Chapter 593: The Purpose of Becoming Strong

The title "Antarctic Nirvana Great Emperor" was a collective brainchild of the Immortal Fairy and her two disciples. "Antarctic" was the prefix conceived by the Immortal Fairy, while Lu Yang came up with "Nirvana." Jiang Lianyi, knowing that the ancient Emperor Jiang dared to call himself the "Demon Emperor," felt her title couldn't be inferior, so she chose the honorific "Great Emperor."

Before their departure, the five elders had intended to witness the legendary ancient Emperor Jiang, a living demigod from antiquity and a truly significant figure. The founding ceremony was still days away, and they were merely picking up Lu Yang en route to the Demon City to give him some worldly exposure.

How did things suddenly turn upside down? And why would the ancient Phoenix Ancestor join the Heavenly Court, as one of the Four Imperials, no less? Could it be that the Heavenly Court isn't a fabrication, that it truly existed in antiquity, and their Heavenly Court Sect is indeed an ancient organization?

Though the five elders had journeyed across the world and witnessed many immortal relics, this was their first encounter with a demigod-level powerhouse, especially at such close proximity. Jiang Lianyi raised her hand, gesturing for the five elders to relax.

"The Heavenly Court Sect's continued existence requires your support, esteemed elders."

"We wouldn't dare presume."

Before, when they were unaware, they could still indulge in calling themselves "seniors"; now that they knew Jiang Lianyi's true identity, none dared to claim seniority before such a powerful figure.

Within the mental space, the Immortal Fairy, witnessing this scene, rolled on the floor with laughter. "Yes, yes, yes, that's precisely the reaction! Back then, Lianyi, Xiao Ling, and I would hide our identities to attend auctions and similar events specifically for this purpose!"

Lu Yang was speechless. While Jiang Lianyi conversed with the five elders, the kind-hearted Lu Yang repeatedly attempted to introduce Jiang Lianyi's identity, only to be stopped by the Immortal Fairy every time. So, that was the reason. Senior Lianyi truly is your unofficial disciple. To evoke such expressions from the five elders simply by forgetting this experience—is it innate talent or muscle memory?

With a cheerful cry, the Immortal Fairy performed a carp jump, springing off the ground. She dusted herself off and earnestly instructed Lu Yang, guiding his cultivation.

"See? This is the point of becoming stronger."

Lu Yang listened to the immortal's guidance, lost in thought. It seemed his state of mind was still unrefined; even now, he was easily swayed by an immortal, believing the Immortal Fairy capable of uttering profound wisdom.

Having finally encountered such an ancient and prominent figure, the Third Elder seized the opportunity to ask a question. He had been diligently studying recently to cultivate his character and avoid embarrassment when traveling.

"I've been reading recently, and some books claim that the Celestial Emperor Ying Tian had a fondness for married women, enjoyed marriage and procreation, and caused countless women to become pregnant. Is this true?"

Jiang Lianyi was speechless. How did such a rumor even circulate? Are people not afraid of facing peril during their tribulation? Besides, it's not easy for immortals to have children; if it were, she would have conceived her husband's child long ago.

Jiang Lianyi gently shook her head, denying the claim: "The Celestial Emperor Ying Tian was chaste and focused on self-cultivation; he had no such inclinations."

"I also heard that in ancient times, the Nine Netherworld existed, governing life, death, and reincarnation, and determining the lifespan of all living beings?"

This was the latest doctrine promoted after the Nine Netherworld Sect and the Heavenly Court Sect allied.

"False. There was no concept of the Nine Netherworld or reincarnation in ancient times. When people die, it's like a lamp extinguishing; they don't get a second life."

"What about Buddhism then? The books also state that Buddhism existed in ancient times, with countless followers spread across the universe, making it a premier major power. They also say that Buddhist Buddhas were equivalent to immortals."

Jiang Lianyi continued to shake her head in denial: "False. While Buddhism did exist in ancient times, and the Four Immortals were involved in its matters, making it a major power, it didn't exist in the way you've imagined."

"I also heard that when you and the ancient Dragon Ancestor were demigods, you initiated a catastrophic war that filled the heavens, with meteors streaking across the sky, stars being extinguished, and even Tribulation Transcenders not daring to observe closely. And you even performed Nirvana Rebirth, resurrecting from flames, with your phoenix cry echoing throughout the cosmos?"

"That is true," Jiang Lianyi stated with conviction, her expression serious. She then fell into contemplation, seemingly recalling that arduous battle. She sighed softly, lamenting that the past could not be revisited.

The five elders were taken aback, sensing the profound weight of history in Jiang Lianyi's sigh. It was a sense of profound loneliness that no one else could truly comprehend. The Immortal Fairy enlightened Lu Yang: "She's mastered three parts of Celestial Emperor Ying Tian's essence."

Jiang Lianyi emerged from her reverie and asked, "I've only just awakened and am unfamiliar with the current state of the cultivation world. There's something I need to ask you all."

"Please speak, Senior Jiang. We will tell you everything we know without reservation."

"Do you know the possible whereabouts of my husband, the Demon Immortal?"

The five elders collectively shook their heads: "We're afraid we'll disappoint you, Senior Jiang. The Demon Immortal is an incredibly mysterious being; not only do we not know his possible whereabouts, but we have no clues at all... Wait, did you just call the Demon Immortal 'husband'?"

The five elders stared at Jiang Lianyi as if they had seen a ghost. The Demon Immortal and the ancient Phoenix Ancestor were actually in *that* kind of relationship? Was this the extent of ancient demon knowledge? A single revelation could completely overturn their understanding.

The Third Senior Sister's reaction was unremarkable; Jiang Lianyi had already mentioned this to her when she was controlling the beast hide. Upon learning of their relationship back then, she had nearly fallen off along with the hide.

Jiang Lianyi had merely been trying her luck, so not receiving any useful information came as no surprise. "It seems I'll have to inquire with the Dragon Clan, then."

Major powers were gathered here, notably including the Demon Domain Dragon Clan and the East Sea Dragon Clan.

"Nephew Meng, I heard you're here?"

Footsteps and hearty laughter emanated from outside the door; it was none other than Patriarch Jin of the Qiongqi tribe. Patriarch Jin had instructed his subordinates to report to him immediately if they spotted Meng Jingzhou in Demon City. His subordinate didn't disappoint, encountering Meng Jingzhou on his way to the inn. With the five elders of the Dao-Seeking Sect accompanying Meng Jingzhou, it was hard for him not to stand out.

Upon hearing of Meng Jingzhou's arrival, Patriarch Jin immediately made his way to the inn designated for the Dao-Seeking Sect. Patriarch Jin was thrilled at the prospect of his Qiongqi tribe becoming wealthy. He had approached the Meng family patriarch, who readily agreed. The Qiongqi tribe's success in securing the loan was undoubtedly thanks to Meng Jingzhou's commendation.

Patriarch Jin, a man of impulsive action, heard Meng Jingzhou's voice from the guest room in the middle of the corridor. Without a moment's hesitation, he flung open the door and boisterously declared, "Our Qiongqi tribe was able to borrow spirit stones all thanks to you, nephew!" He then saw Jiang Lianyi in the center of the room, her hood removed, standing out remarkably.

Their eyes met. Patriarch Jin quietly backed away, exited the room, and closed the door.

Jiang Lianyi crooked a finger, and the door opened. Patriarch Jin was pulled into the room by an invisible force, his desperate struggles proving futile. Without a word, Patriarch Jin closed his eyes and raised his hands in surrender: "I understand the rules. I saw nothing and know nothing of today's events. I beg you, Ancient Ancestor Jiang, to spare my life!"

Jiang Lianyi fell silent for a moment. She recalled the Qiongqi tribe always being known for their tenacity; had thirty thousand years truly brought about such a drastic change?

Meng Jingzhou was bewildered; he had been in the Demon Domain ever since leaving the Qiongqi tribe and hadn't yet sent word to his family.