Chapter 5229 Moving Out to the Dragon Domain
The Earth Cauldron started to explain the Emperor realm to Long Chen. When a nine-vein Heaven Saint successfully merged all nine heaven vein dragon qi into one, their energy underwent a qualitative transformation, breaking their shackles and promoting them to a Human Emperor. A Human Emperor’s power was known as Emperor vein energy, and a cultivator in this realm possessed a single Emperor vein.
Emperor vein energy wasn’t just a different form of heaven vein dragon qi—it also transitioned from the external laws to the internal. Upon entering the Human Emperor realm and cultivating an Emperor vein, lifeforms were no longer shackled to the human form. As they no longer cultivated the outside world’s laws, the advantages of a human form gradually diminished, allowing various races to return to their true forms. The tortoise, for instance, had remained in its true form all this time. In this state, it escaped the limitations of the human form and could unleash its maximum power.
However, the Earth Cauldron added that the tortoise had been slumbering for countless years and hadn’t noticed the changes in the Heavenly Daos. With spiritual qi becoming sparse, slumbering here didn’t bring it any benefits—in fact, it slowly exhausted its core energy. As a result, even after so many years, it hadn’t advanced any further, leading it to believe it had been schemed against.
“Then is the Endless Desolation the only place good for its cultivation?” asked Long Chen, his heart shaking. If that was the case, then weren’t there countless terrifying existences just like it in the depths of the Endless Desolation?
“That is correct. The Sovereign Emperor Heaven’s energy is unbalanced, making this place unsuitable for the cultivation of experts on this level. That’s why here, the Human Emperor realm is the absolute ceiling. It’s impossible to even condense a second Emperor vein in this place—the laws simply won’t allow it,” said the Earth Cauldron.
“The Human Emperor realm is the ceiling?” Long Chen pondered aloud.
The Earth Cauldron said, “Don’t even think about attacking Lord Brahma’s stronghold. In truth, the Eight Brahma Domains are merely an initial foothold for Lord Brahma. Destroying them wouldn’t even scratch his power. Moreover, the headquarters of the Eight Brahma Domains contain his avatars. These avatars cannot move, but if you were to attack, you would be walking into a trap, and you’d be killed instantly. Even that tortoise wouldn’t stand a chance against Lord Brahma’s avatars.”
“Avatars?” Long Chen’s heart trembled.
It now made sense why Bai Letian’s expression changed when Long Chen mentioned attacking the Eight Brahma Domains. He must have known about the existence of these avatars and their terrifying power.
“Your status as a nine-star heir has been exposed, so you’re incredibly fortunate that Lord Brahma hasn’t come for you himself. You must not deliver yourself to him,” warned the Earth Cauldron.
“Senior, how far along is Lord Brahma’s recovery?” probed Long Chen.
The Earth Cauldron paused, considering the potential karma tied to this question. After a moment, it replied, “It’s difficult to say. But based on the fluctuations in his faith energy, he seems to be at a critical juncture in his recovery. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be absorbing even the impure mixed faith energy of his followers. This indicates that while he hasn’t fully recovered yet, he’s on the verge of doing so. Hence, you don’t have much time left.”
Long Chen’s hatred surged as he thought of how Lord Brahma had ambushed the Pill Sovereign, leading to the Pill Sovereign’s endless cycle of suffering and reincarnation. However, he was aware that Lord Brahma was an existence at the apex of the nine heavens and ten lands. With his power, Long Chen was nowhere near capable of challenging him.
“However, you don’t need to panic. We still have some time. Your path must be walked step by step,” the Earth Cauldron reassured, sensing Long Chen’s growing pressure.
Long Chen nodded, knowing that some things couldn’t be rushed. He then surveyed the battlefield. The tortoise’s earlier attack had nearly obliterated the entire area. Even the corpse of the Human Emperor was gone, leaving nothing of value behind.
The group immediately set off for the next sect, which turned out to be another human faction named the Heavenly River Valley. Upon their arrival, the valley master immediately tossed a bound half-step Human Emperor out the gate. There was no need for Long Chen to start counting.
Clearly, these sects had received word of the Free and Unfettered Sect’s destruction. They knew what Long Chen wanted and directly handed over the one responsible for the attack on the High Firmament Academy.
After giving the culprit away, everyone in the Heavenly River Valley knelt. The valley master’s swift submission ensured that even if Long Chen was enraged, he couldn’t take it out on them.
Long Chen and his group moved on to the next sect, which also surrendered in the same way, tossing out those Long Chen sought. After visiting over ten factions, Long Chen only found two beast races resisting them, and both were promptly wiped out by the Dragonblood warriors.
Realizing that his goal had been achieved, Long Chen decided to stop. The fear in the eyes of those sects told him they had all submitted. He was now ready to leave the academy and head to the Endless Desolation. Although Yu Qingxuan would stay behind under the protection of the palace master, Long Chen was still concerned.
This bloody reprisal was intended to instill such terror in his enemies that they wouldn’t dare to touch the High Firmament Academy, allowing him to leave with peace of mind.
Long Chen then announced that all remaining sects had half a month to hand over the heads of those who participated in the attack, or they would face total destruction.
After saying that, Long Chen brought everyone back to the academy. This time, they didn’t directly transport back. Instead, they flew through the air, passing through large mountain gates and overlooking large cities on the way. Countless experts stared at them fearfully. The academy’s disciples were filled with excitement, their hearts swelling with pride as they looked up at the black-robed figure leading them. To be born in the same era as such a figure was a blessing—though certainly not for his enemies.
When the Dragonblood Legion brought everyone back to the academy, the disciples who had accompanied them felt like they were entirely different people from when they left. Long Chen ordered the Dragonblood Legion to await further instructions, while he made his way to the Pill Institute.
There, he found Yu Qingxuan seated in front of the divine statue, her eyes closed in meditation, radiating an aura of holiness and serenity. Her aura was growing more and more like that of the divine statue itself.
Long Chen watched her quietly for a while, warmth filling his heart. Without disturbing her, he turned and left, content just to have seen her.
As he departed, Yu Qingxuan’s eyes suddenly opened. She gazed at his retreating figure, her lips parting as if to speak, but no sound emerged. Tears welled up in her eyes.
When Long Chen returned to the plaza, Bai Shishi was ready to leave. Although she still seemed weak, her eyes were bright, filled with excitement for the upcoming expedition.
“Move out! Our target is the Dragon Domain!” Long Chen commanded.