Chapter 400: Ling Domain Dharma Assembly, the Three Elders of Dongyan, the Audacious Qing Yuzi

Within the secret stronghold of the Dongyan Ancient Clan, three elders—Dongyan Hai, Dongyan Jue, and Dongyan Ma—were conversing in a room with a gleaming silver-white floor.

"The list of participants for the Dharma Assembly has been finalized, and some Reincarnation Realm experts have already entered the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom," Dongyan Ma stated. His gaze was fixed on the starry ceiling, where the constellations formed an octagonal cage with multiple overlapping rings. Within the cage, many stars glowed, with more continuously appearing.

"The number of Reincarnation Realm experts has reached 1253, though most are relatively weak."

"We still need to be wary of any powerful Reincarnation Realm experts who might join later as substitutes," commented Dongyan Jue, whose forehead bore a third vertical eye, the 'Fate Dharma Eye,' which seemed to be directly set into his skin.

"Jue, what have you seen?" Dongyan Hai, standing nearby, inquired, knowing Jue wouldn't speak without reason.

"A few more individuals have been added to the invited list," Dongyan Jue mused. "For example, Meng Wu from the Scarlet Star Empire, who was not initially invited, but suddenly appeared on the list. Another example is Emperor Hongshan from Primeval Hill, who was in seclusion but decided to attend the assembly, stirring from his quietude."

Dongyan Hai asked, "Is there a problem?"

"I can't see any specific problem," Dongyan Jue replied, shaking his head. "The invited list is inherently uncontrollable; previous Spirit Realm Dharma Assemblies have always had slight fluctuations in numbers. I just feel we should keep an eye on them. The other Reincarnation Realm experts are fine, but Emperor-level ones are not to be underestimated."

"Have there been any anomalies in the Fated Situation?" Dongyan Hai pressed.

"Mostly no."

"Mostly?"

Dongyan Jue paused, considering. "The backup holy artifacts show no changes. However, the originally prepared holy artifact has evolved to the Reincarnation Dao Weapon level. This proves that Qingyuzi has fallen into the trap without realizing it. Yet, when I observe him, he still appears somewhat blurry."

"How so?" Dongyan Hai frowned.

"I see three overlapping images; he seems to be with others. And when I checked the Fated Situation earlier, it stated that Qingyuzi is 'neither alive nor dead,' but the holy artifact did indeed unseal."

"A dead Qingyuzi, a living Qingyuzi—truth and falsehood, it's just a trick to confuse the senses," Dongyan Ma said dismissively.

"Where is he now?" Dongyan Hai asked.

"Not within the ancient kingdom's territory."

Dongyan Hai frowned. "Why hasn't he gone to the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom yet? This concerns the holy artifact; I don't want any accidents."

"Perhaps we can use the Fated Situation to rectify him," Dongyan Ma suggested. "Just kill him directly, and we will deliver the holy artifact ourselves."

Both elders looked at Dongyan Jue, who pondered, "I have a karmic contract with him. If we do that, he will certainly know. To kill him without his knowledge would incur a significant cost."

"How significant?" Dongyan Hai asked.

Dongyan Jue performed a quick divination with his fingers. After a moment, he appeared surprised. "Unexpectedly, there are multiple outcomes."

"What do you mean?"

"Currently, to kill Qingyuzi without revealing information, we would need to sacrifice two Reincarnation Dao Weapons. To retrieve the holy artifact, one divine artifact would be required. However, in 214 years, this requirement will drastically decrease. In 416 years, no extra cost will be needed."

Hearing this, Dongyan Hai nodded. As time passed, Qingyuzi's influence would diminish. Even if information leaked later, no one would be able to react in time, and the impact on their plan would lessen. Once a fire has been set, it doesn't matter who knows.

"In 214 years, if the holy artifact still hasn't integrated, even if he proves to be a variable, we will pay the price and eliminate him," Dongyan Hai declared.

"Understood, I will make the preparations," Dongyan Jue affirmed.

The three then continued discussing other matters. Qingyuzi would not have been a topic of discussion among three Emperor-level Reincarnation Realm experts had he not taken the prepared holy artifact and deduced some of their internal affairs. Qingyuzi believed they aimed to resurrect a Reincarnation Realm expert, a guess that was wildly off the mark. The 'karmic contract' was merely a precaution, an insurance policy.

"The main points of concern are whether any unauthorized individuals appear at the assembly, and secondly, the Profound Spirit History Book," Dongyan Hai stated. "We still haven't obtained a single Time Page. The situation could still be reversed before the ancient god's resurrection."

"Only a few centuries left; it will likely be difficult to find..."

"There are rumors from the Dark Hall, but they are all very unreliable."

After bidding farewell to Du Yun, Zhao Xing departed the Tiger Head Star Continent. He and Ji Si flew towards the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom, one after the other, but had no immediate intention of entering. Although Qingyuzi's corpse kept urging him to proceed, Zhao Xing was not about to rush into the ancient kingdom. Currently, outside the kingdom, the influence of a certain power was still subtle. Once inside, it would be much harder to maneuver or escape.

"If the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom's territory is seen as a 'Transferred Realm,' then the area outside is relatively safe," he mused. "Qingyuzi holding the ancient sword and constantly urging me to enter is one form of influence, and unforeseen 'accidents' are another. But once inside, that influence will grow exponentially."

He thought of it like a play: remaining outside the "plot" offered safety, but once he entered, he would be swept along by the World Scribe's Pen, with no escape. This was unlike the time he robbed a grave, where Bai Yang could be tricked with a chronicle clone.

"Protected by the Time Page, I can delay for a while, at least until the people I want to see arrive," Zhao Xing secretly thought.

Time flowed on, and soon it was Shin 1700.

In the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom, at the Sun-Drenched Star Ring—an area just beyond the kingdom's border and the closest starport to the Illusion God Galaxy—Zhao Xing was in a luxurious estate, reviewing information about the 'Spirit Realm Dharma Assembly' on his Star Mirror.

"Over thirteen thousand Reincarnation Realm experts have already arrived in the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom—so many powerful individuals have come!" Zhao Xing lay in a spiritual pool, browsing the publicly available invited list. The arrival of Reincarnation Realm experts in the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom was public knowledge, and anyone could view the invited list. Zhao Xing checked this latest list to see if his 'calling' had been effective.

Amidst the swirling spiritual mist, a gentle voice from the other end of the pool chimed in, "It's even more than that. The final count is expected to reach forty thousand Reincarnation Realm experts and over ten billion Dao Realm experts. The Yuankai Ancient Kingdom put immense effort into securing the right to host this assembly; the King began preparations a century ago. Our Lu family contributed a substantial amount. The 'Prime Yin Fruit,' a spiritual fruit served to Dao Realm guests, is provided by us."

Lu Yuehan's face was as smooth as warm jade. Her body, submerged in the spiritual spring, was subtly circled by spiritual fish that shimmered with vibrant, multicolored light, accentuating her perfect form. She lightly splashed water, her hand caressing her fair skin, scattering starlight as if a fairy were bathing.

Despite such an alluring scene, Zhao Xing did not raise his head to look. He merely kept his gaze fixed downwards as he replied, "For the Marquis Mansion to provide fruits for the assembly, your power is truly extraordinary. I truly admire it."

Lu Yuehan pouted. "Brother Zhao is too fond of looking at the Star Mirror. He won't even put it down now! I asked to meet you in the capital, but you insisted on meeting near the border. And now that we've met, you won't say what you want to do—truly..." Such a beautiful woman was bathing with him, and he was playing with a Star Mirror. Didn't he want to do something else?

"Haha, my apologies, Miss," Zhao Xing chuckled, finally lifting his head, though his eyes remained glued to the Star Mirror. He genuinely had no other desires. He was close to death; how could he think of anything else? It was already Shin 1700, and he needed to see how many people he had managed to attract over the past two centuries. Besides, the public list for the Spirit Realm Dharma Assembly could reveal many clues!

"I've already seen Emperor Lingyuan, Emperor Qingli, Emperor Youhuang, Emperor Haochen—many on this list are familiar to me, and participated in the Heavenly Seclusion Dharma Assembly." The Spirit Realm Dharma Assembly hosted by the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom was also known as the Yuankai Dharma Assembly. The one Zhao Xing remembered was held in the Heavenly Seclusion Ancient Kingdom, called the Heavenly Seclusion Dharma Assembly.

"However, their being alive doesn't mean the Dongyan Ancient Clan failed," Zhao Xing mused to himself. Reincarnation Realm experts are difficult to truly kill. In emergencies, if they possess a Reincarnation Dao Weapon as their core, a portion of their 'true spirit' can escape into the deep void. But doing so means abandoning their current cultivation; everything they painstakingly built in that life becomes fodder for the enemy. Those without a Reincarnation Dao Weapon are in a dire situation; escape is exceedingly difficult. With a Reincarnation Dao Weapon, it's relatively easy to recover to Reincarnation Realm strength, but their original secret arts and treasures are lost. For example, if Zhao Xing, currently in the Reincarnation Realm, were to voluntarily reincarnate, his Yuankai Realm, including his Thousand Illusions Tree, Sky-Soaring Vine, and so on, would cease to exist. Recovering one's realm and recovering one's combat power are two entirely different things. For martial artists with body secret arts, like those who cultivated top-tier Void Ancestor Golden Bodies, the materials from a Void Ancestor are limited. If their current body is destroyed, even if they know the secret art in the next life, they won't be able to gather the materials to cultivate the previous Golden Body again.

"Emperor Lingyuan, Emperor Qingli, Emperor Youhuang, Emperor Haochen, and others being alive doesn't mean they didn't die here this time. They might have quickly cultivated back up later," Zhao Xing thought. The people he mentioned had powerful backgrounds. Once they awakened their reincarnation memories and contacted their respective forces, they could quickly return to the Reincarnation Realm. For the Dongyan Ancient Clan to trap and eliminate these Reincarnation Realm experts, for those with 'Reincarnation Dao Weapons,' it merely cuts off their path in that current life, using their cultivation as sacrifice, but it doesn't truly kill them. However, if they were weak Reincarnation Realm experts, without even Reincarnation Dao Weapon protection, then death truly meant death.

"With so many people alive, the Dongyan Ancient Clan's failure is highly probable," Zhao Xing mused. Seeing the invited list, he felt a certain degree of confidence. He believed some Emperor-level figures wouldn't perish so easily.

A 'buzz' swept across the Star Mirror's surface. The invited list had updated in real-time! Zhao Xing quickly scanned the new list, then a smile spread across his face.

"Excellent, Meng Wu and Emperor Hongshan have appeared on the invited list."

Reincarnation Realm experts also had varying strengths. The lowest tier comprised those who had just become Reincarnation Realm experts, had not refined a 'Reincarnation Dao Weapon,' and whose true spirits were extremely weak, perhaps not even having mastered the 'reincarnation and rebirth' secret art. These 'ordinary Reincarnation Realm' experts truly died when killed, their true spirit instantly obliterated. Such Reincarnation Realm experts were jokingly referred to as 'Dao-Returning Emperors,' implying that if they voluntarily reincarnated, they were essentially sacrificing themselves, almost certainly 'returning their Dao to Heaven.'

The second tier was the Veteran Reincarnation Realm. These experts had passed the most dangerous initial reincarnations and were proficient in 'voluntary reincarnation' secret arts. However, they still lacked a 'Reincarnation Dao Weapon.' They would reincarnate in 'worlds' with controllable risk, gradually strengthening their 'true spirit.' As long as they didn't encounter major crises, even without Reincarnation Dao Weapon protection, they could generally recover their cultivation. Thus, they were considered 'Veteran Reincarnation Realm.'

The third tier was the Elite Reincarnation Realm. These experts were proficient in 'reincarnation secret arts' and had refined a Reincarnation Dao Weapon. Their true spirit had undergone ten or even dozens of reincarnations, making it extremely powerful. At this stage, they were very difficult to kill, unless someone deliberately set a trap, their true spirit was devoured, or they reincarnated into a dangerous place where both their true spirit and Dao Weapon were shattered. Given the broader context of the Profound Spirit Star Domain, there were now few stable channels for Reincarnation Realm experts to strengthen their true spirit. Spirit energy was rapidly weakening, and the transformation into wildlands made reincarnation extremely perilous, so Elite Reincarnation Realm experts were already rare.

The fourth tier was the Reincarnation Emperor. Each possessed a unique reincarnation secret art and a unique Reincarnation Dao Weapon, and had experienced at least a hundred reincarnations. These individuals were dominant figures among Reincarnation Realm experts, often revered as beings closest to gods. Ordinary, Veteran, Elite, Emperor—these were the distinctions among Reincarnation Realm experts.

"Elite Reincarnation Realm experts are already rare, and Emperors are even more so. Meng Wu and Emperor Hongshan are both top-tier," Zhao Xing noted. "One is a Qi Cultivator, the other a geomancy expert. Only Emperors would be attracted by divine artifacts, as their voluntary reincarnation is ultimately for the purpose of achieving godhood." Weaker Reincarnation Realm experts might not even dare to touch 'divine artifacts' because they lacked the power to protect them, and might instead attract unwanted attention and trouble.

"Emperor Hongshan is from Primeval Hill, and Meng Wu is from the Scarlet Star Empire. I wonder how many more will come," he thought. To save his life, Zhao Xing had tried every conceivable method to lure these Emperors over the years. He didn't know who would come, so he naturally cast a wide net, trying his luck.

"Some Emperors have explosive tempers. If they knew the truth, they might come at me with blades. But I'm already dying, why should I care? Let Qingyuzi take the fall for me!" he thought darkly. "It's all Emperor Qingyuzi and Emperor Tianning's doing. What does it have to do with Zhao Xing? I'm not taking any benefits."

"Brother Zhao, your expression is terrifying right now, as if you're plotting something sinister," Lu Yuehan commented, having swum closer at some point.

"Hm?" Zhao Xing looked up, almost kissing Lu Yuehan as she was very close, practically pressing against him. Her striking red lips, delicate nose, alluring eyes, and that captivating figure in the water—

"Brother Zhao, the Crescent Spiritual Spring is empty. If you were to plot something against me, I'm only at the Second Realm; I wouldn't be able to resist you," Lu Yuehan whispered into Zhao Xing's ear, her breathy voice barely audible.

"Fairy, you're making it very easy for someone to fall into cultivation deviation," Zhao Xing said languidly.

"Then what would your cultivation deviation be like?" Lu Yuehan stepped back slightly, watching Zhao Xing with interest.

"Does Fairy want to know?"

"Of course," Lu Yuehan's eyes lit up. "I want to know everything about Brother Zhao."

"Just look into my eyes." Zhao Xing gazed into Lu Yuehan's eyes and immediately 'played' his 'turtle-killing' experience for her. Mountains of corpses and seas of blood rushed forth, with turtles wailing endlessly. Then, it suddenly transitioned to a mushroom forest. In the eerie forest, mushrooms split open their mouths, letting out terrifying laughter.

"Ah—!" Lu Yuehan instinctively shivered in fright, retreating several steps. Zhao Xing was satisfied with her reaction and prepared to leave. Unexpectedly, Lu Yuehan approached again. "Brother Zhao, you... you're actually a Demonic Stream Si Nong?"

Zhao Xing was a bit stunned. Why was she more excited? He had intended to scare Lu Yuehan away. A Demonic Stream Si Nong might be useful as a guest elder, but she shouldn't *like* it, right? It had completely failed to achieve the desired effect.

"Yes, doesn't Fairy feel afraid?"

"No, more curious," Lu Yuehan said, looking at Zhao Xing.

"I'm afraid." Zhao Xing's figure flashed, and he reappeared behind a screen, fully dressed.

"What are you afraid of?" Lu Yuehan splashed water, calling out.

"I'm afraid of delaying Fairy," Zhao Xing replied. "I'm a gambler who lives by the sword, always engaging in very dangerous work."

"A Dao companion should share life and death. Besides, how dangerous could Brother Zhao's schemes be? I, Lu Yuehan, am also a gambler."

"Assuming it requires gambling the Crescent Marquis Mansion, can Fairy use them as stakes?"

Lu Yuehan didn't answer, merely splashing water angrily. She took it as Zhao Xing making excuses to put her off. Zhao Xing was only at the Minor Divine Ability Realm; no matter how much trouble he could stir, there should be a limit. Making such an assumption, wasn't he just being dismissive?

On the other side, Zhao Xing flew out of the Crescent Spiritual Spring. If Lu Yuehan were the frivolous type, he wouldn't mind playing along for a bit. But she was looking for a Dao companion, so he couldn't be casual. He couldn't even guarantee his own life, so why drag someone else down?

With a 'swish,' Zhao Xing arrived at Ji Si's room.

"Grand Si Nong," Ji Si greeted. She was floating cross-legged on a mountain of books, surrounded by ancient texts with wings, fluttering erratically.

"Oh, what's this new trick?" Zhao Xing curiously examined the ancient books with white wings.

Ji Si descended, lost in thought. "I'm cultivating 'Star History: Ancient Fiends: Asura Biographies,' trying to summon the Asura clan from ancient fiends. However, my foundation is insufficient, and the Asura clan is extinct, so I only managed to summon a wing. I can't fully summon the Asura heroic spirits."

"I see," Zhao Xing realized. "I've delayed your time. Since you can cultivate 'Ancient Fiend Biographies,' you should now conquer a small world to use as your Transferred Realm or Origin Realm." Starry Sky Historians needed such a process to strengthen their historical foundation. The longer the time, the stronger their Transferred Realm clone or Chronicle clone would become.

"Without Grand Si Nong, I wouldn't have reached this point," Ji Si said, shaking her head. "There's no talk of delay." If not for Zhao Xing, Ji Si would still be stuck at the Second Realm. He was a dual cultivator of Fate and History; without Zhao Xing's resource support, she wouldn't have reached this point in ten thousand years.

"My apologies, I was being formal," Zhao Xing smiled. He then turned to serious matters. "Ji Si, you don't need to send the letter for now." Zhao Xing waved his hand, drawing a star map. "Next, you'll accompany me to this place."

Ji Si looked at the spot Zhao Xing indicated and was stunned. "Taoyuan Star? Grand Si Nong, isn't this the border between the Great Ye Dynasty and the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom?"

"Yes."

Ji Si asked no more questions. For the past two centuries, Zhao Xing and she had been wandering around the border of the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom, doing nothing else but one specific thing: releasing clones everywhere, as if on a prolonged tour.

"Are we leaving immediately?"

"Same old rule, I go first, you follow," Zhao Xing said.

"What about Zhan Ze?"

"Don't worry about him. I've asked him to forge artifacts on Qingyuzi Star," Zhao Xing replied.

In Shin 1704, en route to Taoyuan Star, near a mineral star called 'Taomujia 13,' which belonged to the Great Ye Dynasty.

"Buzz~" Zhao Xing's realm boat suddenly self-destructed without warning.

"Boom!" Zhao Xing's main body and all clones were obliterated, near the uninhabited 'Taomujia 13' mineral star. Then, space twisted, and a black-robed man immediately appeared. He was 'Quentin,' a Seventh-stage Reincarnation Realm expert, considered a seasoned reincarnator. He was the expert dispatched by the Dongyan Ancient Clan to solve the 'Qingyuzi problem.'

"Collect!" Quentin casually gathered the wreckage and immediately departed.

Three days after Quentin left.

"Swish!" Ji Si, who had followed to the vicinity of 'Taomujia 13,' immediately opened her ring.

"Whoosh~" A white light appeared, spreading across the planetary system where 'Taomujia 13' of the Great Ye Dynasty was located. Time reverted to a specific moment in 1704, the day before Zhao Xing entered the 'Taomujia 13' star system.

"Grand Si Nong!" Ji Si's realm boat suddenly accelerated, catching up to Zhao Xing's realm boat. Seeing Ji Si enter his realm boat, Zhao Xing's expression changed. "You used it?"

"Yes," Ji Si nodded seriously. Whoever held the Time Page possessed the memory. At this moment, Zhao Xing was unaware, but Ji Si knew the inside story.

"Go, quickly, turn around!" Zhao Xing decided to immediately turn back and take a different route. At this time, Quentin was still staking out near 'Taomujia 13.' He had no idea what had happened, and even a year after Zhao Xing left, he still believed his treasure had miscalculated the location or time.

"Grand Si Nong, this is actually a—"

"Just know it, don't say it out loud," Zhao Xing interrupted, his expression grim. After Ji Si's reminder, he immediately checked his system panel. The panel showed that he had indeed been near 'Taomujia 13' and even displayed the coordinates. Undoubtedly, he had truly died once.

"Which day did you use it?" Zhao Xing asked.

"The third day," Ji Si replied.

"Good," Zhao Xing sighed in relief. It had only rewound three days, and it was in a desolate star system of the Great Ye Dynasty, making it very difficult for anyone to notice an anomaly.

"The tension of the Great Dao of Time will erase distorted traces. The three days that were rewound are like a patch of silt dug out from a riverbed, which will quickly be washed away and smoothed over." If it were within the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom, in certain important places, too long a time rewind might be detected by a very few exceptional experts.

"Grand Si Nong, I—"

"What do you want to say?" Zhao Xing asked.

"I want to say that item is actually more suitable to be kept with you," Ji Si replied. "Don't be afraid."

"Not afraid," Ji Si shook her head. "I discovered it has a passive rewind function. As long as you hold a corner of the river, you can pre-set time nodes. I might not be able to arrive in time, and if you can use it yourself, it will be more secure."

"It can be used like that? I can use it?" Zhao Xing was surprised. He hadn't used such a valuable item in his previous life.

"Yes, as soon as I got it, I understood this function. It doesn't require you to be a historian to use it," Ji Si nodded. She pointed behind Zhao Xing. "You can imagine that countless illusory figures passed through there behind you, moving through the river of time. After you rewind, the present becomes history, and history becomes the future."

"I understand," Zhao Xing nodded. This meant he didn't have to die and wait for Ji Si to bring the Time Page and use it. As long as he carried it, if he died, it could passively rewind. This was indeed more secure. In the original plan, Ji Si's timely arrival was still filled with variables, far less convenient than using it himself.

"Looks like I can't wait any longer," Zhao Xing murmured. "I must enter the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom immediately, otherwise such 'deaths' will continue to occur." Such an event was enough once. Zhao Xing would not keep testing. The Dongyan Ancient Clan possessed divine artifacts. Although the Time Page had high priority, it was not guaranteed that anomalies wouldn't be detected.

"Let's go, we're heading to the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom."

In the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom, on the Yuankai Realm Star—a top-tier realm star and the capital city, transformed over countless years—Meng Wu was strolling leisurely down an ancient street.

"Wu Tian, you swindled and cheated in various ancient kingdoms, and you claim to know the past and future. Have you ever heard of the title 'Emperor Tianning'?"

"How can that be called swindling and cheating? Meng Wu, you deeply misunderstand me," an ethereal voice emanated from the ring on his finger.

Meng Wu chuckled dismissively. "Alright, let's talk business."

Wu Tian replied, "Emperor Tianning is clearly a fabricated title. This person is probably very weak, which is why they're using such a name to lure you."

"How can you tell?"

"Meng Wu, my words might be harsh, but don't take offense."

"Just say it."

"Although you are an Emperor-level expert, you are not worth a divine artifact."

"Indeed harsh," Meng Wu clicked his tongue.

"Since he's your old friend and isn't coming to see you now, he must not dare to show himself," Wu Tian spoke fluently. "Besides being weak, there's no other possibility. This person must have lured more than just you to the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom. As I said, you alone are not worth a divine artifact."

"Oh? You mean this Emperor Tianning will gather me and other powerful individuals together?" Meng Wu asked.

"Undoubtedly," Wu Tian affirmed. "So you don't need to actively search; he will come to you."

"Interesting," Meng Wu smiled. "Indeed, only a swindler truly understands a swindler."

"You flatter me."

"Since you're so capable, why not tell me, what exactly is his intention?" Meng Wu asked. "And how did he know some of my private matters? If you can answer correctly, I'll reduce your sentence and release you from Erliang Slope."

The ring fell silent for a long time. Just as Meng Wu was about to lose patience, Wu Tian's voice reappeared. "Cannot be spoken."

Meng Wu stopped, somewhat surprised. "You're actually afraid. What are you afraid of?"

Wu Tian's voice was hoarse. "Cannot be spoken."

"Oh?" Meng Wu paused. "Aren't you going to advise me to give up my greed? What you called desire."

"Cannot be spoken."

Meng Wu immediately lost interest, scoffing, "I think you can't come up with a reason, so you're just being evasive here. I don't think someone will come to find me, as you said."

But no sooner had he spoken than Meng Wu suddenly received a message from his great-grandson, Meng Ye: "Great-grandfather, someone delivered a letter to the mansion. He claims to be sent by 'Emperor Tianning'."

"Oh?" Meng Wu's expression immediately became very complicated. Did Wu Tian actually get it right?

With a 'swish,' Meng Wu returned to his mansion with a thought. Meng Ye had been waiting for a long time.

"The letter?"

"It's here."

"How was it delivered?"

"It was a very ordinary messenger puppet from the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom," Meng Ye said with a slight hesitation. "Great-grandfather, did I do something wrong? Should I have detained the puppet?"

"Never mind," Meng Wu said, shaking his head. Regardless of whether Emperor Tianning was real or fake, he certainly wouldn't let Meng Wu find anything. The letter, like last time, was a 'Bone Fire Script.' Meng Wu moved the text, and soon the text's border ignited with flames. A line of text appeared in the flames:

"Please, old friend, meet me at 'Mountain Sea Pavilion,' and wait two hundred years."

"Mountain Sea Pavilion?" Meng Wu looked at his great-grandson. "Is there a place called Mountain Sea Pavilion in Yuankai Capital?"

"Many," Meng Ye replied. "At least thirty million places are called Mountain Sea Pavilion."

"What exactly does this person want to do!" Meng Wu was a little angry, having to wait and search again.

"Although there are many Mountain Sea Pavilions, there can only be one that allows many Reincarnation Realm experts to appear simultaneously without seeming out of place," Wu Tian's voice came from the ring.

"I know that, do I need you to tell me?" Meng Wu directly sealed the ring. Then he looked at his great-grandson. "Go, find me a Mountain Sea Pavilion where many Reincarnation Realm experts can appear without being conspicuous."

"Yes."

"This must be the Mountain Sea Pavilion," Emperor Hongshan declared, appearing before a towering building. "It's not far from the assembly venue. I wonder who is waiting for me here." Emperor Hongshan entered the Mountain Sea Pavilion discreetly.

Compared to Emperor Hongshan's simplicity, the arrival of other Reincarnation Realm experts was marked by strange phenomena. Space tore open, and a giant dragon emerged from it. Then, a Kunpeng beast appeared, surrounded by fierce wind blades, soaring through the sky, its vast shadow covering the sun, its roar shattering space like thunder. Others resembled Qilin, their bodies covered in indestructible scales etched with runes, treading on the void, spewing flames that could incinerate all things. Countless strange beasts cleared the way. Those who didn't know might have thought the demon race had torn open space.

As everyone watched in astonishment, a tall, slender figure in a dark robe appeared behind the beasts. He sat on a throne of pure silver, inlaid with various beast heads. The throne's base seemed to have endless flames and planets rolling beneath it. Surrounding stars rotated around the throne, as if he were the center of the universe!

"Rumble!" Countless beasts pulled the throne, shaking the entire world.

"Emperor Lingyuan! It's Emperor Lingyuan!"

"Such terrifying pressure! We're all Reincarnation Realm, but I feel Emperor Lingyuan could kill me with just a glance!"

"Fellow Daoist, you can't compare. His mechanical beasts alone include thousands with Reincarnation Realm combat power. How can you compare?"

"That's the Myriad Fiend Throne! Emperor Lingyuan killed tens of thousands of Reincarnation Realm great fiends and merged them into his Dao Weapon. Of course, the pressure is immense!"

"Everyone, clear the way—"

There were differences even among Reincarnation Realm experts. Facing an Emperor-level giant, others could only step aside. However, Emperor Lingyuan quickly reined in his pressure. All phenomena and strange beasts vanished, and even the Myriad Fiend Throne disappeared. Emperor Lingyuan's face was chiseled, his sword-like brows swept back into his temples, his eyes like abysses in a cold night, deep and icy.

Facing the person greeting him at Mountain Sea Pavilion, Emperor Lingyuan directly transmitted a message: "Do you have someone named Emperor Tianning here?"

The person in charge of Mountain Sea Pavilion shook his head. "Reporting to Emperor, there is no Emperor Tianning here."

Emperor Lingyuan said, "Then arrange a quiet residence."

"Yes. Emperor Lingyuan, please follow me."

After Emperor Hongshan and Emperor Lingyuan appeared, more figures quickly arrived at the Mountain Sea Pavilion. As soon as they appeared, they asked the person in charge if there was someone named 'Emperor Tianning' here. This left 'Tianji,' the person in charge of Mountain Sea Pavilion, utterly bewildered.

"Did anyone named Emperor Tianning ever stay here?" Tianji asked his subordinate.

"No," the subordinate shook his head. "Absolutely not."

"Emperor Tianning..." Tianji wondered silently, "How have I never heard of such a person?"

"Never mind, you may go."

The people Zhao Xing had 'called' had successively arrived at the Yuankai Realm Star in the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom. However, the current 'Emperor Tianning' was frantically busy.

After experiencing an accidental death, Zhao Xing decisively entered the Yuankai Ancient Kingdom. Following Qingyuzi's, or rather, the holy artifact's, intention, he began to search for another 'holy artifact.' To his surprise, after much wandering, he returned to Qingyuzi Realm Star.

"Buzz buzz buzz~" The holy artifact in Qingyuzi's hand trembled wildly, seemingly wanting to go in another direction, but Qingyuzi's corpse remained unwavering, looking straight ahead. The sword and the person seemed to be in serious disagreement.

"Are you going to Qingyuzi Realm Star?" Zhao Xing asked. Qingyuzi didn't answer, but the Yin energy on his body stopped raging, clearly a silent agreement. Zhao Xing then looked at the ancient sword, its tip pointing east. "Where does it want to go then? Shouldn't we go to the imperial capital?"

Zhao Xing was also confused. Logically, the Dharma Assembly was held in the Yuankai Empire, so the altar, holy artifacts, and such should also be in the Yuankai Empire, or at least nearby. But both the direction the ancient sword was pointing and Qingyuzi's intended Qingyuzi Realm Star were not in the direction of the imperial capital.

"I've already arranged with Lu Yuehan for her to take me into the imperial capital to attend the assembly. Now you're saying not to go?"

"Old man, what exactly do you want?" Zhao Xing was a bit speechless. Qingyuzi wasn't just speaking in riddles; he was speaking in dead riddles.

"I'm really impressed by your secrecy, you old fox."

Zhao Xing had no choice but to take out the Time Page and cover the Reincarnation Ancient Sword with it. This way, the ancient sword didn't tremble as violently. But Zhao Xing returned to Qingyuzi Realm Star in Shin 1723. His return was very unique.

When Qingyuzi was still three or four star sectors away from Qingyuzi Realm Star, he suddenly waved his hand, tearing open a void crack. On the other side of the crack, a coffin was placed.

"You actually kept this trick hidden! You never taught me!" Zhao Xing exclaimed, surprised and uncertain. Qingyuzi had opened a void channel, similar to Du Yun's method, shortening the distance. The coffin on the other side looked somewhat familiar to Zhao Xing. Wasn't that the ice coffin where Old Qing's body was originally placed? Where did it come from? Qingyuzi's tomb?

Qingyuzi's Yin energy began to fluctuate again, as if urging Zhao Xing to follow him. "Since we're already here..." Zhao Xing muttered, following Qingyuzi into the void channel. Thus, he and Qingyuzi's corpse returned to the depths of Qingyuzi Realm Star. Zhao Xing had only seen the ice coffin, but he didn't know where it went after it sank into the ground. After jumping out of the void channel and surveying the layout, he immediately gave a wry smile.

"You built a Reincarnation Altar under Qingyuzi Realm Star. Does your teacher know?"

Qingyuzi finally responded this time. The murky energy in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by burning flames that formed a line of text: "He knows, but not entirely. I asked him to prepare the materials about a century ago, when I went to the Sunken River Wilds."

"Clap clap clap!" Zhao Xing couldn't help but applaud. "Excellent, you two master and disciple really kept me in the dark. That's very good. It seems that in the last words you left for Marquis Ziyue, you already factored me in."

Qingyuzi's text appeared: "Not that much. Su Wan'er's final soul trial was intentionally set up for you to pass. You couldn't bring me back without cultivating the Three Divine Fate Palace. I originally wanted Marquis Ziyue to give you some money to end the karmic ties, but you were already in the game."

Zhao Xing was speechless. So Su Wan'er's last stage was arranged by this guy? He really played the victim convincingly!

"No wonder Marquis Ziyue gave me so much money just for bringing a corpse back. But there's one more thing I don't understand."

Qingyuzi: "Please ask."

Zhao Xing pointed around. "You're missing quite a few things here, aren't you? The Reincarnation Altar is just a frame, you don't have your core Dao Weapon, no sacrificial items—you can't rely entirely on the Dongyan Ancient Clan's efforts, can you?"

Qingyuzi didn't speak. Instead, he suddenly grabbed the Reincarnation Ancient Sword, leaned back sharply, and plunged it into his own chest.

"Pfft!" The Reincarnation Ancient Sword pierced through his chest and out his back, still humming continuously.

"What the hell are you doing!" Zhao Xing was startled. He had seen people flog others' corpses, but this was the first time he'd seen someone flog their own corpse. "If you can't say it, then don't say it. I understand taboo things; you don't have to go this far."

After plunging the sword, Qingyuzi freed his hands. He then knelt and sat cross-legged on the square altar. One hand extended into the void, reaching into the distance, seemingly waiting for something. Zhao Xing followed him. Then a line of text flashed in Qingyuzi's eyes: "I can't say, but do you remember the first trial I set?"

"Of course I remember, you—"

"Damn, no way." Zhao Xing's pupils contracted, suddenly as if he'd realized something.

Qingyuzi's lips curved into a faint smile, as if he had done something triumphant and was showing it off. The text appeared: "Yes, it's just as you imagine. With it, no more treasures are needed."

Zhao Xing was so shocked he couldn't speak. "Are you playing such a big game, brother? Qingyuzi, you actually stole a Divine Derivation Tablet?!"