The high platform was located precisely in the vicinity of that Divine Flood Dragon.
Everyone stared at the several dozen Divine Crystals on the platform, their mouths watering, desperately wishing they could snatch them up immediately. Yet, no one dared to charge forward.
"Look! This Divine Flood Dragon is indeed shackled by nine iron chains! Its range of movement is limited!" someone shouted.
In truth, everyone could see it by now. Behind the Divine Flood Dragon, there were indeed nine iron chains shimmering with a bizarre, sinister light, piercing through the divine beast's body and locking it firmly in place. Every movement it made required dragging these nine chains behind it, causing them to rattle and clank.
"Look! Behind the Divine Flood Dragon, various divine radiances are blooming. It seems to conceal a Small World filled with treasures! I'd wager there are countless, unimaginably precious treasures inside that Small World!" someone suddenly cried out, pointing at a brilliantly shimmering area behind the beast.
That area was indeed a Small World, erupting with divine lights of various colors, from which terrifyingly powerful energies and advanced principles of law continuously emanated.
"Considering there's a Divine Flood Dragon guarding this place, I suspect that Small World might be the treasure trove of a Deity!" another person shouted.
*Hiss—*
Upon hearing this, everyone around gasped sharply, their eyes glowing with greed.
If that Small World truly was a Deity's treasure trove, then the items inside would be beyond priceless!
In this world, anything connected to a Deity was extraordinary!
"The Divine Flood Dragon is mighty, yes, but the one before us is merely a remnant soul! Its strength is barely one hundredth of its peak, and it's shackled by these nine chains, its freedom restricted. With so many of us here, I don't think we need to fear it! Let's unite our forces, attack together, and force our way into that Small World to seize the treasures. The process may be dangerous, but if we succeed in entering that Deity's treasury, just obtaining one or two artifacts left behind by a Deity, or inheriting a Deity's legacy... we'd truly strike it rich!"
A Heavenly Immortal roared loudly. This was a senior-level Heavenly Immortal, his body radiating powerful Immortal power that made those nearby keep their distance.
"Well said! Fortune favors the bold! Let's join forces and charge in. If we can enter that Deity's vault, our gains will be unimaginable!"
Many daring souls echoed the cry. The lure of a Deity's treasure hoard was simply too great!
"Senior, what's your opinion?"
Ye Yunfei sent a mental message to the Remnant Soul.
This Remnant Soul was once a Demigod, and certainly one of the most prominent among them. He had also entered the Void Secret Realm before. Ye Yunfei felt seeking his advice was the prudent course.
"Hmph, these fools have no sense of their own insignificance. Even a Divine Flood Dragon reduced to a mere Remnant Soul, even shackled, possesses terrifying power. Even a Demigod arriving here might not dare to force their way. These Golden Immortals and Heavenly Immortals will soon learn what true power is." the Remnant Soul replied.
"So, Senior, you're saying I shouldn't get involved in this muddied water?" Ye Yunfei asked, gazing longingly at the dazzling Small World behind the distant Divine Flood Dragon, itching to explore it.
"That's right. Forget about getting past that Flood Dragon to plunder its treasure stash. However... if these fellows really do unite to deal with the beast, I think you should consider those dozens of Divine Crystals on the high platform instead. It's more practical. If they can distract the Flood Dragon, you can use your Time Boots, find the right moment to dash over, and perhaps have a chance to snatch those Divine Crystals."
The Remnant Soul explained, then added, "I suspect those Divine Crystals placed there are used to sustain the Flood Dragon's energy. They must be extremely valuable."
"Alright then, Senior. Since you say so, I'll follow your suggestion. I'll seize the chance to snatch the Divine Crystals on the platform!"
After pondering the Remnant Soul's analysis, Ye Yunfei nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, the other cultivators were growing impatient. "So, are we all in agreement?!" one yelled. "A Deity's treasury lies before us! It's all about whether we dare to take the gamble! If everyone's willing, we should act now, the sooner the better. Otherwise, more and more people will hear the news and rush here. The more who come, the more will share the spoils later!"
"Enough talk! Let's act!"
Driven by immense greed, most cultivators were now seeing red. Their earlier fear of the Divine Flood Dragon was greatly diluted, replaced by the conviction that their combined strength could likely overcome it.
"Attack!"
"Charge!"
Soon, someone took the lead, roaring as they charged towards the Divine Flood Dragon.
"All together now!"
Seeing someone take initiative, more cultivators sprang into action. Morale soared as they summoned diverse magic treasures and unleashed their ultimate killer moves, pouring out a storm of powerful energy attacks raining down on the massive Divine Flood Dragon stretched across the sky.
Previously enraged and roaring non-stop, the beast calmed as it saw so many beings charging it. A trace of contemptuous sneer even appeared on its huge head.
"Get ready," the Remnant Soul's serious voice, tinged with nervousness—a testament to his knowledge of the creature's terror—echoed in Ye Yunfei's mind. "Find the right moment, use the Time Boots, and dash over quickly to grab the Divine Crystals. Oh, and you can use that teleportation treasure of yours too! Everyone else, be prepared to offer support at any moment!"
By now, the storm of frenzied attacks was almost upon the Flood Dragon. Most attackers simultaneously moved to bypass it, aiming for the radiance of the Small World behind.
The Flood Dragon's cold gaze swept over the incoming attackers, icily sinister.
*ROAR—!*
Suddenly, the Divine Flood Dragon let out a deafening roar. A wave of draconic majesty instantly exploded, blanketing the vast land. Its massive head shot forward, its enormous maw opening to spew forth a devastating pressure that instantly exploded the bodies of the dozen-plus cultivators at the forefront, reducing them to bloody mist.
With a tremendous inhalation, the dragon swallowed all the blood and gore. Its head flashed and darted, lightning-fast, catching twenty more people in its jaws. After a single chew, they were all devoured.
In less than a breath, over thirty cultivators—Golden Immortals and Heavenly Immortals alike—were instantly annihilated.
"Too terrifying!"
Many were frightened out of their wits, their legs turning to jelly, nearly collapsing on the spot.
"Don't fear! Fight together!" some persistent ones still bellowed, desperately launching attacks.
"Wait! Everyone! This Divine Flood Dragon is a Remnant Soul! If we attack it with Soul Power, it might be more effective!" someone suddenly yelled.
"Right! Everyone, use your soul techniques! Attack it with Soul Power!"
This sparked a flicker of hope.
*Boom—*
Everyone began unleashing their soul techniques. A blanket of soul attacks converged on the Divine Flood Dragon. Indeed, under this concentrated onslaught of so many soul attacks, the beast hesitated for a brief moment.
"It works! Everyone, put more into it! We don't need to kill it! We just need to force it back so we can break through to the Deity's treasury behind it!" seeing the Flood Dragon's reaction, someone excitedly shouted.
*Boom—*
Spurred on, most redoubled their efforts, pouring Soul Power into their attacks.
"Now's the time!" the Remnant Soul transmitted urgently. "They've angered the beast. In its fury, it'll be less vigilant. Seize this chance to rush in and grab the Divine Crystals!"
"Good! I'm going now!"
Ye Yunfei gave a nod. While speaking, he took out the Space Teleportation Token, activated it instantly, and teleported towards the distant high platform.
*ROAR—!* *ROAR—!*
At that moment, the Divine Flood Dragon flew into a complete rage. It roared towards the heavens, its draconic majesty erupting like a tidal wave, sweeping across all directions.
The Flood Dragon lunged forward, its four colossal claws extending, blotting out a huge swath of space. Its thick draconic tail swept out from behind, and with power that reached a terrifying peak, shattered the surrounding space into nothingness.
The entire world seemed to boil over!
The Flood Dragon's power was too immense. All attacks landing on its body seemed incapable of causing any real harm. Meanwhile, its mere touch—whether hitting a Golden Immortal or Heavenly Immortal—could instantly shatter them, resulting in instant death.
"Aah—!" "Aah—!"
Continuous cries of agony echoed as cultivators caught in the Flood Dragon's rampage were reduced to puffs of bloody mist.
Even more chilling was that every time the beast opened its maw, a powerful suction force erupted, drawing in nearby beings and swallowing them. It would chew a few times before finally gulping them down. It was treating these intruders as mere food.
Amid this chaos, Ye Yunfei suddenly appeared atop the high platform. Extending his hand, he executed a physical body divine ability, his palm rapidly expanding as he reached for the Divine Crystals.
However, before his hand could touch the dozens of Divine Crystals, a purple-robed youth suddenly materialized on the other side of the platform. He had a heroic bearing and an extraordinary demeanor. Wielding a long purple spear-halberd, he slashed towards Ye Yunfei's giant hand. Simultaneously, his other hand reached out to seize the Divine Crystals.
"Kid, you're that guy hunted under the two bounty warrants, right? You'd best not compete with me for these Divine Crystals. Otherwise, regardless of whether you succeed here, I'll issue a third bounty warrant on your head!" The purple-robed youth glared threateningly at Ye Yunfei, his tone grim.
This purple-robed youth was a mid-level Heavenly Immortal and looked down upon Ye Yunfei. However, their current location was dangerously close to the Flood Dragon. The ideal scenario was to seize the Divine Crystals at top speed and get away immediately. If Ye Yunfei persisted and fought him for them, he'd have to waste time dealing with the younger man. And if that delay allowed the Flood Dragon to notice someone stealing the Crystals... trouble.
Thus, the youth aimed to scare Ye Yunfei off.
*Boom—!*
Just then, a demonic claw tore through space, shaking the entire high platform.
A young demonic beast shrouded in green scales materialized beside the platform.
"These Divine Crystals belong to our Demon Capital. Anyone who dares steal them commits a capital offense!" the young demon stated coldly. Its outstretched demonic claw expanded continuously, swirling with demonic energy that instantly intercepted the purple-robed youth's reaching hand.
"Hmph! I was here first!" the purple-robed youth flared with anger. However, he knew his faction wasn't necessarily stronger than the Demon Capital. Threatening this demon would be useless.
"Hehe... When it comes to heavenly treasures, they belong to the fated. Who gives a damn about some bullshit 'first come, first served'? These Divine Crystals are mine!"
A corpulent, fierce-looking monk with a wide face soared over, sneering. From within him, flew an old, faded wooden fish that was nearly unidentifiable due to wear. It erupted with Buddhist radiance and resounded with ancient chants. A grand Buddhist aura instantly enveloped the entire high platform.
"These Divine Crystals have caught our Heavenly God Hall's eye. Everyone, step aside. If you do, I'll repay this favor heavily in the future." A tall, stately young man suddenly arrived, his speed imperceptibly fast.
"What of the Heavenly God Hall? Our Dark Faction has an interest in these Divine Crystals as well. Everyone, you'd best not compete with me." A being shrouded in dense dark energy—a member of the Dark Faction—landed on the platform and spoke up.
This Dark Faction cultivator shot a glance at Ye Yunfei, clearly recognizing his identity. "Ye Yunfei, you wait. I'll settle accounts with you." he uttered coldly. However, for him, the immediate priority was seizing the dozens of Divine Crystals.
"I'll be waiting. And even if you don't come looking for me, sooner or later, I'll go and settle scores with your Dark Faction myself."
Ye Yunfei retorted evenly without backing down. He understood that enmity between him and the Dark Faction was absolute, an irreconcilable feud.
The depths of suffering and pain the Dark Faction had inflicted upon the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds were beyond measure. Countless lives had been extinguished, the realm sealed, plunged into a dark age. Over successive generations, the Dark Faction's wars of eradication had seared its tyranny and cruelty into the collective memory of all living beings across the Three Thousand Worlds.
Thus, Ye Yunfei would never let the Dark Faction get away with their deeds!
Of course, since Ye Yunfei had disrupted their schemes, stolen that Shadow Seed, and slain many of their members, neither would the Dark Faction ever let Ye Yunfei walk free.
"Hmph! A mere ant trying to shake a mighty tree, vastly overestimating yourself. A weakling like you? I could crush you with a single finger!"
The Dark Faction member swept a disdainful glance at Ye Yunfei. As a mid-level Heavenly Immortal, looking down on Ye Yunfei was only natural.