As a Father, I Just Want to Watch You Achieve Immortality Chapter 1870: Boss, You Are the Miao Dao Xiansheng Three-Eyed True Monarch—How Many Soul Capturings Does the Lord Have Outside?
Previously on As a Father, I Just Want to Watch You Achieve Immortality...
And then, the Qingyun Road of the Xuanfu Divine Sect pulsed with Qi Fortune, gathering the Qi Fortune Golden Lotus!
Great Vista’s Eleven Paths Qi Fortune also contributed two more.
...
...
In the Divine Capital, within the Second City.
Dong dong dong dong——
A grand bell’s continuous peal sent sound waves rippling through the void like water.
Above the Lotus Pavilion.A resplendent golden lotus silently unfurled, its radiant light bathing the pavilion and bestowing the entire structure with a lustrous golden sheen!
On the summit of Imperial Mausoleum Mountain.
Mists coiled and swirled, the wind ceased, and the rain cleared. The Emperor, adorned in a resplendent yellow robe, stood at the mountain’s peak amidst the Imperial Mausoleum, engaged in conversation with a figure cloaked in black.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, another portion of Great Vista’s Eleven Paths Mountain and River Qi Fortune has been gathered!" the black-robed figure proclaimed with a smile.
The Emperor’s visage, imbued with divinity and Dao Yun, finally softened, revealing a hint of a smile. "Finally, a cause for genuine celebration... State Preceptor, you are indeed my most trusted confidant!"
"However, only two of the Eleven Divine Sects have been subdued; the twelve-grade Mountain and River Qi Fortune Golden Lotus will still require a significant amount of time to assemble..." The Emperor gently shook his head.
The black-robed figure let out a soft chuckle. "If such a feat is achieved, it will be no minor event. Should Your Majesty possess the twelve-grade Mountain and River Qi Fortune Golden Lotus and ascend to the Strange Que, the Heavenly Emperor will undoubtedly take notice, bestowing a Divine Fruit Position, granting immortality for thirty thousand years!" The Emperor’s eyes, flickering with interwoven thoughts, couldn't help but laugh heartily at these words.
Following this exchange, the black-robed figure revealed his true purpose: to request the loan of the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner.
"Your Majesty currently holds custodianship over the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner and the Earth Flag. The Supreme Xuanzhen from Qitian City has dispatched me to seek temporary possession of this banner..." The black-robed figure was an entity of considerable power, having emerged from the Strange Que itself.
The Dajing Imperial Mausoleum had been constructed atop the ruins of a Mysterious Temple, providing a direct connection to the Inner Mysterious Que and, furthermore, drawing exceptionally close to the Thirty-Three Heavens Lingxiao Palace belonging to the Dark Heavenly Court.
"Borrowing the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner... is this in preparation to confront the Earthly Ghost Emperor?" the Emperor inquired, his gaze sharp.
"Did the intelligence from Qitian City not indicate... that the Earthly Ghost Emperor, having exhausted his Qi-Blood, was on the verge of the Martial Immortal’s fall? The Chief of the Qintian Observatory also personally calculated that the Earthly Ghost Emperor’s mortal Martial Immortal destiny was drawing to a close..."
"Why would Supreme Xuanzhen require the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner? Could he not simply bide his time, perhaps allowing the Earthly Ghost Emperor... to deplete his essence and perish naturally?" The black-robed figure displayed little deference towards the Emperor of Dajing; had it not been for the matter of the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner, he likely would not have engaged in such a prolonged conversation.
He shook his head, a low growl rumbling beneath his hood. "That Earthly Ghost Emperor proclaimed he would burn out his essence... but who can truly ascertain when that moment will arrive? Three months may pass, then another three, and who knows how much longer until his demise?"
"Supreme Xuanzhen harbors suspicions... that this Earthly Ghost Emperor might be feigning weakness! Yet, the manifestation of his depleted Qi-Blood appears agonizingly real, a state from which even a Martial Immortal could not hope to survive."
"Supreme Xuanzhen harbors concerns that the situation might devolve, that he might lose complete control over Qitian City. And if Qitian were to return from the Earth Deceit Que..."
"Then the malevolent forces of Earthly Hell could successfully establish their connection..." The Emperor sighed softly upon hearing this.
"Rest assured, I shall personally take the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner and traverse from the Strange Que directly into Qitian Inner City. Once Qitian Inner City’s location is revealed, the Supreme of the Heavenly Court has specifically parted the Mysterious Fog, forging a direct passage to Qitian City."
"The Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner, once in my possession, will not be misplaced and will be delivered straight to Qitian Inner City, into the hands of Supreme Xuanzhen," the black-robed figure stated in a deep, resonant voice.
The Emperor fell into a contemplative silence after hearing this, then addressed Mr. Lian: "Permit my trusted confidant to bear the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner and accompany you on this journey."
"After all... the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner carries immense significance." The black-robed figure associated with the Dark Heavenly Court offered a cynical sneer. "As you command."
"Do you truly believe I possess the audacity to defy the Supreme’s directives?"
"My concerns extend beyond merely ensuring your safety; I also worry about potential interception of the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner by other formidable entities from the All Gods Camp along the perilous route," the Emperor clarified.
"My trusted subordinate possesses a Divine Talisman. Should any attempt be made to snatch the flag, he can instantly deploy the Divine Talisman to return the Gathering Immortals Mysterious Banner."
Following this, the Emperor turned his gaze towards Mr. Lian.
"Mr. Lian, are you willing to embark on this perilous journey for me, even if it means sacrificing your life... are you willing?"
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Mr. Lian's face was etched with profound emotion and unwavering loyalty. He knelt on the ground, performing a gentle kowtow, his resolve firm as he appeared ready to face any danger without hesitation.
"Please be assured, Your Majesty, I shall protect the Gathering Immortals Banner even at the cost of my own life!"
"My life will be dedicated to safeguarding the Gathering Immortals Banner!"
Despite being a eunuch, his voice resonated with sonorous power, and his words carried an undeniable weight of authority!
The figure clad in black robes couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration.
However...
Why would a eunuch speak of burning out his life force?!
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...
Qi Tian City, a beacon of prosperity and bustling activity.
The Equal Heaven Temple had successfully reopened its Divine Sect, and within a mere three months, it had already recruited a multitude of disciples, diligently searching for gifted divine and spirit children from the various prefectures across Jiangnan Dao.
Simultaneously, Fang Hanshu had revitalized Qi Tian City, extending a welcoming hand to merchants, thereby breathing new life into the ancient metropolis.
Rumble—
Dark clouds converged overhead in the vast expanse of the heavens, with countless bolts of lightning flickering ominously within their depths.
A tempestuous storm was indeed on its way, as expected.
Raindrops, large as beans, began to fall from the sky, striking the black tiles of Qi Tian City. They shattered upon impact, exploding into a fine mist, rendering the entire city somewhat indistinct and hazy.
Within the City Lord's Mansion in Qitian Outer City.
Fang Hanshu, his Confucian robe fluttering gently, held the Holy Sage Book and stood beneath the eaves. He observed the magnificent downpour from the heavens with keen insight, a subtle brilliance akin to starlight shining from his brow.
Beside him stood Li Che, his dark hair cascading over his shoulders, his intricately embroidered golden lotus robe swaying softly.
"My Lord, a letter has arrived from the Qian Yuan Divine Sect..."
Fang Hanshu produced the letter and presented it to Li Che.
"What does it convey?"
Li Che felt the moisture-laden air of the summer storm, his entire being emanating a warmth akin to fine jade, his body projecting a majestic and commanding aura.
"News from Old Lv; he wishes for Xi Xi to return."
Li Che's eyes lifted slightly. "Calling Xi Xi back?"
"Indeed. It pertains to the Sect Master's inauguration ceremony. Old Lv, after successfully breaking through to the Divine Tribulation Realm... faces increasingly potent suppression from the Heavenly and Earthly Will. He must retreat to the Small Cave Heaven to consolidate his cultivation and withdraw from public life."
"The Qian Yuan Divine Sect cannot function without a Sect Master for even a day. Therefore... before he enters seclusion in the Small Cave Heaven, he intends to formally confirm Xi Xi as the next Sect Master."
Fang Hanshu explained with a slight smile.
Li Che, upon hearing this, couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. "What a..."
"The Sect Master is eager to explore the Strange Que? Wishing to delve deep within, confront formidable adversaries, seize rare opportunities, and search for Dao Yun Divine Crystals..."
Fang Hanshu nodded, a subtle curve gracing his lips. "Precisely..."
Li Che pondered for a moment. "Xi Xi's current talent is truly exceptional; her cultivation speed is astonishingly rapid, a testament to Boss's diligent nurturing..."
"However, is the Sect Master aware of Xi Xi's true identity as the Daughter of Prison Lotus?"
"If Xi Xi were to officially inherit the position of Sect Master of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect, it would mean Qian Yuan would become inextricably linked with Prison Lotus. The future would inevitably bring forth fierce assaults and formidable challenges from every faction of the gods' domain."
Fang Hanshu's expression grew serious upon hearing Li Che's concerns. "The letter does mention that; Old Lv stated that Xi Xi is undoubtedly the destined Sect Master of the Qian Yuan Divine Sect; he is resolute in this conviction and will not permit any deviation..."
Li Che, receiving this confirmation, couldn't help but break into a genuine laugh, feeling a sense of deep contentment.
Lv Taibai was fully cognizant of Xi Xi's lineage. He also understood the perilous degree of targeting that accompanied her identity as the Daughter of Prison Lotus. His own experiences within Qi Tian City had clearly demonstrated the severe consequences of being associated with the Daughter of Prison Lotus...
Yet, despite this knowledge, he remained steadfast and unwavering in his support for Xi Xi, a gesture that genuinely warmed Li Che's heart.
Witnessing such profound trust placed in Xi Xi, and with such immense stakes involved, Li Che naturally would not allow the Qian Yuan Divine Sect to face undue hardship.
"Very well. Given the circumstances, I shall find an opportune moment to escort Xi Xi back to the Qian Yuan Divine Sect to finalize the inauguration ceremony and accept the position of Sect Master."
"However, before we proceed with Xi Xi's return to assume command of the Sect, there is a crucial matter that requires our immediate attention."
Rumble—
The storm raged on relentlessly, its fury pounding the earth, whipping up mist that obscured the heavens.
Then.
With a simple snap of his fingers, Li Che acted.
A single black chess piece shot forth, swirling with immense dark energy, rising like an engulfing tide.
Subsequently, the chess piece contorted and expanded, morphing into a figure garbed in purple.
This was the very chess piece Li Che had strategically placed by the Emperor's side.
The Purple-Clad Eunuch Lian.
"My Lord!"
As Eunuch Lian appeared, he immediately prostrated himself with immense excitement. Fang Hanshu was momentarily taken aback, his gaze instantly registering the familiar figure, causing his expression to become exceedingly strange. Isn't this the Emperor's trusted aide?! Even though Fang Hanshu had assumed the guise of Li Che's Soul Capturing, he remained utterly ignorant of the number of pawns strategically placed across the land. How many 'Soul Capturings' does our Lord have operating in the shadows?!