Our gaze shifts back to the Northern Region, to the Jade Pool Holy Land.
Deep within the secret palace shrouded in celestial mist, this was not an ordinary place for entertaining guests, but a forbidden area where the Queen Mother of the West and the true essence of the sect held important discussions.
At this moment, on the cloud bed inside the hall, two Dao Body sat facing each other.
The modern-day Queen Mother of the West, adorned in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, possessed an exquisite beauty yet an innate majesty, with a subtle, almost imperceptible, solemn expression subtly shifting between her brows.
In her hand she held a jade slip that shimmered with a hazy glow, its aura pure and ethereal—a communication artifact secretly passed down from the Jade Pool.
"Grandmaster Aunt," the Queen Mother of the West spoke, her clear and melodious voice breaking the silence in the hall.
"That boy, Qingshan, just sent back a message."
Sitting opposite her was an elderly woman dressed in simple gray clothes, with silver hair and a face etched with the marks of time.
Only a pair of eyes, occasionally flashing with chaotic light as they open and close, seem to contain the profound truth of the birth and death of heaven and earth.
She is one of the remaining treasures of Jade Pool, a Saint who has Divine Source for many years and will not awaken except when the sect is on the verge of survival.
Several years ago, when Li Qingshan was established as the Holy Son during the earthquake of the Emperor Weapon, he broke through the Divine Source and emerged.
Saint Yaoguang slightly raised his eyelids, and although he did not exude an imposing aura, he naturally made Queen Mother of the West feel an invisible pressure originating from the level of life itself.
"Oh? What noise has that little guy made this time?"
His trip south this time is probably not so simple.
Her voice carried a hint of age and vicissitude, yet it was not muddy.
The Queen Mother of the West handed over the jade slip, her tone complex, a mixture of relief and disbelief:
"He has made progress in the Southern Region and seems to have made a breakthrough in his cultivation, which has triggered his own energy, which he can no longer suppress. He needs to go to the outer starry sky to undergo tribulation immediately."
The message came back to reassure us that we need not worry.
Saint Yaoguang accepted the jade slip, and with a slight sweep of his divine sense, even his usually calm face showed a barely perceptible ripple.
The jade slip contained concise information, yet it revealed the key point:
Li Qingshan claimed to have "gained some understanding" but needed to overcome "a great calamity." To avoid affecting the creatures of the Southern Region, he had already gone to the starry sky.
"Some progress?"
Saint Yaoguang gently put down the jade slip, her fingertips unconsciously tapping on the cloud bed.
"For him to trigger a tribulation at this stage that requires him to travel far into the stars to survive, this 'gain' is probably no small matter."
It seems that his breakthrough this time far exceeded our expectations.
Perhaps he forged part of his own path.
The Queen Mother of the West nodded.
"This disciple also holds the same guess."
His cultivation period was short, yet his progress was astonishing. If he successfully transcends this tribulation, I fear...
She left her words unfinished, but her meaning was clear: Li Qingshan's strength was about to experience another leap forward.
"The outer space may seem safe, but it is not without its risks."
Even in the depths of the universe, there are unknown risks, let alone something as seemingly simple as tribulation, which involves the rules of the Great Dao. It's hard to guarantee that it won't attract the attention of certain beings.
Saint Yaoguang pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly.
"He is my Jade Pool Holy Son, bearing the future destiny, and cannot be completely neglected."
I will carry a wisp of the " Immortal Tears Pagoda " aura and secretly travel to that star field to protect it.
Protect him from external evils and ensure that his tribulation process is not interfered with by external forces.
Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother of the West felt reassured.
With the secret protection of a wisp of the aura of Extreme Dao Emperor Weapon, it can withstand attacks from any Emperor Weapon of the same level that is not fully awakened.
If an ancient Great Saint were to personally intervene, Li Qingshan's safety would be assured.
She rose and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Uncle."
Saint Yaoguang waved his hand, his figure gradually becoming blurred, as if about to merge into the surrounding Void:
"It's my duty."
"But there's something else you mentioned earlier. What happened when the Great Saint and Desolate Ancient Family of the Northern Region Holy City joined forces to explore Purple Mountain?"
Mentioning this matter, the Queen Mother of the West's expression became even more solemn. She took out a Water Mirror Jade Talisman that had just been transmitted back by the Jade Pool Elder stationed in the Holy City using a secret method and activated it.
Instantly, the jade talisman projected a screen of light, within which appeared some blurry yet chilling fragments of images, accompanied by brief divine messages.
Within the light screen, the ancient altar suspended above the central celestial palace of the Holy City was reflected.
It is entirely made of unknown gray-brown boulders, and its surface is covered with countless ancient Daoist patterns that are so intricate they are dazzling.
It is now autonomously reviving, radiating a soaring glow, and the surrounding space is violently distorted and folded like ripples in water.
Suddenly, as if an invisible hand had torn open the distorted center of space, seven or eight figures, who should have been imposing and powerful, now staggered out with disordered auras and dusty robes.
He is the contemporary ruler of the immortal lineages of the Jiang Family, the Ji Family, Yaoguang, and the Central Continent Emperor.
Their faces were grim. As soon as they appeared, they waved their wide sleeves without hesitation, and with the flow of their Dao, they shook out the densely packed, pale-faced entourage.
These usually dignified and self-possessed elders and their carefully cultivated successors mostly had unfocused eyes at this moment, unable to hide their fear.
Even more terrifying is the information contained in the fragments of divine consciousness that accompanied the images:
A bell tolled, seemingly originating from the beginning of time and transcending the barriers of eternity, its sound not loud.
Yet it possessed an unparalleled majesty that commanded the utmost respect and resonated with the very essence of the universe.
The ancient array patterns engraved on the walls of this Holy City, which has stood for countless ages, shine on their own.
Struggling to withstand the omnipresent sound waves, the city itself emitted an unbearable hum, as if it were about to disintegrate at any moment.
The sound of the bell transformed into tangible ripples that swept across the Void, revealing the natal magical artifacts refined by several holy masters over a thousand years, which had long since intertwined their own "Tao" and "Principle".
Even the few meticulously crafted replicas of the Solar Divine Furnace and the Void Mirror, which contained a trace of the ultimate Dao aura, were all affected by the ripples the moment they came into contact with them.
Like a weathered sand sculpture, it silently crumbles and vanishes, turning into the finest dust.
Even more tragically, the hundred or so highly skilled and renowned elders who followed behind were caught in the ripples containing the laws of the Emperor's Way.
Without even a sliver of room to resist, their bodies and souls were reduced to ashes in an instant, like pieces of paper set on fire, completely erasing any trace of their existence from this world.
"It was a failure, and a crushing defeat."
The Queen Mother of the West's voice was deep.
"Based on the messages sent back and the information Qingshan brought back earlier regarding the possible existence of the Great Emperor Wushi's legacy within Purple Mountain."
And based on the description of that bell, the fact that it has triggered imperial might this time almost certainly confirms that it is the Extreme Dao Emperor Weapon left behind by the Great Emperor Wushi— the Beginningless Bell!
As Saint Yaoguang looked at the extremely ugly faces of the Saint Lords in the light screen, and at the residual imperial might that could be felt even through the jade talisman, he slowly closed his eyes, as if recalling something.
A moment later, she opened her eyes, her gaze even more clouded:
" The Great Emperor Wushi, it really was his doing."
He dominated an era, went further than anyone else, and left behind a legacy that no ordinary holy land could shake.
She looked at the Queen Mother of the West, her tone carrying a warning:
"Pass down the order: those under Jade Pool's jurisdiction are prohibited from participating in any actions targeting Purple Mountain in the near future."
Since the Beginningless Bell has manifested imperial power, it indicates that its deity has awakened to a certain extent, or in other words, the restrictions on Purple Mountain itself have been fully activated.
A forced attack would only increase casualties and anger the Emperor Weapon; it would serve no purpose whatsoever.
Those groups, having suffered a great loss this time, will likely not give up easily, but next time, the price will only be higher.
The Queen Mother of the West wholeheartedly agreed:
"What my senior master says is absolutely right."
I have strictly ordered the disciples at the Holy City stronghold to observe only and not participate, and to transmit all intelligence back immediately.
However, the emergence of the Great Emperor Wushi's legacy has stirred the hearts of all under heaven. If Jade Pool were to remain completely detached, it might not be wise in the long run.
"Opportunities cannot be forced, especially the inheritance of Great Emperor, which is even more dependent on fate."
The Saint Yaoguang said calmly,
"Let's wait and see. Perhaps the opportunity lies not with us, but with that holy son."
He may have some prior knowledge of the secrets of Purple Mountain, perhaps because he is destined to be associated with it.
It's not too late to discuss this after he returns from his tribulation.
Just as the two highest-ranking officials of Jade Pool were discussing their strategy, the Holy City of the Northern Region had completely descended into chaos and panic.
The sky surrounding the Desolate Antiquity Dao Platform seemed to still retain the lingering echoes of the mournful bell-shaped Daoist chants. The residences of the Great Saint were shrouded in a repressive atmosphere.
Deep within the Jiang Family's stone archway, Jiang Chengzong, a Mighty Figure left behind, looked at the pale-faced, unsteady-breathing family patriarch and the terrified clansmen behind him, and asked in a deep voice:
"Holy Lord, the bell tolls,"
The Jiang Family Holy Lord, a middle-aged man who was usually infinitely dignified, now had a lingering fear on his face. He waved his hand, signaling the others to step back.
Only a few core Mighty Figure remained before he took a deep breath and said:
"Imperial might, the true ultimate imperial might!"
"If we hadn't reacted quickly and used the Stone Token to cross back immediately, and if several fellow Daoists hadn't sacrificed their natal weapons in place of us, the losses would have been far more than just those imitations and the hundred or so elders."
A flicker of regret and horror crossed his eyes:
"That bell, with just a gentle sway, not aimed at any one person, already possessed such earth-shattering power."
Great Emperor Wushi truly deserves to be called one of the most powerful Great Emperor in human history.
A Mighty Figure figure from the Ji Family nearby interjected in a dry tone:
"We originally intended to rely on the replicas of the Emperor Weapon and various secret techniques to try to sever the Purple Mountain Dragon Vein and force out its hidden secrets. Unexpectedly, it directly triggered the Emperor Weapon to launch a counterattack on its own."
The bell hung high in the chaos within Purple Mountain, its form completely invisible; its sound alone was enough to overwhelm anyone who heard it.
"This matter requires careful consideration."
"Yaoguang Holy Lord," a figure shrouded in a hazy glow spoke, his voice possessing a strange magnetism, yet unable to conceal his weariness.
" Purple Mountain is more terrifying than we imagined."
The Beginningless Bell still exists; a direct assault is no longer possible.
Perhaps we need to find other ways, or wait for the right opportunity.
The several holy masters exchanged silent glances, each seeing the solemnity and a hint of helplessness in the other's eyes.
Even they felt their own insignificance before the true might of the supreme emperor.
"Have you heard? Several Great Saint joined forces and suffered a great loss at Purple Mountain! Many of their elders died!"
"It's not just the older generation; it's said that even the Holy Lords almost didn't make it back!"
"It was only thanks to the nine Stone Token from the Desolate Antiquity Dao Platform that we were able to escape!"
That's terrifying!
When the bell rang, I felt as if my soul was about to leave my body, and the entire Holy City was shaking!
"I knew it! The Great Emperor's mausoleum isn't something you can just barge into so easily!"
Now you've bitten off more than you can chew!
Inside the restaurant, a burly man with a flushed face slammed his fist on the table, spitting as he yelled at his companions:
My third maternal uncle's neighbor lives in Yaoguang!
He said it himself: the soul lamp of one of the Tai Shang Elders of Yaoguang has been extinguished!
That was Mighty Figure from the Second Heaven of the Immortal Platform, gone just like that!
"Fart!"
A tall, thin cultivator at the next table immediately turned around to retort, his face showing a hint of disdain, as if he were boasting about his extensive knowledge of the world.
That's ancient history!
The latest news is that the Yaoguang Holy Lord unleashed an ancient sage's secret treasure, withstanding three blows from the Emperor Bell Wave. Although it shattered, he is unharmed!
The one who was truly seriously injured was the elder of the Ji Family, who had half his body swept away by the spatial rift!
The burly man, humiliated by being directly contradicted, retorted defiantly:
"You're talking nonsense! The Yaoguang Holy Lord organs were clearly shattered by Zhong Bo's attack, and he's only clinging to life with holy medicine!"
What you're saying is just hearsay!
"You know nothing! I saw it with my own eyes—my brother's sworn brother!!!"
The two argued heatedly, almost coming to blows. Some of the surrounding diners tried to break up the fight, while others listened intently, trying to piece together the truth from the fragments of their argument.
Restaurants, teahouses, and gambling dens—wherever cultivators gathered—were all buzzing with discussion about this earth-shattering event.
Panic, excitement, awe, and schadenfreude intertwined, making the atmosphere in the Holy City extremely subtle and tense.
However, just as the tumultuous waves triggered by the Purple Mountain incident were beginning to subside.
Another message from the distant Southern Region, like another boulder thrown into a lake, began to quietly circulate in the intelligence networks of the major powers in the Eastern Wasteland, stirring up new ripples.
The source of the information was initially unclear, seemingly originating from some small and medium-sized forces in the Southern Region. It was subsequently captured by spies planted by some major sects, who quickly compiled and reported it.
The core message points to Li Qingshan, the Holy Son of Jade Pool who has been extremely prominent in recent years but whose whereabouts are shrouded in mystery!
Rumors say that this holy son appeared in the Southern Region and had contact with Princess Yan Ruyu, Azure Emperor Lineage.
Subsequently, the two overlords of the demon race, the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King, arrived upon hearing the news, and a conflict allegedly broke out between them and Li Qingshan over the issue of imperial lineage.
However, the process and outcome of the battle left all who heard about it in disbelief.
According to those vague yet terrifying descriptions, the Jade Pool Holy Son displayed terrifying strength far exceeding his apparent level.
In a direct confrontation, they overwhelmingly suppressed and even injured the combined forces of the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King!
The Peacock King's Five Elements Divine Abilities are unparalleled in the Eastern Wasteland, making him virtually invincible in the Southern Region;
The Azure Flood Dragon King possesses an incredibly strong physical body; its dragon form allows it to fight Mighty Figure.
These two are both giants whose mere stomp could shake the Eastern Wasteland, yet they suffered a loss at the hands of Li Qingshan?
The news was so shocking that many important figures who first heard it regarded it as nonsense or an exaggeration by a minor cultivator from the Southern Region.
But then, more details began to piece together:
Some cultivators confidently claimed that they sensed terrifying Dao Domain fluctuations emanating from the depths of that mountain range, capable of freezing one's soul, as well as the overwhelming demonic aura that the two demon kings unabashedly unleashed and then rapidly diminished.
There are also rumors that Ji Haoyue, the rising young genius of the Ji Family known as the " Divine King Body," has also appeared in the Southern Region.
He had a brief encounter with Li Qingshan, but it seems he didn't gain anything and instead became somewhat quiet.
Even more remarkably, it was mentioned that the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King's attitudes underwent a subtle shift after the battle.
He showed great respect for Li Qingshan and publicly stated that he would protect the descendants of the Azure Emperor, the lineage of Yan Ruyu.
These fragmented pieces of information, when pieced together, gradually outlined a fact that the major powers of the Eastern Wasteland could not ignore:
Li Qingshan, the Jade Pool Holy Son, has probably reached a terrifying level of combat strength that is comparable to or even surpasses that of the older generation of Mighty Figure!
He not only stands out among the younger generation in Big Dipper, but he has even gained the ability to intervene in and influence the power structure of the top forces in the Eastern Wasteland!
" Jade Pool has produced an extraordinary figure." Old Gu from an ancient family, disturbed by the news, exclaimed in this way.
"Injured the Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King?"
Even with the help of replicas of Emperor Weapon or secret treasures, he would still have reached the Second Heaven of the Immortal Platform.
Did you even touch that threshold?
Some of the elders of the holy land secretly speculated, their hearts filled with trepidation.
"His journey south was likely for the Sacred Body, and now he's entangled with the descendants of the Azure Emperor. This Holy Son's ambitions are far from small."
Some more astute individuals began to analyze the deeper meaning behind Li Qingshan's actions.
The sense of defeat at Zishan had not yet dissipated when news of Li Qingshan's triumph in the southern region added fuel to the fire.
Within the Holy City, the atmosphere among the major supreme powers became even more delicate.
The status of Jade Pool Holy Land has risen imperceptibly, while other forces that do not have a deep relationship with Jade Pool, or even secretly compete with it, feel unprecedented pressure.
Inside the Jiang Family's stone archway, Jiang Yifei listened to the elder's report. His gentle, Ruyu face revealed little emotion; he simply stroked the mane of the Golden Divine Hou beside him and murmured:
"Fellow Daoist Li, you always bring surprises every time you appear."
A barely perceptible glint of fighting spirit and contemplation flashed in his eyes.
The atmosphere at the Ji Family was somewhat somber.
Ji Haoyue sat cross-legged on a futon, surrounded by the strange phenomenon of the Bright Moon Rises over the Sea. His expression was cold and stern as he listened to the report about Li Qingshan.
He remained silent, but deep within his eyes, the flame of fighting spirit burned even more intensely.
On the side of the Yaoguang Holy Land, the Holy Son, who was always shrouded in holy light, remained silent for a long time after hearing the news, only saying one sentence:
"It seems that the landscape of Big Dipper is about to be completely changed because of him."
At this moment, Li Qingshan, the central figure in the incident, was floating alone in the cold and desolate outer space, with the ancient star beneath his feet bearing the world-destroying lightning punishment.
Announcement: Update coming soon, please stay tuned!