The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1867 - 1864: Star Gate
Previously on The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor...
"Didn’t lose?"
Gu Changfeng hesitated for a brief moment before declaring with certainty, "That’s impossible! I distinctly observed Changge receiving the Dao’s baptism prior to anyone else!"
The young monarch of the Tianchi clan let out a sneering laugh. "That’s merely due to your master’s swift tongue."
A flicker of displeasure crossed Gu Changfeng’s countenance as his gaze settled upon Gu Changge.
At this precise juncture, Gu Changge was enveloped by the Dao’s baptism, approaching its culmination. Sensing Gu Changfeng’s scrutiny, he inclined his head slightly, stating, "It was a draw."
"What…"
These words caused Gu Changfeng to feel an immediate wave of awkwardness wash over him.
He had, in essence, been making noise for nothing!
"Hmph, still acting so arrogant?" The East Desolate Wolf let out a grin.
"You didn’t win either, so what exactly is there to boast about?" Gu Changfeng retorted with a cold snort.
"That’s because my master hasn't even begun to unleash his true power yet," the East Desolate Wolf chuckled. "Take a look at your own master; he’s already pushing his limits. Can you see the difference now?"
Gu Changfeng’s expression darkened as he corrected, "Changge is neither my master nor my superior; he is my younger brother!"
The East Desolate Wolf sneered again. "Then why are you acting like you’re his lapdog?"
Gu Changfeng’s face grew even more somber at this insult. "Are you deliberately seeking your own demise?"
Prior to Gu Changge's emergence, he had been acclaimed as the most prodigious talent of this generation within the Gu Family. However, Gu Changge's arrival had somewhat overshadowed his own brilliance. Yet, this did not signify any lack of power on his part.
Despite maintaining a cordial relationship with Changge, the sting of being referred to as Gu Changge’s subordinate invariably ignited a simmering fury within him.
Even as a True Destiny Great Sage, suppressing this potent rage proved to be a considerable challenge.
"Are you perhaps contemplating a desperate leap over the wall?"
The East Desolate Wolf remained unfazed, opting instead to further provoke him.
Gu Changfeng was utterly incensed. The formidable aura of a True Destiny Great Sage erupted outwards as he fixed his glare upon the East Desolate Wolf, enunciating each word with chilling emphasis: "Once we embark upon the true Emperor Road, I will undoubtedly end your life."
The East Desolate Wolf perceived Gu Changfeng’s intense killing intent. Rather than succumbing to fear, his eyes ignited with a fierce gleam. "We shall soon discover who claims victory over whom."
The verbal exchange concluded at that juncture.
Gradually, the other participants began to formally pledge their Dao vows, bracing themselves for the Dao’s baptism.
Rumbling————
As each individual partook in the Dao’s baptism, a nascent circular formation materialized in the distance ahead.
Within the epicenter of this circle, a radiant starlight emanated.
Moments later, the circle expanded, coalescing into an ancient Star Gate that beckoned towards unfathomable depths.
"Let us proceed."
Gu Changge regained his composure and took the lead, stepping resolutely towards the ancient Star Gate.
The ultimate contest for the Emperor Road…
…would commence from the realm beyond this ancient Star Gate!
"Brother Ye, let us depart together. Ah, wait! Do not walk; ascend onto my back, and I shall carry you."
The young monarch of the Tianchi clan morphed into his true form, unfurling his wings as he addressed Ye Xuan.
Having borne witness to Ye Xuan’s awe-inspiring might, the young monarch of the Tianchi clan was now utterly devoted.
"Servile!" From a short distance away, the young king’s long-standing adversary, Jin Baikong, observed this scene and couldn't help but scoff. "Just moments ago at the Great Ruins, you were rambling about wanting to 'trouble' Ye Xuan. Now look at you, addressing him so familiarly as 'Brother Ye'!"
Upon hearing this, the young king cast a glance toward Jin Baikong, chortling, "Golden man, it seems a touch of jealousy has crept in. If you offer a few pleasant words, perhaps I might put in a good word for you with Brother Ye."
Jin Baikong let out a cold snort. "I have absolutely no inclination to act as a sycophant."
The young king’s laughter grew louder. "You appear somewhat agitated."
Jin Baikong: "…"
Observing Jin Baikong rendered speechless, the young king felt an immense surge of satisfaction.
"Let us proceed."
Ye Xuan paid no heed to their squabbling, quietly remarking.
At his words, everyone began to advance.
Having successfully undergone the Dao’s baptism, the restrictions imposed by the Emperor Road upon them were now entirely dissolved.
By traversing the Star Gate, they would enter the true Emperor Road, thereby initiating the authentic competition for the Emperor's inheritance.
"Brother Ye, please wait for me!"
The young king hastened to follow.
A multitude of formidable contenders surged forward grandly towards the Star Gate.
As each individual passed through the Star Gate, it felt as though they were being transported across the vast expanse of time and space, arriving in a mystical land utterly unknown to the world.
This sensation bore a striking resemblance to the journey Ye Xuan and Little Qiankun had undertaken to the Mountain God Realm.
With every step taken, it seemed as though all earthly phenomena were rapidly receding into the past.
A single, unthinking moment could feel as though one might instantly vanish from existence.
However, those who had reached this stage were supreme sages, possessing an unwavering resolve that rendered them impervious to such fleeting sensations.
After taking a single step, Ye Xuan closed his eyes, immersing himself in the experience and savoring it with meticulous care.
The Emperor Road, for him, was an intricate tapestry he had long since mastered.
He had, in its entirety, deciphered all the profound secrets pertaining to the Emperor Road.
This comprehensive understanding even extended to its very origins.
The Emperor Road was indeed real, yet profoundly deceptive.
To be precise, its existence occupied a liminal space between the tangible and the illusory.
What was genuine was that any gains acquired by those who ventured onto the Emperor Road were irrefutably real.
The deception, however, lay in its elusive nature; without its specific activation, its location remained hidden, undetectable even across the vast reaches of All Heavens and Myriads of Worlds.
Even those who had successfully traversed the Emperor Road and ascended to emperorship found themselves unable to pinpoint it!
It resembled certain ancient Forbidden Lands in this regard.
For instance, the Emperor’s Fall Realm.
Or the Ancient Heavenly Court.
And also, Ruins City.
Through persistent investigation, Ye Xuan deduced that these places were intrinsically linked to the era preceding the great war.
The epoch referred to as the Immortal Ancient Era within the Ancient Immortal Realm.
The Emperor Road shared a similar connection.
Yet, concerning what remained from that cataclysmic war.
Figures like Gai the Madman, Old Mountain, or even Kunlun’s Woodsman appeared to possess no knowledge of the Emperor Road.
This initially left Ye Xuan in a state of considerable confusion.
It was only after acquiring further insights later on that Ye Xuan began to comprehend.
The events of the Immortal Ancient Era did not guarantee that all surviving beings from that period held complete knowledge.
It was possible that even they could not fully elucidate the origins or existence of the Emperor Road.
Much like their inability to explain phenomena such as the Forbidden Lands, including Ruins City.
At this precise moment.
An profound sense of tranquility enveloped Ye Xuan.
He closed his eyes, delving inward to introspect upon the peculiar sensation of traversing time and space.
This feeling, reminiscent of his journey to the Mountain God Realm, was something only Ye Xuan could truly grasp; the closest parallel was the experience when his Life Soul was pilfered by the Emperor Burial Lord.
He witnessed his own past self, hurtling backward through time, with all his accumulated knowledge flashing before his eyes.
Upon reopening his eyes, he found himself once again at the feet of the Emperor Burial Lord.
He was but eleven years old then.
Overwhelmed by stark fear and utter despair.
After being repeatedly transformed into that monstrous form, leaving the Emperor’s Burial Ground only to return to the Emperor Burial Lord's presence, allowing the scourging of every experience from his mind.
Ye Xuan’s animosity towards the Emperor Burial Lord remained an unresolvable chasm.
Every time he set foot upon the Emperor Road and passed through the Star Gate, those ingrained, numbing memories would resurface.
They served as a perpetual reminder of that individual.
He had never glimpsed her true visage, only knowing her presence within the Emperor’s Burial Ground, an ethereal figure draped in white.
He strained his eyes upward, striving desperately to discern her face, but never succeeded.
She.
Appeared eternally distant, impossibly high.
Even if he strained his neck to the breaking point, clarity remained elusive.
A blinding radiance erupted.
Ye Xuan slowly fluttered his eyes open.
The Emperor Road.
Had finally been reached.