Chapter 1787: Breaking Through the Dragon Shadow

The simultaneous assault of the three Yama Ancestors unleashed world-shaking demonic power, so terrifying it seemed capable of devouring the void into collapse and destruction in an instant.

In the light-devoured space, Yama Two's demonic claws struck directly at the four remaining Southern Sea Gods. Their speed in rending space and soul-piercing demonic might were so overwhelming that the powerful Southern Sea Gods barely had time to react. They lunged desperately, and four converging streams of Southern Sea divine power erupted fiercely within the encroaching darkness.

A brilliant golden radiance flared intensely, only to be instantly shredded into scattered fragments. All four Southern Sea Gods trembled violently, blood gushed from their lips, and the golden light in their eyes largely dissipated.

The four venerable Southern Sea Gods—two Level Nine Divine Masters and two Level Eight Divine Masters—were immediately put at a significant disadvantage by Yama Two's very first strike.

Confronting a Yama Ancestor with their full strength, the sheer, unexpected disparity in power left the four Southern Sea Gods utterly terrified.

"Gah!" Yama Two shrieked, his demonic claws suddenly exploding, sending the stunned Southern Sea Gods flying. He then lunged forward fiercely, his withered fingers tearing millions of black gashes through the dim space, forming a nightmarish net from the abyss of purgatory that enveloped the last four Southern Sea Gods, dragging them towards an ever-deepening chasm of darkness.

"Yama Two, I want Nan Qianqiu alive," Yun Che transmitted calmly.

Yama Two acknowledged the order, forcibly redirecting the power that had covered all four Southern Sea Gods to focus solely on Nan Qianqiu.

Meanwhile, Yama Three's spectral form had closed in on the Southern Sea Divine Emperor, a pair of dark demonic claws, glinting with soul-shattering chill, reaching for his head.

"Southern Sea whelp, die, hahaha!"

In the past, Nan Wansheng seldom intervened personally; any of his four Sea Kings could effortlessly annihilate anything that posed a threat.

Now, with all four Sea Kings dead and the last four Southern Sea Gods overwhelmed, he had never imagined that he, the foremost Divine Emperor of the Southern Region, would one day find himself "isolated."

The rage and resentment that threatened to shatter his body finally found an outlet. His remaining hair stood on end, and his eyes transformed into a dazzling, pure gold. The Southern Sea Divine Emperor's fury rapidly coalesced into a colossal golden profound formation, poised to rip Yama Three into dark shreds.

*Rip!*

A hundred li of space instantly collapsed; the dark demonic claws and the golden profound formation shattered simultaneously. Yama Three was sent flying backward, while Nan Wansheng plummeted, dozens of streams of blood erupting from his wounds. Before he could even catch his breath, Yama Three's terrifying spectral face abruptly appeared in his vision, accompanied by a piercing, ghoulish laugh.

"Hahaha!"

*Boom!*

Nan Wansheng was swept away as if by an apocalyptic hurricane, his consciousness blanking for an instant. He forcefully halted his descent, but just as power was about to surge, he coughed up several streams of blood. His chest bore five almost-piercing, jet-black blood holes.

In terms of overall strength, Nan Wansheng was slightly superior to Yama Three, who was comparatively the weakest of the three Yama Ancestors.

However, Nan Wansheng had just sustained severe injuries from the Nethergod Cannon, and his energy was in an uncontrollable frenzy due to extreme rage and hatred. In his current state, he was no match for Yama Three.

Moreover, his injuries were exceedingly grave. Facing Yama Three, even mere full resistance—let alone actual combat—would drastically worsen his condition. These were severe wounds inflicted by the Nethergod Cannon, wounds that would require decades of secluded cultivation to heal, even if he began immediately.

Unsurprisingly, under Yama Three's relentless assault, Nan Wansheng was steadily driven back. Yet, despite being the Southern Sea Divine Emperor, no one stepped forward to grant him a moment's respite. The four Southern Sea Gods were utterly suppressed by Yama Two, and Nan Guizhong remained rooted to his spot, for an aura too powerful for him to recklessly confront had risen before him.

It was Qianye Bingzhu.

"Brother Bingzhu," Nan Guizhong's expression remained composed, though the sharp glint in his aging eyes seemed significantly dimmer. "It has been many years, and it's quite something that we can spar again now."

Qianye Bingzhu replied, "Sparring with an old friend is certainly pleasant. It is only regrettable that the ground we stand on today is a battlefield."

A storm of energy surged, and beside Qianye Bingzhu, the figure of Qianye Wugu materialized.

The two Brahma Ancestors, both former Brahma Heaven Divine Emperors, exerted such combined pressure that even Nan Guizhong, despite his might, felt his blood run cold.

After a quick glance at the plight of the four Southern Sea Gods and Nan Wansheng, he sighed, and a dark gold ancient sword materialized in his hand.

He was confident he could face either Qianye Bingzhu or Qianye Wugu alone and emerge undefeated. However, confronting both simultaneously, he knew he stood no chance of victory.

"Lift all seals on the Royal City!" Nan Guizhong cried, raising his ancient sword as his voice spread like a vast ocean wave across the Southern Sea Divine Realm. "Children of the Southern Sea, the devils are at our gates! This day decides the fate of our Southern Sea. Unleash your life's full power and fight!"

The Southern Sea Royal City's seals had already been largely destroyed by the Nethergod Cannon. Now, under Nan Guizhong's command, all remaining seals were lifted. The Southern Sea Royal City, once the unapproachable sacred land of the Southern Divine Region, was now open for all beings to enter.

Yama Two suppressed the four Southern Sea Gods, Yama Three single-handedly fought Nan Wansheng, and the two Brahma Ancestors overwhelmed Nan Guizhong. Never before in the Southern Divine Region's history had such a high-level and brutal battle occurred.

The Southern Sea Royal City itself had become the battlefield for this brutal conflict. Regardless of the outcome, the city was destined to endure immense destruction once again.

Yama One, meanwhile, advanced alone toward the three Divine Emperors—Cang Shitian, Xuanyuan, and Ziwei. As the leader of the three Yama Ancestors, his strength surpassed anyone else present. His approach brought an undoubtedly immense and oppressive dark aura upon the three Divine Emperors.

"Ignore them," Yun Che suddenly stated, his eyes casting a fleeting, indifferent glance at the three Divine Emperors.

Yama One halted his advance, returning to Yun Che's side, and remained motionless.

A soul-shaking roar vibrated in their ears, accompanied by earth-shattering bellows from below. The Southern Sea Elders and Sea Guards, who had been momentarily suppressed by the three Yama Ancestors' might, now charged forward with gritted teeth.

"Uncle Gu," Qianye Ying'er remarked, glancing down, "You haven't killed in many years, but today, I fear you will commit the greatest slaughter of your life."

Gu Zhu smiled faintly. "With the Young Mistress safely returned and reborn, this old servant has no regrets for the rest of his days. My past principles are no longer worth mentioning."

As he spoke, his form gradually blurred, and a storm appeared out of nowhere, instantly tearing through space and bodies, quickly staining the vortex a horrifying blood-red.

Qianye Ying'er likewise descended, her Divine Oracle manifesting as golden nether-snakes that seemed to emerge from a dark abyss. They instantly pierced through dozens of Sea Guards, then directly severed the Divine Master body of a Southern Sea Elder.

As the brutal battle commenced, half of the Southern Sea profound practitioners fled, while the other half, fueled by fervent resolve, charged towards the Royal City.

What is a cornerstone? If a cornerstone is strong enough, it can support a towering pagoda that pierces the sky and clouds.

But if the cornerstone shatters, even a sky-piercing pagoda will instantly collapse.

The cornerstones of the Southern Sea Divine Realm were undoubtedly its Sea Kings and Sea Gods. However, with the annihilation of the four Sea Kings and most of its Sea Gods, the Southern Sea Divine Realm's core strength was reduced to just four Southern Sea Gods, Nan Wansheng, and Nan Guizhong. It was now utterly impossible for them to contend with Yun Che's group—even though their opponents numbered only eight!

A battlefield of Divine Masters was terrifyingly destructive; even Divine Sovereigns found it difficult to approach. Vast numbers and home-field advantage were utterly useless in such a high-level, brutal conflict. Those Southern Sea profound practitioners who swarmed forward, intent on defending their sacred land with their lives and power, were nothing more than a collection of fearless and ignorant fools. They died in droves under the residual power of Divine Masters before they could even get close to the actual fighting.

*Boom! Boom! RUMBLE!*

The entire Southern Sea Divine Realm trembled, and the sky, fractured by immense power, remained perpetually scarred with unhealing fissures.

In merely fifteen minutes, all four combined Southern Sea Gods were already wounded by Yama Two. As darkness invaded their bodies and souls, not only did they feel a chilling cold, but their fighting spirit and pride were swiftly consumed by terror.

Nan Wansheng roared in agony, yet he was utterly suppressed by Yama Three, unable to fight back. His body was torn open by one dark gash after another, revealing bones rapidly tainted by darkness beneath them.

Nan Guizhong, surrounded by the two Brahma Ancestors, found even his defensive efforts increasingly strained.

From the very outset of this brutal conflict, the Southern Sea's core forces had suffered a complete collapse. Its Elders and Sea Guards were being systematically slaughtered, one by one and in swathes, by Qianye Ying'er and Gu Zhu.

With all channels for external aid cut off, the only factor that could potentially reverse the Southern Sea's dire situation now were the three Divine Emperors of the Southern Region.

Three Divine Emperors, each accompanied by two divine power successors—this represented an undeniable force capable of influencing the battle's outcome.

However, the three remained inactive.

Yama One's approach towards them, followed by his sudden halt, was an unmistakable warning from Yun Che: his target was solely the Southern Sea, and if they dared to intervene, they would be buried alongside it.

"Divine Emperor, are we truly... not intervening?" the Sea God standing behind Cang Shitian murmured.

Cang Shitian's eyes narrowed slightly, offering no reply.

Both Emperor Xuanyuan and Emperor Ziwei had turned pale. Their attention was fixed on Yama One; the dark, imposing presence of the Yama Ancestor's leader made it clear that even the slightest reckless move would result in his demonic claws piercing their souls, leaving no room for regret.

"Argh!"

A pained shriek rang out as Yama Three's demonic claws pierced straight through Nan Wansheng's chest. A blood-filled hole, emitting horrifying black mist, appeared on his impossibly noble Divine Emperor body.

Nan Wansheng reeled back in panic, clutching his chest. His gaze, filled with boundless resentment, abruptly swung toward the three Divine Emperors as he let out a desperate, animalistic roar: "Why aren't you helping?!"

Both Emperor Xuanyuan and Emperor Ziwei's faces tightened. Emperor Xuanyuan gritted his teeth, and profound energy immediately burst forth from his body, his sword aura surging.

"Are you certain you want to intervene?" Cang Shitian's voice came, cold and laced with a hint of amusement.

"Hmph!" Emperor Xuanyuan's aura subtly receded as he stated gravely, "As Divine Emperors of the Southern Region, if we cower before these devils and refuse to act, wouldn't we become cowards ridiculed for ten thousand generations?!"

"Precisely!" Emperor Xuanyuan's words dispelled Emperor Ziwei's hesitation. He gazed intently and declared, "When the lips are gone, the teeth are cold. If we do not help the Southern Sea repel Yun Che today, we will be next to fall... and become a shameful laughingstock in death!"

"Heh heh heh," Cang Shitian chuckled softly. "Divine Emperor? Yes, what a noble title it is, symbolizing the pinnacle of power and status in this world. But..."

He slowly extended his hand, pointing at Yun Che. "The three old monsters by Yun Che's side, each of whom surpasses any of us, are only fit to be loyal dogs at his feet. So, what does our 'Divine Emperor' title truly signify in his eyes?"

"Cang Shitian!" Emperor Xuanyuan's eyes blazed with anger. "It's one thing to be too afraid to act, but why insult others and yourself in the process?!"

Cang Shitian's mouth curled slightly as he leisurely replied, "If you find it unbearable, just pretend this king merely broke wind. Of course, I cannot stop you if you choose to act. But please, do not forget: Yun Che mercilessly destroyed the Dragon Gods, and now vows to annihilate the Southern Sea, yet from beginning to end, he has not targeted us."

"Now, should you intervene, you will be actively provoking him, leaving no room for retreat," Cang Shitian's smile turned grim. "And the consequences of such provocation, you have all witnessed with your own eyes. When that time comes, do not blame this king for not warning you."

"Ridiculous!" Emperor Ziwei scoffed. "Yun Che, as he is now, is simply a devilish madman! Do you genuinely delude yourself that he would spare us?"

"Delusion?" Cang Shitian countered. "Judging by the current state of the Eastern Divine Region, all those Yun Che hated fiercely, all those who resisted him, met tragic ends. Yet, those who obediently submitted are genuinely living quite well. Especially the Glazed Light Realm, the Cover Heaven Realm, and the withered Star God Realm, which, through active surrender, remained entirely unharmed. Tsk, tsk."

Emperor Xuanyuan's face twitched, and then he burst into an angry laugh. "A devil stands before us, and the Southern Sea is in peril. As an Emperor of the Southern Region, your first thought isn't to assist, but... to surrender? Ha... ha ha ha, Cang Shitian, though I have always regarded you with disdain, I never imagined you could be this utterly pathetic!"

Emperor Ziwei, too, gritted his teeth. "By these words alone, you are a disgrace to the Southern Region, and even more so, a disgrace to the Ten Direction Azure Sea Realm!"

Cang Shitian showed no anger. Instead, he said with a beaming smile, "Just now, Qianye Wugu's words were quite interesting: 'What is right and wrong, what is good and evil? The older one gets, the less clear it becomes.' But this king is different. In my eyes, what the victor upholds and determines is the absolute right and wrong, and good and evil."

Emperor Xuanyuan and Emperor Ziwei were momentarily stunned.

"In today's battle, if we intervene, the best outcome would merely be to drive them away. It's fundamentally impossible to inflict significant harm upon them. After that, we would become irreconcilable mortal enemies."

"But if we do not intervene, the Southern Sea will collapse, and we will lose face, but we might very well be preserved. After this, the only power truly capable of destroying Yun Che is the Dragon God Realm. With the Ash Dragon God's tragic death today, the Dragon God Realm's move against the Northern Divine Region is now a certainty. If the Northern Divine Region is pushed to a desperate end, we can then act to fully avenge today's humiliation. But what if... in the end, even the Dragon God Realm cannot contend with Yun Che...?"

Cang Shitian's tone deepened. "By intervening now, are you simply eager to dig your own graves?!"

"Nonsense!" Emperor Xuanyuan still maintained an angry expression, but his aura subtly receded, and a clear waver appeared in his resolve.

At that moment, the already dim sky suddenly darkened further.

Yun Che's figure slowly ascended, arms outstretched, black hair swirling. Thick dark mist enveloped his entire form. The world's light seemed to be frantically devoured by his shadowy eyes, growing increasingly cold and dim.

"Filthy Southern Sea blood," Yun Che's lips moved, his voice like a demonic curse whispering in everyone's ears, "Perish forever in darkness!"

The light in the Southern Sea's sky was utterly extinguished as black clouds churned, and chaotic air currents transformed into countless surging dark storms. The dark elements across heaven and earth surged to an unprecedented degree, threatening to devour everything.

The Heaven Wrecking Tribulation Demon!

Yama One, Yama Two, Yama Three, and Qianye Ying'er were all enveloped in the same dark mist. The already terrifying flow rate of their dark energy surged once more, instantly eliciting screams from the four Southern Sea Gods. The Southern Sea Divine Emperor's roars, too, now clearly carried notes of fear and faint despair.

Simultaneously, dozens of rapidly approaching dark auras finally arrived. Yan Tianxiao was the first to appear, and as the Yama Emperor's aura pierced into the Southern Sea Royal City, it cast yet another layer of dark despair over the lightless Southern Sea.

"What... what is this?" Emperor Ziwei gazed skyward in terror.

"Attack!" Emperor Xuanyuan trembled uncontrollably, unleashing thousands of sword glints. "If we don't act now, it will be utterly too late..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly snapped his head upwards.

At that moment, the boundless dark sky was suddenly torn open, revealing an opening... and the aura of yet another Level Ten Divine Master!

Countless eyes on the battlefield involuntarily shifted. It was an aura on the level of a Divine Emperor, yet from within the dark rift, there emerged a figure so petite it was almost unbelievable.

"Is that... that!?" Exclamations erupted, for the individual who appeared bore a name renowned throughout the world.

Qianye Ying'er paused her movements, looking at the suddenly appearing girl with a hint of surprise.

Yun Che slowly lifted his gaze, a peculiar light rising in his dark pupils. He murmured softly, "Cai... Zhi..."

A Divine Master... Level Ten?!

Her advancement was... peculiar!

"Ah... Heavenly Wolf... Star God!" Nan Wansheng's body swayed. The appearance of another Level Ten Divine Master's aura made him pray for a savior, but reality delivered yet another nightmare.

High above, Caizhi's expression was indifferent, her eyes almost devoid of emotion. She gazed down, then slowly raised the mutated Heavenly Wolf Sacred Sword in her hand, pointing it directly at the sky.

The wolf's eye on the sword's tip glowed, but it was neither the blue profound light of Heavenly Wolf divine power nor the black radiance of its mutated form. Instead, it was a slowly blossoming... crimson light.

"...!?" Yun Che's brows subtly knitted together.

This crimson light...

As the crimson light spread, the sky seemed to dissipate, and in a blink of an eye, an incredibly vast, independent space unfolded.

From within that strangely unfolding space, a soul-shaking roar erupted, instantly recognized by all as unmistakably a dragon's roar—a majestic, heaven-shaking dragon's roar unparalleled by any other creature!

Amidst the dragon's roar, a colossal dragon silhouette tore through space, appearing high above in the sky.

The dragon's shadow spanned a thousand zhang, its body a profound gray-white—a color uniquely ancient and weighty, as if steeped in countless eons of time. It exuded the vast dragon might of a mid-stage Divine Master.

This sudden, bizarre development instantly choked the battlefield. However, the appearance of this Divine Master dragon was merely the beginning.

Before anyone could recover from their astonishment, a second dragon silhouette materialized, also a thousand zhang long, equally ancient gray-white, and likewise exuding Divine Master dragon breath as weighty as ten thousand mountains.

Then came the third, the fourth... the tenth... the twentieth... the fiftieth... and the hundredth!

Incredibly rare Divine Master dragons rapidly poured into view from within that strangely opened space. Their colossal, outspread wings blotted out the sky, and a hundred streams of Divine Master dragon breath were so overwhelmingly heavy that they utterly immobilized every minute speck of dust in the air.