The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate from the era of the Great Mythical Cataclysm, strictly speaking, was not the same Heavenly Gate's Gate Lord that Ye Chen knew.
To be more precise, it was an existence akin to a past life.
But it was clear that the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate from his previous life was even more powerful. In the battle of the Great Mythical Cataclysm, he single-handedly fought against four Alien Emperors, demonstrating a terrifying strength that surpassed later generations.
Behind him, the majestic phantom of the Origin Heavenly Gate manifested, reaching as high as the heavens. Upon the Heavenly Gate were inscribed images of the myriad heavens and worlds, the myriad races, the myriad spirits, and the myriad Daos. Supreme Emperor Principles shone brilliantly. Moreover, the Heavenly Gate stood open, connecting to an unknown place, unleashing infinite power.
Without a doubt, the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate was extremely powerful, surpassing ordinary Ancient Emperors and Great Emperors. The Origin Heavenly Gate was like his Quasi-Giant weapon, suppressing the past. The four Alien Emperors before him were successively wounded, their blood splattering. In the fearsome confrontation, an Alien Emperor was slain by him, his Emperor's blood spilling onto the Origin Heavenly Gate, making its aura even more formidable.
Ye Chen sighed with emotion. The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate, like his later incarnation, possessed peerless grace and was incomparably domineering. He mastered the Great Dao of Life and Death, slaying Alien Emperors, seizing their life force, and devouring it.
The terror of his Death Dao was a fatal attack even for Ancient Great Emperors; none could withstand it!
It could be clearly sensed that after devouring an Alien Emperor, the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate actually became even more powerful. An aura of the ultimate, supreme Quasi-Giant erupted from his entire body, even tinged with faint traces of Supreme Giant radiance that swirled around him.
The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate actually possessed an aura as if he were about to break through to the level of an Ancient Titan.
Ye Chen, treading upon the River of Time evolved from the Thunder World, could hear many special pieces of information.
After refining an Alien Emperor, the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate spoke, seemingly somewhat disappointed: "It's not enough. All this is still not enough. It's still far from it."
Ye Chen hurriedly listened carefully, for he always felt that the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate would not speak without purpose. His words seemed to contain important information.
But the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate did not continue speaking. He continued to act, displaying incomparably powerful strength. The Origin Heavenly Gate was terrifyingly peerless, not inferior in the slightest to an Ancient Titan's weapon. After successively suppressing and killing two more Alien Emperors and devouring them, he became even stronger.
He surpassed even other Quasi-Giants.
He seemed about to break through the realm and become a Supreme Giant overlooking all eternity!
This scene naturally alarmed the alien side. Seeing the last Alien Emperor about to fall as well, an alien Quasi-Giant immediately moved. It was none other than Emperor Wanyan, who had already become a Quasi-Giant before the Great Mythical Cataclysm. He went to battle the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate.
"About to become an Ancient Titan!?"
Emperor Wanyan's expression changed as he sensed the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate's constantly transforming and sublimating aura—a precursor to ascending to an Ancient Titan. Both his form and spirit were undergoing astonishing transformations. Almost every moment, the Ancient Titan radiance upon him grew more intense.
"No! We must stop his transformation!"
Emperor Wanyan roared, unleashing a supreme forbidden divine ability to attack. The vast sky rolled, myriad worlds collapsed, Great Daos fell silent—nothing could endure.
However, the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate's strength surpassed his. In the duel, after just over a dozen exchanges, Emperor Wanyan was at a disadvantage, continuously shedding blood that stained the Origin Heavenly Gate, making the Gate Lord even more powerful.
That Origin Heavenly Gate was very special, capable of devouring an Emperor's origin. Emperor Wanyan was severely wounded, over half of his Quasi-Giant origin stripped away. The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate appeared even stronger, as if he were about to break through to the Ancient Titan level at any moment.
"Die, and become my nourishment!"
The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate, having severely wounded Emperor Wanyan, prepared to devour him completely.
Finally, this alarmed an alien Supreme Giant. There had always been Supreme Giants watching from the sidelines, believing that although the Pangu Universe was strong, they could handle it, so they hadn't intervened.
Now, witnessing the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate consecutively slay three of their Emperors and devour them, and even Emperor Wanyan being severely wounded and about to be devoured, showing signs of a breakthrough, how could they let it pass?
Moreover, this alien Supreme Giant recognized it as the Origin Heavenly Gate, an Origin Sacred Artifact, and directly launched a killing blow.
Boom—
A Supreme Giant made a move, directly saving Emperor Wanyan.
The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate rose up, forcefully clashing with the alien Supreme Giant.
It must be said that the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate at this moment was truly powerful, far surpassing ordinary Quasi-Giants. The Ancient Titan radiance upon him was extremely intense—a sign of transformation and realm breakthrough.
Even though the one who attacked was an alien Supreme Giant, he couldn't kill the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate in a short time. Moreover, the latter wielded the Origin Heavenly Gate, which was very special. Unleashing its full power, it actually neutralized most of the alien Supreme Giant's attack.
Otherwise, with the Supreme Giant's absolute supremacy over Quasi-Giants, no matter how strong the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate was, he couldn't possibly be a match.
Furthermore, during the peak confrontation, although the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate was no match and continuously coughed up blood during the exchanges, it was clearly visible that his cracked flesh glowed, his body emanated auspicious light, and released immortal radiance. He was actually accelerating his transformation, becoming even more powerful.
"Hmm? You can still undergo transformation in this situation? Are you the artifact spirit of the Origin Heavenly Gate? No wonder you are so extraordinary, about to break through and become a Giant existence of our level. Unfortunately, I won't give you the chance."
The alien Supreme Giant sneered, his killing intent aroused. Naturally, he wouldn't allow another Ancient Titan-level existence to be born within the Pangu Universe at such a critical moment.
Although, given the current situation, one more Ancient Titan wouldn't make a difference, it was still a variable he wouldn't permit.
Without a doubt, the alien Supreme Giant truly utilized power at the forbidden level. The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate was strong, but he was fundamentally no match for the former. Under the terrifying collisions, within just ten exchanges, he suffered defeat, his form and spirit collapsing.
If it were any other Quasi-Giant, they would surely be utterly destroyed, unable to withstand it.
However, the Origin Heavenly Gate was very special. It stabilized the Gate Lord's form and spirit, preventing immediate disintegration. Moreover, the cracks on his form and spirit erupted with vast life force, healing his wounded body.
"As expected of the legendary Origin Sacred Artifact said to connect to the Origin Land, to have such an effect. Unfortunately, you are merely a young dragon, not yet fully grown, destined to be strangled." The alien Supreme Giant spoke indifferently, cold and merciless.
Boom—
He personally attacked. Forbidden means at the Ancient Titan level appeared. Even someone as powerful as the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate was powerless to reverse heaven's will, unable to complete the final transformation. His form and spirit disintegrated, his Quasi-Giant body shattered inch by inch.
His life was about to reach its end.
That was the past life of the Heavenly Gate's Gate Lord. He had the hope to impact the Ancient Titan level, but time did not permit it, and the aliens did not permit it, preventing his breakthrough.
"A pity, to pass away before reaching the pinnacle."
At the moment of his death, the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate spoke, his expression serene and calm, uttering these words: "Who says death must be the end? Perhaps, it will be a brand new beginning, a brand new journey."
Ye Chen was startled. Those were the exact same words spoken by the later Heavenly Gate's Gate Lord when he buried himself in the past. They were identical, actually spoken even during the Great Mythical Cataclysm.
The alien Supreme Giant's expression changed, and he said solemnly, "Indeed, you are not merely the artifact spirit of the Origin Heavenly Gate. It's possible you are someone from the Origin Land—"
Hearing this, Ye Chen was shocked. Could the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate possibly be someone from that elusive Origin Land?
However, before he could hear the alien Supreme Giant finish, with a boom, the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate fell, transforming into a sky full of Light Rain.
Similarly, this was also a self-destruction. The self-destruction of a Quasi-Giant existence—how terrifying! Even an Ancient Titan at such close range would change expression.
Boom rumble rumble—
An unparalleled destructive storm swept across the infinite vast sky. The Ancient Divine Realm also appeared with terrifying cracks. The nearby alien army was specifically targeted, as the place where the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate and the alien Supreme Giant fought was precisely where the alien army was located. A full eight Alien Emperors were affected. Three Alien Emperors, being too close, were completely annihilated...
This alien Supreme Giant also changed expression. That level of self-destruction was not something easy for even him to endure. Powerful as he was, he was covered in wounds, injured. He roared coldly and furiously, "Damned Origin Heavenly Gate artifact spirit, daring to self-destruct! May you never be reincarnated for all eternity!"
Boom—
At this moment, the Origin Heavenly Gate suddenly shone, opening a special passage. Numerous streams of Light Rain entered the passage opened by the Origin Heavenly Gate and disappeared.
Imperceptibly, a small surviving portion of the Light Rain fell upon the Origin Heavenly Gate and vanished from sight.
"Hmm?"
Ye Chen stared at this scene. Could it be that the later Heavenly Gate's Gate Lord was reborn from this portion of Light Rain?
Upon careful thought, it was very possible. After all, this Light Rain was the form and spirit of the Gate Lord's past life, containing his flesh, soul, true spirit, and so on. Moreover, the Origin Heavenly Gate was the Gate Lord's true body. After nearly an entire epoch, it was entirely possible for it to be reborn.
However, if even this small portion could give birth to a new Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate, then where did the vast majority of the Light Rain that disappeared through the mysterious passage ultimately go?
Would that Light Rain also give birth to another Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate?
Suddenly, such a thought emerged in Ye Chen's mind. Thinking this far, even he was startled.
The Origin Heavenly Gate was not obtained by the aliens. At the moment of the Gate Lord's self-destruction, it pierced through space-time and disappeared, its traces erased. Even an Ancient Titan couldn't find it immediately.
In the battle of the Great Mythical Cataclysm, the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate from his previous life helplessly fell. The small surviving portion of Light Rain could still give birth to a new Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate, let alone the vast majority of the Light Rain that entered the mysterious place opened by the Origin Heavenly Gate.
He believed the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate must still be alive.
At this moment, inspiration struck. Combining the identical words spoken by the Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate at the moment of his death in both his past and present lives, his mind suddenly shook.
The Gate Lord of the Heavenly Gate might have truly revived in the Origin Land.
It was rumored that when a Supreme One falls, they do not necessarily truly perish, but will revive in another place—the Origin Land. There is the starting point of a Supreme One's brand new journey.
Of course, no one knew if it was true or false. All fallen Supreme Ones were no longer in this world, so there was no way to verify it.
Just as he was about to ponder deeply, Ye Chen raised his eyes and suddenly saw a figure dressed in snow-white robes appear at the center of the battlefield. So elegant, so transcendent, yet so powerful. Five alien Emperor-level Supreme Ones were sent flying.
An alien Quasi-Giant was even flicked away by a single finger from this person, his immortal battle body covered in dense cracks, nearly exploding!
For some reason, from this snow-white-robed figure, he sensed a mysterious and profound special aura, one that felt familiar.
"Yi Yi!"
Ye Chen was greatly shocked. The origin aura of the person before him was very similar to Yi Yi's, but countless times more powerful, worthy of being called a majestic existence at the Ancient Titan level.
Could this person be a member of the same Heaven-Defying Race as Yi Yi?
When alien Supreme Giants like the Yuanchu Emperor Ancestor saw the newcomer, their expressions immediately darkened: "It's someone from that race, and it's actually Xuan Yi himself who has come!"
The Heaven-Defying Race, as its name implied, was an invincible race that could be called heaven-defying. Few knew its true origins, only that it was incredibly vast. Not many Supreme Ones knew of it; only Ancient Titans knew a little.
Throughout the ages, this race had never been numerous. Legend said it never exceeded ten members, but each clansman could be called a heaven-defying existence.
The person before them was an ancestor-level existence of this legendary Heaven-Defying Race, named 'Xuan Yi'.
Having cultivated for so many years, this was the first time Ye Chen had encountered another clansman of Yi Yi. He was also somewhat excited, perhaps he could take this opportunity to learn some information about the Heaven-Defying Race.
The Yuanchu Emperor Ancestor looked gloomily at Xuan Yi descending from the sky and said solemnly, "Xuan Yi, why have you attacked the Supreme Ones of our Ancient Universe? Does your Profound Clan intend to intervene in this universe-level war? You must know that our Ancient Universe suppresses the Chaos Sea, fearing no one. Even the Eight Saint Races of Origin do not intimidate us. If your Profound Clan wants to intervene, you might bring about the calamity of annihilation upon your clan."
This stemmed from the absolute, powerful confidence of the alien Ancient Universe.
Of course, Ye Chen also heard the true racial name of the Heaven-Defying Race—the Profound Clan.
Regarding the name of this clan, he had never heard of it before. But it was related to "Origin." According to the alien Supreme Giant's words, it was one of the Eight Saint Races of Origin, likely very extraordinary.
He listened carefully, hoping to truly understand various related information about these Eight Saint Races of Origin.
Xuan Yi, dressed in snow-white robes like the most outstanding handsome young man, stood with his hands behind his back and smiled faintly: "Yuanchu, although your alien race is strong, it's best not to make such threats. Our clan has never feared threats. At worst, we'll fight. Do you aliens, while warring with the Pangu Universe, also wish to make an enemy of our Origin Saint Race?"
From his words, this Xuan Yi was very confident in his own Origin Saint Race, even to the point of arrogance. He believed that even a powerful Chaos Ancient Universe like the alien Ancient Universe would not lightly go to war with an Origin Saint Race.
"If you insist on helping the Pangu Universe, it is equivalent to making an enemy of our Ancient Universe. Even if we are unwilling to be enemies with your Origin Saint Race, we would have no choice." The Yuanchu Emperor Ancestor snorted coldly. "Besides, your Profound Clan can hardly be considered an Origin Saint Race. You are merely an exiled Sin Clan."