The Guardian

At the same time.

Inside the forging room, a wisp of black light coiled around Chen Yan's physical body.

It was only a wisp, yet it seemed to encompass the Great Dao Rules. It was utterly terrifying.

Within the black light lay the power to control the destruction and rebirth of one's Self Universe.

The Life and Death Aura.

The unique, formidable power of the Eighth Order Calamity Light Realm.

"'The Eighth Order commands life and death'—that saying is entirely true."

The white-haired old man spoke. "When a Creation Realm martial artist fights an Eighth Order, as long as the Eighth Order unleashes the Life and Death Aura, they can destroy the Self Universe within the Creation Realm martial artist.

"Once the Self Universe withers, even the mightiest Creation Realm martial artist will die.

"That is the Great Dao. That is the rule."

His voice was solemn. "Whether in personal power or mastery over the Great Dao, the Calamity Light Realm far surpasses the Creation Realm.

"Now that you possess the Life and Death Aura, a power only the Eighth Order can wield, you've gained no more than a sliver of hope. As things stand, you still won't be a match for an Eighth Order.

"Because the Life and Death Aura within you is only a wisp."

Chen Yan nodded silently.

He wouldn't let the fact that he'd mastered the Life and Death Aura make him complacent.

Compared to a true Eighth Order, Chen Yan was still far too weak.

To fight Chi Xue, Chen Yan would need a plan, help, and a willingness to stake his life.

Only by surviving nine deaths and one life could he seize a sliver of hope.

"Thank you, senior."

Chen Yan rose and bowed deeply to the old man.

The old man gave