Chapter 4186: Painful Loss of the Ancestral Talisman
Standing atop the Seventy-Two Layer Tower, Murong Zhuzai detected the faint fluctuations of Heavenly Realm's heavenly secrets. Just as he was about to mobilize his spiritual power to investigate carefully, he saw a man and a woman, two figures, arriving in this shattered void of Eternal Heavenly Kingdom. Even from tens of thousands of miles away, one could feel the surging and intimidating aura emanating from them.
Murong Zhuzai had never expected that the Life-and-Death Daoist would take the initiative to come to Eternal Heavenly Kingdom. A look of surprise appeared on his face, and he said from afar, "Congratulations, Daoist, on succeeding to the position of Heavenly Palace Lord. What guidance do you have for this visit?"
With Zhang Ruochen's perception and deduction abilities, he was naturally fully aware of what was happening right under his nose in the Heavenly Realm. Therefore, his main purpose in coming here was to restrain Murong Zhuzai and prevent him from interfering over there. At the same time, he also wanted to get a close look at the state of the Ancestral Hidden One.
Zhang Ruochen's smile was filled with goodwill, and he cupped his hands in an extremely polite manner: "Since a spiritual power Ancestor has emerged from the God Realm, how could this poor Daoist not come to pay respects?"
Murong Zhuzai's expression softened slightly, and the hostility on his body dissipated. He said, "Daoist is too modest. It should be I who should go to the Heavenly Palace to pay respects to you. However, the Primordial Black Dragon has just been suppressed, and the cosmic situation is turbulent, so I haven't had the time."
Murong Zhuzai could quite understand the mentality of the Life-and-Death Daoist. He had just taken control of the Heavenly Palace, his foundation was weak, and many of those below him favored the God Realm. Moreover, the God Realm was so powerful that even the Primordial Black Dragon had been suppressed. Although he was an Ancestor, he still had to carefully consider his attitude toward the God Realm. Taking the initiative to pay a visit was a gesture of goodwill and also a sign of weakness. Since the God Realm still needed the Heavenly Court Universe to cooperate in building the Heaven and Earth Altar, Murong Zhuzai naturally had to give the other party some face. As the saying goes, one doesn't strike a smiling face.
Zhang Ruochen said solemnly, "The stability and peace of the universe indeed require the God Realm to maintain, and only the God Realm has this strength."
"Daoist is a rare person who understands the situation. The Heavenly Venerable of the Heavenly Court Universe should indeed be you. But there are some who insist on opposing the God Realm, destroying the Heaven and Earth Altars everywhere. What will happen when the Great Calamity arrives in the future..."
Murong Zhuzai seemed to suddenly think of something, and his gaze turned sharp: "May I ask, Daoist, have you investigated the battle at the Heavenly Human Academy? Who exactly suppressed the Ancestor Yaksha King?"
"This matter, this poor Daoist has been investigating since returning to the Heavenly Court," Zhang Ruochen said. "According to the accounts of the cultivators who were at the Heavenly Human Academy at the time, the method used to suppress the Ancestor Yaksha King closely resembled Corpse Nightmare's Five Breaks Clear Spirit Hand."
Murong Zhuzai's sharp gaze dissipated, and he laughed, "I think that even if Corpse Nightmare didn't take the God Realm seriously, he wouldn't resort to such an obvious method that would expose his identity."
"Exactly, this poor Daoist thinks the same. This is very likely a frame-up," Zhang Ruochen continued. "So, this poor Daoist traveled across the four great continents of the Heavenly Court and various sea regions, and finally discovered traces of the Dark Lord and the Primordial Black Dragon in Buzhou Mountain. They have actually been hiding in the Heavenly Court all these years."
"The two of them are Immortals. Although they have fallen from grace, those who have stood at the peak naturally have high pride. Only they have the audacity to challenge the God Realm. Because they are unwilling to accept their fate."
Murong Zhuzai pondered for a moment: "So that's how it is. It seems Dragon Scale also fell into their hands."
"Who wouldn't want the Ancestral Dragon's remains? Obtaining them would allow them to recover a large portion of their vitality," Zhang Ruochen said.
"I will definitely get to the bottom of this with the Divine Ancestor Lord. Opposing the God Realm will lead to no good end. The Primordial Black Dragon has already been suppressed, and this time, he will surely be annihilated in both form and spirit. As for the Dark Lord, once the Eternal True Ruler breaks through the ninety-sixth level barrier, his death will be sealed."
Murong Zhuzai's tone was calm, but even Xuanyuan Lian, standing behind Zhang Ruochen, could feel the threat within it. Clearly, he did not fully believe the "Life-and-Death Heavenly Venerable." At the same time, Xuanyuan Lian felt a sense of confusion in her heart: Was the "Life-and-Death Heavenly Venerable" really her father?
She knew her father too well and understood how strong-willed he was. Even if he truly had to compromise with the God Realm, he would at most choose to go into seclusion to cultivate, leaving the major and minor matters to the Heavens and the Nine War Gods, simply listening to the God Realm's will. But to take the initiative to visit Murong Zhuzai, speaking softly, showing weakness, and offering flattery—that was absolutely impossible. Even if it was just a pretense.
Had the situation deteriorated to the point where even her father had to make compromises?
Xuanyuan Lian looked at the Primordial Black Dragon suppressed beneath the Seventy-Two Layer Tower, thought of the terrifying strength of the God Realm, and felt a pang of bitterness and pain in her heart. She murmured to herself, "Faced with such power, if I were in Father's place, for the survival of the entire Heavenly Court Universe, I would probably have no choice but to humble myself. Father, oh Father, you could have hidden yourself away; there was no need for this. It is we who have burdened you."
Zhang Ruochen hadn't thought that far. He simply wanted to stabilize the God Realm. He looked at the Seventy-Two Layer Tower and the nine Divine Cords of Heaven and Earth, feeling the surging aura of the nine Eternal Dao, and then said earnestly, "Actually, this poor Daoist's visit is indeed to trouble you with a small matter."
Murong Zhuzai was very satisfied with the attitude of this Life-and-Death Heavenly Venerable and laughed, "Heavenly Venerable, please speak freely."
"The Heavenly Court Universe is lacking in talent. The number of cultivators at the Heavenly Venerable and Half-Ancestor levels is far inferior to that of the Sword Realm and the Hell Realm. Only Xuanyuan Lian, the daughter of Hao Tian, is a cultivable talent." Zhang Ruochen looked at Xuanyuan Lian and said, "She has used the Dao to forge the Nine Divine Palaces, aligning with the nine Eternal Dao. Cultivating in the Seventy-Two Layer Tower will surely yield twice the results with half the effort."
Xuanyuan Lian naturally knew that cultivating at the center where the nine Divine Cords of Heaven and Earth intersected would allow her to most directly comprehend the nine Eternal Dao, which would be immensely beneficial to her. After all, these nine Divine Cords of Heaven and Earth were extracted from the universe by the most terrifying existence behind the God Realm.
"So, the reason he brought me along was for this purpose. Could it be that he lowered his posture to visit Murong Zhuzai for the sake of my cultivation?"
Xuanyuan Lian's gaze was complex, and the softest part of her heart was deeply touched. Hao Tian might have been an irreplaceable Lord of the Heavens, but he was by no means an excellent father. He was extremely strict with Xuanyuan Lian, had high expectations, and rarely showed affection or care. Given his status and the pressure and responsibilities he bore, it was impossible for him to devote too much energy to familial bonds.
At this moment, Xuanyuan Lian finally felt a father's love in "him." For her sake, he could set aside his pride and dignity. Even if only a tenth of this was for her, she was deeply moved and could hardly contain herself.
Zhang Ruochen had no idea that Xuanyuan Lian was thinking so much. He simply felt that the cultivation environment here was too suitable for her, so he took the opportunity to help her. At the same time, Zhang Ruochen indeed needed to cultivate as many strong individuals as possible in the Heavenly Court Universe to form a divine army with sufficient combat power in the future.
"Haha!"
Murong Zhuzai laughed heartily: "Heavenly Venerable, are you truly the remnant soul of the Life-and-Death Elder returning? I have heard that the Life-and-Death Elder died in the Eon Calamity and left behind no physical body or Divine Source."
"A remnant soul in the Lihentian can always be preserved," Zhang Ruochen said.
Without the support of an Ancestor's physical body and Divine Source, could one reach the Ancestor realm again with just a wisp of remnant soul?
Murong Zhuzai had his own guesses but did not expose him. If he truly was Xuanyuan Taihao, leaving his daughter in the Seventy-Two Layer Tower could also be seen as a hostage to earn the God Realm's trust. Leaving Xuanyuan Lian behind and marking her with the God Realm's imprint would pacify the remaining half of the Heavenly Court Universe's cultivators who held prejudices against the God Realm.
Murong Zhuzai said, "Xuanyuan Lian is indeed a peerless genius, inheriting the top-tier talents of Xuanyuan Taihao and Kong Faning. If her opportunities and luck are even greater, her achievements will certainly not be inferior to those of Chi Yao, Yan Wushen, and the like. Since the Heavenly Venerable has spoken, let her stay. From today onward, the God Realm will be her opportunity and luck."
"The God Realm intends to use the Primordial Black Dragon's cultivation to nurture strong individuals among the gods. Xuanyuan Lian can freely enter and exit the Black Sea just like them."
Zhang Ruochen said, "Why not thank the Lord?"
"Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity."
Xuanyuan Lian had no goodwill toward Murong Zhuzai, but this opportunity was won for her by her "father." How could she disappoint his expectations?
Murong Zhuzai said, "Heavenly Venerable, shouldn't we next discuss the construction of the Heaven and Earth Altar in the Heavenly Court Universe?"
"This matter is certainly urgent," Zhang Ruochen said.
Murong Zhuzai said, "The main altar should be rebuilt at the Heavenly Human Academy."
"This is not appropriate."
Seeing the smile disappear from Murong Zhuzai's face, Zhang Ruochen quickly added, "Building it within the Heavenly Court would face too much opposition from below, and it would be difficult to prevent another incident."
Murong Zhuzai said, "Heavenly Venerable is joking. Within the Heavenly Court, who would dare oppose your will? An Ancestor's word can override ten thousand laws. An Ancestor's thought can slay a thousand armies."
Zhang Ruochen said, "The power of all living beings can topple an Ancestor."
"Is that so? Is the power of all living beings that strong? The Heavenly Venerable lacks confidence in his own strength. Could it be that the Heavenly Venerable is not at the Ancestor realm? An Ancestor must have the boldness of an Ancestor," Murong Zhuzai said.
Zhang Ruochen said, "An Ancestor also has an Ancestor's helplessness. Just like you, Lord, being provoked by a little girl but having to let her leave. And that Zhang Ruochen is too arrogant, daring to openly oppose the God Realm, and even managed to escape successfully..."
Murong Zhuzai's gaze turned icy cold to the extreme.
Zhang Ruochen quickly said, "This poor Daoist means no offense. Lord, please do not overthink. I am merely trying to tell you that there are too many reckless individuals in the universe who do not even take the God Realm seriously. How could I possibly suppress them?"
The two were locked in a silent struggle, each trying to make the other back down. In the end, Murong Zhuzai decided to use strength to overpower the other, saying, "I have two Ancestral Talismans here, each refined over an Eon and fused into my pupils. The one I used earlier to attack Zhang Ruochen across a vast starry region was merely a talisman soul from the right pupil, not the main body. If the main body of the Ancestral Talisman had been sent out to suppress him, Zhang Ruochen would not have escaped."
"Now, I will gift this Ancestral Talisman to you. If anyone dares to provoke you in the Heavenly Court or recklessly destroy the Heaven and Earth Altar, the Heavenly Venerable can use this talisman to suppress them."
"Whoosh!"
Murong Zhuzai's right pupil erupted with light like the extinction of a star. The Ancestral Talisman flew out, like a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, manifesting various divine bird-shaped patterns, and in an instant, it landed on Zhang Ruochen.
It was too fast; there was no way to dodge.
"Pfft!"
Zhang Ruochen spat out a mouthful of blood, flying backward like a meteor or lightning.
"Heavenly Venerable!"
Xuanyuan Lian could tell that Murong Zhuzai had done it deliberately. Reacting immediately, she rushed forward to support the pale-faced Zhang Ruochen.
Murong Zhuzai had shown no mercy. Struck by his Ancestral Talisman, on the surface, it seemed Zhang Ruochen had only spat blood with no physical damage, but the internal injuries were probably known only to the Heavenly Venerable himself.
Xuanyuan Lian's gaze turned cold and sharp, and she was about to step forward. Even if she was no match for Murong Zhuzai, she had to seek justice for the Heavenly Venerable. This was simply too much.
Zhang Ruochen grabbed her wrist and secretly transmitted his voice: "What are you doing? He is an Ancestor. Don't worry, I'm just a little injured, not that serious. I'll recover soon!"
Xuanyuan Lian looked at him with an expression of disbelief. Murong Zhuzai's gaze, however, was even more incredulous. The Ancestral Talisman had been taken away! He had never intended to truly gift the Ancestral Talisman to Zhang Ruochen; after all, it was a treasured weapon painstakingly refined over an Eon.
His purpose in unleashing the Ancestral Talisman was to intimidate the other party and force a compromise. The talisman was given to you, but if you couldn't take it, that was a difference in strength, and thus you couldn't stop the God Realm from building the main altar in the Heavenly Court.
Now, the situation was that the other party was indeed injured, but the Ancestral Talisman was gone! It was like using a divine artifact against an enemy only to have it taken away. If he could do this, wouldn't it be easy for the other party to dodge or block the talisman's attack?
Zhang Ruochen pretended to be very weak, cupped his hands in a bow, and said in a hoarse voice, "Thank you, Lord, for the Ancestral Talisman. This poor Daoist will use it wisely."
Murong Zhuzai felt a sense of defeat, like losing both his wife and his soldiers. Bringing up the construction of the main altar now would clearly yield no results. It seemed he would have to proceed slowly. He felt that it was entirely because the "Life-and-Death Heavenly Venerable" had lowered his posture too much earlier, causing him to subconsciously underestimate him.
It was precisely this underestimation that led to the painful loss of the Ancestral Talisman.
"What a cunning opponent. This doesn't seem like Xuanyuan Taihao's style. Could it really be the Life-and-Death Elder's remnant soul achieving the Dao? I'll have to be more cautious in the future."
Murong Zhuzai laughed, "The Heavenly Venerable's methods are exquisite. I admire them. I hope to have another chance to spar. How are your injuries? Do you need me to help resolve the situation in the Heavenly Realm?"
"No need to trouble the Lord. Matters of the Heavenly Court Universe should be handled by the Heavenly Palace. This poor Daoist is indeed heavily injured, but don't I still have the Lord's Ancestral Talisman?"
Zhang Ruochen lost the mood for further pretense and said, "Let us part ways here. I hope the Lord will visit the Heavenly Palace as a guest soon. Xuanyuan Lian, stay in the Seventy-Two Layer Tower and learn well from the Lord."
Leaving Xuanyuan Lian behind, Zhang Ruochen returned alone to the Heavenly Court Universe, heading straight for the Heavenly Realm. Before this, many gods of the Heavenly Court Universe had already rushed there. The Mal Temple, which had stood for eons, had collapsed into a pile of giant stone ruins. The region's heaven and earth energy was chaotic, becoming a forbidden zone where no one dared to approach.
The few who had clashed had entered the Ancestral Realm connected to the Mal Temple. The battle fluctuations did not spread on a large scale within the Heavenly Realm. Shang Tian led the gods of the Heavenly Realm, activated the world-protecting divine formation, and stood in the cloud sea formation disk above the Mal Mountain Range, ready to mobilize the formation's power to suppress the area below at any time, preventing the battle from spiraling out of control.
"Greetings, Heavenly Venerable."
Zhang Ruochen's arrival was like a calming pill, easing the pressure in Shang Tian's heart. He had expected Zhang Ruochen to come, after all, the few fighting in the Ancestral Realm all had extraordinary relationships with him.
"Welcome, Heavenly Venerable!"
The gods of the Heavenly Realm bowed in unison, their voices shaking the cosmos beyond.
Zhang Ruochen, with an immortal demeanor, handsome and imposing, said, "Everyone, do not worry. Since I am here, I will naturally protect the Heavenly Realm above and below."
He glanced at the Radiant Divine Cord of Heaven and Earth in the sky, where the light rules of the Heavenly Realm were constantly being woven into it. Zhang Ruochen shook his head inwardly. In the future, the Heavenly Realm was destined to decline, losing its level as an Eternal Undying Great World. Once Shang Tian eventually passed away, the Heavenly Realm would inevitably be like the Kunlun Realm on the Merit Battlefield back then, with its foundations divided among the various realms. The survival of the fittest was the eternal truth.
Could this be the purpose of that Immortal in the God Realm? To avenge the Kunlun Realm?
Zhang Ruochen vaguely remembered an old friend telling him that the grudge with the Heavenly Realm was the grudge of their generation, to be settled by their generation.