Chapter 789: Changes in the 3 Tribes

“Your Majesty, are you not worried they might have struck just now?”

At this moment, even Giant Axe felt like sweating, having been quite frightened a moment ago!

There were quite a few Celestial Venerables among the myriad races.

If they had truly made a move, the four of us might not have been able to hold them off.

“Hmm?”

Su Yu asked, puzzled, “Why would they strike? Are the myriad races insane?”

“We came to help, even sent people over—so friendly. Except for the Dragon Clan, whom we’ve killed many of, why would others risk their lives to attack their reinforcements?”

Reinforcements?

Giant Axe grumbled inwardly, you’re up to no good; can this really count as reinforcements?

Su Yu laughed, “Don’t worry. If the myriad races truly dared to strike, they would have done so against the Eight-Winged Tiger long ago. Why wait until now? These people have strength, talent, and a will to fight, but they lack one thing—they can’t reach a consensus; each has their own agenda!”

For instance, Dragon Celestial Venerable fears that if he dies, the Dragon Clan will be finished.

Phoenix Celestial Venerable fears that if she falls, the Phoenix Clan will be doomed.

Dao Celestial Venerable fears that if he perishes, the Immortal Clan will be suppressed…

All share the same mindset!

In truth, once a great war begins, this very mindset is the most dangerous; the myriad races lack an outstanding leader.

If they could truly unite their strength, they would not be weak.

Even now, Dao, Nether, Wasteland, Demon, Mara, Sun, Moon, Dragon, Phoenix—that’s nine Celestial Venerables. Add Thunderstorm and Heavenly Fate, who are still serving their sentences, that makes eleven Celestial Venerable-level experts.

Third Moon fled, but that’s just Third Moon.

Eleven Celestial Venerable-level beings—and that’s not all. The Immortal and Demon clans have at least one hidden, making thirteen. Add the Former Emperor’s Consort, that’s fourteen top-tier existences, plus over a dozen King-level beings.

Such strength is certainly greater than Su Yu’s side.

The key is: who can control the power of the myriad races?

That is the core issue!

At these words,

Giant Axe and Third Moon nodded. Giant Axe chuckled, “Your Majesty is right. If they could truly cooperate, they would have done so back then. When we fought across the myriad realms, we defeated them one by one!”

The myriad races never seemed to cooperate, except when the Human Emperor swept them away, forcing them to unite.

“Let’s head to Bamboo Mountain first!”

Su Yu said no more; for now, they would settle in the upper realm.

Once the myriad races deliver the Devourer Tribe, we’ll discuss the rest.

…

At the same time.

The crowd silently watched Su Yu and his group depart.

A group of people, looking at each other, remained silent for a long time.

And just then, the Former Emperor’s Consort, aged and frail, coughed lightly, “Let’s go back first!”

Moon Celestial Venerable hurriedly said, “Consort, we have all moved to Human Mountain now, with all the myriad races gathered in the upper realm.”

“Good.”

The Former Emperor’s Consort nodded slightly; it was indeed good. She thought for a moment and asked, “Did Su Yu lose when he came to the upper realm before?”

Moon Celestial Venerable briefly explained the matter. The Former Emperor’s Consort pondered for a while, then said, “Not necessarily. Perhaps it was a diversionary tactic. In any case, even if Su Yu has accumulated strength, he probably has no intention of dealing with us for now. His primary target is still the Prison King’s lineage.”

Moon Celestial Venerable was speechless. The Consort meant… Su Yu’s last move might have been a feint?

Surely not?

While they were discussing, ahead, Tian Gu and those who had come to receive him had already met. At that moment, he turned his head to look at them, fixing his gaze on Dao and Wasteland Celestial Venerables, and said calmly, “You two, return to the Immortal Clan’s camp first. I have matters to discuss!”

Wasteland and Dao Celestial Venerables exchanged a glance, nodded slightly to Moon Celestial Venerable and the others, and quickly flew over.

The Former Emperor’s Consort glanced at them, coughed a few times, and said, “On the Immortal side, now that Tian Gu has ascended, who knows who will lead the Immortal Clan’s affairs? On our Divine Clan’s side…”

She looked at Ji Wu, “Ji Wu, your strength is insufficient. Hand over clan matters to Sun and Moon Celestial Venerables for now.”

Ji Wu nodded slightly.

The Former Emperor’s Consort coughed incessantly, her aura fluctuating: “Moon Eclipse, you and Sun Corona… in the old days, you would have been Lords of Rules, transcending the mundane. Let Ji Wu handle the trivial clan matters for now. Once the seal is broken, you will both be Lords of Rules, and such trivialities will not require much thought. Focus your energy on cultivation.”

Moon Celestial Venerable nodded slightly.

The Former Emperor’s Consort held high seniority and status; now that she had ascended, courtesy was due.

The Former Emperor’s Consort’s cough grew heavier, “The Prison King’s lineage must be eradicated. I am not entirely clear on the details, but I hear there is a top-tier expert among them, is that right?”

“Yes.”

The Former Emperor’s Consort was silent for a moment, then spoke, “I am about to die; I probably won’t live to see the Former Emperor’s return. Leave that person to me. I will use my final battle to eliminate him. Apart from him, on our side, you and Sun Corona will kill another Celestial Venerable… cough, cough…”

She coughed, looking around at the others, gasping, “We must act quickly. Su Yu’s ascension will not bring peace. First, with minimal cost, destroy the Prison King’s lineage, then join forces… join forces to deal with Su Yu and his group!”

Her speech grew more urgent: “The upper realm may not take Su Yu seriously, even if he has multiple Celestial Venerables on his side, they might underestimate him. But in my view… Su Yu is more troublesome than the Prison King’s lineage! The Prison King’s lineage is nothing; they have lain dormant for a hundred thousand years without making a splash. It only means we underestimated them before. Now that we know of their existence… they are merely a strong enemy, not a mortal foe!”

The crowd was startled. Moon Celestial Venerable couldn’t help asking, “Does the Consort mean that Su Yu’s side is even more troublesome than the Prison King’s lineage?”

“Of course!”

The Former Emperor’s Consort nodded: “In less than three or four years, he has stirred up storms across the myriad realms, conquering the lower realm. Do not say the lower realm is weak—if it is weak, humanity is even weaker! Tian Gu and Ji Wu are no fools; they have already greatly overestimated Su Yu, sending their strongest forces to kill him time and again… By the third time, Tian Gu and the others personally intervened!”

The third time, they personally intervened!

That is the emperor of a race!

Who would personally join a battle against a child for the third time?

Tian Gu and the others did just that!

Yet, it was still too late.

The Former Emperor’s Consort was not afraid of the Prison King’s lineage, which had barely developed in a hundred thousand years. She was more worried about Su Yu. Perhaps the upper realm fools did not understand, even underestimating him due to his recent defeat, but the Former Emperor’s Consort would not.

Not just her; all who came from the lower realm would not underestimate Su Yu.

Even if Su Yu appeared arrogant, reckless, and impulsive, it was all a facade.

He was a young man, but extremely deep and cunning. Every time he acted, except for the early stages when he had no choice, he always had a sure grasp, even basing his moves on the premise that his side would not fail or suffer casualties.

Otherwise, he was like a venomous snake in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment, and if the strike missed, he would quickly retreat.

Today, Su Yu ascended, which could only mean one thing: he was confident!

Regarding Su Yu, the Former Emperor’s Consort did not mind speculating with the worst-case scenario.

At this moment, the Former Emperor’s Consort’s words seemed to overestimate Su Yu excessively. Dragon Celestial Venerable, unconvinced, said, “They are strong, but there are only a few of them. Many ants can kill an elephant. Just the number of our Dao-Integrated experts is enough to surround and kill them!”

The Former Emperor’s Consort glanced at him and transmitted to Moon Celestial Venerable: “Stay away from him! This man has a poor mind and will die sooner or later. Let the three great clans not underestimate Su Yu. As for the other races, if they seek death, let them try on their own!”

“I am the Divine Emperor’s consort, guarding the Divine Clan for a hundred thousand years. I do not wish to see the Divine Clan perish… I am willing to shed my last drop of blood to lay an eternal foundation for the Divine Clan, but I do not wish… my Divine Clan to be destroyed by fools! Sun Corona and you are both wise; I hope such a thing does not happen!”

Moon Heavenly Lord was inwardly solemn, transmitting his voice: "Imperial Consort, what do you think—how does this Su Yu compare to Hundred Battles?"

"Hundred Battles is no fool... Of course, I'm not entirely clear on the specifics of Hundred Battles' side. That man may have his own schemes, but Hundred Battles... it's hard to say. His heart for guarding the human race is not truly strong... As for Su Yu, if I were to draw a comparison, he might be somewhat akin to the Human Emperor of old!"

That was the highest of praises!

Moon Heavenly Lord grew even more awed.

The Former Imperial Consort continued: "It's actually quite simple! Are March, Giant Axe, and the others utter idiots? If not, why would they follow Su Yu without hesitation? How old is Su Yu? How many who have reached the Heavenly Lord realm are fools? Especially March—he's very clever, very shrewd. The Devourer Clan has survived for ages, and since the First Tide, he never took a clear stance... Yet now, he stands firmly with Su Yu. What do you think?"

Moon Heavenly Lord became even more solemn, transmitting: "Then, according to the Imperial Consort, perhaps we should deal with Su Yu first?"

"No!"

The Former Imperial Consort transmitted: "First, deal with the Prison King's lineage. Su Yu has not even moved against us, but has gone after the Prison King's lineage first. This suggests that lineage may be more dangerous at present. As for Su Yu... I do not advise engaging him directly. Instead, delay!"

"Delay?"

Moon Heavenly Lord was astonished. What did that mean?

"Delay until the Former Emperor and the others return..."

The Former Imperial Consort transmitted: "It won't be long now. I can already feel it—the power of the Great Dao is stirring, rejoicing. They will return soon!"

The Former Imperial Consort murmured softly, then continued transmitting: "Delay! Su Yu, in this era, is actually very difficult to deal with. Delay until the seal is broken, until the Former Emperor and the others return—that will be the opportunity to deal with Su Yu!"

"If we cannot delay, then defend! If we cannot defend... we may even contact Hundred Battles first, let him stand in the front to resist Su Yu..."

"As for fighting the Prison King's lineage, we can also delay!"

The Former Imperial Consort transmitted swiftly: "Fight, we must fight, but we must drag out the time!"

Hearing the Former Imperial Consort's words, Moon Heavenly Lord was momentarily uncertain how to decide.

What kind of talk was this?

Fearful, yet unwilling to strike. The Former Imperial Consort even said that Su Yu was more troublesome than the Prison King's lineage.

There was even a hint of dread in her words!

The Former Imperial Consort was no weakling—in bygone days, she too was a Rule Master. Could it be that even a Rule Master now feared Su Yu?

Moon Heavenly Lord pondered this, and for a moment, he too regarded Su Yu with greater seriousness.

Was he truly that troublesome?

They had too little contact with Su Yu. The last time was when Su Yu was defeated—reckless and impulsive—that was the impression Su Yu had left on them.

...

And now, on the Immortal side, the atmosphere was far heavier.

Tian Gu remained silent, leading his people toward the Human Mountain.

Behind him, the two Heavenly Lords, Dao and Huang, frowned slightly but said nothing, following along. Immortal War Marquis, who had come to welcome Tian Gu, tried to lighten the mood, changing the subject: "My Emperor, the weapon I threw down last time... did Your Majesty not bring it up?"

"It's with Su Yu!"

Tian Gu answered without a second thought, even without knowing the situation, speaking flatly: "I never communicated with you. If there was any, it was all Su Yu's doing!"

Immortal War Marquis was taken aback. "But... I was with him in the Destiny Clan..."

"The Destiny Clan below has likely defected to him. As for the upper realm, it's uncertain. Don't trust Destiny too much!"

Tian Gu spoke as he walked. "Huang, is Saint Marquis in seclusion?"

Huang Heavenly Lord's expression shifted slightly, his voice low: "He is in seclusion!"

"Tell him to come out!"

Tian Gu said calmly: "Notify Saint Marquis that it's time to emerge. Life and death hang in the balance at this very moment!"

Huang Heavenly Lord frowned slightly. "Tian Gu..."

Tian Gu turned his head to look at him, and after a long pause, said: "I do not wish to seize your authority, but you know nothing of Su Yu. If I do not take power, you will all die at his hands sooner or later!"

Tian Gu said coldly: "Inform Saint Marquis to come out! I will take command of the Immortal Clan! If you and Dao find this improper, you may try to strike at me!"

Authority?

Tian Gu cared about it, but in truth, it mattered little.

Yet he had to seize power!

He did not seize power for mere control, but to prevent the Immortal Clan from falling into an abyss. These people knew nothing of Su Yu, and would never understand how terrifying he was!

They would only underestimate him!

If the enemy were merely the Prison King's lineage, he would not seize power now. There was no need.

Let them fight. His strength was insufficient—he had only just reached the Heavenly King realm. Why risk a falling-out with two Heavenly Lords?

But now, even if it meant a falling-out, he had to seize power!

Both Heavenly Lords wore grim expressions.

Tian Gu paid them no further heed, moving with great speed. Soon, he arrived at the Human Mountain. Ahead, Immortal War Marquis opened the way, swiftly activating the Human Mountain's restrictions. Tian Gu strode directly into the Human Mountain and flew rapidly toward the Immortal Clan's territory.

Up ahead, Yuan Sheng Marquis had also brought people to greet him. Seeing Tian Gu, he offered a half-smile, though it was not quite genuine, and said politely: "Tian Gu has ascended. I was just preparing a welcome feast for you..."

Yuan Sheng Marquis, like Tian Gu, cultivated the Immortal Emperor's Great Dao!

Previously, many who cultivated this path had either died or switched to other paths. Only Yuan Sheng Marquis had persisted in this path.

Yuan Sheng Marquis and Tian Gu were actually connected.

They might even be considered fellow disciples!

Both Tian Gu and Yuan Sheng Marquis had studied under the Immortal Emperor, both from the same lineage. That was why they primarily cultivated the Immortal Emperor's Great Dao. However, Yuan Sheng Marquis was older; Tian Gu was a figure from the late ancient era.

"No need!"

Tian Gu brushed past him. Yuan Sheng Marquis's expression soured, but Tian Gu did not look at him, heading straight for the Immortal Clan's territory.

Upon reaching the Immortal Clan's territory, without a word, his aura surged, exploding forth as he shouted: "Saint Marquis, I have arrived!"

As his voice fell, a small hill within the Immortal Clan's new territory suddenly split open.

The next moment, an ancient being appeared swiftly, tearing through the void in an instant, and stood before Tian Gu. His eyes held a mix of joy and excitement.

"Your Highness..."

Tian Gu raised his hand, his own eyes glistening with emotion. "Saint Marquis, I have come!"

"Your Highness!"

The aged man was stirred. "Your Highness should have ascended long ago. Advancement is difficult in the lower realm..."

"No!"

Tian Gu shook his head. "The upper realm is not necessarily better. The Great Dao is insubstantial. At the same level of combat power, it is still inferior to the lower realm!"

Then he said quickly: "Enough of that. Since I am here, so be it. Convene the Immortal Clan council, summon all Dao-Integrators. I will take command of the Immortal Clan!"

"As you command!"

The Saint Marquis, radiating immense power, raised a seal into the air and proclaimed: "The Immortal Clan convenes its council. All Dao-Integrators, whether in seclusion or abroad, come to the council hall at once!"

"Saint Marquis!"

At this moment, Dao Heavenly Venerate slightly frowned, about to say something, when Saint Marquis spoke in a deep voice: "Dao, do you have an objection?"

His aura surged, and suppressing two Heavenly Venerates alone, he actually made both of them feel the pressure.

And now, this group of strong men from the Immortal War also erupted with their auras, pressing toward Yuan Sheng and his men!

Tian Gu remained calm; since he had come, since Saint Marquis was still here, then the heavens could not be overturned!

Did Yuan Sheng want to contend with him?

He was still far from it!

Even two Heavenly Venerates would not do.

At this moment, everyone was startled.

After a while, the long-sealed council hall of the Immortal Clan was opened.

...

In the hall, a crowd of strong men quickly surged in.

Now, the entire foundation of the Immortal Clan was fully exposed.

At this moment, the outside world could see and understand just how strong the Immortal Clan truly was.

In the vast hall, one by one, empty thrones were soon filled with people.

Three Heavenly Venerates!

Heavenly Kings, a full six.

Below the Heavenly Kings, those who had merged with the Dao, totaling sixty-five.

In one clan, seventy-four top-tier strong men, and this was after Su Yu had killed quite a few, including several pseudo-Dao Heavenly Kings who had been slain earlier; otherwise, the Immortal Clan would have had even more.

Seventy-four top-tier strong men, and now the three Heavenly Venerates sat side by side with Tian Gu, while Yuan Sheng and Immortal War and a few others had to take a step lower, representing their different status.

Yuan Sheng Marquis was expressionless, lost in thought.

And Tian Gu, looking down at the crowd below, said bluntly and calmly: "I don't care whether you are willing or not; from today onward, the Immortal Clan—only my commands are the commands of the Immortal Clan! Except for me, no one may issue any order to dispatch those who have merged with the Dao!"

As these words were spoken, someone frowned. Below, a Heavenly King said in a deep voice: "Tian Gu, this is not the lower realm!"

Tian Gu looked at him and said coldly: "The upper realm is the same!"

"Tian Gu, you..."

That Heavenly King was somewhat dissatisfied: "Are you being too domineering? Do you understand the upper realm? You come here and want to do what? Did you do so well in the lower realm? You were beaten until you sealed your realm and begged for reinforcements!"

It wasn't as if he had done well in the lower realm; there, he was beaten by a newcomer until he closed his realm and sought help. Tian Gu had no idea where he got the confidence to come up and seize power!

That Heavenly King added: "The upper realm is different. Over the years, under the leadership of several Heavenly Venerates and Yuan Sheng, the strong men have grown more and more. Our clan has developed better than all the others. If you ask me, Tian Gu, you have just arrived; I think you should wait and see..."

"How dare you!"

Immortal War Marquis roared angrily: "Insolent! A newly promoted quasi-king like you, what right do you have to spout nonsense here?"

That newly promoted Heavenly King looked displeased, staring at Immortal War, who said coldly: "What are you looking at? In the old days, you would have been charged with great disrespect! His Majesty, after the Immortal Emperor disappeared, was elected through public recommendation to take over the Immortal Clan. For a hundred thousand years, the Immortal Clan has flourished, all thanks to His Majesty's efforts! Which tidal war was not won by His Majesty awakening from slumber and fighting again and again?"

"What, are you dissatisfied?"

Immortal War Marquis said coldly: "If you are dissatisfied, swallow it! His Majesty has been in the lower realm all along, but since he has come up, the upper realm is His Majesty's domain!"

No one spoke.

Above, Saint Marquis saw this and said with a faint smile: "Since everyone has no objections, let it be done according to the Prince's words. Since the Immortal Emperor has not returned, the Immortal Clan should be handed over to the Prince to govern..."

Dao Heavenly Venerate frowned slightly and said: "I think Tian Gu may not understand the upper realm very well. How about this: let Tian Gu first follow Yuan Sheng and learn a thing or two..."

Saint Marquis said indifferently: "No need. The upper realm is just a tiny patch of land; what is there to learn? Everyone here knows the Prince. So, other matters can be handed over easily. Yuan Sheng, within three days, complete the handover with the Prince!"

Yuan Sheng Marquis's expression shifted, and soon he said softly: "As you command!"

Tian Gu glanced at him. This old senior brother of his might not be convinced, and he knew it.

In earlier years, the two had had disagreements over the Immortal Emperor's Great Dao.

At this moment, he actually did not want to quarrel with these people.

Quarreling would only harm the Immortal Clan's strength.

But while he thought this way, the other might not think the same.

"Yuan Sheng, come here!"

Tian Gu gave a light shout, and everyone frowned.

Was he going to pick a fight now?

Wasn't that too soon?

Tian Gu had never been so impatient; but this time in the upper realm, he was in a hurry. Why?

Yuan Sheng Marquis's expression also shifted!

Was he looking for trouble now?

Tian Gu this time in the upper realm was truly different from before!

Yuan Sheng Marquis cursed inwardly!

Relying on Saint Marquis's support, you are acting without restraint?

Over the years, I have worked hard, if not for merit then for toil. While Dao and Huang Heavenly Venerates were in seclusion, I was the one governing the Immortal Clan. Do you dare to make a move against me now?

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

He stepped forward step by step toward the top. Let me see if you, Tian Gu, will kill me in public!

Do you dare?

At this moment, Dao Heavenly Venerate and the others also looked grave. The two looked at Saint Marquis, but saw him staring coldly at them, and both were helpless.

Saint Marquis was the foundation of the Immortal Clan.

He was also a strong man on the level of the Sun Corona!

In fact, Sun Corona was slightly inferior to him.

Now that Tian Gu had come to the upper realm, Saint Marquis appeared instantly to support him, along with Immortal War and the others. Unless they wanted the Immortal Clan to split, at this moment they could only do this, only obey Tian Gu's will to take over the Immortal Clan again!

Yuan Sheng stepped forward step by step.

Soon, he stood on the step below Tian Gu.

The distance between them was less than a meter. They looked at each other, and a hint of defiance appeared in Yuan Sheng's eyes. Do you dare to kill me?

Both were disciples of the Immortal Emperor!

He was even older than Tian Gu!

He was Tian Gu's senior brother!

He simply refused to submit. If it were the old days, it might have been fine, but later, Tian Gu had been in the lower realm, his strength not growing, while he himself had entered the Heavenly King realm for many years.

Never mind that Tian Gu had now advanced; he had only just advanced!

Their status and position were similar, and in terms of strength, he was still a bit stronger than Tian Gu.

Why was it Tiangu who held sway over the Celestial Clan?

Why not himself?

Putting the past aside, during this current tide, Tiangu had performed dreadfully. The Celestial Clan in the lower realm had achieved absolutely nothing; instead, they had been routed and utterly humiliated by the human race of that lower realm!

What right, what face, did this Tiangu have to come up here and seize power the moment he arrived?

Fuming with resentment, he stared defiantly at Tiangu.

Tiangu, however, remained perfectly composed as he looked back at him. "You are my senior brother. I have always known that you refuse to accept me."

Yuansheng remained silent.

It is best that you know!

"In my earlier years, I was too arrogant, too overbearing..."

Yuansheng was slightly taken aback, but Tiangu continued calmly, "Over these years, I have not done everything well. However... my heart to protect the Celestial Clan has never changed. I believe the same is true for you. We are both disciples of the Celestial Emperor. He left in a hurry and did not choose who would lead the clan, but as his disciples, it is our duty to guard the Celestial Clan well for him!"

"My ascension to the upper realm this time is not for power. Such things are utterly meaningless. Fame and fortune were perhaps things I could not see through in my youth, but now, I have truly moved past them."

"Without the Celestial Clan, we are nothing. Now, my only wish is for our lineage to endure."

"The Celestial Emperor may be returning soon... He is still alive!"

Tiangu looked at Yuansheng, whose eyes flared with a trace of mockery. Yuansheng said indifferently, "Is my junior brother trying to appeal to our old sentiments now?"

"There is no need for that."

Tiangu said coldly, "There is not much affection between us to begin with. Years ago, I asked you to sever your own Great Dao, but you refused. A grudge was planted between us long ago. I am merely stating that now is not the time to settle these old scores."

Yuansheng laughed aloud.

How utterly ridiculous!

You think you can just declare that we won't dwell on it, and that's the end of it?

This fellow certainly dares to dream.

Tiangu spoke with absolute calm, "How about we bring our grievances to an end today?"

"Oh?"

Yuansheng froze slightly. Tiangu replied indifferently, "I cultivate the Great Dao of the Celestial Emperor, and so do you. We have both reached the level of Heavenly King. Let our Daos contend against each other today to decide the victor once and for all, so that you won't keep causing trouble for me."

"What do you mean?"

"A clash of the Great Dao!"

Tiangu spoke with icy resolve, "We shall devour each other's Dao strength. The victor becomes a Heavenly Venerate; the loser breaks his Dao. Exchanging two Heavenly Kings for one Heavenly Venerate is a worthy bargain!"

"Absolutely not!"

At that moment, the three great Heavenly Venerates all spoke up to stop it.

This would not do; whoever broke their Dao, it would be a disaster for everyone.

Tiangu ignored them, his gaze fixed solely on Yuansheng as he asked coldly, "Do you dare to try?"

Marquis Yuansheng's expression grew heavy. He glared at him and said chillingly, "Are you certain you have me cornered?"

"No."

Tiangu said calmly, "When it comes to the comprehension of the Dao, I have only recently broken through. I might even be inferior to you."

Yet, Marquis Yuansheng lacked confidence.

His talent was indeed inferior to Tiangu's, and his comprehension of the Dao... might not match Tiangu's either. It was just that Tiangu had remained in the lower realm for so long that his Dao was exceptionally refined. In truth, the Heavenly Kings of the lower realm were generally somewhat stronger than those of the upper realm.

Today, the moment Tiangu ascended, he actually wanted to compete in a clash of the Dao.

Mutual devouring.

Clearly, this fellow wanted to borrow his own strength to ascend to the rank of Heavenly Venerate.

Marquis Yuansheng's eyes flickered with conflicting emotions.

Would he lose?

In all probability, he would.

But... he was so unwilling to accept this!

Heavenly Venerates Dao and Huang clearly thought so as well. Heavenly Venerate Dao frowned slightly and said, "Tiangu, this is inappropriate! You are both on the same side, and Yuansheng is still your senior brother. How can you act like this..."

Clearly, he too believed Yuansheng would lose.

Countless thoughts raced through Marquis Yuansheng's mind. Finally, he laughed, gritting his teeth as he said, "Fine! Let us compete! I refuse to believe I will lose to you for my entire life! Tiangu, I do not accept you; that has always been the case! Good, let us settle who is superior today... If I lose, you will become a Heavenly Venerate... That is fine too, lest people say that not a single Heavenly Venerate could be born under the seat of the Celestial Emperor!"

Come then!

I simply refuse to accept you. By what right do you occupy the imperial throne?

Just because you have talent?

If that is the case, we might as well look only at talent from now on!

If I lose, I will step down and hand the Celestial Clan over to you. It would be fine; if you become a Heavenly Venerate, you will be better suited to control the clan.

The power of Marquis Yuansheng's Great Dao manifested as he glared coldly at Tiangu.

The power of his Dao was slightly superficial; in truth, all the powerhouses of the upper realm were like this.

Meanwhile, Tiangu's Dao power manifested as well. It appeared slightly weaker than Yuansheng's, but it was far more refined.

This was the manifestation of many years of accumulation and profound heritage.

One was a pillar of solid steel, while the other was a club of soft wood.

Who was stronger?

At this moment, everyone present had a clear idea in their hearts. In all likelihood, Marquis Yuansheng would be no match for Tiangu.

Everyone's emotions were deeply conflicted.

Even if Tiangu could win... over these years in the upper realm, it was indeed Marquis Yuansheng who had guided them to this day. It was not you, Tiangu. Why... why must you go to such lengths!

Since it had already been agreed that you would lead, why must you drive him to ruin!

Tiangu's Dao power blazed. Regardless of what the onlookers thought, in the next instant, the two manifestations of Dao power collided, interlocking into a single, mightier Dao within the blink of an eye.

For a moment, the aura of both men faintly touched the realm of a Heavenly Venerate.

Of course, this was merely the state of their convergence.

At this moment, everyone watched in silence. The devouring of the Dao was an exceptionally perilous affair. They could all faintly perceive that Tiangu's Dao power was swiftly suppressing Marquis Yuansheng.

Marquis Yuansheng struggled violently, but his Dao was loose and spacious, leaving him visibly outmatched.

Had it been an actual physical battle, it would still be uncertain who would emerge victorious.

But a clash of the Great Dao depended entirely on sheer comprehension.

Yuansheng was failing.

"Roar!"

Marquis Yuansheng roared furiously, his Dao thrashing wildly, yet it was pinned down and utterly suppressed by Tiangu.

At this moment, Yuan Shenghou was in despair, dejected, with some reluctance, some resignation... I... truly am inferior to him!

Everyone said that Tiangu was a genius, but no one ever said that Yuansheng was a genius.

Indeed, even now that we are at the same level, I still cannot match him!

Yuan Shenghou laughed at himself, smiled inwardly, and thought: Forget it!

One mountain cannot harbor two tigers!

Perhaps I really should step aside.

So be it!

And at that very moment, Tiangu, who had suppressed his Great Dao, suddenly sent waves of Dao insights and waves of Dao rule power surging into Yuan Shenghou's Dao!

Others had not yet noticed, but Yuan Shenghou, first in despair, then suddenly froze.

Tiangu... made a mistake, right?

It's devouring, not spitting out!

Why are you transmitting your own Dao insights and Dao rule power to me?

This fool, did he get it backwards?

No way!

Yuan Shenghou found it unbelievable—how could anyone be so stupid!

He was about to say something when suddenly Tiangu's voice came into his mind, cold and contemptuous: "Comprehend, cultivate, or you'll never become a Heavenly Lord in your life! You fool, the master took away those strong ones and geniuses; I was left behind because I'm young, you were left simply because you're weak and stupid!"

"..."

Yuan Shenghou was startled, wanted to curse, but could not speak—his Dao power was suppressed!

"Hurry up, you waste!"

Tiangu transmitted: "I only hope that after you become a Heavenly Lord, you won't be the weakest one! Disgracing the Immortal Emperor's Dao!"

"Then... what about you?"

Yuan Shenghou's will wavered, unable to believe it.

What about you?

"Xianzhan seized the Flesh Dao from the False Dao; I'll borrow it for now. The Flesh Dao, a foundational Dao, I can soon become a Heavenly King or even a Heavenly Lord! This Dao is not weak, but it seems to be constrained by Su Yu now... No matter, I will change Dao eventually! The Immortal Emperor's Dao cannot become a Rule Master, and it just suits you, you fool!"

"Precisely, to add another Heavenly Lord to our Immortal Clan!"

Under Yuan Sheng's horrified gaze, before others could see clearly, suddenly Tiangu grunted, and with a rumble, he severed his own Dao power, merging all insights into Yuan Shenghou's Dao!

Next, he reached out and summoned; Xianzhanhou, somewhat sorrowfully, offered up a strand of Dao power!

Tiangu quickly fused it, and in the blink of an eye, his aura reached Dao Integration!

The Flesh Dao!

This was the Dao power that Xianzhanhou and Duanxuehou had contended over last time; Xianzhan, a Heavenly King, wanted to change Dao, and Duanxue also wanted to, but later, before they could, there were rumors of trouble with the False Dao!

Xianzhan had to give up!

Now, it was taken and used by Tiangu!

In an instant, Tiangu's aura rose step by step, and beside him, Yuan Shenghou's aura also surged, advancing toward Heavenly Lord!

Only at this moment did others sense something, incredulous, someone murmured: "Yuan Sheng... won?"

At that moment, Shenghou frowned slightly, Xianzhanhou gnashed his teeth and said angrily: "What win? It was His Majesty himself who yielded the Dao power; otherwise, how could Yuan Sheng have won against His Majesty?"

Everyone was stunned!

Why?

And Tiangu, quickly fusing the False Flesh Dao, after a moment, his aura stabilized somewhat, vaguely reaching the power of a second-rank Dao Integration. These strong ones were no strangers to the Flesh Dao; precisely because changing Dao could elevate them quickly, they chose to do so.

Perhaps before long, Tiangu would become a Heavenly King of the Flesh Dao.

At that moment, Tiangu suddenly opened his eyes and said calmly: "Yuan Sheng becoming a Heavenly Lord does not diminish my combat power; it means our clan gains one more Heavenly Lord! Now, the survival of the Immortal Clan is at stake—it's not as simple as you imagine! The Prison King lineage is merely a danger; the true extinction crisis lies with Su Yu! Believe it or not, this is my governing strategy going forward!"

"Strictly guard, be wary of Su Yu; whenever Su Yu is involved, think thrice before acting!"

Boom!

A sound of air explosion rang out; Yuan Shenghou's aura instantly soared to the level of a Heavenly Lord. He opened his eyes, looked at Tiangu again, his face complex, "You..."

Tiangu said coldly: "I don't need your thanks; it's too cheap! From now on, don't oppose me; obeying is the best outcome! The Immortal Emperor's Dao is not omnipotent; it is more about the comprehension of life. This Dao cannot break through to Rule Master—perhaps that is the price. Of course, it is still too early to talk about this now!"

Yuan Shenghou was speechless; after a long while, he bowed and said: "Yuan Sheng... understands! I shall obey Your Majesty's command!"

At this moment, he chose to submit.

Because Tiangu was not as he had imagined.

At this moment, although Tiangu's strength had declined, the three Heavenly Lords all nodded slightly.

And below, soon the sound of submission arose.

"We obey Your Majesty's command!"

The sound shook the Immortal Clan!

On the first day of Tiangu's ascension to the upper realm, he instantly took over the entire Immortal Clan.

Similarly, the former Imperial Consort quickly regained control of the Divine Clan; on the Demon Clan side, Mo Ji and a few others argued forcefully, wanting to exert their own voice in the Demon Clan.

It was all one will: the crisis of the Prison King lineage is not as great as the crisis of Su Yu!

PS: Next chapter before 11 o'clock, same time as usual. Lately, I can't hold on much longer.

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