Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
For cultivators who often seclude themselves for years, decades, or even centuries, seven days is but a blink of an eye.
But during these seven days, the atmosphere throughout the entire Big Dipper Five Regions was like a bowstring that was gradually tightening. An invisible pressure spread from the Jade Pool Holy Land in the Eastern Wasteland, pressing down on the hearts of many people.
The seven-day period is the time set by Jade Pool for the " Jade Pool Grand Gathering ".
Many leaders of the factions who received the news had no time to convene their core elders for detailed discussions before they had to set off for the Eastern Wasteland.
On this day, deep within the Jade Pool Holy Land, that ancient pure land perpetually shrouded in celestial mist and inhabited by auspicious beasts and birds, witnessed the most "lively" yet also the most somber moment in thousands of years.
The venue for the conference was not the usual celestial palace for receiving guests, but a " Ancient Land of Dao Source " within Jade Pool, a space opened up by the ancestors of Jade Pool with great supernatural powers.
The space was vast, and the ground was made of a kind of warm, Ruyu blue stone, imprinted with indistinct natural Dao patterns.
In the distance, the horizon is shrouded in a misty, ethereal aura, like a waterfall cascading down. Further still, one can vaguely see the broken steles and cliffs where ancient sages once attained enlightenment.
At this moment, on a divine peak suspended in the sky within the Ancient Land of Dao Source, more than a hundred purple jade Dao platforms are arranged according to ancient regulations.
The altars are arranged in a way that subtly corresponds to the positions of the stars, and are sparsely and orderly arranged, guarding a slightly taller, ancient altar in the center, which is entirely made of divine stone.
People have already begun to take their seats.
The old emperor of the Jiuli Divine Dynasty still arrived in the same nine-dragon bronze chariot. The chariot shrank and hovered behind his platform, its dragon might faintly visible.
He closed his eyes to rest, his face ancient and simple, like a stone statue.
On the other side of the platform, a prince of the Divine State Dynasty, dressed in a four-clawed python robe, exuding an air of dignified majesty, was having a low conversation with a general from the Ancient Hua Divine Dynasty, who was shrouded in a faint golden dragon aura.
Seated in the Southern Ridge Heavenly Demon Palace was a Mighty Figure with fiery red hair and a single horn on his forehead—a renowned demon clan leader.
His aura was domineering, and blood-red lightning flashed across his eyes as he coldly surveyed his surroundings, his gaze lingering briefly on several representatives of human holy lands who had previously had conflicts with the demon race.
The Purple Mansion Holy Land, Dao Yi Holy Land, Wanchu Holy Land, Great Evolution Holy Land, Taixuan Sect and other sects arrived in person, their bodies swirling with purple aura and Daoist charm, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance, yet their eyes held a deep and serene tranquility.
The representative of the Yaoguang Holy Land was a middle-aged man with a handsome face and star-like eyes. He was a junior brother of the Yaoguang Holy Lord and had a considerable reputation. At this moment, he was calm, but his fingertips occasionally tapped lightly on the edge of the platform unconsciously.
The Yin-Yang Sect sent their leader, Wang Yangzhan, with a sinister face, dressed in a black and white Daoist robe, and exuding an obscure aura. He sat there like a constantly shifting shadow.
The Ji Family and the Jiang Family, two Desolate Ancient Family, both sent heavyweight figures.
The Ji Family is a living fossil of extremely high seniority. His hair and beard are all white, his face is thin and gaunt, and his eyelids are slightly drooping, as if he is dozing.
Jiang Family was a powerful Tai Shang with a blazing aura, resembling a prime of life, and his brows carried the unique fierceness and righteousness of the Jiang Family.
In addition, there was an old monk from the Western Desert, wearing a kasaya, with a faint halo of light swirling behind his head;
Elders of many top families in Northern Plains;
Representatives from numerous top-tier sects, ancient families, and major demon clans gathered together.
Normally, the mere appearance of any one of these figures would be enough to shake the region and attract attention.
But today, everyone was unusually silent, and the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.
They occasionally exchanged glances, but it was always a fleeting glance, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
Everyone's attention, whether overt or covert, was drawn to the empty divine stone altar in the center, and to the side and behind the altar, to the area shrouded in even denser immortal mist and spiritual energy, where the hazy figure of Jade Pool Queen Mother of the West could be faintly seen.
"Clang,"
A clear and melodious bell, seemingly carried from the Desolate Antiquity past, resounded Ancient Land of Dao Source.
The sound of the bell cleansed the mind and spirit, and also made all the figures on the altar sit up straight.
The celestial mist parted, Queen Mother of the West of Jade Pool did not emerge, remaining hidden behind the hazy halo. Only her ethereal voice rang out, clearly reaching everyone's ears:
"Fellow Daoists, you have come from afar; I have failed to greet you properly at Jade Pool."
The reasons for today's meeting are well known and need not be elaborated upon.
Please, Your Eastern Exalt.
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes were instantly drawn to him.
Above the central divine stone platform, ripples silently spread through the space, like waves on water.
A figure in black robes stepped out of the void and landed steadily on the platform.
His black robes were as black as ink, spotless.
His posture was upright, as if he were one with the platform beneath his feet, with this ancient land, and even with the ethereal aura that lingered around him, a perfect blend of nature and humanity.
He didn't deliberately exude any pressure, but simply by standing there, he naturally became the center of heaven and earth.
Li Qingshan.
Seven days ago, Li Qingshan killed thirty-two Mighty Figure and two killing kings with his spear, staining the outer sea with blood and shaking the Five Regions with his ferocious power!
His gaze calmly swept over the hundred or so platforms below, over each face—some familiar, some unfamiliar—but all bearing a solemn, apprehensive, scrutinizing, and even a hint of deeply hidden fear.
It can be said that, apart from the Life Forbidden Zone and the Primordial Royal Clan that have not yet appeared on a large scale, the representatives of the most prominent forces of the Big Dipper human race and the demon race have already Jade Pool Palace.
This lineup was more grand than any previous Yaochi Grand Gathering, and all of this was due to one person: the seemingly calm young man in black robes on the high platform.
As the appointed time approached, the Queen Mother of the West in Jade Pool radiated a faint celestial glow, and her ethereal voice echoed throughout the hall, silencing all whispers:
"Fellow Daoists, your presence from afar is a great honor to our humble abode, Jade Pool. Today's gathering serves two purposes: first, to celebrate the success of my Eastern Exalt Jade Pool in Severing the Dao and ascending to the King Realm; second, to discuss important matters concerning the future of the Big Dipper, which require our joint attention."
As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes in the hall focused on Li Qingshan once again.
The old emperor of the Jiuli Divine Dynasty, who had personally delivered the invitation, spoke first, his voice aged yet powerful as a bell:
"Congratulations, Eastern Exalt! Severing the Dao the throne, ascending seven heavens in one step, slaying two kings, and vanquishing countless enemies. How magnificent! This is a blessing for our human race and a boon for the Big Dipper! On behalf of the Jiuli Divine Dynasty, I, an old man, offer my congratulations to the King!"
As he spoke, he slightly cupped his hands in greeting.
The attitude became more formal and respectful.
A prince of the Great Xia Dynasty, dressed in a robe adorned with four-clawed pythons, spoke up, his voice as sharp as metal:
"On behalf of His Majesty, I, Xia, also offer my congratulations! Your King bearing is unparalleled in this era, truly putting us to shame. May your path to King be smooth, and may you swiftly attain the Great Dao!"
The Jiang Family Holy Lord smiled:
" Your Eastern Exalt, when we first met in the Divine City, I knew you were no ordinary being. I never imagined you would soar to such heights in such a short time. The Jiang Family's congratulations are belated; please forgive us. The Great Emperor Hengyu, who spent his life fighting against darkness, cannot tolerate demons and Eastern Exalt's swift and decisive actions, sweeping across the universe, are truly admirable."
The Jiang Family and Li Qingshan have always had a good relationship, so their congratulations were especially warm at this moment.
The Ji Family Holy Lord remained calm as he slowly spoke:
"Congratulations to the Eastern Exalt on your successful Severing the Dao. The Ji Family and Jade Pool are both cornerstones of the Eastern Wasteland, and we should celebrate together."
His words and manners were polite, but somewhat bland, lacking the warmth of the Jiang Family.
The Yaoguang Holy Lord had a gentle smile and a mellow voice.
" Yaoguang also congratulates the Eastern Exalt. The rise of King has swept away the long-standing ailments, a truly joyous occasion. I, Yaoguang, wish to join Jade Pool and the Eastern Exalt in maintaining peace and tranquility in the Eastern Wasteland and even the Big Dipper."
The leader of the Yin-Yang Sect stroked his long beard and chuckled:
" The Yin-Yang Sect congratulates the Eastern Exalt on reaching the King Realm, whose combat prowess is astonishing. This magnificent feat by the King has truly deterred many with ill intentions."
The other factions, whether sincere or not, also offered their congratulations.
For a time, the celestial palace was filled with congratulatory voices, and the atmosphere in the ancient land seemed to have eased considerably, as if it were truly a peaceful celebratory banquet. Li Qingshan was indeed the new king of Big Dipper, a figure of great renown and popularity.
Li Qingshan slightly raised his eyes, his gaze calmly sweeping across the entire room.
With just a glance, without any release of pressure, the clamor in the entire hall seemed to be wiped away by an invisible force, instantly falling silent.
All sounds ceased abruptly, leaving only the subtle murmur of Daoist chanting.
Faced with congratulations from all sides, he returned the greeting with clasped hands, his voice clear and calm:
"Thank you all, fellow Daoists. Severing the Dao is but a glimpse into the true path of the Great Dao; the road ahead is still long. I am Qingshan grateful for your Jade Pool today. Jade Pool has prepared fine tea and ancient wine, which I would like to share with you all. There will also be a discussion session later, where we can exchange ideas, verify our understanding, and explore the path ahead together."
At the opportune moment, the Queen Mother of the West gave a signal, and soon female disciples from Jade Pool, carrying jade pots and fine wines, moved between the various altars, offering celestial tea imbued with spiritual energy and ancient wines stored in cellars.
The refreshing aroma of tea and the mellow fragrance of wine filled the air, blending with the natural Daoist spirit of this ancient place, creating an increasingly elegant atmosphere for a grand gathering of immortals and discussions on Daoism.
After several rounds of tea, wine, and spiritual fruit, the atmosphere seemed to relax a bit.
They began to converse in hushed tones with a senior religious elder, discussing the ancient ruins recently discovered in a certain part of the Big Dipper Star Domain;
A Mighty Figure demon mentioned unusual activity in a forbidden area of Southern Ridge, suggesting that an ancient medicinal herb might have matured.
Some people also talked about which young prodigy had made a breakthrough or had found an opportunity somewhere.
However, beneath this seemingly peaceful surface, a subtle tension always exists.
Everyone's attention, more or less, remained focused on the figure in black robes at the central platform.
The battle in the Northern Region Outer Sea seven days ago, in which thirty-four Mighty Figure and the King of Slaughter perished, was like a thunderclap that had not yet dissipated, its aftershocks still reverberating in everyone's hearts.
Their purpose in coming here was genuinely to offer congratulations, but their deeper aim was to test, observe, and ascertain what kind of changes this suddenly rising " Eastern Exalt " would bring to Big Dipper.
The topic, seemingly unintentionally, gradually veered towards some less "peaceful" areas.
The Tai Shang uncle of the Ancient Hua Divine Dynasty, after finishing his cup of fine wine, suddenly sighed:
" The Big Dipper may appear calm on the surface, but there are many undercurrents. Some time ago, at a mine on our border, two Dragon Transformation Secret Realm and dozens of their personal guards died mysteriously overnight. Their wounds were bizarre, and their souls were completely destroyed. There were no signs of a fierce battle at the scene, and the culprit remains unknown. This is causing us great anxiety."
"What Brother Ancient Hua said, I have also heard. In the past hundred years, in the Five Regions of the Big Dipper, there seem to be more frequent incidents of assassination, massacre, and attacks on resource points that are all shrouded in mystery than previously recorded. Although most of them are buried in the dust or attributed to revenge killings and robberies, many of the methods used are quite Gu Feng."
He did not explicitly state what he meant by " Gu Feng," but the older generation present all had some long-forgotten, unpleasant memories flashing through their minds.
The Holy Lord of Yaoguang Holy Land unconsciously tapped his fingertips on the edge of the platform, and replied:
"That's true. Three years ago, a sect under my jurisdiction, which was Yaoguang, lost all its core members overnight, and its treasury was mostly emptied. The traces left at the scene, identified by the elders of the sacred land, resembled some kind of long-lost ' Soul-Severing Blade ' technique, which is specifically designed to destroy the soul and is extremely vicious. At the time, we thought it was the work of bandits who had accidentally obtained an ancient inheritance, but now that I think about it..."
He didn't finish speaking, but his meaning was clear.
The Jiang Family Holy Lord snorted coldly and slammed the jade cup in his hand heavily onto the Dao platform:
"Why bother with the pretense! Whose handiwork are these underhanded tricks you're talking about? Doesn't everyone here know? Aren't they just rats hiding in the cracks of the ground, unable to see the light of day? They specialize in assassinations, sneak attacks, sowing discord, and creating chaos! How many heroes of my Jiang Family have fallen at their hands over the millennia?"
"Lord Jiang, please be careful with your words."
The voice of Wang Yangzhan, the leader of the Yin-Yang Sect, rang out. He glanced at the Jiang Family Holy Lord, then glanced towards the central altar.
"Without evidence, how can one make baseless accusations? While the Assassin Divine Dynasty may have a notorious reputation, the Big Dipper is vast, possessing countless extraordinary skills and techniques. Imitating one or two of them and framing someone would not be difficult. Moreover, even if it were truly their doing, their lair is incredibly secretive, and their whereabouts are shrouded in mystery. For tens of thousands of years, countless forces have tried to eliminate them, but have they ever truly succeeded? They have only increased casualties and provoked endless retaliation."
Ji, a living fossil of the Ji Family, slightly raised her eyelids and said in a hoarse voice:
"What Yin-Yang Sect Wang Yangzhan said, though unpleasant to hear, is the truth. The existence of Hell and the Human World to this day has its reasons. Their methods of concealment, assassination techniques, and the cruelty of their revenge are impossible to guard against. Years ago, an ancestor of my Ji Family participated in the siege of one of their branch altars. Although we successfully eliminated it, in the following century, seven outstanding members of our family who were training outside the sect perished in succession, all killed by mysterious assassinations—a case that remains unsolved to this day. One wrong move can affect the whole situation; we must be extremely cautious."
The two heavyweight figures spoke in succession, their tones clearly conveying a sense of apprehension and a reluctance to provoke conflict, which cooled down the already somewhat heated atmosphere once again.
Many people wore expressions of deep agreement or deep concern.
The terror of the Assassin Divine Dynasty lies not only in the strength of its individual assassins, but also in its overall secrecy, infiltration, and relentless, vengeful nature, which is enough to give any major power a headache, making them prefer to maintain a fragile balance of "you don't provoke me, I won't provoke you."
The Ancient Land of Dao Source fell silent for a moment, with only the Eternal roar of the waterfall of immortal energy in the distance making the silence all the more heavy.
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