The atmosphere in the main hall of the Thousand Martial Hall was heavy.
Emperor Yin Luo and Emperor Kong Fa sat cross-legged, faint, feeble Nirvana Divine Light circling their bodies.
Though that light was pitifully dim, it truly marked the threshold of the Nirvana Realm—they had gained a sliver of its standing.
The Goat Tower Spirit watched them quietly, a trace of complicated emotion in its gaze.
"Congratulations to you both on successfully condensing Nirvana Divine Light!"
It spoke slowly. "You have entered Half-Step Nirvana. Only one final step separates you from the true Nirvana Realm."
Emperor Yin Luo and Emperor Kong Fa exchanged a glance, undisguised joy flashing in their eyes.
Five thousand years of bitter cultivation, five thousand years of fear and torment, had finally earned them this moment of reward.
Not only had they survived, they had touched a realm that had once been far beyond their reach.
"Thank you for making this possible, Senior!" Emperor Yin Luo said, clasping his hands.
"Indeed, it was all thanks to you, Senior."
Emperor Kong Fa added, "Without the Divine Weapon Origin Essence you bestowed upon us, we could never have achieved this in our entire lives!"
The Goat Immortal Lord nodded slightly, but there was little joy in its eyes.
After a moment of silence, it said slowly, "Now that you two have condensed Nirvana Divine Light, I have a favor to ask."
"Please tell us, Senior!"
"I hope... one of you will be willing to expend your Nirvana Divine Light to help me resurrect an old friend."
At those words, the atmosphere in the hall abruptly froze.
The joy on Emperor Yin Luo's and Emperor Kong Fa's faces vanished instantly, replaced by wariness and suspicion.
"Resurrect an old friend?"
Emperor Yin Luo frowned. "Which old friend do you