Chapter 578: Chapter 553: Meeting, Mission
"What is that..."
Upon seeing the elder, many eyes grew sharp with astonishment showing on their faces.
Some beings at the third step of creation recognized the elder’s identity.
Emperor of the Nine Worlds.
The master of the Nine Generations Heavenly Palace, the creator of the Nine Generations Heavenly Palace.
This one, is an unimaginably ancient being, one of the world’s rare powerhouses, a legend from myths.
"Seen the old Palace Master."
Upon seeing the Emperor of the Nine Worlds, Immortal Ancestor, Dark Emperor, and Holy Ancestor, including Lu Ming, all had to show respect and bow in greeting.
"Everyone, to give this old man face, how about ceasing the war?"
The Emperor of the Nine Worlds said.
"I have no objections, it was they who provoked the war, I am merely defending myself."
Lu Ming said.
"Nonsense, you killed our Ghost Emperor of the Three Emperors Alliance and still claim we started the war? Slandering and playing the victim."
The Dark Emperor bellowed, his chest heaving, clearly infuriated.
"The Ghost Emperor breached the rules, using the status of a Dao Ancestor to kill a junior who had just broken through to the Tao Realm, rules breakers shall be killed without mercy."
Lu Ming spoke coldly.
"You..."
The Dark Emperor glared at Lu Ming, unable to retort.
There are hidden rules everywhere.
In the Origin Continent, even among powerful forces, hidden rules exist.
For example, beings beyond the third step of creation are not allowed to strike at juniors indiscriminately.
Because if such powerhouses could strike at will, then the promising younger generation of each major force would never dare to venture outside, as stepping out would result in being eradicated by enemy forces.
In this manner, no force could hope to develop.
"Though the Ghost Emperor made a move, the junior didn’t die. His crime does not warrant death, Lu Ming, you are seizing the opportunity for revenge."
The Immortal Ancestor said coldly.
"Crime does not warrant death?"
Lu Ming’s lips curled into a cold smile, "In my domain, attempting to kill the younger generation of my Dragon Alliance is punishable by death, successful or not."
"How arrogant, how domineering, do you really think you are invincible in this world?"
The Immortal Ancestor roared angrily.
"Beating a few worthless creatures like you would be more than easy."
Lu Ming said indifferently.
"You..."
The Immortal Ancestor, Dark Emperor, and Holy Ancestor flew into a rage.
If not for the Emperor of the Nine Worlds’ presence, they would have already taken action.
"Everyone, please calm down. As I said before, to give this old man face will be etched in my heart."
The Emperor of the Nine Worlds waved his hands in succession, standing between the two sides.
Ultimately, the Immortal Ancestor, Holy Ancestor, and Dark Emperor did not make a move.
The face of the Emperor of the Nine Worlds, they had to give.
Not only because of the Emperor of the Nine Worlds’ seniority but also because of his strength.
The strength of the Emperor of the Nine Worlds is undoubtedly unfathomable; otherwise, the Nine Generations Heavenly Palace would not have survived nine cycles of cultivation reincarnations.
Over the long years, the True Ones who have been defeated by the Emperor of the Nine Worlds are not one or two, but more than a handful.
The most astonishing feat of the Emperor of the Nine Worlds was that he fought alone and significantly injured a True One from the boundless starry sky and nearly killed that being.
The opponent paid a terrible price to escape.
This strength is alarming.
There are rumors that the Emperor of the Nine Worlds is a Multiple-Origin Body, and even more rare, a Quintuple Original Body, with a physique so strong it is second only to an Origin-Ancestor Body and an All-Origin Body.
Although it’s said that after stepping into the True One State, the role of body constitution is greatly diminished.
Because a True One has no weaknesses.
Whether it’s the physical body, soul, combat consciousness, willpower, mental strength, Supreme Law, etc., all aspects are immeasurably strong.
But if the body constitution is extraordinarily strong and goes against the heavens, it still plays a role.
Such as the Quintuple Original Body that even after breaking through to the True One State, gives the Emperor of the Nine Worlds strength that surpasses peers of the same level.
"Lu Ming, return the fresh blood in your hands to me, and we will let today’s issue rest."
The Immortal Ancestor looked at the blood in Lu Ming’s hands and then glanced toward the distant Lu Yan.
When the Immortal Ancestor’s gaze swept over, Lu Yan felt as though he had been completely seen through.
The Dao Book within him shrank infinitely, turning into a speck of light as if it was extremely fearful.
"What fresh blood?"
Lu Ming moved his palm and the blood vanished, then asked with a puzzled face.
"You... Lu Ming, are you trying to blatantly lie?"
The Immortal Ancestor roared in anger.
"What blatant lie, Nine-Headed Insect, are you injured? I can’t seem to tell."
Lu Ming said.
At this moment, the wound on the Immortal Ancestor’s chest had completely healed.
The Immortal Ancestor, with his chest heaving and nine heads incessantly roaring and twisting, was infuriated.
He had never met someone so shameless.
Were the eyes of everyone else present blind?
"Nine-Headed Insect, don’t spout nonsense. One of my Supreme Treasures has gone missing, and I haven’t even started to blame you yet? You’re the one playing the victim first..."
Lu Ming continued.
The Immortal Ancestor, Holy Ancestor, and Dark Emperor, if not for their profound Cultivation Levels, would be spitting blood from rage.
Who was playing the victim first?
And when did you lose a Supreme Treasure? Even if you did, what does it have to do with us?
Around them, many who had not seen Lu Ming before looked at each other in bewilderment.
The Dragon Alliance Master, this legendary figure, behaves like this?
Of course, they only dared think this but would never dare to speak it.
"This Alliance Leader... has quite the personality..."
Lu Yan also muttered to himself.
Previously, the Dragon Alliance Master in his mind was supreme and flawless.
He hadn’t expected him to be such a person.
"However, I like it."
Lu Yan grinned.
The Emperor of the Nine Worlds also smiled bitterly, then his soul sent out fluctuations, transmitting messages to the Immortal Ancestor, the Dark Emperor, and the Holy Ancestor.
"Today, I’ll give the old Palace Master some face, hmph."
The Immortal Ancestor snorted coldly, then leaped into the air and vanished into the void.
"Everyone, retreat to the Three Emperors Alliance as quickly as possible."
The Dark Emperor also sent out a voice, his figure slowly retreating and disappearing into the endless darkness.
In the end, the Holy Ancestor also quietly retreated.
"Alliance Leader Lu, thank you for giving this old man face."
The Emperor of the Nine Worlds bowed to Lu Ming.
"Old Palace Master is too polite. Lu Ming does not wish to make enemies of all sides. With the three of them joining hands, I am also afraid. I have yet to thank the old Palace Master for the intervention."
Lu Ming cupped his fists and smiled.
The Emperor of the Nine Worlds shook his head slightly; it would be surprising if Lu Ming were actually afraid.
"Let’s go."
With one step, The Emperor of the Nine Worlds disappeared without a trace.
A world-shaking battle thus came to a close.
Powerhouses from all sides left with complex emotions.
Of course, the people of the Dragon Alliance were incredibly excited.
In this battle, not only did the three Vice Alliance Hierarchs of the Dragon Alliance demonstrate awe-inspiring might, revealing their astonishing strength.
Their alliance leader showcased a fighting power that dominated the world.
The disciples of the Dragon Alliance felt proud and, at the same time, an immense sense of security.
At that moment, Lu Ming’s gaze turned towards Lu Yan and the others, stepping forward, already appearing before everyone.
"We pay our respects to the Alliance Leader."
"We pay our respects to the Ancestor."
Lu Lingxiao, Lu Lingxuan, Shen Yinuo, Mr. World, and the other disciples of the Dragon Alliance all paid their respects.
Of course, this included Lu Yan.
"Hmm."
Lu Ming nodded, his gaze first falling upon Shen Yinuo; he waved his hand, casting out a beam of light that entered Shen Yinuo’s body, instantly improving her complexion significantly.
Then, Lu Ming’s gaze fell upon Lu Yan, looking him over. A complex expression appeared in the depths of his eyes as he said, "Lu Yan, are you alright?"
"I’m fine, merely some minor injuries. I must thank the Alliance Leader for the rescue this time."
Lu Yan bowed.
"You are a disciple of the Dragon Alliance, it is my responsibility to protect you. Let’s head back."
After speaking, Lu Ming waved his hand, and a force enveloped everyone.
The world suddenly spun, and the next moment, Lu Yan found that they had returned to Dragon Emperor City.
This kind of unimaginable method filled Lu Yan with shock and envy.
When could he possess such strength? At that point, truly the whole world would be within his reach.
"The rest of you may go. Lu Yan, come with me."
After speaking, Lu Ming turned and walked away.
Lu Yan followed with measured steps.
He had many questions he wanted to ask.
In an elegant courtyard.
Lu Ming curiously examined Lu Yan, and after a long pause, he said, "Lu Yan, you’ve made quite a gain by creating that technique this time. Show it to me."
"Yes."
Lu Yan nodded, without any concealment, released the technique "Dominance" in full measure.
A moment later.
"Not bad, based on the Five Elements Rules, it can create or destroy, endlessly versatile."
Lu Ming nodded, seemingly quite satisfied.
"During this Origin Battle, you were defeated by Yuan Tiandao. What are your thoughts?"
Lu Ming asked.
"Unyielding and courageous, moving forward, striving to turn defeat into victory another day."
Lu Yan said.
"Good."
Lu Ming smiled, very satisfied with Lu Yan’s mentality, and said, "Among cultivators, how many can truly claim never to have been defeated in their lifetime? Defeat is not to be feared, but one must not become disheartened by failure, losing the will to fight. When I was young, I also suffered defeat. One gains courage from shame, and by never giving up, one can tread the path of invincibility."
"Thank you for the guidance, Alliance Leader."
Lu Yan said.
"The reason I called you here is to entrust you with a task—a task of utmost importance, upon which the life and death of the Dragon Alliance hinge. Indeed, perhaps it is a task that only you in the entire world can accomplish," Lu Ming said, his expression becoming grave.
"A matter that concerns the life and death of the Dragon Alliance? And only I can do it?"
Lu Yan’s heart tightened with curiosity as he asked, "May I ask what the task is, Alliance Leader?"
"Defeat Yuan Tiandao," Lu Ming said seriously.
"Defeat Yuan Tiandao?"
This response caught Lu Yan completely by surprise.
He couldn’t understand how defeating Yuan Tiandao could be related to the life and death of the Dragon Alliance.
"Now, the struggle between the Origin Continent and the endless starry sky has undergone a huge change. An unparalleled powerhouse has emerged in the endless starry sky, and the Origin Continent no longer holds the certainty of victory," Lu Ming said.
"Alliance Leader, is the power of the endless starry sky truly that formidable? Can it really rival the Origin Continent?"
Lu Yan asked curiously.
"Originally, the strength of the endless starry sky was indeed somewhat weaker than that of the Origin Continent, but not by much. They have more than a dozen True One realm experts."
"However, now that they have an unparalleled powerhouse, with unparalleled combat power, not long ago, that powerhouse fought against the Emperor of the Nine Worlds. As a result, the Emperor of the Nine Worlds was defeated," Lu Ming said.
Lu Yan uttered an "oh," having no real sense of how powerful the Emperor of the Nine Worlds was, so it didn’t cause much of a ripple in him.
"With that unparalleled powerhouse, the strength of the endless starry sky is now tremendously alarming. If they were to fight to the death, they would be shockingly formidable. If the Origin Continent were to battle them, even if it could win, it would likely suffer enormous losses."
"Even True One realm experts dying in battle would not be impossible—which True One would wish for death? Thus, the various powers of the Origin Continent have begun to change their stance towards the endless starry sky," Lu Ming continued.