Chapter 2179 — Primordial Chaos(End of Immortal Monarch’s Return Arc)

The Primordial Chaos was among the most perilous places in the Nine Heavens, its unique environment cutting cultivators off from spiritual energy. Once their reserves were spent within its depths, they could not recover their strength until they escaped its boundaries.

Though the Primordial Chaos was technically part of the Nine Heavens, only its outermost edges lay within those boundaries. To venture any deeper was to step beyond the Nine Heavens’ protection and into the unknown. Moreover, the creatures that roamed within its depths were all at least of the God Ascension realm.

"Although the Primordial Chaos is a dangerous place, it’s not the location that’s the most worrying, but the Celestial Emperor’s dogs that are protecting that place," Dong Ye sighed.

"It’s constantly guarded around the clock by at least ten God Ascension realm cultivators. Five of them are at the 5th level God Ascension, and two are at the 7th level."

"Ten God Ascension experts, huh? That is indeed troublesome..." Yuan sighed, wondering how he would get past ten experts.

Seeing his reaction, Dong Ye confidently patted his chest and declared, "Don’t worry, my liege. I have spent the last few decades preparing for this exact purpose. The Shadow Army will distract the guards while you enter the Primordial Realm."

"Won’t that alarm the Celestial Emperor, though? Even if I manage to get inside, getting out is my biggest issue, especially if you cause a scene right outside."

Dong Ye smiled and said, "My liege, you’re underestimating how much we’ve prepared for this moment. I know I said decades, but in reality, we’ve been preparing for this moment since the Primordial Era."

"What do you think the members of the Shadow Army do when they complete their training? They infiltrate the Celestial Emperor’s side as spies. Currently, three of the ten experts guarding the Primordial Realm are our people, so even if we get rid of the other seven, we won’t immediately alert the Celestial Emperor."

"I see... and how long do you think I have inside the Primordial Realm?"

Dong Ye pondered for a moment before speaking, "The guards at the Primordial Realm are replaced once every one thousand years, and it has already been eight hundred years since the last replacement, so you have about two hundred years before the Celestial Emperor is alerted."

"Two hundred years? That’s more than enough time," Yuan nodded.

"When would you like to depart for the Primordial Realm?" Dong Ye then asked.

"As soon as possible."

Dong Ye nodded and said, "In that case, please give me a few days to prepare for your escort."

"Alright."

"Then I’ll go prepare now. If you’ll excuse me—"

"Dong Ye." Yuan suddenly stopped him.

"My liege?" Dong Ye turned around with a puzzled face.

A warm smile spread across Yuan’s face as he said, "Thank you for your efforts and sacrifices through all these years. When our battle is over, I swear upon my soul—I will repay you."

Dong Ye’s eyes widened before he immediately dropped to his knees.

"My liege, this worthless life of mine has been yours ever since you saved me from the streets and bestowed upon me a purpose. From that day onward, all I have ever sought is to repay you, so there’s no need for you to say such words."

"Even if you say that..." Yuan didn’t know how to respond as tears flowed from Dong Ye’s eyes.

Dong Ye’s past mirrored Tian Xian’s—growing up without a family, he spent much of his childhood living as a bandit. If it weren’t for Tian Xian, Dong Ye would’ve been executed long ago.

After Dong Ye departed, Yuan rose from the throne and walked to the window. As he drifted into thought, he suddenly became aware of a powerful gaze fixed upon him.

"Who are you?" Yuan asked out loud.

"..."

There was no response, and a moment later, the mysterious individual withdrew their gaze.

Yuan narrowed his eyes toward the distant mountain, where a lone silhouette stood upon the peak—gazing unmistakably in his direction.

However, this silhouette vanished like smoke before Yuan could do anything, disappearing like a ghost.

Yuan felt no concern that the figure posed any danger, as he doubted Dong Ye would allow such a threat into this place. Yet curiosity stirred within him, for the individual’s presence seemed even more formidable than Dong Ye’s.

When Dong Ye returned to his side a few days later, Yuan questioned him about the silhouette.

"A-A silhouette, you say...?" Dong Ye swallowed nervously.

Yuan looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"What’s with that reaction? Don’t tell me that was an intruder?"

"No, that’s not possible." Dong Ye immediately dismissed that notion.

He continued, "I have an idea who you’re talking about, but I cannot disclose any information on that individual."

Yuan became even more intrigued after hearing this.

"You can’t tell me? So that person is even more important than me, huh?" Yuan remarked with a smile.

Dong Ye’s eyes widened at his statement, and he hastily responded, "Not a chance! There’s nobody more important in my eyes than my liege! However, that person’s circumstances are unique..."

After a moment of silence, Dong Ye sighed and said, "I can tell you this, though. My liege, you are very familiar with that person."

"I am? Then why are they keeping their distance?"

Dong Ye shook his head.

"I am not sure myself, but I’m sure they’ll approach you once they’re ready."

"If you say so. In any case, have you finished with the preparations?"

"Yes, we can leave for the Primordial Realm at your command."

"Let’s leave now, then."

"Please, follow me."

Yuan nodded and followed Dong Ye away.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Shadow Army’s hideout, the silhouette mumbled in a longing tone, "Tian Yang..."

Some time later, Dong Ye led Yuan to their destination, where a carriage awaited them. Yuan’s brows rose—not at the carriage itself, but at the flag it bore.

"Isn’t that the Celestial Family’s flag?" he remarked.