Upon seeing this grey-robed elder, the expressions of the six elders from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds turned solemn. They could clearly tell that this grey-robed elder possessed an extraordinary level of strength.
"I recognize you. Your name is Wu Tao, isn't it? Wu Tao, you shouldn't belong to this Void Fragment. How did you get here from the outside?" Suddenly, one of the elders from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds asked in surprise.
"Correct. I am Wu Tao. Ding Qianjie, I never imagined we would have a chance to meet again," the grey-robed elder addressed as Wu Tao also recognized him and replied.
"What? Old Ding, you're saying he doesn't belong to this Void Fragment? Does that mean he is from one of the other Void Fragments?" The other five elders from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds all wore expressions of shock.
"Indeed, I recognize him. Back in the days before I became a Deity, I once attended a gathering of young talents and met this fellow. He was just a minor genius at the time. Later, he also attained Deityhood. After that, when the Chaotic Void Sea underwent changes, I never saw him again. Because the major power he belonged to back then was not within the range of this Void Fragment, I knew he must have been in one of the other Void Fragments. I never expected him to have now joined the Guardian Faction and even come to our Void Fragment," the elder from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, addressed as Ding Qianjie, answered.
"Wu Tao, you were once a young genius with great ambition. Why did you choose to join the Guardian Faction? Don't you know what the Guardian Faction does?" Ding Qianjie's gaze fixed on Wu Tao as he questioned.
"Ding Qianjie, my affairs are none of your concern. Since you and I now belong to different factions, we are adversaries. There's no need for other pointless words. Everything will be settled by strength," Wu Tao said coldly.
"Lord Wu, with your power, dealing with these six Remnant Souls will be as easy as turning over my hand," the dozen or so Deities from the Guardian Faction had already gathered respectfully behind Wu Tao. Each displayed reverence, as Wu Tao's rank was higher and his strength greater than theirs.
"Ding Qianjie, how ironic. Back then, your strength was greater than mine. But now, I am alive and well, while you have become a mere Remnant Soul. Truly, the vicissitudes of the world are unpredictable. Enough, I am not here today to reminisce with you. Let us settle this with our skills." Wu Tao's voice was icy.
Then he made a beckoning gesture. The God King Blade flew directly into his hand. With a resounding boom, a dazzling torrent of saber light erupted from the blade. Dense, brilliant saber energy, bright as lightning, forced people to avert their eyes.
"Ding Qianjie, considering we were acquainted in the past, for this first strike, I will use only half my strength." Wu Tao raised the God King Blade in his hand. Throughout the surrounding boundless void, various energies and Laws surged forth, transforming into long rivers, continuously merging into the body of the God King Blade.
"Everyone, be careful. This fellow's power is immense," Ding Qianjie's expression turned extremely grave. He took a step back and spoke in a low, serious tone.
The other five elders around him were also highly tense. The large banner above their heads flapped loudly, stirred by the spatial-temporal astral winds. Mysterious runes continuously emerged from the banner's surface, densely packed, like schools of deep-sea fish collectively swimming back and forth in the surrounding space and time.
Then Wu Tao struck. His movement was simple: a straightforward downward slash with the saber. The long blade was like the first ray of light before the creation of heaven and earth, its body dazzling, the saber radiance it unleashed was blindingly bright, awe-inspiring. The saber energy spread like an ocean, instantly shaking the vast void.
It had to be said that this Wu Tao was indeed incredibly powerful. With a single move, everyone present felt a terrifying oppressive aura.
The God King Blade advanced majestically, its brilliant saber light cleaving through the sky. The space ahead was directly sliced open as if it were tofu, seemingly unstoppable and invincible.
The six elders of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds roared simultaneously. Combining their strength, they pushed the great banner above their heads forward. The fluttering banner surged onward, clashing against the long blade with a loud clang. The dazzling saber body and the wildly fluttering banner remained locked in a stalemate.
"For this strike, I used only half my strength," Wu Tao remarked indifferently, appearing perfectly at ease.
"For the second strike, I will not hold back." Wu Tao retracted the saber, then suddenly slashed out again. The saber energy was as deep as an abyss and as vast as a sea, roaring forward.
The six elders of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds hurriedly activated the banner, pushing it forward to block.
However, this stalemate lasted only for the space of a single breath before the banner was sent reeling backward. The six elders, affected by the force, were also pushed back, taking over a dozen steps before barely managing to stop.
"Hahaha... Ding Qianjie, after so many years apart, you have become so weak. Where has your former majesty gone?" Wu Tao laughed triumphantly.
"Wu Tao, I am merely a Remnant Soul. What is there to be proud of in defeating me? If my true body were here, killing you would be as easy as turning over my hand," Ding Qianjie snorted coldly and retorted.
"Ding Qianjie, your true body perished long ago, leaving only a Remnant Soul. What's the point of your stubborn boasting now? Remember at that gathering of young talents long ago, when I lost to you by a single move? I swore in my heart that one day I would defeat you personally. See, my vow from back then has now come true, hasn't it?" Wu Tao burst into mad laughter. He then raised the God King Blade in his hand once more and slashed forward again.
His strength was formidable, and his comprehension of the Great Dao Laws had reached a terrifyingly profound level. Simple moves and stances in his hands became incredibly profound and immensely powerful.
Boom!
The long blade surged forward, directly splitting the space ahead. A series of terrifying energy explosions occurred in the surrounding void.
All the energy and Laws within this stretch of void transformed into a torrent of vital essence, continuously flowing into the God King Blade, becoming part of its power.
This strike caused the space where the six elders stood to continuously crumble and disintegrate.
The bodies of the six elders also felt immense pressure, as if countless invisible divine mountains were pressing down upon them simultaneously.
"Ding Qianjie, this Remnant Soul of yours will not survive," Wu Tao sneered.
The long blade surged forward, its energy like a sea, stirring up endless waves of saber light, seemingly on the verge of inundating the six elders of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
The six elders simultaneously took a step back. Then, with a combined burst of power, they all raised their arms, drawing circles before them, driving the banner forward to parry.
Although old and tattered, this banner was incredibly sturdy and contained immense latent power. Once again, it managed to block the God King Blade.
"Let's see how many more of my attacks you can withstand," Wu Tao said with a cold laugh.
"This guy's realm and strength are higher and greater than the other dozen or so Deities of the Guardian Faction. Moreover, he is an ancient Deity from times past. His combat experience, skill, and willpower are not something newly ascended Deities can compare to. That's why his power is so fearsome," Hun Lao sent a voice transmission to Ye Yunfei.
Next, Wu Tao strode forward, pressing the attack fiercely. Swinging the God King Blade, he forced the six elders of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds into constant retreat, looking rather disheveled.
Clearly, even joined together, these six elders were no match for Wu Tao.
This Wu Tao was a living Deity, an ancient one at that, possessing immense power.
The six elders from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, however, were merely six Deity-level Remnant Souls. Though strong, they were fundamentally no match for Wu Tao.
"What are you waiting for? Attack and annihilate this World Cluster. Start by killing all living beings within it, but do not damage their corpses. I need their bodies for a trade with an old friend of mine," Wu Tao commanded the other dozen or so Deities of the Guardian Faction while continuing to wield the God King Blade against the six elders.
"Lord Wu orders us to destroy this World Cluster!" the leading Deity of the Guardian Faction announced loudly upon hearing Wu Tao's words, taking a step forward.
The other Deities also moved forward. Each Deity released their aura, causing a palpable killing intent to instantly spread.
At that moment, every living being within the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds felt the terrifying energy released by these Deities. All spaces trembled, and everyone sensed a dread akin to the apocalypse.
Faced with these dozen or so Deities, despair welled up in the hearts of the vast majority. Against a single Deity, not to mention over a dozen, one Deity alone could suppress all worlds and all living beings within the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
With over a dozen Deities acting together now, the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds had absolutely no chance of resistance.
"At this point, the only option is to fight desperately to the death," Ye Yunfei thought, watching as the dozen or so Deities were about to take action. A trace of despair could not help but arise in his heart.
Ye Yunfei understood perfectly well that with his current strength, even if he joined the fight, it would likely be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. Yet, he also couldn't bear to stand by and watch these Deities destroy the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
"The Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds are finished."
"The hidden power of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds is indeed terrifying. Those six elders are all Deity-level powerhouses; any one of them could dominate the entire Chaotic Void Sea.
But the strength of the Guardian Faction is greater still, with a full dozen or so Deities, especially that Wu Tao, who is a powerhouse among Deities."
"These six elders must be the entirety of the hidden power of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds. It seems they will all be exterminated today.
The Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds will become a wasteland. This is the consequence of provoking the Guardian Faction."
...
At this time, many powerful beings had already gathered in the void surrounding the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, observing the unfolding events. Seeing the dozen or so Deities preparing to act, they couldn't help but express their sentiments.
"Wasn't it said that the Colorless Abyss within the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds is a secret realm left behind from ancient times? It's rumored to harbor incredibly fearsome powerhouses. Why haven't they emerged yet?" someone couldn't help but ask.
"Those six Remnant Souls are the powerhouses hidden within the Colorless Abyss. Haven't they come out? Each of these six Remnant Souls possesses Deity-level combat power. Isn't that considered being a powerhouse?" someone nearby immediately responded.
"That's also true," many nodded in agreement.
"It seems these six Remnant Souls are indeed the powerhouses within the Colorless Abyss. They must be the final hidden strength of the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
That being the case, the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds are destined to be destroyed today," many sighed.
"All troops, enter now! From this moment on, this World Cluster is a stronghold of our Guardian Faction," the leading Deity of the Guardian Faction ordered the masses of the Guardian Faction alliance troops surrounding the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds.
Immediately, the armies of the Guardian Faction alliance began to move, charging into the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds in vast, mighty waves.
"What should we do now? The enemy is strong and numerous; we definitely can't win. I think the only option is to immediately take some important people and leave at once. We can't hesitate any longer," the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm said to Ye Yunfei.
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm race excelled at traversing space and escaping. So whenever danger arose, their first instinct was to flee.
"I think the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm is right. At present, the only thing we can do is immediately take some important personnel and depart.
As long as the green hills remain, we’ll never lack for firewood. In a situation like this, preserving our lives is paramount," Hun Lao also spoke up.
Ye Yunfei knew both the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm and Hun Lao made perfect sense. However, if he left, the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds would undoubtedly be slaughtered clean, reduced to ruins. The countless innocent living beings here would all become tragic ghosts.
Just as Ye Yunfei, filled with grief and indignation, couldn't decide, a voice sounded within his Sea of Soul.
"Young man, do you wish to strike and save this World Cluster? If you do, I will help you save this World Cluster."
Hearing this voice, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but be stunned.
Of course, Ye Yunfei wanted to save this World Cluster. But facing so many Deities, his spirit was willing, but his strength was insufficient. So for a moment, he didn't know how to reply.
"Don't doubt your own power. If you wish it, I will help you," the voice, seeming to know what Ye Yunfei was thinking, immediately spoke again.
"Senior, of course I wish to save this World Cluster. This is my homeland.
But with my strength…" Ye Yunfei replied.
"Good. That you wish it is enough.
Now, I will bestow upon you sufficiently powerful energy. Then, you will be the one to strike and chase these fellows away," before Ye Yunfei could finish speaking, the voice resounded again in his Sea of Soul.
"Bestow me with enough energy?" Ye Yunfei was somewhat taken aback.
They were facing over a dozen Deities! Who could be powerful enough to grant him energy capable of chasing away these Deities? The claim sounded far too boastful.
Just as Ye Yunfei felt somewhat doubtful and unsettled, a spatial rift suddenly opened in the void behind him. A formless hand stretched out, continually enlarging until it covered the space above Ye Yunfei's head.
Boom!
An unimaginably powerful energy erupted from the palm of this formless hand. A vast ocean of terrifying energy instantly submerged Ye Yunfei's body. Then, like hundreds of rivers flowing into the sea, this immense power continuously poured into Ye Yunfei's physique.
As the massive influx of energy poured in, Ye Yunfei immediately felt his aura rising dramatically.
This was all Deity-level energy!
Ye Yunfei was utterly astounded.
Above his head, the energy spewing forth from the formless hand resembled a vast ocean, continuously cascading into Ye Yunfei's body.
The energy aura on Ye Yunfei was skyrocketing wildly. Originally already a Perfected Demigod, with the influx of this Deity-level energy, moments later, Ye Yunfei felt the intensity of the energy within him had already reached Deity level and was still climbing, growing even stronger.
"What's going on? Your energy has become so strong! You now seem to possess Deity-level energy! This external energy is actually transforming into a part of your own? What kind of technique is this?" Feeling the change in Ye Yunfei, Hun Lao was left dumbfounded.
"I don't know either. This energy being poured into my body feels like it has instantly become part of my own energy," Ye Yunfei was also deeply shaken by this transformation.
"Alright, young man. You now possess Deity-level energy. Don't fear those fellows. Go out and fight them," the earlier voice sounded again in Ye Yunfei's Sea of Soul.
By now, Ye Yunfei felt himself full of boundless strength, seemingly capable of shattering everything in the world, including those Deities.
Following that voice's suggestion, Ye Yunfei immediately began walking forward.
"Wait. I should help you enhance your physical body.
With such massive energy, coupled with you needing to utilize it for combat, your physical body might not be able to withstand it." Suddenly, the voice spoke again.
Upon hearing this, Ye Yunfei immediately stopped.
In truth, at this moment, Ye Yunfei also vaguely perceived a slight aching sensation beginning in his physical body. This was because the energy just assimilated into his body was too vast and too high-grade, already surpassing what his physique could bear.