Qingyun and Chen Tian stood together. Chen Tian and Qingyun, working in tandem, were no match for Yun Feng. This demonstrated just how powerful Yun Feng had become. Chen Tian and Qingyun stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes meeting as if they understood each other’s intentions. Chen Tian decisively charged at Yun Feng, while Qingyun attacked from the side, aiming for a pincer movement. Yun Feng saw Chen Tian and Qingyun launching a joint attack, but it mattered little. He was invincible now; no one could stand against this power.
Yun Feng firmly believed in this principle. Seeing Chen Tian and Qingyun’s assault, Chen Tian unleashed his palms, and Qingyun his fists. Both unleashed their full might, showing no mercy. In a battle like this, no one held back. Yun Feng was too powerful; if Chen Tian and Qingyun didn't use their full strength, the only outcome would be death.
As Chen Tian and Qingyun’s attacks neared Yun Feng, he extended his claws. Black talons spread open, forming a dark barrier that completely blocked their assaults. Chen Tian looked at Yun Feng’s move, utterly surprised that he would share his own abilities. Chen Tian exclaimed, "Qingyun, stay away from the barrier, don’t touch it."
As Chen Tian spoke, he and Qingyun retreated simultaneously. Yun Feng lowered his arm, looking at Chen Tian with a hint of confusion. "You actually know about the barrier’s abilities? Kid, it seems your background is far from ordinary!"
Yun Feng appeared astonished. After all, he knew the capabilities of his barrier intimately; it was a power bestowed upon him by that respected elder. Yet, Chen Tian knew it and reacted instantly. Chen Tian’s brow furrowed. That black barrier was one of Xie Tun Tian’s abilities. Any attack that touched the barrier would be absorbed. If a cultivator touched it, their internal energy would be instantly devoured. However, Chen Tian was certain that Yun Feng's ability wasn't that formidable yet. It was merely an attached spirit, a body infused with an aura, and the power it wielded was still minimal.
Even so, it was incredibly difficult for Chen Tian and Qingyun to defeat Yun Feng. This was precisely why the Xie Ling race was so troublesome to deal with; their abilities were increasingly monstrous. Chen Tian, who had only recovered half his strength, was already struggling. He could only utilize six percent of his power; any more would cause the entire Dark Realm to collapse. Chen Tian had no idea Yun Feng was connected to the Xie Ling race, specifically to Xie Tun Tian.
If Xie Tun Tian’s true form broke free from its seal, Chen Tian would be no match. Chen Tian, in his current state, could only defeat him if he recovered a hundred percent of his strength. Chen Tian absolutely could not let Yun Feng escape. Yun Feng, with his infused aura, possessed abilities that could be fed back. If that happened, the seal on the true form would break faster.
"Die!"
Qingyun's eyes suddenly glowed with a black light, his voice gradually losing its human tone. Chen Tian knew that there wasn't much time before the other party completely transformed into a Xie Ling puppet. He had to kill him before that happened, otherwise, even with Chen Tian and Qingyun fighting together, they wouldn't be a match.
Chen Tian and Qingyun attacked simultaneously, their four fists flying. Winds howled, and lightning flashed. Yun Feng extended his claws, the black talons aimed directly at their faces as if intending to tear Chen Tian and Qingyun to shreds. He moved with explosive speed, transforming into a black streak of light. Chen Tian and Qingyun countered with their fists, unleashing two beams of light. The lights collided with a deafening roar!
Waves of energy surged, pushing Chen Tian and Qingyun back a step. Yun Feng remained standing in place, unaffected by the previous clash. Chen Tian and Qingyun’s expressions were calm; they knew the power of the Xie Ling race. But the cultivators watching from outside were different. Whether it was Chen Tian, Qingyun, or Yun Feng, their strength far surpassed theirs. Had these three been playing the fool from the very beginning?
"Are all people from your world this powerful?"
The senior and junior disciples who had accompanied Yun Feng were full of praise, but everyone was bewildered. When had Senior Brother Yun Feng become this strong?
"No, that's not right. Something is wrong with his condition. His fundamental essence is slowly changing; he's almost completely detached from his human origin."
A young girl exclaimed in shock. The crowd found it hard to believe. Changing a person's fundamental essence was something even top cultivators couldn't do. After all, a being's origin was determined the moment they were born, defining what kind of creature they were. Yet, they were now being told that Yun Feng's origin was changing, detaching from his human essence.
"Then what will he eventually become?"
"I… I don't know. I've never encountered such an origin power before, but this power gives me an evil feeling. Yun Feng absolutely cannot be allowed to leave."
"Those two must know something, otherwise, they wouldn't have erected a barrier to isolate us outside."
"Moreover, from that black aura, I sense a power of assimilation."
A withered old man, his body like a bag of bones, emanated a deathly aura. This was the same old man who had watched Chen Tian fight Huang Feng Long earlier. The old man spoke in a low voice. As soon as he appeared, all the surrounding cultivators moved away from him.
They recognized him. Though he looked frail, he had once assimilated an entire city of cultivators, turning its inhabitants into war machines.
The old man practiced the Law of Assimilation, which allowed him to assimilate beings into his subordinates, even making them resemble him.
The old man also had a title: the Withered Demon Dragon.
It was rumored that in his youth, during a battle with a demon dragon, he was accidentally injured. The demon dragon's polluting aura invaded his body, causing his current appearance. However, from the demon dragon's aura, he comprehended the Law of Assimilation. Any cultivator assimilated by him would lose their sanity and become his puppet.
This was why the cultivators were so fearful. After all, with him here, and with millions of cultivators gathered, if he chose to assimilate everyone present, no one would escape. The old man paid no mind to the cultivators distancing themselves; true powerhouses were often solitary.
No strong individual was not solitary. Every powerhouse who reached the pinnacle of the world lived a life of solitude. As the old man spoke, the surrounding cultivators looked at the black aura within the barrier, the energy within the entire barrier surging.
"Heavens, if it's truly as the Withered Demon Dragon said, then once this aura leaves the barrier, all of us here will be assimilated."
"No, your scope is too small. From my perception, this assimilation aura is hundreds of times more powerful than my own. Once the barrier is broken, all living beings within millions of miles will be assimilated."
The withered old man appeared grave. He cultivated the Law of Assimilation, but the assimilation power of the black aura before him was far superior to his own.
There was no mistake about this.
Chen Tian and Qingyun were truly fighting for their lives. However, the old man couldn't understand why Chen Tian and Qingyun knew Yun Feng's origin, something that even elders who had lived for millions of years couldn't discern.
This was not their fault. Chen Tian and Qingyun were from a different world, not even on the same level. Information about the Xie Ling race existed only above the Sacred God Realm. Below the Sacred God Realm lay the myriad realms; how could such information spread? Some things could only be known with immense power.
Chen Tian had encountered this before. The words the system had spoken to him earlier, he had only gradually come to understand as his strength increased. Chen Tian, Qingyun, and Yun Feng—three beams of light collided with each other at different speeds.
For a time, they were locked in a fierce struggle, but upon closer inspection, Chen Tian and Qingyun were at a disadvantage. Yun Feng's strength was terrifying. Chen Tian understood perfectly why this was the case.
When Chen Tian and Qingyun’s attacks clashed with Yun Feng, at least ten percent of their internal energy was absorbed. Even the power of their techniques was diminished, resulting in less force during the impact. If a single person fought Yun Feng, it would be a fool's errand.
Fortunately, Chen Tian had chosen to join forces with Qingyun. Chen Tian suddenly retreated dozens of meters, Qingyun retreating even further. Yun Feng stood calmly in the sky and slowly said, "I must admit, you two have some skill, but in this form, I am invincible."
"You are both destined to die. As long as I obtain the three treasures you possess, it doesn't matter if I can't revert to my original form."
Greed had driven Yun Feng mad. He attacked decisively, extending his claws. Hundreds of claw phantoms surrounded Chen Tian and Qingyun. Chen Tian and Qingyun felt immense danger. The hundred claw phantoms converged. Chen Tian and Qingyun immediately combined their defenses, merging their shields and light barriers.
A cataclysmic explosion erupted. Qingyun’s left arm was severed. Qingyun felt no pain; such an injury was minor to him. As long as he was alive, his arm could be restored. Chen Tian's robes were tattered, and his aura was unstable.
Chen Tian had underestimated Yun Feng's strength, even the power of his aura. This aura was tens of thousands of times stronger than the one before Xie Tun Tian was sealed. It seemed Xie Tun Tian had channeled his hatred into this power to strengthen himself.
This made fighting Yun Feng much more difficult. Chen Tian looked at Qingyun. Neither side had a hundred percent certainty of defeating him. Chen Tian consulted the system, asking if there was any way.
"System, are you sure we can fight him on even terms like this?"
"This is the most suitable method for the host currently, unless the host activates ten percent of his power. Otherwise, there is no second option."
"Alright."
Chen Tian made his decision and then said to Qingyun, "Help me stall for about ten seconds."
"Alright!"
Qingyun trusted Chen Tian unconditionally. Chen Tian’s eyes conveyed a message: he had a way to contend with Yun Feng.
Qingyun engaged Yun Feng, while Chen Tian spread his arms. Formations appeared on his arms, and ripples emerged, as if his arms were wrapped in circular arrays. A vortex portal appeared behind Chen Tian. Chen Tian calmly uttered, "Ancient legend, descend here in the name of the contract."
"Fire of heaven and earth, lava descends, seasons remain, demonic spirits manifest, time and space revolve, combine!"
"Gate of heaven and earth, open for me!"
"Spirit of the myriad realms, emerge."
Chen Tian moved his arms, striking them together. Countless formations entered the vortex portal. Several phantom figures slowly merged within the vortex portal.
The aura was immense. Yun Feng saw Chen Tian acting like this, and this aura was even more powerful than his own. How was this possible?
How could a cultivator's strength surpass his own? Qingyun, seeing this, intensified his struggle, even trading injuries to buy time.
At this moment, Chen Tian's condition was not optimal. After all, he couldn't afford any mistakes in fusing these beings.
*Boom!*
The vortex portal exploded. Chen Tian’s lips curved upwards. To outsiders, it looked like Chen Tian had failed, but Chen Tian knew he had succeeded.
Chen Tian decisively opened the system interface and clicked on a function he hadn't used in a long time: the Fusion function.
Chen Tian looked at Qingyun and said, "Qingyun, come back. Preparation is complete."
Qingyun saw this and retreated. His entire body was covered in wounds. Chen Tian approached Qingyun and then lifted him. Energy from heaven and earth converged above Chen Tian's head, and a colossal furnace descended, engulfing Chen Tian and Qingyun.
Inside the furnace, Qingyun felt the changes around him. Just as he was about to speak, Chen Tian said, "Don't ask too many questions. To kill him, you and I must merge."
The function Chen Tian was using was Fusion. The Fusion function had always existed, but with Chen Tian's great power, fusing with beings of the same realm would only be a burden. Chen Tian's previous preparation was to create the fundamental essence of beings from the myriad realms. Chen Tian placed this fundamental essence into the furnace to balance their realms. Chen Tian's excess strength was temporarily transferred to Yun Feng.
Yun Feng's strength and aura gradually approached Chen Tian. His injuries healed, his arm regrew, and even his left arm underwent subtle changes.
Qingyun and Chen Tian were in a state of fusion, a state Qingyun hadn't noticed.
Chen Tian and Qingyun's figures gradually merged into one. Outside, Yun Feng looked at the furnace that had suddenly appeared between heaven and earth. This enormous furnace obstructed his attacks. Yun Feng's assaults were fierce and continuous, but even his full power couldn't shatter it.
Yun Feng had a premonition: if he didn't stop this thing, his fate would be dire. This intuition was powerful.
"I refuse to believe you are this durable."
Yun Feng was cornered. He unleashed a superhuman aura, the surrounding evil spirit energy entwining his body and gradually entering him. Yun Feng directly used a secret technique to forcibly enhance his power, this time by three hundred times. A full-power strike with a three hundred-fold amplification.
He extended a claw. The furnace's surface directly withstood the impact, sparks flying. Yun Feng’s face contorted in shock. What in the world was this thing?
They remained locked in a stalemate for several minutes, yet the furnace remained intact.
It was laughable; this furnace was condensed by the system using the energy of heaven and earth along with its own power. Unless Yun Feng’s strength surpassed Chen Tian's system, he had no chance of breaking it.
The system could even revitalize the seeds of a deceased World Tree. How could mere Yun Feng break through its defenses?
Yun Feng had never encountered such a bizarre situation. Resigned, he could only stand in the sky and wait.
After some time, cracks appeared on the furnace. Yun Feng’s unease intensified. Yun Feng knew this was a battle to the death.
Either he died, or his opponent did. There was no other choice for either of them.
The furnace shattered. The resulting debris scattered and silently vanished into the sky.
It was composed of the energy of heaven and earth, and now that energy had returned to them.
Amidst the explosion, a gentle breeze blew, and the residual waves of the explosion were dispersed. A figure stood before Yun Feng. It was a majestic young man, with refined features, starlight in his eyes, slender hands and legs, snow-white skin, clad in white robes, his cloak billowing behind him. He stood there like a deity.
A sacred and majestic aura emanated from him. Yun Feng looked around but couldn't find Chen Tian or Qingyun. He roared, "Who are you? Don't meddle in other people's affairs."
"You don't recognize us anymore?"
The figure spoke slowly, but the voice was a joint utterance from Chen Tian and Qingyun. Yun Feng was stunned. What kind of technique was this?
Had the two of them merged?
He had never heard of such a technique.
"Alright, I know you have many questions, but the battle is over."
Chen Tian's voice took the lead. This body was a fusion of Chen Tian and Qingyun. Qingyun's divine essence had merged with Chen Tian's, creating even greater power. As for control of the body, Chen Tian generally took the lead, especially since Qingyun was utterly bewildered, having suddenly transformed into this state.
Chen Tian controlled the body. His aura erupted, and the barrier shook violently. Chen Tian raised his arm and pointed, stabilizing the barrier. In this state, Chen Tian possessed the full strength of both Qingyun and himself. His energy surged, directly enhancing the barrier's durability.
Chen Tian took a step forward. Yun Feng suddenly reacted, but before he could even process it, he was sent flying, a small fist print appearing on his chest.
The fist print on Yun Feng's chest instantly vanished. His injuries healed. The recovery speed of the Xie Ling race was truly incredible.
After all, they were one of the seven great races, a top-tier race in the universe. Chen Tian said, "It seems that Xie Tun Tian gave you quite a few abilities. But you're just a mere aura clone. I wonder how many punches you can take."
Chen Tian’s attacks were not flashy; they were simply plain, unadorned fists. As his fists flew, the entire world trembled, and the space within the barrier became chaotic. With just a glance from Chen Tian, it was stabilized. Such terrifying strength.
Chen Tian’s fists struck out with blinding speed, too fast for Yun Feng to react. Chen Tian had no intention of killing Yun Feng instantly. If Chen Tian wasn't mistaken, Yun Feng still had a trump card. Chen Tian was eager to see that trump card.
Chen Tian was utterly dominating, leaving Yun Feng no opportunity to defend or attack. Furthermore, Chen Tian's attacks didn't aim for a quick kill but rather inflicted pain and despair.
This was torture. How could Yun Feng endure this? As a prodigy with such immense power, to be humiliated like this.
Black wings unfurled from Yun Feng's back, and black liquid flowed, forming armor that enveloped him. Wrist blades grew from his arms, seamlessly connecting with his hand claws. His arms transformed into scythe-like shapes.
His legs split into four, no longer resembling human limbs but more like spider claws, which continuously struck the sky.
Yun Feng's body trembled, and his power surged even further. This form was more powerful than before, but it also had greater repercussions. Yun Feng had been reluctant to use this form, but he was driven to it out of necessity. If he didn't use it, he would die.
His eyes turned blood red, his entire face became hideous, his teeth sharpened, and his legs split into four, resembling spider claws that constantly tapped the sky.
Yun Feng’s body shook, his power surging even further. This form was more potent than before, but the aftereffects were also greater. Yun Feng had not wanted to use this form, but he had been forced to. If he didn't use it now, he would die.
His pupils turned crimson, his face became contorted and ferocious, his teeth sharpened, and his legs split into four, resembling spider claws that relentlessly struck the sky.
Yun Feng’s body shuddered, and his power intensified. This state was stronger than before, but the backlash was also greater. Yun Feng had been reluctant to use this form, but he was forced into it. If he didn't use it, he would die.
His eyes glowed crimson, his face twisted into a savage mask, his teeth sharpened, and his legs split into four, resembling spider claws that incessantly slammed against the sky.
Chen Tian looked at this, realizing Yun Feng had completely transformed into a Xie Ling. Chen Tian became serious. Against a fully transformed Xie Ling Yun Feng, Chen Tian only had a sixty percent chance of winning, and that was without considering any trump cards Yun Feng might still possess.
Chen Tian was not one hundred percent in control of the battlefield. Chen Tian and Yun Feng clashed, two beams of light streaking across the sky. Chen Tian's fists flew consecutively. With each punch, a hundred beasts roared, the true power of the Hundred Beasts Fist revealed. Phantom images of a hundred ferocious beasts charged forward. With a thought from Chen Tian, the phantom images of a hundred beasts merged.
A celestial dragon soared into the heavens. This was the phantom image of an Ancestral Dragon. By fusing with Qingyun, Chen Tian could naturally utilize Qingyun's techniques, combined with his understanding of the Hundred Beasts. He had merged them into an Ancestral Dragon. At this moment, the Ancestral Dragon was born, and the heavens, no, the universe, stirred, with some slumbering existences awakening.
In a distant universe, a pair of eyes opened, light flaring within them. A voice echoed from a cave: "Ancestral Dragon, my master, we await your arrival."
This figure seemed to know something. His eyes closed, and he fell back into slumber. Ancient beings were being awakened.
The appearance of the Ancestral Dragon's might shocked the entire universe. Even a phantom image of the Ancestral Dragon indicated someone had obtained the Ancestral Dragon's inheritance or bloodline.
Otherwise, how could such a similar phantom image of the Ancestral Dragon's aura be conjured?
Ancient beings sought to investigate Chen Tian's information, but they could deduce nothing. They couldn't even calculate Chen Tian's origins, as if this person didn't exist in the universe.
Chen Tian was currently undergoing reincarnation. During this period, no deductions could track Chen Tian's whereabouts.
After all, reincarnation was a dangerous undertaking. Chen Tian had reached an agreement with the consciousness of the universe to undergo reincarnation. During reincarnation, before regaining his memories or strength, if his enemies discovered his reincarnation, he would suffer a fatal blow the next second.
There was no need to ponder this; Chen Tian had made all preparations for his reincarnation.
In the Dark Realm, Chen Tian was unaware of the impact of the Ancestral Dragon's might. The entire universe was searching for Chen Tian. Among them were several ancient beings who were Chen Tian's enemies. The Ancestral Dragon swept through, engulfing Yun Feng's figure. In the face of the Ancestral Dragon's phantom, Yun Feng was like a tiny ant.
Yun Feng's body gradually disintegrated. Yun Feng was unwilling. He had clearly obtained immense power, so why was this his fate?
"Save me, save me! I will offer everything I have, I will let you out."
Yun Feng's face contorted as he desperately cried out. A black light erupted from within him, and the Ancestral Dragon's phantom dissipated.
The tide of battle turned once again. Yun Feng's body was slowly being devoured by black aura and liquid.
"Even if I die, I will drag you down with me."
These were Yun Feng's final words. Chen Tian stared at the scene before him, knowing that this battle had just begun.
Yun Feng had revealed his trump card, at the cost of his own death.
As the black liquid and aura receded, a familiar figure stood before Chen Tian.
Chen Tian spoke, "Several epochs have passed, and you are still the same."
"Heh, I have already broken the seal. You are no match for me now. I will personally suppress you for several epochs and appease my hatred."
Chen Tian sighed helplessly, "If you hadn't insisted on harming your own people solely for power back then, I wouldn't have had to personally suppress you."
The figure before him was Xie Tun Tian, who had directly forcibly swapped bodies with Yun Feng.
Chen Tian had considered this possibility after emerging from the seal, but the probability was very low. After all, without Yun Feng's consent, the ritual could not be completed.
Now, what was sealed was likely Yun Feng's corpse.