Chapter 1284: Have We Met Before?

The Supreme Great Dao's face changed drastically upon hearing the roar. It turned and saw a figure flying toward it. The figure—as towering as a mountain—carried with it a force strong enough to crush it completely.

The Supreme Great Dao's eyes narrowed slightly at the sight. It dared not be careless and immediately shifted from offense to defense. Crossing its arms in front of its chest, it channeled its formidable Dao energy to create a barrier.

Boom!

The barrier shattered instantly, and the Supreme Great Dao was blasted away.

After stabilizing itself, the Supreme Great Dao looked up and saw a man in a black robe. The man's face was covered in ancient runes, making him appear fearsome and sinister.

Upon seeing the man, the Supreme Great Dao's expression changed. "Dao Defier Executioner!"

"

Haha!

" The black-robed man burst out into a peal of laughter, and his voice boomed like thunder. "So you recognize me."

A trace of apprehension flashed in the Supreme Great Dao's eyes.

In this era, many had already forgotten the black-robed man, but the Supreme Great Dao was different. Before it had taken control of this Tier Nine Civilization, the black-robed man was already one of its top cultivators.

Moreover, he was a Dao Defier and had once barged his way into a Tier Ten Civilization.

He had also slain the Supreme Great Dao of this Tier Nine Civilization. It could be said that if it hadn't been for the man before him, it wouldn't have been able to take control of this Tier Nine Civilization.

He had never expected that the Dao Defier Executioner was still alive.

The Dao Defier Executioner took a step forward, as if about to make a move, but then he remembered something and turned toward Ye Guan, sizing him up before grinning.

"Young Master Ye, go right. The boss is waiting for you."

Ye Guan glanced at the Supreme Great Dao and Taigu Qiu.

The Dao Defier Executioner chuckled and said, "Young Master Ye, just go. The Supreme Great Dao and the others are nothing more than a bunch of weaklings. There's nothing to worry about."

"Insolence!" the Supreme Great Dao roared. When had it ever suffered such humiliation? Enraged, it immediately threw a punch toward the Dao Defier Executioner.

The Dao Defier Executioner simply waved his hand, and the Supreme Great Dao was blasted hundreds of meters away.

After coming to a stop, the Supreme Great Dao's face was filled with shock as it muttered, "You..."

The Dao Defier Executioner cast a cold glance at it and said indifferently, "You are far weaker compared to your predecessor."

Then, turning to Ye Guan, he broke out into a bright smile. "Young Master Ye, please proceed."

Ye Guan didn't hesitate. He cupped his fist respectfully and said, "Many thanks, Senior."

With that, he leaped onto his sword and disappeared to the right in the blink of an eye.

Taigu Qiu turned and saw that the Dao Defier Executioner was staring straight at him. Taigu Qiu met his gaze without a hint of fear. He wasn't afraid of the man at all.

Clenching his right fist, he gathered a vast amount of spiritual energy and was about to make his move when suddenly, a beam of white light descended beside him.

When the white light faded away, the Nine Continents Master appeared.

The Nine Continents Master said, "Let them go."

Taigu Qiu frowned in confusion but did not question it. He relaxed, dispersing the gathered spiritual energy.

The Supreme Great Dao, however, looked extremely displeased. It wanted to say something, but it ultimately remained silent upon seeing the Nine Continents Master's face.

It knew that the two figures standing before it wouldn't even acknowledge its existence, and more importantly, the Nine Continents Master's decision had to have been approved by the Ancestral Dao.

Not far away, the Upper God appeared beside the Dao Defier Executioner. He sighed and said, "Fourth Brother, what took you so long?"

The Dao Defier Executioner chuckled. "I got held up by a few things."

The Upper God nodded. Then, he glanced at the Supreme Great Dao and the others. "So, what's the plan now?"

The Dao Defier Executioner cast a casual glance at them before saying, "It's up to them. If they want to fight, we fight. It doesn't matter."

However, the Nine Continents Master and the others showed no intention of making a move.

The Dao Defier Executioner didn't bother making a move, either. He and the Upper God turned around and disappeared into the distance.

The Supreme Great Dao couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Why did you let them return to the Heavenly Tomb World?"

The Nine Continents Master looked in the direction of the Heavenly Tomb World and remarked, "Wouldn't it be better to wipe them all out in one go?"

The Supreme Great Dao was momentarily stunned before breaking out into a grin. "We should have annihilated those defiers a long time ago."

The Nine Continents Master said nothing in response.

***

Soon, Ye Guan arrived in a starry sky. He looked around and saw tombstones that were so tall they seemed to be piercing the firmament. Each one had a blood-red color, making them exude an eerie and chilling aura.

As he took in the sight before him, Ye Guan couldn't help but feel confused.

"Young Master Ye." A voice suddenly rang out beside him. Ye Guan turned to see the Upper God and the Dao Defier Executioner tearing through space, making their way toward him.

Ye Guan asked, "Is this place safe?"

The Dao Defier Executioner nodded. "Yes."

Ye Guan nodded and collapsed immediately afterward.

The Upper God hurriedly caught him, but Ye Guan had already lost consciousness.

Both the Upper God and Dao Defier Executioner were stunned. The Dao Defier Executioner stepped closer and stared at the Evil Dao Seal on Ye Guan's forehead. His expression turned grave as he mumbled, "This seal..."

The Upper God said, "It's the Evil Dao's Seal."

The Evil Dao!

Upon thinking of that woman, the Upper God's face grew even more serious. That woman's strength was simply abnormal.

After examining the seal for a moment, the Dao Defier Executioner looked back at Ye Guan, and his eyes were filled with astonishment as he remarked, "I can't believe he's been fighting this whole time with this seal inside him. His willpower is absolutely terrifying."

The Upper God nodded. "Young Master Ye is no ordinary person. If not for this Evil Dao Seal, the Supreme Great Dao wouldn't have been able to stand against him at all."

There was no denying the strength of Ye Guan's willpower, as he had been fighting all this time under the suppression of the Evil Dao Seal.

The Dao Defier Executioner nodded slightly. Even he was shocked. He gazed at the seal and said, "This seal is incredibly strong. I'm afraid only Big Brother can remove it."

The Upper God suggested, "Let him rest and recover first."

The Dao Defier Executioner opened his palm, revealing a golden fruit. The moment it appeared, a rich and fragrant aroma filled the air.

The Upper God was slightly surprised. "You still have a Dao Origin Fruit?"

The Dao Origin Fruit was no ordinary item. It was a sacred treasure from a Tier Ten Civilization. However, the Dao Origin Tree—capable of producing Dao Origin Fruits—had long gone extinct, making the fruit incredibly rare and precious.

The Dao Defier Executioner chuckled. "This is the last one on me."

Without hesitation, he placed the fruit on Ye Guan's abdomen. In an instant, the fruit transformed into a stream of light and melted into Ye Guan.

As soon as the fruit was absorbed, waves of pure spiritual energy burst forth from within Ye Guan, spreading throughout his limbs and bones, rapidly repairing his severely damaged fleshly body.

Ye Guan was riddled with wounds of a variety of sizes.

Suddenly, the Upper God turned his gaze toward the boundary of the Heavenly Tomb World. His voice was low as he said, "They won't let this go so easily."

"I know." The Dao Defier Executioner nodded. "Come, let's go see Third Sister."

With that, they vanished into the distance.

***

Since ascending the throne and becoming the emperor, Tian Chen had been feeling overwhelmed by the endless administrative affairs.

He had inherited a complete mess, and thanks to the unforeseen upheavals, the Heavenly Tomb Empire was in chaos. Despite all this, the empire's foundation remained intact. Emperor Tian Zong was dead, but the empire was not shaken.

Still, due to Tian Chen's lack of experience, the early days of his reign were bound to be riddled with mistakes and disorder.

As always, Tian Chen was busy reviewing official documents in the great hall.

Just then, Consort Qin walked into the great hall.

Tian Chen set down his brush and looked up at her. He greeted, "Mother."

Consort Qin nodded and walked up to him with a gentle smile. "How are things going?"

Tian Chen smiled wryly. "Not as easy as I imagined."

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Consort Qin chuckled and shook her head. "Silly boy, ruling as an emperor is never easy, but there's a way to make things easier.

"The departments and officials each have their jobs to do. You must focus on the big picture—you have to establish clear policies and directions, and then, you should let your subordinates handle the details.

"Of course, you must employ capable individuals. If you employ incompetent or corrupt officials, no matter how good your plans are, they will be distorted at the lower levels."

Tian Chen nodded. "I still have a lot to learn."

"There's no rush." Consort Qin smiled. Take it one step at a time."

Tian Chen suddenly looked up and muttered, "I wonder how Brother Ye is doing."

Ye Guan...

A flicker of complex emotions flashed in Empress Qin's eyes. At that moment, regret and lingering fear surged within her. If Tian Chen hadn't stopped her back then, she would have made a grave mistake.

Someone like him definitely had the backing of an organization stronger than a Tier Ten Civilization. After all, the world within this tiny pagoda was simply too outrageous to be ordinary.

Tian Chen muttered, "I just hope he's safe."

Consort Qin snapped out of her thoughts and nodded slightly. Although she said nothing, there was clear worry in her eyes.

Ye Guan’s origins were anything but simple. Unfortunately, the same could be said for his enemies, especially the mysterious individual who had sealed his cultivation base.

***

Elsewhere, Fan Shan was silent. She knew Ye Guan was out there fighting, but she had no idea how things were going for him.

"He's fine for now." A voice echoed.

Fan Shan's head snapped up. "Who...?"

A golden, tiny pagoda was before her.

"Is he really okay?" Fan Shan asked.

Little Pagoda replied, "Yes. Don't worry too much, just focus on cultivating here."

"Can I go outside and check on him?"

"Of course. In fact, I came to ask for your help."

"What kind of help?"

"Once you see him again, I want you to hold his hand—that's it."

"That's it?"

"Yes."

Little Pagoda certainly hadn't forgotten that this girl managed to heal Ye Guan before for some reason. Little Pagoda was rather confused by her abilities.

Fan Shan nodded and stood up. "How do I get out?"

"I'll send you out," Little Pagoda replied.

"Little Pagoda..."

"What is it?"

Fan Shan walked up to it and stared at it carefully before saying, "Why do I feel like you're familiar? Have we met before?"

Little Pagoda was silent for a while."Don't scare me like that."

"I really feel like I've seen you somewhere before," Fan Shan said. Little Pagoda was about to respond when she waved her hand. "Forget it, just send me out first."

Little Pagoda hesitated. "Do I really look familiar to you?"

Fan Shan nodded. "Yes, it's like we've met before, but I'm sure I've never seen you.

Ah,

whatever, it's probably nothing. I mean, even when I'm feeding my pigs, I always feel like every single one of them looks a little familiar."

Little Pagoda was dumbfounded.