Chapter 401: Absurd Two Hundred Years, Gathering of the Emperor Lords in the Time House

Zhao Xing knew, of course, that the Reincarnation Temple had lost more than one Soul Origin Tablet throughout its history. If Qing Yuzi could acquire one, he wouldn't be surprised. After all, he and other players had done the same in his previous life.

As for why the Soul Origin Tablets were frequently stolen, it stemmed from the core tenet of the Reincarnation Temple. The Temple's primary purpose was to maintain universal balance. This principle further led to another: prohibiting powerful individuals from wantonly resurrecting others using their abilities.

Voluntary reincarnation for those in the Reincarnation Realm was an exception. This act involved dispersing one's cultivation, effectively returning spiritual energy to its origin, thereby participating in the natural cycle of life and death. The prohibition against resurrecting others could be relaxed under certain circumstances; the Reincarnation Temple's emphasis was on "wanton resurrection."

However, internal disagreements gradually arose within the Reincarnation Temple concerning the principle of "maintaining universal balance," leading to the emergence of three distinct philosophies:

First, Primitivism. This philosophy advocated that the Reincarnation Temple should not interfere in the disputes of ancient kingdoms or the affairs between cultivation forces, thereby preserving its purity. Primitivists, who represent the current mainstream thought within the Temple, did not suppress the cultivation of the Reincarnation Realm.

Second, Active Interventionism. Interventionists believed that the increasing desolation of starfields was disrupting universal balance. They advocated for active engagement in worldly affairs, integrating all available power to "maintain universal balance," which meant the Reincarnation Temple should expand its existing armed forces.

Third, Extreme Balanceism. Extreme Balanceists argued that any form of "resurrection" should be prohibited entirely, including voluntary reincarnation for those in the Reincarnation Realm. Only through complete prohibition of resurrection, they believed, could the universe's decline be averted.

Both Extreme Balanceism and Active Interventionism shared a common stance on the need for military strength. To enforce their ideologies, military suppression was deemed necessary. However, if the Reincarnation Temple abandoned its neutral stance and lost its purity, other super-forces would not stand idly by. Who would want a supreme authority looming over them?

This is why "Primitivism" remains the dominant philosophy within the Reincarnation Temple to this day. Nevertheless, the other two viewpoints have persistently existed, and their presence is the reason behind the frequent theft of the Temple's Soul Origin Tablets. Strong defenses are always breached from within.

In a future game update, "Temple Conflict," the Reincarnation Temple would undergo a major schism, and Soul Origin Tablets would appear in large numbers across the world. But even before that, Soul Origin Tablets had already been stolen multiple times. This explained why resolving Zhao Xing's Three-God Fate Palace required such a significant cost. Some of the Soul Origin Tablets were recovered, while others remained lost.

"If Qing Yuzi stole one in a past life and refined it into his innate Reincarnation Dao Weapon using a unique secret reincarnation technique, then he wouldn't need to prepare a mountain of materials," Zhao Xing thought. "With a Soul Origin Tablet and having cultivated the Three-God Fate Palace, the preparation for the Reincarnation Altar could be greatly simplified."

Zhao Xing watched Qing Yuzi reach into the void with one hand, a sudden realization dawning on him. No wonder he dared to hitch a ride and exploit the East Yan Ancient Clan. Assuming Old Qing's theft left no trace and remained unknown, he could completely transform the crime into a meritorious deed afterward, claiming, "I'm here to return the Soul Origin Tablet!"

"Wait, does Old Qing have a background within the Reincarnation Temple himself?" Zhao Xing pondered. "If everything goes according to Old Qing's plan, after his resurrection, he would have both disrupted the East Yan Ancient Clan's revival and retrieved the Soul Origin Tablet, all while advancing his own strength. He might even gain more influence within the Reincarnation Temple..."

Zhao Xing looked at Qing Yuzi, his expression a mix of surprise and uncertainty, and carefully asked, "Old... Senior, your origins, are they connected to the Reinc..."

Qing Yuzi did not respond, feigning unconsciousness.

"I spoke out of turn," Zhao Xing said.

But feigning unconsciousness was also a form of tacit admission. At this point, Zhao Xing finally understood who gave Qing Yuzi such audacity. As for any further internal complexities, Zhao Xing no longer wished to know. He prudently refrained from asking more questions. Knowing too much now wouldn't benefit him.

Qing Yuzi avoided the question, and the words in his eyes continued to flash: *The karmic contract with the East Yan Ancient Clan is on me, binding me, not you.*

"Are you saying I can report them now without being discovered?" Zhao Xing asked, stunned.

*Theoretically, yes. The East Yan Ancient Clan can bypass the 'karmic contract' to kill you, and you are no longer bound by its original terms either. However, do not do too much. Revealing heavenly secrets will still result in a backlash.*

The explanation was convoluted, but Zhao Xing still understood. He had, in fact, died once already, and there was no doubt the East Yan Ancient Clan was responsible. This was, in essence, a breach of contract. And the karmic contract had been transferred to Qing Yuzi, similar to how Arch-Scholar Zhuo En had transferred a phantom spell to Du Yun to bear. In truth, Zhao Xing had also been indirectly violating the contract all along. Both parties had been using the 'karmic contract' as a facade, lulling the other into a false sense of security, while privately engaging in countless actions. Of course, after the contract, Zhao Xing hadn't really done much, except for recruiting allies this one time. On the contrary, the East Yan Ancient Clan had been constantly harassing him, even though he had initially intended to leave once he accumulated enough funds.

"You're all big shots, but what does this have to do with me? I just delivered something," Zhao Xing said, his face etched with worry. If he were playing a game of 'Qing Yuzi cards,' he was currently the weakest player. He didn't even know how many players were involved, and any card the opponent drew was bigger than his.

Qing Yuzi: *You don't need to play the victim. Since I'm telling you this, I believe you have the strength to be my ally.*

After a pause, the fiery script changed: *I owe you a debt of gratitude. There will be a substantial reward afterward. Should I go back on my word, I shall be cast into endless reincarnation.*

Seeing this sentence, the worried expression on Zhao Xing's face instantly vanished, replaced by a smile. "No problem at all," he said. Playing the victim, of course, had a purpose! Setting aside the East Yan Ancient Clan... Given the predicament I'm in today, aren't you, Qing Yuzi, partly to blame? This was precisely what Zhao Xing had just conveyed. And before this, Qing Yuzi hadn't even offered a single promise! Now, he had finally secured a concrete promise.

"What do you need me to do now?" Zhao Xing asked.

Major powers within the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom all had exclusive channels leading to the Imperial Capital Star System, convenient for urgent summons from the King.

"An emergency royal summons channel?" Zhao Xing immediately understood.

*It can be said that once the heavenly secrets manifest, the passage to the Imperial Capital will certainly be closed.*

"Then how can I get you in?" Zhao Xing asked, somewhat confused.

*You find the location of the altar, and by staying in that general area, you can bring me inside.*

Zhao Xing's mind raced, trying to grasp Qing Yuzi's reasoning. In other words, Old Qing couldn't go to the Imperial Capital Star System right now; he had to wait for the opportune moment to enter. So, he was being sent ahead as an anchor point?

"You're not solely relying on me, are you?" Zhao Xing asked. Who was Qing Yuzi's originally intended person for this task?

Qing Yuzi feigned unconsciousness again.

"Alright, I won't ask," Zhao Xing shrugged.

*The moment the contract dissipates, you can find 'Emperor Yuan Ding' in the Imperial Capital.*

Zhao Xing silently recalled the list of attendees for the Dharma Assembly. Emperor Yuan Ding was a Reincarnation Envoy! He was there not only to attend the Dharma Assembly but also as the Reincarnation Temple's chosen agent for this investigation into the 'Soul Origin Tablets.' In other words, if Zhao Xing hadn't secured those five trillion, Emperor Yuan Ding would have been the one leading the team to abolish his Three-God Fate Palace Divine Ability. Of course, he wasn't there just for Zhao Xing; many others had also cultivated it and were on the list for abolition.

"On the surface, True Monarch Yuan Ding is here to do dirty work, and in reality... he's still doing dirty work," Zhao Xing thought. "Old Qing is indeed a Temple man. No, if he succeeds, he'll be a Temple man. If he fails, he's just a thief." After a pause, Zhao Xing asked, "What should I say when I meet Emperor Yuan Ding? There must be some kind of code or token, right?"

*Say the phrase you always say.*

"The one I always say, which phrase, oh..." Zhao Xing was startled at first, then felt a little awkward. *My master, Qing Yuzi!* He never imagined that a phrase he used to deflect blame would actually be put to use now.

Seeing that Qing Yuzi had no further instructions, Zhao Xing prepared to leave. Just as he was about to step into the spatial tunnel, Zhao Xing suddenly paused, tilting his head. "Senior, is Du Yun involved in this?"

*No.*

So, the Primordial Heavenly Palace was not involved. Zhao Xing nodded slightly. "This junior will spare no effort to assist you, senior."

Stepping into the tunnel, Zhao Xing returned to the World Vessel. Entering the Imperial Capital Star System was easy now, but getting into the Dharma Assembly venue would be much harder. Zhao Xing now had three options for getting there: Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, or Lu Yuehan. Zhao Xing didn't choose; he used all of them. He informed Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, and Lu Yuehan. This way, when he arrived at the Imperial Capital, he would ensure all three were by his side.

"If I die, then there's nothing to be said," he thought. "If I live, everyone around me lives." Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, then took out his Star Compass to send a few more messages before activating the World Vessel.

In the year 1785 of the Primordial Era, two more individuals boarded the World Vessel bound for the Imperial Capital Star System: Cen Qionghua and Le Yao.

"Brother Zhao!" Hua Zi excitedly pounced on Zhao Xing upon seeing him.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Zhao Xing quickly pushed him away. "What are you doing? Trying to eat me?"

"Hahaha." Hua Zi could only pat Zhao Xing's shoulder to express his excitement.

"You..." Before he could speak, Cen Qionghua stumbled and was pulled away, ending up plastered against the wall. Then, a fragrant breeze rushed over, and Le Yao threw her arms around Zhao Xing. Cen Qionghua rubbed the back of his head, watching Le Yao embrace Zhao Xing, and angrily exclaimed, "Shameless scoundrel! You abandon your friends for beauty!"

"How could you compare to Le Yao?" Zhao Xing chuckled, gently pushing Le Yao away. In reality, their embrace was fleeting, a mere touch and release. He was certain that Le Yao's feelings for him were purely platonic friendship, so he could accept such an excited display of affection.

"Don't even get me started," Le Yao said, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks on Hua Zi. "If it weren't for you, how would we have been detained?" Cen Qionghua could only offer a helpless wry smile, allowing Le Yao to hit and scold him.

"Alright, stop blaming Hua Zi," Zhao Xing said. Le Yao and Cen Qionghua's previous detention was purely because Hua Zi's loose tongue offended a noble's son during the auction of a cauldron. He had deliberately driven the price up to an unreasonable range. Although the noble's son ultimately won, a feud had been established. Both Le Yao and Cen Qionghua had families, and in business, there were always some unsavory aspects. The noble's family also had some influence, so they simply found a pretext to detain the two and then searched for evidence. It was akin to shooting an arrow and then drawing the target around it, and they were only released today.

"Brother Zhao, how did you manage to get that scoundrel 'Xing Hao' to release them?" Le Yao asked, tired from hitting.

"Yeah," Hua Zi chimed in, "Did you ask Du Yun for help?"

"Do I need to bother Du Yun for such a trivial matter?" Zhao Xing said casually. "I am the Marquis of Wuling; if I say a word, they have to release them!"

"You're bluffing, right?" Le Yao said skeptically. Cen Qionghua also shook his head.

"Hahaha, I can't fool you two, indeed," Zhao Xing chuckled. "Actually, I acquired some of the Xing family's debts. Though I, the Marquis of Wuling, hold no real power, I have money."

After Du Yun finished helping Zhao Xing, there was still a significant amount left, nearly twenty billion Red Star Coins. Coupled with what Yun Tiandao left behind, he still had over twenty-five billion Red Star Coins. Le Yao and Cen Qionghua's predicament was a minor issue, easily resolved with money.

"Marquis of Wuling, you're amazing!" Cen Qionghua exclaimed.

"Zhao Xing, thank you," Le Yao added.

"It's nothing," Zhao Xing said. "What are your plans now?"

"We don't have any specific plans yet."

"I have a suggestion," Zhao Xing said. "Do you remember Yu Tianqing inviting you to visit his hometown with your families?"

"But didn't he go to the Red Star Empire?" Le Yao asked.

"It's not like you have anything else to do; you can go visit first. He'll be back soon."

"That's not a bad idea," Le Yao said.

"I originally wanted to go join the Dharma Assembly and see what's happening..." Cen Qionghua hesitated.

"You want to join the fun?" Le Yao's eyes widened. "There are even more important figures there. You'd die if you offended just one!"

Cen Qionghua had no response. Ultimately, Le Yao and Cen Qionghua were persuaded and decided to visit the Pangze Dynasty.

In the year 1803 of the Primordial Era, Zhao Xing received news that the two had left the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom and arrived at the Pangze Dynasty. "Sure enough, Cen Qionghua and Le Yao are just 'supporting characters'; there's no issue with them leaving the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom," Zhao Xing thought to himself. The East Yan Ancient Clan didn't need just anyone for their sacrifice. With a Dharma Assembly currently being held in the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, it was normal for people to be entering and exiting. Being overly rigid in their calculations could easily lead to problems. As for Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, and Lu Yuehan, he couldn't send them away.

After taking a detour to resolve Cen Qionghua and Le Yao's issues, Zhao Xing finally arrived at the Yuanhai Star System in the year 1845 of the Primordial Era. At this time, the spiritual energy index in the cosmic void had reached an astonishing 300, and people were flying everywhere.

"Once the Dharma Assembly begins, the concentration of powerful cultivators is truly immense," Ji Si exclaimed in admiration. "Anyone you see is at least in the Third Realm."

"Even more so on the Yuanhai Realm Star," Zhao Xing said. "During the Dharma Assembly, the spiritual energy index in the venue will be maintained at 1000, offering immense benefits to those who listen to the sermons. Cultivators without connections can't enter the Yuanhai Realm Star, let alone its surrounding companion stars."

Ji Si nodded. "Should we find Yun Tiandao or Miss Lu first?"

"No need, we'll meet him on the Yuanhai Realm Star. Let's find Lu Yuehan; it's more convenient." Zhao Xing absentmindedly contacted Lu Yuehan.

"Great Administrator, you seem to be in low spirits?" Ji Si asked.

"Is it that obvious?" Zhao Xing looked up.

Ji Si nodded.

"Indeed, a little, but not because of Lu Yuehan," Zhao Xing said, rubbing his face. After entering the Yuanhai Realm Star, he suddenly felt an intense sense of fatigue. It wasn't physical exhaustion but a weariness of the mind. Strangely enough, even using his Willpower Divine Ability was useless. He had become extremely lazy, completely uninterested in cultivation, only wishing for comfort and pleasure. Zhao Xing suspected he had fallen victim to some subtle, widespread spell, but he couldn't pinpoint the source.

"Ji Si, you must constantly urge and supervise me," Zhao Xing said, after rubbing his face to perk himself up. "Don't let me become complacent."

Ji Si countered, "How should I supervise you?"

Zhao Xing waved his hand. "Never mind... Hiss, what are you doing?!" He turned his head in surprise, only to see Ji Si holding a Dharma Whip. The whip was black and white, seemingly composed of written characters on paper.

"This is a spell I created, the 'Enlightening Whip.' It can boost your spirit, and when struck by it, knowledge will also be transmitted..."

"You're taking 'urging' literally!" Zhao Xing said with a wry smile.

"Great Administrator, you are rarely idle. I suspect something is wrong with you," Ji Si said sternly. Having also used the Chronos Scrolls, he naturally knew Zhao Xing was engaged in something significant, making him even more vigilant than Zhao Xing himself. "I've long wanted to use the Enlightening Whip technique," Ji Si admitted, "but I never dared to offend you..."

"Historical Rhyme, Spiritual Insight; Comprehending the Past, Knowing the Present; Mind Recalling Thousands of Scrolls, Traces Enduring Ten Thousand Years..." Zhao Xing recited the incantation that appeared in his mind, and couldn't help but ask, "What is this?"

"This incantation allows a historian, upon encountering historical data or events, to quickly commit them to memory and retain them for a long time, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of historical records, enabling them to comprehend the past and present, and effortlessly recall all kinds of historical knowledge," Ji Si explained. "My original intention was to pursue the enlightenment's spark in the ethereal, so this method could ultimately maintain a peak enlightenment state at all times. Unfortunately, the effect isn't as satisfying," Ji Si said with some regret.

"Alright, that's enough for today... *Crack!*" Zhao Xing jumped up. "What are you doing now?!"

Ji Si said nothing, merely cracking the whip again.

"Ink Spirit Enlightenment, Truth Seeking in the Sea of History, Past Not Forgotten, Future to Follow..." Zhao Xing couldn't help but recite.

"Stop, Ji Si, that's enough!"

*Crack!*

"Heaven and Earth Reversed, Fate's Course Transferred. Five Elements Borrow Power, Four Pillars Tuned. Spiritual Energy Pours In, Reversing Fortune to Heaven... Damn it, I said stop hitting me! Ji Si, if you hit me again, I'm going to get mad!!"

Ji Si was now a master of historian and fate official techniques, a man capable of ten minor divine abilities. If he wanted to strike Zhao Xing, Zhao Xing would indeed find it difficult to evade him now.

"My apologies, Great Administrator," Ji Si said, after striking three times and seeing Zhao Xing become more energetic, then cupped his hands in a bow. "I observe that the Great Administrator's spirit has tightened somewhat, but the three awakening whips will likely only last for about a month. In the future, if I deem it necessary to act, I will do so again," Ji Si stated upfront.

"Sigh..." Zhao Xing was exasperated; he really shouldn't have made that suggestion. However, he also realized the terrifying nature of the East Yan Ancient Clan. If, when immersed in such an environment, only a clear-headed peer using this method could prevent one from becoming complacent, then who could escape it? Zhao Xing wasn't even sure if this feeling of complacency was normal; he suspected it might be useless and that he was simply suffering from "persecutory delusions."

"Forget it, just hit me in the future," Zhao Xing sighed. Whether it's useful or not... he'd just consider it an overreaction on his part. Better to be beaten by knowledge than to lose his life.

"Understood," Ji Si said, putting away his whip.

After waiting about half a month on the outskirts of the star system, Lu Yuehan sent Fate Master Wang Yun and Mechanist Zeng Zhuo to pick him up.

Spring, in the year 1856 of the Primordial Era.

Even with a dedicated guide, Zhao Xing still went through numerous procedures and inspections before finally entering the Imperial Capital of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom. At this point, less than a century remained until the Dharma Assembly.

In the year 1901 of the Primordial Era, within a residence in the Lu family estate on Yuanhai Realm Star.

"What are you doing? You can't enter."

"The young lady is entertaining guests; who dares to trespass?"

"Stop him!"

*Bang!*

Ji Si burst in, his face etched with determination, while Zhao Xing lay on a chair, his eyes glazed over as he enjoyed the singing and dancing. Seeing Ji Si barge in with a whip, Lu Yuehan, Hong Qi, Zeng Zhuo, and Wang Yun were all stunned.

"Mister Ji, what are you doing?" Wang Yun asked with a frown.

"I am here to discuss important matters with young master," Ji Si said, cupping his hands. "If I have offended you, Miss, please forgive my rudeness."

Lu Yuehan felt a bit displeased. This man constantly pressured Zhao Xing to strive harder, sometimes even resorting to physical force against him, which was truly disrespectful. However, she could only feign magnanimity and say, "It's alright. Since it's important, we shall take our leave." Lu Yuehan departed with her guest retainers, as this was Zhao Xing's residence, not her own.

"Hey, hey, what are you doing?" Zhao Xing, holding a wine flask with blurred eyes, asked, "Why are you leaving?"

"Zhao Xing!" Ji Si rushed forward and struck him with a whip.

Zhao Xing winced in pain, his face filled with extreme anger, yet he still recited an incantation: "Heaven's Will Manifests. Flow and ebb by heart, all fates return to normal... Damn it, Ji Si, you're out of line!"

Ji Si said nothing. Seeing his Dharma Whip held, he immediately swapped to another and continued to strike.

"You're truly rebelling!" Zhao Xing barely dodged a whip with a whoosh, shouting loudly.

"Zhao Xing, sober up!" Ji Si approached step by step. "Don't forget we're not here for pleasure!"

"What I do is none of your business!" Zhao Xing hurled the wine flask at Ji Si. "There are tens of thousands of powerful cultivators here now, making it the safest place in the world!"

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.* The whip became a blur, striking Zhao Xing and making him yelp instantly.

The lashing continued for a full half hour. Zhao Xing went from cursing profusely to gradually falling into contemplation. Finally, he became silent and stopped dodging. Half an hour later, Zhao Xing suddenly lifted his head, as if waking from a dream. "Lord Ji, that's enough."

Hearing this, Ji Si immediately knelt on one knee and apologized, "Great Administrator, I had no other choice. For decades, you have become increasingly lazy, often using 'socializing' as an excuse to mingle with the Lu family, but in reality, you were just indulging in pleasure..."

Zhao Xing did not stop Ji Si from speaking. As Ji Si spoke, he too recalled every detail since entering the Yuanhai Realm Star. "How absurd..." Zhao Xing couldn't help but sigh. "Compared to before, I truly seem like a different person. Such a subtle transformation was completely imperceptible."

Ji Si immediately fell silent. "Please, Great Administrator, pull yourself together. There are less than fifty years left until the Dharma Assembly begins."

"What? Less than fifty years?" Zhao Xing was startled. Immersed in that absurd state of indulgence, he had completely lost track of time. He arrived at the Yuanhai Star System in the year 1845 of the Primordial Era, and it was now the year 2055. "I made the karmic oath with the East Yan Ancient Clan in the year 1060 of the Primordial Era; it was a thousand-year pact, and the Dharma Assembly was to be held 1045 years later. It is now the year 2055 of the Primordial Era, meaning only five years remain until the contract expires, and fifty years until the Dharma Assembly. I arrived in 1845, and for a full two hundred years, I've done absolutely nothing?" Zhao Xing muttered to himself.

"It's not that you did nothing," Ji Si added, delivering a precise blow. "You drank with Du Yun and Zhan Ze four times, and with Yun Tiandao sixteen times. You also attended 4521 drinking, song-and-dance, and card-playing sessions with Lu Yuehan and multiple guest retainers."

Zhao Xing was speechless. "Stop talking! Enough, immediately arrange a meeting for me with Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, and Lu Yuehan!" Zhao Xing commanded.

"Where?" Ji Si asked.

"Mount and Sea Pavilion, under the pretense of observing the Dharma Assembly."

"Understood." Ji Si swiftly departed.

Zhao Xing looked at the chaotic mess in the hall and couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. If he hadn't instructed Ji Si, he might have continued his absurd indulgence in a muddled state. Once the Dharma Assembly began, everything would be lost.

"This is truly perverse; what kind of demonic sorcery is this..." Zhao Xing hurried out of the residence.

The Mount and Sea Pavilion only received cultivators who had reached the Reincarnation Realm. However, Yun Tiandao, Lu Yuehan, and Du Yun all had Reincarnation Realm cultivators backing them, so it wasn't difficult for Zhao Xing to secure a small room there through their connections. After all, even Reincarnation Realm cultivators had families and relatives; it was impossible for only the cultivators themselves to be allowed in.

Zhao Xing quickly arrived at the Mount and Sea Pavilion, a tower-like structure with millions of entrances on each floor. Inside, the circular tower walls were lined with door frames of various sizes. The higher one went, the larger the door frames, the larger the pocket dimensions behind the doors, the higher the spiritual energy index, and the more complete the facilities within. The lower one went, the smaller the doors; while the upper floors boasted resplendent golden door frames, the bottom tens or hundreds of floors only had seemingly ordinary wooden doors. In the center of the tower was a gigantic, sky-reaching light portal, allowing Reincarnation Realm cultivators from the Mount and Sea Pavilion easy access to the eastward-facing Dharma Assembly discussion platform. Many of the Reincarnation Realm cultivators here were there to engage in spiritual discourse.

"Zhao Xing." Yun Tiandao stood at the light portal on the fifteenth floor, waving towards Zhao Xing.

"Coming." At this moment, Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, and Zhan Ze were standing together.

"I have a better Discourse Platform. Why do you want to set up a room on the fifteenth floor?" Du Yun asked, somewhat puzzled. Yun Tiandao, meanwhile, remained silent, simply listening.

"Let's go in first and talk." Zhao Xing reached out and pulled out a token, then led the three to a wooden door on the fifteenth floor.

"'Time Chamber'? Brother Zhao's naming sense is quite unique," Zhan Ze joked.

Zhao Xing waved his hand, and the hundred-meter-tall wooden door, bearing a unique number, opened. Threads of light spilled out, revealing a faint blue vortex beyond. With a *whoosh*, Zhao Xing and the other three immediately entered this independent space.

Seven days later, Lu Yuehan also arrived at the Time Chamber. After she entered, Zhao Xing simply engaged the four in some meaningless small talk. Gradually, Zhan Ze grew restless. "Brother Zhao, there's no singing or dancing here. It's rather dull just eating and drinking."

"Brother Zhan, please be a little patient," Zhao Xing said calmly. "I will certainly let you witness a grand spectacle."

"Oh? Does that mean more guests are coming?" Lu Yuehan asked.

"Indeed," Zhao Xing nodded.

"I wonder who else Brother Zhao has invited?" Du Yun also asked curiously.

"You'll know soon enough." Zhao Xing's "soon" turned out to be five years later, in the year 2060 of the Primordial Era.

"...Speaking of which, Brother Yun was once part of the Purple Divine Mansion. It's a pity my Purple Divine Mansion couldn't retain such talent," Du Yun said, drinking his wine.

"To be valued by King Taiyue and taken as a disciple by Duke Ruohai, Brother Yun is indeed a heaven-gifted genius," Zhan Ze said, raising his cup. "I toast to you, Brother Yun."

"You two flatter me," Yun Tiandao said, raising his cup, maintaining his humble demeanor.

"Cheers," Lu Yuehan also said with a smile.

However, Zhao Xing was distracted. Noticing this, the others couldn't help but ask, "Brother Zhao, why are you staring at the door?" At this moment, they were all drinking on floating platforms. There were seventeen such platforms in total, their bases supported by clouds, with two golden arched bridges encircling them from behind. Zhao Xing sat in the main seat, directly facing the wooden door suspended in the air.

"I..." Just then, Zhao Xing's eyes narrowed. The four followed Zhao Xing's gaze and saw the wooden door open by itself.

*Whoosh.* Then a beam of light entered, as if sunlight were streaming into this small world. *Hiss, hiss, hiss.* The space within the small world was completely distorted by the golden body's aura, and everyone's gaze seemed to be drawn into it.

The newcomer was none other than Meng Wu from the Red Star Empire!

"This aura..." Du Yun's pupils contracted. "Reincarnation Realm?"

"Zhao Xing actually has a Reincarnation Realm guest?" Zhan Ze and Lu Yuehan were also incredibly surprised. Only Yun Tiandao, though surprised, maintained a calm expression. Although he had reached the Great Divine Ability Realm, Zhao Xing still remained a mysterious figure in his mind.

"General Meng, please take a seat!" Zhao Xing stood up and gestured for him to sit.

"Oh?" Meng Wu scanned the five people on the floating platform and couldn't help but smile. "You are..."

"Indeed," Zhao Xing said, his expression unchanged. "Please take your seat first, General."

Yun Tiandao's expression turned strange upon hearing that title. This fellow, wasn't he perhaps borrowing Liu Tianning's name? What exactly was he trying to do? Du Yun, however, didn't make such a connection, as he had no impression of Liu Tianning at all. He was simply shocked to hear Zhao Xing refer to himself as 'Emperor Tianning.' How could Zhao Xing have such a grand background? Could he be an Emperor currently undergoing reincarnation? Lu Yuehan and Zhan Ze's minds completely froze; they were utterly stunned. They didn't even notice when Meng Wu took his seat.

"Six of the seventeen seats are already taken," Meng Wu remarked, glancing around. "It seems Emperor Tianning has more 'old friends' than just me." Meng Wu emphasized the words "old friends." He had been tricked into coming by Zhao Xing, who used the pretense of being an "old friend."

"General, please be patient," Zhao Xing said calmly. "I will clear your doubts shortly." Meng Wu nodded, said nothing more, and took a sip of wine. He tasted it, found the flavor ordinary, and switched to his own brought liquor. The remaining four on Zhao Xing's side dared not speak, or even make any unnecessary movements. Meng Wu of the Red Star Empire! An Emperor-tier figure! And he was actually Zhao Xing's honored guest?

However, their surprise didn't last long. Soon, the wooden door opened again.

*Whoosh.* A majestic figure, like a mountain, squeezed its way in. He wore a dark ink-colored long robe, its hem embroidered with intricate silver star patterns. A towering mountain floated on his chest, crowned by a solar star.

"Emperor Hong Shan?!" Du Yun couldn't help but exclaim. Huan Feng's grand-master was indeed Emperor Hong Shan; he had met him once before!

"Oh? Du, you're here too," Emperor Hong Shan said. He wore a cerulean jade belt, its jade smooth and seemingly naturally formed, inlaid with a transparent spirit crystal from which faint streaks of lightning occasionally shimmered, as if an ancient divine thunder was sealed within. Rings of faint golden light, seemingly real yet illusory, encircled his body. Each rune was ancient and mysterious, gleaming with brilliant light, like the stars of the heavens revolving around him.

*Boom!* When Emperor Hong Shan entered, even the floating platforms were affected by his presence, being drawn forward a short distance.

*Clang.* Meng Wu timely set down his wine cup, as if this single gesture suppressed all seventeen floating platforms.

Emperor Hong Shan looked over, instantly surprised. "Meng Wu? You're here too."

"Hong Shan," Meng Wu nodded slightly.

"You wouldn't happen to be Emperor Tianning, would you?" Hong Shan asked, as Meng Wu was the only other Reincarnation Realm cultivator present.

"Not me," Meng Wu slightly shook his head.

"Emperor Hong Shan, please take a seat," Zhao Xing said, gesturing to a seat.

Hong Shan was momentarily stunned to see Zhao Xing occupying the host's seat. However, seeing that even Meng Wu was seated obediently, he said nothing more and took a seat next to Meng Wu. The Primordial Mound and the Red Star Empire were considered friendly forces and had cooperated multiple times.

"Du... Du Yun, what exactly is the background of this Brother Zhao?" Zhan Ze was quite astonished. First came Emperor Meng Wu, then Emperor Hong Shan. Two Emperor-tier figures all at once! He had previously complained that the banquet lacked prestige and enjoyment. Now, the prestige was too high, and it was a bit frightening.

"You ask me, who should I ask?" Du Yun was also utterly bewildered now. He couldn't help but recall Arch-Scholar Zhuo En's prophecy, and a sense of unease welled up within him. But Du Yun couldn't pinpoint the source of this feeling. This was the Spiritual Domain Dharma Assembly; was there anywhere safer in the Prof