The storm outside the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land gradually subsided, but the aftershocks of that event that shook the Eastern Wasteland still reverberated.
The news of Ye Fan breaking through the Four Extremes Secret Realm and achieving minor success in the Sacred Body swept through every corner of the Big Dipper like a whirlwind, attracting the attention of countless forces and stirring up undercurrents.
The white-clad figure who had been protecting Ye Fan outside the forbidden area departed gracefully after the young man stabilized his realm, leaving behind only the admonition, "Sharpen yourself, the path lies beneath your feet," before transforming into a wisp of Qingfeng and disappearing into the vast wilderness.
The Jade Pool Holy Land is shrouded in celestial mists year-round.
The essence of heaven and earth here is so rich that it transforms into droplets, slowly cascading down from the suspended immortal mountain to form crystal-clear waterfalls.
A mythical bird spreads its wings and soars across the sky, leaving behind a trail of colorful light; golden carp leap out of the water in the Immortal Pool, creating ripples.
Deep within this pristine land lies a secret realm called " Qingwei Blessed Land ".
One of the secluded cave dwellings, whose doors had been tightly shut for months, finally opened slowly on this day.
"Squeak."
The sound of the rustic wooden door being pushed open was not loud, yet it seemed to touch upon some kind of Daoist essence.
Outside Tingtao Pavilion, the slowly flowing clouds suddenly gathered on their own, transforming into auspicious seven-colored clouds;
The essence of heaven and earth rises and falls rhythmically like the tides, forming visible ripples that spread outwards.
A figure in white stepped out of the pavilion.
Li Qingshan was still dressed in pristine white, spotless.
He stood on the stone steps in front of the pavilion, not deliberately emitting any aura, but a profound and restrained artistic conception naturally flowed around him.
Like the vast starry sky, its surface is calm and still, but its interior contains unfathomable breadth and depth.
He slowly opened his eyes.
In an instant, his eyes flashed with the image of the beginning of chaos, the differentiation of Yin-Yang, the rising of pure energy and the sinking of turbid energy, and the separation of heaven and earth.
In that instant, the Daoist energy of the entire Qingwei Blessed Land resonated, and the branches and leaves of the Ancient Peach Tree moved without wind, emitting a pleasant rustling sound.
After months of seclusion, he sorted through what he had gained from the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land.
That invisible confrontation with the Innate Dao Diagram, and the experience of breaking the deadlock with the residual will of the Great Accomplishment Sacred Body, involving the collision of the Great Dao and the Cause and Effect entanglements, have now all been transformed into the patterns on his Dao Foundation.
Although he has not broken through to the eighth level of the Dao- Dao-Slaying King, his foundation is now much more solid and his understanding of the Great Dao is much deeper than before. Reaching the ninth level of the Great King is just a matter of time.
Congratulations on your completion of seclusion, Junior Brother.
A melodious voice came from the direction of the Immortal Pool, like pearls falling onto a plate, clear and moving.
Li Qingshan turned his head to look.
The Jade Pool Holy Maiden, Lin Qingyao, stood amidst the spiritual mist beside the Immortal Pool.
Her figure was graceful, and her light blue dress swayed gently in the wind as she stood under the Ancient Peach Tree, which was as strong as a dragon, like a fairy flower untouched by the dust of the world.
In recent days, the Queen Mother of the West has gradually entrusted Lin Qingyao with the affairs of Jade Pool. Far from making her feel tired, she has become more composed and her temperament has become more ethereal and otherworldly.
Li Qingshan smiled slightly and took a step forward.
He appeared naturally by the Immortal Pool, standing three feet to the side of Lin Qingyao.
The distance was neither too far nor too close, yet it conveyed a subtle, almost imperceptible, intimacy.
"Senior Sister's cultivation has also improved." Li Qingshan glanced at Lin Qingyao and said softly.
He could tell that this Jade Pool Holy Maiden had already reached the peak of the Dragon Transformation Three Transformations Realm, and was on the verge of the fourth transformation, and could take that step at any time.
In her hands, the " Western Emperor Scripture " from Jade Pool is radiating its own unique brilliance.
Lin Qingyao's lips curved slightly, and a barely perceptible tenderness flashed in her clear, autumn-water-like eyes as she looked at Li Qingshan: "Not even a fraction as good as you, Junior Brother. Your seclusion this time caused quite a stir; even those 'guests' in the Immortal Pool were affected."
As she spoke, she gently pointed with her delicate hand to the Jade Pool deep within the Jade Immortal Pool.
The pool was filled with the essence of heaven and earth, as vast as the sea. The Ancient Peach Tree stood quietly, with three red agate-like peaches hidden among the green leaves. The rich fragrance it emitted was even stronger than it had been months ago, as if breathing in one could extend one's life by several years.
Beneath the ancient tree, the rhythm of the strange stone with nine orifices and eight holes breathing in and out became increasingly mysterious, and the aura of the Saint Spirit within the stone also became slightly stronger. However, Li Qingshan could sense that the holy Saint Spirit was still in a deep gestation phase and showed no signs of being born.
As for those few Stone King sealed deep within the garden.
Li Qingshan's gaze narrowed slightly, and his divine sense swept across the Jade Pool area like invisible water, finally landing on the mysterious garden behind the Purple Bamboo Forest.
Inside one of the Stone King, the divine egg enveloped in celestial flames pulsed at a frequency three times faster than it had a few months ago.
"It can't hold back any longer," Li Qingshan said calmly.
Lin Qingyao followed his gaze and nodded gently. "For the past half month, that Stone King has occasionally emitted a faint, extremely subtle imperial aura. Although weak, its essence is extremely high. The Queen Mother of the West has added three layers of restrictions to prevent any unforeseen events."
"It can't be contained," Li Qingshan shook his head. "What's meant to happen will happen. However, the time isn't right yet."
The two stood side by side by the Immortal Pool, speechless for a moment.
Qingfeng carries the sweet fragrance of peaches and the refreshing scent of lotus flowers in the pond.
Lin Qingyao's hair was gently blown by the wind, and a few strands of her hair brushed against Li Qingshan's arm, carrying a faint fragrance, like a secluded orchid in a valley.
Li Qingshan took the opportunity to hold Lin Qingyao's hand.
Lin Qingyao's ears turned slightly red, but she didn't look away.
The silence lasted for more than ten breaths before she spoke softly, breaking the delicate atmosphere. "Half a day ago, a guest arrived. The Holy Prince of the Fighting Holy Ape Tribe is currently waiting in the guest hall."
A knowing glint flashed in Li Qingshan's eyes.
The Holy Prince, the Ye Fan personally cut out from the Source Stone during the gambling match between the Holy City and the Source Arts Clan.
His father Fighting Saint Emperor, was the last Ancient Emperor to attain enlightenment at the end of the Primordial Era. His battle prowess was unparalleled throughout history, and he once overturned the Daoist temple of the Undying Heavenly Emperor.
This Holy Prince inherited his father's unparalleled bloodline and fighting spirit, possessing boundless potential and will be one of Ye Fan's important allies in the future.
"He came to ask for peaches of immortality?" Li Qingshan asked.
"Yes." Lin Qingyao nodded. "She stated that she desired an ancient peach of immortality and was willing to exchange it for a secret treasure of the Holy Ape Clan or a promise. Due to her special status and respectful attitude, the Queen Mother of the West personally received her and is currently having a conversation with her."
She paused, a hint of a smile appearing in her eyes, " The Holy Prince heard that you were at Jade Pool and specifically expressed his desire to meet you. It seems that even the Ancient Emperor has heard of the name of the Eastern Exalt."
Li Qingshan smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
Reputation? He doesn't care.
But the Holy Prince is someone worth meeting.
"In that case, let's go see him." Li Qingshan strode towards the guest hall.
Lin Qingyao naturally followed half a step behind, a posture that had become a habit.
Everyone in Jade Pool knows that although the Holy Maiden and the Holy Son have not said it outright, their tacit understanding and closeness have long surpassed that of ordinary fellow disciples.
They encountered many disciples of Jade Pool along the way, who all bowed to the two of them, their eyes filled with awe and envy.
Li Qingshan nodded in response to each one, his pace neither hurried nor slow.
Clad in white, with hair as black as ink, she walked amidst the ethereal mists of the Jade Pool, like a figure stepping out of a painting.
The Jade Pool Guest Palace is located deep within the Purple Bamboo Forest.
The palace is built with ancient jade, its entire structure is pure white, elegant yet grand.
Outside the hall, a sea of purple bamboo rustles in the wind, carrying the unique fragrance of bamboo leaves. This fragrance mingles with the calming incense burning inside the hall, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Inside the palace, the Queen Mother of the West sat regally in the main seat, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.
Although she is no longer young, her beauty remains stunning.
At this moment, she was talking to a guest at the next seat, her tone gentle yet dignified.
That guest was none other than the Holy Prince.
His entire body was covered in golden, glistening fur.
It was as if it were cast from divine metal.
Although it has transformed into human form, it retains the characteristics of the ape race, with a thunderous mouth and fiery eyes. When it sits there, its back is straight as a spear, and it has a soaring fighting spirit and an unruly temperament that is contained within, as if it may burst out at any time with the power to tear the sky apart.
"The ancient peaches of immortality will not be fully ripe for another forty-nine days," the Queen Mother of the West said calmly. "If the Holy Prince is willing to wait, one can be obtained from the Jade Pool as a gift. However, according to custom, it must be exchanged for something of equal value."
The Holy Prince's golden eyes gleamed as he clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, " Queen Mother, rest assured, my Holy Ape Clan is willing to exchange the opportunity to observe an ancient body-tempering technique. Although this technique is not a core inheritance of our clan, it is still a battle body tempering method from the Primordial Era, which is of great benefit to physical cultivation."
"Yes." The Queen Mother of the West nodded with a smile.
Just then, light footsteps were heard outside the hall.
The Holy Prince turned his head instantly, his golden eyes shining like two divine lamps, his intense gaze piercing through the palace doors and landing on the white-clad figure stepping in.
Upon seeing this, the Holy Prince was suddenly jolted!
In his perception, Li Qingshan's aura was perfectly harmonious and flawless, in harmony with heaven and earth.
Even though it was right in front of me, it felt as if I had merged into the Purple Bamboo Forest and the Daoist charm of the Jade Pool, becoming one with it all.
What made him even more uneasy was the profound depth that emanated from beneath that calm surface. Even with his keen senses inherited from the Ancient Emperor Bloodline, he couldn't see through the other party's depths at all!
"This person is not only young, but also incredibly powerful!" The Holy Prince thought with a chill.
When he was young, he had seen the Ancestor King of the Primordial Royal Clan who came to pay homage to the Fighting Saint Emperor. Those Saint who survived from the ancient times had a vast and powerful aura, carrying the weight and pressure of the years.
But compared to the one before them, those Ancestor King seemed to lack something: a "new" vitality that transcended the years, a sense of purity as if they had just been born from the source of the Great Dao.
Li Qingshan gave him the feeling of a divine mountain that had just been sculpted but had already connected to the source of heaven and earth.
Its solid foundation, profound potential, and vigorous vitality far exceed imagination!
"His true combat strength is probably already no less than that of an ordinary Saint!" The Holy Prince came to a conclusion that shocked even himself.
How many years has it been? When did such a monstrous talent emerge from the human race?
" Qingshan, you've emerged from seclusion." The Queen Mother of the West spoke with a smile, her tone carrying the kindness of an elder and undisguised admiration. "This is the Holy Prince of the Fighting Holy Ape Tribe."
Li Qingshan announced loudly, "We are deeply sorry for failing to greet the Holy Prince of Jade Pool."
The Holy Prince abruptly rose, cupped his hands in greeting, and said solemnly, " Eastern Exalt Excellency. I have long admired Eastern Exalt name, and meeting you today, I can see that it is indeed well-deserved."
Faced with such a young yet seemingly saintly being, even though he was Ancient Emperor, he showed him ample respect.
In ancient times, the law of supremacy was engraved deep in the blood of every Ancient Races; it was an instinct imprinted on their souls.
The two sat down again.
The Jade Pool Holy Maiden, Lin Qingyao, sat quietly a little behind Li Qingshan. Soon, a disciple came to pour tea for the three of them.
Seeing this, the Queen Mother of the West knew that Li Qingshan and the Holy Prince might have something to talk about, so she left temporarily with her attendants, citing other matters she still had to attend to.
Leaving only Lin Qingyao to accompany him reveals Jade Pool's absolute trust in and delegation of authority to Li Qingshan.
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Only the Qingfeng from the Purple Bamboo Forest wafted through the palace, bringing with it rustling sounds and a faint bamboo fragrance.
The delicate fragrance of the spiritual tea permeated the air, and wisps of steam rose from the teacup, transforming into tiny ripples in mid-air before slowly dissipating.
The Holy Prince, being straightforward and not beating around the bush, said directly, "Fellow Daoist Li, to be honest, I have come to Jade Pool for two reasons. First, to seek the ancient peaches of immortality to save people. Second," he looked directly at Li Qingshan with his golden eyes, " the Primordial Myriad Races Era are about to emerge. I have heard that the Eastern Exalt is a peerless figure among the younger generation of the human race, so I have come to discuss this matter."
Li Qingshan picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
The tea is a unique " Enlightenment Tea " from Jade Pool. Although it is not as potent as the Immortal Medicine, it still has the effect of calming the mind and aiding in enlightenment.
The clear, refreshing tea soup, upon entering the throat, transforms into a gentle, mellow flavor, nourishing the spirit and soul.
"Is the Holy Prince referring to the coexistence of the Primordial Races and the Human Race?" Li Qingshan put down his teacup, the bottom of which lightly touched the jade table, producing a crisp sound.
"Indeed." The Holy Prince nodded, a hint of solemnity flashing in his golden eyes. " The Primordial Myriad Races were not a monolithic entity. In the past, when my father was alive, he suppressed the royal families and established rules. But as time has passed, those rules have long since loosened. Now, some royal families, and even some descendants of the royal families, are no longer content with living in a remote corner, and have long harbored resentment towards the human race for occupying the fertile lands of the Big Dipper."
He paused, lowering his voice slightly. "In recent years, some sealed locations have shown unusual activity. I have personally investigated three of them. In one of them, the ancestral home of a royal family, the seal has already cracked. Within a few decades, Ancient Races will inevitably break free from the seal on a large scale."
"Conflict will be inevitable at that time," Li Qingshan replied, his tone as calm as still water. "Resources are limited, and the struggle for living space has always been the case. Although the era when the Primordial Races viewed humans as prey has passed, the law of the jungle has never changed."
"Fellow Daoist sees things clearly," the Holy Prince sighed. "Although my Holy Ape Tribe is a royal family, its members are few in number, and my father failed to become Battle Immortal in his later years, which damaged the clan's vitality and diminished its influence. All I can do is restrain those close to me and remind those I trust to prepare early."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Li Qingshan, then looked at Lin Qingyao beside him, and finally settled on the celestial mountains and spiritual mists of Jade Pool outside the palace.
"I observe that your cultivation is unfathomable, Fellow Daoist. With you here, Jade Pool is naturally safe. However," a sharp golden glint flashed in the Holy Prince's eyes, "Some hidden dangers do not originate from the outside."
Li Qingshan's expression remained unchanged, his fingers lightly tracing the rim of the teacup.
The warm, smooth texture of the jade was pleasant to the touch, with a slight coolness.
"What is the Holy Prince referring to?" he asked.
The Holy Prince remained silent for a moment, seemingly choosing his words carefully. Finally, he lowered his voice and said, word by word, " The Saint Spirit. And certain bloodlines and descendants."
The air inside the hall seemed to freeze at that moment.
Lin Qingyao paused slightly while pouring tea, but quickly resumed pouring the tea into the cup.
The crisp sound of flowing water broke the brief silence.
A chaotic current seemed to swirl in Li Qingshan's eyes.
He gently set down the teacup, the bottom making a soft "tap" sound as it touched the table, which was particularly clear in the quiet hall.
" Your Holy Prince, please explain in detail," Li Qingshan.
The Holy Prince took a deep breath, his golden hair standing on end slightly, revealing his inner turmoil. "By the Jade Pool Immortal Pool, there is a nascent Saint Spirit. The Jade Pool seeks to use the essence of all races to accelerate its growth. I observe its aura; although some of its malevolent energy has been tempered by the teachings of sages, we must still be wary."
He looked directly at Li Qingshan: " The Saint Spirit is uniquely gifted; upon reaching its peak, it can challenge even the Great Emperor. However, it is also stubborn and domineering, regarding all things as worthless. When my father was alive, he once suppressed and killed a peak-level Stone Man Saint Spirit, a battle that shattered three star regions. It's hard to say whether the Saint Spirit's birth will bring good or bad fortune. Nurturing the Spirit in Jade Pool is playing with fire."
Li Qingshan listened quietly, showing no surprise on his face.
After the Holy Prince finished speaking, he slowly opened his mouth, his voice calm yet serene. "I have seen that Holy Saint Spirit. When she first gained sentience, the sages of Jade Pool throughout the ages used the Daoist principles of the Western Emperor Scripture to cleanse her of her malevolent energy. What she is absorbing now is the pure willpower and essence of heaven and earth accumulated by Jade Pool over tens of thousands of years, not blood sacrifices."
He paused, then looked at the Holy Prince: "As for fortune or misfortune, she will be born at least five thousand years from now. If I am still alive five thousand years from now, even if she truly intends to wreak havoc on the region..."
Li Qingshan picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then uttered the second half of his sentence:
"It's nothing more than suppressing them with a flick of the wrist."
A calm tone, a composed expression.
It was as if they were talking about a trivial matter, rather than a Saint Spirit who could one day challenge the Great Emperor.