Chapter 1060: Emperor's Tomb Opening

The sound of bells, emanating from the Eastern Demon Plume Dao Platform, resonated this morning. Its majestic peal swept through the entire Eastern Demon Plume like a storm.

At that moment, everyone within the Eastern Demon Plume—be they from established families, rogue cultivators, or those from the Sovereign Mountains—heard the sound. Involuntarily, they lifted their heads, gazing towards the Eastern Demon Plume Dao Platform.

They knew that the day had arrived for the opening of Emperor Mingyan's secluded cultivation ground.

To the Demon Plume Sacred Land, Emperor Mingyan was a name both glorious and terrifying.

He was not of the orthodox lineage.

He had mysteriously disappeared in his early years, only to return years later having attained the rank of a Great Emperor.

At the peak of his power, although based in the Eastern Demon Plume, his terrifying strength had already unified the entire Eastern Demon Plume.

Even other Profound-grade Sacred Lands had to bow to him.

Indeed, Emperor Mingyan had reached the pinnacle of the Great Emperor rank, just half a step away from becoming a Xia Immortal.

Even the current Demon Plume Great Emperor had to submit to him, inheriting the name of Demon Plume but merely serving as a puppet.

That era was the Demon Plume Sacred Land's most brilliant, regarded as the foremost Profound-grade Sacred Land.

Logically, a Great Emperor of such standing should not fall easily, nor should extending their lifespan be difficult.

Yet, strangely, Emperor Mingyan's peak period was incredibly brief. After failing to ascend to a Xia Immortal, it was as if his entire life had passed in mere millennia.

No one knew the reason.

Most speculated it might be related to how he acquired his Great Emperor cultivation.

Thus, Emperor Mingyan began this secluded cultivation a millennium ago.

Now, a millennium has passed, and his fate remains unknown.

With his seclusion, the structure of the Demon Plume Sacred Land gradually changed.

The current Demon Plume Great Emperor, who had long been a puppet, finally had an opportunity to rise.

Until today, for the cultivators of the Demon Plume Sacred Land, perhaps everything would finally reach its conclusion.

Therefore, countless eyes were watching.

Even the war against the human race no longer seemed important.

The Demon Plume forces would primarily focus on defense in the coming period, and the Demon Plume Sacred Land activated its grand protective formation to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

All focus was now on the Eastern Demon Plume Dao Platform.

For that was the secluded cultivation ground of Emperor Mingyan.

As the bell's echoes reverberated, figures began to teleport, and in the distance, a crimson rainbow could be seen streaking closer from the west.

Meanwhile, the bell's chime also reached the Immortal Arts Palace.

Even within the secluded chamber, isolated from the outside world, the bell's sound penetrated, reaching Xu Qing and Er Niu's minds.

Xu Qing opened his eyes, concluding his attempt at the Five Dogs Immortal Abode technique.

Er Niu let out a sigh of relief.

“You're finally awake,” Er Niu said. “I was just thinking if you didn't wake up, I'd have to carry you out myself.”

For the past few days, Xu Qing's attempts at the Five Dogs Immortal Abode technique had ingrained its principles deeper within his comprehension. There were a few crises during this period, but fortunately, with Er Niu acting as his protector, he managed to overcome them successfully.

Unfortunately, time was a bit short.

Xu Qing felt a pang of regret. If he had another half-month, he was confident he could fully simulate that immortal art, but now, he could only achieve it halfway.

However, he also knew that compared to the immortal art, Emperor Mingyan's secluded cultivation ground was the main objective of his and Captain's current journey.

“I hope to find an opportunity there to achieve a breakthrough in my cultivation!” he thought.

Xu Qing took a deep breath, stood up, and looked at Er Niu.

“Senior Brother, shall we depart?”

Er Niu's eyes showed anticipation. He licked his lips, rubbed his hands together, and chuckled.

“Before we go, I have a treasure for you.”

Saying this, Er Niu raised his hand, took a cracked egg from his storage pouch, and handed it to Xu Qing.

As soon as the egg appeared, a profound aura circulated within it, distorting the surrounding void—a clear sign of its extraordinary nature.

Xu Qing's gaze sharpened; he recognized it with just a glance.

“How did you get this?”

This was precisely the Golden Rat's egg. After the two of them obtained it that day, they thought Wu Jianwu was skilled at hatching, so they entrusted it to him.

It wasn't until their journey to the outer seas of Jade Glass Dust, when they encountered the terrifying old man who claimed to be from the Fifth Star Ring and saw with their own eyes that he also possessed one, treating it as an extreme treasure.

At that moment, he and Er Niu realized the Golden Rat's true value.

“After we returned to the Human Imperial City, you were constantly watching Feng Lintao, so I went to find Wu Jianwu,” Er Niu said proudly. “This Golden Rat is such a treasure; I was worried that if Wu Jianwu hatched it, and its first sight was that kid, it would become his pet. So I got it back from him, planning to hatch it myself. And now, after my efforts over this period, it's about to hatch!” Er Niu wore a smug expression. “This time we're entering Mingyan's secluded cultivation ground, and we don't know how long we'll be there. You should keep this egg yourself; it's expected to hatch in a few days.”

Although its specific abilities were unknown, it's definitely a good thing.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing carefully put away the egg in his hand.

Then, the two exchanged glances, both seeing the determination and anticipation for this journey in each other's expressions.

“Little A-Qing, this time going to Mingyan's secluded cultivation ground, I have an additional objective—it's related to my previous life!” Er Niu spoke with a serious expression. “But I'm not entirely sure yet. Once I confirm it, I'll need your help.”

Xu Qing didn't ask for details, simply nodding.

Er Niu grinned and clapped Xu Qing on the shoulder. They stepped forward simultaneously, vanishing from the secret chamber in an instant.

When they reappeared, Er Niu was already outside the Immortal Arts Palace.

Xu Qing, meanwhile, was hovering in mid-air some distance from the Immortal Arts Palace. After glancing back towards its direction, he swayed and shot directly towards the Eastern Demon Plume Dao Platform.

Outside the Immortal Arts Palace, Er Niu, in his guise as Yuetong, spoke calmly.

“Immortal Arts Palace, heed my command! Follow this Immortal Master to the Great Emperor Dao Platform.”

As Er Niu's words resonated, numerous Immortal Masters ascended into the sky, forming an honor guard.

As for Young Master Yun, he wasn't here; he had been summoned by his Old Ancestor three days prior and had to return.

In this manner, the group swiftly sped across the sky.

Meanwhile, at Emperor Mingyan's Dao Platform, the enormous wing-shaped platform was already surrounded by Eastern Demon Plume cultivators, who had sealed off all entry and exit routes.

Only designated individuals were permitted to enter.

Inside, three figures were already seated cross-legged in mid-air, waiting silently.

If Xu Qing were to arrive at this moment, he would clearly recognize two of them.

One was Lin Kun, the son of the Fifth Sovereign.

The other was, surprisingly, Young Master Yun.

These two had clearly been chosen during the internal discussions within the Eastern Demon Plume to accompany the Tenth Sovereign inside.

As for the third, he appeared to be a young boy with an ordinary appearance, yet his cultivation had already reached the Spirit Accumulation Realm.

This person was from the Ninth Sovereign Mountain.

They were the first to arrive here. And the moment the third bell chime, released after the interval of an incense stick's burning time, reverberated, a fissure opened in the sky.

Empress Lü Lingzi, in her transformed state, emerged from the fissure and descended upon the spot in a single step.

Lin Kun and the other two quickly rose and bowed.

The Empress nodded slightly, then sat cross-legged in mid-air, eyes closed, remaining silent.

Not until the fourth bell chime echoed did the Empress slowly open her eyes. Opposite her, five figures emerged from the void.

The leading figure, clad in imperial robes and wearing an imperial crown, caused the heavens and earth to change color and winds to gather upon his appearance. Lin Kun and the others, the surrounding cultivators, and even the various sovereigns secretly observing from across the Eastern Demon Plume—all felt a jolt in their minds and lowered their heads.

“Greetings, Great Emperor.”

The newcomer was none other than the current Demon Plume Great Emperor.

Five individuals followed behind him.

Three men and two women.

A red-faced middle-aged man, a hunchbacked elder, a jade-faced youth, and two women, one dressed in palace attire and the other in a green robe.

They were naturally the entrants from the Western Demon Plume.

“Is everyone assembled?” The Demon Plume Great Emperor, who had just descended, spoke indifferently.

Faced with his oppressive aura, everyone instinctively felt a tremor of fear, except for the Empress, whose expression remained normal as she spoke calmly.

“Two more.”

Hearing this, the Demon Plume Great Emperor glanced at the Empress with a meaningful look and smiled faintly.

“They're here too.”

As soon as he spoke, ethereal music resonated across the sky, and a group of Immortal Masters, forming an honor guard and carrying a massive palanquin, appeared on the horizon.

Inside the palanquin sat a woman.

She had initially worn an arrogant expression, but the next moment...

“Come over here,” the Empress commanded.

The woman's body trembled. She immediately flew out, heading straight for the Empress. Upon instantly drawing near, she obediently stood to the side.

At the same time, Xu Qing's figure, wreathed in blood mist, whistled through the sky. He arrived in an instant and likewise stood beside the Empress.

At this moment, both sides had six individuals.

The Empress and the Demon Plume Great Emperor led their respective groups, each with five individuals behind them.

“Emperor Mingyan is the supreme being of our Demon Plume Sacred Land.” After his gaze swept over Xu Qing and Er Niu, the Demon Plume Great Emperor slowly began to speak. “I originally did not approve of opening his secluded cultivation ground. However, since Lü Lingzi is his disciple, and Emperor Mingyan's other disciples also agree to this matter, it would be difficult for me to refuse. But I have one request that you all must obey: your entry this time is primarily for exploration; you must not disturb the Great Emperor's cultivation. Should the Great Emperor unfortunately have truly perished, then you shall bow three times on my behalf, and disturb him no further.” As the Demon Plume Great Emperor continued speaking, his voice grew sharper.

Everyone clasped their fists, signifying their obedience to the decree.

Seeing their compliance, the Demon Plume Great Emperor's expression softened. He turned to gaze at the colossal Dao Platform, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes. After a long moment, he let out a soft sigh.

“Emperor Mingyan's secluded cultivation ground, though appearing as a Dao Platform, is in fact a mysterious Heaven Beyond Heaven, obtained by the Great Emperor from the starry sky. If he has truly perished, then due to the sealing of this Heaven Beyond Heaven, his life's memories will transform into a realm, filling its interior. It might contain the Great Emperor's legacy. Before the Great Emperor's return, his cultivation and experiences in the starry sky were mysterious and unknown to all. Thus, no one knows anything about his memories. Out of respect for the Great Emperor, I hope that if you witness anything, you will not divulge even a single detail.” With that, the Demon Plume Great Emperor shook his head, took a step, and arrived at the peak of the Dao Platform. After sitting cross-legged, he waved his hand, and immediately the entire platform rumbled, instantly transforming from its former dimness to a dazzling brilliance. “You may proceed as you wish. During this time, I shall serve as your protector here.”

At this moment, the Dao Platform shimmered, the Demon Plume Great Emperor's voice reverberated, and the heavens and earth trembled in unison.

In the Eastern Demon Plume, all sovereigns opened their eyes, intently gazing at this place.

The Western Demon Plume faction did the same.

All rogue cultivators and families, without exception, followed suit.

It was truly a moment of universal attention.

Amidst the convergence of countless gazes and divine senses, the Empress approached the Dao Platform. There was no elaborate opening, no complex ritual; her third eye on her brow simply shone.

Then, drops of fresh blood seeped from her body.

That was the blood of the Lan family, sharing the same origin as the Great Emperor.

It exuded profoundness, containing both rules and laws.

This blood gathered before the Empress, dropping onto the Dao Platform. Under the gaze of her third eye, it slowly formed a crimson vortex that rumbled as it spun, seemingly carving out a path.

Without hesitation, the Empress then stepped forward and vanished into it.

Xu Qing and Er Niu likewise did not hesitate, swiftly rushing in right behind her.

Next, Young Master Yun, Lin Kun, and the young boy from the Ninth Sovereign Mountain, along with the rest of the Western Demon Plume contingent, all stepped in. After everyone entered, the blood that formed the vortex dispersed into a mist.

The vortex then vanished.

A grand play, with everyone harboring their own hidden agendas...

At the peak of the Dao Platform, the Demon Plume Great Emperor opened his eyes, gazed down, and murmured to himself.

Inside Emperor Mingyan's secluded cultivation ground, Xu Qing didn't know what had become of the others, but at this moment, he furrowed his brows.

The instant he stepped into the vortex, his vision blurred. When everything became clear again, he heard music, smelled rouge, and saw singing and dancing...

The place he was in was a huge, luxurious palace, with exquisitely carved balustrades and jade-inlaid walls. Inside, there were at least a thousand women, clad in extremely thin, mostly translucent gauze dresses.

Their skin was faintly visible, exuding an allure that tugged at the heartstrings.

Within the palace, they were either singing and dancing or engaging in intimate acts, making the entire hall appear utterly decadent, and the sounds were equally so.

Moreover, these women were from various races, with different physiques, but all possessed exceptional beauty. Each one, viewed individually, was strikingly gorgeous.

Now, each of them was cautiously yet yearningly gazing at him, the fire in their eyes seemingly capable of consuming everything.

The sight made Xu Qing's heart pound.

Looking beyond the palace in all directions, he saw an unknown continent. Within the range of Xu Qing's divine sense, he astonishingly did not see a single male besides himself.

It was as if this was a land of women.

As for himself, he was no longer in his original form but had transformed into a young man, seated on the topmost throne of the grand hall, like an emperor of this place.

Before him were laid out various immortal wines, spirit fruits, and spiritual meats.

“Is this a realm transformed from a fragment of Emperor Mingyan's memory?” Xu Qing murmured.

A similar murmur also emanated from Er Niu's lips, on a barren ancient star.

Er Niu was somewhat stunned.

He looked around.

This was a barren and desolate planet. The sky was gray, the ground black, and there was no vegetation whatsoever.

Everywhere he looked, there was rotting flesh. Besides the countless scattered bones, he even saw piles of excrement, and numerous giant maggots writhing within, some crawling towards him.

A putrid stench filled the air in all directions, making one nauseous.

It was like a hell on earth.

As for himself, he was a half-rotted corpse, now staring blankly at his surroundings with wide-open eyes.

“This is a realm formed from Emperor Mingyan's memory fragment? How could his memories be like this...”

“Are the others here too?”

Er Niu was alarmed, then instinctively focused his gaze on the maggots crawling towards him, wondering if he might find Little A-Qing among them.