Chapter 772: Sea Palace Lord

“Lan Zi, Lan Shen, escort these two distinguished guests from the Sacred Realm to the Divine Sea Palace. The two of you must personally attend to them and under no circumstances be negligent.”

Following Mo Chenfeng’s summons, two female disciples of the Sea Palace quickly approached and bowed deeply. “Yes, Grand Elder... Esteemed guests, please.”

“Why does the Sea Emperor want to see my brother-in-law?” Xia Yuanba asked, his curiosity mixed with worry. The Sea Emperor was one of the Four Sacred Masters of the Profound Sky Continent, a figure renowned alongside the Sacred Emperor!

“Since it’s the Sea Emperor’s personal summons, don’t ask too many questions,” Gu Cang Zhenren said, pulling Xia Yuanba by the shoulder. “Don’t worry, it won’t be anything bad, let alone dangerous.” He then turned his gaze, looking deeply at Yun Che. “To make the Sea Emperor so eager to meet someone... and a junior at that, the first in the history of the Sea Palace.”

“Brother-in-law, then... then I’ll go to the Sacred Emperor’s side first. You must be careful. If anything happens, be sure to send me a message immediately.”

Xia Yuanba was practically half-dragged away by Gu Cang Zhenren.

“Heh heh, I’ve long heard that Palace Master Yun and Xia Yuanba have an exceptionally close bond, surpassing even that of blood relatives. It seems the rumors are true,” Mo Chenfeng said with a faint smile, yet a wave of unease rose in his heart. These two individuals, who were bound to stir up the world in the future, shared a bond as close as brothers. This was definitely not good news for the Sacred Grounds, which had dominated the world for millennia.

“Princess Snow, the Sea Emperor Hall is the most sacred place in our Sea Palace. Without the Sea Emperor’s personal decree, no one is permitted to enter. Just now, the Sea Emperor only instructed this old man to bring Palace Master Yun alone. How about I arrange for a disciple to escort Princess Snow to your residence first? If Princess Snow wishes, you may also go to the Blazing Heart Palace to meet with your family.”

Mo Chenfeng’s mind was settled, but facing Feng Xue’er, he still maintained a completely subconscious posture of respect. This was simply because Feng Xue’er’s profound energy was far too astonishing.

“No,” Feng Xue’er shook her head, her hands still tightly clutching Yun Che’s arm. “If I can’t go inside, then I’ll just wait outside for big brother Yun.”

“Very well,” Mo Chenfeng nodded, but his heart suddenly tightened.

What kind of monstrous talent was this Yun Che... His own innate talent was terrifying, and he had a master with heaven-reaching abilities behind him. Of the two most astonishing talents of the current young generation, one regarded him as a closest kin, and the other was deeply in love with him...

These three were only around twenty years old, yet they were already astonishing the world. Give them another century... No, with their growth rate, they wouldn't even need a century. By then, it was likely that even the Four Sacred Grounds would have to bow before him.

Mo Chenfeng secretly took a breath and walked ahead. “Follow me.”

The deeper they went into the Supreme Sea Palace, the denser the profound energy became. At this moment, the Supreme Sea Palace gathered almost all the top-tier powerhouses of the Profound Sky Continent, yet the entire palace was quiet, without any chaotic sounds. In fact, along the way, besides the stationed Sea Palace disciples, they saw no other profound practitioners.

Yun Che was not surprised by this. Back then, whether it was the Azure Wind Ranking Battle or the Seven Nations Ranking Battle, heroes gathered and it was incredibly lively. But this place was different... This was the Supreme Sea Palace! It was the supreme holy land in the hearts of all profound practitioners under heaven! Aside from the other three Sacred Grounds, every other invited force was overwhelmed by both honor and trepidation. Upon arriving at this legendary holy land, they would surely be treading on thin ice, filled with anxiety. No matter how bold they were, they would only quietly stay in their assigned residences, never daring to make noise or move around freely.

Every profound practitioner invited here was a powerhouse or overlord whose name shook the four corners of the world. But upon entering this Supreme Sea Palace, they were like commoners entering the imperial palace, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Mo Chenfeng did not speak to Yun Che again along the way; only his pace quickened. Yun Che and Feng Xue’er followed effortlessly. Just then, a short, stocky figure appeared in Yun Che’s line of sight.

This person was roughly only three feet tall, clad in an utterly black and exceptionally tattered cloak. The cloak was oversized, its upper edge covering his entire face, while its lower edge dragged on the ground, submerging his feet.

This was the first profound practitioner Yun Che had seen from outside the Sea Palace since entering the Supreme Sea Palace. His aura was completely different from that of the Sea Palace disciples they had just passed. Moreover, his profound energy aura was only at the third level of the Sovereign Profound Realm.

He walked unhurriedly on the faintly shimmering blue-lit floor. From the side or behind, it was hard to immediately discern that a person was walking. In the quiet, vast Sea Palace, where profound energy was so dense it felt heavy, his presence was particularly striking... Even from a distance, a very eerie aura could be felt emanating from him.

Upon seeing this person, Yun Che’s steps paused slightly, and his brows furrowed.

What a heavy poison aura! Beneath his black attire, at least two hundred types of potent poisons were hidden!

And that aura... Could it be the Gu Emperor?!

Noticing Yun Che’s reaction, Mo Chenfeng turned his head. “Has Palace Master Yun perhaps met this person before?”

“No,” Yun Che shook his head, his gaze already shifting from the black-clad dwarf. “I was just curious. I heard that the Demon Sword Convention invited profound practitioners at the Tyrant Emperor and Monarch levels, yet this person’s profound energy should only be at the third level of the Sovereign Profound Realm. Still, he was invited here, and judging by his demeanor, he doesn’t seem constrained at all within this Supreme Sea Palace... I imagine he must be an extraordinary individual.”

“This person is indeed extraordinary,” Mo Chenfeng said lightly. “He comes from the Black Fiend Nation. Although his profound energy is only at the Sovereign Profound Realm, even powerhouses like Tyrant Emperors or Monarchs would retreat a great distance if they knew he was ahead. Within the borders of the Black Fiend Nation, everyone fears him like a snake or scorpion. Perhaps Palace Master Yun has heard of his title.”

“The Ghost Fiend Poison Immortal!”

“Oh...” Yun Che responded, yet it was the first time he had heard that name.

“I’ve heard my Imperial Father mention that name before,” Feng Xue’er said. “When he spoke to me about some of the most fearsome individuals in the Profound Sky Continent, he mentioned the ‘Ghost Fiend Poison Immortal,’ saying he was the most formidable poison user in the Profound Sky Continent... especially with Gu poisons. Once planted, no one can cure them.”

“Indeed,” Mo Chenfeng nodded. As the Grand Elder of the Sea Palace, even he knew of this person, which showed how terrifying he was. “He has countless enemies throughout his life, including many Tyrant Emperors and Monarchs, yet he still lives today. This indicates that his poison mastery is far from trivial compared to his profound energy. However, this person was not invited by our Sea Palace.”

“Oh?” Yun Che looked puzzled.

“He was invited by the Heavenly Might Sword Region. They likely need to borrow his abilities for something, which might become clear during the Demon Sword Convention.”

“We have arrived at the Sea Emperor Hall.” Mo Chenfeng stopped, turned around, and said, “Princess Snow, please wait here. Palace Master Yun, please follow me.”

“Big brother Yun, I’ll wait for you right here... Please be careful.” Feng Xue’er stopped, calling out softly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be out soon.”

The Sea Emperor Hall, located at the very center of the Supreme Sea Palace, was the core of the entire Supreme Sea Palace, embodying the Sea Palace’s millennia of majesty and glory.

Its exterior was not significantly different from the other halls Yun Che had seen along the way. However, the moment he stepped into the Sea Emperor Hall’s vicinity, all his five senses and six consciousnesses simultaneously wavered... In that instant, it was as if he had stepped from an ordinary world into a celestial palace. A deep sense of awe welled up from his heart, suddenly giving him an urge to kneel and worship. His normally sharp spiritual perception became blurred, and even his vision grew increasingly hazy.

After a brief moment of distraction, Yun Che quickly snapped back, immediately concentrating his mind. Possessing the Soul of the Dragon God, the level of his soul power was incredibly high; in just an instant, his senses were clear again.

“Below this Sea Emperor Hall, there’s quite a peculiar profound formation laid out. If one’s profound energy and soul power aren’t strong enough, they might walk in, but they’d leave crawling on their knees,” Jasmine suddenly said coldly.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Sea Emperor Hall, Mo Chenfeng turned to look at Yun Che. He found Yun Che’s eyes clear, his demeanor composed, and his steps steady. Far from showing any signs of trepidation, he was instead calmly enjoying the surrounding scenery.

A flicker of deep astonishment passed through Mo Chenfeng’s pupils. The entire Sea Emperor Hall was enveloped within a massive profound formation, the most powerful profound formation of the Supreme Sea Palace, named the “Sea God Overturning Heaven Formation.” Once one stepped into this formation, they would bear supreme pressure, as if facing a true god’s descent. Below the Monarch level, one’s body would go limp and tremble within this formation. Below the Tyrant Emperor level, one would directly collapse to their knees, their will shattered, losing even the ability to walk.

Even he, an eighth-level Monarch, felt continuous apprehension and palpitation every time he entered the Sea Emperor Hall.

He had initially thought that even with Yun Che’s extraordinarily powerful innate talent, entering this “Sea God Overturning Heaven Formation” for the first time without any preparation would at least leave him with unsteady steps, a pale face, and cold sweat all over... He had absolutely not expected Yun Che to be completely at ease, calm and composed, as if entirely unaffected by the “Sea God Overturning Heaven Formation.”

What... what was happening? Could his spiritual power actually surpass mine?

Mo Chenfeng thought with alarm.

The large doors opened, and the two entered. Mo Chenfeng lowered his head as he stepped inside, and after just three steps, he bowed deeply. “Reporting to the Sea Emperor, Palace Master Yun Che of Ice Cloud Palace from Azure Wind Nation has been brought.”

After entering the Sea Emperor Hall, Mo Chenfeng kept his head bowed. Yun Che, on the other hand, immediately looked at the figure standing in the center of the grand hall.

The Sea Emperor stood with her back to them, her figure exceptionally slender. A long, shimmering blue palace robe adorned her, and its high collar reached her elaborate hair bun...

This back view instantly froze Yun Che.

Fe...male?

The Sea Emperor was actually a... woman?

“You may withdraw.”

The Sea Emperor spoke, and it was indeed the voice of a middle-aged woman. Her voice was light, yet every word resonated like a heaven-shaking bell, awe-inspiring and intimidating.

“Understood.” Mo Chenfeng backed away and closed the Sea Emperor Hall’s grand doors.

“Junior Yun Che greets Sea Emperor Senior.” Yun Che stepped forward and bowed respectfully, his mind quite solemn. This was because the person before him was the master of a Sacred Ground that had reigned over the Profound Sky Continent for millennia! She was an unparalleled powerhouse in the Profound Sky Continent, and the first Sacred Ground master he had ever met!

He had simply never expected that the Sea Emperor, one of the Four Sacred Masters, would be a woman!

The Sea Emperor slowly turned around, revealing her true face to Yun Che. It was the face of a middle-aged woman, yet it had almost none of the usual feminine softness. Instead, every angle, every line, carried an immensely heavy sense of majesty and sharpness.

She looked at Yun Che, her eyes as deep as an ocean, showing no ripple of emotion. After a full ten breaths of incredibly oppressive silence, she finally spoke, slowly nodding. “It is indeed true that seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times. Before me, and within the ‘Sea God Overturning Heaven Formation,’ your eyes are as clear as a bright mirror, and your heart as firm as a rock. I had always thought the rumors about you were largely exaggerated, but now it seems you far surpass them! No wonder ‘that person’ spoke so highly of you.”

Yun Che did not ask who “that person” in her words referred to. He smiled faintly. “Sea Emperor, your praise is too great; this junior is unworthy. I came to the Supreme Sea Palace for two reasons: first, to participate in the Demon Sword Convention. Second, to enter the Moon Slaughter Devil Nest. I humbly ask for Sea Emperor Senior’s permission.”

“Palace Master Yun certainly gets straight to the point,” the Sea Emperor said, her eyes narrowing slightly. She slowly stepped forward, and with each step closer, the pressure enveloping Yun Che’s entire body intensified exponentially. “I had intended to converse with you more, but it seems Palace Master Yun has no such inclination.”

“To have the honor of meeting Sea Emperor Senior is already the greatest fortune of this junior’s life. As the Emperor of the Sea Palace and an overlord of the world, every moment of Sea Emperor Senior’s time is more precious than ten thousand pieces of gold. How could this junior dare to delay you further?” Yun Che replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

“Is that so?” The Sea Emperor stood three steps in front of Yun Che, her figure surprisingly half a head taller than his. “I am already aware of your desire to enter the Moon Slaughter Devil Nest. However, I am quite curious as to why you are so determined to obtain a Netherworld Udumbara Flower, regardless of the cost. As far as I know, the Netherworld Udumbara Flower is an extremely evil and malevolent object. Even a Monarch who approaches it can suffer soul damage in light cases, or perish in severe ones. Aside from its ability to kill invisibly, I have never heard of it having any other uses.”

Yun Che did not hesitate, his eyes sincere. “The Netherworld Udumbara Flower is something my master requires. This matter should not be revealed to others, but since I am seeking a favor from Sea Emperor Senior, I naturally must tell you the truth.”

The Netherworld Udumbara Flower was what Jasmine needed, and Jasmine was his master, so his statement was entirely truthful, making it impossible for the Sea Emperor to find any trace of falsehood.

“Your master?” The Sea Emperor’s gaze tilted slightly. “I have long heard that your esteemed master possesses heaven-shattering abilities, capable of turning a Monarch into nothingness with a flick of a finger. Since it’s something your master requires, why does he not retrieve it himself? I believe with your esteemed master’s power, there is no place in this world he cannot go.”

“Because obtaining a Netherworld Udumbara Flower is a test my master has given this junior,” Yun Che said with a faint smile. “Since it is my master’s command, I naturally must complete it with all my might, regardless of the cost. I have been inquiring about the Netherworld Udumbara Flower for years, and I was fortunate to finally hear that it once appeared in the Moon Slaughter Devil Nest. Therefore, I must enter and investigate, no matter what... I sincerely hope Sea Emperor Senior will grant my request.”

“I see,” the Sea Emperor slowly nodded, her eyes remaining unwavering, making it impossible to tell if she believed him or not. “Speaking of which, where is your esteemed master currently residing? I wonder if this Emperor might have the honor of meeting him?”

“My master has long been a person beyond this world, rarely engaging with mortal affairs, and never wishing to be bound by anything. Therefore, although I am his disciple, I have always been unaware of my master’s whereabouts or his destinations. Only when I absolutely must seek his help will my master appear to meet me,” Yun Che repeated, word for word, what he had told Gu Cang Zhenren.

His fabricated master, “Old Man Duotian,” was clearly believed by the Four Sacred Grounds and posed a great deterrent to them. Since this “master” was so useful, he naturally had to maintain the charade with all his might.

“That is truly a pity,” the Sea Emperor replied casually, then suddenly changed her tone. “The Moon Slaughter Devil Nest is the greatest taboo of our Sea Palace; outsiders are absolutely forbidden from entering. However, the Moon Slaughter Devil Nest’s barrier has not been opened for thirteen hundred years, and it is time for this Emperor to send someone in to investigate if there are any abnormalities. Furthermore, our Sea Palace has already received ten ‘Six Flavor Emperor Pills’ from you. If I were to refuse you now, would it not make our Supreme Sea Palace seem untrustworthy?”

Yun Che’s eyes widened... Huh? Six Flavor Emperor Pills? What on earth?!

Did she mean... Tyrant Emperor Pellets?

Holy crap! What kind of ridiculous name did Zi Ji come up with?!

And... what the Sea Emperor just said was a complete self-admission of her connection with the Black Moon Merchant Guild!

“Thank you, Sea Emperor Senior, for granting my request!” Yun Che said delightedly.

“Don’t rejoice too soon,” the Sea Emperor said coldly. “The Moon Slaughter Devil Nest’s seal can only be opened once every five hundred years, and each opening lasts for only a hundred breaths! After a hundred breaths, the barrier will forcibly close, and even our Supreme Sea Palace has no way to forcibly reopen it within five hundred years. This measure is to prevent the yin energy within from leaking out and harming the continent. Furthermore, the Netherworld Udumbara Flower is said to bloom only once every twenty-four years, and then wilts three days later. For you to encounter a blooming Netherworld Udumbara Flower within a mere hundred breaths is almost a pipe dream. What’s more, it’s unknown whether any Netherworld Udumbara Flowers even exist there anymore!”

“So, even if you enter the Moon Slaughter Devil Nest, it will likely be a wasted trip.”

“I am aware of all that, Senior. But even if there’s only a sliver of hope, this junior must try,” Yun Che said without hesitation.

“Since you are so persistent... If I were to grant you permission to explore the Moon Slaughter Devil Nest now, when would you wish to enter?” the Sea Emperor asked.

“The sooner, the better!” Yun Che thought for a moment and said, “If possible, I’d like to go today.”

“Very well!” the Sea Emperor slowly nodded. “In that case, I shall grant your wish! Someone can be sent to take you to the Moon Slaughter Devil Nest now!”