Chapter 621: Suppressed for Ten Thousand Ages, Qi Tian Dares to Battle the Tathagata, the Chess Saint's Opportunity

Three-World Tathagata!

Heisu Mi's First Buddha!

Qi Tian's voice was deep and solemn, as if confronting an insurmountable high mountain, the pressure so great it poured out of his words.

The entire sheer cliff mountain was shrouded by the terrifying phantom of a great Buddha, and the Buddha Light emanating from the summit toward every spot below surged like tides, probing for the shadows of the Prison Lotus camp's deities.

Nowhere to hide; every corner was locked on!

The Buddha Light bathed all, containing energy that could reverse life and death, as if the breath of life and death circulated within; within the light, Buddha after Buddha and Arhats were born, racing forward.

It seemed they were born in strict obedience to the Buddha's will, to seek the gods of the Prison Lotus camp!

The sheer cliff mountain cut off the connection between Primordial Thunder Heaven and the Ten Earths; beyond the cliff beyond Primordial Thunder Heaven lies the Primordial Thunder Land, one of the Ten Earths, and Prison Lotus Land lies adjacent to it.

At this moment, countless Buddha Lights shone, each immortal aura like a solid pillar reaching the heavens, piercing heaven and earth, as if transmitted into the Nine Heavens' firmament.

Sheets of flowing light flickered, like silk threads, strands upon strands blooming atop the cliff peak, as if tearing the sky into countless holes!

"Too many immortals block us; it's hard to cross the sheer cliff, indeed... the immortals of the three great divine camps of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths have long resolved to block us at the cliff of Primordial Thunder Heaven."

"Even if we are above the Endless Sea, should a trace appear and we engage, they won't rush, they simply turn and hold this spot, waiting for us."

"This is the inevitable path; we cannot bypass it."

The Prison Lotus Fire on the Third Prince's body began to ignite, a resolute intent spreading outward, terrifying killing intent and malice bursting from him.

He has already resolved to make a desperate gamble, at least to send Li Che and Xixi into Prison Lotus Land.

This battle cannot be bypassed; even with the most bizarre means, facing the blockades erected by countless immortals, a silent crossing over the mountain into Prison Lotus Land is impossible.

Qi Tian Jia burst forth with ultimate dazzling brilliance, and Qi Tian's will began to stir, as if burning.

For them, this battle presents great difficulty and challenge.

Three-World Tathagata, as Heisu Mi's First Buddha, in terms of combat power is on the same level as the Qiuyao Cave's Empress Wa and the two Witch Emperors, and equal to the immortal Divine Emperors of the Dark Heavenly Court and the Tongtian Divine Emperor!

Such beings, standing at the pinnacle of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, should not act at this moment.

Yet, this time they wish to cross the sheer cliff, and the Three-World Tathagata still came.

Moreover, more than Heisu Mi's Three-World Tathagata arrived.

"Three-World Tathagata comprises three Tathagatas of past, present, and future; each possesses immense combat power, wielding a primordial Dao force, each at the level of heavenly immortals."

The Third Prince said in a deep voice.

"Back then, Qi Tian clashed with Heisu Mi's Three-World Tathagata and was suppressed..."

Qi Tian Jia clanged incessantly; Qi Tian bore the wish-fulfilling golden hoop staff, his expression solemn, no longer smiling mischievously.

Even his eyes held a long-missed spark of battle intent, a will to rewrite destiny.

"Beyond immortals, there are many Nirvana Kings and Path-Cutting Deities; the three great divine camps each have massive armies arrayed on the sheer cliff, blocking our way."

"In addition, there are two great ancient villages of the Two Saints, Emperor Hong Ancient Village and Taiyi Ancient Village... each hides immortals, poised to act."

Li Che's eyes flashed up, the mud bead at his brow tearing flesh, his star-plucked pupils reflecting ultimate brilliance, gazing ahead, taking everything in.

He clearly captured the scene atop the cliff peak, seeing countless divine auras of the gods.

In fact, after Li Che absorbed and refined the primordial source of Primordial Thunder Heaven, he seemed to gain some insight into the origin of divinity.

Divinity appears linked to the earlier immortal Thunder Eel and Thunder Tiger, and the primordial palace they summoned in the Source Sea.

However, Li Che has only just touched the mystery of the immortal tier, so he cannot yet discern its true nature.

This can only be considered his speculation, lacking concrete evidence.

Boom—

The torrent of Buddha Light poured down at high speed.

Li Che and the other two's eyes all grew solemn.

The Heaven-and-Earth Chessboard rotated, its crisscrossing paths enveloping the three, and the Buddha Light torrent struck the chessboard fiercely.

Dong—!!!

It was as if the oldest Buddha bell atop the Heavenly Mountain was struck hard, its resonant tone shaking all of Primordial Thunder Heaven, vast and spreading across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

The invisible sound waves rippled outward, spreading in all directions.

"Cannot penetrate; it has been probed out."

Li Che sighed.

The Heaven-and-Earth Chessboard is his most wondrous and unique method to date.

Unfortunately, the rank of the Chess Saint Dao Fruit has not yet achieved the Eight Metamorphoses, so he cannot disregard this Buddha Light surge.

The collision's shockwave made the Buddha Light erupt into countless scattering splashes!

These exploding splashes were accompanied by vast, profound Buddha chants.

Then, in midair, they formed one after another, Buddha Lights coalescing into crystal-like Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats!

Various Buddha chants!

Beams of Buddha Light shone, striking the three within the Heaven-and-Earth Chessboard fiercely.

"Roll!"

The Third Prince stepped forward; beneath his foot, the Prison Lotus Wind-Fire Golden Light Wheel clanged, instantly manifesting his true form with eight arms and three faces.

He opened his mouth with a roar, unleashing the terrifying Prison Lotus curse power with a thunderous release!

At once, the myriad gods and Buddhas above, under that roar, all exploded into Buddha Light.

Swoosh—

Li Che, Qi Tian, and the Third Prince could no longer conceal their forms, nor bother to keep hiding.

Li Che spread his five fingers like a ladle, raised his palm, and lifted the Heaven-and-Earth Chessboard.

His gaze was deep, his expression exceedingly solemn, staring at the cliff peak.

A terrifying pressure descended, heaven and earth's laws interwoven; even immortals and the source were restrained, unable to unleash swift moves on the sheer cliff.

The will of Heaven and Earth reaches its utmost in this mountain's primal rule power.

"Go!"

Qi Tian lifted the Ruyi Golden Cudgel with one hand and surged forward first.

Even atop the summit, with countless Immortals, myriad deities, and an army pressing the front, Qi Tian still showed no retreat.

Even atop the summit, the Third Tathagata sat in command, a Buddha visage so massive it blocked the sky, gazing down.

Qi Tian still did not halt.

Having regained a life, he still feared not the Buddha and dared to swing his staff, for he is a Battle Victor!

"It truly arrived."

"Fortunately the Immortal Third Tathagata is stationed, otherwise those three from the Prison Lotus camp would have silently passed through Sheer Cliff Mountain."

An Immortal from the Cunning Demon Cave squinted, demonic aura soaring, and couldn't help sighing.

"However, now they have revealed their trace; stepping onto Prison Lotus ground is absolutely impossible…"

"Facing the heavenly net above Sheer Cliff Mountain, who can break the deadlock?"

A faint laughing voice came from each Immortal; though they smile, their eyes are exceedingly cold.

Dead, several Immortals have died.

In this Eighth Generation God Tide, the Prison Lotus maiden has not fully awakened yet, yet the killing calamity has already begun, and Immortals are starting to fall.

First came the God‑slaying Immortals, then the God‑killing Immortals, and now two Immortals from the Cunning Demon Cave have perished.

The sense of crisis from these successive Immortal falls made all present Immortals feel an intense unease.

Thus this blocking operation arose; they refuse to let the Prison Lotus maiden continue to grow, seeking to curb her and cut off the gods of the Prison Lotus camp from returning to Prison Lotus ground.

This generation's Prison Lotus maiden is somewhat strange; once she descends onto Prison Lotus ground, she may spawn endless calamities, or may undergo a great transformation.

"Charge!"

"Qi Tian, you and I will cover Li Che's breakthrough; as long as Xixi returns to Prison Lotus ground, the Prison Lotus camp still has a chance. This life's God Tide may truly end, reshuffling the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths!"

The Third Prince grasped a flame‑tipped spear, Prison Lotus fire spreading like tide around, the blaze scorching, warping the void.

The difficulty is great!

There are too many Immortals, chiefly because Hei Xu Mi brought a Third Tathagata!

"Lao Sun will meet the Third Tathagata!"

Qi Tian twisted his neck and swung the Ruyi Golden Cudgel fiercely.

"Senior Qi Tian, wait a moment."

Seeing Qi Tian about to somersault onto the summit to battle the Third Tathagata, Li Che hurriedly called him back.

After Li Che etched the seventh Heaven‑and‑Earth Ancient Talisman, he could raise Qi Tian Jia another rank!

Qi Tian's will instantly comprehended.

Li Che landed behind Qi Tian Jia, spreading his five fingers, and within his chest, a celestial Dao fruit thumped wildly.

A palm struck down fiercely onto Qi Tian Jia.

On Qi Tian Jia, six Heaven‑and‑Earth Ancient Talismans instantly manifested, and when the seventh also emerged…

Qi Tian Jia's aura rose step by step, each mechanism divine seal on it bursting with furnace‑like scorching brilliance!

The primal furnace in his chest continued to quake.

"Alright, alright!"

"Lao Sun feels a distinct state!"

Qi Tian's eyes became exceedingly blazing.

Clack clack clack—

But Li Che couldn't help frowning, sensing it was rather tricky.

"Seven Heaven‑and‑Earth Ancient Talismans, Qi Tian Jia's material… some cannot bear it."

"Senior Qi Tian, act within our strength; let's try to outwit the mountain. With so many Immortals stationed, forcing a kill would be very hard," Li Che said.

This is the most difficult situation Li Che has faced so far.

Within the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, the rarely seen Immortals all emerged, nearly blocking their path into the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

Now Qi Tian Jia, bearing seven Heaven‑and‑Earth Ancient Talismans, is at its limit, and under Qi Tian's full‑willed control, it may even collapse.

Thus Li Che hurriedly reminded them.

To break the deadlock requires thought; outwitting is the way, we can plan long‑term.

Originally Li Che intended to enter Prison Lotus ground first, then perform God‑Detainment, binding the God‑killing Immortal, the Thunder Eel and Thunder Tiger Immortals as aid.

But now it seems too late.

He must also summon more Immortals to boost his side's strength and confidence.

With a flick of his finger, two black pieces shot out, instantly expanding in the air, their sword‑like clang flashing wildly.

It is the God‑slaying Immortal, gripping the God‑slaying Sword, its sword intent fierce.

Also the Immortal Sparrow Emperor, whose shining wings are like knives.

When the two appear, they unhesitatingly guard Li Che's side.

Boom—!!!

A terrifying roar vibrated, a vast Buddha light seemed to become an enormous hand, covering the sky.

Qi Tian stepped down, the whole Sheer Cliff Mountain seemed to quake, his staff rose, the Ruyi Golden Cudgel emitting dazzling brilliance.

He surged upward like a falling star, tearing the cosmic trajectory, its radiant brilliance shining!

Boom—!!!

A cataclysmic collision shook the entire Sheer Cliff Mountain, as if it would burst apart under the strain.

Qi Tian and the Third Tathagata's palm clash in a world‑shaking collision.

Yet, even though the Third Tathagata struck, he could not shatter Qi Tian.

He is a being comparable to the level of the goddess Kua, and his strike brings pressure like a divine mountain collapsing!

Clack—clack—

Countless cracks appear on the surface of the Mechanical Armor; Qi Tian, gripping the Ruyi Golden Hoop Staff with one hand, shows snarling fissures on his body like blazing abyssal rifts, radiating brilliance!

On the cliffs of the mountain, many Immortals' expressions shift, some horrified, their scalp tingling.

Qi Tian is that strong?!

In this Eighth Generation God Tide, Qi Tian can still restore his peak combat power.

No! The current Qi Tian is even stronger than his own prime.

Even in the First Generation God Tide, a peak‑state Qi Tian could not withstand the Third Tathagata's palm and was directly suppressed.

A top‑tier existence among the Immortals of Heaven is no mere empty title!

Hum—

Above the sky, an enormous Buddha face opens its slender eyes, and Buddha Light, like the first sunrise tearing through darkness, sweeps down continuously.

It then contracts completely into a single beam.

The beam, at mid‑mountain, like a spotlight, illuminates a white‑robed monk standing with his palms clasped.

His eyebrows are delicate, eyes bright, skin crystal‑clear, lips red and teeth white, like a youthful monk from myth, untouched by the scars of time.

"Qi Tian, you have grown stronger, yet you… have also grown weaker."

The monk speaks, his voice revealing no joy, anger, sorrow or delight, as if drifting from the void of time, ethereal.

He is the past Tathagata, a youthful Tathagata who emerged from the long river of bygone years, full of vigor and upright at his peak.

Qi Tian's body is riddled with cracks, yet he pays no mind; seven ancient Heaven‑and‑Earth talismans rotate around him, elevating his aura to the summit.

"Hehe… back then Buddha's palm suppressed me; now Old Sun no longer believes in the evil, let Old Sun's big staff try Buddha's depths again!"

Bang!

Millions of Mechanical Nine Divine Seals ignite simultaneously, the fire of the Heaven‑and‑Earth veins surges out, turning the Qi Tian Armor completely into a Fire Monkey!

The cracks on the Qi Tian Armor seem to become abyssal fissures, with magma constantly bubbling within them!

Qi Tian darts out in an instant; the Heaven‑and‑Earth rules that fill the cliff press him, yet he lands a step away and still performs a somersault, appearing before the white‑robed past Tathagata, hammering down a fierce staff strike!

Do not claim it was suppressed for a single lifetime!

Even if suppressed for hundreds, thousands, ten‑thousands of lifetimes, Qi Tian still dares to swing the Golden Hoop Staff!

Battle the Tathagata!

…

…

The Third Prince grips a fire‑tipped spear, his gaze cold, his black hair hanging upside down strand by strand.

Revealing his true form, he has eight arms and three faces, a blue visage with fangs, fierce and terrifying, with Prison‑Lotus fire blazing around him.

His gaze sweeps over the many Immortals atop the mountain, murderous intent surging.

Li Che slowly sits cross‑legged on the ground; he intends to bind spirits, to simultaneously bind the three Immortals.

He has only one chance; he does not wish to waste it, hoping to gather enough Immortal corpses before binding spirits.

But the current situation may no longer be in his control.

The Heaven‑and‑Earth Chessboard erupts outward, spiraling to entangle in all directions.

Swish—swish—…

Buddha Light rolls like a tide, repeatedly lashing, forcibly compressing the Chessboard's expansion.

Behind that Buddha Light seems an unfathomable presence pulling the strings.

Li Che sits at the center of the Heaven‑and‑Earth Chessboard, enveloped by countless radiance, making his body appear hazy, as if ungraspable.

During the clash between the Heaven‑and‑Earth Chessboard and Buddha Light, the Chess Sage Dao Fruit bounces incessantly, seeming to grow larger with each collision.

Li Che feels a slight ripple in his heart, a hint of astonishment appearing.

Could this Buddha Light perhaps aid the Chess Sage Dao Fruit in striking the Eight Metamorphoses?

Regardless, the contest between the Chessboard and Buddha Light continues; if Buddha Light recedes, Li Che can use the Chessboard to completely erase their presence, vanishing with Qi Tian and the Third Prince from the cliff mountain.

But now it's impossible; they are restrained.

This is Li Che's first time the Heaven‑and‑Earth Chessboard is restrained, yet it also presents a rare chance for the Chess Sage Dao Fruit.

The clash of Buddha Light with the Chessboard is like two top‑level players dueling.

Li Che exhales, his thoughts shifting.

He lets the God‑slaying Immortal stay by his side, while the Immortal Sparrow Emperor charges out, cooperating with the Third Prince to confront the Immortals of the three great divine camps and the two great second‑saint ancient villages.

Li Che no longer pays attention to the battle's state.

He immerses his whole being, intent on forcibly binding spirits to increase his side's Immortal count to meet the crisis!

The Immortals of the divine camps refuse to let Li Che bring Xixi into the Prison‑Lotus realm.

That means they are also fearful, yet Li Che insists on breaking through!

Suddenly, the Third Prince's expression shifts slightly, the Prison‑Lotus curse power erupts fully; he roars, turning into a straight black line that slashes out fiercely on the mountain path.

The fire‑tipped spear trembles, and in its rotation, it thrusts out violently.

A terrifying sacred sword slices out, clanging, deflecting the fire‑tipped spear; the released pressure propels the Third Prince, whose legs ride a wind‑fire wheel, sliding down the mountain path.

The void tears open, revealing a massive, towering figure bearing a dark‑iron‑like great sword, stepping down the path step by step.

As he descends, the pressure emanating from him rises ever higher.

Unlike the terrifying sword‑intent pressure of the Tongtian Divine Emperor, this newcomer also wields a sword, but his pressure is that of an emperor!

"Emperor Hong Ancient Village, Human Emperor Hong!"

The Third Prince's expression was solemn.

The common ruler of the indigenous human race of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, Human Emperor Hong!

A towering man, clad entirely in golden armor, dazzling and majestic, gazed at the Third Prince with a detached look.

His five fingers grasped the Great Sword, forcefully pressing down, and the terrifying blade flash suddenly slashed toward the Third Prince.

"First‑generation Prison Lotus Son?"

"Root of the chaotic world, in this life, should not reappear!"

Human Emperor Hong spoke with utter coldness.

Bang—!!

The terrifying sword cut the Third Prince, sending him flying backward uncontrollably, tearing a gorge through the mountain path.

Human Emperor Hong is the Heavenly Immortal of Emperor Hong Ancient Village, also an imperial‑level Heavenly Immortal on par with Empress Wa and the Heaven‑Connecting Divine Emperor.

The pressure the Third Prince faces now is the same as Qi Tian's.

The Third Prince let out a cold laugh.

"What arrogance does a fallen Human Emperor of the indigenous Nine Heavens and Ten Earths still display in this life? He should have been half buried in the yellow mud long ago, an old undead!"

The Third Prince clenched the Flame‑tipped Spear with his five fingers, and Prison Lotus swirled within his eyes.

Immediately, one Prison Lotus after another floated around him, slowly blooming, countless black flames emanating from the blossoming Prison Lotus, coiling around his body like cursed flood serpents.

In the next moment, with a bang, countless Prison Lotus exploded.

The terrifying power transformed entirely into black, flower‑like patterns etched onto the Third Prince's body.

Dense cracks appeared; as the Third Prince let out a low growl, the Prison Lotus stalks split, as if about to shatter into endless lotus pulp. He intended to abandon his flesh and burn his origin.

In return, the Prison Lotus curse flared intensely, burning to the pinnacle, rising step by step, becoming the First‑generation Prison Lotus Son, an embodiment of the will of heaven and earth.

Black flames flickered behind him, his black hair dancing wildly like algae.

The Third Prince pointed the Flame‑tipped Spear from afar, murderous intent rolling.

"I, the First‑generation Prison Lotus Son, will first take this life's Prison Lotus Daughter, and capture you…"

(End of Chapter)