Chương 14: Chapter-13: Long Chen's Tribulation!

At first Shi Feng woke up who stared at the scene infront of him after which Chu Yao woke up and she as well was shocked. As one by one evryone else woke up they stared at the scenery in front of them with shock evident on their faces.

Phoenix Calendar Date: Year 2109

The Lantern Festival...

On this fateful day, a grand festival was unfolding. The air buzzed with excitement, and the city was adorned with countless lanterns, their soft glow creating an ethereal ambiance. At the heart of the capital city, a magnificent stage floated on the surface of a pristine lake. This stage, a marvel of intricate design and masterful craftsmanship, was a symbol of elegance and grandeur. Bridges extended from it in four cardinal directions, creating pathways of beauty and symmetry. On this stage, a series of intense duels were taking place, capturing the attention of the gathered spectators.

Beside the stage, Emperor Chu Tiankuo stood in regal splendor, his presence commanding and authoritative. Next to him, a mysterious young man in his thirties, his face concealed by a mask, wore pure red cloak that shimmered in the sunlight. His masked visage added an air of intrigue and danger, drawing curious glances from those around him. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd eagerly watching the performances and duels. Among them were nine veiled maidens, their beauty hinted at through their graceful movements and the occasional glimpse of their eyes.

The mysterious young man, though outwardly calm, was a storm of emotions inside. His hands clenched tightly at his sides, his rage barely contained. His gaze darted towards an old man and a female disciple, his fury intensifying with each passing second. As the festival reached its zenith, the tension in the air was almost tangible.

Amidst the festivities, a man dressed in white robes approached Long Chen's mother, who was conversing with two young maidens. The man, exuding an air of arrogance, attempted to court one of the maidens, his intentions clear despite the veils they wore. His persistent advances and growing frustration painted a clear picture of his character. His anger finally boiled over, and he directed his rage towards Long Chen's mother. Just as he was about to shove her forcefully, the masked young man beside the Emperor intervened with lightning speed, gripping the aggressor's hand and pushing him back with ease.

stunned by the swift retaliation, was joined by Xia Chenfeng as both of them demanded an explanation for the treatment they received while Xia Chenfeng siad that the White Robed man was the guest of his Xia Empire. A heated debate ensued, drawing the attention of the old man who had been the object of the red cloaked young man's earlier glare. This old man, revealing himself as Wei Cang, an esteemed Pill Emperor, demanded compensation from the Emperor, the beauties, and Long Chen's mother. His audacity and arrogance only fueled the anger of Marquis Long Tianxiao and Emperor Chu Tiankuo. Both men revealed their formidable cultivation at the Peak of the Meridian Forming Realm, causing Wei Cang and his companions to falter momentarily in shock.

However, Wei Cang quickly regained his composure, his arrogance unabated. He declared his identity with pride, believing his status would protect him from any repercussions. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation of what might unfold next.

Within the secluded chamber where Long Chen and his companions had been for the past year, Long Chen's friends and Fiancé gathered around a mysterious, scaled egg, its surface marred with cracks and adorned with countless fiery flame feathers. This egg, pulsating with a life force, emanated an otherworldly glow, illuminating the dim surroundings with an eerie, ethereal light. Surrounding the egg, a dense field of astral energy radiated outward, creating a surreal atmosphere as the energy originating from the Sphere of Star Chart filled the chamber.

Long Chen's friends and his fiancée stood in silence as their eyes were fixated on the shadowy figure of Long Chen, visible within the egg. The sight was both mesmerizing and unsettling. The cracks in the egg glowed with an inner fire, and the feathers seemed to shimmer and dance as if alive. The sheer intensity of the energy present made the air hum with a barely contained power. They felt like they were witnessing a transformation, a rebirth that held the some unknown mystery.

Their collective shock deepened as they turned their gaze to Elder Xie Yuan. The elder, once a formidable presence in both body and spirit, was now a mere shadow of his former self. His physical form had dissipated, replaced by a body made entirely of spirit energy, condensing into a spectral figure which he himself stated to be his Yuan Spirit. It was a haunting sight, evoking a deep sense of sadness and loss among them. Yet, Elder Xie Yuan's expression was serene, almost resigned, as if he had accepted this transformation as a necessary sacrifice.

Despite their sorrow, Elder Xie Yuan addressed them, urging them not to waste their energy worrying about him and with voice carrying a blend of pride he tells them to marvel at the profound changes that had occurred within themselves. While everyone's innate cultivation capability had increased, except the Chu siblings who hadn't yet practiced the Weapon Cultivation, they had awakened their Weapon Intent, a crucial milestone in their cultivation journey

He then explained that the changes they had undergone were just the beginning. The ancient core runes and other prowess they had gained from the Starry River of Sky Art and the Ancient Qi were currently suppressed by their current realms and the limitations of their cultivation environment. Over time, as they advanced and their surroundings improved, these latent abilities would gradually awaken, growing stronger and more potent.

As they absorbed his words, the egg at the center of the chamber began to shake violently. The energy-gathering formation surrounding it started to revolve at an astounding speed, generating a whirlwind of power. The room filled with a blinding light as the formation channeled a vast amount of energy into the egg. The cracks widened, and the fiery feathers glowed even brighter, creating an intense, almost unbearable heat.

Suddenly, with a deafening crack, the egg shattered. The fragments fell away to reveal a figure slowly taking shape. It was humanoid, but its body was covered in scales and feathers, with cracks running along its surface, emanating a fierce, primal energy. The transformation was complete, and Long Chen emerged from the remnants of the egg, his form both familiar and terrifyingly new.

A berserk roar echoed through the chamber, a sound so powerful it seemed to shake the very foundations of the cavern. The ground trembled, and a seismic shockwave rippled outward, causing an earthquake that was felt throughout the city above.

As Long Chen flew out of the cavern, his image was obscured by a blinding light, but his aura was unmistakable. It was suffocating, a force so dominating that it instilled a sense of panic in everyone who felt it. People across the city stopped in their tracks, their eyes drawn to the sky as a sense of foreboding washed over them.

In the sky above, a black sphere materialized, hovering over Long Chen. This sphere, dotted with countless tiny points of light, seemed to be a manifestation of the astral energy he had absorbed. Long Chen moved higher into the sky, away from the city, his form a silhouette against the rising sun. Then, with a mighty effort, he unleashed all the energy he had accumulated.

A world-shaking roar erupted from his being, the sound resonating through the heavens. The energy release was so intense that it initiated the formation of runes in the sky, ancient symbols of power that glowed with an unearthly light. Dark clouds began to gather, swirling and churning as if responding to the call of a higher power. The atmosphere grew heavy with the promise of a storm, a storm that would herald the rise of a new force in the world.

Elder Xie, his aura commanding and ancient, once again initiated the Energy Gathering Formation around the children, his movements deliberate and imbued with a sense of urgency. The formation, a complex array of runes and symbols, began to hum with a resonant energy. The air around them crackled as he channeled an astonishing one-tenth of the total energy stored in the surrounding Spirit Stones. This immense reservoir of power was drawn into a concentrated flow, directed with precision to aid Chu Yao in controlling the vast amounts of Wood energy in the vicinity. The objective was clear: to forge a cage-like structure of colossal proportions that would encase not only the entire Capital City but also extend to a considerable distance beyond its borders.

The sheer scale of the undertaking left everyone in awe. Chu Yao stood at the center, her expression a mix of determination and intense concentration. As the energy surged around her, she began to weave it into the structure of the barrier, roots of pure energy sprouting from the ground and intertwining to form a protective lattice. When the others inquired about the urgency and scale of this barrier, Elder Xie's reply was both cryptic and chilling: "There will be a devastating destruction awaiting us. All you need to know is that this is his thunder tribulation, and it is far too dangerous for the surroundings and all living existence within the area."

The gravity of his words struck them like a bolt of lightning. Eyes widened in shock, hearts raced, and a sense of impending doom settled over them. Without further hesitation, they sprang into action, each understanding the critical nature of their tasks. The energy transfer was intense, with each of them pouring their Astral Energy into the roots while Elder Xie bolstered their efforts with his formidable Spiritual Strength. The formation of the barrier was a race against time, every second crucial as the black clouds above grew denser and more ominous.

As the barrier began to take shape, Elder Xie and the children descended to the ground. The sight that greeted them was one of chaos and fear. The entire Capital City was gripped by terror, its inhabitants staring at the sky where the clouds had coalesced into a fearsome, roiling mass of darkness. Thunder rumbled ominously, and flashes of lightning illuminated the despair on their faces.

Wei Cang, his disciple, Xia Chenfeng, and the Corrupt Path's disciple (The white orbed person) were all bound by chains of fire, their eyes wide with agony, mouths sealed to prevent any outcry. As Elder Xie and the children emerged, their parents, upon getting message from Elder Xie, rushed towards them with palpable relief and concern.

The Capital was a scene of pandemonium until the roots of the barrier burst from the ground, encircling the city and extending beyond it. These roots glowed with an ethereal light, forming a protective dome that shielded buildings and land alike. Elder Xie, his face etched with concentration, channeled his Spiritual Strength throughout the nation, aiding Emperor Chu Tiankuo in calming the populace.

The Emperor's voice, steady and reassuring, echoed through the city. His short speech, filled with motivating words and a request for calm, began to take effect. Slowly, the chaotic streets quieted, and a semblance of order was restored. Elder Xie's voice then rang out, ancient and commanding, resonating with a power that commanded respect and attention. His words, urging everyone to remain calm and watch silently, had a profound effect.

The civilians didn't know why but his voice, ancient and commanding, was making them feel respectable towards him and so they all stopped doing any unnecessary as all of them watched the sky at a certain distant zone with heart full of questions while wishing for the end of all this turmoil.

High above, beneath the thunderous clouds, stood a figure that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. It was Long Chen, yet he was almost unrecognizable. His body was covered in black, charred dragon scales, each scale cracked and glowing with the fiery energy contained within. Flames flickered from these cracks, casting a hellish glow over his form. Behind him, two magnificent wings of a red fire phoenix spread wide, their feathers crackling with energy. Long Chen stood motionless, his eyes fixed on the heavens as if challenging the very storm above.

The transformation was a spectacle of raw power and mystical energy. The sky itself seemed to respond to his presence, the dark clouds swirling more violently, and the air thickening with the promise of imminent cataclysm. Lightning danced within the clouds, a prelude to the devastating thunder tribulation that was about to unfold. The atmosphere was charged with tension, every eye in the Capital turned upwards, witnessing the convergence of mystical forces.

Elder Xie's foresight had been crucial. The barrier now stood as the last line of defense against the impending storm. The roots, infused with Astral and Wood energy, glowed with a protective aura, a testament to the combined strength and determination of those who had forged it.

In the turbulent sky below the ominous, thunderous clouds, stood a figure that was scarcely recognizable as Long Chen. His body was entirely transformed, covered in black, charred dragon scales that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. These scales were riddled with cracks, from which flames intermittently flared, casting an eerie, hellish glow across his form. Behind him, two majestic wings of a red fire phoenix unfurled, their feathers shimmering with an intense, otherworldly energy. He stood motionless, a statue of power and transformation, his eyes locked onto the storm above, unyielding and resolute.

Suddenly, the energy from Heaven and Earth began to surge, drawn inexorably towards the tribulation clouds with a force and speed that was awe-inspiring. The clouds, already dark and foreboding, condensed rapidly, expanding to a shocking radius of ten miles within moments. The sky seemed to roil and churn with the concentration of power, a palpable sense of impending doom hanging thickly in the air. Then, the clouds stopped growing, and an ear-splitting roar echoed across hundreds of miles, a sound so primal and fierce that it shook the very foundations of the land. Lightning began to rain down, striking the earth, forests, and various locations, reducing everything they touched to ashes.

As the energy of the storm focused itself into a singular, concentrated lightning strike aimed directly at Long Chen, he responded with a roar of his own. It was a dense, draconic roar, a sound so powerful and resonant that it seemed to halt the lightning in its tracks. The strike, poised to obliterate him, was vanquished in mid-air, disintegrating into countless runes that were swiftly absorbed into Long Chen's body. This phenomenal display of power sent a shockwave through the souls of all who were within the protective barrier, their bodies trembling uncontrollably at the sight.

Seeing the dire effects on the people, Elder Xie acted swiftly. Despite his own spiritual strength being somewhat weakened, it was still formidable, rivaling the pinnacle of mortal cultivation. He extended his spiritual strength throughout the barrier, soothing and stabilizing the souls of the people, though he excluded Long Chen's friends and those with cultivation levels above the Bone Tempering Realm from this assistance. His intervention was crucial, providing a moment of respite and recovery for the shaken populace.

Elder Xie's voice, imbued with calm authority, once again resonated throughout the barrier. His words carried a profound weight, assuring everyone that the ordeal would soon be over. The people within the barrier, though still fearful, found a strange solace in the ancient voice that had commanded them to stay calm. It was as if the voice carried a promise of protection and guidance through the event that lay ahead undiscovered.

With their spirits bolstered, everyone turned their focus back to the sky, where the true battle was unfolding. The dark clouds continued to seethe and roil, lightning bolts beginning to strike with renewed fury, each one aimed at Long Chen. But he was not merely a passive recipient of these attacks. Long Chen fought back with the ferocity of a madman, his draconic claws slashing through the air to meet each bolt of lightning head-on. The clashes were titanic, each strike producing minor, nearly invisible shockwaves that radiated from the point of impact.

Long Chen's body, a combination of dragon and phoenix, moved with a fluid grace and overwhelming power. His claws, covered in draconic scales, met each lightning bolt with an explosive force. The sky seemed to shudder with each clash, as if witnessing a battle between primordial forces. The spectators below could only watch in a mixture of awe and terror, their eyes transfixed by the sight of Long Chen standing against the fury of the heavens.

Each strike of lightning that met Long Chen's claws was an event unto itself. The energy would ripple outward, creating a spectacle of light and sound that illuminated the dark clouds with brief, intense flashes. These moments of impact were like miniature supernovas, bursts of raw power that dazzled and stunned those watching. Long Chen's form, now a silhouette against the backdrop of the storm, was a testament to his indomitable will and strength.

Elder Xie continued to monitor the situation closely, his spiritual strength ready to intervene if necessary. He knew that this thunder tribulation was not just a test of Long Chen's physical and mystical abilities, but also of his very soul. Each lightning strike was a crucible, forging Long Chen into something far greater than he had been before. The runes absorbed into his body were the symbols of power from Heavenly Daos, each one integrating into his being, enhancing his strength, resilience, and mystical abilities.

The battle raged on, each moment a high-stakes confrontation between Long Chen and the forces of nature. The sky was alive with the interplay of lightning and draconic fire, the air thick with the smell of ozone and the heat of mystical energy. Long Chen's roars, each one more powerful than the last, echoed through the heavens, a challenge to the storm that seemed almost sentient in its fury.

As the hours passed, the intensity of the tribulation showed no sign of abating. Long Chen's body bore the marks of the battle, his scales cracked and glowing with internal fire, his wings singed but unbroken. The people within the barrier watched with a mixture of fear and reverence, their hearts pounding in unison with the rhythm of the storm.

While Long Chen's parents, his friends, his fiancé, Uncle Chu Tiankuo, as well as the young man and the lady beside him, looked on with worry etched across their faces, Elder Xie remained indifferent. Unlike the others, he seemed almost amused by the spectacle of Long Chen fighting against the lightning strikes. This sense of amusement, however, persisted only until the Tenth Lightning Strike occurred.

When the tenth lightning bolt struck Long Chen, the impact was cataclysmic. The force of the strike sent Long Chen hurtling towards the barrier with such ferocity that it caused enormous cracks to spiderweb across its surface. The wood energy from the wooden roots forming the inner layer of the barrier struggled to supply enough energy to mend these cracks, and as it did so, the light within the roots began to dim ominously. Despite these dire circumstances, Long Chen appeared almost mindless, driven by an unstoppable will as he soared back into the sky. His wings beat with such power and speed that he closed the distance of several miles upward in an instant, aiming directly at the heart of the Tribulation Cloud. Though each strike made him stronger, he was barely managing to equalize his strength against the Eleventh Thunder Strike.

Elder Xie's usual composed demeanor gave way to shock as he sensed the terrifying energy concentrating for the incoming Twelfth Thunder Strike. This was no ordinary lightning bolt; its power was equivalent to that of a Xiantian Realm Cultivator. In response to this immense threat, a Crimson-Gold Rune manifested above Long Chen's head. Instantly, his aura surged dramatically. Focusing intently on the incoming lightning, Long Chen channeled all his energy into the rune, which began to shine with an intense, blinding light. As the Tribulation Cloud's energy reached its peak, so did the light from the rune, illuminating the sky for hundreds of miles around.

The thunderous roar of the strike echoed across the land, a harbinger of the devastation to come. In that moment, Long Chen unleashed a draconic roar of his own, his mouth forming a spherical ball of concentrated energy. As the colossal bolt of lightning hurtled towards him, he faced it with unwavering resolve. Just before the lightning could make contact, Long Chen released the full force of the energy sphere. The sphere tore through the lightning, shattering it and cutting through the heart of the Tribulation Cloud. The resulting explosion illuminated the sky as the clouds were vanquished, leaving only lingering traces in their wake.

As the blinding light faded and the sky cleared, Long Chen's body began to plummet towards the earth. He crashed into the top of a mountain with such force that it obliterated half of the peak instantly. Panic surged through his friends, who immediately tried to rush to his side, but Elder Xie stopped them with a commanding voice, "Stop, or else you won't live. His tribulation hasn't ended. The Thirteenth Thunder Strike has yet to arrive. Don't worry; he will be safe."

No sooner had Elder Xie spoken than a powerful force erupted from the dissipated clouds. The remaining Tribulation Cloud began to reform, slowly but surely, growing back to its former size. The sky darkened once more as the ominous energy gathered, preparing for one final, devastating strike.

Long Chen lay at the mountain's base, his body battered and bruised, yet his spirit undiminished. His chest rose and fell with labored breaths, each inhalation a testament to his resilience. As he struggled to his feet, his eyes, burning with unyielding determination, locked onto the reforming clouds. The air crackled with anticipation, the very atmosphere charged with the impending force of the Thirteenth Thunder Strike.

The people within the barrier watched in tense silence, their hearts collectively pounding in their chests

This time, even Elder Xie found himself at a loss. The children, exhausted from forming the barrier, could do no more. The handsome middle-aged man, despite being at the Sea Expansion Realm, was also powerless to assist. His involvement could potentially strengthen the tribulation or worsen its impact, rendering him a liability rather than an asset.

As the people braced themselves for what seemed like their inevitable end, their hope flickering like a candle in a storm, the barrier, which was already cracked and weakened, seemed on the verge of collapse. Suddenly, a miraculous surge of energy erupted from the withered roots entwined in the barrier. This energy revitalized the barrier, causing it to heal and strengthen at an astonishing rate. Elder Xie, Long Chen's friends, his fiancé, and the two veiled ladies felt the presence of a powerful, benevolent force. It was a lady with fair skin, emerald green eyes, long black hair, and a white dress. Though her form was dim and her energy depleted, her appearance exuded an aura of immortality.

Everyone watched her in awe, feeling a mix of reverence and hope. Elder Xie, however, recognized the seriousness of her condition. Without hesitation, he reactivated the Spirit Gathering Formation, directing its energy towards the lady. Gradually, her form grew brighter and more tangible. Standing beside her was another girl, who introduced herself as Xiao Hua and identified the lady as the "Forest Divinity."

Elder Xie and the others expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Forest Divinity while she herself bowed to Elder Xie greeting him as one of the ancient beings who had protected their world in the ancient era. Then, their focus returned to the tribulation clouds, which were once again gathering ominously in the sky. Anxiety hung heavy in the air, a palpable mix of fear and hope. Long Chen's loved ones, knowing the stakes, watched with bated breath, praying for his safety.

A deafening roar shattered the tension as the Tribulation Cloud reached its full, terrifying potential. Intense energy began to coalesce for the next thunder strike. Meanwhile, within Long Chen's Sea of Consciousness, his eyes fluttered open. Disoriented, he took in the scene of utter devastation around him. He remembered nothing since falling into the State of Enlightenment. His attention was drawn to the vision of a ravaged world, where two colossal entities—one a dragon with golden and black scales exuding ancient power, the other a fiery red phoenix capable of incinerating the world—battled fiercely. Though they were on the brink of death, their clash was of such magnitude that it tore through the void, a cataclysmic struggle that dwarfed Long Chen.

Suddenly, the vision ended, and Long Chen found himself back in his Sea of Consciousness. Memories of his berserk state and the onset of the tribulation flooded back. As he prepared to face the tribulation, he noticed the Star Chart Sphere, half-dimmed. Regaining control of his body, he emerged from the mountain's rubble and immediately began chanting the Starry River of Sky Art. The Star Chart Sphere responded, hurtling towards him with blinding speed. Just as he made contact with the sphere, the Thirteenth Thunder Strike descended, obliterating the entire mountain and creating a massive crater.

The people within the barrier were paralyzed with fear, their hearts pounding as the dust settled, revealing nothing. The sight of the destroyed mountain and the absence of Long Chen was a devastating blow. Long Chen's mother, his fiancé, and the two veiled ladies fainted from the shock. Elder Xie quickly revived them, but the fear and despair in their hearts were evident.

As the Tribulation Clouds began to dissipate, a sudden burst of energy split the sky, accompanied by a defiant yell, "Fuck you, Heavenly Daos!" All eyes turned to Long Chen, who emerged from the crater atop a hill. The dragon scales that had adorned his body were now gone, replaced by intricate rune-like tattoos etched across his fair, muscular physique. He stood taller, his presence more concentrated and powerful than ever before. The sight brought relief and awe to his friends, his fiancé, Uncle Chu Tiankuo, and the mysterious young man and woman beside him.

However, their relief was short-lived. Elder Xie's voice cut through the moment like a blade. "What is that brat doing? Does he want to die?" His concern was palpable as Long Chen flashed a smile towards the dissipating Tribulation Clouds. A sense of foreboding gripped everyone as Long Chen conjured a saber out of thin air, his voice echoing with defiance, "You piece of shit Dao. You can't even do your job properly."

The words seemed to resonate with the heavens themselves. The dissipating clouds began to coalesce once more at the center, swirling into a massive, snake-like rune formation. Even without emitting lightning, the rune exuded a pressure that threatened to shatter the barrier. Elder Xie, usually composed, looked visibly anxious. His spiritual strength, stretched to its limits, protected everyone's soul within the barrier, but the power now exceeded even the capabilities of a peak Xiantian Realm expert.

Suddenly, Long Chen's voice rang out with excitement, "Divine Ring! One Star Battle Armor!" A colossal red-colored ring, spanning 500 meters in radius, materialized in the sky. Elder Xie was simultaneously shocked and amused. The Divine Ring, which typically had Nine Star Divisions, now boasted Ten Star Divisions. This indicated that Long Chen had undergone ten transformations, with a Star Chart at its center expanding to a 250-meter radius. Within it, nine large stars orbited in a circular pattern, surrounded by countless star clusters forming a vortex. One star shone brightly in red, reflecting the Fenfu Star while a Rune was at the center being revolved by the Nine Stars. Thus, the Rune glory of the Juilui Bloodline Rune, which not only was the Ancestral Blood Rune of Humanity's Greatest and Strongest Race but also a sign that Long Chen's Dantian had been successfully restored. The Red Colored Armor exuded a magnificent and overwhelming presence that captivated all who beheld it.

Long Chen's aura surged as he emitted a potent mix of killing intent and indomitable will against the heavens. He activated the Split the Heavens Rune with his Saber Intent, unleashing a power that shook the very foundations of the barrier. Unrestrained, he bellowed, "Heaven Annihilation Step," moving swiftly to intercept the Heavenly Punishment. His landing destroyed the hill beneath him, yet he stood unscathed, declaring, "Dragon Phoenix Martial Body Awaken."

As if responding to his command, Dragon and Phoenix-shaped Runes on the left hand and chest of his body began to glow with Ancient energy. His physical strength skyrocketed, and two fiery wings erupted from his back as he ascended into the sky. Closing in on the gathering rune, which now drew energy from both heaven and earth, Long Chen stopped at a precise distance.

His condensed saber crackled with intense energy, illuminating his eyes where the Juilui Rune and the Fengfu Star in the Star Chart glowed brightly. The Divine Ring spun at a frenetic pace, drawing in astral energy from the surrounding world. Each moment seemed to stretch into eternity as the energy within the rune reached its peak.

As the enormous serpent's image fully coalesced in the sky, formed from swirling clouds and thunderous energy, Long Chen stood poised, his own preparations complete. Elder Xie, along with everyone present, was struck with awe and shock at the immense power radiating from both Long Chen and the colossal serpent. To Elder Xie's seasoned knowledge, this level of power surpassed even the peak experts of the Sea Expansion Realm; not even the previous Nine Star Heir had displayed such extraordinary prowess.

The colossal serpent, surged forward with an intimidating hiss, its immense form looming over Long Chen like a mountain ready to crush him. Undeterred, Long Chen stood firm, his voice booming across the battlefield, filled with unwavering defiance and unyielding determination.

"Never will I allow myself to lose those I love, my cherished ones," Long Chen's words echoed with resolute conviction. "Whether it's the trials imposed by the Heavens, the Heavenly Daos, or any force that dares to test me, I refuse to endure needless suffering. Those who seek to bring pain upon me will find no solace."

He squared his shoulders, eyes ablaze with a fierce resolve that could rival the sun itself. "Be they demons or gods, be they from heavens above or the earth below, I will not kneel to anyone," Long Chen declared, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade through silk. "Whoever dares to block my path, whether they hail from heaven or hell, I will obliterate them. I will erase them from existence, casting them into oblivion from the very fabric of the Nine Heavens!"

His words reverberated with unparalleled audacity as he concluded calmly, "Split the Heavens." With those three words, a colossal image of a saber manifested behind Long Chen, descending swiftly towards the gigantic thundercloud serpent. The moment the saber and the serpent clashed, a cataclysmic explosion erupted, engulfing the surrounding area in a sphere of destruction spanning thousands of meters. The shockwave was so intense that nearly 70% of the population within the barrier lost consciousness, and even those several miles away felt the forceful gust of wind akin to a powerful tempest.

Hours passed before the dust settled, revealing a scene of devastation. Those who managed to remain conscious gazed upwards, their eyes finding Long Chen's injured form floating amidst the dissipating remnants of the gigantic rune. He reached out and touched the fading symbol, causing it to vanish in an instant.

The energy that had radiated so powerfully from Long Chen began to wane, gradually fading into the ether. The Juilui Rune, which moments ago had shone brilliantly, now turned dark and dormant. The ancient energies that had surrounded his body also dissipated while the dragon and phoenix runes adorning his skin turned lightless and dormant. Exhausted beyond measure, Long Chen plummeted from the sky, the wings that had borne him aloft vanishing as his breath grew shallow and weak with his aura unstable.

To Be Continued...

(SORRY FOR BEING LATE, I HAVE NOT BEEN FEELING GOOD SINCE YESTERDAY, FORGIVE ME IF THERE WERE SOME SHORT COMINGS AND DO COMMENT THEM. ALSO IT'S NOW UPDATED -->2023-07-18)