As Zifeng opened his mouth, all the surrounding flames seemed to find an outlet and were instantly sucked into him. The purple flames erupting from his body burned brighter, while the ambient flames rapidly diminished.

"When did you cultivate the Innate Fire Spirit Physique?" Seeing Zifeng completely disregard the nature of these flames, absorbing them directly to transform into his own Purple Flame Heavenly Fire, Sun Wukong's eyes were filled with shock. He recalled that the last time he saw Zifeng, he was still far from achieving this level.

"I don't know either. I just kept practicing and practicing until I became the Innate Fire Spirit Physique!" Zifeng lightly shook his head, appearing completely unconcerned. Hearing this, the Monkey King rolled his eyes furiously. What did he mean, he achieved the Innate Fire Spirit Physique just by practicing? Were all those who struggled endlessly in refinement but failed to take that final step as foolish as pigs? Nevertheless, with Zifeng's assistance, the flames within the Qiankun Cauldron were rapidly decreasing. He no longer needed the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree to protect himself; the Golden Cudgel appeared in his hand, waiting for Zifeng to absorb the cauldron's flames before launching a full-force assault. Without the obstruction of these flames and with no one actively controlling the Qiankun Cauldron, his own strength was sufficient to smash their way out.

After an unknown period, just as Zifeng had completely absorbed the flames within the Qiankun Cauldron and converted them into his own energy, Sun Wukong let out a sudden, long cry. He raised the Golden Cudgel in his hand and smashed it directly against the cauldron's sturdy wall. With a dull, resounding crash, two streams of light, one golden and one purple, shot out from within the Qiankun Cauldron. Looking at the cauldron, now bearing a gaping hole from his strike, the Monkey King gently shook his head—what a magnificent artifact it had been. Zifeng, however, simply reached out with one hand and grasped the broken Qiankun Cauldron.

"It's just a broken cauldron, why are you taking it?" the Monkey King asked, puzzled. "Even though you broke it, the cauldron is still forged from Innate materials. We are about to meet that young man; as an elder, how can I go empty-handed for a meeting gift?" Zifeng smiled faintly and tucked the Qiankun Cauldron away. The Monkey King rolled his eyes again. If he were to give a meeting gift, he should give something worthwhile—a broken Qiankun Cauldron, even if it was an Ancient Artifact, it was shattered! He knew the power of the blow he just struck; repairing this Qiankun Cauldron completely might take an immeasurable amount of time. But seeing that Zifeng had already stored the cauldron, he didn't bother saying more. He took a step forward, and a seven-colored cloud materialized beneath his feet. Zifeng, without ceremony, stepped onto the cloud, and they sped off together toward their destination.

In the preceding days, the Celestial Realm had undergone earth-shattering changes. Ever since Ye Jingyu beheaded Guangchengzi with a single strike and Liang Xiaoke killed Nezha, the prestige of the Southern Cloud Empire had surged dramatically. Luo Ruofeng held the capital, Yunjing, while Ye Jingyu and Liang Xiaoke led millions of troops in relentless pursuit, leaving the Tianyuan Empire utterly devastated. Countless masters had perished under their hands. Ye Jingyu's Pangu True Body, in particular, was almost an invincible existence; no one could withstand three moves from him. Now, on the fringe of the Savage Forest, the two massive armies led by Liang Xiaoke and Ye Jingyu had finally cornered Xuanyuan Jing. Facing the two bloodthirsty armies, the Celestial Soldiers led by Xuanyuan Jing had already lost all courage.

Xuanyuan Jing, clad in purple-gold armor and wielding the Xuanyuan Sword, looked coldly at Ye Jingyu standing before the formation. Though deeply reluctant, he understood that this was the moment for his duel with Ye Jingyu. But against his Pangu True Body, could he truly hold his ground? The memory of that world-splitting slash, that overwhelmingly powerful blow, sent a tremor through his heart. However, he also knew that sometimes, whether one wishes it or not, certain burdens must be shouldered. "Ye Jingyu, do you dare to fight me!" Facing the Southern Cloud army, which vastly outnumbered his own forces, Xuanyuan Jing stepped forward and roared.

"Hahahaha, Xuanyuan Jing, after all this time, you finally have the guts to fight this Sovereign! As you wish today!" Ye Jingyu was also clad in black armor, but it was stained with golden blood—the blood of countless Immortals. The Heaven Sovereign Saber in his hand still dripped crimson, having drunk the blood of so many Celestials in these days that it had become a peerless, malevolent blade, rivaling the Four Swords of Execution. Hearing Xuanyuan Jing's challenge, Ye Jingyu stepped out without hesitation.

"A’Yu, let me handle this brat!" As Ye Jingyu stepped forward, two wings sprouted from Liang Xiaoke's back, poised to engage Xuanyuan Jing in battle. "Big Brother, isn't there that other uncle standing there? You killed his son; surely you should leave the boy's father a chance for revenge, shouldn't you?" Ye Jingyu chuckled softly, pointing toward Li Tianwang, whose face was grim, standing within the ranks. Hearing Ye Jingyu's words, Liang Xiaoke's eyes lit up, and he glanced provocatively at Li Jing, the meaning clear: Does this guy dare fight me?

Feeling the provocative gaze, Li Jing was filled with mounting fury, and he took a slight step forward. But recalling the Four Swords of Execution carried by Liang Xiaoke, he retreated another step. The Four Swords of Execution were not something he could contend with; what could he use against them? Furthermore, Liang Xiaoke’s cultivation was no longer beneath his own; he was no match for him. If he engaged, wouldn't it just be throwing his life away?

Seeing Li Jing dare not speak despite his anger, Ye Jingyu and Liang Xiaoke both burst into laughter. A flicker of understanding crossed Xuanyuan Jing's eyes; perhaps this explained why the Heavenly King's cultivation hadn't advanced much over the years—his heart was too consumed by fear, lacking the fearlessness required to step forward. "Big Brother, it seems he doesn't dare contest the fight with you. You should stay by my side and back me up!" Ye Jingyu laughed heartily, and as he spoke, he stepped forward once more.

The Nine Phoenixes, Yao’er, Luo Linger, and the others who had followed him on the campaign all wore expressions of absolute confidence; they believed their lover could defeat Xuanyuan Jing with ease. Liang Xiaoke also laughed loudly, deliberately bringing forth the Four Swords of Execution to hover around him, their immense killing aura sweeping across heaven and earth. Xuanyuan Jing stepped forward as well. Without any unnecessary words, he charged directly at Ye Jingyu, wielding the Xuanyuan Sword. Seeing Xuanyuan Jing initiate with a full offensive, killing intent flared in Ye Jingyu's eyes. He remembered vividly how Xuanyuan Jing had nearly killed Xiyang that day. Everyone had their reverse scale, and Ye Jingyu’s reverse scale was his women; he absolutely would not allow anyone to harm them. Xuanyuan Jing had harmed his woman—this was an unforgivable crime. "Heavenly Absolute Sword..." As soon as they engaged, Xuanyuan Jing deployed his ultimate move. The Xuanyuan Sword trembled in his hand, manifesting a colossal sword beam that slashed toward Ye Jingyu.

Faced with such a strike, even the soldiers of the Southern Cloud Empire, who were brimming with confidence in Ye Jingyu, felt a pang of despair—a despair originating from the depths of their souls. The power of this strike, its trajectory, and its might deeply shook everyone. Under this sword light, they felt no inclination to resist. Heavenly Absolute Sword: Annihilation of All... Facing this sword meant to annihilate everything, Ye Jingyu appeared completely unfazed, allowing the massive sword beam to cleave toward him, not even planning to draw his saber.

With a swish, the immense sword beam struck Ye Jingyu's physical body, yet it shattered as if it were merely light and shadow. Only when the tip of the Xuanyuan Sword was about to pierce him did the Heaven Sovereign Saber in Ye Jingyu's hand tremble lightly, effortlessly blocking Xuanyuan Jing's attack. "Xuanyuan Jing, is this your current strength? If this is truly all you can muster, this Sovereign advises you to slit your own throat!" Ye Jingyu stared coldly at Xuanyuan Jing and snorted. Seeing Ye Jingyu shatter that annihilating strike so easily, the soldiers of the Southern Cloud Empire erupted in massive cheers, their morale soaring even higher. Conversely, the Tianyun Empire forces looked somber; if they hadn't been besieged by two armies, they likely would have fled long ago.

"Ye Jingyu, don't get too smug!" Xuanyuan Jing flicked the Xuanyuan Sword, parrying Ye Jingyu's strike, then shook his other hand, manifesting the Taiji Diagram, which enveloped Ye Jingyu entirely. Instantly, a golden bridge rose from the ground, dividing this void into four realms: Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire, with primal energies constantly erupting from each.

"Go..." Xuanyuan Jing stood upon this golden bridge, pointing a single finger. A colossal mountain materialized instantly and hurtled toward Ye Jingyu. Furthermore, a gigantic fire dragon sprang into existence from thin air and lunged at Ye Jingyu. Ferocious wind blades and sharp water essence rushed toward Ye Jingyu in their most potent forms, intent on tearing him to shreds. Facing the all-encompassing yet immensely powerful Taiji Diagram, Ye Jingyu merely offered a faint smile. "Xuanyuan Jing, if the Supreme Elder himself wielded the Taiji Diagram, this Sovereign would show respect and caution. With your current cultivation, how can you fully unleash the Taiji Diagram's true power?" As his words faded, Ye Jingyu stepped out—one step that carried him right over the mountain, past the fire dragon, around the gale, and across the waves, placing him directly atop the golden bridge... Seeing Ye Jingyu step onto the golden bridge so effortlessly, Xuanyuan Jing's expression changed drastically. Although he hadn't expected the Taiji Diagram to injure Ye Jingyu, he had hoped it could at least contain him for a moment to allow himself time to prepare. He never imagined it would prove so fragile. How could he know that Ye Jingyu possessed the Eye of Reincarnation, which allowed him to see through all illusions, enabling him to walk onto the golden bridge with ease?

"Celestial God Seal, go..." At this point, Xuanyuan Jing knew that if he didn't strike with all his might now, he might lose the chance entirely. Holding nothing back, he summoned the Sky City—forged using the Five-Colored Divine Banners as the matrix and refined from countless materials—and slammed it down viciously toward Ye Jingyu...