The Sea Ridge Hall Sea Ridge Hall was originally empty, but a wisp of smoke and cloud revealed its true form.
Li Qiang understood that this meant the master had removed the original restrictions.
The grand hall was beyond magnificent; every item was exquisite and strangely shaped. In the very center of the hall was a huge screen-like object, on which the landscapes depicted looked as real as the scenery itself.
Qian Shanyong looked surprised, and Li Qiang whispered to him, "Brother Qian, what is that thing?"
Qian Shanyong whispered, "That's a divine artifact called the God-Sealing Plaque. It's said to contain its own world, and there are many benefits to cultivating inside. It can also be used as a weapon; it's very powerful."
A flash of golden light appeared from the God-Sealing Plaque, and a tall, strong, and handsome young man appeared before everyone.
He wore a sea-blue robe, with five black round bands on his left arm that looked like Law Treasure, and a silver silk sash around his waist, adorned with pearls the size of sparrow eggs. His long, jet-black hair cascaded over his shoulders.
He had a broad forehead, thick eyebrows that looked as if painted with lacquer, and most peculiarly, a pair of eyes that shimmered with a blue light. He looked at the crowd with a stern expression, his brow slightly furrowed, and said, " Tianzhen, what are you doing here?"
The High Person Tianzhen said pitifully, "You're still the same as ever. Sigh, can't I just come to see you? This brotherly relationship is so boring. Sigh, I'm so pathetic!"
High Person Tianqu took a step back and said helplessly, "Alright, stop pleading. Every time I see you... never mind, just tell me, what are you doing here?"
Mist Star Cold Woman said from the side, " Tianqu, can't we come and have some fun?"
High Person Tianqu looked her over carefully, then suddenly smiled, "So it's Cold Woman. Why are you covered with a Star Mist Gauze? Don't you want to see anyone? Strange, what day is it today? Why are you all here? And who are these gentlemen?"
Mist Star Cold Woman snorted and said nothing more.
The High Person Tianzhen shoved Li Qiang forward and said, "This is Li Qiang. Come, meet your boring old brother."
High Person Tianqu glanced at Li Qiang and said indifferently, "Oh, so you're a cultivator of the Divine Realm. That's quite rare."
High Person Tianzhen quickly explained to Li Qiang, "Little guy, don't be surprised, he's always like this, looking down at people with his chin."
Li Qiang was amused by Tianzhen; Tianqu was indeed tilting his head back and showing his chin to everyone.
Li Qiang said, "Greetings, Senior Tianqu."
Tianzhen introduced them one by one, and Tianqu nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Then he said to Tianzhen, "Since you're all here, if I don't welcome you, you'll cause trouble for me again. Sorry, I've been in seclusion for too long, and I'm a bit numb. If there's anything impolite... just blame him." He pointed casually at Tianzhen.
Qian Shanyong and the others were very reserved, and Li Qiang and Chiming didn't say much either, as they were too unfamiliar with this High Person Tianqu.
Mist Star Cold Woman said, " Tianqu, I heard you've been cultivating inside the Investiture of the God-Sealing Plaque. Could you show me your secluded cultivation place?"
High Person Tianqu said nonchalantly, "Alright, let's go inside and talk."
He glanced at the God-Sealing Plaque only once, and a beam of red light swept everyone inside.
The God-Sealing Plaque was like another world, with mountains and rivers, trees, weeds, and all sorts of strange animals. Li Qiang couldn't see any signs of an illusion; it was almost exactly the same as the real world.
High Person Tianqu led everyone to a cluster of buildings, where they were surprised to find that there were many people.
Mo Huaiyuan and Qi Junsha were even more shocked, because there were quite a few Loose Immortal among these people.
High Person Tianqu seemed to know what was causing their surprise, and he said calmly, "Within the God-Sealing Plaque, Loose Immortal are not troubled by Heavenly Tribulation tribulations."
Li Qiang asked curiously, " High Person Tianqu always cultivates in seclusion, so how did these Loose Immortal enter the God-Sealing Plaque?"
The High Person Tianzhen said, " The God-Sealing Plaque has many exits and entrances."
Li Qiang then realized that the God-Sealing Plaque and the place where the Heavenly Aunt lived in seclusion had some similarities, and that their own worlds had already formed within them.
Upon seeing High Person Tianqu, all the Loose Immortal immortals stepped forward to greet and pay their respects.
Li Qiang glanced at them coldly and saw that Tianqu had no airs at all; he was smiling and talking to those people.
A moment later, a man and a woman flew in from afar. Upon seeing Tianqu, they quickly landed. Li Qiang was shocked to discover that these two were actually Yao Immortal.
The two Yao Immortal seemed very excited to see Tianqu. The female Yao Immortal even hugged Tianqu's arm and said happily, "Big brother, big brother, you've come out of seclusion from Bori Mountain? Why haven't you come to see us? Hmm, who are they? Have any new people come in? Didn't you say you weren't going out anymore?"
She chattered away, oblivious to everyone around her, as lively as a nightingale.
Tianqu smiled and said, "They are my friends, they came to visit. Let me introduce you."
The male Yao Immortal's name was Pu Niu, and the female Yao Immortal's name was Yi Zhen. They both seemed very friendly.
Yi Zhen clapped her hands and said, "Great! Great! I already know everyone here, and I've made new friends... This is wonderful!"
Li Qiang was confused about their relationship with Tianqu. He still remembered what Heavenly Lord Lijin had said: Yao Immortal were treasures collected by ancient immortals. But now, these two people didn't seem to have been collected by Tianqu, and their relationship seemed to be very good.
Tianqu also used many Loose Immortal to manage the world within the God-Sealing Plaque. The most famous of them was Rong Chenya. Since there was no need to undergo tribulation here, his power was extremely high, no less than that of Dainan Fengyu, and Mo Huaiyuan and Qi Junsha were simply no match for him.
What surprised everyone the most was that there were many cultivators here, but their cultivation levels were not high, roughly equivalent to the Nascent Soul Realm experts in the Cultivation Realm. A very small number of them possessed the strength of the Body Integration Realm or Loose Immortal.
This is a self-contained cultivation world. Thanks to the power of the Investiture of the God-Sealing Plaque, no heavenly Heavenly Tribulation or demons can enter. However, there is a major drawback: those who cultivate here cannot leave the world of the God-Sealing Plaque. For example, if Loose Immortal goes to the outside world, Heavenly Tribulation will soon descend upon them. Therefore, the people here can only live within the God-Sealing Plaque.
Ever since Tianqu entered the God-Sealing Plaque, a satisfied smile has been constantly on his face.
The High Person Tianzhen sighed, "After you obtained the God-Sealing Plaque, you rarely went out. Look at these younger generation, not one of them knows you. Alas, brother, I've been imprisoned in the Beiye Pill Cauldron for so long, and you haven't even bothered to ask about me. I'm so pitiful."
Tianqu smiled slightly and said, "You will never understand the benefits of the God-Sealing Plaque. You were imprisoned in the Beiye Pill Cauldron... Just think about how many benefits you gained. With your restless nature, how could you have cultivated to your current level without being imprisoned in the Beiye Pill Cauldron? It would be strange if I went to rescue you! Besides, the Beiye Pill Cauldron is the treasure of the Primordial Hermit High Person Yuangu. Even if I wanted to rescue you, it would be impossible. With my cultivation level, fighting against him would be asking for trouble!"
The High Person Tianzhen shook his head, speechless. He said angrily, "Listen to this, everyone! I actually have a brother like this! Sigh, I..."
The people around him instinctively took a step back, and sure enough, he said again, "I'm so pitiful."
Chiming couldn't hold back any longer and whispered, "Brother, do you know what it feels like to have an itch in your heart? You want to take it out and scratch it, but you can't reach it..."
Li Qiang asked, puzzled, "What do you mean?"
Qi Junsha whispered, "I feel the same way..." He gestured with his eyes to indicate that he was referring to High Person Tianzhen.
Li Qiang laughed and said, "That's just his catchphrase."
Qian Shanyong said, "Of course you won't feel anything, but their cultivation levels are all inferior to yours."
Li Qiang's heart skipped a beat. It seemed that Tianzhen's Cultivation Method was closely related to his personality. Since his own power was high enough, Tianzhen's words had little effect on him. He just couldn't stand Tianzhen's nagging. But it was different for others.
Yi Zhen seemed very happy. She stood next to High Person Tianqu and looked at them one by one. Finally, her gaze landed on Chiming and Qi Junsha, both of whom had exceptionally handsome appearances.
She floated up to Qi Junsha and said with a sweet smile, "Little brother, are you Loose Immortal? You're so beautiful."
Qi Junsha said irritably, "Yes, I'm Loose Immortal! Little girl, when did this old man become a little brother? Me... and pretty? Oh my... what kind of talk is that!"
He was very unhappy. He had never experienced Heavenly Tribulation, and his current appearance was still that of a young man. Only after experiencing Heavenly Tribulation could he slightly change his appearance. He had long been dissatisfied with his youthful appearance.
Yi Zhen found him very amusing and kept giggling.
Qi Junsha was quite annoyed, his face turning red. He was usually very thick-skinned, but this time he was actually angered by a beautiful female Yao Immortal.
Li Qiang looked at Qi Junsha in disbelief. He knew his master was proud, but this was the first time he'd ever seen someone turn red with anger just from being called "little brother." He asked in surprise, "Master... you... you... what's wrong?"
Qi Junsha raised his foot to kick, but he could no longer hit Li Qiang. Seeing that Li Qiang was not moving, he couldn't land a kick.
Qi Junsha sighed and said, "Hey, little girl, get out of here!" He walked to Mo Huaiyuan's side and looked up at the sky.
Li Qiang scratched his head and chuckled quietly, "What's the big deal? Can't you let it go?"
Yi Zhen turned and floated in front of Chiming. Before she could speak, Chiming said with a grin, "Little sister, don't you think I'm pretty too? Hehe, let's be friends?" He reached out his former devilish hand and grabbed her.
Startled, Yi Zhen staggered backward, exclaiming, "Hey, what are you doing?"
Qi Junsha's eyes widened instantly. He slapped his thigh, realizing with a start, "How could I forget this move? Wow, how cool is using offense as defense!"
Chiming chuckled and said, "Let's shake hands, why are you running away? I, Old Chi, don't eat people anymore."
Qian Shanyong glanced over and saw that Tianqu and Tianzhen both had smiles on their faces, seemingly finding it very amusing. He couldn't help but ask, "Master, where shall we go to talk?"
Tianqu said, "Come here. Pu Niu, go and make arrangements. It's in the Cool Hall... Have Rong Chenya there too." After bowing, Pu Niu turned into a wisp of green smoke and disappeared.
Tianqu said, "Let's follow this path and see the scenery inside the Investiture of the God-Sealing Plaque."
Tianqu gave everyone a brief introduction to the God-Sealing Plaque.
This divine artifact was also obtained from the Ancient God Repository. It was given to Tianqu by the High Person Boju. The God-Sealing Plaque and the Beiye Pill Cauldron are divine artifacts of the same level, belonging to the top-level divine artifacts in this realm.
Of course, the truly top-tier artifacts do not exist in this realm; the artifacts in this realm are all left behind by the gods when they left.
The God-Sealing Plaque has two functions. One is to form its own space, which can be arranged at will by the God-Sealing Plaque. The other function is as a weapon. Its greatest function is restriction. Any master who is restricted in the God-Sealing Plaque will never be able to escape unless the owner decides to release him. The owner of the Investiture of the God-Sealing Plaque can control everything and is extremely powerful.
Li Qiang noticed that people were flying by from time to time. The road surface was paved with tiny jade fragments the size of rice grains, and it was completely sealed off, with not a speck of dust visible on it.
There aren't many buildings here, and they're quite small in scale, but each one is exquisitely beautiful, with various colorful lights reflecting off them. The buildings are spaced several hundred meters apart, and the open spaces are mostly separated by plants, with various plants vying for attention, making the artificial elements very obvious.
Tianqu said, "Everyone built this environment themselves. Many people live in seclusion and cultivate elsewhere. This is their place of exchange, where they share their cultivation experiences and exchange Law Treasure. There is very little fighting here." His tone revealed a sense of pride.
Tianzhen squinted, his sparse brows furrowing slightly, and said disdainfully, "Of course there's no need for fighting here. They live inside the God-Sealing Plaque, lacking the tempering of Heavenly Tribulation. They'll never be able to comprehend a higher realm. This place will only make people stupid! Hmph, what's there to be happy about?"
Tianqu, with a compassionate expression, said, "You don't understand. They're very satisfied with the current situation. Letting them out would be the cruelest thing to do."
Mo Huaiyuan and Qi Junsha were initially somewhat envious of the Loose Immortal here, but after hearing what the High Person Tianzhen said, they were deeply moved.
Mo Huaiyuan sighed softly, "Brother Qi, only by fighting with your own abilities can you live a meaningful life. I think Senior Tianzhen is right."
Qi Junsha nodded firmly and said, "Therefore, we must reincarnate and start cultivating again no matter what."
The group continued walking and soon arrived at a small green hall, a large hall formed by the growth of vines.
Qian Shanyong exclaimed in admiration, "Who could possess such an exquisite wooden restriction? This must be the Sinew Purple Jade Vine!"
Tianzhen said, "Young man, you have good taste. The seed of this Sinew Purple Jade Vine was a gift from High Person Yuanmu."
Qian Shanyong, Xuan Long, and Dainan Fengyu were all startled. High Person Yuanmu was actually the Azure Emperor. They hadn't expected that Tianqu was also familiar with the Azure Emperor.
The Cool Hall was extremely cool. The branches of the Sinew Purple Jade Vine were controlled by a magical restriction. The entire floor of the hall was made of Sinew Purple Jade Vine, and interestingly, countless tiny patterns grew on it, as if they were carefully woven. There were eighteen giant pillars in the hall, each as thick as a person's embrace, which were also made of Sinew Purple Jade Vine.
Li Qiang reached out and touched it; the pillar shone like purple jade, and upon closer inspection, one could perceive a purple glow flowing within it.
Purple vines hung from the ceiling of the main hall, laden with clusters of red fruit, emanating a delicate fragrance. Mist Star Cold Woman couldn't help but exclaim, "Excellent! Much more interesting than my Mystic Ice Palace!"
Everyone sat down casually.
Chiming habitually lay down and stretched, his hands behind his head and his legs crossed, looking quite content.
Li Qiang sat cross-legged and asked, " Tianzhen, when are we leaving?"
Tianzhen laughed innocently, "What's the rush? There's still some time. Going now... the timing isn't right. Besides, we'll go in from the back, and the exit is through the God-Sealing Plaque." He seemed very confident.
Tianqu looked at Tianzhen with suspicion and asked, "Go through the God-Sealing Plaque? Tianzhen, what do you mean?"
Tianzhen beckoned to him mysteriously, but Tianqu didn't move an inch. He said impatiently, "Just tell me, these are all your friends..."
Tianzhen raised his hand and said, "You... hey! Did you know that the Ancient God Repository is about to open?"
Tianqu nodded and said, "I already knew, so what?"
Before Tianzhen could answer, he continued, "Each time the Ancient God Repository opens, only a few of the most powerful individuals can obtain it. What can we do if we go, besides getting some ordinary divine artifacts? I'm already content with my God-Sealing Plaque; I don't even dare to hope for any cultivation manuals... It wouldn't be our turn; it would have been snatched away long ago."
He smiled Tianzhen and said, "This time is different, because he's here!" He pointed at Li Qiang.
Tianqu asked in surprise, "Him? Why?"
Qian Shanyong interjected, "I know that."
Li Qiang couldn't help but shout, "I don't even know, what do you know?"
He felt terrible. He didn't even know what was going on with himself, but everyone else seemed to know. If it weren't for the reincarnation of Mo Huaiyuan and Qi Junsha, he would have really wanted to just leave.
Tianzhen said, "He is the key to unlocking the Ancient God Repository."
Tianqu's eyes widened in surprise. He exclaimed, "This... how is this possible? Opening the Ancient God Repository requires immense Divine Ability Law Power. Ever since the last time High Person Yuangu, High Person Yuanmu, and High Person Boju opened the Ancient God Repository Ancient God Repository, they have tried every possible method to open it again, but they have never succeeded. He... it's impossible!"
Tianzhen said, "You've been hiding inside this God-Sealing Plaque all this time. You have no idea what the outside world is like! Humph, after I escaped, I saw... never mind, let's not talk about him! He made me cultivate in the Beiye Pill Cauldron for so long... Sigh, I'm so pitiful!"
Those with weaker skills, like Qi Junsha, couldn't help but clutch their heads, inwardly screaming for help; this old guy was simply torturing them.
Tianqu asked, "What did he say?" He knew in his heart that Tianzhen had gone to see High Person Boju.
Li Qiang yelled again, " Tianzhen! Explain yourself clearly, or I'm not going to this so-called Ancient God Repository!"
Tianzhen noticed that Li Qiang was genuinely annoyed. He shifted slightly, moved closer to Li Qiang, and said with a grin, "Young man, don't be angry. Actually, opening the Ancient God Repository will be of immense benefit to both you and the ancient immortals. You know, the current cultivation methods are becoming increasingly incorrect. Only by finding the cultivation methods left behind by the ancient gods can we correct the current methods. Especially since you are a cultivator of gods, it will be of even greater help to you than to us."
Tianqu had begun to believe Tianzhen's words, and he also helped explain, "If you can unlock the Ancient God Repository, all the ancient immortals will be grateful to you."
Li Qiang smiled wryly, "I really don't understand. When did I become the key to unlocking the Ancient God Repository? I... I'm not even the key! This is completely inexplicable."
Qi Junsha knew perfectly well that Li Qiang was the type of person who responded better to gentle persuasion than force. Even if he was unhappy about the two ancient immortals' offer, he wouldn't refuse outright.
However, Qi Junsha was unwilling to let Li Qiang suffer, so she said, "My dear disciple, if you don't want to go, don't force yourself. Your Big Brother Mo and I will definitely support you!"
Mo He-Tu-Shu Huaiyuan nodded and said, "Yes, it's alright even if you don't reincarnate, brother, we'll accompany you back to Sealed Fate Planet."
Not only was Tianzhen flustered, but even Qian Shanyong couldn't remain calm. He hurriedly said, "With so many experts going together, there won't be any danger. Brother, you're not really going to leave, are you?"
Li Qiang knew that his master and Big Brother Mo were only saying this because they cared about him and didn't want him to suffer. How could he give up their only chance to be reincarnated?
He chuckled, "I'm going, but I'm wondering, Lord Gu Xing, you've already entered the Ancient God Repository, so why are you stuck there?"
Qian Shanyong hesitated for a moment, then said, " Wood Dragon, you speak."
Li Qiang couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself. It seemed that he was the only one who was still clueless and knew nothing.
Xuan Long said, "I don't know how Lord Gu Xing entered the Ancient God Repository, because I was protecting the two of them at the time and couldn't go with Gu Xing. I heard from Heavenly Lord Lijin that Lord Gu Xing had already entered the Ancient God Repository. He broke the first layer's restriction, but was trapped by the second layer's restriction. Because of this, the Azure Emperor also came to this realm. Actually, I only just realized that all the ancient immortals were alarmed."
Qian Shanyong said, "Because Lord Gu Xing was able to enter the Ancient God Repository, it proves one thing... that you can also enter!"
Li Qiang was completely baffled. " Old Qian, Brother Xuan Long, what are you talking about? What does this have to do with me?" He racked his brains but still couldn't understand what the Ancient God Repository had to do with him.
Qian Shanyong shook his head and said, "To be honest, I don't know how to prove that it's related to you, but High Person Yuangu and Azure Emperor do."
Tianzhen said, "Well... he knew that too, which is why I went to the Extremely Profound Ice Eye to find you." He was referring to High Person Boju.
Li Qiang never dreamed that so many experts were paying attention to him; he didn't know whether to feel confused or proud.
The Star Mist Gauze Mist Star Cold Woman's face twitched slightly. She sighed and said, "My secluded retreat has been ruined in vain."
She finally realized how many powerful figures were watching Li Qiang. If she ruined Li Qiang, who knew what would happen? Even with her audacious nature, she felt a little scared.
Li Qiang looked at everyone helplessly. He recalled the various ways the Azure Emperor and the Heavenly Aunt had treated him, and realized that they could not only predict the development of events, but also calculate his actions and goals. He had been completely and meticulously manipulated by them all along.
Even now that he knows he's being used, he can't back out unless he gives up hope of Qi Junsha and Mo Huaiyuan being reincarnated.
As for how to unlock the Ancient God Repository, Li Qiang stopped thinking about it. With the strength of Heavenly Aunt, Azure Emperor, and High Person Boju, they would never speak without a purpose.
Tianzhen said, "Young man, some things can't be said... Fine, I'll reveal a little. You're on the verge of self-destruction, what's called the Inner Divine Tribulation. The Heavenly Recommendation Scripture you cultivate is most afraid of rapid power growth. Do you know about High Person Yuanmu's progress? It took him tens of thousands of years to advance to a single realm, but you only used a very short time to reach the Seven Star Heaven Realm. What kind of realm is that? It's almost the same as our old guys' realm! Without anyone's help, you will surely die!"
Li Qiang was immediately exposed. In Extremely Profound Ice Eye, he had mistakenly taken the Adversity-Crossing Divine Pill, causing his power to surge to the Seven Star Heaven Realm. Although he tried his best to control it at the Heart of Extreme Movement Realm, he could no longer return to his original state.
From Tianzhen's words, he knew that High Person Boju had long anticipated that he would suddenly step into this realm, which meant that they were not worried at all that he would not go.
He thought to himself, "These old guys are really cunning."
Since Li Qiang's life or death was at stake, Qi Junsha and Mo Huaiyuan also became tense.
Mo Huaiyuan tentatively asked, "Senior Tianzhen, my brother... will you help him?"
Qi Junsha became even more nervous. He stared intently at Tianzhen, almost making people misunderstand that he was about to make a move.
Tianqu suddenly laughed, "Strange, why are you two so nervous?"