Chapter 1015: Heavenly Lord

Chapter 1016: The Celestial Venerable

The Grand Dao hummed in unison, as true dragons and phoenixes, forged from immortal radiance, cried out to the heavens. Thousands of auspicious rays illuminated the resplendent dao platform, where a middle-aged man, enveloped by divine rings, slowly rose.

His black hair was thick, and his eyes clear. While not particularly imposing, he possessed an ethereal and captivating demeanor, like a reborn demonic being, inspiring involuntary awe in those who beheld him.

"Esteemed guests have arrived," he said, "I apologize for not coming out to greet you."

To everyone's surprise, the Celestial Venerable of Penglai did not attack. Instead, he wore a gentle and pleasant expression as he stepped down from the five-colored dao platform with a single stride, appearing instantly before them.

The Dragon Horse's heart skipped a beat. This grand spell, capable of covering dozens of miles in a single step, was beyond the capabilities of ordinary people. The middle-aged man's strength was truly formidable.

He was undoubtedly a Dao Slayer, and if Ye Fan's guess was correct, he was certainly a Great Accomplished King—the strongest individual Ye Fan had encountered on Earth so far.

Although the Penglai Celestial Venerable had concealed his aura, his inherent might and presence were still conveyed through his demeanor. Ye Fan, having reached his level, could naturally perceive this and discern his true nature.

He was an ancient being!

Otherwise, he wouldn't possess such cultivation. A Great Accomplished King, no matter where, could be considered a human expert. And now on Earth, he was arguably the top expert, if not close to it.

This person's eyes were like stars, possessing a mysterious power, likely due to cultivating that heavenly scripture to a terrifying level. His black hair cascaded, exuding authority without anger.

"Penglai has been secluded from the world for many years, and my disciples have become somewhat impetuous, causing amusement to fellow Daoists," the Celestial Venerable said, very politely and amiably, showing no intention of fighting at all.

As soon as he emerged from seclusion, he immediately reprimanded his disciples, telling them to put away their weapons and welcome the esteemed guests. This completely exceeded the expectations of Ye Fan and his companions.

Since the other party was so courteous, they couldn't continue to pursue the matter. Even the Dragon Horse sheepishly withdrew its power and returned the five-colored treasure tree to the Penglai Cult Master.

To be honest, it was extremely reluctant. This was a Saint's artifact, shot down by Ye Fan's black arrow and fortuitously seized by the Dragon Horse, which couldn't bear to part with it.

A great battle was invisibly averted. The tense atmosphere dissipated, and Ye Fan and his group stepped through the immortal gate. Here, towering cliffs stood, beautiful mountains rose one after another, divine vines entwined, auspicious light shimmered, and ancient medicines exuded fragrance. Immortal cranes soared, spiritual springs bubbled, and shimmering lights filled the air—it was truly a pure land.

The disciples of Penglai were somewhat unwilling. After so many years, it was the first time someone had assaulted their home; a Dragon Horse had trampled Penglai, leveling their mountain gate and causing dozens of mountains to collapse under its hooves, which filled them with indignation.

"The path to immortality is rugged and fraught with trials; character is especially important," the Celestial Venerable said. "I was negligent. For so many years, I only focused on cultivating my Dao Body in seclusion, and I didn't expect a few unruly disciples to become so conceited."

The Penglai Celestial Venerable mercilessly rebuked several powerful disciples, making them blush furiously, and they didn't dare to utter a single word in rebuttal.

"Why did you offend fellow Daoist Ye?"

"Ling Xiao went to the Central Lands," the Penglai Cult Master explained, "and claimed that a sect was stealing the collective faith of beings, calling itself the Heavenly Court, and so he acted to punish them..."

The so-called Ling Xiao was the Young Celestial Venerable, the direct descendant of the Great Accomplished King before them. He possessed an extraordinary status, for he would not have been protected in such a manner otherwise.

The Celestial Venerable nodded after listening. "Fellow Daoist Ye," he said, "please don't hold it against them like children. They only venture out once every few decades or even centuries and have no real understanding of the Central Lands. They mistake whispers for thunder, are full of youthful arrogance, and always act on impulse."

What could Ye Fan say when the other party had spoken so humbly? Moreover, the Dragon Horse had already severely injured a group of people by trampling them, and the Young Celestial Venerable was even almost torn in half. One couldn't push them too far.

Next, they conversed cheerfully, discussing Daoist techniques. The Celestial Venerable shared many cultivation insights, all based on his vast experience.

Having reached this realm of cultivation, even in ancient times, he would have been an extraordinary figure. After all, although many Sages and Virtuous Ones were still present during that period, many were visitors from outside domains, not true natives.

Ye Fan felt deep admiration. This person's Daoist techniques were superb, and his cultivation methods were unique. To have reached this point and become a Great Accomplished King was truly astonishing.

The Penglai Celestial Venerable stated frankly that establishing a sect was fine, but naming it "Heavenly Court" was indeed taboo. Even the ancient Sages of yesteryear had strenuously avoided it, unwilling to associate with these two words for fear of disaster.

He kindly reminded them that such a rule indeed existed among the unwritten Heavenly Laws of antiquity: avoid it if possible, otherwise, there might be great trouble in the future.

"Oh, such a thing exists?" Ye Fan asked. "Could it be that the name 'Ancient Heavenly Court' has become taboo? Is someone from outside domains watching?"

"It cannot be spoken of, it cannot be said clearly," the Celestial Venerable replied. "For certain things, it's best to maintain reverence."

Ye Fan nodded, then asked about the five-colored altar. This was what concerned him most, as he wanted to find an ancient path leading to the depths of the starry sky.

In the distance, the five-colored dao platform shimmered with radiance, emanating the aura of the Great Dao. Its material was unmistakable—it was the special stone used to construct starry sky altars.

The Celestial Venerable sighed. The ancient Sages had departed, leaving no starry sky coordinates behind. Although some secret places had five-colored altars, descendants had no idea how to activate them.

"Has no one ever explored them?" Ye Fan asked, unwilling to give up.

The Celestial Venerable's expression faltered. He looked at the five-colored dao platform in the distance, then said, "Those secret places are very dangerous. To be frank, fellow Daoist, I do know of one place. This very dao platform was obtained from there. Unfortunately, my strength is limited, and I couldn't go deeper."

"Oh, such a place exists?" Ye Fan asked. "Celestial Venerable, could you tell me about it, so I may go and see?"

The Penglai Celestial Venerable nodded. Of course, they couldn't depart immediately, as courtesy dictated otherwise. He invited them to drink spiritual tea there.

Ye Fan had arrived riding the Dragon Horse, which greatly astonished the Penglai Celestial Venerable. After some questioning, he learned the Dragon Horse was from Kunlun, causing his eyes to gleam with wonder, and he praised it repeatedly.

"May I ask who resides on the other two immortal mountains overseas?" Ye Fan asked.

Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou were known as the Three Immortal Mountains overseas. Their fame was immense, passed down since ancient times. While Kunlun was rarely mentioned among the common folk, Penglai was widely known.

"Both Fangzhang and Yingzhou have powerful figures residing there," the Celestial Venerable said with a faint smile. "If I were to mention their ancestors, I believe fellow Daoist Ye might have heard of them..."

"Oh, I'd be pleased to hear the details," Ye Fan requested.

"On Fangzhang Immortal Mountain reside descendants of Peng Zu," the Celestial Venerable explained, "and on Yingzhou Immortal Mountain reside descendants of Xu Fu."

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan was immediately surprised, a strange look appearing on his face. These two were both renowned Qi Refiners, recorded in ancient texts.

Xu Fu himself wasn't particularly profound in strength, yet he once sought the elixir of immortality for the First Emperor, leading hundreds of boys and girls to sea—a deed recorded in historical annals.

According to the Penglai Celestial Venerable, Xu Fu eventually reached Yingzhou but did not find the elixir of immortality, and thus never returned. One of his descendants, possessing extraordinary talent, received the inheritance of Yingzhou Immortal Mountain and is still alive today, holding certain decision-making power on the island.

Peng Zu was a famous Qi Refiner from the pre-Qin era; when longevity was mentioned, he was inevitably brought up. He was mentioned in various Daoist and ancient texts, and some speculate that he might have obtained a fragment of the "Jie" secret from the Nine Secrets, which is why his longevity techniques were unparalleled. His descendants traveled overseas and eventually reached Fangzhang Immortal Mountain, becoming one of the most important inheritances on that immortal island.

"They say the Three Immortal Mountains overseas possess the elixir of immortality. Is that true?" the Dragon Horse asked, having put away its fiery temper and genuinely adopted the demeanor of an auspicious beast.

"It has been rumored since ancient times, but no one has ever seen it," the Celestial Venerable said, shaking his head. "I imagine if it ever existed, it would have long ago been taken by the ancient Saint Emperors into the boundless starry sky."

These three immortal mountains overseas—Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou—were extremely renowned in ancient times, with many Sages and Virtuous Ones appearing and disappearing, leaving behind numerous Daoist lineages.

However, since changes occurred in heaven and earth, many cultivators from these Daoist lineages had withdrawn. Although the spiritual energy of the Three Immortal Mountains had not diminished, they had declined, with less than one-tenth of their original Daoist inheritances remaining.

Finally, the Celestial Venerable led the way, personally bringing Ye Fan to a sea area deep in the underwater world, arriving before an aquatic palace. It was desolate here; even fish and shrimp dared not approach.

"Is this an ancient Dragon Palace?" Zhang Qingyang and the others exclaimed in astonishment.

This complex of palaces was incredibly magnificent. Although now merely crumbling ruins, its past splendor and majesty could be imagined. It was entirely made of massive jade pillars, like a heavenly palace.

This place was vast, stretching for miles. After countless years, many ancient palaces remained intact, majestic, crystal-clear, and emanating a precious glow.

In the deepest part of this aquatic palace, the Celestial Venerable stopped, saying, "It's very dangerous ahead; we cannot proceed. I can only lead the way this far."

Right beside it, a crystal-like palace complex glistened brilliantly in the deep seabed, emitting dazzling light. Like a divine palace with colossal pillars and majestic halls, it was so bright that it made one unable to open their eyes.

In the center of this sprawling treasure palace, a five-colored stone mountain, resembling a tomb, stood surrounded by numerous ancient palaces.

The Celestial Venerable stated that his five-colored dao platform was taken from here. It had required considerable effort and a long time to successfully obtain it, and he cautioned Ye Fan to be very careful when entering.

The Myriad Things Mother Qi Cauldron drew in and released strands of divine power. Ye Fan took all his disciples into it, then handed the cauldron to the Dragon Horse. At the same time, he took out a black arrow, keeping it for protection.

"Don't go back to Penglai. Be careful, protect them, and wait for me to come out," Ye Fan instructed.

The Dragon Horse was naturally unwilling, as this place surely contained secret treasures; even if it was dangerous, it was worth the risk and likely held great rewards. But in the end, it did not enter.

As Ye Fan entered this crystal palace, he immediately felt waves of killing intent. There were definitely ancient formations guarding it, warning people not to approach.

Crystal light flowed all around, like a dreamlike world. This place was truly as magnificent as an ancient Dragon Palace. The only discordant element was the pile of five-colored stones in the center, which possessed a demonic power.

Ye Fan had come specifically for this five-colored mound. To find the coordinates of the ancient starry sky road, he first needed to find this element, hoping for clues.

"This isn't a tomb; it's an ancient sealing ground!"

Upon approaching, after circling the five-colored divine altar a few times, he revealed a look of shock. A seal laid with these five-colored stones was truly extraordinary!

A warning sign arose in Ye Fan's heart. He quickly retreated using the "Line" character secret, but an extremely terrifying force erupted rapidly from within the sealing ground. A massive tearing force surged forth, attempting to drag him in.

His heart was greatly shaken. This was Saint's might! The aura spread across the heavens and earth, reaching far and wide, so powerful that it was shocking.

It wasn't that Ye Fan hadn't been prepared, but he hadn't expected a living ancient Saint to be sealed within the ancient Dragon Palace at the bottom of the sea. This was a huge crisis.

He activated the "Line" character secret, his body transforming into a streak of lightning, rushing towards the outside of the crystal palace. He wanted to escape immediately, to leave this terrifying and desperate place.

Once one became a Saint, they would be supremely exalted! Purely in terms of combat power, they could almost be said to have transcended the human realm, viewing Dao Slayers as mere ants, capable of looking down upon all beings.

"Rumble..."

All the crystal palaces shifted, blocking Ye Fan's path. They transformed into an ancient killing array, fully revived, many times more terrifying than before—an ancient array set up by an ancient Saint.

In the distance, the Penglai Celestial Venerable's face was cold. His hands moved, and it was he who activated this ancient grand array, his eyes icy cold, devoid of any emotion.

"The five-colored dao platform and the ancient heavenly scripture I obtained both originated from here," he said. "There's just one thing I forgot to tell you: an ancient demonic fetus is also sealed here. You can wait for death here. I'll first go and kill the Dragon Horse and your disciples, then I'll come back and enjoy watching you slowly perish!"

The Celestial Venerable seemed like a different person. His eyes were sinister, and he spoke chillingly, then turned and left.

A cold smile appeared on Ye Fan's lips. He said to the Celestial Venerable's retreating back, "Do you think I don't know you set a trap? Since I dared to come, I naturally have no fear. Soon, I'll be collecting your corpse."

"You should first get past that ancient demonic Saint," the Celestial Venerable said with cruel laughter. "No one can survive within the sealing ground, haha..." He then added grimly, "I'll go and wipe out the Dragon Horse and the others first!" With that, he vanished.