As the Heaven Soul Emperor suddenly made his move, none could anticipate his action — not even the Void Devouring Flame standing behind him. His expression instantly shifted to a rather dark shade. Who wouldn’t desire the Imperial Dragon Pill? Yet he hadn’t predicted the Heaven Soul would be reckless enough to swallow such nascent Emperor’s Pill without hesitation. “Damn it!” Witnessing the spectacle before him, Lord Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan’s countenances darkened instantly, the fierce glint of deadly intent flashing in their eyes. Coldly, they roared, “Heaven Soul Emperor… you seek death!” Yet instead of faltering, hearing this the Heaven Soul merely broke into roaring fits of laughter that echoed skywards, his face wreathed with an eerie glow. Meanwhile dazzling, colorful lights began to erupt from his body, as his prior grave wounds—delivered by Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan—vanished entirely before the naked eye could witness. With each pulsing wave emitted from deep within, there rippled forth layers of energy fearsome unto their beings.
As their opponent’s immense surge in the very strength suddenly became perceptible, both Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan recoiled slightly, again stunned by this turn.
“This must be the eruptive energy release of the Emperor’s Pill! He will temporarily amplify several fold, yet soon after, the terrible powers will likely expand without constraint within, exploding his frame along with his soul,” Gu Yuan’s eyes flicked insightfully, unalarmed as he intoned steadily.
“We must not grant him any leeway into refinement. Capture and seize him quickly — we still possess sufficient force to expunge this Dragon-Pill from within him!” With his gaze darkening further, Lord Zhu Kun added in fierce command, “Now strike together!”
Following his directive, without delay, Gu Yuan solemnly assented. Indeed, the upper hand they held had placed them in advantageous standing, particularly with such an interruption at an apex critical juncture caused by Void Devouring Flame manipulating that so-called Pill-Restraining Circuit, which had left the mighty Imperial Pill powerless in retaliatory response.
“Hmph” Zhu Kun and Gu Yuan launched their bodies instinctively upon intent, dashing forward across the horizon with blurring haste—heading immediately directly and unstoppably at the Heaven Soul Emperor.
Yet observing their swift and deadly advance in unison once more, far from flinching, the celestial tyrant, Heaven Soul merely smirked broadly. Cackling with wild abandon once more, hands clenching into fists, abruptly— he delivered full power forward with twin surges.
BOOOOOM!! Upon striking the blows, the sky itself was torn directly by sheer force, ripped clear apart to leave behind two colossal vacuum strips measuring several thousand Zhang in sheer breadth.
As their sensing spirits detected the gust of the terrifying winds now escalating, the two lords’ visage shifted immediately. With no choice left, hurriedly employing斗气 — a colossal sound thunderously erupted forth as their might slammed against one another overhead.
BOOOOOOMMM!!!!
From the explosive collision where destructive, apocalyptic forcewaves erupted between fists — dreadful gales violently drove back both lords an extensive hundred Zhang or more across. Yet, observing that the Heaven Soul Emperor continued proudly anchored amidst the skies, unwavering. More frightening indeed: the undulations spilling forth from his frame grew progressively terrifying.
As this sudden and unexpected reversal unfolded above the heavens, Xiao Yan and others’ complexions contorted in alarm.
No one among them could fathom that merely assimilating that embryonic Imperium would catapult Heaven Soul’s might to such a frightful apex—undisputed, of course, this still being nothing but nascent intensification. However were the Heaven Soul Emperor to be allowed an unhurried assimilation of this Imperial-grade Dragon core fully, without hindrance, then he may well ascend even unto the level of an all-encompassing鬥帝—then, indeed, there shall arise zero chances of overturning this scenario once and for all.
“Gu Yuan” the Emperor tread ethereally forward through celestial firmament gazing directly at both Gu Yuan and Zhu Kun with triumphant revelry. He laughed aloud — after untold years’ meticulous planning… after countless preparations… now culminated at this, the decisive and ultimate apex juncture of his design.
“Though I suspect your inner furnace isn’t quite accommodating your grand ambitions, don’t leap ahead too quickly,” Gu Yuan countered scathingly, cold laughter dripping with disdain at his rival.
Upon this, Heaven Soul still remained unruffled, offering but a calm chuckle while half-closure fell upon his eyes, appearing enraptured. How long had it passed he truly felt such a swell in absolute strength’s rise! Standing behind in mid-sky, void swallowing flame couldn’t withhold from asking amidst tension now etched into their posture: “You must be tolerating great pain indeed? Don’t be complacent so soon,” for if Heaven Soul truly shattered within such volatile power surge… he would certainly be overrun by both Yuan and Kun in battle.
“Your impulsiveness leaves great doubt,” murmured Void Flame with visible temper rising, uncertain even whether such wrath emerged as Heaven Soul had so recklessly dared swallow their most valuable elixir—stolen right from outstretched hands?
“Fear not, I remain the sole one in command within,” Heaven Soul murmured casually still, not exhibiting a trace of alarm upon hearing his rising tide of surging斗气 threatening his every vein.
Upon hearing the reply, the Void-swallow Flame flickered his gaze indecipherably once. He finally simply responded in a mere nod: “Then tell me… what is proceeding next?”
“We escape tranquilly. No further complication.”
Smiling calmly, the Emperor of Heaven exuded supreme confidence bordering upon arrogance as he gestured dismissiveness towards Gu Yuan, and Lord Zhu Kun. As if both opponents ranked no higher than gnats upon his proverbial shoulder now, utterly unworthy of fear even in presence.
“FLEE? Not so fast you fool!” Both titanic figures roared aloud with fury now surging, heavens shuddered at their combined martial energy bursting furiously through their form as without delay — they charged straight forth, intent on overwhelming.
Yet as against this dual force — Heaven’s Monarch merely raised sleeve lightly in passing, deflecting the attack with ease. Even amidst the relentless onslaught however, unbothered — Heaven Soul’s fingertip now sliced space cleanly and a space fracture split forth.
Roar BOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!!!
Viewing what seemed impossible—space opening amidst this battlefield; Yuan and Kun redoubled their furious barrage with growing desperation to penetrate defense, unleashing destructive beams across heaven in spiraling arcs that struck repeatedly with cataclysm upon defenses, shaking and splitting the air continuously, creating waves rippling like tremors felt over endless ranges.
Faced against such onslaught, for the present—Heaven’s sovereign chose to completely ignore, hand suddenly reaching below with commanding gesture and drawing forth forcefully numerous members among their faction and instantly casting each directly and forcefully across towards opening rupture in spatial fabric one after other in brutal fashion.
BOOM! BANG!!!
An apocalyptic ripple approached him from the rear, Heaven King trembles slightly from it. A thin line of blood traced the corner of his smiling lip. He winced at unexpected impact.
“YOU…” Seeing his injury from the attack, Void Devour immediately cried out in stunned realization, sensing something must be gravely amiss—far worse perhaps than their sovereign dared reveal. Unsurprisingly, with two ninedragon martial saint experts pouring every ounce of will forth relentlessly against his might—undoubtedly the force could rattle anyone who dauntless claimed to remain unshook.
“I told you, Yuan — that today concludes… my victory,” Heaven’s master choked out suppressing blood’s metallic surge rising through his throat from internal strain. Glancing coldly with sinister glare now upon them, continued:”When I refine that Emperor’s essence fully… Your clans… Gu’s clan… Thunder clan… The炎族… the Sky Assemblage of Power and The ancient虚空 Dragon Kin will soon fade, entirely from this realm!”
His gaze dark… chilling like winter wind howled.
“Move—NOW!!” Commanding, the Heaven Soul gripped Void’s form tightly within one sweeping motion, jetting straight forth and into that open wound in space.
Observing the maneuver, however—Void Flame reacted desperately, almost pained: “What of my… My own people here… my comrades!” His plea remained unfinished, for at this same moment—Heaven Monarch’s skin split into thin, yet bleeding fractures across his exposed neck… instantly indicating the great limits of physical integrity. Clearly now—the struggle exceeded endurance capabilities. Clutching his teeth fiercely and swallowing hard, accepting bitter surrender, finally launched inward with him through that open rift in the fabric above, disappearing.
ROOAARR!!! With realization of the breach, two warriors cried out furiously in defiance of fate, roaring loudly in turn. The atmosphere vibrated as immense spiritual tides surged outward violently — their combined attack surging furiously towards the pair vanishing through inter-dimensional tears.
BOOM BOOM BOOOOOMMM!!!!!
Colossal waves struck his rear like titanic mountains falling in descent and crashing against his back… his form instantly paled with agony. His form erupted forth, blood seeping from numerous cuts across skin, jet streams of blood arced outward. Transforming him at this point wholly, completely, a figure now crimson beyond comprehension—like a vengeful blood phantom from ancient tales. Yet riding on impact’s force—both the Heaven Soul Emperor and Devour Flame shot through the rupture in space… a blurring vision disappearing within an infinitesimal eye blink. Behind—rippled closure swiftly sealing shut of such rupture within that same brief interval.
Swifting through spatial rift closure left behind, Gu Yuan and Zhu Kun attempted to break through, rejoining space around them — unleashing immense power, hands crashing outward in force to tear at spatial veil with hopes for reopening, but the firmament trembled—only momentarily wavering as no fissure reappeared. Realization followed: “Damned!” Both faced the harsh, sinking truth in their heart. This ancient Heaven-bound domain proved unnaturally secure… if escape was the goal—then it would only be accessible via original portal of entry again; and only when they traversed such long-distance travel would Heaven and his minions already be leagues beyond.
Their brows heavy upon furrow, descending downward solemnly now in mid-air toward landing positions; around them gathering allies in solemn silence, both finally could only sigh gravely under such heavy circumstance.
“Daughter, the blasted swine proves too cunning, I’m telling ya,” muttered Zhu Kun toward Ziyan, rubbing hand over chin grudgingly, offering faint smile to daughter despite disappointment. She turned, gazing at this aged figure, then looked towards still-unmoving Xiao Yan with solemn nod whispering lightly, softly murmuring “Now what course shall we pursue? That cursed Heaven Soul now bears our most desired Dragon Pill. If he is allowed refinement… then true catastrophe indeed awaits us.” “Then we shall march forth instantly upon the Heaven Soul Domain—without hesitation!” cried Leiyuan with fury lacing every syllable now clenched from gritted teeth.
Upon hearing such declaration, others around them exchanged glances, and in shared realization, all simply nodded in concord. For there remains absolutely no alternative—delay will only invite certain annihilation much like had befallen The Ling Clans and other kindred powers before.
Xiao Yan let out a quiet heavy breath internally knowing fully that Heaven Soul certainly isn’t idiot enough to make mistakes as they anticipated. With his own body’s unstable balance, he wouldn’t likely be willing to provoke battle now—his priority would now instead focus upon retreat and concealment. Either Heaven Soul refuses return to ancestral realm, or he will attempt to seal entrance entirely; a maneuver involving complex hidden seals to obscure their domain—a most exhausting technique. Even so, knowing Heaven Souls’ vast and bound resource from preparations spanning across millennium’s worth, surely the necessary elements lay at his disposal.
Xiao Yan exhaled, murmuring only in solemn realization aloud, “Pray to gods, may Providence deny such Emperor’s ascent; should Heaven Soul truly breach the threshold becoming a combat Divineshaper… this world… no force could then possibly rival the sheer might he brings… the vengeful temperament he displays… surely would leave nothing of Alliance forces in his eventual retribution.”
Understanding all too well the truth of Xiao Yan’s statement, expressions remained clouded around. None dared contemplate an Emperor fully evolved in dominion.
After silence, Gu Yuan inhaled deeply and declared solemnly: “Too much delay wastes opportunity… We must swiftly gather all our assembled powers; march swiftly to strike Heaven Soul Domain before they achieve sufficient defenses—stalling their progression. Deprived of the chance needed allowing assimilation into self’s vessel—he shall perish under his own stolen prize.”
Others around him nodded once again at his decree.
“Hold now for a moment,” Zhu Kun suddenly declared—eyes gleaming now in scheming calculation as murmuring to gathered crowd: “We made it inside—no point leaving with nothing to show for the trip—everyone move aside. Let me claim the plaza along with those great Statues!” The sudden suggestion caused a brief moment confusion across everyone.
Xiao Yan & co blinked slightly bewildered, gazing back across open central area. They had passed the area once and noted many unusual flames—but were essentially all but museum-like samples now inert for collection’s worthlessness.
As for those great figures: with pill removed, now nothing but ordinary effigy, without real power now evident.
“Do as you see fit,” murmured Yuan now unbothered and dismissively waving hand in approval. Then—turning, he moved ahead toward returning portal space. Others obediently followed.
As Xiao Yan was nearly the last to trail away, his gaze lingered longer slightly upon smiling ancient Dragon king, his brow tightening—something gnawing at him as he noted: “No action would he take… entirely without design… Is perhaps plaza and those statues concealedd mysteries?”
He pondered for short moments with absentminded expression, finding no answers.
With shrug finally—casting one last long gaze towards grinning ancient ruler. Xiao Yan took steps forward… vanishing within space tunnel’s exit behind allies.
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