This act of kneeling marked the beginning of a karmic bond.
The grace of imparting the Dao was as vast as the heavens. Countless Deity-level experts yearned to become disciples of mighty figures, dreaming of nothing more than being accepted under the tutelage of a Divine Emperor! At the level of a Divine Emperor, it was common not to teach at all—any sincere guidance was an immense favor. In his life, Dongbo Xueying had only knelt and kowtowed in formal apprenticeship twice. The first was to the Reddust Sacred Master, who had granted him multiple World Deity-level secret arts, bestowed numerous treasures, and even allowed him to inherit the entire Redstone Mountain. Though the Sacred Master had perished, the gifts he left Dongbo Xueying were beyond priceless. Without the trials of Redstone Mountain, Dongbo Xueying would never have achieved his current accomplishments. The second time was now, as he bowed to the Divine Emperor.
Only the Divine Emperor could truly guide him.
“He’s bowing—to whom?”
Jiuse and the other seated Deity-level experts watched in shock. Even the usually composed Seventh Plum Rain, standing behind the Whirlpool Mother Divine Monarch, gazed at the scene with astonishment.
Dongbo Xueying knelt and kowtowed, his reverence directed toward the most exalted figure at the entire Ten Thousand Flowers Banquet.
“Rise,” the Divine Emperor said indifferently.
Dongbo Xueying immediately stood and retreated respectfully, making his way back to his seat. The gazes of the other top hundred Deity-level experts around him were filled with envy, admiration, and a hint of disbelief.
“He’s apprenticed to the Divine Emperor?”
“He’s become the Divine Emperor’s disciple?”
…
Dongbo Xueying’s seat was the foremost among the Deity-level experts, close to the positions of the Four Heavens Realm Gods. Of course, Seventh Plum Rain didn’t count—she didn’t even have a proper seat, merely standing like an attendant behind the Whirlpool Mother Divine Monarch.
The Ten Thousand Flowers Banquet continued.
The Deity-level experts ate and drank quietly, none daring to engage in the bold discussions of the mighty figures. Even their conversations were hushed, and the more cautious among them resorted to mental transmissions.
“Dongbo,” the Anhai Prefecture Master, seated nearby, smiled at him. “I never expected someone from my prefecture to be accepted as a disciple by His Majesty.”
“Hahaha… Dongbo Xueying, right? Quite the luck you have. His Majesty hasn’t taken a disciple in ages. Now that he’s accepted you, you’d better cultivate diligently, master a first-grade Heart of the Dao, and ascend to Realm Godhood swiftly. Don’t disappoint him.”
“His potential is indeed remarkable.”
The surrounding Four Heavens Realm Gods chimed in, while the bald, white-robed youth ‘Huiming’ watched with a faint smile, remaining silent.
Dongbo Xueying maintained a humble demeanor. “To be favored by my master is my fortune.”
But what did being the Emperor’s disciple truly mean?
Over the eons, the Divine Emperor had taken many disciples. Take the expelled White Sand City Lord, for instance—he was merely a Three Heavens Realm God now. The title of Divine Emperor’s disciple alone wasn’t enough to command respect from Four Heavens Realm Gods. If he grew arrogant and disregarded them, it would be laughable.
“The Divine Court Battle has concluded. Present the Ten Thousand Flowers True Fruits,” Bloodblade Divine Emperor’s voice suddenly resonated throughout the banquet.
“Ten Thousand Flowers True Fruits?”
Dongbo Xueying and the other Deity-level experts’ eyes gleamed with anticipation.
“Brother Bloodblade, must we always have Ten Thousand Flowers True Fruits? Can’t you offer something new? How about sharing some of your Golden Tribulation Fruits?”
“Indeed, Brother Bloodblade. We’re tired of the Ten Thousand Flowers True Fruits.”
The highest-ranking figures bantered, their voices indistinct to the others.
Soon—
Servants arrived bearing exquisite platters, each holding a massive fruit nearly the size of a human head. The fruits were a vibrant red, glistening with dew and exuding a tantalizing fragrance. A few leaves still clung to their stems. Even before tasting them, Dongbo Xueying and the others could already sense the alluring aroma.
It was a subtle, pure scent—seemingly ordinary at first, but soon stirring a primal craving in both body and soul, an irresistible urge to devour the fruit.
“Meiyu,” the Whirlpool Mother Divine Monarch called from afar, handing her platter to Seventh Plum Rain behind her.
“Master,” Seventh Plum Rain hesitated.
“I’ve eaten them many times. They no longer benefit me,” the Divine Monarch said gently. Though she appeared kind and mild, her protectiveness was fierce.
“Yes.” Unable to refuse, Seventh Plum Rain accepted with gratitude.
Dongbo Xueying had already begun eating, as had the other Deity-level experts.
Using the provided utensils, he sliced into the fruit and took his first bite.
“So fragrant, so sweet.”
The satisfaction was profound, resonating not just in his heart but deep within his soul.
This was no illusion—the fruit’s essence was rapidly absorbed by his body and spirit, filling him with a transcendent clarity. The Ten Thousand Flowers True Fruit was originally a delicacy reserved for the Divine Emperor to entertain other mighty figures. Even for them, it held minor benefits, let alone for mere Deity-level experts.
The fruit’s nourishment was silent and pervasive. Much of its power lay dormant within, to be gradually absorbed over time.
“Exhilarating.”
He ate voraciously, consuming the entire fruit without pause.
Dongbo Xueying could faintly sense the vast reserves of energy now latent within him. “It will nourish my soul gradually. Given my current soul strength, it may take ten thousand years to fully absorb.”
The Ten Thousand Flowers True Fruit was the grand finale, but the banquet offered other delicacies and fine wines. For the mighty figures, these were mere indulgences, but the Deity-level experts relished them, eating heartily while exchanging occasional whispers or mental transmissions. After all, they were the lowest in status here.
Humming with energy, Dongbo Xueying observed the lively banquet. The mighty figures chatted in small groups, their spirits high. Gatherings of this scale were rare for them, and the true joy lay in reuniting with old friends rather than the fruits.
“The mighty figures converse among themselves, rarely engaging with Four Heavens Realm Gods,” Dongbo Xueying noted the stark hierarchy.
If Four Heavens Realm Gods, nearing the might of true powerhouses, could occasionally exchange words with them…
Then Deity-level experts like him were entirely beneath their notice. Even Three Heavens and Two Heavens Realm Gods weren’t qualified to attend. Their presence here was solely due to the Divine Court Battle—a grace bestowed by the Divine Emperor.
“Hierarchy is silently enforced,” Dongbo Xueying mused. “The mighty figures form their own circle. Four Heavens Realm Gods are on the periphery, and below that… they’re simply disregarded.”
“Though I’ve become the Divine Emperor’s disciple, elevating me in the eyes of countless Deity-level experts, within the true ruling class of the Divine Realm, I remain insignificant.” This realization only fueled his determination. Born from the mortal world, his cultivation had been aimless until now.
With the Divine Emperor’s guidance, Dongbo Xueying felt boundless ambition.
It was said the Divine Emperor was strict with his disciples, not one for favoritism.
But Dongbo Xueying welcomed this. Strictness was good! He had long lacked opportunities and a proper master. Now, he would seize this chance with everything he had.
…
At the banquet, the Deity-level experts remained subdued. The mighty figures feasted and conversed at length, settling many matters amidst their laughter. Finally, as their spirits waned, Bloodblade Divine Emperor declared the conclusion of the Ten Thousand Flowers Banquet.
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