The Ancient Saint Emperor of the Heaven-shading

Chapter 208 The Heavenly Court Desires to Refine Pills, and the Emperors Traverse the Ancient Mine

On Earth, a rift appeared in the celestial realm, and radiant light soared into the heavens, causing a great tremor in the universe. This fluctuation could be felt in many places, leaving them deeply shaken.

"A celestial relic!" "The celestial realm rift has opened once again. Last time it opened, it was a genuine celestial bloodline that fell into the rift!"

"The aura of immortality has reappeared!" "Could it be a blessing like that of the Divine Phoenix? Or will a true dragon appear?"

"Hopefully it won't be a celestial calamity like when Lingbao Tianzun was alive; it would be best if it were a celestial dew like when Daode Tianzun was alive."

All the races and tribes of the various realms were filled with excitement, and felt a sense of piety and joy, for they had finally seen the 'immortals' they had been pursuing, which was an immense goal for them.

In this era, the pursuit of immortality is an obsession, an instinct, a pursuit etched into the very bones of all living beings and cultivators.

Many traces of immortals have appeared, and things related to immortals have also appeared from time to time. Even the seemingly unreachable immortal realm does not appear to be ethereal, but rather a real existence.

"Let's go, let's take a look, let's go to Earth and try our luck at becoming immortals!"

"A rift to the Immortal Realm has appeared there for the second time. Perhaps something or some being has fallen into it!"

"Haha, I never expected that back then, the Lingbao Heavenly Venerable Sword was stained with blood and killed a Corpse-Dissolving Immortal. Now that the Emperor Venerable is in the world, two Immortal Realm Rifts have actually appeared."

"The Nine Celestial Venerables are the nine strongest people of our time. Each of them has more or less come into contact with matters related to immortals, so they are naturally extraordinary. The Emperor Venerable also has grand ambitions and wishes to enter the Immortal Realm!"

All creatures cheered and rushed toward Earth with great anticipation, hoping to find immortals there.

Even the 'immortals' who dwell on the sacred mountains of Earth have made a move.

"Since this is a creation of Earth, it should belong to my Kunlun Immortal Clan. How could that Emperor Venerable steal it first? It's truly hateful!"

"It was the same back then. When the Immortal Realm Rift first opened, a Celestial Phoenix fell, which strengthened everyone's determination to venture into the Immortal Realm. It truly exists."

"I saw it very clearly. The one that came out of the Immortal Realm rift was a person! At least a master of the Imperial Path, no weaker than us."

"What? Could it be a living immortal? Unbelievable! In that case, we must ask for the Immortal Bell and make a trip to the Heavenly Court."

On Kunlun Ancestral Mountain, several powerful and terrifying divine thoughts surged and intertwined, communicating with each other. These were the ancient ancestors of this clan who had been sealed away since ancient times. This place was also a forbidden zone for life.

The ancestors and foundation of the Immortal Clan are terrifying beyond measure. Even when facing the current Heavenly Court's ruler, the Emperor, they are fearless and dare to fight against him.

At this moment, they are not the only ones paying attention to this place. The oldest forbidden zone has existed since the last era, and they are the most experienced witnesses in the world.

“The heavens have changed!” From the deepest part of the Primordial Ancient Mine, a hoarse, aged voice rang out, sounding both surprised and wary, for it was something that had happened in past eras.

Another divine thought appeared, but it had never heard of it before, and asked in confusion, "What is a celestial change?"

"At certain special moments, the world undergoes dramatic changes. In an instant, the river of time may be torn open, revealing people and events that should not exist. Perhaps one can see the gate to the future or the past." The divine thought deep within the ancient mine pointed out the reason.

Within Burial Sky Island, ancient voices echoed, filled with sighs: "Celestial changes are too complex, too mysterious, unimaginable, and no one can explain them clearly; most of the time, we can witness celestial changes here, but the other side may not be able to do so simultaneously; the last recorded celestial change was in that era."

"This is interesting. The Emperor has made a move, and the Kunlun Immortal Clan has also mobilized. I'm very curious about what exactly came out of the Immortal Realm Rift. Last time, a living Immortal Realm bloodline emerged from the rift. What about this time?"

In a secluded place on the edge of the universe, shrouded in mist, a figure from the Immortal Source turned around, revealing a pair of silver eyes. Beside him, a flying boat made of celestial gold floated, exuding an extraordinary elegance and otherworldly charm.

In the center of the Immortal Mausoleum, the Immortal Source rippled. A Taoist priest with a sword at his waist opened his eyes, looked at Earth, and asked in confusion, "Another Immortal Realm Rift? Last time, a Celestial Phoenix appeared. This time, I feel like I've encountered a True Dragon, a Qilin, and a Kunpeng. Could it be that many Immortal Spirits have appeared all at once?"

The appearance of a rift in the immortal realm has attracted the attention of powerful figures from all sides.

At this moment, Wang Hongwu and Cao Yusheng followed the Emperor's incarnation, traversing the universe to reach the Heavenly Court.

Whoosh! The world suddenly shifted, the scenery changed dramatically, various rays of light rose up, and chaos surged.

This is a new world, created from the foundation of the Chaotic Immortal Land.

A white mist drifts by, the mountains and rivers are beautiful, celestial birds fly about, and auspicious beasts appear.

Wang Hongwu scanned his surroundings and saw some creatures that should have disappeared in ancient times, which had long since become legends.

These groups even have bloodlines originating from the Hades era, and know many secrets, but those from even earlier times are no longer visible.

He saw a white-haired boy dressed in a five-colored robe descending onto a luminous sacred mountain. His cultivation had reached the ninth heaven. Cao Yusheng explained that he was the second divine general of the Heavenly Court.

Then Wang Hongwu saw a young man wearing animal skins, carrying a stone stick and a large bow, walking leisurely and singing Taoist songs. When he saw them, he grinned and waved.

"Chuan Ying, the number one general of the Heavenly Court, is quite a talent. He has touched the realm of the Imperial Path and is in the prime of his youth. The Emperor originally wanted to seal him away and save him for the next life, but he refused." Cao Yusheng sighed with admiration. He is also an outstanding person with remarkable strength. He can attain enlightenment by simply waiting for the right time.

This is an acquaintance. Wang Hongwu nodded and found that six more people had appeared. They were all Heavenly Court generals, and the later ones were all high-level quasi-emperors. They were the Eight Extremes Generals of the Heavenly Court.

They gathered here, chatting in twos and threes, all very relaxed, without a trace of anxiety or intimidating sharpness, as if they were brothers and family.

At this moment, Chuan Ying looked at Wang Hongwu with a strange light in his eyes and invited, "I see that you have an extraordinary demeanor, fellow Daoist. You are a dragon among men. Why don't you come and discuss this with me?"

"This fellow Daoist is indeed imposing. His bloodline is only a little over four hundred years old, yet he already possesses the aura of an emperor. Chuan Ying, he is even more heaven-defying than you!" Everyone else laughed. There was no ordinary person here, so they could naturally sense that this person was extraordinary, giving them a feeling that he was even stronger than Chuan Ying!
Chuan Ying was not annoyed at all. Instead, he said with delight, "Hahaha, this is a good thing. It means that Your Majesty has found another peerless helper."

"Let's go and chat, experience the charm of the Heavenly Court firsthand. Experiencing it firsthand is better than words." The Emperor's avatar nodded and then disappeared. As the ruler of the ancient Heavenly Court, he possessed extraordinary confidence, capable of suppressing and subduing everything.

Wang Hongwu and Cao Yusheng stepped into the place where the eight divine generals were located. Here, white immortal mist filled the air, and various ancient herbs had grown for hundreds of thousands of years, emitting a fragrant aroma.

They discussed the Dao here, talking about many things, which made him feel more and more that this was a special era. All spirits were pursuing immortality, and the Heavenly Venerable was asking the Dao. The atmosphere was very different from that of the Primordial Era. It seemed that everyone was single-mindedly pursuing the Dao, lacking the fierce fighting spirit of the various races in the Primordial Era.

Of course, this does not mean that their combat power is weak; it simply means that they pay more attention to understanding the essence of the Great Dao. Otherwise, they would not have developed such a peerless and wonderful technique as the Nine Secrets.

"It's so lively today, and another expert has arrived. I've come to the right place!" Then another voice rang out, and huge waves rose in the green waters below Mount Ling. The water surged and churned as if it had been split open by a giant axe, rolling to both sides. The water splashed up and formed a white light road.

A majestic man rode the wind and waves, his purple hair reaching his waist, a divine sword hanging at his waist, and his whole being exuded a sacred aura.

"The God Lord?" Wang Hongwu turned around and saw the ancestor of the divine body. The sword was too familiar. Of course, he had not achieved enlightenment. He had only fully explored his physique and reached the peak of his cultivation before taking another half step forward, which could be considered as touching the path of the emperor.

“These are the leaders of the gods. They were subdued by the Emperor and joined the Heavenly Court, becoming a fighting force.” Cao Yusheng glanced at the God Lord and then said, “There are also the old guys of the Heavenly Ghost Clan. Their clan has been passed down from the ancient times, but they are not as good as the God Lord. They are only at the level of those who are about to attain enlightenment.”

The worship of Heaven, Earth, Man, Gods, and Ghosts is not an empty boast, but a testament to the Emperor's true achievements. He pierced through all the paths of Heaven and Earth, making humanity the supreme ruler, subduing the gods, and gathering all the ghosts.

Soon, a loud laugh came from the sky, where countless cold mists appeared, constantly shrinking and flying from the void, finally transforming into an old man wearing a pale green Taoist robe, who chuckled and bowed, saying, "This kind of good thing can't be missed by me, Old Heavenly Ghost."

"It's quite lively; the Heavenly Court is indeed powerful." Wang Hongwu couldn't help but sigh. With eight divine generals and various helpers gathered and recruited, it's no wonder they were able to defeat the Kunlun Immortal Clan, subdue the forbidden zones, and venture onto the Immortal Path.

Next, many more powerful figures appeared, all with cultivation levels reaching the ninth heaven. Cao Yusheng sighed, "It's a pity that there's still one Divine Phoenix Maiden who fell from the Immortal Realm who hasn't arrived yet. Otherwise, you two could have met her; perhaps she's even from the same hometown." "The Undying Emperor arrived before me?" Wang Hongwu was slightly surprised, then realized that he had lingered in the passage for a long time. A flash of fire had just passed by; it turned out that the Divine Phoenix Maiden had emerged from the rift first.

On this mountain, there are rows of jade tables and chairs, laden with various fruits and fine wines, all rare items. Masters gather here, without any distinction of rank. There are men and women, young and old, all peaceful and amiable, without any murderous intent or disputes. They are all chatting and getting along well.

White mist flowed, reaching up to people's knees. Lotus flowers bloomed, taking root in the void. Both the leaves and the flowers were golden, making them exceptionally extraordinary. Here, the five-colored divine deer held a jade plate on its head, offering fruit to everyone. The white ape dutifully poured wine for everyone.

No matter how you look at it, this is a grand event, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, offering only a transcendent beauty.

"Fellow Daoist, you have such combat power at the eighth level of Dao cultivation. I wonder what kind of physique you have?" As the discussion intensified, the Divine Lord looked at Wang Hongwu and sensed his extraordinary bloodline power. He earnestly sought his guidance.

He felt that his physical constitution was only inferior to that of the Chaos Body. He had reached the pinnacle of the Nine Heavens and stepped into this stage. Then another being appeared at the Eighth Heaven with such a level, even more dangerous than himself. How could he not be surprised?
"It's hard to describe. My physique has deviated from its original scope. It's probably somewhat similar to that Chaos Physique." Wang Hongwu shook his head. His words startled everyone, but they immediately realized that it was indeed incredibly strong. No wonder even the Emperor had to show up to recruit him and invite him into the Heavenly Court.

Cao Yusheng gave him a strange look. He could clearly feel that this guy had an aura similar to that of the Chaos Body, but there was also another extreme solar immortal power flowing in his body. He didn't know how he achieved it.

However, since he won't say anything, I won't bring it up either. I'll just cover it up for him to avoid others finding out and causing trouble.

"I would like to ask you for some guidance." "I have the same thought."

Then, the God Lord and Chuan Ying became interested and wanted to learn from Wang Hongwu. He stretched out a hand and said with a faint smile, "Since you have this idea, I will grant your request. Please feel free to help."

Alright! The two attacked instantly; the Divine Lord commanded all the gods and demons, and with his five fingers extended, a supreme holy kingdom and paradise that covered the entire universe was created, within which the most divine and holy milky white light flowed, with divine blessings and divine judgment; Chuan Ying let out a hunting howl like a horn, and his fist spread out a wild and ancient land, where all kinds of beasts ran rampant, and the ancestors of humankind fought and hunted, feeding on all things.

Two completely different imperial powers evolved into a real world, which is even expanding and is expected to transform into a real universe, pressing down on King Hongwu together.

However, this Venerable One still only had one hand, appearing relaxed and carefree. A Dao Seed appeared between his fingers, wrapped in immortal gold patterns, and then suddenly bloomed into an immortal gold Dao Flower. In the blink of an eye, giant trees appeared around him, taking root in the void, immortal herbs grew in abundance, lush and verdant, and longevity medicines bloomed, brilliant and crystal clear, with a rich fragrance, a scene of creation.

The next moment, without a sound, the Immortal Golden Flower collided with the two worlds. Without any sound or fluctuation, a series of old scenes were born, accompanied by the opening of the Underworld, the birth of the Heavenly Court, the drifting of Burial Sky Island, the towering of the Primordial Ancient Mine, and the beginning of the creation of heaven and earth. The various scenes were truly terrifying.

"You two are quite capable." Wang Hongwu then chuckled and shook his palm. The Immortal Golden Flower spun around and shattered the vast divine kingdom and the wild land where all things were hunted. The God Lord and Chuan Ying took a step back, their faces showing surprise.

This one move alone has already surpassed them, revealing terrifying physical prowess and the Dao Fruit of the Secret Realm, which is extraordinary!
"The secret realm evolved into an immortal seed from an ancient era, and even incorporated immortal gold that is immortal through countless eons? How is this possible! He created a secret realm from two immortal and indestructible things? Is this an immortal embryo left over from the previous era?" The Heavenly Ghost Clan Chief was greatly shocked. As a clan that had survived from the ancient underworld, he knew many secrets. At this moment, he was greatly shocked and felt that the Ming Venerable in front of him was not a mortal, nor did he belong to this era!
Whether it's immortal gold or immortal seeds, both possess heaven-defying potential. Obtaining just one is already extraordinary, let alone possessing both. No wonder someone at the eighth level could overpower two powerful imperial experts.

Seeing this, Cao Yusheng coughed lightly and stepped forward, saying, "This is Mingzun, a very important figure. He is a master that I personally found! You will know in the future that he wields the power of the sun and moon and his combat strength is comparable to those old guys who are lurking in the forbidden zones."

"Brother Mingzun is indeed extraordinary. He is so young, yet his cultivation is remarkable." Chuanying exclaimed in admiration. This one move alone impressed him, and he knew that a real fight would be even more terrifying.

"I am truly ashamed. When I was your age, I was still struggling in the realm of the Great Sages." The God Lord gave a bitter laugh. He was a proud man who ruled over all the gods and looked down on all directions. But today he was severely defeated. There are always people more capable than you, and heavens beyond heavens.

In an instant, their way of addressing each other changed from friends to brothers, with the one who achieved success taking precedence.

Much later, the Emperor's incarnation reappeared to inquire about some fragments of the Immortal Realm from Wang Hongwu.

“There are indeed substances that grant immortality there, as well as rifts connecting the two worlds, but they are all random and unpredictable. It’s extremely difficult to break through. Even if a true immortal came, he might not be able to penetrate the barrier.” Wang Hongwu pondered. Breaking through was really unrealistic, unless it was a strange world.

The Emperor looked calmly at Wang Hongwu with deep eyes and asked, "Fellow Daoist, do you think that, regardless of lifespan or anything else, my current combat power is sufficient to reach the Immortal realm?"

Having survived a second life on his own, and possessing a humanoid elixir of immortality to prolong his life, Wang Hongwu is now uncertain about the Emperor's true strength and which incarnation he is. However, it is certain that he cannot open the barrier of the Immortal Realm; that would require the combined efforts of three mortal immortals. At most, he could only make his way into the Path to Immortality and the Strange World.

“I have never seen an immortal either, but with your strength, fellow Daoist, breaking through the path to immortality is not a problem.” Wang Hongwu mentioned tactfully, but the Emperor’s avatar smiled faintly, “It’s alright, I have my own plans. Fellow Daoist, why don’t you stay in the Heavenly Court for now, and in the future join forces with me to see an immortal in the mortal world and enjoy immortality.”

Wang Hongwu nodded slightly. He was not opposed to joining the Heavenly Court. At least at this time, the Emperor was still normal, and he himself was strong enough.

Very well, the Emperor said no more and his avatar dispersed. Chuan Ying and the others gathered around with joy on their faces. They had gained another friend with extraordinary strength, which was a good thing.

"It seems you've almost fully grasped the formula for that pill. Now, it's time to take action," Cao Yusheng said, glancing towards the Emperor's secluded cultivation spot.

A controversy surrounding the elixir of immortality is about to erupt.

For the next ten years, Wang Hongwu devoted himself to cultivation in the Heavenly Court, occasionally engaging in discussions and battles with Chuanying and the Divine Lord. He spent a very pleasant time there, with no disputes, only discussions. The atmosphere of the mythological era was indeed different.

On that very day, the Heavenly Court suddenly trembled violently, celestial clouds shone brightly, and countless layers of auspicious light surged forth, with an aura far surpassing that of any living emperor.

In an instant, the Primordial Ancient Mine, Burial Sky Island, Immortal Tomb, and Earth's Kunlun Mountains all turned their gazes toward us.

From the deepest part of the Heavenly Court, a seven-colored road stretched out rapidly, and the Emperor's true form emerged from seclusion.

"I wish to open the furnace and refine the Nine-Turn Immortal Pill." Without any preamble, the Emperor directly stated his will, and the Heavenly Court was about to take action.

"So that's the point. It seems his strength has indeed reached its peak, and he's going to invite the Heavenly Venerable of the Forbidden Zone to come out and join forces to conquer the Immortal Realm. In between, there's also the great battle with the Underworld Venerable to forge the Immortal Cauldron and drive out the Kunlun remnants. I've somehow stumbled upon it." Wang Hongwu's expression shifted, and he understood the current timeline. It wasn't far from the time when the entire sect ascended to immortality.

But in this short period of time, a number of major events have occurred, and with his strength, he is capable of influencing the situation.

"Among the single-ingredient formulas for immortal pills, the elixir of immortality is available within the Heavenly Court, and some can be collected by mobilizing forces. But for others, only the Primordial Ancient Mine and Burial Island possess them," Cao Yusheng said. The Nine-Turn Immortal Pill is not so easy to refine; the required materials cannot be collected even by scouring the universe, and must be obtained from forbidden zones.

"Then we'll go into the Primordial Ancient Mine and mine on Burial Sky Island. If there's resistance, we'll quell it; if there are enemies, we'll kill them." The Emperor's face was blurred, his expression neither sad nor happy, but his words were calm yet forceful, showing that he didn't take the Primordial Ancient Mine and Burial Sky Island seriously at all!

"Then let's set off. Ghost Lord, God Lord, you two take the other seven divine generals to be responsible for collecting materials and overseeing the Heavenly Court. Chuan Ying and Fellow Daoist Mingzun, come with us to the Primordial Ancient Mine." Cao Yusheng quickly made arrangements. At this moment, he was indeed different from Duan De, much more serious and reliable.

In an instant, the immense power of the Heavenly Court began to operate, splitting into two groups that swept across the universe in a mighty force.

As the Emperor's Seven-Colored Great Dao swept across the universe, all eyes turned to him. The four figures suppressed the heavens and the earth, their majesty shaking all directions.

Ahead, an ancient star appeared, seemingly existing since the last era, its age impossible to determine.

On the surface of that star lies an ancient mine, spewing forth auspicious rays that influence the heavens and stars, forming a vast and boundless field.

It seemed to be breathing, rising and falling, sending out ripples that swept across the heavens.

"The Primordial Ancient Mine is somewhat different from what we've seen in later generations." Wang Hongwu was quite interested, and his eyes instantly transformed into the Sun and Moon Heavenly Eyes, scanning the mine and discovering that it was constantly changing. From its initial dazzling celestial light to its current return to simplicity, it would occasionally transform into a black hole.

"Fairy energy!"

At this moment, Cao Yusheng's eyes lit up. At the entrance of the ancient mine in the distance, there were wisps of celestial mist, the aura of which was incomparably holy and peaceful, spreading out from the ancient cave.

At the same time, from the depths of the ancient mine, came a song, melodious and beautiful, like heavenly music, as if a fairy was singing sadly.

"Your Majesty, shall we venture into the Primordial Ancient Mine? That is a perilous place that has been left over since the Chaotic Ancient Era, where too many ancient beings lurk."

Within the Northern Star and the Immortal Tomb, two pairs of eyes were focused on the situation. As one of the Nine Heavenly Venerables, the actions of this last one would change the cosmic landscape, and could not be ignored.

(End of this chapter)