Chapter 2189: Dao Lord

The Immortal Child's allegiance to the Siyou clan patriarch offered little deterrence to foreign cultivators, but it was a different story for the Siyou people themselves. They dared not defy their patriarch's will and could very well be manipulated by the Immortal Child into attacking Qin Sang.

Si Huang and Shao Shi promised to remain neutral, a result Qin Sang found entirely acceptable.

Therefore, although Qin Sang had initially wanted to probe for more information, Shao Shi chose to remain silent, and Qin Sang did not press the matter further.

Si Huang and Shao Shi's stance also confirmed that this revenge for the Grand Enshrinement was not at the Siyou clan patriarch's behest, but rather the Immortal Child's private initiative.

Where was the Immortal Child now?

During the beast tide, no one could remain aloof; all cultivators were deployed. Yet, the child described by Silu was nowhere to be seen, nor did Qin Sang feel any sense of being spied upon, unless the opponent was using a superior secret art to conceal his true form.

The battlefield was silent. After an intense battle, no corpses remained, nor was there the slightest scent of blood, as if it had all been a dream.

After some time, people gradually ceased their meditation, realizing that the second wave of the beast tide was long overdue.

At this point, someone suggested organizing a group to scout the edge of the mist. Several individuals quickly volunteered and set off together.

Soon after they departed, streaks of light appeared in the sky.

Seeing the lights, everyone rose to greet them, their expressions grave. It seemed the beast tide would not be the main threat for now; their fate would be influenced by the two Saint Realm powerhouses.

The streaks of light descended, revealing the Zhuhuai clan cultivator and the Yuanxiang clan leader, among others. Their expressions were calm, betraying no emotions.

The Yuanxiang clan leader and his group flew back to their respective formations.

"Elder Brother?" Yuan Ren couldn't help but ask.

The Yuanxiang clan leader gently shook his head, gesturing for everyone to listen to the Zhuhuai clan cultivator.

By now, Qin Sang knew this person was named Hong Yue.

Hong Yue surveyed the crowd and declared loudly, "You must already know the origin of the beast tide. It is born from the Sea of Radiant Haze, undying, unending, and this is just the beginning; subsequent waves will be even more terrifying. Just now, Lord Hong Tian informed all the patriarchs of the upper clans to discuss countermeasures. It was ultimately decided to form a grand formation, centered around the experts of the upper clans, to collectively resist the beast tide! However..."

Hong Yue suddenly paused, then changed his tone. "You must be very curious about the depths of the mist. To be frank, this is indeed the former Heart Lake, but not the one we know. You can consider this the true Holy Land!"

Upon hearing this, everyone frowned, and someone couldn't help but ask, "Fellow Daoist Hong Yue, could you explain more clearly?"

"It's not that I'm deliberately being mysterious; there are some things I, too, am unclear about. I am merely relaying Lord Hong Tian's words..."

Hong Yue gently shook his head, then dropped a bombshell. "The collapse of the Holy Land is not a test from our patriarchs; rather, the patriarchs themselves are in trouble!"

"What?"

"What exactly happened to the patriarchs?"

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in an uproar.

No one knew how many patriarchs were still alive, but all the ancestral realm patriarchs of the entire Yiren race were cultivating in the Holy Land. They possessed immense lifespans, and ancestral realm patriarchs were immune to tribulations, so their number was certainly not small.

What kind of trouble could entangle so many patriarchs, preventing them from even protecting the Holy Land?

People had harbored such suspicions before, but it was only when Hong Yue confirmed it that they felt genuine panic.

Should anything happen to these patriarchs, it would be a catastrophic disaster for the Yiren race!

"Everyone, there's no need to panic. It's not the kind of trouble you imagine; the situation is under the control of the patriarchs and Lord Hong Tian, and the chaos will soon subside," Hong Yue reassured them. "The grey monsters born from the radiance, and the demonic beasts they command, are part of the problem. Therefore, not a single grey monster or demonic beast can be allowed to enter! Furthermore, the trouble also lies within the Heart Lake. Although our cultivation is low, we can still assist the patriarchs! You all must have gained great opportunities during the Holy Land's collapse, and now is the time to contribute."

The crowd exchanged glances. Earlier, they had felt resentment at being blocked by the two Saint Realm powerhouses. Now, with Hong Tian seemingly allowing them in, they suddenly became hesitant.

Hong Yue spoke casually, but he never explicitly stated what kind of trouble it was. Trouble capable of trapping the clan patriarchs would likely spell their immediate demise if they became involved.

Someone tentatively asked, "What can we do for the patriarchs? I heard Lord Hong Tian entered before but was forced to retreat?"

"Lord Hong Tian was repelled by an unknown force because his cultivation was too high. Those below the Saint Realm can move freely. Moreover, the two lords must personally preside over the grand formation to resist the beast tide," Hong Yue's answer surprised everyone. He then added, "As for what we can do, it is not yet entirely clear, which is why we need some people to venture into the depths of the Heart Lake."

Upon hearing this, everyone finally understood. Clearly, Hong Tian himself could not enter the Heart Lake, so he intended to send a vanguard.

The few who had previously been most eager to enter the Heart Lake now fell silent. There were no fools present; the vanguard would undoubtedly face the greatest danger. Even if many treasures existed within the Heart Lake, one needed to be alive to enjoy them.

Moreover, one should not assume that entering the Heart Lake meant freedom from control or the ability to act recklessly. Hong Tian had entered before, indicating he was merely repelled, not entirely barred.

For a moment, the area fell into a deathly silence; not a single person volunteered to be the vanguard.

Hong Yue remained silent, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

As Hong Yue's eyes met his, Qin Sang's heart skipped a beat, filled with an ominous premonition.

Sure enough, a moment later, Hong Yue sighed softly and said, "All foreign guests, please step forward."

Qin Sang's heart sank. Being in a foreign land and having no control over their destiny, they could not possibly defy the will of a Saint Realm powerhouse. Otherwise, Hong Yue would not have been so courteous next time.

He looked at the Yuanxiang clan leader and Jixia; both shook their heads slightly. The Yuanxiang clan leader sent a telepathic message, "This is Lord Hong Tian's will; I am powerless to intervene."

Knowing the die was cast, Qin Sang and Liu Li flew out of the formation side by side.

At this moment, two escape lights also flew out from the right, radiating demonic energy. They were two female demon cultivators, though they did not reveal their true demonic forms, and their origins were unknown.

The two women looked similar, appearing to be sisters.

Ultimately, only these four stood out. The Sky Department clan had good relations with the East Sea aquatic race, so there were certainly more than two demon cultivators qualified to enter the Holy Land. However, reaching this place required not only courage and strength but also luck to survive the change in the radiant haze.

As they stepped forward, Hong Yue remained silent, still staring at another spot.

A moment later, a sharp, strange laugh rang out, and a figure leaped forth. This person had a bizarre appearance, possessing only one arm and one leg, looking as if someone had been split in half. This was a member of the Shenchi clan, and from the style of the pendant hanging at his waist, he appeared to be the Shenchi clan leader.

Another Shenchi clan member, with only early Empty Realm second stage cultivation, stared at his clan leader in astonishment.

"I pride myself on my formidable divine abilities, but I didn't expect to escape Lord Hong Tian's discerning eyes..."

The Shenchi clan leader spoke, but in a completely different voice. Immediately afterward, his mouth opened wide, and a black light flew out.

The black light descended, transforming into a monkey-faced monster, only a foot tall, with a playful grin.

"This is... a Soul-Snatching Ape!"

Someone gasped softly, recognizing the monkey monster's origin as a notorious demonic beast from the East Sea.

As its name suggested, they could directly seize a person's primordial spirit. The victim would not die immediately but would thereafter remain muddled and dazed, possessed and controlled by the Soul-Snatching Ape, with no outward sign of abnormality, even to their closest kin.

As the Soul-Snatching Ape left the body, the Shenchi clan leader's form slumped.

"Clan Leader!"

The other Shenchi clan member cried out in sorrow, rushing forward to support his leader and glaring at the Soul-Snatching Ape.

"Heh heh, your clan leader isn't dead yet. Don't look at me like that; I had no intention of occupying this skin. I merely reached an agreement with your clan leader, otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to enter the Holy Land. In fact, you should thank me; if I hadn't happened to pass by and save him, your clan leader would have long perished at the hands of his enemies..."

The Soul-Snatching Ape laughed mockingly, unconcerned. It then looked up and bowed to Hong Yue, saying, "I am merely curious about your Yiren race's Holy Land and came to broaden my horizons. I haven't gained any opportunities, nor do I wish to know your esteemed clan's secrets. May I ask fellow Daoist to convey my request to Lord Hong Tian for some leniency, to let me go? I am willing to exert my utmost to slay demonic beasts!"

"Alright."

Hong Yue nodded.

The Soul-Snatching Ape was overjoyed, not expecting Hong Yue to be so agreeable.

Unexpectedly, Hong Yue's tone shifted, "Since that is the case, you need not resist the beast tide, fellow Daoist. Please leave the Heart Lake immediately."

The Soul-Snatching Ape's smile instantly crumbled. Everyone knew how dangerous the Sea of Radiant Haze was now. Going out now would be no better than being a vanguard. Even if the passage still existed, he might not survive the journey out.

He looked at Qin Sang and the others, seeing their silence, and couldn't help but sigh dejectedly.

Five foreign cultivators were not enough for the vanguard.

Hong Yue spoke again, this time calling out names directly. Those selected were mostly cultivators from the Yu clan, ensuring representation from various factions.

When Hong Yue looked towards the Zhu Yan clan, before he could speak, the Yuanxiang clan leader said, "My clan is not skilled in formations; please leave two You Yan clan fellow Daoists to assist me. My seventh brother can go instead."

Hong Yue nodded, "Agreed!"

At the same time, Qin Sang heard a faint, murmuring telepathic message, "The Immortal Child might be inside!"

Qin Sang thanked him. The Yuanxiang clan leader keeping Yuan Jian prevented the possibility of Yuan Jian collaborating with the Immortal Child, giving Qin Sang more confidence in dealing with the Immortal Child.

The Yuanxiang clan leader had previously said that the Immortal Child and the Zhu Yan clan had no feud, so they could not openly participate in besieging the Immortal Child. But even if Yuan Ren did not make a move, his mere presence would make the opponent wary and hesitant to act rashly.

Yuan Ren stepped forward, showing no fear, but rather a subtle excitement in his expression. If not for the Yuanxiang clan leader's restraint just now, he would have been the first to volunteer.

The other cultivators who were called out did not share such good spirits; some were filled with unease.

A cultivator took out a jade piece and said solemnly, "This is a token left by our ancestor for us. Perhaps our ancestor is waiting for the help of us, their descendants. If I perish here, how will I explain it to my ancestor?"

"Someone will explain it for you! Who here doesn't have an ancestral token? If you're a coward afraid of death, let your ancestor personally explain it to Lord Hong Tian!" Hong Yue retorted bluntly, directly rebuking him.

The man's face turned pale, and he froze in place.

"There's no need to be too pessimistic, everyone," Hong Yue said, changing his tone. "Do you remember that rumor? The destruction of the Holy Land is the day of our clan's resurgence. By helping the patriarchs resolve this trouble, how could we miss out on our own opportunities? My words are done; act accordingly!"

After speaking, he looked at Qin Sang and the others. "Everyone, please follow me."

***

Mount Ziyun.

In the lakeside pavilion where True Man Ning and Qin Sang had first met, two people now sat. One was indeed True Man Ning.

True Man Ning gently plucked the zither strings, producing celestial music.

An old Daoist was seated cross-legged where Qin Sang had previously sat. Additionally, a mirror stood upright on one side of the pavilion.

The old Daoist had no interest in appreciating the zither music, his gaze fixed on the precious mirror.

Unfortunately, the mirror showed a chaotic scene, filled with disorder, and nothing could be seen clearly.

"It seems the Grand Dream Divine Monarch has gained insights in the Dao of Dreams, which is why it triggered the Holy Land's turmoil!"

The old Daoist sighed, his face full of envy. "If the Divine Monarch, with the combined power of the entire clan, can successfully forge a clear path in the Dao of Dreams this time, perhaps in the future, he will have a chance to take that final step!"

True Man Ning remained silent, focused on playing the zither.

The old Daoist, unconcerned, added, "I didn't expect the Divine Monarch to choose this time to attempt a breakthrough. With the Holy Land's anomaly, I wonder how many of those juniors will remain. I heard Senior Sister Ning sent two in this time?"

"They were lucky; both remained. However, one of them is chosen by the Dao Court," True Man Ning said lightly, her zither music flowing smoothly.

"The Dao Court?"

The old Daoist was startled. "Which Dao Court?"

True Man Ning looked up slightly, gazing seriously at the old Daoist. "From ancient times until now, there has only been one Dao Court."

The old Daoist nodded. "Indeed! The Divine Court has already appeared. No matter their current identities, people will always remember the Dao Court's benevolence. However, the Dao Court only recently returned to the Grand Realm, and everything is in disarray. The current Celestial Master who holds the seal has not yet appeared. Is it perhaps due to insufficient cultivation, yet still aspiring to inherit the Patriarch's legacy?"

"The Grand Ancestor is also the Dao Monarch who founded the Dao Court. Why shouldn't they?" True Man Ning retorted.

The old Daoist's face stiffened, and he quickly said, "This matter is unconfirmed, Senior Sister Ning. Please be very careful with your words outside, or it will cause unnecessary trouble!"

True Man Ning sneered, "It's you pedantic people, unwilling to admit that the Patriarch eventually abandoned the Minor Vehicle for the Great Vehicle. It's merely burying your heads in the sand, deceiving yourselves, and making yourselves a laughingstock!"

"There's no definitive conclusion, one cannot make arbitrary judgments..."

The old Daoist said awkwardly, unwilling to continue the topic.

"The Patriarch left the 'Spring Autumn Sundial' for the Grand Dream Divine Monarch to look after, yet it is not of the Grand Void Dao lineage. The Patriarch's intent is self-evident. Regardless of who it is, whoever gains recognition from the 'Spring Autumn Sundial' as its master is the Patriarch's successor, irrespective of their identity or origin!" True Man Ning stated decisively.

"You're right, Senior Sister, but they still have to be from the Daoist sect. Otherwise, how would they gain recognition from the various lineages? Anyway, the Dao Court's successor is at least one of us Daoists..."

The old Daoist did not insist further, also because he did not believe the Dao Court could simply send any successor to gain the inheritance.

The various lineages of the Grand Void Dao Sect and the Grand Dream Divine Monarch had long had an agreement. For countless years, countless disciples were sent in, but none could take the Spring Autumn Sundial.

"The other person is the one Senior Sister chose, right? After so many years, Senior Sister has finally taken another disciple. But I have one thing I don't understand: why did Senior Sister let her disciple cultivate the Grand Void Path of Ruthlessness?"