Zhuge Yishi immediately pulled Zhuge Siyu and charged out. As for Little Tao Tao, she had shrunk to the size of a small cat, cradled in Luo Ling'er's arms. Meanwhile, Hei Ming Shixuan, the moment she burst out of the defensive formation, casually swung her blade, executing another Soul Immortal.

Her innate power was definitely above the Fifth Heaven realm. To say nothing of a mere Soul Immortal, even a True Immortal could not withstand a single strike from her blade. In just a few steps, Ye Jingyu and the others vanished from sight.

Having lost two Soul Immortals, Fang Guyou’s disciples could no longer properly coalesce the Heavenly Constellation Soul Array. Yet, to master the complete cultivation methods, they charged forward with reckless abandon. Seeing the Soul Immortals pursuing them, Ye Jingyu frowned.

Although the Eastern Emperor Bell was continuously replenishing the energy within him, his prior expenditure had been too severe; the replenishment felt like a cup of water in a vast desert—barely effective. “You all go ahead, I’ll cover the rear!” Seemingly aware of Ye Jingyu’s condition, Zhuge Yishi shoved Zhuge Siyu toward him and declared loudly. “Yishi, you…” “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine!” Zhuge Yishi gasped, vigorously shaking the black banner in his hand.

Instantly, streaks of black light shot out. This light wasn't demonic energy, nor was it the miasma of the Netherworld; rather, it carried an icy chill. Vaguely, several black dragon silhouettes lunged toward the more than thirty Soul Immortals and True Immortals.

Regardless of whether they were the eighteen strongest True Immortals or the ordinary Soul Immortals and True Immortals, they all sensed the immense power contained within the black dragon shadows, forcing them to halt and defend against this surge. But how could ordinary Soul Immortals possibly resist? Almost instantaneously, the black dragon shadows pierced through their bodies.

Everything, including their very souls, froze solid before shattering into fine dust. In that single attack, seven Soul Immortals perished, and nine True Immortals who had only survived one Heavenly Tribulation were frozen until their souls scattered. Among the fallen was Mr.

Yu. Now, only the eighteen strongest True Immortals remained. One among them possessed strength comparable to Zhuge Yishi, having reached the level of the Fifth Heavenly Tribulation.

Crucially, this individual had genuinely passed the Fifth Tribulation, making him far superior to Zhuge Yishi, who had reached that realm without undergoing the trial. Combined with the remaining seventeen True Immortals whose tribulations ranged from the Second to the Fourth, this force was certainly sufficient to obliterate Zhuge Yishi effortlessly. Yet, facing such a multitude of experts, Zhuge Yishi showed no hint of fear.

The black banner in his hand shook incessantly, unleashing wave after wave of black radiance. These True Immortals ceased holding back. They formed hand seals, summoning bolts of lightning, plumes of fire, and flying stones that rained down from the sky, slamming violently toward Zhuge Yishi.

However, every assault was blocked by the rising curtain of black light before him. Seeing that Zhuge Yishi had truly intercepted the eighteen True Immortals, Ye Jingyu finally felt a measure of relief and bolted outward with the women in tow. Just as they were about to break free from this domain and flee back toward the Demon Realm, a figure materialized directly in front of them.

Gazing at the magnificent man before him, clad in embroidered robes, and sensing the colossal power emanating from his body, Ye Jingyu’s brow knitted tightly. “You… how did you suddenly become this powerful?” Ye Jingyu found it impossible to believe. Xuanyuan Ruoxing, who had been moments from death just a while ago, now seemed like an entirely different person.

The aura he exuded was in no way weaker than that of Fang Guyou had been moments before. “Heh, quite simple. I devoured his power!” Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s smile, directed at the battered Ye Jingyu, was radiant.

He had nearly been killed by this man previously, but now? With the strength he commanded, how could Ye Jingyu possibly stand against him? Ye Jingyu knew exactly who he was.

Even though he had suspected it earlier, the confirmation sent a fresh wave of shock through him. A Nine Tribulation True Immortal! Someone who could escape even the grasp of a Venerable-level powerhouse—what an overwhelmingly potent entity that must have been, to have his essence entirely siphoned away by a minor figure?

How could this be? Even if he had been careless, even if he had been severely injured and struck by a sneak attack, the sheer volume of energy within him should have been enough to tear Xuanyuan Ruoxing apart! But why was he unharmed, and why had he assimilated that power so swiftly?

It was utterly unbelievable. “Shixuan, if there’s a chance, take them and go!” Ye Jingyu stepped forward, the Heavenly Venerable Blade reappearing in his hand. Even though he currently possessed almost no strength, he absolutely would not allow Xuanyuan Ruoxing to harm Luo Ling’er, or the treasure she carried.

That was his child with her; he could never tolerate her suffering the slightest injury. And then there was Zhuge Siyu, clad in white. He had made a solemn promise to Dugu Bacheng; how could he possibly break his word?

The Eastern Emperor Bell continued to circle within his Sea of Consciousness, constantly emitting streaks of cyan light, nourishing his failing body. This would be his final trump card. “Mmm…” Hei Ming Shixuan nodded lightly.

She loved Big Brother; no matter what Big Brother asked her to do, she would do it. However, Luo Ling’er showed no inclination to leave. One small hand gripped Ye Jingyu’s palm tightly, while the other gently stroked her abdomen, as if whispering secrets to her unborn child.

As for Zhuge Yishi, she firmly gripped the translucent longsword in her hand. Though she knew she was useless in a battle of this caliber, she would never surrender so easily. Only Little Tao Tao remained, snoring softly on Luo Ling’er’s shoulder; the power of half a Dragon Pearl was more than enough for him to absorb for a long while.

Xuanyuan Ruoxing merely smiled at the exchange between Ye Jingyu and Hei Ming Shixuan. With his current strength, could they possibly escape? His gaze swept over Ye Jingyu and the others before finally resting on Zhuge Siyu.

Looking at the pristine white robes of Zhuge Siyu, unstained by even a speck of dust, Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s smile widened. Perhaps he could spare her life. Once he became emperor, he would certainly require an Empress.

Such a beautiful woman—wasn’t she the Empress heaven had destined for him? “Omph…” Just as Xuanyuan Ruoxing was lost in thought, a clear bell tone suddenly resonated through the void. Immediately after, a massive cyan ancient bell appeared directly above his head, hurtling down toward him with a rushing wind sound.

A look of disdain crossed Xuanyuan Ruoxing’s lips. Without even summoning a magical artifact, he raised his hand and lashed out toward the descending ancient bell… (Beginning to build up reserves starting today; explosive release on Thursday. Readers, remember to cast your votes and throw your bricks after you finish reading!) 【Ti: Dear 3Z Readers, the current chapter marks the final page of this book】

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