The Nether Prison Immortal King's eyes reddened.
His lips trembled, and his body shook faintly. He wanted to speak, but found he could not say a word.
His Clone said nothing either. He only looked quietly at his original self—at the face so much older than his own, and at the tears glistening in his eyes.
At last, the Nether Prison Immortal King found his voice. It was hoarse and trembled despite his efforts to control it.
"You... you're alive?"
A faint smile touched his Clone's lips.
"I'm alive!"
The Nether Prison Immortal King drew a deep breath and pressed down the turmoil in his heart. Then he turned to Fang Chen, cupped his fists, and bowed deeply.
"Daoist Friend Fang Chen, thank you for your efforts!"
Fang Chen helped the Nether Prison Immortal King up.
"It was worth it!"
Fang Chen stood at the edge of the Chaos Star Sea, his blue robe snapping and his long hair flying.
Behind him, more than a dozen figures stood in a line.
Before him were the Immortal Kings of the Outer Heavens, their Fleet, and their army of Cultivators.
Every gaze fell on him. Some were shocked, some thrilled, some disbelieving, and some grateful to have survived.
He drew a deep breath. His voice was calm, yet it reached every person there.
"After more than thirty thousand years, we're back!"
He did not speak loudly, but his words exploded like thunder at the edge of the Chaos Star Sea.
"Wonderful! Wonderful! They're back! They're back!"
Behind the Nether Prison Immortal King, the Cultivators could not hold back their cheers.
Their voices surged like a tide and soared into the clouds.
Meanwhile, the Black Phoenix Immortal King, who led the defenders stationed in the first region of the Chaos Star Sea, also