Chapter 1519: The Desolate Tower
How long had the Desolate Tower existed in this world? Tracing back through the long river of time, where was its origin? This ancient artifact was truly too mysterious.
The Immortal Bell was equally bizarre, born on Kunlun, containing the myriad secrets of the heavens, unfathomable to gods and ghosts alike. And the Venerable Emperor's Green Cauldron was also born on Kunlun, branded with fragments of immortality.
White clouds drifted, reaching no higher than a person's knees. This ancient continent was filled with clamor, as people marveled at the events of the past. The Mythical Era was too distant, leaving behind countless unsolved mysteries.
The hostile atmosphere in the Heavenly Palace had eased. The Kunlun Remnant Clan put away the black Human Emperor Seal and ceased their attacks. Many Great Sages sat down once more to discuss the various rules and orders that would govern the opening of the Immortal Path.
"If the entire world can ascend to immortality, there is nothing to discuss. But if there is a time limit, and only a portion of people can step into the Immortal Domain, then we must fight to determine the outcome."
"I suggest that inheritances holding Imperial Artifacts be allowed a few more slots, ensuring their path is unobstructed."
"On what grounds?!" Someone immediately objected. Not every Great Sage present possessed an Extreme Ancient Weapon. In fact, even looking across the myriad heavens and countless domains, only a few possessed them. The number of Ancient Great Emperors could be counted on one's fingers.
"Naturally, we let strength speak. Otherwise, you and I can each take our ancient artifacts outside the domain and see how things play out." The old patriarch of the Blood Phoenix Mountain said coldly. Naturally, he held an Ancient Emperor Weapon, while the other person held a legendary Saint Weapon.
Would there be any suspense in such a duel? Without a doubt, it would be one-sided. No miracle would occur!
In the Central Heavenly Palace, everything was so naked. When it came to the hope of achieving immortality, the Great Sages sat down to negotiate, all clashing head-on, each thinking only of their own clan.
In the face of cruel reality, every detail had to be haggled over. At such a time, being noble and selfless would only make one a fool. Securing the greatest benefit for one's own clan was the key.
"Is having an Imperial Artifact such a big deal? When a Quasi-Emperor appears in my clan, everything will change. The Imperial Artifact might even change hands!" A Devouring God Rat said coldly and darkly.
This Great Sage was very peculiar. He had not transformed into human form. With sharp fangs and green, glowing eyes, he was a silver divine rat, his entire body seeming to burn with silver flames, blazing and dazzling. He was as large as an elephant.
"Is that so? So far, only one Quasi-Emperor has appeared among the human race. I look forward to the arrival of your clan's Great Emperor!" Someone responded coldly, utterly unconcerned.
"I also believe that dividing the slots on the Immortal Path based on who holds an Imperial Artifact is inappropriate. It should be divided by race." A Pixiu spoke, exhaling clouds and mist. He had evolved into the form of an Ancestral Dragon, looking quite terrifying.
"Everyone, let's stop arguing about these things for now. Establishing laws and regulations is not a plundering conference. Let's first talk about the severe situation at hand." Another person spoke.
"Indeed. The current turmoil in the Big Dipper is unending. I fear that before the Immortal Path even opens, this land will be shattered. We need a set of rules to eliminate some unstable elements. For example, the Human Sacred Body. He killed the Golden Crow Clan, destroyed Mount Sumeru. This dangerous element always stirs up conflict. Should he be suppressed? What does everyone think? I believe it is very necessary!"
An old woman known as Granny Maple spoke. Her face was covered in wrinkles, deep enough to hold grains of rice. Her voice was sinister and chilling, clearly not someone to be trifled with.
After she spoke, she glanced at the Great Peacock Bright King, then at the Golden Crow Clan Great Sage. It was obvious she was trying to form a united front.
The human heart was unpredictable, sometimes treacherous and easily swayed. With so many Great Sages present, if she could convince a few, especially those powerful clans holding Ancient Emperor Weapons, they might truly be able to destroy the Human Sacred Body.
Unfortunately, the Great Peacock Bright King remained expressionless, not uttering a single word.
In truth, she wanted to have Ye Fan killed, but she understood from that battle that shaking multiple Imperial Artifacts was no easy task. It was a powerful alliance!
Furthermore, the old monk Maha had been taken away by that lecherous monk, Hua Hua, becoming his Dharma Protector King. He was constantly cleaning up after him, believing it to be a divine reincarnation of the Buddhist Sect.
The Golden Crow Clan Great Sage's expression was cold. He naturally had to state his position. He said sinisterly, "The Human Sacred Body is arrogant, as everyone can see. This beast acts tyrannically, with ruthless and vicious methods. He killed my Golden Crow lineage and even attacked the Dao tradition of Emperor Amitabha. What use is there for such a madman? Let us unite and attack him, kill him!"
"Your clan has provoked us time and time again. Do you truly wish to be annihilated?" At that moment, the Ancient Golden Peng appeared. With a rumble, it flapped its wings, sending two stone coffins flying to land before Granny Maple and the Golden Crow Clan Great Sage.
The Dragon Horse also appeared, carrying a killing sword on its back. Though it was not drawn, its murderous aura was intense, as if it could slay immortals!
Ye Fan was surprised. They had disappeared for a long time. Had they gone to refine sword aura? The scabbard seemed to truly contain a great weapon, intimidating everyone present.
"How about we go outside and have a bout?" A young Golden Crow man stood up. He had been silent until now, but he spoke with calm confidence.
This man had an extraordinary bearing. He wore a golden feathered robe, was as vigorous as a dragon, with a straight, tall figure. He had long golden hair, and his eyes sparkled brilliantly.
Everyone's heart trembled. He was fearless even in the face of an Imperial Artifact. What was his backing? It seemed his identity was extraordinary.
"This is the Crown Prince Huai Zun of our current generation," the old Saint introduced.
"We are just discussing, sharing our views. It's best not to resort to force today. Let's all sit down and talk." A Great Sage tried to smooth things over, mediating between the two sides.
"It's just a flawed Imperial Artifact. When our clan's Great Emperor arrives, all external things will be useless!" The Golden Crow elder's face was as dark as water, his voice cold and deep.
The Golden Crow Clan had a Quasi-Emperor!
This legend had always existed. Now, with his statement, it should be true. This sent a chill down everyone's spine. Once one reached the Quasi-Emperor realm, everything would be completely different. They would be utterly invincible!
The mere inclusion of the word 'Emperor' created a chasm as vast as heaven and earth between them and a Great Sage. This moat was unbridgeable. Trying to go against an Emperor was impossible!
If such a figure became ruthless, even if you had an Imperial Artifact in hand, it wouldn't matter. You couldn't keep it activated forever. If he wanted to kill you, he would have plenty of opportunities.
Remember, back then, Gai Jiuyou, with his blood vitality withered and his body aged and frail, could still confront a peak Ancient Clan Great Sage wielding a Golden Mace without relying on an Imperial Artifact. How astonishing and awe-inspiring was that?
Therefore, when the Golden Crow old Saint finished speaking, everyone's hearts were pounding. Offending the Golden Crow lineage now would surely bring a great calamity in the future.
However, the Ancient Golden Peng and the Dragon Horse remained fearless. They simply found a table, transformed into human form, and sat down. The other Great Sages were all deeply wary of the killing swords they carried on their backs.
After a short while, the strange atmosphere dissipated, and the Heavenly Palace was once again filled with heated debate. The strong from all races, each acting from their own self-interest, began to formulate the laws and regulations.
In the Central Heavenly Gate, everyone present was either a clan leader or a Great Sage. At the very least, they were Saint Kings. Ordinary Saints could only listen and voice their opinions outside the hall, because too many people had come from the myriad heavens and countless domains.
Soon after, Jiang Yifei walked out, entrusting the matter of establishing laws and orders to an old Saint of the Jiang Clan, leaving him to negotiate.
He was elegant as jade, transcendent and outstanding. Especially since he had just confronted the Kunlun Remnant Clan holding the Human Emperor Seal, his imposing manner was awe-inspiring. His appearance naturally drew attention.
Many young women's eyes sparkled with admiration, whispering among themselves, praising Jiang Yifei highly. Even if he wasn't truly an Imperial Son, he was probably no weaker than one.
Then, Feng Huang also walked out. The atmosphere in the hall was too oppressive, with the Great Sages confronting each other and their words clashing. She also temporarily withdrew.
She wore a five-colored mask, surrounded by streaks of divine radiance, like a fairy veiled in mystery. Her figure was tall and slender, graceful and elegant. Amidst the clouds, her beauty was beyond compare, turning heads wherever she went.
On this ancient continent, mist filled the air, making the palaces and pavilions seem ethereal, as if shrouded in a thin veil. The relatively younger experts were all outside, not going to the main hall.
"Brother Jiang, I have long heard of your great name. Meeting you is even better than hearing about you." Not far away, a man in silver armor stood up. His battle suit was gleaming, like dancing flames, radiating heroic spirit.
Beside him was a woman, with autumn water for a spirit and jade for bones, wearing a rainbow-colored robe, ethereal as an immortal. The two of them standing together were like a perfect pair.
It was the flesh-and-blood Sacred Spirit and Princess Yueling of the Jiuli Imperial Dynasty. They were sitting at a stone table in front of a pavilion. Now they both stood up and walked forward to greet him.
"You flatter me, brother." Jiang Yifei smiled, also greeting Princess Yueling, one of the most beautiful women in the world.
"Brother Jiang's bearing rivals that of a young Great Emperor. I was fortunate enough to see an ancient painting, a portrait of the Eternal Universe Supreme. Seeing Brother Jiang, I truly thought the Great Emperor had been reborn."
The flesh-and-blood Sacred Spirit invited Jiang Yifei to the stone table, ordered a cup of divine brew, and introduced himself, frankly stating that he was a Sacred Spirit from outside the domain, named Shi Zhongxuan.
With Jiang Yifei, Shi Zhongxuan, and Princess Yueling sitting together, it was impossible not to attract attention. Moreover, the area outside the Heavenly Palace was packed with people, making them the focus of all eyes.
"The Wind Clan Princess has also come out. I have long heard of her name. At thirteen, she could already create profound secret arts. Not long ago, she even deciphered the immortal scripture puzzle on her clan's stele. Truly an extraordinary woman."
Someone nearby murmured.
Princess Yueling stood up and invited Feng Huang over, also seating her at the stone table. Together, they discussed the Dao and ancient history.
In a short while, over a dozen people had taken their seats. Each one was outstanding, all top figures of their respective clans. Most were from outside the domain, belonging to different races.
"How about we invite a few more young Dao companions?" Shi Zhongxuan smiled. Although the divine blood within him was suppressed, those around him still felt a tremendous pressure, not daring to approach.
"Oh, the Golden Crow Clan's Prince Huai Zun has also come out. Why not invite him over as well?"
The Golden Crow Prince had a calm expression. When he saw someone waving him over, he used his Heavenly Eye to look. Naturally, he was startled, as none of them were mediocre. He strode over.
"The Golden Crow Clan inherits the great fortune of heaven and earth. They have flourished without decline since ancient times. Known as divine birds, they dwell in the sun, children of the Heavenly Emperor. Their legends are endless, inspiring longing." Someone sighed.
Legend had it that the Golden Crow Clan were descendants of the Heavenly Emperor, their bodies flowing with supreme precious blood. This was the root of their clan's immense power.
Many people turned their gazes, hoping Prince Huai Zun would clarify the truth.