quiet!
A deathly silence enveloped the area surrounding Purple Mountain!
Many cultivators, especially those from small or medium-sized sects or those who were independent cultivators, felt a chill run from the soles of their feet straight to the top of their heads, leaving their entire bodies icy cold.
They knew the terror of Extreme Dao Emperor Weapon and the unfathomable depths of powerful forces.
But witnessing firsthand how easily, thoroughly, and insignificantly a Mighty Figure figure, usually someone to be looked up to, is erased, brings an unparalleled visual and emotional impact.
This is more intimidating than any verbal threat!
After a brief period of deathly silence came a deeper sense of restraint and apprehension.
The leaders of all factions, whether human or Primordial Races, looked at the Great Xia Dynasty's camp with increasing seriousness.
The Great Xia Emperor remained seated with his eyes closed, as if he had merely crushed an insignificant insect.
But this silent strength made everyone realize more clearly how pale individual bravery is in the face of true mastery.
The order in the arena, under such terrifying intimidation, presented an eerie "calm," but beneath this calm, an undercurrent was surging ever more fiercely, searching for an outlet.
Just as no one dared to be the first to act due to these swift and decisive measures at the foot of Purple Mountain...
Tens of thousands of miles away, deep within the Fuyuan mining area in the Northern Region, which belongs to the great sect " Five Elements Palace," a "harvest" that is completely out of place with the somber atmosphere here is in full swing.
"Hehehe, I've struck it rich! This time I've really struck it rich!"
Duan De's chubby face glistened with excitement. He carefully used a specially made jade shovel, engraved with source-avoiding runes, to pry out a piece of alien source, about the size of a millstone, translucent and seemingly with colorful light flowing inside, from the core of the ore vein.
The life essence emanating from the Source Stone was almost tangible, making the surrounding air feel fresher.
" The Five-Colored Rosy Cloud Stone! This is a top-grade material for refining earth-elemental magic weapons and replenishing life essence!"
Those guys from the Five Elements Palace really know how to hide good stuff!
He deftly put away the priceless Source Stone, a broad smile spreading across his face.
"Woof! You fatso, hurry up! Stop grinning like an idiot!"
The Black Emperor stood on a pile of ore that it had temporarily concealed with a hidden array.
Its claws moved swiftly like butterflies flitting among flowers, unleashing beams of distorted light and array patterns that interfered with divine sense detection, temporarily "shielding" several warning restrictions and communication arrays in the core of the mining area.
As it busied itself, it pricked up its ears, alertly sensing its surroundings.
"My formation won't hold for much longer! Several auras of Dao Dragon Transformation Realm cultivators are already approaching; the elders left behind must have been alerted!"
Ye Fan's figure moved like a ghost through the complex mine.
He didn't use much divine power; relying solely on the immense strength of his Sacred Body body, his fingers, sharp as knives, easily pierced the hard rock wall, digging out pieces of buried high-purity Source Stone.
Above him on the Bitter Sea, the three-legged, two-eared cauldron, forged from the Mother Qi of All Things Source, floated up and down, casting down countless strands of primordial yellow energy. It not only protected him completely but also easily suppressed any distracting thoughts and ominous signs that might be hidden within the Source Stone.
A massive amount of ordinary sources, heterogeneous sources, and even a few pieces shimmering with strange light and containing unknown divine objects, were poured into the seemingly small but actually vast space inside the Cauldron of All-Things Mother Qi, like rivers flowing into the sea.
" The Dao Palace Secret Realm Divine Treasures: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. These treasures require a massive amount of life essence and the corresponding five elements to cleanse and nurture the deities."
Ye Fan felt a surge of heat as he sensed the pure primordial energy almost overflowing from the cauldron.
"This harvest is not only enough for me to cultivate the first two levels of the Dao Palace Secret Realm, but I even have hope of obtaining the resources for the third level!"
Moreover, these diverse sources of various attributes correspond precisely to the Five Elements, which greatly benefit my refinement of the Dao Palace 'Divine Treasures!
This hastily assembled "archaeological exploration team" was extremely self-aware, knowing full well that an egg cannot break a rock.
The core mining areas and ancestral tombs of top-tier forces like the Jiang Family, Ji Family, and Jade Pool are undoubtedly heavily fortified, perhaps even with ancient monsters constantly residing there. Going there would be like walking into a trap.
Therefore, they set their sights on major sects such as the Five Elements Palace and the Illusion Destruction Palace, which were powerful and influential in the Northern Region, but ultimately inferior to the Extreme Dao forces.
As it turned out, their strategy was correct.
Taking advantage of the fact that the Purple Mountain Storm had drawn away most of the high-end combat power and attention of various factions, they were like rats sneaking into a treasure vault, targeting places with relatively weak defenses but rich resources, and they almost always succeeded.
"That's enough! Let's retreat!"
Ye Fan let out a low shout, feeling that the gains had far exceeded his expectations, and that further greed might lead to unforeseen changes.
Upon hearing this, Black Emperor pressed his paw down sharply, and the last composite array of concealment and interference was driven into the earth's veins, temporarily distorting the energy of this area.
It growled, "Go!"
The man, the dog, and the Daoist priest worked in perfect harmony, transforming into three dim streaks of light that almost blended into the environment. Following a complex path that they had repeatedly rehearsed and avoided the main spiritual patrol routes, they disappeared into the rocky mountains on the outskirts of the mining area in a few flashes.
Behind them, the furious roar of the Five Elements Palace elders could be faintly heard, along with the belated, piercing alarm from the mining area.
But all of this only adds a bit of background noise to their successful "archaeological expedition."
"Hahaha! That's great! That's really great!"
As Duan De sped along the crimson land with Ye Fan and the Black Emperor, his chubby face was filled with ecstasy.
"These arrogant bigwigs have finally met their match!"
I had long ago used the " Dragon-Seeking and Den-Finding Technique " to deduce that the Five Elements Palace's mineral vein was connected to a hidden earth dragon vein, which would surely harbor rare treasures, and indeed it has!
Black Emperor excitedly wagged his bald tail and transmitted his voice:
"That's right! Follow me, and I guarantee you'll be showered with resources!"
Ye boy, go back and immediately go into seclusion to break through the Dao Palace Secret Realm first!
Then, we'll "visit" the treasury of the Illusion Destruction Palace again. I've heard they have several " Void Crystal " hidden there, which will be of great use to me in perfecting my array patterns!
Although Ye Fan was also quite excited, he remained calm and reminded him:
"This success was entirely due to the element of surprise."
Next, all the major factions will definitely strengthen their vigilance and may even conduct joint patrols.
We need to remain silent for a while, digest our gains, and observe the changes in Purple Mountain.
He vaguely sensed that the commotion on Purple Mountain seemed to be somehow related to Teacher Li.
Just as Ye Fan's team returned laden with spoils, concealing their presence and preparing to devour their trophies...
In that cold, desolate outer space, where the laws were vastly different, that battle lasted for more than a year.
The unprecedented double catastrophe has finally reached its climax and conclusion.
The Chaos Thunder Sea, which originally spanned billions of miles, was colorful and exuded an aura of destruction powerful enough to annihilate stars, was now as thin as the mist before dawn.
In the center of the sea of thunder, there were nine young emperor figures, each representing the ultimate Dao, constructed from the imprints of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth and the essence of thunder.
Its luster has faded, its form is blurred, and it has even become incomplete.
Li Qingshan's figure rose and fell amidst the lingering lightning and the emperor's shadow.
His condition appeared miserable; his blue robe was tattered, and his body was covered with crisscrossing cracks. Golden blood seeped out continuously, but it quickly flowed back and healed under the swirling chaotic energy.
The Green Lotus Grows in Chaos phenomenon also appeared dilapidated, with broken lotus leaves and bent lotus stems, yet it still stubbornly took root in the Void.
The root system, like a network, draws upon the last primal power from the sea of thunder, nourishing itself in return.
His eyes were more weary than ever before, but the light burning deep within his pupils was more dazzling than any star!
That was a radiance that had been tempered through countless tribulations, stripped of all impurities, leaving only the purest essence of the Dao!
More than a year of life-and-death battles and constant clashes with the imprints of the nine young Great Emperor brought his understanding of the " Western Emperor Scripture " to a whole new level.
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Furthermore, his self-created " Eight-Nine Profound Art " completely merged with his physical body, soul, and the Great Dao in the cycle of destruction and rebirth.
It began to truly reveal its extraordinary potential of "encompassing all things, evolving all laws, and being indestructible through tempering".
"Creating a method is not imitation, but innovation!"
The ultimate force is not destruction, but rebirth!
A clear understanding flowed through his mind, and his fist techniques changed accordingly.
It is no longer confined to the Emperor Fist Xingyi of the " Western Emperor Scripture ", nor is it a simple operation of the " Eight-Nine Profound Art ".
It began to integrate its entire understanding of chaos, power, and birth and death, transforming into a single, simple punch.
This punch, seemingly propelling the entire shattered sea of lightning, contained the most primordial power and laws since the Heaven-Opening, and slammed into the last Ancient Heavenly Court lightning shadow.
"Buzz, click!"
The violent tremors caused the evolution of earth, water, fire, and wind, and the world's cycle of birth and death, to collapse in an instant.
Unable to withstand the ultimate blow that embodied all of Li Qingshan's accumulated knowledge and insights, it let out a mournful cry as if the Great Dao had shattered, and exploded with a deafening roar!
Countless pure chaotic primordial energies exploded, like nebulae at the beginning of the universe.
Li Qingshan stood in the center, opened his mouth and inhaled, like a whale sucking in water, swallowing the massive amount of chaotic primordial energy containing the mysteries of creation and destruction into his belly.
"Boom!"
It was as if some kind of shackle within him had been completely broken.
The Bitter Sea boiled and expanded, the Dao Palace roared with Dao sounds, the Four Extremes drew in star power, the Dragon Transformation's spine bloomed with nine colors, and the light of divine consciousness from the Immortal Platform soared into the sky, illuminating this broken star field!
His aura surged and underwent a terrifying transformation at an astonishing rate!
The nine Great Emperor shadows have all been destroyed! The double heavenly tribulation has finally been overcome!
Just as the Ancient Heavenly Court's lightning shadow dissipated, Li Qingshan's aura began to resonate in a wondrous way with this starry sky and with the myriad laws of the universe.
"When!"
A bell tolled from the distant lower reaches, from the Big Dipper Ancient Star, in the direction of Purple Mountain in the Northern Region.
It pierced through endless star fields, ignored spatial barriers, and resonated clearly directly in Li Qingshan's mind and consciousness.
It also resonated deep within the souls of all cultivators above the Immortal Platform Secret Realm on the Big Dipper Ancient Star!
This bell toll was more refined, more magnificent, and more imbued with an indescribable vitality than the one a year ago!
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Then came the second, the third, the fourth—the bells rang out in succession, each one more urgent than the last, each one more resounding than the last!
The majestic imperial power, accompanied by the sound of bells, spread and enveloped the entire Big Dipper!
But this imperial aura was completely different from the warning and chilling feeling it had a year ago.
This time, within that oppressive aura, there seemed to be an ancient stirring, a will that had slumbered for millennia was slowly awakening, an indescribable anticipation!
The bell tolled nine times, each toll more urgent and higher-pitched than the last!
As the ninth bell rang, its lingering resonance did not dissipate but instead echoed and overlapped between heaven and earth, forming a strange ripple of Daoist rhythm.
Strange phenomena reappear in the direction of Purple Mountain!
Countless ancient and complex imperial runes emerged autonomously from the mountain, intertwining and spreading, forming a dazzling array of runes around Purple Mountain, flowing with the power of time and space, just like living things!
Above the array patterns, it seemed as if illusory images of celestial palaces and pavilions floated and rose, and scenes of ancient people performing sacrifices flashed by!
That majestic imperial aura was stronger than ever before, but it contained an aura that seemed to be waiting, welcoming, and verifying something!
Outside Purple Mountain, the atmosphere that had been extremely oppressive due to the intervention of the Great Xia Emperor and the impending calamity was completely ignited and detonated by the sudden and entirely different nine-ringed bell!
Nine rings! Nine rings of the Emperor Bell!
Dao patterns materialize into a curtain, the emperor's shadow rises and falls!
A living fossil of the Jiang Family suddenly stood up, his body radiating an uncontrollable crimson glow, his voice trembling slightly.
"Ancient texts record that Emperor Weapon possess spirits, and they will not sound unless they are controlled by the ruler! When they do sound, they shake the heavens, and nine sounds are the ultimate!"
This is no ordinary sign of a rare treasure appearing; it's more like Emperor Weapon welcoming its master back, or rather, welcoming the destined one qualified to inherit the Great Emperor's lineage!
The elder of the Ji Family who held the replica of the Void Mirror also changed his expression drastically. The mirror's surface flashed wildly, reflecting the dazzling Daoist light screen of Purple Mountain. He exclaimed in disbelief:
"The Emperor's Mark was fully activated, but it showed no sign of killing. Instead, it resonated with the bell's sound and manifested strange phenomena!"
Could the rumors be true, Great Emperor Wushi still exists in the world?
Or perhaps, their chosen successor has already violated the Purple Mountain restrictions and gained recognition?
Within the jade chariot of the Yaoguang Holy Land, the previously tranquil holy light began to fluctuate violently, and a voice, unable to maintain its composure, rang out:
"An opportunity! This is the opportunity we've been waiting for!"
When Emperor Weapon interact, the orthodox tradition manifests in the world!
The Purple Mountain must be opened before the "destined one" fully inherits the legacy!
The emperors of the various dynasties in the Central Continent exchanged glances, their eyes filled with horror and determination.
The Great Xia Emperor finally opened his eyes, his Imperial Dragon Qi flowing within them as if it were tangible:
"Even the Taihuang Sword senses this; the Beginningless Bell is indeed extraordinary!"
Such an opportunity must not fall into the hands of others!
Several Mighty Figure of the demon race exuded an overwhelming demonic aura. Among them, a demon king with wings on his back and a jade crown on his head said in a deep voice:
" The Great Emperor Wushi has a close relationship with the human race, but his lineage may not be impossible for our demon race to obtain!"
We must never allow the human race to monopolize this heritage!
The eyes of the Thirteen Great Bandits of the Northern Region gleamed, their killing intent and greed undisguised.
"Damn it, who cares about being destined for someone? Getting my hands on it is what matters!"
Even the representatives of the Primordial Royal Clan, who had always maintained their arrogance and indifference, could no longer remain calm at this moment.
The Ancient Races expert from Blood Phoenix Mountain, covered in dark gold scales, flashed a hint of surprise and solemnity in his crimson eyes:
"The name 'Wu Shi ' represents immense trouble and taboo in the Ancestor King's hazy memory."
Why is his bell beating so strangely now? Could it be that another extraordinary figure is about to emerge from the human race?
In an instant, outside Purple Mountain, the winds of change were blowing and the atmosphere was extremely tense!
All factions believe that a momentous event is taking place within Purple Mountain, concerning the succession of the Great Emperor Wushi Wushi's lineage!
That "destined person" may already be inside, or they may be arriving soon!
Greed, excitement, murderous intent, and a sense of urgency erupted like volcanoes among the various factions.
The original balance was completely shattered, and powerful auras, no longer concealed, soared into the sky and locked onto Purple Mountain.
Countless divine thoughts frantically assaulted the layer of Dao pattern light barrier, attempting to probe its true nature or find weaknesses in the formation.
The shadow of war instantly loomed large!
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the first force to lose its temper and make a move, which would become the fuse for a full-scale war!
No one knows that the true source of this "predestined person" sign, which caused turmoil throughout the entire Big Dipper and caused all the powerful to lose their Dao hearts, is not beneath or inside Purple Mountain.
But deep within the starry sky beyond the nine heavens, there was Li Qingshan, who had just shattered the nine Great Emperor shadows, survived countless tribulations, and merged with the Dao!
Under the starry sky, the aftershocks of the violent thunder gradually subsided.
Li Qingshan slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were as deep as the universe, and within them seemed to be scenes of chaos being created, galaxies evolving, and worlds being born and dying.
He felt the surging, transformative power within him, as vast as a starry sea.
And the clear and strange resonance and pull between his mind and the nine-ringed bell of Purple Mountain and the pervasive imperial might made him involuntarily curl a knowing smile at the corner of his mouth.
"Is the Beginningless Bell calling me?"
The time has come to fulfill the promise made years ago.
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