Lu Fan wanted to stop him, but unfortunately, the Nine Heavens Ancestor was too powerful, far beyond Lu Fan's ability to resist. The Divine Emperor Cauldron lost control instantly and flew towards the Nine Heavens Ancestor.
However, as if possessing sentience, the Divine Emperor Cauldron lost its divine radiance before it could get close to the Nine Heavens Ancestor, transforming into an ordinary iron cauldron.
Staring at the iron cauldron before him, the Nine Heavens Ancestor tried to activate it but failed, a frown creasing his brow. He had finally obtained an item, only for it to be in this state, which naturally displeased him greatly.
"How is this cauldron used?" the Nine Heavens Ancestor looked at Lu Fan. "If you tell me, I will spare your life."
"What a joke!"
Lu Fan scoffed, "The Divine Emperor Cauldron cannot be activated by just anyone, and this is not your possession. You are not qualified to activate the Divine Emperor Cauldron."
"You are simply courting death!"
The Nine Heavens Ancestor's expression was cold, and he let out a chilling laugh, intending to strike Lu Fan down with a palm. Those who did not obey his command deserved only death; in his mind, it was as simple as that.
"Nine Heavens Ancestor, what audacity you have, to dare lay a hand on my people?"
At that very moment, an ancient voice echoed throughout the entire imperial city. Chen Banxian stood in the void, his gaze even colder.
He had initially believed the rumors to be true, that the White Dragon Dynasty's million-strong army had been annihilated. But now, it seemed there was still time; not everyone had perished, and he had arrived just in time.
"Chen Banxian, the Divine Dragon Palace Master!"
The Nine Heavens Ancestor's brow furrowed. The Divine Dragon Palace had existed when he founded the Nine Heavens Dynasty and was quite renowned. It was clear that Chen Banxian was no ordinary person.
"What is happening today is a matter between dynasties. I hope you will not interfere," the Nine Heavens Ancestor stated directly. "If any of your people are involved, you are welcome to take them, and I will not make things difficult. But if you intend to champion the White Dragon Dynasty, I will absolutely not agree."
"Your tone is quite arrogant. After all these years, you've only reached Half-Saint, what right do you have to speak to me like this?" Chen Banxian's expression was cold.
The onlookers were even more astonished. They had never imagined that Chen Banxian could see through the Nine Heavens Ancestor's cultivation.
"So this old man hasn't reached the Saint realm at all,"
Liu Qianjiao remarked, "He's merely a Half-Saint!"
"If he's a Half-Saint, why is he so terrifying?"
Princess Linglong spoke, "Even my father emperor died by his hand."
"Although a Half-Saint is not a true Saint, they are far more powerful than those in the Venerable realm. While the Dragon Emperor was at the peak of the Spiritual Venerable realm, he was ultimately still a step short,"
Liu Qianjiao shook her head helplessly. "If it weren't for this, we wouldn't be in such dire straits."
Princess Linglong's face was filled with grief, but she said no more. Now, she had only one thought: to escape with Lu Fan, return to the White Dragon Dynasty, recuperate, and then avenge their deep hatred.
"Chen Banxian, I know you are no ordinary person,"
The Nine Heavens Ancestor said coldly. "I do not wish to be your enemy, but do not get too carried away. With the power of national destiny, I may yet be able to kill you here. I hope you understand."
"Since that is the case, why don't we try!" Chen Banxian's expression was indifferent. "You dare to touch my woman, and I will make you pay the price. Even destroying the Nine Heavens Dynasty would not be too much!"
Liu Qianjiao was slightly taken aback, her face instantly flushing. She hadn't expected Chen Banxian to speak so boldly, so carelessly, causing her face to redden even more.
"As I said earlier, I do not wish to be your enemy. Since she is your woman, take her away," the Nine Heavens Ancestor spoke again.
Within the Nine Heavens Dynasty, the people instantly lost their confidence. Previously, the Nine Heavens Ancestor had been full of spirit and possessed immense deterrent power, but now, facing Chen Banxian, he seemed somewhat inferior, making them inwardly suspicious, wondering if the Nine Heavens Ancestor feared Chen Banxian.
This suspicion left them somewhat bewildered.
"You think I would leave so easily just because I've come here personally?" Chen Banxian sneered. "Today, the Nine Heavens Dynasty's fate is sealed. You might as well end yourself, lest I have to do it, which would be rather unsightly for you if you were defeated."
"This is simply too much! I have tolerated you time and again, not wanting to clash with you, yet you mock me like this."
The Nine Heavens Ancestor said coldly, "Do you truly believe I fear you?"
"Very well, then let us have a duel."
Chen Banxian soared into the air, exuding an immense aura. Since he had come today, he intended to fight, otherwise, he would not be satisfied.
"Sword, come!"
The Nine Heavens Ancestor roared, and the flying swords within the Nine Heavens Dynasty converged towards the imperial city, forming a massive dragon in the sky, controlled by sharp swords, capable of severing mountains and rivers, and cutting through day, night, stars, and moon.
Within the Nine Heavens Dynasty, the people were deeply shocked and looked towards the imperial palace, wondering what kind of powerful being possessed such divine abilities, summoning the sharp swords of the entire dynasty, a thousand-mile call.
"A fine 'Sword, come'."
Chen Banxian laughed heartily and then looked at Lu Fan, "Young man, could you lend me that Divine Emperor Cauldron?"
"Old man, since you have come for us, why would I refuse!"
Lu Fan smiled slightly and looked towards the Divine Emperor Cauldron. As if responding to the summons, the Divine Emperor Cauldron returned to Lu Fan's side in an instant.
"I have a cauldron that can suppress all things!"
Chen Banxian, half-jokingly, echoed Lu Fan's words. With Lu Fan's assistance, the Divine Emperor Cauldron slowly ascended into the sky, and at that moment, it radiated supreme divine might.
Seeing that the situation was not good, the Nine Heavens Ancestor's face instantly turned grim. If the Divine Emperor Cauldron were activated by Chen Banxian, he would surely meet his end. Even if he gathered the power of the Nine Heavens Dynasty's national destiny to form a national destiny great sword, it would be of no avail.
"One sword breaks all laws, all laws return to their origin!"
The Nine Heavens Ancestor chanted, and powerful sword energy surged forth, flying towards Chen Banxian. With the blessing of national destiny, his strength had increased severalfold.
At this very moment, the Divine Emperor Cauldron also radiated supreme divine might. Chen Banxian was panting, realizing that even he could not fully activate the Divine Emperor Cauldron.
However, the aura emanating from the Divine Emperor Cauldron was already sufficient.
Rumble…
In mid-air, a booming sound erupted as the Divine Emperor Cauldron collided with the national destiny great sword, radiating waves of divine power.
The onlookers, seeing this, all looked towards the sky. They knew very well that the outcome of this battle would determine their fate.
In the face of true powerhouses, they were merely like ants.
At this moment, Liu Qianjiao suddenly frowned, "No, this won't do. He has the blessing of national destiny; he won't be able to hold on like this."