"But."
With indifferent eyes, Jiang Yun looked at Maha Tian, Futuo Xuan, and the Second Elder. Lightly stroking the Emperor's Sword, he slowly explained. Upon hearing his words, everyone shuddered. Does this mean that Jiang Yun's supernatural ability is unavoidable? One can only let it fall on their head, have their cultivation weakened, and ultimately be slowly killed?
Even if one is lucky enough to escape from Jiang Yun, who can bear the consequences of falling cultivation?
Jiang Yun, who is already nearly invincible with his imperviousness to all techniques, can only be countered by those with exceptionally strong bodies. If he adds this weakening supernatural ability, who in the Great Thousand World can oppose him?
Thinking of this, many Sky Supremes couldn't help but shiver. Exchanging glances, they instantly reached a tacit understanding that Jiang Yun must not be opposed. Once they return, they must warn their subordinates to be cautious when dealing with people from the Ancient Heavenly Palace and the Red Flame Divine Hall in the future.
In fact, though Jiang Yun's method is defiant of the natural order, it also has many limitations.
At this moment, upon hearing that their cultivation could not be restored, Maha Tian, who was already pale, became as white as a sheet.
"This is our fault. Our Maha Ancient Clan will withdraw immediately and will avoid the Ancient Heavenly Palace in the future." Maha Tian, who had no will to fight, stopped the Second Elder who wanted to speak up, and, with difficulty, said this while looking sullenly at Jiang Yun.
"Wow!"
This remark immediately caused an uproar. No one expected the first to yield would be the arrogant Maha Tian.
"Old man Futuo Xuan feels the same!" Futuo Xuan similarly said with difficulty. For these proud Ancient Clans to yield and set aside their pride is even more painful than killing them.
"Heh~~~" Jiang Yun sneered. His voice, still cold, said, "You come and go as you please; where in the world is such an easy thing? Your promise is worthless to me. I hope you understand the situation."
"You are merely paying your ransom!"
Instantly, the faces of Maha Tian and the other two turned grim. Jiang Yun's merciless words completely stripped away their facade, leaving them infuriated.
"Jiang Yun, the Great Thousand World is not yours to trample upon. We are not afraid of you; we just don't want senseless losses. Don't go too far," the Second Elder of the Maha Ancient Clan growled angrily, unable to contain his frustration.
"Roar!"
In the next second, a resonance of dragons and phoenixes could be heard. Jiang Yun's left hand turned into a true dragon and his right hand into a true phoenix. Forming a Dragon-Phoenix seal, he struck.
"Boom!"
The Second Elder of the Maha Ancient Clan couldn't react in time and was blown up. Black and white spiritual power scattered like grand fireworks. In the next moment, the Second Elder reappeared with a pale face; his spiritual power was merely a fraction, and even condensing a Supreme Body was difficult. He was already powerless to fight.
"Wait." Seeing Jiang Yun strike without a word, Maha Tian hurriedly said, "Our clan can compensate the Ancient Heavenly Palace with divine pills, spiritual herbs, and supernatural abilities. I hope this can quell the Demon King's fury."
Even as Maha Tian offered a compromise, he subtly reminded Jiang Yun that he was still the Demon King of the Great Thousand Palace, which had rules forbidding the unauthorized slaughter of Sky Supremes in the Great Thousand World.
"If Jiang Yun kills three Supreme-grade Sky Supremes, the Great Thousand Palace will not stand idly by," Maha Tian thought.
"Not enough." Jiang Yun saw through Maha Tian's little scheme, but he didn't mind. He continued, "I want the Eternal Undying Body."
"What——"
"This is impossible, Jiang Yun! Forget it. The Eternal Undying Body is our clan's inherited divine body, and you can't have it."
Before Maha Tian and the Second Elder could speak, in the distance, Maha Youu, like a cat with its tail stepped on, jumped up and shouted.
He cultivated the Immortal Golden Body, with the Eternal Undying Body being prepared by the clan for his growth into a peak strongman. How could he let Jiang Yun take it away?
And Maha Tian and the Second Elder's faces also darkened as they looked at Jiang Yun. "Demon King, we cannot agree to this condition. The Eternal Undying Body is only under our clan's custody; we have no right to choose its master."
"Since it's under your custody, I believe the Maha Ancient Clan doesn't have the strength to safeguard it. My Heavenly Emperor's inheritance includes the method to cultivate the Immortal Golden Body. I will soon select outstanding talents to become the new master of the Eternal Undying Body, which will be beneficial for the Great Thousand World!" Jiang Yun said calmly, ignoring Maha Youu's clown-like antics, and he looked peacefully at Maha Tian and the Second Elder.
"You--"
The two were momentarily speechless. Jiang Yun was the victor; who could argue if he said the Maha Ancient Clan was weak?
But they were absolutely unwilling to hand over the Eternal Undying Body, which was their hope for rising to power.
"I'm not negotiating with you; I'm informing you," Jiang Yun's patience was exhausted, and his voice was domineering. "You've controlled the Eternal Undying Body for fifty thousand years without finding a suitable master; it's clear you're unworthy. Are you really going to continue clinging to it shamelessly?"
"I have no interest in empty politeness. I will personally retrieve the Eternal Undying Body from the Maha Ancient Clan."
Upon hearing this, both Maha Tian and the Second Elder were terrified. Staring at Jiang Yun in horror, they saw him continue.
"As for you, you are my spoils of war!"
"Boom!"
In the skies, a colossal hand descended, enveloping the members of the Maha Ancient Clan. They were powerless to resist and were absorbed into Jiang Yun's palm world.
Seeing that only he remained, Futuo Xuan trembled, swallowed nervously, and looked at Jiang Yun with a bitter smile. "What will you do with me? If you want the Eternal Bright Body, I would rather die at your hands."
Jiang Yun frowned slightly. This was a stubborn old man, bound by ancient clan rules and unafraid of death, believing the ancient clan was above all else.
"I have no conflict with the Futuo Ancient Clan. In fact, I once fought demons alongside the Futuo Ancestor. In his honor, I won't trouble you today. Once I've handled post-war matters, I will visit the Futuo Ancient Clan."
After staring at Futuo Xuan for a long time, Jiang Yun finally spoke. Futuo Xuan, hearing these words, could hardly believe his ears. That Jiang Yun, so domineering, would say this?
But hearing he would visit the Futuo Ancient Clan after handling the post-war matters, his heart couldn't help but lift again; was this guy planning to make a scene there too?
Disinterested in Futuo Xuan's concerns, Jiang Yun addressed the excited crowd and then looked into the distant void.
"Everything is settled for now, friends. You may proceed at your convenience!"
With Jiang Yun's proclamation, the many strong practitioners observing responded naturally.
"Today's battle was extraordinary!"
"Defeating three Supreme-grade Sky Supremes single-handedly, the Demon King is surely the Great Thousand World's number one!"
"With a hero like the Demon King leading the Tian Luo continent, it'll surely revive to its former glory. This is the Great Thousand World's fortune!"
One after another, voices of admiration resonated, echoing across the sky.
The crowd quickly dispersed.
With the enemies gone, the palace erupted in unprecedented cheers.
Messages sped across as those present left. News about Jiang Yun's incredible feat of defeating Maha Tian, the Second Elder, and Futuo Xuan—three Supreme-grade powerhouses—even neutralizing the Maha's sacred artifact, the Yin-Yang Bottle, spread quickly.
Jiang Yun's two displayed supernatural abilities in battle, the Eternal Cycle Slash and the Law Immunity, an unbeatable offense and defense, astonished many. These techniques were rated on par with the Thirty-Six Supreme Techniques that shook the Great Thousand World.
Along with the Heavenly Emperor's inheritance and the Three-Essence Split Technique, Jiang Yun—who mastered three unparalleled techniques—now posed a threat to the whole world.
Perhaps only an ancient strongman with the Original Supreme Body could face Jiang Yun directly.
Henceforth, none could guarantee a victory against him.
This battle secured the name of Jiang Yun throughout the Great Thousand World. Even hidden ancient monsters dared not to underestimate him.
With countless eyes now on the Maha and Futuo Ancient Clans, everyone knew this wasn't over. Jiang Yun's final condition spread, and with many Supreme Elders of the Maha in his grip, more drama was expected.
"Why didn't you kill them just now?"
In the fluctuating void, a purple-robed Zi Yan appeared silently by Jiang Yun's side. Ever since becoming a Sky Supreme, her Dragon-Phoenix bloodline had fully matured, enhancing her space and speed abilities to a terrifying degree.
Hearing her question, Zi Yan and Medusa looked at Jiang Yun with even softer expressions. They realized Jiang Yun's restraint was for them and their clans, touching a tender spot in their hearts.
Seeing this, Jiang Yun merely raised an eyebrow without explaining. He had another motive: paving the way for a future breakthrough to the Dominator realm.
With a hundred years to the Great Thousand Demon Array's activation, his current cultivation stride wouldn't wait that long. Without the pressure from the Heavenly Evil God, even attracting the 'old shadowy figure' of the Skylight Board, representing the universe's will, would be difficult.
So, he would attempt what worked in the White Dragon Plane: gathering vast multitude power. This required great prestige in the Great Thousand World.
He mused about stirring the Holy Demon Emperor.
"I have things to handle personally!"
Jiang Yun told them while holding Zi Yan and Medusa's hands.
Knowing his intentions, the women didn't complicate things, nodding with light smiles.
After giving some instructions, Jiang Yun ripped through space and left.
Maha Continent!
Suddenly, an incredibly horrifying aura swept across the continent. The sky darkened, startling all inhabitants to look towards the center, the Maha Realm!
"Is this... a strong presence arriving? Such overwhelming ferocity!"
"Who dares provoke the Maha Ancient Clan, unknowing of their might with three Supreme-grade Sky Supremes? So reckless!"
"..."
The proud Maha Realm denizens couldn't fathom that their exalted Ancient Clan could ever face such threat. However, the true upper echelons of the Maha Realm were seized by fear.
Though the Tian Luo continent's battle just ended, many messages had already reached them about their clan's near annihilation, even with the Yin-Yang Sacred Artifact seized by Jiang Yun.
His overwhelming power left them breathless. Defeating four Supreme-grade Sky Supremes at once?!
Now, the instigator was here, and they were filled with dread.
In the skies, a massive crack formed, widening into a deep abyss. The ravaging spatial energy within could shred anything below a Sky Supreme instantly.
In the Maha Realm, mighty auras began to stir. Jiang Yun had come, and they couldn't retreat; what about their billions of clan members?
"I've arrived. Wouldn't the Maha Ancient Clan's Grand Elder come to greet me?"
A calm voice echoed in everyone's ears. Glancing up, they saw a brilliant light beam from the spatial fissure, and terrifying spirit power waves spread, covering the Maha Continent in a shadow of fear.
Sweeping spirit power outburst, the spirit power's vastness shook heavens and earth, as it accumulated over countless miles, forming a windstorm tens of thousands of feet high in an instant, exuding a terrifying majesty, along with a taste of death.
"Quick, activate the clan's defensive formations!"
"Maha Guard, activate the defensive grand array and prepare for battle..."
"The elders must step up, only they can deal with Jiang Yun!"
"..."
Within the Maha Realm, chaos erupted. Grand formations emerged in space, intense battle fervor ignited like an ocean, mighty auras rising swiftly.
"Boom!!!"
Instantly, the spirit power storm descended, annihilating all preparations in its path. Cries of pain echoed everywhere; the formations collapsed, and the battle formations were in disarray.
In the storm, countless powerful beings perished, shredded to blood mists. The survivors, their hearts cold, rushed towards the core area.
Jiang Yun had revealed might equivalent to a Saint-grade, bringing unparalleled pressure to the entire Maha Realm.
"Enough!"
At this moment, an angry but calm voice erupted from the core, followed by overwhelming yin-yang energy, which dispelled the raging storm.
Expressionless, Jiang Yun looked up, only to see an elder stepping out of the void amidst a beam of light, exuding immense pressure.
"Jiang Yun, the matter of Tian Luo continent is our fault. Why bring harm to innocent people here?" echoed the Grand Elder of the Maha Ancient Clan, a late-stage Saint-grade Sky Supreme.
"Innocent?" Jiang Yun murmured, then coldly laughed, "Today's consequences stem from past actions. In an avalanche, no snowflake is innocent."
"Save your words. I came to discuss terms. I have nine of your Supreme Sky Supremes. You know my condition. What's your answer?"
Jiang Yun did not believe the Maha Ancient Clan lacked communication tools; the time on his journey from Tian Luo continent was meant for the Grand Elder to deliberate.
The Grand Elder grit his teeth and spoke, "Jiang Yun, if you kill them, the Great Thousand Palace won't stand by. I offer our clan's century of earnings as compensation—will that suffice?"
Jiang Yun snorted, his eyes dark with blazing flames, and said indifferently, "Using the Great Thousand Palace to pressure me?"
"It's out of respect for the Great Thousand Palace that I spared their lives. If you can't see the situation clearly, perhaps the Maha Ancient Clan needs a new leader!"
The Grand Elder's heart skipped at the murderous intent from Jiang Yun's voice. He sensed Jiang Yun wasn't bluffing.
After a long silence, the Grand Elder made a decision and spoke calmly, "Fine, the Maha Ancient Clan agrees to your condition!"
"I hope the Demon King keeps his word and doesn't harm our leader or elders."
"The Eternal Undying Body is in the Eternal Tower within Eternal City. We merely guard it and can't move it. Whether you can take it depends on your skills."
Accepting the reality, the Grand Elder's tone was still stiff, which Jiang Yun didn't mind. Dismissing the Maha Ancient Clan members, the Grand Elder led Jiang Yun out of the Maha Realm.
The Maha Continent, as one of the Great Thousand World's super continents, was vast with rich resources and held a renowned name due to the Maha Ancient Clan's presence.
This time, the duo's destination was Eternal City, where the Eternal Tower housing the Eternal Undying Body stood.
While not the Maha Continent's main city, Eternal City was more famed, rumored to be built by the Immortal Emperor. The Eternal Meetings, deciding the Eternal Undying Body's master, were held there.
Emerging in the void, the duo saw Eternal City, with Jiang Yun faintly sensing an ancient, boundless aura, causing his spirit power to stir slightly.
"Is this the realm beyond Saint-grade?" Jiang Yun murmured, feeling this mysterious aura.