# Chapter 1826: Deadly Crisis in Canglan (1)
After a brief and terrifying silence, the five Withered Dragon Venerables slowly stood up. In an instant, the dim underground space trembled slightly, the quake lingering for a long time.
"We only have seven days," Long Yi said.
Long Bai raised his hand and gave a light bow with the demeanor of a Dragon Emperor: "Seven days from now, the names of the five venerables who exterminate the demon and pacify the calamity shall be engraved for ten thousand generations."
"Being withered dragons, what use do we have for empty fame," Long Er said in a low voice.
Having sealed away their final life essence and power, becoming guardians of the Dragon God Realm while asleep, they had naturally long abandoned all worldly desires.
They had all once been renowned across the world, and were already considered by others as people who had returned to dust.
"Where is the dark evil one now?" Long San spoke, his imperial might imposing.
Among the five Withered Dragon Venerables, two had once been Dragon Emperors. One was Long Wu, and the other was Long San.
Long Yi, Long Er, and Long Si were all Dragon Gods.
And to have cultivated the Withered Dragon Divine Concealment and become guardians of the Dragon God Realm, their cultivation levels had undoubtedly reached the utmost limits.
Especially Long Er. During his "life," he was a Dragon God under Long San's command, but by the time he entered "Divine Concealment," he had in fact surpassed Long San.
The appearance of the five Withered Dragon Venerables would surely stir up storms.
"Southern Divine Region, Ten Directions Canglan Realm," Long Bai said. "I have already ordered the mobilization of our entire clan, as well as the forces from the five realms of Qilin, Divine Chi, Azure Dragon, Serpent Dragon, and All Creation. In two days, we will directly crush the demon clan."
"Two days later?" Long Wu lifted his gaze, a faint cold aura emanating. "Then why awaken us now?"
Having received Shen Xi's grace in his life, Long Bai was the unquestionably strongest Dragon Emperor in the history of the Dragon God Realm—whether in dragon body or dragon soul.
Thus, even facing the imposing might of former Dragon Emperors and Dragon Gods, he was not intimidated. He said calmly, "Having awakened from Divine Concealment, we have only seven days left. For these two days, why don't the five venerables take a look at the changes in the world, and fully revive the power that has likewise slumbered for so long within you?"
"Two days from now, from here to the Southern Region's Canglan... one hour will be sufficient."
From the Western Region Dragon God Realm to the Southern Region's Canglan... one hour?
Anyone hearing these words would only dismiss them as absurd nonsense.
But they came from the mouth of the Dragon Emperor.
Long Fei had anticipated this and was not too surprised, but his heart still trembled violently.
And the Withered Dragon Venerables all turned their heads sideways.
"The Qiankun Dragon City?" Long Si said.
Long Bai: "Correct."
The five Withered Dragon Venerables fell silent simultaneously. After a moment, Long Yi said, "Since we are withered dragons, we shall naturally follow the command of the current Dragon Emperor. But the Qiankun Dragon City is no ordinary matter. The Dragon Emperor should think carefully."
Long Er said, "In the ancient era of the gods, the Evil God once forged two mysterious warships, and engraved into them the divine power of the Cosmic Thorn. One was named Qiankun Spirit Realm, the other was Qiankun Dragon City."
"Legend has it that the Qiankun Spirit Realm contained a vast world within, and as long as there was enough energy, it could arbitrarily traverse through the void. According to records, this warship was gifted by the Evil God to the Sword Spirit Divine Clan. Unfortunately, it should have long perished in antiquity."
"The Qiankun Dragon City was gifted by the Evil God to the Dragon God Clan. It can compress space, shrinking an abyss into a gap. It does not traverse dimensions, yet it transcends 'speed.' Even crossing the farthest distance between the Western and Southern Regions would indeed take only a single hour."
"But the energy source for the Qiankun Dragon City can no longer be found in the present world. Once activated, it will very likely be permanently depleted. It is the deepest hidden final retreat of our Dragon God Clan. The ancestors left a message that it must not be used unless at a life-or-death crisis."
Long San said, "The Dragon Emperor's fervent desire to exterminate the demon is not wrong. But this matter requires careful deliberation."
"My mind is made up."
Facing the advice of the Withered Dragon Venerables, Long Bai showed not a trace of hesitation: "My Dragon God lineage stands above all living beings, destined to be revered by the heavens. From the beginning of the Divine Realm until now, no other clan has ever been able to contend with ours."
"And Yun Che, because he inherited the legacies of the Evil God and the Demon Emperor, and perfectly resonates with the long-accumulated hatred and resentment of the Northern Divine Region, has become the only threat and variable."
"But also the final threat and variable!"
Long Bai's eyes narrowed slightly, a shocking imperial light radiating from the slits: "Eradicate this calamity, and for a thousand generations thereafter, nothing shall threaten our clan again."
"Once the demon people retreat back to the Northern Region, all three divine regions will be powerless. To eradicate them, we must first catch them off guard, make them unable to evade or retreat... cut off their paths of survival and retreat, and eliminate future troubles forever!"
"Now is the most suitable time to activate the Qiankun Dragon City! Instead of letting it sleep eternally, why not let it bloom in the most appropriate moment, showcasing to the world this ancient, unique miraculous divine light."
The five Withered Dragon Venerables did not continue to advise. Long Yi said, "Since it is the Dragon Emperor's decision, we shall naturally comply. This is the mission for which we have long slept and awakened, regardless of right or wrong. However, there are still two days, and we still hope the Dragon Emperor will think carefully on this matter."
"Mm." The Dragon Emperor nodded slightly, but his face clearly showed an expression of "no further thought needed."
Walking out of the Divine Concealment space where the Withered Dragon Venerables resided, Long Fei finally spoke: "Dragon Emperor, before you returned, I worried that you might underestimate the demon clan of the Northern Region. But I never expected that you would take them this seriously."
"..." Long Bai did not respond.
Long Fei Dragon God asked again, "Your Highness, there is one thing I do not understand. At the Tai Chu Divine Realm, you sent a message saying you needed to stay in the Tai Chu Divine Realm for two more months. Why did you..."
"No need to ask further."
"Yes." Long Fei Dragon God turned his gaze and said no more.
Even now, he had no idea at all why the Dragon Emperor had gone to the Tai Chu Divine Realm.
Why he went... this was a reason the Dragon Emperor could never speak aloud.
Five years ago, outside the Reincarnation Forbidden Land, he personally forged a barrier that isolated everything, and in secret, desperately searched for traces of Shen Xi... He firmly believed that Shen Xi had not died, and absolutely could not accept her death.
Five years passed, and he found nothing. She seemed to have vanished completely from this world—no sign of life, no sign of death, not even the slightest trace remaining.
Several months ago, because of a single sentence from the Cang Dragon God—"I detected the aura of the Dragon Empress in the Tai Chu Divine Realm"—he had almost no hesitation or delay. Leaving only a few stern orders for the Cang Dragon God, he hurriedly rushed into the Tai Chu Divine Realm.
Sure enough, in the direction informed by the Cang Dragon God, he perceived Shen Xi's aura. Though extremely faint, it was indeed her unique Light Divine aura, something no one could possibly counterfeit.
Following the extremely faint traces, he delved deeper and deeper into the Tai Chu Divine Realm. Every time he was about to fall into disappointment, another equally faint trace would appear at just the right moment, guiding his persistent search and refusing to let him leave.
By the seventh day, he had already realized that this might be a deception.
Yet he still did not leave, continuing to pursue it.
Later, Long Fei Dragon God detected his aura and sent a message from afar, informing him of the Northern Region's invasion and the upheaval in the Eastern Region.
And at that time, beside a particularly dense aura of light, he found a fragment of white silk clothing. (1)
He could tell at a glance that this fragment came from the outer robe of Shen Xi!
On the silk fragment were light red characters imprinted with a faint light aura... The text stated that "she" would return to this place on a certain day within two months.
When he received Long Fei's message, he had already become convinced that all of this was nothing more than a simple decoy to lure him here... the most straightforward diversionary tactic.
Yet, he still did not leave. Instead, he told Long Fei that he would continue to stay in the Tai Chu Divine Realm for two more months.
Because, even if there was a ninety-nine percent chance it was a deception, he still craved that slim sliver of hope.
Finally, half a month later, as the last trace of aura on the silk fragment dissipated, he closed his eyes and let out a long sigh... He knew that this hopeless dream had to end.
At that moment, countless powerful auras began to approach the Dragon God Realm, almost driving the air currents of the entire Western Divine Region toward the Dragon God Realm.
This excessively massive movement was not concealed by the Dragon God Realm, nor could it be concealed. Soon, everyone knew that the Dragon God Realm was about to make its move, and it was on an unexpectedly large scale.
What was about to erupt would likely be the largest-scale, highest-level, and unquestionably the most brutal battle in the history of the Divine Realm.
A battle so terrifying that even Divine Sovereigns were not qualified to participate!
The news spread rapidly across the Western Divine Region, then to the Eastern and Southern Divine Regions.
The Eastern Divine Region fell silent, and the Southern Divine Region fell silent as well. For a moment, it seemed as if all the profound practitioners in the Divine Realm were holding their breath, waiting for this battle that would decide the fate of the Divine Realm.
The Xuanyuan Realm and the Ziwei Realm also became extremely well-behaved. Both Divine Emperors retreated and dared not set foot in the Canglan Realm during this time.
Twenty-four hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Under the Dragon Emperor's unprecedentedly forceful imperial decree, the five Divine Emperors of the Western Region, who all had their own agendas, gathered at the Dragon God Realm within the allotted time, bringing with them all their core forces obediently.
At least, on the surface, they truly dared not hold anything back.
---
In the Canglan Realm, Cang Shitian was personally reporting to the Demon Empress on the massive movements of the Western Divine Region over the past two days.
"At least two hours ago, the profound warships from the five realms of Qilin, Divine Chi, Azure Dragon, Serpent Dragon, and All Creation have all arrived at the Dragon God Realm, and all are core warships with astonishing momentum. A large number of Dragon Lords and Master Dragons who were outside the Dragon God Realm are racing back at full speed... possibly a full recall."
"However, over these two days, the Dragon Emperor seems not to have shown himself."
Cang Shitian looked up, observing Chi Wuyue's reaction, and continued, "The Demon Lord originally planned to launch a surprise attack on the Dragon God Realm, catching them off guard while the Dragon Emperor was away. But the Dragon Emperor returned unexpectedly, and his methods were surprisingly swift and decisive."
"Now, a surprise attack is no longer feasible, and even whether to launch a full assault requires careful consideration. Judging by the movements of the entire Western Divine Region... I'm afraid that before we can launch a full assault, the Dragon God Realm will already strike first."
"However," he did not forget to add a flattering remark, "The Demon Empress is indeed far-sighted. Having Shitian prepare the Canglan barrier the day before yesterday shows that you have already had everything under control for the current situation."
"I understand. You may withdraw." Chi Wuyue said.
In fact, she did not need Cang Shitian's report. Over these days, her attention had been entirely on the Dragon God Realm side, observing all its changes through the eyes of Zhou Xuzi, far more timely and clearly than the information Cang Shitian had gathered.
Cang Shitian did not leave immediately, but asked, "Demon Empress, there is one matter I wish to inquire about. How many more days will the Demon Lord's seclusion take? The Dragon God Realm may attack at any moment. Whether to retreat or fight will require the Demon Lord's early decision."
"Worry not about this matter. When the time comes, the Demon Lord will naturally appear." Chi Wuyue said lightly.
Of course, the fact that Yun Che had entered the Zhou Tian Pearl could not be made public. The official claim was that Yun Che had suddenly encountered an opportunity for a breakthrough and was temporarily in seclusion at the Canglan King's Palace. This news of the "Demon Lord's breakthrough" had even significantly boosted morale among the demons.
"Yes... Shitian takes his leave."
Cang Shitian left, and Chi Wuyue closed her eyes again, turning her attention back to the Dragon God Realm side.
Sensing the deep-hidden worry beneath Chi Wuyue's fatigue, Qianye Ying'er, standing to the side, did not disturb her.
With the sudden return of the Dragon Emperor, the situation had become very strange.
Just then, Chi Wuyue slowly rose from her seat, the dark demonic aura around her trembling chaotically.
"Those people... who are they..."
She murmured softly, with a dark, heavy tone.
Chi Wuyue's suddenly abnormal aura made Qianye Ying'er's heart sink. She quickly stepped forward: "What happened?"
Chi Wuyue lifted her eyes, tapped her finger on her brow, then gently waved her hand forward.
Instantly, a special projection appeared before them.
This projection came from the vision of Zhou Xuzi, materialized through Chi Wuyue's Nirvana Wheel Soul.
In Zhou Xuzi's line of sight, the Dragon Emperor's figure slowly descended from high above.
Around him, the Five Emperors of the Western Region were all present, the scene so grand it was terrifying. But the center of Zhou Xuzi's attention was not the Dragon Emperor, nor the Five Emperors of the Western Region, but... the five gray-white figures behind the Dragon Emperor.
Completely unfamiliar auras, completely unfamiliar figures. They seemed unwilling to touch the light of day, their heads also hidden beneath gray robes.
Traveling with them was the First Dragon God Long Fei.
What shocked and appalled Zhou Xuzi... Chi Wuyue and Qianye Ying'er... the Five Emperors of the Western Region... everyone, was that the positions of these five gray-white figures were behind the Dragon Emperor, yet ahead of Long Fei Dragon God!
Through the Nirvana Wheel Demon Soul, Chi Wuyue could clearly perceive the changes in Zhou Xuzi's mind. When Zhou Xuzi's spiritual sense and vision touched the five gray figures... what came through was a shock like ten thousand mountains collapsing.
The hands of the Five Emperors of the Western Region, which had been raised for a bow, all froze in mid-air... in extreme terror, they forgot their salutation to the Dragon Emperor.
"These five... who are they?" Chi Wuyue murmured again.
Qianye Ying'er frowned deeply and shook her head. But Chi Wuyue's next words struck like thunder, each one earth-shattering.
"The auras these five people are releasing are the dragon aura unique to the Dragon God Clan. And... none of them are inferior to Long Fei Dragon God."
"...!!" Qianye Ying'er spun around sharply, her jade-like face contorting in shock, crying out involuntarily: "What did you say!?"
Long Fei, the First Dragon God of the Dragon God Realm, was a terrifying existence surpassing Qianye Fantian and Nan Wansheng! The second-strongest person in the current era, second only to the Dragon Emperor!
And these five strange gray figures, appearing as if out of thin air, were actually... all not inferior to Long Fei!?
---
(1): Not damaged by the Dragon Emperor. Yun Che tore it off as usual, and He Ling accidentally left it in an inconspicuous corner during her routine cleaning, where it was picked up by some mysterious person during an investigation (suggestion: deduct He Ling's wages here).