Above the vast expanse of the Northern Great Domain.
One man and one celestial tree stood towering in mid-air.
Ancient Tian Gang's body exuded a profound Dao rhythm, resonating with the laws of heaven and earth. Even while standing still, he seemed capable of suppressing all of time and space, emanating an unbounded majesty that flowed naturally.
Lu Qingyang, transformed into the Celestial Immortal Tree, with lush branches like a canopy covering the sky, similarly released a chillingly powerful pressure that commanded reverence.
"I did not expect such a master to emerge from this land, despite its scarce spiritual energy. I am Gu Tiangang, Lord of the Ancient Wilderness Cave Heaven. If you are willing to join us, you will be greatly rewarded."
Gu Tiangang spoke slowly, his voice like immortal music. Although he spoke in a language from another realm, everyone present could clearly understand his meaning.
This was the power of a True Monarch.
Such a being had already merged with heaven and earth, transcending mundane limitations, and their words were no longer confined by language barriers.
Lord of the Ancient Wilderness!
Gu Tiangang!
It was evident that the Ancient Wilderness Cave Heaven was a powerful force, though its exact standing in the otherworld was unknown to them.
However,
Judging by Gu Tiangang's aura, the status of the Ancient Wilderness Cave Heaven was undeniably high.
As Gu Tiangang finished speaking, the Celestial Immortal Tree swayed gently, drawing in endless spiritual energy from heaven and earth, which condensed into the form of a green-robed cultivator.
This person had a serene demeanor, returning to the origin, and was as integrated with the world as Gu Tiangang.
"This is the Qingyang Realm, and it will not tolerate foreign invasion. If you retreat now, I will not pursue this matter further."
Lu Qingyang's words did not change Gu Tiangang's expression; there was no trace of anger from being rejected.
"The spiritual energy of this realm is so deficient, yet you have reached the True Monarch realm. It's truly remarkable. But you have no further potential for breakthrough here."
"If you join the Ancient Wilderness Cave Heaven, there may still be opportunities for you to ascend to greater heights."
"If my guess is correct, there is no second True Monarch in this realm, but in the Uncelestial Realm, there are more than just myself."
"Even if you can stop me today, you cannot change the overall situation. This realm is destined to fall, and your power alone cannot thwart this sweeping trend!"
Gu Tiangang sighed regretfully, still trying to persuade Lu Qingyang.
In his eyes, anyone who could cultivate to the True Monarch realm in such a barren place must have exceptional talent, perhaps even a special physique.
If this person could be recruited into the Ancient Wilderness Cave Heaven, it would undoubtedly significantly boost their power.
After all, in the long history of the Uncelestial Realm, there had been instances where plants absorbed the essence of heaven and earth, eventually transforming into human form, ascending to the peak of cultivation, and dominating an era.
The person before him was clearly an ancient tree that had attained enlightenment and reached this realm, suggesting the potential to rival the greatest powers of antiquity in the future.
To this,
Lu Qingyang remained calm: "Whether you can be stopped is not for you to decide. As long as I am here today, your foreign entities will not be allowed to run rampant!"
"Regrettable!"
Gu Tiangang shook his head in resignation, then unleashed a boundless pressure that caused the space around him to collapse.
With a single step, the space shattered, and he threw a punch that seemed to shake the heavens and earth.
The vast blood and energy spread across the sky, with a faint towering figure emerging within.
"Peak True Monarch!"
Lu Qingyang's eyes narrowed. The peak of the sixth rank was invincible among all adversaries.
Now, due to the influence of the Dao domain, Gu Tiangang's cultivation had fallen to the late sixth rank, but this power was still beyond the fifth rank.
Facing the heaven-shaking attack, Lu Qingyang raised his right hand to the sky, gathering infinite spiritual energy.
The previously calm sky suddenly filled with dark clouds, flashing with thunder.
"Slash!"
Lu Qingyang uttered a single word, and the thunder roared like a dragon, transforming into a celestial sword that slashed towards the sky.
The infinite lightning tore through the void, its power resembling divine retribution, swallowing everything in an instant.
Blood and energy surged.
Sword intent soared to the heavens.
Facing the towering thunder sword intent, Gu Tiangang felt unprecedented pressure, igniting his fighting spirit completely.
"Very well, let me see how powerful you truly are!"
Gu Tiangang laughed skyward, his entire being emanating an ancient and desolate aura.
The sky trembled, as if an ancient presence was awakening.
His intense blood and energy, heavy as lead, and as brilliant as the scorching sun, made it seem as if he had unlocked a seal, fully unleashing his cultivation.
The immense pressure was enough to instill fear in anyone.
The green-robed cultivator looked at Gu Tiangang, who seemed reborn as a divine being, with surprise in his eyes.
"It is said that Gu Tiangang is a born Sacred Body. In ancient times, he could rival the greatest powers."
"Seeing him today, the rumors are indeed true!"
Born Sacred Body!
Unrivaled in battle!
Hence, the title: Invincible True Monarch!
For many years, the Ancient Wilderness Cave Heaven had never produced another Sacred Body.
The claim that Gu Tiangang possessed the Sacred Body was just a rumor.
Now, witnessing it firsthand, the rumor proved to be true.
Amazed, the green-robed cultivator felt invigorated.
If Gu Tiangang was indeed a Sacred Body, no one in the sixth rank, unless they had a similar physique or were celestial beings, could rival him.
Even though a mysterious sixth-rank strongman had appeared in this realm, they could not possibly contend with Gu Tiangang.
After all—
The title of Invincible True Monarch was not given lightly.
Among the three great cave heavens of the Ancient Wilderness, Gu Tiangang was recognized as the most formidable.
At this moment,
Witnessing the immense power Gu Tiangang unleashed, Lu Qingyang's eyes flickered. He had never truly experienced the might of a special physique.
Now, with Gu Tiangang activating his Sacred Body, Lu Qingyang felt an unprecedented sense of danger.
If Gu Tiangang had previously been limited to the late sixth rank, then by activating his Sacred Body, his power had surpassed the late sixth rank's limitations.
This power had at least reached the peak of the sixth rank and might even break the limit, potentially rivaling a seventh-rank existence.
Before ascending to the sixth rank, even with his true form, Lu Qingyang would not have dared to claim victory over Gu Tiangang. The power of the Sacred Body was simply too formidable.
The potential hidden in a special physique was terrifying, surpassing even the original power of the Immortal Tree's roots.
However,
Now, Lu Qingyang felt no fear.
Because he had not only reached the sixth rank but was also in his own territory—the Qingyang Dao.
In an instant,
Lu Qingyang mobilized the power of the Dao domain, transferring all suppression directed at foreign entities onto Gu Tiangang.
As a result,
Gu Tiangang's once mighty aura immediately diminished, as if he had been weakened.
Before he could react, Lu Qingyang gathered the thunder's power once more. The strongest sword intent reappeared, slashing straight down at Gu Tiangang.