Chapter 718: Lightning Eye
Li Qiye immediately took out the pentagate after returning to the valley. He also took out the seed from a box, the seed created by the fusion of the Evil Typha Tree and the Bloodsoul Worm.
With a series of rumbles, Li Qiye opened his fate palace, revealing his pillar of life. With crackles in the air, tiny arcs of lightning left the pillar and condensed into the size of a palm.
These palm-sized arcs of lightning merged together to become a clear sea of lightning. This was a vast ocean formed purely from lightning. Li Qiye placed this seed into the sea of lightning. The moment it made contact, it immediately felt danger and wanted to escape. However, Li Qiye's will was like a gigantic palm and quickly suppressed it.
Under his suppression, the seed was immersed in the sea, causing crackling explosions to ring out. The seed seemed to be thrown into a pan of oil and would be fried to a crisp at a moment's notice!
With careful examination, one would see bloody mists in the form of little tentacles beginning to emerge from the seed, desperately resisting the offense from the sea of lightning. However, as it bore the brunt of the onslaught, something incredible happened.
These bloody tentacle mists actually managed to devour the lightning as if they wanted to suck them dry.
This process was very slow, but as time passed, the lightning was gradually absorbed by these sponge-like tentacles.
Li Qiye subtly smiled after seeing this result. It was exactly what he wanted. He aimed to refine and change this seed to create an unprecedented seed.
When the lightning was about to be completely absorbed by the seed, his pillar of life released even more lightning arcs that eventually turned into another sea of lightning. The seed was, once again, submerged and began to crazily absorb the lightning.
This process repeated itself multiple times under Li Qiye's control. The amount of lightning released by the pillar of life was just enough each time.
This lightning from the pillar of life was extremely destructive. If it wasn't done right, then it could instantly destroy the seed. Because of this, Li Qiye was very meticulous, releasing just the right amount of lightning each time so that the seed could withstand and absorb its power.
After quite a bit of time, the seed eventually consumed enough lightning. It seemed to be very plump as flashes of lightning ran on its surface as if it was a lightning seed.
Li Qiye carefully examined it one more time and found that there were no problems. He heaved a sigh of relief and sealed the seed again. Then, he took out a different item; it appeared as if he was holding lightning in his hand.
This was the lightning eye that he had just obtained. Of course, this name was something Li Qiye came up with on the spot, it wasn't a real eye.
Li Qiye took his time looking at this lightning eye. After a long while, he figured out a thing or two about it. After revealing a slight smile, he put it away. Next was the yellow cloth. The moment he took it out, the little black figure appeared above it once more.
"Hmph, you definitely don't have anything good to say." The little figure scowled and said: "Don't tell me there is something you don't understand and now you're asking me for help?"
Li Qiye smiled and gently shook his head before replying: "Little girl, don't brag too much. Although you have lived for countless years, it isn't considered "living". During those long years, you were only a little shadow in this yellow cloth, sealed for countless moons. The puny amount of knowledge you have cannot even compare to mine."
"Bah, if that is the case, then don't bother me." The little figured sneered.
Li Qiye gestured with his sleeves in a carefree manner as he cheerfully said: "You are misunderstanding me. Today, I am in a good mood and only wanted to find someone to talk to. How about we talk about the high heavens or the archaic epoch?"
"Talk about the high heavens? The archaic epoch?" The little shadow snorted and said: "What would you know about the high heavens and the old ages? Don't bother me."
Li Qiye didn't become angered by the disdain shown by the little figure. He lightly smiled before speaking: "Yes… the high heavens and the archaic epoch… How much do you think I know? In the future, I will destroy the high heavens up above and annihilate the… how should I call them? In the end, people consider these things to be of non-existence…" 1
The little shadow snorted before sarcastically repeating: "To destroy the high heavens… such big words!"
Li Qiye chuckled and added: "What is impossible about this? Throughout the long years, yes, I don't quite remember the exact time, legend states that there was an unseekable existence in the Tenth World. Did you know? In those long years, a crow swept across this world and its locations. Do you know the things this crow had done?"
"You actually know about the Tenth World!" The little figure deepened her tone.
"Mmm, only its existence though." Li Qiye smiled and dismissively said: "Maybe I don't know anything. This was only part of the legend. It stated that outside of the Nine Worlds was the Tenth World. Whether this is true or not is beyond the ability of man to confirm because no one had heard of someone who had gone to that world. Because of this, the Tenth World is only considered a legend."
The little figure scowled and asked: "Hmph, what else do you know?"
Li Qiye continued: "Little girl, I know more than you think. You should understand that I have obtained the secrets inside this cloth. The things you know are far less than me, including the events of ancient and distant eras."
"If you already knew, then why do you want to talk to me?" The little figure grimaced.
Li Qiye freely replied: "Well, there are some things that I can take my time searching for as I walk back in time to unknown eras. Of course, if there is someone willing to talk to me about these things, then I am more than willing to listen."
"I don't like talking to you!" The little figure coldly responded with a sneer.
Li Qiye smiled and relaxingly said: "Little girl, no need to act so tough. You should know very clearly by now from our previous conversation. One day, you will be able to come out and leave this yellow cloth, right? However, this will require my assistance, don't you think?"
The little figure coldly asked: "Is this considered a threat?"
Li Qiye laughed and said: "How could this be considered a threat? I am simply reminding you out of goodwill. I am extending an offer to you; what's best for you right now is to make friends with me, yes? If we are friends, then it will be a different story, right? Of course, I am a person who is always willing to help others as it brings me happiness. Even if it is not a friend, I will gladly help them. However, business is business. Friends have a 'friend' price and strangers have a 'stranger' price."
"Do you only know how to talk in such a loquacious manner?" The little figure coldly spoke after listening to him.
"When I am loquacious, it means that my mood is very good. Otherwise, I would have beat you back into your jar and ignored you. Do you feel like I should be asking you for a favor or vice versa? At this moment, I am speaking with you because I am in a good mood and have time to kill."
After some a brief silence, the little figure eventually asked: "What do you want to talk about?"
Li Qiye smiled; it was as if he expected this outcome. "This is more like it. We can talk about anything. Tell me about the matters of that era, then I will introduce you to the current world."
Eventually, the little figure gave up and conversed with Li Qiye. It seemed that they were only making small talk. However, if someone else could hear the contents of their chat, they would definitely be shocked because the matters they were talking about were all earth-shattering. Although it might be trivial matters to them, they were unreachable matters for others. Even if others searched for them using their entire lifetime, they still wouldn't be able to reach the starting point.
High heavens, archaic epoch, Tenth World… All of these were legends. Many people actually denied their existence, but these two were happily chatting about them.
Whether it was the high heavens or the Tenth World, very few people could come into contact with these things, let alone debate about this subject.
This was especially true for the Tenth World. Many cultivators believed that it did not exist and was only a false rumor. However, the world did not know that this empty legend involved many sects unbeknownst to them.
718 TeaserLi Qiye immediately took out the pentagate after returning to the valley. He also took out the seed from a box, the seed created by the fusion of the Evil Typha Tree and the Bloodsoul Worm.
With a series of rumbles, Li Qiye opened his fate palace, revealing his pillar of life. With crackles in the air, tiny arcs of lightning left the pillar and condensed into the size of a palm.
These palm-sized arcs of lightning merged together to become a clear sea of lightning. This was a vast ocean formed purely from lightning. Li Qiye placed this seed into the sea of lightning. The moment it made contact, it immediately felt danger and wanted to escape. However, Li Qiye's will was like a gigantic palm and quickly suppressed it.
Under his suppression, the seed was immersed in the sea, causing crackling explosions to ring out. The seed seemed to be thrown into a pan of oil and would be fried to a crisp at a moment's notice!
[collapse] My personal guess for this rather strange passage is immortals. Destroy the high heavens up above and annihilate the immortals below. ↩Chapter 719: Grand Birthday
On the day of the birthday celebration, Allpine Mountain was boiling with excitement. One could only see a great banquet with countless tables prepared in the sky for just as many guests; this was a spectacular scene!
The numerous big shots of the world sat in a particular order for this feast. The layout resembled something one would find in a heavenly court.
These big shots quickly raised their cups to celebrate the treefather's birthday. The untouchable existences such as the Alchemy Kingdom, the Jianlong Clan, and the Beastmaster Citadel all had people present at this feast.
When the treefather appeared, he sat in the seat of honor. Another young man also appeared at this feast and sat down next to the treefather. This young man was no other than Li Qiye.
When the treefather appeared, the scene went completely silent as everyone looked at him. Many people also set their gazes upon Li Qiye, who was sitting by his side.
Those who could sit near the front were all experts from imperial lineages, such as the Alchemy Kingdom, the Jianlong Clan, and the Beastmaster Citadel… only they were qualified to have the closest seats. However, a young man like Li Qiye was actually able to sit next to the treefather. How prestigious was this position? This was much higher than the imperial lineages!
Even the direct disciples of the treefather could only stand next to him, but a junior like Li Qiye was now seated with him side by side. This was a cause for surprise to many people.
This caused many guests to become quite puzzled. They didn't know why a junior like Li Qiye was qualified to occupy such a seat. That seat was even more prestigious than the ones for guests from the Alchemy Kingdom and the Jianlong Clan!
Though speculations ran wild in the minds of the guests, the feast was still quiet. No matter who they might be, no one dared to act presumptuously in the presence of the treefather, including those from the imperial lineages!
Compared to the other guests, the imperial lineages knew a few more things, especially the Alchemy Kingdom who had a good relationship with the treefather.
In fact, once the Alchemy Kingdom's guest saw the treefather appearing at the feast, he became quite startled because the kingdom had once tried to help the treefather. Although they were unsuccessful, the kingdom became privy to the secret behind the scenes.
But now, the appearance of the treefather made this guest realize a thing or two; he looked at Li Qiye in amazement.
At this moment, the treefather cleared his throat and looked at the guests before slowly speaking: "Today is this old man's 500,000 year birthday celebration, and everyone traveled from distant lands to get here. I am very grateful for this, so I offer everyone a toast!" Having said that, he slowly raised his jade cup.
All of the guests present quickly raised their cups as well; no one dared to show any disrespect. To many of the cultivators here, the treefather was an apex existence. No one dared to act disrespectfully lest they cause the treefather to become unhappy, especially on a day like this.
"The Huangfu Clan's Second Ancestor is here to celebrate the demon forefather's birthday." An announcement came after the treefather's toast.
After obtaining the treefather's approval, an old man, along with ten other elderly men, appeared in an instant.
This old man approached step by step while constantly exuding a volatile atmosphere. At a first glance, he was not very eye-catching since he was thin and withered; others could even feel the depleted vitality in his body! Nevertheless, he still induced quivers into the hearts of others.
Especially the ephemeral aura on his body, it gave quite a dreadful sensation as if it could shatter the galaxy and the heavenly firmament. Anyone would be startled when facing this terrifying aura. Despite being near death, he was still very frightening. He could pluck the stars in the sky and slay dragons!
The other ten old men next to him were all powerful experts. Although they hid their blood energies, others could still sense their horrifying strength.
Nevertheless, no matter how powerful they might be, these eleven old men all hid their auras and didn't dare to posture in this place.
"The Huangfu Clan's Second Ancestor!" Many big shots were secretly alarmed after seeing this old man.
One from a great power even murmured: "The Second Ancestor of the Huangfu Clan actually came into being… This is a bit too scary."
Although some great powers who had ties with the Huangfu Clan had never seen this old man before, they also felt chills after hearing the position of "Second Ancestor".
Rumor has it that the Huangfu Clan had four sealed ancestors. Outside of the ancestor who was killed at the Giant Bamboo Country, there were three others. All four of them were said to be incredible Virtuous Paragons, and the Sacred Ancestor was the most unfathomable.
In the Huangfu Clan, outside of the Sacred Ancestor, the Second Ancestor was the strongest. Once this type of great power's ancestor was sealed underground, they would not easily come into being. Breaking the Blood Era Stones required them to pay a big price.
However, the Huangfu Clan's Second Ancestor had arrived, causing many people to realize that he didn't only come here for the birthday celebration.
"The Huangfu Clan is here to celebrate Demon Forefather's 500,000th birthday." The Second Ancestor came before the treefather and cupped his hands together, saying: "A small token of respect, I hope Treefather will accept."
Having said that, he raised an ancient box with both hands. Even a Virtuous Paragon like him was only a junior in front of the treefather.
Who knew what was inside the box? However, the treefather didn't take a look. He only let a disciple next to him to go and accept this gift.
After the Second Ancestor gave his blessings, he solemnly said: "The treefather's prestige is widely spread and worthy of our admiration. However, there is one thing that I cannot keep silent."
The Second Ancestor caused a stir in the crowd as many spectators held their breaths. Everyone knew that something was about to happen.
The treefather glanced at the Second Ancestor and slowly uttered: "Speak your mind."
The Second Ancestor took a deep breath and spoke in a solemn yet sentimental manner: "Hao'er was the only inheritor of our Huangfu Clan, the one who would inherit our legacy. Not long ago, he represented our clan to come celebrate Demon Forefather's birthday, but who would have expected such terrible news of his death at Allpine Mountain?!"
All the guests shivered at this statement. Everyone knew that this matter was not so simple.
After hearing this declaration, the Maple King coughed and quickly said: "Second Ancestor, there is a misunderstanding regarding this."
The Second Ancestor looked at the Maple King and lowered his tone: "I don't know if it was a misunderstanding or not, but my Hao'er died at Allpine Mountain! Can you take responsibility and give my Huangfu Clan an acceptable answer?!" 1
Without a doubt, this Virtuous Paragon Second Ancestor didn't put an expert of the Maple King's level in his eyes. He wanted to speak with the treefather, not someone like the Maple King.
The treefather remained calm while staring at the ancestor. He didn't reveal his attitude when he replied: "State your Huangfu Clan's wish."
"Today, I came after being asked by our Sacred Ancestor to find out about our Hao'er's death." The Second Ancestor solemnly said: "Our Hao'er died miserably at the hands of this brat, but this brat has now become Demon Forefather's esteemed guest, I am very confused about this."
"Are you saying that my Allpine Mountain conspired with Young Noble Li to murder your Huangfu Clan's main descendant?" The treefather spoke lightly.
The Second Ancestor quickly responded: "No, no, that was not what I was implying. Allpine Mountain is righteous and noble with an unrivaled reputation, so how could it commit such an act? This brat's mouth could spew out clusters of lotuses and change right to wrong, so I'm afraid that a few disciples of the mountain could have been tricked by him."
No one dared to say a word at this moment. Although many people here were famous characters, this was a conversation of the Virtuous Paragon level. They were not qualified to join in.
The treefather remained indifferent and calmly asked: "So how does your Huangfu Clan want to settle this?"
The Second Ancestor took a deep breath and solemnly said: "Regarding my Hao'er's death, we must investigate this matter or else the world will laugh at our Huangfu Clan's incompetence. The Sacred Ancestor's wish is for Demon Forefather to hand this brat over to our clan, to give us justice!"
"Of course, my Huangfu Clan will not slander anyone." The ancestor paused for a moment before continuing: "After Demon Forefather hands this brat over to our clan, we will investigate this matter. At that time, my clan and the Alchemy Kingdom will conduct a trial together. Even if he killed Hao'er, we will still give him a fair trial!"
The Second Ancestor went out of his way to bring up their Sacred Ancestor and the Alchemy Kingdom. This was a clear hint to others. Many people knew that their Sacred Ancestor was unfathomable. Moreover, the Huangfu Clan and the Alchemy Kingdom were in-laws. This was common knowledge to the rest of the Stone Medicine World.
"The Alchemy Kingdom?" After hearing this, the treefather smiled as his gaze fell upon the guest from the Alchemy Kingdom.
This guest quickly stood up and said: "This junior cannot take charge of this matter and needs to report to the elders." He was not stupid enough to easily get involved in these muddy waters.
The treefather withdrew his gaze and looked at the Second Ancestor to say: "So, the Huangfu Clan wants my Allpine Mountain to hand over our guest?"
The Second Ancestor quickly answered: "Please don't misunderstand, Demon Forefather. This brat has ulterior motives. He mixed in with the guests, aiming to cause rifts between the sects. This person killed my Hao'er at Allpine Mountain in order to besmirch Allpine Mountain's unparalleled reputation! The brat is neither a disciple nor a guest of the mountain, he is just a vicious brat with diabolical intentions! Allpine Mountain shouldn't tolerate such a cruel and malicious junior like this, wouldn't you say, Demon Forefather?"
There was a reason why the Second Ancestor appeared here so suddenly. The big shots also understood the implications behind his words and, at the same time, found the answer to a few of their questions.
The Second Ancestor's I and You are the respectful/formal version when speaking to the treefather, but not to the Maple King. ↩Chapter 720: Controlling The Black Dragon
The Second Ancestor's words were quite risky, but the Huangfu Clan had no other choice. Li Qiye suddenly being seated in the esteemed seat of the treefather's banquet — this was the one thing the Huangfu Clan feared the most.
No outsiders knew how much longer the treefather could live since this was his 500,000th birthday. There were even rumors about his lifespan being depleted.
If, on this grand day, the treefather picked Li Qiye as his last disciple or if Li Qiye successfully convinced the treefather to leave the mountain to become his dao protector, either result was not a good thing for the Huangfu Clan.
No matter what the reason was, Li Qiye sitting in that spot signified his unusual status at Allpine Mountain.
It would be prohibitively more difficult for the Huangfu Clan to take revenge. Furthermore, they didn't only want revenge, they also wanted to capture Li Qiye alive to torture him and seize all of his treasures along with his supreme dao of alchemy!
Thus, the Second Ancestor appeared just in time to try and prevent this outcome from happening.
The Giant Bamboo Country's Divine Guardian suddenly showed its might while Li Qiye and Madam Zi Yan came to celebrate the treefather's birthday. Keep in mind that the treefather and the Giant Bamboo Divine Guardian were named the two great demon forefathers! Because of this, the chance of the treefather taking in Li Qiye as a disciple or him becoming Li Qiye's dao protector was quite plausible.
The Second Ancestor was hoping that Allpine Mountain would abandon Li Qiye in order to save its own reputation.
After all, the treefather was renowned in this world with numerous students scattered everywhere. He also took great care of his own reputation. He couldn't afford to admit protecting a murderer like Li Qiye on his birthday before everyone in the world!
Because of this, the Second Ancestor also tried his best to drag the Alchemy Kingdom into this. Once the Alchemy Kingdom became involved, everything would become easy and according to plan. He knew that this was very risky, but it was worth it!
"Are you saying you want my Allpine Mountain to hand over Li Qiye to get rid of a cruel villain?" The treefather was not angry and, in fact, even smiled kindly. The Second Ancestor became relieved; he felt that there was a chance after seeing this kind smile.
He quickly responded: "Demon Forefather's righteousness and integrity are well known in the world. Demon Forefather is the role model of our Stone Medicine World, and Forefather's conducts are praiseworthy and admirable. I myself could only prostrate in admiration…" At this time, he quickly praised the treefather so that the treefather couldn't say no.
"Stop. Don't put me on such a high pedestal." The treefather interrupted the ancestor and gently waved his sleeve to say: "I am now very old, so I can't get up that high. I'll fall down and break my bones."
At this point, the treefather cleared his throat before continuing: "My old bones can't handle such a big matter. What does Young Noble Li think about this?" His gaze fell upon Li Qiye after saying so.
Li Qiye remained seated in his seat as a faint smile appeared on his face. It was as if this matter had nothing to do with him.
It wasn't until the treefather's question that he glanced at the Second Ancestor and leisurely said: "Today is Treefather's great birthday, so how could we bother Treefather on such an auspicious day? If people want to come find trouble, then let me deal with them."
After hearing this, the Second Ancestor's eyes suddenly turned cold as he glared at Li Qiye while uttering: "Nothing would be better than you realizing this. Be obedient and leave with me so that we will not disturb Demon Forefather's banquet. My Huangfu Clan will not hurt you, and we will give you a fair trial in the near future!"
The Second Ancestor's words were more pleasant than songs. However, once Li Qiye fell into their hands, they would exhaust all means to drain him dry!
"You are mistaken about this." Li Qiye laughed and shook his head to say: "Who says I am going with you? What I was trying to say was that today is the treefather's 500,000th birthday — this is quite a rare event. Out of consideration for this joyous occasion, I will not cause trouble or lower myself to your level. Before I become angry, return from whence you came. I will pretend that nothing had happened."
Li Qiye's words caused the Second Ancestor's expression to quickly change! All of the guests here glanced at each other. Many of them felt that Li Qiye's words were too contemptuous. The Second Ancestor was a Virtuous Paragon! No matter the level, this was a terrifying existence and not someone a Heavenly King could fight!
But now, a junior like Li Qiye dared to speak to a Virtuous Paragon in this manner. Did this mean that he had the support of the treefather, so he could act unrestrained?
"What does Demon Forefather think about this?" The shocked ancestor took a deep breath then looked at the treefather, wanting to understand his stance.
The treefather only waved his hand and dismissively said: "My opinion isn't important, it is up to Young Noble Li." At this moment, his attitude had become a lot colder.
Who was the treefather? He was an apex existence, so how could he not understand the Second Ancestor's scheme? He simply didn't want to make a move, that was all.
Li Qiye, on the other hand, smiled and said: "You have already busied yourself for half a day out of fear that the treefather might involve himself, causing your plan to fail. Why the need to beat around the bush for so long? Don't worry, there is no need for the treefather to involve himself in this matter, I alone can take care of you all. I will say it one last time, scram immediately before I slaughter all of you. Although staining this celebration with blood is disrespectful to the treefather, my patience is limited!"
The Second Ancestor was immediately shaking with rage. He could no longer hold back and shouted: "Ignorant fool!" As a Virtuous Paragon worshiped and feared by all, how could he handle being yelled at by a junior like this? If it wasn't for the treefather's presence, he would have already killed this junior.
"Scram!" Li Qiye's eyes suddenly turned fierce. In an instant, a death energy emerged and diffused into the air. The Death Chapter appeared after his shout and quickly shot into the ground.
"Arrrr!" The roar of a True Dragon resounded. With a crash, a huge black dragon flew out from the ground all the way to the sky. The moment it reached the air, it was as if a huge mountain range appeared in the sky.
It was completely black and its scales seemed to be made from black metal, reflecting the sunlight. The giant dragon's eyes emitted a dark and profound light as if it came from the depths of hell.
It emitted a terrifying aura as if a Godking or True Dragon had arrived. Even Heavenly Kings trembled before its presence.
"A True Dragon!" One of the guests was frightened and screamed in horror. The weaker of the guests were frozen in their seats. Even the big shots became pale and thought that it was a True Dragon.
The treefather was also astonished when he saw this black dragon. Only he knew what this black dragon was.
"Aoooo!" The black dragon in the sky roared and slashed down towards the ten old men next to the Second Ancestor with its claws.
"Die!" The ten old men cried out in response and wanted to slay this beast. However, it didn't matter that they were Heavenly Kings, they couldn't reach the apex when facing the black dragon ahead.
Under one claw, all ten were immediately captured by the black dragon, and all of their weapons were crushed.
"Animal, you dare?!" The Second Ancestor was extremely alarmed. He let out a deafening cry and soared into the sky to kill this black dragon.
However, it was already too late. With a crushing sound, the ten old men of the Huangfu Clan were squeezed to death without being given a chance to scream.
"Die!" The Second Ancestor crazily roared. In an instant, all of his blood energy erupted to the max. His supreme merit law reached across the entire sky.
The black dragon was not afraid. It roared as well and raised its fangs to meet the Second Ancestor. All of a sudden, a battle between the ancestor and the beast ensued in the air.
The Second Ancestor didn't hold anything back. His ferocious Virtuous Paragon's might engulfed the world. However, no matter how he tried, he was still not a match for this black dragon. After just a few short exchanges, he found himself at a disadvantage and was forced back repeatedly by this dragon.
A battle of the paragon level caused many guests to become shocked. Just their auras alone rendered them short of breath.
"Is this really a True Dragon?" A guest couldn't help but wonder after seeing the dragon pushing the ancestor back repeatedly. Keep in mind that the Second Ancestor from the Huangfu Clan was unfathomable and had been sealed underground for a very long time.
If it wasn't a True Dragon, then how could it push a Virtuous Paragon back with just several moves?
"Open!" The Second Ancestor screamed and summoned a mirror. At this point, he was covered in bloody wounds after being defeated by the dragon in just five moves. His injuries were quite severe.
In the blink of an eye, the summoned mirror poured down a boundless divine light. Once this divine light fell upon the black dragon, it revealed the black dragon's true body.