancient world.

At the summit of a misty, celestial mountain, Gu Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze seemingly piercing through the boundaries of space, looking towards the northwest.

His face remained calm, but deep within his eyes, there was a barely perceptible ripple.

Xun'er stood quietly behind him, having already conveyed Xiao Bai's words.

"Divine Firmament City...wait for me?"

Gu Yuan murmured to himself, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"This kid has quite the audacity. He actually dared to make the news of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's cave public; he's going to stir up a storm in the world."

He turned to Xun'er and asked, "What do you think he intends to do?"

Xun'er pondered for a moment, then said softly:

"Father, the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade is scattered among various clans. It would be extremely difficult for any single clan to collect it all on its own, and it would inevitably become the target of everyone's attacks. Now that Brother Xiao Bai has made the location of his cave public, attracting the attention of the world, it seems to have increased the variables, but in fact it has thwarted any possible secret plans that the Soul Clan might be carrying out."

"However, Brother Xiao Bai seems to have other plans, which I can't quite figure out."

"Oh?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Gu Yuan's eyes, and he chuckled, "What, didn't that kid tell you?"

Xun'er blushed slightly and rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Father, you're supposed to be the clan leader! Haven't you heard that secrets are essential?"

Gu Yuan was taken aback. Looking at her protective expression, a surge of anger rose in his heart, and he wished he could grab that kid and beat him into a pig's head.

After a long pause, he withdrew his gaze, composed himself, and waved his hand:

"Pass down the order to gather the elite forces of the clan and be ready to go to the Northwest Continent at any time. I don't care what that kid is up to, but no matter what, our ancient clan cannot be absent from the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Cave. Otherwise, if the Soul Clan succeeds, it will be a disaster for our clan."

"Yes."

Xun'er responded, then paused, looked at Gu Yuan, and said softly:

"Father, the Soul Clan is cunning and treacherous; you must be careful!"

Gu Yuan felt a warmth in his heart, and a relieved smile gradually appeared on his face, but then his smile slowly froze.

"And remember to take care of Brother Xiao Bai for me."

Looking at Gu Yuan's expressionless face, Xun'er secretly stuck out her tongue and hurriedly turned around and rushed towards the Elder Hall.

"Alas, daughters grow up and leave home!"

Gu Yuan sighed softly. Thinking of Xiao Bai, he was immediately furious. He knew the location of Tuoshe Cave. If it were kept secret, that would be fine, but it had to be announced. Last time he came to the Gu Clan, he didn't reveal a word to him.

Thunder Realm.

They were shocked upon hearing the news.

The once solemn and majestic hall was now like a boiling cauldron, filled with the sounds of fierce arguments.

"A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This is a golden chance for my Thunder Clan to return to its former glory!"

An elder with a burly build and a booming voice slammed his hand on the wooden table beside him, his beard and hair standing on end with excitement.

"Since ancient times, no Dou Di has been born in our clan, and our bloodline has been gradually declining. Now, the opportunity is right in front of us. If we miss it because of hesitation and fear, we will be the eternal sinners of the Lei clan!"

"Ridiculous! Lei Shan, you're being far too radical!"

Another elder, with a gaunt face and sharp eyes, immediately spoke up in rebuttal.

"You saw the strength the Soul Clan displayed not long ago. That Void Devouring Flame, dormant for a thousand years, has already advanced to the nine-star level. Coupled with the Soul Emperor, a peak Dou Sheng, what can our clan use to compete?"

"We should not take any risks now. We should hold our ground in the Thunder Realm, observe the actions of the various races, and then make a decision."

"Hmph, how can you accomplish anything if you're so timid and hesitant?"

Elder Leishan retorted without backing down, "It is precisely because the Soul Clan is so powerful that we cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom. If we simply allow another clan to obtain such an opportunity, what difference is there between our clan and slowly waiting for death?"

Both sides stuck to their own arguments, arguing heatedly until their faces were red, while the power of thunder within the hall subtly stirred.

Lei Ying, who sat in the main seat, remained silent.

He was tall and rugged, with faint lightning crackling around him, exuding an imposing aura even without anger.

At this moment, his thick brows were furrowed as he listened to the heated argument among the elders below, but his mind was filled with other thoughts.

He knew better than anyone that the public announcement of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Cave was by no means a simple "great joy" for races like the Thunder Clan, Flame Clan, and Medicine Clan, who possessed ancient jade but lacked the strength to do so.

Before the news was made public, the ancient jade of Tuoshe, which had been placed for thousands of years, was precious, but it was actually more like a symbolic "lucky charm".

Apart from the madman, Soul Emperor, who was determined to collect them, other races, while treasuring them, regarded them more as a symbol of their heritage.

But now, everything is different.

The Soul Clan's ambitions are obvious; they will never give up.

The ancient tribes will likely not give up this time either, and will certainly fight for it with all their might.

Do the Thunder Clan, Flame Clan, and even Medicine Clan still have any choice?

Do you want to remain aloof and unaffected as before?

Totally impossible!

Choosing to remain neutral will immediately make one a thorn in the side of the Soul Clan.

You hold ancient jade but don't participate.

Then the first one will be aimed at you!

I'm afraid even the ancient clans won't step in to help them this time, just like they did last time!

If the Thunder Clan wants to participate in the competition, what chance do they have against the two giants, the Soul Clan and the Ancient Clan, on their own?

Lei Ying felt heavy-hearted.

He didn't know what that kid from the Xiao clan was up to. Last time, he warned them to be careful of spies from the Soul Clan to avoid losing the ancient jade.

But now this news has been released, putting them in the spotlight.

He discovered that the Thunder Clan was not facing a simple choice between "going" and "not going," but rather a matter of choosing sides regarding the clan's survival strategy.

That's enough.

Just as the debate was escalating, Lei Ying finally spoke up.

His voice wasn't loud, but it rolled through the hall like muffled thunder, carrying an undeniable authority that instantly silenced all the noise.

The elders immediately fell silent, all turning their gazes toward the clan leader.

Lei Ying slowly stood up, his tall figure exuding a powerful aura of pressure. His gaze swept over each elder present, and he said in a deep voice:

"From the moment the news of the cave dwelling was made public, my Thunder Clan had no way out."

His tone was grave, revealing the harsh reality:

"The ancient jade in our clan's possession used to be a symbol of our heritage, but now it's a hot potato, and also a death sentence! If we hand it over, we can be safe for the time being, but to whom should we give it? If it's given to one side, and someone on the other side benefits from it, and even further, we'll probably be nothing more than meat on a chopping block!"

Upon hearing this, both the pro-war and the cautious factions fell silent, for they certainly knew who the clan leader was referring to.

Not long ago, the two forces that had been silent for a thousand years flexed their muscles in front of the three races.

This calmed them down. The clan leader saw further and more clearly than they did. If they made a wrong step, the entire clan could face an abyss.

Lei Ying continued, "The question facing our clan now is not whether to fight or not, but... how to fight, and with whom to fight!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, and finally made his decision:

"Send a message to the ancient clans! Also, contact the Flame Clan and tell them that our Thunder Clan is willing to stand with the Flame Clan and discuss the matter of an alliance. As for the Medicine Clan, let's observe for now; if they are interested, we can also make contact."

Lei Ying's decision set the tone for the future of the Lei Clan.

Meanwhile, the Yan Clan and the Yao Clan are experiencing the same thing, contacting the Ancient Clan while also guarding against the Soul Clan.

The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade in their hands has become a hot potato, but it may also be an important bargaining chip at a crucial moment.

The Soul Realm, the main hall.

Inside the main hall, the light was dim, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the air, making one feel oppressed even in their soul.

The Soul Emperor sat upright on the throne of white bones, his face handsome, his deep eyes like a frozen pool, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

But those who know him well understand that beneath this extreme calm often lies the most terrifying storm.

Below, the four Demon Saints of the Soul Clan and other core powerhouses stood with their hands at their sides, not daring to breathe. Void Devouring Flame transformed into a ball of black flame, hovering in mid-air, the flame flickering slightly, revealing the turmoil within its heart.

"Is the message confirmed?"

The Soul Emperor's voice rang out calmly, devoid of any warmth, yet it caused the temperature in the entire hall to drop even further.

Soul Palace Master Hun Miesheng bowed and said:

"Clan leader, the news came from Zixiao Palace. Xiao Bai, using some unknown means, actually found the exact location of the cave and made it public. It has now spread throughout Zhongzhou. We have confirmed it with multiple sources. The news should not be a mistake; what lies beneath that magma is indeed very complicated."

Upon hearing this, the Soul Emperor lightly tapped the armrest of his throne with his slender fingers. His eyes were deep, but the entire space of the hall seemed to distort slightly, and the invisible pressure made several Dou Sheng elders feel breathless.

"Xiao Bai. Good, very good."

The Soul Emperor spoke slowly, his eyes flickering slightly as he thought of the boy he had seen at the entrance to the Heavenly Tomb. A subtle ripple appeared in his usually calm voice.

"I have been planning this for a thousand years. I originally thought that I would need to collect all the ancient jades to find the cave dwelling. I never expected that the ancient jade plan would fail, but the location of the cave dwelling would be delivered to my door by itself."

His gaze swept towards the Void Devouring Flame, a barely perceptible urgency in his tone:

"Void, how's your progress?"

The black flames formed from the Void Devouring Flame surged violently, and a hoarse voice carried a hint of excitement:

"The plan changed last time, but fortunately we went with the flow and stalled the various races, keeping them from paying attention to the mainland. Now the Soul Palace has almost finished collecting the souls. In two years at most, I'm very confident that we'll be able to close the deal."

"Two years old"

The Soul Emperor pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "In the past, time wouldn't have been a problem, but now that the situation has changed, two years is too slow!"

"Once the location of the cave is revealed, Gu Yuan, Yan Jin, Lei Ying and those guys will definitely not sit idly by. They have a lot of ancient jade, and no one knows whether they need to collect all the ancient jade to open the cave. If they seize the opportunity first, we will be in a very passive position."

The Void Devouring Flame remained silent for a moment, a strange light flashing in its eyes:

"Then let's stall them for now. The only troublesome thing for us right now is Gu Yuan. Once I succeed, even if we two can't defeat him, the rest of the Gu clan are no match for him. When that happens, we can use the entire Gu clan as leverage, and I don't believe he won't hand over the ancient jade."

A glint flashed in the eyes of the Soul Emperor, and he slowly nodded:

"That's a good idea."

He paused, a strange smile appearing on his lips.

"However, we still have to wait two years. I think that although this matter has disrupted our plans, it may also be an opportunity."

The Ancient Clan, the Thunder Clan, the Flame Clan, and the Medicine Clan, all holding the Tuoshe Ancient Jade, are bound to be restless. If they all go, they might actually be able to gather all the jade and open the cave.

Once the Dou Di Cave opens, the Emperor Jade will lose its function, and at that time, the struggle for the Emperor Pill will depend on each person's own abilities.

His eyes held a meaningful look. Last time, several clans activated their resources to summon the remnant soul of a Dou Di and fight to the death. In addition, the ancient clans interfered. Even if he could win, he would probably suffer heavy losses, and he might not even get the Emperor Jade. It would be a losing proposition.

So they were let off the hook, but were only kept outside the boundary to buy some time for the Soul Palace.

This time, the battlefield wasn't in their small world, so they couldn't summon their "delusional" ancestors.

He looked at Hun Sha: "How are the clan's preparations?"

Hun Sha hurriedly replied, "Chieftain, as you instructed, all elite forces have been assembled and are ready to be deployed at any time. However, the Ancient Clan and several other clans may also be making moves."

The Soul Emperor gave a cold laugh:

"It's alright. I need them to get moving. If they don't, I'll really have a headache."

His gaze was icy. If he could open the cave this time, he would show those clans what a 'surprise' was!

Void Devouring Flame's eyes darkened slightly, but looking at the ambitious Soul Emperor, he didn't say anything more, and sneered inwardly.

Heh, stealing Teitan?

Putting aside the fact that the Imperial Jade is scattered in various places, can it open that old guy Tuoshe's cave before it is integrated?

Even if it were possible.

Are Emperor-grade embryonic pills so easy to snatch?

(End of this chapter)