With a single move, he unleashed a world-ending force.
The Glacial Age technique radiated a power equal to the True Spirit Realm.Inside the ice crystals, an eerie sentience pulsed—divine powers made sentient.
If one could not extinguish this spiritual nature, the technique could not be broken, and its destruction would be inevitable.
With Blue Elder's strength, he could freeze a thousand miles in an instant, wiping all life from the land.
The icy radiance advanced rapidly, closing in on the Great Yi's Immortal City.
This particular city was called Firecloud City.
It was said that in the original location of Firecloud City, fiery clouds often danced across the skies—a natural wonder that once drew countless Great Yi citizens. Though that spectacle could no longer be seen after migration, the name remained, as a tribute to its heritage.
Just as the ice was about to engulf the city, a figure rose into the air.
The City Lord appeared, holding his City Lord's Seal, and roared:
"Xuanhuang Barrier—Activate!!"
As his words rang out, countless arcane runes lit up along the city walls.A mysterious yellow light bloomed—merging into a massive barrier that completely enveloped the Immortal City.
One could visibly feel the weight of this barrier—it was linked to the very earth itself.
After the city had been expanded into a Royal City, the Xuanhuang Barrier had undergone a fundamental transformation—becoming far stronger. It drew power from the land's ley lines and offered formidable defense.
Even a True Spirit expert would struggle to breach it.
Even if damaged, as long as the barrier wasn't entirely destroyed, it would quickly regenerate by drawing power from the earth.
It was a true shield of the people.
"Firecloud Palm!!"
As the icy blue light closed in, a sudden shout echoed from within the city.
A moment later—a blazing firecloud emerged out of nowhere, burning with a will to incinerate all things.
It struck toward the icy blast like a sky-shrouding palm—like a mountain collapsing upon the earth.
Glacial Age vs. Firecloud Palm.
It was ice and fire, clashing with apocalyptic force.
Both techniques contained sentience—the Firecloud Palm infused with profound martial intent, while the ice was infused with cold divine will.
One sought to burn all, the other to freeze everything.
Both bore near-indestructible properties—clashing with incredible ferocity.
The sky lost its color. Even the night itself shimmered with strange hues.
After a brief deadlock, the firecloud began to weaken, slowly melting away under the frigid assault.
Yet the icy radiance also dimmed—its force largely consumed.
Both powers devoured each other.
When the firecloud vanished, the icy light struck the Xuanhuang Barrier—covering it with thick ice.
But the deep, earthy yellow glow resisted the chill. Moments later, the ice cracked and shattered.
The barrier held.
It radiated a protective glow—solid and unyielding, offering a powerful sense of safety.
"What incredible firecloud power… Who is that!?"
Blue Elder's eyes narrowed.
The firecloud's strength hadn't reached the True Spirit Realm, but it had definitely reached the Yang God Realm—only a step away from transcending.
Such a powerhouse could be a top-tier figure in any domain.
To reach this level in such a short time—it was clear this man was no ordinary cultivator.
Atop the city wall, a middle-aged man in red robes now stood.
His head was bald on top, but hair sprouted from the sides of his ears—an unusual appearance.
He wore sandals—simple flip-flops—and his entire being radiated a strange, twisted aura.
His eyes glinted with mischief and malice as he gazed toward Tianlong Imperial City.
Then he spoke slowly:
"I am… the Firecloud Evil God, enshrined in Great Yi's Tongtian Pavilion."
Yes. The Firecloud Evil God.
Years ago, he had joined Great Yi, becoming a Tongtian Pavilion enshrined cultivator.
As an enshrined member, one simply had to cultivate in peace, accept missions when summoned, and earn contributions to obtain resources and status.
Their rank ranged from Ninth to First, each tied to one's realm and achievements.
Ninth Rank: Divine Sea Realm
Eighth: Life Aperture Realm
Seventh: Life Chart Realm
Sixth: Dharma Aspect Realm
Fifth: Nascent Soul Realm
Fourth: Yang God Realm
Third: True Spirit Realm
Second: Dao Platform Realm
First: Dao Proving
One's rank wasn't based on cultivation alone. Even if one were Nascent Soul, they'd begin at Ninth Rank upon entry and must rise through accrued merit.
The higher the rank, the more fate power and resources they received.
The Firecloud Evil God had undertaken missions, earned merits, and steadily rose through the ranks.
Now he was a Fourth Rank Enshrined, enjoying the corresponding fate blessings of that station.
His cultivation had risen rapidly, aided by Great Yi's vast facilities.
His cultivation method was extraordinary:
Nine Yang Divine Art (九阳神功).
At its peak, he could form nine suns within his body.
These Nine Suns could burn the heavens and oceans.
His life diagram was the Nine Yang Celestial Tour Chart, overbearing to the extreme.
At full strength, he could challenge a True Spirit Realm expert head-on.
For this campaign, the Skyfall Campaign, Great Yi had mobilized Tongtian Pavilion's enshrined forces—dispatching many to garrison Immortal Cities, like anchors securing the land.
Their role was to repel any invading experts and hold the line—acting as stabilizing pillars.
With the Xuanhuang Barrier, even if they couldn't match the Five Elder Stars, they could whittle down their strength, ensuring the barrier held and the city remained.
"Firecloud City is under my protection.You'll never break through."
The Firecloud Evil God sneered:
"Our Great Yi Imperial Army has arrived.Yet you Tianlong fools still resist?
That is pure stupidity.
Today, you either submit... or perish."
"You bastard!
You think you can hold this city forever!?"
Blue Elder roared in fury.
"As long as I live—this city stands."
The Firecloud Evil God replied coldly.
"Where our Immortal City stands, that is Great Yi territory.
Long live the Holy King!"
"War! War! WAR!!"
A deafening chorus rang out from within the city.
This cry echoed the belief etched into every Great Yi citizen's heart:
As long as they live—the city stands.
The people of Great Yi had grown up through hardship.
They would rather die standing than live kneeling.
Wherever a Great Yi Immortal City rose, that was home, and sovereign soil.
To defend it was everyone's duty.
"If we surrender…
What can Great Yi offer this Emperor?"
Suddenly, Tianlong Emperor called out.
Seeing that Blue Elder's attack had failed, and witnessing the full spread of Great Yi's occupation, he could already see the end:
Once his fate dragon collapsed, Great Yi's fate dragon would rise to replace it.
The heavenly laws, enforced by the foundation of Immortal Cities and backed by endless reinforcements, left him no hope.
Resisting now would mean total annihilation—even his own life was not guaranteed.
But if he submitted, he might yet live in luxury.
After all, someone of his status—once surrendered—wouldn't be mistreated.He could become a pampered noble, an example to others.
If he were treated cruelly, who would dare surrender to Great Yi in the future?
This possibility gave him a sliver of hope.
The Tianlong Dynasty was beyond saving.Rather than perish with it, he could trade it for comfort.
"Your Majesty… you…"
The Five Elder Stars' expressions changed drastically.
Anger flashed in their eyes—this was betrayal.
He was throwing them all under the bus without even consulting them.
"Elders, it is what it is.
Wise men know when to bend.
Great Yi's foundation is too overwhelming.
Resisting now is pointless.
The entire Demon Sea Realm has already been covered in Immortal Cities.
That land has been eaten by Great Yi—and it will never be spat out.
If we surrender now, we can still live in peace and prosperity."
The emperor's voice trembled with intensity.
"Hmph!!"
The Five Elders gritted their teeth.
But they couldn't kill him.
He still bore the title of emperor, his fate dragon still alive, and he was the legal ruler of a destiny-bound realm.
Killing him would provoke fate backlash, bringing karma upon the killer.
No one wanted to bear that weight.
Moreover, what he said… wasn't wrong.
Not just the emperor feared death—they too feared death.
They had power and luxury—why throw it away?
Most crucially, it was Great Yi's terrifying strength that had crushed their will.
In the face of overwhelming power, all resistance was meaningless.
Even if they had the terrain advantage, it was useless now.
The balance had shattered.
To resist now… was to stir up trouble with no hope of victory.