Chapter 1415: Five Veins Gather at Four Tombs Mountain, Xiao Ye Summons People and Then Summons the Dragon

The Sheng Gong has five veins.

They are the Shen Ling, Bai Lou, Jin Zhao, Sheng Shou, and Fa Hui veins.

According to legend, after the heavens and earth first separated, an ancient deity was born. At that time, concepts like the "Ten Ancestors" or "Ten Deities" did not exist; there was only this one deity, known as Sheng Shen.

After the Ten Ancestors emerged, Sheng Shen naturally became the first among them, titled Sheng Zu, with its ancestral source power called "Sheng Zu Zhi Li."

In later eras, to commemorate Sheng Zu's great achievements, the "Sheng Zu Zhi Li" received various names, such as Sheng Shen Zhi Li, Sheng Zu Zhi Li, Zu Shen Zhi Li, and Zu Yuan Zhi Li, among others.

Eventually, as times evolved, the name was standardized.

People came to refer collectively to the original "Sheng Zu Zhi Li" as "Shen Xing Zhi Li."

Even though there are the other nine deities, also known as the nine ancestors—Jian Zu, Mo Zu, Tian Zu, Zhan Zu, Long Zu, Gui Zu, Yao Zu, Shu Zu, and Shi Zu—the term "Shen Xing Zhi Li" forever refers only to the first ancestor, Sheng Zu, as a mark of remembrance.

For Sheng Zu not only founded the first cultivation school but also, across multiple eras, guided humanity's path of cultivation.

A simple example: In the Lian Ling era, the guiding power left by Sheng Zu pointed the way like an immortal's direction, establishing the path of "Lian Ling."

The road to sealing gods and claiming ancestry is incredibly arduous. Though all great paths lead to the same destination, the different "routes" before reaching it are fraught with peril. Yet in the current era, a Lian Ling master need only steadily traverse the Tai Xu Road, and after sealing as a saint, they can attain the blessings left by the ancient Sheng Zu, gaining "Sheng Li."

Beyond that, if one can seal as a Sheng Di and reach a high realm, aside from those who accept the inheritances of the other nine ancestors and forge unique paths, Lian Ling masters can uniformly cultivate the ancestral source power "Sheng Zu Zhi Li," which is "Shen Xing Zhi Li."

If someone surpasses their predecessors and breaks free from the constraints of "Shen Xing Zhi Li," or carves out a path distinct from the other ancestral source powers, then the Ten Ancestors, or Ten Deities, should add another to their ranks.

This is "Feng Shen Cheng Zu"!

Once a Lian Ling master reaches the Sheng Di realm, the world gradually forgets them. After sealing as a god and claiming ancestry, there's even less need for discussion—the forces of "forgetting" and "guidance" become even stronger.

Sheng Zu is an exception. The inheritances left by the other nine ancestors on this continent are scarce, with most reduced to mere legends. Sheng Zu's legacy endures, initiating the entire Lian Ling era, thanks to its power still being sealed within the Sheng Shen mainland.

This most primordial part of "Sheng Shen Zhi Li" has been guarded by Sheng Zu's disciples since ancient times, following the principle of not putting all eggs in one basket, divided into two parts for safekeeping.

As eras changed, the guardians shifted, with each generation bearing different names. In the current era, the guardians are known as Sheng Shen Dian Tang and Sheng Gong.

Among the Sheng Gong's five veins, the "Shen Ling vein," led by Zi Chong, serves as the guardian of half of Sheng Zu's power in this time. Following that, the Bai Lou vein, headed by the Ban Sheng Lou clan, likewise guards a portion of the ancestral source power—the original Long Zu Zhi Li. Finally, the Jin Zhao, Sheng Shou, and Fa Hui veins focus on external offense, internal defense, and Sheng Gong enforcement along with other research, respectively.

Together, they safeguard the Sheng Gong's heritage, continually nurturing saints and guardians.

As the saying goes: "Xuan Yun Wu Ji at the dawn of creation, beneath the Four Ling Mountains it is called a separate heaven; the old saints wander the floating world, one azure and one yellow are the immortals and sages." This describes the transcendent status of Sheng Gong on the Sheng Shen mainland.

But when a Sheng Di battle erupted on the Sheng Shen mainland, the impact extended beyond the Central Domain's two realms, involving far more than just Sheng Shen Dian Tang. Even the Sheng Gong, which had long remained aloof from worldly affairs, convened a meeting for this.

At Lei Ming Feng, led by Long Rong Zhi of the Jin Zhao vein, this place gathered the authority of four out of the five Sheng Gong veins. Those whose authority was occupied elsewhere sent their predecessors in their stead. Lou Yu, the dragon keeper; Chi Jia of the Sheng Shou vein; and Da Yao and Xiao Yao of the Fa Hui vein—the four Ban Sheng—all arrived on site.

"Boom!"

As the furnace exploded again, stirring up storms at Lei Ming Feng, Long Rong Zhi, covered in soot and clutching his thick head of hair, looked toward the four ahead and shook his head slightly: "I won't step in."

"The Jin Zhao vein has already sent my disciple Mu Lin to oversee matters at the Si Xiang Secret Realm. This was originally the affair of the Sheng Shou vein."

Long Rong Zhi's meaning was clear: Our Jin Zhao vein has done more than enough, even exceeding expectations. Why should it always be us taking the lead?

Chi Jia of the Sheng Shou vein was a square-jawed man with broad shoulders, riding a light shield—sturdy and imposing. Hearing this, his expression turned grave.

His disciple Wei An, like him, was steady and reliable. Otherwise, such a major event as the Sheng Gong trial in the Si Xiang Secret Realm wouldn't have been entrusted to this level-headed new saint.

Yet the trial had barely begun when Wei An was dragged into the vortex by people from Sheng Shen Dian Tang and ended up trapped in the Ran Ming ruins.

Chi Jia was of the same generation as Long Rong Zhi. Though he looked robust, his temples were already streaked with white. As a former authority figure, how could he reappear on the Sheng Shen mainland over such a trivial matter?

Thus, Chi Jia had asked his good friend from the Jin Zhao vein, Long Rong Zhi, to step in and let the juniors handle it. This conveniently freed Mu Lin from his master's confinement after his scandals at Yun Lun and Kong Xu Island came to light, while also doing a favor for this new saint personally.

Mu Lin, of course, accepted the order and went back to being as idle as ever. Pity Bai Lian hadn't sealed as a saint; otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to bother.

Even so, Mu Lin handled things far more smoothly than Wei An—going to the Si Xiang Secret Realm was like not going at all; his presence was virtually nonexistent.

Now, with the Sheng Di war affecting so much, it's unclear when Sheng Gong might get pulled in, so preparations are essential: they need to talk with Dao Qiong Cang. If necessary, they must even ascend the Tian Ti and visit the five great Sheng Di families.

For such crucial preparations, at least one Ban Sheng must be dispatched.

But Long Rong Zhi was clever... He directly claimed that the Jin Zhao vein had already done too much, removing himself from the equation, and went back to refining his whatever-it-was elixir...

Maybe the Jin Zhao vein should change its name—not Jin Zhao anymore, but Xian Yu vein...

Chi Jia wanted to say something, but he held back. After all, the Jin Zhao vein's contributions were minor but numerous. They'd failed to go where they should and were on the verge of showing up where they shouldn't. Chi Jia could only swallow his grievances and endure it.

He turned his gaze to the other three, speaking indifferently: "It's fair to say that Wei An, despite everything, entered the Zhan Shen Guan ruins while guarding the Si Xiang Secret Realm. He may not have merits, but he has hardships."

"For the current matter, the Sheng Shou vein can't provide anyone else."

Among the others, Lou Yu had a head of white hair and wore a black-and-white patterned robe, exuding a serious demeanor—he was clearly not one for casual chatter. Being of the same generation as Long Rong Zhi and Chi Jia, he spoke without reservation: "The Bai Lou vein has yet to produce a new saint; only I am available."

"The Sheng Xuan Men cannot be left unguarded for a day; I cannot leave the Sheng Gong."

What a reasonable argument! Long Rong Zhi lifted his eyelids and glanced at Lou Yu, sensing from this upright figure an air of "I don't want to go out either." He said nothing, just lowered his eyes to his elixir cauldron and spiritual herbs.

"Ha ha ha ha." Chi Jia laughed upon hearing this, his laughter laced with sarcasm—he could tell it was a refusal. Seeing no one echo it, he quickly composed himself and looked toward the two from the Fa Hui vein.

The Fa Hui vein holds a special position in the Sheng Gong; they are enforcers and researchers. They study spiritual arrays, heavenly mechanisms, elixirs, Nan Domain techniques, and the like, seeking to find a great path comparable to Lian Ling. Though fruitless, their spirit is commendable.

The authorities of the Fa Hui vein, Da Yao and Xiao Yao, are twins—thick-browed, big-eyed, upright, and identical—one naturally suited for enforcement, the other for research. Coincidentally, their master from the same generation as Long Rong Zhi had succumbed to demonic deviation from overindulging in Nan Domain forbidden arts and was struck down by Zi Chong's palm.

So, in the current Sheng Gong, the Fa Hui vein consists entirely of the young—even Da Yao and Xiao Yao are half a generation above Mu Lin and Wei An. Chi Jia, as the former authority of the Sheng Shou vein and overseer of internal affairs, was a senior figure managing all matters of the Sheng Gong. He unhesitatingly stepped in for their late master and instructed these two Ban Sheng of the Fa Hui vein:

"You, Da Yao!"

"With Hua Song absent, the Sheng Gong doesn't need an enforcer right now."

"You go and confront Dao Qiong Cang, ask him what he means by all this. While you're at it, take Zi Chong's token and ascend the Tian Ti to visit the five great Sheng Di families—give them some pressure."

Da Yao raised his thick brows and big eyes, blinking in surprise. After a few breaths, he pointed to himself: "Me?"

Chi Jia sighed and looked at the identical figure beside him: "You, Da Yao!"

"You go find Dao Qiong Cang... and handle the tasks I just mentioned!"

The second Da Yao nodded seriously: "But what about Xiao Yao? I'm afraid if I don't keep an eye on him, he'll end up like our master—deviating and forced to 'immortalize' himself."

Chi Jia opened his mouth.

Lou Yu hesitated to speak.

Long Rong Zhi lifted his head from the cauldron, no longer able to ignore it.

Indeed... An unchecked Xiao Yao would be a massive risk! Long Rong Zhi might blow up a Lei Ming Feng at most, but the madmen of the Fa Hui vein could create a new era if successful—or destroy the old one if not.

"Which of you seniors could help watch Xiao Yao?" Da Yao pointed to his brother beside him.

This... Long Rong Zhi pushed back his thick hair and scratched his scalp; what a headache-inducing question. He said: "Refining elixirs requires full concentration."

Lou Yu stuck to his old line: "The Sheng Xuan Men cannot be left unguarded for a day."

Chi Jia looked around, only to meet Da Yao's expectant gaze. He waved it off: "Think of another way—who else can keep your brother in check?"

Da Yao pondered, and after a long while said: "The descendants of the Fa Hui vein are a mixed lot—either obsessed with research or enforcement. Few balance both, and even fewer could handle watching Xiao Yao."

"If you ask me, if Qiao Qian Zhi were still here, I could free up time. After all, Xiao Yao likes him the most and listens to him."

"But he's not here."

Of course that's obvious; the four sons of Sheng Gong have all left the palace and haven't returned... Chi Jia rolled his eyes, yet noticed the expressions of those nearby.

"Qiao Qian Zhi..."

This long-forgotten name surfaced, and except for Chi Jia and Da Yao, everyone else fell into reminiscence. Back then, this individual outshone the entire Sheng Gong, hailed as the Fa Hui vein's successor, even poised to claim the third dusty Sheng Di position for the Sheng Gong and add to its strength.

Yet the line between genius and ordinary is razor-thin. After changing paths, the one at the peak sank to the depths.

Time has passed, and even now, thirty years later, this name stirs no waves—clearly, he's faded into obscurity.

Da Yao had little impression of Qiao Qian Zhi; after all, he wasn't into research, and as fellow Fa Hui members, they had minimal contact.

Xiao Yao murmured the name, his dull eyes gaining a few ripples. He had led that person in research, repeatedly amazed and convinced by his brilliant ideas.

What a pity... Only Xiao Yao knew some of the secrets. Genius always meets its downfall; even Dao Qiong Cang isn't exempt—they're all halted!

Hearing the name, Long Rong Zhi thought of his own renegade disciple Sang Qi Ye and let out a long sigh. Nothing worth reminiscing about. He reminisces every night as it is.

Lou Yu fell into melancholy; among his contemporaries, the Bai Lou vein had snatched a heaven-defying space attribute. For that, the Bai Long adult even emerged from Sheng Xuan Men once. But that Sang Qi Ye—rebelling and fleeing was bad enough, but he went on to lure away three more, leaving the Sheng Gong short a generation and somewhat lacking in talent.

The usually stern Lou Yu, thinking of this, glared fiercely at Long Rong Zhi.

Long Rong Zhi widened his eyes in return, not backing down.

The two Ban Sheng stared daggers at each other, but said nothing. They'd argued it out decades ago. Fought it out too. And been punished... Zi Chong's strikes were ruthless; they didn't even dare exchange words now!

Chi Jia had no good feelings toward the four traitors of Sheng Gong; he had his obedient disciple Wei An, and that was enough. After listening to Da Yao's rambling, he could only suggest himself:

"What if you carry Xiao Yao with you when you go to find Dao Qiong Cang and ascend the Tian Ti?"

Before Da Yao could respond, Xiao Yao's eyes lit up.

"Impossible!" Da Yao quickly dimmed the light in his brother's eyes, with a hint of fear: "If he gets involved with Zhong Yuan Zi..."

The others shuddered in unison.

"Indeed, impossible."

"Not advisable at all."

"I was being presumptuous..."

Chi Jia retracted his suggestion, and with no better ideas, he considered Da Yao's not-so-bright proposal.

Qiao Qian Zhi... Actually, it's not entirely out of the question! For a Ban Sheng, anything is possible if they set their mind to it.

It's just one person; they could tie him up—er, invite him back for a while, and release him after Da Yao returns.

Chi Jia thought of it and said it aloud.

Just as the others began to agree, a faint hum came from afar, sweeping toward the Four Ling Mountains.

This subtle sacred sound was almost inaudible to Lian Ling masters below Ban Sheng. But all present were Ban Sheng; how could they miss the sound of someone sealing as a saint?

"A new saint has been born on the Sheng Shen mainland!"

Long Rong Zhi's eyes flashed with curiosity; a new saint emerging outside Sheng Gong was rare indeed.

But soon, they all stood up, faces full of surprise.

"Space fluctuations..."

Lou Yu's pupils dilated, and he burst into laughter: "Ha ha ha! Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!"

He repeated "excellent" three times, clearly discerning something about the new saint from those fluctuations. Space attribute—there are only a few on the mainland. Void Island's Huang Quan sealed as a saint, undetectable by the Sheng Shen mainland, and Sheng Gong only learned of it later through Mu Lin.

Now, counting those with the potential to seal as a saint, there's only one. From the Bai Lou vein—Ye Xiao Tian!

The great Ban Sheng were shocked and turned to Lou Yu, murmuring in astonishment:

"An essence Ban Sheng..."

"Or space essence..."

Lou Yu slapped his thigh, losing all his usual seriousness: "Time for a big celebration!"

Not long after, a voice boomed from outside the Four Ling Mountains: "The Sheng Gong student Ye Xiao Tian has returned as a saint through essence sealing!"

"Wei An, you old turtle, open the door for this saint at once!"

The group turned to Chi Jia.

Chi Jia laughed; Wei An wasn't in the palace to respond, but he was thrilled for his contemporary Ye Xiao Tian's return as a saint.

Sheng Gong is one family. This Ye Xiao Tian still cherishes old ties! Freshly sealed as a saint, he knows to come home and see his elders first... what a good kid!

"Let's go." Lou Yu flicked his sleeve. Chi Jia, Long Rong Zhi, Da Yao, and Xiao Yao all rose and headed outside the Four Ling Mountains to welcome the new saint.

A hum sounded—the mountain-protecting array opened.

As soon as they appeared, they saw the white-haired Dao Tong and the Tai Xu holding him.

"Hmm?"

Long Rong Zhi suddenly frowned and stepped back among the saints; he noticed the blood all over the white-haired Dao Tong.

"Good kid!"

Lou Yu was overjoyed but didn't dwell on it. Without a life-and-death battle, how could one seal as a saint? This blood is not a loss—it's the medal of a Ban Sheng!

"Something's off."

Xiao Yao looked up at the sky, about to say something. He meant to urge Chi Jia to close the array gap quickly, but then realized he could manipulate it himself. Yet he thought again: if he did, it would disrespect the Sheng Shou vein and reveal that he'd secretly studied the mountain-protecting array.

After this hesitation, just a few breaths passed.

The sky turned azure!

As the storm gathered... As Sheng Di power surged... As the azure finger pointed down in terror...

Chi Jia's entire face turned green on the spot.

"Ye Xiao Tian, you traitor, how dare you return?!"

Long Rong Zhi vanished in an instant.

Da Yao swung Xiao Yao forward, and Xiao Yao pulled out a string of array disks from his robe.

Lou Yu was about to fly up to welcome his Bai Lou vein member but stopped short, turning to flee back to Sheng Gong, not even having time to curse.

"Get out!!!"

Chi Jia was furious. He was too late to close the array. He could only step forward alone, raising his hands.

"Sheng Shou · Wei Shi!"

The Four Ling Mountains shook violently. A projection of the mountains emerged, forming a light shield that blocked the azure finger.

"Boom!"

The Sheng Di power struck, jolting Chi Jia's body, but he wasn't flung away. He merely swallowed a mouthful of blood and glared at Lou Yu, still able to speak:

"Tell him to get out!"

Boom boom boom...

The light shield cracked and eroded bit by bit. Chi Jia's body trembled violently, his legs even shaking.

Before the Four Ling Mountains, Xuan Wu Ji watched in awe. What a formidable person! A Ban Sheng with the strength to withstand a Sheng Di finger?

Ye Xiao Tian... Xuan Wu Ji looked down at Ye Xiao Tian in his arms and realized that what he'd grabbed in Zhong Yuan Realm wasn't just a lifesaver.

It was a life-saving mountain! This guy could summon so many saints with a word, all for his use?

"Ye Xiao Tian?"

Lou Yu was caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, he wanted to bring back the Bai Lou vein's heir; on the other, he didn't want to offend Wang Ze Sheng Di.

One address revealed a hundred doubts.

Ye Xiao Tian had no time to explain. With Wei An absent and Chi Jia out, that was good. But Chi Jia couldn't hold off a Sheng Di; he could only buy a little time.

To fight a Sheng Di, you need a Sheng Di!

Just as the mountain-protecting array was about to close and the full defenses activate, Ye Xiao Tian leaped over the group, flashed onto the Four Ling Mountains, to the front of Sheng Xuan Men, and cried out desperately:

"Bai Long adult, do you still remember our agreement? Little Ye has returned as a saint through essence sealing!"