Chapter 1736: New Generation Ninth Emperor

The Dragon Vein Totem had initially been full of confidence in its master, but after witnessing Xu Yang unleash a world-shattering sword strike, it instinctively began to worry for him.

His worries proved to be well-founded, for the spatial power released by Kunlun during the execution of his ultimate profound technique, the Kunlun Sacrifice, was far weaker than anticipated.

The reason was simple: Xu Yang's self-created Tai Chi Dao principle had suppressed the inherent power of the Kunlun Sacrifice technique without limit.

The Kunlun Sacrifice itself aims for the ultimate collapse of all spatial forces. However, Xu Yang's Dao was clearly on a higher level than the Kunlun Sacrifice. While the Kunlun Sacrifice pursued ultimate destruction and offensive power, Xu Yang's Tai Chi Dao was more comprehensive, balancing both offense and defense.

This created a dynamic of mutual generation and restraint during their collision, causing Kunlun to face immense environmental resistance while attempting to unleash his most powerful profound technique.

"Damn it, I never imagined this kid's so-called Tai Chi Dao, which he created himself, would possess such terrifying power! It can naturally keep all forces within space in a state of balance. Such a profound creation is truly unprecedented. This kid, Xu Yang, probably won't stop at just these achievements; he might even have the chance to reach the pinnacle of the human race's history. If one day he truly manages to defeat all nine Human Emperors, he will become the first Human Emperor to ever ascend to the Imperial Throne. However, I imagine that day is still very far off, and I likely won't have the chance to witness its arrival. Regardless of success or failure, I have no regrets about this battle today. It has been an honor to face this young man and become his opponent."

Kunlun was a man of exceptionally broad mind, and his current position as the Ninth Human Emperor was a testament to his deserved accomplishments.

In the very next moment, as their respective ultimate techniques collided, Kunlun finally realized that this was his first defeat in his entire life, and it was the most complete one, marking the end of his cultivation journey. Yet, he was utterly convinced by his loss.

For the instant all the power concentrated by his Kunlun Sacrifice collided with Xu Yang's Sword Dao technique, which was amplified ten thousandfold, every bit of power from the Kunlun Sacrifice completely disintegrated, vanishing into nothingness.

Even more terrifying was that Xu Yang's sword strike was not merely an act of destruction. While annihilating that power, he simultaneously assimilated it with his own Dao, bestowing new life upon all the destructive and decaying forces within the Kunlun Sacrifice. This was the most formidable aspect of Xu Yang's Tai Chi Dao inheritance.

He was more like a vessel capable of containing all powers in the world. Perhaps, from the very beginning, the Dao Fruit Kunlun had created for himself was already a level inferior to Xu Yang's.

The two were simply not on the same level of existence. In that instant, an ice-blue aurora burst forth from Xu Yang's Eternal Sword Light, instantly engulfing all light across the entire battlefield where the two stood.

The brilliance of that ice-blue radiance was so intense that even the Dragon Vein Totem, observing from the side, instinctively closed its eyes.

"What terrifying power," the Dragon Vein Totem murmured.

The Dragon Vein Totem slowly let out a sigh. When it opened its eyes again, it found its master, Kunlun, and Xu Yang had both returned to the exclusive space before it.

Both of them appeared remarkably calm, and their physical bodies showed no discernible differences from moments before.

However, within the next few seconds, Kunlun's body began to disintegrate, transforming into countless fragments that coalesced into a halo. This halo then settled upon Xu Yang's body.

"No! Master, what is happening? Have you been defeated?"

Kunlun burst into laughter, though he had already lost his physical form; all the essence of his body's power had entered Xu Yang's.

"No, I have merely been reborn in another form. From today onward, Xu Yang is your master. You must guard him as you would me, for only he can save the civilization of the Kunlun lineage. From this moment, he is the true Ninth Human Emperor and the new inheritor of my Kunlun Sacrifice lineage."

Regardless of whether the Dragon Vein Totem could accept this outcome, it was an undeniable reality. When Xu Yang slowly opened his eyes, his aura underwent another profound transformation and elevation.

That regal demeanor truly felt as noble as an earthly emperor.

Even a being as mighty as the Dragon Vein Totem, possessing the strongest dragon bloodline, could only bow in submission before Xu Yang.

"Guardian Dragon Soul greets its Master."

Seeing the entirely crimson Dragon Vein Totem show such reverence, Xu Yang nodded in satisfaction.

"You don't need to be so submissive to me. You can interact with me like a friend. Although I have inherited all the power of your former master, Kunlun, this doesn't mean you should forget or erase your past memories with him. You can completely regard me as your new companion. Kunlun has not perished; the soul of any Human Emperor will forever coexist with the myriad Great Dao of the heavens. It's simply that the power he once used to unify his era has now entered my body, and what he left unfinished, I will complete for him. That is all. Though we share no master-disciple bond, I can be considered his successor. From this day forward, you are to follow me and assist me in achieving one accomplishment after another. If possible, I will have you accompany me to the very end, as I ascend to the most supreme imperial throne the human race has known throughout history. Do you have the confidence for such a journey?"

The Dragon Vein Totem burst into laughter. It seemed that at this moment, it truly understood Xu Yang, and the subtle barrier and pressure it had felt in its heart quickly vanished.

"Of course! My Master is destined to be the most powerful being in this world. You will undoubtedly achieve unprecedented accomplishments, becoming the true Human Emperor of the entire main continent and forever standing proudly at the very peak of the cultivation world. Now, my Master, my companion, please follow me and witness the spoils you are about to receive."

Led by the guardian dragon, Xu Yang followed it into the secret realm within this exclusive space. The moment he stepped inside, he was instantly stunned.

Xu Yang had discovered the ultimate resource, one he had longed for but never believed he would encounter.

For sealed within this secret realm was, astonishingly, a colossal star.

"This is the first gift my master left for you, Esteemed Xu Yang. With this star, the essential materials you need to forge your second main divine artifact will finally be complete."