There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 167 Echoes [Third Update]

In a daze, deep within the main hall, before the murals, the air rippled like water, and a blurry yet majestic figure slowly emerged!
Chen Qing's pupils suddenly contracted!

The man was dressed in imperial robes and wore a crown. Although his face was indistinct, he possessed an unparalleled aura of ruling over the eight wastelands and governing the world, as if he had stood here since time immemorial!

As soon as it appeared, the surrounding space seemed unable to bear its weight, as if it was about to collapse!
The next instant, the empty gaze of the phantom suddenly focused, piercing through the dust of time and landing on Chen Qing!
The corners of His mouth seemed to curve slightly, revealing a smile, before it disappeared.

"Om-"

A strange connection was suddenly established between Chen Qing and that imperial shadow!
Chen Qing felt that his thoughts were more active and clear than ever before, as if he could summon some kind of great power in the dark with just a thought, so that this figure that had been silent in the dust of history could be solidified for a moment!

Even if it's just for a moment!
"hiss--"

He was startled, and a fine layer of cold sweat broke out on his back!
He had already guessed the identity of that figure!
Its power is immense. Even if it is just a fragment of history solidified for a moment, the consequences it will cause are immeasurable!

Just as his thoughts raced, deep within his Niwan Palace, one of the three true spiritual blessings recorded in the Dao Yan Lu suddenly appeared in his mind—

The third true spirit bestows protection, connecting destiny with the netherworld!

Due to the karmic connection with the Taiyuan Immortal Emperor, it can trigger historical echoes in the corresponding places and reproduce its power!
"So that's how it is! This Zhenyuan Xuan Palace was personally established by the Taiyuan Immortal Emperor, and it is the most fitting corresponding place!"

Immediately afterwards, he noticed that the mural itself also resonated faintly, subtly resonating with him.

"This is the second blessing of the true spirit, a spiritual connection to the name of the revered one! All relics and past events related to the name of 'Hidden Star True Lord' will be affected! This mural is among them!"

"Fellow Daoist Jiming?" The Ice Soul Girl beside him called out when she saw him standing there in a daze for a long time, his breathing fluctuating. "Have you discovered something?"

Chen Qing snapped back to his senses, his eyes losing all their surprise, and shook his head slightly: "I was just moved by the sight of this sacred site of the patriarch, and lost my focus for a moment." At the same time, he realized that only he could see that figure just now.

Upon hearing this, Ao Yu laughed heartily and said, "Junior brother, there's no need to be shy! Which hidden star disciple wouldn't lose his composure upon first seeing the awe-inspiring presence of our patriarch? When I first saw the rubbing in the Dragon Palace Secret Scroll, I was also stunned for a long time! I wished I could kowtow a hundred times on the spot!"

He felt that he shared similar interests with Chen Qing, and his tone became increasingly intimate and warm.

Lu Zhao smiled and nodded, his gaze towards the mural filled with reverence.

Chen Qing sensed the profound connection within his Niwan Palace, but his expression remained unchanged. Following Ao Yu's words, he looked at the mural and gently exhaled a breath of turbid air: "Indeed, such divine power is truly captivating."

After paying their respects to the patriarch, the group walked around and, finding nothing else to see, found a relatively intact side hall. They brushed away the dust and took their seats.

Ao Yu sat down with great pomp and circumstance, surveying the desolate palace. He laughed and said, "The work of Emperor Taiyuan is indeed magnificent. Even after being abandoned for thousands of years, its power still remains. It is fate that you were able to find this place, Junior Brother."

Lu Zhao interjected, "The word 'fate' is the most unpredictable. Who could have foreseen that Junior Brother Jiming's trip to Beiming would cause such a huge upheaval?" His tone was gentle, but his words subtly shifted, "First, the Demon Cave turned the tide, and then... alas, that proud daughter of the Lin family, and Liu Yu, both perished in the North."

Chen Qing said frankly, "They want to punish me for no reason. I am inferior to them and have been killed instead. Do you expect me to just sit here and wait to die?"

“That’s not what I meant.” Lu Zhao waved his hand. “It’s just that the situation has changed. Compared to that, the matter of the demonic energy in the North is insignificant. Now, many people in Yujing are considering this, and it involves a wide range of people. The most important one is the Zhenglu Sect behind the Lin family. You have the ability to circumvent the law, which is an enemy of their foundation. It will be very difficult to resolve this peacefully.”

He paused briefly before continuing, "The Heavenly Secrets Alliance behind the Liu family is relatively easy to deal with; this alliance is loosely organized and focuses more on exchanging benefits. But there is another organization that is particularly interested in you. After hearing the news, they took the initiative to jump out, wanting to use this as an excuse to make trouble."

"Oh?" Chen Qing looked up. "Which one?"

“Taiyi Dao Palace,” Lu Zhao uttered.

Chen Qing frowned: "How dare a sect interfere in court affairs?"

“It’s not interference.” Lu Zhao sighed and explained, “The Immortal Dynasty selects officials primarily through recommendation, supplemented by evaluation. Therefore, most of the people in the court come from the Five Sects and Six Religions. The Five Sects are the Mysterious Female Medicine Sect, the Radiant Dragon Sect, the Sword Washing Pool, the Witch Ancestor Altar, and the Hundred Crafts Mountain; the Six Religions are the Taiyi Dao Palace, the Heavenly Secret Alliance, the Liyang Palace, the Southern Flame Palace, the Zhenglu Religion, and the Ghost Sound Valley.”

Ao Yu, who was standing next to him, interjected: "Guanghan Palace was originally one of the Six Religions, but unfortunately it declined in the middle of its development and was replaced by Nanyan Palace. Otherwise, given your relationship with them, you would be of great help."

“The court is now basically controlled by these eleven factions,” Lu Zhao nodded, his tone turning serious. “The Zhenglu Sect sees you as a thorn in their side, and the Taiyi Dao Palace is also paying close attention to you. However, your actions this time have also been valued by some.” He changed the subject, “The Huanglong Sect, the Liyang Palace, and my Yinxing Sect have a long-standing friendship and have agreed to secretly protect us. Just now on the way, Chen Xinghen sent a message, providing a solution.”

"What method is it?" Chen Qing asked, wondering why Chen Xinghen would send a special message.

Lu Zhao said solemnly, "He said that someone above suggested that you be given a substantive position as the deputy commander of the Sky Patrol Guard. If you accept this position, you will bear the fortune of the Celestial Dynasty and will need to serve in the Jade Capital for thirty years. During this period, no one will be allowed to use this incident to provoke you again."

The Ice Soul Girl, who had been listening quietly to the side, moved her lips slightly as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, it turned into a soft hum.

Ao Yu narrowed his eyes slightly, observing coldly without saying a word. Chen Qing frowned: "The Sky Patrol Guard? Lin Ruhui seems to be from this department as well?"

“That’s right.” Lu Zhao readily admitted, “She is the deputy envoy of the Sky Patrol Division, and her rank is equivalent to the deputy commander you will be appointed as. This move is also to compensate the Sky Patrol Division for its losses. They lost a capable officer, and someone has to fill the vacancy.”

As he spoke, he said sincerely, "This position has both advantages and disadvantages. Although it requires serving the Celestial Dynasty and being subject to its constraints, it also provides protection from the dynasty's fortune, saving one countless troubles and allowing access to the resources of the Jade Capital. It is truly a position with many benefits."

“If one day I receive an order, am I to be like Lin Ruhui, arresting people without cause? Wouldn’t I become a laughing stock then?” Chen Qing said, shaking his head. “I’m afraid I cannot comply.”

"Hahaha!" Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince Ao Yu not only wasn't annoyed, but clapped his hands and laughed, "Good! You have a temper! That's more like someone from the Hidden Star lineage! Why should we have to run around and risk our lives just because of an imperial edict from the Jade Capital?"

The Ice Soul Girl also smiled, her eyes sweeping over Chen Qing with admiration.

Lu Zhao had anticipated this, and sighed softly, his tone still gentle: "Only with a firm Dao heart, unmoved by external things, can one climb to the pinnacle of the Great Dao. Junior Brother's determination is admirable, but in doing so, it will be difficult to explain to the Jade Capital. According to past rules, we will inevitably have to put on a show and give an explanation before we can see what the next step will be."

Chen Qing nodded, his expression unchanged: "I understand."

Seeing this, Lu Zhao continued, "However, junior brother, there is no need to worry too much. Since you are unwilling, we will naturally stand on your side. You have something to rely on, and within the rules, they will not dare to be too presumptuous. I will now convey your message back to Yujing, and I believe we will receive a response soon."

He paused, then said, "Before the decision is made in Yujing, this place should be safe. What are your plans next, Junior Brother?"

Chen Qing turned his gaze to the enormous "Heavenly Evolution and World-Calming Diagram" and said, "Now that I have a moment of peace, I should go into seclusion to comprehend and refine the newly acquired supernatural powers." He had already calculated in his mind that there were still three days left before he "awakened from this dream."

Before he could finish speaking, and before anyone could respond, Chen Qing stood up, took a step, and went straight to the huge mural. He sat cross-legged on the cold ground, closed his eyes, and focused his mind.

"Huh?" The Ice Soul Girl let out a soft exclamation, her face showing surprise. "Why did you go to that mural to try and comprehend it? Although this painting contains Daoist principles, it is vast and boundless, and cannot be understood in a short time..."

Ao Yu's eyes lit up, thinking he had grasped the essence, and he exclaimed in admiration, "Wonderful! I've long heard that Junior Brother Jiming's comprehension is extraordinary! This is using the power of the Ancestral Master's statue to temper his own Dao heart and gather invincible power! Perhaps after a few days of seclusion, he can truly make another breakthrough! He truly deserves the person I've chosen!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhao shook his head slightly and smiled without saying a word.

Although he acknowledged Chen Qing's exceptional talent, the fact that he had reached the seventh level of the Golden Core stage was already an astonishingly strong foundation. Now that he had exhausted his resources, he feared that Chen Qing's progress would be minimal in just a few days.

"Most likely, they will remain calm and adjust their strategy to prepare for the impending storm."

Outside the Jade Capital, Mount Zhaoding shines.

The main hall of the Huanglong Sect.

Chen Xinghen looked regretful and stood outside the hall with his head bowed. He finished reporting the message from the north word for word, and the hall fell silent for a moment.

After a long while, deep within the hall, a blurry figure shrouded in dragon energy and immortal light chuckled softly, its voice reverberating through the void: "Xinghen, there's no need to sigh. You've achieved early success and are full of vigor. You've slain many powerful enemies, so naturally you feel that you can go anywhere in the world and break any rules. I had such ambition when I was young, so it's not surprising."

Chen Xinghen's lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say a few words in defense of Chen Qing.

The figure then said, "Since this boy formed his core, he has swept through everything in his path, defeating Nascent Soul cultivators and slaying Immortal Envoys. His momentum is unstoppable. If someone were to try to persuade him to bow down and submit, would he be willing to do so? If it were you, would you be able to listen to such advice?"

The voice paused for a moment before continuing, “I do cherish talent and wish to cultivate it, but the capital is not a rural area. Rules and regulations cannot be easily disregarded. Those who are too sharp need to be tempered and their arrogance extinguished before they can truly become useful. Otherwise, it is not out of love, but rather harm.”

Chen Xinghen felt a chill run down his spine, already knowing what he meant.

Sure enough, the man immediately said, "Isn't he arrogant because he thinks he's invincible in the Golden Core stage and can defeat Nascent Soul stage cultivators? Let him see for himself what a true Golden Core peak is! Go to Luojia Mountain and have your senior sister come out of seclusion, go north, defeat Li Qing, and then let him come to Yujing."

Chen Xinghen hesitated: "If we let Senior Sister take action, wouldn't that cause too much of a commotion? Besides, once the news gets out, the other families might think the situation has changed, and that could cause more trouble..."

"It's alright." The man said calmly, "Jade must be carved to become a useful object, and people must experience setbacks to know the true extent of their abilities. Only by personally experiencing the real difference can one put away arrogance, calmly accept instruction, and go."

"Yes." Chen Xinghen said no more, bowed respectfully, and turned to leave.

After its figure disappeared, deep within the vast hall, the blurry figure let out a soft sigh, its whisper dissipating into the misty celestial light.

“The Hidden Star Sect… This Immortal Dynasty no longer needs a World-Stabilizing True Monarch who stands apart from the court.”

(End of this chapter)