Chapter 1297: The Origins of the Emperor and Empress

Novel

Zhao Nansheng didn't understand the meaning of "sending him to ascension."

After all, although the Eastern Earth Imperial Court had some resources, after so many years, most of them had been depleted. It was even less likely for anything that could aid in ascension to end up in a grotto-heaven.

During the late Imperial Court period, any perfected Spirit Transformation cultivators would certainly have used such items.

"I've been idle here, organizing the various intelligence reports you sent. I discovered that the Daoist Sect intends to refine an Immortal Pill, but they've been stuck just before opening the furnace because they're missing a few crucial main ingredients. Take the Eastern Earth Imperial Court's credential to Duguangye in Nanzhou. For the sake of the Empress, the Phoenix clan will surely be willing to help."

True Lord Fu Hai then revealed his plan.

When the Eastern Earth Imperial Court endured the Calamity of the Ghost Mother, there was a highly mysterious Empress whose cultivation was no less than that generation's Human Emperor. However, she mysteriously vanished after the great calamity.

Several Sacred Lands in the Eastern Continent were unaware of her identity or origin, but True Lord Fu Hai happened to know that she was a member of the Phoenix clan from Duguangye in Nanzhou, who had married into the court.

The primary reason she married in was to obtain the formula for the Immortal Pill.

After acquiring the formula, they would be able to refine the Immortal Pill themselves, given the scale of Duguangye's medicinal fields.

On this matter, Duguangye owed the Eastern Earth Imperial Court a favor. Although the Empress's dowry was very generous when she married in, it was certainly inferior to the sixth-tier Immortal Pill formula, which could enable generations to reach the Void Refinement stage.

"This... Feng Qingshu of Duguangye had already explicitly rejected the Daoist Sect. If we proactively approach them again this time, wouldn't we be suspected of ulterior motives?"

Zhao Nansheng hesitated after hearing this.

Of course, the main reason was that he also desired the Immortal Pill. With it, his true body, the Black Dragon, suppressed by the Eye of the Sea, could transform into a sixth-tier being. Since it hadn't delved as deeply as True Lord Fu Hai, it might even be able to break free.

"The Phoenix clan possesses a sixth-tier magical artifact that was damaged during an ancient great calamity. It's the key to unlocking Duguangye's most ancient secret realm. Just tell them that the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Wilderness can repair it."

"First, reveal this information to the Daoist Sect. That child Wuchen, eager to refine the Immortal Pill, will certainly be willing to help connect us and invite Immortal Tortoise Chen to assist. Once the introduction is successful, Feng Qingshu will undoubtedly express her gratitude, and those crucial main ingredients will likely be offered."

"And since Immortal Tortoise Chen is esteemed as the foremost cultivator in the Eastern Continent, persuading him to repair a peak sixth-tier magical artifact will undoubtedly require a high price. The simplest approach is for the Daoist Sect, having benefited, to promise one refined Immortal Pill. With this three-party transaction, the matter will be settled."

True Lord Fu Hai explained his entire scheme. Zhao Nansheng realized that if things proceeded this way, the chances of success were indeed very high.

There was just one problem, however.

"What if Immortal Tortoise Chen can't repair it?"

"He certainly can't repair it. That magical artifact is very special; it's a failed Dao-achieving treasure. Even the former Eastern Earth Imperial Court's sixth-tier chief artificer was powerless over it. No matter how formidable Immortal Tortoise Chen is, he's only just entered the sixth-tier of artifact refining. But even so, as long as the Daoist Sect makes the connection, Feng Qingshu, hoping for even a slim chance, will be willing to try."

True Lord Fu Hai's words made Zhao Nansheng suddenly realize that this was indeed the case.

"But if it plays out like this, won't Immortal Tortoise Chen get an Immortal Pill for free?"

Zhao Nansheng felt a touch of regret about this, wishing the Immortal Pill could be given to him instead.

"This also serves to kill two birds with one stone. Once the Immortal Pill is refined, it might be possible to send both Immortal Tortoise Chen and Wuchen away. Without these two peak Spirit Transformation cultivators presiding, the remaining forces in the Eastern Continent are mere 'earthen chickens and ceramic dogs,' not worth mentioning."

"The Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect's reorganization of the Six Paths of Reincarnation will inevitably provoke the fiercest counterattack from the Ghost Mother's nine children, and at that time, misfortune will surely outweigh fortune."

"When the great changes in heaven and earth occur, and the order of the Eastern Continent completely collapses under the great calamity, you can then seize control, using the Five Elements Sect's territory, which Immortal Tortoise Chen built, as your foundation. From there, you can rebuild the Eastern Earth Imperial Court and even establish an empire larger than any Human Emperor in history."

True Lord Fu Hai's words made Zhao Nansheng suppress his craving for the Immortal Pill.

As long as he could rebuild the Eastern Earth Imperial Court, such a monumental achievement would surely enable him to reach Void Refinement and ascend. He might even seize the opportunity during the Heavenly Emperor's succession to contend for an even higher, seventh-tier True Immortal status.

The current sacrifices were for a better future.

Moreover, as long as Immortal Tortoise Chen ascended and departed, the Five Elements Sect, lacking a Spirit Transformation cultivator, would certainly be at his mercy.

It would be as if Immortal Tortoise Chen used the territory of the Eastern Continent's three frontier regions to exchange for the Immortal Pill from him!

Having thought things through, Zhao Nansheng, in his puppet body, bowed to True Lord Fu Hai. The master and disciple then further refined the strategy. After confirming there were no issues, they departed from the Eye of the Sea.

If he were to rashly approach True Lord Wuchen, he would certainly arouse suspicion. Therefore, he couldn't appear in person for this matter and needed to find an intermediary.

Consequently, Zhao Nansheng, in the newly possessed body of Bitter Bamboo, arrived in the Central Continent.

Within the Purple Cloud Celestial Palace, he met True Lord Ziqi and his wife, Ao Yuxia.

"That's also a method,"

True Lord Ziqi, Yuwen Yin, nodded slightly after listening. He was a broad-shouldered, stout middle-aged man with a square face and black-purple beard and hair.

"That dragon vein in the Eastern Continent has already developed sentience," Ao Yuxia remarked, focusing on this point. "If the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Wilderness were gone, I reckon no one would dare to stop my son from refining it."

Chen Mobai's ascension would also benefit them.

"Then I'll trouble you, my dear, to make another trip."

Yuwen Yin, naturally wishing the best for his son, fully entrusted this matter to Ao Yuxia.

Ao Yuxia had previously conducted a transaction with True Lord Wuchen, so if she went, he would certainly not be suspicious.

Furthermore, the Immortal Pill's formula was originally bequeathed by the Heavenly Emperor, and their Purple Cloud Celestial Palace also possessed it. They might even be able to get involved and gain a share of one pill.

It would be like leaving a legacy for their son before ascension.

With this thought, Ao Yuxia wasted no more time and went directly to the Grand Void Ethereal Palace, intending to use their cross-continent super teleportation array to travel to the Eastern Continent.

Zhao Nansheng, meanwhile, planned to appear in the Eastern Continent as Bitter Bamboo from now on. This way, after Chen Mobai ascended, he, as the sect master of Kongsang Valley in Dongyi, could naturally and systematically encroach upon the Five Elements Sect's territory. Therefore, he prepared to take the teleportation array to the Eastern Continent with Ao Yuxia.

The arrival of two Spirit Transformation cultivators together was not a small matter for the Grand Void Ethereal Palace in the Central Continent.

Although Grand Void Immortal did not personally appear, he sent a Spirit Transformation cultivator to receive them.

"Oh, I didn't expect Junior Nephew Zhang to have also achieved Spirit Transformation; that's truly wonderful and commendable!" Ao Yuxia exclaimed, her face showing surprise as she saw the black-robed youth who greeted her.

The youth was Zhang Pankong. Ao Yuxia and Palace Master Biluo were close friends, and she had met him previously during a visit to the Eastern Continent.

She was somewhat surprised that this generation's Grand Void Daoist Disciple and Saintess of the Eastern Continent were both so outstanding, having both achieved Spirit Transformation.

"Greetings, Senior," Zhang Pankong replied with a smile. "My success in achieving Spirit Transformation is also thanks to your esteemed sect's help. May I ask for this person's name?"

Zhang Pankong replied with a smile. After obtaining the Longevity Great Dao Pill, he had come to the Central Continent for secluded cultivation to maximize his chances of achieving Spirit Transformation. His luck was exceptional; he fortunately overcame all difficulties, and his Nascent Soul transformed, allowing him to achieve the Primordial Spirit Dharma Idol.

After achieving Spirit Transformation, his status was elevated. Grand Void Immortal had personally guided his subsequent cultivation path, and continued to do so until now.

This could be seen as cultivating Zhang Pankong to become a future pillar of the Grand Void Ethereal Palace.

Ao Yuxia and her companions arrived just as Zhang Pankong was emerging from his successful seclusion. Considering that the Purple Cloud Celestial Palace had also helped in acquiring the Longevity Great Dao Pill, they simply had him receive them and return to the Eastern Continent together.

After all, the Nine Heavens Demon-Slaying Sect's reorganization of the Six Paths of Reincarnation would inevitably trigger another calamity. For the Grand Void Ethereal Palace, even a slight misstep could lead to their Eastern Continent branch being affected.

With three Spirit Transformation cultivators, Grand Void Immortal could feel a bit more at ease.

"This is Fellow Daoist Bitter Bamboo from Kongsang Valley in the Eastern Continent," Ao Yuxia introduced. "After achieving Spirit Transformation, he admired the Central Continent and came from the Western Continent for a tour. We met by chance, and hearing I was heading to the Eastern Continent, he decided to come along."

"Oh, he's actually a Spirit Transformation cultivator from my Eastern Continent! My apologies for the oversight."

Zhang Pankong also looked surprised after hearing this.

Although as a Daoist Disciple of a Sacred Land, he had never visited the three frontier regions of the Eastern Continent before Chen Mobai's sudden rise, he had still heard of Bitter Bamboo as a Nascent Soul cultivator.

However, he had only vaguely known of his existence.

And precisely because of this, he was quite shocked.

One must understand that his success in achieving Spirit Transformation, as the Grand Void Daoist Disciple of the Eastern Continent, was largely due to luck. Yet, Bitter Bamboo, a mere Nascent Soul from the countryside, had actually succeeded just like him.

He likely had a great fortuitous encounter.

With this thought, Zhang Pankong firmly etched Bitter Bamboo's name in his mind, planning to inquire about him with his good friend, Immortal Tortoise Chen, upon his return.

After all, Dongyi was the Five Elements Sect's territory, and Bitter Bamboo was nominally a Nascent Soul under Immortal Tortoise Chen.

Zhao Nansheng seized the opportunity to chat with Zhang Pankong for a while. He knew all of Bitter Bamboo's experiences; after seizing the body, he could access all memories except for the unrefined sword intent. Therefore, he believed impersonation would not be an issue.

As expected, Zhang Pankong harbored no suspicion. After the super teleportation array was activated, the three returned to the Eastern Continent together.

At the Eastern Earth Grand Void Ethereal Palace, the three parted ways.

Upon returning from his secluded cultivation having achieved Spirit Transformation, Zhang Pankong would certainly first seek out True Lord Dakong and Dan Miaosu.

Ao Yuxia and Bitter Bamboo, on the other hand, immediately used the teleportation array again; the former went to the Daoist Sect, while the latter went to Mirror Immortal City in Dongyi, preparing for their upcoming grand undertakings.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother! Have you informed Fellow Daoist Chen about this?"

True Lord Dakong was absent, so Zhang Pankong only saw Dan Miaosu. While she was happy for him, she didn't forget to remind him that his success in achieving Spirit Transformation was primarily due to the Longevity Great Dao Pill.

As the first person in the Sky River Realm to consume this pill, Zhang Pankong was also expected to write down his insights.

After all, Chen Mobai had shared many of his own Spirit Transformation insights back then.

"I'm just about to head to the Eastern Wilderness, haha!"

The thought of returning home in glory before his friends made Zhang Pankong, given his temperament, burst into hearty laughter.

Having reached their level of cultivation, they only felt the urge to show off when among peers of the same rank.

After speaking, Zhang Pankong wasted no time. He immediately cast a void secret technique and headed for the Eastern Wilderness.

The Grand Void Ethereal Palace also possessed a spell similar to the Great Void Teleportation, allowing instant teleportation by using the positioning of their established teleportation arrays.

Consequently, Zhang Pankong stepped out of the teleportation array in Beiyuan City even before Bitter Bamboo.

As soon as he emerged, he made no attempt to conceal his Spirit Transformation aura. Soon, Eyun, who was stationed there, flew over and, seeing him, respectfully saluted: "Congratulations, Senior Zhang, on achieving Spirit Transformation!"

"Where is Brother Chen?"

"The Old Ancestor has been in secluded cultivation in Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion these past few years..."

As Eyun answered, a vast and mighty divine sense had already swept over from afar, settling into Beiyuan City. It was precisely Chen Mobai's divine sense.

Under the shroud of the Heaven Curtain Earth Net Great Array, the appearance of an undisguised Spirit Transformation aura was immediately perceived by Chen Mobai through the Vast Heaven Mirror.

"Brother Zhang, I knew you could do it."

"Just luck, just luck..."

Although Zhang Pankong said this, an uncontainable smile played on his face. Knowing Chen Mobai was in the Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion, he immediately cast a void secret technique and teleported to the array near Wind and Rain Immortal City.

Soon, the two met in the Yellow Dragon Cave Mansion, where they drank tea and reminisced.

"This time, returning from the Central Continent, I had two fellow Daoists accompanying me. Brother Chen, can you guess who they are?"

"Are they Spirit Transformation cultivators from the Central Continent? It seems like someone I know, which narrows down the possibilities."

Chen Mobai thought back to the time he pursued the Kui Beast, recalling the Grand Void Immortal, the Hao Ran One Qi Immortal, and others he had conversed with during the Nine-layered Heavenly Tribulation, guessing them one by one.

"If it's a Spirit Transformation cultivator from the Central Continent, it's Senior Ao Yuxia from the Purple Cloud Celestial Palace. She came here to cooperate with True Lord Wuchen to refine the Immortal Pill..."

Knowing that Zhang Pankong was Chen Mobai's good friend, Ao Yuxia didn't hide this matter from him. In fact, she even planned to use him to pave the way with Chen Mobai.

"It seems Senior Wuchen's batch of pills can finally be refined."

Chen Mobai smiled slightly upon hearing this, feeling genuinely happy for Wuchen.

"Brother Chen, your cultivation is also nearing ascension. You could try to get involved. Although this pill primarily benefits body tempering and true spirit bloodlines, it can at least assist in Void Refinement."

Zhang Pankong kindly reminded him.

"Brother Zhang, I actually hope my cultivation progresses a bit slower. After all, besides me, the Five Elements Sect has no other Spirit Transformation cultivators. Even if I could ascend, I wouldn't feel at ease!"

Chen Mobai, however, shook his head and spoke these words.

Zhang Pankong listened, his face filled with admiration.

Afterward, he also mentioned another companion: "Bitter Bamboo of Kongsang Valley has also achieved Spirit Transformation. He's your subordinate, isn't he, Brother Chen?"

"He's not dead? Why didn't he come to his wife and children first? Instead, he went to tour the Central Continent. Could it be that after successfully achieving Spirit Transformation, his horizons broadened, and he's now thinking of abandoning his old life?"