Emperor Wu Shihuang's handwriting, do not go out of the Milky Way border

Shi Ling narrowed his eyes slightly, and his Emperor-level aura spread throughout the hall like a tidal wave, instantly suppressing the entire scene. The unfathomable aura caused the Crimson Fire Ancestor and the Mechanical God to exchange glances, both of them filled with horror.

The Crimson Flame Ancestor tentatively asked, "Lord Shi Ling, have you perhaps already reached the Emperor Realm?"

Shi Ling proudly replied, "After billions of years of secluded cultivation, I, the Emperor, have finally taken that step. This battle is one of victory or defeat!"

Upon hearing of the Emperor's arrival, a flame of victory ignited in everyone's eyes. With an Emperor-level expert in charge, how could they possibly lose this battle?

"Victory is the only option, defeat is not an option!" The earth-shaking oath echoed within the temple.

Shi Lingzhi looked confidently into the void: "Ying Zheng, once I have uncovered all your secrets, I will step on you to reach the other shore and transcend reincarnation!"

The Temple of Time transformed into a streak of light and sped away, reaching the edge of the Primordial Universe in just a few hundred years. At this moment, the Primordial Universe had already laid down numerous layers of level nine grand formations, sufficient to withstand the fierce attacks of a ninth-tier cosmic-level powerhouse. It was precisely because of these arrangements that the Primordial Universe had remained peaceful throughout the chaotic era of the past billions of years.

However, when the temple crashed into us, dozens of protective arrays activated, enveloping the entire universe in a dazzling light curtain.

Shi Ling sat on his throne and sneered, "Two mere Venerable-level formations must be the work of Xuan Tian and You Hun. Break them for me!"

The Temple of Time, enveloped in flowing light, charged forward and collided violently with the protective array.

"boom--!"

Countless array patterns shattered instantly, unleashing a torrent of violent energy that swept in all directions. The primordial universe trembled violently, nearly torn apart. Billions of living beings were reduced to ashes in the aftershocks, leaving not even a trace.

Nuwa, Tongtian Jiaozhu, Hongluo Xianzun, and others were filled with shock and anger: "Who is this madman who dares to invade the Hongmeng Universe!"

"It seems some people can't hold back any longer. Everyone, follow me to meet the enemy!" The Ghostly Venerable sensed the vast imperial might and shouted in a deep voice.

Having been freed from divine punishment and restored to their peak condition, the powerful beings, led by the Ghostly Venerable, stepped out of the Origin Space. Upon seeing the magnificent temple that suppressed the void, everyone wore solemn expressions.

The Ghostly Venerable was filled with doubt and surprise: "At this time, Ling Ben should have been lost with the World Ship! I clearly sensed that it was his physical body, not his spirit body. How did he escape?"

The suffocating pressure from the Emperor-level aura made the powerful figures hesitate. Shi Ling, reclining lazily on his throne, looked down at the Ghostly Venerable and said:

"Out of consideration for our past relationship, I will leave now and spare your life."

This blatant disdain ignited the Ghostly Venerable's fury. When the Spiritual gaze swept over him, the terrifying pressure that had suppressed countless ages caused him to tremble slightly, and he cried out in alarm:

"Such power... you have actually attained the throne!"

"Now that you know my realm, why don't you quickly submit? By joining me, you can have everything you desire!" Shi Ling stared at the crowd, her words full of temptation.

Upon hearing this, the powerful figures, led by the Ghostly Venerable, were deeply shaken. Just as Shi Ling had said, the Emperor's rule over the Canglan Universe was unstoppable. Currently, the forces within the universe were utterly powerless to resist, and judging by the entourage he had brought, he had clearly subdued all sides.

Now, by pressing them with overwhelming force, they are forced to make a choice. But will those who betray in the face of battle truly receive the treatment they deserve? If they can betray Ying Zheng, why wouldn't they betray Shi Ling one day? Under the emperor's oppressive aura, everyone fell silent.

The Crimson Flame Ancestor and the Mechanical God exchanged a helpless glance. They had originally hoped to seize the power of the Great Dao and gain insight into their advancement through this battle, but it seemed that their plan had failed.

"Humph!"

Just then, a cold snort that shook the universe resounded. A vast figure appeared from the void, enveloping endless dimensions.

Having just fully refined the power of Heavenly Punishment, Ying Zheng sensed Shi Ling's arrival and her attempts to recruit allies, and anger surged within him. Even though Shi Ling had broken through to the Emperor Realm, Ying Zheng, whose cultivation had greatly improved, believed she might still be a formidable opponent.

Moreover, Shi Ling has clearly come to explore the secrets of transcendence, and there's no way he'll be let go. Now, the only option is to fight with our backs against the wall!
"So impatient? Do you think you can control me just because you've ascended to the throne?" Ying Zheng's gaze was like a knife, his aura as vast and unfathomable as an abyss.

The resolute light in Shi Ling's eyes intensified, and the Domain of Time suddenly unfolded, with the long river of years flowing around him. He was like the source of all laws, revealing the majestic aura of an emperor who surpassed all living beings.

"Though I am wary of that power, transcending to the other shore is my lifelong pursuit. Hand over the secret, and I will spare your life!" Shi Ling's voice boomed like a bell.

"Haha... Ridiculous! You think you're worthy of even glimpsing the path to transcendence? If you want it, come and take it yourself!" Ying Zheng laughed loudly, his fighting spirit soaring to the sky.

The immense blood and energy erupted like a blazing sun, its purest power obscuring countless dimensions. Under this oppressive force, even powerful figures like the Ghostly Venerable felt suffocated, while the Crimson Flame Ancestor and the Mechanical God were like small boats adrift in a raging sea, unable to maintain their balance.

As for those powerful beings, they could only barely maintain their dignity by relying on the authority of the Great Dao. Countless beings in the Primordial Universe were all suppressed to the ground, and all things wailed in agony. If it weren't for the protection of Ying Zheng's fragmented spirit attached to the stone statue, they would probably have been completely annihilated, body and soul long ago.

Deep within the primordial universe, the Xuan Tian Venerable, who had just suppressed the backlash of the heavenly punishment, sensed this familiar yet terrifying aura and his expression changed drastically: "Impossible! How long has it been? How could he possess Emperor-level power?"

"Could it be that he has been hiding his strength all along?" Venerable Xuantian muttered to himself, his face ashen.

No matter how much Ying Zheng achieved the Emperor realm, he understood that his ambitions had been shattered. Regardless of who won or lost this battle, his best outcome would be nothing more than returning to the state of the Canglan era. Thinking of this, the wildfire in Xuan Tian Venerable's eyes gradually died down, revealing utter dejection.

"Take this shot from me!"

Ying Zheng roared, shaking the heavens. The Soul-Destroying Spear in his hand was crackling with heavenly lightning, and countless Dao patterns intertwined. The destructive power condensed at the spearhead even made Shi Ling slightly moved.

"Time decays! All things will eventually turn to dust in the long river of time!" Shi Ling, like a god who wields the laws, descends upon Ying Zheng for judgment.

Words become law, and the torrent of time rushes in.

"Before the immortal will, even time must bow down—Break!"

Ying Zheng's spear moved like a dragon, and the destructive power, empowered by the Great Dao of the Heavens, shattered the Temple of Time.

"Boom!"

The eternal artifact emitted a mournful cry, its divine radiance rapidly fading. Amidst the tremors of the void, the powerful beings and venerable ones within the hall walked on thin ice, their lives hanging by a thread.

Faced with this absolute power, the powerful figures could only bury their shock and anger deep in their hearts.

Veins bulged on Ying Zheng's arm, and a crimson divine light, imbued with the power of the heavens, pointed his spear directly at Shi Ling's brow! The sharpness that pierced the universe made the stars pale in comparison.

In a flash, Ying Zheng's figure had returned to its original position. Shi Ling, like a wandering ghost of time, silently shuttled through the veins of time.

"Time reversed!"

The power of time soothes all things like a tide, but for the Time Spirit, even reversing a fleeting moment is a heavy burden. Moreover, interfering with Ying Zheng, who is of equal rank, would require immeasurable amounts of magical and spiritual power.

The next moment, Ying Zheng reappeared in the same spot. Shi Ling was like a ghost in time, elusive and unpredictable.

"Time and space imprisonment! Ying Zheng, obediently become a stepping stone on my path to transcendence!" The Time Spirit declared its judgment, its face contorted with rage. "Whoosh—"

The omnipresent power of time transformed into heavy shackles, completely binding Ying Zheng. The powerful observers felt their consciousness fading, the immense power of time distorting their perception of the battle.

The Crimson Flame Venerable's eyes were filled with fear: "The Emperor who controls time is terrifying! To reverse time in a single thought, what kind of divine power is this!"

"Before the mighty power of time, all laws are futile. Master, victory is already assured!" the Mechanical God quickly echoed.

Upon hearing this, the Crimson Fire Ancestor rolled his eyes, feeling quite disdainful of such fawning behavior.

The Ghostly Venerable and the others watched Ying Zheng, who was imprisoned by time, with tense expressions, but dared not utter a single thought of intervening. The omnipresent power of time was like a clone of the Time Spirit; any disturbance would invite a devastating attack. Not to mention these Venerables and powerful beings, even Emperor-level beings would find it difficult to withstand a full-force attack from the Time Spirit in its rage.

"Blade of Time and Space, Slash!"

Shi Ling's eyes blazed with intense light, and a blade imbued with the power of time materialized in his palm. The blade possessed the power to cleave through all things, as if it had gathered the power of countless dimensions into one.

When this blade struck, cause and effect, destiny, space, and the Great Dao were all torn apart; it could be said that the blade determined life and death!

However, just as the blade was about to touch Ying Zheng, a strange smile suddenly appeared on his lips.

Alarm bells rang in Shi Ling's mind as she stared intently at Ying Zheng. As the blade of time slashed past, the figure was cleaved in two by the shadow, rapidly decaying under the erosion of time.

"It was a stand-in!" Shi Ling was furious, realizing she had been tricked.

A violent divine thought swept across the void, and the torrent of time surged wildly, searching for the true location of Ying Zheng.

Suddenly, the space in front of Shi Ling rippled, and a cold glint of light pierced through the air! The tip of the spear was condensed with the power of countless Great Daos such as Annihilation and Destruction, and the vast spatial power pressed down, making it difficult even for the laws of time to break through this spatial blockade.

"Pfft!"

The Soul-Destroying Spear pierced through Shi Ling's chest, blasting open a bloody hole the size of a bowl! The power of the Great Dao, such as destruction and slaughter, coiled around the wound like venomous snakes, frantically eroding his imperial body.

Ying Zheng's figure appeared from the void, holding a long spear and coldly watching Shi Ling's miserable state: "What a pity, I never expected to take your life with one spear."

Seeing the tide of battle reversed, the Crimson Flame Ancestor and the Mechanical God were horrified. They had completely pledged allegiance to the Time Spirit, and if they lost this battle, they would be doomed. At this moment, they could only secretly pray that the Time Spirit could turn the tide.

Shi Ling's eyes were bloodshot, and the power of time was gathering wildly in them: "You have completely enraged me! I intended to save this move for another day, but today I will let you witness it firsthand—in my name, I summon the River of Time and Space to suppress you!"

With his roar, the Emperor's will permeated heaven and earth, covering endless dimensions. The supreme laws of time manifested in the darkness, and the river of time and space, condensed from the power of endless years, surged forth, traversing the void!
This pillar of time, piercing through the endless void, sustains the existence of all things in the world. Although it is only displaying a portion of its power at this moment, it is already terrifying beyond measure.

Under the suppression of the river of time and space, Ying Zheng seemed to be fighting against the entire universe!

"Crack!"

The immense force pressed down on him, bending his spine slightly, but his indomitable will sustained him, preventing him from yielding. His fiery, sun-like energy erupted, its refined essence transforming into a raging inferno!
Under the tempering of this fire of blood and qi, Ying Zheng's immortal imperial body erupted with power far exceeding that of before.

"You think you can suppress me with this? Wishful thinking!" Ying Zheng gritted his teeth, his spine gradually straightening.

The powerful figures watching the battle were all horrified. The power of the River of Time was terrifying. They thought the outcome was already decided, but who knew that Ying Zheng could unleash such power and withstand this suppression that was tantamount to fighting against the entire world!

While Ying Zheng's indomitable will and immortal fighting spirit are admirable, from the perspective of an adversary, they make the Crimson Fire Ancestor and the Mechanical God grit their teeth in hatred.

Seeing Ying Zheng struggling under immense pressure, his body ablaze with fiery energy, Shi Ling sneered, "Since you can still hold on, I'd like to see how long you can last!"

Before he finished speaking, the power of time around Shi Ling became increasingly intense, and he seemed to merge with heaven and earth, gradually blending into the river of time and space.

"boom!"

The suppressive power of the River of Time suddenly intensified, causing Ying Zheng to stagger and kneel in mid-air. Fine beads of blood seeped from his skin, turning him into a blood-soaked figure in the blink of an eye. Under the suppression of that vast and mighty power, even his indomitable will began to blur.

"To contend against the entire void with one's own strength is indeed too much of a stretch," Ying Zheng muttered with a wry smile, then noticed Shi Ling's condition. He deduced that even someone as powerful as Shi Ling would have to pay a huge price to control the River of Time and Space, making it difficult to maintain for long.

But this "brief" period was clearly much longer than the time it took to suppress him. Hoping for the Time Spirit to retreat due to exhaustion was no longer an option; now only one path remained.

The being that radiated eerie energy like a black sun, hidden in another dimension, suddenly entered Ying Zheng's sea of ​​consciousness. His primordial spirit, seated at the center of his sea of ​​consciousness, its energy flowing with the patterns of the Great Dao, watched with both regret and vigilance as this sealed part of his body and soul was revealed.

"Only by becoming one with you can this crisis be resolved."

"Release!" Ying Zheng's hand seals shifted, and the seal broke instantly.

Corruption began to spread, and a terrifying will seemed to be awakening. When the barrier completely dissipated, a figure appeared that resembled Ying Zheng but was filled with arrogance and an eerie aura.

"My Lord, I knew you would eventually have to ask me for help. Since that's the case, let's become one!"

As this figure merged into the primordial spirit, the originally clear Dao patterns on the surface of the primordial spirit trembled violently, repelling this polluting power. However, the strange energy was of a higher rank, and the Great Dao of the Heavens could only barely protect the true spirit from being corrupted.

When the corrupted energy fully merged, the Dao patterns spread wildly, and strange Dao traces intertwined within the primordial spirit, completely staining it with an evil aura.

At the same time, a terrifying aura rose from Ying Zheng's body. He wiped the blood from his face, revealing a sinister smile:

"Crack!"

His bent knees slowly straightened, the joints cracking with a sharp sound. Ying Zheng looked around, his gaze locking onto the river of time in the void: "Sacrificing yourself to drive the power of the river, aren't you afraid of being devoured by time itself?"

Seeing Ying Zheng's state, Shi Ling knew he had used that forbidden power. Out of fear, Shi Ling poured more of her essence into the river, in exchange for even greater power:

"Stop talking nonsense! I've finally forced you to reveal your trump card—hand it over, it's mine!"

"Crash!"

The river of time and space suddenly surged, each drop of water imbued with the power of countless years. However, as the river rushed in, the strange energy emanating from Ying Zheng's body displayed an impervious quality, suppressing the river and keeping it calm.

"Ta...ta...ta..."

Ying Zheng strode across the waves, leaving ripples on the surface of the long river, gradually approaching Shi Ling. (End of Chapter)