Silence fell.

  But silence was swiftly shattered by uproar!

  Like hot oil poured into water, everything erupted into frenzy.

  A Heavenly God-tier being instantly pierced through the brow and slain—the sight was shocking.

  That arrow, emerging silently from behind the Black-and-White Beast, claimed a Heavenly God-tier god-demon's life in an instant, blasting its body to fragments.

  Terrifying energy surged, space crumbling like shattered stone, jagged and ruined.

  The Black-and-White Beast startled, its eyes flickering. That arrow felt all too familiar—the same one that human had once loosed at it.

  Yet it knew the difference: raw power, and the innate purple qi permeating this one.

  Clearly, that human had held back against it.

  The thought warmed the beast inexplicably.

  Then it froze. Why did it feel so lowly?

  Thrilled over such a small mercy—where was its pride as a Void Black-and-White Beast?

  Humiliation surged, fueling rage it couldn't direct at the human. So it turned on the remaining Heavenly God-tier god-demon.

  Its glory demanded blood.

  Kill this pest!

  Prove to that human its greatness!

  The void thundered.

  God-Demon Clan powerhouses jolted. The surviving Heavenly God-tier trembled in disbelief.

  What just happened?

  The beast's assault was expected, but that mysterious arrow?

  Silent, insidious—like a reaper's scythe lurking in shadows, chilling the soul with unseen dread.

  Panic rippled through the God-Demon forces.

  On the Five Phoenixes and human side, jubilation exploded, morale soaring!

  "It's Young Master Lu!"

  "Worthy of White Jade Capital's Young Master Lu—one arrow slays a Heavenly God, exalting human might!"

  "Kill! The human race fears no battle!"

  Roars shook the heavens.

  Though one Heavenly God-tier fell, the elite squad still boasted ten Dao-tier gods and demons, plus dozens of peak Immortal-tier.

  No easy foes.

  The Black-and-White Beast lunged ferociously at the survivor, every strike lethal.

  It had planned to coast, but now it had to showcase its prowess—for that human's eyes.

  The Earth Elemental Realm forces felt stifled.

  This deviated wildly from their visions of unchallenged slaughter: human cries for mercy amid ruined worlds.

  Instead, a guardian Black-and-White Beast and some enigmatic force capable of felling Heavenly Gods.

  The remaining Heavenly God-tier calmed, splitting attention to scan the void for another arrow.

  The first fell to carelessness, distracted by the beast.

  Alert, a Heavenly God-tier could react— the arrow was potent, but they weren't weak.

  "Kill!"

  Blocking the beast, killing intent flooded its eyes.

  "Slaughter every living thing in this world!"

  At the command, ten Dao-tier gods charged madly, dozens of peak Immortal-tier roaring in excitement.

  Dark oppression blanketed the Void Abyss.

  The entire Five Phoenixes starry sky quaked.

  ...

  On the lake heart island.

  Lu withheld a second arrow. Repeating the surprise would be difficult—Heavenly Gods weren't fools; they'd guard against it.

  Time was too precious.

  Even slaying this one changed little. If the Ninth Heaven line collapsed, catastrophe loomed for all humans.

  Priority: decipher the saint killing array.

  "Almost there..."

  Leaning on the Thousand-Bladed Chair, Lu tapped lightly.

  He reactivated the paused Time Array, immersing his mind in the Preaching Platform.

  The saint rubric grew clearer in his eyes—no longer inscrutable scripture.

  His methodical breakdown yielded results.

  Golden saint characters floated around, dense like an ancient bell forged from deciphered text.

  Lu struck the bell lightly.

  Mysterious sound waves erupted, piercing, soul-shaking.

  Ripples spread invisibly across the island, sweeping the Five Phoenixes in waves.

  After the strike, Lu focused deeper.

  The array was intricate, daunting. Without the platform, it might take eons.

  But with it, full mastery felt close...

  Just dozens more characters.

  ...

  In the Immortal Array Tower.

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  The Time Array's restart eased Xuan Yue's near-mad anxiety; she plunged back into research.

  Xiaoyao Zi's death weighed on her—she bore the burden, couldn't fail him or the human future.

  Pressure silvered her black hair like falling snow.

  Suddenly, her mind trembled.

  A faint saint killing array aura?

  Not just her—every master paused.

  "Saint killing array profound sound?"

  Xuan Yue murmured.

  Unmistakable after endless study. Even partial text eluded her.

  Releasing profound sound meant a viable incomplete array—deployable.

  "What's happening?"

  "I sensed it too..."

  "Xuan Yue couldn't have—her progress lacks enough characters for even an incomplete one..."

  Confusion mingled with excitement.

  Hope.

  An incomplete saint array could hold Elemental Gods and hordes.

  Despair in the tower turned to fervor.

  Whispers buzzed.

  Someone cracked it?!

  The news detonated like a bomb, stirring waves.

  "Who?"

  Xuan Yue descended to the hall, bloodshot eyes scanning disheveled masters.

  Disappointment—none seemed capable.

  Then she spotted Li Sansui.

  Lu's placement? Tonggu's recommendation?

  Breath quickened—an overlooked talent.

  Her?

  She found Li Sansui, eyes blazing with hope and caution.

  "That man—Lu Ping'an? He brought you. Take me to him!"

  Her Heavenly Emperor pinnacle aura pressed lightly.

  Li Sansui shook her head.

  No—she feared disturbing Young Master Lu.

  Yet excitement stirred: profound sound? Progress?

  As expected—steady, reassuring.

  "Please... our last hope."

  "We won't disturb him."

  Xuan Yue pleaded.

  Li Sansui hesitated, lip bitten.

  Masters gazed hopefully.

  Their ages dwarfed hers, yet they begged.

  Heart touched.

  "I'll take you—but no entering the island, no interference..."

  "Or else..."

  She lacked threats.

  "If we violate, may our primordial spirits extinguish and bodies drift the stars!"

  Xuan Yue swore.

  Others followed without hesitation.

  Convinced, Li Sansui led them out, toward the Eastern Ocean.

  Soon, the lake heart island appeared.

  Only Lu remained; Ning Zhao, Ni Yu, Yi Yue fought in the abyss.

  Under Li Sansui's guidance, they beheld the island shrouded in mystery, lingering profound echoes.

  Xuan Yue's face lit with joy.

  "Here!"

  "He truly forged an incomplete saint array..."

  Tears of relief.

  Humanity saved!

  Masters sighed—burden shared, lightened.

  "He's not done... aiming for complete?"

  "In such short time?"

  Eyes widened.

  Tension rose.

  Spontaneously, they wove arrays, sealing the island impenetrably—no disturbance.

  Then sat in void, awaiting patiently.

  Who'd believe these temperamental masters so docile?

  ...

  Chai Feng in golden armor, wielding a golden sword, eyes blazing, ascended.

  No quasi-saint breakthrough—but no hiding now.

  "War!"

  Sword light pierced the heavens, chilling miles.

  He clashed with a peak Dao-tier god-demon, golden source profound energy shredding surroundings.

  Other human Heavenly Emperors engaged.

  But these Dao-tier were formidable—matching Chai Feng or Luo Yang.

  Two humans barely held one.

  Tantai Xuan fought personally, karmic flames scorching void.

  Yin messengers formed a death city torrent, suppressing one Dao-tier.

  He stood atop, Book of Life and Death in hand, battling fiercely.

  Bai Qingniao blazed, nine fire phoenixes circling, flames holding another evenly.

  Sima Qingshan, Overlord, Tang Yimo combined: painting realm trapped foes, seas upheaving in chaos.

  Kong Nanfei led three thousand scholars, haoran qi crowning, clashing with Immortal-tier.

  Golden Crow Emperor, Twelve Heavenly Witches, human Extreme Emperors and Great Emperors joined.

  The Void Abyss erupted in cataclysmic war.

  Blood stained the void.

  Lu Jiulian with azure lotus sword strolled, dueling two Dao-tier, easing pressure.

  Brutal.

  God-Demons ferocious; humans and Five Phoenixes allies fearless.

  Survival stakes—no slack.

  Tang Yimo opened the eighth vein.

  Eighth Pulse Demon Art exploded, power surging—he seemed more demonic.

  Painting shattered; trio slew one Dao-tier, gravely wounded.

  Tang Yimo lay corpse-like, exhausted.

  Overlord blood-soaked, mangled yet exhilarated.

  Sima Qingshan bloodied but ready.

  Heavenly Emperors traded lives for Dao-tier kills.

  Extreme Emperors self-detonated with Immortal-tier.

  Five Phoenixes losses mounted...

  Yet underworld manifested overhead.

  Ten spirit cities emerged, Yellow Springs opening, reincarnating fallen—fearless fighting.

  In Primordial Starry Sky.

  Earth Source Domain.

  Old He bled profusely, quasi-saint blood drifting...

  Yet he rose unsteadily, blocking the Earth Elemental God.

  Comparable to peak quasi-saints like Tonggu or Xiaoyao Zi, Old He lagged—but refused surrender.

  Xiaoyao Zi's laughing charge replayed.

  Blood boiled.

  Quasi-saint, yet human.

  Hot-blooded.

  If Xiaoyao Zi died for humanity's future, Old He would hold—for time.

  "Come—fight!"

  Unprecedented vitality surged.

  "Court death..."

  The Earth Elemental God sneered coldly.

  He sensed issues: elites struggling.

  Two Heavenly Gods should have conquered—yet one fell instantly, others dying.

  Confidence wavered.

  No retreating as laughingstock.

  Earth source boiled.

  Massive hand formed, smashing toward the passage.

  Boom!

  Old He slammed into the mouth, staggering, golden blood dripping.

  He smiled, sitting cross-legged.

  Hands sealed.

  Life and spirit forged golden body, sealing the passage.

  "Break!"

  Fury.

  Fists pounded the golden form, shaking but unyielding.

  Old He smiled as vitality faded, satisfied denying entry.

  ...

  On Fire Source Star.

  Luo Yang's aura weakened critically, flames enveloping, spirit dim.

  But sensing impacts—like heart reigniting.

  Fire profound reached seventy percent!

  He stepped higher on Flame Mountain.

  No battle participation—forcing breakthrough, awaiting spark.

  Heavenly Emperor aid meaningless; top power needed.

  Gamble paid off.

  "Today, I attain quasi-sainthood!"

  Flames soared, purple qi descending.

  All startled, then ecstatic.

  Breakthrough!

  "Well done!"

  Chai Feng, battling, rejoiced—Luo Yang succeeded where he failed.

  Quasi-saint aura flooded.

  Profound enlightenment benefited countless—breakthroughs rippled.

  Like ascension blessing all.

  The Heavenly God-tier battling the beast panicked.

  New human quasi-saint now?!

  Tried escaping to slay him—but beast clung annoyingly.

  Helpless.

  Worse ahead: with one more quasi-saint, invaders trapped.

  Indeed.

  Luo Yang emerged from flames, spear in hand.

  Starry sky quaked.

  Humanity thrilled.

  "Invade humanity—die!"

  Coldly.

  One thrust pierced death city, nailing Tantai Xuan's foe.

  No glance back—continued.

  Dao-tier fell to single thrusts.

  Aided Lu Jiulian, slaying both.

  Blood rain fell.

  Yet Five Phoenixes forces invigorated—victory's horn.

  God-Demons panicked, fleeing.

  Unblocked quasi-saint: nightmare slaughter.

  Luo Yang ruthless.

  Predecessors fallen—all must die.

  Roar—became blazing sun, seventy percent fire erupting.

  Thrust spawned myriad flames.

  Remaining Dao-tier pierced, spirits shattered.

  Momentum peaked; spear dragged toward the Heavenly God-tier.

  The beast blinked.

  This new human fiercer?

  Lost in ferocity?

  Only cuteness left?

  Unwilling, it grew vicious—to outshine.

  The Heavenly God-tier nearly coughed blood.

  What madness?

  Beast—not even human—why so dedicated?!

  Claw shattered skull.

  Spear pierced body.

  Fire ravaged spirit.

  Heavenly God-tier perished under combined assault.

  Boom!

  Passage exploded.

  Old He's body flung like a leaf into Five Phoenixes.

  Quasi-saint blood hushed time.

  Beast and Luo Yang looked up.

  Luo Yang's eyes reddened.

  "Senior He!"

  Fire streak caught the broken form.

  Old He clung to life.

  "Good... good..."

  Sensing quasi-saint heat, comforted—another for humanity.

  Earth Elemental God stepped coldly through.

  Primordial spirit swept arrogantly.

  Fallen Heavenly Gods, Dao-tier... elites nearly annihilated.

  Unforeseen.

  Gaze on Luo Yang: "New quasi-saint?"

  Then beast.

  Stalled.

  "Black-and-White Beast?!"

  Sensed Black-and-White Empress on Buzhou Peak—lazy glance froze his intent.

  No intervention—relief, killing surge.

  "Beast, stand aside. Meddle in human affairs, and even the empress won't avenge you against a God Emperor."

  Beast stunned, enraged.

  Belittling who?!

  Roar—charged upright.

  Headache; hand grasped.

  Earth source coiled into sphere.

  Earth Source statue power?!

  Furious.

  No cheats—fair fight!

  Subdued instantly, pressure on Luo Yang.

  Elemental God...

  Once unimaginable.

  New quasi-saint, yet little confidence against peak.

  But fight.

  Ignored.

  Passage blurred; mere bump hurled Luo Yang, coughing blood.

  Weaker than Old He—helpless.

  Yet the god startled...

  Instantly over continent.

  Sensed Time Array-shrouded land, face darkened.

  Saint killing array aura!

  "This newborn world nearly forged one?!"

  Relief at early discovery.

  Delay—disaster for God-Demons!

  No hesitation—killing intent, fist to destroy continent, halt deciphering...

  But as cataclysmic fist descended.

  A figure floated quietly ahead—eyes closed, serene as autumn leaf.

  ...

  On Buzhou Peak.

  Black-and-White Empress shook head at empty stone, sighing.

  Stubborn girl.

  Couldn't stop her.

  But fine—with her here.

  ...

  The girl opened her eyes slowly.

  Lashes fluttered—no fanfare.

  Inheritance mastered, power controlled—Zhulong wielded black-and-white eyes adeptly.

  Seeing them, Earth Elemental God startled.

  "Black-and-White Empress?"

  Against devastating fist.

  Zhulong swung black-and-white millstone, smashing out.

  Collision—heaven-shaking explosion over Five Phoenixes, deafening, destructive waves raging.

  "I'm not the Black-and-White Empress..."

  "I am..."

  "Zhulong of the Five Phoenixes."