Chapter 1467: Everyone Has Arrived

The White Crow shook its head, thinking that after so many years, the Black Dog must surely be dead, likely without leaving any bloodline descendants. Yet, it gave a strange look, scrutinizing the man enveloped in dark light. Could this person truly have no blood relation to the Black Dog?

"What are you staring at?!" The man's dark hair was disheveled, and his gaze was hostile, sensing a strong ill will.

Unable to suppress its urge, or perhaps fueled by immense hatred, the White Crow involuntarily asked, "Is the legendary Emperor, you know, a close relative of your ancestors?"

Immediately after speaking, it regretted its words.

"You dead duck, I'll smash you to bits!"

The man's aura in the dark light surged. He swung the weapon in his hand forward, a blow powerful enough to shatter embankments, demolish dilapidated temples along the way, and utterly devastate everything, even evaporating the Soul River, all with the intent of slaying the White Crow.

The man was exceptionally perceptive; he instantly grasped the White Crow's malice from its gaze, knowing precisely which Emperor it was subtly referring to, and thus wished to annihilate it.

"Caw!"

The White Crow shrieked and roared, its soul light surging like a tempest. White light, resembling spectral fire, emanated from it, and its unique tail feather absorbed immense power, using it to obstruct the grand bell and the coffin lid.

Most terrifyingly, from the deepest reaches of the Soul River's ultimate domain, an enigmatic soul-blood... flowed forth, sweeping through the void and intercepting the Emperor's Weapon!

Without that, the White Crow would have been defenseless.

Nevertheless, even with the Emperor's Weapon (or merely its fragment) awakening, the White Crow shrieked mournfully, flapping its wings to retreat at high speed. Countless white feathers fell away, innumerable divine chains of order on its body snapped, and its physical form began to burn, threatening to turn to ash.

"What a terrifying Emperor's Weapon!" it thought, its eyes chilling.

It landed on a patch of exceptionally dark, eerie land, where it found the support to reshape and transform its ash-ridden body, its flesh regenerating.

"Enough, stop!" it declared in a cold voice.

It warned against pushing it further, threatening that if its full form emerged, it would unleash a power that once made all heavens tremble.

For now, it was genuinely compromising, seeking to avoid a major conflict and hoping to prevent any unforeseen incidents in the depths of the Soul River.

Two more ancestral talismans flew out; the White Crow presented them to the formidable man in the dark light, eager to resolve the situation quickly.

"There's still more here!"

The man in the dark light had long, dark, and thick hair that reached his waist. His face was fair and translucent, and his pupils reflected visions of the Soul River drying up, the Ultimate Accursed Land crumbling, and cosmic stars falling – a truly intimidating sight.

He possessed a compelling aura and could be called handsome, but his killing intent was now boundless.

The White Crow sneered, having come to a realization. The man's repeated intimidation was excessive; perhaps he didn't truly intend a full-scale battle.

Staring at the man in the dark light, it said, "There's truly nothing left. But if you insist, I can give you one hundred genuine Underworld Reincarnation Talismans, no problem!"

It quickly added, "And what's more, these are ancient Underworld Reincarnation Papers from before the Era of Emperors' Fall. You should know, these are incredibly rare and of immeasurable value. Throughout history, countless powerful beings have offered sacrifices and tributes, yet none could acquire even a single one!"

"I don't care for them," the man in the dark light said with a firm, unyielding tone. "A hundred of those are not worth a single talisman from *that* one. I only want the ancestral talismans."

He was absolutely determined to strip the place bare.

He added, "Ancient Underworld Reincarnation Talismans only bring strangeness and ill omens; they are far too tainted for me to accept!"

The White Crow said gravely, "What are you saying? Among all beings in the world, how many don't acknowledge ancient reincarnation as the true path to rebirth? It was formed naturally by heaven and earth."

The man in the dark light's face was impassive as he replied, "Formed naturally by heaven and earth? Do *you* believe that? Does your master, the being at the end of the Soul River, believe that?"

The mere mention of these things made him profoundly uneasy. The source of ancient reincarnation, that place, was utterly boundless in its terror. If it were proven that the ancient path of reincarnation was artificially created, having influenced countless eons, it would send shockwaves throughout all worlds.

The thought that it wasn't a natural evolution of heaven and earth was terrifying enough on its own.

When he considered the ancestral talismans, he felt somewhat reassured. After all, *that* one had created them, and in *that* one's era, the ancient path of reincarnation had seemingly vanished.

Such a thought offered a measure of comfort.

Were the ancient Underworld and its path of reincarnation avoiding *that* one? Or did something happen to the ancient Underworld's path of reincarnation at that time?

Delving deeper, the Soul River and the ancient Underworld seemed to have suffered accidents at the same time. Could there be some connection, perhaps a shared origin, or were both rendered unmanifest due to the same underlying factor?

He recalled the legend that *that* one had personally intervened to excavate the ancient path of reincarnation, severing many of its routes. That act was truly astounding, utterly chaotic in its power.

*That* one had inscribed ancestral talismans, single-handedly devising different cycles of reincarnation. Such boldness was immense.

Most critically, even after *that* one departed, the ancient Underworld did not dare to meddle with what he had created.

"When *that* one left back then, was it because the ancient Underworld, the end of the Soul River, and the monsters in the Heavenly Emperor's Burial Pit couldn't tolerate him, so they paid a huge price to lure him to a battlefield from which return is nearly impossible?"

The man in the dark light openly speculated, speaking his thoughts directly in front of the White Crow. This was a clear disregard for the Soul River's ultimate domain; if his theory was true, it implied the Soul River had once been forced to yield.

"You're overthinking it!" the White Crow said coldly.

"He alone could conjure reincarnation, directly opposing the ancient Underworld, and to this day, no one has managed to destroy it. That should tell you everything."

The man in the dark light spoke with genuine emotion. The mere thought of *that* one brought an inexplicable sense of security, dispelling all worries about immense dangers and crises.

Unfortunately, he has been missing.

So many years have passed, and he is long beyond reach.

This is indeed a profound pity, a cause for regret.

The White Crow was reluctant to discuss *that* one's life story or combat prowess, perhaps out of apprehension or fear of inciting unforeseen karmic consequences. It confined its remarks solely to the talismans.

The White Crow said, "The ancestral talisman you desire is a supplementary one; perhaps it isn't what you truly need!"

"What are you trying to imply?" the man in the dark light sneered.

"You must have heard that *that* one initially didn't believe in reincarnation, only changing his views after too many people close to him died," the White Crow explained, still earnestly trying to persuade him. "However, what he intended to reincarnate is hard to say—perhaps not people, but worlds, or even more unfathomable entities. The reincarnation he created is distinct from the ancient path of the Underworld."

"Nevertheless, I trust his talismans more!" the man in the dark light declared.

The White Crow frowned, saying, "Let's refrain from speaking of *that* one."

It felt uneasy about it.

For many years, even a being of its caliber, capable of overseeing all heavens, found its memories of *that* person's legends gradually blurring, despite forcibly preserving and sealing them.

This made it extremely apprehensive.

It even wondered if the problem lay with itself or with the entirety of space-time.

As these thoughts crossed its mind, it looked at the man in the dark light, wondering if he knew something, given his seemingly strange origins.

The White Crow said, "After *that* one departed, he never reappeared. Both you and I have felt it: even at higher levels of power, memories of him gradually fade. He seems to no longer belong to the entirety of ancient history; only a handful of beings retain a sense or knowledge of him, while everyone else has forgotten him, as if he never existed or appeared."

The man in the dark light frowned, falling silent for a moment. This was true; had he not encountered artifacts connected to *that* one, his memories of him would indeed have dwindled with time.

It was truly incredible!

Just then, the Black Dog was approaching, traversing realm after realm, carrying a corpse on its back and holding its head high. Its passage caused an "information earthquake" of explosive proportions along its route!

"Is that...?"

"Who did I just see?!"

"Just now, a black monstrous beast, a peerless demon, crossed over my secluded cultivation grounds. It looked so much like... the Dog Emperor from back then. Is it not dead yet? Has it risen from the grave?!"

This caused an immense stir. The few individuals who caught a glimpse of its afterimage in the void couldn't help but shiver, seriously doubting their own eyes.

In reality, very few powerful individuals were able to sense its presence or happened to have their abodes directly in its path—only a select handful.

Of course, these were all top-tier beings; otherwise, they wouldn't have recognized the legendary black beast.

Midway, the Black Dog had a sudden realization. A vague sense of sorrow permeated the air, emanating from the Emperor's Bell and from heaven and earth itself. Was this the final warning?

It, too, naturally had a premonition of ill fortune and anticipated its ultimate end.

Yet, it was mentally prepared for its demise and fully accepted its fate!

Thus, it pressed on without hesitation!

Finally, reaching the outskirts of the Yang Realm, it pierced through the boundary wall with a resounding *bang* and stepped through. After countless eons, it once again set foot in this ancient realm.

Meanwhile, others were also heading for the Soul Light Cave, including Tai Yi and the master of the Black Blood Institute.

In fact, they should have arrived by now, but they altered their course midway, heading instead to the First Mountain.

This was because Fusion Body Number Nine had frowned during their journey, realizing that something significant, potentially catastrophic, had occurred. Therefore, he intended to retrieve the "ancient artifact"!

Today, the situation might truly escalate to an unimaginable extent; perhaps the nine human skins were on the verge of unifying!

He also believed that the killer weapon from the First Mountain absolutely had to be taken.

At the end of the Soul River, in the world behind the gate.

The man in the dark light frowned. "Why haven't the reinforcements arrived yet? A single blackmailer is never as effective as a group. By my calculations, they should be here."

"You dead duck, what are your thoughts on the Heavenly Emperor? If he were to truly reappear and unleash his might here, what fate awaits the beings of the Soul River's ultimate domain?"

"Which era's Heavenly Emperor are you referring to? In different eras and worlds, the understanding of that title varies across the heavens. It's merely an honorific."

"Don't play coy," the man in the dark light said with a faint smile. "If the peerless Heavenly Emperor who once fought his way here were to reappear, would you feel fear?"

He had a premonition. The bell waves he had sent out earlier were designed to monitor that area, and now he detected faint, indistinct ripples emanating from it.

The White Crow's expression turned grim. "They won't appear. Some of them are even completely dead."

"Oh, really? Why do I feel a Heavenly Emperor returning, intent on leveling this place?" the man in the dark light said indifferently.

"For instance, *this* Heavenly Emperor!" He raised the fragment of the Emperor's Bell in his hand. Its runes shimmered brilliantly, weaving together to form a complete bell body, emanating a majestic and boundless aura seemingly capable of suppressing all heavens and myriad worlds.

The White Crow fell silent, recalling events from long ago, before finally stating, "I admit, he was incredibly powerful, a peerless figure of his time, arrogant and terrifying beyond belief. But ultimately, he died. Back then, he endured countless bloody battles during an extraordinary era when all supreme powers emerged, an age of the most dreadful bloodshed. He was specifically targeted and ambushed, and has vanished forever, never to be seen again in this world!"

Having said this, it seemed to finally exhale, its tension easing. That particular memory was both horrifying and unpleasant for it.

Then, with a slightly detached tone, it continued, "What has vanished is gone. No matter how great he was, his soul has returned to the accursed lands, his blood a vivid tragedy."

It exhaled a murky breath, relaxing further, and said, "He died, and everything connected to him was gradually erased from the world, including his cultivation grounds and even his dog!"

By the end, it was clear from its demeanor that it was gnashing its teeth, still harboring the immense hatred from years ago, which had left a deep-seated grudge.

"Are you certain they are all dead, never to be seen again?" the man in the dark light asked with a faint smile.

"I am certain!" the White Crow declared with immense confidence, fully trusting the information it possessed. It raised its head, its tail feathers gleaming brilliantly, connected to the Soul River's ultimate domain.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, it suddenly felt a chill run through its entire body, its white feathers bristling as it sensed a potent surge of malice.

Almost simultaneously, its pupils sharply constricted!

A massive, shadowy face covered half the sky, looming over it.

"Woof!"

A tremendous bark resounded throughout the heavens and the eight directions, threatening to tear apart the entire Soul River and the world behind the gate.

The White Crow truly began to doubt its sanity. What was that sound?

A hallucination? An illusion? Was that... a dog's bark?

It was so incredibly deafening that the White Crow was nearly deaf, its ears bleeding, its eardrums certainly ruptured.

Even its spiritual senses and instincts were numb. Its body tingled from the shock, and its soul light felt somewhat rigid.

At that moment, a flood of unpleasant memories and negative emotions surged forth, nearly driving the White Crow to madness!

The dog had arrived!

The White Crow wanted to scream, "Aren't you dead?!"

Although the Black Dog had a premonition of its own fate, it showed no sadness, completely disregarding its own well-being, and simply charged forward.

Furthermore, after passing through the Soul Light Cave and reaching the world beyond the gate, it immediately bellowed, "You dead duck, you're not dead yet? Get over here and kowtow to your supreme Ancestor Emperor Grandfather!"

The White Crow was utterly stunned, convinced this was no hallucination, genuinely unable to believe its eyes. That dog had truly... appeared?!

They had just been speaking of it, and then... *poof*, the Black Dog appeared!

The black shadow was colossal, eclipsing the sky, so ferociously wild, roaring at the Soul River with an overwhelming aura!

The White Crow saw it clearly, unmistakably, and felt that familiar, ancient aura. It was utterly repugnant, yet etched deeply into the crow's memory.

Instantly, its feathers bristled, forming a protective light barrier, while runes filled the sky and the divine roar of the Great Dao thundered.

It also rapidly retreated, preparing for a confrontation.

Yet, it simply couldn't accept or comprehend how this dog... could possibly still be alive?

Hadn't it been beaten to death? How could it resurface in this era, living so brazenly!

Soon after, it saw the figure on the Black Dog's back. Though the face was unclear, the person was draped over the Dog Emperor, and the White Crow already knew who it was!

In an instant, the White Crow shrieked in terror, burning energy, its feathers exploding in clumps. It fled desperately, almost suffocating, with boundless horror deep in its eyes.

"You dead duck, why are you running? Get over here, now, to your Emperor!" The Black Dog was utterly domineering; the moment it arrived, it was already clamoring to kill the White Crow.

The White Crow was absolutely furious, practically seeing stars. It couldn't help but glance at the man in the dark light, feeling that both beings it had encountered were equally infuriating, their manner of speaking strikingly similar.

"You dead duck, what are you looking at *me* for!?" the man in the dark light roared in fury.

The White Crow, too, became enraged. Was it true that the man in the dark light and that dog-thing shared no blood relation? This day truly brought it the worst luck imaginable!

It felt that if it weren't beaten to death, it would surely die of sheer frustration!

At that moment, another wave of powerful figures arrived outside the Soul Light Cave; almost everyone was present.

A group of people set off together for the Soul River.