Chapter 1312: The Machinations of the Northern River Emperor

Deep within the Great Desolation, endless mountain ranges stood for countless eons.

Yet at this very moment.

The entire mountain range trembled with subtle vibrations, a vast expanse stretching millions of miles quaking in every corner.

**”Boom!”**

The mountains shook violently.

A blinding radiance instantly flooded the entire range, and without a sound, the mountains crumbled into dust. Then, as swiftly as it appeared, the light receded, revealing a figure suspended in midair—a man clad in a cyan robe, his aura vast and overwhelming, causing the very heavens and earth to tremble. This was none other than the Northern River Divine Emperor, who had secluded himself in bitter cultivation for an unfathomably long time.

“Hahaha, hahaha…” The Northern River Divine Emperor laughed heartily, his voice shaking the skies.

“Finally, finally… I have reached this stage.” His eyes burned with excitement. “In my homeland, this is called the ‘Monarch Perfection,’ or the ‘Supreme Level.’ Here, it is known as ‘Divine Emperor Perfection.’ Yes, perfection—where my physical strength has reached its theoretical peak, and my bloodline power has been pushed to its absolute limit.”

And indeed, it was the limit.

To achieve ‘Ultimate Awakening,’ one must shatter this limit—break free from the shackles and ascend as a Primordial Chaos lifeform. But clearly, achieving this was infinitely more difficult than his breakthrough from ‘Late Divine Emperor’ (Emperor-level) to Divine Emperor Perfection.

“Having attained Divine Emperor Perfection, my purpose in coming to this world is fulfilled.” The Northern River Divine Emperor calmed, his aura gradually withdrawing until not a trace leaked out. This was the hallmark of Divine Emperor Perfection—a semi-Primordial Chaos lifeform, with control over his body at the utmost pinnacle beneath the Primordial Chaos level.

“This world holds nothing more for me. It is time to journey to another.” He glanced at his wrist, where a crimson mark pulsed faintly. “The next world… should prove far more interesting than this one.”

Meta had arranged three worlds for him.

And undoubtedly, each subsequent world would be more formidable than the last!

“However, before I depart, there is one last matter to settle. If left unchecked, he may interfere at a critical moment—and that would be troublesome.” A cold glint flashed in the Northern River Divine Emperor’s eyes. “Dongbo Xueying, you followed me out of the Broken Tooth Mountain Range. My path of cultivation will not tolerate your obstruction!”

He could guess—just as he was destined for the other two worlds, so too was Dongbo Xueying. Since this world no longer served him, it was the perfect place to eliminate Xueying once and for all.

“Let me review the intelligence from the Tianxin Pavilion.”

“Hmph. Dongbo Xueying has been surprisingly low-key, remaining in Junshan City all this time.” The Northern River Divine Emperor smirked. He had long paid a deposit to receive all intelligence regarding the ‘Flying Snow Divine Emperor’ from the Tianxin Pavilion.

“If he remains in Junshan City… then I must prepare meticulously. If I strike, it must be a fatal blow.” He pondered. “Though I have reached Divine Emperor Perfection, killing him may still prove insufficient.”

From the intelligence, Dongbo Xueying’s mastery of the Void Path placed him at Mid Divine Emperor level. As a practitioner of the Dao of Rules and Mysteries, his combat strength rivaled Late Divine Emperors (Emperor-level)! Coupled with his terrifying soul techniques… he could even contend with a Divine Emperor Perfection expert.

“I need allies.” Without hesitation, the Northern River Divine Emperor shot forth like a streak of light, vanishing beyond the horizon.

Alas, in this world, even he had to travel the slow way—by flight!

—

In his early years, the Northern River Divine Emperor had wandered to the Heart Realm Continent, clawing his way up from nothing. He was the fastest-rising Emperor in the history of the Broken Tooth Mountain Range—his methods were nothing short of formidable. Two hundred million years after his breakthrough to Divine Emperor Perfection…

**”Whoosh.”**

A silver-white flying vessel, adorned with three pairs of peculiar wings, soared through the clouds at a terrifying speed.

Onboard, three mighty figures sat apart, drinking and conversing.

The first was the cyan-robed ‘Northern River Divine Emperor.’ The second was a horned man draped in a massive crimson cloak, his body covered in dark-red hide, his eyes blood-red. Though his aura was restrained, his gaze alone could instill terror in ordinary Divine Emperors. The third was an elderly man in green robes with matching green brows.

Had outsiders witnessed these three, they would have been stunned.

For the horned man in the crimson cloak was none other than the ‘Demon Shadow Sect Master,’ ranked ninth on the Divine Emperor Rankings—a figure of immense demonic might, feared for his ruthlessness. In some ways, he was even more dangerous than the ‘Iron Dragon City Lord’ (ranked seventh), for his speed was second only to the fastest in the Divine Realm, allowing him to roam unchecked.

The green-robed elder was the ‘Wuzhe City Lord,’ ranked fifteenth.

Among the thirty-odd Divine Emperor Perfection combatants, ranking fifteenth spoke volumes of his strength.

“Demon Shadow, does this self-proclaimed ‘Northern River’ truly deserve to ally with us?” The green-browed elder cast a sidelong glance at the Northern River Divine Emperor.

“Hahaha.” The Demon Shadow Sect Master’s laughter was piercing. He smirked at the Northern River Divine Emperor. “Wuzhe, if you doubt me, test him yourself. But don’t blame me if you suffer for it.”

“Suffer?” Wuzhe City Lord raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve sparred with Brother Northern River. His strength is no less than mine.”

Hearing this, Wuzhe City Lord nodded slightly. “Very well. Remember your promise.”

“Rest assured,” the Northern River Divine Emperor said calmly. “Once the Flying Snow Divine Emperor is slain, all his treasures are yours. If they fall short of 100,000 Primordial Chaos Crystals, I will make up the difference.”

“Good.” Wuzhe City Lord nodded.

“Relax. If Brother Northern River is this cautious, the prey must be rich indeed. You’ll take it all.” The Demon Shadow Sect Master grinned. As for him, he had already received half his payment from the Northern River Divine Emperor—the rest would come upon success.

“Whoever he is, with the three of us united, even slaying a Divine Emperor Perfection is within reach.” Wuzhe City Lord brimmed with confidence.

Three Divine Emperor Perfection experts, all highly ranked—and most crucially, the Northern River Divine Emperor had chosen these two for their perfect synergy. Together, their combined might could rival that of seven or eight less-coordinated experts of the same level.

“It must succeed in one strike. Dongbo Xueying… blame only yourself for obstructing my path.” The Northern River Divine Emperor’s killing intent surged. He refused to let Xueying haunt him across all three worlds. He knew—given the chance, Xueying would not hesitate to kill him either.

Thus, the threat had to be eradicated first.

—

Junshan City.

This tranquil city had grown even more peaceful since Dongbo Xueying took residence. With the fall of the Demon Heart Society’s master, no major disturbances arose. After all, a warrior of ‘Late Divine Emperor’ combat strength wielded formidable deterrence.

**”Whoosh—”**

The wind rustled, sending branches dancing.

“Master, this is a rare wine my family’s caravan procured from another city. It’s my favorite—please, try it.” Yufeng Qingyin eagerly poured a cup, watching Xueying expectantly.

Dongbo Xueying lifted the cup and took a sip. Instantly, a jolt ran through him, his mind buzzing.

“What in the world is this?” He blinked.

“Isn’t it exhilarating?” Yufeng Qingyin’s eyes sparkled. “First, it’s like icy water dousing your head, then your whole body feels weightless, your soul adrift. Extraordinary, right? Only a Godking or above can handle it—weaker beings would suffer soul damage. I adore it.”

“Adore?” Xueying smacked his lips. His physique far surpassed his disciple’s. To him, the wine merely delivered a brief mental jolt. As for the so-called ‘soul drift’—with his immense soul strength, such an effect was nearly impossible to achieve.

…