Upon hearing Taiching Saint's words, Sect Hierarch Tongtian instantly understood his intentions.

Turns out his elder brother was not mistrustful of him, but felt that they could not defeat the false Taoist Ancestor, thus he simply pretended to be unaware.

Sect Hierarch Tongtian's rage burned fiercely and could not be suppressed. His voice carried endless defiance and pride: "If you wish to submit to that false Taoist Ancestor, then go ahead! But don't expect to drag me, Tongtian, down with you! I would rather relinquish my Saint Position under the Heavenly Dao than live a life of humble compromise!"

A trace of worry flashed across Taiching Saint's brow, his voice deep and forceful: "Younger brother, we are both Saints under the Heavenly Dao, if we persist in defying the will of Heaven, even with our Supreme Power, we cannot escape a fated fall. I do not wish to see you take a path of no return due to a momentary impulse."

A cold smile appeared on Sect Hierarch Tongtian's face, and a decisive light flashed in his eyes: "Taiching, since our paths diverge, let us not plot together! If you wish to kneel before that false Taoist Ancestor, then do so! But I, Tongtian, would rather die standing than live on my knees!"

Taiching Saint sighed, knowing the character of Sect Hierarch Tongtian. Once he had made up his mind, not even metal and stone could sway him. He gently shook his head and said: "If this is the case, I can only suppress you here for now, lest you act impulsively and do something irretrievable."

"Big brother, if you truly have my best interests at heart, you should not stop me!" Sect Hierarch Tongtian said with a resolute tone, his gaze steadfast as iron.

Taiching Saint looked at Sect Hierarch Tongtian, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. He knew that at this point, Tongtian was utterly resolute, and all persuasion would be in vain. Yet he could not bear to watch Sect Hierarch Tongtian die a miserable death for defying the "Taoist Ancestor"!

Above Taiching Saint's head, the Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang Exquisite Treasure Tower radiated a 10,000-zhang brilliance. Beneath that brilliance, the Pagoda bore the weight of Heaven and Earth, with endless Merit surrounding it, forming invisible Defenses. He stood upon the Tai Chi Diagram, with the Yin Yang fish in it slowly spinning, emitting a faint halo as if containing the mystical Strength of Creation of Heaven and Earth.

Seeing this, Sect Hierarch Tongtian's face became grave, knowing the formidable nature of Taiching Saint's Defenses. With nowhere to retreat, he could only urge his Qingping Sword, invoking the Heavenly Dao Killing Power. The green light on the sword became ever more brilliant, and the tip of the sword condensed a gigantic Divine Sword capable of destroying Heaven and Earth. That Divine Sword contained Sect Hierarch Tongtian's defiance and resistance to the Heavenly Dao, as well as his longing and perseverance for freedom.

"Taiching, take this sword!" Sect Hierarch Tongtian bellowed, swinging his Qingping Sword. The gigantic Divine Sword, carrying rolling Sword Qi and destructive might, slashed directly towards Taiching Saint.

Taiching Saint remained unafraid, with a profound gaze like the abyss. Suddenly, a Golden Bridge made of light emerged from beneath his feet. The bridge expanded swiftly in the air, lifting Taiching Saint's form, and in the blink of an eye, it dodged the direct strike of the Divine Sword. However, as if possessing its own will, the Divine Sword curved in mid-air and continued its pursuit of Taiching Saint.

Taiching Saint's brow furrowed slightly; he knew the extraordinary power of this strike, unusual even to him, and dared not to receive it directly. But at this moment, he had no choice but to withstand with the Pagoda. His hands formed Sealing gestures, and he recited incantations. The brilliance on the Pagoda intensified, as if to shine together with Heaven and Earth.

The Divine Sword finally collided with the Pagoda, and a thunderous boom erupted instantly. Endless radiance spilled like falling suns and moons, filling the entire sky with the light of the Sword Qi and the Pagoda. The Sword Qi clashed violently against the Merit power of the Pagoda, forming a visible shockwave that spread in all directions.

Although the Pagoda was powerful, the tower body showed cracks and its brightness dimmed after this strike. A trace of pain appeared on Taiching Saint's face, indicating the strike's significant toll on him. Nonetheless, he remained calm, retracting the Pagoda atop his head and taking a deep breath, ready to face Sect Hierarch Tongtian's next attack.

Seeing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Sect Hierarch Tongtian's eyes, followed by another loud shout, once again rallying the Heavenly Dao Killing Power, preparing for an even fiercer onslaught. The Sword Qi in the air condensed again, forming a Divine Sword far larger and more terrifying than before, as if intending to split the whole world in two.

Taiching Saint's eyes focused intently, and the Tai Chi Diagram in his hands suddenly burst into intense radiance, spawning a Golden Bridge leading to the boundless void. The bridge, like it was built from countless stars, each step illuminated with starlight, rose slowly under the Slaying Immortal Sword Qi, lifting Taiching Saint's form, as he escaped towards the distant horizon, avoiding the destructive edge.

Sect Hierarch Tongtian's expression darkened upon seeing this. He had thought he could push Taiching Saint to a desperate situation, but did not expect the other to have a backup plan. Watching Taiching Saint's figure recede on the Golden Bridge, his fury intensified, yet he was helpless. He scoffed sarcastically, his voice dripping with scorn: "Run, Taiching! At every critical moment, you always choose to flee. With such cowardice, you claim to be a Saint?"

Sect Hierarch Tongtian's words were filled with mockery.

Taiching Saint's form on the Golden Bridge paused momentarily. He did not look back, nor did he engage in a verbal retort, only gently waving his Flat Stick in hand.

The Flat Stick pierced through the air, transformed into a streak of golden light, and shot straight towards Sect Hierarch Tongtian.

Sect Hierarch Tongtian saw the golden light coming and instinctively wanted to dodge, but he found his body seemingly bound by an invisible force, unable to move. In the next moment, the Flat Stick struck heavily upon his shoulder with a muffled thud.