Chapter 672: Wu Yao

Orchestrating an impressive display at a founding ceremony was a common practice. The Great Qian, Great Yu, and even the Great Xia dynasties all created a significant spectacle during their respective inaugurations. Tracing its origins, this tradition dates back to the Nine Heavens Immortal's ascension. Consequently, neither Yunzhi nor Jiang Pingan paid much heed to the founding ceremony itself.

It was unexpected that Wu Yao would use the founding ceremony as an opportunity to undergo his immortal tribulation. The Nightmare Supreme, initially confident in his status as a demigod, believed that even if he suffered a temporary defeat by Wu Yao and the Imperial Advisor, he would still have an opportunity to recover. However, he hadn't anticipated that Wu Yao might have achieved immortality. The mere possibility of Wu Yao becoming an immortal was enough to make him back down, not even daring to attempt a probe. A probe risked giving Wu Yao an opportunity to capture him, making it a counterproductive move. He preferred to secretly slumber, collecting different dreams across various eras, ultimately aiming to achieve immortality himself. Unfortunately, his plans were cut short; he became a prisoner and couldn't even preserve his physical form.

"Wu Yao achieved immortality?" the senior disciple was somewhat puzzled. If this were true, it would raise another question: Demigods only awaken now because their lifespans are limited, but immortals possess infinite longevity and have no need for slumber. If Wu Yao had achieved immortality, why would he have stood by and watched the Great Yu dynasty fall, only to be replaced by the Great Xia? At the end of the Great Yu dynasty, the most powerful being was the Void Supreme, now imprisoned nearby; there were no other immortals present. With his absolute power, Wu Yao could certainly have prolonged the Great Yu dynasty's existence. Yet, he did not. Why? His inaction in such circumstances must indicate an underlying scheme, though Wu Yao's objective remains unknown for now. An immortal lurking in the shadows is dire news for the Great Xia. The two demigods currently before them are capable of causing immense upheaval, to say nothing of an actual immortal.

"What is Wu Yao's Dao fruit?" Since Wu Yao is considered a hidden enemy, it's crucial to understand both him and their own position to formulate future plans.

"I don't know the exact nature of his Dao fruit; I only know its embryonic form," the Nightmare Supreme stated truthfully.

"Describe it."

"His embryonic Dao fruit is called the 'Substitution Dao Fruit Embryo.' It can be understood as equivalent exchange or sacrifice. It allows one to obtain tangible items like magical treasures, spiritual plants, or a powerful attack through exchange. It can also be used to acquire intangible concepts such as fate or karma. It's an exceedingly complex ability to wield."

"Once it fully matures into a Dao fruit, I cannot say to what extent his power will reach."

"What techniques does Wu Yao possess?"

"He knows a vast array of techniques, quite elaborate. Even within a dream, he could use those abilities to contend with me for extended periods. For instance, the Art of Qimen Dunjia allows him to command spirits and deities, perform rituals for blessings and exorcisms, and even divine the past, present, and future. Another is 'Standing Without Shadow,' which allows him to enter an ethereal state, rendering all attacks ineffective. Its defensive capabilities are comparable to a perfected Immaculate Immortal Body. He also possesses the Six Divine Powers of Buddhism. I recall him demonstrating the Divine Eye, Divine Ear, and Divine Foot abilities. I'm unsure if he can use the remaining three. Oh, and he can also cast the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation. Once activated, any living being caught within its range involuntarily submits to it. I once fell prey to this technique myself; it's incredibly potent. It's rumored that this sword formation draws heavily from ancient immortal arts, possessing an astonishing origin."

The senior disciple remained silent.

In the outside world, news of the battle in Chunjiang City was spreading throughout the cultivation world at an astonishing pace. The inexplicable disappearance and reappearance of Chunjiang City was an undeniable fact. The emergence of two ancient supreme beings, engaging in a fierce battle, sent shivers down people's spines. The vivid appearance of powerful figures from historical records, as if time had reversed, created a sense of temporal displacement and captivated the most attention. Furthermore, the Heavenly Court Sect's most enigmatic figure, Cult Master Yun, finally intervened. She fought two opponents simultaneously, displaying power beyond that of a demigod. Cult Master Yun was, in fact, an immortal! While the specifics of the battle could not be recalled by anyone due to the nature of immortals, the memory of her initial appearance, her self-introduction, and her subsequent defeat of the two ancient supremes remained intact.

Across every street and alley, in teahouses and taverns, anyone with even a modicum of cultivation was engrossed in discussing these events. Qinxin Restaurant, the largest establishment of its kind in the surrounding cities, boasted a spiritual chef at the Nascent Soul stage. Its signature dish, "Song of Pure Breeze," was renowned for its exquisite flavor, its aroma drifting for miles. Normally, diners would eagerly pick up their chopsticks and begin tasting their meals as soon as they were served. Today, however, even with their food served, the cultivators at the tables were still engaged in fervent discussions about the events in Chunjiang City.

"Have you heard about Chunjiang City? Something monumental occurred!"

"Who hasn't heard about Chunjiang City? Two demigods clashed there! Someone consulted ancient texts and confirmed they were indeed the Nightmare Supreme and the Void Supreme!"

Some unaware cultivators, hearing these names, drew a sharp breath, completely forgetting their food: "Heavens, is the Nightmare Supreme the very one who annihilated the Great Qian Dynasty?"

"And is the Void Supreme the one who vied for control of the world with our ancestors?"

"Yes, those two! They moved Chunjiang City into another dimension, and then for some unknown reason, they started fighting. Even Venerable Yi Qi, the seasoned Tribulation Transcender from the Qi Controlling Sect, couldn't contend with them!"

"So, who emerged victorious?"

The storyteller chuckled, shaking his head. He didn't continue, instead saying, "Lend me your magical artifact for a couple of days."

The listener was eager for the story's continuation and reluctant to lend the artifact, but after a moment of hesitation, he gritted his teeth and conceded, "I'll lend it!"

"Neither of them won."

"How can that be?"

"It's possible because the Heavenly Court Sect intervened."

"Was it Celestial Venerable Dou? Only Celestial Venerable Dou, widely rumored to be an immortal, could possibly halt a battle between two supreme beings, right?"

This time, the storyteller didn't leave them in suspense: "It was Cult Master Yun of the Heavenly Court Sect. Although the specifics of the battle haven't circulated, it's confirmed that Cult Master Yun captured both supreme beings alive!"

The cultivators at the table were stunned by this revelation, their words coming out disjointed: "Th-this... how can this be, unless Cult Master Yun is... is..."

"An immortal!" another companion exclaimed.

"Doesn't this imply that the Heavenly Court Sect now has two immortals?"

One cultivator swallowed hard, exclaiming, "Good heavens! As expected of an ancient major power, they have two immortals appearing at once!"

"Indeed, some are even saying that the Heavenly Court Sect is now the preeminent power."

In a secluded corner, three guests leisurely savored the signature "Song of Pure Breeze," seemingly oblivious to the animated discussions around them.

"Senior, are you satisfied with the meal?" Daoist Buyu inquired cautiously, as Clan Leader Jin watched Jiang Lianyi with hopeful anticipation.

Jiang Lianyi wiped her lips and casually remarked, "It's merely adequate, not as good as my own cooking."

Daoist Buyu inwardly lamented. Ever since Jiang Lianyi had given them a beating, she had been accompanying them, and they neither dared to shake her off nor drive her away. Their grand swindling enterprise had been on hold for quite some time. Of the three, only Clan Leader Jin was truly shocked by the revelation that "Cult Master Yun is an immortal." However, since Jiang Lianyi showed no interest, he dared not appear overly concerned either. Having fought Yunzhi to a standstill, Jiang Lianyi was certainly aware of Yunzhi's cultivation level.

"It's a pity I didn't accompany Senior Brother Lu Yang back then; I missed the chance to engage with later demigods."