42: On the return journey, they broke through the ambush and joined forces, devising tactics to prepare for a breakthrough into the core.

At the bottom of the Abyss of Fallen Gods, the Origin Pool shimmered with a faint golden light. Nian Xue held A Qing’s hand, splashing shallow ripples by the pool’s edge. Origin Light Spots clung to her skirt, resembling scattered stardust.

"A Qing, look! These Light Spots follow me!" Nian Xue laughed and spun around. The Light Spots circled her in a small loop, causing A Qing to clap her hands and giggle.

Lin Chen leaned against the Rock Wall, watching the figures of the two children. His fingertips unconsciously stroked the Heavenly Dao Grade Crystal Core—this was the key to his Breakthrough, and also his confidence in fighting the Heavenly Dao.

Qing Xue walked to his side and handed him a bottle of refined origin liquid. "Drink this to replenish the Origin you expended just now. We still have a long journey back."

Lin Chen took it and downed it in one go. The origin liquid turned into a warm current in his throat. His Divine Thought swept the surroundings. "We've rested enough. Let's head back; don't keep the Dragon Clan waiting."

The group ascended the stone steps. The Star Spirit Clan Leader held up a crystal, its light steadily blocking the Origin Storm. The Ice Marks on the steps were left by Qing Xue earlier, making the climb exceptionally steady.

As soon as they exited the entrance of the Abyss of Fallen Gods, Lin Chen’s Divine Thought suddenly tensed—behind the rocks on both sides of the mountain path ahead, fifteen Eternal Rank Middle Stage auras were hidden, along with a black Origin Interference Device.

These Heavenly Dao Remnants did not rush out rashly. Instead, they activated the interference device, and Faint Black Ripples spread out, attempting to weaken everyone's Law Power—clearly, they had received news from spies and set up an ambush.

"Husband, our Origin circulation has slowed down!" Qing Xue’s face changed slightly, and the light of the Ice and Snow Domain dimmed a bit.

"A petty trick." Lin Chen snorted coldly. The Space Law instantly locked onto the interference device. He teleported next to it and smashed it down fiercely with Void Power.

"Crack—" The interference device shattered, and the black ripples dissipated. The Remnants hiding behind the rocks finally charged out. The leader held a Heavenly Dao Battle Saber and struck directly at Nian Xue.

"How dare you touch my daughter!" Lin Chen teleported to block Nian Xue, and the Ancient Gods Pressure erupted instantly, causing the Remnants' movements to freeze.

Qing Xue seized the opportunity to expand the Ice and Snow Domain, sending purple-hued ice blades shooting out like a torrential rain toward the Remnants. The Dragon Guards simultaneously spat Dragon Breath, the Crimson Firelight intertwining with the Cyan-Blue Light Arrows, forming an inescapable net of death.

The leader tried to swing his saber in resistance, but Lin Chen’s Anti-Heavenly Dao Rule had already slapped onto his chest. His battle saber flew from his grasp, and his body turned to ashes, leaving behind only an Eternal Rank Middle Stage crystal core.

The remaining Remnants saw the situation was dire and tried to flee, but they were intercepted by the Metal Clan’s Laser Net. The Stone Skin Clan moved in to deliver the Finishing Blows. In a moment, all fifteen were killed, yielding fifteen Eternal Rank crystal cores.

Lin Chen picked up the crystal cores and activated Sublimation: the first time promoted to Legendary Rank, the second time reaching Mythical Rank. His Origin Aura tripled in density, and he distributed it to everyone for absorption.

After absorption, Lin Chen’s Origin Concentration rose from 55% to 60%, and his Divine Thought expanded to 290 kilometers; Qing Xue rose from 38% to 43%, and her Ice and Snow Law became more solidified; Nian Xue rose from 51% to 56%, and the mark on her forehead shone a brighter Purplish-Gold.

The group continued their journey, finally returning to the Azure Dragon Realm by evening. On the plaza in front of the Main Hall, the Dragon Clan and Elf Clan were already waiting—the Elf Clan Chief had brought ten epic-grade Archers, their auras pure.

"Lord Lin Chen, you are finally back!" The Elf Clan Chief stepped forward and handed over a map of the Core of the Myriad Heavens. "This is the Core Layout we scouted."

Lin Chen took the map. It marked the core's three layers of defense: the outermost layer was the Heavenly Dao Puppet Array, the middle layer was the Origin Shield, and the innermost layer was the Altar of the heavenly dao main body.

The Dragon Race Chief said gravely, "We have discussed the allied forces' deployment. Lord Lin Chen will lead the Core Team to attack the Altar, the Dragon Clan will hold off the outer Puppets, and the Elf Clan will break the middle layer's shield."

"Nian Xue’s Void Talent might be able to break the core rules," Qing Xue suddenly spoke, pointing at Nian Xue. "Her Origin can slightly Neutralize Heavenly Dao energy."

Everyone's gaze fell upon Nian Xue. She was hugging A Qing’s neck, and upon hearing this, she nodded her little head. "Nian Xue will help Daddy!"

Lin Chen rubbed her head and said solemnly, "Good. Nian Xue, stay by my side. At the crucial moment, use your Little Light Orb to smash the bad rules."

The Elf Clan Chief handed over ten 'Water-Breaking Crystals.' "These can temporarily weaken the Origin Shield; you will find them useful."

Lin Chen took the crystals, Sublimated them twice to Dao-Grade, and distributed them to the Core Team members. "We set off first thing tomorrow morning. There are only two days left until the Ritual; we cannot delay."

That night, the Main Hall of the Azure Dragon Realm was brightly lit. Members of various clans checked their equipment and distributed supplies: the Metal Clan calibrated Laser Weapons, the Repair Clan reinforced Origin Shields, and the Star Spirit Clan calibrated map coordinates.

Nian Xue leaned against Lin Chen’s chest, listening to A Qing narrate Dragon Clan legends. Her little eyelids gradually grew heavy, and she finally fell asleep under Lin Chen’s gentle pats.

Qing Xue helped Lin Chen straighten his collar and whispered, "Husband, be careful tomorrow. The strength of the heavenly dao main body is definitely not weak."

"Don't worry. With you and Nian Xue here, nothing will happen to me." Lin Chen held her hand, his gaze fixed outside the window—the night sky of the Azure Dragon Realm was full of stars, like countless expectant eyes.

The next morning, the allied forces were assembled: Lin Chen led Qing Xue, Nian Xue, and core members from various clans, totaling twenty people, forming the Assault Team; three hundred Dragon Guards were stationed on the outer perimeter; fifty Elf Clan Archers were responsible for breaching defenses.

"Move out!" Lin Chen gave the order, and the team stepped into the morning light toward the direction of the Core of the Myriad Heavens. Nian Xue sat on the Dragon’s back, clutching the Void Jade Pendant in her small hand, her gaze firm.

In his Divine Sense, an increasingly strong Heavenly Dao aura emanated from the direction of the Core of the Myriad Heavens. A decisive battle that would determine the survival of all races was about to commence.