Dragon-Marked War God Chapter 3039 - Essence of the Great Dao Turned into Nothing

"The Ancestral Dragon Emperor has slumbered for quite some time now, perhaps I should consult him regarding this matter."

Jiang Chen contemplated reaching out to the Ancestral Dragon Emperor, yet knowing he remained in a profound sleep, he resisted the urge to awaken him. Disturbing his rest now would surely invite adverse consequences. Consequently, Jiang Chen resolved to wait patiently until the Ancestral Dragon Emperor stirred on his own.

Focusing his willpower, Jiang Chen probed the Sui Tian Seal, eager to uncover its true nature. Having attained the initial phase of the Great Dao, he realized that while it wasn't an irresistible form of Dao Essence, it would prove immensely beneficial once he ascended to the level of a Great Emperor. With the Great Dao now in his grasp, mastering the Sui Tian Seal would only be a matter of time. The sheer power of the technique exceeded his wildest expectations; it appeared even more formidable than the Three Thousand Flames Divine Seal, albeit requiring a vast consumption of Great Dao Essence.

Only by harnessing Great Dao Essence could the Sui Tian Seal be unleashed. And this was merely the first seal crafted by the Father of God, Tian Ji. He truly wondered how staggering the second and third seals might be.

Jiang Chen attempted to manifest the Sui Tian Seal, only to discover his lack of Great Dao Essence. It became clear that utilizing the technique right now was impossible. In essence, it served as a specialized, peerless trick reserved for Great Emperor experts. Slightly taken aback, Jiang Chen decided to shelve the endeavor for the time being. He vowed to delve deeper into the secrets of the Sui Tian Seal the moment he successfully acquired sufficient Great Dao Essence.

Drawing a deep breath, Jiang Chen felt exhilarated by the raw power of the Hierarch Realm flowing through him. As he outstretched his arms, he felt infused with boundless energy, indomitable spirit, and an unmatched will! Having finally ascended to the Hierarch Realm, he was now fully prepared to challenge Xuanyuan Canglan.

Across the room, Xue Liang had absorbed nearly half of the Immortal Execution Great Emperor's inheritance, pushing his cultivation to the Late Hierarch Realm. The most fearsome aspects of this legacy included the Immortal Execution Dao, the Immortal Execution Sword Formation, and the Immortal Execution Sword itself. The remaining segments of the inheritance would require Xue Liang to navigate and comprehend through slow, deliberate practice. After all, absorbing such a immense legacy in a fleeting moment was impossible. As a Great Emperor who once wielded supreme authority over the Northern Cold Divine Region, the Immortal Execution Great Emperor was undeniably a figure of immense competence worthy of his fearsome reputation.

As the radiance of the Broken Sword gradually flickered and faded, the inheritance transfer reached its conclusion. Yet, Xue Liang remained deep in spiritual meditation, his focus unclouded.

"It seems I ended up preparing a foundation for him. Truly, I made a miscalculation this time." Lan Luo remarked with a wistful, bitter smile. She recognized that Xue Liang was, without a shadow of a doubt, the true successor to the Immortal Execution Great Emperor. She had been momentarily surprised that Jiang Chen wasn't chosen, as she believed him to be the most qualified candidate among them all. Alas, that golden opportunity had been seized by Xue Liang, leaving her empty-handed within the tomb.

"There is always a trade-off. If you hadn't learned to accept the cost, you likely would have perished already," Qian Renji stated. Lan Luo startled slightly, nodding in silent agreement. She knew Qian Renji spoke the truth; had she relentlessly fought for every shred of the legacy, she likely would have plummeted into a fatal crisis. Instead of killing her, Jiang Chen had snatched her from the jaws of death at the most critical juncture. For that mercy, Lan Luo felt a genuine, deep-seated gratitude.

"I hope that is the truth. Nevertheless, I suspect we remain unable to escape this Six Directions and Eight Desolates Formation for now. Let us depart as soon as they awaken," Lan Luo whispered. The confinement of the formation weighed heavily on her, leaving her feeling deeply suppressed.

Bing Yun stared at Xue Liang with keen anticipation. Xue Liang had never expected to be the chosen recipient of the legendary inheritance; it felt surreal and marvelous. Raised by the Immortal Execution Great Emperor, Bing Yun was the heir to his Dao Essence. Despite the Great Emperor’s cold and harsh nature, he remained the closest soul she had ever known.

"Since you have received the bulk of my legacy, the remainder depends entirely on your personal diligence. I have sown the seed of Dao within your Dantian; I trust you will blaze a new trail toward the Immortal Execution once you reach the Great Emperor Realm. Do not fail me. One day, you shall prove your worth to the Northern Cold Divine Region, the Central Region Divine Land, and ultimately the entire Divine World!"

The voice of the Immortal Execution Great Emperor echoed in Xue Liang’s mind. Xue Liang opened his eyes, which glimmered with newfound resolve. He gazed at the retreating figure of the Great Emperor, clutching the broken Immortal Execution Sword and sinking into deep reflection.

"I shall remember these words, and I swear to meet your expectations, Master," Xue Liang replied in a hushed tone.

"The moment the broken sword is reforged and the knights return, you will possess the power to recreate the Immortal Execution Sword. You may even surpass me one day."

"Have no fear, Master. I swear to let the Immortal Execution Sword shine brilliantly across every corner of the Divine World," Xue Liang declared with radiating confidence. Even though his understanding of the Great Emperor’s Dao fell behind Jiang Chen’s, his own strength had soared to unprecedented heights. Although Jiang Chen possessed no part of the Immortal Execution Great Emperor's inheritance, he understood that Xue Liang currently represented the dying master's final hope.

"Excellent. Since you understand my intent, my cycle has reached its end. This is the conclusion of the Immortal Execution Great Emperor. Hahaha."

A melancholic note entered the Great Emperor's laughter, surprising Xue Liang. Yet, such was the fate of a supreme expert of a bygone era; it was unavoidable. Millions of years ago, he had stood against the most powerful titans, ruling the Northern Cold Divine Region with his might. Even the most invincible legends eventually fade, destined to be succeeded by the next generation. His era had passed, but he demanded his achievements never be buried by the sands of time.

"I will live up to your faith, Master. From this day forward, my Dao shall be known as Killing Immortal, and I swear to carry your legacy and spirit forward."

"Wonderful. You are young and gifted. Hahaha. My Divine Sense wanes; it cannot last much longer. Pray, deliver this to Jiang Chen—it is the Sword of Solitude. It remains my greatest regret in life, yet also the sword art I take the most pride in. I believe Jiang Chen is the only one who can wield it with proper mastery."

"Take care of that lovely young woman. She has listened to my Great Dao for millions of years; she may yet provide the aid you need in the future."