Chapter 603

Chapter 603: To Live or to Die?

Outside the Witch Clan’s ancestral land.

The night was dusky, with gloom covering the sky.

Streams of light flew out from the ancestral land, and the various grand sovereigns looked terrified, their hearts still trembling with fear.

Looking back, the aura of disaster and calamity from the ancestral land grew increasingly thick.

At this moment, it was gradually spreading from the ancestral land towards the Xuanming Demon Region, decaying the great Dao and turning the world into disaster soil.

That force was more terrifying than the ultimate Dao tribulation.

Had they been any slower, they would have been in peril.

"Bei Di Xuanwu, you see what I said was correct, right?"

The ancestral dragon’s eyes were sharp as he said with a smile, "With our level in the Hongmeng Dao Realm, although we are just below a dozen or twenty people, when truly encountering trouble, it is still not enough to rely on."

Therefore, obediently lying low is the proper way.

"I have been taught."

Bei Di Xuanwu sighed.

At this moment, he transformed his disdain for the ancestral dragon into admiration.

As expected of the first dragon in the world, he saw things truly thoroughly.

"If you truly wish to advance further, why not go to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?" the ancestral dragon laughed, "The strength of the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion is now witnessed by all. Of course, you need to have sufficient treasures."

"Thank you for enlightening me, Daoist brother."

Hope once again shone in Bei Di Xuanwu’s gaze.

"Let him go first to test the waters."

The ancestral dragon thought in his heart, "If he truly succeeds, I can also follow his example."

"If he fails, then I have no hope in this life."

Boom!

Suddenly, the void shattered, and a chaotic tide surged violently; at the crest of the tide, a figure stood tall and erect, his body shrouded in chaotic divine light, his appearance unclear.

"Daoist brother."

Seeing the newcomer, the ancestral dragon and Bei Di Xuanwu immediately bowed and said.

The newcomer was precisely the Chaotic Ancient God.

"This matter is probably even bigger than I imagined." the ancestral dragon thought in his heart.

The Chaotic Ancient God spent the entire year in seclusion, paying no heed to worldly affairs.

But the matter of the Witch Clan’s ancestral land made him actively enter the world, clearly involving great stakes and very likely implicating the secrets of the Dao One realm.

Dao One?

Thinking of this, the ancestral dragon’s mind greatly trembled.

"Witch Master?"

His mind raced, instantly linking it to the Witch Master.

Among the Dao One powerhouses in the world, the Three Ancient Clans could claim all three aspects of essence, energy, and spirit.

The only one related to the Witch Clan’s ancestral land was the Witch Master.

"So many years have passed, yet only one matter finally proves worthy of this one stepping out to take a stroll…"

A wild, carefree laugh echoed through the world as an overbearing aura swept across the heavens. The Great Dao of heaven and earth was forced to materialize under the pressure of that laughter.

Countless Dao tributaries converged, paving a pathway intertwined with divine patterns. The sound of the Dao rang faintly, welcoming a formidable existence.

"This subordinate respectfully welcomes the return of Emperor Ling!"

"We humbly welcome the Palace Master!"

The Heavenly Venerables and disciples from the Immortal Palace of All Laws lineage knelt to welcome him, their gazes filled with reverence.

This was a living legend.

"Rise."

Upon the celestial path of the Dao, a young man walked with the stride of a dragon and tiger. He wore an imperial crown upon his head, a bright yellow robe draped his form, and an imperial sword hung at his waist. His bearing was confident and commanding, as if overlooking the entire world.

"Chaotic Daoist friend, it’s been many years. You remain as cautious as ever, unwilling to reveal your true face!" Emperor Ling strode forward with hands behind his back, looking down upon the Chaotic Ancient God.

"Too many sneaky types about. Always wise to keep some tricks up one’s sleeve."

The Chaotic Ancient God said lightly.

"This opening of the Old Era of Disaster Soil involves the Witch Master and likely holds the secrets to Ascend to Dao One. I doubt even the Dao Ancestors of the yang realm can sit still."

"How about you and I join forces to pursue this grand affair?"

Emperor Ling laughed robustly.

"If there truly was a secret to Ascend to Dao One, would you truly be willing to share it?" The Chaotic Ancient God replied with a mocking laugh. "Daoist friend, each of us relies on his own skills."

As his voice fell.

The Chaotic Ancient God vanished from his spot.

"No appreciation for favors!"

Emperor Ling said coldly. He took a step forward and had already arrived at the third epoch of disaster soil.

This world brimmed with the power of disaster and calamity.

Space and time manifested in a twisted form, like a swirling river that washed away, corroding all manifestations of the Dao into decay, radiating an eerie, unfathomable aura.

"Quite a crowd gathered."

Emperor Ling said with a light laugh.

Mu Fanyin, Witch Master Sixth, Xuan Ancestor, Qin Huangluo – and now the Chaotic Ancient God and Emperor Ling as well. Within a single day, five top-level powerhouses surpassing even Dao Ancestors had descended.

"Pity it’s not happening within my Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

Ye Li sighed to himself.

If those Dao Ancestors ever sought Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, his endeavors could reach even greater heights.

"And why is there a little green worm and a birdie here as well?" Emperor Ling’s gaze flickered as he looked towards the East Sky Azure Dragon and the South Emperor Vermilion Bird. A trace of shock flashed deep within his eyes, yet his tone remained haughty and disdainful. "Never faced death before?"

"Is he Emperor Ling?" Ye Li asked.

Mu Fanyin nodded.

"The realm of the Three Yuan Proof was his creation."

Feng Wuji’s eyes lit up.

"Then isn’t he the strongest Dao Ancestor?"

Mu Fanyin thought for a moment and said, "Theoretically speaking, he is the strongest Dao Ancestor. After all, he has reached the ultimate in the Dao Ancestor Realm."

"He has come this time, likely for the secret of Dao One."

Chaotic Ancient God’s gaze also paused on East Sky Azure Dragon and the other person for an instant; his eyes narrowed slightly as he discerned the nature of the two ancestors of the four symbols.

"Apprentice brother, we can’t meddle in this matter; let’s go seek the Ancient Scrolls of Spring and Autumn."

Xuan Ancestor said sternly.

Among the Dao Ancestors present, his cultivation was among the weaker ones. Once battle broke out, he wouldn’t gain any advantage; the probability of his fall was higher.

"Alright."

Qin Huangluo nodded.

Whoosh!

Chaotic Ancient God reached out and grabbed a wisp of the River of Time; in the flowing water, images reflected one after another, from the first era to the third epoch.

Snap!

Suddenly, the images halted abruptly and dissipated like an illusion.

Chaotic Ancient God’s pupils contracted.

The River of Time ran through the nine eras of the world of the Pure Land, perfectly carrying the history of the nine eras. This Epoch of Disaster Soil contained the power of Witch Master, but the history could only be traced back to the three epochs.

This meant that Witch Master most likely already perished in the three epochs.

"If he truly perished in the three epochs, then those who could kill him are few and far between," Chaotic Ancient God murmured.

"Dao master, God Sovereign, or perhaps Heaven’s Way?"

Emperor Ling looked spirited.

"Witch Master is at the Dao One realm. To kill him, even two Dao Ones might not be able to do it; with the Dao of the yang realm added, it might barely be possible."

"Impossible."

Witch Master Sixth was incredulous, "Witch Master’s cultivation is unparalleled; how could he perish?"

The words of Chaotic Ancient God and Emperor Ling caused his Dao heart to crumble.

Witch Master is the supreme deity of the Witch Clan.

From the beginning of heaven and earth, one of the most powerful beings.

Who could kill him?

"At the Dao Ancestor realm, one can traverse the world of the Pure Land. Old Era of Disaster Soil, this is the disaster soil of the three epochs. The power of the River of Time can only be confined within the three epochs."

Mu Fanyin’s voice came.

"Moreover, how can you confirm that the Witch Master has perished?"

Mu Fanyin’s words reignited hope in the heart of the Witch Master Sixth.

"Dao creates one, one creates two, two creates three…"

Suddenly.

From the depths of the disaster soil, a distant, ethereal sound of the Dao arose, like the murmurings of a deity, expounding the profundity of the great Dao. In an instant, it stunned everyone, igniting a desperate thirst for enlightenment within their hearts.

"It’s the Witch Master."

The eyes of the Witch Master Sixth burned fanatically. Like a man possessed, he charged towards the source of the sound.

"How peculiar."

The Chaotic Ancient God frowned.

"So what?" Emperor Ling responded lightly. "Given the state of this disaster soil, even if the Witch Master still lives, he harbors grave issues within himself."

"A living Witch Master is far more useful than a dead one."

"The courage… truly befitting the one who established the realm of Three Yuan Proof. Such boldness is rare, even throughout all ages," Ye Li sighed.

"Whether he’s alive or dead, we’ll know once we see."

Swoosh!

They traced downstream along the River of Time.

Pictures of the past flickered within the River of Time of the Third Era, strange and magnificent.

"Dao creates one… three creates all things…"

The sound of the Dao echoed, growing ever more grand and majestic.

Its lingering resonance coiled around the disaster soil, dissolving strands of disaster power and giving birth to layer upon layer of wondrous phenomena. Upon the River of Time itself, Dao seeds emerged, taking root and sprouting, blossoming and bearing fruit.

Boundless mysteries of the Dao unfolded before their eyes.

It seemed as if deep within the disaster soil, an ancient preacher was imparting knowledge and teaching the way.

Emperor Ling, the Chaotic Ancient God, and Mu Fanyin all wore a trace of bewilderment in their eyes, intoxicated by the sound of the Dao, drawn onward toward its source.

The East Sky Azure Dragon and the South Emperor Vermilion Bird also manifested their true forms, following behind the group.

Their bodies continuously decayed within the disaster power; pieces of flesh fell off, yet neither of them noticed in the least. They relentlessly rushed towards the end of the Old Era.

"If this truly is the work of the Heaven Clan, why would they expose it so blatantly before everyone?"

Mu Fanyin was utterly baffled.

The state of the East Sky Azure Dragon and the South Emperor Vermilion Bird was simply too bizarre.

It was as if they feared others wouldn’t realize they were already puppets.

Rumble!

Right at that moment.

From the very heart of the disaster soil, a tremendous surge of power exploded—as if someone had invoked an epochal treasure. It struck against the River of Time. Divine manifestations shone over the disaster soil, shattering the power of disaster and calamity. The River of Time churned violently.

The sound of the Dao abruptly ceased.

The disaster soil fell into deathly stillness.

A sinister voice, thick with murderous intent, reached their ears.

"Brat, you ruined my great plan… Do you wish to die?"