"The Battle Emperor has arrived to congratulate the Heavenly Sovereign on the grand opening of his domain and his joyous wedding!"
A deep and resonant voice echoed through the heavens as he gazed upon the celestial palace, shaking the skies with its power.
"So, it's the Battle Emperor!"
The crowd of powerhouses was suddenly enlightened. Many had never seen the Battle Emperor in person, but his name was one they had certainly heard before.
The Battle Emperor, ruler of the West Heaven Continent and a late-stage Immortal-Grade Heavenly Supreme, possessed unparalleled battle prowess. Among all below the Saint-Grade, he was undoubtedly among the strongest, his name known far and wide.
Of course, his fame was not limited to his strength—it extended to his legendary romantic exploits as well.
It was common knowledge that the Battle Emperor's harem numbered three thousand, filled with the most breathtaking beauties the world had to offer.
Moreover, his cultivation technique, known as the Imperial Inner Scripture, inherently possessed the power of dual cultivation. As a result, the Battle Emperor had long been regarded as a man of supreme charm and indulgence.
Throughout the vast lands of the West Heaven Continent and the many domains under the rule of the West Heaven War Temple, countless women dreamed of winning his favor, believing it to be their chance to ascend to a life of luxury and power.
After all, with his overwhelming strength and extraordinary charisma, it was no surprise that many women were utterly captivated by him.
And yet, among his three thousand consorts, not a single one had been forced into his embrace—all had willingly fallen for the allure of the Battle Emperor's grandeur.
"Honored Battle Emperor, what a privilege to have you grace us with your presence! Please, come inside!"
The one personally receiving him was Lu Fang, a late-stage Immortal-Grade Heavenly Supreme and the right-hand man of Zhou Yi.
After all, while the Battle Emperor held considerable status, he was still unworthy of being greeted by Zhou Yi himself.
As the Battle Emperor followed Lu Fang into the celestial palace, the assembled powerhouses erupted into murmurs of excitement.
"The Battle Emperor is definitely among the most prestigious guests here today!"
"Speaking of which, doesn't the Great Havenlaw Heavenly Sovereign share a similar taste?"
"That's true! Even though he hasn't amassed as many women, he's taken six wives at once today—and they're all extraordinary! Four of them are Heavenly Supremes, and one is even the Holy Maiden of the Ancient Buddha Clan!"
"Although the Heavenly Sovereign's harem isn't as vast as the Battle Emperor's, the quality of his brides far surpasses his!"
"Since ancient times, great heroes have always loved beauties. The Heavenly Sovereign and the Battle Emperor are both young, powerful, and naturally drawn to the finest women!"
"At this rate, it won't be long before the Heavenly Sovereign surpasses the Battle Emperor in popularity among the fairer sex!"
"Isn't that obvious?"
"The Battle Emperor is indeed strong and handsome, but compared to the Heavenly Sovereign, he's clearly a step below!"
Just then, someone whispered with intrigue:
"Have you noticed something special about two of the Heavenly Sovereign's brides?"
"You mean… Lady Liu of the Hundred Flowers Sect and Holy Maiden Qing of the Ancient Buddha Clan?"
"Exactly! There's something unusual about them."
"What do you mean?"
"I heard that Lady Liu was originally the wife of Qin Beixuan from the Northern Profound Continent!"
"What?! Seriously?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down!"
Zhou Yi: "Keep your voice down? You think I can't hear you?"
The discussions continued, filled with awe and astonishment. The gathering of so many Heavenly Supremes was a rare spectacle in the Great Thousand World.
After all, Zhou Yi had already reached the level of a Saint-Grade Heavenly Supreme, standing at the absolute pinnacle of existence. No major force dared to disrespect him.
Even the Five Ancient Clans had to acknowledge his presence.
Not to mention, one of his newlywed wives was the Holy Maiden of the Ancient Buddha Clan.
In attendance today were Tai Ming, Grand Elder of the Tai Ling Ancient Clan, Black Heaven and Black Earth of the Black Heaven Ancient Clan, and even Huang Qiu, the Clan Leader of the Desolate Ancient Clan.
Only the Maha Ancient Clan had yet to arrive.
Everyone was in utter shock.
These were all Saint-Grade Heavenly Supremes.
Once, they had been nearly impossible to even catch a glimpse of.
Weng!
At that moment, a clear sword cry suddenly resonated through the sky.
A brilliant azure sword light split the heavens, streaking across the void before landing before the celestial palace.
As the azure radiance faded, a man clad in a simple azure robe, a long azure sword hanging at his waist, stepped forward.
He lifted his gaze toward the celestial palace and spoke:
"Azure Sword of the Sword Domain, here to offer my congratulations on the grand opening of your domain and your joyous wedding."
The moment his voice fell, a wave of awed gasps swept through the gathered powerhouses, their expressions turning even more reverent.
For this man was one of the strongest figures in the Great Thousand World.
His cultivation had already reached the late stage of the Saint-Grade.
"It is an honor to welcome the Sword Saint! Please, come inside!"
A projection of Zhou Yi personally emerged to greet the Azure Sword Saint.
Many onlookers couldn't help but feel envious.
This was power.
Even the Battle Emperor had not received such an honor.
The Azure Sword Saint studied Zhou Yi closely before remarking:
"By all logic, the Heavenly Sovereign should be at the Ancient Buddha Clan right now, welcoming his bride. Could this be a clone?"
He scrutinized Zhou Yi carefully but could not discern whether this was his true form or not.
"Sword Saint, your perception is keen."
Zhou Yi chuckled, inwardly admiring the prowess of his One Qi Transforming into Three Purities divine ability.
"I have long heard of the Heavenly Emperor's legendary divine technique. After his fall, it was thought to be lost forever. But now, in the hands of the Heavenly Sovereign, it shall once again shine with brilliance."
The Azure Sword Saint spoke with genuine admiration.
Though this was merely a clone of Zhou Yi, he could still sense an underlying threat.
As a late-stage Saint-Grade Heavenly Supreme, he knew his instincts were never wrong.
While he did not believe Zhou Yi to be stronger than himself, it was clear that Zhou Yi, despite only being an early-stage Saint-Grade, possessed combat strength comparable to his own.
"You flatter me, Sword Saint."
Zhou Yi smiled as he led the Azure Sword Saint into the grand hall.
The grand hall was vast, resembling a miniature world. Inside, countless elites from major factions had gathered.
The closer one's seat was to the front, the greater their status and power.
Seated at the very forefront were the Saint-Grade Heavenly Supremes of the Five Ancient Clans.
Further back was the Battle Emperor, as a late-stage Immortal-Grade Heavenly Supreme.
At the very edges sat those at the Earthly Supreme level, for even they were unqualified to sit closer.
At that moment, an elderly woman from the Wen Family of the Northern Region noticed Tang Qiu looking uneasy.
"Qiu'er, what's wrong?"
"Grandmother, I'm fine. I'm just overwhelmed by the sheer number of powerful figures here."
She forced a smile, but in reality, her heart was in turmoil.
Suddenly, a voice rang in her ears:
"I'll come find you later."
Her body trembled.
It was Zhou Yi's voice.
Her heart pounded wildly.
The man who had once bullied her… was now the Heavenly Sovereign.
As her mind reeled with anticipation and fear, a cry echoed through the grand hall:
"The bride and groom have arrived!"
Amidst the exclamations of the gathered crowd, the sky churned with rolling clouds as a fleet of resplendently decorated void warships slowly sailed in from the horizon.
At the forefront, atop the grandest and most opulent of the warships, stood Zhou Yi, his crimson robes billowing in the wind. Handsome and poised, his presence was unparalleled, setting countless maidens and matrons alike into a daze, their hearts fluttering in admiration.
To Zhou Yi's left stood Qing Yanjing, draped in a magnificent phoenix gown of deep red. Elegant and regal, her beauty was transcendent, a vision of absolute grace and splendor.
Beside Qing Yanjing were the ethereal Hu Meizi and the enchanting Liu Baihua.
On Zhou Yi's right stood the cold and aloof Jiu You, her demeanor as distant as the winter moon.
Further along stood Mandala and Huo Mei'er.
Six breathtaking women, among them four Heavenly Supremes, one Earthly Supreme, and one Supreme. Their stunning beauty and extraordinary presence left countless onlookers seething with envy.
"What a magnificent sight!"
Especially for the Battle Emperor, a man with a harem of three thousand beauties.
Yet, even with his vast collection of consorts, not a single one could compare to the women beside Zhou Yi.
His harem lacked a single Heavenly Supreme; possessing an Earthly Supreme was already considered extraordinary, as most of his concubines were merely at the Supreme Realm.
However, many among the crowd knew that Qing Yanjing, the holy maiden of the Ancient Buddha Clan, had once been betrothed to Maha Tian of the Ancient Maha Clan. Seeing her now at Zhou Yi's side evoked a peculiar unease in their hearts.
This wedding… it was bound to be anything but peaceful.
For Maha Tian had long declared his intent to deal with Zhou Yi. This was no secret.
He wanted the entire world to know the price of offending him.
He intended to make Zhou Yi an example.
And sure enough—
Just as Zhou Yi prepared to commence the wedding ceremony with Qing Yanjing, an indescribably oppressive Saint-Grade aura erupted like a storm, its boundless might sweeping across the sky, blanketing the entire Heavenly Palace in overwhelming pressure.
As the aura spread, the very void itself solidified. Air and spiritual energy alike froze in place, as if trapped within amber.
This was the dominance of a Saint-Grade powerhouse.
"He's here."
Inside the grand hall, seated at the highest position, the Azure Sword Saint raised his head, twin sword lights flashing in his eyes. The immense pressure of a Saint-Grade cultivator had no effect on him.
However, for those beneath the Saint-Grade, the suffocating weight was unbearable.
"Forget the wedding—we should be preparing for a funeral instead!"
A thunderous voice rolled across the heavens like a raging storm, brimming with murderous intent.
"Insolence!"
Zhou Yi took a step forward, his voice calm yet resounding like a clap of thunder. Instantly, all those present felt the crushing pressure upon them lighten, as if a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Clearly, Zhou Yi had intercepted the force of the Saint-Grade suppression for them.
At that moment, rays of divine light burst forth, illuminating the skies.
Led by the Azure Sword Saint, the Heavenly Supremes among the honored guests ascended into the skies, while those below the Heavenly Supreme level remained at a distance, watching anxiously.
Far beyond the horizon, the void suddenly tore open. One after another, formidable figures cloaked in divine radiance stepped forth.
A rough count revealed over thirty figures in total.
Each exuded an overwhelming presence, their spiritual energy fluctuations shaking the very heavens and earth.
For they were all Heavenly Supremes.
Thirty-plus Heavenly Supremes!
Such was the unfathomable might of the Ancient Maha Clan—enough to instill fear in even the most powerful factions.
For ordinary supreme forces, even a single Heavenly Supreme was enough to establish a grand sect. Yet the Ancient Maha Clan had over thirty!
And even more terrifying than their numbers—
Were the three figures leading them.
At the forefront stood a middle-aged man clad in golden robes. His expression was calm, his build towering and powerful, radiating an aura of authority that demanded obedience without a word.
It was from his mouth that those chilling words had just been spoken.
This man was none other than Maha Tian, the Clan Leader of the Ancient Maha Clan.
Standing just half a step behind him were two elderly figures, both garbed in black-and-white robes, each gripping a staff of corresponding color.
Their faces were ancient, weathered by time, yet their eyes held unfathomable depth. The subtle yet immense pressure emanating from their forms was enough to make the heavens tremble in mourning.
These two… were also Saint-Grade Heavenly Supremes.
"Three Saint-Grade Heavenly Supremes. Thirty Heavenly Supremes. This… is the power of the Ancient Maha Clan?"
The Battle Emperor, fearless as he was, could not suppress a shudder at the sheer overwhelming force before him.
It was terrifying.
Compared to this, his West Heaven War Temple was utterly insignificant.
After all, he was merely an Immortal-Grade late-stage Heavenly Supreme, and his strongest subordinates were only at the Perfected Earthly Supreme level. He had not even a single Heavenly Supreme under his command.
Such was the disparity between ordinary forces and the Five Great Ancient Clans.
Heavenly Supremes were the pinnacle of existence, unwilling to bow to others. Even the most powerful factions often had only one.
"Grandmother… can the Heavenly Sovereign handle this?"
Tang Qiu, the Supreme of the Myriad Phoenix Spiritual Academy, could not hide her concern as she turned to the aged He Po beside her.
"The Ancient Maha Clan has mobilized its full force. I fear the Heavenly Sovereign will struggle to handle them alone."
He Po sighed.
After all, she was only a Spirit-Grade Heavenly Supreme.
For the first time, she truly felt the insurmountable gap between them and these ancient forces.
"Maha Tian, if you've come to drink at the wedding, you're welcome. But if you're here to cause trouble, then you've come to the wrong place."
Zhou Yi's gaze swept across the gathered forces of the Ancient Maha Clan before finally landing on Maha Tian. His voice remained calm.
What did it matter how many Heavenly Supremes there were?
In the end, it was strength—not numbers—that decided victory.
"Maha ian, what are you planning? Do you intend to wage war against my Ancient Buddha Clan?"
Futu Xuan stepped forward, bringing nearly twenty Heavenly Supremes of the Ancient Buddha Clan to stand beside Zhou Yi. His voice was sharp as he questioned Maha Tian.
After all, this was not merely Zhou Yi's wedding—it was also the marriage of the Ancient Buddha Clan's saintess. They could not afford to remain silent.
Besides, they had witnessed Zhou Yi's might firsthand. The Ancient Maha Clan was nothing to fear.
"Futu Xuan, Qing Yanjing is my betrothed. You dare hand her over to Zhou Yi without my consent? I have yet to settle this matter with you, and you still have the audacity to challenge me?"
Maha Tian sneered. "I had planned to deal with you later, but since you've stepped forward, I may as well crush you all together!"
"Arrogant!"
Futu Xuan's fury erupted, Saint-Grade might distorting the heavens.
As his aura flared, the Heavenly Supremes of the Ancient Buddha Clan unleashed their own overwhelming presence.
The Ancient Maha Clan was not to be outdone.
Although battle had not yet begun, the clashing force of over fifty Heavenly Supremes sent shockwaves through the void, leaving those below their level pale with fear.
Even the Heavenly Supremes felt immense pressure.
If not for the Azure Sword Saint shielding them, none of the wedding guests would have dared approach.
"Patriarch, they aren't really going to fight, are they?"
Chi Yan, the Crimson Flame Old Immortal of the Tai Ling Ancient Clan, felt his eyelids twitch violently as he turned to look at the Tai Ming Patriarch before him.
If the Ancient Buddha Clan and Zhou Yi clashed with the Maha Ancient Clan, the scale of the battle would be unimaginable.
More than fifty Heavenly Supremes were gathered here, including five at the Saint-Grade level.
Aside from the wars against the extraterritorial Fiends, the Great Thousand World had never seen such a terrifying internal conflict.
"Just watch. Isn't the Azure Sword Saint here?"
The Tai Ming Patriarch spoke indifferently.
The Azure Sword Saint was a late-stage Saint-Grade powerhouse, one of the strongest humans in the Great Thousand World. Among humanity's elite, only the Undying Lord of the Northern Wasteland Hill and Myriad Tomb Land, as well as the Demon-Slaying King Qin Tian of the Great Thousand Palace, could rival him.
For someone ranked among the top three human powerhouses to attend the wedding of a newly ascended Saint-Grade Heavenly Supreme like Zhou Yi—it was clear his presence was not merely for the ceremony.
This incident had stirred up too much chaos.
With more than fifty Heavenly Supremes gathered, the situation was dire. The Great Thousand World was far from peaceful, and the extraterritorial Fiends were ever watchful.
Each Heavenly Supreme was an invaluable force.
A conflict between a few Heavenly Supremes was one thing, but this involved two of the most ancient clans—the Ancient Buddha Clan and the Maha Ancient Clan. A battle of this scale, with over fifty Heavenly Supremes, including five Saint-Grades, would be catastrophic.
Buzz!
Just as the confrontation teetered on the brink of erupting, a clear sword hum resonated through the void.
A streak of azure sword light slashed across the sky, instantly appearing between the two opposing factions.
As the sword light dispersed, the Azure Sword Saint stood there, clad in flowing azure robes, a long emerald blade hanging at his waist.
"Gentlemen, let's talk this through. We are all Saint-Grade Heavenly Supremes, standing at the pinnacle of the Great Thousand World. Why must we escalate this to the point of no return?"
His voice was calm, addressing Maha Tian, Zhou Yi, and Futu Xuan.
"So, it is the Azure Sword Saint."
Maha Tian cupped his fists slightly in greeting, then turned his sharp gaze toward Zhou Yi and Fu Tu Xuan, his voice booming:
"Qing Yanjing is my fiancée! As long as they hand her over, I will leave immediately!"
He knew full well that Zhou Yi and Futu Xuan would never agree.
At this point, it was no longer just about Qing Yanjing herself—it was a matter of pride.
If Futu Xuan and Zhou Yi conceded, they would never be able to hold their heads high again.
The Azure Sword Saint furrowed his brows. Was this not blatant coercion?
Sure enough—
Before he could speak, Zhou Yi had already stepped forward:
"Maha Tian, are you dreaming? Who do you think you are? Do you really think I fear you?"
"Qing'er does not love you. Your engagement is over!"
"I'll give you one last warning—if you don't want to die, get lost before I lose my temper!"
"Hahaha!"
Maha Tian laughed furiously, his voice shaking the void. He fixed Zhou Yi with a piercing glare.
"Kill me? You think you're worthy?"
"You say the engagement is void just because you say so?"
"Ridiculous!"
"Since when has the world ever worked like that?"
"Rules?"
Zhou Yi took a step forward, his Saint-Grade presence engulfing the heavens and earth.
"My rules are the only rules that matter!"
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