Chapter 1091
The Supreme Being Arrives
"You mean, the Supreme Being of the Eight Directions Pavilion will be present during the final battle?"
The underlying meaning of Yi Tianzheng's words is not hard to understand, but what Song Changsheng couldn't understand was that when a Nascent Soul Supreme descends the mountain, even a small change can have far-reaching consequences, so one must always be extremely cautious.
Why would the other side choose to stand by and watch, having traveled hundreds of millions of miles from the Central Continent to the East China Sea? Isn't that a pointless move?
It's important to know that they didn't have the upper hand at the beginning of that decisive battle, and everyone was prepared to fight to the death.
If it weren't for the help of True Monarch Fengyin and True Monarch Xiaoyao, even if they were to win, it would probably be a Pyrrhic victory.
If a supreme being were to intervene at this moment, the situation would be reversed instantly, just like with Ancestor Xuanlei.
But the other party didn't show up, not even their face, which was really puzzling.
Yi Tianzheng stood up, put his hands behind his back, and said, "There is really no more reasonable explanation than this."
But during the few days we were quelling the rebellion, True Lord Henghua sent a message, which was mostly polite talk about the two sects reconciling and him coming to attend the Supreme Celebration soon.
However, he mentioned something at the end of the message.
After the final battle, Xiao Kun, Gao Yu, and others fled. Many people around were secretly coveting the two treasures of human destiny in Gao Yu's possession, and even listed several names.
It's understandable to covet such a treasure, but as you probably know, they ultimately didn't make a move.
"Someone stopped them." Song Changsheng suddenly realized.
Although the battle was intense, he could not hide the aura scattered around the battlefield from his senses.
Everyone was just watching, and some might even be thinking of taking advantage of the chaos.
He sensed at least five Nascent Soul cultivators, all with unfamiliar auras. They were likely powerful figures from the surrounding cultivation world, and some might even be cultivators from the Great Zhen Immortal Dynasty or the Beast Taming Sect.
There is no other possibility besides a Nascent Soul Supreme being that could make so many powerful figures give up their fight for two supreme treasures.
"The cultivation worlds of those people are probably all bordering the Azure Sky Cultivation World, right?" Song Changsheng saw through Heng Hua Zhenjun's little scheme.
The methods were somewhat crude, but the results were surprisingly good. Even if the Myriad Manifestations Palace didn't take any real action, it would at least be wary of those few cultivation worlds, and this was the opportunity for the Azure Azure cultivation world.
Yi Tianzheng gave a helpless smile: "It's highly likely that the unknown Supreme Being stopped them, causing the Qingfeng Dao Sect to misjudge the situation."
“Yes, with Ancestor Xuanlei breaking through, and a Nascent Soul Supreme secretly supporting him, it’s easy to speculate.” Song Changsheng nodded, his doubts deepening. He asked again, “Did that Supreme show up later?”
"No, the marks were left intentionally by the other party. Perhaps we will only know the truth at the Ancestral Master Ceremony."
Leaving one's presence behind is a highly indicative signal, indicating that the two sides will meet sooner or later; it's just a matter of time.
"Although the time is a bit short, it cannot be too simple, lest it damage the dignity."
You've gone to deliver the invitations, but the physical body of the Dragon Elephant Patriarch has been destroyed. You'll need to stay in the palace to help out during this time, which will delay your return to your clan.
If you need anything for your future ceremonies, please feel free to ask.
"I know the place well, so delivering invitations is a piece of cake for me," Yi Tianzheng joked.
Upon hearing this, Song Changsheng smiled and replied, "Outside of Tianshan, the Song family has almost no connections. Inside Tianshan, there's no need to trouble Fellow Daoist Ji."
"If there's anything you need from me, Palace Master, please don't hesitate to ask."
"In the coming period, guests will arrive one after another, and cultivators inside and outside the Great Qian should also celebrate together. At that time, there will surely be a huge crowd."
At times like these, we must not be careless. If any unscrupulous person attempts to disrupt the ceremony, it will not only damage the dignity of the Wanxiang Palace and the patriarch, but also cause great casualties.
"I certainly can't spare the time up the mountain, so I'll leave the affairs down here to you."
"This is a small matter, and I, Song, will certainly do my best."
Song Changsheng had already been in contact with Song Qingxi and others and knew that the demonic disaster in the southwest had been basically quelled and everything was getting back on track, so he was not in a hurry to go back.
The supreme ceremony is a rare opportunity, and to be able to participate in it personally is an honor for him.
In addition, the scale of this ceremony is definitely far greater than that of the day he won the Five Academies Grand Competition. There are many real Nascent Soul cultivators among the participants, making it an excellent occasion to expand one's network.
He has already joined the ranks of True Lords, and his vision can no longer be limited to this corner of the border. He should take advantage of the favorable winds of the Myriad Manifestations Palace to see the world beyond the bottom of the well.
Just as the two were talking, Master Kenshin suddenly called out from outside the hall to request an audience.
Yi Tianzheng waved his sleeve to dispel the restriction and said in a deep voice, "What is it?"
"Reporting to the Palace Master and True Lord Zixu, Huayan has returned to the sect."
"Ok?"
Song Changsheng and Yi Tianzheng exchanged a glance, both seeing the doubt in each other's eyes.
Before the war with the demon race, the two of them had reached a consensus not to tell Huayan and Chili about this, so as not to affect them.
Later, when the physical body of the Dragon Elephant True Lord was destroyed, it was even more important to keep it well hidden. How did he return without making a sound?
"I knew Fellow Daoist Xiaoyao's attitude that day was a bit strange; it turns out it was because of this."
"Well, since she's back, let her in."
"Yes, sir." Sword Heart Master accepted the order and left. Not long after, Hua Yan, dressed in black, pushed open the palace door. She was clearly taken aback when she saw Song Changsheng there. Then she bowed to the two of them in a formal manner: "Disciple greets Master and Palace Master."
Yi Tianzheng nodded and said, "No need for formalities."
"When did you return? You just survived the Golden Core tribulation; why didn't you go into seclusion to solidify your foundation?"
"When the disciple arrived at Zhulu Academy, True Lord Xiaoyao returned and learned from Elder Shuqi about the invasion of the demon race and the sea race. However, due to the blockade of the space teleportation array, he was unable to return to the sect in time."
"At that time, the two major battles had ended, but the demonic calamity was rampant in the central region. So, I accompanied Senior Brother Chi Li to quell the rebellion. We intercepted a wave of demonic forces in the Jade Dragon Cultivation Realm. Later, the demonic calamity gradually subsided, and I traveled all the way back to my sect. Today, I have finally returned to the Great Qian Dynasty." Hua Yan briefly recounted the journey.
Song Changsheng was originally feeling gratified that Hua Yan had broken through to the Golden Core stage by completing her Heavenly Flaw. Hearing her words, he couldn't help but ask with some doubt, "You and Li'er were also present during that demonic tide in the Jade Dragon Cultivation World. Why didn't Qingxi mention it to me?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Hua Yan's eyes, but she quickly realized what she meant and said meaningfully, "Sister Qingxi probably wants to give Master a surprise."
"I think it's more like a shock. The border is so chaotic. What if something happens? How am I supposed to explain this to Fellow Daoist Longxiang?" Song Changsheng said irritably.
“If Master and Palace Master had told me the truth, I wouldn’t have needed to do this.” Hua Yan lowered her head, her voice soft, but her tone was very stubborn.
Yi Tianzheng waved his hand and said, "Now that you're back, go to the Dragon Transformation Pool to see your master. Don't be disrespectful to the Supreme Elder and the Ancestral Master either."
"The Dragon Transformation Pool?" Hua Yan suddenly looked up, her clear eyes rippling with emotion, a bad premonition creeping into her heart.
"Palace Master, why is Master at the Dragon Transformation Pool?"
"The final battle was difficult. My grandmaster uncle's physical body was severed by Gao Yu, but fortunately his nascent soul was not seriously injured and he is currently rebuilding his physical body."
Hearing that there was no danger to her life, Hua Yan's heart finally settled down a little, but she still immediately asked the two for leave. "Go ahead."
Song Changsheng understood her feelings at that moment.
"Your disciple has returned as well, aren't you going to see him?"
Song Changsheng shook his head and said, "Knowing they are safe is enough. The envoy from the Demon Subduing Hall will arrive soon. Let's talk about it after we've dealt with the current situation."
……
The following morning, a slight spatial fluctuation suddenly came from above Mount Wanxiang, and a crack appeared in the sky without warning. Wanxiang Palace immediately went into emergency mode.
Two figures emerged from the spatial rift one after the other. The one in front was a woman, dressed in a smart, fitted black robe. Her whole body seemed to be shrouded in an invisible mist, making it impossible to see her face. Where she landed, there was not a ripple in the space.
Behind him stood a man with a square face, striking thick black eyebrows, and deep eyes beneath them that seemed as vast as the boundless void.
Compared to the former, his clothing was more ornate, with a black crescent moon embroidered on his left chest.
This symbol is familiar to anyone who has been to the black market, and its identity is self-evident.
The moment the two appeared, the figures of Ancestor Xuanlei, True Lord Leixiang, Yi Tianzheng, and Song Changsheng appeared in the air one after another.
Ancestor Xuanlei, with a solemn expression, took the initiative to bow to the woman in black at the front: "Are you a fellow Daoist from the Demon Subduing Hall?"
The woman returned the greeting solemnly and said in a deep voice, "Right Protector of the Demon Subduing Hall, Jingxuan."
"We pay our respects to the Supreme One Jingxuan." Song Changsheng and the others bowed in unison.
Everyone had already guessed as much, so they weren't too surprised, given that it involved a powerful opponent like the Ancient Demon Clan.
The Demon Subduing Hall's foundation is even deeper than that of the Boundless Sword Sect. Unlike its branch halls, the Demon Subduing Hall's headquarters does not have a specific leader. Instead, it is maintained by an elder council composed of several elders of equal status.
The members of the Presbyterian Council rotate every 100 years.
Above the council of elders are two guardians, one on the left and one on the right, who sit in the central courtyard and intimidate all directions. They do not usually attend to affairs, but only appear when a major incident occurs, like now.
The two guardians on the left and right also take turns, changing every three hundred years. This is not made public, so very few people know which two supreme beings are currently on duty.
Song Changsheng and the others had originally thought that envoys from other forces would come together, but it now seems that there might be another group.
"This must be a fellow Daoist from the Shadow Pavilion. May I ask how I should address him?"
After exchanging greetings, Yi Tianzheng turned his gaze to the square-faced cultivator behind Supreme Jingxuan.
"Shadow Shadow pays respects to Supreme Thunder."
The cultivators from the Shadow Pavilion, perhaps because they have never seen the light of day, all exude a sinister aura.
The Xuanlei True Monarch disliked dealing with these people back then, and the Xuanlei Ancestor is the same now. After nodding in response, he didn't even bother to look at him again, and turned to the Jingxuan Supreme and said: "Fellow Daoist has come from afar, please come in and have a chat."
"The demonic passion is like a raging fire, and cannot be delayed. I must first confirm it carefully."
"Your sect can send one person to accompany me. Please prepare the items listed here as soon as possible." Supreme Jingxuan acted swiftly, directly taking out a list.
"The Abyss is located in the Southwest Alliance, which is also the source of the demonic calamity. Let Chief Song accompany you on this trip."
This straightforward approach was actually approved by Ancestor Xuanlei, who promptly assigned manpower to the task.
This was undoubtedly an arrangement outside the original plan. Song Changsheng took a deep breath and greeted the emperor privately, saying, "Song Changsheng of the Wangyue Song Clan is willing to share the burdens of the Pure Profound Supreme."
"The Southwest Alliance, where is our branch temple located?"
Jingxuan Supreme opened his phoenix eyes slightly and looked Song Changsheng up and down. His sharp gaze seemed to be able to see through flesh and go deep inside, making Song Changsheng feel very uncomfortable.
I had this feeling before when facing Ancestor Xuanlei, but this one was obviously more "aggressive" and gave people the feeling that he was not easy to get along with.
Even so, the question still needs to be answered: "Your Majesty, that is indeed the case."
"Clan Chief Song is very young." Supreme Jingxuan's tone was flat, revealing no extra emotion.
In Song Changsheng's view, this might be... a compliment?
"Let's go to the branch hall first."
The Pure Mystery Supreme showed little interest, and with a wave of her hand, she created a spatial passage leading directly to the southwest.
Lone Shadow True Monarch gave Song Changsheng a meaningful look and said in a strong voice, "Fellow Daoist Song, please."
"Could this person be the mastermind behind the hunt for Yun He and the others?"
The person who directly antagonized Xu Yunhe and his wife was only a Golden Core cultivator, but there was a very likely Nascent Soul True Monarch standing behind him.
The fact that the Lone Shadow True Monarch came here on behalf of the Shadow Pavilion means he must know the whole story.
To put it bluntly, if it weren't for that chase, the Shadow Pavilion wouldn't have gotten involved in this mess.
As the direct trigger, what will be the attitude of the Shadow Pavilion towards this?
Correcting mistakes?
Or perhaps... we should just make the best of a bad situation?
He secretly became more vigilant, but on the surface he remained calm. After saying a humble word, he followed behind Supreme Jingxuan and stepped into the spatial passage.
Guided by Song Changsheng, the three of them arrived in the Great Qi Cultivation World, above the Demon Subduing Hall, in the blink of an eye.
Since receiving the reply from the main headquarters, Wang Zaixing has been eagerly awaiting news, but his heart is also filled with trepidation, since their branch has never had any contact with the main headquarters' envoy since its establishment.
With their strength, they truly tarnished the reputation of the Demon Subduing Hall; even a group of Blood Demon Cult remnants couldn't withstand them back then.
Now, with such a severe demonic calamity occurring right under their noses, it's hard to say what awaits them.
"Palace Master Wang, the Right Protector of the Demon Subduing Hall, Supreme Master Jingxuan, has arrived. Why don't you come out and greet him quickly?"
Song Changsheng's voice transmission suddenly rang in his ear, startling him.
Upon hearing that the visitor was a supreme being, Wang Zaixing was so shocked that he fell to the ground.
After realizing what was happening, he hurriedly led the elders of the branch hall out to greet them.
Upon arriving before the Supreme Being of the Pure Profound Realm, before even uttering a word, his knees buckled and he knelt down. Behind him, a large group of people knelt down in unison, and all was silent.
Apart from the uncontrollable pounding of their hearts, no one dared to utter a word.
Looking at the trembling middle-aged man before him, the Pure Profound Supreme slowly said, "Palace Master Wang, you... have rendered meritorious service."
...(End of this chapter)