Chapter 70
Within the Realm Beyond Heaven, the feathered Star Monarchs gathered at the Bifang Star Monarch’s abode, demanding an explanation.
They had jointly crafted that artifact, intending to keep it for their own protection. Only after much persuasion from the Bifang Star Monarch had they agreed to lend it to the Celestial Mother, hoping to contribute to the resolution of the chaos in the lower realms without allowing the Heavenly Emperor to benefit. However, shortly after the artifact arrived, its connection to their souls had been severed. This was highly unusual.
“What happened, Fellow Daoist?”
“Can we retrieve the artifact?”
“From the looks of it, we can forget about getting it back. Isn’t that sword intent terrifying? If its master comes to the Realm Beyond Heaven, will that intent harm us?”
Their voices, overlapping and agitated, filled the air like a bustling marketplace. The Bifang Star Monarch’s eye twitched, his face darkening. He also regretted giving the artifact to Bi Xiao Star Monarch. He had been consumed by anger after their encounter with Qing Hong Star Monarch and hadn’t thought things through carefully.
“Quiet down, everyone,” he said. “Let me ask Fellow Daoist Bi Xiao first.” There was no Chaos Mirror network in the Realm Beyond Heaven, but fortunately, Bi Xiao had given him a communication talisman. He channeled his magic power into it, and after a moment, her image slowly materialized.
“Fellow Daoist,” he greeted her, suppressing his anxiety. “Has ‘Feathers United’ reached the Celestial Mother?”
She returned the gesture, smiling faintly. “Yes,” she said.
“Why can’t we sense its presence anymore?”
His words were subtle, but she easily understood his meaning. “Don’t worry, Fellow Daoist,” she said calmly. “The Celestial Mother will return it after the matter is settled. As for erasing your marks and refining it anew, it’s to enhance its control. Otherwise, its operation will be hindered, and it will be vulnerable to attacks.”
Seeing his silence, she continued, “Don’t forget, Fellow Daoist, it’s her we’re dealing with. Surely she understands the feathered lineages better than you?”
“But…” He was still skeptical. He stared at her calm expression, searching for any sign of deception. However, no matter how hard he looked, she remained serene and composed, her demeanor betraying no lies.
“Fellow Daoist Bi Xiao, when did the Celestial Mother start cultivating sword techniques?” a Star Monarch from the Vermilion Bird lineage couldn’t help but ask. “Isn’t she a cultivator of the Great Yin, manifesting the full moon?”
“Perhaps she has a sword cultivator under her command,” she replied, then added, “Don’t you trust the Celestial Mother?”
“This…” They hesitated. The Celestial Mother had been in seclusion for many years. Those who had arrived in the Realm Beyond Heaven later weren’t familiar with her. They only knew that her relationship with the Heavenly Emperor wasn’t harmonious. This was one of the reasons they were willing to support her and make things difficult for him. As for any deeper conflict, they hadn’t considered it. The Great Yin and the Heavenly Emperor were supposed to complement each other. They had no concept of the Great Yin rebelling.
“We’ll trust you for now, Fellow Daoist,” the Bifang Star Monarch said. He had no other choice. They could go to the Immortal Realm themselves and try to retrieve the artifact, but if they did, they would face the Phoenix Sovereign’s wrath. They weren’t willing to return yet. Since they couldn’t retrieve the artifact, they could only assume the worst. At most, their Dao hearts would be shaken. He wouldn’t admit his mistake.
Bi Xiao Star Monarch said gently, “Don’t worry, Fellow Daoist. I won’t deceive you.”
He relaxed slightly. She was well-connected in the Realm Beyond Heaven and had a good reputation. He couldn’t imagine her colluding with the Celestial Mother to deceive them. He dropped the subject, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries, he ended the communication.
In Bi Xiao’s abode, a game of Go was left unfinished on a stone table in a secluded pavilion.
A Daoist priest in blue robes sat on one of the stone benches, chuckling softly. “You have a good reputation. Are you planning to squander it all at once?”
Bi Xiao, no longer maintaining the dignified demeanor she had shown to the feathered Star Monarchs, shrugged. “After they’re dead, who will know that I deceived them? Might as well use my reputation while I can.”
The Daoist priest didn’t argue. He picked up a black stone and placed it on the board. “Continue,” he said.
The storm had already begun, but the flames hadn’t reached the Realm Beyond Heaven. This was a rare moment of peace.
While the Blood Sun Devouring Ring hung above Kunlun Mountain like a blazing sun, a sturdy barrier, formed from interconnected flying ships, protected the area between Morning Phoenix Mountain and Danxue Mountain. The black gold used to reinforce the barrier’s weak points had been provided by the Heavenly Princess. Chang Huai and the other artisans, working tirelessly day and night, had finally achieved their goal.
“Why is the Chaos Mirror so quiet?” Chang Huai asked, taking a break, her arms crossed.
“The spiritual energy is being blocked. Some messages can no longer be transmitted,” Que Chenyi replied casually. This meant that the calm before the storm wouldn’t last much longer. Soon, they would face their most important battle.
“What did they send from Morning Phoenix Mountain earlier?” Chang Huai asked.
“Some spiritual fruits for the feathered lineages to consume,” she replied, then, after a moment of silence, added, “Fresh ones.”
Those extinct fruits had reappeared. She should have guessed her identity sooner. Rumors were truly misleading. Who would have thought that the legendary Phoenix Sovereign, after Nirvana, would be like Feng Chiyue?
“I wasn’t talking about the fruits.” Chang Huai had no interest in the feathered lineages’ favorite treats. Apart from a few that were useful to her, she only sampled the others out of curiosity.
Que Chenyi eyed her warily, afraid she might be plotting to dismantle the artifacts.
Chang Huai looked at her innocently.
After a long moment, Que Chenyi finally said, “It was an artifact.” She explained its functions, then raised an eyebrow and smiled. “It overlaps with your barrier in some aspects, but our current barrier can’t achieve the same level of power concentration.”
“Given enough time, I can create such a formation too!” Chang Huai said, her competitive spirit ignited. She lost interest in the Chaos Mirror and, rushing out of the hall, resumed her research on artifacts and formations.
Qing Xun, who had been silent, glanced at Que Chenyi. “Why didn’t you tell her that it took those feathered Star Monarchs a thousand years to craft it?” she asked. Under the protection of the Zhenyu Sword, she had successfully undergone Nirvana, her body growing taller, the childishness fading from her face, replaced by a sharper, more determined look.
Que Chenyi glared at her. “I was motivating her,” she said matter-of-factly.
Qing Xun: “…” She was learning.
With the spiritual energy blocked, only local news appeared on the Chaos Mirror.
Tension filled the Immortal Realm, and even those wandering immortals living in secluded paradises felt a sense of unease.
This anxiety lasted for a month, then, with a deafening boom, as if countless thunderclaps had exploded in the sky, a blinding light erupted from the crimson sun above Kunlun Mountain. Moments later, a Daoist priest emerged from the radiance, his aura powerful, his body enveloped in a crimson glow, connected to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.
He was an idle Star Monarch, the first sent by the Heavenly Emperor to fight.
Although the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was incredibly powerful, the Emperor wasn’t willing to test it himself. He didn’t know what would happen if his aura merged with the artifact.
In Morning Phoenix Mountain.
Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue saw the Daoist priest emerging from the light. They flew to the barrier but had no intention of fighting him. He might be a Star Monarch, but his own cultivation was mediocre. He was only powerful because of the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.
A Feather Guard from the Gale lineage stepped out from the barrier.
He didn’t bother greeting the Daoist priest and, channeling his magic power, attacked.
Many were watching this battle. Some bold and reckless wandering immortals had hidden themselves nearby, eager to witness the spectacle.
This was the first time the Blood Sun Devouring Ring was being used, and the Heavenly Emperor had high hopes for this Daoist priest.
However, after observing for a while, he noticed something was wrong. With the Daoist priest’s cultivation level, enhanced by the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, suppressing that Feather Guard should have been easy, but for some reason, his attacks seemed ineffective. Despite his powerful aura, he was being pushed back.
Ming Jian Su’s eyes flickered. “This ‘Feathers United’ artifact is quite good,” she said with a smile. It appeared as if the Feather Guard was fighting alone, but “Feathers United” had been activated at the start of the battle. The Daoist priest wasn’t facing a single Feather Guard’s attacks! If it weren’t for the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, he would have been crushed in an instant.
The Daoist priest realized he was in trouble, but he couldn’t retreat.
The Heavenly Court hadn’t sent any further orders. He had to fight to the death.
But then, things got worse. He felt the power he was drawing from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring reaching its limit. But he couldn’t withdraw his power. He needed it to protect himself. He tried to draw more, but his eyes widened in horror. Instead of replenishing his strength, the artifact was draining him! The crimson light that had enveloped him transformed into a ravenous beast, devouring him, its energy returning to the ring.
The crimson sun blazed even brighter, a sinister aura emanating from it.
The Feather Guard’s attack missed, and he stared blankly ahead, then, after a moment, transformed back into his true form and returned to the barrier.
Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue hadn’t moved.
Feng Chiyue glanced at the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. “This artifact releases as much power as it absorbs,” she said casually. “But if someone tries to take more than its limit, they become its sacrifice.”
“But the Blood Sun’s power has increased,” Ming Jian Su said. “The next person will gain even more from it.” She paused, then added with a smile, “But fewer immortals will be willing to risk it.”
In the Purple Empyrean Palace.
The immortals, witnessing the Daoist priest’s demise, didn’t dare to breathe.
Even the Heavenly Emperor hadn’t anticipated this side effect. He felt a surge of relief. If he had used its power, would he have been able to resist drawing more when faced with danger?
“Your Majesty, this artifact…”
Before the speaker could finish his question, he interrupted. “Have the Heavenly Soldiers form a pact with the Blood Sun Devouring Ring,” he said. As for the Star Monarchs, who were more powerful, it was best not to connect their auras to the artifact until it was “satiated.” His words clearly meant sacrificing those soldiers, but no one objected. They had long been accustomed to indifference towards matters that didn’t affect them personally.
“They likely also possess a similar artifact,” a Star Monarch said in a deep voice. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to withstand the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power. But what it was, they didn’t know yet. They needed to investigate.
“Use our military might to suppress them first.”
He listened to their discussion, his expression unreadable.
In his mind, the most important task now was to enhance the Blood Sun Devouring Ring’s power. If Feng Chiyue possessed a similar artifact, breaching their barrier and seizing sacrifices wouldn’t be easy.
“I intend to attack the Four Seas,” he said when the discussion subsided. He had dismissed this idea earlier, but now he brought it up again.
The clever ones in the hall instantly understood his intentions. But if he needed “sacrifices,” wouldn’t the Demon Abyss be a better target than the peaceful Four Seas?
“The East Sea might have slain our emissary, but they haven’t made any further moves,” a Star Monarch said after a moment of thought, bowing to him. “They’re neutral. Why should we disrupt this peace? Why don’t we unleash the Blood Sun Devouring Ring on the battlefield?” If they had had this artifact a thousand years ago, the outcome might have been different.
“Yes, the Heavenly Princess is still on the battlefield. She’ll handle the situation there.”
Hearing these words, he wanted to scoff. The Mandate of Heaven was shifting, wavering between him, the Celestial Mother, and Chu Yi. As for his other children, they were insignificant. Unless all three of them were dead, his other children wouldn’t have a chance. Seeing his own Star of Destiny dimming, his desire to eliminate Chu Yi intensified. His good daughter must be thinking the same thing. How could she possibly help him? As for Bai Guchan and Ming Yuheng, he couldn’t fully trust them either. But since they had suggested it, he might as well try. “Alright,” he said. “We can’t let go of the Demon Abyss or the Four Seas.”
The other Star Monarchs didn’t understand why he was targeting the Four Seas, but Si Li Star Monarch had a suspicion.
The Heavenly Prosperity Department, under Yu Gao’s leadership, was in chaos. Their treasury, once filled with treasures and artifacts, had been looted.
Who would have thought that he was so greedy!
With the Heavenly Prosperity Department a hollow shell, they had to find resources elsewhere.
And the Four Seas were known for their wealth. If they could conquer them, they wouldn’t have to worry about sacrifices for the Blood Sun Devouring Ring or future supplies.
In the East Sea.
Although they had decided not to ally with the Heavenly Court, the East Sea Dragon Lord was still furious about Ying Cunxin’s actions.
“The Heavenly Court isn’t exactly friendly towards us,” she said. “What do we gain by siding with them? Do you really think we’ll receive any benefits? I think we’ll end up like the Vermilion Birds and Bifang lineages, becoming sacrifices for the Blood Sun Devouring Ring.”
Hearing the word “sacrifices,” the East Sea Dragon Lord also frowned. That artifact, hanging in the sky, resembled an eternal sun. As its aura intensified, even the rising and setting sun seemed to dim in comparison.
“If I were in charge, I wouldn’t hesitate to simply take what I wanted from the Four Seas,” Ying Cunxin said.
Even if she hadn’t said that, the Dragon Lords would have been prepared.
The closer they were to danger, the calmer the seas.
One day, a golden scroll descended from the sky, countless talismans swirling around it, forming a net that swept towards the sea.
The water boiled, and massive waves, several feet high, crashed against the reefs, a thunderous roar echoing through the air.
A black dragon claw emerged from the sea, swiping at the scroll, tearing a hole in it. Moments later, the tear healed, and a Star Monarch, holding a book, his hair tied with a scarf, appeared on the golden surface, followed by countless Heavenly Soldiers. He bowed towards the sea. “By the Emperor’s decree,” he said, “I’ve come to capture the one who killed the Heavenly Court’s emissary. I hope the Dragon Lord will cooperate.”
This was just an excuse.
The East Sea Dragon Lord would never hand over Ying Cunxin. He wouldn’t even sacrifice a shrimp soldier as a scapegoat.
The Heavenly Emperor knew this but still needed a “justification.”
As the Heavenly Court dispatched troops to suppress the East Sea, Chu Yi, Bai Guchan, and Ming Yuheng, stationed on the battlefield, received a decree from the Heavenly Court, ordering them to have their subordinates sign a pact, drawing power from the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. The Chaos Mirror was practically useless now. They hadn’t yet learned about the Daoist priest who had become a sacrifice after exceeding the artifact’s limit. Chu Yi immediately destroyed the decree. Ming Yuheng casually tossed it aside, her smiling face betraying no emotion.
Bai Guchan, however, calmly accepted it.
If the immortals stationed here grew stronger, they could eliminate the demon threat.
She had been away from her abode for too long. It had been a while since she had visited Mount Sumeru.
Chu Yi stepped forward, blocking her path. “What are you doing, Fellow Daoist?”
“Ending this quickly,” Bai Guchan replied calmly.
Chu Yi frowned. “There’s always a price to pay for power. Just because it’s not your life being sacrificed, do you not care?”
Bai Guchan didn’t answer, simply staring at her calmly.
Chu Yi knew that her words wouldn’t persuade her. She lowered her gaze and said, “Mount Sumeru.”
A deafening tiger roar echoed through the air. Bai Guchan’s serene eyes transformed into golden slits, radiating a dangerous aura. A fierce wind whipped around her. Chu Yi dodged, and Ming Yuheng, who had been maintaining a neutral stance, stepped forward, intercepting Bai Guchan with her sword. “What are you two doing?” she asked with a smile, trying to mediate.
“You have no intention of fighting the demons,” Bai Guchan said coldly. In the past, whenever conflict arose between the two realms, neither side would back down until they had exacted revenge. Both sides had amassed large armies on the battlefield. But months had passed, and there had been no major clashes, not even any skirmishes. Apart from both sides being restrained, she couldn’t think of any other explanation. And what was the purpose of this restraint? She hadn’t wanted to get involved, but she was now utterly disgusted by the battlefield.
“If you wish to see your friends, Fellow Daoist, I’ll send someone to bring them here,” Chu Yi said, meeting her cold gaze.
Bai Guchan, no longer caring about the decree, her aura fierce and menacing, attacked Chu Yi without hesitation. Ming Yuheng tried to intervene, but both of them were relentless, as if they harbored a deep-seated hatred towards each other. She was even attacked when she got too close. She endured it, retreating from the fight, and only when they were both injured did she seize the opportunity to strike, hitting each of them.
“I indeed have no intention of fighting the demons,” she said, answering Bai Guchan’s accusation. She had initially come to defend against the demon invasion under the Heavenly Emperor’s orders, but after a long period of inactivity from Tu Shan Liusu and hearing about the situation in the Heavenly Court, she had understood. She didn’t want to conflict with Ming Jian Su, and the battlefield was a suitable place for her. Keeping Bai Guchan occupied here was ideal.
Chu Yi nodded, lying shamelessly. “The Heavenly Court is in chaos,” she said. “Since the Demon Abyss hasn’t attacked, why should we provoke them? If we get involved in the war, the Heavenly Court might not even have time to request our assistance.” She had changed her tune, as if she hadn’t just threatened Bai Guchan with Mount Sumeru.
Bai Guchan frowned, her aggression undiminished, her expression impatient.
Chu Yi remained wary. This white tiger didn’t care about sides. She only obeyed the Heavenly Dao’s decrees.
If that Blood Sun Devouring Ring was unleashed, and a war between gods and demons erupted, there would definitely be demon prisoners used as sacrifices. Wouldn’t that strengthen the artifact, giving it the power to suppress her mother and Ming Jian Su?
Her mind raced.
Bai Guchan gradually calmed down. “Where are they?” she asked.
“The Great Yin Palace,” Chu Yi replied, meeting her gaze.
Bai Guchan chuckled. “Is this the Phoenix Sovereign’s revenge, or a conflict between the Heavenly Emperor and the Celestial Mother?”
Chu Yi raised an eyebrow, remaining silent.
It could be both.
She watched as Bai Guchan took out the decree and tore it to shreds. She finally sighed in relief.
As expected, those with weaknesses were the easiest to manipulate.
But her relief was short-lived. A message arrived, informing her that the Heavenly Emperor was attacking the East Sea. The reason: the East Sea had slain a Heavenly Court emissary. Having spent time in the East Sea, she knew the Dragon Lord’s personality. He wouldn’t have acted so decisively. It must have been Ying Cunxin’s doing. She had promised her.
With the spiritual energy blocked, the Chaos Mirror was useless. She couldn’t contact Ying Cunxin to check on her.
She briefly considered going to the East Sea, but then she thought about Bai Guchan and the other immortals on the battlefield who would obey the Emperor’s decrees, and she suppressed her impulse. She sent messages to Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue.
In Morning Phoenix Mountain.
Feng Chiyue read Chu Yi’s message and snorted. “She’s so nosy,” she said.
It had been half a month since the battle in the East Sea began.
Ming Jian Su glanced at the message, folded it, and had it sent to the Great Yin Palace. The East Sea was the Celestial Mother’s responsibility.
Her goal was clear: to target the Heavenly Emperor and the Realm Beyond Heaven. She had no time for other matters.
Waves surged in the East Sea, and thunder rumbled.
The Heavenly Soldiers, empowered by the Blood Sun Devouring Ring, had injured several dragons.
But the “sacrifices” and treasures he had obtained from the East Sea weren’t substantial.
He wasn’t just facing the Four Seas Dragon Lords but also Dao Ling Star Monarch and the officials from the Celestial Pivot Department, who were stationed on a thunder chariot.
Their magic power seemed inexhaustible.
The Heavenly Court Star Monarch, refusing to believe it, made a sudden decision. He connected his aura to the Blood Sun Devouring Ring. The number of Heavenly Soldiers behind him dwindled, but his power surged!
Just as he channeled his magic power, unleashing his most powerful attack, twelve moon images suddenly appeared before him, each with a different Daoist figure beneath it, their forms hazy and ethereal, like reflections on water.
The Great Yin governed time. In a month, it manifested as the moon’s phases. In a year, it manifested as the Twelve Earthly Branches.
Those figures were clearly the Celestial Mother’s twelve manifestations! Within their formation, time cycled endlessly, and life and death were intertwined!
The Celestial Mother wasn’t in seclusion? She had come to assist the East Sea?!
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