Forcing the Northern Emperor into Submission, Paying Homage and Seeking an Audience (12)

(One more chapter to come)

Capital.

Chen Nuanyu clutched her heart, standing quietly in the checkpoint on the edge of the capital, a strong sense of unease welling up inside her.

She asked softly:

What's happening?

A fellow believer standing nearby spoke softly:

"The Divine Mirrors will detect anyone entering the capital for the first time."

"Your cultivation level and your past will be reflected to some extent."

Seeing the look of surprise on the girl's face, the church member lowered his voice:

"But don't worry, normally the [Monster-Revealing Mirror] will first reflect your cultivation level. People with low cultivation levels like us won't have their past revealed by the [Haotian Mirror]."

"After all, they're not Celestial Person, so there's no way they could cause any trouble in the capital and not even make a ripple."

Chen Nuanyu's expression relaxed slightly; she understood.

Only

She silently patted her chest again.

Inside, lived a group of gods.

This feeling isn't pleasant.

It seemed that he was being used as some kind of special vessel, a furnace, to nurture and refine those gods.

Chen Nuanyu could clearly feel that a certain quality of hers was being constantly lost—the quality brought about by that wisp of Six Ding Divine Fire.

My palms are sweating, my hair is standing on end, and my toes are slightly numb.

My whole body felt uncomfortable, and my chest felt heavy, as if a huge rock was pressing down on it.

'Bite!'

The sign turned green, the metal barrier covering the inspection area slowly opened, and the church member breathed a sigh of relief.

"Our batch has all passed the tests, let's go."

"To the capital."

Chen Nuanyu followed behind him, carefully walking out of the inspection area, crossing the huge bridge, and looking at the unimaginably vast city before her, she was filled with awe.

"Is this... a city?"

"It's magnificent, isn't it?" the parishioner said with a smile. "In fact, it's more like a mountain, no, more like a towering pillar reaching to the sky."

"Therefore, we also call it Pillar City or Sky Mountain City."

"Of course, many people call it -- Tiandu!"

Chen Nuanyu did not respond, but simply stared blankly at the magnificent scene before her.

Standing here and looking out, it doesn't resemble a city at all.

More like a 'steel giant tree' or a 'pillar reaching to the heavens,' piercing the clouds and connecting the earth and the sky.

Countless buildings, either stacked vertically or spiraling upwards along the pillars in the city center, create a breathtaking spectacle.

The overall outline does not appear as a smooth cylinder, but rather as a series of outward-extending, powerfully stepped shape!

"What is the main body, or backbone, upon which countless buildings depend?" Chen Nuanyu asked subconsciously.

The church member shrugged and replied:

"It's said to be something called [Jianmu Tree]. It sounds like a tree, but I've tapped on the shell of Jianmu Tree before, and the texture isn't wood at all."

Chen Nuanyu licked her dry lips, her gaze still fixed on the strangely shaped city.

A city standing upright, stacked and spiraling, attached to the Jianmu Tree.

For a long time.

Chen Nuanyu struggled to look away and asked softly:

"Now, where do we go?"

"Go down, to the bottom of the city." A faint smile appeared on the parishioner's face, "Rest for a moment, then a very important person will come to see you."

"Who?" Chen Nuanyu asked instinctively.

"The Pope."

The church member's voice suddenly became low and solemn, and Chen Nuanyu felt a chill run down her spine.

She was thus led into this pillar-shaped city called Tiandu, and into an unremarkable inn located at the base of the Jianmu Tree.

As soon as I entered the room,

Chen Nuanyu sat uneasily on the bed, her heart pounding, pondering the impending arrival of the 'Western Sect Pope'.

Right now, at this very moment.

'Thud!!'

A soft knocking sounded in her ear, and the girl suddenly leaped up from the bed.

It's here!

It is -- the Heavenly Venerable!

Her heavy heart suddenly eased, and she relaxed herself and her Soul Spirit, following that inexplicable guidance, upward, upward, and upward again.

Similar scenes are happening everywhere.

She is a Buddhist disciple on the other side of this capital city, Shi Zhengyuan of the Golden Province, and Shen Baobao, who is studying an ancient ruin far away in the depths of the starry sea.

There is also Yin Chang'an, beneath the Other Shore World.

A certain young girl, still curled up in Yin Chang'an, tirelessly tried to communicate with a certain being through a sacrificial array.

And in the city, inside the Taiji Hall.

'Thud!!'

A ripple spread outwards, and the Northern Emperor suddenly looked at the High Heaven Token placed beside him.

"Summoning. Who is summoning?"

The Northern Emperor raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and did not resist this summoning force, allowing a wisp of his spirit to rise, rise, under the summoning.

First, everything in front of me was shrouded in fog, so thick that I couldn't see my hand in front of my face.

Then came light, a dark yellow light.

"Buzhou Mountain??"

The Northern Emperor raised an eyebrow and saw a straight, upward-reaching Mysterious Yellow Waterfall, which, guided by the power of summoning, continued to rise.

Finally.

He reached the top of the Mysterious Yellow Waterfall and stood on a white jade staircase. Above him stood a magnificent and solemn Dao Palace.

Eight Sceneries Palace.

The probing look on the Great Emperor Ziwei's face vanished completely, and a sudden jolt ran through him, causing him to fall silent.

One after another, blurry figures, dark and indistinct even to Him, appeared.

Including Himself, there were nine people in total.

"One is missing?" The Buddhist disciple looked around at everyone. "Who is missing?"

The Miss Mingyue shook her head, staring at an unfamiliar, shadowy figure, and spoke softly:

"No, two are missing."

"The Sixth Seat and Ninth Seat have both disappeared."

All eyes turned to the Northern Emperor.

Eight Sceneries Palace.

Zhang Fusheng did not immediately open the gates of the Dao Palace to let the people waiting outside in.

Two reasons.

One was the Northern Emperor, who was hesitating whether or not to let the other party in.

Unlike before when Miss Mingyue was allowed inside, back then Miss Mingyue was ultimately just a powerful being, whom I was confident I could control.

But the Northern Emperor...?

This is Daluo one player.

Zhang Fusheng thought to himself that he might not have the ability to suppress the other party.

Most importantly, the Northern Emperor and [Taishang Daode Tianzun] must be very familiar with each other, making it extremely easy for him to see through his disguise.

If they discover any flaws, things won't be so fun.

Another problem lies with the other piece of the High Heaven Token.

Yuan Feidao and Yuan Tiandao each possessed a High Heaven Token. Yuan Feidao's token was inherited by the Northern Emperor, while Yuan Tiandao's token remained in the Yuan Mansion in Chang'an Town.

Zhang Fusheng pondered; now, the Northern Emperor's attention was mostly focused on this place.

They probably won't pay too much attention to Yin Chang'an —could this be an opportunity?

Could he seize this opportunity to deliver another High Heaven Token to Yin Chang'an, or to someone else?

"Sooner or later, I will inevitably clash with the Northern Emperor again."

"The Northern Emperor needs someone of my caliber—but who should I choose?"

The first person that came to Zhang Fusheng's mind was Li Jing.

Is this old fellow truly loyal to the Northern Emperor?

Not necessarily.

If we intervene in the name of Taiqing, could Li Jing become one of our pawns, a tool planted beside the Northern Emperor?

Zhang Fusheng didn't know either, but it was worth a try.

"We must find a way to draw the Northern Emperor's attention here as much as possible."

His thoughts raced, and with a single thought, he connected with the World-Honored One Dao Body, dispatching Lin Changle ahead of time, carrying Nine-Ringed Zen Staff and Brocade Cassock.

Then, take that High Heaven Token with you and personally enter Yin Chang'an!

This is an opportunity.

Having arranged everything, Zhang Fusheng finally raised his eyelids and gazed outside the Dao Palace.

"Northern Emperor."

He smiled silently.

Meanwhile, Eight Sceneries Palace.

All eight people were sizing up the newcomer.

"So, have the Sixth Seat and Ninth Seat encountered any bad things?"

Huang Qiuxian, the Third Seat holder, spoke in a low voice.

No one answered.

Kong Shentong, the Tenth Seat holder, had a glint in his eye. He'd arrived here again.

Did the great Celestial Venerable in that Dao Palace discover his own subtle actions?

If they had already discovered it, why summon me to the heavens?

If it wasn't discovered, then it means that this so-called great celestial being isn't as great as he seems.

With everyone lost in their own thoughts, the five Buddhist disciples were the first to recover, looking at the 'newcomer' beside them.

He began to speak, calmly explaining the affairs of the Above High Heaven to the other party.

The beings Above High Heaven are becoming increasingly powerful.

Making friends with others is a pretty good choice, especially when you're about to "flip the table".

The Northern Emperor listened quietly to the narration of the shadowy figure, his gaze fixed on the plaque of the Eight Sceneries Palace, his heart still pounding, his thoughts churning endlessly.

Exchange Heaven and Dao giving to the surplus what is lacking?

The Northern Emperor's heart sank slightly. Indeed, this was what Fellow Daoist Taiqing followed. Fellow Daoist Taiqing emphasized non-action and the natural way of Heavenly Dao.

The difference between the way of Heavenly Dao and the way of man lies precisely in this.

The Heavenly Dao is natural; therefore, it naturally gives what is in excess to what is lacking.

Humanity, or rather, the way of all living things,

It emphasizes the word 'competition'.

All things contend, but the Heavenly Dao does not contend; it governs through non-action.

As thoughts turned,

Suddenly, a huge rumbling sound came from behind, and everyone instinctively looked towards the Eight Sceneries Palace.

The chaotic mist churned and retreated to both sides, and the gates of the Dao Palace burst open with a roar.

"Homage to the Supreme Dao Ancestor!" It was Miss Mingyue praising.

The other All Seats also spoke up in unison:

"Homage to the Boundless Heavenly Venerate!"

They walked side by side toward the Eight Sceneries Palace. Kong Shentong glanced at the 'newcomer' who followed closely behind, deep in thought.

"Newcomers, like me, probably don't feel a sense of belonging in these Above High Heaven."

"Is it possible to win them over?"

His thoughts raced, and he drew closer intimately:

"Fellow Daoist, I am the leader of the Ancient Sage Faction. Since we have both ascended to the Above High Heaven, it must be fate."

"If you encounter trouble in reality, call upon my name, and I will come to your aid."

Kong Shentong spoke very politely, so even though this newcomer was also a Great Divine Ability User, he did not feel offended.

However.

He saw,

The newcomer merely glanced at him indifferently.

"Ignorance is no excuse, I will forgive you this time, but you must not repeat it."

All Seats turned their heads, and Kong Shentong's face stiffened.

???

This newbie... how come he's so arrogant?!

Kong Shentong's expression darkened. Seeing that the other All Seats had already Entering the Dao the Dao Palace, he immediately snorted coldly and stepped inside.

The Northern Emperor followed, but suddenly stopped in front of the Dao Palace.

I can't get in.

The master of the Dao Palace forbade him to enter.

Those All Seats in the Dao Palace were somewhat taken aback, turning to look at the newlyweds who were being blocked outside the palace by a wisp of chaotic energy.

What's going on?

Especially for the earliest group of people, from Chen Nuanyu, the First Seat to Shi Zhengyuan, the Fourth Seat holder, this was the first time they had encountered such a situation Above High Heaven.

The Dao Palace became somewhat quiet for a moment.

In dead silence.

Seated regally in the highest position of the Dao Palace, shrouded in chaotic mist, the [Great Celestial Venerable] seemed to slowly raise his eyelids.

The chaotic mist then churned and rolled like a tide.

The Northern Emperor, Dao Palace, took a deep breath and, under the watchful eyes of everyone, extended his hand in a salute:

"Fellow Daoist Taiqing."

"It's been many years."

A deep, solemn voice flowed in from outside the Dao Palace, echoing in the deep silence. All Seats were initially startled, then their eyes widened in astonishment!

Fellow Daoist Taiqing??

Kong Shentong's breath hitched. A being from the past, from an ancient world?

The others at the All Seats were also dumbfounded, especially Chen Nuanyu and Huang Qiuxian, who were all in a daze, because the beings of the old world were simply too distant for them.

As for Miss Mingyue...

At this moment, no one was more terrified than her.

Only she knew best what it meant to address the Dao Ancestor as a fellow Daoist.

So.

He, no, Him.

Who is He?

A chill ran through Miss Mingyue's heart.

In the midst of deathly silence, the chaotic mist suddenly dissipated, and the great Celestial Venerable, seated within the mist, spoke—a rare occurrence.

"Those who enter my Dao Palace are all here to pay homage."

"You are the lord of all stars, the head of all things, in charge of the heavens and the earth, leading all the stars and controlling spirits and thunder."

The Great Celestial Venerable's words, though not loud, seemed to transform into a gigantic iron hammer, relentlessly pounding and smashing into the minds of All Seats!

Lord of all stars, head of all things, ruler of all the stars in the heavens!!

Kong Shentong swallowed hard, Miss Mingyue felt a chill run down her spine, immediately recognizing who was before her!

My master's old friend, Six Imperial Ones of Heavenly Court, the Great Emperor Ziwei of the North Pole!

All Seats was completely bewildered.

Just then, the voice of the Great Celestial Venerable rang out once more.

"Since you are the Northern Heavenly Emperor, whose power and virtue are so vast, how dare I allow you to enter the palace for an audience?"

"If you come in, I'm afraid I should give up my seat to someone as esteemed as Jade Dou Xuanzun."

Although the Great Celestial Venerable's voice was calm, All Seats sensed something was amiss.

How does it sound?

Is the Celestial Venerable mocking us?

As for the Eight Sceneries Palace.

Sweat beaded on the Northern Emperor's forehead. He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and spoke in a dry voice:

"Fellow Daoist Taiqing, you flatter me. How can I be compared to Fellow Daoist Taiqing?"

The Great Celestial Venerable chuckled softly and said indifferently:

"How dare I, a mere Daoist, compare myself to someone as supreme as you, the ruler of all heavens?"

The Northern Emperor was drenched in sweat.

He was somewhat flustered, very flustered, wondering where he had offended Fellow Daoist Taiqing.

It's better not to think about it; the more you think about it, the more panicked you become.

Fellow Daoist Taiqing, are you perhaps planning a purge?

Between slight breaths,

The Northern Emperor remained silent for a long while, then finally gritted his teeth, ignoring the gazes fixed upon him.

Under the watchful eyes of All Seats, he clasped his hands and bowed respectfully to the great being within the Dao Palace.

"The Arctic, I have come for a pilgrimage."

"I beg the Great Heavenly Venerable to forgive all that has happened in the past."

The sound reverberated, echoing in all directions. All Seats watched a series of eerily large, shadowy figures paying homage to the Great Heavenly Venerable, they all fell silent.

Kong Shentong was also drenched in sweat.

In silence.

In the fog.

A faint smile flashed across Zhang Fusheng's face. Sure enough, he had made the right bet.

After so many years of struggle, how could someone like the Northern Emperor, who aspires to supreme power, possibly have no grudges against the Taiqing?

And

The Northern Emperor indeed devoted all his attention to this.

In Yin Chang'an, the High Heaven Token had already fallen into Li Jing's hands.

Then Li Jing should also be allowed to see that the emperor he serves bowed his head and paid homage.

Zhang Fusheng silently knocked on the void.

Then, another shadowy figure appeared at the very end of the white jade steps.