Chapter 1692: Chapter 1692: The Next Step

A shocking and astounding scene unfolded as the Black Coffin did not break into the empire but was instead passively removed by Chu Yuan’s resistance.

How many in the multiverse could achieve such a feat?

Chu Yuan knew that news from this event would soon spread, and now, every move he made, even the slightest command, would cause a stirring among the powerful in the universe.

But this only further solidified his divine might!

Chu Yuan was also acutely aware that the Black Coffin’s origins were mysterious, with a destined power not to be underestimated. Within the multiverse, due to the constraints of eternal laws, it could not unleash its most powerful force.

Only within the eternal void of the Eternal Path could its power be the most terrifying.

“Destiny? The fate of eternity?”

Chu Yuan’s expression was cold, for sooner or later, he would unravel all the secrets of the Black Coffin to see which figure of the vast epochs had crafted it.

This imperial banquet became even grander due to the arrival of the Black Coffin, as if it were also celebrating the empire. After it ended, the Phoenix Ancestor departed.

The Myriad Demons Heaven, housing the Phoenix Ancestor and Divine Elephant Demon Lord, possessed two supreme beings with undisclosed depths.

Although the Phoenix Ancestor would not directly send troops to assist the Divine Martial in seizing the heavens, neither would they oppose the empire. If the Dragon Ancestor returned, they would act.

Inside the Divine Martial Hall.

The strong gathered.

After the banquet, everyone was gathered to attend the imperial meeting.

The True Sun Lord, Star Sea Lord, and Infinite Lord, as realm master-level beings, were participating in the routine meeting in the Divine Martial Hall for the first time, indicating their complete vassalage to the Divine Martial.

The True Sun Lord was very clear-minded.

A new era had arrived. The structure of the previous Thirty-Three Heavens would be broken. Whether it was the Divine Enthronement Great Emperor or the Divine Martial, whoever won would form a unified epoch.

This is the cyclical nature of epochs’ development.

After the peak comes the dusk, heralding the final end of an epoch. All the strong would transition to the Eternal Path, forming forces like the Extreme Dao Divine Dynasty and continue competing within the Eternal Path.

Chu Yuan sat on the highest imperial throne, presiding over the meeting that would determine the empire’s fate.

“Your Majesty!”

The Sky Lord stood up; he was the Lord of Xuanhuang Heaven, of the Sixth Realm, and the supreme commander of Chu Yuan’s external wars, deeply trusted.

“The empire now holds Xuanhuang Heaven, True Sun Heaven, Infinite Heaven, Star Sea Heaven, along with the empire’s own heaven, five great heavens, five epoch fortunes, but this is far from enough; the empire needs more heavens!”

The Sky Lord said, “With the empire’s own heaven continuing to expand, at the Infinite Heaven and the empire’s territory, this is precisely the area that can be expanded, linking the territories fully together. This is our primary goal!”

He waved his hand, revealing the map, clearly changing to show today’s cosmic structure.

“These several heavens must be conquered within days!”

Lu Yuan said fiercely, “If these heavens are not conquered, my Infinite Heaven will be like an isolated island, constantly facing threats, which is extremely disadvantageous for the empire’s development. There might come a day when my Infinite Heaven changes ownership!”

This concerns his survival.

Luckily, although Infinite Heaven is somewhat distant from the empire, it is also far from the Divine Enthronement camp; otherwise, even Lu Yuan would find it challenging to gain the empire’s support.

“Indeed.”

The Star Sea Lord expressed his opinion, “First and foremost, the heavens that need to be advanced upon are these few. My Star Sea Heaven is willing to serve as the vanguard and work for the empire!”

Having previously been besieged and only joining the empire out of necessity, the Star Sea Lord wanted to earn merit and set an example.

“I have conducted a detailed investigation of these heavenly forces. Dali Heaven is the strongest; Xiye and Yuan Guang are slightly weaker. But regardless, the empire must conquer them.”

The Sky Lord said, “The empire’s momentum is so vast; they didn’t choose to submit. Now we don’t know if they’ve joined the Divine Enthronement camp or sided with the Second Divine Lord. Rash attacks could very likely lead us into traps.”

War is not something to be taken lightly; thorough plans are necessary, or else a wrong command could cause many soldiers to fall in vain.

“Yuan Guang Heaven, Xiye Heaven, Dali Heaven…”

Chu Yuan’s gaze fell upon the coordinates of these heavens. He pondered for a moment and said, “Your concerns are valid. Facing any opponent, we cannot be even slightly complacent; even an eagle uses all its strength against a rabbit. Not to mention, between heavens, conquests involve inevitable traps. Continuing the conquest, we are bound to encounter many obstacles.”

“But we also cannot abstain from conquest.” The Sky Lord said.

“What’s the situation on the Second Divine Lord’s side now?”

Zhang Jing asked.

“I know that the Second Divine Lord has gathered forces to maintain the Thirty-Three Heavens’ structure, preventing us or Divine Enthronement from forming a unified situation. The lords who joined their camp think this way too, but this contradicts the empire’s plans.”

The Star Sea Lord quickly said.

“Hmph! In this current situation, they still wish to maintain the original standings!”

The True Sun Lord snorted coldly.

“Indeed, no matter which side unifies the epoch, it will be disadvantageous to them.” The Earth Lord said.

“These heavens must be conquered.”

Chu Yuan said slowly.

“Indeed.”

The Sky Lord said, “I see their heavenly fortunes are very reclusive, showing not the slightest panic. They must have some preparations, and henceforth, if the empire is to conquer them, it must also make the fullest preparations.”

“They certainly received some kind of support.”

Star Sea Heaven is too close to the empire for any support to be meaningful.

The Star Sea Lord paused for thought and said, “The Divine Enthronement camp is also continuing their conquest, based on the situation. That side’s flames of war are also too far, and very likely the Second Divine Lord’s side will provide them with support.”

“The Second Divine Lord also knows that, with his strength, he cannot support such ambition, thus changing the strategy to maintain the current standings. Using the power of All Heavens, as long as they hold the current standings, the gains for him are also significant.”

The Sky Lord added.

The True Sun Lord also said, “Indeed, they hope for us and the Divine Enthronement camp to fight to the death, both sides losing, and then reap the benefits. However, no one is foolish; such a plan is destined to be unfeasible.”

“Whether it’s the Divine Enthronement camp or the Second Divine Lord, opposing the empire means being our enemy.”

Chu Yuan spoke, looking at the map, radiant divine beams constantly piercing through. “The conquest for the heavens cannot stop; speed is crucial, and we must also prepare fully. The current situation is turbulent, and extremely chaotic. In truth, all the heavenly powers are uncertain within, wanting to struggle.”

“We await your command, Your Majesty!”

The voices of the powerful were excited.

As part of the empire’s camp, having embarked on this path, there is no turning back, and with the empire strong, naturally they grow stronger too.

The Divine Martial Empire is an empire of incessant battles.

“I decree, appointing the Sky Lord as the supreme commander, True Sun, Star Sea, and Infinite as support, all military operations shall follow the Sky Lord’s direct orders. Those who defy military orders shall be killed without mercy.”

Chu Yuan declared, “I want to seize more heavens!”