Seeing that the two were at their wits' end, Cloud Hidden Immortal chatted with them for a while before bidding them farewell and heading off to inquire with other friends.
...
Phoenix Immortal Palace, the residence of Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng, stood majestically above the Nine Heavens, enveloped in clouds and mist, radiating countless rays of light, as if it were the most dazzling pearl in the world, drawing the gaze of countless Immortal Spirits.
On either side of the palace gate stood a pair of Phoenix statues, wings poised as if to take flight.
Carved from jade, they were lifelike, with what appeared to be flames flickering in their eyes, exuding a heart-pounding majesty and sacredness.
At dawn or dusk, these two Phoenix statues would emit a long, melodious Phoenix cry that resounded through the Nine Heavens, proclaiming the supreme majesty of Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor.
Stepping through the palace gate, a path paved with seven-colored auspicious clouds stretched into the depths of the palace.
Both sides were filled with exotic flowers and plants, shimmering with luminescence and exuding a delightful fragrance, invigorating the mind and spirit.
The palace walls were inlaid with countless precious gems, glittering brightly, making the entire palace even more magnificent and grand.
The main body of the palace was constructed from six-tier spiritual ore—Azure Spirit Rock—appearing both austere and solemn, with intricate and beautiful patterns carved upon it.
These carvings depicted the majestic figure of phoenixes soaring through the Nine Heavens, as well as the auspicious and harmonious coexistence of Dragons and Phoenixes.
Atop the palace, a Phoenix statue crafted from Grand Profound Gold stood proudly, its wings spread wide, showcasing the imperial palace's nobility.
In the center of the grand hall, a throne carved from millennium jade marrow was placed, inlaid with eighty-one spiritual beads that contained endless spiritual power, enveloping the entire hall in an aura of peace and immense power.
Upon the throne sat Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng, clad in a five-colored feathered robe and wearing a Nine Phoenix Crown.
Her beauty was peerless, and her aura was extraordinary, with a pair of Wisdom Eyes that seemed capable of discerning all things in the world, carrying a hint of coldness amidst her majesty.
Beneath the majestic grand hall, two neat rows of more than a dozen Protectors and Immortal Officials stood.
They wore splendid immortal robes, held various Immortal Artifacts, and their expressions were solemn.
“Reporting to the Emperor, it has been confirmed that there is indeed a Cultivator in the Spirit Realm named Li Mu, who Cultivates the Chaotic Great Dao.
This person possesses extraordinary Aptitude, reaching Nascent Soul in a hundred Years, Soul Transformation in two hundred Years, Void Refining in three hundred Years, and entering the Combined Body Realm in seven hundred Years.
He is truly a talent that shakes the world.
Not only is this person highly cultivated, but he is also proficient in Artifact Refining and Formation arts, capable of refining Dao Artifact-level Magic Treasures and setting up seven-tier grand Formations.
He is truly overflowing with talent and should not be underestimated,” a Protector stepped forward and respectfully reported to Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor.
“In addition to this, this person also seems to be proficient in alchemy, beast taming, and puppet crafting; he is truly an all-rounder among all-rounders.
According to our investigation, he has saved the day multiple times in the Spirit Realm, thwarting the plans of the Eternal Demon God.”
“This person is quite diligent in cultivating various high-level spiritual plants, having opened spiritual fields in seven sub-Formations of the Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation to plant a large number of high-level spiritual plants, presumably to aid his cultivation of the Chaotic Great Dao.”
“This person holds the esteemed position of Grand Elder in the Innate Sword Sect, and due to his Artifact Refining and Formation-setting skills, he is highly respected by various sects and Cultivation Families in the Spirit Realm….”
“…Moreover, according to our latest intelligence, Li Mu seems to be greatly connected to the sudden restoration of the Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation to its Peak state.
This person Cultivates the Chaotic Great Dao and, having gained control over the Chaos Dao Law, somehow possesses the ability to restart or strengthen the Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation.”
The Protector spoke voluminously, and as he reached this point, his voice trembled slightly, clearly feeling both awe and concern for Li Mu's abilities.
Hearing this, a peculiar light flashed in Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng's eyes, and her gaze, deep and profound, looked out beyond the grand hall, as if it could penetrate layers of clouds and mist, falling into deep thought.
“Chaos Power… that is a supreme power that even this Emperor has not fully mastered.
Li Mu, who exactly are you, to be able to touch upon such forbidden power?” Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng murmured to herself, with a hint of confusion and astonishment.
A talented Combined Body Realm Cultivator who had succeeded in cultivating the Chaotic Great Dao had appeared among the Human Race Cultivators in the Spirit Realm.
If he were to step into the Mahayana Realm, the Human Race would undoubtedly rise again, overpowering all other races.
Therefore, if this Human Race Cultivator who cultivated the Chaotic Great Dao were allowed to continue growing, it would not only cause a huge impact on the current balance of power in the Three Realms but also potentially trigger a new round of inter-realm wars, bringing back the situation from ancient times where Human Race Cultivators flourished and the True Spirit races were suppressed.
She had to take action to prevent it from happening.
Just as Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng was lost in thought, planning her next moves, a Fairy in colorful clothes and a flower wreath, Fairy Cailing, Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor's personal Immortal Official, and one of the few experts in intelligence and investigation in the Immortal Domain, suddenly stepped forward in the grand hall.
“Reporting to the Emperor, Cailing has discovered a slight anomaly.
Cloud Hidden Immortal of the Human Immortal Palace has been acting unusually recently, frequently visiting old friends among the Immortal Guards in this domain, seemingly secretly inquiring about news concerning descending to the Spirit Realm and the Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation,” Fairy Cailing reported to Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor in a clear voice, bowing.
Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng frowned slightly, her gaze returning from her deep contemplation to focus on Fairy Cailing.
“Cloud Hidden Immortal? Why is he suddenly interested in the Spirit Realm and the Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation?” Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng immediately understood and realized something.
“This subordinate does not know, but recently, you instructed us to secretly inquire about matters in the Spirit Realm, so I took note of Cloud Hidden Immortal's unusual behavior!” Fairy Cailing quickly explained and reported.
Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng was silent for a moment, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes, as if she was weighing the deeper meaning of Cloud Hidden Immortal's actions, and immediately had a guess.
The Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation had returned to its Peak state, presumably because the Eternal Demon God in the Demon Abyss was anxious, which led to Cloud Hidden Immortal's unusual actions, attempting to find a Breakthrough from within the Immortal Domain.
“Hmm! It's nothing.
You may leave now, and while you're at it, summon Cloud Hidden Immortal!” Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng began to think seriously, a dangerous smile appearing on her face as she commanded.
“As per your imperial decree!”
All the Immortal Officials and Protectors responded in unison and withdrew from the grand hall.
A moment later, Cloud Hidden Immortal, led by Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor's Immortal Attendant, stepped into the magnificent grand hall.
His steps were somewhat hesitant, yet he forcefully maintained his composure, feeling terrible.
It must be that his recent excessive activity had aroused Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng's suspicion, and his identity as a Demon Abyss mole was about to be exposed.
Cloud Hidden Immortal's mind raced like drumbeats, calculating countermeasures, but on his face, he tried his best to maintain calmness and composure.
He slowly walked into the grand hall, his gaze respectfully falling on Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor, and bowed: “Greetings, Emperor.
May I ask why the Emperor has summoned me?”
Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor smiled faintly, a smile that seemed to conceal sharp blades, sending a chill down one's spine.
She said in a deep voice: “Cloud Hidden Immortal, your whereabouts have been quite mysterious recently, and you have frequently visited old friends in various realms, seemingly inquiring about something.
This Emperor is very curious, what secret are you truly seeking?”
Cloud Hidden Immortal's heart tightened, but his face remained calm.
He lowered his head slightly, his tone carrying a hint of sincerity: “Emperor, please understand, Cloud Hidden has indeed been seeking some information recently, hoping to descend to the Spirit Realm.
I have a Legacy item left behind in the Spirit Realm; this item is crucial to my Cloud Family and concerns my Family's Legacy.”
Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng's gaze was like a torch, as if it could pierce through all lies.
She smiled softly, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness: “Oh? A Legacy item concerning your Cloud Family?
That sounds quite important.
However, Cloud Hidden Immortal, do you know that this Emperor has always had a low tolerance for lies?”
Cloud Hidden Immortal's heart sank, but he still feigned composure, respectfully answering: “Emperor, please understand, every word Cloud Hidden speaks is true.
That Legacy item is indeed of extraordinary significance to my Cloud Family, and Cloud Hidden would not dare to deceive you in the slightest.”
Celestial Phoenix Immortal Emperor's eyes remained as sharp as blades, and she questioned in a deep voice: “Since that is the case, this Emperor would like to hear, what exactly is this Legacy item?
Why was it left in the Spirit Realm?
And why must you personally descend to find it?”
Cloud Hidden Immortal's face changed drastically, and just as he was about to articulate the plausible excuse he had fabricated, he met Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng's icy gaze and instantly found himself unable to utter a single word.
“I, I, ….”
“Emperor, spare my life!”
“Cloud Hidden is guilty and dares not deceive the Emperor any further.
In truth, I was also forced to….”
Cloud Hidden Immortal's voice trembled, and in the end, he failed to weave a complete lie.
He knelt deeply on the ground, his forehead pressed against the cold floor, his voice filled with a hint of despair and pleading.
“Enough!” Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng roughly interrupted Cloud Hidden Immortal's trembling.
She slowly rose, her golden robe shimmering with a faint glow in the grand hall.
Her footsteps seemed to tread on Cloud Hidden Immortal's heartstrings, making him feel an unprecedented pressure.
“How did you contact the Eternal Demon God? I'll talk to him.” Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng stared at Cloud Hidden Immortal, giving a swift and decisive order.
“Uh! Good! Good! I’ll contact him right away!” Cloud Hidden Immortal was stunned for a moment, then reacted, nodding quickly as if granted a great pardon.
Cloud Hidden Immortal, with trembling hands, took out the Soul Communication Mirror, which glowed faintly, from his embrace.
His heart was a mix of emotions, fear of the wrath of the Eternal Demon God he was about to face, and worry about the unknown punishment Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng might inflict.
However, at this moment, he had no other choice but to obey Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng's command.
Cloud Hidden Immortal took a deep breath, composed himself, and softly chanted an ancient incantation, injecting magical power into the Soul Communication Mirror.
The mirror surface rippled with Formation patterns, and a mysterious power surged within it.
Moments later, the Eternal Demon God's imposing demonic body appeared on the mirror's surface.
“Cloud Hidden Immortal, you actually contacted me? Is the matter settled!” As soon as the Soul Mirror connected, the Eternal Demon God immediately transmitted his thoughts, pressing for an answer.
Cloud Hidden Immortal's face was pale, not daring to look directly into the Eternal Demon God's eyes.
He could only lower his head and say in a trembling voice: “My Lord Demon God, please calm your anger.
This subordinate was incompetent; the Emperor has discovered my true identity, and she wishes to speak with you directly.”
“Discovered, huh? Well done.
Give her the Soul Mirror!”
The Eternal Demon God didn't care about Cloud Hidden Immortal's life at all.
He was momentarily speechless, then directly ordered.
Cloud Hidden Immortal saw that the Eternal Demon God didn't care about his life or death in the slightest, and a wave of sorrow washed over him.
However, he dared not disobey the command, so he trembled as he slowly handed the Soul Communication Mirror to Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng.
Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng took the mirror, her gaze like a torch, looking directly at the Eternal Demon God's stern face in the mirror.
“Old fellow, has that Human Race Cultivator been confirmed?
How have you considered what I told you last time?” As soon as the Soul Communication Mirror changed hands, the Eternal Demon God immediately asked impatiently.
“Eternal Demon God, this Emperor has long seen through your ambition.
You wish for me to help you break the Sealing Boundary Grand Formation and invade the Spirit Realm.
Your calculations are simply too cunning,” Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng's voice echoed in the vast grand hall, carrying an undeniable majesty.
The Eternal Demon God sneered in the mirror, directly stating: “Tianfeng, stop playing games.
If we are to cooperate, show the proper attitude.
The potential of a Chaotic Great Dao Cultivator is limitless.
If you and I do not join forces to suppress him, once he advances to the Mahayana Realm, the Human Race will inevitably rise because of him, and once the Human Race rises, the situation from ancient times where the Human Race overpowered all other races will surely happen again.”
Hearing the Eternal Demon God mention the past when the Human Race overpowered all other races in ancient times, Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng's expression could not help but become solemn.
That period of history, for her, was both glory and pain.
She slowly closed her eyes, as if traversing through time and space, returning to that magnificent era.
In ancient times, the Human Race was born in the Spirit Realm, insignificant due to their weakness.
However, they possessed a resilience and wisdom that other races could hardly match.
Through countless Years, Human Race Cultivators gradually discovered the Dao of Cultivation, from the earliest Qi Refiners to later Cultivators, and then to powerful beings capable of mastering the Laws of Heaven and Earth; the Human Race rose step by step.”
At that time, countless astonishingly brilliant individuals emerged among Human Race Cultivators.
They possessed extraordinary Aptitude, as well as exceptional wisdom and creativity.
They created countless miraculous Cultivation Techniques and Magic Treasures, and even managed to refine Divine Artifacts that could connect with Heaven and Earth and reverse the universe.
Under the leadership of those Human Race Great Powers, the Human Race began to challenge the authority of other races and gradually became the Dominator of the Three Realms: the Spirit Realm, the Demon Abyss, and the Immortal Spirit Realm.
The powerful rise of the Human Race Cultivators naturally caused panic and dissatisfaction among other races.
The True Spirit races, the Yao Race, the Demon Race, and others all united, attempting to suppress the Human Race, thus igniting the Three Realms War.
Many ethnic groups suffered heavy losses in this Three Realms War, which lasted for thousands of Years, and many more were directly annihilated in the long river of time.
The Human Race's powerful rise suppressed the various races to the point where they could barely breathe, forcing them to hide far away and conceal themselves.
The Three Realms revered the Human Race until the Human Race itself divided.
After defeating external enemies, the once tightly united Human Race Cultivator group, due to disagreements over power, resources, and Cultivation philosophies, gradually fragmented into dozens, even hundreds or thousands of factions, fighting each other and seizing territory.
Former allies became enemies, and former brothers met on the battlefield.
This internal strife not only caused countless casualties among Human Race Cultivators but also added to the already exhausted Human Race's woes, which were already weary from the Three Realms War.
Seeing this, other races began to stir, those who had been suppressed by the Human Race in the past saw hope for revenge, and those who had remained neutral also began to seek opportunities amidst the Human Race's internal strife.
The Human Race was besieged by a coalition of various races, almost falling into an irreversible predicament.
Those races who had once feared and retreated during the Human Race's glorious period now acted like wolves and tigers, launching fierce attacks on the Human Race.
It wasn't until seven Great Vehicle Dao Lords of the Human Race, also known as the seven Human Emperors, stepped forward.
Each of them mastered a Law of Heaven and Earth, their strength unfathomable.
They spared no immense cost, sacrificing themselves, and jointly set up the Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation, completely isolating the Spirit Realm, the Demon Abyss, and the Immortal Spirit Realm, thereby saving the Human Race in the Spirit Realm from danger in one fell swoop.
The Chaotic Boundary Sealing Formation isolated the Three Realms, causing the Human Race to lose communication and contact with the outside world, but it also provided the Human Race with a relatively closed and safe environment for development.
Now, among the Human Race Cultivators in the Spirit Realm, a Cultivator of the Chaotic Great Dao has appeared, and he has already reached the Combined Body Realm.
If he is allowed to advance to the Great Vehicle Dao Realm, then the Human Race will inevitably rise again because of him, and once again lead the Human Race to overpower all other races.
Thinking of this terrifying consequence, Immortal Emperor-Tianfeng immediately lost her composure.
(End of chapter)
