Chapter 1195: The Lineage of the Guardians

The two elders personally took action, using their immense divine power to suppress this creature, binding it with an exceedingly rare divine chain and firmly restraining it.

No one dared to be careless. This was a being from another realm. Though the Three-Headed King claimed it was merely the descendant of a guardian—a young one at that—who knew the truth of the matter?

“Take it back to the academy!” The Second Elder waved his hand, and the group began their retreat.

The winds and clouds stirred in all directions!

Many witnessed this scene, and when the news spread, the Celestial Academy was thrown into an uproar, instantly causing a massive stir!

The appearance of the Three-Headed King had already alarmed many, and now even those in seclusion emerged, stunned to learn that a mysterious being had been captured.

How many beings from another realm had been seen over the long ages?

The Celestial Academy buzzed with excitement as everyone gathered around a majestic mountain, atop which stood a grand bronze structure, vast and imposing.

Many wished to ascend the mountain and join the elders in interrogating the creature.

But opportunities were scarce—not everyone could go up. The students of the Celestial Academy paced restlessly at the mountain’s base, unable to settle.

The news was simply too astonishing—the descendant of a guardian from the Immortal Ancient Era, golden blood that could turn black, a blend of divinity and horror—it was all a mystery.

Clearly, the words of the Three-Headed King had left a deep impression, and everyone was eager to uncover the truth as soon as possible.

Shi Hao was fortunate enough to ascend this towering divine mountain, where purple mist swirled, medicinal herbs flourished, and spiritual caves had been transformed into abodes.

At the summit, the bronze structure bore the marks of rust, a testament to the passage of time. It stood like a relic of history, recounting the tales of ages past.

Aside from Shi Hao, his servant—Mo Dao—was also present.

In truth, Shi Hao had only gained entry thanks to Mo Dao, who hailed from the other realm. The elders hoped he could help identify the captive.

Within the grand hall, faint immortal qi lingered, lending an air of sanctity and transcendence. Only the most exceptional experts could sit here.

A dozen or so meditation cushions were arranged in the hall, each occupied by a shadowy figure, indistinct yet exuding an aura of ancient divinity, as if enshrined deities.

These were the elders of the Celestial Academy—rarely seen in such numbers!

Even when Mo Dao had been brought back, the occasion hadn’t warranted such a gathering.

But this matter was of utmost importance—the appearance of a guardian’s descendant had stirred their nerves, and they were determined to uncover the truth.

“Mo Dao, have you seen this person before?” An elder spoke, his form obscured by mist, his presence solemn and dignified. Even though his features were indistinct, his gravity was palpable.

“Clad in immortal gold armor—even the true supreme imperial clans of our world are not so extravagant. I have never seen him before,” Mo Dao replied cooperatively.

In the center of the hall, the creature stood, tightly bound by divine chains. Yet, it was not subjected to torture or harsh treatment.

In truth, had there been no doubts, it would have been accorded the highest honors. Across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, the guardian lineage commanded universal respect.

“Remove its immortal gold armor!” The Second Elder commanded, his authority unquestionable.

The chains loosened, and the black immortal gold armor emitted a dark glow, mysterious and profound. It could serve as an immortal weapon, one of the rarest treasures in existence.

*Clink!*

Piece by piece, the armor was removed. The creature offered no resistance, standing calmly and silently in the hall.

“Truly a rare treasure!” Shi Hao marveled inwardly. The black immortal gold armor, segment by segment, was exquisitely crafted. Though dark in hue, it was etched with intricate patterns that shimmered with divine light, surpassing even the finest jade.

“Hmm?” Shi Hao was stunned. Was this a woman? She—or he—was strikingly beautiful, with a slender figure, delicate features, and long golden hair.

But as the last pieces of the dark armor fell away—

“Wait, there’s an Adam’s apple!” Shi Hao was taken aback. A man so beautiful was rare indeed, enough to make many women feel inadequate.

In his memory, only the white-robed Ning Chuan could compare—both were unnaturally handsome, surpassing even the fairest maidens.

The creature’s body flickered with golden flames, as if angered by the scrutiny of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths’ experts.

Yet, he quickly regained his composure, the flames dissipating, his golden hair darkening to jet black.

“Just as the legends say—when the golden blood boils, divine light surges, and the body and hair gleam like forged gold. It matches the records of the guardians,” an elder remarked.

“Do you recognize him?” The question was directed at Mo Dao once more, given his shared origin.

“No, I’ve never seen him,” Mo Dao answered.

The assembly fell silent. They had expected as much—Mo Dao hailed from the world beyond the borderlands, not the true undying realm.

“What is your name?” The Third Elder inquired.

The creature in the hall stood tall, his black hair framing piercing gem-like eyes that radiated sacred light. His bearing was extraordinary—clearly no ordinary being.

“Du Gu Yun!” To everyone’s surprise, he answered.

“Are you truly a descendant of the guardians?” another elder pressed.

At this, Du Gu Yun’s eyes blazed with hatred, his hair turning gold once more as killing intent surged.

“I only know that three of my ancestors were slain by the people of this world—by those they once protected!”

The elders stiffened, expressions frozen. They had no words.

If his claim was true, the guardian lineage had fallen to betrayal—a disgrace beyond words.

Indeed, fragmented records in unearthed bone scriptures and jade texts from long-lived clans hinted at the guardians’ tragic fate—slain in battle due to treachery.

“Every era has its cowards, those without backbone who commit unforgivable deeds,” an elder said grimly.

“Moreover, we cannot take the words of beings from the other realm at face value,” another added.

“The hatred for my ancestors’ deaths… is etched into my bones,” Du Gu Yun said coldly, his gaze distant, as if peering into the past.

“The golden blood carries fragments of memory—imprints of my ancestors. I have seen what transpired.”

The assembly was stunned. The guardian lineage was indeed extraordinary—even their blood held ancestral memories.

Now they understood why the golden blood was so formidable—it was no ordinary heritage.

“Your ancestors deserve respect. Even in death, they were heroes. Those who wronged them are surely dust now—there’s no point in vengeance,” an elder reasoned.

“Some may yet live. And their descendants remain. I have returned… to settle the score,” Du Gu Yun stated bluntly.

The elders exchanged uneasy glances. This youth could not be harmed—he might be the last of the guardians.

Yet, if he pursued vengeance, it could implicate long-lived clans—a disaster in the making.

Some truths, though ugly, were best left buried. Many would struggle to face them, especially the implicated families.

It was said that all involved had perished, their era long gone. Reopening old wounds served no purpose.

At this point, an elder stepped forward. “Forgive the intrusion,” he said, pricking Du Gu Yun’s skin with a divine needle to draw golden blood.

The assembly watched closely. Even if they believed him, proof was necessary.

Ancient texts described methods to verify the unique bloodline.

The elder retreated to a back chamber with several others to conduct the tests.

Soon, they returned, faces alight with excitement.

“It’s true! Multiple ancient methods confirm it!”

“Please, sit!” The elders rose as one, their gazes fervent. Their attitude had shifted entirely.

They revered the legendary guardians of the past, and by extension, Du Gu Yun—even if he hailed from the other realm.

Moreover, all knew that those with golden blood were said to be invincible. Once matured, their potential was limitless.

Even in the Immortal Ancient Era, when powerhouses abounded, the guardians’ golden blood ranked among the four supreme lineages!

The elders believed they could “enlighten” him, guiding him back to the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths as a key figure in future battles.

And if the worst came to pass, they could recite an ancient scripture to “purify” him, erasing the other realm’s influence.

“You wish to recruit me? To fight alongside you?” Du Gu Yun asked coldly. Without waiting for an answer, he added, “You stand no chance. Compared to that world, you are weak—utterly outmatched.”

“How can you be sure? Will you share what you know?” the Fourth Elder pressed.

“The beings of this world are feeble. None can rival the undying, and even your youths pale in comparison,” Du Gu Yun scoffed.

“Why say that? This era has its prodigies—none inferior to theirs!” an elder challenged, hoping to provoke more revelations.

“Prodigies? How many could last more than a few blows against me? Against my golden blood? Few, if any! What use are such ‘prodigies’? They’d be crushed by the ancient imperial clans of that world!”