The Holy Prince's golden eyes suddenly narrowed!
He stared intently at Li Qingshan, trying to discern any arrogance or bluff in the other's face.
But all he saw was an unfathomable calm, and a sense of self-assurance that seemed to be stating a fact.
Five thousand years later, will he be able to suppress the Great Accomplished Saint Spirit with a mere flick of his wrist?
What a magnificent spirit!
Even his father, the Fighting Saint Emperor, before attaining enlightenment, dared not say he could reliably defeat a fully-fledged Saint Spirit!
But for some reason, looking into Li Qingshan's eyes, which were as calm as an ancient pool, the Holy Prince felt no doubt whatsoever.
It was as if what the other person was saying was a fact that was bound to happen in the future.
"Fellow Daoist, what a spirit!" The Holy Prince took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart.
After a moment of silence, the Holy Prince changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious than before, even carrying a hint of apprehension:
"As for his descendants, I wonder if the Eastern Exalt has ever heard of the name ' Undying Heavenly Emperor '?"
"Despair."
Li Qingshan gently placed the teacup in his hand on the jade table.
This time, the voice was softer than before, yet it struck the Holy Prince's heart like a heavy hammer.
The temperature inside the hall seemed to have dropped a few degrees.
Lin Qingyao's slender hands tightened slightly, but she still stood quietly, her clear eyes fixed on Li Qingshan.
Li Qingshan slowly raised his eyes.
In his eyes, the chaotic energy flowed faster, and the scene of Yin-Yang separating and heaven and earth being reborn could be vaguely seen.
That gaze was calm, yet it seemed to pierce through time, revealing the "god" revered by all races in the primordial era.
"A celestial being born of innate nature, a 'god' revered by all Primordial Myriad Races ancient times, a being who has seemingly stepped into the Immortal Dao Domain." Li Qingshan's voice was calm, yet every word was clear. " The Undying Heavenly Emperor, I have naturally heard of him."
The Holy Prince's golden hair stood on end, and he involuntarily exuded a fighting spirit, an instinctive reaction from the depths of his bloodline to that "god".
"According to our clan's ancient records, the origins of the Undying Heavenly Emperor are shrouded in mystery, and his influence spanned the entire Primordial Era." The Holy Prince's voice was deep and metallic. "Even after my father attained enlightenment, many Ancient Races still maintained a fanatical faith in him. After my father's enlightenment, he attacked the Undying Heavenly Emperor temple. I recently visited my uncle at Mount Sumeru and learned part of the truth. Due to some immense karmic Cause and Effect, my father overthrew the Undying Heavenly Emperor temple."
He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his golden eyes. "Even so, their bloodline descendants still hold an incomparably revered status among the Ancient Races, and are universally respected as ' Son of God ' by all races."
The Holy Prince's gaze seemed to sweep unintentionally in a certain direction outside the palace.
That place is the mysterious garden where the Stone King of past dynasties were sealed in Jade Pool.
Li Qingshan followed his gaze, and a very faint smile suddenly appeared on the corner of his mouth.
The curve was shallow, yet it seemed to have seen through the secrets of eternity, carrying a detached and indifferent air.
"Does the Holy Prince believe that there are descendants of the Undying Heavenly Emperor within the Jade Pool?" Li Qingshan asked directly.
The Holy Prince remained silent for three breaths, then nodded emphatically. "It's not just a feeling, it's almost certain."
He leaned forward, his voice even lower, as if afraid of disturbing something:
"Back when my father was still alive, he sensed a strange bloodline fluctuation emanating from the Big Dipper, subtly resembling the aura of the Undying Heavenly Emperor described in ancient texts. Later, I awakened my sealed memories and, through extensive investigation, learned that Jade Pool had received several heaven-defying Stone King as a gift from the Source Heavenly Master. One of them contained a divine egg, enveloped in immortal flames, and was suspected to be a descendant of the Phoenix bloodline!"
The Holy Prince stared directly at Li Qingshan, his golden eyes filled with solemnity and warning:
"If that is truly the egg of the Heavenly Emperor's Son, for Jade Pool to keep it in its hands is tantamount to holding a primordial star that could explode at any moment! The Undying Heavenly Emperor wields too much influence among the Ancient Races; even my father was extremely secretive about him back then. Once the news leaks out, the Ancient Races that worship the Heavenly Emperor will surely flock here. At that time, I'm afraid more than one or two Ancestor King will descend upon Jade Pool; it will be a primordial frenzy that sweeps across the Big Dipper!"
After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.
Only the rustling of the wind through the Purple Bamboo Forest could be faintly heard from outside the hall.
But Li Qingshan's reaction surprised the two of them.
Instead of being shocked, he laughed.
The smile was faint, yet it carried a sense of complete control and composure.
He slowly stood up, walked to the window of the palace, and looked out at the lush Purple Bamboo Forest, as if he could see those few silent, strange rocks deep in the garden.
"What the Holy Prince said is absolutely true." Li Qingshan, his back to the two, his white robes swaying gently in the wind, said, "I knew about that stone egg when I first entered Jade Pool. Its bloodline essence is supreme, and its flames contain the true meaning of Nirvana, truly possessing the characteristics of Immortal Phoenix. Moreover, in recent years, its activity has become increasingly stronger, showing signs of breaking free from its seal and escaping."
The Holy Prince suddenly stood up. "Since you have already seen through it, why do you still..."
"Why keep her around?" Li Qingshan turned around and took over the conversation.
His smile remained, but a glint of lightning flashed in his eyes:
"Because the time isn't right. And also because he is the best whetstone."
"A whetstone?" The Holy Prince was taken aback.
"Indeed." Li Qingshan slowly returned to his seat, his robes fluttering with an air of composure. Without waiting for the Holy Prince's response, he spoke in a calm, unassuming voice, directly revealing the foreseeable future:
"Imagine what it would be like if the matter of the Heavenly Emperor's Son were to suddenly erupt only after all the Primordial Myriad Races had awakened, the Ancestor King had emerged, and the Ancient Emperor Bloodline had appeared one after another."
He paused slightly, his gaze as calm as a deep, still pool, yet reflecting a chilling scene:
"At that time, it wouldn't just be one or two Ancestor King flocking there. Those clans that revered the Undying Heavenly Emperor would surely form battle formations like the most fanatical believers, turning into a surging torrent rushing towards Jade Pool. And the other royal families, even if they didn't personally participate, would be happy to add fuel to the fire, and might even secretly hand over Ancient Emperor Weapon."
Li Qingshan's voice remained steady, but each word struck like a heavy hammer into the silent palace.
"Taking advantage of this opportunity, we can firstly test the strength of the human race, and secondly, divide up the millennia-old reserves of the Jade Pool. At that point, even with the Western Emperor Pagoda guarding it, the Jade Pool will have to exhaust its resources, engage in a bloody battle, and deplete its vitality. Even if it manages to achieve a pyrrhic victory, it will only allow others to reap the benefits."
The words had barely left his lips when they were spoken, their lingering resonance like an icicle hanging overhead.
The words are plain, yet each one is piercing.
The Holy Prince remained silent, for what Li Qingshan said was precisely the most likely future.
The Primordial Races was not benevolent; the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, was ingrained in their very being.
The immense wealth accumulated by an extreme power is enough to drive many Ancient Races mad.
"Then why are you still here, fellow Daoist?" the Holy Prince asked, puzzled.
Li Qingshan suddenly burst into loud laughter.
The clear, melodious laughter echoed within the hall, reaching the Immortal Pool outside and causing ripples to spread across its surface.
That laughter carried a domineering air, a sense of having the world at its fingertips.
"Haha, that's just what people think. As for me, what do I have to fear from the Primordial Royal Clan Primordial Imperial Clan clans? If they all come to Jade Pool, they'll just be whetstones for me." Li Qingshan's laughter gradually subsided, his eyes flashing like lightning. "As for keeping that little bird, it's just to find a better whetstone for the younger generation of the human race."
He looked at the Holy Prince, and said, word by word:
"A mere skeleton in a tomb dares to make my Jade Pool fear?"
"Bones in a tomb," the Holy Prince murmured, repeating the four words, his golden eyes flashing intensely.
Those were descendants of numerous Primordial Royal Clan and even imperial families, descendants of the Undying Heavenly Emperor! In the eyes of the Ancient Races, they were like gods! But in Li Qingshan's words, they were just "withered bones in a tomb"!
How incredibly arrogant!
No, it's not arrogance.
Looking into Li Qingshan's calm and profound eyes, the Holy Prince suddenly understood that this was not arrogance, but an absolute confidence that transcended the vision and perspective of ordinary people.
It seemed that in his eyes, the so-called ancient races and the son of the emperor were really just a stone to sharpen a knife.
"A whetstone?" The Holy Prince took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart.
"Indeed." Li Qingshan nodded, his tone calm and composed. "That little bird possesses extraordinary bloodline and countless resources. Once it is born, it will surely be revered as a deity, attracting the combined forces of numerous Ancient Races. It is itself an unparalleled enemy. Wouldn't such an opponent be the best touchstone for honing oneself and proving the Great Dao?"
He paused, then looked eastward outside the hall, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of space, seeing a young man undergoing training somewhere in the Eastern Wasteland:
" Ye Fan's Sacred Body is newly formed, and the road ahead is long. He needs the pressure of such powerful enemies to rise faster. Not only Ye Fan, but all the other geniuses of our human race also need such pressure to break free from their comfort and transform into dragons in the flames of blood."
Li Qingshan withdrew his gaze and looked at the Holy Prince:
" Your Holy Prince, as a descendant of the Fighting Saint Emperor, you should know that true strength is never cultivated in a greenhouse. Heroes emerge in chaotic times, and great enemies foster growth. Sometimes, a powerful opponent is more valuable than ten allies."
Upon hearing this, the Holy Prince's fighting spirit surged like a volcano!
He suddenly understood, his eyes gleaming with golden light, and he laughed heartily, "The words of the Eastern Exalt are like the sun breaking through the clouds! I underestimated Jade Pool! Indeed! My father once said that the true path to the throne is forged in battle! The Heavenly Emperor's Son? Perfect! I also want to weigh in this so-called descendant of gods just how capable he really is!"
He laughed, his fighting spirit soaring into the sky, transforming into visible golden flames, but then instantly receding.
"At that time, with the gathering of Primordial Myriad Races, I, the Holy Prince, also wish to have a chance to meet them!" The Holy Prince's eyes burned with fighting spirit, and his gaze toward Li Qingshan was full of admiration.
This person not only possesses unfathomable strength, but also extraordinary vision and strategic foresight, with far-reaching plans.
To use the descendants of the Undying Heavenly Emperor as a whetstone—such courage and vision are rare throughout history!
At this moment, Lin Qingyao, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, fully understood Li Qingshan's intentions.
Her beautiful eyes darted around, glancing at Li Qingshan's profile, a glint of something special in them.
This junior colleague always manages to make the most unexpected yet perfectly reasonable choices.
The three discussed some more details, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
The Holy Prince admired Li Qingshan more and more, not only for his cultivation, but also for his magnanimity and wisdom.
He suddenly realized that coming to Jade Pool might be the best decision he had made since waking up.
Finally, the Holy Prince remembered the main purpose of his trip, and scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly. This gesture instantly dissipated his soaring fighting spirit, revealing a touch of youthful frankness.
"That Eastern Exalt, Holy Maiden, regarding the Ancient Peaches of Immortality,"
Lin Qingyao smiled, a smile as radiant as melting snow and blooming flowers, " Your Holy Prince, rest assured, the Queen Mother has instructed us to come and retrieve it at the Yaochi Grand Gathering."
"Excellent! Thank you!" The Holy Prince was overjoyed.
With the important matter settled, the Holy Prince was completely satisfied.
He then exchanged some insights on cultivation with Li Qingshan.
Although Li Qingshan was a human, he was knowledgeable and had unique insights into ancient warfare tactics. Often, he could point out the key points in just a few words, which would enlighten the Holy Prince and benefit him greatly.
Several hours later, the Holy Prince took his leave, saying that he would return when the peaches ripened and the Yaochi Grand Gathering took place.
Inside the hall, only Li Qingshan and Lin Qingyao remained.
As the sun set, its afterglow streamed through the window lattice into the hall, casting long shadows of the two figures.
The tea had cooled, but its aroma lingered, mingling with the calming incense in the hall and the bamboo scent outside the window, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Lin Qingyao walked to Li Qingshan's side and gently poured him a cup of hot tea.
The sound of flowing water was crisp and clear, and wisps of steam rose, veiling her exquisite face with a thin layer of mist, adding to her ethereal and otherworldly beauty.
Li Qingshan, "The ancient races will emerge, and the Golden Age will be accompanied by bloodshed and chaos. Jade Pool also needs to make preparations as soon as possible."
" Qingyao understands," Lin Qingyao replied.
She paused, looked at Li Qingshan, a complex emotion flashing in her beautiful eyes. "However, isn't using the Heavenly Emperor's Son as a whetstone too risky? If things get out of control, Jade Pool might become the target of everyone's criticism."
Li Qingshan put down his teacup, stood up, and walked to the window.
The setting sun tinged his white clothes with Phnom Penh, his back straight as a pine tree, yet exuding a transcendent and aloof air.
"Does Senior Sister trust me?" he asked softly without turning around.
Lin Qingyao answered without hesitation, "I believe you."
In a word, decisive and resolute.
Li Qingshan smiled.
The smile was faint, yet it was like a spring breeze blowing across a frozen lake, instantly melting away all the chill.
"That's enough." He turned to look at Lin Qingyao. "With me at Jade Pool, it will not fall. That little bird cannot escape my grasp."
His tone was calm, yet it carried an absolute confidence that he was in complete control.
Lin Qingyao looked at him, the last trace of worry in her eyes disappeared, replaced by complete trust and a faint, almost imperceptible affection.
The two stood facing each other in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Her white robes were as white as snow, and her green skirt as green as smoke.
It's like a painting frozen in Eternal.
After a long while, Li Qingshan finally turned his gaze to the eastern horizon outside the window.
His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of space, seeing Ye Fan, who was training somewhere in the Eastern Wasteland and competing with the geniuses of his generation, and also seeing the divine egg in the depths of the Jade Pool, pulsating more and more violently.
"The whetstone is ready," Li Qingshan murmured to himself, a faint, expectant smile playing on his lips. "Now, let's see how much brilliance you young people can unleash."
A great era is about to begin.
The Son of God will be born, all races will gather, geniuses will vie for supremacy, and blood and fire will stain this era red.
but,
Li Qingshan stood with his hands behind his back, a chaotic aura slowly flowing in his eyes.
This stage is too small for him now.
For Big Dipper today, Li Qingshan's slightest move has caused a huge upheaval.
"Senior Sister," Li Qingshan suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?" Lin Qingyao looked up.
"Come for a walk with me." Li Qingshan strode towards the outside of the hall. "After months of seclusion, I want to see the sunset over Jade Pool."
Lin Qingyao smiled sweetly and quickly followed.
The two walked out of the guest hall side by side and into the depths of the Purple Bamboo Forest. The setting sun cast long shadows of them, which eventually merged together, making them indistinguishable from one another.
A faint conversation drifted on the wind:
"Junior brother, the Holy Prince seems to admire you quite a bit."
"He's a person I can befriend."
Will you attend the Flat Peach Gathering?
"Meeting."
Why?
"Because some old friends are coming."
The sound gradually faded into the distance, eventually disappearing into the rustling of the Purple Bamboo Forest.
The sunset over Jade Pool was as red as blood and as fiery as fire, dyeing half the sky crimson.
It seemed to foreshadow the imminent opening of a blood-soaked yet glorious era.
Li Qingshan, the Jade Pool Holy Son, has already stood at the forefront of this era.
Waiting for the wind to rise.