Nine-Dragon Mountain, Dai Commandery, Ji Province, in what had once been the Divine Land of China.
Dai Commandery was where Xiao Ying had first arrived in the world of Forging the Sacred Court, the place of his rebirth into this world. He and the Great Huan Celestial Dynasty had reached their present heights by setting out from Dai Commandery and fighting their way through a world of clashing spears and armored steeds.
The upheaval in the Pangu World had truly turned seas into mulberry fields. Yet the general terrain of the original landmasses had changed little and remained broadly recognizable. It was as though everything had expanded as a whole: the mountains were grander, the forests broader, and the waters deeper.
Nine-Dragon Mountain was where Xiao Ying, Gao Hong, Jiang Yao, and their six companions had declared their lofty ambitions. Back then, they had promised to gather again on Nine-Dragon Mountain once all nine had achieved success and renown. It was a peculiar pact, a promise that defied explanation.
Now, Xiao Ying had become the exalted Great Huan Celestial Lord, standing at what the whole world acknowledged as the very summit of the Pangu World. The others had all been made marquises or appointed generals, their names resounding far and wide. They, too, could be considered successful and renowned!
Unfortunately, nine people had made that pact, but only eight remained:
Great Huan Celestial Lord Xiao Ying; Gao Hong, Imperial Consort Huijing, Imperial Wisdom King, and Chief Imperial Censor; Jiang Qing, Azure-Yue Marquis and Purple Jade Imperial Consort; Greedy Wolf Divine Marquis Jiang Yao; Great Yi Divine Marquis Yang Ning; Golden Tiger Divine Marquis Gao Gong; Brocade-Ji Marquis Shi Jin; and Divine Wing Marquis Shi Ji.
Of them, Xiao Ying stood at the peak of the Daluo Golden Immortal realm. The