No one expected an Ancient Emperor to choose self-destruction.

  What kind of blow—what did he see in the rift’s depths—to drive an Emperor-realm powerhouse to detonate himself?

  Emperors possess endless lifespan—immortal and unbound—transcending the Heavenly Dao—with the qualification to challenge heaven and earth.

  Such peerless existences—how could they simply self-destruct?

  Yet the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor did.

  In that instant—the unleashed energy shocked the nine heavens—and the Five Phoenixes.

  That energy storm was terrifying—like the most frenzied force of annihilation. Even peer Emperors would suffer heavy injuries.

  The outside world was utterly stunned by the commotion from the explosion.

  The void rift—filled with unfathomable mystery—was torn open into a massive chasm.

  As though another heaven and earth was brutally ripped apart—laid bare before everyone.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Space seemed to collapse.

  Countless powerhouses retreated in terror—fleeing the energy’s sweep.

  Inside the rift—the true terrifying competition had just begun.

  A battle over the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments.

  Lu wanted to seize them—while the mysterious Ancient Emperors in the rift also sought to reclaim them.

  What did they want with the fragments?

  To conceal the truth—or covet the Emperor’s cultivation?

  Regardless—Lu would not easily give up.

  “Ancient Emperor… Hao?”

  Of course—when that palm formed of countless array runes extended from the rift depths—

  Lu was shocked.

  Ancient Emperor Hao?

  This figure Lu had often used to bluff—actually still lived.

  Many of Lu’s secret realms bore the shadows of these Ancient Emperors.

  Thus—when Ancient Emperor Hao acted—Lu’s heart shook for the first time.

  But shock was one thing—yielding was another.

  Lu’s palm shot out.

  Buzz…

  Energy from both palms enveloped the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments. Strange power erupted—forming a terrifying energy storm.

  As though order chains clashed—intertwining—seeking to tear the fragments apart.

  Lu frowned slightly.

  He sensed the overwhelming power of that array-runed palm.

  If this continued—Lu might not win.

  But…

  The stronger the opposition—the more Lu desired the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments.

  He desperately wanted to know—what was in that rift’s depths.

  What secret it hid.

  Boom!

  Lu’s palm nearly shattered.

  But Lu smiled.

  With a thought—the Eight Trigrams array runes—Qian, Kun, Kan, Zhen, etc.—emerged.

  These were Transmission Platform array runes—profoundness rivaling the Six Jia array runes.

  The array runes formed a palm.

  Two array-runed palms clashed in the void—their profound mysteries fully displayed—like a unique profound force.

  Space collapsed—rules shattered—everything dimmed.

  The storm of array runes seemed to contain destruction and creation.

  Crack! Crack…

  Suddenly—

  Both array-runed palms exploded—fragments scattering across the void.

  Lu retreated a step—exhaling slowly.

  From the rift depths—came a surprised sound.

  Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

  Suddenly—Ancient Emperor auras erupted. Those Ancient Emperors—after evading the self-destruction’s power—charged again—targeting the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments.

  “Leave them!”

  An icy, arrogant roar exploded.

  Lu’s lips curved—his throat emitting an amused laugh.

  “But I, Lu Ping’an… love helping others.”

  Lu narrowed his eyes.

  The next moment—his white robes turned black—demonic qi surging.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Ancient Emperor auras swept—like they would crush everything.

  Demonic Lord Lu’s body shook—turning golden—from hair to toe—like coated in gold.

  And this… was not the end.

  On the Five Phoenix Continent—

  In the void starry sky—

  Suddenly—a star appeared—reflecting all heavens.

  The star was translucent—inside—a blazing white phoenix spread its wings.

  Atop the star—Little Yinglong jolted—clenching dragon claws—fleshy wings flapping—roaring at the sky.

  Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

  A beam shot out.

  From the star—piercing through—landing on Lu at the rift entrance.

  “Heavenly Dao power blessing!”

  Lu’s eyes blazed—golden hair whipping—he clenched his fist.

  Lu felt his body brimming with terrifying power.

  Golden Element Immortal Demon Body—plus Heavenly Dao blessing—plus Eight Trigrams array runes engraved on his flesh.

  This was Lu’s strongest combat power at Qi Refining Layer Ten.

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  This punch—would decide the outcome!

  Boom!

  A fist carrying extreme Golden Element power—thrust by Lu.

  Void shattered inch by inch—as though space compressed and collapsed under his fist.

  “This punch!”

  “This child borrowed the newborn Heavenly Dao’s power—plus attribute power. Be careful!”

  A grave voice came from the rift depths.

  Facing Lu’s golden-blazing punch—

  The Ancient Emperors’ movements froze.

  Boom!

  Terrifying explosion erupted—a golden streak shot from the blast—at extreme speed.

  He appeared above the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments.

  The Spirit-Pressure Chessboard swept—the fragments turned to chess pieces—rapidly landing on the board.

  After seizing the fragments—

  Lu retreated without hesitation—turning to flee.

  Though at Qi Refining Layer Ten—with Heavenly Dao blessing—Lu was confident he could defeat an Ancient Emperor.

  But the number of Ancient Emperors in the rift was too many.

  Plus the unfathomable Ancient Emperor Hao—Lu decided to play it safe.

  Take what he could—and leave.

  But just as Lu prepared to flee—

  A powerful fluctuation surged from the depths.

  Lu’s expression changed.

  This aura… was strong. Ancient Emperor Hao?

  Probably. Legends said Ancient Emperor Hao reached the peak of Emperor realm—his cultivation terrifying—able to face multiple Ancient Emperors without disadvantage.

  Only such a peerless powerhouse could erupt such terrifying aura.

  But now—Lu—with Five Phoenix Heavenly Dao blessing—was also confident.

  Ancient Emperor Hao—wanting to keep him—was not so easy!

  Perhaps he couldn’t win—but escaping—no one could stop Lu Ping’an!

  Countless array runes descended.

  Among them—the “All” array rune—representing sealing.

  Heaven and earth seemed to become a cage—instantly seeking to trap Lu.

  But facing the “All” array rune’s cage—Lu showed no fear.

  Hand seals formed—Eight Trigrams array runes emerged.

  If Six Jia array runes formed the strongest shield—

  Then Lu’s Eight Trigrams array runes formed the sharpest spear.

  Two supreme array runes clashed—seeming evenly matched.

  This was a confrontation between the world’s strongest array masters—profound array runes colliding—forming countless runes floating between heaven and earth.

  In the Five Phoenixes—

  Li Sansui—in Daoist robes—stood in the starry sky. Her lashes trembled—staring incredulously at the rift scene.

  Those profound array runes—that intoxicated her—blossomed like brilliant fireworks.

  Li Sansui—stuck at a bottleneck—suddenly broke through in this instant.

  From True Immortal peak—to Xuan Immortal.

  Becoming the Five Phoenixes’ first Xuan Immortal-level array master!

  Of course—for Lu—this was a minor matter.

  Now—Lu had no mood for such things. His focus was on resisting Ancient Emperor Hao’s array runes.

  The clash of two supreme array runes—became the focus between heaven and earth.

  “Release the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments—and you may leave.”

  A booming voice came from the rift depths.

  Lu’s golden hair whipped—Golden Element demonic qi surging—he laughed.

  “I, Lu Ping’an—want to leave. Who can stop me?”

  “Even if you leave—what then? You escape—but can the Five Phoenixes?”

  The voice boomed again.

  Lu laughed—this time scornfully: “As if—keeping the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments means you won’t attack the Five Phoenixes…”

  “When you dropped imperial blood—you already tore face with me, Lu Ping’an.”

  “I, Lu Ping’an—have a good temper—but I hate threats most.”

  “Every one of you—I, Lu Ping’an, remember!”

  Lu said coldly.

  Then—no more words.

  Boom!

  Clenching his fist—the Golden Element Immortal Demon Body surged with extreme power—this power’s ultimate energy—instantly shattered the array cage—tearing open the “All” array runes’ prison!

  This punch—contained extreme power—as though to blast the rift apart.

  Like the sky collapsing.

  Boom!

  Lu transformed into golden light—shooting from the rift.

  The next moment—he turned back.

  Vaguely seeing—inside the rift—countless towering, mysterious figures hovering.

  These were the Ancient Emperors in the rift.

  They stood—coldly watching Lu.

  Lu smiled—turning—rushing toward the Five Phoenixes—without looking back.

  Casually raising his hand—middle finger up—waving it mockingly at the Ancient Emperors in the rift.

  Appearance carefree—yet utterly infuriating.

  Making the Ancient Emperors’ gazes grow colder.

  But they did not exit the rift—as though the rift was a dividing line.

  With terrifying binding effect on them.

  After escaping the rift—Lu noticed this.

  Thus—his heart grew even more unrestrained.

  Boom!

  Lu’s clash with the Ancient Emperors—actually happened in a flash.

  Not even a few breaths—from Lu acting—to seize the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments—to shatter Ancient Emperor Hao’s seal—the battle was brief.

  But extremely perilous.

  A slight mistake—Lu might have been trapped in the rift.

  Outside—

  In the nine heavens—an Emperor’s fall.

  For the nine heavens—this was a massive earthquake.

  The Emperor-fall phenomenon would last long.

  Blood rain fell from the sky—chilling.

  The remaining Heavenly Spirit Clan members wailed—roared—hearts in utter grief—tears flowing.

  Tragic cries echoed through the nine heavens.

  The Heavenly Spirit Clan was tragic—sacrificed in this Emperor battle.

  Of course—the main reason was the Heavenly Dao’s ruthlessness. The heartless Heavenly Dao—was the true culprit behind the Heavenly Spirit Clan’s destruction.

  Micah—blood-soaked—

  Blocked the Heavenly Dao incarnation.

  Without him—the remaining Heavenly Spirit Clan members would have perished.

  If the Heavenly Dao incarnation entered the rift—even Lu would struggle.

  Newly proven Golden Immortal—Micah battled the nine heavens’ Heavenly Dao incarnation. Though the gap was large—Micah gritted his teeth—refusing to retreat even one step.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor fell.

  Micah’s body trembled.

  His heart was complex—emotions sorrowful.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor… was dead?

  Fallen?

  The target he once chased—the object of envy—had fallen between heaven and earth.

  How tragic.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor charged into the void rift—to avoid becoming a pawn—to overturn the chessboard—yet paid with his life.

  Those guys…

  Micah’s eyes reddened. He stared at the massive rift covering the sky.

  Infinite rage surged in his heart.

  But he was too weak. Even after proving Golden Immortal Emperor realm—he was still the weakest kind.

  Emperor realm—also required endless time to cultivate.

  Back on the Five Phoenix Continent—

  Lu’s golden light faded.

  He sat back in his thousand-blade chair.

  The Spirit-Pressure Chessboard hovered before him—the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments—turned to chess pieces—glowed faintly on the board.

  Lu did not rush to handle the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments.

  His gaze shifted—to the nine heavens battlefield.

  There—Micah still battled the Heavenly Dao incarnation.

  Lu’s mind stirred.

  As though transmitting through space—

  A voice echoed in Micah’s heart.

  “The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor has fallen. The nine heavens’ Emperor position is vacant. Why not seize this chance—prove the Dao again? Become the world’s first dual-position Emperor?”

  Lu’s divine soul transmitted.

  This was a sudden idea.

  Now—Micah’s Five Phoenixes cultivation—once he proved Emperor again with the nine heavens’ method—Lu would gain massive spiritual energy contribution.

  Thus—faced with such massive spiritual energy temptation—Lu naturally spoke up.

  And Lu’s words—

  Flashed through Micah’s mind like lightning.

  He had already considered this. Lu’s words gave him full confidence—becoming his inner support.

  With Young Master Lu’s backing—

  Then… prove the Dao!

  Micah’s eyes blazed with extreme brilliance.

  This was unyielding—indignant—unwilling…

  In the nine heavens—he was once peerless—once monstrously talented—suppressing all geniuses—called the most promising to prove Emperor.

  Yet time dulled his edge—his heart darkened—hope withered.

  He was unwilling. In the Five Phoenixes—he scattered cultivation—re-proving the Dao.

  But deep in his heart—he still harbored unwillingness and obsession.

  “Nine heavens’ Heavenly Dao…”

  Micah’s eyes shone brilliantly.

  Today—he, Micah… would defy heaven!

  The nine heavens’ Heavenly Dao incarnation—light figure—seemed to sense Micah’s actions.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor fell—so the nine heavens had a vacant Emperor position.

  Equivalent to the nine heavens birthing a new Emperor.

  This position—was crucial for the nine heavens’ Heavenly Dao.

  Now—Micah sought to prove the Dao.

  The nine heavens’ Heavenly Dao—already at odds with Micah—naturally would not allow it.

  Boom!

  Tribulation clouds rolled.

  Emperor-realm life-and-death tribulation.

  Before such tribulation—how many prodigies perished.

  How many powerhouses fell in grief and indignation.

  Micah looked at the tribulation clouds—laughing heartily.

  “The Five Phoenixes’ tribulation clouds are tempering tribulations—for strengthening the foundation of those crossing.”

  “The nine heavens’ tribulation clouds… what bullshit is this—pure killing intent—wiping out all who defy your Heavenly Dao rules!”

  “Heavenly Dao… you’re utter trash.”

  Micah roared!

  Boom!

  His body blazed with endless light—soaring.

  Once—no Emperor position—he, Micah—could not prove the Dao. He accepted it.

  Now—with a vacant position—he wanted to prove again—but… you Heavenly Dao still block!

  Since the Heavenly Dao is unjust!

  Why should he obey?

  Naturally… defy this heaven!

  Terrifying tribulation clouds crashed down.

  Like apocalyptic tribulation—each thunderbolt carrying annihilating aura.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Micah’s position—instantly became a void.

  Countless energy vanished.

  Amid rolling smoke and dust—even the scent of charred flesh.

  All hearts tightened—staring at the thunder’s center.

  Suddenly—

  A sound of destruction.

  Micah stepped through the smoke and dust.

  Under countless interwoven thunderbolts—he pushed Extreme Dao Emperor Fist.

  Like a bloodthirsty wolf—crashing into the tribulation clouds.

  “This… is tribulation?!”

  “Compared to the Five Phoenixes’ Golden Immortal tribulation—far too weak!”

  Micah’s low roar exploded.

  Bang!

  The tribulation clouds tore apart—his burly figure stood tall.

  As though ripping apart eternal night covering the sky—scattering dawn’s light across the earth.

  Around Micah—two auras intertwined.

  One—his Golden Immortal path.

  The other—his nine heavens cultivation.

  Dual-position Emperor!

  Countless radiance burst from Micah’s back—the sky’s blood rain seemed to stop.

  The wailing Heavenly Spirit Clan survivors ceased crying—staring dazedly at the newly ascended Emperor—Micah.

  Micah—like the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s continuation—gave the Heavenly Spirit Clan hope once more.

  Micah’s eyes blazed—glancing at the Heavenly Dao incarnation.

  Dual-position Emperor—his power greatly strengthened.

  Facing the Heavenly Dao incarnation—he feared nothing.

  After a clash—void collapsed. Micah—too lazy to continue fighting the Heavenly Dao.

  Though dual-position Emperor—slaying the Heavenly Dao was still too difficult.

  He waved his sleeve—sweeping up the surviving Heavenly Spirit Clan members. Another wave—gathering the cold corpses of fallen Saints floating in the void.

  Then—one step—crossing the void abyss—returning to the Five Phoenixes.

  From now on…

  The nine heavens—no more Heavenly Spirit Clan!

  Meanwhile—

  Lu withdrew his gaze.

  Falling on the Spirit-Pressure Chessboard—the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul fragments.

  Next—to handle the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s soul.

  And the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s final fate—

  Would be decided by him—Lu.