The matter of the Demon Sword hung over everyone like a Damoclean sword.
It could fall at any moment.
If their side had no certainty, it would spell utter disaster.
The Demon Sword could return at any time, and then they would be at a disadvantage.
Therefore, preparation was essential.
By initiating the conflict themselves, they could seize the initiative.
"Alright."
Elder Demon Chu immediately forgot his earlier displeasure.
Fighting an Emperor!
Such a thing had been unthinkable before.
A warlike individual, given even a sliver of hope, would dare to act.
That was the nature of Elder Demon Chu.
...
As more people returned, all the Emperor-level powerhouses of the Life and Death Realm converged in Sword City.
The peak strength of the Life and Death Realm was all gathered here.
Though few in number, their combat prowess was formidable.
Chen Fan spoke directly, "This time, the crisis facing our Life and Death Realm must be overcome by ourselves. It's either life or death, no compromise, no betrayal..."
His tone was exceptionally firm.
"..."
Below, there was absolute silence.
His voice echoed, "In this battle, everyone must participate. Every cultivator must join.
Half-Emperors will return to the lower realms, stationed across the land, leading everyone in simultaneous cultivation to enhance the power of the Great Dao and the world.
Emperor Lords will channel all their power into the Great Dao Universe, providing it to the two Dao Lords."
"Next are the Heavenly Emperors."
At this point, Chen Fan's tone grew considerably more solemn, "Aside from the two Dao Lords, all other Heavenly Emperors will participate in the offensive. I, the Immortal Emperor, and Elder Demon Chu will handle the support, while the rest will engage in harassment. Remember, everyone can die, but the two Dao Lords must not."
The subsequent resurrection still required the two Dao Lords.
"Understood."
Zhao Kai and Xi Qiu also understood their importance.
Elder Demon Chu's death might be inconsequential, as he didn't control the Great Dao Universe. But Zhao Kai and Xi Qiu could not afford to die.
Without them, resurrection would be impossible.
"City Lord."
At this moment, Xi Qiu asked doubtfully, "Yin Yang also has the ability to resurrect, doesn't it?"
"It does."
Chen Fan answered affirmatively, "But the two are different. Yin Yang Dao resurrection involves complex principles from the East and West, which I cannot yet achieve. Many crucial elements are missing."
Yin Yang was profoundly complex.
His initial understanding of Yin Yang was not as deep as his comprehension of Life and Death.
"Your subordinate understands."
His question held no ulterior motive.
It stemmed from Xi Qiu's desire to participate in the offensive.
They had rarely participated in the numerous wars of the Life and Death Realm.
This time, they were facing Seventh-Rank Great Emperors.
They wished to be involved.
Alas, their ultimate fate was to remain as support.
Unwilling, yet there was nothing they could do.
"Then it's settled."
Chen Fan continued, "Currently, we are heading towards Sword Domain. Once Senior Immortal Emperor breaks through to Sixth-Rank, we will change course immediately upon my command."
"Yes."
The crowd dispersed quickly.
The Immortal Emperor bore a heavy burden, to advance to Sixth-Rank as rapidly as possible.
The energy of the Great Emperor's dragon corpse was voraciously consumed by the Immortal Emperor.
Finally...
After one day.
Boom.
The Immortal Emperor had broken through.
Rippling vital energy surged in all directions.
At this moment, the Immortal Emperor's physical body seemed to ignite with miniature suns, one after another.
Brilliant and dazzling.
Each miniature sun was filled with immense power.
"It's done."
The Immortal Emperor approached.
His advancement was natural and effortless.
He then added, "The cell spaces have increased again, now to three hundred and sixty."
A full Great Cycle?
"Congratulations."
Chen Fan clasped his fists. "This means that by igniting another one hundred and eighty cell spaces, you will advance to Great Emperor."
Truly enviable.
The Immortal Emperor nodded. "Precisely."
"Very well."
Since the Immortal Emperor had entered Sixth-Rank, the plan... could commence.
His voice echoed throughout the Life and Death Realm, "Life and Death Realm, immediately change course..."
"Yes."
The powerful individuals returned to their respective great stars.
The Life and Death Realm, which had been heading towards Sword Domain, suddenly veered in a new direction.
The Crimson Sun was to the south.
The Life and Death Realm... began to head south.
...
In the endless chaos.
Within a chaotic region of the Four Directions Domain, a figure walked calmly through the chaos.
Ahead...
Bang bang bang.
Hidden Imperial Palaces and Fourth-Rank worlds were revealed by the pressure emanating from an Imperial Palace.
"Greetings, Great Emperor."
Their powerful aura compelled everyone to bow.
There was flattery, reverence, and fear...
Everyone respectfully saw the Great Emperor off.
The Demon Sword Emperor's expression was calm, his gaze never deviating from its direction.
Ahead, chaos was being forged.
Under the respectful gazes of those present, the figure slowly moved away.
And directly ahead, a figure was frantically fleeing.
"Panshi."
The Demon Sword's voice was filled with a ringing sword cry.
The Emperor's pressure descended, like a cat toying with a mouse, mockingly watching the desperate, disheveled figure.
Boom.
Panshi's eyes were filled with boundless terror.
An Emperor was personally pursuing him.
He had imagined being hunted, but never in his wildest dreams had he expected the pursuer to be a Great Emperor.
A Great Emperor, the pinnacle existence in this chaotic world.
"Afraid?"
The Demon Sword Emperor's voice was calm.
With a single step, the Dao of the Sword flowed beneath his feet, cleaving through space.
Could one escape the pursuit of a Great Emperor?
Infinite distances could be covered in a single step.
Within the dominion of the Great Dao Universe, he could reach anywhere in an instant.
"..."
Panshi was consumed by despair.
He dared not speak, only continuing his frantic flight.
He saw no hope, yet dared not stop.
Ching.
Behind him, a deafening sword cry rang out.
Panshi, filled with boundless terror, suddenly shouted, "Explode."
The shattered Mountain and River Map instantly detonated.
This was Heavenly Emperor Panshi's final gambit.
"Hmph."
The destructive storm was shattered by a cold snort.
Effortlessly.
"Haha."
Panshi laughed, a mad, deranged laugh. "Even if I die, you won't capture me."
He could not imagine the torment he would suffer if he were dragged back to the Sword Domain.
The pressure from behind left him hopeless.
Boom.
Heavenly Emperor Panshi chose self-destruction.
Yet, a roar filled with boundless malice echoed through the chaos, "Chen Fan, I will not let you go even as a ghost..."
He was unwilling.
The root of all his troubles was that man.
If Chen Fan had not taken the Emperor Tablet, he would not have pursued.
If he hadn't pursued, Nie Chang and the others would not have betrayed...
Again and again.
His resentment was a stain that even the waters of chaos could not wash away.
His physical body disintegrated, his soul annihilated.
"Heh heh."
Suddenly, a cold laugh echoed in the ears of the disintegrating soul.
"Gather."
The Demon Sword raised its hand, and Dao principles converged.
Instantly, the disintegrating soul rapidly coalesced.
"No."
Panshi was in despair.
He did not wish to live.
If he were captured, he would endure unimaginable torment.
He had killed the only son of an Eighth-Rank Great Emperor.
"Want to die?"
The Demon Sword sneered. "It's not that simple."
As his words fell, the Demon Sword Dao reappeared.
Whoosh.
A river of swords emerged, sweeping forth.
Heavenly Emperor Panshi's soul and body were instantly reformed.
"It's over."
This was Heavenly Emperor Panshi's final thought.
His future was plunged into darkness.
The Sword Domain... would not spare him.