The alliance leader sensed an unparalleled aura radiating from Twilight and Fire Lotus. Clearly, they had been at Fourth Step to Heaven for some time already. The three Great Venerables were alarmed. They felt as if they were witnessing an illusion. The rest of the ancient gods were equally horrified by the scene.

Qi Yuan commanded softly, "Kill."

Twilight and Fire Lotus no longer held back. Despite facing their former leader, they struck without hesitation. Immense Divine Domains erupted all at once, pressing down on the three Great Venerables.

The alliance leader's expression changed drastically. "Fifth Step to Heaven?!"

A Great Venerable cried out in terror, "How is this possible?!"

The remaining Great Venerable shouted in frustration, "We're all on the same side! Let’s not shed unnecessary blood!"

Unfortunately, unless Qi Yuan said something, Twilight and Fire Lotus had no intention of showing mercy. Water and fire Divine Domains swept over. The three Great Venerables responded by unleashing their own.

Twilight had visualized the Water Official Emperor, who dispelled calamities and governed all the waters of the world. Compared to his, the three’s domains were like crude patchworks, without any divine authority. In the eyes of Twilight and Fire Lotus, they were full of flaws.

Among Great Venerables, the true gap in strength lay precisely in their Divine Domains. The gap between one with divine authority and one without was absolute. To use an analogy: one was like a university student solving problems by mechanically applying formulas without understanding their deeper meaning. The other was a mathematician who had created the formulas themselves.

In the span of a single breath, the three Great Venerables’ domains shattered completely. They died on the spot, unable to resist.

Silence fell. Fear, shock, and countless emotions rippled across the faces of the ancient gods.

Glancing at the corpse, Qi Yuan couldn't help but sigh. "Sending divine spiritual energy from a thousand miles away. The gift is small but the sentiment is deep. To repay your kindness, I've decided to eat three extra bowls of plain white rice today."

Rather than sorrow, their deaths made Qi Yuan hungry to the point he believed he could eat three bowls of rice.

The remaining ancient gods watched him, their gazes shifting subtly. Ye Liuyun said nothing. Qi Yuan's actions had repeatedly shocked him.

Three Great Venerables died just like that. Even if they had harbored killing intent, they would never kill in the open. Meanwhile, Qi Yuan was the complete opposite.

Ye Liuyun still harbored doubts in his heart. How had Twilight become a Great Venerable and even reached the Fifth Step to Heaven?

At that moment, Qi Yuan looked at the terrified ancient gods and announced, "Everyone, don't be afraid. I'm not a deranged killer. I only have a deep grudge against those from the Bright Palace. Back when I was still at the Foundation Establishment realm, they demeaned me in every possible way. Fortunately, I turned my fate around and annihilated them. Who would've thought they'd reopen their main branch here? I had no choice but to strike hard. Don't worry, I'm a good person. I never implicate the innocent or wipe out entire clans."

The others smiled awkwardly.

Ye Liuyun really wanted to tell him, "Brother Qi, maybe next time you should prepare a script before giving a speech. You just said you annihilate Bright Palace, then immediately contradicted yourself by saying you never wipe out entire clans."

Sweating profusely, Yuan Kun apologized, "My grandson offended Qiyuann Sovereign. He deserved to be killed. Your action was just! I offer my sincerest apologies to you!"

Qi Yuan's gaze sharpened. "So the alliance leader was your grandson? Could it be you're the hidden powerhouse?"

A bone-chilling cold swept over Yuan Kun.

He hurriedly explained himself. "Cough, cough! No, I mean—"

Only then did Qi Yuan relax. "Oh, so you're from the Ancient Ape Clan. You gave me quite a fright. I was wondering why haven't you come looking for me lately? Were you biding your time, planning revenge for that golden monkey? I was already preparing to bring a few Great Venerables and Venerables to visit your clan. Don't worry, I have no ill intentions. I just want to send a wreath to that golden-furred monkey and maybe attend the banquet while I'm at it."

He was gentle and all-smiling. In contrast, Yuan Kun trembled uncontrollably, his smile appearing more like a grimace. He didn't believe Qi Yuan's words at all. Bringing Great Venerables and Venerables to deliver a wreath? Attend a banquet? That sounded like annihilation.

Secretly, Yuan Kun felt relieved. Thank goodness I came today.

Gritting his teeth, he declared, "Qiyuann Sovereign, the Ancient Ape Clan is willing to pledge itself entirely to you and become your citizens!"

What he truly feared was Qiyuann Sovereign changing his mind and wiping out his entire clan. After all, three Great Venerables of the Ancient God Alliance had been killed in an instant.

Qi Yuan was slightly surprised. "Huh?"

Why were people suddenly rushing to become my citizens today? In the past, I practically had to beg True Gods to join me. Now an entire clan is offering itself outright? Could it be that my luck is especially good today?

Smiling, Qi Yuan looked at the other ancient gods. "What about you all?"