Endless darkness shrouded the Three Realms. There was not a trace of light or warmth, and a chill filled every corner of space. Terrifying torrents of chaos surged toward the Three Realms, making the barrier between heaven and earth shudder violently, as if it might collapse at any moment.
Just then, a Taiji Diagram flew in from beyond the thirty-third heaven and expanded without limit, enclosing the entire Immortal Realm. A giant banner appeared and shielded the Mortal Realm, while the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation and its diagram sealed off the Demon Realm. The Demon Realm was the most fragile of all, especially with its Heavenly Dao laws so badly damaged; it could not withstand any further impact.
The Immortal Realm, by contrast, was another matter. Auspicious clouds and purple qi swirled around the Heavenly Court, while a strange fragrance drifted through the air and the sounds of celestial music rang out. Amid its grandeur, an ethereal vitality shimmered. The Milky Way hung upside down in the sky, its radiance blending with the endless palaces in a wondrous and beautiful sight. The magnificent Lingxiao Treasure Hall appeared and disappeared amid the clouds and immortal mists, but a heavy solemnity hung over the rosy glow.
The Jade Emperor furrowed his brows, his authority unmistakable even without anger. He asked calmly, "Has the darkness over the Three Realms eased at all? The Immortal Realm's Saints cannot leave their domains lightly. What are we to do?"
A man of mighty build strode out from the hall. Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, saluted him. "Your Majesty, the Three Realms have been turned upside down, yin and yang reversed. Even the power of the stars throughout the heavens cannot pierce the darkness. The Three Realms remain shrouded in it."
The Jade Emperor sighed. "Even