Chapter 1852: Chapter 1798–Chapter 1799 Significant Loss

In time, Qingling Primordial Lord, one of the Five Old Lords of the Heavenly Court, ambushed Wood Virtue Star Lord of the Five Virtues Star Monarchs outside the Heavenly Court. These two formidable gods fought intensely in the Divine Continent World, marking the first blatant ambush of a colleague within the Heavenly Court, which stirred up a tremendous commotion and ushered in a prelude to chaos.

The ensuing situation became even more complicated, revealing that Wood Virtue Star Lord had unexpected support. Ju Mang Ancestor Witch of the Witch Deity Teaching appeared, and together they suppressed Qingling Primordial Lord, posing a threat of death to the latter.

At the critical moment, the other four of the Five Old Lords returned. The Five Old Lords joined forces against Wood Virtue Star Lord and Ju Mang Ancestor Witch, and in the clash of life and death, the Five Old Lords gained the upper hand instead.

However, unexpectedly, the most mysterious Ancestor Witch of the Witch Deity Teaching, Zhu Jiuyin, who mastered the Dao of Time, appeared and instantly broke through the renowned Five Elements Formation of the Five Old Lords, putting them at the brink of death.

What began as a conflict among the gods of the Heavenly Court quickly seemed to evolve into a contest between the Taoist School and the Witch Deity Teaching, capturing the attention of countless powerful entities eager to discern whether this would indeed become a prelude to great warfare.

The significance of the Five Old Lords to the Taoist School is well-known. Many powerful figures observed that even though the Five Old Lords were in mortal danger from Zhu Jiuyin’s assault, they were not worried, confident that the Taoist School would never allow the downfall of the Five Old Lords and would surely dispatch powerful assistance.

As expected, the Taoist School indeed sent True Monarch Bai Qicang of Dragon Tiger Mountain, a figure ranked alongside Emperor Wenchang as the foremost beneath True Immortals in the past, and now known as the strongest below a Taoist Monarch. Clearly, the Taoist School’s attention to the Five Old Lords is comprehensive, determined not to allow their demise.

True Monarch Bai Qicang lived up to his reputation, facing the enemy as the Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch of the Witch Deity Teaching, an ancient resurgence, a master of the Dao of Time.

The confrontation between these two mighty figures caused the heavens and earth to tremble, showcasing a dazzling array of divine power and techniques. Brilliant divine arts, fiercely cutting Sword Qi rivers, and various intricate talismans were unleashed as if costless.

What shocked many powerful beings was the terrifying battle strength demonstrated by these two figures, instilling fear in innumerable True Immortals and caution in the eyes of many Taoist Monarchs.

Regarding these two formidable figures, be it the Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch of the Witch Deity Teaching or True Monarch Bai Qicang of Dragon Tiger Mountain, they are unanimously recognized as among the pinnacle beneath Taoist Monarchs, with a widely acknowledged capacity for battle.

But only when these two truly clashed did it prove the saying that seeing is believing— the horrifying power they unleashed seemed beyond the typical display of Sixth Layer Heaven True Immortals, leading many to suspect this to be a confrontation equalling Taoist Monarchs.

Yet many Taoist Monarchs offered no comment on this battle, though it was evident their interest in Zhu Jiuyin and Bai Qicang notably increased.

The battle concluded in a stalemate between Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch and True Monarch Bai Qicang, though neither side emerged unscathed.

Though the Five Old Lords were spared due to True Monarch Bai Qicang’s intervention, it did not mean they paid no price. The other Five Old Lords fared better, but Qingling Primordial Lord lost a portion of the authority of the Great Path of Wood.

Though his life was preserved, he lost part of his Wood Dao Authority. Not only did he fail to gain a chance to become a Taoist Monarch, but he further distanced himself from that aspiration.

In vain attempt, ends in greater loss. Qingling Primordial Lord’s ambition and capabilities were undeniable, but he was rather unfortunate, losing years of accumulation in one stroke.

Moreover, this event is far from over for Qingling Primordial Lord. It is merely the beginning.

Notably, within the Taoist School, many powerful figures were already discontent with the existence of the Five Old Lords, eager to replace them.

Had Qingling Primordial Lord succeeded, even sparking internal waves of dissent could have triggered a series of chain reactions, discontentment among many. Yet, had he seized this chance and ascended to Taoist Monarch, any questioning would fail to affect him, as victors bear no reproach.

Indeed, victors bear no reproach, and all problems fade before success.

Yet, the crux is that Qingling Primordial Lord lost this time, not emerging as the final victor. He not only lost but suffered a major defeat.

Even with adverse impacts from his attack on Wood Virtue Star Lord, if he could have retreated intact while preserving strength, significant hope remained for ascension to Taoist Monarch, especially with support from behind the scenes Taoist Monarchs. Any rebukes would prove negligible.

However, this time he not only failed to extricate himself but also had parts of his Wood Dao Authority seized, reducing his share of the Wood Dao Law Origin and diminishing his prospects to ascend to Taoist Monarch.

As a result, his value to the supporting Taoist Monarchs is significantly lowered, raising questions about whether they remain willing to mitigate this matter and support him.

Nonetheless, he is fortunate that the Five Old Lords remain united, not abandoning him. As long as their alliance withstands division, they can suppress situations temporarily and seek opportunities for a comeback.