Chapter 560

Chapter 560: Taking the Stage

"What do you think?"

Mu Fanyin’s bright eyes were like the moon, her smile resembled a mesmerizing clear spring.

Her attitude made Ye Li hesitate to reach a conclusion for a moment.

"She crossed both realms, was trapped in the Taihuang Abyss, and only recently returned to peak strength; where did she find time to teach?" Ye Li doubted in his heart.

"Yet, if Celestial Lord Linglong’s cultivation method was truly created by her, then she herself must share similarities with Celestial Lord Linglong?"

Thinking of this.

Ye Li’s heart suddenly trembled.

Li Ruoyu also subtly glanced at Mu Fanyin, seemingly sharing the same thought as Ye Li.

"It’s the people from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion."

On the ninth level of the starship, the Palace Master of Yuqing also sensed the gazes of Ye Li and others, instantly locking onto Mu Fanyin, a trace of fear flashing in his eyes.

Last time, he almost died at Mu Fanyin’s hands; how could he not fear her?

"Daoist brother Linglong, that person is Mu Fanyin from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, the Dao Ancestor of the Yin Realm," the Palace Master of Yuqing solemnly said, "The Taihuang Abyss evolved from her physical body."

Celestial Lord Linglong blinked her eyes and stared at Mu Fanyin.

The gazes of two peerless beauties met.

In an instant.

A strange light flashed in Celestial Lord Linglong’s eyes; Mu Fanyin gazed at her with a smile.

"The purpose of our journey is not Heaven’s Secret Pavilion," said Celestial Lord Linglong. "Do not provoke that Dao Ancestor."

The Palace Master of Yuqing nodded.

He turned back and solemnly said, "This time, when the Dao Clan’s ancestral land opens, those three from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion will surely enter. Yue Xun, if you have a chance, kill them."

"Disciple obeys the command," a young man with a cold expression, dressed in black robes, deferentially said.

He was a Five Tribulations Dao Sovereign.

Celestial Lord Linglong frowned slightly.

"Rest assured, Daoist brother, the Dao Clan’s ancestral land is profoundly unique; killing inside, as long as it is done secretly without leaving evidence, will cause no trouble," the Palace Master of Yuqing said.

Celestial Lord Linglong, expressionless, said lightly, "Palace Master of Yuqing, do you forget how Poisonous Hand Demon Lord was exposed? How Yuqing Palace was destroyed?"

"You want to hide it from the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion; can you hide?"

The Palace Master of Yuqing was stunned.

He was caught in habitual thinking.

After Celestial Lord Linglong’s words, he immediately realized.

"Master, this disciple is willing to bear the responsibility alone," Yue Xun gritted his teeth and said. "Even if I cannot kill the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, I will slay those three from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion to avenge our fallen comrades from Yuqing Palace."

"Truly a worthy disciple of mine!" the Palace Master of Yuqing praised.

Celestial Lord Linglong sneered coldly.

Boom!

At that very moment, a roaring sound shook through the air as nine massive divine ships soared into view, their immortal light vast and imposing, capturing all eyes instantly.

"The people from the Immortal Palace of All Laws have finally arrived," said Celestial Lord Linglong, her gaze sharpening slightly.

"The six lineages have all gathered."

Murmured Li Ruoyu.

The nine Great Celestial Lords, the Luoshen Dynasty and its affiliated sects, the lineage of the Chaotic Ancient God, the lineage of the ancient clans, the lineage of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion—and now, the lineage that had descended was from the Immortal Palace of All Laws.

The master of the Immortal Palace was the Ascender who established the Three Yuan Proof realm.

Ha ha ha…

A hearty burst of laughter rang out, "I am the Hall Master of the Eternity Hall of the Immortal Palace of All Laws. By the decree of the Palace Master, I have come specially to congratulate the Dao Clan on recovering their ancestral land."

"A small token; it barely expresses my respect."

Swish!

A streak of light flew toward Luo Qinchuan on the seven-pointed star altar.

It was a Map of Rivers and Mountains, depicting a magnificent universe and the myriad forms of life, imbued with unmatched Dao rhythm.

Luo Qinchuan reached out and took it.

"This old man, Luo Qinchuan, the eighth-generation disciple of the Dao Clan, represents the Dao Clan in thanking Emperor Ling for his kindness," said Luo Qinchuan, cupping his hands in thanks.

"Daoist friend Luo is too courteous."

Great Celestial Sovereign of Eternity said with a laugh, "The Palace Master has always admired the Dao Clan; this is just his small gesture of respect."

"Daoist friend Luo, I too represent the Chaotic Ancient God in offering a simple gift to congratulate the Dao Clan on regaining their ancestral land," Boomed Ancestral Dragon, sweeping his sleeve.

Whoosh!

An immortal root sprang up in the void, sprouting countless branches like a willow tree; as they swayed, space-time rippled, faint images flickering into view.

"This Time-Space Immortal Root can peer into the future; it is a treasure held by Daoist Brother Chaos. Today, we gift it to the Dao Clan in celebration," Laughed Ancestral Dragon.

He waved a hand, and the Time-Space Immortal Root’s roots moved like legs, striding swiftly as it flew of its own accord toward Luo Qinchuan.

"This old man thanks Chaotic Ancient God for his kindness."

Thanked Luo Qinchuan.

The next second,

Celestial Lord Linglong took a step forward; her skirt fluttered, breathtakingly beautiful, and a seven-colored flower flew from her sleeve, each petal etched with one hundred and twenty divine patterns.

"The Luoshen Dynasty congratulates the Dao Clan."

Said Celestial Lord Linglong simply.

"The Wuji Palace congratulates the Dao Clan."

"The Bodhi Temple…"

"The Time Palace…"

Representatives from various forces presented lavish gifts to the Dao Clan.

Dao Sovereign Qingyuan and Li Ruoyu exchanged bewildered glances.

"Did our Master prepare a gift for the Dao Clan?" Li Ruoyu inquired.

"Ruoyu, think bigger,"

Ye Li retorted, "Our very presence honors the Dao Clan enough. Why fuss over gifts?"

"Haven’t you heard? Our Master is as poor as a church mouse."

He declared this without a hint of shame,

his eyes hungrily devouring the treasures and immortal plants on display as he swallowed hard.

Such exquisite treasures!

Li Ruoyu was utterly speechless.

Who understood Ye Xu’s character better than he did?

The man was simply stingy!

Mu Fanyin remarked coolly, "Ye Li speaks the truth. The Dao Clan should consider it an honor that the Master sent us."

"…"

"Birds of a feather,"

The phrase inexplicably surfaced in Li Ruoyu’s mind.

"A disciple of the Hongmeng Hall comes to congratulate the Dao Clan."

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice echoed between heaven and earth. A youth clad in white, his face jade-like and noble, appeared. Every gesture exuded grace and ease.

"Eldest Brother!"

At the sight of him,

the Second Young Master, Third Young Master, Fourth Young Master, and others visibly stirred.

"Eldest Brother…" Luo Qianchen murmured softly.

The First Young Master’s entrance instantly captivated the entire gathering.

"He actually reached the Celestial Lord Realm!"

Celestial Lord Linglong, the Great Celestial Sovereign of Eternity, the ancestral dragon, and others all registered profound shock on their faces. Even Luo Qinchuan upon the altar was deeply astonished.

"Why wasn’t he devoured by the Hall Master of Hongmeng?"

Luo Qinchuan was filled with doubt.

"Impossible!"

The Young Masters were utterly astounded.

"Why has Eldest Brother already achieved the Celestial Lord Realm?" The Seventh Young Master’s beautiful eyes narrowed sharply, "Is he still… himself?"

It wasn’t just her.

The entire assembly fell stunned into silence the moment they beheld the First Young Master.

Heaven and earth grew still.

The youth in white, resembling a refined gentleman amidst the bustling world, radiated warmth with a spring-breeze-like smile as he approached Luo Qinchuan. He bowed respectfully and presented an immortal root.

"This elder, on behalf of the Dao Clan, thanks the Hall Master of Hongmeng for his gracious gesture."

Regaining his composure, Luo Qinchuan accepted the gift.

"Wasn’t the world abuzz with rumors that the Nine Young Masters were merely fattened pigs, fodder for the harvest cultivated by the Nine Great Celestial Lords?" Li Ruoyu’s eyes widened in disbelief, "If that’s true, why wasn’t Eldest Brother harvested now that he reached the Celestial Lord Realm?"

"Who told you the Nine Young Masters must become nourishment for the Nine Great Celestial Lords once they reach the Celestial Lord Realm?" Mu Fanyin retorted scornfully, "How short-sighted."

Li Ruoyu found no words to counter.

"The Nine Great Heavenly Books, if they possessed only such trivial purpose, would be unworthy of that grand title," Mu Fanyin added with a cold laugh.

Ye Li’s gaze deepened.

"What, then, is the true purpose of the Nine Great Heavenly Books?" He pondered silently to himself.

The First Young Master’s appearance shattered their understanding: the Hall Master of Hongmeng’s nurturing of him clearly wasn’t meant for devouring or seizing his Heavenly Book.

"Halls of the Reincarnation, Feng Suiyuan, here to congratulate the Dao Clan!"

At that very instant,

another voice resounded across the horizon.

Feng Suiyuan, Hall Master of the Reincarnation Hall, descended upon the Qilin Mountain Range.

The gathered crowd instantly perked up.

Following the Dao Clan’s spectacle, one of the pivotal protagonists of this grand assembly had finally stepped onto the stage.