Chapter 4087: Outside the Divine Ancient Nest
Within the nest, hundreds of miles long, every petrified divine tree used to construct it radiated flowing light, releasing countless formation patterns.
Formations and talisman inscriptions spread across the void, like an ocean of light rain.
The Ancestral God of the Divine Ancient Nest manifested its true body, hundreds of thousands of feet tall. Verdant branches wrapped around the wooden nest, propping up the formation.
Its trunk resembled black iron, bearing the weathered outline of an aged face.
The gods of the five clans of the Divine Ancient Nest all appeared within the wooden nest, each stationed at different positions.
The Music Master was a ninety-third-level spiritual power expert. Together with the Ancestral God, they activated the formation. Even if a Half-Ancestor from the Nether Ancestor Faction made a move, breaking through the formation in a short time would be impossible.
"Boom!"
The Heaven-Collapsing Arrow possessed boundless power, one of the few divine artifacts in the world capable of breaking formations. As it struck the divine formation's light barrier, countless formation patterns were erased.
The arrowhead pressed the light barrier into a deep depression.
The entire wooden nest shook.
This was the destructive power of a Half-Ancestor. With the empowerment of a vast amount of Arrow Dao Esoterica, a few arrows could slay a Heavenly Venerable-rank, grinding away their spirit and soul. Truly terrifying.
"Afuya possesses Ancestral power and is the master of the Arrow Dao. Ancestral God, this defensive formation won't hold her off for long," the Music Master said.
No sooner had the words been spoken.
A chaotic palm imprint descended from the sky, striking the formation's light barrier with heavy force.
Part of the palm's power penetrated the light barrier.
Instantly, muffled groans echoed within the wooden nest. Dozens of gods collapsed to the ground.
It was the old clan emperor of the Chaos Clan.
She manifested her giant divine body, like a cosmic giant. Chaotic divine light illuminated several light-years of starry space. Her muscles were extremely robust, filled with explosive power.
Among all the old clan emperors, her cultivation was the strongest, having already stepped into the Half-Ancestor realm.
The defensive power of the wooden nest could block one Half-Ancestor but absolutely could not block two.
Yan Wushen stood atop the Nether City, the Six Paths Reincarnation Seal behind him. He spoke loudly, "Senior Ancestral God, if Ling Yanzi is in the Divine Ancient Nest, please invite her out. We have no intention of destroying everything here; we only wish to see her."
"If you want to enter the Divine Ancient Nest, first defeat me."
The life essence released by the Ancestral God was vast. Its roots were completely connected to the wooden nest.
Yan Wushen naturally knew that the battle here must have already alarmed the entire starry sky. Countless experts were rushing over, and they had to end it quickly.
"Then forgive my offense."
Yan Wushen waved his hand lightly toward the Swastika Azure Dragon.
"Roar!"
A massive dragon head appeared above Yan Wushen. The "Swastika" mark on its brow spun rapidly, and a blinding green beam of light shot from its mouth.
The green beam struck the formation's light barrier and immediately spread out, enveloping the entire wooden nest.
The Heaven-Collapsing Arrow appeared in Afuya's hand once more and shot out.
The fist seal of the old Chaos clan emperor, the Primordial Beginning Sword of the old Primordial Beginning clan emperor, the Heavenly Mechanism Book of the old Heavenly Mechanism clan emperor, and the Hongmeng Battle Axe of the old Hongmeng clan emperor all attacked simultaneously, seeking to annihilate everything before them.
Yan Wushen slowly raised both hands. The time rules of heaven and earth converged toward him.
Between his hands, a small, exquisite bronze cauldron floated, the size of a wine cup.
"Swoosh!"
Guided by this bronze cauldron, the River of Time manifested, surging mightily toward the wooden nest.
At that moment, space trembled violently.
Zhang Ruochen's figure appeared out of thin air in front of the River of Time, standing tall and straight.
Yan Wushen's eyes narrowed.
He saw Zhang Ruochen wave his sleeve, dispersing the River of Time, which contained the momentum of heaven and earth. The force even reached Yan Wushen, pushing him back several steps.
"He came quickly. It seems the rules of cosmic space no longer restrict him," Yan Wushen thought.
Zhang Ruochen's appearance shocked all the cultivators of the Nether Ancestor Faction.
The old Chaos clan emperor reacted first, launching a soul attack.
Half-Ancestor-level soul thoughts condensed into a heaven-slaying divine blade. The blade's light was blinding, its killing intent endless, aiming to directly sever Zhang Ruochen's soul.
Zhang Ruochen gazed at her.
The Taiji Four Symbols Diagram Seal unfolded at the soul level, blocking the divine blade while counterattacking.
"Pfft!"
The Taiji Four Symbols Diagram Seal struck the old Chaos clan emperor's soul, wounding her. Divine blood spurted from her mouth. Her figure staggered back, and the divine light around her dimmed considerably.
"As expected of a Half-Ancestor, able to withstand this blow from me. Not bad," Zhang Ruochen said.
The old Primordial Beginning, Heavenly Mechanism, and Hongmeng clan emperors had already withdrawn their attacks on the wooden nest. Instead, they launched three divine artifacts, all striking at Zhang Ruochen.
Undoubtedly, Zhang Ruochen's arrival had completely turned the tide.
His aura made even Heavenly Venerable-rank beings tremble, unable to muster the courage to face him alone.
They had to join forces.
The three divine artifacts, each passed down through endless ages, possessed boundless power.
The Primordial Beginning Sword contained the power of the primordial beginning, ever-changing, with sword intent attacking from all directions.
The Heavenly Mechanism Book sealed thoughts and suppressed souls.
The Hongmeng Battle Axe was forged from rare materials, weighing billions of jun, capable of splitting heaven and earth.
With three Heavenly Venerable-rank experts joining forces, even a Half-Ancestor would have to avoid their sharp edge.
Zhang Ruochen stood still, like a towering divine mountain. The Earth Cauldron, Hong Cauldron, and Universe Cauldron flew out from the space around him, shattering all three divine artifacts.
The fragments of the divine artifacts flew like meteors in all directions of the universe.
The bodies of the three old clan emperors were pierced by multiple fragments, flying thousands of miles backward.
Too shocking. The clan's inherited divine artifacts were shattered like mud.
At this moment, the might of the Nine Cauldrons stunned all cultivators. Zhang Ruochen's combat power seemed invincible, even causing gods to feel an urge to kneel and worship.
On the other side, the Music Master, seeing Zhang Ruochen defeat four old clan emperors in an instant, was terrified. He decisively acted, suppressing Yuan Suyin and Yuan Jieyi, who were trapped in the Illusory-Real Space, intending to use them as hostages.
"Boom!"
Nine-colored chaotic divine light burst forth. Within it, a blood-red war sword slashed out, forcing the Music Master back.
Chi Yao and Zangjin Baihu appeared at the edge of the Illusory-Real Space. Layers of celestial worlds manifested, and the chaotic long river flowed. The density of chaotic qi rivaled that of the old Chaos clan emperor.
Afuya silently retreated into the Nether City, joining Yan Wushen and the Swastika Azure Dragon.
The Music Master and the four old clan emperors also retreated to the edge of the Nether City.
Yan Wushen remained calm and laughed, "Brother Ruochen, you came quickly. Give me a little more time, and I would have definitely broken through the formation and entered the Divine Ancient Nest."
Chi Yao said, "Yan Wushen, both you and the Swastika Azure Dragon once studied under the Divine Ancient Nest. Now you lead a large force to attack it. Isn't that repaying kindness with enmity? Such actions make me no longer admire you."
"Eh!"
Yan Wushen acted flattered, saying, "Does that mean this humble one once had the admiration of Empress Chi Yao?"
"You cultivated the first-rank divine path, Six Paths Reincarnation, and selflessly passed it on to Kunlun. How could such talent and boldness not be admirable?" Chi Yao said.
Yan Wushen sighed deeply, "Losing the admiration of Empress Chi Yao is truly the greatest regret of my life. But orders are hard to disobey; we are all pawns in the game. Let's go. Since Imperial Dust and Empress Chi Yao have arrived, it's impossible to attack the Divine Ancient Nest and investigate further."
The Music Master and the four old clan emperors successively retreated into the Nether City.
Zhang Ruochen raised his right hand, and another cauldron flew out.
The Witch Cauldron!
Four cauldrons suppressed the four directions.
With Zhang Ruochen's current cultivation, the power of the Nine Cauldrons was completely different, elevated by countless levels. That was why he could crush ordinary divine artifacts.
The space, origin, and heavenly-earthly rules of the entire star region were firmly suppressed, not even a wisp of wind could blow.
"Imperial Dust seems unwilling to let us leave," Yan Wushen said.
Zangjin Baihu said, "Come as you please, fight as you please, and leave after fighting. Where in the world is such a cheap deal?"
"Detaining a Heavenly Venerable-rank and a Half-Ancestor is no easy task. If we fight to the death, can you bear the cost?" Afuya's voice was beautiful, like heavenly music.
Zhang Ruochen pointed at her, "Leave Afuya behind. The rest can go."
Afuya met Zhang Ruochen's gaze without fear, "The four old clan emperors are still under the curse of consciousness. If I order one of them to self-destruct their divine source, how would Imperial Dust handle it?"
Yan Wushen spread his hands helplessly, "You see, the Primordial Queen's cultivation is now quite formidable. She holds the curse seals of the four old clan emperors for Corpse Nightmare. If you're truly determined to keep her, you must be prepared for many to die without a trace."
Afuya's threat was effective.
The Ancestral God immediately ordered all gods of the Divine Ancient Nest to retreat through the secret realm gate.
A Heavenly Venerable-rank self-destructing their divine source could tear apart any formation, annihilate an entire star region, and even a Half-Ancestor might be buried. It wasn't just about destroying a Half-Ancestor's physical body and soul once but completely killing them, extinguishing everything.
If facing only one Heavenly Venerable-rank, it might be stoppable.
But the opponent had more than one Heavenly Venerable-rank, including two Half-Ancestors, enough to help them achieve mutual destruction.
Moreover, behind these people stood the Primordial Ancestor "Corpse Nightmare." If it came to a life-and-death struggle, the Primordial Ancestor would surely be provoked.
From a cost-benefit perspective, anyone would choose compromise and let them leave freely.
But the current Zhang Ruochen, how could he be threatened by them?
Zhang Ruochen summoned the Abyssal Divine Sword, twirling it into sword flowers as he stepped toward the Nether City, "I want to see if killing a Heavenly Venerable-rank is faster than them self-destructing their divine source. They shouldn't be stronger than Thunder Lord, right?"
Whether it was the experts in the Nether City or the Ancestral God, Music Master, and old Yuan Dao clan emperor in the wooden nest, all were shaken.
Was a life-and-death battle unavoidable after all?
Yan Wushen shook his head lightly, "Since Brother Ruochen has such an interest, Wushen will naturally accompany you."
"Swoosh!"
On the city wall of the Nether City, banners fluttered, and thick clouds gathered like ink.
The terrifying power belonging solely to the Nether Ancestor emanated from every inch of soil in the Nether City, turning it into a super divine artifact and an invincible battle formation.
The Music Master summoned the Silent Drum and struck it with his palm.
The divine drum made no sound.
But the space and heavenly-earthly rules around the Nether City rippled outward in rhythmic patterns, unaffected by the sealing of the four cauldrons.
Such methods from the Music Master made even Zhang Ruochen look at him with new eyes.
Those who could step into the Heavenly Venerable-rank were indeed no simple characters. They were all overlords who had fought their way through billions of geniuses.
The Ancestral God, Music Master, old Yuan Dao clan emperor, and Chi Yao all released their spiritual power and soul power, locking their thoughts onto the Nether City, ready to suppress any cultivator attempting to self-destruct their divine source.
"Crack!"
Afuya's body ignited with blue divine flames. She drew her divine bow and shot the Heaven-Collapsing Arrow.
This was her strongest arrow, pushing the Ancestral divine power and Arrow Dao Esoterica to their limits—a truly masterful shot.
To shoot this arrow, the bow's arms cracked, becoming half-wasted.
The Heaven-Collapsing Arrow tore through all rules and order in heaven and earth, disappearing into space. Without taking any time, it appeared beside Zhang Ruochen.
Any Half-Ancestor in the world would have been pierced by the Heaven-Collapsing Arrow at this moment.
But Zhang Ruochen, stronger than any Half-Ancestor, used perception beyond any cultivator's imagination. Gripping his sword with both hands, he turned and slashed backward.
The sword's edge precisely struck the arrowhead of the Heaven-Collapsing Arrow.
"Boom!"
Brilliant light exploded, and energy scattered.
Afuya thought to herself, "He completely comprehends time and space, analyzing the causality of this arrow almost instantly and determining its position. Even Hao Tian and Heavenly Mother couldn't do it this fast. Could he really be a Primordial Ancestor?"
"If he were truly a Primordial Ancestor, there would be no need to fight. I'd just give you to him directly," Yan Wushen said.
The moment the Abyssal Divine Sword and the Heaven-Collapsing Arrow collided was the peak of Zhang Ruochen's power, and also the moment his defense was weakest.
How could Yan Wushen let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip?
So, while Afuya shot the Heaven-Collapsing Arrow, Yan Wushen had already struck with the Six Paths Reincarnation Seal.
At the center of the Six Paths Reincarnation Seal was a "Swastika" mark, representing the ultimate speed in heaven and earth, and also signifying that Yan Wushen and the Swastika Azure Dragon had merged at this moment.
"Bang!"
The Six Paths Reincarnation Seal indeed struck Zhang Ruochen's back at the moment he swung his sword to hit the Heaven-Collapsing Arrow.
But the expected injury to Zhang Ruochen did not occur.
Radiant divine light burst from Zhang Ruochen's body, illuminating heaven and earth, sending both the Heaven-Collapsing Arrow and the Six Paths Reincarnation Seal flying.
Zhang Ruochen wore the Victory Crown, his aura sharp, and declared, "Brother Wushen, you truly are the peer opponent I value most. You did not disappoint me. If your cultivation had stepped into the Half-Ancestor realm, that blow just now would definitely have wounded me."
Yan Wushen showed no discouragement, instead laughing, "Being able to force you to use the power of the Victory Crown is already satisfying. It shows that you have not only not reached the Primordial Ancestor realm, but perhaps not even the Half-Ancestor realm."
"Heh heh!"
Zhang Ruochen chuckled, his figure vanishing.
"Not good!"
Yan Wushen had just uttered these two words.
Zhang Ruochen's true body had already appeared in the Nether City. With one sword strike, he sent the still-dazed old Heavenly Mechanism clan emperor flying, divine blood splattering, countless flesh and blood fragments scattered.
Everyone who understood the Nether City's defenses felt as if their souls had fled.
He had entered!
It must be known that the Nether City was a fortress almost impossible to breach. It not only contained the power of the Nether Ancestor but had also been arranged by the Primordial Ancestor Corpse Nightmare.
Even a Primordial Ancestor would take time to break in.
They had planned to use the Nether City to fight Zhang Ruochen.
But now…
No one knew how Zhang Ruochen had entered the city in the blink of an eye. Such methods even surpassed the understanding of Afuya, a former Primordial Ancestor. (Chapter End)