“Excellent, truly excellent! We lost six Great Emperors in that probing attack, but the intelligence gained makes it a worthwhile trade!” Gu Lang Great Emperor declared, his eyes gleaming with ruthless satisfaction.
The Black Robe Great Emperor, hearing this, asked, “Grand Elder, should we proceed with the same strategy?”
Gu Lang Great Emperor nodded. “How much time does Ji Fuyao have left before she enters the Blackflame Mountain Range?”
The Black Robe Great Emperor pondered for a moment. “About six or seven days.”
Gu Lang Great Emperor’s gaze was sharp. “We have two more opportunities.”
The Black Robe Great Emperor frowned slightly. “Please enlighten me, Grand Elder.”
Gu Lang Great Emperor stroked his long beard, looking utterly confident. “The first opportunity is to capture Ji Fuyao before she reaches the Blackflame Mountain Range. This time, we will deploy high-star Great Emperors. If that fails, we strike again the moment she steps into the Blackflame Mountain Range, just before the Fuyao Dynasty’s grand ceremony.”
The Black Robe Great Emperor understood immediately. “I see.”
Gu Lang Great Emperor waved his sleeve. “The plan remains. Await my command, then dispatch the high-star Great Emperors to capture Ji Fuyao.”
The Black Robe Great Emperor bowed. “As you command!”
One day later, Gu Lang Great Emperor received news that several more One-star Great Emperors had been slain by Ji Fuyao.
Gu Lang Great Emperor smiled faintly. “Excellent, excellent, truly excellent!”
The Black Robe Great Emperor looked hesitant.
Gu Lang Great Emperor chuckled. “The Great Emperors from those branches are nothing more than cannon fodder. Tool men, if you will. They died, so what? Our Heavenly Net Hall has subjugated countless major powers over the millennia! The Southern Wilds is overflowing with such disposable resources.”
The Black Robe Great Emperor nodded.
Four days later, the Black Robe Great Emperor arrived, once again reporting on Ji Fuyao’s situation.
Ji Fuyao had achieved a breakthrough during combat, entering the Saint King Realm, which allowed her to unlock another seal on the Heaven-Rending Emperor Weapon. She could now slay Two-star Great Emperors! In the past few days, the Heavenly Net Hall had lost over a dozen more Great Emperors.
Gu Lang Great Emperor frowned slightly, taking a sip of the Enlightenment Spirit Tea in his hand. He spoke slowly. “Is this the extent of Ji Fuyao’s reliance? Or is she still concealing her true strength?”
The Black Robe Great Emperor urged, “Grand Elder, shouldn’t we close the net now?”
Gu Lang Great Emperor looked toward the distant void. “Indeed, this cat-and-mouse game must end. By the way, what is the outside world saying about the Heavenly Net Hall?”
The Black Robe Great Emperor hesitated. “The magnates across the states are secretly discussing that the Heavenly Net Hall has been thoroughly intimidated since the battle with the Grand Dao Sect in Yunzhou.”
Gu Lang Great Emperor smiled faintly. “The Grand Dao Sect must think so too.”
The Black Robe Great Emperor continued, “Grand Elder, I also investigated the Grand Dao Sect’s movements these past few days. The Tianyuan Old Ancestor has left the Grand Dao Sect and traveled to Yunzhou, where he has met with Cangmu Academy. It is said to be related to the Bronze Ancient Palace.”
A sharp glint flashed in Gu Lang Great Emperor’s eyes. “Heh. The Grand Dao Sect is studying that wisp of Dao Rhyme of the Bronze Ancient Palace and has deliberately roped in over a dozen Overlord-level Powers, thinking this will forge an alliance to counter the Heavenly Net Hall. They are mistaken. We are not fighting alone. I imagine the other Alien and Monster magnates are quite displeased.”
The Black Robe Great Emperor confirmed, “They have already declared that they are determined to acquire the secrets of the Bronze Ancient Palace.”
Gu Lang Great Emperor smiled faintly. “We don’t need to worry about them. That is the Hall Master’s and the Silent Destruction Old Man’s concern. Since the Tianyuan Old Ancestor has left, we can finally go all out. Regarding the magnate of Azure Mystery Peak, the Hall Master has a theory.”
The Black Robe Great Emperor asked, “Please tell me, Grand Elder.”
Gu Lang Great Emperor’s lips curled slightly. “The Hall Master speculates that the ‘White God’ currently rumored throughout the Southern Wilds is, in fact, the same magnate who transmitted his voice across the Three Thousand States of the Southern Wilds. They are one and the same!”
The Black Robe Great Emperor’s pupils contracted violently.
The White Robe Great Emperor had instantly annihilated ten Heavenly Net Hall Branches, instantly making a name for himself across the Southern Wilds, earning the title of the ‘White God.’ But everyone was curious: why hadn’t the magnate of Azure Mystery Peak intervened directly? If that magnate had acted, it wouldn’t have been just ten branches; he might have descended directly upon the Heavenly Net General Hall!
Gu Lang Great Emperor continued, “Of course, this is just speculation. It’s possible the Azure Mystery Peak magnate is wary of the Silent Destruction Old Man and is holding back. Regardless, the Hall Master says he has received an ultimate killing weapon bestowed by the Silent Destruction Old Man! We have nothing to fear from either the Tianyuan Old Ancestor or the magnate of Azure Mystery Peak!”
The Black Robe Great Emperor felt a surge of excitement. “Grand Elder, if we force the Azure Mystery Peak magnate to appear this time, how should we respond?”
Gu Lang Great Emperor slowly clenched his fist, indicating that everything was under control.
“As long as we capture Ji Fuyao, even if we confront that magnate, we can safely retreat back to the Heavenly Net General Hall!”
Hearing this, the Black Robe Great Emperor nodded. It seemed the Grand Elder possessed other trump cards besides the three Hall Master’s Decrees.
Moments later, Gu Lang Great Emperor flicked his sleeve and said in a deep voice, “Pass on my command: dispatch high-star Great Emperors to capture Ji Fuyao immediately! We have been boiling the frog long enough; it is time to bring the water to a boil!”
The Black Robe Great Emperor’s expression turned solemn. “As you command!”
Soon after, the Black Robe Great Emperor tore through the void, his figure transforming into a Divine Arc as he departed the Heavenly Net Hall branch in Yinzhou (Fallen State).
Watching the Black Robe Great Emperor leave, Gu Lang Great Emperor displayed a sinister smile. “Magnate of Azure Mystery Peak, to be honest, I am somewhat looking forward to meeting you. As for whether you are the White Robe Great Emperor, one move will tell!”
***
In Luozhou.
Ji Fuyao, clad in a fiery red dress, looked solemn as she piloted her Ancient Spirit Boat toward the Blackflame Mountain Range. In recent days, she had been ambushed by the Heavenly Net Hall multiple times.
However, she had broken through to the Saint King Realm, unlocking another seal on the Heaven-Rending Six-star Emperor Weapon. Combined with the power of the Dao of Fire Principle, she could now unleash her full strength and slay initial-stage Two-star Great Emperors!
If she didn’t use the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame, that was her current limit. Moreover, she was injured. Although she had Emperor-tier Healing Pills, the healing effect was still inferior to her Master’s Medical Attainment.
Thinking this, a blush crept onto Ji Fuyao’s cheeks. She missed the profound comfort of Master’s Medical Dao Power. Though, if Master were to treat her, she would once again have to endure that indescribable sensation...
Along this route, the Heavenly Net Hall had only sent One-star and Two-star Great Emperors to ambush her. But how could that be? This was unlike the Heavenly Net Hall’s usual ruthless style!
This made her secretly believe that her Master was protecting her in the shadows. The high-star Great Emperors must have been dealt with by him!
A wave of warmth surged through her heart.
Ji Fuyao tilted her delicate neck, looking toward the void behind her, and murmured, “Master, I know you are behind me.”
Chen Changsheng, who was secretly following her, froze for a moment. Since he had been discovered, he could only adopt Lu Xuan’s casual tone via mental transmission. “Fuyao, I am. I have always been.”
Ji Fuyao’s beautiful eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Master.”
Chen Changsheng replied calmly, “By the way, high-star Great Emperors from the Heavenly Net Hall are descending right now, preparing to encircle and kill you.”
High-star Great Emperors!
Ji Fuyao’s soft lips parted slightly. “Master, this time, I want to test the full power of the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame.”
Chen Changsheng nodded. “Very well. I will let them in.”
Ji Fuyao agreed. “Understood, Master.”
No sooner had she spoken than—
Boom! The void tore open! Space twisted violently!
From the spatial rift, several ancient Ancient Spirit Boats slowly emerged. Standing atop the boats were several terrifying figures, their faces grim. The moment they spotted Ji Fuyao, they revealed the ecstatic joy of hunters finding their prey.
They were multiple high-star Great Emperors from the Heavenly Net Hall!
Crack! A massive, angular object appeared in the sky, followed by an ancient token inscribed with flowing Dao patterns and brilliant divine light. The token expanded rapidly, eventually revealing its full form, like a gigantic mountain range dominating the void. Two dazzling ancient characters slowly emerged:
“Heaven! Net!”
The numerous Heavenly Net Hall Great Emperors stood atop the Ancient Spirit Boats, their eyes arrogant and disdainful, looking down at Ji Fuyao as if she were an Ant. Their voices were icy, echoing through the void. “Ji Fuyao, it ends here!”
Instantly, the clear sky was filled with overwhelming divine light. Brilliant Dao patterns surged from the Ancient Spirit Boats, tearing cracks in the void. Several terrifying Emperor-tier pressures, like a vast ocean pouring forth, swept across the battlefield.
They were surrounded on all four sides!
This terrifying aura instantly alarmed the magnates of Luozhou. Luozhou was not a major state; its strongest cultivator was only a Two-star Great Emperor. Seeing so many high-star Great Emperors appear here terrified them.
This ambush was led by a Seven-star Great Emperor, accompanied by several high-star and low-star Great Emperors!
Seeing the battle about to erupt, the local Great Emperors and Quasi-Emperors immediately led their factions away from the battlefield.
A grey-robed old man stammered, “The Heavenly Net Hall is here for Ji Fuyao! They are serious this time!”
Another Great Emperor said, “How can Ji Fuyao possibly escape this time? Unless the magnate of Azure Mystery Peak intervenes!”
At that moment, a middle-aged man stepped out from one of the Heavenly Net Hall’s Ancient Spirit Boats and coldly shouted, “Ji Fuyao! Get over here yourself! Do you need us to personally invite you?”
Ji Fuyao’s expression was solemn, but she did not move.
Chen Changsheng, channeling Lu Xuan’s voice, said, “Fuyao, do not worry. I can annihilate these Great Emperors with a flick of my finger.”
Ji Fuyao’s eyes shone brightly. “Master, I want to try.”
Chen Changsheng nodded. “Very well. Using the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame in real combat will also help you comprehend a stronger Path of Spirit Fire.”
Hearing this, Ji Fuyao’s body surged with fighting spirit! With her Master present, she could fight without reservation!
Suddenly, Ji Fuyao stepped into the air, charging directly toward the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man was completely fearless. The pressure of his Three-star Great Emperor realm surged out like an abyss, crushing down on Ji Fuyao. He did not take her seriously at all.
“A mere ant trying to shake a great tree—you overestimate yourself…”
Before he could finish, a scorching ball of Spirit Fire suddenly appeared in Ji Fuyao’s delicate hand. It was a Heaven and Earth Strange Fire—the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame!
The moment the Strange Fire appeared, the entire void became intensely hot. The heavens seemed to be burning, and the sky for dozens of miles around began to boil.
Ji Fuyao, in her fiery red dress, stood in the void, surrounded by a sea of fire that stretched ten thousand feet. Her dress and the towering Spirit Fire Attack reflected each other, making her look like the sovereign of fire.
“Heaven-Burning Art!”
With a thought, the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame expanded, forcibly breaking two layers of its seals. It transformed into a massive sun, charging directly toward the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man’s face instantly turned ashen. “How can you possess the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame!” This was known as the most scorching Heaven and Earth Strange Fire, capable of burning the heavens and boiling the seas!
Boom! In the next instant, the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame erupted with dazzling divine light, vast and boundless. Wherever it passed, the void twisted, and the sky trembled, locking onto the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man waved his sleeve, immediately summoning Great Emperor Dao patterns to block it, but his Dao patterns were instantly refined. Before the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame, everything could be incinerated!
He frantically summoned his Emperor Weapon, but the weapon was scorched and deformed, the Dao patterns inscribed upon it instantly annihilated.
He retreated rapidly, but the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame was faster, Traversing the Void to crush the middle-aged man’s Dao Rhyme. His speed grew slower and slower.
Seeing this, he panicked and shouted desperately, “Help me!”
But the other Heavenly Net Hall Great Emperors in the distance were retreating rapidly. The Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame was too terrifying; they needed to avoid its edge and observe its true power!
Moreover, the other Heavenly Net Hall Great Emperors realized that Ji Fuyao was pushing her body to the absolute limit to forcibly activate the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame! She was already at her maximum capacity!
Therefore, no one moved to save him!
Soon, the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame enveloped the middle-aged man. He frantically summoned various defensive treasures from his Storage Ring, even burning his soul and physical body.
But it was useless!
“No! No…”
“Ji Fuyao, may you suffer a horrible death!”
Amidst his utterly miserable screams, the middle-aged man was directly refined by the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame. His Form and Spirit Destroyed.
For a moment, only the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame remained, burning fiercely in the void.
Seeing this scene, everyone was stunned! The world fell into a dead silence!
No one had expected Ji Fuyao to possess such a terrifying Heaven and Earth Strange Fire! A powerful Three-star Great Emperor was instantly refined!
Just how many terrifying artifacts had that magnate given Ji Fuyao?
The faces of the Heavenly Net Hall Great Emperors were extremely grim. The Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame was in its peak state. Such a Heaven and Earth Strange Fire could serve as the foundational treasure of an Overlord-level Power!
Yet, it had been bestowed upon Ji Fuyao!
At that moment, a blood-robed elder from the Heavenly Net Hall spoke darkly. “We need not panic. Although the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame is in its peak state, several seals have been broken. With Ji Fuyao’s current strength, she cannot unlock all of them. Killing a Four-star Great Emperor is already her limit!”
Another Great Emperor nearby added, “We don’t even need to act. Ji Fuyao is already suffering the backlash from the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame.”
Everyone looked toward Ji Fuyao. By forcibly unlocking two seals on the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame, her physical body and soul had suffered severe backlash.
Ji Fuyao’s delicate body trembled slightly, and she could no longer stand steadily in the void. A trace of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.
A slight smile touched her lips. The power of the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame had exceeded her expectations! She was too weak to fight further!
However, with her Master present, she had nothing to fear.
In the void, the Heavenly Net Hall Great Emperors exchanged glances, understanding each other perfectly. They would strike together! To prevent any unforeseen complications!
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The high-star Great Emperors attacked simultaneously, sealing the void. Their terrifying Emperor-tier pressure was vast and mighty, and brilliant Great Emperor Dao patterns illuminated the sky, like falling stars. Even the momentum of the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame was suppressed.
Instantly, the magnates of Luozhou felt their scalps tingle with terror!
Their souls trembled, and they were filled with dread! Ji Fuyao was now powerless to fight. Even with the Eight Desolations Annihilation Flame, she could no longer kill a single Great Emperor!
The Heavenly Net Hall Great Emperors’ expressions were sinister, their voices icy. “This time, it truly ends!”
Ji Fuyao immediately turned and cried out, “Master!”