Chapter 419: The Sword That Illuminates the Heavens, Execution of Immortals!
As Li Hao left the Immortal Relic, silently making his way out of the Divine Sun, chaos had already engulfed the myriad worlds.
The True Immortal Ancient Demon had invaded the Silver Rainbow Small World, devouring the soul essences of entire divine dynasties and obliterating their sacred grounds. Many Wendao Realm experts, upon learning of its presence, fled the small world in haste.
The True Immortal Ancient Demon, however, paid no heed to these fleeing insects. To it, the entire heavens were its hunting ground. These creatures had nowhere to run. Even if they escaped to another world, it was merely delaying the inevitable. For now, there was an abundant feast before it, sufficient for its enjoyment.
The Wendao Realm experts who escaped immediately spread news of the Silver Rainbow Small World's destruction across the myriad worlds.
This revelation shook the myriad worlds to their core. Major powers scrambled to contact the Saints, only to find that the Saints had disappeared without a trace.
The absence of the Saints deepened the unease of many forces, which promptly began forming alliances and organizing manpower to resist the ancient demon.
Though the odds seemed slim, they refused to sit idly by and await death.
Communication stones lit up across the heavens as countless small worlds achieved unprecedented unity. Formerly hostile divine dynasties immediately signed ceasefire agreements, with emperors personally issuing orders to their armies to march through enemy territories and forge alliances with other powers.
Within a single day, the Silver Rainbow Small World had been utterly consumed by the ancient demon.
All that remained were lifeless husks and empty shells of corpses, or those who had fled in time. The small world became a desolate wasteland.
The True Immortal Ancient Demon moved leisurely to the neighboring Frost and Snow Small World, treating each small world as its hunting ground.
The demon strolled through its feast, unhurried. It planned to consume the world entirely before seeking the rumored Immortal Emperor's Treasure that the Commander speculated might exist here.
If it could ascend and transform into a Commander, the treasure would no longer need to be handed over.
Meanwhile, countless strong beings in the Frost and Snow Small World had already fled. Yet, many more civilians who couldn't escape awaited their deaths in despair.
Not just humans, but all races—beasts, insects, and birds—were similarly doomed. The True Immortal Ancient Demon, the enemy of all races, had once swept through the myriad races of the True Realm. It spared no compassion for the so-called creatures of this new realm.
As yet another small world fell, its Saints nowhere to be seen, despair deepened among the myriad heavens. Yet, amid the darkness, the call for resistance grew louder.
The Demon Execution Alliance Gathers
In a hidden location, nearly a thousand Semi-Saints assembled—the last of the Semi-Saints in the myriad heavens.
Alongside them stood numerous Wendao Realm experts, sect leaders of major powers, and emperors of divine dynasties—figures of the highest status across the myriad worlds.
The atmosphere was somber and charged with resolve, radiating a solemn and murderous aura.
"With the Saints gone and calamity upon us, this is the greatest catastrophe in history—the invasion of an ancient demon from beyond the heavens!"
"We, as warriors, have cultivated to this point. Now is the time to rise for all sentient beings!"
"The Demon Execution Alliance's First Legion will be formed from the Frost Heaven Divine Dynasty, Golden Pool Divine Dynasty, and Blazing Dance Divine Dynasty, with 300 Semi-Saints serving as division captains."
"The commander of this legion will be Mu Zu, who once condensed a Saint Dao, though he fell in a debate against Saints. Familiar with Bing Sheng and having sparred with the War Saint, he is highly qualified in strategic combat!"
"The Second Legion will be composed of the Skyfeather Divine Dynasty, Darknight Divine Dynasty, and Spirit Creek Divine Dynasty..."
As discussions proceeded, the allied forces drafted plans, dividing roles and responsibilities.
The myriad factions had never been so united, pooling their resources to face their shared crisis.
However, doubts lingered.
"Even if we unite, we may not be able to slay the demon. Haotian Zun guarded the Immortal Gate for twelve years. The Saints lured the demon here and vanished, unable to defeat it. No matter how many of us gather, we may only be marching to our deaths."
Though these words dampened the mood, no one refuted the truth behind them.
The speaker paused, then continued with a determined voice:
"Yet, if we must sacrifice ourselves, let it be worthwhile! Even if we all perish, we must ensure the demon pays the price it deserves!"
"We can't just charge in blindly. We must use our familiarity with this realm to our advantage. Don't forget—the myriad worlds are riddled with forbidden zones of immense danger!"
His words lit up the eyes of the gathered Semi-Saints.
Forbidden Zones!
Scattered throughout the heavens, forbidden zones were places of unimaginable peril, avoided at all costs. Even Saints dared not approach them lightly.
Over the years, these zones had been categorized and ranked according to their danger levels. Notably:
Fifth Place: The Divine Sun
Third Place: The Nine Nether Abyss – A place capable of imprisoning entities as powerful as the God King for eons.
"The second-ranked zone, Tianluo Palace, is the stuff of nightmares. Legends say merely seeing the ancient palace within it guarantees death within seven days. Saints, too, are not spared this curse."
"And the most dangerous—Twin Crevice Demon Valley, where even the ambient energy is annihilated. No one who has fallen into it has ever returned, including a Supreme Saint who disappeared there."
The alliance leader proposed a daring strategy:
"The First Legion will lure the demon into the Tianluo Palace Forbidden Zone. If that fails to kill it, the Second Legion will ambush it in Twin Crevice Demon Valley. If even that fails, subsequent legions will continue harassing the demon across the top forbidden zones, ensuring it suffers at every turn!"
In the face of utter despair, their defiance ignited a new flame of courage. Soon, the alliance began implementing its plans, understanding the urgency. Every moment wasted was another moment countless innocents perished.
The Unexpected News
"Report!"
An urgent message disrupted the meeting:
"New ancient demons have emerged from the Immortal Gate—one in the Nan'ao Small World and multiple in the Tianchen Small World!"
The room fell silent.
The faces of the gathered leaders darkened as they absorbed this chilling revelation.
As the Saints vanished and the Immortal Gate was left unguarded, more ancient demons continued to pour into the myriad worlds.
Each of these ancient demons was powerful enough to sweep through an entire small world unchallenged. If their numbers continued to grow, the myriad worlds would fall even faster. In just half a month, the Thirty-Three Heavens could become lifeless ruins.
"We must change our strategy immediately."
The commander of the First Demon Execution Legion, Mu Zu, wore a grim expression. Time was too tight to afford grief.
Every moment, new ancient demons emerged from the Immortal Gate, descending upon the realms.
"Peacock Divine Dynasty, Coiling Dragon Divine Dynasty, Jade Leaf Divine Dynasty..."
Mu Zu selected ten divine dynasties from the First Legion. Each sent 100,000 elite warriors, all at the Four Pillars Realm.
The First Legion had gathered the peak combat power from all forces. Even historically antagonistic factions like the Peacock and Coiling Dragon Dynasties had joined the coalition.
This unprecedented unity was largely due to the efforts of Saints within the non-human factions, such as the Mixed Heaven Saint and Dragon Saint, who had earned a place for their kin in the myriad worlds.
"You are tasked with luring the ancient demon in the Frost and Snow Small World. This demon is the largest and most dangerous. Draw it to the Tianluo Palace Forbidden Zone."
"This battle will cost you your lives."
Mu Zu's sharp gaze swept over the emperors and leaders of the ten divine dynasty squads. His voice was steady and cold. "If the heavens survive this battle, your descendants will be granted humanity's highest privileges for eternity. If we fail, we will join you in the Yellow Springs and drink together in the afterlife."
"Now, I ask: do you have the courage to die for this cause?"
His roar echoed across the assembly. Silence fell over the leaders and their troops.
They were gathered hastily, united by desperation in the face of annihilation. None of them wanted to die, but the reality left them no choice but to embrace sacrifice and face death head-on.
Though there was no vocal response, determination burned in their eyes. They knew the present challenge had to be overcome, or there would be no future.
"March!"
Mu Zu gave the command.
The selected units became bait for the True Immortal Ancient Demon in the Frost and Snow Small World.
Mu Zu, meanwhile, led the rest of the First Legion to other small worlds, intending to lure their ancient demons to the Tianluo Palace Forbidden Zone and exploit its deadly curse to destroy them.
Soon, the selected units arrived in the Frost and Snow Small World. The once-vibrant world had fallen silent, its cities turned to empty shells.
Even the beasts and insects were lifeless.
The True Immortal Ancient Demon yawned lazily, preparing to consume the last remnants of the world's ants before moving on to the next.
Suddenly, a cluster of potent auras appeared in the void.
The demon glanced up, seeing a group of robust figures approaching—perhaps tastier than the previous batch.
A mocking smile flashed in its crimson eyes. Its enormous figure shimmered as it appeared in the sky before the approaching group of humans.
With a soft inhale, countless souls were pulled from their bodies, flying directly into its mouth.
The warriors hadn't even realized what was happening before their bodies fell lifelessly to the ground.
The demon sensed another group approaching from afar, advancing slowly.
Amused, it flew toward them, feasting as it moved.
One by one, Four Pillars Realm warriors perished, their lives extinguished without resistance.
Far away, near the Tianluo Palace Forbidden Zone, another group of figures stood watch. These were the commanders of the decoy squads, communicating constantly with their forces at the frontlines.
They couldn't monitor the ancient demon directly. Any attempt to do so might result in their inability to transmit warnings or call for help.
Instead, they devised a clever method: relying on broken communications to track the demon's position.
When transmissions ceased, it meant the unit ahead had been wiped out.
The decoy units acted as relay teams, each sacrificing themselves to pave a path of blood and souls to lure the demon into the forbidden zone.
A million warriors sacrificed themselves to bring the demon here.
This battle would forever be remembered as one of the most harrowing and valiant in human history, provided the myriad worlds survived.
"They're here! They're here!"
"They're getting closer!"
Through broken transmissions, those at the forbidden zone knew the demon was approaching. But each step closer also meant the annihilation of another brave unit.
The commanders stationed at the forbidden zone were all Wendao Realm experts, aware that they would be even more delectable prey for the demon.
Their task was to exploit this fact to draw the demon deeper into the forbidden zone. Ignorant of Tianluo Palace's curse, the demon would surely glance at it upon entering—and a single glance would seal its doom.
A towering shadow descended suddenly from the void, exuding an indescribable and overwhelming aura.
The commanders outside the forbidden zone held their breaths.
The demon's arrival was abrupt and terrifying, its immense form radiating an oppressive force that was impossible to resist.
At that moment, the commanders realized how wise their earlier decision had been. Against such a monster, they wouldn't even have had the chance to call for help.
The True Immortal Ancient Demon paused, sensing something unusual.
It raised its crimson eyes and spotted a strange palace in the void. The structure emitted a silvery-white glow, ethereal and dreamlike as it stood motionless in the distance.
The moment the demon saw the palace, its glow shimmered faintly.
A surge of Immortal Dao Laws erupted from the palace, assaulting the demon. Its expression changed drastically as it felt the oppressive presence of a Commander-Level Entity.
It immediately averted its gaze, but the Immortal Dao Laws had already locked onto it.
Even when it turned its eyes elsewhere, phantom images of the palace lingered in its vision.
What was even more unsettling was the sight of the palace doors—slightly ajar as if inviting it in.
The demon roared in fury, realizing it had fallen into a trap.
The palace was undoubtedly a treasure of Immortal Sovereign caliber, imbued with profound Immortal Dao Laws. Escaping would not be impossible, but doing so would come at a great cost.
It had been outwitted by mere ants.
Though it had suspected some sort of trickery, its arrogance had led it here. After all, no one in this realm could match it. Even after its extended presence, no other True Immortals had shown up, confirming this realm was devoid of its equals.
The demon struggled furiously, its body cracking under the strain of the Immortal Dao Laws.
Its once-overwhelming aura dimmed significantly. Bleeding and weakened, it fled into the void, seeking refuge in another small world.
The commanders at the forbidden zone watched in stunned silence.
"It... escaped?" one murmured, disbelief evident.
"Yes, but look at it," another pointed out. "It's severely weakened. The palace hurt it more than we could have dreamed."
Their relief was tinged with sorrow. The price had been steep, and the demon still lived.
Relay teams were dispatched to alert the alliance of the demon's weakened state. While the battle at the Tianluo Palace Forbidden Zone was over, the war was far from finished.
The True Immortal Ancient Demon roared in fury, unleashing a devouring force that instantly ripped the souls of the nearby Wendao Realm cultivators out of their bodies, swallowing them whole.
Turning away from the Tianluo Palace Forbidden Zone, it abandoned any immediate thoughts of subduing the palace. The artifact was most likely a treasure left by an Immortal Sovereign, and the projection alone had emanated enough power to threaten it. Subduing it would not be a simple matter. There was no rush; the demon decided to consume everything in the vicinity first before returning to claim the treasure.
Having been outmaneuvered, its arrogance gave way to vigilance. Immortal force rippled from its body as it sped through the void, tracing faint energy signatures in pursuit of prey.
Before long, it located a hidden palace concealed within a narrow fissure of space. From within, it sensed the aura of Saints.
It grinned, revealing sharp teeth, before diving into the palace.
This concealed structure belonged to Qianluo Palace, one of the three great void factions. They had refrained from joining the Saints in their battle to repel the ancient demons at the Immortal Gate, nor had they offered aid to the beleaguered small worlds. Instead, they had chosen self-preservation, hiding in a remote and secret location. Their hope was that if the demon threat was resolved, they would emerge unscathed, and if it wasn't, they would at least survive.
But as the True Immortal Ancient Demon descended, the entirety of Qianluo Palace was thrown into chaos and terror.
Screams and cries echoed as disciples were slaughtered one by one. In moments, the hidden palace was reduced to rubble. The palace master's soul was devoured, and his body became a mere snack for the demon.
Days later, the True Immortal Ancient Demon found the headquarters of the Demon Execution Alliance, stationed just outside the Twin Rift Demon Valley.
"It found us."
The atmosphere at the alliance's headquarters was heavy and oppressive, like storm clouds hanging over everyone's hearts.
The demon's movements were difficult to track, but they had used the lives of their own people to determine its location.
"We need seven days to confirm the effects of the Tianluo Palace, but this beast has no intention of giving us that time."
"Our only option now is the Twin Rift Demon Valley. The final battle."
"Does anyone have any last words?"
In the great hall, faces were grim. Whether the demon died or not, none of them expected to survive this battle.
This was a battle to the death, the final stand that would determine the fate of the myriad worlds.
"If this battle takes the demon with us, the heavens may survive. If not, the heavens are doomed."
"Thinking back, the Saints likely anticipated this outcome and fled to preserve a spark of hope. Their absence is proof of how slim our chances are."
"Regardless, we've done everything in our power, for the heavens and for ourselves."
"The boundary stones are in place, right? Have the prior messages been sent?"
"All preparations are complete."
"This battle will be witnessed by the heavens. If we fail, the remaining generals in the cities will execute the self-sacrifice plan. Mass suicide."
A half-Saint emperor spoke solemnly. His words caused many present to flinch.
Though they had known of this plan beforehand, the reality of it was no less shocking and tragic.
"This demon thrives on devouring souls. It treats us like a tiger treats its prey. To let it consume us would only strengthen it. We must deny it its feast, even in death." Another half-Saint's voice was deep and heavy.
Throughout the history of the heavens, many divine dynasties had fought battles on the brink of extinction, but none had been driven to this—forced into self-destruction to deny their enemy.
"If we succeed in luring the demon into the Twin Rift Demon Valley, the boundary stones will record it. That will provide hope to those who remain. Though the heavens will be gravely wounded, the techniques and treasures we leave behind should allow new strength to rise in time."
"The demon is coming. Prepare yourselves."
In front of the Twin Rift Demon Valley, the armies of the Demon Execution Alliance gathered.
This once-feared forbidden zone, long spoken of in hushed tones, had now become their sole hope of survival. At this moment, the definitions of good and bad, fortune and misfortune, ceased to have meaning.
Countless boundary stones broadcast the scene to the myriad worlds.
Clouds above displayed the terrifying landscape of the Twin Rift Demon Valley.
For many civilians, this was their first glimpse of the fabled forbidden zone. Awe and fear mingled as they beheld the abyss and the vast human army gathered before it.
Over a thousand half-Saints stood at the forefront. Many emperors from divine dynasties were also present. Recognizable figures—rulers of their own realms—now stood together, their regal bearing undiminished even as they prepared for a desperate stand.
"Our divine emperors and half-Saints are preparing for the final battle against the ancient demon."
"Do you think they can win?"
In countless worlds, anxious faces stared at the projection in the sky, their hearts heavy with dread.
All of this had transpired in the few days since Li Hao had entered the Divine Sun. Emerging now, he made his way to a nearby small world to gather information on the current situation.
As he stepped into the small world, he saw the projection in the sky.
His pupils contracted sharply. The Twin Rift Demon Valley? The first forbidden zone?
Seeing the vast army assembled outside the valley, his heart sank, his blood running alternately cold and hot. He immediately understood the purpose of their gathering.
He had expected to find the small worlds reduced to hellish landscapes, but instead, they had united to fight back, using forbidden zones to trap and kill the ancient demon. The cost was staggering—countless sacrifices as bait. It was tragic beyond words.
Li Hao's face darkened. If the Saints knew of this, he wondered if they would feel shame.
Without hesitation, Li Hao turned and left the small world, stepping into the void and racing toward the Twin Rift Demon Valley at full speed.
At the valley, the True Immortal Ancient Demon appeared abruptly, spanning the void as it descended.
Its arrival was so sudden that the forces gathered at the forbidden zone were momentarily stunned. Based on the sacrificial signals, the demon was supposed to still be on its way.
Seeing their shock, the demon smirked coldly.
It had realized earlier that its movements seemed to be anticipated. Something wasn't right. After some thought, it concluded that the ants it devoured along the way must have been signaling its location upon death.
This time, it avoided the scattered decoys, taking a different route to arrive directly at the valley
The True Immortal Ancient Demon sneered as it observed the humans' frantic movements, curious about what tricks these ants thought they could play. Upon arrival, its primordial spirit immediately swept over the scene, scanning for any threats. Quickly, it confirmed there was no presence that posed a danger to it. That monstrous genius who had once fled from its grasp wasn't here either—likely scared out of their wits and in hiding.
Unbothered, the demon decided it would clear out the remaining pests in this world before leisurely searching for the elusive target. And if all else failed, it could take the Immortal Emperor's treasure and allow the ancient demon army to pour in and scour the realm.
"Hm?"
The demon's gaze landed on the forbidding Twin Rift Demon Valley behind the assembled army of humans. The two dark, bottomless cracks emanated an aura of terror.
As it concentrated, the True Immortal Ancient Demon detected traces of profound Immortal Dao laws emanating from the fissures—laws that only an Immortal Sovereign could produce.
Its eyes narrowed in realization. So, these humans intended to use the same trick again.
But this time, it wouldn't fall for such a ploy. They had underestimated its cunning.
With a low hum, a black vortex materialized behind the demon, resembling a dark moon. From within, a potent suction force surged out.
At the forefront of the human army, the gathered emperors and half-Saints immediately felt the overwhelming pressure. They were shocked that the demon had arrived so suddenly, leaving them no time to activate the valley's true power.
"Quick! Hold it off and activate the forbidden zone!"
Mu Zu, the commander of the army, barked orders.
However, the suction force from the vortex was so strong that even half-Saints felt their primordial spirits being pulled. Panic gripped their hearts as they realized their resistance was no different from that of the mortals they sought to protect.
"Army formation, now!"
The intricate military formation designed by the Soldier Saint was activated. Fueled by the combined efforts of countless warriors, it amplified their strength significantly. Yet even this grand formation was no match for the True Immortal Ancient Demon.
The vortex's pull continued, ripping the souls of countless Four-Foundation Realm cultivators from their bodies. Like snowflakes, the disembodied souls floated helplessly toward the demon, unable to resist.
Watching this horrific scene unfold, the half-Saints trembled in fear. Through the boundary stones, the myriad worlds bore witness to the calamity, their people pale with despair.
The once-imposing Demon Execution Alliance army was crumbling like a sandcastle against the tide.
"This… This can't be…"
Mu Zu and the other half-Saints were stunned and horrified. Despite their best efforts, their own primordial spirits were being gradually drawn out of their bodies. As for the Four-Foundation Realm warriors, they had already lost all ability to fight.
This was the power of the True Immortal Ancient Demon—an overwhelming might capable of suppressing an entire world.
Just as countless souls were about to vanish into the vortex, the demon suddenly turned its head, sensing danger.
A brilliant sword light sliced through the air, traveling across millions of miles from the horizon.
The light came from a damaged Immortal Sword and struck the dark vortex directly, shattering its pull.
The countless souls caught in the vortex were freed, rushing back into their bodies.
"What is this?"
The half-Saints, regaining control of their primordial spirits, looked up in shock. In the sky, a spatial rift opened, and a golden figure streaked out.
Silver hair, golden eyes, and a blazing aura of radiant flames—this was the unmistakable figure of Li Hao!
"Am I dreaming? Is that really him?"
"It's Hao Tianzun! Hao Tianzun has returned!"
"Have the Saints come back too?"
The Demon Execution Alliance erupted with hope and excitement, their gazes darting around as if expecting more reinforcements to appear.
Meanwhile, the True Immortal Ancient Demon glared at Li Hao with icy fury. It hadn't expected this mortal to dare show himself again. The fool must have a death wish!
Yet as angry as it was, the demon remained cautious, scanning the surroundings for signs of other Saints. Finding none, it sneered. Only this arrogant genius stood before it.
Roaring, the demon lunged toward Li Hao.
With the damaged Immortal Sword in hand, Li Hao's strength surged to its peak. He unleashed his ultimate power, channeling the essence of his stellar veins to draw energy from the stars themselves. Even in this barren region devoid of natural energy, his strength remained undiminished.
"Law Manifestation of Heaven and Earth!"
Li Hao's body swelled, becoming a towering colossus of silver hair and radiant flames. His aura erupted like a tidal wave, shaking the void itself.
"Fall back! Don't throw your lives away here!"
His voice echoed with absolute authority, compelling even the hesitant Mu Zu and other half-Saints to withdraw, leading the army to a safer distance.
As the alliance forces retreated, Li Hao turned his full attention to the demon.
He brandished the damaged Immortal Sword and charged. The True Immortal Ancient Demon met him head-on, dismissing the sword as a minor nuisance.
The two clashed, their collision sending shockwaves that rippled across tens of thousands of miles. Even the retreating army felt the impact, many coughing up blood from the residual force.
Though the demon had learned to counter the sword's lethal properties, Li Hao's relentless attacks left no room for complacency. With a roar, he summoned his domain, manifesting a massive celestial avatar. The figure's sheer presence exuded an indomitable will, shaking the heavens.
In a sudden burst of speed, Li Hao hurled the Immortal Sword, infusing it with his ten-layered Sword Dao essence. The blade became a streak of blinding light, piercing through the demon's defenses.
The sword's passage unleashed a storm of destruction within the demon's body. In an instant, its massive form was engulfed in a radiant explosion.
The True Immortal Ancient Demon's body disintegrated under the onslaught, reduced to nothing.
Its physical form had been annihilated.