Eight ice mirrors were embedded in the walls, reflecting several crucial areas of the immortal palace. Under the contrast of the crystal-clear, pure ice surrounding them, the reflections appeared even more vivid.
Chen Zhao, Liu Zejun, and the old man, who seemed carved from ice, watched as a mysterious ancient lamp, indescribable by any color, flickered deep within Meng Qi’s eyes. The lamp radiated ceaseless waves of black and white light, instantly filling the room with solemnity and tranquility. The presence of Meng Qi now exuded an ancient, ethereal dignity and a heavy sense of superiority, as if he were the origin of all things, bearing the weight of heaven and earth and the fate of all beings.
“What kind of martial cultivation technique is this…” The three had never seen or heard of anything similar before. They vaguely sensed it was connected to the concept of causality, but that didn’t stop them from feeling its miraculous and profound nature. It seemed worthy of the title “Supreme,” surpassing even the most extraordinary and top-tier techniques.
All their stray thoughts instinctively vanished. The heavy sense of defeat and frustration in Chen Zhao’s heart gradually faded. When the gap between them widened into an unbridgeable chasm, and they truly realized that Meng Qi was beyond their reach for a long time to come, the urge to compare themselves with him naturally faded, and with it, their negative emotions dissipated.
At this moment, all they could do was look up in awe!
The swirling black and white light slowly faded as the Dao Yi Liuyao Lamp vanished once more from Meng Qi’s eyes, leaving behind an abyss-like depth, seemingly empty yet encompassing all things.
He glanced around and casually asked, “Have the northern sects and clans known about this immortal palace for some time already?”
“Yes,” replied the ice-like old man, shivering slightly as he answered truthfully. “Local sects and clans discovered this immortal palace after generations of exploration into the heart of the northern wastes. Dozens of generations have visited, but they’ve always been confined to the outer areas, unable to venture deeper. Naturally, many have gained rare opportunities and achieved great success if they managed to enter and survive. Unfortunately, none have ever attained the Dharma Body.”
He assumed the Dharma Body cultivator before him coveted the rewards the northern sects and clans had obtained from the immortal palace, and his heart chilled at the thought. Yet, he dared not lie, fearing worse consequences if exposed. Thus, he elaborated, hoping to convey that the northern sects had only gained minor treasures from the outer regions, none worthy of a Heavenly Immortal’s attention.
Meng Qi withdrew his gaze and turned back to them. “Have you found any ancient texts or records here? Do you know who the master of this immortal palace is?”
He didn’t want to waste time waiting for Master Lu and the others, so he intended to seize the opportunity to learn more about the palace and gain an advantage.
When Lu Ya had told him this secret place led to the Jade Pond, he had only vaguely mentioned it was an immortal palace, without giving any details, as if such a place wasn’t even worth mentioning to a cultivator of his caliber.
Chen Zhao didn’t hesitate and answered directly, “We’ve found many ancient texts, but very few mention the master of this palace. Only a name—‘Ice Immortal Venerable’—has been occasionally referenced. As for his origins and deeds, there’s nothing recorded. He must have been at least a Celestial Immortal, perhaps even a legendary figure.”
“Ice Immortal Venerable?” Meng Qi echoed, half-questioning, half to himself. Wasn’t one of the nine Immortal Venerables who sealed away a terrifying monster deep in the Snow Mountains known by that name?
Was this his abode?
Moreover, the palace encompassed the entrance to the Jade Pond, suggesting its master was aware of its existence. What was his relationship with the “Golden Empress,” Queen Mother of Heaven?
Upon reflection, the heterodox Dharma Body cultivator who had entered earlier was none other than Luo Jiao’s “Dharma King of Salvation,” who served the Holy Maiden—the reincarnation of the Primordial Mother. The Primordial Mother was the identity the Golden Empress assumed after forsaking her past, and she had long reigned supreme over the Jade Pond, with unparalleled knowledge of its secrets. If she had devised any sinister schemes, the Dharma King of Salvation might even be capable of facing three or four adversaries simultaneously within the Jade Pond!
This was the most dangerous enemy—one must not make a mistake.
Perhaps the plot to lure Senior Su into the Jade Pond had been orchestrated by the Dharma King of Salvation…
“Mr. Su, you know the Ice Immortal Venerable?” Liu Zejun asked in surprise, his voice involuntarily tinged with reverence.
Meng Qi replied concisely, “I’ve heard of the name, but I don’t know if it refers to the same Immortal Venerable. He built his mausoleum in the Western Snow Mountains of the Great West, along with eight other Immortal Venerables, using their remains and the array within the mausoleum to seal away a terrifying monster.”
Chen Zhao and the others exchanged glances. This was all new to them, so they couldn’t confirm anything.
Yet, beyond the northern wastes, the world was truly vast. Not only were there many Dharma Body cultivators in the south, but there were also mausoleums of Immortal Venerables and monsters sealed away in the west.
To live a life without venturing out and seeing the world would truly be a waste!
As this thought arose, they saw the light shift, felt layers of restrictions being broken, and then several figures appeared before them. One wore imperial robes, exuding majesty and nobility, wielding a pale golden sword of virtue. Another was a white-haired old man in Daoist robes, looking exactly like the legendary immortal elders. A third had a grizzled appearance, his heroic aura restrained, making him seem almost unbelievable. The last had slightly gray hair and a few wrinkles, his features unremarkable but radiating a sense of focus and harmony.
“Another four Dharma Bodies…” Chen Zhao and the ice-like old man stared blankly at the newcomers. The number of Dharma Bodies they had seen today far exceeded the total of the entire northern wastes.
How prosperous was the martial cultivation world beyond the northern wastes?
If they remained isolated and cut off from the outside, wouldn’t they fall further and further behind?
At this moment, the ice-like old man narrowed his eyes, looking at the pale golden sword of virtue, and blurted out:
“The Emperor’s Sword!”
Legends of the Emperor also existed in the northern wastes, even mentioned in ancient texts obtained from the Ice Immortal Palace.
Gao Lan cast a cold glance at him. “Your knowledge is somewhat decent.”
Could it really be the Emperor’s Sword? The legendary sword that had once dominated the world had reappeared! Chen Zhao, Liu Zejun, and the ice-like old man’s minds buzzed again. Today’s shocks and surprises kept coming, wave after wave!
Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated the room, accompanied by thunderous sounds. An overwhelming aura of tyranny spread, and the sentient, unmatched divine blade, unwilling to be ignored, rose in challenge against the Emperor’s Sword.
It was a divine weapon that had once rivaled the Emperor’s Sword. How could one recognize the Emperor’s Sword but not the Tyrant’s Divine Blade?
The tyrannical aura made their hearts tremble, and Chen Zhao and the others chattered their teeth, unable to speak.
Was this heavy long blade no less than the Emperor’s Sword?
Their thoughts were nearly crushed under the oppressive aura, unable to think further, while Yun He smiled and said, “Not only the Emperor’s Sword, but also the Tyrant’s Divine Blade.”
The Tyrant’s Divine Blade? The legendary thunder blade wielded by the Tyrant who once dominated the world and reversed the heavens? The sound of the name seemed to come from beyond a dream to Chen Zhao and the others. After a moment of numbness, they finally reacted, looking at the long blade emitting purple lightning and silver serpents with disbelief and fear.
Had it also reappeared?
Had the world beyond the northern wastes truly returned to the mythic age? Hence so many legendary divine weapons, so many Dharma Body cultivators!
Sensing their emotional changes, the Tyrant’s Divine Blade retracted its lightning, returning to calmness.
Meng Qi’s lips slightly twitched as he helplessly watched this scene. As time passed and he experienced more, he had matured, becoming less playful and no longer eager to show off his divine powers. Unexpectedly, his weapon, the Tyrant’s Divine Blade, remained so childish and temperamental, still needing to compete over such matters!
He himself had no such intention, but others wouldn’t think that way. As the saying goes, “A master’s weapon matches his character!”
Well, his image was beyond redemption now…
He coughed lightly and asked Chen Zhao and the others, “Is there another path leading to the core area, preferably one that can be taken before the main route?”
Since Han Guang had not killed them to silence, and the Dharma King of Salvation was connected to the Jade Pond, Meng Qi dared not follow the same path they had taken, so he wanted to take another route to avoid potential dangers.
Chen Zhao thought for a moment and replied, “Take the Ice Soul Reflecting Path, pass through several restrictions, and you’ll see a wall of black ice full of cracks. Although we’ve never been able to break through it, we can see the scenes inside through the cracks, confirming it as the innermost part of the immortal palace.”
“Please lead the way, Brother Chen.” Meng Qi bowed slightly.
At the same time, he had been communicating strategies with Master Lu and Gao Lan through the special connection of the “Fruit of All Causes,” coordinating their plan. Two would enter, while the other three would stay as backup.
Faced with so many Dharma Body cultivators, how could Chen Zhao refuse? He ordered his junior sister, Liu Zejun, to leave the Ice Immortal Palace immediately to avoid being caught in the Dharma Body battle, then led the way out of the room with the ice mirrors.
Meng Qi turned to Yun He and the others and said, “Master, Senior He Qi, Emperor Feng, I leave this place in your hands.”
He hesitated slightly over whether to call him “Brother” or “Emperor Feng,” ultimately choosing the latter, as Gao Lan seemed reluctant to reveal their sworn brotherhood unless in his playful state, but he had now recovered.
Yun He and He Qi nodded, their expressions somewhat heavy. The suddenness and mystery of the situation demanded their utmost attention.
Gao Lan coldly stared at Meng Qi and said in a low voice, “Your wings have grown heavy, not even calling me ‘Brother’ anymore…”
…Meng Qi was instantly speechless, his mouth twitching to one side, nearly cursing aloud.
When Gao Lan was still mentally unstable, Meng Qi could somewhat predict his behavior based on whether he was the playful “Brother” or the cold “Emperor.” But now that he had recovered, his actions became increasingly elusive and unpredictable. Meng Qi could no longer tell when he was being playful or serious.
Indeed, Gao Lan was now flawless…
Under the astonished gazes of Master Lu and the others, Meng Qi turned his head and followed Chen Zhao toward the Ice Soul Reflecting Path.
Blocks of ten-thousand-year-old ice formed the path, emitting cold mist even in the already frigid surroundings. It was crystal clear, reflecting the images of everyone who walked upon it.
“The Reflecting Path reveals the shadows in one’s heart, aiding in their release,” Chen Zhao explained, stepping onto the path first.
Meng Qi and Master Lu followed side by side.
Chen Zhao kept his eyes forward, not attempting to pry into the shadows within the hearts of the Dharma Body cultivators.
Suddenly, he heard a thudding sound, like a racing heartbeat, and the entire Ice Soul Reflecting Path flickered and violently shook.
What’s happening? Chen Zhao wondered in shock.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The heartbeat grew louder, and the path’s light suddenly dimmed, no longer reflecting their images, resembling black ice.
He turned back in astonishment, just catching Meng Qi’s slightly helpless gaze.
“I wanted to reflect my inner self, but it couldn’t withstand it…” Meng Qi explained with a sigh.
Heh… Chen Zhao turned back with a numb, slightly dazed expression, continuing to lead the way.
The path’s restrictions were no match for Meng Qi and Master Lu, who simply needed a sword and a blade to clear the way. Soon, the three reached the end, where a wall of black ice stood, riddled with cracks. They could see inside, but the wall felt solid, adorned with numerous talismanic seals, seemingly unbreakable by any force!
As he saw the cracks, Chen Zhao’s heart stirred, and he hurriedly said, “Senior Lu, Brother Su, there’s an ancient bronze coffin deep within the Ice Immortal Palace, identical to the one seen in the Demon Ruins!”
Meng Qi’s brows furrowed instantly.
He sensed Chen Zhao was telling the truth, but the ancient bronze coffin in the Demon Ruins held a Demon Lord, the master of the primordial demonic path. How could there be another one here in the Ice Immortal Palace? Was there a connection between the Demon Lord and the Ice Immortal Venerable? What about the Jade Pond?
Considering the timeline, the Demon Lord was active from the era of the Demon-infested Lands until the Emperor’s ascension, overlapping with the period when the nine Immortal Venerables sealed the monster. The Ice Immortal Venerable also belonged to that same era.
If this place was connected to the Demon Lord, did Lu Ya’s overt request hide another purpose?
Recalling Lu Ya’s confrontation with the Demon Lord over the Wheel Seal, the entire matter seemed worth pondering…
Meng Qi informed Master Lu of the situation, then pushed up his water-cloud crown.
Instantly, a chaotic, hazy auspicious cloud surged from his niwan palace, surrounding an ancient, terrifying banner. The banner, resembling an axe, pointed directly at the black ice wall.
As the banner appeared, Chen Zhao immediately felt an indescribable pressure, retreating more than ten steps, while the surroundings became chaotic and indistinct, cutting off all other perceptions.
The banner’s illusion merged with Meng Qi’s Tyrant’s Divine Blade, and then he slashed.
The blade-light flashed, a thin line, splitting heaven and earth!
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