"I only found out so much by reading ancient texts!"
Lu Fan chuckled awkwardly, as in reality, Old Man Hong Meng had just told him all of it.
Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, Emperor Jiutian frowned, gazing at the pervasive killing aura that utterly failed to breach the Divine Emperor Cauldron, growing increasingly anxious.
"Old Ancestor, the killing formations are ineffective against them. I implore the Old Ancestor to take action personally!"
Emperor Jiutian cupped his fists, "As long as they are dealt with, not only will the crisis of the Jiutian Dynasty be resolved, but we can also forcefully occupy the Bailong Dynasty!"
"Hmph, it's not that easy!"
Old Ancestor Jiutian snorted, "If it weren't for you, the Jiutian Dynasty wouldn't be in this state. Now that the dynasty's national destiny is declining, I probably won't live much longer!"
"This..."
Emperor Jiutian was startled and immediately panicked. If the Old Ancestor were gone, how could he possibly deal with the wolves of the Bailong Dynasty?
"However, rest assured, before I depart, I will help you eliminate these people!"
Old Ancestor Jiutian said coldly, "Now, you take everyone to pacify the populace. Tell them that the people of the Bailong Dynasty have been suppressed within the imperial city, that the Jiutian Dynasty has triumphed, and have them hang lanterns and streamers!"
"I'll go do it now!"
Emperor Jiutian dared not delay, especially with the matters arranged by the Old Ancestor.
"The power of national destiny!"
Grand Tutor Wen stood dumbfounded, seeming to have seen through something, his heart filled with shock.
Not long after, the news spread completely, and the entire Jiutian Dynasty erupted in jubilation. They had thought the Jiutian Dynasty was about to be annihilated.
But now it seemed to be just a false alarm. Lanterns were hung in every city, and the people cheered endlessly.
Old Ancestor Jiutian sat atop the palace wall, feeling the continuous flow of national destiny converge, and his entire being became more energetic.
With such potent national destiny, he expected to reach his peak within a month. At that time, dealing with the people of the Bailong Dynasty would naturally be effortless.
As time passed, half a month went by. Within the imperial city, killing formations still covered the ground, and the Divine Emperor Cauldron stood in the center of the formations, appearing exceptionally ancient.
And inside the Divine Emperor Cauldron, everyone was in seclusion. Over these past half a month, through their cultivation, they had all improved significantly, especially under these circumstances.
"There seems to be movement outside!"
Princess Linglong spoke, her expression shifting slightly.
"Old Ancestor Jiutian must be enhancing the national destiny!"
Lu Fan remarked, "It's likely that the killing formations will be withdrawn before long!"
"The killing formations withdrawn?"
Li Guang asked in surprise, "Wouldn't that be a good thing?"
"Not necessarily!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "If they dare to withdraw the killing formations, it must mean Old Ancestor Jiutian has absolute confidence. That will be truly dangerous then!"
"If it truly comes to that, you all leave first!"
Dragon Emperor stood up, "I will hold them off!"
"We leave together!"
Princess Linglong said worriedly, "Father Emperor, we came together, and we must leave together!"
"There is no solution that benefits both sides!"
Dragon Emperor shook his head, "After the killing formations are withdrawn, I will burn my vital essence to perhaps resist the Old Ancestor for a while. Then, you seize the opportunity to escape!"
The people present were moved, "We are willing to follow our lord to death!"
"Having your words is enough!"
Dragon Emperor shook his head, a smile appearing on his face.
Meanwhile, within the Bailong Dynasty, upon learning of the annihilation of the dynasty's million-strong army, everyone was plunged into deep sorrow.
White streamers hung in every home, and nine out of ten households had no sons to return.
Numerous immortal cultivation sects gathered, plotting to infiltrate Jiutian and assassinate Emperor Jiutian, to avenge the blood feud.
In an instant, heroes converged within the dynasty, with various capable individuals preparing to assemble and resist the Jiutian army.
Although the million-strong army was annihilated, the myriad of sects remained. Should the Jiutian Dynasty launch an offensive, they would certainly act.
The current situation was not merely a struggle between dynasties. If the Jiutian Dynasty were to dominate Bailong, it would lead to widespread suffering.
Years ago, the Jiutian Dynasty had already earned a reputation for its predatory nature, repeatedly invading. This time, they would not rest.
Within the Sword Furnace, Chen Banxian, filled with drunken fervor, leaped up and vanished into the sky in an instant, murmuring, "Little Jiao, wait for me! Once I've destroyed Jiutian, I'll accompany you to the underworld!"
Divine light appeared, and a true dragon emerged!
Disciples of the Divine Dragon Hall looked towards the sky, "The Hall Master has emerged!"
Immediately, countless figures soared into the air, following Chen Banxian's footsteps, heading towards the Jiutian imperial city.
Within the Jiutian imperial city, the Old Ancestor's aura had reached its peak, and he wore a pleased expression.
"Congratulations to the Old Ancestor on returning to his peak!"
Everyone bowed in unison, their faces filled with joy.
And at that very moment, the killing formations within the imperial city were lifted, and the Divine Emperor Cauldron remained standing, ancient and dignified.
"What do we do? Should we go out?"
Li Guang asked, a hint of worry in his voice. Now that the killing formations were withdrawn, it was a prime opportunity.
"Not that quickly!"
Lu Fan waved his hand, "The Divine Emperor Cauldron is indestructible. It's not that simple to force us out!"
"You hide within the cauldron, and you think this old man has no way?"
The Old Ancestor sneered, "Today, you will surely die!"
Old Ancestor Jiutian's imposing aura was overwhelming. He struck the Divine Emperor Cauldron with a palm, showing no hesitation.
Sensing this powerful surge, everyone present was shocked and filled with dread.
*Clang......*
Resounding booms filled the air. The faces of those within the Divine Emperor Cauldron turned grim. They could feel the Old Ancestor's formidable strength. If the bombardment continued like this, it was likely that the ordinary soldiers would be shaken to death before long.
Lu Fan's brow furrowed. He never expected the Old Ancestor to be so powerful.
In the blink of an eye, Lu Fan withdrew the Divine Emperor Cauldron.
The Bailong Dynasty's million-strong army reappeared, but around the imperial city, ambushes had already been meticulously laid.
"Today, you probably have no escape!"
Emperor Jiutian sneered, looking quite pleased. In their eyes, the people of the Bailong Dynasty were already lambs awaiting slaughter.
"You all leave quickly!"
Dragon Emperor's imposing aura surged as he ascended into the sky, his vital essence burning intensely, intending to forcefully battle the Old Ancestor.
"No!"
Princess Linglong cried out in despair. She could not fathom that her father Emperor would do such a thing.
"Leave quickly, take them home!"
Dragon Emperor gazed at the million generals, tears welling in his eyes. If not for his stubbornness, such a situation would not have arisen. If his life could ensure everyone's safety, he would do so without hesitation.
"Princess, hurry!"
Steward Li, carrying Princess Linglong, rushed towards the outside of the imperial city. In the cauldron, he had promised the Dragon Emperor to protect Princess Linglong's safety, and he would not break his word.
"Trying to leave? You think too highly of yourself!"
The Old Ancestor laughed, filled with disdain. In his eyes, Dragon Emperor and the others were not worth mentioning.
At this very moment, Dragon Emperor's body also exuded a terrifying aura as he advanced towards the Old Ancestor.
Now that he was burning his vital essence, his strength had greatly increased. It was not impossible to contend with Old Ancestor Jiutian.
"Burning vital essence to contend with me?" Old Ancestor Jiutian burst into laughter.