Chapter 1303: Ever-present Threat
"He really is coming out." Even a paragon who had been born in the same generation as Meng Zhentian gasped.
In the past, those who were lucky enough to see him could never forget his invincible disposition. Even if he couldn't become an emperor, he was still worthy of being admired for a lifetime.
"The Heaven's Will now has a master, others shouldn't think about becoming an emperor." Other geniuses and their seniors were drowning in despair.
His name, for many people, was the start of a nightmare. Almost all people in Heaven Spirit had heard of him before. They might not know about the powerful Dream Empyrean, but they couldn't possibly not know Meng Zhentian.
Legend states that he was born in the same era as Immortal Emperor Ta Kong. The two of them became sworn brothers and developed a deep friendship. It went on to say that Meng Zhentian was unbeatable in his life. Even the emperor in his youth had lost to Meng Zhentian.
Future generations had always wondered why Meng Zhentian didn't become an Immortal Emperor. Some said that it was because of his love for his brother. He didn't want to compete and fight Immortal Emperor Ta Kong for the Heaven's Will.
Others believed that he was one step slower than the emperor and lost the initiative, so he lost the Heaven's Will.
Regardless of the reason, his prestige didn't diminish. Even after becoming an emperor, Immortal Emperor Ta Kong still treated him as an elder brother like before.
From this point alone, one could see just how powerful and frightening he was.
Meng Zhentian didn't become an emperor in the previous generation, but he has now come out with the intention of aiming for the throne in this one. Everyone in Heaven Spirit knew the day of his coming meant that no other genius had the chance of becoming an emperor!
The most alarming thing was that during the previous competition, he didn't only accumulate enough experience, he gained sufficient strength as well. There were many Godkings under his banner in addition to a formidable legion.
Other geniuses simply couldn't compete against such an opponent!
An old paragon saw the scouting cavalry and exclaimed: "Heaven Suppression Legion, what a domineering name! In the past, outside of Immortal Emperor Ta Kong's own legion, no one else could compete with it."
Just imagine the year of past, Meng Zhentian led his legion and swept through the world while defeating every opponent!
A junior enviously stated while looking at the bird: "That golden phoenix… only an Immortal Emperor would enjoy such treatment." He dreamed of the day that he could experience this treatment.
A senior explained: "That's not a true phoenix, it's only an eagle with the bloodline of a phoenix. Nevertheless, it is still very rare and strong."
A treant recognized the old man driving the carriage. Even while dazed, he managed to murmur: "Isn't that Ancestor Crimsonflame from our treant race? He, he is already an amazing Grand Godking, why is he driving for Meng Zhentian?"
"Meng Zhentian is qualified to have this treatment." A jealous spectator had to admit: "He is the leading candidate to become the next emperor. Once he becomes an emperor, a Grand Godking will be nothing. It would be an honor to be Meng Zhentian's driver at that point."
His appearance shocked the entire Dragon Demon Sea and even Heaven Spirit as a while. Due to the volume of travelers heading towards the Bonesea, many of them got to saw his divine style with their own eyes. The entire region was in a clamor.
Liu Ruyan was walking on the blue waves when the carriage of Meng Zhentian was crossing the sky. Her group saw the frightening scene as well.
Zhuo Jianshi commented with emotion: "The Dream Empyrean is considered the oldest charming spirit lineage. Even though they have never produced an Immortal Emperor, they never had a lack of talents."
It was the biggest charming spirit sect in the Dragon Demon Sea and one of the strongest in all of Heaven Spirit.
"Even though we are all charming spirits, I have to admit that their divine reflections are unmatched when compared to lineages like us. They can be praised as supreme." Even someone as proud as Liu Ruyan had to nod her head in agreement.
There was a particular saying in the Heaven Spirit World. If the Void Imperfection Three Schools had the best immortal physiques, then the Dream Empyrean had the best divine reflections.
A divine reflection was a unique talent of charming spirits and varied from one individual to the next. However, disciples who came from the Dream Empyrean were believed to have the best reflections in Heaven Spirit.
Their progenitor was Shen Mengtian, the one who created and named the sect after his own name. 1
Legend states that when he was still alive, he cultivated his divine reflection beyond all the other charming spirits and surpassed the limit. His achievement in this regard was at the very peak.
Though Shen Mengtian didn’t become an emperor in his generation, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Immortal Emperors. Back in that era, some historians believed that even the emperor back then respectfully called him "teacher".
Another tale claims that his ultimate divine reflection could see through both past and future, gazing into the mysteries of this world. Because of this, even Immortal Emperors have had to rely on him at times.
Jianshi nodded and said: "The Dream Empyrean has the most orthodox and purest bloodline out of all the charming spirits. Because of this, their divine reflection far exceeds that of other charming spirits, it's not strange at all."
Li Qiye smiled and told the two girls: "Most orthodox and purest? It's not their turn to receive this praise. In terms of purity and history, this can only belong to the Buzhan Clan. Even though the Dream Empyrean originated from the Spirit Abyss, their bloodline isn't that pure."
"The Buzhan Clan…" Both the sisters glanced at each other. The Buzhan Clan was ancient to an untraceable level. Only they themselves knew just how old their clan and bloodline was. Maybe the clan itself didn't even know all the details.
"I heard the Buzhan Clan consists of descendants of immortals, far from just having an ancient bloodline." Ruyan became interested as her pretty eyes blinked: "Young Noble, do you think this rumor is true?"
Li Qiye looked at her and replied: "How are you defining immortal? Are there immortals in this world?"
This was a very confusing and difficult topic because no one had seen an immortal before.
Jianshi interjected: "Well, the Celestial Pavilion has been known to house an immortal in the past."
Li Qiye glanced at her and smiled: "Young beauty, are you borrowing your sister's cunningness to try to set me up?"
Jianshi slightly blushed and lowered her head without answering. Her elegance had a hint of youthfulness this time around.
"Celestial Pavilion…" Ruyan was much bolder compared to the slightly reserved Jianshi. There was no topic that she would purposely avoid: "Young Noble, you are too nice towards Mu Shaolong. Could it be that you are aiming for the pavilion's secret, the Immortal Dao City?"
The low-key Celestial Pavilion was rumored to be attached to one of the nine heavenly treasures, the Immortal Dao City. Outsiders couldn't confirm this, and the pavilion itself never addressed this question.
"You are looking down on me too much." Li Qiye couldn't help but laugh: "If I wanted their secret, would I need to start with a junior? I just need to directly ask them, it isn't difficult at all."
"What is your relationship with the pavilion?" Ruyan gave a cute wink that contained boundless grace.
Both of the girls were quite curious after noticing Li Qiye's special treatment of Mu Shaolong. After all, he was someone who wouldn't even bother looking at a young junior of Shaolong's level.
Li Qiye didn't reply, he only stared at the blue waves in the distance in silence.
He was worried about many things at the Celestial Pavilion. It was not only due to the Lunargrasp Fairy, some past matters played a part as well.
It was just as the two girls had said, he had a special spot for the pavilion in his heart. Mu Shaolong's special treatment wasn't only because Shaolong had Mu for his last name.
The two girls were quite curious, but they didn't dare to pry any further, not even Ruyan who was very daring.
At this time, a disciple from outside reported: "Schoolmaster, Young Noble Bao from the Dream Empyrean is requesting to board our boat."
Shen Mengtian means Divine Dream Heaven — Dream Empyrean. ↩Chapter 1304: Smugness
After hearing the disciple, Liu Ruyan frowned and thought about why Bao Yujiang came here again.
Li Qiye smiled and lightly said: "It looks like he hasn't given up."
Ruyan asked the disciple: "What did he come here for?"
In terms of status, Yujiang was not qualified to see Ruyan or Jianshi. In fact, his master was barely on the same level as them.
The disciple hurriedly responded: "He said he is representing the Dream Empyrean to see you, Schoolmaster."
"Let him in." Although Ruyan had no interest in this visit of his, if he was representing the empyrean and she were to refuse an audience, it would make the Void Imperfection Schools seem petty.
A bit later, Yujiang came with Mu Shaolong beside him. Their friendship was great, so they came to the Bonesea together; they were completely inseparable.
Yujiang came in and saw Li Qiye. He felt some displeasure since this was the man he didn't want to see the most. However, this wasn't his territory, so regardless of his personal annoyance towards Li Qiye, there was no way around it.
"Schoolmaster Liu, Schoolmaster Zhuo, we meet again." He cupped his fists and handed over an official letter from the Dream Empyrean.
The two glanced at the letter and read the header. It was written by Yujiang's master, Bao Guojian.
This formal letter meant that it was an official visit and not a personal one from Bao Yujiang.
Jianshi put the letter away and slowly asked: "May I ask what you are here for?"
Yujiang replied: "I am here to talk with Schoolmasters about the direction the world will take in the future."
Yujiang's demeanor had drastically changed. He was even more excited and confident made evident by his imposing momentum. He carried himself as if he was equal or even above everyone else.
It was no wonder why he became this emboldened. His grandmaster, Meng Zhentian, had finally emerged to become an emperor. This made him bolder as he walked proudly with a straight posture. 1
Jianshi smiled gracefully in response to this statement. He made it sound like he was on equal footing with them, like old friends with a deep friendship.
The "future" he spoke of seemed very threatening, as if he was in control of everything. There was a noble intonation to his speech.
Of course, Jianshi was an experienced schoolmaster. She didn't take this kind of posturing to heart.
She plainly said: "Elaborate."
Her insipid reaction left him a bit disappointed. At this moment, he was speaking with so much confidence and charisma that anyone would show him some respect. Alas, a beauty like Jianshi was acting nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal, making him feel a bit lost.
He calmed down and replied: "Schoolmaster Zhuo, Schoolmaster Liu, my master entrusted me to discuss an alliance with you two. Our Dream Empyrean is willing to stand together with the Void Imperfection Three Schools in order to create a flourishing world."
The two girls understood what he meant right away. This so-called alliance was only in name. Meng Zhentian wanted the Heaven's Will, so he had the ambition to fight the rest of the nine worlds.
As for Bao Guojian, his ambition must also be burning. If he could sway an imperial lineage like Void Imperfect or young geniuses like Liu Ruyan and Zhuo Jianshi to become legion generals for his master in the future, his status would soar in the sect and ultimately, the world.
"You want us to work for your grandmaster?" She gave a charming smile, but there was a chilling touch in her voice.
Even if Meng Zhentian wanted to become an emperor and recruit their sect, Bao Yujiang wouldn't be qualified to be the messenger.
However, Yujiang was feeling quite complacent, apparent by his smug appearance. He didn’t hear the cold implication in her voice and quickly said: "Schoolmaster Liu, if you become my grandmaster's general, your future will be even more brilliant. You will have a great position alongside Schoolmaster Zhuo in all the nine worlds…"
Bao Yujiang was elated with pride. He thought he had managed to convince the two of them.
Meanwhile, Li Qiye quietly sat there and watched this recruitment play out. He smiled and eventually dozed off as he was too lazy to reason with him.
Jianshi faintly smiled while an amused glimmer flashed in Ruyan's eyes.
If Meng Zhentian himself said these words, they would certainly take it more seriously. However, Yujiang was too weak to make such promises. He didn't have the clout to persuade these two.
Even if Meng Zhentian were to become the next emperor, the Void Imperfection Three Schools was a behemoth in Heaven Spirit. They couldn't be lobbied this easily by a junior like Bao Yujiang.
After Yujiang finished speaking, Jianshi shook her head in response: "Our sect appreciates your good intentions. However, our schools do not care for competition and power in the nine worlds. Please return and tell Daoist Cao that we accept his kind gesture. Unfortunately, we won't be able to comply."
Yujiang grew anxious after hearing the swift refusal. He thought for a bit and said: "Schoolmasters, you shouldn't reject such an important matter this quickly. You should talk it through with the elders of your schools before making a decision. If you don't mind, come visit our Dream Empyrean before deciding."
Yujiang didn't only want to succeed and complete his task for his master. He also wanted to use this opportunity to get close to the two beauties if they were to accept the recruitment.
Ruyan and Jianshi were supreme beauties with no lack of admirers in the Heaven Spirit World. In the past, Yujiang knew his own limits. It wasn't his turn to get close to these kingdom-toppling beauties.
But now was a different story. The moment his grandmaster becomes an emperor, he would become an imperial granddisciple. His worth would soar a hundred-fold. At that point, he would be on the same level as the Profound Monarch and Seashield Prince.
If Ruyan and Jianshi were to truly become his grandmaster's generals, then he — as the imperial granddisciple — would be able to ride his coattails.
"There is nothing to negotiate, please leave." Ruyan was much more direct than Jianshi with her response.
Even if their schools had ambition, they wouldn't necessarily join the Dream Empyrean or highly value Meng Zhentian. On the other hand, they were much more optimistic about the mysterious Li Qiye.
"Schoolmaster Liu, you shouldn't decline so quickly. You really should reconsider." Mu Shaolong chimed in: "Senior Meng will become an Immortal Emperor, so forming an alliance with the Dream Empyrean will surely benefit Void Imperfection."
Even though Shaolong and Yujiang hadn't made a pact of brotherhood, their friendship was just as strong. Because of this, Shaolong was willing to help him.
"Yes, Schoolmasters, there is no harm in thinking it over." Bao Yujiang busily added: "You two should come visit my Dream Empyrean, we will show you our sincerity—"
But before he could finish, his mouth slowly stopped. His eyes were instantly attracted, and the same went for Mu Shaolong.
Fairy came out from inside with her matchless temperament, instantly drawing the two in.
They looked as if they were struck by lightning and couldn't focus at all. It was not enough to call Fairy the number one beauty in the nine worlds, so of course these two would be intoxicated the moment they saw her.
Mu Shaolong's mind returned. He seemed to have forgotten about everything else as he quickly stood up to come before Fairy: "My name is Mu Shaolong from the Celestial Pavilion. May I ask for your name, Goddess?"
Bao Yujiang couldn't endure it either. He was enamored and didn't want to lose: "I am Bao Yujiang, hailing from the Dream Empyrean. My grandmaster is Meng Zhentian. To be able to meet a goddess like you is a blessing of three lifetimes…"
Jianshi and Ruyan both laughed after seeing their behavior. They knew too well just how irresistible Fairy was. Yujiang and Shaolong were ordinary men, so they naturally couldn't resist her charm.
Fairy glanced at them with the same dazed expression and then sat down next to Li Qiye without caring for the two.
This was not due to her arrogance. In fact, ever since she woke up from the coffin, she had been like this, maintaining an indifferent attitude towards everyone except Li Qiye.
Yujiang was immediately filled with jealousy after seeing her next to him. Li Qiye's special relationship with Ruyan and Jianshi was already enraging enough, but now, this peerless goddess was acting incredibly close to Li Qiye as well. He was going crazy with jealousy.
I believe I used ancestor in the past for Meng Zhentian when Yujiang was talking. It is because Ancestor and Grandmaster are the same word in Chinese. Now that I have some context, we'll be using grandmaster. ↩