Liu Xi examined the Emperor Pill Embryo sealed within the Azure Lotus in his palm. The boundless energy within it was no weaker than his own, yet it was completely suppressed under his control. Truthfully, even Liu Xi himself no longer knew just how powerful he had become. Having long since reached the pinnacle of invincibility across the continent, there was no longer anyone he could use as a benchmark. He carefully stored away the Emperor Pill Embryo, deciding to keep it for later—once he entered the Great Thousand World, he could perfect it. To consume it now would simply be too great a waste.
With a light movement, he leapt down from the Toushe Ancient Emperor's stone statue and landed beside the others.
"You're this strong already?"
Zhu Kun stepped forward and slapped Liu Xi's shoulder with considerable force, clearly holding a trace of petty revenge. Then he turned to the group and laughed heartily. "Everyone, collect those scrolls! I'll carry this whole square with me—we can't leave empty-handed!"
Liu Xi's body trembled slightly, Dou Qi surging within him as he skillfully dispersed the blow, secretly sighing at how Zhu Kun was truly playing dirty. That one slap could've flattened an ordinary 7-Star or 8-Star Dou Saint.
Hearing Zhu Kun's later remark, Liu Xi's eyes flashed but his expression remained calm as he smiled faintly. "No need to trouble yourself, Uncle. I can open this Toushe Ancient Emperor's statue myself. Why bother carrying it outside when I can simply open it here?"
Zhu Kun's heart tightened. He turned to stare at Liu Xi's calm smile and that faintly curved mouth, his teeth grinding with irritation.
"Fine, then let's put these scrolls away first."
Once the scrolls were gathered, Zhu Kun wrapped an arm around Liu Xi's shoulder and the two turned away, whispering secretly to each other. Zi Yan frowned slightly, suspicion flashing across her face. She couldn't make sense of the two of them acting so mysteriously, and since neither explained, she could only join the others in collecting the scrolls.
"Kid, trying to play tricks with me? Looks like you know the secret hidden within this statue too."
Zhu Kun's cold voice transmitted directly into Liu Xi's mind, carrying a hint of restrained anger.
Liu Xi replied calmly, dissipating the force on his shoulder without resistance. "Yes."
The single word made Zhu Kun's forehead veins bulge. His forced smile twitched as he replied through gritted teeth, "Heh, good boy. You already took the Emperor Pill Embryo, and now you've set your sights on this statue. You want to eat all the meat yourself and not even let me drink the soup, yet you still want to court my daughter?"
Liu Xi chuckled softly. "Uncle, that's not right. I'll only open it first. As for who the origin inside chooses to acknowledge—that depends on fate, not me." He paused, then grinned meaningfully. "And besides, Zi Yan and I didn't 'court' each other. We developed feelings over time, mutual affection. Our relationship's already settled now, Father-in-law~"
Zhu Kun's expression froze. (▼皿▼#)
Seeing that darkening face, Liu Xi immediately shut his mouth, pretending to look innocent. After all, this was his future father-in-law—he couldn't solve the matter with fists.
"Uncle, there's no need for anger. The Emperor Pill Embryo can indeed help one break through, but it would take decades—maybe centuries. Too slow. The Origin within this statue, however, can accelerate that process. Instead of spending a lifetime studying without results, why not let me use it to break through first?"
He smiled. "Once I pave the way to the Dou Di realm, I can help clear a path for you as well. With our relationship, you know I wouldn't just leave you behind."
Zhu Kun nodded slowly. The boy sounded sincere, and his reasoning wasn't wrong. Yet after thinking a bit more, Zhu Kun's eyes widened sharply. "So what you're saying is—you're stronger than me no matter what, huh?"
Liu Xi spread his hands, feigning innocence. "Isn't that obvious?"
Zhu Kun's mouth twitched. The brat was right, but it still made him furious!
Not far away, the others had already collected all the scrolls. Though they were visibly impressed by the treasure trove of Tian Class Qi Methods and Dou Techniques, none were overly tempted. The Ancient Void Dragon Tribe had their own heritage—no less profound than this.
Liu Xi took advantage of the moment, escaping Zhu Kun's grip. Turning to the group, he declared calmly, "Everyone, step back. I'm going to open this statue and reveal the Toushe Ancient Emperor's greatest secret."
The crowd immediately moved far away. Though Liu Xi was usually polite, after witnessing him subdue the Void Devouring Flame, crush Hun Tiandi, annihilate the entire Hun Clan, and just moments ago suppress the Emperor Pill Embryo single-handedly, his authority was absolute. No one dared object.
Liu Xi rose into the air, positioning himself directly before the Toushe Ancient Emperor's stone statue's heart. Long ago, he had sensed it—this statue resonated with him, as though sharing the same origin. Deep down, he knew he was capable of unlocking it.
He extended his hand, palm facing upward. Wisps of azure flame flowed out, converging into a dazzling lotus that radiated a primal aura of origin itself.
"Go."
With that single command, the Azure Lotus drifted forward, appearing to move slowly but crossing the void in an instant. It pressed gently against the statue—not shattering it, but slowly merging into it.
A thunderous rumble shook the space. The entire square trembled violently, as if struck by an earthquake. The onlookers gaped in awe; whatever the Toushe Ancient Emperor had sealed within, it had to be his greatest treasure.
Another roar followed, and the statue's chest split open. From within, a pure white orb of light emerged, replacing the stone heart. The instant it appeared, overwhelming Emperor might surged through the air like a raging tide.
"Damn you, Toushe Ancient Emperor!"
Zhu Kun cursed bitterly. The pressure was so immense even he, the mighty Dragon Emperor, was forced to bend his knees. Having been trapped for millennia by the same man, the Emperor's residual mechanisms almost made him explode with fury.
The others fared no better—only Liu Xi stood tall beneath that crushing might.
He understood immediately. The Emperor's Origin had acknowledged him. Toushe Ancient Emperor had been born of twenty-two fused Heavenly Flames, becoming the Emperor Flame. Liu Xi, too, had devoured twenty-two Heavenly Flames. Though their paths differed, their essence was the same.
And besides, the Azure Lotus was far more elegant than the garish, multicolored Emperor Flame.
"I'll go in and take a look. I can't say when I'll return. If you grow impatient, you may leave first—the outer gates of the cave mansion are already open."
His voice was calm as his figure blurred into motion, entering the white orb of light. The moment he vanished inside, the raging Emperor might subsided, and the world once again fell silent.
…
A vast ocean of magma stretched endlessly before him, glowing with five-colored brilliance. The energy it radiated was so pure and immense that even Liu Xi felt dwarfed by it. Above the magma sea, an old man sat cross-legged, his face kind and peaceful, a faint smile on his lips. His long, dazzlingly multicolored hair shimmered like flowing light.
As Liu Xi appeared, the old man looked up and spoke in a gentle tone.
"You've come."
Liu Xi studied the surroundings curiously, then nodded with a calm smile.
"I've come."
(End of Chapter)
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