Chapter 1147: Each Has Its Own Way

The Immortal Palace Young Master, whose body Xu Qing currently inhabits, has been suspended on Punishment Lightning Cliff for seven days.

In another three hours, his sentence will conclude, and he will be released.

During these final three hours, the lightning is more intense than usual, its rumbling echoing clearly audible even from outside Punishment Lightning Cliff.

This immense lightning seems to be declaring to everyone the authority of Punishment Lightning Cliff.

However, the figure within the lightning, though appearing dishevelled at the moment, is actually receiving a deeply hidden nourishment from the vast heavenly lightning during these final three hours.

It’s a classic case of more thunder than rain.

The external grandeur is merely a performance for outsiders; in reality, this endlessly flashing lightning is secretly nourishing his physical body and soul, soothing the effects of the seven-day punishment.

Outsiders are unaware of this, but in the host's memories that Xu Qing examined, it has been this way almost every time.

Regardless of the punishment, the party administering it would always subtly intervene at the very end, unwilling to truly let the Young Master suffer severe body and soul damage.

After all, he is the only son of the Aurora Immortal Lord.

"A doting father spoils his son!"

Zhong Chi quickly glanced up, a pained expression on his face, but he sneered inwardly.

The hidden trickery in this matter, though unknown to others, was certainly not unknown to him.

However, on the surface, he maintained his pained expression and called out loudly.

"Young Master, you must hold on; only three hours remain."

"That Li Tianjiao has already arrived at the Combat Arena and is waiting for you there!"

His voice was full of emotion.

Xu Qing couldn't help but open his eyes and look at Zhong Chi.

He hadn't realized before that Li Mengtu had some talent for acting.

With his current expression and words, if he didn't know the other party's identity, it would be difficult to suspect anything in the moment.

Noticing Xu Qing's gaze, Zhong Chi's performance became even more zealous, as if competing with the lightning for favor.

But clearly, he couldn't win.

The lightning roared even louder, its momentum growing more astonishing, permeating the area around Punishment Lightning Cliff, its shimmering light transforming the place into a pool of lightning.

The rumbling sounds echoed continuously.

Not only here, but also exploding above the Sword Furnace located north of the Immortal Palace.

North of the Immortal Palace stood a furnace.

This furnace resembled a cauldron, with flames churning like a stampede of ten thousand beasts, its intense light illuminating the entire area.

It was as if even the air had ignited.

Runes flowed across the furnace walls, and alongside the sound of burning flames, it was as if ancient incantations were being chanted in the ethereal.

Each rune contained the mysteries and power of the heavens and earth.

This was the Heaven and Earth Furnace, crafted by the Aurora Immortal Lord from refining a hundred thousand small worlds.

It could refine all things, transforming decay into wonder.

At this moment, in a transcendental manner, it was utilizing the flames of heaven and earth to continuously refine metallic heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

They either turned into wisps of smoke or were refined into liquid, and each transformation was accompanied by a surge of heaven and earth spiritual energy.

Amidst this intertwining of intense flames and spiritual energy, a sharp power was being forged.

That was a sword embryo!

In the past, ten immortal swords were born from this furnace, becoming the personal swords of the Aurora Immortal Lord, their fame shining throughout the Star Ring.

According to the Aurora Immortal Lord's plan, he required twelve swords to form a complete sword array.

Now, the final two are being forged.

This is also why heavenly lightning was drawn, erupting above the Sword Furnace, allowing the lightning to fuse and assist in the swords' formation.

At this moment, with the influx of lightning, the burning of the heaven and earth flames, and the melting of the heavenly materials and earthly treasures, two sword embryos could vaguely be seen being forged within the furnace.

Their auras continuously intensified, and their inherent sharpness was constantly honed.

For these two sword embryos, this process was akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly or a carp leaping over the dragon gate.

Therefore, for the two foreign souls inhabiting them, it was an unprecedented great opportunity!

Qianjun and Biyi, from the Sword Immortal Gate of the Northern Star Region, had painstakingly obtained their Fourth Layer identities in the Third Layer World, and those identities were precisely these two swords!

This was related to their respective Paths.

They were naturally born with a sword embodied within them, possessing innate sword physiques. Within this furnace, undergoing the forging process of immortal swords, was like being forged themselves, yielding immense benefits.

Thus, inhabiting these two sword embryos was the best path for them.

Furthermore, these two immortal swords, currently being forged, had not truly come into existence yet. In this historical timeline, they would take shape in one month, but would be destroyed along with the catastrophe of the Immortal Palace before they could be fully born.

Thus, throughout their existence, they never truly acknowledged a master.

These masterless and unborn swords carried no karma themselves, making them perfect for Qianjun and Biyi.

Therefore, both of them were extremely satisfied and expectant about inhabiting these two swords.

Regardless of how others outside chose their paths, prepared their opportunities, or acquired their fortunes—their opportunity was right before them.

No need to contend or snatch; they could cultivate peacefully here, being nurtured, simply waiting for their formation in one month.

Even if uninvited guests appeared, they paid no mind, because their opportunity did not interfere with other star realms.

Just then, amidst this refinement of lightning and fire, a calm voice drifted from outside the Sword Furnace.

"This furnace not only refines swords, but also tempers the heart and character."

"Therefore, the path of sword forging is, in essence, the path of cultivating the mind."

The voice echoed within the furnace, stirring Qianjun and Biyi, causing their divine senses to extend outwards, looking towards the exterior.

Outside the Sword Furnace, a young man, tall and straight like a green pine, stood there, his expression calm as he spoke softly.

The man wore a long purple-gold robe, gently swaying in the aftermath of the lightning and fire. Dragons and phoenixes seemed to weave through its sleeves, fully displaying his nobility and mystery.

On his head was a purple-gold crown inlaid with jewels, upon which dragons and phoenixes were carved lifelike, inspiring awe.

His brow revealed an extraordinary aura, making his presence impossible to ignore.

As he spoke, he lifted his foot and walked forward.

His steps were steady and powerful, each seemingly treading to the rhythm of time.

The heavens and earth changed with him, and the winds and clouds churned.

Even the lightning and fire in the area trembled.

And in a few steps, his figure entered the Sword Furnace.

He appeared inside the Sword Furnace, beside the two sword embryos.

The sword embryos hummed.

Releasing a sharp aura.

But the young man paid no heed. His gaze was deep and bright, as if he could see through all things in the world, yet also carried indifference and coldness. He looked at the two sword embryos before him and spoke softly.

"As you two are within this furnace fire, you can not only await your final formation, but also, with every transformation of the metals and stones during this process, your character will be tested."

"This furnace is like a cauldron, within which heaven and earth are contained; this heart is like a mirror, reflecting the universe."

As the young man's words fell, the flames in the furnace seemed to grow even fiercer, powerful surges of spiritual energy emanated from it, causing the entire space to tremble.

Under the baptism of this power, the two sword embryos received even greater nourishment.

"This opportunity is excellent."

The young man's voice was calm, yet it contained the essence of "what is spoken becomes law."

"However, history cannot be changed, and events cannot be replaced. Nothing that has already occurred, whether this history is a mirror image or not, can be altered in the slightest!"

"Therefore, I allow you to sail with the current, gaining opportunities within the flow of history."

"But if any thought of changing history arises in you, then I will personally erase you and strip you of your qualifications for this Fourth Layer."

"Remember: adhere to order!"

Qianjun and Biyi fell silent for a few breaths upon hearing this, then emitted sword hums that conveyed compliance.

They recognized the identity of the newcomer and understood his Path.

This was an alignment and a transaction.

Their choice had always been to adhere to order, so there was no conflict.

Consequently, the young man's figure blurred, eventually leaving the Sword Furnace, and reappeared outside the lightning and fire.

A retinue was waiting there.

Seeing the young man appear, the attendant bowed his head and followed behind him.

The two walked out of the Sword Furnace area and proceeded through the Immortal Palace.

Along the way, every Immortal Palace cultivator who saw the young man, without exception, immediately showed respectful expressions and offered their salutations.

"Greetings, True Monarch."

In the Aurora Immortal Palace, only the Aurora Immortal Lord's four direct disciples could be addressed as True Monarch.

This was their exclusive honorable title.

Currently, three of the disciples were away, leaving only the Fourth within the Aurora Immortal Palace!

This young man was precisely the Aurora Immortal Lord's Fourth Disciple. His identity and status appeared to be second only to the Young Master, but in reality, in the hearts of the masses, he was considered superior.

Thus, the Fourth True Monarch, after smilingly acknowledging everyone, led his attendant back to his True Monarch Hall.

The moment they stepped inside, the attendant took a deep breath and spoke respectfully.

"My Lord, what about Qianjun and Biyi?"

"They adhere to order."

The young man replied softly.

The attendant showed little surprise at this reply.

His true identity was Zhou Zhengli!

After arriving in this Fourth Layer World, he was actually the first to recognize Xinghuanzi's identity, because not only did both of them come from the Eastern Star Region, but their chosen Path in this Fourth Layer was also identical.

They sought to maintain the history of this Fourth Layer World, allowing this historical period to flow naturally.

However, to gain greater benefits from this process, they needed rebels whom they could then suppress.

By adhering to order in this manner, they would perfect their own principles.

"Qianjun and Biyi were easy to find, but Xie Lingzi and Li Mengtu are deeply hidden… And as for Jiang Fan and Yuanshan Su, there are no clues yet."

Zhou Zhengli looked at Xinghuanzi.

Xinghuanzi, who was inhabiting the Fourth True Monarch's body, maintained his usual expression, gazing at the sky outside the hall as he spoke calmly.

"In this historical period, two individuals are key."

"One is the Immortal Lord, and the other is his son."

"Those who wish to alter history will surely make their moves concerning them."

"The former is transcendent, so we should focus our attention on the Young Master."

"He is like bait; many fish will be drawn to him…"

"Such as the daughter of the Nine Shores Immortal Lord."

"And that Li Tianjiao, who has an appointment to battle him."

"Even his personal attendant."

Xinghuanzi spoke slowly.

Zhou Zhengli seemed contemplative, a smile appearing on his face as he was about to speak.

But Xinghuanzi shook his head.

"I don't actually care about any of those, but there is one person you've overlooked, and whom I also overlooked before."

"Only when this person made a move in the Third Layer World and disrupted one of my plans did he enter my view."

"I'm wondering: who is his identity in this Fourth Layer World?"

The three hours finally passed.

On Punishment Lightning Cliff, the lightning encircling the heavens and earth vanished precisely on time, as if even an extra breath would cause misunderstanding.

It dissipated in an instant.

Xu Qing, who had been suspended in mid-air, also had his restraints vanish instantly, and his body swayed before he landed on the ground.

He stood before Zhong Chi.

His clothes were tattered, and his injuries appeared severe, but they were merely superficial wounds, exaggerated in appearance.

Zhong Chi feigned a pained expression and quickly dressed his Young Master in the clothes he had already prepared.

He then spoke softly.

"Young Master, Li Tianjiao has boasted at the Combat Arena, saying it would be an unfair victory this way, and that he can wait for you to recover from your injuries before you go."

"Also, that fox demon beauty is also there…"

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing spoke faintly.

"No need; let's go now!"

As he spoke, he took a step forward.

Zhong Chi shook his head inwardly, thinking that this one was indeed a lecher. Even after such a punishment, as soon as he heard a beauty was present, he wanted to go immediately.

Though he thought so inwardly, the words that came out of his mouth had a different flavor.

"Young Master is mighty, wise and brilliant, extraordinarily talented, astoundingly courageous, highly skilled in immortal arts, and a prodigy for all ages."

"When the Young Master ascends the throne in the future, he will surely make the Star Ring prosperous, its people live in peace and contentment, ushering in an era of eternal peace, and setting the very order of the cosmos."

These words reached Xu Qing's ears. He, who was walking forward, couldn't help but pause, and glance back at Zhong Chi.

Zhong Chi blinked, thinking inwardly, "Has he gotten used to these words and is now dissatisfied?"

He sighed inwardly, knowing that the character he inhabited was renowned for flattery. This made him feel the task was too difficult, so his mind raced, and he began to speak again.

"Although the Young Master has not spoken, your humble servant understands the meaning in your eyes and is deeply moved!"

"I am immensely grateful for your Lordship's undeserved praise and great favor. Your humble servant will certainly do his utmost, serving like a dog or horse. However, there is a heartfelt remark I cannot but make: despite the Young Master's severe injuries, he still goes to battle to fulfill his promise. This general's bravery shakes the four directions, shining like a brilliant star, truly worthy of utmost admiration, a true hero of this era!"

Xu Qing remained silent, no longer bothering with him, withdrawing his gaze and swaying his body.

He walked out of the Punishment Lightning Cliff area.

When he reappeared, he was already within the Immortal Palace.

Gazing in all directions, the sky was brilliant, everything was peaceful, the heavens held the sun and moon, and there was no crimson aurora.

A scene of flourishing prosperity unfolded before his eyes.

"This is the past timeline of the Aurora Immortal Palace!"