Chapter 437 - 361: Celestial Abyss Imperial Court
Three Elements Dao Sect, in the Assembly Hall atop Yunlan Peak, the sandalwood incense wafted but could not dispel the pervasive gloom in the room.
Eighteen Nascent Soul True Monarchs of the Chen Clan, dressed in purple-embroidered Daoist robes, sat around a cyan jade round table, on which a map was spread.
On the map, the fiery red marks representing the Primordial Saint Sect spread like a wildfire, compressing the territory of the Three Elements Dao Sect to the southeastern corner.
Sitting at the end was True Monarch Chen Yuan:
"More than ten Celestial Venerables of Divinity Transformation... and that mysterious Primordial Saint Master whose prowess is legendary yet has never shown his face."
"We’ve retreated again and again, and now we’ve taken a defensive stance at the Three Elements Immortal City, but the opponent still presses on relentlessly."
As these words were uttered, the hall became even more silent.
All present knew his words were true; ever since the descent of the Primordial Saint Sect to this realm, sects perished, cultivators died, and those who resisted were publicly executed, with their heads hung high over the mountain gates.
The Three Elements Dao Sect was able to endure thus far only thanks to the foundation laid by Chen Xihua long ago.
True Monarch Chen Mo, who was in charge of the Array Dao, spoke in a solemn tone: "Our grand array is of the highest standard."
"In the past, the Primordial Magnetic Array was said to be able to stop Divinity Transformation, but it was merely because the Celestial Venerables of Divinity Transformation were unwilling to pay the price."
"Now, this ’Void Annihilation Myriad Forms Immortal Array’ was built by Celestial Venerable Xihua, merging thirty-six void and annihilation Dao patterns—it can truly trap and kill Divinity Transformation Cultivators!"
The crystal ball on the array disc suddenly shimmered, reflecting the virtual image of the immortal array.
Countless void rifts opened and closed within the array, each able to absorb energy and destroy spiritual treasures, with a myriad sword array interwoven intricately.
"But the opponent isn’t one, but more than ten!"
When the crystal ball simulated the scene of more than ten Divinity Transformation auras attacking the array simultaneously, the radiance of the immortal array dimmed greatly and the virtual image teetered on the brink of collapse.
All present felt their hearts sink—single combat, the immortal array could surely win, but facing more than ten Divinity Transformation Venerables working together, how could it withstand?
"Even more troublesome is the lifespan of the opponent."
Chen Fengxing finally spoke, wearing the sect master’s Daoist robe embroidered with the Tai Chi Diagram, his temples streaked with frost, a look of worry etched between his brows:
"With abundant Primordial Source in the Xuanhuang Realm, the lifespan of Celestial Venerables of Divinity Transformation can easily span thousands of years; they can attack the array for a long time without concern for losses."
"According to reports from spies, their descent tunnel is still being nurtured, within five years, more than ten Venerables will be able to fully descend."
He felt a sense of powerlessness within, holding out an ancient jade scroll—that was the trump card left by Chen Xihua, which could harness the sword Dao origin left in the sect by Celestial Venerable Xihua to briefly possess Divinity Transformation combat power.
But it could only be used once; against more than ten Divinity Transformations, it was merely a drop in the bucket.
Chen Fengxing smiled wryly:
"Unfortunately, my aptitude is lacking, stuck at Nascent Soul Great Perfection, unable to touch the threshold of Divinity Transformation."
"Celestial Venerables Xihua and Life-Annihilating both attained Divinity Transformation within a thousand years; I once wanted to chase after them, only now realizing the chasm between us."
All present sighed; they included Late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, but the realm of Divinity Transformation was a sky-high divide difficult to cross.
Chen Fengxing looked at the dejected faces around and forced a spirit of encouragement:
"Fortunately, Chen Clan disciples are spread throughout the Four Domains, with the core thirty talented disciples sent out discreetly, to the Great Wilderness Demon Court and other remote regions."
"Even if Yunlan Mountain falls, as long as the bloodline persists, there will always be a day for rebuilding."
As soon as the words fell, the communication jade talisman at his waist suddenly lit up, emitting a rapid buzzing.
This was the dedicated communication channel with the Great Wilderness Demon Court, only used for matters of life and death.
Chen Fengxing’s heart tightened, he hastily crushed the jade talisman and delved his divine sense into it.
In an instant, his facial expression first showed an incredulous elation, his pupils contracted sharply, then he slightly furrowed his brows, his expression shifting uncertainly.
True Monarch Chen Yuan asked impatiently, "Sect Master, is there news from the Demon Court end?"
Chen Fengxing took a deep breath and spoke slowly, his voice with a trembling trace yet incomparably clear:
"We are carefree, as the Xuanhuang Realm... has been swept through; Roc Sovereign has suppressed a realm with a flick of a finger!"
"What?!"
Everyone in the hall suddenly stood up, the sound of tables and chairs clashing rose one after another.
"Roc Sovereign? Is that the Golden-Winged Roc Demon Sovereign of the Great Wilderness Demon Court?"
"He can actually sweep the Xuanhuang Realm? What about those more than ten Celestial Venerables of Divinity Transformation?"
Chen Fengxing enunciated clearly:
"The Primordial Saint Master was beheaded outside the Demon Court, leaving no remains, and his Primordial Spirit was annihilated."
"Over a dozen Celestial Venerables were directly subdued by Peng Zun, who stormed into the heart of the Primordial Saint Sect with just a flick of his fingers!"
A surge of ecstatic joy swept through the entire Assembly Hall. True Monarch Chen Yuan spun around in excitement, while True Monarch Chen Mo hugged the Array Disc and laughed heartily:
"This is wonderful! With Peng Zun taking action, the Primordial Saint Sect is not to be feared!"
Everyone marveled, their words filled with awe for Peng Zun’s might:
"To suppress an entire realm! Over a dozen Celestial Venerables were vanquished by him alone, such divine power is simply unimaginable!"
"I recall that Peng Zun hasn’t even reached a thousand years of age, right? The Demon Race’s cultivation is notoriously difficult, yet he possesses such divine power, truly a heaven-sent prodigy!"
Amidst the commotion, True Monarch Chen Yuan suddenly noticed that Chen Fengxing still had a furrowed brow, and quickly inquired:
"Sect Master, do you still have concerns?"
The crowd immediately fell silent, their eyes all turning towards Chen Fengxing.
Chen Fengxing paused, his voice heavy as he spoke:
"With this event, Peng Zun has decided to establish the ’Tianyuan Imperial Court,’ bringing all forces from the Great Wilderness Four Domains, including our Three Elements Dao Sect, under the Imperial Court."
The Assembly Hall fell into dead silence, the smiles on everyone’s faces froze. Being incorporated into the Imperial Court meant the Three Elements Dao Sect would lose its autonomy, and its millennia-old foundation would have to be handed over to another.
Seeing everyone’s grave expressions, Chen Fengxing instead smiled, reassuring them:
"There is no need for concern, everyone. Peng Zun has already decided this matter, and we should accept it calmly."
"Although the constitution of the Imperial Court has not been set, Peng Zun’s conduct is measured, much better than those beasts of the Primordial Saint Sect by thousands of times."
He paused, as if trying to convince himself as well:
"Moreover, Peng Zun has the blood of the ancestral lineage from the Chu Region flowing through him; we are all from the same Chen Clan!"
The Yunlan Chen Sheng originates from the Chen Clan of the Chu Region, and although this branch is powerful and influential, claiming to be the main lineage, this is an indisputable fact.
...
At this moment, the Seven Kills Demon Monarch, clad in profound black martial attire, stood atop a bone blade flying vessel, its hull cutting through the void and leaving a faint trail of blood mist.
In his arms was a gilded token, on which the four characters "Tianyuan Imperial Court" shimmered with the aura of black and white energy, serving as the communication credential personally bestowed by Chen Sheng.
He was embarking as the first "Messenger" after the establishment of the Imperial Court, tasked with spreading the news to all major sects across the four domains, setting it into motion through imperial decree.
Along the way, he witnessed various reactions; there were stubborn factions who slammed tables in anger, opportunists eager to cozy up to power, and many more who remained silent in cautious observation.
The Seven Kills Demon Monarch meticulously memorized everyone’s performance: "Upon my return, I shall report all of this to His Highness."
At the same time, his heart leaped with joy, for he had made the wise decision not only to avoid boarding the pirate ship of the Primordial Saint Sect but also to align himself closely with Peng Zun!
...
With the end of the communication, a sweeping purge began across the four domains, countless sects began to counterattack, and the flames of war spread to every stronghold of the Primordial Saint Sect.
Without the protection and support from the Xuanhuang Realm, these Saint Sect cultivators were no match against the united offensive of the Human and Demon Races.
Once invincible, the Saint Sect cultivators now scurried like stray dogs, living in constant fear.
...
In the Assembly Hall of the Great Wilderness Demon Court, the Seven Kills Demon Monarch respectfully presented the recording Jade Scroll.
Peng Xuan, dressed in a brocade robe embroidered with the Golden-Winged Roc, sat at the head and took the Jade Scroll. With a sweep of his Divine Sense, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Though young, he already possessed the demeanor of a leader, his voice steady and powerful:
"Thank you for your efforts, True Monarch. Not only have you traveled through the four domains, but you’ve also gauged the attitudes of each sect. This merit I shall report in detail to my father."
"You flatter me, Your Highness, it is my duty."
The Seven Kills Demon Monarch respectfully cupped his hands, secretly admiring that—though His Highness Peng Xuan had not ventured to the Xuanhuang Realm—he displayed a calm and composed nature that surpassed those eager to achieve merit.
After the Seven Kills Demon Monarch withdrew, Peng Xuan was left alone in the Assembly Hall, slowly closing his eyes and sending his Divine Sense towards the direction of the Xuanhuang Realm.
He was naturally aware that many of his brothers had led their troops into the Xuanhuang Realm, each eyeing the position of "Ruler of a Realm" with ambition.
But in his heart, Peng Xuan knew, though the Xuanhuang Realm was desirable, it was far from his father’s protection.
"I am of average talent, and only by staying by my father’s side can I have the opportunity to claim supremacy."
