The Wedding Rupture

As the setting sun cast long shadows, the Reno Mountains stretched, winding and intricate. Yet amidst their layered peaks, two mountains stood out, horn-like, calling to each other across the distance. One was the Five-Finger Mount Wanliu, and though the other was not remarkable in its form, a golden mountain city, the Lionheart King City, stood proudly on its Mountain Mid-section.

Having marched with his army, his victory over Bonis bolstering morale, Du Chen arrived at the Reno Imperial Capital on the evening of the twelfth day.

Boom, boom… Bursts of vibrant fireworks erupted from Lionheart King City. From the highest peak down to the lion-headed statue at the city gates, seven-colored smoke—scarlet, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet—rose in layered splendor, like a rainbow suspended over the Lionheart King City. Lionheart King Alonso, along with Reno’s civil and military officials, was there to welcome the arriving Supreme Divine Emperor, Francis.

Though years had passed, the Lionheart King remained as imposing as ever. Seeing Du Chen, he quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply. Du Chen hastened to help him up, humbly remarking that by virtue of Arthur’s relationship, he was still the junior, and dared not put on imperial airs. But Alonso replied solemnly, “If it were merely the Supreme Divine Emperor arriving, I, Alonso, would not sound seven-colored salutes and lead a hundred officials in welcome! Today, I, Alonso, bow before the peerless hero who single-handedly defeated Bonis in the Scourge Citadel, trapped within a hundred thousand strong army, yet emerged and entered at will!” With that, Alonso cast a disdainful glance at the Holy Alliance dignitaries behind Du Chen, indeed showing not a shred of respect.

Seeing the Lionheart King’s usual domineering aura, Du Chen merely touched his nose, glancing at the faintly visible silver-white platform within the city, then smiled and asked, “Where is Arthur? His injuries should have healed by now, no?”

The Lionheart King smiled faintly. “Tomorrow is the official wedding ceremony. According to our Reno customs, Arthur cannot receive guests before midnight tonight!”

Du Chen was taken aback. He asked, surprised, “With the Fiendkind pressing closer with every step, military affairs should take precedence. Why is Arthur still…” The Lionheart King frowned. “That is Reno’s internal matter. Your Majesty should just wait to drink your brother’s wedding wine tomorrow!”

Unable to press further, Du Chen led his army and followed Alonso into the city. Along the way, he saw Lionheart King City illuminated with lanterns and banners, wedding pavilions erected everywhere. He couldn't help but think to himself: ‘With the decisive battle imminent, Reno is expending vast resources to hold such a lavish wedding. This doesn't seem like the act of a visionary leader. Could it be… that woman’s idea again?’

Upon entering the city, Dud arranged military camp defenses in the outer city. Du Chen had originally planned to slip away on some pretext, using Constantine to meet that mysterious woman. However, as soon as he entered, Reno officials seized him, insisting he deliver a speech at the Lionheart King Palace, detailing the ferocity of the battle at Scourge Citadel and the extent of Bonis’s injuries. This was a crucial matter for Reno’s military and public morale, so Du Chen couldn't refuse. He spoke at the palace until deep into the night. But then, as midnight approached and Arthur's grand wedding was about to begin, Du Chen couldn't possibly have someone impersonate him at his brother’s wedding. With a frown, he left the lecture hall and headed to the wedding reception.

Given Du Chen’s current status, he was destined to be the center of attention wherever he went. The reception hall was no exception; he was immediately surrounded by many Reno nobles. Moreover, hearing that the Supreme Divine Emperor was still a ‘Diamonds bachelor,’ the numerous noblewomen of Reno instantly had their eyes turn red, spurred on by the empty Divine Empress throne. One by one, they saw Du Chen as a prime piece of meat, eager to devour him on the spot! However, their hopes were quickly dashed. Queen Liana arrived at Du Chen’s side, and without a word, simply slipped her arm through his. Then, with a proud lift of her chest, she sent all the other ladies away, blushing deeply and lowering their heads in shame.

Du Chen found it amusing and whispered, “Chief of Staff, don’t you think our actions are a bit too ambiguous?” Liana maintained her regal bearing outwardly, but mumbled under her breath, “I’m helping you out, big brother, and you still have the nerve to be annoyed!” Du Chen suddenly declared, “After the decisive battle… I'm going to get married!” Liana’s body trembled, but she snorted, “What’s that got to do with me!?” Du Chen deliberately provoked her, “Then I’ll ask you to be my bride’s bridesmaid!” Liana pouted, not answering, glancing around. But the hand linked with Du Chen’s secretly snaked around to his lower back and gently… gave a twist!

Du Chen gritted his teeth, about to retaliate, when he suddenly heard the long chant of the master of ceremonies from outside, “The newlyweds arrive, guests, bestow your blessings… Quiet! We request His Supreme Divine Emperor to bless the couple!” The hall instantly fell silent. Servants had already brought a basin of Dibola Flower-infused spices, kneeling and holding it high beside Du Chen, inviting him to sprinkle the spices on the couple now entering the hall. This was a last-minute addition to the ceremony by the master of ceremonies, symbolizing that the marriage, graced by the favor of the Emperor of all Gods, would surely be blessed with happiness and fulfillment. Du Chen smiled, took some spices, and waited for Arthur to approach for the sprinkling. But as the hall doors swung open, revealing the Reno Crown Prince Consort walking beside Arthur, Du Chen was instantly struck by lightning, frozen in place!

Xue Ji!? Dammit, Arthur was actually marrying Xue Ji!? Even the clever and composed Liana couldn't help but blanch slightly, whispering, “Didn't Arthur say his bride was named Mary?” Du Chen was completely lost in a blank daze, unconsciously muttering, “How, how would I know, how would I know… Right, Arthur has never met Xue Ji, maybe Xue Ji tricked him?”

Liana urgently said, “Xue Ji was captured by Margaret. Her sudden marriage to Arthur must have Margaret’s shadow behind it! Francis, don’t just stand there!” Liana gave Du Chen’s lower back a vicious pinch!

The guests were all still watching His Supreme Divine Emperor, awaiting Du Chen’s blessing. Jolted awake by the sharp pain, Du Chen saw Arthur and his bride approaching, Xue Ji’s face radiant with a bride's happiness. He forced a smile and said, “In, in the name of the Emperor of all Gods, I bless you!” As he spoke, Du Chen sprinkled the spices towards the couple, but his hand trembled, accidentally showering most of the spices onto Xue Ji, dampening her wedding dress. The guests frowned. A blessing should involve an even sprinkle of spices on both, but the Divine Emperor… was too impolite, completely lacking imperial decorum! Liana immediately met Arthur’s puzzled gaze with a light laugh. “Groom, do you understand your brother’s meaning? The blessing isn’t just for the two of you, but for your entire family! Miss Mary isn’t alone; your future brood of children are all within her, so naturally, she needs more spices!”

The guests’ frowns immediately relaxed, but Arthur, being closest to Du Chen, clearly saw his dazed expression and knew something was seriously amiss; his gaze remained deeply bewildered. Du Chen also recovered, using Liana’s excuse to step away from the center, allowing the wedding to continue. He and Liana retreated to a corner, watching Xue Ji and Arthur exchange rings and vows… ‘How could this be?’ A wave of intense hatred surged in Du Chen’s heart, but quickly receded. Since they had broken up, Xue Ji had every right to choose another man, and he had no right to obstruct her marriage! This was a man's most fundamental quality! But… Du Chen still felt profoundly uncomfortable. Immediately, Du Chen wondered what role Margaret played in this marriage. If one claimed the Water's Embrace Divine Maiden hadn't intervened, Du Chen wouldn't believe it for a second!

Du Chen spent the entire wedding in a daze until Xue Ji and Arthur entered the bridal chamber. It was as if a steel blade had savagely twisted in his chest, and only then did he fully awaken. ‘No, Arthur and Xue Ji absolutely cannot consummate this marriage! This isn’t just about my personal feelings; it also involves the Scarlet Army. Xue Ji’s actions must be connected to Margaret, and I must thwart Margaret’s scheme!’ Du Chen told himself, ‘Yes, I’m not doing this for myself, but to counter the Scarlet Army and save humanity!’ A bitter smile touched Du Chen’s lips. In truth, he knew that no matter how grand the reasons he found for himself, his unwillingness to see Xue Ji lying beside another man was an unchangeable fact!

He gently nudged Liana beside him, but before Du Chen could speak, Liana sighed. “I know what you're going to do. Go, sigh. If I stopped you, you'd hate me for a lifetime—even though I truly don’t want you to go!” Du Chen lowered his head apologetically, then suddenly leaned close to Liana’s ear and whispered, “I admit I still can’t let go of Xue Ji, but… after the decisive battle, I am truly going to marry. Only one woman, the one who understands me best, the one I can’t live without!”

Liana blushed and lowered her head. When she looked up again, Du Chen had vanished without a trace. Liana summoned her accompanying confidantes and quietly ordered, “The woman behind the Lionheart King is unreliable, which makes the Lionheart King himself unreliable! And there might be Fiendkind spies among the Holy Alliance dignitaries. So… only tell Du City’s old guard that the shadow of the Scarlet Army has appeared behind this wedding, and everyone must be extra careful. Dud must ensure the army is on full alert, Aliza is to rigorously guard the Tear Source, and furthermore, tell Sha to lead his Thornwood Valley contingent to blockade the fortresses along the line from Mount Wanliu to Lionheart King City under the guise of patrols! Hmm, go… Oh, and pick me up two bags of sour plums on your way!”

Du Chen, hidden by Lotus Concealment, quietly arrived at the secluded bridal chamber. He had imagined countless scenarios, yet never this one! Arthur was actually standing alone at the door, waiting for him! Du Chen looked at Arthur. “I came to find you for…” Arthur, his face filled with rage, coldly cut Du Chen off. “Just as I entered the bridal chamber, about to consummate my marriage with my wife, Mary suddenly struck me and then told me something…”

Du Chen looked at Arthur in surprise. Arthur, seething with anger, said, “She told me she was controlled by Master using the Water's Embrace Sword, unconsciously married to me. But after seeing you today, she suddenly broke free from the sword’s control, regaining her senses in time, thus preventing a terrible mistake!” A thousand catties heavy boulder seemed to drop in Du Chen’s heart! Ha, he hadn’t been wrong after all! Margaret had indeed used Xue Ji, but Xue Ji, still deeply in love with him, had managed to break free from the control of the Weapon at the critical moment… But Arthur’s fury only intensified, anger practically written across his face. Du Chen, however, could understand the feeling—on their wedding night, the bride kicking the groom away; no man wouldn’t feel stifled and enraged by that!

Arthur practically squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, “My wife also said her name wasn’t Mary, but… Xue Ji!” Du Chen let out a bitter laugh. “This is all Margaret’s meddling… Arthur, where is Xue Ji now?” Arthur snorted coldly. “How would I know? Xue Ji said that even though she didn't share my bed, she still swore wedding vows, felt too ashamed to face you, and left! You know what I’m like; even with my fourteen-level power, I lack the Secret Technique of battle qi and can't pursue Xue Ji, who can ride the wind and tread the moon!”

‘Sigh, that foolish girl, Xue Ji!’ Du Chen thought. ‘The Scarlet Army’s shadows are unpredictable now; how can you just run around outside? What if you get captured again? I must find her immediately!’ Thinking this, Du Chen urgently said, “Arthur, calm down for a moment. This involves Margaret and the Scarlet Army’s plot; we must find Xue Ji… Don’t be childish. Quickly inform your grandfather, and I’ll also deploy the Tyran Beasts to search for Xue Ji!”

Arthur suppressed his anger again and again. He hadn't given Du Chen a pleasant look since earlier, and now his face was even grimmer. “Go search for her yourself, hmph, it’s best if you go alone! Damn it, I, the dignified Crown Prince of Reno, had my wedding unravel on my wedding night! You, what face do I have left to see anyone, what face do I have to ask others to help me find my runaway wife!?” With that, Arthur turned and went back into his room, slamming the door shut with a clang!

Du Chen frowned, glancing at the tightly shut door. He understood Arthur’s resentment, but he, too, felt a surge of anger. However, considering Arthur’s pride, and the Lionheart King’s attitude towards that mysterious, unreliable woman, Du Chen decided not to inform the Lionheart King. Such matters were best discussed behind closed doors by Arthur and his family! Du Chen turned, flew out of the city, found Tyr, and had him search a hundred li radius. The result revealed one thing—a Moonlit Power had flown in the direction of Mount Wanliu. Du Chen didn't hesitate, used Lotus Concealment, and swiftly flew towards Mount Wanliu like lightning!

Meanwhile, near Mount Wanliu, Avril, wearing a Sha mask, was leading a squad of soldiers on patrol. A General from Thornwood Valley complained, “Valley Master, Chief of Staff Liana really takes the biscuit, making us blockade the fortress in the middle of the night. Damn it, serving under the Supreme Divine Emperor is glorious, but it’s nowhere near as carefree as in Thornwood Valley!” Avril, however, smiled faintly, finding it sweet as honey. This feeling was wonderful; she could quietly guard Francis, silently working for him…

Suddenly, Shiri, the little Tyran Beast in her ear, exclaimed, “Sister, Francis flew to Mount Wanliu from the sky! And he’s flying so fast!” Avril was startled. What was Francis doing flying to Mount Wanliu in the middle of the night? Out of curiosity, Avril asked in her Battle Soul, “Shiri, help sister check what’s on Mount Wanliu.” Soon Shiri called out, “There’s someone on Mount Wanliu! From her aerial silhouette… it’s a woman with a very good figure!”

Avril felt a pang in her heart, then couldn't help but wonder with doubt, ‘That’s not right. Although Francis’s relationship with Liana hasn't been made explicit, almost all of Du City's old guard know Liana is destined to be the future mistress! So Francis going to secretly meet another woman right now… No, Francis isn't that kind of philanderer. He must have something urgent going on!’

Thinking of this, Avril ordered, “His Supreme Divine Emperor has gone to Mount Wanliu. Everyone, pay close attention. Although His Majesty’s power doesn’t require our protection, as his subordinates, we must be diligent and responsible. Intensify the patrols quickly!” The Generals of Thornwood Valley mumbled an ‘hmm’ through their noses, thinking, ‘Has our Valley Master eaten the wrong medicine? Good heavens, he considers Francis in every single detail, never once thinking of himself, or us, his subordinates!?’

In an instant, Du Chen arrived at the highest ‘central peak’ of Mount Wanliu, suddenly manifesting before Xue Ji, who stood on the summit, sighing bitterly. Xue Ji was immediately startled. “You, why are you here!? Don’t come closer! I don’t want to see you!”

Du Chen sighed. “Foolish girl, Arthur told me everything! You… Sigh, what does a mere wedding ceremony signify?” As he spoke, Du Chen walked towards Xue Ji. Xue Ji anxiously said, “Didn’t you hear what I said? Don’t come closer…” Suddenly, Xue Ji gave a sinister smile. “Since you insist on coming here to die, then I shall grant your wish… Life Tree, Molten Heart, Lamenting Tear, Sacred Artifact Furnace, appear now!”

The Four Great Primeval Forces suddenly materialized around Xue Ji, trapping Du Chen. Almost simultaneously, Xue Ji’s form shimmered and shifted. She sneered, “Twenty years! My twenty-year long scheme, Margaret’s scheme, has finally succeeded, Francis! My ultimate experimental subject, you cannot escape!” In an instant, the situation changed drastically, everything unfolding beyond anyone’s expectations!

Elsewhere, after Arthur slammed the door shut and returned, he sat on the bed seething in silent fury, but his eyes kept darting to the wall clock. When he estimated that Du Chen had arrived at Mount Wanliu, he suddenly stood up, murmuring to himself with a cold sneer, “Francis should have been captured alive by Revered Margaret. The ultimate experimental specimen is now in hand. Leiming, inform the Fiendkind they can launch their general offensive!” Arthur’s expression was extremely strange, identical to when he communicated with the Scarlet Army. And the name Leiming proved he was, in fact, speaking with the Scarlet Army!

Across the entire Reno Mountains, The Undead, Netherbeast Legion, and five hundred thousand Fiendkind troops suddenly launched a frenzied attack. The human armies, already prepared, immediately engaged in battle. But just then… a massive cage was pushed forward from within the Fiendkind army. A General bellowed, “The Divine Emperor’s mother, Madam Philia, is here! Who dares to obstruct my Purple Blood Army!?” The humans recoiled, but one army alone charged forward like mad. “Philia, Philia, you’re still alive? Sigurd Legion, attack! Kill! Retrieve your Lady at all costs!” It was Arges, Commander of the Einz Allied Forces!

Below Mount Wanliu, Shiri shrieked in terror, “Sister, this is bad! Four top-tier powers suddenly appeared on that woman; none of them are weaker than Francis, and that woman is trying to kill Francis!” Avril’s expression instantly changed, and she recklessly flew up Mount Wanliu!

In Lionheart King City, before the Moon-Gazing Terrace, Alonso gazed forlornly at the silver-white palace, muttering to himself. The Fiendkind’s general offensive had begun, and he was still muttering to himself!? “My grandson is already married, you… when will you marry me!?” From within the Moon-Gazing Terrace, the woman’s voice echoed, “I’ve told you, I have a colossal enemy. Until he is dead, I will not marry!” “But how many years has it been? You want live experiments, I give you specimens. You want manpower, I give you Moon-Gazing Attendants. I even fulfill your conditions knowing you conspire with the Fiendkind… But why won’t you even tell me the name of your enemy!? I have hundreds of thousands of troops who could help you avenge yourself!” The Lionheart King was truly old; his daytime domineering aura was completely gone. He was merely pleading softly, but from within the Moon-Gazing Terrace came only a sneering laugh, seemingly mocking the Lionheart King’s words about ‘hundreds of thousands of troops’!

Dud, stationed with the central army near Lionheart King City, received military reports flying in from all directions. He calmly read them, unhurriedly reassuring his Generals, “Rest assured, everyone, I’ve had Adams make secret arrangements. In this battle, our army will surely win!” “Marshal, this is bad!” A General entered, his voice choked with tears. “Madam Philia has fallen into the Fiendkind’s hands! The soldiers on the front line dare not fight head-on and are suffering heavy losses!” Dud was stunned. He had calculated everything, yet he hadn’t anticipated encountering a problem that didn’t belong on the battlefield!

On Mount Wanliu, Xue Ji suddenly transformed into Margaret, astonishing Du Chen! But at that moment, the combined attack of the Four Great Primeval Forces was upon him. In this life-or-death situation, he couldn’t afford to overthink; various Arcane Artifacts simultaneously protected his body! Yet, this was the combined might of the Four Great Primeval Forces of the world! Among them, the Life Tree wove vines on the mountaintop, entangling Du Chen. The Molten Heart transformed into sparks, attacking from all sides. Margaret, wielding the Lamenting Sword, stabbed downwards. And most bizarrely, the Sacred Artifact Furnace spun upside down in the sky, generating an immense suction force that made Du Chen lose his footing! Du Chen desperately used his Indestructible Golden Body to withstand the Molten Heart, simultaneously releasing Fifth Brother to block a sword thrust for him. He himself used heavenly lightning to blast away the vines at his feet and finally countered the Sacred Artifact Furnace’s absorption with his Wind and Thunder Dual Wings, barely managing to evade Margaret’s terrifying attack! Following this, Du Chen turned and fled!

“Hmph, if I, wielding the Four Great Primeval Forces, still let you escape, where would the renown of Water's Embrace be!?” Margaret activated the Sacred Artifact Furnace, much like Bonis’s ‘Devour,’ forcibly slowing Du Chen. Immediately, the other three Primeval Forces launched successive attacks, putting Du Chen in perilous straits!

‘Damn it, what in the world is going on!? Margaret impersonating Xue Ji to marry Arthur was certain, but what did she mean by ‘ultimate experimental subject’? What happened to the real Xue Ji?’ Countless thoughts surged through Du Chen’s mind, but none of them could save him! However, Du Chen quickly remembered something else, urgently thinking, ‘This is Mount Wanliu. What does Mount Wanliu have? Besides the Demon Sealing Waterfall and Dibola Flowers, there’s also Old Warma! This mysterious gravekeeper’s strength is hard to say, but at a time like this, I can only bet that Old Warma is a true Eminence and is willing to save me!’

Thinking this, Du Chen desperately resisted the Sacred Artifact Furnace’s absorption, flying towards the graveyard, simultaneously shouting, “Old Warma, help me!!!” Margaret paused, slightly startled. Who was Old Warma? She had never heard that name. Was he a reclusive Eminence?

Just as she was thinking, an boundless sigh echoed from the direction of the graveyard, vast and majestic, shaking hearts. ‘Sigh, Margaret has indeed defected to the Scarlet Army… Francis, feet on the ground!’ Du Chen immediately obeyed. Suddenly, the earth beneath him seemed to come alive, protecting Du Chen with a potent force, helping him break free from the Sacred Artifact Furnace’s absorption!

Margaret exclaimed in shock, “Essence of Earth!? You are…” As she spoke, the Life Tree’s vines suddenly expanded, encircling both Old Warma and Du Chen!

Old Warma, a lonely expression on his face, came to Du Chen’s side and gave a forlorn smile. “A long time ago, I went by the name Byron-Gale!” Grandfather? Old Warma was actually Francis’s Maternal Grandfather!? But Old Warma then gave Margaret a tragic laugh. “However, every Grand Pontiff of Yetha has inherited the legacy of Wolf. I… also possess parts of Wolf’s memories and spiritual realm, making me a half-replica of Wolf!” This situation was similar to the relationship between Flaying and Steve!

Margaret’s eyes instantly turned bloodshot. She gritted her teeth. “Good, good, good! Killing half a Wolf can still sate my burning hatred. Do you two think you can win by joining forces? I have the Four Great Primeval Forces!”

Old Warma, however, shook his head. “I don’t want to fight you. I only want to say three things. May I?” Even if Margaret was a fool, she wouldn't allow such a drawn-out request, but Old Warma immediately added, “I’ll speak to you with Wolf’s memories!” Margaret’s body stiffened. She exclaimed, agitated, “Life Tree, trap them! Wolf, what face do you, the faithless man, have left to speak to me!?” Old Warma forced a bitter smile. “First, I wronged you back then. I shouldn’t have abandoned you and our child!” Margaret suddenly burst into tears. “Too late! Those words are a thousand years too late!” Old Warma shook his head, continuing, “The second part is long… In the past, I divined a world-ending catastrophe and warned the various Marshals, but no one believed me. Years later, following the guidance of astrology, I went to Mount Wanliu, attempting to find a way to resolve the disaster—but I found nothing! Yet, at that time, all nine Marshals met with misfortune, and only you remained unharmed. Thus, I suspected the disaster was connected to you, and I established the Holy Yessar Church, taking the Lamenting Tear from your hands…” Reaching this point, Old Warma also cried. “But while acquiring the Lamenting Tear, I was also wounded by your Molten Heart. Soon after, I passed my battle qi to my descendants and died, effectively dying by your hand!” Margaret was stunned. “You were the one who broke into Water’s Embrace Lake back then? Haha, I killed you with my own hands; you died by my hand!” She suddenly burst into wild laughter! Old Warma continued, “My descendants inherited two of my ambitions: first, to find a way to resolve the catastrophe. By the generation of Byron-Gale, my descendants made significant discoveries! Among them, Phil, wielding the Sacred Artifact Furnace, was responsible for directly confronting the Scarlet Army underground, while Byron-Gale used the Essence of Earth for covert investigations on the surface, simultaneously assessing the character and spiritual state of the Holy Yessar Church’s heir—Francis!”

In truth, half of these words were for Du Chen, explaining why Phil always inexplicably appeared before him, and telling Du Chen that Phil indeed had secrets from him, but she wasn’t harming him; rather, she didn’t want him to know that he was actually under assessment! Du Chen naturally understood these words, but he didn't take them to heart, instead coldly eyeing the Four Great Primeval Forces that trapped him and Old Warma!

Old Warma hadn't finished speaking. “But, but not long ago, my descendants discovered that you, Margaret, you truly have problems; you actually defected to the Scarlet Army and became an accomplice in world destruction! Sigh, I wronged you, but you wronged the world!” Margaret snorted arrogantly. “I did nothing wrong! Speak your third sentence, then die!” Old Warma gave a bitter smile. “The third sentence is… our child, is he well? I want to apologize to him personally!” Du Chen’s heart sank. Sure enough, Margaret roared like a madwoman, “Well? He’s dead, long dead!” Suddenly, Margaret’s expression turned venomous, and she said sinisterly, “Killed by my own hands!” Old Warma was greatly shocked. “You…” “That scoundrel looked too much like you. Every time I saw him, he reminded me of you, so I killed him!” Margaret laughed maniacally, “Does it hurt? And I will make you hurt even more—your son left behind a pair of twins. I, I split my Verdant Peak, Water's Embrace and passed it to them, and I attached the Scarlet Army’s ‘Symbiotic Inheritance’ Secret Technique to it, ha, haha, I want them and their descendants to forever fight each other, so that you, Wolf, will never rest in peace!” Margaret’s mind was clearly disturbed; her words were disjointed. Old Warma listened, confused, but Du Chen understood everything. Brockman and Adams… were the victims of Margaret’s hatred! Margaret, as if in a fit of madness, spoke another sentence, pointing at Du Chen as she did so. “And those two brothers and their descendants, I even offered them to the Supreme One of the Scarlet Army as test subjects, for the Supreme One of the Scarlet Army to research the mysteries of ‘Symbiotic Inheritance.’ Now… although I didn't find Adams in the Emerald Sea, and the useless Constantine didn't bring back Brockman, it’s no longer needed—Francis and Arthur, this other pair of ‘symbiotic’ individuals, have achieved great success. I now have the ultimate experimental subject!”

Du Chen was not shocked; he immediately met the attack. Seeing the Sacred Artifact Furnace, he knew Phil was already in trouble! Staring at the Molten Heart rushing towards him, he was about to strike when Old Warma suddenly pressed his hand on Du Chen’s shoulder and pushed him back. ‘The fate of the world rests on the Divine Emperor alone; you cannot risk your life!’ With that, he faced Margaret alone. ‘Back then, Wolf detonated the Essence of Earth on Bog Island. A millennium later, the Essence of Earth has largely recovered… Margaret, let’s see if your Four Great Primeval Forces, unable to unleash their full power, are stronger, or if my full detonation of the Essence of Earth is more powerful!’ Old Warma’s body glowed with earthen-yellow light, layer upon layer, breaking through the blockade of the Four Great Primeval Forces, enveloping the entire Mount Wanliu!

Du Chen had already flown into the sky. Seeing this, he frowned. He had no particular affection for this suddenly appearing Maternal Grandfather, yet Old Warma was risking his life to save him. He couldn’t abandon such an elder to flee alone. Thinking of this, Du Chen scattered Sands of the Hourglass across the sky to assist Old Warma! Five Great Primeval Forces clashed. Four against one, the outcome should have been without suspense, but the Life Tree sneered first, ‘We are merely cooperating. I have no need to fight to the death with you!’ She retracted her vines and retreated far away! The other three Primeval Forces lost their autonomy; Margaret alone was not enough to unleash their full power. And so… three, unable to act in concert, fought against one, desperately self-destructing!

Boom! The earthen-colored light released by the Essence of Earth’s detonation bloomed in layers, intertwining and battling with the other three streams of red, blue, and black light, accompanied by the Sands of the Hourglass. The five peaks of Mount Wanliu were seen sinking, sinking, at a visible rate… The fierce battle of the Four Great Primeval Forces, coupled with Du Chen’s power, flattened Mount Wanliu!

Immediately after, near the Demon Sealing Waterfall on Mount Wanliu, Dibola Flower petals scattered across the sky. A massive, murky black cave, the Scarlet Army’s lair, appeared on the surface after the waters of the Demon Sealing Waterfall vanished along with Mount Wanliu! Margaret was aghast. ‘Damn it, the entrance to the Scarlet Army’s lair has been opened!’ It turned out that the Scarlet Army’s lair was indeed beneath Mount Wanliu, but the Life Tree had used its vital essence to conceal it, making it undetectable. The Dibola Flowers were actually blossoms born from the Life Tree’s essence, but today’s battle, involving the Four Great Primeval Forces, was enough to obliterate the life essence’s protection, revealing the Scarlet Army’s lair on the surface!

Margaret glanced again at Old Warma and the still-intertwined lights of the Four Great Primeval Forces. She gave a savage smile. ‘Who cares? Is there anything more exhilarating than killing Wolf with my own hands?’ ‘Again!’

“Bring it on, as if I’m afraid of you!” Du Chen rushed forward first. Old Warma also propelled his self-destructing power, colliding once more with the three Primeval Forces wielded by Margaret. The light was blinding, and after another massive explosion, Margaret plummeted from the sky, while Du Chen and Old Warma were shaken and sent flying upwards! Thump, Margaret twitched after hitting the ground, her breath barely a whisper, yet she spoke unwillingly, ‘I haven’t completely killed Wolf yet… dying now is not worth it!’ Her head tilted, the Skylands Marshal’s eyes fixed lifelessly on Old Warma in the sky, or rather, the Wolf in her mind, before she drew her last breath!

The Essence of Earth’s detonation harmed both friend and foe. Thanks to Du Chen’s Holy Light protection, Old Warma was barely contained within the Precious Lotus Scripture, saving his life. But Du Chen himself was severely injured. While his Indestructible Golden Body meant there was no danger to his life, he was temporarily out of strength, crashing heavily to the ground and spitting a mouthful of blood! “Francis!” Avril rushed over. Battle qi had been rampant on the mountain earlier, preventing her entry. Now that it had dissipated, Avril’s first sight was Du Chen collapsed and spitting blood!

Du Chen, dazed, was momentarily confused. He saw Sha running towards him, but why was his voice female? Then, a jolt of alarm went through Du Chen—the battle wasn’t over! Alas, it was too late. While the Four Great Primeval Forces and Du Chen had been locked in fierce combat, the Life Tree had retreated in advance. Now she reappeared, first gathering the other Primeval Forces, then a giant vine wrapped around Du Chen, and he vanished into the entrance of the Scarlet Army’s lair, the opening continuously shrinking. Seeing Du Chen disappear, Avril, without a second thought, leapt into the rapidly closing slit of the entrance! The opening slowly sealed shut. Mount Wanliu was now nothing but a flat plain!