Chapter 2570: Goodbye, Xiao Xi

"What's going on?" Zu An looked down and saw some giants wielding axes, cutting down the Jianmu tree. They appeared to be warriors from the Witch Tribe, seemingly trying to sever the Jianmu to completely cut off support for the Heavenly Court.

"Don't worry, the Jianmu tree was born before heaven and earth; it's not that easy to cut down. They are the ones who should be worried now," Xi He sneered.

Sure enough, profound and ancient characters lit up all around the Jianmu tree. These were not divine scripts, but higher-level Daoist texts, born with heaven and earth, containing the grand cosmic principles.

With a flash of light, the giants were instantly reduced to ashes, without even a chance to scream.

Zu An secretly clicked his tongue in awe. These Daoist texts were truly powerful, but unfortunately, he couldn't remember them or even make rubbings. He figured his cultivation level wasn't high enough to grasp them.

A bright light flashed before them, and Zu An and the two goddesses emerged from the Jianmu tree. He found himself standing on white clouds, initially fearing he might fall, but after testing it, he realized it was no different from solid ground, just slightly softer.

He was secretly amazed, thinking this must be the effect of some formation. However, to maintain such a vast area of the Heavenly Court, the scale and ingenuity of the entire formation were beyond his current capabilities.

He looked up and saw a towering Heavenly Gate in the distance, with upturned eaves and intricate dougong brackets. Though it appeared tall and narrow, he knew this was merely a visual effect; once they reached it, even the largest beings in the world could easily pass through.

Behind the Heavenly Gate, a vast expanse of palaces seemed built into the mountainside, shrouded in mist, with various immortal birds soaring through the clouds, making the scene appear even more majestic and sacred.

"So this is the Heavenly Court."

Arriving at the legendary Heavenly Court for the first time, Zu An felt a surge of emotion. However, he was not in the mood to admire the scenery, instead focusing his gaze towards the Heavenly Gate.

He had initially thought that no gods remained in the Heavenly Court, given the massive scale of the recent war between the Witch and Demon Tribes, which seemed to have emptied the place. Yet, a squad of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals still guarded the Heavenly Gate. The leader, especially, stood like an iron tower, wielding a gigantic axe capable of splitting mountains, his gaze sharp as lightning, scanning the surroundings vigilantly.

If Zu An and the two goddesses hadn't intentionally concealed their presence from the start, they would have likely been discovered by now.

"That's Zhao Lingguan, the guard of the South Heavenly Gate, known as the foremost in combat among all the generals there. I didn't expect him to remain here instead of joining the battle. This is trouble," Xi He said with a worried expression.

"Is he very strong?" Zu An asked curiously.

"Extremely strong. Even if I weren't injured, I might not be able to defeat him," Xi He's expression grew more solemn. "Unfortunately, given the layout of the Heavenly Palace, this is the only way in."

The Wushan Goddess suggested, "How about I distract him, and you two sneak in? After all, I'm the daughter of the Crimson Emperor. With that connection, even if I'm caught, they won't make things too difficult for me."

She had little fighting strength left, and Zu An and Xi He would be more useful inside the Heavenly Palace.

Zu An smiled. "Actually, getting in is easy. Is this Zhao Lingguan one of Di Jun's trusted confidants?"

"Yes, a confidant among confidants. Otherwise, Di Jun wouldn't have arranged for him to guard this place," Xi He nodded.

"Then it's simple," Zu An thought to himself, inwardly scoffing at Zhuan Xu for being such a failed Heavenly Emperor, completely sidelined by Di Jun.

As he spoke, Zu An's figure blurred, and in the next second, he had transformed into Di Jun.

Seeing this, Xi He and the Wushan Goddess recoiled as if startled by something hot, jumping aside.

"Don't be afraid, it's me," Zu An said in his original voice.

Both goddesses wore strange expressions, still somewhat incredulous.

Zu An had to explain about the Lord of Myriad Transformations, only then did the two goddesses feel relieved.

"This skill of yours doesn't seem proper no matter how I look at it," Xi He couldn't help but comment.

Before Zu An could explain, Zhao Lingguan had already sensed the abnormality nearby. "Who's there!"

Almost instantly, a tower-like figure appeared before them.

Zu An's expression became serious, and he naturally embraced Xi He.

Xi He's face flushed. She knew he was doing this to make the disguise more convincing, so she didn't struggle.

Upon seeing Zu An, Zhao Lingguan's expression changed. "Emperor, why are you here?"

"Xi He sustained serious injuries; I'm bringing her back to recuperate," Zu An said calmly.

Zhao Lingguan's expression was peculiar. He recalled that Di Jun and Xi He's relationship hadn't been good for years. Had they completely reconciled now?

Not giving him time to think, Zu An quickly asked, "There's nothing unusual with Zhuan Xu, is there?"

Zhao Lingguan's attention was indeed drawn away. "Rest assured, Emperor. Zhuan Xu is currently suppressed by the Grand Heavenly Star Formation and won't be causing any trouble."

Zu An was secretly startled but maintained a composed expression. "That's good. You guard this place well. No one is permitted to enter or leave the Heavenly Court except me. The success or failure of our Demon Clan depends on this moment."

Zhao Lingguan had initially wanted to ask if his sudden departure would affect the battle, but upon hearing this, he immediately stood at attention and solemnly declared, "Rest assured, Emperor. As long as I am here, no one will pass through the South Heavenly Gate!"

Seeing the other party nod in approval, Zhao Lingguan couldn't suppress the smile on his lips. He figured that after defeating the Witch Tribe this time, he would likely be promoted at least three ranks.

Just like that, Zu An, with Xi He and the Wushan Goddess, boldly entered the Heavenly Court.

Watching Zhao Lingguan still waving goodbye with a jovial smile, Xi He and the Wushan Goddess both wore extremely strange expressions. What they had thought would be an impossible task had been resolved so easily by him.

This man was truly incredible.

Zu An glanced at a distant starfield, where starlight glittered, and countless planets vaguely floated. Clearly, Zhuan Xu was trapped there.

Logically, rescuing Zhuan Xu first would have the greatest impact on the entire battle. However, Zu An didn't hesitate for a moment, flying directly towards Di Jun's sleeping quarters.

No matter which side won the war between the Witch and Demon Tribes, it was less important than rescuing Xiao Xi.

Led by Xi He, the three quickly arrived at Di Jun's sleeping quarters.

Originally, there were countless defensive formations here, but breaking through them was not difficult for someone of Xi He's status.

Before long, the three arrived directly at the main hall.

As soon as they entered the main hall's door, it felt as if they had stepped into another world.

Outside, immortal energy drifted and exotic fragrances filled the air, but inside, it was eerie and terrifying, emanating a sinister aura everywhere.

The three looked up and saw a dark Ten Thousand Soul Banner suspended above them. Faintly, various shrill and painful cries could be heard from within it, the emotions contained in those sounds enough to disturb one's mind with just a slight listen.

Countless distorted ghostly faces flew out from the banner, but no matter how far they flew, they ultimately could not escape the Ten Thousand Soul Banner's confinement.

Zu An's gaze fell upon the altar in the very center, where a frail young girl lay.

She appeared to be in a deep sleep, her skin so pale it seemed transparent, her entire body looking as if it could vanish at any moment.

"Xiao Xi!" Zu An exclaimed, both shocked and enraged. Di Jun was indeed using her to refine the Ten Thousand Soul Banner.

The girl on the altar's eyelashes trembled slightly, but she didn't wake up; only a tear slipped from the corner of her eye.

That crystalline tear fell to the ground, transforming into a wisp of black mist that was instantly absorbed by the Ten Thousand Soul Banner in mid-air.