Chapter 1405: Taixu Heaven

Lord Chenfeng had been in the Myriad Palace for thousands of years, and only on major occasions like the Celestial Emperor's birthday could he catch a distant glimpse of revered celestials like the Eight Heavenly Monarchs. This was his first time meeting one face-to-face like this, and he felt both excited and apprehensive. Recalling how Chen Mobai had just produced Heavenly Monarch Kongming's token, he immediately felt his attitude from earlier that day had been highly disrespectful.

"There's no need for such formalities." At that moment, Heavenly Monarch Kongming spoke. Although his words were directed at both of them, his right hand, which had been behind his back, extended towards Chen Mobai. Clearly, Lord Chenfeng was merely an afterthought.

Who exactly was this young man? Could he be an ascended cultivator from the Heavenly Void Ethereal Palace in the lower realms? Lord Chenfeng only knew that Chen Mobai had just ascended, but even so, it shouldn't warrant a personal visit from a prominent figure like Heavenly Monarch Kongming. Moreover, the Purple Cloud Palace, despite knowing Chen Mobai's identity, still resorted to such means to preemptively seize the True Immortal Pool and the Creation Immortal Pills. Did this signify that the underlying conflicts between the various factions in the Spiritual Sky Immortal Realm were now poised to erupt completely? At this thought, Lord Chenfeng's lips trembled involuntarily. If a minor figure like him were to get entangled, he would likely be among the first casualties.

"May I ask, Heavenly Monarch, how is Senior Wuwei doing now?" In front of an outsider, Chen Mobai found it inconvenient to mention going to the Heavenly Void, so he simply inquired about Immortal Lord Wuwei, who had been taken away with Heavenly Monarch Kangjin.

"He has been handed over to another department for questioning. Rest assured, with Xuansu overseeing, nothing will happen to him." Heavenly Monarch Kongming's words brought a sigh of relief to Chen Mobai. After learning about the influence of the Purple Cloud Palace faction, Chen Mobai had feared that Immortal Lord Wuwei might be inadvertently implicated because of him.

"Let's go. While it's after hours, I'll take you to the Heavenly Void." Heavenly Monarch Kongming stated his purpose for coming. Due to his duty to guard the Myriad Palace, and because Chen Mobai's procedures hadn't been completed earlier, he waited until after work hours. Of course, he had also used this time to inquire about Chen Mobai's origins from those in the Heavenly Void Ethereal Palace in the lower realms, now fully understanding his background. Otherwise, with his status as one of the Eight Heavenly Monarchs, he certainly wouldn't have volunteered to lead the way.

Upon hearing this, Lord Chenfeng's eyes nearly popped out in shock. To the Heavenly Void?! After confirming he hadn't misheard, Lord Chenfeng began to suspect that Chen Mobai might be a disciple of True King Taixu. After all, ascended cultivators from the Heavenly Void Ethereal Palace were usually assigned to the Void Division, and they wouldn't be summoned to the Heavenly Void unless they achieved Dao Conjunction. Yet Chen Mobai, having just ascended, was being hastily taken there by Heavenly Monarch Kongming.

"Thank you, Heavenly Monarch." Upon hearing that Heavenly Monarch Kongming would take him to the Heavenly Void, Chen Mobai's emotions fluctuated intensely for a moment, knowing that all his doubts might finally be resolved today. He was quite eager. Of course, before leaving with Heavenly Monarch Kongming, Chen Mobai didn't forget to bid farewell to Lord Chenfeng. After all, he hadn't yet soaked in the True Immortal Pool and would certainly have to return later.

"Safe travels, young friend. This is my communication talisman. If you return outside of working hours, you can use it to find me anytime, and I'll come open the door immediately." Lord Chenfeng's attitude had completely changed. In front of Heavenly Monarch Kongming, he slipped a white jade talisman into Chen Mobai's hand, and the latter did not refuse.

"Someone's in the True Immortal Pool? Why isn't it you?" As they left, Heavenly Monarch Kongming glanced at the True Immortal Pool, suddenly realizing something, and asked Chen Mobai with surprise.

"Heavenly Monarch, it's like this..." Before Chen Mobai could speak, Lord Chenfeng recounted the situation regarding Yuwen Yin once more, emphasizing Immortal Lord Kangyu, who had brought him.

"Hmph, that faction only knows how to use such underhanded tactics!" Heavenly Monarch Kongming snorted coldly after listening. If it weren't for the rule that one couldn't interfere once someone entered the True Immortal Pool, Heavenly Monarch Kongming would genuinely have wanted to pull Yuwen Yin out. Of course, this was mainly because Chen Mobai might be his junior martial brother; otherwise, Kongming would certainly not bother to interfere. After all, it was best to avoid unnecessary trouble, and the Purple Cloud Palace faction was the most likely to succeed the Celestial Emperor in the Myriad Palace.

"Let's go to the Heavenly Void first. When you meet Master, if he asks, you can mention this matter." Although Kongming was a Heavenly Monarch, he still had to abide by the rules of the Myriad Palace. Entering the True Immortal Pool was considered the greatest opportunity for Void-Refinement cultivators, and to prevent disturbance and failure, it was protected by the laws of the Grand Dao. However, his inability to interfere didn't mean True King Taixu couldn't.

"Yes, I hope to enter the Heavenly Void." Chen Mobai nodded, understanding Heavenly Monarch Kongming's implication. However, until he truly met True King Taixu and confirmed his identity, Chen Mobai remained very cautious.

"I will take you with the Ethereal Grand Dao. Do not resist." With a wave of Heavenly Monarch Kongming's hand, Chen Mobai found himself and the monarch vanished from before the Immortal Pool Hall, appearing amidst ethereal mists, ascending continuously towards the starry firmament above the Myriad Heavens. Meanwhile, as Chen Mobai was taken to the Heavenly Void by Heavenly Monarch Kongming, Lord Chenfeng pondered, realizing he might be in a perilous situation. He gritted his teeth, deciding to apply for retirement the next day.

The Heavenly Void was located in the chaos above the Spiritual Sky Immortal Realm. Within this chaos, only Seventh-Rank beings could barely withstand it. Therefore, to enter the Heavenly Void, one had to knock on the door opened by True King Taixu. Only by passing through that door could one remain unaffected by the chaos and ascend the void staircase directly into the Heavenly Void Palace. Ordinary immortals couldn't even find the door.

Heavenly Monarch Kongming, as a disciple of True King Taixu, naturally had no trouble. After ascending countless miles, he finally stopped. "We're here." Chen Mobai looked up to see an boundless, all-encompassing chaotic void before them, like a vibrant, multicolored ocean hanging overhead. Within the chaos, with a gentle sweep of Heavenly Monarch Kongming's sleeve, an ancient silver-gray stone gate appeared before them.

Upon seeing the stone gate, Chen Mobai's eyes flickered intensely. Its form was identical to that of a realm gate. At this moment, the Turtle Treasure, which Chen Mobai had refined into his body, also showed unusual fluctuations, but perhaps sensing its location, it did not act impulsively.

"Wait here. I'll knock on the door." Heavenly Monarch Kongming said to Chen Mobai, then approached the stone gate respectfully. An ethereal immortal light flew from his sleeve, landing on the door, immediately stirring up ripples of void energy. Soon, the stone gate opened a crack in the center. As a clear light shone through, a boy with a Daoist topknot pushed open half the door, rubbing his eyes and muttering, "Who is it? Master has gone out to visit friends and isn't in the Heavenly Void."

Hearing the boy's words, Heavenly Monarch Kongming turned, a hint of surprise on his face, to glance at Chen Mobai. Logically, if True King Taixu intended to meet Chen Mobai, he would have given instructions. However, the boy's statement was the standard phrase used to turn away previous immortals or true spirits who had sought and knocked on this door. In other words, True King Taixu had no intention of meeting Chen Mobai.

"Senior Brother Kongming, why are you here?" At this moment, the boy finished yawning and saw who was at the door. He instantly beamed with joy and stepped out from behind the gate.

"This is Kongkong. When Master isn't here, he and Dangdang look after and clean the Heavenly Void." As Heavenly Monarch Kongming bowed in response to the boy, he also introduced him to Chen Mobai.

"Oh, who is this clansman? He actually has the same physique as me?" Boy Kongkong followed Heavenly Monarch Kongming's gaze and, seeing Chen Mobai, couldn't help but rub his eyes again, fearing he hadn't fully woken up and was seeing things.

"He's a young friend who ascended from the lower realms. Has Master given you any special instructions in the last few hundred years?" Heavenly Monarch Kongming recalled that Chen Mobai's Heavenly Void Sky-Measuring Ruler mark was real and couldn't help but ask Boy Kongkong again.

"No, Master went out to visit friends after his last summons with the Celestial Emperor. He only told us to ring the silver bell in front of the Heavenly Void Palace if there were changes in the Three Realms, and he would return. Is there a change in the Three Realms now, Senior Brother, which is why you've come looking for Master? Should Dangdang and I ring the bell together?" Boy Kongkong said with a serious expression.

"There's no major change. Then I won't disturb Master." Heavenly Monarch Kongming shook his head. Knowing that Boy Kongkong wouldn't lie to him, he didn't press further and bid farewell. "Young friend, Master isn't here. I'll take you back to the Myriad Heavens for now." Heavenly Monarch Kongming turned to Chen Mobai and spoke. Although his tone was the same as before, Chen Mobai detected a slight loss of cordiality.

"Thank you for your trouble, Heavenly Monarch." Chen Mobai could do nothing about it. After an internal sigh, he thought that the Heavenly Void Sky-Measuring Ruler was unreliable, conveying false information. If he had known True King Taixu wasn't receiving visitors, he wouldn't have ascended so hastily.

"Kongkong, I'll be going down now." After Heavenly Monarch Kongming finished speaking to the boy, he turned and was about to wave his sleeve to take Chen Mobai down when suddenly a cry of "Ouch!" sounded from behind them. Both immediately turned around. They saw a silver-haired youth, who had appeared from behind the door at some point, holding a ruler and rapping it on Boy Kongkong's head. Chen Mobai recognized this silver-haired youth. It was none other than the Artifact Spirit of the Heavenly Void Sky-Measuring Ruler, who had intervened on the Floating Dao Platform to help him contend against the Primordial Water-Controlling Banner.

"Disciple greets Martial Uncle Liangtian!" The moment Heavenly Monarch Kongming saw the silver-haired youth, he bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for the trouble of bringing him up. Come in together." As the Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit spoke, he withdrew his main body, which had been tapping the boy's head, and nodded at Kongming and Chen Mobai, motioning for them to follow him into the Heavenly Void.

Kongming: "It's no trouble, Martial Uncle, it's my duty."Chen Mobai: "Yes, Senior!"

After they each replied, both suddenly paused in place. "Heavenly Monarch, please go first." Chen Mobai spoke first. Kongming nodded, for even if the former was a newly accepted disciple of True King Taixu, Kongming was still his senior martial brother.

"Young Master, why did you hit me?!" At this moment, Boy Kongkong was covering the bump on his head, looking tearfully and aggrievedly at the Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit.

"Master returned yesterday. You lazy fellow were sleeping by the door and didn't even bother to check before answering Kongming." The Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit snorted coldly and again took out his main body, making as if to tap again. Boy Kongkong immediately covered his head with both hands and ran into the stone gate, wailing "Master, save me!" and similar cries, vanishing in an instant.

Seeing this scene, both Kongming and Chen Mobai couldn't help but chuckle. As Chen Mobai laughed, a great weight lifted from his heart. He hadn't expected such an unexpected turn of events. He had initially thought that without achieving Dao Conjunction, he wouldn't gain True King Taixu's recognition, and had even been preparing to show True King Taixu that "the east side of the river for three hundred years, the west side for three hundred years; do not bully a young man in poverty."

"Senior, weren't you in the Heavenly River Realm?" As he followed the Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit into the stone gate, Chen Mobai remembered this and couldn't help but ask.

"The void is me. I can go anywhere I wish. The reason I was in the Heavenly River Realm is because there was something happening there. With a single call, I can appear before a disciple in the lower realms anytime." These words from the Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit filled Chen Mobai with admiration. Although he had also mastered the entire Void Grand Dao after refining the Turtle Treasure, he wasn't sure if he could achieve the level of the Sky-Measuring Ruler.

After stepping through the stone gate, Chen Mobai saw a path paved with silver light extending from the chaos. At the path's end, ten thousand rays of colorful light surged forth, faintly revealing a silver-gray palace suspended in the chaos. Silver jade bells hung from its eaves, softly ringing with the wind, scattering circles of Dao rhythm.

A Daoist stood with his side to them, in a corner of the palace, gazing at the vibrant, multicolored chaos. By the Daoist's side were a boy and a girl attendant. The boy was none other than Kongkong, who had a bump on his head from the Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit. He was gesturing wildly, tearfully complaining to the Daoist. The girl, expressionless, held a cattail fan and gently fanned the Daoist.

"Disciple greets Master!" Upon seeing the Daoist, Kongming immediately stepped forward and bowed profoundly. The Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit instantly teleported to the Daoist's side and said something indiscernible, after which the Daoist turned around.

The moment Chen Mobai saw the Daoist's face, his eyes widened in sudden realization. For the Daoist was the elder who had sold him the four volumes of the Heavenly Void Scriptures at the Big Dipper Assembly.

"Greetings… Senior True King Taixu!" Chen Mobai bowed alongside Kongming. Although the words were on his lips, he ultimately chose the safest address of "Senior." After all, he still didn't know True King Taixu's attitude.

"There's no need for such formalities." True King Taixu said with a calm expression.

After Kongming and Chen Mobai rose, True King Taixu gestured towards the area in front of the grand hall. Instantly, a space was carved out of the chaos, and tables and chairs appeared. "Come and sit here." True King Taixu said to Chen Mobai. Boy Kongkong, who had just been complaining, dutifully fell silent and then produced tea sets and other items from the void. He placed a few purple tea leaves and skillfully began brewing.

"Thank you, Senior." After Chen Mobai sat down, he noticed that both Kongming and the Sky-Measuring Ruler's Artifact Spirit were standing, which immediately made him feel uneasy.

True King Taixu was the first to speak: "You must have many questions, right?"