Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 544 The Heavenly Court's Hongxu Daoist and the Longevity Emperor Appear

[A treasure, or a question?]

You looked at both the Emperor's Hometown and the Demon Lord of the Common People, "You can only choose one? Can't you have them both?"

Emperor Xiang laughed, "My dear nephew, your thoughts coincide with mine."

"Only children make choices; I want it all."

"But this opportunity is immense; if one is solely driven by greed, one will not be able to enjoy it. One can only choose one."

The Demon Lord of All Beings stated directly, "To obtain both, one must traverse the Ghost Kingdom and engage in a Dao debate with the legendary Emperor of Immortality, who is said to have attained the Dao of the Earthly Sovereign, before one can leave."

Emperor Xiang laughed, “My dear nephew, you are now only one step away from the Great Dao Golden Core, which can be considered a success in your cultivation. Then you will face the legendary Emperor of Immortality, who was born before the creation of the world, survived 1.689 billion tribulations, mastered the Six Paths of Reincarnation, and created the Netherworld. He is truly a worthy opponent.”

You felt rather helpless. The lofty image you once held of the ancestor of the Imperial Capital, the creator of the "Taiyuan Yiyang Sword," had been halved. You thought to yourself, "It's as if his mouth was smeared with poison."

The Demon Lord of All Living Beings joked, "Why don't you give it a try, Fellow Daoist Emperor's Hometown?"

[The Emperor Xiang shrugged, "Even the one pulled by the Eternal Emperor can't beat me."]

This remark amused the Demon Lord of All Living Beings.

"Fellow Daoist from the Imperial Capital, your words may be crude, but you have self-awareness."

"Looking at the red-haired demon in the sky, the pathfinder of the Eternal Emperor asked, 'What should we do now?'"

[But a doubt arose: "Did anyone actually pay homage to the Eternal Emperor before?"]

[The Emperor said, "I will first teach my nephew the proper etiquette for paying respects to the Great Emperor of Longevity."]

"As for whether anyone has seen it? I know of only one person who has, that Grand Prefect Qin."

The Demon Lord of the Common People frowned slightly. "The Ghost Kingdom, Qin Dafujun, one of the six Ghost Kings."

"Lord Qin, did you obtain the treasure, or did you ask something?"

Dixiang shook his head and said, "I don't know."

[Di Xiang's gaze shifted slightly, a half-smile playing on his lips as he looked at the Demon Lord of All Living Beings: "Since you've come here, fellow Daoist, you must have come without a purpose. Have any words been left in the Demonic Sect's scriptures?"]

The Demon Lord of All Beings stated frankly, "The Emperor's Pillow Book does indeed record that our Holy Sect's founding patriarch, the one who ruled the seven demonic paths, also paid homage to the Eternal Emperor."

"The Patriarch did not obtain the treasure, but instead asked the Emperor of Immortality a question. What exactly he asked back then... no one in later generations knows."

[The Emperor's tone held a hint of amusement: "That demonic ancestor you revere as 'Emperor'..."]

["Legend has it that this person was the reincarnation of the Purple Star Emperor, and his cultivation was indeed unparalleled throughout history. With his killing power, he suppressed an entire era, and the Demonic Sect dominated the Central Plains of Yuzhou, commanding the four continents, while the Righteous Path remained confined to a corner."]

【"only."】

He looked at the Demon Lord with a half-smile: "In ancient times, there was a Heavenly Emperor who ruled the Three Realms, and three Sovereigns who taught and guided all living beings. The title 'Emperor' is a combination of both."

"Is it perhaps a bit too big?"

The Demon Lord of All Beings retorted for the first time, "The Emperor's origins may be even more significant than imagined. Only a very small portion of the 'Emperor's Pillow Book' was written by the Ancestor himself; the rest were records of his daily life by the thirteen Heavenly Demons under his command."

Even so, this is still the supreme treasure of the Holy Gate; all the Heavenly Techniques of the Seven Gates are derived from it.

"Two points are undeniable: first, the emperor was born with knowledge; second, after breaking through the boundaries and ascending to heaven, he returned to the mortal realm and ultimately disappeared without a trace."

[Di Xiang frowned slightly, then slowly relaxed. "It seems the murals I saw in the back mountains of West Kunlun back then were not fabricated."]

"That emperor was indeed the only person in the seven thousand years since Xie Guan's ascension to heaven to open the gates of heaven."

The Demon Lord of All Beings slightly raised his eyes and said, "The murals of the Heavenly Book in West Kunlun are said to have been left by the Heavenly Emperor. I didn't expect Fellow Daoist from the Imperial Homeland to have such good fortune. It's rare to see such a sight in West Kunlun, yet you were able to have it viewed."

Emperor Xiang laughed, "I have traveled the world, and in terms of benevolence and righteousness... I naturally have many friends all over the world, and I have a certain amount of influence."

He looked at you and said, "Isn't this nephew, who hails from the Purple-Gold Heavenly Horned Ants, proof enough?"

[You keep a smile on your face, and in your heart, you think of the old face of Ant Master, and feel that he is exceptionally kind and approachable.]

The church members of the Imperial Hometown Church observed the proper etiquette of the Eternal Emperor at the meeting, and couldn't help but laugh.

"We've taken a convenient approach. With the sacrificial offerings arranged, we've saved the trouble of bathing and fasting. And the text in the *Yellow Springs Corpse-Controlling Scripture* is essentially a prayer, which also eliminates the need to read the prayer."

"Only the rituals and sending off the gods remain."

The Demon Lord of All Living Beings laughed, "Even if my disciple doesn't learn the 'Yellow Springs Corpse Control Scripture,' Fellow Daoist Emperor Township has other extraordinary means to return to the mortal realm."

[Emperor Xiang smiled but remained silent, saying, "However, a few mediocre moves; they can hardly be considered skillful."]

"A skillful hand is born of nature, and it's also thanks to fellow Daoists who brought this together."

Both are unparalleled grandmasters in this world; one is the supreme demonic master of our time, while Di Xiang is a figure from a thousand years ago who returned to life after death.

The two possessed different qualities; this Demon Lord of the Common People, though cultivating the demonic path, possessed a certain refinement and restraint.

[The emperor's hometown, however, exuded a more nonchalant and carefree air, with a casual and unrestrained tone.]

At this moment, Cang Sheng said, "The records of the Holy Gate state that when offering sacrifices to ancient sages, there is no need for kneeling and bowing. If one does so intentionally, it will anger the gods."

Instead, one should offer a respectful bow, burn incense, bow three times, raise the tray to eyebrow level, and then present the wine.

"Hold the cup by the bottom with your left hand, support the bowl with your right, raise the cup to eyebrow level, and then pour the wine."

As soon as they finished speaking, the two simultaneously took out several sets of magical artifacts from their sleeves. Each of them had four or five sets, truly demonstrating thorough preparation.

If you hadn't known beforehand that they weren't accomplices, you would almost suspect that the entire game was orchestrated by the two of them.

The Demon Lord provides manpower, while the Imperial Capital contributes only average strength.

[The ancient rituals are once again demonstrated in the capital; you follow them exactly as instructed.]

Emperor Xiang laughed, "My dear nephew, it's rare that you have such a good sense of propriety. Which of those with true spiritual blood isn't arrogant and haughty? They don't even bother to pay homage to Heaven and Earth; they would consider themselves immortals or gods before even the legendary deities, and look down upon them."

[You recall the records in the ancient texts; the True Spirit race is indeed like this. In the eyes of the cultivation world, this behavior is utterly incomprehensible. Heaven and Earth are supreme, from which all things are born and nurtured. Although the True Spirits are favored by creation, they refuse to acknowledge Heaven and Earth, truly ignorant of their own limitations.]

Perhaps it is precisely because of this arrogance that, although the true spirit is inherently powerful, it ultimately fails to achieve the Great Dao, let alone become a supreme ancestor.

You could only explain, "This is no longer the world of our kind. Naturally, we must keep our tails tucked in. Survival of the fittest is the only way to survive."

[The Emperor's Hometown smiled enigmatically, "Nephew, you don't have a tail."]

The Demon Lord of All Beings, watching the red-haired demon's figure solidify further, solemnly said, "It's getting late; let's settle the important matters first."

"Just now it was mentioned that meeting the Emperor of Immortality would yield a treasure or allow one to ask about something."

[After a slight pause, the Demon Lord of All Living Beings' gaze deepened: "However, fate is predetermined, beyond our control. If you, fellow Daoist, are fortunate enough to receive the Emperor's inquiry..."]

"That's why I just asked you for help, fellow Daoist. If you are fortunate enough to be chosen by the Eternal Life Emperor to ask him a question, please ask him for me." "In exchange, I will give you the treasure I obtained."

"If you've found a treasure, then just pretend I didn't say anything."

[You frowned slightly, meaning that obtaining the treasure or seeking answers was not your choice, but rather the choice made by the embodiment of the will of this Lord of the Underworld.]

There are now three of you, which means you have three opportunities. However, it's possible that you will all receive one treasure, or that all three of you will ask about the same thing.

There's a chance for both.

At this moment, Dixiang also spoke up, "I, too, wish to make the same deal with you, young friend."

The two seemed quite interested in being asked questions.

You feigned hesitation: "Even if I am fortunate enough to be granted one question, it will be only one; I cannot ask two."

The Demon Lord of All Living Beings said, "It's alright. I'll explain the problem to you first, and then you can make your decision."

[Therefore, you received a telepathic message: "Please ask for me, young friend."]

"Is the path for all living beings the road to heaven?"

[An unexpected question, to which you replied, "Fellow Daoist Cang Sheng, I have noted it down."]

"Thank you."

The Emperor also said the same thing, "Nephew, let me tell you first, and then we'll see how you choose."

A divine voice resounded, "The ruins of the Heavenly Court, what other ruins remain in this realm?"

[Ruins of the Heavenly Court?]

You were secretly surprised; although the Fangcun Mountain records contained information about the Heavenly Court, it was only a few words: "Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, the Purple Cloud Palace is empty."

[This mainly involves the legacies of the three major sects—the righteous path, the heretical path, and the demonic path—that have emerged in recent times, or documents unearthed from ancient tombs.]

It's too chaotic to piece together a complete timeline.

The most perplexing question is whether the several ancient celestial emperors refer to the same being, or merely a title representing a single authority?

[Furthermore, there is the legendary Hongxu Daoist who created this world, transforming his body into mountains and seas, and using his qi to nurture all living beings—this is the origin of the struggle between body and qi.]

However, some heretical sects claim that Hongxu Daoist was a primordial deity, and that the ancient Heavenly Emperor was a king of deities.

[The ancient times are clearly much older, yet the unearthed lineages belong to minor sects such as the Overturning Sea Sect and the Moving Mountain Sect.]

On the contrary, the ancient traditions are indeed more authentic and traceable to their origins, each one more powerful than the last. For example, the Starry Sky Path, the Rising Dragon Path, the Sword Sect, the Demonic Sect, and even the Fangcun Mountain lineage are all remnants of ancient times.

These traditions, on the contrary, have become increasingly grand and dignified, making one wonder if the river of time has flowed backward.

In this world, though the heretical sects, the demonic sects, and the righteous sects have debated the name "Mysterious Sect and Righteous Path" for a thousand years, they have tacitly elevated the ancient Heavenly Emperor to the pinnacle of divinity.

Therefore, in the worship of the people of the four continents, incense was mostly offered to the Heavenly Emperor, while the concepts of the Jade Emperor, the Emperor, and the Human Emperor became marginalized and trivial matters.

The "ruins of the Heavenly Court" that the Emperor was asking about at that moment were none other than the Thirty-Three Heavens, ruled by the Jade Emperor in ancient legends. Though your heart was troubled, your face remained impassive, and you silently agreed.

At the center of the altar, the image of the red-haired demon grew even more solid.

The originally pervasive eerie atmosphere gradually transformed into a vast and majestic celestial aura, making the entire space so solemn it was suffocating.

All three held their breath, awaiting the arrival of that supreme being.

[As you focus your mind and achieve unity, your spiritual awareness gradually clears. The restless emotions that were stirred by the Demon Lord and the Imperial Capital along the way now settle like turbid waves, returning to clarity.]

[Di Xiang suddenly opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in his pupils, which quickly turned into admiration.]

After an unknown amount of time, the surrounding black mist receded like a tide.

The vermilion gate at the throat of the Demon-Swallowing Child has vanished without a trace.

[Only the red-haired demon remained, its massive maw still gaping, holding the entire capital of Zhao in its mouth. Now, however, it seemed to have regained its sentience, bowing deeply into the depths of the void.]

The three of them stood with their heads bowed in unison.

[Suddenly, a strange change occurred in the heavens and earth—]

As if someone had overturned the cosmos, the towering Ghost Devouring Child began to collapse, eventually shrinking into an object the size of a palm, which was then held in someone's hand.

[But you heeded the emperor's instructions, your heart remaining as still as water, unmoved.]

This earth-shattering, time-freezing power simultaneously filled the eyes of both the Demon Lord and the Emperor with deep awe, and... an undisguised burning desire.

[After an unknown period of silence, suddenly, the divine light of the Six Paths of Reincarnation emerged from the chaos. The light intertwined and surged, each collision unleashing a Daoist rhythm akin to the creation of heaven and earth. Finally, amidst the overlapping halos of endless Daoist principles, a Daoist Lord appeared, wearing a jade crown of the Nine Heavens and a robe of longevity and azure clouds.]

A plain white booklet covered his waist, and he gently held a dark black imperial seal in his hand.

A red-haired demon crouched atop the seal, now as docile as a puppy.

[The Daoist Lord's Dharma form is immeasurably high, its height unknown, perhaps tens of thousands of feet. Even if the three of you stand in the void, you can only glimpse the star patterns on his cloud-patterned shoes.]

[An unparalleled feeling, as if gazing upon the vast universe.]

This is a feeling you've never had before; it doesn't feel frightening, nor does it feel terrifying, nor is it even strange, but rather a sense of closeness and familiarity.

This should be the "Emperor of Immortality," the legendary Earthly Sovereign. Strangely, he possesses no trace of yin energy, only a vibrant sense of life.

[This seems quite different from the description given by the Demon Lord of All Living Beings. It is said that this was a wicked corpse severed by the Daoist Hongxu, filled with evil thoughts. How could it appear like this?]

Before you could even think, the voice from the capital city arrived, solemn and dignified, its tone utterly disrespectful.

"In the Xuanhuang era, the year of Guimao, with utmost reverence and trepidation, I bow my head and prostrate myself before the Eternal Saint and the Venerable Earthly Sovereign."

"Vast and boundless are the nine netherworlds, awe-inspiring and majestic is the heavens."

The Demon Lord bowed deeply and chanted, "The Great Emperor reigns, wielding the true wheel of the six realms. Through 160,000 calamities, he forged a golden body in the ruins of eternal calamity. He opened up the Yellow Springs and built the Underworld, he suppressed Fengdu and terrified all demons. All souls find their way home, and all spirits are safe and without blame."

This Dao Lord stands here, utterly still, like a wall connecting heaven and earth.

[Following their instructions, you respectfully said, "The black jade disc, round like the heavens, represents sincere enlightenment; the yellow jade cong, representing the earth, is offered as a generous tribute. Three times burn ambergris incense, nine times pour amber wine."]

"We humbly pray for the Great Emperor's mercy."

[You have just finished speaking, and you have already offered wine to the cup, your left hand forming the Zi-Wu mudra while holding the scroll, and your right hand facing the ground with your palm down.]

[But then you see that this supreme Dao Lord has turned his back to the three of you for some unknown reason.]

[With their backs to the common people.]

(End of this chapter)