Chapter 1328: The Blood Sacrifice Conspiracy
Dong Shen Domain, Xing Shen Realm.
Beneath the Star Soul Absolute Barrier, the vast Xing Shen Realm was completely isolated from the outside world, with no entry and no exit.
The atmosphere in Xing Shen Realm over the past few days had been unprecedentedly tense. Everyone was absolutely certain that some major event was taking place in Xing Shen City, but no one knew what it was.
And the Star Soul Absolute Barrier was not just two, as outsiders saw...
But four!
Besides the two covering Xing Shen Realm and Xing Shen City, the other two smaller barriers: one enveloped several dozen seated figures, and within the smallest one, there was only a small, delicate girl's silhouette.
Mo Li!
Her red hair flowed freely, and she wore a red dress, which set off her creamy white face, cold and flawless with a hint of eerie and captivating beauty.
She sat quietly within the barrier, her face showing only coldness.
This day had finally arrived.
In another barrier, there were forty-six figures. Any one of these forty-six people was a figure whose single word could shake the entire Dong Shen Domain.
They were nine of the twelve Star Gods of Xing Shen Realm — all except the tragically deceased Yu Luo, as well as Mo Li and Cai Zhi — along with all thirty-seven Grand Elders!
Each of these forty-six individuals had a cultivation at the Divine Lord Realm, and each was a supreme existence in the Dong Shen Domain.
They were the true foundation of Xing Shen Realm. If these people were to perish, it would be completely equivalent to the destruction of Xing Shen Realm.
Besides these people, three thousand Star Guards of Xing Shen City had also gathered, firmly guarding the side of the barriers.
Their identity was that of guards, but they were the highest-level guards under heaven. Any one of the three thousand Star Guards had a status no lower than a Great Realm King of a mid-rank star realm! The same went for their strength, because to become a Star Guard, one must first become a Divine Sovereign!
If one were to treat Star Guards as ordinary guards, that would undoubtedly be the biggest joke in the Dong Shen Domain.
The Star Gods, the thirty-seven Grand Elders, the three thousand Star Guards... this was the most powerful and core force of Xing Shen Realm, the foundation of Xing Shen Realm's proud standing in the Dong Shen Domain for hundreds of thousands of years. Now, they had all gathered here. This sight was extremely rare even in the entire history of Xing Shen Realm. Clearly, some monumental event was taking place.
In their eyes, it was a major event concerning the future of Xing Shen Realm.
Within the barrier, Xing Shen Di sat in the center, while the other eight Star Gods and thirty-seven Grand Elders sat around him in a formation of numerous stars surrounding the moon.
The scene was incomparably grand, but the world was extremely quiet and solemn. Until at some point, the light between heaven and earth suddenly brightened faintly. The Star God, who had been closing his eyes for a long time, also opened his eyes at this moment.
"The Star Ripple has appeared," said Tian Yuan Star God Tu Mi. "My king, the time has come. The 'God-Sealing Ceremony' should begin."
These words caused all the Star Gods, Elders, and Star Guards to turn their heads, and their blood stirred.
With the opening of the Star Soul Absolute Barrier, these three thousand Star Guards also learned what this ceremony was and what it meant.
They knew that the term 'God-Sealing' in Tian Yuan Star God's mouth was not the worldly reward-style 'enfeoffment of gods,' but true transcendence into divinity.
Xing Shen Di's profound force had already reached the limit of humans... the limit that no human had ever been able to break through.
Then, if the fusion of Star God force and Star God force could truly undergo a qualitative change and break the limit... beyond that limit, it would likely be the legendary path of a True God.
Even if it were just a touch, Xing Shen Di could become the supreme ruler under heaven, towering above all living beings, and Xing Shen Realm would undoubtedly reach an unprecedented height.
Xing Shen Di opened both eyes and looked at Mo Li in the other barrier. He sighed lightly and said, "Mo Li, I know you hate me to the bone, and your hatred is justified. After the ceremony, regardless of the outcome, Xing Shen Realm will forever remember your sacrifice, and I will be proud of you for the rest of my life."
Mo Li's eyes slightly opened, reflecting cold blood-colored pupils. "Xing Shen Realm will forever remember my sacrifice? Heh... you old thief, sacrificing your own biological daughter to fulfill your ambition—such a despicable and ugly act, do you really have the face to leave it in the records?"
This cold remark made most of the Star Guards and many Star God Elders show awkward expressions.
Xing Shen Di's expression remained unmoved. "From the moment I succeeded as Xing Shen Di, I no longer belonged to myself. My thoughts, my actions, must all prioritize Xing Shen Realm. As Xing Shen Di, I am no longer worthy to be a father."
"Now, the Yue Shen Realm is watching covetously, the Fan Di God Realm is ambitious, and strange cracks have appeared in the east of the Chaos, which could erupt into unknown crises at any time. If sacrificing one person can elevate Xing Shen Realm to a higher level so that no one dares to bully us, then even if it were my own children, I would not hesitate. And you, as..."
"Shut up!" Before he could finish, Mo Li gave a cold shout. She turned her gaze sideways, revealing a contemptuous sneer. "Now I know what it means to be a bitch and still put up a chastity arch. Old thief, take back your high-sounding words. I'm afraid if you keep talking like this, you'll even move yourself to tears!"
Mo Li raised her hand within the barrier, pointing directly at Xing Shen Di. "I don't want to hear your nonsense anymore, because every word makes me sick. You'd better remember the things you promised me. From now on, don't let Cai Zhi suffer the slightest harm, and keep today's matter concealed for as long as possible. Otherwise, even if I become a ghost, I will never let you off!"
"Ah..." Insulted by such venomous words from his own daughter, Xing Shen Di let out a long sigh. "Rest assured, this ceremony can only be performed once in a lifetime. Although I am unworthy to be a father... even if it is to make up for my debt to you, I will treat Cai Zhi well for the rest of her life. Even if she knows everything and hates me as much as you do, I will never let anyone harm a single hair on her head."
"Moreover..." Xing Shen Di smiled, a seemingly proud smile. "Cai Zhi's compatibility with the Celestial Wolf Divine Power is even greater than Xi Su's. In the future, probably no one in the world will be able to bully her."
"My king," said Tian Yuan Star God Tu Mi. "Every moment the Star Soul Absolute Barrier persists is a huge loss. Since the Star Ripple has appeared, let's begin early."
In ancient times, the power of the Star Gods came from the power of the countless stars. Although, after being passed down to humans, the level of Star God force was not comparable to the true Star Gods of the Age of Gods, it still retained its essence.
And the day of the Star Ripple is the day in a century when the starlight and the source force of the stars are at their strongest, thus also the time when Star God force is at its strongest. Naturally, it is also the moment with the highest success rate for the 'ceremony.'
Xing Shen Di nodded slightly. His gaze met that of Tian Yuan Star God, and a strange light flickered in both of their eyes at the same time.
Zheng...
Centered on Xing Shen Di's position, a huge profound formation shone brightly. Following Xing Shen Di's gesture, the barrier enveloping Mo Li suddenly changed in light, undergoing a mutation from the Star Soul Absolute Barrier... The profound energy of the nine Star Gods and thirty-seven Grand Elders connected and fused, and an incomparably massive pressure descended, firmly suppressing Mo Li.
Mo Li's body sank heavily. As powerful as she was, under this pressure she had no power to resist. Not to mention using profound force, even moving her body became extremely difficult. The barrier sealing her was no longer a pure Star Soul Absolute Barrier; even though she was a Star God, she could no longer escape.
However, she showed no panic, and instead coldly closed her eyes.
Only her eyelashes trembled continuously.
Yun Che, without me, you still have Cai Zhi. Remember your promise to me, your promise to Cai Zhi... never forget.
Cai Zhi, without me, you still have Yun Che. You must care for him, protect him, and never let your heart truly fall into the abyss...
"Sister... Sister!!"
While she was silently reciting these thoughts, a panicked and urgent shout suddenly came... Mo Li's eyes flew open, because it was unmistakably Cai Zhi's voice.
A delicate, colorful silhouette fell from the sky. Cai Zhi arrived. She immediately saw the astonishing and unbelievable array below, as well as Mo Li in the isolated barrier.
"Sister!!"
Cai Zhi lunged down. Seeing this, Xing Shen Di let out a long sigh and said weakly, "Don't stop her."
Bang!!
Cai Zhi's body slammed heavily into the barrier, unable to pass through. She lay against the barrier and shouted in panic, "Sister, what's going on? What are you all doing? Tell me... tell me quickly!!"
"Cai Zhi..." Mo Li was caught off guard and even more unable to explain. Her expression was pained, then she suddenly turned to Xing Jue Kong. "Old thief! You... you actually..."
Xing Shen Di shook his head and sighed. "I had already found a good enough reason to send her away, but I didn't expect her to suddenly return... Cai Zhi is clever, and she is connected to you as sisters. Perhaps she sensed something, ah."
Another sigh, carrying deep helplessness.
Cai Zhi turned around. Under immense fear and unease, her face was frighteningly pale. "You... what are you going to do to my sister? Let her go, let her go!!"
"Cai Zhi, this matter is a long story," said Xing Shen Di. "Forget it, perhaps this is also fate. You should have a good talk with Mo Li for a while."
As he spoke, his gesture changed slightly.
The light on the barrier disappeared, turning into an ordinary Star Soul Absolute Barrier. Cai Zhi had been pressing against the barrier with all her might. With the change of the barrier, she suddenly fell into it, landing on top of Mo Li. Before she could get up, she had already hugged Mo Li and said in a panicked voice, "Sister, what is going on? Tell me quickly! Is it that they want to..."
Zheng—
A clearly piercing metallic sound suddenly came. The barrier that had just been restored underwent another qualitative change. The terrifying pressure from the nine Star Gods, thirty-seven Grand Elders, and countless Divine Jades descended, firmly suppressing both Mo Li and Cai Zhi.
Mo Li was stunned, then her face suddenly changed. An immense sense of unease and fear surged in her heart. "Old thief! What are you doing! Let Cai Zhi out!!"
All the Star Gods, Elders, and Star Guards were also stunned, not understanding what was happening. Only Xing Shen Di and Tian Yuan Star God had strange glints in their eyes. Tian Yuan Star God Tu Mi breathed a sigh and said, "Thus, all the elements of the 'ceremony' are complete. My king's God-Sealing Ceremony can finally begin."
The atmosphere in Xing Shen City shifted slightly. All the Star Guards looked at each other. Within the barrier, upon hearing Tian Yuan Star God's words, Mo Li's vision suddenly went dark. The fear and unease in her heart exploded like thousands of thunderbolts, and all the blood in her body rushed madly to her head...
"Old... thief... you... you!!!"
These four short words carried the deepest pain and hatred... She suddenly realized something.
Cai Zhi leaned against Mo Li, suppressed to the point of being almost unable to move, her pale face full of fear and confusion.
"My king, what is the meaning of this?" asked Tian Gang Star God Shen Hu with a frown.
The gazes of the other Star Gods and Elders also turned to Xing Shen Di. The current situation was completely different from what they knew and expected.
"Hehe," Tian Yuan Star God Tu Mi said with a faint smile. "My king, let this old man explain this matter. The power of the ceremony comes from all of you. The two princesses are also sacrificing for the future of Xing Shen Realm. They all have the right to know everything."
"..." Xing Shen Di nodded slightly.
Tian Yuan Star God Tu Mi did not look toward Mo Li, because he knew that must be a gaze that wished to grind his bones to dust. He narrated with extreme calmness. "As you all know, the power of the Primordial Star God came from the Star God bloodline left from the Age of Gods and the 'Star God Divine Scripture.' In that Star God Divine Scripture, one page was sealed. That was a seal left by a True God, naturally beyond the power of mortals to break. Therefore, the records on that page could never be accessed."
"But, no matter how strong the seal, it would gradually loosen with the passage of time. By the generation of our king, the seal was finally broken. And the sealed page of the Divine Scripture recorded the blood sacrifice technique for fusing Star God force."
The reason this page was sealed was obviously because this blood sacrifice technique was too cruel, violating the laws of heaven and human ethics, and it was not intended to be known by later generations, let alone used... Tian Yuan Star God naturally would not say this.
"The blood sacrifice technique records that Star God force and Star God force can be fused through this technique, causing a qualitative change in Star God force. To achieve this fusion, the sacrificing Star God and the sacrificed Star God must be immediate blood relatives within two generations, that is, biological parents, siblings, or children. Moreover..."
"If the sacrificer is one Star God, upon success, their own power can be enhanced. But to achieve a 'qualitative change' that breaks the limit, the sacrificer..."
"Must be two Star Gods!!"
"What!?" All the Star Gods and Elders changed expression. As overwhelmingly powerful supreme Divine Lords, how could they not understand at this point.
Mo Li's teeth were grinding as if about to shatter, her whole body trembling. Cai Zhi was even more completely stunned, as if fallen into a nightmare.
"Having three direct blood relatives within two generations become Star Gods had never occurred in the history of Xing Shen Realm, so our king had no such thoughts at that time. Later, when His Highness Xi Su inherited the Celestial Wolf Star God force, our king never thought to merge Xi Su's divine power. After all, a mere increase in power was no match for the force of two Star Gods."
"But, on that day more than twenty years ago, the long-dormant Heaven-Slaughter Divine Power suddenly resonated with Her Highness Mo Li, meaning that Mo Li was qualified to inherit the Heaven-Slaughter Divine Power and become the Heaven-Slaughter Star God. Thus, our king would have two children become Star Gods."
Tian Yuan Star God Tu Mi looked up and sighed, continuing, "If the Star God divine powers of Xi Su and Mo Li could be merged, our king would have the possibility of touching the path of a True God. From then on, he could replace the Dragon Emperor, become the supreme ruler of heaven and earth, and no one would dare to bully us."
"This is a heaven-sent fate! It is a blessing to our king, and also a blessing to our Xing Shen Realm!"
"However, this matter could not be accomplished by our king's will alone. If His Highness Xi Su and Her Highness Mo Li were unwilling, it would be difficult to succeed. If our king insisted, the two highnesses would surely resist, and might even leave Xing Shen Realm forever. If carried out in secret, the enormous preparations alone would easily be detected by His Highness Xi Su."
"Therefore, this old man offered a strategy to our king: temporarily conceal the matter of the Heaven-Slaughter Divine Power resonating with Mo Li, and then do the opposite — let His Highness Xi Su himself actively learn of the existence of the 'blood sacrifice technique.'"