In an instant, Yuan Qingzi and the other elders’ expressions shifted dramatically.
BOOM!
Above the Faceless stone sculpture of the Supreme Profound Sect Ancestor, endless, arcane profound truths surged forth, coalescing into a river of stars that poured directly into Nangong Baixue. In that moment, myriad phenomena manifested: ancient palaces rose, the grand Heaven and Earth Momentum of mountains and rivers took form, and the terrifying terrains of the Southern Wilds’ prefectures appeared.
Nanchenzi watched, a flicker of shock in his eyes, which burned with two twin flames. “This is the Dao Rhyme left by our Ancestor, a true Dao Pattern Enlightenment!”
The aura of the Supreme Scripture surged around Nangong Baixue, and her entire being became saturated with Sword Intent! This was because the Supreme Profound Sect Ancestor herself had been a peerless Sword Cultivator!
Sword Spirit Realm!
Sword King Realm!
Sword Venerate Realm!
…
Sword Dao Saint King!
Nangong Baixue’s cultivation soared, directly stepping into the Sword Dao Saint King realm!
The numerous Old Ancestors were overjoyed. “Baixue has succeeded! She has obtained the Ancestor’s Ultimate Inheritance!”
At the same time, another profound and mysterious aura began to emanate from Nangong Baixue’s body.
Nanchenzi’s excitement was palpable, his voice trembling. “This… this is the aura of the Tai Shang Forgetful Heaven Art cultivated by our Ancestor!”
The Tai Shang Forgetful Heaven Art! This was the very cultivation technique that the Supreme Profound Sect Ancestor, Liu Ruyan, had used to Attain Supreme Realm. It was derived from the Supreme Scripture and involved reversing the seven emotions and six desires, Severing Emotions, to transcend humanity in a single step and reach the Supreme Realm!
In the Supreme Profound Sect Ancestor’s view, all things in the world could serve as a foundation, a stepping stone to rise above them—this was the essence of the ‘Dao of Tai Shang.’ And Severing Emotions was no different.
All the Old Ancestors’ gazes burned with an intensity that betrayed their barely contained excitement. Could all of this be mere coincidence? The Ancestor, too, had possessed a Primordial Yin Body! And Nangong Baixue also possessed a Primordial Yin Body! Ultimately, Nangong Baixue had successfully obtained the Ancestor’s Ultimate Inheritance.
Not long after, the aura around Nangong Baixue gradually calmed, and the myriad phenomena slowly dissipated. Her body shone with brilliant divine radiance, and her cultivation had directly broken through to the Quasi-Emperor Realm. Her eyelids trembled slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes.
Shhh! Her gaze was like ten-thousand-year-old ice, sending a shiver down the spines of the Old Ancestors.
They were all stunned. Had the Ancestor truly manifested?
The next instant, something terrifying occurred! On the Ancestor’s stone sculpture before Nangong Baixue, heaven-reaching Dao patterns surged, continuously carving themselves onto the Ancestor’s Faceless visage. Incredibly, the features that emerged were precisely Nangong Baixue’s own.
Numerous Old Ancestors instantly tore through space, arriving at the inheritance grounds.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Over a dozen Old Ancestors descended, immediately kneeling before the stone sculpture. Thump! Thump! They fell like a surging tide! The Ancestor’s face had been revealed, and it was identical to Nangong Baixue’s. Could this truly be a coincidence?
At this moment, Nangong Baixue slowly rose. Her gaze was utterly devoid of emotion, as cold as if she had lost all feeling. She spoke softly, “In the depths of destiny, all is predetermined. Only now do I truly understand. Deep within my heart, I still cannot let go of Ye Chen. My desire to kill him stems from love turned to hatred.”
The Old Ancestors exchanged bewildered glances. What was Nangong Baixue planning? Was she going to reconcile with Ye Chen?
Nangong Baixue’s voice, like falling snow, continued, “The past of the Ye clan and Ye Chen, all of it was merely preparation for the Tai Shang Forgetful Heaven Art. I still love Ye Chen, but one day, I will Sever Emotions and Attain Dao!”
Upon hearing this, a sharp gleam flashed in the eyes of the Old Ancestors. Could this be the Ancestor’s grand layout from back then? Severing Emotions!
Nangong Baixue looked at the Ancestor’s stone sculpture, her voice chilling. “Today, I truly know myself! The Bronze Ancient Palace is about to open, but I will not enter. All Old Ancestors, dispatch your people to the Bronze Ancient Palace, kill Ye Chen, and bring back his corpse.”
The Old Ancestors were slightly stunned. Nangong Baixue’s transformation was too profound.
Nanchenzi couldn’t help but ask, “Who exactly are you now?”
Nangong Baixue slowly replied, “I am Nangong Baixue, and I also carry a trace of Liu Ruyan’s will. When Liu Ruyan broke the boundary back then, she left behind certain layouts, and I am one of them.”
The elders shuddered. Indeed, the Supreme Profound Sect Ancestor had left behind a sacred decree back then, warning them to be wary of the Grand Dao Sect in this epoch, and she had also left behind certain means.
After a moment, Nangong Baixue said, “Bring Qin Wang.”
Nanchenzi paused, musing internally, “It seems a part of her is still Nangong Baixue.”
Not long after, Qin Wang was brought forward. He looked at the current Nangong Baixue, shivering with fear. It was a bone-deep coldness.
Nangong Baixue waved her jade hand, and the Ancestor’s stone sculpture radiated divine splendor, revealing a glowing entrance. She led Qin Wang into it.
A moment later, faint moans could be heard from within. “Uh-huh…” “Mmm…”
Witnessing this, the Old Ancestors exchanged glances. After a moment of silence, Nanchenzi waved his hand. “Let’s not concern ourselves with Baixue for now. She has already obtained the Ancestor’s Ultimate Inheritance; let her be. The Primordial Yin Body, due to its unique nature, can sometimes be beyond one’s own control.”
The Old Ancestors remained speechless.
Nanchenzi quickly transmitted a message to the Sect Master, “Gather all peaks! Prepare to depart for Fuzhou!”
…
At the Yao Family’s Sin Valley.
Yao Liuli, clad in a long, flowing dress, possessed an incomparably beautiful figure and exquisite face, exuding an alluring, subtle fragrance. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed into the depths of the void, her mind filled with Ye Chen’s image.
Ever since Elder Baili had informed her that the Yao Family might abandon her, her thoughts no longer dwelled on the Saint Daughter position. Now, all she wished for daily was for her punishment to end, to leave Sin Valley, and to reunite with Ye Chen. This longing grew with each passing day. As the identity of the Yao Family’s Saint Daughter faded, she was left only with her identity as Ye Chen’s mother. Having spent over a decade in Sin Valley, the ambitious drive of a prodigy within her had largely been worn away.
Just then, Yao Baili once again stepped into Sin Valley, his face etched with worry, sighing repeatedly. “Liuli, the Old Ancestor intends to abandon you. For this Great Emperor Dao Pattern Baptism, the Old Ancestor still hasn’t relented. The Saint Son has already Attained Emperor! After the Bronze Ancient Palace expedition concludes, he will entrust the family’s future to the Saint Son, appointing him as Patriarch. Our Saint Daughter lineage is destined to decline.”
Upon hearing this, Yao Liuli showed no surprise on her face; instead, a relieved smile bloomed. “I understand. Chen’er has grown up now, and I have no regrets.”
Yao Baili sighed. “After the Bronze Ancient Palace expedition, I will secretly contact Chen’er and see if the Grand Dao Sect Ancestors and the White Robe Great Emperor can intercede on your behalf, so you, Chen’er, and Ye Changfeng can reunite.”
Yao Liuli’s eyes gleamed with divine radiance. “Good. Let’s observe for a while. The White Robe Great Emperor has angered many powerful enemies, and the Grand Dao Sect is surrounded by foes. Old Ancestor Yao Quan also subtly holds a prejudiced attitude towards the Grand Dao Sect. If this matter is exposed, it might push the Yao Family into direct opposition with the Grand Dao Sect.”
Yao Baili pondered for a moment, then said, “Liuli, you make a valid point. I understand Old Ancestor Yao Quan’s sentiments. Ever since the last Grand Dao Sect Pill Refining Exchange Conference, Old Ancestor Yao Quan has harbored some resentment towards the Grand Dao Sect. It’s all because Chen’er was too outstanding, securing first place and completely overshadowing the prodigies of both the Yao Family and the Pill Fragrance Sect.”
Yao Liuli smiled sweetly, a maternal aura flowing around her, as if Ye Chen stood right before her. With a doting smile, she said, “Chen’er, with his dual cultivation of alchemy and martial arts, is destined to stand at the absolute pinnacle of the Southern Wilds.”
Yao Baili chuckled. “I will find an opportunity to discuss this. For now, let’s wait for the White Robe Great Emperor and the Grand Dao Sect to overcome this tribulation. I wonder if the White Robe Great Emperor and Chen’er will even enter the Bronze Ancient Palace.”
…
At the Grand Dao Sect.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Tianyuan Old Ancestor and a multitude of other Great Emperor Ancestors emerged from their hidden retreats, standing majestically in the void. With a flick of their sleeves, they transmitted messages across all the peaks, ordering the elders and disciples to assemble, preparing to depart for Fuzhou!
There were no less than five Nine-star Great Emperors! And over twenty High-star Great Emperors!
Many elders and disciples were utterly astonished. The sect had been hiding its true depth for far too long; only with the descent of the Bronze Ancient Palace did the Grand Dao Sect’s true foundation finally reveal itself. It was terrifying!
In a flash, Tianyuan Old Ancestor led the numerous Old Ancestors to Azure Mystery Peak.
Several Old Ancestors from the “Heaven” Lineage laughed heartily. “Fellow Daoist White Robe, we have come to pay our respects.”