Chapter 977: Changing Time
After settling everything with the godfiend, he finally called for the tower lord's group who were waiting outside.
They came in and Li Qiye told Si Yuanyuan: "Yuanyuan, you stay here for now. This place is quite beneficial. Try to the best of your abilities to learn something here."
"I, I can stay here?" Si Yuanyuan was stunned after hearing this. The Thunder Tower was a very important location to the Crimson Night Kingdom. Not just anyone could stay in here to meditate.
She had to look over at the Thunder Tower Lord because the tower was under his jurisdiction. If a disciple of Crimson Night wanted to meditate here, they would require his permission.
"Yuanyuan is a disciple of Crimson Night, so she is eligible to learn here." The tower lord agreed right away. Even the godfiend held her in high regard, so the kingdom couldn't possibly continue to waste her in this irrational manner.
For him, even if the backlash from the imperial family and fury of the Storm God were greater, he would still have to keep Si Yuanyuan here.
Chi Zixian was now dead, so the kingdom needed a new inheritor. If Si Yuanyuan could take this position, there was a big chance that she could return to the primal ground in the future. This made her a candidate with limitless potential!
"Now this is a sensible person." Li Qiye gently nodded: "As long as your Crimson Night Kingdom understands the rules, the Thunder Tower will still be your property and Yuanyuan will still be a disciple of the kingdom."
With that, his eyes became serious before continuing: "However, the old geezers there better sharpen their eyes. Since I am leaving Yuanyuan here, don't blame me for being merciless if anything happens!"
"Yes, certainly." The tower lord smiled wryly: "Young Noble Li can rest assured. I can guarantee that nothing will happen to Yuanyuan!"
Si Yuanyuan was in a daze while standing by the side. Not even in her dreams would she have imagined such a reversal. She had prepared for the worst; either being executed or exiled from her home, the Barren Earth! This result was completely outside of her expectations.
"If your kingdom doesn't train such a good successor, it will surely decline." Even the Bloodbull Godfiend commented.
The tower lord immediately felt a huge pressure after hearing the godfiend. He was a renowned character in the Crimson Night Kingdom. Alas, since he had to always guard the tower, the imperial family's matters were out of his reach. More importantly, the Storm God had complete control. Even the few extremely powerful ancestors like him were somewhat helpless!
"If you have the chance to see Feng Piaoluo, tell her that this isn't the generation when her father ruled the nine worlds. Don't wallow in the illusion that she can still do what she wants!" The godfiend spoke: "There are a few people whom she can never afford to offend! This was true even back during her father's generation! Once she does, there will be no one in this world that can protect her!"
Feng Piaoluo was the Storm God, the daughter of Immortal Emperor Chen Xue. Coincidentally, the godfiend was also her father's dao teacher. Because of this relationship, the Storm God could do as she pleased like a tiger with wings. Rainfall and storms came and went at her beckons! In the Blood Race and even throughout the entire Barren Earth, countless lineages and experts were slightly fearful of her.
"This disciple will send the message." Since the godfiend had spoken, the tower lord took a deep breath and bowed towards him.
It wasn't as if the Storm God was the strongest ancestor at Crimson Night. However, her status as an emperor's daughter and her ties to the primal ground caused these ancestors to make concessions at times.
However, it became a different story now since the Bloodbull Godfiend had given his input on the situation. Ye Chuyun was shaken as well since she was privy to more information thanks to her status as a ruler. His words meant that the Storm God wouldn't be able to monopolize the kingdom's future decisions.
Furthermore, the future successor of the kingdom was most likely no longer under her control!
The godfiend eventually spoke: "Let us go." The Virtuous Paragons lifted the immortal coffin into the palanquin and were getting ready to leave.
Li Qiye looked at the Winter Matron who was leaving as well and smiled: "Little girl, don't forget. I am your Blood Forefather, so you four sisters will have to carry my palanquin one day."
Such words enraged the matron. She glared at him before leaving.
Li Qiye, Si Yuanyuan, and Ye Chuyun returned to their abode. At this time, all of his actions attracted a lot of attention. Many people were speculating his identity.
Although the Blood Race didn't recognize the Bloodbull Godfiend, even the Thunder Tower Lord had to kneel. This was more than enough to show that the person inside the palanquin had a heaven-defying background. Plus, they could be from the Blood Primal Ground.
Even without knowing his exact identity, some big shots from these lineages could still guess that a great character had arrived from the primal ground. Thus, this made many curious about how a human junior like Li Qiye was related to the Blood Race. Why did the primal ground view him so highly? This was truly difficult to believe.
"Rumor has it that Li Qiye is likely to enter the primal ground and will rule the Blood Race in the future." No one knew who spread this message or whether it was even intentional or not.
In short, this message spread from the Holy City to the outside!
"What a joke." Someone heard this message and didn't believe it at all. They sneered: "Li Qiye is a human. How can he enter the primal ground, let alone rule the Blood Race?"
However, a few Blood experts found that the source of this message was very reliable, so they quickly came together to discuss this matter in private.
"We are Blood, we definitely cannot let a human be our ruler!" A big shot stated during the meeting: "No matter what Li Qiye did to infiltrate the primal ground, we have the responsibility to protect the purity of our bloodline!"
"Yes, he is not a real Blood, so he definitely has ulterior motives." A great character from the Blood-devil Tribe commented: "The primal ground can't publicly show itself in many matters. This has been true for millions of years now. Perhaps, Li Qiye caught their weakness or secret. However, we, the Blood Race and my Blood-devil Tribe, have the duty to eradicate external threats to protect our eternal legacy!"
In a short moment, an atmosphere full of scheming filled the night sky.
After returning to their place, Li Qiye told Ye Chuyun: "We'll go to the Godwar Mountain tomorrow. If you want, I can help you go up and maybe you will be able to learn some nice things."
"Brother Li, I also want to go with you, but I most likely can't. I have to go back to the Pure Lotus School tomorrow." She quickly replied.
"Go back?" Li Qiye was a bit surprised.
She answered: "Brother Li, I received a message from the sect recently. We have made contact with your Cleansing Incense, so now our two sects might be building a dao portal. I have to personally preside over this matter."
The construction of a dao portal between the two sects meant that there would be a direct teleportation path. It was a test of the relationship between the two sects. Under normal circumstances, only trustworthy allies would build a dao portal to connect to each other. Otherwise, it would create an underlying problem in the future.
Because of this important matter, Ye Chuyun — as the schoolmaster — had to look over the process herself. Otherwise, both sides would not be able to reach an agreement.
"Then you should go." Li Qiye gently nodded.
However, when night came, Li Qiye had yet to go to the Godwar Mountain and Ye Chuyun still hadn't returned to the Pure Lotus School, but an explosion suddenly occurred.
The entire region trembled and everyone woke up from the shock. They all rushed out in order to see what was going on.
At this time, an endless light spewed out from the Godwar Mountain like an erupting volcano. The difference compared to last time was that the light was no longer just an immortal light, it also carried a bronze affinity!
This massive bronze light rushed out from the deepest area of the Godwar Mountain and illuminated the entire area, brightening the Holy City as if it was daytime.
This scene horrified others as if this was the end of the world since this surging bronze light engulfed the entire city.
Once enough bronze light was present, strange images began to appear in the sky. These images carved themselves into the night sky with blinding flashes, making it so others couldn't really see them clearly.
There was an image of a kingdom and a city. In the midst of the commotion, there seemed to be living beings walking around across the streets and corners. It was a very crowded area.
However, with a more careful observation, people could see that the busy pedestrians were not humans or members of the Blood Race or even existences from any other race. These pedestrians all seemed to be bronze statues. However, this image was too faint, so it was difficult to completely see it.
Chapter 978: Strange Phenomenon At The Godwar Mountain
The people in the Holy City and even those on top of the mountain right now were stunned at this scene. No one knew the meaning behind this phenomenon.
"Boom!" At the same time on a majestic, towering peak inside the Godwar Mountain, a bright figure seemingly wished to cross time itself and all obstacles. He trod forward to reach the deepest and highest location in the mountain to look at the phenomenon.
"It's Lin Tiandi…" Someone exclaimed after seeing the figure beneath the bronze light: "Does he want to reach the deepest location?"
Meanwhile, no matter how Lin Tiandi tried with his myriad laws or even time-traveling sequences, he could only stop at this spot, failing to reach a greater height.
"Even the supreme Lin Tiandi can't reach that peak." Another murmured after seeing this.
One more added: "He is already quite amazing. Even if he can’t be listed among the top five of all ages, this is more than enough for him to be considered a supreme genius. Only supreme geniuses can reach this level."
This phenomenon went on for a long time as if it was replaying the past; these visual images seemed to have occurred in distant years.
Both Li Qiye and Ye Chuyun, who were sleeping, were alarmed by this commotion as well. They rushed out at the same time and looked at this phenomenon over the Godwar Mountain.
"What's that?" Ye Chuyun quietly asked Li Qiye standing beside her.
He looked at the image for a long time before slowly answering: "There are a few things in there that ordinary people cannot grasp."
"What kind of things?" She couldn't help her curiosity.
His gaze remained fixed on the visual phenomena in the sky as if there was something within attracting his attention. After a long time, he finally responded: "A few items that are ancient beyond imagination."
Ye Chuyun looked back at the mountain. The truth was that she didn't know much about it, let alone the rest of the world. No one had heard of someone being able to reach the deepest crevice or the highest peak in the Godwar Mountain.
"Brother Li, how much do you know about the Godwar Mountain?" She knew that he specifically came for the mountain this time.
"How should I put this?" Li Qiye smiled: "If I say that there is no one in this world who understands it more than I do, you may not believe me."
"I believe you." Ye Chuyun nodded seriously and responded without any hesitation. Her trust in him was absolute.
He continued to stare at the mountain before speaking after a long intermission: "I believe in something as well. The Godwar Mountain might not be called an ominous ground, but it is the most dangerous place in this world."
She inquired: "Why is that? I haven't heard about any dangers there."
Li Qiye gently shook his head: "Not just anyone can reach the dangerous areas. Moreover, the danger of the mountain is different from the general sense of danger."
Ye Chuyun didn't quite understand what he was trying to say. However, if he didn't want to reveal everything, she wouldn't keep on asking.
"Lin Tiandi can't do it. He isn't capable of reaching the Prime Peak." Ye Chuyun looked at the mountain and noticed Lin Tiandi's repeated attempts at climbing.
"The Prime Peak isn't a place that he can climb to." Li Qiye said: "It is already incredible that he has made it through a Million Peak to reach that point. His understanding of profound truths is quite high. Unfortunately, he doesn't need such a thing."
"Can no one in this world climb the Prime Peak?" She asked. There were many legends about the Prime Peak of the Godwar Mountain, but a successful attempt was unheard of.
"Yes, Immortal Emperors!" Li Qiye answered: "However, Immortal Emperors won't want to go to that place."
"How come?" She inquired as she mused over the idea. She didn't remember hearing about an emperor climbing the Prime Peak before.
"That place isn't a nice or auspicious location, especially for Immortal Emperors." Li Qiye smiled.
Ye Chuyun wanted to ask more but decided against it.
The phenomenon continued until the middle of the night before it slowly disappeared. The Godwar Mountain finally reverted to its normal appearance.
A large number of cultivators of many races rushed for the mountain.
"An immortal item is surely coming out of the mountain in this generation!" Both young and old ran hysterically to the mountain.
A youth freely laughed and said: "No one other than me will obtain the immortal scripture. I will definitely be able to soar to the heavens and ascend to godhood!"
"Quiet down. I heard that there is more than just eternal existences from the previous generation coming. If an immortal scripture actually does come out, I'm afraid even God-Monarchs will come." A friend whispered him a reminder.
"Haha, there's nothing to be afraid of. Don't forget that this is the Godwar Mountain." The youth responded leisurely: "No matter who they might be, eternal existences or Godkings, everyone is equal inside the Godwar Mountain. Nobility is not preordained by the heavens! Maybe I will even take a God-Monarch down!" 1
This young cultivator's unrestrained speech scared his companion stiff. He quickly covered his friend's mouth and told him to be quiet.
Overnight, many cultivators entered the mountain, whether it be for the immortal scripture or for something else. In short, a great influx of cultivators arrived at the mountain despite it being in the middle of the night.
"Nobility is not preordained by the heavens at the Godwar Mountain!" Contrary to some careless young cultivators, a few great characters from the previous generation — including Virtuous Paragons — became quite cautious the moment they faced this mountain. They didn't want their boat to capsize in waveless waters; what if they died to the hands of a nobody or a junior? Their lifelong reputation would then collapse in a second.
"I should also leave." Li Qiye gently nodded and told Ye Chuyun after the image had disappeared.
Ye Chuyun didn't go with him as she wanted to return to the Pure Lotus School instead.
Li Qiye left on that very night, but he didn't go to the mountain. He secretly visited several ancient and mysterious clans in the city.
These clans maintained a very low-profile even within the Holy City. Some didn't even want others to know about their existence. Outsiders simply didn't know about them at all.
After the visits, he finally left the city for the Godwar Mountain. Of course, he was not the only one. More cultivators poured towards the mountain from the other areas as well through the night.
At this moment, Li Qiye was famous. Each of his actions was noted even in the darkness, especially by those who were paying attention.
"Li Qiye is also going to the Godwar Mountain!" Someone privately discussed this matter.
Under the cloak of darkness, a pair of eyes had been watching Li Qiye's every move. He noticed that Li Qiye was heading for the mountain and became excited, prompting him to command someone next to him.
He was the descendant of the Blood-devil Tribe, the Skybearing Monarch. He instantly came up with a plan the moment he saw Li Qiye on the road. Thus, he sent people to invite Bai Jian and Chi Tianyu.
The five saints of the blood race were close friends. Moreover, since he was the leader, Bai Jian and Chi Tianyu should have no reason to decline.
However, Bai Jian actually refused the invitation. He told his confidant: "Tell the Skybearing Monarch's messenger that I am in closed cultivation. When I come out, I will go apologize to him."
Bai Jian's confidant sent the monarch's messenger away. He came back and asked with some confusion: "Young Master, your relationship with the monarch is quite good. You are usually happy to answer his beckons, so why are you refusing this time?"
"A'Fu, this is a turbulent period." Bai Jian gently shook his head: "The Skybearing Monarch has great ambitions. Him inviting me at this key moment is probably not a good thing." With that, he glanced outside the window: "Fierce has arrived at the Barren Earth — this is not a good omen at all. I shouldn't be involving myself in these muddy waters. From today on, I will go train and won't ask about anything. If anyone comes, just send them away for me."
His confidant acknowledged the command and would carry it out.
The monarch was dissatisfied at Bai Jian's absence. As the Blood-devil descendant, he was quite influential within the Blood Race. He wanted to join forces with Bai Jian, so how could he be happy when Bai Jian didn't show up? He coldly grunted in response.
Nevertheless, Chi Tianyu arrived!
"Brother Tianyu is indeed my brother. You came to see me at a time like this." The monarch personally came out to greet him.
Chi Tianyu smiled: "Brother Skybearing has helped me many times in the past, so how could I not come after you called?" 2
Okay, this is a hard one but also interesting. The official translation for this phrase "王侯将相, 宁有种乎" is "Do those gentry certainly have blue blood?" This is a popular phrase after a farmer rebels during the Qin Dynasty. It brings up the question if nobility is innate. Why do the nobles get to have more than the peasants? The official translation is problematic in this context, although the meaning is fine in Chinese since it is known as a phrase and simply understood. Thus, I have to make it into a statement with the same meaning to fit this context. On a different note, I do find this concept to be surprising because it came earlier than I thought — around 209 B.C. It definitely seems more of a western idea. ↩ Both of them are being very polite here with their honorific game, calling each other big brother and referring to themselves as little brother. ↩Chapter 979: Nobility Is Not Preordained By The Heavens
Inside the room, both the monarch and Chi Tianyu walked side by side before seating themselves. The monarch looked at Chi Tianyu and smiled: "It seems like Brother Tianyu has something on your mind."
Chi Tianyu smiled in response after looking up: "Please don't laugh at me. I am only being bothered by a trivial matter, it's not worth mentioning."
"If I’m not mistaken, you are troubled with love." The monarch said: "Is it Schoolmaster Ye?"
Chi Tianyu coughed after being exposed by the monarch: "Just a secular affair, please don't tease me."
"No." The monarch solemnly shook his head: "Love between a man and a woman is part of the human experience. Plus, the Pureblood School and Pure Lotus School have always been close. Brother Tianyu and Schoolmaster Ye can be described as childhood sweethearts. It is only natural that you have feelings for her."
Chi Tianyu turned quiet after hearing this. Although they were not really childhood sweethearts, it was true that their schools had a great relationship.
Prior to this, he was confident that as long as he tried, he would be able to win over the beauty. He didn't expect for a stranger like Li Qiye to come out of nowhere!
With Li Qiye popping up in his mind, he couldn't help but grit his teeth in anger. The guy didn't only steal the lover of his dreams, he even killed his junior brother, the Swiftsword Marquis, as well!
He wanted to mince Li Qiye to pieces, but he didn't dare to act recklessly after Li Qiye's showing at the Thunder Tower.
The monarch smiled and said: "If Tianyu wants to win the beauty's heart, it is not impossible."
"Brother, don't tease me about this matter. If this is the purpose of this meeting, then I will have to take my leave." Chi Tianyu quickly shook his head.
The monarch shook his head and spoke in a serious manner: "Brother Tianyu, why do you think I am joking? Am I such a senseless person? We are brothers, so I only want to lend you a hand."
Chi Tianyu was glad to hear this and quickly inquired: "What advice do you have?"
The monarch said: "Winning the beauty isn't difficult. The first thing Brother needs to do is to kill Li Qiye, to eliminate your rival. Then, as long as you keep trying, you'll win her over eventually."
"Kill Li Qiye?" Chi Tianyu smiled wryly: "Brother, this is easier said than done!"
He was a proud person and had previously looked down on Li Qiye. However, after Li Qiye's performance at the tower, he understood the discrepancy between them.
"Not necessarily." The monarch said: "I heard Li Qiye is going to the Godwar Mountain. Brother, keep in mind that once you are at this mountain, nobility is not preordained by the heavens! Everyone will be equal, so Brother won't lose to Li Qiye!"
Such words did move Chi Tianyu. He naturally wanted to kill Li Qiye, perhaps even more than anyone else.
"I'm afraid it still won't be easy. Even with the suppression of the mountain, his speed…" Chi Tianyu's eyes narrowed at this point. Li Qiye was way too fast, so fast that he couldn't really see him back then.
The monarch smiled: "We are brothers so your problem is my problem. I can help you in this regard."
Chi Tianyu happily asked: "Really?" Their relationship had always been good, and the monarch had helped him before!
The monarch replied: "If Brother Tianyu is determined, I will lend you my tribe's imperial weapon for a bit! Even though Li Qiye is extraordinary, it will no longer be up to him once he enters the Godwar Mountain. Even if he is very powerful, with an imperial weapon, Brother Tianyu, won't it be easy to kill him?"
Chi Tianyu's heart became red hot after hearing this; he couldn't contain his excitement.
The monarch went on: "Moreover, Brother can rest assured, I will tell our tribe's disciples to help you as well so that you can become famous."
Despite his boiling blood, Chi Tianyu had to say: "I'm afraid it won't be okay for Brother to assist me so much. Lending your tribe's imperial weapon to an outsider is not a trivial matter."
"We are brothers so it is nothing. Don't worry, I can handle it even if the elders scold me." The monarch spoke with great heroism.
Chi Tianyu was very touched after hearing this. He bowed towards the monarch: "You're someone who truly values brotherhood, I am very appreciative of this."
The monarch smilingly replied: "There's no need to be so polite, Brother. We are all disciples of the Blood Race. I will need your help later on."
Chi Tianyu hurriedly said: "Don't worry, Brother. When you take control of the Blood Race in the future, I will be the first to show support!"
The two of them looked at each other and laughed.
After the monarch saw Tianyu off, a Blood-devil ancestor spoke: "I'm afraid this plan might go awry. In my opinion, the primal ground greatly values Li Qiye. He might even take charge in the future! Even if he doesn't become the ruler, he would still be an esteemed guest there…"
"… If you can kill Li Qiye with this maneuver, then it will be good. But if you can't, then it will be quite precarious. Either way, we will be offending the primal ground." The ancestor analyzed the situation for the monarch.
"Ancestor, who can be certain of this? We still don't know Li Qiye's position in the primal ground." The monarch deepened his tone: "But one thing is certain: without Li Qiye, I can enter the primal ground. Plus, I am a Blood. If I can kill this human, won’t that show that I have the power to replace him? That I am stronger and more capable than him? This will only show the might of our Blood Race, and our clan disciples will love me for it!"
The ancestor pondered then said: "You are playing with fire. If you fail, you will burn."
The monarch smiled: "Ancestor, there is no smooth sailing in cultivation. If one is afraid of a wolf and a tiger, then they might as well be an insignificant human. I shall seek prosperity in peril; if I can kill Li Qiye, then I shall be successful!"
"This is true." The ancestor gently sighed.
"I need your help to take out an imperial weapon, Ancestor. Also, help me get that crossbow as well. With the Godslaying Crossbow, I will be able to deliver a fatal blow the moment Li Qiye becomes distracted, to give him a death without a burial!" With that, he revealed a frightening bloodlust!
"Fine, I hope that you will be able to lead the Blood Race one day." The ancestor spoke gravely.
Nobility is not preordained by the heavens — this is a widespread phrase in the mortal world, but one would often hear this the moment they arrived at the Godwar Mountain.
This was especially true for the lively and ambitious youths. They loved repeating this phrase in this place. There was a reason for the phrase's pervasive presence.
The mountain was a very special location. No matter how powerful one might be, they would be suppressed the moment they set foot inside. There seemed to be the hand of a god pressing down on one's body, instantly lowering their cultivation all the way down to the Physique Accumulation realm! 1
It didn't matter if one was a Virtuous Paragon or a Heavenly King or even a legendary Godking, their cultivation would instantly drop down to the Physique Accumulation realm without exception.
Legend states that only Immortal Emperors could escape the suppression in this place. However, for millions of years and one generation after another, no one had heard of an emperor trying to climb to the Prime Peak of the Godwar Mountain!
From then on, after arriving at the mountain, both famous Virtuous Paragons and the unknown little cultivators would share the same starting line. Because they were all at the same realm, this place's defining phrase became very popular.
Here, even a weak cultivator could have the chance to assassinate a Godking!
Of course, killing a Godking was not such an easy matter, it was just that it was no longer an impossibility.
For many years now, many brilliant geniuses had killed Godkings on this mountain. Of course, this made it so that Godkings wouldn't easily step inside this area!
Not to mention the distant past, several years ago, a Godking was killed here. At that time, rumor has it that the Space Trample Mountain's Jikong Wudi came to the Barren Earth and offended the Blood-devil Tribe. Both sides immediately fought after this quarrel.
Jikong Wudi was just like his name. Even against the mighty tribe, he continued on fighting while retreating. A large number of experts were killed by him, and this forced many ancestors to come into being. 2
Eventually, a Godking from the tribe personally took action and chased him all the way to the Godwar Mountain!
After stepping inside, this Godking finally met the bane of his existence. During this battle, Jikong Wudi tore him apart.
This battle brought Jikong Wudi extreme fame as he threatened the entire Mortal Emperor World. Many people said that he would become an invincible emperor just like his ancestor, Immortal Emperor Ta Kong.
Meanwhile, the Blood-devil Tribe viewed this battle as a great humiliation. Both the young and old of the tribe were reluctant to talk about this battle.
There's an author's note in this chapter that I thought was cute.
I'll briefly summarize it here:
Recently, many readers asked when I will mass release. The truth is that I sincerely cannot do so right now.
Some said that I have a reserve. This is true, I do have some chapters, around 10,000 words.
I have recently been in a slump. Plus, there are many tasks to do at home. If I mass release and use up all of my backup chapters, then there might not be any new chapters. Because of this, the chance for a mass release is very low.
My son has just got into kindergarten as well, so I want to spend a bit more time with him.
Yesterday, when I got out of bed and wanted to write more, he told me to go play with him. I said no due to work because I had to make money, but then he said something that left me quite touched. He said: "Papa, don't write, play with me. I don't need toys so there's no need to spend money."
After hearing this, I felt that I have spent too little time with him.
This used to be Yun Physique. It will be Physique Accumulation Realm from now on. There was a time when I didn't translate with a dictionary (the very first week). ↩ Wudi means unbeatable/no peers/unequaled. ↩