From the depths of Mount Li, a majestic voice boomed with overwhelming authority: "Insolence! I am the ruler of six kingdoms! You were born to serve me, yet you dare to resist! Get out of my way!"
The voice faded, and a jet-black dragon suddenly soared into the sky. With a deafening roar, the phantom dragon-figures dissolved into mist.
The Kunlun Sect Leader's expression changed drastically. "Retreat!"
The wizards and disciples scrambled backward desperately, but those not quick enough were thrown from their feet by the shockwave.
The Kunlun Sect Leader's face was grim. "How is this possible? His power…"
Before he could finish, a figure rose slowly from atop Mount Li.
This man wore a black dragon robe and an imperial crown, a long sword at his waist. His eyes radiated domineering arrogance as his tiger-like gaze swept over everyone present.
"Why are you all such useless trash here? Where is Erwin?" Emperor Zheng Qin's voice resonated in everyone's ears.
Just then, in the sky, a long purple dragon soared through the air before hovering steadily. The dragon's form faded, revealing Erwin within. He held his familiar, Ebony, a smile playing on his lips.
"Is the First Emperor in such a hurry?" Erwin asked calmly.
Emperor Zheng Qin glanced at him, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. "Perfect, absolutely perfect! My idea was correct. With the fusion of all the top-tier bloodlines, plus your soul from beyond the veil, it truly is possible to reshape the origin of the Ancient Magic!"
Erwin nodded. "Yes, it is indeed possible. I didn't expect the theory to hold. It allowed me to deduce some of that ancient origin."
Emperor Zheng Qin laughed loudly. "Excellent! True immortality! This is the true immortality I desire. Felix Xu was somewhat useful after all; I should have spared his life!"
Erwin's smile faded slightly. "Your Majesty seems to have forgotten one thing. I won't simply hand over my body to you."
Emperor Zheng Qin's gaze hardened. "That is not up to you. You should know that well. Do you think your men are a match for my army? Why create unnecessary casualties? I want your perfect origin. Once I have everything I desire, I promise to send your soul back beyond the wall. You can continue living your life. Wouldn't that be better?"
Erwin shook his head. "Your Majesty, we are both sensible people; there's no need for cryptic talk. Can you truly send me back? My arrival in this world is unique and irreplaceable. Even an ancient god couldn't break through that wall. How could a mere imposter like you possibly have the power to touch the original world?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zheng Qin's face instantly turned icy. "Insolence! I am the First Emperor, the ruler of the six kingdoms!"
Erwin remained calm. "No, you are not him. Although you were created according to his design, you are ultimately not him. You are merely a replica. There are many like you! But none of them are him. There is only one him!"
Erwin's nonchalant tone seemed to strike the most sensitive nerve in Emperor Zheng Qin's heart. His face darkened.
"You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences!"
Behind Emperor Zheng Qin, the phantom of a black dragon slowly coalesced. Erwin patted Ebony; the familiar nodded, jumped down, and landed on the ground. Behind Erwin, a purple dragon also materialized.
Two dragons, one black and one purple, glared at each other. They came from the same source—both possessing the power of Ancient Magic—but they were sworn enemies, locked in a standoff.
Below, the wizards and disciples of Kunlun were ready for battle at a moment's notice.
The black dragon behind Emperor Zheng Qin moved first, but instead of attacking, it lowered its head. From within its spectral jaws, two bronze objects fell out. Emperor Zheng Qin reached out and caught them.
Erwin's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Tiger Tallies."
Emperor Zheng Qin joined the two pieces together.
"Where is the Qin army?!"
The ground trembled again. Stone statues rose from the earth. Black energy flowed from the tallies, merging into the statues. The stone exteriors began to crumble, revealing the soldiers within.
Several figures soared into the air.
"Basil Bai, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Julian Wang, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Marcus Sima, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Monty Meng, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Lance Lee, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
Emperor Zheng Qin surveyed the group. "Excellent, gentlemen. Follow me into battle once more!"
The generals bowed. "We obey!"
They landed, taking the lead of their respective armies.
"Great wind! Great wind!"
The Qin army roared with overwhelming force. The sight made the wizards swallow hard. Could they really win? They were outnumbered and outmatched.
Emperor Zheng Qin looked at Erwin. "Erwin, I'm giving you one last chance! Submit to me, hand over your essence, and I'll let you live! I'll let everyone live! If war breaks out, you know very well that not many of these people will survive."
Erwin turned to the assembled forces. The Kunlun Sect Leader stepped forward first.
"Erwin, don't listen to him. We all know very well that if we lose, we won't survive either. The transcendent realm will cease to exist! This world will cease to exist!"
The other wizards nodded in agreement. Old Tom bowed slightly. "Master, we are ready to die at any time."
Erwin smiled and looked back at Emperor Zheng Qin.
"See, Your Majesty? I don't need to say much. Everyone knows your thoughts. You want more than just immortality; you want to achieve a true, unblemished origin. You want to follow the Gods and experience true transcendence. That is why I say you are an imposter! If it were the real him, he wouldn't resort to such low-level provocation."
Emperor Zheng Qin's face grew even more grim.
"Erwin, you asked for this!"
He raised his hand. "Attack!"
The Qin army received the order. Their aura solidified, and waves of killing intent soared into the sky. At this moment, they were no longer mere casualties; they were the true elite warriors of Great Qin, a true army of tigers and wolves.
Each had fought their way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood.