Previously on The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor...
Hai Dong pledges his loyalty to Ye Xuan after Ye Xuan demonstrates his power. Tushan Chen is reassigned to lead Qingqiu Mountain in the Demon Realm, while Ye Xuan prepares to return to the Emperor Immortal Sect, leaving the forces outside the Great Ruins in suspense.
"These individuals are quite tiresome," remarked the Qiankun Ancestor, trailing behind Ye Xuan with a roll of his eyes. "They coveted the Master's Immortal Treasure but couldn't conjure a valid reason. Now, presented with such a clear opportunity, they hesitate to seize it, which is truly exasperating."
Ye Xuan responded with a calm smile, "The more individuals consider themselves to be of high standing, the more they meticulously adhere to their methods. In their perspective, a direct approach would deviate from their Sect's principles and tarnish their reputation within the Cultivation World."
"They clearly desire it, yet they lack the courage to openly take it."
"Having learned so many rules, they've ensnared themselves – how foolish."
Ye Xuan had witnessed this scenario countless times.Ninety-nine percent of people in this world found themselves unable to escape such predicaments.This was the profound influence of Confucian virtues and regulations.They could imperceptibly constrain the actions of many.
The Great Emperor Immortal Sect, holding a position of supreme authority.
Appearing to act with unbridled dominance, showing no fear.
Yet, in reality, they remained cautious of numerous factors.
Every decision necessitated comprehensive consideration.
Ye Xuan had once encapsulated such matters with a single, poignant phrase.
Freedom within a confined space.
Seemingly unburdened, yet perpetually within metaphorical chains.
Much like Ye Xuan himself in the past; in the estimation of those ancient behemoths, Ye Xuan was an indomitable, supremely powerful Undying Night Emperor.
But in truth, Ye Xuan perpetually existed under the ominous shadow of the Emperor Burial Lord.
Time flowed onward leisurely.
Still, no one dared to make a move.
Finally, at a specific juncture, an individual from the Sacred Land of Tianzhao in Hong State could no longer restrain their impulses.
Prior to entering the Great Ruins, the contingent from the Sacred Land of Tianzhao had harbored intentions of acting.
At this precise moment, they resolved to implement their plan, employing a prior pretext.
However, just as they were about to act, an invincible and imposing aura abruptly descended, filling everyone with immense astonishment.
All eyes turned, observing a man garbed in a Black Robe making his descent.
This man appeared to be in his mid-thirties, bearing a striking resemblance to Ye Xuan.
He arrived unaccompanied, yet carried an aura of invincibility that unnerved everyone present.
"Pavilion Master of Cangqiong Pavilion, Ye Mingtian!"
Upon recognizing this individual, the formidable figures from the Yuhua Immortal Sect were taken aback. "The newcomer was none other than the Pavilion Master of Cangqiong Pavilion, Ye Mingtian, Ye Xuan's own father!"
Naturally, not everyone present recognized Ye Mingtian.For instance, the members of the Sacred Land of Tianzhao remained unfamiliar with him. To their perception, this sudden appearance was likely that of another individual seeking to seize Ye Xuan's Immortal Treasure, prompting secret resentment and a wish that they had acted sooner.Now, it seemed too late.
"Little Xuan."
Ye Mingtian descended beside Ye Xuan, a genial smile gracing his features. "I heard you acquired an Immortal Treasure within the Great Ruins; why are you still lingering here?"
"Old man."
Ye Xuan's grin widened upon witnessing Ye Mingtian's arrival.
The Qiankun Ancestor felt a peculiar sensation; could this be the Master's elder?
No, no, it could only be described as a connection within this current existence, the Qiankun Ancestor mused internally.
After all, in his recollection, his Master was the supremely invincible Undying Night Emperor.
As for Ye Xuan, this persona was merely another vessel inhabited by the Master.
The Qiankun Ancestor was unaware that Ye Xuan was truly Ye Xuan. With Ye Xuan existed the Undying Night Emperor, not the other way around.
The only beings possessing this complete understanding were the Double Emperors.
Yet, even they lacked absolute clarity regarding the experiences of the Undying Night Emperor.
Consider the Revenge Lineage as an example.
To this very day, Ye Xuan remains the sole individual privy to all aspects of the Revenge Lineage.
Ye Mingtian inquired with a kind smile, "Do you comprehend the reason for your father's late arrival?"
Ye Xuan responded deliberately, "Judging by the timing, I surmise you intercepted Saint Heir Qianjue and dealt with him."
Ye Mingtian chuckled, retorting, "You've partially guessed correctly; I merely gave him a stern lesson, I did not kill him."
Ye Xuan exhibited no surprise; instead, he let out a sigh, stating, "Old man, you lack ruthlessness."
Ye Mingtian emitted a soft snort. "You impudent child, you fail to grasp the complexities. Were it not for his arranged duel with your mother, I would never have met your mother, and consequently, you would not exist. Had this not been the case, I would have stormed the Primordial Hall long ago."
"Furthermore, back then, that individual dispatched numerous pursuers after you and your sibling, whom I intercepted. Now that you have matured, your father earnestly desires for you to personally lay him to rest on the Emperor Road."
Ye Mingtian expressed with sincerity.
Ye Xuan's lips quirked.
Witnessing this, Ye Mingtian raised an eyebrow. "Impossible, Little Xuan, do you share the same sentiment?"
Ye Xuan nodded in agreement. "Our thoughts are aligned."
Earlier within the Great Ruins, when Ye Xuan spoke with his cousin Jiang Ya, he had a strong suspicion that this Saint Heir Qianjue was likely a rival of his father's affections. Thus, he decided it would be best to let his father handle the situation.
Unbeknownst to him, his father harbored the exact same sentiment.
Truly a case of like father, like son.
"Never mind, when the Emperor Road opens, I will personally deal with it."
Ye Xuan did not linger on the matter.
Eliminating a mere Saint Heir Qianjue was a minor task, hardly worth his concern.
"You are already aware?"
Upon hearing Ye Xuan mention the Emperor Road, Ye Mingtian's expression grew notably serious.
Ye Xuan offered a slight nod: "Barring any unforeseen issues, the Emperor Roads across the All Heavens and Myriads of Worlds should have already commenced their appearance."
Ye Mingtian stated with gravity: "Accompany me back to the Xuan Sect. We need to discuss this in detail."
The destination was not the Cangqiong Pavilion, but the Xuan Sect itself.
This affair was of immense importance, not to be discussed in their current location.
Ye Xuan readily agreed, as the Xuan Sect was one of the locations he had earmarked.
If all proceeded as planned, he intended to perform a sacrificial refinement of the Black Candle and the World Tree within the peculiar domain of the Xuan Sect.
His objective was to complete this before the Emperor Road fully manifested.
As Ye Xuan departed, all the forces that had been maintaining a vigil outside the Great Ruins began to withdraw successively.
Discussions among the populace centered on the matter of the Immortal Treasure.
Beyond the Immortal Treasure, the ancient factions had another topic of even greater weight on their minds.
The Emperor Road!
The Emperor Road, it was truly on the verge of opening!
Signs of the Emperor Roads had begun to emerge throughout the All Heavens and Myriads of Worlds, encompassing billions of smaller realms.
For instance, within realms such as the Great Sun Realm and the Lotus Blossom Realm, the Emperor Roads had started to appear.
Whispers circulated that in these very realms, individuals had already attempted to ascend the Emperor Road.
However, the outcomes were dire; anyone who dared to approach the Emperor Road was instantly annihilated on the spot.
Their lifeless forms remained on the Emperor Road, serving as stark warnings.
This grim reality instilled caution, deterring cultivators within these smaller worlds from acting rashly.
In truth, the ancient forces understood well that this was because the Emperor Road had not yet fully materialized.
Only once all the Emperor Roads across the All Heavens and Myriads of Worlds had completely manifested could one legitimately attempt to ascend.
Otherwise, the path inevitably led to a fatal end.
This was an immutable law from ages past, beyond anyone's defiance.
Of course, prior to ninety thousand years ago, the Emperor Roads were largely a constant presence, which is why few were privy to this stringent regulation, erroneously believing that simply seeing an Emperor Road meant they could ascend.
Nevertheless, the news regarding the premature emergence of the Emperor Road rapidly disseminated across the All Heavens and Myriads of Worlds.
Innumerable ancient powers quietly assumed a vanguard position for this new era.
Certain reclusive Longevity Families also made their reappearance known.
The opening of the Emperor Road effectively signaled the absolute conclusion of the End of Dharma Era.
