Chapter 1723: The Birth of the Maimed Immortal

The emergence of a crippled immortal was utterly unexpected. A surge of will pierced the heavens, and immortal radiance bathed the world, shocking all under the sky!

For ordinary beings, who could have foreseen that a true immortal would appear in this era? Even among the most powerful figures, it was only recently that whispers spread—the Immortal Palace had harbored a crippled immortal, lying dormant in slumber until this very day, when the truth was finally confirmed.

First came the decree, then the immortal light split the heavens, accompanied by a resounding clamor like the beating of celestial drums—the crippled immortal was stirring, awakening, shaking the sun, moon, and stars.

At this moment, all living beings trembled in fear, as if the apocalypse had arrived, as if the entire epoch was reaching its end!

Such was the might of the immortal path. For many across the three thousand provinces, this was an experience beyond imagination—who could have guessed they would witness an immortal in their lifetime?

**Boom!**

With one final tremor, the overwhelming pressure dissipated.

At the very least, for mortals, it was but a fleeting moment of disorientation before normalcy returned—like a volcano suddenly looming before their foreheads, only to vanish just as abruptly.

Yet, for the most powerful cultivators, the oppressive sensation only intensified.

They knew—something monumental was happening. The crippled immortal was moving, approaching, heading straight for the Qin Clan’s ancestral grounds!

**”This is no mere threat, no empty warning—he is truly coming!”** an elder sect master roared.

Nothing could be more terrifying than this—a true immortal descending upon them. Who could stand against him?

Of course, there were those who rejoiced—the factions hostile to Shi Hao. Their excitement surged, hearts pounding, fists clenched in anticipation.

Now, ordinary beings could no longer sense that presence. Only the most supreme figures could detect it—a colossal entity drawing near.

The crippled immortal had emerged, shaking heaven and earth!

Yet, he concealed his immortal aura, not allowing it to spill recklessly, for his body bore grievous wounds from ancient battles. Every shred of immortal power was precious, not to be wasted.

Moreover, he had no desire to cause undue alarm across the three thousand provinces.

At his level, what he sought was the Dao, what he wove was karma. If he were to terrify the masses, sowing fear and chaos, it might disrupt the natural order of the world.

This restraint, however, did not escape the notice of Qin Changsheng, Shi Hao, and others—for the crippled immortal made no effort to hide from them. He had come for them.

The crippled immortal was terrifying beyond measure. A single movement spanned multiple provinces, his speed defying imagination!

Supreme beings sensed it. Peerless experts sensed it. Shi Hao sensed it. The aura was immense, overwhelming—as if the universe itself had manifested a will, descending from beyond the heavens to sweep across all realms, unrivaled in existence.

**”Heh… hahaha…”**

From within the bronze palace came laughter—cold, grating, bordering on madness.

It was the elder of the Immortal Palace. Though sealed within his copper vessel, he could sense the crippled immortal’s approach, his imminent arrival.

**”How can this be? It was said the crippled immortal was on the verge of death, unable to leave his slumbering grounds. Yet now he has emerged!”** someone murmured—a supreme figure privy to hidden truths.

Not just him—others too, including two supreme beings from the Nine Heavens—were stunned. This defied all reason. How could the crippled immortal leave that ancient land?

Qin Changsheng’s expression darkened. This was beyond anything he had anticipated. Who could have foreseen such a dire consequence?

To offend the Immortal Palace was to provoke a crippled immortal? How horrifying! Who would dare oppose them henceforth?

**”You will all die. None shall escape!”**

The elder’s icy voice echoed from the rusted bronze palace. Now, he was calm.

For he knew—even if this place housed multiple supreme beings, none could stand against a true immortal. Whoever dared act would be annihilated, swept away without mercy.

Today was destined to be the day the Immortal Palace asserted its dominance.

Closer now—a war chariot tore through the skies, swift as lightning, rending the heavens, crushing time, piercing space, suppressing all creation. Wreathed in chaotic energy, it arrived in this province.

**Boom!**

Eight celestial steeds galloped across the firmament, their bodies clad in dragon scales, heads crowned with single horns, and wings like phoenix feathers unfurled at their sides.

These were transcendent divine beasts, pulling a silver war chariot to the fore.

The celestial steeds varied in form—some resembled dragons, others lions, and some were simply equine. Yet all knew the rarity of such creatures.

Even in antiquity, during the most glorious epochs, such beings were exceedingly rare.

It was said that pure-blooded celestial steeds were the exclusive mounts of the mightiest figures, capable of treading upon stars, their speed unmatched.

Some even claimed that in the ancient realms where immortals dwelled, celestial steeds were indispensable—supreme beasts of burden.

**”Incredible! The Immortal Palace’s foundations run deep. To possess eight celestial steeds—yet they’ve never revealed them before!”**

The crowd marveled, hearts trembling in awe.

**Boom!**

As the eight ancient beasts charged forth, the heavens cracked under their overwhelming presence. Outside the Qin Clan’s mountain gates, countless cultivators from various sects quivered.

At this moment, thuds resounded as many collapsed to the ground, unable to withstand the pressure.

And this was with the crippled immortal’s aura restrained. Seated within the silver chariot, he allowed no immortal light to spill forth—otherwise, all would have been prostrated in terror.

When the eight celestial steeds halted abruptly, their final hoofbeats freezing midair—the very space around them shattered!

The sight was unimaginable. The eight steeds—some armored in azure scales, others crimson as blood—stood like flood dragons, like divine phoenixes spreading their wings, majestic beyond compare!

Each towered like a mountain, inspiring awe, forcing all to gaze upward in reverence.

**”The mounts of a true immortal are too terrifying!”** the crowd gasped.

For even now, none could discern the depths of these eight creatures’ cultivation. The celestial steeds hovered aloft, gazing down upon all living things.

Their hooves alone could crush peaks, their forms towering and divine. Their eyes were cold, their stance that of peerless experts, dominating the world with disdain.

Behind them, the silver war chariot was vast and ancient, exuding an aura of bygone glory.

This was a chariot that had weathered the great battles of the Immortal Ancient Era. Its battered surface bore the marks of countless conflicts—axe scars, arrow holes, and more.

Shi Hao, Qin Changsheng, and the others shuddered inwardly. They began to understand—perhaps the crippled immortal’s emergence was tied to this chariot, capable of nurturing and protecting his wounded body and fractured soul!

**”Clang!”**

The bronze palace’s doors swung open. The elder emerged, prostrating himself in midair, kowtowing devoutly toward the chariot.

**”I pay homage to our ancestor!”** he cried, voice trembling.

**”Huang, come forth.”**

From within the silver chariot came a cold, aged voice—calm, yet enough to make all living beings quake.

This was the crippled immortal speaking, commanding a mere youth of later generations.

Shi Hao sighed. Who could have predicted such a being would emerge, targeting him specifically? This time, his chances of survival were slim.

**”A true immortal descends, and all beings must bow. How dare you show such insolence?”** the Immortal Palace elder barked, his glare fixed on Shi Hao. **”Kneel and approach!”**

A chill ran through the crowd. Many powerful figures immediately dropped to their knees, paying solemn respects. Even some sect masters bowed their heads in submission.

Such was the crippled immortal’s might. Even without lifting a finger, he could command the world, overawing the three thousand provinces!

The true immortal remained silent. The silver chariot exuded an eternal, indomitable aura, shrouding the area in mist, causing the very fabric of the world to tremble faintly.

His presence was overwhelming. Even with his immortal energy restrained, the Great Dao itself quivered in response. He commanded the cosmos, his might shaking all realms!

Throughout it all, the crippled immortal spoke no further. Seated within his chariot, he waited—for Shi Hao to approach and kneel.