Chapter 1627: Emperor Tianque

Huangtian Que, floating atop the highest peak of the Huangtian Realm, is rumored to be the place closest to the Heavenly Palace.

It is a pilgrimage site for countless profound practitioners of the Northern Region.

Today, Huangtian Que once again welcomes its most bustling and grand day in a century.

Countless Northern Region profound practitioners have arrived from all directions, each from a different star realm. Within the constantly swirling black clouds, tens of thousands of figures already stand.

Although the number of people is not exceptionally large, it encompasses powerhouses from the majority of the Northern Region's Upper and Middle Star Realms. Any one of them is either a realm king, a renowned figure in their territory, or of extraordinary origin.

For today, Huangtian Que will host the Northern Region Heavenly Sovereign Convention!

Heavenly Sovereign is a special title for a class of Divine Masters in the Northern Divine Realm. This title is exclusively for Divine Masters outside of the King Realms who are under ten jiazi (600 years) old. They are the youngest and most celebrated profound practitioners in the Northern Divine Realm, possessing infinite future potential and possibilities.

The Profound God Convention is a stage for young profound practitioners from various Divine Regions, destined to illuminate countless new stars to the world.

However, among so many bright stars, many will gradually dim, or even fade into complete darkness.

Heavenly Sovereigns, however, are the true scorching suns of the Northern Divine Realm's firmament!

Achieving the Divine Master realm within ten jiazi of age, their talent and future are beyond doubt. Future Northern Region Divine Lords will almost entirely emerge from their ranks.

In every era of the Northern Divine Realm, the number of Heavenly Sovereigns on the Northern Region Heavenly Sovereign Ranking is typically around one hundred. The names that appear on this list will dominate a future era of the Northern Divine Realm.

Consequently, the Northern Region Heavenly Sovereign Ranking has always been the most watched and most revered profound ranking in the Northern Divine Realm.

And the Heavenly Sovereign Convention held today at Huangtian Que is an exclusive grand event for these Northern Region Heavenly Sovereigns.

This generation of Northern Region Heavenly Sovereigns will display their prowess here. As they gain renown, they may also alter their destinies and futures.

Tian Muyi, the King of Huangtian Realm, took his seat early. As the realm master of the foremost star realm beneath the King Realms in the Northern Divine Realm, his esteemed status and commanding aura surpassed those of other Upper Realm Kings.

Holding such a position, his cultivation as an eighth-level Divine Lord was like a world-dominating dragon of the Northern Divine Realm, surveying the entire dark Divine Region.

On the auxiliary seats beside him sat two men of differing demeanors.

The middle-aged man on the right wore red robes, his face grim and his eyes filled with menace. Anyone glancing at him would have no doubt he possessed an extremely volatile temper.

To the left was an old man in black robes, perpetually smiling. His aged face was covered in wrinkles, his skin excessively dark, but what drew attention were his eyes... light brown irises with pupils narrow as needles, like a snake's.

His smile seemed gentle, yet paired with his eyes, it exuded a chilling aura that pierced to the bone.

These two were not from Huangtian Realm, but rather the Realm Kings of two other major star realms.

The Great Realm King of Calamity Wasteland Realm — Huo Tianxing.

The Great Realm King of Divine Python Realm — Viper Saint Monarch.

Huangtian Realm, Calamity Wasteland Realm, and Divine Python Realm, led by Huangtian Realm, are the three strongest star realms below the King Realms in the Northern Divine Realm.

They are also the only three star realms in the Northern Divine Realm that hold significant sway even before the King Realms.

Their status in the Northern Divine Realm is equivalent to that of the Sacred Universe Realm, Glazed Light Realm, and Heavenshielding Realm in the Eastern Divine Realm.

With all three Great Realm Kings present, one can imagine the importance they placed on the Heavenly Sovereign Convention.

Not to mention Middle Star Realms, even other Upper Star Realm Kings were a level below them.

Currently, there are one hundred and one individuals on the Northern Region Heavenly Sovereign Ranking. Every single name resounds throughout the four directions, remembered by all, from Realm Kings to ordinary mortals.

At this moment, ninety-nine Heavenly Sovereigns had already entered, drawing almost all attention in the hall. The gazes of the three Great Realm Kings of Huangtian, Calamity Wasteland, and Divine Python continually swept across these ninety-nine individuals.

Divine Masters under ten jiazi of age, though also Divine Masters like those who cultivated for tens of thousands of years, were vastly different. No one, not even the three Great Realm Kings, could afford to disregard any one of them.

“I heard that Bei Hanchu, who was newly added to the Heavenly Sovereign Ranking three years ago, was harmed and fell in the Five Nether Ruins,” Viper Saint Monarch said with a narrow squint and a chuckle. “It seems now that it is indeed true.”

“A mere Nine Heavens Palace, by sheer luck, produced a Heavenly Sovereign-level genius, yet they couldn’t even protect him. What a joke,” Huo Tianxing scoffed with extreme disdain.

Tian Muyi, however, stated solemnly, “This matter is not so simple. Nine Heavens Palace lost a Heavenly Sovereign who could have changed the fate of their entire sect in the future. They should have been furious and pursued the matter at all costs.

“Yet, they kept silent about it, showing no signs of investigation or pursuit. Instead, they’ve been extremely secretive. They also had no intention of attending this Heavenly Sovereign Convention. All signs point to Bei Hanchu’s death quite possibly being related to...”

Tian Muyi stopped speaking, extending a finger to point skyward.

“The King Realms?” Huo Tianxing said directly, without hesitation, a look of mockery appearing on his face. “To provoke the King Realms… calling them foolish would be an overstatement.”

“A fleeting young man, regrettable as it is, but gone is gone,” Viper Saint Monarch said, perpetually smiling. It was unclear if this was his habit or merely how his face was formed. “Is your son still participating in this Heavenly Sovereign Convention?”

Upon this mention, Tian Muyi showed a faint smile. “Does Saint Monarch have some advice for my son?”

“Haha, I wouldn’t dare offer advice,” Viper Saint Monarch replied. “It’s just that with your son present, what splendor can other Heavenly Sovereigns possibly display?”

“Though stars may shine brightly, how can they outshine the scorching sun? In this old man’s opinion, a separate ranking should have been created for your son two hundred years ago, placing him uniquely above all other Heavenly Sovereigns.”

“Hmph,” Huo Tianxing lightly snorted, yet had no words to refute.

These words sounded like flattery, but no one who heard them would consider them an exaggeration.

Tian Guhu, after joining the Northern Region Heavenly Sovereign Ranking, quickly left all other Heavenly Sovereigns far behind within a mere century. As time passed, he was not only unchallenged but the gap between him and the others grew ever wider...

Currently, on the Northern Region Heavenly Sovereign Ranking, the second-ranked individual is Huo Lanji, Huo Tianxing’s daughter, a fifth-level Divine Master. The first-ranked Tian Guhu, however, is a seventh-level Divine Master… and it is rumored that if he exerts his full power, he can contend with a tenth-level Divine Master!

A difference of one level, yet a world of difference.

Though all are Divine Masters, his single day of brilliance eclipsed all other stars.

“Hahahaha,” Tian Muyi burst into laughter, saying, “Saint Monarch overstates it. Your esteemed grandson is also a Heavenly Sovereign, merely young. Otherwise, his achievements would certainly not be inferior to Guhu’s.”

“Hehehe,” Viper Saint Monarch chuckled strangely. “If that little rascal had half your son’s ambition, I’d be content to turn into ash right now.”

“Half of what Old Viper said is true,” Huo Tianxing suddenly interjected. “Your son is indeed no longer suitable for comparison with other Heavenly Sovereigns. His brilliance is too overwhelming, overshadowing other lights, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

“You both speak wisely,” Tian Muyi said with a self-assured smile, clearly having a plan. “I have long considered this matter. Therefore, Guhu will indeed not fully participate in this Heavenly Sovereign Convention.

“However, his lifespan has not yet expired, and he remains on the Northern Region Heavenly Sovereign Ranking, so directly removing him would be inappropriate. Therefore, for the core event of the convention, the ‘Heavenly Sovereign Battle,’ Guhu will only observe. If the final victor wishes, they may challenge Guhu; if not, Guhu will not make a move throughout the event, and thus naturally won’t overshadow others. What do you two think of this arrangement?”

Huo Tianxing and Viper Saint Monarch both pondered for a moment, after which Viper Saint Monarch said with a chuckle, “As expected of the Realm King, your considerations are truly comprehensive. This way, it neither diminishes your son’s stature nor deprives other young talents of their full stage. It truly couldn’t be better.”

“Excellent,” Huo Tianxing nodded as well, then turned his gaze to his most proud daughter, directly sending a sound transmission to inform her of the matter, relieving her pressure.

“Have the three distinguished guests from the King Realms made any moves?” Viper Saint Monarch inquired.

Before Tian Muyi could answer, Huo Tianxing let out a heavy snort. “Guests from the King Realms hold esteemed status. How could they arrive before the very last moment, hmph.”

Tian Muyi said, “I have already sent people to greet them from afar. I believe they will arrive soon.”

“Speaking of which, why is your son still late?” Viper Saint Monarch asked with a faked smile. “Ninety-nine percent of the young people here are probably here just for him.”

Tian Muyi replied, “Guhu has been training outside for some time and only began his journey back yesterday. He previously sent a sound transmission saying that on his way, he rescued two guests from the Tianluo Realm who were attacked by profound beasts. Because of their extraordinary identities and injuries, he escorted them here, which slowed his return.

“But given Guhu’s character, he would certainly not be late.”

When speaking of his son, renowned throughout the Northern Region, Tian Muyi’s imposing face would invariably soften considerably.

No sooner had Tian Muyi’s voice faded than a deliberately drawn-out announcement came from outside Huangtian Que: “Young Master Guhu has arrived!”

Huangtian Que instantly fell silent. All eyes, in the same instant, turned in the same direction. Especially the young profound practitioners who had just entered Huangtian Que with their elders, their eyes gleamed with unusual light, and their blood boiled with excitement.

Tian Guhu entered through the main gate, making his way directly below the main seat under everyone’s gaze. He respectfully bowed to Tian Muyi, saying, “Your son, Guhu, greets Father King and all seniors present.”

As a father, and as the foremost Realm King, Tian Muyi directly rose to face his son, chuckling, “Rise.”

His gaze shifted behind Guhu, falling upon the Luo siblings who had arrived with him and were now too nervous to speak. He asked, “Are these the ones?”

“Yes,” Tian Guhu replied simply with a single word, offering no further explanation.

At that moment, the excited voice of the Tianluo Realm King resounded: “Ying’er, Yun’er, did… did Young Master Guhu truly save you?”

“Yes! Young Master Guhu saved us, and personally escorted us here,” Luo Yun nodded with great vigor. Their half-day journey felt like a dream at every moment.

Luo Ying said with utmost solemnity, “We were suddenly attacked by five Kui-fang behemoths beneath Nine Heavens Mountain, our lives hanging by a thread. Fortunately, Young Master Guhu descended from the heavens and rescued us from utter despair. Had it not been for Young Master Guhu, Yun’er and I would surely have already…”

“Father King, we know we were wrong,” Luo Yun said, lowering her head in shame. “We should have listened and traveled with you, and in the future… we will never be reckless again.”

The Tianluo Realm King, however, paid no attention to Luo Yun’s apology. There was no trace of lingering fear in his heart, only wildly surging excitement and pleasant surprise. He abruptly turned and bowed deeply to Tian Guhu and Tian Muyi, saying, “Young Master Guhu’s great kindness in saving my son and daughter’s lives is something I, Luo, am endlessly grateful for. My children will remember this kindness for their entire lives and strive to repay it with their lives!”

Wrong? What wrong could there be! Not to mention they didn’t suffer any severe injuries, even if they had lost half their lives, forming even a slight connection with Tian Guhu because of this would be a great fortune to benefit from their entire lives.

Because Tian Guhu, in the future, is highly likely to become the foremost person in the Northern Region!

Tian Guhu turned, bowing in return. “Senior overstates it. Guhu merely offered a small favor, not deserving of such profound gratitude or promises. Brother Ying and Sister Yun are esteemed guests of my Huangtian Realm, yet they encountered misfortune here. Huangtian Realm cannot evade responsibility. That Senior does not blame us already fills Guhu with gratitude; I truly cannot accept such profound thanks.”

The Tianluo Realm King was about to speak further when Tian Muyi’s voice rang out: “Haha, Tianluo Realm King, you needn’t take this matter to heart. Guhu has been compassionate and abhorred evil since he was young. He has never tolerated the strong bullying the weak, nor would he ever abandon someone to die. He acts not to gain favor, but simply to have a clear conscience. Now that your son and daughter are safe, that is comfort and reward enough for Guhu.”

The Tianluo Realm King was speechless for a moment, then bowed deeply once more.

Everyone present was moved.

The Northern Divine Realm is a world governed by extremely brutal laws of survival. For the sake of survival and profit, countless acts of bloodshed, death, and evil occur every day, every moment.

Goodwill is an extreme luxury in the Northern Divine Realm.

And as an existence at the pinnacle of the pyramid, Tian Guhu not only possessed unparalleled talent and boundless prestige, with limitless future potential, but he also consistently maintained a pure heart.

In this eternally dim Northern Divine Realm, he was both too brilliant and too precious.

At this moment, outside Huangtian Que, Yun Che and Qianye Ying’er arrived, having followed Tian Guhu from a distance.

Stopping, Yun Che’s brow suddenly furrowed as he looked at the Heavenly Palace Gate that pierced through the clouds into the firmament.

“This is a bit excessive,” Qianye Ying’er said slowly, sensing the aura emanating from Huangtian Que. “The Northern Divine Realm has fewer than two hundred Upper Star Realms in total. With this kind of lineup, it seems half of the Divine Lords in the Northern Divine Realm are gathered here.”