# Chapter 4162: Heavenly Venerable
"Boom."
Under the urging of the gods, tens of thousands of layers of formation light curtains erupted on the Heavenly River, colliding with the falling Ancestral Dragon.
They successfully blocked it.
Zhang Ruochen pursued, raising his hand to strike with a Myriad Forms Formless Seal spanning a hundred thousand miles, landing atop the Ancestral Dragon's head.
The seal technique pierced through the Ancestral Dragon's head, causing ancestral corpse blood to spill out, staining the void red.
If the Ancestral Dragon were still alive, its physical defense would naturally not be something Zhang Ruochen could easily break through.
But the Ancestral Dragon had long since perished.
Although its physical body remained powerful, and the residual power in its divine source rivaled that of an Ancestor, it was ultimately just a corpse. The new spirit within the corpse had not reached the Ancestor realm—how could it be a match for Zhang Ruochen?
As the Myriad Forms Formless Seal landed on the Ancestral Dragon's head, an even stronger impact force struck the Heavenly River, pressing it into distortion.
Layers of formation light curtains exploded!
The gods on the Heavenly River exerted all their strength just barely to withstand it.
Half-Ancestor divine patterns flowed within Xuanyuan Taizhen's pupils as he strained to see the mysterious existence who had unleashed the Myriad Forms Formless Seal, but—
The void was completely empty. The other party's level was too high.
Formless, and also shapeless.
"This is using us as a wall, making us block the Ancestral Dragon's path for them. What malicious intent." Ji Tian said.
The true Ancestral Dragon was immensely powerful. In ancient times, joining forces with other Witch Ancestors, it had forced even the Ancestors of the Twelve Ancient Clans to retreat and defend the Abyss of Darkness.
It had even slain the Immortals of the previous era.
Clearly, the Ancestral Dragon before them was not a Witch Ancestor crossing the River of Time, but a corpse.
Ji Tian had already guessed its identity.
It was very likely the leader of the Doomsday Sacrificers—Dragon Scale.
If Dragon Scale fell in the Heavenly Court, how would the gods of the Heavenly Court explain it to the Eternal True Arbiter?
As Ji Tian worried, Zhang Ruochen's second strike descended.
Zhang Ruochen would not give Dragon Scale a chance to counterattack or escape. Otherwise, once the battlefield expanded, the aftershocks of battle would endanger all major worlds within one light-year.
Originally, he had planned to trap it within the Black and White Life-Death Seal and quietly kill it.
Since it had escaped and caused such a commotion, Zhang Ruochen could only hide his identity and frame the Dark Lord and the Primordial Black Dragon.
He wanted to become the Lord of the Heavenly Palace, stabilizing the Heavenly Court Universe for Hao Tian. So, tearing apart relations with the Divine Realm now would be far from wise.
As Zhang Ruochen raised his hand and struck, his palm transformed into a dragon claw.
The dragon claw was black.
Sharp and fierce, exuding ancestral aura.
"This strike will completely shatter its divine soul consciousness and render it combat-ineffective." This thought flashed through Zhang Ruochen's mind.
Dragon Scale's divine soul consciousness was clearly far weaker than its physical body—this was its weakness.
"Boom!"
The dragon claw blasted half of Dragon Scale's head apart, flesh scattering, revealing the ancestral dragon bones within.
Inside the bones, ancestral patterns surged forth, far harder than the external flesh. Even Zhang Ruochen could not shatter them.
"It's the Dark Lord and the Primordial Black Dragon!"
Shang Tian made this guess and shouted loudly.
Ji Tian said: "This isn't the Ancestral Dragon—it's the Doomsday Sacrificers' leader, Dragon Scale. We must assist Lord Dragon Scale; I believe the True Arbiter will soon arrive..."
Xuanyuan Lian said: "Two Ancestors have arrived—we absolutely cannot withstand them. Quickly activate the Heavenly Law Order."
"An Ancestor-level conflict—we'd better not get involved. First, protect ourselves and hold the Heavenly Court." Feng Yan said.
"Whoosh—"
As the Heavenly Law Order activated, all the gods within the Heavenly Court joined in, raising their defenses to the highest level, preparing to withstand the Ancestor-level attack power.
Within Buzhou Mountain, the Dark Lord and the Primordial Black Dragon burned with intense cold fury. Even with their deep schemes, they could not help but be filled with rage.
Who was it?
Framing them right before their eyes.
If not for their fear of the Divine Realm, they would have already charged out of the Heavenly Court to settle scores with the hidden framer.
But now, they dared not even release their divine thoughts.
If they released divine thoughts to investigate, the Eternal True Arbiter would surely sense them, and then they truly could not explain themselves!
The Dark Lord's voice rang out: "Such a crude framing method—how could it fool the Eternal True Arbiter's spiritual power perception?"
"Shouldn't the Eternal True Arbiter be making a move by now?" The Primordial Black Dragon had originally been wondering whether to help if the Eternal True Arbiter acted.
Now, he wished the Eternal True Arbiter would kill the framer.
At least cripple him first!
Contrary to everyone's expectations, the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom in Lihentian was extremely quiet.
The Eternal True Arbiter did not make a move.
After the Ancestral Dragon lost its combat capability, it was taken away by a spatial force, as if stuffed into a bag, disappearing into the void.
The gods on the Heavenly River were all dazed and shocked, feeling that what had just happened was dreamlike and unreal. But the Ancestral Dragon flesh and blood remaining in the void told them that an Ancestor-level battle had indeed occurred.
"It's over just like that?"
"Is that Ancestral Dragon really the Doomsday Sacrificers' leader, Dragon Scale?"
"It shouldn't be, right? With such a huge commotion, the Eternal True Arbiter couldn't possibly not have sensed it, couldn't possibly not have come to the rescue."
"Perhaps the Eternal True Arbiter simply couldn't rescue in time—this battle ended too quickly!"
The gods all discussed, their fear of the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom and the Eternal True Arbiter unconsciously diminishing.
Xuanyuan Lian analyzed: "It's also possible that the Eternal True Arbiter simply couldn't save Dragon Scale."
"Impossible."
Ji Tian flatly rejected Xuanyuan Lian's speculation, saying: "The Eternal True Arbiter once single-handedly blocked two Ancestors, Corpse Nightmare and the Primordial Black Dragon, outside the Heavenly Kingdom. Such strength—who can compare, aside from the already fallen Nether Ancestor?"
Xuanyuan Lian said: "Because this might not be a feint by the Primordial Black Dragon and the Dark Lord!"
"As long as the Eternal True Arbiter rushes to the Heavenly Court, the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom will inevitably be empty, vulnerable to attack. Don't forget, during the Bone God Temple battle, the Eternal True Arbiter also did not go in person, ultimately letting the Black and White Daoist and Erjia Heavenly King escape."
"So, everyone, don't overestimate the strength of the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom, and don't blindly believe in the Eternal True Arbiter's invincible myth. There are too many forces in the universe that can check him."
She wanted to take this opportunity to dismantle the gods' fear of the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom and rebuild everyone's confidence.
Although she was well aware that her speculation had many flaws.
For instance, even if the Eternal True Arbiter could not come in person, he could still send spiritual power across space to rescue, rather than remaining silent like this.
Another example—how did the Primordial Black Dragon and the Dark Lord find Dragon Scale? When they struck at Dragon Scale, even if they did not fear the Eternal True Arbiter, did they not fear the existence who had activated the Seventy-Two Layer Tower to suppress the Nether Ancestor?
Dragon Scale was suppressed too quickly. The fluctuations of the battle and the heavenly secrets had not yet spread before the battle ended. This covered up the flaws in Xuanyuan Lian's words!
Would the Eternal True Arbiter really let this go so easily?
Xuanyuan Lian did not know who the unknown existence suppressing Dragon Scale was. Such a level of combat was beyond her speculation. She could only hope that the Life-Death Old Man would rush to the Heavenly Court as soon as possible to take charge.
Chi Yao and Zhen Yuan saw the "Life-Death Heavenly Venerable" returning to the Merit Divine Hall and both cupped their hands in salute, their eyes filled with respect.
This was definitely an Ancestor!
Excellent!
The Heavenly Court finally had an Ancestor in charge.
The only thing to worry about now was the truth coming to light, the news leaking, and incurring the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom's retaliation.
"You don't need to worry. Ancestors are not truly omnipotent either. If the distance is far enough, an Ancestor's perception will weaken accordingly. Ordinary cultivators might not be able to pull the wool over heaven's eyes, but at the same realm, I, the Master, naturally have wondrous methods to deceive the Eternal True Arbiter."
Zhang Ruochen naturally had to pose as an Ancestor to hide his identity.
The combat power he had just displayed was simply unattainable by anyone below the Ancestor realm.
Zhen Yuan said: "Senior, isn't the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom being too quiet?"
Zhang Ruochen glanced at Lihentian in the shattered space and said calmly: "Indeed, it's very unusual. When Murong was in extreme danger, the Eternal True Arbiter did not descend. Now that Dragon Scale has been suppressed, the Eternal True Arbiter is even quieter. Does he truly not care about Dragon Scale's life or death?"
Zhen Yuan said: "Perhaps he has more important matters to attend to."
Zhang Ruochen pondered for a moment, then smiled: "More important than Dragon Scale's life or death—that must be an extraordinary matter."
Chi Yao was extremely bold, saying: "Should we use some methods to probe the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom? Without knowing the truth, it's hard to feel at ease."
"Such a dangerous task—we go?"
Zhang Ruochen shook his head, saying: "I think the Primordial Black Dragon, the Dark Lord, and Corpse Nightmare will be more anxious than us."
Sensing something, the three of them simultaneously looked toward the blood-red void.
They saw a golden divine dragon flying out from the Heavenly Court, manipulating clouds and mist to collect the scattered Ancestral Dragon blood and corpse fragments.
"It's him. So he was hiding in the Heavenly Court."
Zhen Yuan couldn't help but glance at Chi Yao.
It was Dragon Lord Ji Wang.
Faced with the Ancestral Dragon's flesh and blood, Dragon Lord could no longer resist appearing to collect it.
The power and Ancestor rules contained in this flesh and blood would be of great use to him, who was at a bottleneck in his cultivation realm.
"The Heavenly Court is vast, with countless secret realms and ancient ruins. It's not surprising that a Heavenly Venerable-level or Half-Ancestor is hiding within."
Zhang Ruochen sensed a sharp gaze fixed on him and turned to look, seeing the Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord standing at the temple entrance.
He said: "Divine Lord, have you considered?"
The Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord stared at the Xuanhuang Halberd in Zhang Ruochen's hand, speaking in a probing tone: "I know it was you who suppressed Dragon Scale. Are you still willing to spare my life? Aren't you afraid I'll tell this secret to the Eternal True Arbiter?"
"I, the Master, always keep my word once I've agreed to something. Of course, if you tell all this to the Eternal True Arbiter, then you are seeking death, and I will certainly no longer be soft-hearted." Zhang Ruochen said.
He wasn't silencing him?
Chi Yao began to doubt the identity of this "Life-Death Heavenly Venerable" before her.
Zhen Yuan looked at the Xuanhuang Halberd in Zhang Ruochen's hand, a blazing light surging in his eyes as he thought of a certain possibility.
The Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord bowed deeply to Zhang Ruochen, saying: "Heavenly Venerable, rest assured. Unless I die, I will never reveal this secret. Zhen'er's cultivation is still shallow, and I fear she cannot keep a secret. I beg the Heavenly Venerable to keep her by your side as a maidservant. If she has any other intentions, the Heavenly Venerable need not show mercy—do as you see fit."
Zhuo Yunzhen never expected her father to be so terrified that he would even offer her up.
Even if this Life-Death Old Man was an Ancestor, could he be a match for the Eternal True Arbiter?
Why not first flee back to the Imperial Dao Great World, then ask the Eternal True Arbiter to come and suppress him?
Zhang Ruochen said: "I, the Master, have no intention of keeping a source of trouble by my side. You take her away yourself!"
"If I take her away, it would be the same as killing her with my own hands. I beg the Heavenly Venerable, in consideration of my past contributions to the Heavenly Court Universe, to keep her by your side and discipline her a bit, temper her temperament. I will remember this kindness."
The Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord understood too well the importance of this matter. Not a single mistake could be made. Being able to live was already the Heavenly Venerable's extraordinary mercy.
Chi Yao saw how respectfully the Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord treated this Daoist before her, calling him "Heavenly Venerable" repeatedly. Her thoughts stirred greatly—could it be...
Besides the Eternal True Arbiter, the only person who could command such respect from the Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord was Hao Tian, who had supposedly fallen in the Gray Sea.
There was only one possibility.
Hao Tian had not died but had broken through to the Ancestor realm in the Gray Sea?
Chi Yao looked at Zhen Yuan.
Zhen Yuan nodded to her, also speculating the same in his heart—how could the remnant souls of ancient Ancestors so easily break through to the Ancestor realm?
An Ancestor could not simply appear out of thin air in heaven and earth.
Among all cultivators in heaven and earth, only a few were closest to the Ancestor realm.
Who else could it be, if not the one who had earned the unconditional trust of Cihang Venerable and Shang Tian, who had led Xuanyuan Lian and a large group of gods to the Central Divine Hall to stage a coup, who had made the proud and arrogant Xuanyuan Second willingly become a pawn? Besides Hao Tian, who else?
Zhang Ruochen saw everyone's strange expressions and put away the Xuanhuang Halberd. After a moment of contemplation, he said: "Zhuo Yunzhen once studied under Xianxia Chi at the Red Xia Flying Immortal Valley. Divine Lord, if you want her to live, send her back and see if Xianxia Chi will sell you this favor!"
"Thank you, Heavenly Venerable."
The Imperial Ancestor Divine Lord bowed once more, then took Zhuo Yunzhen and headed toward the Heavenly Court.
The Heavenly Venerable would surely return to the Heavenly Palace.
And Xianxia Chi was now the head of the Heavenly Palace's officials. Sending Zhuo Yunzhen to Xianxia Chi's side was equivalent to sending her under the Heavenly Venerable's watchful eye.
This was Zhuo Yunzhen's only chance to live!
Zhang Ruochen took out the "All Under Heaven White Diagram" and handed it to Chi Yao, saying: "I ask the Empress to take this diagram back to the Kunlun Realm and find a successor for the Vast and Righteous Divine Path. This is the Fourth Confucian Ancestor's final wish."
"Heavenly Venerable's commission—I will not fail."
Chi Yao accepted the scroll with both hands.
The vast star sea stretched endlessly.
A dilapidated wooden boat sailed upon it, using space as water and time as propulsion. It flickered in and out of existence in time and space, constantly leaping through time and space.
This was Corpse Nightmare's method of concealment!
Having no fixed hiding place was the best hiding place.
No matter how high one's cultivation, they could not lock onto him.
At the center of the wooden boat stood a weathered, rotting wooden mast, from which hung a black cloth sail.
Corpse Nightmare sat at the bow, holding a rod and fishing.
The fishing line and hook disappeared into the spatial dimension, heading toward the future.
He was fishing for future heavenly secrets, wanting to know the outcomes of certain matters and certain people in the future.
"Whoosh!"
A fragrant wind swept through the starry sky.
The wind caused stars to tremble and heavenly secrets to become chaotic.
The fragrance was like a hundred flowers blooming, intoxicating.
Corpse Nightmare sensed a young, beautiful, white-clad figure standing at the stern, like a celestial maiden from a painting, untouched by worldly smoke. He opened his eyelids but did not turn around, continuing to fish, saying: "Yan Wushen reported that the one who returned from the Gray Sea wishes to form an alliance with me."
He used "I" to refer to himself, not daring to claim the title of Ancestor.
That white-clad figure's voice was like heavenly music, extremely pleasant, saying: "The Eternal True Arbiter should be at a critical moment in his breakthrough to the ninety-sixth rank. He must not succeed."
"Understood!" Corpse Nightmare said.
The white-clad figure dissipated like the wind, as if she had never appeared.