Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Demon Emperor’s Coffin
"Can you come, but I can’t?"
Ji Chen slowly walked to the front of the crowd, locking gazes with the numerous Ancient Race cultivators present.
"You killed so many of my Ancient Race in Yao City, and you still dare to show up. You really have a death wish!" A powerful demon race member stepped out with a cold snort, then strode forward aggressively, his clenched fist aiming a punch at Ji Chen.
"Bang!"
In an instant, Ji Chen sent the demon race member flying with a single punch.
In this underground palace, everyone’s cultivation was suppressed to nothing, and Ji Chen, possessing the Hongmeng Body, had an absolute advantage.
This was why he dared to stand before everyone without any fear of the Ancient Race.
"Want to fight? I’m happy to oblige."
Ji Chen stood quietly, his face showing no fear.
"You!"
The demon race member who was struck back appeared slightly pale now.
The power of the Hongmeng Body shocked him, and the force of that punch far exceeded his expectations.
"Now that the Emperor’s Tomb is ahead of us, we’ve worked together to come this far, why the need for anger? Any grievances should be set aside for the moment."
Quickly, a veteran human race expert stepped out, hoping to mediate.
"This isn’t the place for a fight; for now, let’s focus on finding a way to open the stone gate," said an Ancient Race expert.
They all recognized that Ji Chen’s Hongmeng Body would likely mean disadvantage for the Ancient Race in a fight.
Moreover, they all knew Ji Chen was skilled in Array Dao; it’s rumored he had acquired Emperor Ye’s Cen Ling Array Tome and might truly have a way to break the seal on this stone gate.
"How confident are you, young friend, in breaking this seal on the gate?" Fan Lao inquired.
Having studied Array Dao for many years, he considered himself one of the few equals in Beiyou.
Yet Ji Chen’s mastery of Array Dao earned Fan Lao’s respect.
It’s said Lingyun Sect’s Mountain Protection Array was so strong it could withstand a Saint’s attack without breaking.
Additionally, Ji Chen once sealed Yao City with a grand array, slaying countless Ancient Race cultivators.
All these demonstrated Ji Chen’s insights in Array Dao were at least on par with his own.
"There’s no certainty, but trying doesn’t cost anything," Ji Chen said.
Actually, he could have chosen not to step forward and waited till these powerful forces exhausted their efforts before trying alone. That would be the best strategy.
But Ji Chen harbored some concerns, for he truly had no idea what dangers lay behind the stone gate.
If he broke the seal now and allowed these mighty forces to pave the way, he could respond promptly should any accident occur.
Moreover, possessing the Hongmeng Body, if some earth-shattering treasure appeared behind this stone gate, Ji Chen felt quite assured he could seize it.
Soon, he approached the stone gate and began scrutinizing it.
He tried several methods but ultimately failed to break the stone gate.
An Ancient Race cultivator couldn’t resist sneering and mocking, "If you lack the skill, don’t pretend to be a hero. The array patterns set by the Great Emperor aren’t something ordinary people can break."
"If you dare speak another word, I don’t mind breaking your mouth."
Ji Chen’s gaze shifted as he stared at the speaker.
"You!"
The Ancient Race expert instantly grew furious, eager to strike Ji Chen down.
Fortunately, someone beside him immediately restrained him.
After all, in this underground palace, where cultivation couldn’t be used, the Hongmeng Body could sweep all around, and against Ji Chen, they’d undoubtedly suffer.
Time passed, and after about half an hour, after attempting countless ways unsuccessfully, Ji Chen was considering giving up.
But during his last attempt, the seal on the stone gate surprisingly began to loosen.
"The seal is broken?"
Seeing this, everyone’s faces lit up with joy, rushing forward.
Once the seal was fully removed and the stone gate opened, the Emperor’s Treasure behind it would surely spark countless fights; only those who seize the initiative will prevail.
"Open!"
With Ji Chen’s light shout, the seal on the stone gate completely dissipated, and the tightly closed stone gate showed signs of loosening for the first time.
"If not now, then when?"
Someone laughed and rushed forward, pushing the stone gate firmly.
"Creak!"
Soon, the tightly shut stone gates were opened.
A putrid scent surged out, wafting towards them.
Ji Chen stepped back two paces without entering immediately because he wasn’t sure if any dangers lurked inside.
But the others were anxious; the Emperor’s Tomb lay ahead, a supreme opportunity.
In an instant, countless figures poured towards the gateway, scrambling for fear of being outdone.
No accident occurred; after standing outside briefly and ensuring safety, Ji Chen stepped inside.
The main tomb chamber was quite spacious, resembling an underground palace.
Two massive stone columns stood on each side, supporting the tomb chamber’s roof.
Two dragons carved on the columns wound around them, appearing incredibly lifelike.
Apart from these columns, the tomb chamber was empty, with almost nothing inside.
But in the center, there was a half-person-high stone platform, with a stone coffin placed in the middle, emitting a dark golden glow and a strong aura, vibrant with life.
"The Demon Emperor’s Coffin!"
Someone exclaimed in surprise, if expectations were correct, there might be an Emperor’s Bone inside this coffin!
"This stone coffin... is actually created from Divine Source!" Some veteran experts frowned involuntarily.
Divine Source is a rare substance in the world; in recent years, several Saints from both the human and Ancient Races have awakened from it.
It’s a rare divine object that allows sealing oneself within.
No one has ever seen Divine Source made into a coffin before.
"Could the Demon Emperor not be dead, sealed in the coffin with Divine Source?" Someone’s expression changed, considering this possibility.
But quickly, this thought was refuted.
"Though Divine Source is rare and can seal saints within, those who reach Emperor Realm cannot be contained by Divine Source; the Demon Emperor can’t possibly be alive," said an Ancient Race elder.
"Why are there no accompanying Emperor’s Weapons or other magical treasures?" asked someone, as the tomb chamber was empty except for the coffin.
Logically, the saint’s resting place should have accompanying artifacts displayed in the main tomb chamber.