The moment the gnomons were removed, the five sundials erupted with the power of Time Lag. As a result, time stopped around all six of the Spirit Trove experts.2

Next, the heavenly dao bluegreen dragon appeared, and even as the Spirit Trove experts struggled against the daze inflicted by the violet moon, it lunged toward them with gaping maw. In one gulp, it swallowed both the violet moon and the six cultivators!3

This was step four. And it was going to come with a heavy price. Xu Qing’s five sundials collapsed into pieces. Blood sprayed out of his mouth, and his body withered. However, his cultivation base didn’t change at all, and that was because the true life lamps made from his blood were actually the five gnomons!7

The sundials came from the violet crystal, and after what Xu Qing had experienced in the Heavenfire Sea, he knew that they would recover given enough time.4

Using the power of the sundials was step four in his plan. The violet moon vanished, as did the six Spirit Trove experts. The bluegreen dragon let loose a howl of pain, and then began to expand, all while rumbling sounds echoed within it. It wouldn’t be able to hold out for very long. Although the bluegreen dragon was very unique, and had a heavenly dao blessing, it was still too weak. Even with the help of the violet...1