The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1812 - 1809: Hundred Coffin Cliff (Part 2)

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Previously on The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor...
Ye Mingtian and his son Ye Xuan, accompanied by Qiankun Ancestor, arrive at Hundred Coffin Cliff to confront the Xuan Sect ancestors. The ancestors, dwelling in coffins, emerge and propose a deal, but Ye Mingtian and Ye Xuan refuse to negotiate, escalating the situation.
"Stop."

A commanding, ancient voice boomed from the Sky Dome, an undeniable decree as if from a Heavenly Emperor.

The instant the voice resounded, every ancestor of the Xuan Sect gathered at Hundred Coffin Cliff stood to attention. They rose from their coffin boards, bowing deeply towards the source of the voice.

"We pay homage to the Xuan Ancestor!"

A unified chorus of worship resounded towards the mysterious Xuan Ancestor.

Ye Mingtian narrowed his eyes but, without delay, sheathed his Broadsword and offered a bow in that direction.

After all, his induction into the Xuan Sect was significantly influenced by this very Xuan Ancestor.

The unchecked freedom he enjoyed within the Xuan Sect stemmed not solely from his formidable strength but also from the Xuan Ancestor's protective regard, which fueled his fearlessness.

"The ones with authority have made their presence known."

Ye Xuan let out a slight smile as he spoke.

Upon hearing this, the assembled ancestors on Hundred Coffin Cliff showed a flicker of displeasure.

The elder ancestor stated in a grave tone, "Young man, do not presume too much arrogance!"

While his demeanor towards them was somewhat tolerable, his current disrespect towards the Xuan Ancestor was truly vexing.

"Showing him respect is your prerogative."

Ye Xuan replied with a detached smile.

Subsequently, Ye Xuan cast his gaze upwards, lifted a foot, and stomped into the Void. Instantly, the very fabric of the heavens seemed to fracture!

"Am I expected to pay homage to you?"

Ye Xuan's soft words resonated like a clap of thunder, piercing the sky.

Boom!

A colossal fissure ripped open the Sky Dome, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world beyond.

It resembled an Outer Heaven, radiating an almost unbearable brilliance.

"Insolent!"

Ye Xuan's audacious act ignited the fury of the ancestors on Hundred Coffin Cliff, who pointed accusingly at him.

From the depths of the Sky Dome, a profound Mysterious Light suddenly manifested, descending through the widening rift.

Above Hundred Coffin Cliff, an ancient man clad in simple hemp clothing materialized from the air.

The elder bore a massive black fan strapped across his back and a dark Sword Nurturing Gourd hung at his waist.

His white hair and beard were disheveled and unkempt, as if they had been left unattended for centuries.

"The Xuan Ancestor is incensed!"

The sight of the hemp-clothed elder sent shivers of apprehension through the Xuan Sect ancestors.

Even the ancestor who appeared youthful took on a solemn expression.

He had been a pivotal figure during a significant era of the Xuan Sect, yet he dared not display any defiance in the presence of the Xuan Ancestor.

He had once sought to comprehend the extent of the Xuan Ancestor's capabilities.

The Xuan Ancestor's response had been: "As high as the heavens stand, so powerful am I."

Just how high were the heavens, then?

In his estimation, they were infinitely high.

Having personally witnessed the Xuan Ancestor's awe-inspiring might, he had long since tempered his own power, filled with profound reverence.

"Showing disrespect to our Xuan Ancestor surely warrants a reprimand."

The youth mused internally, anticipating the Xuan Ancestor might intervene directly.

Otherwise, with Ye Mingtian providing protection, they likely wouldn't be able to handle Ye Xuan.

"You have arrived."

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, the Xuan Ancestor displayed no anger; instead, a smile graced his lips as he addressed Ye Xuan.

"Earlier, upon hearing from Brother Gai of your return, I had intended to visit when time permitted. However, you always seemed so occupied. Now that you grace my Xuan Sect with your presence, we must accord you the utmost hospitality."

The Xuan Ancestor remarked with a hearty chuckle.

This statement caused Ye Mingtian's expression to turn peculiar.

The Xuan Ancestor referred to Gai as a brother?!

Such a familial distinction was indeed perplexing.

Ye Mingtian glanced sideways at his son, Ye Xuan, and realized that his son's identity as the Undying Night Emperor was truly extraordinary, commanding even the respect of the Xuan Ancestor.

"Host?"

Ye Xuan let out a soft laugh. "I am merely borrowing your Outer Heaven, observing the reactions of your descendants."

Hearing this, the Xuan Ancestor chuckled again. "Emperor Ye, please forgive these youngsters for their ignorance of your true identity. Do not concern yourself; I shall instruct them properly hereafter."

By this point, the elder ancestors, who had eagerly anticipated witnessing the Xuan Ancestor's wrath, were already feeling a sense of overwhelming pressure.

Emperor Ye...

They fixed their gazes upon the black-robed youth, a mixture of anxiety and disbelief in their eyes.

This individual is a Great Emperor?!

A Reincarnator!?

But even if he were a Reincarnator, in the eyes of truly powerful beings, such individuals were often viewed with disdain, unworthy of significant notice.

Considered failures.

Even a Great Emperor Reincarnator wouldn't warrant such profound respect from the Xuan Ancestor, would it?

For a moment, doubt clouded everyone's minds regarding Ye Xuan's actual standing.

"Is the exchange for the Immortal Treasure still proceeding?"

Ye Xuan inquired with a subtle grin, looking towards the Xuan Ancestor.

The Xuan Ancestor quickly waved his hand. "How could it not be? That is rightfully Emperor Ye's possession; I would not dare to interfere."

"Is the Outer Heaven still available for temporary use?"

Ye Xuan asked once more.

The Xuan Ancestor gestured amiably. "Xiao Tian, please escort Emperor Ye to the Outer Heaven the proper way."

Ye Mingtian cleared his throat lightly. "Esteemed Xuan Ancestor, my son, Little Xuan, is... well, he is my son."

The Xuan Ancestor shot a glare at Ye Mingtian, exclaiming, "I am well aware of that; spare me the lecture!"

Ye Mingtian turned his attention to Ye Xuan, a wide smile gracing his lips. "Little Xuan, let's be off."

Ye Xuan could only press his fingers to his temples.

Alas.

Wherever his father was present, it seemed he was overshadowed by generations past.

Ye Mingtian let out a hearty laugh at Ye Xuan's reaction, slinging an arm around him and murmuring that the greatest joy in life must be fathering a son like him.

"No, no, no."

"Your mother deserves at least half the credit."

Ye Xuan felt his headache intensifying with each word.

Before long, Ye Xuan, Ye Mingtian, and the Qiankun Ancestor had departed from Hundred Coffin Cliff.

As the trio made their exit, the Xuan Ancestor’s gaze became profound and intense, and he turned to face the elder ancestors.

"Xuan Ancestor..."

A collective sense of unease settled over everyone.

"Xuan Ancestor, is he a Great Emperor Reincarnator?" the young ancestor, adorned with jade pendants in his ears, inquired, his brow furrowed.

All ears were now tuned, anticipating an answer.

The Xuan Ancestor cast his eyes upon the youth and shook his head. "No."

The young ancestor appeared taken aback. "Then why does Xuan Ancestor address him as Emperor Ye?"

A soft sigh escaped the Xuan Ancestor as he explained, "You all know that in every great era, several Great Emperors arise. These individuals are essentially the cornerstones of their respective epochs, wielding immense power and enjoying unparalleled invincibility during their time."

"However, throughout the vast expanse of time, a legend persists: the Undying Night Emperor."

This brief declaration sent a wave of astonishment through the assembly.

None had ever heard mention of an Undying Night Emperor before.

Yet, the Xuan Ancestor's words lent credence to a multitude of unspoken possibilities.

"I shall not elaborate further, but regarding the Eternal Land within the Xuan Sect, its very existence is a testament to him; without his involvement, the Eternal Land would never have come to be."

The Xuan Ancestor narrowed his eyes and stated calmly, "Consequently, all of you shall undergo penance in the Soul Tomb for a duration of three years."

The Soul Tomb served as the place where the Xuan Sect administered discipline to its disciples.

The Xuan Sect adhered to a strict principle: their punishment targeted the soul, not the physical body.

This penance was designed to affect one's spiritual essence, not their corporeal form.

"Xuan Ancestor, I remain perplexed; if he is already a being of legend, why would he manifest here in such a guise, as Ye Mingtian's son?"

The young ancestor struggled to grasp the situation, voicing his bewilderment.

The Xuan Ancestor glanced at the young ancestor once more and replied with a placid tone, "If I possessed the understanding to explain this, then the legend itself would belong to me."

To be truthful, even holding the esteemed position of the Xuan Sect's strongest master, he could not fathom the intricate causality at play.

But one fact stood undeniably firm.

The Undying Night Emperor.

One must never incur his wrath!