An aged figure appeared, arriving instantly upon the ancient city's battlements. White-haired yet exuding immense authority, he caused the numerous living beings on the city walls to bow in submission. Some of the City Guards immediately prostrated themselves, respectfully saying, "We greet the City Lord."
"City Lord Hongtian!"
The God-Slaying Ancient widened his eyes, staring at the white-haired old City Lord who had appeared, enunciating each word clearly.
City Lord Hongtian looked at the God-Slaying Ancient. His usually gentle face revealed a trace of wariness, yet he remained calm as he spoke, "Fellow Daoist of the God-Devouring Clan, this is a Trial Ancient City, not your God-Devouring Clan's ancient territory. You cannot barge in recklessly."
The God-Slaying Ancient snorted coldly. "So what if it's a Trial Ancient City? Hasn't my God-Devouring Clan already occupied one city now?"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of City Lord Hongtian and the numerous City Guards within the Trial Ancient City turned icy.
Indeed, the God-Devouring Clan had occupied one Trial Ancient City and even taken control of it, causing many talented Heaven's Pride geniuses on that branch path to perish, their flesh essence and origin devoured.
Although many methods had been considered, the God-Devouring Clan was fearsome and possessed the Immortal War Diagram, making the ancient path deeply wary. To this day, no suitable solution had been devised.
"City Lord Hongtian, you should understand the terror of my God-Devouring Clan by now. This old man won't demand too much here. Just hand over that human junior," the God-Slaying Ancient stated bluntly, demanding Ye Chen.
City Lord Hongtian glanced at Ye Chen, who had directly sat down cross-legged within the Trial Ancient City to heal his injuries. When he had appeared earlier, he had also witnessed this human young generation's supreme battling the God-Slaying Ancient, feeling a shock in his heart. He hadn't expected this human young generation's supreme to be so monstrously heaven-defying, capable of fighting the God-Slaying Ancient.
That was a Peak Great Power at the ninth heaven, terrifying beyond measure, yet he hadn't managed to gain much advantage against this human young generation's supreme.
Without a doubt, all of this was enough to prove the value of this human young generation's supreme. He was probably not inferior to the strongest Emperor's sons and daughters, or at least not far off.
Such a peerless Heaven's Pride, with immense potential, could absolutely not be handed over under any circumstances.
"Impossible," City Lord Hongtian refused on the spot. "Since he has come to my Trial Ancient City, he is a trial participant. Within the city, he should receive the protection of my Trial Ancient City."
The God-Slaying Ancient's face darkened completely as he spoke with a cold, merciless tone, "City Lord Hongtian, I respect you as a Peak Great Power of your generation, which is why I spoke politely just now, asking you for this kid. But don't think my God-Devouring Clan truly dares not to raise an army and attack your Trial Ancient City."
Without another word, he directly issued a threat.
The expressions of the many people within the Trial Ancient City changed drastically, turning ugly, yet filled with fear.
The God-Devouring Clan, after all, was once a famously invincible Powerful Race. Although it was far from its former glory now, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse—it was far more powerful than imagined and not to be underestimated.
Once they raised an army to attack, the Trial Ancient City would likely be in grave danger.
"Lord City Lord!"
Within the Trial Ancient City, many couldn't help but look towards City Lord Hongtian. On one hand, they were awed by that peerless Heaven's Pride enveloped in chaotic light; on the other, they were deeply intimidated by the God-Devouring Clan.
After all, the God-Devouring Clan was an invincible ancient race that had nearly ruled the great universe in the past. Although it had declined after being besieged by the myriad heavens' powerhouses, it was still extraordinary, absolutely qualified to sweep through this Trial Ancient City and pose an indescribably terrifying threat to all living beings within.
Ye Chen also looked at City Lord Hongtian. He felt not the slightest fear towards the God-Slaying Ancient's threat. Even if City Lord Hongtian were unwilling to accept him, he had many methods to preserve himself.
But he also wanted to see this City Lord Hongtian's attitude.
City Lord Hongtian's expression turned icy. "God-Devouring Clan, you truly have immense audacity. Do you truly think you are still that invincible Powerful Race that could almost rule the great universe?"
"So, you are unwilling to agree to my condition and wish to start a war with my God-Devouring Clan?"
The God-Slaying Ancient's voice instantly grew many times colder, killing intent permeating the Star Sky, terrifying and boundless.
At this moment, Ye Chen actively stepped onto the city battlements. He first cupped his fists towards City Lord Hongtian in thanks, then said, "Senior, there's no need for concern. This old fellow from the God-Devouring Clan fought me for an hour, and his divine power is severely depleted. Right now, he's just putting on a bluff and won't be able to hold on for long. Moreover, if Senior is willing, once this junior recovers, I can go with Senior to that Trial Ancient City and exterminate this clan, eradicating all future troubles."
His tone was as calm and natural as ever, yet to everyone who heard it, it was like a thunderclap ringing in their ears. Countless people within the Trial Ancient City were dumbstruck.
A threat!
A blatant threat!
Just who was this peerless Heaven's Pride, daring to threaten the God-Slaying Ancient like this and even declaring he would exterminate this clan?
However, some attentive individuals, upon understanding the meaning behind his words, were filled with trembling awe.
This peerless Heaven's Pride had actually fought the God-Slaying Ancient for a full hour. What kind of terrifying battle prowess would be required to accomplish that?
Moreover, from the sound of it, he seemed to have fought his way out from the Trial Ancient City occupied by the God-Devouring Clan, all by himself. To have achieved this step was undoubtedly a terrifying feat that could shake the ancient and startle the present.
City Lord Hongtian's expression also shook. As for the God-Slaying Ancient outside the city, his face became even more unsightly. He stared at Ye Chen with boundless killing intent, wishing to kill this kid immediately, yet his heart was also greatly shaken.
Because it was indeed as this human young generation's supreme had said—he was currently severely depleted. Moreover, if the other party recovered and cooperated with City Lord Hongtian, it would pose an extremely terrifying threat to the entire God-Devouring Clan. He had to take it seriously.
Yet, while tumultuous waves surged within his heart, his face remained calm and indifferent as he looked at City Lord Hongtian and said, "City Lord Hongtian, do you also believe this kid's words, thinking I'm just putting on a bluff?"
City Lord Hongtian was very steady. He first glanced at Ye Chen, giving a slight nod, then looked at the God-Slaying Ancient and said, "Whether this young friend is lying or not, we'll know by testing it. Anyway, I'm old and haven't fought for many years. Meeting you now counts as encountering a suitable opponent. I can give it a try."
As he spoke, City Lord Hongtian had already stepped out from the Trial Ancient City. With a whoosh, he arrived in the Star Sky, his Dao might vast and laws spreading, looking as if he was about to make a move.
The God-Slaying Ancient's face instantly turned extremely ugly. Instead, he turned and tore through space to leave, his voice lingering in the air: "City Lord Hongtian, you win. Today, I admit my bad luck. But don't think my God-Devouring Clan fears you. Another day, when the opportunity arises, I will definitely seek repayment."
Indeed, the God-Slaying Ancient had truly been putting on a bluff.
Countless shocked gazes turned towards Ye Chen.