Chapter 457: Approaching the Immortal Mountain
The cyan-gold circular disk, a hundred zhang in diameter, flowed with a cold metallic luster as it landed on the Sky-Gazing Platform, like an ancient ferocious beast lying dormant.
The crowd gathered around, but no one dared to make a move. The light emitted by this massive metal disk could annihilate space, and the casualties among the cultivators had been severe.
"Never have I seen such a massive celestial object. I'm afraid only a supreme sect leader-level figure could move it."
"It's a treasure, but we can only look and not collect it. How frustrating."
Many cultivators discussed among themselves, but none dared to act recklessly. The bloody lesson was right before their eyes, and no one was willing to risk their life.
"What is this thing? It fell from the star domain without burning to ashes. Could it be an ancient sage's weapon?" the big black dog asked suspiciously.
Ye Fan and Pang Bo exchanged secret words, discussing for a while, then simultaneously extended their divine senses toward the cyan-gold disk, trying to communicate with the beings inside through their spiritual thoughts.
In their view, this was likely a form of extraterrestrial civilization. If they could establish a good relationship with them, they might be able to cross the star domain and return to the other end of the starry sky.
"Pop!"
Unfortunately, their divine thoughts could not penetrate. The cyan-gold disk was wrapped in a soft radiance that blocked everything, isolating both of their spiritual senses.
It was a mysterious energy barrier that neither Dao power nor divine thought could penetrate, protecting what was inside. This made them frown.
"Hurry, spread the news! Whichever Sacred Lord arrives first will claim this treasure!"
"Quickly send word to the clan, let the clan leader come to collect this divine object!"
Many reacted swiftly, and the news spread in all directions, causing the ancient city of Sky-Gazing to boil over.
Suddenly, robes rustled as an aged figure appeared in the distant sky, drifting over. With crane-white hair and a childlike complexion, his wide sleeves fluttering, he looked like an immortal old sage from beyond the world.
"The great power of the Immortal Crane Clan has arrived!"
Many human cultivators felt a sense of foreboding. The Immortal Crane lineage of the demon clan resided in this city, and being so close to the source, they had the advantage. With a Saint Lord-rank figure appearing, how could others compete?
After the dark turmoil ended over a hundred thousand years ago, ten thousand demon clan giants had retreated to the central region of the Eastern Wasteland. The Immortal Crane Clan was among the most prominent. It was said that their ancient clan leader was a sage of old, looking down upon the Eastern Wasteland.
He had chosen one of the ten ancient cities as his residence, and no one objected or dared to challenge him. The Immortal Crane Clan could almost be considered the masters of this city.
"All of you, step back. Let this old man see what this thing really is." The great power of the Immortal Crane Clan had light sparkling in his eyes as he nodded repeatedly.
The cyan-gold disk seemed to possess intelligence, sensing the dangerous aura. The pure white light surrounding it blazed even brighter, forming a massive light barrier.
"A divine object from beyond the realm! Let this old man see what makes it special!" The old clan leader of the Immortal Crane lineage made his move. His great hand swept across the sky, covering the heavens, and reached directly for the disk.
"Clan leader, be careful! It can annihilate the void!" Many members of the Immortal Crane Clan were present and had witnessed the terrifying scene earlier, so they quickly warned him.
"Boom!"
The cyan-gold disk trembled, shooting out a dazzling beam of light that carved a massive rift in the void, stretching all the way to the horizon.
The old clan leader of the Immortal Crane Clan stood unmoving as the surrounding void collapsed around him. He was like a sacred spirit, untouched by decay, though his brows furrowed slightly.
"Hum!"
The cyan-gold disk shuddered, its emitted light growing even more intense. The void continuously annihilated as it desperately resisted the descending great hand.
Although the old clan leader of the Immortal Crane Clan possessed boundless magical power, he could not forcefully seize it in the face of such a terrifying sight. He used his shocking Dao power to seal the high sky. A massive immortal crane materialized, forming a brilliant canopy that pressed downward, attempting to trap the cyan-gold disk beneath it.
"Boom!"
The void shattered. The mysterious extraterrestrial divine object rushed into the high heavens, not sealed below. Sensing the crisis, it tried to flee into the sky.
"Where do you think you're going!"
The old clan leader of the Immortal Crane Clan let out a soft cry. A beam of light shot from his mouth, striking upward. With a "pop," it collided with the cyan-gold disk, causing it to shake violently and nearly fall. The light curtain on its surface dimmed slightly.
"Old friend, let me lend you a hand!" A long roar came from afar, moving at incredible speed, far exceeding the speed of sound countless times over.
This was a tall and imposing old man, his entire body blazing with golden light like burning flames as he tore through the sky. His long golden hair danced wildly, and his skin flowed with golden light. He was like a deity.
It was the famous Golden Wing Old Peng King, a renowned peerless expert of the demon clan. He was also a major figure of the demon clan in the central region, capable of dominating the world.
"Bang"
He reached out a great hand to grab the cyan-gold disk, trying to take it away, but was blocked by the old clan leader of the Immortal Crane Clan.
"Old Peng King, are you helping me or trying to claim it for yourself?"
"You and I are old brothers, what difference does it make? Let me take a look first, and I'll return it to you later!" Old Peng King laughed heartily, his body shining with golden light as if cast from gold.
"I'll show it to you later," the Immortal Crane clan leader shook his head.
"Boom!"
The cyan-gold disk emitted its most intense light, shattering the void and annihilating all tangible matter. Even Golden Wing Old Peng King was startled. His golden great hand failed to dodge in time and was struck directly.
"Pfft"
A flash of bright light, and dozens of drops of blood fell from the high sky. Golden Wing Old Peng King frowned. A small wound had appeared on his palm. He sighed softly, "I don't know how many years it's been since anyone last wounded me. Today, it managed to cut me."
Everyone was speechless. That was a force capable of annihilating space, yet it only left a small wound on his palm. It was hair-raising.
Just how powerful was this old Peng King? It was truly astonishing and deeply unsettling. This was the terrifying level of a Saint Lord-rank figure, capable of overlooking the vast earth.
Even Ye Fan and Pang Bo exchanged glances, their heads spinning. Supreme sect leader-level figures were truly unfathomable, sending chills down their spines.
Although the Peng Clan's physical body was terrifying, it was not absolutely indestructible. Old Peng King had just used his overwhelming magical power and the Dao to block that peerless strike.
"Two old friends, let me help you!" Another person arrived. He appeared to be a middle-aged man, imposing, with black hair like a waterfall, deep eyes, and a tall, straight figure. It was the Sacred Lord of the Wind Clan.
"Let this old man also see what this thing is." Another old man crossed the void, his hair white as snow, eyes like divine lightning, and spirit vigorous. Someone recognized him as the Sacred Lord of Wanchu, already over two thousand years old, nearing the end of his lifespan, with unfathomable strength.
Several major figures spoke without anger, their words light and casual, but when they acted, none gave way. All wanted to seize the cyan-gold disk, obstructing each other.
"Could this really be a divine object refined by an ancient sage?" Many were shocked. Otherwise, why would several Saint Lord-rank figures be so concerned?
Even Ye Fan and Pang Bo began to doubt. It didn't quite look like a flying saucer. Perhaps it really was a treasure. Even if extraterrestrial civilizations existed, how could they be so easily encountered?
The major figures fought, each unwilling to yield, clashing in the void.
"Swish"
Suddenly, the cyan-gold disk pierced through the void, creating a black hole. It dove in and quickly disappeared.
"A treasure that can cross the void on its own is rare in the world. Could it really be related to an ancient sage?!"
Many were shocked by this scene. Even if a Saint Lord-rank figure's weapon had given birth to its own "deity," it wouldn't be this intelligent. It was most likely a sage's treasure.
"Chase!"
Old Peng King was the first to charge into the black hole, following the ready-made domain gate without any intention of letting go. The other Sacred Lords and clan leaders did the same, vanishing in a flash as they pursued.
"Should we go take a look?" Tu Fei, the big mouth, was a bit restless.
"Let's go. It's most likely an ancient sage's treasure. Especially since it came from beyond the realm, it has extraordinary significance," Black Emperor said.
"Can you determine where it flew?" Pang Bo asked. The domain gate had already closed.
"Who am I? There's no Dao pattern for opening domain gates that can stump me. I can definitely determine its position and distance," the big black dog boasted shamelessly.
"The cute doggy is bragging," Little Nannan said innocently, sitting on its back.
Everyone laughed. Li Heishui said, "Not long ago, you were off by six million li. Even Little Nannan doesn't believe you anymore."
"I guarantee I'm right this time!" The big black dog quickly began carving Dao patterns.
At the same time, many domain gates opened within the ancient city of Sky-Gazing. Numerous experts proficient in array patterns had also determined the direction the cyan-gold disk had flown.
"Let's go!"
Ye Fan and the others crossed the void, vanishing in an instant.
When they emerged, they entered a vast wilderness. Endless primeval forests spread out, with ancient trees reaching the sky. It had likely been tens of thousands of years since anyone had been here.
In the distance, mountain ranges were broken, and rubble pierced the clouds. The battle among Saint Lord-rank figures created a terrifying scene. The cyan-gold disk also shot out endless divine light, sweeping through all tangible matter.
"This really doesn't look like a flying saucer. Its power is too great!" Pang Bo muttered. "If it is one, then that extraterrestrial civilization is incredibly advanced."
"If it really is a spaceship, I think the people inside would be even more terrified. Several Saint Lord-rank figures would be like undying demons in their eyes," Ye Fan laughed.
"What is a spaceship?" Little Nannan blinked her big eyes and asked.
"It's a divine object that only ancient sages could refine, a peerless treasure," Black Emperor interjected, making Ye Fan wipe his sweat nervously.
Many people appeared in this area, all following along, watching from a distance.
"Boom"
The cyan-gold disk pierced through the void again, disappearing from its spot. The major figures pursued relentlessly.
And so, after dozens of void crossings, with battles starting and stopping, the sky had long since brightened, and the red sun had risen. No one knew how far they had traveled.
In the central region of the Eastern Wasteland, many great sects had received the news. Ancient lineages of the demon clan dispatched their members, and experts from the Zi Mansion Holy Land and Dao Yi Holy Land also arrived.
"This isn't right. The aura here is too terrifying. Where have we come?" Black Emperor asked, uncertain.
After the last void crossing, everyone sensed something unusual. They all felt their hearts racing.
This was a primeval region, a boundless wilderness. Many ancient trees soared into the high sky, like small mountains, and countless ancient vines had buried entire mountain ranges beneath them.
It was so primeval. These vines and trees had grown for who knows how many years, long since having the potential to transform into heavenly demons, yet they remained in their original forms, not having gained sentience.
Occasionally, strange beasts could be seen, all unheard of and unseen before. Each was bizarre and terrifying, filled with a dangerous aura. They were all ancient beasts with sentience.
"Go around them. Those strange beasts are incredibly powerful beings, descendants of various barbaric beast kings from before the ancient era. Do not provoke them!" Black Emperor warned.
Among the demon clan, some beings were born overwhelmingly powerful and extremely proud. They chose never to transform into human form throughout their lives, unwilling to integrate into the human-dominated world.
Such terrifying beings always evolved in the form of beast kings, following a completely different path from the demon clan that chose transformation. They were devoid of human nature. Once angered, they would bring rivers of blood and mountains of corpses.
The several Sacred Lords were battling ahead, shattering some great mountains and provoking an incredibly powerful barbaric beast king. It was a dragon horse, massive as a mountain peak, with a dragon's head, a horse's body, and qilin hooves. Its entire body was as red as blood, like blazing flames.
It raised its head and roared, not inferior to any Sacred Lord. Charging into the fray, it shattered a great mountain with its roar alone.
"What is this place?" Many had crossed the void and followed here, all showing puzzled expressions.
When everyone had pursued the cyan-gold disk and the several Sacred Lords for over a hundred li, the dangerous aura grew even stronger, making people feel cold and their hair stand on end.
Even the Sacred Lords in battle became uncertain. The ancient barbaric beast king stopped roaring. Though still in the midst of battle, it had quieted down.
"Ahead is..." Ye Fan's heart jumped.
"A black mountain range. It looks very unusual," Pang Bo said, also uncertain.
"We've actually come here..." The big black dog couldn't help but wipe its cold sweat. "Good thing there was no deviation this time. If we had fallen into that mountain range, none of us would have survived."
With every step forward, the terrifying aura intensified, unsettling the mind, as if slowly approaching an incomparably fearsome existence.
The mountain range was majestic and imposing, standing tall as if it had been here since the beginning of the world. Every peak was a king of mountains, an emperor of peaks, grand and magnificent.
They were covered in lush greenery, filled with ancient trees reaching the sky, appearing full of life. Some lakes dotted the mountains, but they could not hide the mountains' true color — black.
"What exactly is this place?" Tu Fei asked, his heart racing.
"The Immortal Mountain," Black Emperor said gravely.
"What? We've come to the outskirts of the Immortal Mountain? We're actually here!" Li Heishui was greatly shocked.
Everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the big black dog. Fortunately, it had been reliable this time, not deviating too far. Otherwise, they would have been dead.
"Don't look at me like that. Who do you think I am? How could I possibly get myself killed!" The big black dog muttered guiltily.
The several Saint Lord-rank figures were battling outside the Immortal Mountain, all extremely cautious. Their overwhelming magical power was suppressed, and they dared not act too recklessly, fearing that some world-dominating existence might emerge from within.
There were too many terrifying legends about the Immortal Mountain. Beings that had emerged from it had once brought calamity to the land, causing rivers of human blood and mountains of bones, creating the darkest ages.
If not for the Great Accomplishment Saint Body and the ancient Great Emperors appearing in succession, using the power of two lifetimes to suppress everything, the history of the Eastern Wasteland human race might have been rewritten.
Approaching the black Immortal Mountain, those kings of mountains and emperors of peaks stood tall and majestic. The terrifying aura made everyone's heart tremble, filling each person with dread.
Ye Fan wanted to put Little Nannan into the Jade Purification Vase, afraid she might be frightened, but he unexpectedly found her unharmed. She was the only one unaffected. Her little face was rosy as she sat on Black Emperor's back, blinking her big eyes, curiously gazing into the mountains.
"Don't worry about her. Even if Little Sweetie went into the Immortal Mountain to pick Enlightenment Tea leaves, it would be no problem," the big black dog muttered.
"What are you saying!" Ye Fan scolded.
"I'm not joking. In this age, she's probably the only one who can safely enter the Immortal Mountain," the big black dog said.
"Boom"
Suddenly, the cyan-gold disk flashed with light and charged into the Immortal Mountain.