Such ’good fortune’ inevitably changes over time.
Zhang Jian always heeds advice quickly.
After arranging military commanders for the expedition and ensuring logistical support and the gathering of provisions, he left messages for the Empress and Zhang Zhao. Then, leaving a Void Spirit Body in Hanyuan Hall to handle state affairs, he and True Monarch Zhanmo headed to the Sect.
Still utilizing the Supreme Treasure of the Heaven and Earth Gate.
The master and disciple both chose to cross the void in their True Bodies.
Now that the Innate Daoist Embryo Immortal Body was formed, Zhang Jian genuinely felt the overwhelming power of this Supreme Treasure, so powerful that even he felt a terrifying suppression when facing this great gate.
Within it contained vast and majestic Dao Rhymes of Heaven and Earth.
"I wonder what level of treasure this is?"
Zhang Jian pondered in his heart.
At this moment, passing through layers of ethereal mist, Zhang Jian only felt his speed increasing as if he were carried by the power of the Heaven and Earth Profound Sect, traversing the universe. When he once again sensed light, his eyes brightened immediately, seeing countless ethereal lights converging around him.
A majestic Divine Mountain appeared before his eyes, towering and magnificent, gracing the vast ocean with its presence.
As far as the eye could see, numerous peaks in the great lake resembled a starry array of islands.
Many islands were covered with Magic and lit with the Spiritual Light of Forbidden Techniques, indicating that many cultivators were living within, and they were not just empty installations.
At this moment, the Heaven and Earth Profound Sect above slowly dissipated into light spots, gradually disappearing.
"Having this treasure is indeed very convenient!"
Zhang Jian couldn’t help but sigh.
True Monarch Zhanmo responded, "This is far from its full potential. The power of the Heaven and Earth Gate is much more extensive. Even if you want to leave this Great Realm and roam the Star River, the Heaven and Earth Gate can send you out!"
Zhang Jian’s eyes lit up, and he casually asked, "Can it send me back as well?"
True Monarch Zhanmo chuckled, "Of course. Most Primordial Spirit Cultivators of our Tongshan Dao Lineage have left their marks within the Heaven and Earth Gate, allowing them to use a portion of its power to come and go. However, to do so involves paying a substantial crossing fee to the Immortal Monarch seniors!!"
"Immortal Monarch seniors?"
Zhang Jian’s eyes shifted as he looked at True Monarch Zhanmo.
True Monarch Zhanmo smiled and said, "Do you think the Heaven and Earth Gate is lifeless?"
Shaking her head, she continued, "It’s not a mere Spirit Treasure; it’s an item personally crafted and cultivated by a prominent figure in our Sect. That predecessor has long achieved immortality but has left us juniors with some benefits. If you wish to traverse the Star River or wander outside the realm in the future, you will understand then!"
Zhang Jian laughed, "It seems we juniors are benefiting from the legacy of our seniors!"
"And..."
True Monarch Zhanmo wanted to say more but, looking at Zhang Jian, she said instead, "Forget it; you will know in due time!"
The master and disciple turned into streaks of light, talking and laughing, and soon arrived at the outskirts of the Ancestral Hall.
The grand Ancestral Hall stood atop the mountains, surrounded by Danques everywhere, and temples and palaces were numerous, yet it was solemn and majestic.
Inside the grand Ancestral Hall were rows of tall Golden Bodies, many belonging to Second Generation Ancestor Masters, and some to Third Generation uncles and uncles-in-law.
But there was no Golden Body of True Monarch Zhanmo present.
However, in the Demon-slaying Hall on Demon-slaying Peak, there was a Golden Body of True Monarch Zhanmo.
Zhang Jian knew the rules here: only those who became immortals had the qualification to establish their Golden Bodies in the Ancestral Hall for numerous disciples to admire for future generations.
At this moment, a breeze blew within the hall, and in Zhang Jian’s keen and vast Primordial Spirit Divine Sense, he felt at that moment that many gazes were upon him.
"They are all watching me; these Ancestors are quite gossip-driven!"
Zhang Jian secretly muttered in his heart.
True Monarch Zhanmo maintained a solemn expression as she said, "Go ahead, offer incense to the Ancestors!"
Zhang Jian’s expression turned solemn. He took a stick of incense from the table beside him, not taking any more. Zhang Jian knew that each time he conducted a sacrificial offering, there were faint omens in the incense smoke. If he took too much, it might be sensed by Great Divine Ability Users.
He was unwilling to encounter such unnecessary risks.
Even in the presence of the Ancestors.
Twirling the incense in his hand, he instantly inserted it into the large censer, and strands of golden light began to emerge above the incense flames.
In an instant, ascending straight into the sky, Zhang Jian vaguely felt the gaze of many Ancestors around him become gentler and filled with smiles.
But at this moment, he sensed a shift, and his gaze found the Ancestral Hall beneath his feet suddenly transforming.
Countless clouds and mist filled the void, and abruptly the heavens and earth changed. In the sky, thousands of beams of golden light emerged, and within the golden light, an Emperor, majestic and adorned in luxurious robes, appeared from nowhere. His eyes calmly observed Zhang Jian, scanning him briefly, his expression tinged with slight surprise.
"Not a bad foundation!"
Zhang Jian felt that his substantial spiritual soul, his vast merit, the Eight Great Emperor’s Fates, and even his Immortal Body were entirely revealed to this Ancestor.
But he only received a ’not bad’ evaluation!
It seems this Ancestor had high standards!
He then saw the figure in the void raise a hand, and instantly a stream of light fell into the depths of Zhang Jian’s brow.
"The ’Nine Revolutions of Heaven and Earth Cauldron Secret Record’ and the ’Sutra of the Human King’?"
A gleam of gold flashed in Zhang Jian’s eyes, revealing a touch of brightness in his gaze.
...
In Guangyuan City, at this moment, Emperor Chu Huan Xuan sat despondently on the dragon throne, his expression somewhat numb.
His eyes were filled with expectation as he looked at the Three-Phase Ancestor of the Sinful Demon Sect, who stood at the golden hall above. Before him, there was an Imperial Decree, a decree to ’turn against’ and ’abandon’ the Three-Phase Ancestor of the Sinful Demon Sect as the National Guardian Master.
He couldn’t help but stand up, pleading earnestly, "Predecessor Three-Phase, if you are willing to stay, I am willing to double the tribute and resources offered!"
Before the golden hall, the Three-Phase Ancestor’s expression was indifferent, and he was somewhat impatient as he waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty, I have assisted you for long enough. Hurry up and endorse the imperial edict; our fate is at an end!"
There was a shadow in his eyes.
He was already prepared to make his escape.
Even though he knew that even with this decree, he might not completely sever his Destiny connections with Beichu.
After all, he had been sustained by the offerings of Beichu for centuries.
Utilizing this Destiny allowed him to break through realms and achieve Creation over centuries.
But with this decree, he could at least endure the remaining backlash from the Destiny of Heaven and Earth.
Hearing this, Emperor Chu’s eyes turned dark and solemn, and he was somewhat unwilling.
To the Beichu Royal Family, the Three-Phase Ancestor was a lifeline, and if even the Three-Phase Ancestor left, how could Beichu resist the Xia Dynasty’s army undertaking the Northern Expedition?
If they were unwilling, the Beichu Royal Family had no means to restrain him, and they might even face backlash.
Since the disappearance of Grandmaster Tuoba Zhenwu, Beichu lacked other means to control those cultivators beyond the ordinary realm.
Weighing the pros and cons, Huan Xuan could only reluctantly take the Imperial Seal and impress it on the bright yellow imperial decree before him.
No sooner had the Emperor’s Seal descended than from the depths of the void, a desolate and mighty dragon roar seemed to echo, and a terrifying Golden Dragon emerged around Huan Xuan, glaring intensely at the Three-Phase Ancestor in the golden hall, with fierce hostility in its eyes.
As if ready to devour him.
Though this National Fortune Golden Dragon was weak, the remarkable divine power it contained made the Three-Phase Ancestor feel inviolable.
The more critical issue was that as long as the Dragon Vein remained unbroken, the Emperor was protected by the multitude of Sheji Divine Dao deities, and the Three-Phase Ancestor dared not act rashly.
Feeling the numerous malevolent spirits stirring in the profound void, his expression changed, tossing the specially crafted National Master Seal to Emperor Chu as his figure turned into a black light and vanished.
After leaving the Imperial Palace, the Three-Phase Ancestor exhaled slowly, sensing the oppressive feeling deep within dissipating gradually.
But instantly, his expression changed dramatically as he saw behind him, the sky over Guangyuan City, the color of wind and clouds shifted, and a terrifying hand reached straight out from the clouds, grasping at the sky above Beichu Imperial City.
In the void, Zhang Jian’s figure appeared out of nowhere.
As a Primordial Spirit Grand Master on the path of the Saint King Dao, he naturally had a unique approach to sieges.
Against ordinary Emperors, not following the Saint King Dao, he could directly destroy the opposing Dragon Vein and Dragon Soul.
There was no need for the battlefield strategies of wits and confrontations.
Slaughter the colossal dragon, and leave the scattering troops to other military generals of the Court.