Chapter 172

Chapter 172: The Threefold Heavenly Emperor

It was already too late. A fierce gust swept through, hurtling straight toward Feng Rong. Just as it seemed about to strike him—

Brilliant light suddenly flared around Feng Rong. A pair of magnificent wings unfurled from his back, shielding him like an instinctive reflex of his true form.

A metallic clang echoed through the air as if metal had struck stone. The attack’s presence instantly scattered, vanishing without a trace.

Feng Rong glanced back at his feathers, baffled. "What’s this?"

You You: "…"

Heavenly Emperor Yongqing: "…"

Since when did the Divine Clan’s true form have such high defense? They should’ve mentioned this earlier!

"This… this can’t be!" Heavenly Emperor Yongqing muttered, staring between Feng Rong and the fan in his hand as if questioning its authenticity.

Feng Rong finally grasped the situation and flicked imaginary dust from his wings. "Idiot! Divine artifacts can’t harm the Divine Clan when wielded by just anyone!"

Even powerful artifacts depended on their user. Qiu Yao had only suppressed him and Yuan Qi because he was divine himself. Feng Rong shot the emperor a scornful look, flames flaring brighter around him as he turned. "Your turn now!"

The sky erupted in flames, surging toward Heavenly Emperor Yongqing. The once-stern ruler’s composure shattered into panic. He frantically waved his fan, summoning winds to hold back the inferno, but retreated helplessly step by step.

As flames threatened to engulf him, Yongqing suddenly spun toward the main hall, lunging for the massive pillar of celestial might.

"Running away?" Feng Rong vanished, flames trailing him toward the structure.

"Wait, Feng Rong!" Yuan Qi called too late.

The Immortal Palace crumbled to ash under the blaze. But as the flames neared total destruction, blinding golden light exploded from the pillar.

The firestorm recoiled violently, hurling Feng Rong backward. An inexplicable pressure blanketed the sky.

"What’s this?" Feng Rong steadied himself against the mounting force.

"Celestial might," Yuan Qi answered, staring at the pillar. "Heavenly Dao’s suppression… but why does the first heaven have such intense—"

A cold snort echoed from the pillar. Heavenly Emperor Yongqing stood bathed in golden light, all pretense of dignity gone, eyes glinting with malice. "You think flattery makes you True Gods?"

Yuan Qi’s brow furrowed deeply.

"Ancient Divine Clan?" Yongqing sneered. "Heretics punished by the Heavenly Dao! Exiles who dare claim divinity!"

"What madness are you spouting?" Feng Rong retorted, while Yuan Qi clenched his fists.

Yongqing raised his hands toward the pillar’s apex. "Esteemed Heavenly Emperors! These ancient rebels defy the Heavenly Dao. Assist me in purging them!"

The sky split. Two new golden pillars descended—one massive, one slightly smaller—drenching the land in light. The pressure multiplied a hundredfold, buckling even Yuan Qi and Feng Rong’s knees.

"So the ancient Divine Clan survives." A resonant voice emanated from the largest pillar, revealing two men radiating immortal power—more Heavenly Emperors.

Feng Rong’s flames flared, ready to attack all three.

"Ning Rui!" You You’s shout cut through.

Both men whirled back. Under tripled celestial might, Ning Rui choked blood, barely upright in You You’s arms. Yuan Qi’s shielding seals proved futile—the Revitalizing Technique couldn’t ease his pallor.

You You’s eyes darkened, fury kindling in her chest.

"Your assistance, Esteemed Ones!" Yongqing declared, newfound confidence in his voice. "These Feng Clan and Qilin remnants must be eradicated!"

"Worry not," boomed the largest pillar’s occupant. "Threefold celestial might will crush these Heavenly Dao rebels."

"Gratitude, Third Heavenly Emperor." Yongqing bowed, then gestured at You You. "They stole divine artifacts—now in that mortal’s hands."

The Third Heavenly Emperor’s gaze sharpened hungrily.

Yongqing turned to the other pillar. "Second Heavenly Emperor, your aid?"

The second figure clenched his fist. "Remember your promise."

"Naturally."

The three pillars blazed brighter. Celestial might thickened like molten gold.