Lu Fan wanted to stop him, but unfortunately, Patriarch Jiutian was too powerful for Lu Fan to resist. The Divine Emperor Cauldron lost its control and rushed towards Patriarch Jiutian.
However, as if it had its own sentience, the Divine Emperor Cauldron lost its divine radiance before it even got close to Patriarch Jiutian, transforming into an ordinary iron cauldron.
Staring at the iron cauldron before him, Patriarch Jiutian tried to activate it, but to no avail. He couldn't help but frown. After finally obtaining an item, it had come to this state, naturally displeasing him greatly.
"How is this cauldron used?" Patriarch Jiutian looked at Lu Fan. "If you tell me, I can spare your life."
"What a joke!"
Lu Fan sneered. "The Divine Emperor Cauldron is not something anyone can control. Furthermore, this is not yours. You are not qualified to control the Divine Emperor Cauldron."
"You are simply courting death!"
Patriarch Jiutian's expression was cold, and he let out a cold laugh. He wanted to strike Lu Fan down with a palm. Those who did not obey his commands deserved only death. In his mind, it was as simple as that.
"Patriarch Jiutian, you have quite the arrogance, daring to lay hands on my people?"
At that very moment, an ancient voice echoed throughout the imperial city. Chen Banxian stood in the void, his gaze growing colder.
He had initially believed the rumors to be true, that the million-strong army of the White Dragon Dynasty had been annihilated. But now, it seemed there was still time. The people had not all perished, and he had arrived just in time.
"Chen Banxian, the Lord of the Divine Dragon Hall!"
Patriarch Jiutian's brow furrowed. The Divine Dragon Hall had existed long before he founded the Jiutian Dynasty and was quite renowned. It seemed Chen Banxian was no ordinary person.
"What happened today is a matter between dynasties. I hope you will not interfere," Patriarch Jiutian stated directly. "If any of your people are involved, you are welcome to take them, and I will not make things difficult. But if you intend to champion the White Dragon Dynasty, I will absolutely not agree."
"You have quite the nerve. After all these years, you've only reached the Half-Saint realm. What right do you have to speak to me like this?" Chen Banxian's expression was indifferent.
The onlookers were even more astonished. They had never imagined that Chen Banxian could see through Patriarch Jiutian's cultivation.
"So, this old fellow hasn't reached the Saint realm at all,"
Liu Qianjiao remarked, "He's merely a Half-Saint!"
"If he's only a Half-Saint, why is he so terrifying?"
Princess Linglong questioned, "Even my father emperor died at his hands."
"Although a Half-Saint is not a true Saint, they are far more powerful than those in the Venerable realm. Emperor Long, despite being at the ninth grade of the Spirit Venerable realm, was ultimately still a step short."
Liu Qianjiao shook her head helplessly. "If it weren't for this, we wouldn't be in such dire straits."
Princess Linglong's face was filled with grief, but she said no more. Her only thought now was to escape with Lu Fan, return to the White Dragon Dynasty, regroup, and then avenge their deep-seated hatred.
"Chen Banxian, I know you are not an ordinary person."
Patriarch Jiutian said coldly, "I also do not wish to be your enemy. But do not be too arrogant. With the power of the national destiny, I may yet be able to shatter you here. I hope you can see clearly."
"Since that's the case, why not give it a try!" Chen Banxian's expression was calm. "You dare to touch my woman, I will make you pay the price. Even if I destroy the Jiutian Dynasty, it would not be excessive!"
Liu Qianjiao was slightly stunned, and her face instantly flushed. She had not expected Chen Banxian to speak so boldly, so carelessly, causing her face to turn even redder.
"I said earlier that I did not wish to be your enemy. Since she is your woman, take her away," Patriarch Jiutian spoke again.
Meanwhile, within the Jiutian Dynasty, everyone's confidence began to waver. Previously, Patriarch Jiutian had been high-spirited and exuded a powerful deterrent force, but facing Chen Banxian now, he seemed somewhat inferior. This made them increasingly suspicious: was Patriarch Jiutian afraid of Chen Banxian?
This suspicion left them somewhat perplexed.
"You think I would leave so easily just because I came here personally?" Chen Banxian chuckled coldly. "Today, the Jiutian Dynasty's fate has run its course. You might as well end it yourself, to avoid me having to do it. It wouldn't look good for you if you were defeated."
"You are simply going too far! I have tolerated you repeatedly, wishing to avoid conflict, yet you mock me like this."
Patriarch Jiutian said sternly, "Do you truly believe I fear you?"
"Very well, then let us have a contest!"
Chen Banxian ascended into the air, carrying boundless might. Since he had come today, he intended to fight, otherwise, how could he be content?
"Sword, come!"
Patriarch Jiutian roared. The flying swords from within the Jiutian Dynasty converged towards the imperial city, forming a colossal dragon in the sky, controlled by sharp blades. It possessed the power to cleave mountains and rivers, and to sever the sun, moon, and stars.
Within the Jiulong Dynasty, the people were also deeply shocked and gazed towards the imperial palace. They wondered what kind of powerful being possessed such divine abilities as to gather the entire dynasty's flying swords, a feat that could be described as a thousand-mile summons.
"A fine 'Sword, come'."
Chen Banxian laughed heartily and then looked at Lu Fan. "Young man, could you lend me that Divine Emperor Cauldron?"
"Old man, since you've come for us, why would we refuse!"
Lu Fan smiled slightly and looked towards the Divine Emperor Cauldron. As if responding to the summons, the Divine Emperor Cauldron returned to Lu Fan's side in an instant.
"I have a cauldron that can suppress all things!"
Chen Banxian, half-jokingly, half-seriously, echoed Lu Fan's words. With Lu Fan's assistance, the Divine Emperor Cauldron slowly ascended into the sky. At that very moment, it radiated supreme divine power.
Sensing the shift in the situation, Patriarch Jiutian's expression instantly turned grim. If the Divine Emperor Cauldron were activated by Chen Banxian, he would surely meet his end. Even if he gathered the vast power of the Jiutian Dynasty's national destiny to form a national destiny great sword, it would be futile.
"One sword breaks ten thousand laws, ten thousand laws return to origin!"
Patriarch Jiutian chanted, and powerful sword energy surged forth, flying towards Chen Banxian. With the blessing of the national destiny, his strength had increased severalfold.
At this very moment, the Divine Emperor Cauldron also radiated supreme divine power. Chen Banxian was panting, realizing that even he could not fully activate the Divine Emperor Cauldron.
However, the aura emanating from the Divine Emperor Cauldron was already sufficient.
Boom...
In the mid-air, a booming sound erupted. The Divine Emperor Cauldron collided with the national destiny great sword, radiating bursts of divine might.
Seeing this, the onlookers also turned their gazes towards the sky. They knew very well that the outcome of this battle determined their own fate.
In the face of true powerhouses, they were no more than ants.
At this moment, Liu Qianjiao suddenly frowned. "No, this won't do. He has the power of national destiny supporting him. If this continues, he won't be able to hold on."