Watching the middle-aged man who once again radiated a vicious, bloodthirsty aura, this time it was the Allied forces that showed bewilderment, while on the Soul Clan’s side, those originally delighted by the chaos found their expressions darken instantly.
“Your Majesty Elder Dragon Emperor, could it truly be you?” At this moment, Zhu Huo, the Elder of Candle Flame Sect—who had previously acted in confusion—finally regained his composure. From the depths of distant memories, he managed to pull forth a face similar to the figure before him. His body trembled with excitement, nearly brought to tears.
“Heh, I thought you had completely forgotten about me…”
Upon hearing that, the middle-aged man chuckled lightly.
“How dare I,” hurriedly replied Elder Zhu Huo shaking his head. Although his appearance appeared more aged, deep down he knew all too well, during the reign of Elder Dragon Emperor Zi Yan’s father, he himself had been just a mere boy.
Other Elders from the ancient Gu Long Clan exchanged glances, eyes brimming with emotion. None had anticipated that the legendary and long-lost former Dragon Emperor would still be alive. Such news undeniably signified an immense surge in the Gu Long Clan’s might!
Seeing how unexpectedly the scene had shifted into a reunion-like atmosphere, Xiao Yan merely shook his head in bittersweet amusement. Yet shortly after, his heart surged with joy—he hadn’t expected the mysterious powerhouse to bear such a relationship to Zi Yan. With that, the tide of battle might indeed soon shift dramatically.
“It turns out you are the Old Dragon Emperor from the Heavenly Ancient Dragons! How blind of me not to realize sooner,” remarked Gu Yuan relaxedly, giving a respectful bow as he spoke with laughter.
“You may call me Zhu Kun,” said the so-called old dragon emperor gently waving away formality. “Age does count for less than power.”
“Elder Zhu Kun,” Gu Yuan smiled, returning a bow. Acquainting oneself with such a formidable existence could only bring countless benefits.
“Elder Dragon Emperor, Xiao Yan is a great benefactor of our clan; he has rescued us numerous times at dire moments. Were it not for him, Zi Yan would never have safely returned,” added Elder Zhu Huo, stepping forward respectfully.
“Dire moments? What happened to the Heavenly Ancient Dragon Clan nowadays?” questioned Zhu Kun with surprise before quickly frowning darkly. During his time, they had enjoyed absolute supremacy with few dared challenge them across the continent.
After slight hesitation, Elder Zhu Huo summarized the events following Tian Long’s disappearance. Hearing of the tribe’s subsequent fragmentation, flames of anger flickered in Zhu Kun’s eyes—their former loyal vassals having dared oppose what had once been his dominion while he had vanished…
“I admit I erred gravely today, yet fortunately no irreparable harm came,” stated Zhu Kun, wiping sweat beads appearing atop his forehead while offering the most affable smile imaginable toward Xiao Yan—an expression diametrically opposed to his previous menace.
From Elder Zhu Huo’s account, Zhu Kun sensed Zi Yan’s intimate bond with Xiao Yan and now understanding how fiercely she had fought to defend him, realized should any tragedy befall Xiao Yan, retribution would be inevitable.
Xiao Yan looked blankly at that overly amiable expression. Helplessly shaking his head, he simply answered dryly, “You honor me greatly, Senior…”
“How formal we are! You’re so familiar with Zi Yan; feel free just to call me Uncle!” interjected Zhu Kun, gesturing eagerly.
Once more speechless, Xiao Yan bowed politely. “Uncle Zhu Kun.”
Zhu Kun gleamed proudly and glanced sidelong at Zi Yan who’d been silent throughout, noting the gradual easing of her features. He couldn’t suppress the happiness arising within his heart.
“Heehee… Since he took responsibility for my daughter, this fellow’s life will have to go through me first…” mused Zhu Kun cheerily, casting his gaze at Hun Tian Di far off.
Meanwhile, beside him, Gu Yuan chuckled appreciatively upon seeing Hun Tian Di’s increasingly sullen look. The sensation of soaring joy overwhelmed him. How fleeting fortune proved—one instant saw Hun Tian Di seeking advantage amid others’ woes; next came unforeseen reversal of tides against him!
Feeling inwardly, Gu Yuan concluded Zhu Kun possessed strength equal—if not slightly superior—to his own, both attaining pinnacle Ninth Star Dou Sheng stages. United thus, even Hun Tian Di wouldn’t evade being severely battered.
“Been quite some years since active participation… To step onto battlefield today amidst mighty struggle—thrilling!” declared Zhu Kun, gradually levitating upwards. As he flexed fingers into fists radiant golden purple light pulsed from within his being while locking eyes on Hun Tian Di.
“Hmph!” Seeing the sudden turn favoring enemies’, Hun Tian Di grunted contemptuously before shooting blinding beam suddenly from the Jade artifact clutched tight within palm directly at stone gate sealed eternally before—a climax of prior preparations channeling full force behind it.
*Boom!* As that pillar struck its target, the gate locked closed through countless millennial ages trembled slowly. Fine cracks formed along the surface widening progressively until finally groaning open sideways with thunderous resonance reverberating widely.
*Creak!* At precisely the moment the gateway cracked ajar, waves of primal energies emanating from epochs past burst forth violently disrupting orderly lines from both armies, scattering ranks entirely. Some among weaker warriors flew staggering miles backwards stunned momentarily.
“Stay alert!” shouted Xiao Yan, steadying himself midair cautionarily to allies watching disorder unfold among combatants alike due to sheer magnitude released from ancient door’s liberation.
“The Ancient Emperor’s Vault opens…” intoned Gu Yuan gravely eyes fixated intensely on opening portal sweat dripping steadily down clenched palms.
“So it finally emerges…” echoed distantly Zhu Kun staring entranced. Imprisoned unknowably many eons searching ceaselessly for ways beyond reckoning failed attempts left unresolved yearning…until at last fulfillment lay unveiled ahead.
*BOOM BOOM BOOM!* Tremors intensified accompanying wider emergence each echo louder piercing atmosphere reducing remaining airborne fighters drastically thinning numbers surviving close proximity unshaken above chaotic below.
“Gu Yuan—are there details regarding treasures inside?” asked Zhu Kun peering attentively at gateway revealing secrets millennia concealed.
“Vague certainty only—we know contents enable ascension to Battle King.”
“Precisely so—for hidden within lies nascent imperial-grade medicinal pellet, if my guesses prove accurate. Which explains Hun Tian Di’s ambitions—seizing such relic would propel him toward Battle King level without doubt.” revealed Zhu Kun ominously.
“Ah…” breathed surprised reflection over possibility granting nigh-miraculous transformational ability were factually confirmed concerning such mythical item.
“We cannot allow Hun Tian Di acquisition; given nature of the Hun Clan unchecked access leading inevitable annihilation awaits.” warned Gu Yuan heavily emphasizing severity stakes carried.
Zhu Kun nodded comprehension dawning fully grasping monstrous threat embodied via simple spatial entrapment demonstrated ages ago by Tu Sha Ancient Emperor alone sufficed illustration—ordinary Dou Saint cultivators likely deemed but insignificant insects by true Battle King powers’ measure.
“We strike swiftly when Vault reveals itself entirely: seize prize before Hun Tian Di claims it—we two together can surely end his tyranny decisively.” resolved Zhu Kun resolutely.
“As Elder Zhu Kun advises—let so be arranged!” agreed wholeheartedly. With newly gained ally Gu Yuan’s confidence soared; concern over potential inability handling Hun Tian Di dissolving immediately under reassurance offered.
Surveying stately stance projected simultaneously by steadfast Gu Yuan & Zhu Kun, Xiao Yan allowed self small amused smile recognizing balance altered decisively. Exhaled calmly turning sight aside catching quiet contemplative profile of nearby Zi Yan fixated transfixed upon receding back silhouette of presumed paternal origin lingering lostness evident across visage seemingly disbelieving occurrence transpiring reality.
Silent sigh passed lips before murmuring words softly addressed:
“Xiao Yan…do you think recognition appropriate?” questioning Zi Yan breaking prolonged thoughtful silence. Her voice low almost fragile quality embedded. “If fortunate fate not intervened early, perhaps became prey consumed other beasts mouths…”
“What your heart suggests is ultimately the path for action,” replied hesitantly choosing careful tone. “Love seldom absent between parent-child bonds naturally; I visited darkness where he imprisoned solitary confinement endured lonely exile these passing years…surely hardships unfathomable.”
Slow deliberate nod emerged response gesture bereft of immediate verbal continuation prompting Xiao Yan shrugged helpless realization knowing further intrusion unwelcome here. Matters personal best settled individually when readiness arises.
*Duum-drum-drum!* While immersed dialogue exchanges rhythmic throbbing pulses transmitted clearly discernibly emanating ever fiercer vibrating outward rhythmically synchronized vibrations intensifying continuously until reaching crescendo explosion sealing structural integrity completed definitively at long last stabilized.
With climactic boom resounding cavernous expanse unleashed torrential shockwave akin originating primeval epochs rippling wildly throughout magma ocean surroundings inducing turbulent surging tidal upheavals quaking earth itself splitting endless fissures extending mile-long abysses chasmic dimensions forming widespread.
Surrounded protective cloak of Purity-Lotus Demonic Fire shielding form stoically resisting oppressive primordial dominance, Xiao Yan anchored defiant despite immense adversity facing. Within vicinity hundred-li radius only top-tier masters maintained aerial positioning, others repelled violently forcibly outward.
“Observe carefully!”
Suddenly strange ripples shimmered visibly across towering gate façade then space twisted subtly condensing passage semi-transparent manifest visible pathway materialized abruptly clear view.
“Advance!!” roared united battle cry shared simultaneously as Gu Yuan alongside Zhu Kun shot ahead lightning fast streaks trailing brilliance—yet parallel reaction swift mirrored motion launched by Hun Tian Di and Void Devouring Flame transforming themselves rainbow-hued streak racing determined charge vanishing through portal entry seamlessly absorbed within.
“Let’s go also!!” commanded Xiao Yan vocally galvanizing effort propelling forward like meteor streak tearing aggressively forward relentless pushing enveloping suffocating intimidation barreling forcefully straight into entrance followed sequentially one after another by comrades-in-arms pouring en masse homeward bound trail merging collective momentum entering portal dimension unknown awaiting ahead destiny’s decree written henceforward beyond mortal scope comprehension.
As figures dwindled diminishingly swallowed whole by arcane dimensional passageway leaving sky vast emptiness yawning wide solitude save towering relic edifice solemnly enthroned unmoving sentinel over molten landscape eternal vigil unbroken continuing ceaseless observation passage of eternity marking passage time eternal unchanged indifferent.
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