Chapter 663: Warning To The World
Just imagine, when the country was founded, even a group of Godkings came to celebrate as well as many different races of the Nine Worlds. The Immortal Emperor of that generation came as well. Even the founding of an imperial lineage would not enjoy such grand treatment!
Because of the Giant Bamboo Country's mysterious origin, it became a real forbidden ground to many grand characters, giving it generations of peace.
The truly invincible people were not willing to invade the country while ordinary characters couldn't cause any big trouble, so the giant bamboo rarely had to take action in the past millions of years. Thus, the world had forgotten that the giant bamboo was an actual Divine Guardian and instead only saw it as part of the beautiful landscape.
But today, the giant bamboo had taken action and immediately shocked the world by slaying Virtuous Paragons and massacring Heavenly Kings as if it was nothing!
As the blood flowed down the street, the heavy stench permeated throughout its corners without dissipating. The smell just lingered in everyone's noses, making them nauseous.
"Bleghh…" The moment they regained their thoughts, many people threw up nonstop, almost spitting out all the contents within their stomachs. Those who were more cowardly dropped to the ground and defecated their own pants since they were scared out of their wits.
Others were frightened and paled. This was a Virtuous Paragon, but he died just like that. Moreover, an alchemy clan that had stood strong for generations was immediately destroyed; even with the protection of another paragon, it couldn't escape its fate.
The eighteen monarchs were completely aghast as well. This scene was too terrorizing.
"What a pity." At this time, Li Qiye was still sitting in his armchair, feeling at home, as he said: "I love peace and didn't want the fires of war to reach this place, but unfortunately, a few people needed their blood to wash this land before understanding this simple logic."
Having said that, Li Qiye gently blew on the bamboo leaf in his palm. It slowly floated up into the air and went back to the bamboo tree; it was still as green and pretty as before.
At this time, this leaf didn't resemble a murderous weapon that had killed many Heavenly Kings at all. It was no different from an ordinary leaf! Many couldn't help but lift their heads to look at the giant bamboo in the sky amidst the clouds. Amidst the gentle breeze, the bamboo leaves slightly fluttered, causing tiny rustling sounds that were quite difficult to hear.
Anyone who saw the giant bamboo now had a respectful and awe-struck demeanor. No one dared to harbour even the tiniest bit of disdain since they all understood — right now — that this giant bamboo was not a simple tree, it was an invincible deity!
Before anyone knew it, some even got down on their knees and stared at the giant bamboo with great piety in their eyes.
Li Qiye's eyes slowly drifted towards the spectators as he slowly said: "The Giant Bamboo Country is a peaceful town for its inhabitants to settle and have a good life. Even I don't want to dye this land red with blood, but if anyone dares to offend the country, I don't mind painting this land red, painting the entire Stone Medicine World red, or even the entire Nine Worlds red! No one will be forgiven for breaking the tranquility of the Giant Bamboo Country! This is an ironclad rule that has never changed throughout the eras, no matter whether it is the past, the present, or the future!"
Li Qiye's remark was very light and calm, but it contained a bloody and ruthless warning! These words were not only meant to warn the people here, they also served as a deterrent to the slumbering giants beneath the Stone Medicine World!
The inviolability of the Giant Bamboo Country was an ironclad rule! After many generations had passed, even if Li Qiye didn't come back to take a look at the country, he would still be concerned about it.
At this time, no one dared to utter a sound. Before, they would think that Li Qiye was mentally ill, but now, they understood that this wasn't the case. In his eyes, the Qing Clan and the Huangfu Clan were not worth mentioning as a source of trouble!
Even Madam Zi Yan, who was next to him, was shaken. In fact, she was even more shaken than the others because she knew that Li Qiye could communicate or even command the giant bamboo tree!
How could she not be astonished by this matter? For millions of years, the only person who could communicate with the tree was their progenitor.
While many people were still stunned, Li Qiye clapped and said: "Very well, it is now over. Hang them by the wall so that everyone can see the fate of those who provoke our Giant Bamboo Country." With that, he turned around and left.
In everyone's view, Li Qiye seemed to have only done a trivial matter. This was killing a Virtuous Paragon and destroying a clan! But he didn't even bat an eyelash. Even great characters had to shudder after seeing Li Qiye's attitude because they understood one thing: this unknown kid before them was definitely a ruthless character, a killer who committed murder without batting an eyelash!
The eighteen monarchs quickly escorted Li Qiye back to the palace. Of course, they were astounded by him as well. Back when Li Qiye said he wanted to kill the Huangfu Ancestor, they all felt that Li Qiye was acting unreasonably. But now, everything happened just like he had said, so how could they not be shocked?
At this time, they found Li Qiye to be unfathomable and enigmatic.
On the same day, the Giant Bamboo Country released a message: the Qing Clan had been destroyed with its ancestral ground completely demolished. All of its heritages had been turned into ashes. Although its young and old were still alive, with all the former destroyed, the Qing Clan was finished. From now on, it would be no more in the Giant Bamboo Country. The survivors left the country overnight and disappeared from the world from then on.
Prior to this, rumors were spreading everywhere throughout the country. Some lords became quite fickle to the point of dispatching troops, but in just one day, the entire country became silent again, and all the rumors instantly disappeared.
The once-ambitious lords received news from the capital and shuddered. They instantly sat down with pale expressions as cold sweat ran down their backs.
Meanwhile, the sects who took no action found themselves fortunate and were glad that they didn't blindly join in. Otherwise, their end could be easily envisioned.
At night time, a group of old men with gray hair all kneeled outside of the palace. Some of them were the heads of their sects while others were high elders and seniors…
These were all members of the sects who had voiced their support for the Qing Clan; all of them had great status. After these sects received the news from the capital, they were paralyzed. Once they calmed down, these sect masters and senior members all ran to the capital to beg for forgiveness.
How could they dare to retaliate? The result of the Qing Clan was clear for all to see. An alchemy clan that stood strong for generations disappeared so easily. Even an existence like the Pill King was killed so sects like them were even more negligible.
Thus, the sects masters and senior members could only prostrate within the capital. As long as this could protect their sects and heritages, they were willing to do so even at the expense of their own life!
In one night, the chaotic unrest and rumors were instantly quelled. No sect or cultivator dared to do anything reckless.
This was the result Li Qiye wanted, to use a ruthless method to deter the ambitious individuals. He would kill the chickens to warn the monkeys and instantly stop those with mischievous thoughts.
As the night curtain fell, Madam Zi Yan asked Li Qiye: "Many sects masters and seniors are prostrating outside, ready to accept their punishment. How will you deal with them?"
At this moment, the eighteen monarchs were respectful before Li Qiye. They looked at him with eyes full of awe and fear.
"Let them kneel, then you can deal with them however you want." Li Qiye answered nonchalantly: "I am not the Royal Lord, you are, thus, you are in charge of this matter."
The madam couldn't help but softly sigh after looking at Li Qiye. In her heart, she knew that Li Qiye would not stay at the Giant Bamboo Country. Another way to put it would be that there was nothing here that could hold him back.
"Why is it that you don't want to stay here?" The madam gently asked Li Qiye. She was willing to immediately abdicate if Li Qiye wanted to stay.
Li Qiye met her gaze and, after a while, he looked away towards the distance and slowly said: "I am a mass murderer. The lands trodden by me are destined to be paved with dry bones. With me here, the stench of blood will eventually permeate the air. This is a peaceful land, so I won't involve it with scenes of carnage."
The madam became quiet. Li Qiye had said similar words before. After a while, she lifted her head again since she couldn't help but ask: "Why did you pick the Giant Bamboo Country? What did you come here for?" She knew that Li Qiye's visit was not a simple coincidence. However, she didn't think that he was here for their treasure since there was nothing here that could tempt him.
Regarding this question, Li Qiye only smiled and didn't answer. He continued to quietly look at the horizon for a long time.
Of course, he couldn't tell her his secrets. After a while, he gently sighed and lamented the ongoing vicissitudes of time. He eventually turned to look at her and asked: "Why must you participate in this conference?"
The madam didn't hide it and revealed the reason: "There is one item that I really need from this alchemy conference. It is crucial for me to break through to the Virtuous Paragon realm."
"You are a Violet Bamboo that took form with the dao, so it could be said that your roots are quite amazing and rare. Your talents are very high and, with such a great dao origin, you should have soared to the heavens easily. If I am not mistaken, before you took form, you suffered a lightning tribulation so your dao origin had been harmed. Although the wound is now gone, it is difficult for you to continue to take the next step, thus you need a heavenly treasure, correct?" Li Qiye slowly said while looking at her.
663 TeaserJust imagine, when the country was founded, even a group of Godkings came to celebrate as well as many different races of the Nine Worlds. The Immortal Emperor of that generation came as well. Even the founding of an imperial lineage would not enjoy such great treatment!
Because of the Giant Bamboo Country's mysterious origin, it became a real forbidden ground to many grand characters, giving it generations of peace.
The truly invincible people were not willing to invade the country while ordinary characters couldn't cause any big trouble, so the giant bamboo rarely had to take action in the past millions of years. Thus, the world had forgotten that the giant bamboo was an actual Divine Guardian and instead only saw it as part of the beautiful landscape.
But today, the giant bamboo had taken action and immediately shocked the world by slaying Virtuous Paragons and massacring Heavenly Kings as if it was nothing!
As the blood flowed down the street, the heavy stench permeated throughout its corners without dissipating. The smell just lingered in everyone's noses, making them nauseous.
[collapse]Chapter 664: Huangfu Clan's Countermeasure
His words caused the madam's face to greatly change. This could be said to be a secret of the country, a secret that very few people knew about. Even those who were privy to this wouldn't reveal this secret, but Li Qiye knew it so well.
The madam took a deep breath; she had slowly grown accustomed to Li Qiye's tendency of bringing about surprises. After thinking about it, she realized that ointments for recovery were part of the alchemy dao, and with his great skill, he should be able to see through her past injury — this should come as no surprise.
She wryly smiled and gently nodded to say: "Yes, this is true, I have suffered from a lightning tribulation before." At this point, she sighed again and continued: "The Giant Bamboo Country has not produced a Virtuous Paragon for several generations. Our ancestor is sealed inside Blood Era Stones, and his situation is not looking too optimistic as his blood energy has withered. We don't know how long he will be able to last underground. Thus, in this generation, I yearn to reach the Virtuous Paragon realm to contribute to the country."
For tens of millions of years, many ancestors and invincible existences were entombed in Blood Era Stones and buried underground. However, many of them still eventually died inside these stones.
Although the stones could cover someone for a long time, they were not a cure-all remedy. As time went by, even those within the stones would slowly lose their vitality, and this loss would add up over the years. This was especially true for the ancestors whose lifespans had already depleted; it was even harder for them to persevere.
Because of this situation, the near-death ancestors didn't want to come into being because the next time they came out would signal their demise.
Li Qiye gave her a look before lightly saying: "Don't worry, I will get you the item you want since I'll be personally going to the Alchemy Kingdom's alchemy conference." He narrowed his eyes after finishing this sentence.
The madam gently nodded without commenting.
Inside the Huangfu Clan, its clan master had received the news from the Giant Bamboo Country, resulting in his sudden exclamation: "What?!"
He fell down on his chair after listening to this news. The elders that were present all glanced at each other with ugly expressions plastered on their faces; some were full of anger while others showed shock.
An elder couldn't help but angrily shout: "The Giant Bamboo Country is going too far. First they harmed Hao'er, and now they even killed our ancestor. This shall be an irreconcilable blood feud!"
After a while, the clan master calmed down and took a deep breath before speaking in a grave manner to the elders: "This is a great humiliation to our clan. Do you elders have any opinions on this?"
The shocked and angered elders naturally found it hard to let this go, unless they were able to obtain their vengeance. Their clan had always thought highly of itself. It was an alchemy clan, and although they had never produced an Alchemy Emperor, their dao of alchemy could be said to have branched off from the Alchemy Kingdom. Their alchemy skill was not something clans like the previous Qing Clan could compare to.
What made them even more proud was that their clan had been in-laws with the Alchemy Kingdom for several generations, winning them a pivotal position in the Alchemy Realm and even the entire Stone Medicine World.
As the old saying goes, even if you don't care for the monk, you still have to give Buddha some consideration. Thus, many great powers were very supportive of the Huangfu Clan within the Alchemy Realm. This only further fueled their pride.
From their perspective, no one in this realm would dare to provoke them, but now, not only did the Giant Bamboo Country harm their descendant, they actually killed their ancestor as well! How could they not be furious?
However, despite their enraged state, they didn't lose their rationality. The ancestor who went to the Giant Bamboo Country was their youngest ancestor, but still, he was now a dead Virtuous Paragon.
"Perhaps we should invite three ancestors to come out!" One high elder mused.
This raised some thoughts from the other elders because this would be their strongest force. These three ancestors were all they had left, and they had been sealed for a very long time now.
"The Giant Bamboo Country is unreasonable and vicious; they are promoting wanton killing of friends… Perhaps, we need to ask the Alchemy Kingdom to come and uphold justice." Another elder suggested.
Such a proposal was not instantly accepted in the minds of the elders and the clan master. Although they were in-laws with the Alchemy Kingdom, their marriage partners had only been Prefecture Monarchs. It was still difficult for them to meet the main branch of the Alchemy Kingdom, or what outsiders referred to as the imperial family. They all knew that inviting the Alchemy Kingdom was not an easy task.
"Clan Master can try to find the World-Pillar Monarch. If the monarch is willing to help, then maybe we will be able to ask the Alchemy Kingdom to represent us." A high elder said: "The Giant Bamboo Country might have a Guardian Deity, but so what? As long as the Alchemy Kingdom is willing to show up, even a Godking would not mess with them."
"This idea is not bad." The clan master couldn't help but ponder. The World-Pillar Monarch was the ruler of a prefecture within the Alchemy Kingdom. He had married a daughter from the Huangfu Clan, so he had a deep relationship with the clan.
In this generation, the string that connected the Huangfu Clan and the Alchemy Kingdom was this very World-Pillar Monarch. As one of the oldest lineages, the Alchemy Kingdom was a behemoth in this world. However, for a sect with three Immortal Emperors and four Alchemy Emperors, they had always maintained a low profile, especially the imperial family. Outsiders rarely saw its members, including the Huangfu Clan who had ties with the kingdom for generations. It was still prohibitively difficult to meet royal members, even for the Huangfu Clan.
"Clan Master, this plan is feasible." Another high elder stated: "The World-Pillar Monarch is a young prodigy in the kingdom with great contributions; he is highly valued by the upper echelons. If the monarch is willing to speak for us on top of our relationship with Fairy Ming, then we still have hope of convincing the Alchemy Kingdom."
"That's right, Clan Master, Fairy Ming is somewhat related to us, so it will be even better if we can meet her." Another high elder couldn't help but add.
After being advised by the elders, it would be false to say that the clan master was not tempted. He definitely couldn't swallow this anger; such a feud was a great humiliation to them. As the ruler of the clan, if he couldn't wash away this shame, then he would be stricken with guilt.
However, he was still not convinced since he was different from the high elders who were usually in isolated seclusion. He was responsible for communicating with the great powers, especially the Alchemy Kingdom.
He was very clear about their relationship with the Alchemy Kingdom. Although the Alchemy Kingdom's descendant, Fairy Ming, was related to the Huangfu Clan, in reality, the relationship was very distant and spanned across several generations.
In fact, he himself had only seen Fairy Ming once. This was back when she still had yet to become the main descendant of the Alchemy Kingdom. When she eventually obtained this position, using the Huangfu Clan's thin relationship to arrange a meeting was harder than reaching the heavens.
The truth was that he and the entire clan had always tried to use this relationship as a vantage point. If Fairy Ming herself accepted this relation, then their Huangfu Clan would be able to climb up high and gain a great backing.
The problem was that they had never been able to do so. He had tried to meet Ming Yexue several times before to no avail. The reason why Huangfu Hao spent a great sum in an attempt to buy that Heavenly Cauldron was so that he could use this item to build on that thin connection.
"Clan Master, even though it is very difficult to meet the imperial family, we do have such ties with Fairy Ming. We just need to prepare and have the World-Pillar Monarch pave the way for us; it is still possible." Many elders strongly endorsed this plan.
The clan master took a deep breath and became determined. No matter what, they must communicate with the Alchemy Kingdom.
"Very well, I will personally take a trip to the Alchemy Kingdom to get revenge for our ancestor." He said gravely.
Another high elder contemplated for a moment before speaking: "The Giant Bamboo Country has a Divine Guardian, so if we want to fight them in the future, shouldn't we ask for Sacred Ancestor Gu's permission?"
Sacred Ancestor Gu was one of the three fortunate ancestors of the Huangfu Clan that remained. He was the oldest and also the strongest one.
The Huangfu Clan Master nodded and said in a formal tone: "I will go visit Sacred Ancestor Gu and ask for his opinion."
"There is no need to come see me, I already know what happened." At this time, a deep and hoarse voice appeared inside the room. Although they couldn't see the person, the voice itself was full of authority.
"Sacred Ancestor Gu!" After hearing this voice, everyone in the room instantly prostrated.
The old voice continued: "I have understood the current situation after listening. The clan master can go to the Alchemy Kingdom not to convince the Alchemy Kingdom to represent us, but to build on this relationship instead. If we are backed by its imperial family… Nothing could be better for our clan than this."
"This disciple understands." The prostrating Huangfu Clan Master complied.
"However, one thing is forbidden." The old voice said: "All Huangfu disciples are forbidden to step inside the Giant Bamboo Country for revenge, not a single step. If anyone disobeys, expel them from the clan!"
The words from the ancestor left the elders present in shock. They didn't know why their ancestor would say such a thing.
"But, Ancestor…" The clan master was dumbfounded by this. Their descendant almost died in the Giant Bamboo Country, and they also lost one ancestor, three high elders, five elders, and numerous experts. It was simply impossible to tell them to let go of this enmity.
"This is my decree, no one is exempt from this." The old voice sounded; no one dared to oppose his prestige.
"Yes…" Although the clan master was unwilling, he still decided to follow Sacred Ancestor Gu's command.
Chapter 665: Leisurely Cultivation
"I know all of you are feeling indignant." The old voice spoke: "But there is no other way about it. The Giant Bamboo Country is not considered strong, so even if they are listed amongst the first-rate powers, it would still be at the bottom. However, in the minds of all the great existences, it is a forbidden zone in our Stone Medicine World."
"Forbidden zone?" All the elders were stunned since this was their first time hearing this. The clan master couldn't help but ask: "Why is that?"
"Don't ask me for I do not know either. In short, it is a forbidden zone. If this wasn't so, then why does that country occupy a huge amount of worldly energy from the entire Elegant Azure Grand Vein and no one has ever dared to object to this since the ancient times?" The voice of the sacred ancestor continued: "Even the Alchemy Kingdom would not easily step into the Giant Bamboo Country. Their Hundred-Grass Alchemy Emperor had once coveted the Immortal Nectar, but even he didn't dare to try and seize it!"
After hearing this, all the elders became confused. Could it be that this little country had something that even the Alchemy Kingdom was wary of?
"Is it because of their Divine Guardian?" The clan master asked.
The ancestor's voice answered: "I'm afraid no one knows. At least, I don't. In short, don't think about attacking the Giant Bamboo Country. That peaceful land is a forbidden zone, breaking its tranquility will only invite a disaster."
The elders and clan master became silent. Since their Sacred Ancestor Gu had said so, they didn't bring it up again.
"But the blood of our Huangfu Clan will not be spilled in vain." The ancestor spoke again in a grave tone: "Clan Master said that this whole matter is because of a junior named Li Qiye? That's fine then, death will be repaid with one's life; use his blood to wash away this humiliation. Do not step inside the Giant Bamboo Country. Wait until this junior leaves, then take your time to deal with him! Let the people of this world know that those who oppose our Huangfu Clan will not have a good end!"
The clan master bowed and said: "This disciple understands."
"Bring Hao'er here, I will treat him." At this time, the voice spoke again.
The clan master became ecstatic. Their Sacred Ancestor Gu not only had a profound cultivation, he was also an amazing alchemist. With his help, their Hao'er would definitely be fine.
At this time, the Giant Bamboo Country was completely quiet. The Qing Clan had been destroyed, and those who supported them accepted their sentence one by one. The imperial court was just as unshakable as before; perhaps it was even more stable after this event.
The giant bamboo tree inside the capital became even more awe-inspiring as well. At this moment, anyone who entered the capital and looked up into the clouds to see the giant bamboo would carry a sense of respect in their heart. There were even those who bowed and prayed for the tree to protect their homes and families.
After slaughtering the Huangfu Ancestor along with numerous experts, Li Qiye wasn't asked to take care of any matters of the Giant Bamboo Country. All the work had been handed over to Madam Zi Yan. She was still the ruler just like before, taking care of the big picture.
In fact, she and the eighteen monarchs truly wanted Li Qiye to stay and even take the position of Royal Lord, but Li Qiye had no intention of doing so. Because of this, they didn't dare to bring it up again.
Li Qiye remained in the palace and had never stepped outside, he only cultivated behind closed doors. He painstakingly trained and, with his effort, his cultivation advancement speed was quite ideal.
For cultivators, the Heavenly Sovereign realm was very important since this was the realm where one communicated with the grand dao to derive their own profundities. This was to build a great foundation for becoming a Heavenly King or even a Virtuous Paragon in the future. Only by truly communicating with the dao and deriving its mysteries would one be able to reach the sublime culmination. From doing so, one would be able to go even further in the Virtuous Paragon realm and create their own grand dao that belonged to them alone.
Communicating with the dao and deriving its mysteries was a piece of cake for Li Qiye. No one in this world was more versed than him with regards to understanding the dao and deriving the mysteries to its ultimate state.
Of course, this was needless to say. Li Qiye had thirteen Fate Palaces, the one and only person to achieve this. The thirteenth palace loomed above the high heavens and encompassed myriad laws. With such an unparalleled advantage, these issues were trivial to him.
Despite that being the case, Li Qiye still calmly cultivated step by step and derived each merit law and grand dao to its ultimate evolution, then he went one step further.
It could be said that Li Qiye was polishing all of his merit laws and techniques that were already outstanding to begin with. Under such training, even the most common art in his arsenal became incomparably enigmatic. A single gesture was enough to incite harmonization with the grand dao and myriad laws.
Outside of dao cultivation and strengthening his foundation, Li Qiye used his spare time to refine his World Seal. At this moment, his true fate treasure had taken form, so it needed even more blood energy and grooming from the dao.
During this period where he had nothing else to do, Li Qiye would take out the stone left behind by Immortal Emperor Wan Shi for a look. At other times, he would think about the other treasures. For example, the item taken out from inside the Alchemy Fowl.
Speaking of the Alchemy Fowl, it was very comfortable and free. It could even be said that it loved Li Qiye's alchemy field to death. This alchemy field housed the Ancestor Ginseng, the Reincarnation Heavenly Soulvine, the Immortal Injury Peony… All kinds of great Immortal Medicines.
To the chicken, these were the medicines that it loved the most. It easily considered itself as the guardian of the field and took care of prepping the soil, watering, fertilizing, and catching insects…
Of course, the fertilizer was its urine and stool! Although Li Qiye's alchemy field was indeed extraordinary, the Alchemy Fowl was born for the dao of alchemy. Its excrement was the best fertilizer, even for Immortal Medicines.
Because of this, the chicken was very welcomed in the alchemy field. Each of the Immortal Medicines really liked having it around.
Its hard effort eventually bore fruit. Since it was born for the dao of alchemy, it was the best medium for medicinal effects, so by staying in this field, it was nourished by the Immortal Medicines, causing its cultivation to become even stronger. Its body also underwent an innate change. At the same time, when its body was improving, it could do an even better job of benefiting the alchemy field.
Li Qiye had too many treasures, so he didn't spend too much energy on cultivating these Immortal Medicines. The chicken watching the alchemy field in his stead saved him a lot of work, removing some stress from his agenda.
In the blink of an eye, Li Qiye had stayed at the Giant Bamboo Country for almost half a year, and the Alchemy Kingdom's conference was approaching.
One day, Madam Zi Yan came to see Li Qiye and said: "The conference is almost here. I plan on going to the conference after the birthday celebration of the All-pine Treefather."
"All-pine Treefather?" Li Qiye paused for a moment after hearing this. He then looked at the madam and said: "Is the All-pine Treefather you speak of the old man from the All-pine Grand Vein?"
"Yes, the Treefather from the All-pine Grand Vein." Madam Zi Yan hurriedly responded: "His 500,000th birthday is coming up soon. At the moment, all the great powers and even emperor's lineages from the grand realms will send people there to pay respects. Our Giant Bamboo Country was also invited, so I plan to personally go to express our good wishes."
Li Qiye couldn't help but recall a few things after the madam brought it up, so he murmured and chuckled to himself: "The old geezer from the All-pine Mountain eh…"
"Young Noble knows the All-pine Treefather?" The madam couldn't help but ask after noticing Li Qiye's expression.
Li Qiye only smiled and didn't answer this question. Instead, he said: "500,000 years, truly difficult… This world is quite merciless after all."
500,000 years definitely deserved a grand birthday milestone. Although there were many existences in this world that had survived since the ancient times, these existences were all entombed in Blood Era Stones underground. This type of cultivator couldn't be considered to be alive. Even if one was sealed for a million years, this didn't mean that they were one million years old. Their real age would be counted by the time they actually spent in this world.
500,000 years was absolutely a very old age. Although cultivators could live even longer, for the majority, living for 100,000 years was already extremely difficult, let alone 500,000 years.
In fact, even a Godking wouldn't live to his 500,000 year birthday. It could even be stated that in the Nine Worlds, not even Immortal Emperors could live that long!
Madam Zi Yan nodded and said: "This is indeed the case. In the Stone Medicine World, outside of our Giant Bamboo Divine Guardian, I believe no one else is older than the All-pine Treefather. The All-pine Treefather and our Divine Guardian are known as the two great Demon Forefathers of the Stone Medicine World."
"That would be incorrect." Li Qiye smiled and gently shook his head to say: "Our giant bamboo is not a Demon Forefather…"
The madam was taken aback for a bit and said: "Not a Demon Forefather? Our Divine Guardian has been called a deity, so it must have reached the dao. Besides, I'm afraid no one in the Stone Medicine World has lived longer than our Divine Guardian."
"Do you what defines a demon?" Li Qiye explained with a smile: "A demon obtains intelligence from the dao, but the giant bamboo has yet to achieve this."
These words frightened the madam. She had always thought that the giant bamboo tree had become a demon, especially after its actions this time around. The recent events strengthened her belief that it had reached the apex and become a Godking.
Now, Li Qiye's response took her by complete surprise. She couldn't help but ask in a daze: "Our Divine Guardian didn't become a demon?"
For an existence like the giant bamboo, becoming a demon was an easy thing, but it didn't become one. This was truly a cause of bewilderment.
"No. To be exact, it is still just a green bamboo tree. Of course, you can also call it an Immortal Bamboo or Divine Bamboo, but it absolutely is not a demon." Li Qiye responded.
Chapter 666: Mysterious Carriage
This prompted the madam's inquiry: "Why is it that our Divine Guardian chose not to become a demon?"
For plants, birds, and animals, as long as there was an opportunity, they would immediately turn into a demon and obtain intelligence — this was their ultimate pursuit.
"Why should it turn into a demon?" Li Qiye replied with a grin: "Wisdom is not necessarily a good thing. Whether you are human or demon, there is too much trouble and sadness, too much responsibility as one gains strength. Even Immortal Emperors have moments of weakness and fatigue." At this point, he couldn't help but gently sigh.
The madam noticed his expression and was jolted for a moment. Looking at his countenance that seemed to be worn out by the vicissitudes of time, she felt an unexplainable pain in her heart. She gently reached out and took his hand while gazing at him with her most tender and sincere pair of eyes to soothe him.
Finally, Li Qiye smiled and gently raised her alluring chin. She looked back at him quietly with her eyes as gentle as water.
He eventually smiled and withdrew his hand before letting out a faint smile: "What is so bad about being a bamboo tree? Shouldering the nine heavens while looking down on everything… Hundreds of thousands of years would simply be a snap of the fingers to it."
Madam Zi Yan was startled. She was initially a Violet Bamboo so after hearing this, she couldn't help but have an inexplicable feeling. Back when she was still a bamboo, she was cultivated by the country. After she gained the slightest bit of sentience, she yearned to become a demon.
Her congenital conditions were quite favorable due to the Giant Bamboo Country's cultivation. After she gained intelligence, she kept on cultivating hard, aspiring for the day where she could reach the dao. The high heavens didn't let her down, and eventually, after twenty or thirty years, she finally became a demon.
But now, after Li Qiye said those words, she couldn't help but recall the days when she was still a Violet Bamboo. Inadvertently, she became lost in thought.
After a while, her mind returned and she couldn't help but wryly smile. She shook her head and didn't want to think about this matter.
"After I leave, the Demon Monarchs will be under your command." Madam Zi Yan said: "For the All-pine Treefather's birthday milestone, the entire Stone Medicine World will go to celebrate so I'm afraid it will last for a while."
"No." Li Qiye interrupted her and gently shook his head to say: "You don't have to leave the national affairs to me, just leave it to the monarchs. I also intend to leave."
He had spent a long time waiting at the Giant Bamboo Country, and Shi Hao had finally settled in. If it wasn't for the alchemy conference, he would have left already.
"Young Noble wants to leave?" The madam was frightened after hearing his wish.
Li Qiye couldn't help but laugh and say: "You don't need to be so alarmed. I already promised to attend the alchemy conference, so I will go. I have a place I want to visit and I also have a few things to do. You can go to the birthday milestone; after I'm done with my business, I will take a trip to the All-pine Mountain as well."
The madam let out a sigh of relief after hearing Li Qiye. She was still very unwilling regarding Li Qiye's departure, but she knew that she couldn't prevent him from leaving.
"In that case, after we meet each other, we can go straight to the Alchemy Kingdom. We should have plenty of time to go to the conference after the birthday celebration." Madam Zi Yan told him of her decision.
"Not necessarily, maybe we will be very busy after entering the Alchemy Kingdom." Having said that, Li Qiye revealed a smile with narrowed eyes.
Right now, the madam knew a bit about Li Qiye. She couldn't help but feel a bit jumpy after seeing Li Qiye narrowing his eyes.
"Young Noble, don't tell me…" The madam was indeed feeling nervous. In short, she was very disturbed after seeing his expression and felt that something big would happen.
Li Qiye smiled after noticing her anxiety. With a glance, he said:: "Don't worry, I do have a sense of propriety."
The madam paused for a moment before whispering: "Young Noble, although the Alchemy Kingdom's imperial family rarely shows itself, their power is unimaginable…"
She had always felt that Li Qiye's trip to the Alchemy Kingdom could herald a bloody mess, so she couldn't help but worry for him. In the end, they would be facing the behemoth that is the Alchemy Kingdom.
"I know that." Li Qiye smiled and said: "I'm going to the Alchemy Kingdom for the conference, not to kill people. Of course, if people don't mess with me, then I won't mess with them."
Madam Zi Yan sighed softly. She could only pray that those other people would grow a pair of eyes. Otherwise, some would die miserable deaths.
In the end, Li Qiye was the first to leave the Giant Bamboo Country. Madam Zi Yan still had a lot to do before leaving for the birthday celebration, unlike Li Qiye who could leave as he pleased.
Li Qiye left the capital and after deciding on a direction, he immediately soared into the sky. However, as he was not in a hurry, he would frequently stop.
Sometimes, he decided to cross over rivers or stop at a solitary peak. Sometimes, he stopped in a small village to take a break… As he traveled towards his destination, he passed by a few places and couldn't help but recall the past.
In the beginning, there were no problems at all. However, after a few days, Li Qiye noticed that there was a carriage right behind him.
There was nothing special about this carriage. At a glance, it seemed to be very common, and the curtains were closed so no one could see who was inside. The driver was a very old woman. Her hair was gray and her face was covered with wrinkles. This old woman had average looks as well. However, from her tidy clothing, it was clear that her master was not a nobody.
She sat on the carriage as her whip gently met the back of the horse. Her head was hanging loose as if she was fairly drowsy.
This carriage had not been following Li Qiye the entire time in the last two days. Sometimes, it was not able to keep up, but after some time, it once again appeared behind Li Qiye.
If it was only one or two days, then perhaps they were going towards the same destination. However, after two days, it still continued to appear behind him.
Although Li Qiye had always been calm like the water in a well and didn't even bother glancing at the carriage behind him, one must keep in mind that despite his numerous stops, when he was moving, his speed was extremely frightening and even faster than many flying treasures.
It didn't matter if he moved fast or slow, the carriage always followed behind him. This was impossible for an ordinary carriage.
Of course, Li Qiye's courage stemmed from his skill, so even if the carriage was purposely following him, he was not the least bit afraid. He also didn't care about this horse-drawn carriage.
But after the sixth day, this carriage began to appear in front of Li Qiye. It was no longer following him but was speeding ahead.
Oddly enough, it seemed to know where Li Qiye wanted to go. Along the trip, Li Qiye was still taking breaks, and no matter where he chose to go, the carriage would appear before him time and time again.
Whether it was in front or behind him, Li Qiye continued to ignore it. The same could be said for the carriage's master. Despite their close proximity, the master didn't bother Li Qiye and maintained a distance between the two of them.
This situation continued for some time until Li Qiye entered Celestial Peak Mountain. The carriage then disappeared and never showed up again.
As he entered this mountain range, a gust of cool air blew into his face. This was a desolate place with many rolling mountain ranges and tall trees that had old vines coiled around them. There were many wolf packs and eagles flying in the sky. After taking a look, no signs of humans could be found in this land.
Li Qiye emotionally said after entering this mountain range: "Celestial Peak…"
Although the Celestial Peak was not one of the eight Grand Veins of the Stone Medicine World, it was still quite large and spanned over 100,000 miles across a vast expanse of different sceneries.
Despite its immense size, there were very few sects here. Even if there were some sects, they would be outside of the mountain range. However, a very long time ago, there was an extremely huge lineage in this place. Moreover, it was established by humans.
Because of this, a legend once told that this was the gathering place of humans in the Stone Medicine World.
Li Qiye became a bit emotional after seeing the rolling hills and lush trees inside the Celestial Peak. Who would have known that this beautiful and majestic landscape ahead used to be an ancient battlefield? An epic war had taken place here as blood flowed like rivers and mountains were made of corpses.
It could even be said that many ominous things had happened here until an invincible Godking of the human race took over and established his lineage. After a long period of change, this place finally became magnificent, as one could see before them in present times.
Future generations were unaware that this once-invincible Godking was a brave general under the Dark Crow, a general that had once swept through this world.
They didn't know that a great war against the Ancient Ming took place here. In this war, the most powerful sector of the Ancient Ming during its era was wiped out in one fell swoop in the Stone Medicine World.
They didn't know that because of this victory, there was the Stone Medicine World that everyone came to know of today. Without this victory, the masters of the current Stone Medicine World wouldn't be golems or demons, but the Ancient Ming instead!
After this great war, many terrible things happened in this location. Afterward, Li Qiye commanded this Godking to protect this area and build a lineage. Eventually, after the Godking's efforts transforming this place for tens of thousands of years, this battlefield gradually calmed down and the Celestial Peak of today appeared.
However, the lineage of this Godking had fallen a long time ago. Eventually, it disappeared from this land, along with its past brilliance that evaporated into smoke.