Chapter 4905
Shitian!
The Fourth Realm.
The sky here is a dark purple, with sparse stars that emit a cold, eerie light. The earth is a deep brown, crisscrossed with ravines, as if torn apart by countless sharp claws.
The Star Palace of the Fourth Hunting Ancestor, Yuetian, is located atop a continuous black mountain range.
The main hall is constructed of a dark black stone, its surface covered with naturally formed blood-red patterns, resembling a lurking giant beast from afar.
When Yao Tian and Yu Tian arrived outside the palace, two guards clad in dark red armor, their faces hidden behind ferocious masks, silently appeared and blocked their way.
"Sixth and Seventh Hunting Ancestors!"
One of the guards had a hoarse voice, "Our master is currently in meditation. May I ask what brings you two here?"
"Go away!"
Yao Tian was furious and had no time to waste words with the guards. He waved his hand, and the violent power of his ancestral vein surged out, forcing the two guards to retreat.
He strode into the hall, followed closely by Yu Tian.
The light inside the hall was even dimmer, with only a few eerie blue soul lamps floating in mid-air, emitting a faint glow.
Deep within the main hall, a figure sat upon a black jade throne, shrouded in a faint black mist, obscuring his face.
"Fourth Brother!"
Yao Tian's voice was hoarse, filled with barely suppressed anger.
The black mist rippled slightly, and a deep, calm voice emanated from it: "Sixth Brother? And Seventh Sister? Heh, what brings you here?"
As the words fell, the black mist slowly dissipated, revealing the figure on the throne.
He was a middle-aged man dressed in a dark purple robe, with a thin face, high cheekbones, and long, narrow eyes with rare dark gold pupils.
He exuded a cold and profound aura, like a deep pool of icy water, making it impossible to fathom his depths.
It was none other than the Fourth Hunting Ancestor, Kuo Tian.
"Fourth Brother, you have to stand up for us!"
Yao Tian didn't beat around the bush and started crying right away.
His swollen face, combined with his aggrieved expression, looked somewhat comical.
"Forehead?"
Looking closely, he realized that the Sixth Hunting Ancestor, who held a respected position within the clan, had his old face swollen like a pig's head!
Who else would dare to beat up Lao Liu?
He suppressed a laugh and listened attentively as Yao Tian began to speak.
Then Yao Tian recounted, with added embellishments, how the Eighth Hunting Ancestor had allowed Ling Feng to enter the Eternal Ruins, how he had protected him, and how he had slapped him in public.
In short, it's all Lao Ba's fault, no matter what!
"Fourth Brother, you must stand up for me this time!"
The Seventh Hunting Ancestor, Yu Tian, nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Fourth Brother, Eighth Brother really went too far this time. Allowing an outsider into the Eternal Ruins Realm is already breaking the rules, and he even dared to attack his own brother in public... We are all Hunting Ancestors, so slapping Sixth Brother's face is also slapping Fourth Brother's face, isn't it?"
He listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the throne, producing a rhythmic "tap, tap" sound.
After the two finished speaking, he slowly opened his mouth, his voice still calm and even: "Just for this?"
Yao Tian was stunned: "This...this isn't a big deal? Fourth Brother, I..."
He Tian twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing a half-smile: "Internal affairs have always been handled by the Eighth Elder, which is a rule set by the Clan Chief. As for allowing outsiders to enter the Eternal Ruins Realm... although it is a bit absurd, if you examine the clan rules carefully, the Eighth Elder does indeed have that authority."
He paused, his gaze falling on Yao Tian's swollen face, a faint hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: "As for you, Sixth Brother, instead of wasting your time arguing with Eighth Brother, you should focus on your cultivation. Otherwise, your position as the Sixth Hunting Ancestor is somewhat... undeserved."
These words, spoken lightly, were like a knife, piercing Yao Tian's heart.
Yao Tian's face instantly turned ashen, and his swollen cheeks trembled with rage.
He stared intently at Yitian, practically forcing the words out through clenched teeth: "Fourth Brother, are you perhaps afraid of Eighth Brother? I..."
"Fourth Brother, you've misunderstood!"
Yu Tian quickly interrupted Yao Tian, stepped forward, and put on a smile: "Sixth Brother doesn't mean to compete with Eighth Brother, it's just that this matter is of great importance. That foreign boy, his identity is not ordinary."
"Oh?"
Ju Tian raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued. "What's so special about it?"
Yu Tian and Yao Tian exchanged a glance.
Yao Tian took a deep breath, knowing that if he kept it a secret any longer, the old fox would definitely not make a move.
He gritted his teeth and lowered his voice, saying, "That kid... is Xi Huang's adopted son."
"what?!"
For the first time, a hint of emotion finally appeared on Tian's usually calm and composed face.
He leaned forward slightly, his dark golden pupils suddenly contracting: "You mean, Xi Huang, he's still alive?"
"Not only alive, but also..."
Yao Tian's face showed a complicated expression. "According to that boy, the Emperor Xi adopted him as his godson and taught him everything he knew!"
The hall fell into a deathly silence.
He remained silent for a long time, his fingers tapping the armrest in a momentary erratic rhythm, but quickly returned to normal.
He slowly leaned back onto the throne, and the black mist once again swirled around him, obscuring most of his face.
"Xi Huang is Xi Huang after all! Even after so much time has passed, he is probably still the most outstanding being in our Star Hunter clan!"
He muttered to himself, his voice filled with undisguised awe.
After a long while, he looked at Yao Tian again, his gaze sharp as a knife: "So, you're after the Ancestral God Technique?"
Yao Tian's heart skipped a beat, knowing he couldn't hide it any longer, so he simply confessed: "Yes! Since that kid is Xi Huang's adopted son, he is very likely to have the most complete 'Ancestral God Technique'! No, he definitely does! Fourth Brother, this... this is an opportunity!"
He stared at him, then suddenly chuckled softly. The laughter echoed in the empty hall, carrying a hint of mockery: "So that's how it is. I was wondering why you came to me crying for no reason. It turns out you were after the Ancestral God Technique."
He paused, his voice turning cold: "Sixth Brother, are you trying to use me as a pawn?"
He knew Yao Tian's true nature all along; he wouldn't have dared to go head-to-head with Lao Ba if there were no benefits to be gained.
However, I never expected that it would be the complete "Ancestral God Manual".
Seeing the cold gaze directed at him, Yao Tian's heart sank, and he quickly said, "Fourth Brother, you misunderstand! How could I have such thoughts? We haven't even talked about it yet. Look at me, I was mainly stunned by that old bastard, Eighth Brother."
Yu Tian chimed in, "Yes, Fourth Brother, Sixth Brother and I have always held you in the highest esteem and have the utmost sincerity! Whenever there's a benefit, we think of you first, Sixth Brother!"
Yao Tian then said at the opportune moment, "The clan leader should not yet know about this matter. If we can strike first..."
Tian fell silent.
He leaned back on his throne, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, his dark golden pupils flickering uncertainly in the black mist.
The complete "Ancestral God Manual"!
That's a legacy that only the clan leader can receive!
Moreover, it is said that when Emperor Xi Huang rushed into the Eternal Ruins to rescue Empress Nuwa, he had a secret technique that he did not have time to pass down.
In other words, that kid named Ling Feng may be hiding a true secret that even the current clan leader has not received!
If I could get it...
It has to be said, this temptation is truly immense!
After a long while, E Tian slowly spoke, his voice regaining its previous calm: "In that case, it wouldn't hurt to go and take a look at Lao Ba's place."
He didn't agree immediately, but said he would go and see Lao Ba, which was a way to have options both offensively and defensively.
Yao Tian cursed "old fox" inwardly, but put on a smile: "Yes, yes, it's good to see what Lao Ba is up to. If this old bastard wants to embezzle the Ancestral God Technique, that's a serious crime!"
He Tian glanced at him indifferently, then rose and stepped down from the throne: "Let's go."
The black mist surged with his movements, lifting him up and drifting him out of the hall.
Yao Tian and Yu Tian exchanged a glance, a triumphant glint in their eyes, and quickly followed.
……
The Eighth Realm.
Inside the main hall of the Star Palace, the Eighth Hunting Ancestor Rongtian was sitting opposite a man in white, with a chessboard between them.
The chessboard is carved entirely from star crystals, and the chess pieces are shimmering star shadows.
The two men, each holding black and white pieces, were playing a game of chess. The man in white appeared to be in his early thirties, with a gentle and handsome face, and a faint smile always playing on his lips.
He wore a simple white robe, his long hair was casually draped over his shoulders, and he had an otherworldly air about him.
Compared to the weathered and aged appearance of the Eighth Hunting Ancestor, he seemed more like a descendant or nephew of the Eighth Hunting Ancestor.
But in fact, he was the first hunting ancestor, Shi Tian.
The head of the eight great hunter ancestors, and the strongest member of the Star Hunter clan besides the clan leader.
Moreover, his age is at least twice that of the Eighth Hunting Ancestor.
"Old Eight, that was a brilliant move of yours."
Shi Tian placed a piece, and the phantom of stars flickered on the chessboard, trapping Rong Tian's group of black pieces.
Rong Tian smiled and placed a piece on the board as well: "Brother, you flatter me. I am still far from your level."
"No, I can't see through your move."
Shi Tian looked at the chessboard, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "Why did you let that kid named Ling Feng enter the Eternal Ruins? Was it really just to repay a favor from the Ancient Desolate One?"
The "ancient wilderness" he mentioned naturally referred to the Ancient Ancestral Spirit Dragon.
"Hehe, as expected, nothing can be hidden from Big Brother!"
Rong Tian was silent for a moment before smiling and saying, "Brother, you know I always do things as I please, and I don't really have any ulterior motives. Whether Huang Gu comes or not doesn't really matter much. I think you've probably already noticed that the kid has a faint trace of the aura of the Creator God hidden within him."
"Yes."
A glint of light flashed in Shi Tian's eyes. "So, that's why you think he'll definitely be able to get out of the Eternal Ruins, right? But..."
He paused, then continued, "What I care more about is that Emperor Xi actually adopted him as his godson."
Rong Tian nodded. "I was also quite surprised, but if it weren't for Xi Huang's willingness to connect his meridians, it would be impossible for a different race to condense the rudimentary form of an ancestral meridian on its own. Therefore, I believe he is telling the truth."
"Perhaps, this child is truly destined to be with the Emperor Xi."
Shi Tian sighed softly, "Back then, Emperor Xi... alas, what a pity."
The two fell silent, and only the crisp sound of chess pieces falling filled the hall.
Just then, a commotion arose outside the hall.
Immediately afterwards, a respectful voice came: "Master, the Sixth, Seventh, and Fourth Hunting Ancestors request an audience."
Rong Tian and Shi Tian exchanged a glance, both seeing the understanding in each other's eyes.
"coming."
Rong Tian smiled and said, "It came later than I expected."
"It's quite remarkable that the sixth brother has been able to endure this long, given his temperament. I just didn't expect the fourth brother to get involved as well."
Shi Tian smiled and said, "Let them in."
"Yes."
The palace doors opened silently.
Three figures entered one after another.
Yao Tian walked at the front, his face still bearing the lingering anger.
Yu Tian followed behind him, his expression calm.
He walked at the very back, his face revealing no emotion.
As soon as the three entered the hall, they immediately saw Shi Tian sitting opposite Rong Tian.
The expressions on Yao Tian and Yu Tian's faces instantly became incredibly interesting.
Shock, bewilderment, disbelief, and finally, deep fear.
Tian was clearly caught off guard, his eyes wide open.
"Big...Big Brother?"
Yao Tian's voice was dry, and he could hardly believe his eyes.
How could the First Hunting Ancestor, Shi Tian, be here?
Wasn't he secluded in seclusion for many years, detached from worldly affairs?
"Wow, it's so lively here today, Lao Ba!"
Shi Tian smiled at the three of them, his tone gentle yet carrying an invisible pressure, "Fourth brother, sixth brother, seventh brother, you all came together. What's wrong? Is something the matter?"
Yao Tian opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.
He had planned it all out perfectly: to join forces with Yitian to put pressure on Rongtian and force him to hand over Lingfeng. Even if Rongtian was strong, he would have to think twice before facing the combined might of the three Hunting Ancestors.
But despite all his calculations, he never expected Shi Tian to be here!
This First Hunter Ancestor possesses unfathomable strength and has already condensed his sixth ancestral vein!
"Big...Big Brother, what are you doing here?"
Yu Tian forced a smile.
"It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision; I came to play a game of chess with Lao Ba." Shi Tian pointed to the chessboard. "Is there something wrong with it?"
"Heh...hehe..."
Yu Tian chuckled dryly, "Brother, what a refined taste you have!"
Yitian quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, elder brother. I didn't expect to see you here; what a coincidence."
"It's a coincidence."
Shi Tian looked at him with a half-smile, "Fourth brother, don't you usually dislike going out the most? Why do you have time to come to eighth brother's place today?"
He Tian remained expressionless: "I heard from Lao Liu that a young friend has come here. I was a little curious, so I came to take a look."
"Young friend?"
Shi Tian looked at Rong Tian and asked, "Eighth Brother, which young friend has such great influence that he could attract three Hunting Ancestors at once?"
Rong Tian smiled and looked at Yi Tian: "Fourth Brother, the distinguished guest you mentioned, you mean Ling Feng, right?"
Yitian nodded and immediately laughed, "Yes, that's exactly what Lao Liu said. I heard that kid just came out of the Eternal Ruins!"
Yao Tian's expression shifted, and finally, gritting his teeth, he couldn't care less about anything else. He immediately said to Shi Tian, "Brother, I'm going to report this to you. Not only did Eighth Brother send foreigners into the Eternal Ruins without permission, but now he also wants to embezzle the Ancestral God Technique of Emperor Xi! You can't ignore this!"
"Oh?"
Shi Tian looked at Rong Tian, "Is that so?"
"What a mess this has become?"
Rong Tian narrowed his eyes and smiled, then turned to look at the Sixth Hunting Ancestor, "Although I slapped you a few times in front of so many juniors, you don't have to make baseless accusations and talk nonsense. Big brother, you have to stand up for me!"
"You!" Yao was trembling with anger. "Eighth Brother, you bastard..."
Shi Tian waved his hand, signaling Yao Tian to calm down.
He looked at Yao Tian, his tone still gentle: "I heard about this from Lao Ba. That Ling Feng is the adopted son of Emperor Xi Huang. Emperor Xi Huang passed on the Ancestral God Technique to him. What, Lao Ba, do you want to keep it all for yourself?"
"That's not true," Rong Tian said with a faint smile.
"Oh, Sixth Brother, then you're wrong."
Shi Tian turned around and glanced at Yao Tian, "How dare you talk such nonsense?"
"I!"
Yao Tian watched the two of them singing in unison, and he realized that he was the clown. His face turned pale and then red, and he stared intently at Rong Tian.
You old hag, I just brought in Fourth Brother, and you've already brought out the eldest brother!
Just then, seeing that the situation was not good, Na Yitian immediately changed his attitude, leaped to the opposite side of Rongtian, and angrily rebuked, "I knew it, Sixth Brother, you really didn't have anything good in mind. You tricked me into coming here, saying that Eighth Brother was harboring foreigners and plotting something sinister. I think you're the one who wants to steal the Ancestral God Technique!"
He walked up behind Shi Tian and said righteously, "Brother, Xi Huang's adopted son is our sworn brother. Anyone who dares to make a move against him will have to ask me first!"
Yao Tian felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, and he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.
Damn it, who's really the sixth one here?! (End of Chapter)