NOVEL NEXT Chapter 743
Dark Heaven Village
“That’s stranger than I expected.”
The Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu had a bizarre expression on his face, almost as if he had lost his mind. I anticipated he would question me with, ‘What do you believe in to say this?’ but unexpectedly, he steered the conversation in a different direction.
[You know the consequences if the Seven Luminaries are released, right?]
To be honest, I didn’t. Nüwa was dreading the situation, but it was no exaggeration to say that only those existing above the clouds truly understood what would happen if the Seven Luminaries were freed. However, I knew that if I appeared weak in this setting, my opponent would immediately seize the upper hand, so I replied calmly, “I know enough. You must realize my resolution is sincere.”
[Hmm…]
At that moment.
Thundering rumble!
Dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky above the platform where the ceremony was being held. At the same time, a thunderstorm swept through the area, and in an instant, darkness engulfed everything around. The Celestial Sage, witnessing this, shouted at me.
“Hey!! A colossal gate is opening in the Celestial Realm!!”
“……”
“She is coming personally…”
I could understand the implication.
Because behind that shining mass of light in the dark sky, I could see vague shadowy figures. They numbered not just a few but nearly hundreds, and I realized they were indeed the Queen Mother of the West and the countless Great Immortals accompanying her. I could also glimpse reflections of the Crown Prince and the Second Truth Lord, leading me to infer that the Overlay Technique was in full effect as well.
I glanced at the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu and asked, “Did you summon the Queen Mother?”
He smirked. “How could it be? It seems her body is burning with urgency.”
“Send her back to the Celestial Realm.”
[As I mentioned, I have neither the reason nor the ability to do that. How could I stop the Queen Mother from confronting you at her cost?]
His tone suggested he was trying to flip my insides upside down, but I chose not to respond and quietly surveyed my companions. Especially when I glanced at the Heavenly Mysterious Woman and the Celestial Sage, they seemed to understand my intent. The Celestial Sage spoke irritably.
“Come on! This situation is too extreme!”
“There’s no alternative anyway.”
The Queen Mother clearly intended to bring the Great Immortals from the Celestial Realm to eliminate us and seize the Seven Luminaries. Though there wouldn’t be sufficient cause-and-effect backing her up, from her perspective, it was worth the risk to obtain the Five Luminaries. If it continued like this, we would, yet again, be on the brink of a war against the entire Celestial Realm.
Considering the Great Immortals, and with that kind of momentum, the Queen Mother wouldn’t hesitate to leverage Nüwa’s power in battle. There was no way for us to triumph over the powers of the Three Sovereigns and Nüwa.
“I understand.”
With a swift motion, the Celestial Sage tossed the Golden Eagle Guard he held to the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, and I also handed her the Flame Elemental Sword. She then slowly started to activate the Corpse Dissolution Technique, reciting incantations.
Whoooo!
As she was focused on the release of the Seven Luminaries, her body quickly became enveloped in light. The Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu, who was gazing at this scene, spoke in surprise.
[… Is this for real?]
“I don’t know why you interpret my words as threats. This is the end game; let’s settle this.”
If I lost here, there would be no chance of winning again, regardless of life or death. I needed to showcase our resolve. Having undergone countless trials before, that peculiar sense compelled me towards this choice. If I released all the power of the Flame Elemental Sword, at the very least, I wouldn’t lose easily.
Seeing I was unwavering, the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu spoke again.
[That choice leads to everyone’s ruin, you know? There won’t be a final victor; destruction awaits for everyone, including Changhil, the Queen Mother, and you… the Three Sovereigns.]
“Who cares?”
[Heh… Hehehee!]
The Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu’s expression twisted oddly, and he seemed to find satisfaction in it.
[Interesting… I’ve considered countless scenarios, and this is the one I like most!]
*Snap!*
[Chaos, arise!]
At the moment he clapped his fingers together, suddenly dark clouds of chaos surged forth, swallowing the light from the sky and halting the thunderstorm. The dimensional gate of the Celestial Realm, which had been opening, unexpectedly began to reverse time, and the Great Immortals floundered in confusion, unable to halt the change. Though they initiated powerful techniques, the chaotic domain, spreading like clouds, disregarded it all.
Chaos devours time.
How could one, calling themselves an Immortal, wield chaos so freely!
The Queen Mother, leading the charge, unleashed an angry roar.
[Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu… What are you doing!! Stop this!]
The Heavenly Ruler, looking up at the sky, smiled brightly.
[I am quite disappointed. To think someone would spoil such an exciting game in such a dull manner; that’s a third-rate maneuver. You made it inevitable for me to intervene.]
[Are you betraying me?]
[That’s impossible. Just cool your head.]
Swoosssh—
The dimensional gate that had opened in the Celestial Realm vanished in a ridiculous simplicity. Having driven off the Queen Mother’s interference, the Heavenly Ruler turned his gaze towards me and said.
[Let’s have a serious talk. Stop the release of the Seven Luminaries for now.]
“Understood.”
I nodded in agreement, feeling the strange authority and pressure emanating from him.
‘As expected…’
I realized the Heavenly Ruler was beginning to reveal his true nature. Up until now, I had tried not to provoke him, so he had been playing along. But now, he seemed ready to peel back a layer of his defenses. I felt slightly breathless in response to the glimpse of his true nature.
The capability to directly reject the will of the Three Sovereigns and Nüwa.
What on earth is this guy’s real identity?
When the Heavenly Mysterious Woman ceased the release of the Seven Luminaries and returned the Flame Elemental Sword and the Golden Eagle Guard, the Heavenly Ruler spoke.
[There were four conditions. Attack Changhil, restore the Zhuge Clan, weaken the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, and stop my interference in the world.]
“That’s correct.”
[As I said, it’s impossible with water and soil. You must know that yourself; why make an excessive demand?]
I spoke confidently. “Because I felt you might just grant it.”
[Why?]
“Because you simply want to watch something interesting!”
[……]
The Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu smiled strangely.
I noticed his interest and continued speaking. “If you want fun, then fulfill my request. I will show you more than you expect.”
[Are you suggesting showing me something beyond my wisdom? That would be the toughest task in this universe…!]
“But even you couldn’t predict my actions, right?”
[Hehehe… That’s not important…]
Chuckling, the Heavenly Ruler remarked, [If I refuse your four requests… you and your companions will have no choice but to release the Seven Luminaries, and that scenario will undoubtedly lead to your ruin.]
“Indeed.”
[Fun… fun… Hmm.]
The Heavenly Ruler paused to think and then spoke.
[Normally, your requests wouldn’t even get a second thought. I’m an observer and investor… I don’t like to overturn everything with brute force. Whether you know my true identity is uncertain, but in any case, I prefer to observe.]
“Why? It seems you possess powers comparable to the Three Sovereigns.”
[Until the end, this world is my playground. And for a creator, the utmost happiness appears when one’s existence is erased…]
As the Heavenly Ruler muttered bizarrely, he continued.
[But… upon closer inspection, it seems one has committed a foul. Due to that foul, I’ll make a special exception and grant your request. Absurd ambition… Heh.]
“Who committed a foul?”
[Find out for yourself. That too is part of the fun.]
“……”
[Definitely not fun as it stands. We can choose not to act, but those who think themselves clever often end up quite foolish.]
“So, what are you thinking?”
The Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu smiled softly and brought his fingers together again.
*Snap!*
At that moment, radiant light burst forth from the distant sky. That light was the Great Army of the Celestial Realm, and it began its march towards Luoyang.
I also felt that the Zhuge Clan, who had been in a trance, had expelled the magical power and regained consciousness.
[Of the four requests, three have been met. The Celestial Realm is attacking Luoyang, and I have revived the Zhuge Clan, while placing restrictions on the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother to prevent them from acting recklessly.]
“Is it for real?”
[It’s real. Now that I’ve done my part, it should be over.]
I looked at the Heavenly Ruler with a suspicious gaze. It was hard to believe he had placed restrictions on the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, and I could not guarantee that this suspicious fellow wouldn’t intervene again. So, I said to him.
“Promise me by name that you won’t intervene again.”
[You want me to pledge my existence?]
The Heavenly Ruler looked incredulous and then wore a cunning smile.
[That’s not possible…]
“Why not?”
[I am sealed, so I cannot pledge my name. Even if I wanted to, it wouldn’t be possible.]
“Sealed? By whom, and what kind of seal?”
[Cannot answer.]
“Why do you claim to be the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu?”
[Cannot answer.]
“Are you the Old Ruler?”
[Cannot answer.]
“What is your real name?”
[Cannot answer.]
The Heavenly Ruler seemed intent on providing no significant information at all. Each time I asked a question, he simply wore a sinister smile.
‘So, he’s aiding me to punish the foul player who toys with this world, but he won’t help beyond that.’
If I managed to achieve this much without much offering, it would be a blessing.
Determined, I spoke clearly to the Heavenly Ruler.
“Then at least offer your name.”
[Hehe… Hehehe. I, the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu, pledge that I won’t intervene further. I shall also fade away from the Celestial Realm.]
He let out a strange laugh and quickly conceded.
Gradually, the Heavenly Ruler began to fade away, stating, [I… have removed all interference as per your wish… I await the outcome you will unveil within the manipulated fate…]
*Whoosh!*
The Heavenly Ruler vanished in an instant.
I stared at the spot where he had disappeared and muttered to myself, “I need to talk to the Zhuge Clan.”
I went to the room where Zhuge Sha lay and confirmed he had awakened. As the Heavenly Ruler granted his wish, the magical power tormenting Zhuge Sha seemed to wash away entirely. I immediately conveyed the recent memories to the now-aware Zhuge Sha using the obsidian.
After receiving the memories, Zhuge Sha spoke. “Indeed, it seems I have temporarily acquired genius-like neural processing abilities thanks to the awakening effects of the Eye of Clarity and the Seal of the Supreme King. It’s much easier to converse than usual.”
“Zhuge Sha, was summoning the Heavenly Ruler of Tai Xu a wrong decision?”
“Hah… No need to ask me that. Whatever you choose now is the king’s choice. It is you who guides us toward the destiny of your fortune. And from my perspective, it doesn’t seem like a bad choice either.”
“……”
“However, I can assure you that the Heavenly Ruler’s favor will be limited to this life alone. From the next life onward, do not ever attempt that again. Speaking directly to the one pulling the strings is far too dangerous. He is… truly perilous.”
“I understand.”
Zhuge Sha continued, “Even with enhanced brain function, you’re likely still clumsy with detailed strategies, so let me assist. We need to accomplish two tasks now.”
“What are they?”
“First, contact Yong Junil. Second, while the Celestial Realm is attacking Changhil, ascertain the location of the Earth Star.”
“Does that mean we can’t engage in full-scale war yet?”
Zhuge Sha nodded. “What’s important is not Changhil but the Eight Parts of the Divine. Moreover, the Celestial Realm, having invaded due to the Heavenly Ruler’s coercion rather than a proper cause-and-effect foundation, is likely to retreat without much fighting.”
“I see.”
“You understand why you need to contact Yong Junil, right?”
“Of course.”
Zhuge Sha spoke with a tone that seemed somewhat moved. “It feels like condensing three words into one…”
*Whoosh!*
Quickly, I utilized the Corpse Dissolution Technique of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman to locate Yong Junil. After discerning his approximate location through the technique, I visited the area with my companions.
“You all are…”
Instead of me, Zhuge Sha stepped forward.
“Yong Junil, I trust you’ve completed your assignments?”
Yong Junil, seated in a chair, responded leisurely.
“Of course.”
He was sitting on the grand throne of the White Lotus Sect’s former headquarters.
Originally, that position belonged solely to the Supreme Being of the White Lotus Sect, who had died five years ago.
And the reason Yong Junil occupied that seat was simple.
Yong Junil spoke slowly. “I, the Master of the White Lotus Sect, Yong Junil, welcome you all to the White Lotus Sect.”
Indeed.
Five years ago, Zhuge Sha had foreseen the collapse of the White Lotus Sect and ordered Yong Junil to take the opportunity to manage it. Following Zhuge Sha’s advice, Yong Junil eradicated the remnants of the Su Shin Sect and gathered the remaining remnants of the White Lotus Sect to establish a new White Lotus Sect, taking the position of its Master.