Chapter 2180 — Entering the Primordial Realm

"It is the Celestial Family’s flag," Dong Ye confirmed with a calm smile on his face.

"This way, we’ll be able to approach the Primordial Realm without being stopped."

"Impersonating the Celestial Family, huh? Most people wouldn’t even dream of doing something like this," Yuan chuckled.

Not even madmen would dare impersonate the Celestial Family—the most powerful clan in the Nine Heavens. For those bold enough to try, death would be the least of their concerns.

However, offending the Celestial Emperor was the Shadow Army’s specialty.

"Greetings to the God of War."

Aside from the carriage, there was a group of God Ascension experts there.

"They will not only escort you to the Primordial Realm but will also act as a distraction," Dong Ye said.

"It is an honor to finally be of assistance to the God of War," they all said, bowing to him.

Yuan acknowledged with a nod, "I’ll be relying on you guys."

After Yuan and Mu Xuelian stepped into the carriage, Dong Ye swallowed an appearance-altering pill before taking his place at the front as the rider.

Moments later, they left the hideout and appeared in a location that was entirely different from the building Yuan had entered from.

Then, without hesitation, they soared toward the sky, entering the Starry Sky hours later.

"My liege, it’ll take two years just to get there, even at our speed, so make yourself comfortable," Dong Ye said.

"Alright."

Yuan retrieved the Mystic Sword Tablet to study it.

As for Mu Xuelian, she spent most of her time staring out the window with a constant look of wonder, as this was her first time entering the Starry Sky.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, almost two years have passed.

"My liege, I should’ve probably asked you this sooner, but you have the Four Ancient Seals, correct?"

"I do."

"We’re almost at our destination, so if you could, assemble the Ancient Seals now so you don’t have to do it later."

"I have to assemble the seals?"

The next moment, Yuan retrieved the Four Ancient Seals and examined them closely. At first glance, each appeared whole on its own, yet when placed side by side, it became clear—they were fragments meant to fit together into a greater whole.

Despite its name, the Ancient Key did not resemble a key at all. If anything, it looked like a large seal stamp.

A month later, Dong Ye’s voice resounded, "My liege, we’re almost at the Primordial Chaos. Please prepare yourself."

A few minutes later, Yuan realized that the spiritual energy in the air had suddenly vanished.

For cultivators, a world devoid of spiritual energy was no different from fish stranded without water. Without spiritual energy, once a cultivator’s reserves were depleted, their dantian would gradually wither—and given enough time, the cultivator themselves would perish.

"I cannot sense any spiritual energy..." Mu Xuelian was not used to such an environment and instinctively began to panic.

As for Yuan...

Though the Primordial Chaos was devoid of spiritual energy, it was anything but empty, and it brimmed with Chaotic Essence in overwhelming abundance.

Yingzi emerged from his shadow after sensing the familiar energy.

"This is Chaotic Essence," she remarked after quickly recognizing it.

She looked at Yuan and questioned, "Have we returned to the Primal Expanse?"

He shook his head and explained, "No, we’re still in the Nine Heavens."

Yingzi walked to the window and stared outside.

"But this feeling... It’s the same as the Primal Expanse," she muttered.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the outer reaches of the Primordial Chaos, ten God Ascension realm experts sat in silent cultivation, encircling a massive black metal door that loomed alone in the desolate expanse.

However, since there was no spiritual energy for them to absorb, these God Ascension cultivators were merely doing mental cultivation and not actually cultivating.

Suddenly, the expert at the seventh level of God Ascension opened his eyes and spoke out loud, "We have company."

The other nine opened their eyes at his words.

"That flag... the Celestial Family. Was there an inspection scheduled for today?"

The experts showed no alarm at the sight, for the Celestial Family frequently came to inspect the Primordial Realm.

"It might be a surprise inspection."

"I’ll go speak with them," said one of the fifth-level God Ascension experts as he rose to his feet and approached the carriage.

Sometime later, the cultivator returned and said, "It’s a surprise inspection. Prepare to greet the Celestial Family."

"What a pain in the ass." One of them complained in a low voice.

Soon, all ten of them left their post and approached the carriage.

"We greet the Celestial Family."

However, in response, the experts guarding the carriage suddenly encircled them.

"What is the meaning of this?" one of them questioned with a deep frown.

Still concealed by his disguise, Dong Ye suddenly drew out a treasure and activated it without warning. In the next instant, a massive barrier materialized, enclosing everyone within its confines.

"T-This is—! It’s an ambush!"

After confirming the guards were trapped, Dong Ye turned to the carriage and said, "My liege, you’re good to go. We’ll take care of things from here."

Yuan and Mu Xuelian emerged from the carriage the next moment and immediately flew toward the metal black door in the distance.

"They’re here for the Primordial Realm!"

Even upon realizing this, the guards did not panic. Instead, mocking laughter erupted from them.

"Haha! What a futile effort! Without the Ancient Key, not even a Cultivation God can open the Primordial Realm!"

But the moment they saw Yuan draw forth the Ancient Key, their laughter died instantly, their faces twisting into shock and horror.

"Why does he have the Ancient Key?!"

"Impossible!"

"W-We must stop him from opening the Primordial Realm!"

The guards erupted with power at once, unleashing the full extent of their cultivation without hesitation.

"Kill them," Dong Ye’s commanding voice resounded the next moment.