Ye Chen then headed for a ninth-level Dark Gold Dao Star.
The ninth-level Dark Gold Dao Star possessed both Metal Great Dao power and gravity five times that of an eighth-level star, reaching a staggering five thousand times!
Even someone as powerful as Ye Chen felt the terrifying gravity, and there was even a hint of Quasi-Monarch majesty permeating the air.
He opened his Heaven's Eyes. Having become a Quasi-Monarch, his Heaven's Eyes had naturally been elevated to their peak. They pierced through the ninth-level Dark Gold Dao Star, and then a trace of astonishment appeared on his face.
For the core of this ninth-level Dark Gold Dao Star was no longer solidified Metal Great Dao power, but contained dozens of intertwined Metal Monarch Rules, exuding a Dao might that could make even a Quasi-Monarch pale.
Even Quasi-Monarchs wouldn't dare to easily set foot on such a high-level Dao Star. Once it erupted, it would be equivalent to the outburst of a late-stage Quasi-Monarch, and a powerful one at that—utterly terrifying, capable of slaying ordinary Quasi-Monarchs.
But Ye Chen was completely unafraid. Having refined the eighth-level Dark Gold Dao Star, he now commanded over one hundred and thirty Monarch Rules, giving him absolute confidence.
He descended upon the ninth-level Dark Gold Dao Star. While waiting for the Imperial Star and the opening of the fourth Supreme Secret Realm, he silently refined the ninth-level Dark Gold Dao Star, continuing to enhance his strength...
Time flew by, and another five years passed.
During these five years, other Emperor Sons and Daughters, as well as Immortal Dao Descendants, had successively arrived in the Supreme Ancient Domain. Gaining the support of superpowers, they became the uncrowned kings of these factions and also entered the Emperor Star Secret Realm to cultivate.
The winds of the great era began to stir. In the Supreme Ancient Domain, truly peerless powerhouses who had long remained hidden began to appear. Many belonged to extremely ancient eras, and some were legendary figures believed to have perished long ago, all emerging one after another.
The Supreme Ancient Domain was seething with undercurrents.
Rumors spread that the most ancient and supreme Primordial Sovereigns were also about to emerge and participate.
For a time, the entire Supreme Ancient Domain became even more turbulent, entering a brand new great era.
Within the Emperor Star Secret Realm, Dao Stars frequently trembled, showing signs of their power being restrained and devoured.
At first, this caused quite a stir, but as time went on, such occurrences became more frequent, happening from time to time. Gradually, it became known that these were the actions of the Emperor Sons and Daughters and Immortal Dao Descendants who had descended from other heavens. Everyone fell silent.
Moreover, the Ancient Divine Kings of the Supreme Ancient Domain, taking cues from these Emperor Sons and Daughters and Immortal Dao Descendants, also began to devour the power of Dao Stars to increase their personal cultivation.
They discovered that this method was countless times faster than simply comprehending the Dao on a Dao Star.
The essence of these Dao Stars were stars condensed from pure Great Dao power, merely of varying strengths. But each Dao Star could truly be refined into personal Dao attainment.
For a time, many Dao Stars became targets of contention among the powerful.
However, the true Imperial Star, the true Supreme Treasure, had yet to be found, remaining extremely well-hidden.
"The fourth Supreme Secret Realm hasn't emerged yet, and the true Imperial Star still hasn't been discovered. It seems we need more time."
Within the Emperor Star Secret Realm, an Ancient Divine King spoke, murmuring to himself. He also felt a burning desire for the true Imperial Star, naturally hoping to obtain that Supreme Treasure to enhance his cultivation.
Then he sat down cross-legged, continuing to refine the seventh-level Netherworld Dao Star beneath him. It could allow his Netherworld Great Dao to achieve astonishing improvement and even allow his Divine King Spirit to reach a higher tier.
*Buzz—*
Suddenly, boundless radiance silently rose from the seventh-level Netherworld Dao Star, rushing toward this Ancient Divine King with lightning speed.
The Ancient Divine King was jolted from his cultivation, his expression changing slightly as he thundered, "What rat dares to sneak attack? Show yourself before this Divine King!"
As he spoke, he unleashed a fearsome divine ability—the Netherworld Heaven and Earth—which resonated with the entire seventh-level Netherworld Dao Star, allowing him to unleash power far surpassing his normal capabilities.
Boundless dark light erupted from the seventh-level Netherworld Dao Star, as if a netherworld hell was manifesting, filled with a sinister aura, clashing with the boundless radiance.
"Hehehe—a mere Three Tribulations Divine King. So what if you can resonate with a seventh-level Dao Star? At most, you can unleash the power of a Five Tribulations Divine King. You're still no match for This Emperor!"
A sinister, cackling laugh echoed above the seventh-level Netherworld Dao Star, emanating from within the boundless radiance.
Then, visibly, that seemingly sacred boundless radiance revealed a terrifying, demonic, sinister aura. It actually suppressed the Netherworld light of the entire seventh-level Netherworld Dao Star, which shrank back and retreated inward like a mouse seeing a cat.
The Ancient Divine King's expression changed drastically. "Who are you?"
"Hehe, a mere Three Tribulations Divine King isn't qualified to know This Emperor's identity. Just become This Emperor's sacrifice."
*Boom—*
The boundless radiance swiftly engulfed this Ancient Divine King. Even though he was a super powerhouse revered in the Supreme Ancient Domain, it was useless. He was completely swallowed, only managing to emit a few limited sounds before falling completely silent.
Finally, the boundless radiance converged, transforming into a humanoid figure—very young and handsome.
Elegant as jade, imposing and dignified, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes perfectly describing this person. His figure appeared heroic and majestic, like a great emperor in his youth, possessing a domineering aura that could rule all heavens.
Looking closely, this person bore an eighty to ninety percent resemblance to Shen Rong, like a brother to Shen Rong. But within the surging holy light was a deeply ingrained demonic, sinister quality, bone-deep and soul-deep, unchangeable, like an evil god.
"A mere Three Tribulations Divine King is a bit too weak, unable to help This Emperor recover more strength. What a pity."
The young powerhouse, suspected to be related to Shen Rong, seemed dissatisfied, but soon revealed an even colder smile. "But within this Emperor Star Secret Realm, there are many Emperor Sons and Daughters and Immortal Dao Descendants. They are enough for This Emperor to devour and grow stronger. By then, who will still be able to compete with This Emperor for the greatest immortal fate? Not even those Supreme Ones!"
Finally, he looked toward the deepest part of the Emperor Star Secret Realm, as if seeing an immortal star standing proudly in the starry sky, emanating a faint imperial Dao majesty. "Even you, old ghost, aren't qualified to compete with This Emperor!"
As his words fell, the boundless radiance dissipated, transforming into a streak of demonic light that vanished into the depths of the Emperor Star Secret Realm's starry sky.
On a ninth-level Dao Star, a majestic figure emerged, carrying a peerless, domineering aura that suppressed heaven and earth, appearing exceptionally mighty.
The terrifying Dao might of this ninth-level Dao Star could make Divine Kings dare not descend, but this person's body emitted a faint radiance that resisted it.
He was so majestic, possessing a peerless imperial bearing. "I never thought This Emperor would also need to resort to such methods. But so be it. Regarding the greatest immortal fate left behind jointly by the Supremes of all heavens, how many of those who participated back then can truly claim to have ignored it? Who knows how many secretly left behind their own contingencies."
"Coming here this time, though somewhat beneath This Emperor's dignity to compete with those juniors, there's no other way. Only with the greatest immortal fate can one truly qualify to reach that level of existence..."
Mentioning that level of existence, though he didn't specify the realm, even he revealed a trace of anticipation.
After reaching the Emperor realm, lifespan was infinite. As long as no Supreme One of the same level intervened, the vastness of the Chaos Sea was theirs to roam. Who would dare claim they could definitely be killed?
But the Emperor realm was not the ultimate. Beyond it lay further pursuits, worthy of climbing.
The greatest immortal fate jointly left behind by the Supremes of all heavens back then could allow even Emperor Dao existences to advance further!
...
The ninth-level Cang Tian Dao Star was a Dao Star condensed from Cang Tian Great Dao power.
Cang Tian power, carrying Heavenly Dao power. Its star core was formed from dozens of Cang Tian Monarch Rules, exuding intense Cang Tian Dao might. Even ordinary Quasi-Monarchs wouldn't dare to easily set foot on such a ninth-level Cang Tian Dao Star.
At this moment, a figure stood within it, tall and majestic, like the king of all heavenly Supremes.
Within his body, thunderous roars resounded, as if an ancient, supreme emperor who had dominated era after era was slumbering within—an emperor among emperors.
As his blood energy roared, it emanated an overwhelmingly domineering power that resonated peculiarly with the entire ninth-level Cang Tian Dao Star.
The numerous Cang Tian Monarch Rules deep within the ninth-level Cang Tian Dao Star were also resonating, as if they might break free at any moment to encircle this person.
Torrents of vast Cang Tian Great Dao power surged into the sky, continuously pouring into this person's body, making him appear even more supremely majestic.
This scene attracted the attention of many cultivators on nearby Dao Stars, even causing them to pale.
To cause a ninth-level Dao Star to tremble in resonance—what terrifying, peerless cultivation would be required to achieve that? It seemed even Ancient Divine Kings would find it difficult to reach this step.
"Today, I shall seclude myself here. I will not leave until I have completely refined this entire Dao Star!"
A great shout resounded through the starry sky, filled with immortal determination.
The cultivators on numerous Dao Stars saw that young figure, resembling an immortal great emperor, vanish into the ninth-level Cang Tian Dao Star. But the trembling of the ninth-level Cang Tian Dao Star grew even more intense, and its Cang Tian Great Dao might instantly became much more vigorous.
In the distant depths of the starry sky, several other Emperor Sons and Daughters and Immortal Dao Descendants witnessed this scene, their expressions darkening and somewhat ugly.
Shen Dizi!
So Shen Dizi had finally come after all, and he had chosen a ninth-level Dao Star. Only a Quasi-Monarch would have the ability to cultivate within such a Dao Star.
"It's said that a mysterious super powerhouse once condensed Monarch Rules from an eighth-level Dao Star. A ninth-level Dao Star would undoubtedly be even more terrifying, capable of condensing even more Monarch Rules. If Shen Dizi successfully refines it completely this time, he will truly become heaven-defying!"
"Time is pressing. We must cultivate faster. At the very least, we need to improve our strength somewhat before the Imperial Star appears, to have a better chance of competing for the Supreme Treasure."
The several Emperor Sons and Daughters and Immortal Dao Descendants clenched their fists, entering full seclusion to sprint forward.
Shen Dizi was someone they could hardly contend with. But if they obtained the Supreme Treasure, it would be hard to say.
Supreme Ones were supreme, possessing unimaginable abilities. Moreover, this concerned the ultimate "Supreme" immortal fate. No one knew what had been left behind.
At the very least, there should be a Supreme inheritance. Of course, compared to a Supreme inheritance, if a Primordial Emperor World was left behind, the obtainer could immediately become a universe overlord comparable to a Primordial Sovereign, capable of sweeping everything before them.
Not only Shen Dizi, but also the three strongest of the younger generation at the Quasi-Monarch level—Chu Shenjun, Yu Wudi, and Huang Yao—had appeared in the Emperor Star Secret Realm. Each had headed for a ninth-level Dao Star.
They had also learned of the function of these Dao Stars and were overjoyed, proceeding to refine them solely to master more Monarch Rules in preparation for competing for the "Supreme" immortal fate.
As long as they mastered enough Monarch Rules, even if the Battle Saint King were here, they would have no fear and could fight him.
Now they only hoped that the Battle Saint King would be lost in the starry sky for as long as possible—the longer, the better—so they would have more time to improve and reach a level where they could contend with him.
But they had no idea that Ye Chen had long since arrived, and much earlier than them.
It was just that the human heaven's prides and others were still silently cultivating on their respective occupied Dao Stars. Even though they had long known about the Emperor Sons and Daughters and Immortal Dao Descendants from other heavens entering the Emperor Star Secret Realm, they never left, never truly exposed their identities, lying in wait, listening for thunder in the silence.
And so, in the blink of an eye, another two years passed.
On this day, a drastic change suddenly occurred in the Emperor Star Secret Realm!
*Boom—*
Suddenly, the entire Emperor Star Secret Realm trembled. At this moment, all three thousand six hundred Dao Stars shook violently, each erupting with vast Great Dao might and surging beams of light.
It could be seen that the power of every Dao Star had suddenly weakened by half, because half of their Dao might had transformed into beams of light shooting into the sky.
Every ten beams of light of the same attribute merged into one!
Finally, they transformed into three hundred and sixty Great Daos soaring into the sky, trembling high above.
The three hundred and sixty Great Daos, each emanating intense might no weaker than a Quasi-Monarch's, even stronger, enough to make any Quasi-Monarch pale.
"What's happening?"
"All three thousand six hundred Dao Stars are trembling!"
"It's too terrifying! Could it be that the true Supreme Treasure is about to emerge?"
...
The three thousand six hundred Dao Stars trembled. The powerful cultivators on each Dao Star were startled, raising their heads to look at the highest point of the Emperor Star Secret Realm.
There, the three hundred and sixty Great Daos rotated, forming a terrifying, super-giant vortex containing a dreadful Dao might that could make even Quasi-Monarchs tremble.
The power within the vortex was so terrifying that anyone could feel it was enough to easily shatter a Quasi-Monarch. Even a Primordial Sovereign present might not be able to withstand it.
The terrifying, boundless three hundred and sixty Great Daos finally slowly merged. Under countless shocked gazes, they condensed into a gigantic star.
This star was so massive that it directly surpassed all Dao Stars, its diameter reaching a staggering million miles—truly a super star.
Moreover, the terrifying might it contained far exceeded that of any of the three thousand six hundred Dao Stars. Even the highest-level tenth-level Dao Stars were far beyond comparison.
Everyone could clearly sense that on this vast, million-mile-diameter colossal star, a supreme, imperial might was spreading, shattering the starry sky and creating layers of extremely fearsome storms around the star, carrying the might of numerous Great Daos and tearing through the void.
Facing this colossal star, anyone would feel a sense of insignificance and awe.
"The Imperial Star!"
At this moment, everyone understood that this must be the true Imperial Star, the star possessing the true Supreme Treasure, the greatest Dao Star of the Emperor Star Secret Realm!
They just never imagined it required a specific time and the devouring of half the Dao might from all three thousand six hundred Dao Stars to appear.
"The Imperial Star! This is the Imperial Star, the star possessing the true Supreme Treasure!"
On Dao Star after Dao Star, countless cultivators at this moment raised their heads to look at the lofty Imperial Star high above, their eyes filled with an indescribable, blazing desire.
Similarly, the Emperor Sons and Daughters and Immortal Dao Descendants from all heavens felt the same.
Not just for the Supreme Treasure, but also for the Supreme Divine Crown—the true key to competing for the "Supreme" immortal fate!