"Dong..."
The lingering toll of a bell reverberated through the ages. The chaotic mists around the ninth Imperial Pass dispersed, and every flash of lightning receded.
A vast Immortal Palace appeared in the sky, towering and solemn, magnificent and imposing, radiating an ancient, boundless aura.
"That's... the Ancient Heavenly Court of the Mythological Era!"
"The Heavenly Palace Emperor Zun established!"
Countless experts cried out in astonishment. None had expected the Ancient Heavenly Court of the Mythological Era to lie beyond the nine Imperial Passes. The revelation was staggering.
At least several million years had passed since the Mythological Era. Whether the Heavenly Court that Emperor Zun had supposedly established was real had long been impossible to verify, yet now it appeared before everyone's eyes. It was like something out of a dream.
"So that is the Heavenly Court!" Although Lu Chen had already known what lay beyond the Imperial Passes, seeing the legendary Heavenly Court with his own eyes still filled him with wonder.
"Strife and turmoil abound, and this age is filled with bloodshed and chaos. I would pacify the Eight Wastelands and restore a clear, bright world." Just then, the aged voice from earlier sounded again, rolling out of the Ancient Heavenly Court's Central Heavenly Palace, majestic and oppressive.
The ninth Imperial Pass fell utterly silent. All fighting on the battlefield ceased, leaving only that commanding voice echoing through the sky. It was as though an Ancient Great Emperor were speaking, exuding the might of a sovereign who ruled all beneath heaven.
The towering Heavenly Palace and magnificent immortal halls rested upon white clouds, a breathtaking sight.
Below them lay a golden sea of taboo. As it surged, thunder shook the heavens, as though the heavens themselves were enraged, striking terror into every heart.
Lu Chen stared at