Chapter 497: When Time Ends, the

Outside the Demon Emperor's Huang Gong, the Abyssal Fire was like a pitch‑black abyss, bottomless.

Five Demon Kings stood within the flames, their silhouettes growing ever more ferocious in the firelight.

Yet the fire seemed to cause them no pain; instead, within it their Qi was rapidly recovering.

In just a moment, all their injuries were completely healed.

Moreover, their Qi was even stronger than before.

The Dark Demon King was already a peak‑strength at Level 92, only half a step away from Level 93.

Now, under this fire's baptism, it took another step; it believes that soon it will successfully advance to Level 93, becoming a true mid‑tier Demon King.

As the flames gradually faded, the Demon Emperor's deep, imposing voice sounded slowly: "You did well this time."

The Dark Demon King lowered his head, a trace of resentment flashing in his eyes: "Unfortunately, we failed to kill Jiang Chen."

The Demon Emperor's voice was without emotion: "He fled into the Shenlong Ancient City and commandeered the Ancient Thunder Tower; it is understandable that you could not kill him."

"Next time, look for another chance."

The hoarse voice of the Fire Spirit Demon King echoed through light and shadow: "Lord Demon Emperor, we will continue to seek opportunities and fulfill your command."

"Go."

The five Demon Kings dared not disobey; though some resentment lingered in their hearts, they obediently departed.

After they left, a faint voice resonated within the Huang Gong.

"Ice God's frost, why does it reappear in his hands?"

"It seems the venom of Black Heavenly King City also carries the aura of the God of Venom."

"Could it be that they

did not die?"

Even the Demon Emperor had to ponder this question, unable to find an answer for a moment.

At the center of the Shenlong Ancient City, the Ancient Thunder Tower stood tall, the soul of the entire ancient city.

Inside the Ancient Thunder Tower, Jiang Chen was passing through the Thunder Core, glimpsing some wondrous scenes.

These scenes seemed like long‑sealed memories, quietly awakened by the Thunder Core.

Deep within the Thunder Core, the complete construction process of the Shenlong Ancient City was recorded.

This history had never been seen by anyone, entirely different from the history recorded by the Human Race.

According to the Thunder Core's records, the location of the Shenlong Ancient City was originally a barren land inhabited by various strange monsters.

And at the center of those monsters, Jiang Chen also saw a gigantic BOSS.

Its massive size radiated a heart‑pounding aura; clearly it was a World-Class BOSS, at least Above Level 80.

One day, suddenly, a majestic city materialized in the sky.

It was not large, yet it descended from the heavens, crashing onto the barren land.

In an instant, all the monsters on the wasteland vanished, even that fearsome World-Class BOSS could not escape, falling dead on the spot.

Although the city was dilapidated, scarred by time, its emanating majesty and power were not to be underestimated.

To slay a World-Class BOSS in a single strike showcases its might.

After the city touched the ground, it quickly rooted itself in the earth, beginning to draw the land's energy.

These energies were used to repair the city's damage, gradually reviving it.

As time passed, the city's scale began to gradually

shrink.

During this process, the Ancient Thunder Tower rose slowly from the city's center, initially also battered, as if it had endured a great battle.

After the baptism of years, the Ancient Thunder Tower and the city repaired together, eventually regaining their brilliance.

By now the city had shrunk to a tenth of its original size, taking its current form, yet still magnificent.

During this process, the earth underwent earth‑shattering changes.

The once barren land has now become the only flourishing city in the Lower Space.

With the passage of time, the ancient city refined itself through self‑repair, its accumulated energy growing ever larger.

A thousand years ago, the ancestors of Long Guo arrived here, and this mysterious city was thus named the Shenlong Ancient City.

However, before the Shenlong ancestors arrived, others had already set foot on this land.

But without exception, none could enter this mysterious ancient city.

These pieces of information buried in the dust of history have now been uncovered one by one by Jiang Chen.

He is even more convinced that a profound rupture must exist in the history of the Human Race.

In the distant past, some earth‑shaking events must have occurred, reshaping the world's order.

"It's unbelievable that such a formidable city once suffered such devastation."

"Even now, before it shows its full form, it already wields such power; if its firepower were fully unleashed in its complete form, perhaps it could truly stand against the Demon Emperor."

Jiang Chen felt hopeful, yet he also knew that with his current abilities he was still far from reaching such heights.

After viewing this historical record, Jiang Chen left the Ancient Thunder Tower and returned to reality.

Just as he stepped out of the Ancient Thunder Tower, he ran straight into the three members of Feng Xinghe.

"Greetings, three seniors." Jiang Chen always maintained a respectful attitude toward Divine-level Strongmen.

Divine-level Strongmen, each having endured countless life‑and‑death trials, have reached this point.

Jiang Chen's demeanor was humble and courteous, and Feng Xinghe and the others were very polite to him.

Divine-level Strongmen hold a status comparable to Divine Generals, yet Jiang Chen's displayed strength and potential earned their respect.

Especially when they saw the three‑star Divine General Badge on Jiang Chen's shoulder, a flash of surprise crossed their eyes.

Especially when they saw the three‑star Divine General Badge on Jiang Chen's shoulder, a trace of surprise flashed in their eyes.

Jiang Chen was able to slay the Flame Demon King; of course the Flame Demon King had its own reasons, but then he also killed two Divine-level Strongmen, a record that is truly shocking.

This not only shows Jiang Chen's great power, but also shows he possesses the courage and wisdom to confront Divine-level Strongmen head‑on.

What shocked them most was Jiang Chen's level.

Only level 53, yet already possessing such strength; if he reaches Third Transcendence and even steps into Divine Level, what heights will his power reach?

The three, stunned, their thoughts whirled, and their attitude toward Jiang Chen grew increasingly friendly.

They chatted with Jiang Chen for a while, their tone gentle, without any hint of arrogance or prejudice.

Time rushed by, and at the final moment, Feng Xinghe and the other two had to return to Deep Space.

After they left, Feng Yiming finally let out a sigh of relief.

Unlike Jiang Chen, he always felt an indescribable pressure when facing three Divine-level Strongmen.

The aura naturally radiating from Divine-level Strongmen made him feel somewhat suffocated.

Feng Yiming whispered to Jiang Chen, "Divine General Jiang, although the Demons were defeated this time, they certainly will not give up easily; you must be extra careful from now on."

Jiang Chen nodded

, indicating his understanding, "I will stay a few more days, and leave after the Primordial Rune fully merges. Do you know the exact location of the Yuan Shi Mi Jing?"

Feng Yiming shook his head, saying he was not quite sure, "I will send someone to inquire and give you an answer as soon as possible."

Jiang Chen expressed gratitude, "Then I'll trouble you, Captain Feng."

In the days that followed, Jiang Chen did not leave the ancient city, calmly cultivating here.

This ancient city is full of mystery and wonder; its current appearance is not its true form.

Moreover, it was not built by the Shenlong Empire as historical records claim.

Its history stretches far longer than that of the Shenlong Empire.

Jiang Chen's heart brimmed with anticipation; he longed to see, should the ancient city one day regain its former grandeur, what scene it would present.

He sat on the ground, closed his eyes and focused his spirit, feeling the pulse of the ancient city.

The ancient city seemed to resonate with the earth, constantly drawing in its energy and storing power.

Even after more than a thousand years, it still appeared to have a massive energy void that needed filling.

Jiang Chen could sense, from the thunder core, the ancient city's craving and demand for energy.

As time passed, his heartbeat gradually synchronized with the city's pulse, as if he and the city had become one.

In his mind, the powerful heartbeat of the ancient city rang out.

He breathed with the city, shared its fate, feeling every beat and breath.

Deep beneath the city, a massive and intricate formation was quietly operating, its intricacy leaving one in awe.

Immediately after, a seal flew out from this formation, traversing layer upon layer of space, finally entering Jiang Chen's Spirit world.

From this moment, Jiang Chen was astonished

to discover that an indescribable connection had been established between him and the ancient city.

A stir in his heart made him understand this was the city's recognition of him.

This recognition resembled the scene when the ancestors of the Shenlong Empire obtained the city's permission to enter millennia ago; though now still faint, it already brings many benefits.

The most notable benefit is that he can instantly return to the ancient city from any corner of the Ancient Battlefield.

Neither Deep Space nor Upper Space, nor even those mysterious Secret Realms, can block his steps back to the city.

This ability undoubtedly gives him great security.

Within the ancient city, Jiang Chen seemed to have an eternal haven; no matter how the world outside swirls, he can find peace and shelter here.

Days later, the light of the Primordial Rune began to fade gradually, its trial period finally reaching its end.

Then the Rune began to merge with Jiang Chen's body, and everyone in the city held their breath, watching the scene.

Their eyes held envy, but more so respect and blessings for Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen's greatness had already deeply impressed everyone; his gaining such an opportunity was truly expected by all.

As the Red Light completely vanished, a new Primordial Rune appeared on the back of Jiang Chen's right hand.

"It's the character 'zhě'." Jiang Chen whispered.

With the appearance of this character, a new power surged into his body, and simultaneously his mind gained a new Skill—Gathering Power.

Gathering Power: can gather the power of a specified Summoned Entity, inherit all its skills, and fuse part of its attributes. Duration 5 minutes, cooldown 60 minutes.

Jiang Chen studied

the description of this Skill carefully, his heart full of anticipation.

He could not gauge the strength of this Skill, but since it was bestowed by the Primordial Rune, it could not be trivial.

"Let's try it!" Jiang Chen's heart stirred, and he immediately summoned Nether Spirit Wings of Lightning, preparing to fly beyond the ancient city to test this new Skill's power.