Chapter 2079 : Settling Ancient Grudges

Then, Lingering Ye arrived, sword in hand, his expression carrying a chilling edge as he declared, "For the calamity of the Curse in days past, I have come today to personally settle the score with you."

"It's you..."

Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor's expression shifted slightly, utterly astonished that the once insignificant Ancient Immortal had now cultivated to such a formidable realm.

He channeled all his power to command his Innate Supreme Treasure, the Verdant Extreme Ancient Banner, to defend himself. Yet, he found the killing intent radiating from Lingering Ye was so piercing it seemed to penetrate the very protection of the Innate Supreme Treasure, sending a chill down his spine.

He thought to turn and seek aid, only to discover the three great Demon Emperors were already being held at bay by Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Sword Mystery Great Emperor, and Immortality Great Emperor. They were being pressed so hard they could barely muster a counterattack.

"This is impossible."

A sinking feeling gripped Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor's heart. He immediately sought to disengage and flee, but alas, it was already too late.

For Lingering Ye had completely cornered him, leaving no path of retreat. Meanwhile, high upon the Heavenly Vault, Vast Righteousness True Lord revealed a cultivation base rivaling that of a Sage Ascendant.

With overwhelming power, he summoned an Innate Supreme Treasure known as the 'Demon-Slayer Furnace', instantly sealing Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor within its confines.

Witnessing this, the remaining three Demon Emperors and Heaven's Deduction Great Emperor were seized by terror. They immediately unleashed their most desperate, life-preserving trump cards, fleeing into the boundless void at the grievous cost of severe injuries.

"A pity they managed to escape."

Watching the four figures flee, Sword Mystery Great Emperor spoke with a tone of regret.

At the same time, Worthy Remembrance Chen retrieved the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags and walked over with a smile. "The survival capabilities of Great Emperor-level experts are formidable. Even a Sage Ascendant would find it difficult to suppress them completely."

"We lack Innate Supreme Treasure with Spatial Attribute properties and possess few means to seal such foes. To have captured even one would have been a stroke of great fortune."

Vast Righteousness True Lord chuckled softly, stowing away the Demon-Slayer Furnace in his hand. He then turned his gaze to Worthy Remembrance Chen. "Verdant Extreme is your father's Great Path Rival [a destined adversary on the journey of cultivation]. Relay this news to him."

"Bid him come swiftly, so this thread of Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect governing all actions] may be severed."

Worthy Remembrance Chen gave a firm nod and immediately sent the message. With utmost courtesy, he added, "My deepest gratitude, Senior. Once this matter is concluded, my father will surely come."

Seeing this, Vast Righteousness True Lord offered no further comment.

He proceeded directly into the heart of the Ancestral Vein of Myriad Stars, his voice tinged with satisfaction. "If we use this Ancestral Vein of Myriad Stars [the primordial spiritual artery of countless stars] as the foundation for an array, transforming it into the Confucian Path Stellar Grand Formation..."

"...then the cultivation environment for the Confucian Path [the scholarly cultivation path emphasizing virtue, wisdom, and righteous energy] in this realm will become supremely favorable. It shall be more than sufficient to become the second greatest sacred land for the Confucian Path, second only to the Primordial Domain of Vast Righteousness."

Profound Chess Yan also smiled, his tone brimming with excitement as he said, "Junior Brother, you cultivate both the Confucian Path [a cultivation art based on Confucian philosophy and moral principles], harmonizing the strengths of both schools. Perhaps you can seize this opportunity to advance further, directly stepping into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm signifying one has ascended to the level of a sage, a master of profound truths]."

Vast Righteousness True Lord shook his head, offering no further comment on the matter. Instead, he turned his gaze to the others and inquired, "You also intend to assault the Ancestral Vein [a primordial source of spiritual energy, the lifeblood of a region]. Do you require our assistance?"

Imperial Sovereign Jiang pondered for a moment before speaking. "Not for now," he said. "First, you should re-establish the defensive Formation [a complex array of energy channels and symbols used for defense, offense, or other mystical purposes]. We shall go first to secure another Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [an even more ancient and potent source of chaotic primordial energy]."

The rest of the group saw no issue with this plan.

Soon, the party departed from the Ancestral Land of Myriad Stars and made their way to the Supreme Lunar Imperial Star [one of the nine supreme celestial bodies, imbued with the essence of the ultimate moon].

As one of the nine Chaos Imperial Stars [primordial stars born from chaos, holding supreme authority], the Supreme Lunar Imperial Star possessed an exceedingly high cosmic status. It was occupied by the direct lineage of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme sovereign born from the Primordial Chaos].

Within the Supreme Lunar Imperial Star, there resided four powerhouses at the Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm denoting imperial authority and vast power] level. Moreover, all four were existences at the Invincible Great Emperor [a pinnacle level among Great Emperors, nearly undefeatable in their realm] tier.

These four Great Emperors all hailed from the Chaos Firmament Extreme Domain [a distant and ancient domain at the edge of the chaotic firmament] and were disciples under two Chaos Primordial Gods [deities who originated in the Primordial Chaos, possessing unimaginable power].

Among them were two Persons of Destiny [individuals favored by fate, destined for greatness]: 'Boundless Firmament Great Emperor' and 'Desolate Ruins Great Emperor'.

Both were Invincible Great Emperors. The former had cultivated and mastered six major True Spirit Foundations [foundational cultivation arts that forge one's spirit with the essence of true, primordial spirits]. The latter walked the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on refining the physical body to an indestructible, divine state], having achieved the Six Great True Spirit Divine Forms [six supreme divine transformations based on true spirit essences].

As for the two guardian protectors, they were also Invincible Great Emperor [the pinnacle of cultivation below the Sage Ascendant realm]. However, they were Invincible Great Emperor whose growth had been forcibly hastened, their bloodline potential utterly exhausted, leaving them with almost no possibility of advancing further.

With four such Invincible Great Emperor [the pinnacle of cultivation below the Sage Ascendant realm], their combined strength could be considered transcendent. Joining forces, they should possess the power to contend even against a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the first major tier of sagehood].

Alas, such strength was still insufficient in the face of the assembled group.

As Worthy Remembrance Chen suppressed the Formation [a structured array that channels energy for defense or attack], five figures—Lingering Ye, Sword Mystery Great Emperor, Immortality Great Emperor, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, and Worthy Pursuit Chen—took action. With overwhelming, crushing force, they shattered the four Great Emperor [a powerful sovereign-level cultivator].

In this battle, the four Invincible Great Emperor [the pinnacle of cultivation below the Sage Ascendant realm] from the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme were each beaten to the brink of death, grievously wounded, and ultimately forced to abandon the Supreme Lunar Imperial Star [a celestial body imbued with supreme lunar essence].

"Two remain," someone uttered.

After securing the Supreme Lunar Imperial Star [a celestial body imbued with supreme lunar essence], Worthy Pursuit Chen let out a slow, measured breath before speaking. "When shall we move against the remaining two?"

"Let us test their defenses first," came the reply.

Imperial Sovereign Jiang spoke, then turned his gaze towards Lingering Ye, Immortality Great Emperor, and Sword Mystery Great Emperor. "You three shall remain here to establish a defensive Formation [a structured array that channels energy for defense or attack]. We shall first see if we can seize the remaining two Earth Vein [a concentrated line of terrestrial spiritual energy]."

"Very well," they agreed.

Lingering Ye nodded, then spoke, "While Imperial Scion Solar Sun and the others are still in seclusion, you should strive to conclude this swiftly."

Her voice paused briefly before she continued, "If it proves truly impossible, do not force it. We can assist you once we have completed the grand formation."

"Understood."

Worthy Pursuit Chen gave a slight smile, hefted his Immortal Iron Staff, and charged directly onto the lands of the Eastern Barrens.

They journeyed all the way to the Kunxuan Ancestral Vein, only to find, to their surprise, that numerous figures were already gathered there.

"Boundless Firmament Great Emperor, Desolate Ruins Great Emperor, Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor..."

Surveying the assembly, Worthy Pursuit Chen remarked with some astonishment, "I hadn't expected you all to have arrived here."

"Surprised?"

Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor spoke coldly, his gaze sharp with killing intent. "Your strength is formidable, granting you the right to claim one or two Earth Veins."

"A pity you arrived too late. This Earth Vein is already held by our fellow Daoists from the Demon Race, and with our aid now, what means do you have to seize it?"

As these words were spoken, several figures emerged from the depths of the Kunwu Path-Field.

Worthy Remembrance Chen looked up, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Within the Path-Field, four imposing figures stood. At their forefront was the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon Great Emperor of the Demon Race Heavenly Court, alongside the Primordial Era Snow Phoenix Great Emperor of the Phoenix Clan.

As one of the three paramount bloodlines of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain, the True Dragon Clan and the Immortal Phoenix Clan possessed profound and ancient legacies.

This Primordial Era Thunder Dragon was one of the legendary Nine Primordial Era Dragons. In ages past, these nine dragons served as the divine steeds that pulled the chariot of the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, their bloodlines and innate talents of the most exalted order.

During the Late Primordial Era, the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign was ensnared in a plot and fell into a deep slumber. From that moment, the Demon Race embarked on its path to ascendancy, and the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon vanished completely from the world.

To think that today, this Primordial Era Thunder Dragon had reappeared, and his cultivation had actually advanced into the realm of an Invincible Great Emperor.

The same was true for the Primordial Era Snow Phoenix. Having disappeared in that distant epoch, it was widely believed she had perished during the Great Tribulation of the Late Primordial Era. Yet here she was, having returned in silence.

"Two Invincible Great Emperor... and two guardian figures whose bloodlines are nearly exhausted. Just how many hidden reserves does the Demon Race still possess?"

Worthy Remembrance Chen murmured these thoughts inwardly, his gaze meeting that of Worthy Pursuit Chen in a silent exchange.

After a moment of silent communication, Worthy Pursuit Chen lowered the Immortal Iron Staff in his hand and spoke with calm authority. "Oh Primordial Era Thunder Dragon, legend tells that you once pulled the chariot for the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign?"

"You seek death!"

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon's face darkened, a flicker of Slaughter Intent [a palpable aura of murderous desire] flashing in its eyes.

Yet Worthy Pursuit Chen merely smiled and continued, "Today, this humble monk seeks to establish the Mahayana Buddhism [the Great Vehicle school of Buddhism], to found a supreme Buddhist Sect lineage. I am in need of sacred beasts to guard this new teaching."

"I see your potential is not lacking. Why not take refuge in the Buddha and become a sacred mount beneath my seat?"

"Arrogant fool!"

For the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon, the events of the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation] remained its greatest shame, a humiliation it detested being reminded of—that it had once been a mere beast of burden.

For years it had lived under an assumed name, with at least three-tenths of the reason being to bury that past.

Its sole focus had been secluded cultivation, striving to reach the Sage Ascendant realm and even the Heavenly Emperor Realm, all to seek vengeance against the Primordial Era Divine Sovereign and wash away the disgrace of those Primordial Era years.

Now, hearing Worthy Pursuit Chen mention it repeatedly, even boasting of making it a mount once more, its patience finally shattered.

With a roar of utter fury, he soared into the air, intent on riding forth on the Primordial Era Thunder Spear to do battle.

"Do not!"

As the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon [a primordial divine beast of thunder] prepared to charge out, Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor immediately blocked his path, saying, "This is a provocation tactic, a trick to goad you. You must not fall for it."

"Out of my way!"

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon's temper was as explosive as the storms he commanded. With a furious shove, he pushed Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor aside and surged out from the protective formation, cloaked in boundless wrath.

Once beyond the formation's shield, he fixed a cold, merciless gaze upon Worthy Pursuit Chen and declared, "I shall strip the sinews from your bones, peel the skin from your flesh, and grind your very bones to dust."

"Hah—"

Worthy Pursuit Chen merely smiled. With a flick of his sleeve, he parried the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon's advance, then produced a scroll of scripture. "The Buddha is merciful," he intoned, his voice calm yet resonant. "Heaven itself values the preservation of life."

"This humble one has no wish to harm you. Instead, follow me and listen to the Dharma [the teachings of the Buddha]."

As his words faded, Worthy Pursuit Chen began to chant the sutra. One after another, characters of Dao Gold [a radiant, sacred gold color] hue materialized in the air, transforming into countless Six-Syllable Mantra [the powerful six-syllable mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum'] that blanketed heaven and earth, completely enveloping and sealing away the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon.

In that moment, Worthy Pursuit Chen channeled the power of the Enlightened One's World-Salvation Scripture, seeking to subdue and convert the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon with the might of the Six-Syllable Mantra.

The overwhelming power of the Six-Syllable Mantra, filled with an indescribable, supreme authority, actually plunged the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon into a state of bewildered stupor.

Its expression grew vacant and unfocused. Its entire aura seemed to turn peaceful and serene one moment, only to become violently savage the next.

"Lay down your blade of slaughter, and you may attain enlightenment in this very instant!"

Seizing the opportunity, Worthy Pursuit Chen pressed his exhortations, driving the power of the Enlightened One's World-Salvation Scripture to its absolute limit. He came perilously close to completely converting the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon.

Yet, at the critical juncture, the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon suddenly regained its clarity. With a roar of boundless, murderous intent [a will to slaughter that reaches to the heavens], it violently cast aside the scripture and charged at Worthy Pursuit Chen.

Worthy Pursuit Chen remained utterly unmoved. With a simple raising of his palm and a downward press, he sent the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon crashing to the ground.

Then, Worthy Pursuit Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of coldness passing through his eyes as he spoke.

"Pick up the scripture."

"DIE—"

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon [an ancient and immensely powerful dragon born in the primordial times] roared as it surged into the sky once more, carrying with it a sky-obscuring aura of Celestial Slaughter [a plant whose essence embodies the concept of heavenly execution] as it sought to tear Worthy Pursuit Chen in half.

The gaze of Worthy Pursuit Chen grew even colder. He pressed down with his palm once more, sending the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon hurtling away, and continued, his voice unwavering, "Pick up the scripture!"

"You wish to convert me?"

"I would rather die than submit."

Consumed by boundless fury and hatred, the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon shot towards the heavens, manifesting its true Primordial Era Thunder Dragon form to engage Worthy Pursuit Chen in a desperate, life-or-death struggle.

The icy resolve in Worthy Pursuit Chen's eyes finally reached its zenith. In an instant, he soared into the air. His crimson kasaya [a monk's outer robe] unfurled like a celestial curtain, shrouding the vast expanse of heaven and earth.

He manifested his Great Power Heavenly Dragon True Body [a supreme divine form that embodies the power of a heavenly dragon]. Around him, the divine forms of True Dragon [the most noble and powerful breed of dragon] coiled and danced, unleashing the supreme divine power capable of Oblivion [utter and complete annihilation] upon all worlds.

"*Cough*—"

Then, with his full might unleashed, he struck with a single palm. The blow sent the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon flying, blood spraying from its form. Its Dragon Bone [the skeletal structure of a dragon, imbued with immense spiritual power] and Dragon Blood [the vital essence of a dragon, containing potent life force and power] were shattered into countless pieces.

After that single move, Worthy Pursuit Chen struck again, his wrath palpable: "Wretched dragon! Pick up the scripture! Pick up the scripture…"

"I told you to pick up the scriptures!"

"Pfft—"

Yet, after only a few more exchanges, the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon found its leg bones shattered inch by inch. Its Indestructibility spine, infused with the divine thunder of the Primordial Era, was brutally pounded into fragments.

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon let out a violent, agonized howl, its spirit filled with a fierce, desperate desire to fight to the death.

But countless golden Sanskrit characters surged forth, gradually eroding the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon's soul. Strangely, this invasion caused the battle fury in its heart to quietly dissipate.

In a daze, it reflected on a lifetime steeped in bloodshed and sin. A sudden wave of remorse washed over its heart.

"Lay down the blade, and in that instant, achieve enlightenment."

"If I abandon this obsession, could it help me shatter the nightmares of these past years?"

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon murmured softly to itself, momentarily lost in a profound epiphany.

As the foremost prodigy of the Dragon Clan, its innate talent was even more astonishing than that of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant. By all rights, it should have long since stepped into the Sage Ascendant Realm.

Yet the nightmares of many years, that indelible obsession, made it difficult for him to step into the Sage Ascendant Realm [the realm of a sage who has ascended beyond the ordinary].

He desired to break through to Sage Ascendant [the state of a sage ascendant], and even to shatter the barriers of the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the sovereign realm of a Heavenly Emperor], to wash away the shame of once being reduced to a mere mount. Yet, this very obsession shackled his progress, leaving him unable to advance an inch.

"Let go of your obsession, cultivate with a single-minded heart, and you shall naturally attain the Sage Ascendant Realm,"

Worthy Pursuit Chen spoke slowly, his expression serene. "Release your fixation, pick up the sutra, and follow me in cultivating the Great Vehicle Buddhist Dharma [the profound teachings of the Great Vehicle path of Buddhism]."

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon [an ancient dragon born in the primordial era, master of thunder] seemed to gain a moment of enlightenment, reaching out to pick up the scripture.

At that very moment, Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor and the others' expressions changed drastically. "Ao Xing, you are a peerless prodigy of your generation! How could you heed the words of another?" he immediately exclaimed.

Even as he spoke, Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor moved to intervene and offer aid.

Alas, it was utterly futile. Worthy Remembrance Chen summoned forth the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of formation flags arranged according to the Eight Trigrams, creating a powerful defensive barrier], firmly barring their path forward.

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon glanced back at Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor and his companions, then at the figure of Worthy Pursuit Chen before him, finding himself caught in a dilemma.

Worthy Pursuit Chen merely smiled, speaking with calm assurance. "The Buddha is compassionate. You have a karmic affinity with our Mahayana Buddhism [the Great Vehicle school of Buddhism]. It is your destiny to become a Dharma-protecting True Dragon [a genuine dragon, a being of immense power and prestige] for our teachings."

"Of course, if you are unwilling to relinquish your attachments, this humble monk is also willing to intervene and sever them for you."

As he spoke, Worthy Pursuit Chen gripped the Immortal Iron Staff. Upon the staff, the Six-Syllable Mantra [a powerful Buddhist incantation] converged, transforming into a ring of golden Merit Golden Light [radiance born from accumulated virtuous deeds].

Worthy Pursuit Chen sighed inwardly. The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon's attachments ran too deep. If it could not be guided to enlightenment through Buddhist teachings, then it would have to be liberated through Buddhist power.

The Primordial Era Thunder Dragon was momentarily bewildered, struggling with the choice. In the end, it could only follow its true heart and chose to follow Worthy Pursuit Chen.

It picked up the sutra, allowing countless golden Sanskrit characters to flow into its body. With a face full of piety, it said, "Amitabha. The Buddha is merciful."

"This humble dragon wishes to lay down the attachments in its heart and follow the Buddha to comprehend the Great Vehicle Buddhist Dharma [the Mahayana Buddhist teachings, the 'Great Vehicle' path to enlightenment]."

"A teachable disciple."

Worthy Pursuit Chen nodded, his face suffused with the compassionate sorrow of one who pities all living beings. He then looked towards the Kunxuan Ancestral Vein and said, "Follow me into battle here, to completely sever the attachments in your heart."

"Once this is accomplished, your path to Sage Ascendant [a realm just below that of a true Sage] will be within reach."

Ao Xing [the dragon's name] nodded in agreement. Immediately, he mounted the Primordial Era Thunder Spear and soared into the sky, being the first to charge into the heart of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain.

Ao Xing's sudden betrayal caught Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor and the others completely off guard.

Because Ao Xing controlled a portion of the grand formation's authority, Worthy Remembrance Chen was able to dismantle the formation here with effortless ease.

Without the aid of the formation, the several Great Emperor were hardly a cause for concern.

The battle did not last long. Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor and the others fled for their lives, vanishing into the boundless void.

"A pity we could not capture them,"

Watching the figures of his foes recede into the distance, Worthy Remembrance Chen let out a soft sigh, a flicker of regret coloring his expression.

Imperial Sovereign Jiang, however, remained composed. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke with a note of concern.

"Their strength is not insignificant. If they unite to defend the Western Region Spirit Mountain, I fear we may lack the certainty to seize it."

Worthy Pursuit Chen nodded in agreement, a trace of solemnity also appearing on his face.

Having captured three Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein, they would inevitably have to disperse some of their forces to garrison them.

Even by harnessing the power of an Earth Vein [a major terrestrial spiritual energy convergence point] to establish a Formation [a structured array for defense or offense] at the Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the legendary Sages] level, it would still require at least one top-tier Great Emperor [a supreme ruler among cultivators, possessing immense power] to hold the fort.

This meant they would need to leave at least three individuals to guard the three Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [the most ancient and potent sources of spiritual energy, born from primordial chaos], leaving the remaining forces to assault the final required Ancestral Vein [a supreme spiritual energy source].

Contemplating this, Imperial Sovereign Jiang spoke, "Once the grand formation is complete, the Ancestral Vein of Myriad Stars [a legendary spiritual vein connected to the cosmos] can be entrusted to that Profound Chess Yan. The Supreme Lunar [the ultimate principle of the moon, representing profound yin power] Earth Vein can be garrisoned by Lingering."

"As for this place, we can assign either Sword Mystery Great Emperor or Immortality Great Emperor to hold it."

Worthy Pursuit Chen pondered briefly before replying, "So, apart from the three of us, we would only have Senior Vast Righteousness and one Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose prowess is considered nearly unbeatable] to assist?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present fell into thoughtful silence.

Although an Invincible Great Emperor is reputed to hold their own against five opponents, those qualified to contend for a Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein are almost invariably top-tier Great Emperor at the very least.

Even an Invincible Great Emperor would find it difficult to achieve true invincibility against such adversaries.

Even beings like them, whose combat power rivals that of a Sage Ascendant, possess strength roughly equivalent to a dozen Great Emperor joining forces.

While such power is formidable, when pitted against these top-tier Great Emperor and Invincible Great Emperor, they could, at most, contend with three or four of them simultaneously.

Not to mention, Worthy Remembrance Chen, who commands eight Innate Supreme Treasure and possesses the most formidable combat power, must devote the greater part of his focus to suppressing the Formation [a complex arrangement of energy channels and nodes used for defense, attack, or cultivation], making it difficult for him to offer them significant assistance.

Considering this, Worthy Pursuit Chen spoke, "If they band together to defend the Western Region Spirit Mountain, I fear it will be exceedingly difficult for us to capture it."

"It seems we must still contact Little Scale Emperor and Carefree Great Emperor, and request their aid in this endeavor."

Imperial Sovereign Jiang also nodded, then said, "Before we act, let us send word to the other factions that hold a Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [a supreme source of primordial chaos energy, the foundation for the most powerful cultivation grounds]."

"We must clearly inform them that we have no intention of moving against their Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein."

Hearing this, everyone present nodded in agreement.

Although the news had already spread, as long as they refrained from attacking the other Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein, the pressure they faced would likely be significantly reduced.

After all, combined with the Primordial Domain of Vast Righteousness, they possessed a total of four combatants whose power rivaled that of a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood, possessing immense power]. By both reason and convention, they were entitled to claim four Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein.

Thinking of this, Worthy Remembrance Chen also spoke, "Fortunately, Father's reputation is sterling. The Ant Heavenly Emperor's Lineage has no conflict with him, so it is unlikely they will intervene."

"As for Defying Heaven, over these years he has had frequent dealings with Father, and their private friendship runs deep. The likelihood of him taking action against us is also minimal."

"In that case, our primary focus for defense will be against the lineage of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler associated with the sun]."