Battle Through the Heavens: Harmony of Flame and Shadow

"The power of this young man is truly terrifying!"

"Let's go, the Immortal Pagoda is within the city, but from here on, flying is not permitted!" The Grand Elder composed himself, looked at Jiang Yun, and spoke.

As they entered the city, their field of vision suddenly broadened. Ancient stone-paved streets stretched out before them, bustling with people. Each figure exuded a faint yet powerful aura of spiritual energy.

After traversing several streets, the two quickly arrived at the very center of the ancient city.

In the central area, there stood a barren peak. Unremarkable in appearance, it housed an ancient, weathered stone tower at its summit.

This stone tower was known as the Immortal Pagoda, rumored to have been personally constructed by the Immortal Emperor in ancient times.

Though the Immortal Pagoda looked unassuming, as one neared it within a distance of ten thousand feet, Jiang Yun felt an oppressive force that seemed to transcend time and space. At this moment, he grasped a more intuitive understanding of the power within the Dominion Realm.

Upon arriving, the Grand Elder's demeanor became solemn, with reverence showing in his eyes. Almost everyone held immense respect for the Immortal Emperor, the ancient powerhouse who had once saved the vast world.

"This is the Immortal Pagoda. The Immortal body resides within. From today, the responsibility for its protection is yours. For tens of thousands of years, countless geniuses from our tribe have come seeking its recognition, but all have failed without exception."

As he gazed at the Immortal Pagoda, a complicated expression appeared on the Grand Elder's face. Guarding a treasure but unable to access it must feel like this. However, this sentiment was not exclusive to the Maha Ancient Clan; the other four great ancient clans felt the same.

Perhaps the great war of antiquity had exhausted the world's fate, for no original bodies had been acknowledged for countless years. Now, starting today, the Maha Ancient Clan had even lost the protection of the Ancient Immortal Body. Did the heavens abandon them?

For a moment, the Grand Elder's thoughts were chaotic. He looked at Jiang Yun, the most monstrous genius the vast world had seen in millennia, and said, "I sincerely hope you gain the recognition of the Ancient Immortal Body. The power of an original body hasn't been witnessed for a long time. With the Grand Alliance approaching, having a strong individual with such a body would be a boon for the vast world."

Jiang Yun found it hard to discern whether the Grand Elder hoped for his failure—or even demise—in this endeavor, or for his success.

With a wave of his sleeve, Jiang Yun summoned the Maha Clan's supreme beings, though they were all unconscious. Of course, he wouldn't let the supreme beings of the other major forces leave unscathed either.

Upon verifying that the Maha Clan's supreme beings had only exhausted their spiritual energy and were merely in a coma, the Grand Elder was somewhat relieved.

"The Maha Clan will compensate the Ancient Heavenly Palace. In three days, I'll have people deliver it to Tian Luo Continent."

Leaving behind a final message, the Grand Elder took one last glance at Jiang Yun before leaving with the Maha Clan's supreme beings.

Jiang Yun was unconcerned about this. If they dared to back out, he wouldn't hesitate to block their gates. He assumed the Maha Ancient Clan wouldn't be so foolish.

Jiang Yun slowly walked to the Immortal Pagoda. At this moment, its doors were shut. Only those who had cultivated the Immortal Golden Body could enter and possibly gain its recognition.

Since Jiang Yun had not cultivated the Immortal Golden Body, he did not meet the entering criteria. However, he had his own methods. He produced a wisp of purple-gold energy, brimming with immortal and mysterious aura—this was the essence of Mo He You's Immortal Golden Body.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, the ground seemed to tremble as ancient roars echoed. The Immortal Pagoda's ancient doors, heavy with time, slowly opened.

Jiang Yun peered into the interior. It was deep and dark, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

As Jiang Yun was about to step inside, light converged at the entrance, eventually forming an ancient figure. Jiang Yun raised his eyebrows in surprise; this figure felt similar to Qing Ming's consciousness, suggesting it was the Immortal Pagoda's awareness.

The ancient voice, void of emotion, said, "You haven't cultivated the Immortal Golden Body. You are not qualified to gain the recognition of the Ancient Immortal Body. Go back to where you came from."

Jiang Yun nodded. As expected, the Ancient Immortal Body was never an option for him. He was here only to see if there was an opportunity to witness the legendary original body.

"Senior, the Maha Clan has transferred the guardianship of the Ancient Immortal Body to me. Is it possible for you to leave this place?"

Hearing Jiang Yun's words, the ancient shadow fluctuated, seemingly surprised. It scrutinized Jiang Yun closely before speaking with a hint of appreciation, "You are indeed fortunate. I observe that your body doesn't belong to the regular list; it seems it has the foundation of the Undying Fire Body, signaling that you are forging your own path. Give it time, and when your body matures, it may not be weaker than the Ancient Immortal Body. Perhaps, one day, you could reach the realm of the Emperor."

The Immortal Pagoda, having witnessed countless prodigies over millennia, possessed unparalleled insight and was quick to see through Jiang Yun's foundation, offering its praise.

"Senior flatters me," Jiang Yun replied with a humble smile, bowing slightly.

"However, I still cannot leave with you. The Emperor placed me in the ancient city for a reason. Within this city, should a formidable enemy attack, I can summon the power of the Ancient Immortal Body and unleash the lingering Immortal Qi left by the Emperor for a peak strike. Hence, I cannot leave," the ancient figure explained.

"In that case, it shall remain so," Jiang Yun nodded, as he had expected this possibility.

"Since the Maha Clan transferred the guardianship of the Ancient Immortal Body to you, they will henceforth lose their privilege to enter. From now on, everyone shall be treated equally," the ancient shadow stated, imbuing Jiang Yun's palm with a golden, immortal glow.

"This is the Immortal Seal. Should the Ancient Immortal Body stir, I will notify you. This seal, condensed from Immortal Qi, holds numerous benefits for you to explore."

Without waiting for Jiang Yun's reaction, it dissolved into light and disappeared, and the Immortal Pagoda's doors slowly closed.

Feeling the ancient, powerful Immortal Qi in his palm, Jiang Yun bowed to the Immortal Pagoda before turning into a streak of light, departing from the Maha Clan.

In the void, Jiang Yun strolled leisurely, heading towards the ancient Buddha Clan.

A day later, Jiang Yun arrived above a vast grassland. Below, invisible to the naked eye, lay a spatial doorway perceivable only to supreme beings.

Behind this gateway was the Buddha Clan's territory, one of the longest-standing hubs in the vast world.

"The Demon King graces the Buddha Clan with his presence—what an honor for us!" The moment Jiang Yun materialized, the spatial door swung open, and a voice, both excited and flustered, exclaimed. Several figures emerged, respectfully addressing Jiang Yun.

Leading the group was Xuan Zun, who Jiang Yun had previously subdued. Gone was his arrogance, replaced by sycophancy. After all, this was the man who had bested the Grand Elder and crushed the Maha Clan.

Someone of his rank dared not confront Jiang Yun.

"Let's go. Where is Buddha Xuan?" Jiang Yun asked directly, understanding the prior instructions.

Without anger, Xuan Zun respectfully replied, "The Grand Elder awaits by the Ancestor Tower."

Acknowledging this, Jiang Yun said no more, striding confidently, almost as if he were the master here.

"Depart!" At that moment, a majestic voice echoed, and Buddha Xuan slowly emerged from the Ancestor Tower.

He gazed at Jiang Yun and said, "The Eternal Light Body is our clan's heirloom, but you've already achieved the Undying Fire Body. You cannot gain its recognition."

"This is not urgent. I promised Buddha Xuan I would return his legacy, and today, I fulfill that vow." Jiang Yun spoke evenly, producing a jade piece under Buddha Xuan's surprised gaze.

As Buddha Xuan watched in astonishment, an ancient figure slowly emerged from the jade.

"Familiar feelings... After tens of thousands of years, I have finally returned." Buddha Xuan's voice, filled with emotion, echoed.

"Ancestor Tower..."

Buddha Xuan stood before the tower, looking wistfully.

"Ancestor... Ancestor!" Buddha Xuan, shocked, gazed at the figure—his clan's legendary founder.

"Descendant Buddha Xuan greets the Ancestor!"

As Buddha Xuan paid his respects, the ancestor said, "Rise."

Turning to Jiang Yun, the ancestor warmly said, "Jiang Yun, you've kept your word. I can die without regrets."

"It was a mere trifle, well worth the reward!" Jiang Yun smiled, producing the Demon King's token.

"That was your doing. But I didn't expect you'd reach this level in a few years. One more step, and you'll be at our level. Truly gifted!" the ancestor remarked, sensing Jiang Yun's growth despite his slumber.

"I completed my promise and sought one thing," Jiang Yun stated seriously.

"Oh?" The ancestor was intrigued. "What could possibly interest you? Perhaps a clan maiden? Speak, and I will arrange it!"

The ancestor jested, laughing heartily. He was delighted at the thought of Jiang Yun as a son-in-law.

"Ancestor, he wants our Eternal Light Body," Buddha Xuan interjected, feeling awkward.

"Eternal Light Body?" The ancestor's surprise turned to puzzlement. "You already have the Undying Fire Body. Why do you seek ours? One man cannot bear two supreme bodies."

"I have my ways." Jiang Yun summoned his secondary body, identical to himself.

"One Qi Transformation to Three Purities?!" The ancestor, astonished, understood this rare technique allowed one to wield three supreme bodies, enhancing combat power immensely.