Hearing that voice, the dragon elders were all startled. Their original objective had been for Imperial Son Mingxi to defeat and execute that little barbarian, the Holy Venerable, in this battle.
By leveraging the momentum of slaying the Holy Venerable, Imperial Son Mingxi was supposed to face Xu Ying with his cultivation and prowess elevated to the absolute peak. That way, when confronting Xu Ying, he would hold a massive advantage!
Yet unexpectedly, something had gone awry during the execution of Holy Venerable Yuan Yu. By all reason, this barbarian should have perished at the hands of Imperial Son Mingxi, but he refused to follow any reason.
While recovering from his wounds, Holy Venerable Yuan Yu had actually comprehended the Great Daos left behind in his Dao injuries by the seventeen Grand Completion elders, using them to complete the myriad Daos of his Daming Palace. As a result, his cultivation and strength had advanced by leaps and bounds!
Those who ascended from the Earth Immortal Realm were indeed a pack of barbarians; they had never witnessed truly profound arts, nor had they encountered many exalted Great Daos.
Yet that did not make them foolish.
On the contrary, to fight their way out from an ocean of competitors in a place as brutally contested as the Earth Immortal Realm and achieve such heights, both Xu Ying and Holy Venerable Yuan Yu were peerless geniuses!
Because they had never seen profound arts or learned profound Great Daos before, the moment they laid eyes upon such arts and Daos, they frenziedly absorbed their nutrients, driving their cultivation and strength upward at an astonishing pace!
Such a speed of improvement far outstripped that of any dragon immortal in the Heavenly Immortal Realm!
"Xu Ying is here? The one your dragon race wants to defeat is Xu Ying?" The Holy Venerable looked up with great interest, gazing toward the towering, powerful dragon elders stationed outside the worlds. He chuckled, "If your dragon race lacks capable hands, I can take your place! To tell you the truth, I have a bit of a personal score to settle with Xu Ying..."
"Humph!"
The dragon elders flared with anger. Thirteen among them were the very elders who had defeated Holy Venerable Yuan Yu in ten moves back then. Reaching out together, they pressed downward and suppressed the Holy Venerable.
The Holy Venerable put up no resistance at all, letting them seal him in place.
The elders did not kill him. Rescuing Imperial Son Mingxi, they all knitted their brows.
This time, the dragon race was very likely headed for a crushing defeat!
Xu Ying defeating Imperial Son Mingxi was bad enough, but the crux was: what would happen after that defeat?
At present, the foundation of the dragon race lay in comprehensive Zangification and in fully cultivating the Dao methods of the other shore. If Xu Ying defeated Imperial Son Mingxi, would the dragon race continue to adhere to complete Zangification? If they chose to revert to tradition and learn the Dao methods of the Earth Immortal Realm from Xu Ying, would the Heavenly Immortal Realm descend into internal strife and civil war?
Would the other shore intervene?
Would their own interests be compromised?
Suddenly, the voice of Heavenly Prime Minister Yuan Heng rang out: "Rest assured, everyone. I have my own plans regarding this matter. That barbarian Xu Ying will never throw our Heavenly Immortal Realm into chaos! I have already invited Young Master Qixuan's senior brother, the eldest disciple of the Immortal True King Yinyuanzi—Young Master Hongbo."
The elders' expressions shifted slightly. One elder spoke up, "Heavenly Prime Minister, bringing the forces of the other shore into the Heavenly Immortal Realm might not be appropriate, wouldn't you say? If Young Master Hongbo comes to deal with the barbarian Xu Ying, doesn't that imply our dragon race is incompetent?"
"Your dragon race is incompetent to begin with!"
A voice came from behind Yuan Heng. The outlander, Young Master Hongbo, stood tall and marched forward with the stride of a dragon and the prowl of a tiger. He carried a formidable dignity, possessing the form and aura of an ancient god. Sneering, he said, "Your dragon race could not even protect my junior brother and two junior sisters. If that isn't incompetence, what is?
"Your dragon race cannot even deal with a mere barbarian, left utterly helpless and forced to invite me for assistance. If that isn't incompetence, what is?"
He glanced around and declared, "If you dragons cannot hold the Heavenly Immortal Realm, then surrender it. My master would be more than happy to descend and rule this realm!"
The elders remained silent, none daring to speak.
Seeing them keep their mouths shut, Outlander Hongbo sneered, "Cowards! Wake up your Imperial Son and have him continue challenging the barbarian Xu Ying!"
Yuan Heng gave a start and hurriedly said, "Young Master Hong, His Highness is no match for Xu Ying..."
Outlander Hongbo laughed. "Of course I know he is no match for Xu Ying. If he could defeat Xu Ying, there would be no need to invite me. What I want is for your Imperial Son to be defeated by Xu Ying, and then I will defeat Xu Ying!"
He burst into loud laughter. "I want the dragons of your Heavenly Immortal Realm to see that even if you learn our Dao methods and cultivation arts from the other shore, you remain an inferior race, far beneath the sacred race of the other shore!"
Righteous indignation welled within the elders, yet none dared lift a hand against him.
Swallowing his pride, Yuan Heng forced a smile and pleaded, "Young Master Hong, could we switch to someone else? Spare His Highness from taking the field..."
Outlander Hongbo sneered, "You think you can switch just because you want to? My junior brother Qixuan died in your Heavenly Immortal Realm, which has already provoked my master to thunderous fury. Cross me again, and my master will descend in person to demand an explanation from the Heavenly Immortal Realm!"
Just as Yuan Heng was about to plead further, Imperial Son Mingxi's voice suddenly drifted over: "Heavenly Prime Minister, say no more. I... I shall go and face Xu Ying!"
Yuan Heng and the others were shaken. They saw Imperial Son Mingxi clambering to his feet from within the minor heavens. His face was ash-gray and his aura was far weaker than before, yet his expression was resolute. "I promised before all under heaven to face Xu Ying, so I will not break my word. Victory or defeat, I shall shoulder it!"
Outlander Hongbo revealed a look of appreciation and laughed. "You dragon actually have some backbone. Knowing defeat is certain, you still step forward to challenge that barbarian and willingly endure humiliation. You are a disciple of Grand Dao Lord Taiyi? It seems you never received his true transmission, or there would be no need for me to step in. Very well. Recover for a few days, and once your wounds heal, challenge Xu Ying!"
Turning around, he instructed Yuan Heng, "Find a few dragon maidens to serve me. I prefer those from respectable backgrounds."
Yuan Heng complied, feeling stifled and humiliated beyond measure, yet he still departed to arrange it.
***
Xu Ying led Mingman and Man Kongming into the Dragon Court Imperial Capital. The architecture here was even more ostentatious; towering edifices thrust sharply into the clouds, and the immortal palaces and halls radiated an exotic flair. Drifting between the structures were cave abysses and immortal mountains—some standing upright, others suspended upside down.
Taking in the sight, Xu Ying smiled. "These buildings are better suited for outlanders than for the dragon race."
Man Kongming said, "If Brother Xu doesn't mind, why not stay at my place for a few days?"
Mingman giggled. "Once my master beats Prince Mingxi and the dragon race turns hostile against him, your home will be toast! You might even get your scalp peeled and your dragon sinews ripped out. Better to come to my place!"
Man Kongming shivered, then laughed boisterously. "Little girl, you have a house in the Dragon Court Imperial Capital? You're clearly human."
Princess Mingman guided the two of them toward the Imperial Palace of the capital, smiling. "Of course. My family's house is the largest in the entire capital. Going to my place after beating Prince Mingxi is guaranteed to be safe—no one will dare touch Little Master."
Half-believing and half-doubting, Man Kongming followed along. He noticed the Imperial Palace drawing closer and closer, yet Princess Mingman showed no sign of stopping.
Just like that, the trio arrived before the Imperial Palace. Princess Mingman revealed her true form and escorted them inside without encountering any resistance; the dragon immortal guards along the way did not dare bar their path.
Man Kongming was dumbfounded.
Princess Mingman smiled. "Little Master will stay in my manor. Wild Dragon, you go back to your own place. A wild dragon staying in my manor would invite gossip."
Man Kongming pointed at Xu Ying and snapped, "Why can he stay with you, then?"
Princess Mingman replied cheerily, "Little Master isn't a dragon. We belong to different species and different races, so nothing could possibly happen between us, meaning there won't be any scandalous rumors..." Saying this, she cast a guilty glance at Xu Ying.
After driving Man Kongming out of her residence, Princess Mingman shifted back into the form of a young human girl and arranged accommodations for Xu Ying. She then summoned several dragon maidens and instructed, "Fetch a few sets of my brother Mingxi's clothes for Young Master Xu to change into... Wait, if my brother isn't using his carriage, borrow that too; I'll need it when I take Young Master Xu sightseeing. Also, borrow my brother's two maidservants who are skilled at playing instruments and singing."
The dragon maidens complied. One of them teased, "Princess, why not pull His Highness out of his residence altogether and let Young Master Xu move in?"
Mingman laughed. "That's not out of the question! I'll send you, little girl, to tell my brother!"
The maidens were startled and hastily protested, "We wouldn't dare say such a thing!"
Mingman shooed them out, then turned to Xu Ying. "Rest first, Little Master. I'll be staying in the adjacent room. Call me if you need anything. Running around and fighting all these days has left me exhausted, so I'm going to sleep now."
Xu Ying gave a slight nod.
Once Mingman departed, Xu Ying sat down, closed his eyes to rest his mind, and began organizing the thirty-six Great Daos.
A moment later, a pecking sound tapped against the window frame. Princess Mingman's voice came from outside, whispering, "Little Master, are you asleep yet?"
Xu Ying replied, "Not yet."
Princess Mingman said, "Sleep early, then. I'll be sleeping right next door. My door isn't locked, so if anything comes up, just come find me."
Xu Ying gave an affirmative grunt.
Princess Mingman left.
After another while, she was tapping at the window frame again. "Little Master, are you asleep yet?"
Xu Ying said, "Not yet."
Princess Mingman chuckled. "I haven't been home in so long, and the house feels terribly lonely. I keep feeling like my room is haunted. Little Master, let me sleep over at your place. With you by my side, I won't be scared."
Xu Ying said, "Just come in."
Mingman pushed open the window and climbed through, seeing that Xu Ying's bedding remained undisturbed—he truly had not slept.
Wearing a diaphanous nightgown, the dragon girl scrambled in and zipped straight under the covers. She poked out only half of her head and face, clutching the edge of the quilt with both hands as if terrified of ghosts. She giggled, "Little Master, do you think ghosts really exist in this world? I heard the palace matrons say there are ghosts, but I've never seen one."
Xu Ying said, "Of course there are ghosts. The Earth Immortal Realm and the Mortal Realm have underworlds. Even when immortals die, their souls fly out to become ghosts, entering the underworld before reentering the cycle of reincarnation."
He pondered for a moment and added, "As for the Heavenly Immortal Realm, by logic it should have an underworld as well. Could one enter the Heavenly Immortal Realm from the underworld...?"
At this point, he suddenly jolted.
The reason the Heavenly Immortal Realm and the Earth Immortal Realm were disconnected was the barrier of the gelatinous zone. If an underworld existed, then the underworld of the Heavenly Immortal Realm and that of the Earth Immortal Realm would be connected because of it!
And the reason the Heavenly Immortal Realm lacked an underworld was that its native worldly Great Daos had been obliterated by the Emerald Rock, and the worldly Great Daos of the other shore contained no Dao pertaining to an underworld. Thus, the Heavenly Immortal Realm had none!
*If the Ancestral God reconstructs the Heavenly Dao of the Heavenly Immortal Realm, this realm will develop an underworld, and travel between the three realms will open up...*
He fell into deep contemplation. Would the interconnection of the three realms be a blessing or a curse?
Would it deal a fatal blow to the Earth Immortal Realm and the Mortal Realm?
Could the Mortal Realm still remain aloof and preserve the final strength of humanity and demonkind under the invasion of the Heavenly Immortal Realm and the other shore?
"Hey! Hey!"
From beneath the covers, Princess Mingman called him back from his reverie, smiling playfully. "Aren't you scared of ghosts, Little Master? Why not lie down under the covers with me? If the two of us squeeze together, there's nothing to fear."
Xu Ying burst into laughter and shook his head. "Would your master fear ghosts? I share life-and-death bonds with all five underworld overlords..."
"I kicked off my nightgown."
Princess Mingman's eyes brimmed with affection as she poked a foot out from under the covers, dangling her nightgown from her toes.
Xu Ying was a young man full of vigor; how could he withstand such a sight?
Right at that moment, Imperial Son Mingxi's voice drifted in from outside: "Brother Xu, Mingxi requests an audience. Little sister Man, the clothes and precious carriage you wanted—I have brought them all."
Princess Mingman took fright, hastily pulling the nightgown back under the covers and tossing it on haphazardly.
Xu Ying's surging blood settled back down. With a single punch, he blasted a large hole through the wall, signaling Mingman to scurry back to her own room.
Only then did he open the door, step outside, and smile. "To think Your Highness would deliver them in person. I am truly flattered."
Imperial Son Mingxi's gaze rested on him with a complex expression. He sighed and said, "My sister is still in the room putting on her clothes, so let us take a walk outside."
Xu Ying's face flushed slightly, and he defended himself, "Nothing happened between your sister and me! I have behaved as a gentleman throughout."
Imperial Son Mingxi replied, "Even if you were no gentleman, it would not matter. If my sister likes you, I will not interfere. Xu Ying, you are exceedingly remarkable. Though your race is lowly, among all the young dragon talents across the entire Heavenly Immortal Realm, very few can surpass you. It is only natural that she is drawn to you."
Xu Ying let out a breath of relief and smiled. "Your Highness seems different this time compared to our last meeting."
Imperial Son Mingxi smiled. "I suffered some minor injuries and need a few days of recuperation before measuring myself against you. So I thought, since there are still a few days before our duel, why not take advantage of this time to make friends with Fellow Daoist Xu?"
Surprised, Xu Ying looked him up and down. He found that the injuries on Mingxi felt remarkably familiar—he must have been beaten by the Holy Venerable.
*Strange. Isn't the Holy Venerable recuperating? How could he have thrashed Mingxi?*
He was thoroughly perplexed. *Could Mingxi think I would reveal the secret to cracking the Holy Venerable's Dao methods?*
The two walked side by side, admiring the exotic scenery of the Imperial Palace. Before they realized it, they arrived before a pond. Imperial Son Mingxi broke the silence: "Last time we discussed the Dao in Jinhan City, you spoke of reversing Post-Heaven into Pre-Heaven. I could not agree. The Pre-Heaven Dao possesses an orderly transmission and traceable transformations; motion and stillness arise without origin, yin and yang exist without a beginning, established through Creation."
Xu Ying said, "Those are contents from the Good Fortune Mysterious Art."
Imperial Son Mingxi said, "Taiji, Wuji, Yin and Yang, Creation, the Five Elements, the Nine Palaces, and on to all other three thousand Pre-Heaven Great Daos—trace the marvel of their transformations, and all can be unified into Taiyi. This is the true essence of Grand Dao Lord Taiyi's Dao method."
Xu Ying's mind was profoundly shaken. He asked, "How does one discern the marvelous transformations of the Pre-Heaven Great Daos to return them to Taiyi?"
Imperial Son Mingxi said, "This is an esoteric secret of Grand Dao Lord Taiyi. I studied under him for several years, and his disciples were mostly guarded against me, yet I still inadvertently obtained a single line of true transmission from one senior brother."
Speaking in the Dao language of the other shore, he recited measuredly:
"The Dao Lord states: Primordial qi arises within the boundless expanse and outside the nether realm, born from the cavernous void; within the cavernous void, it is born from the Great Nonexistence; Great Nonexistence transforms, and the three qis shine forth in brilliance.
"The three qis are in chaos, arising from the Great Void to establish the void cavern; through the cavern, nonexistence is established; through nonexistence, existence is born; through existence, emptiness is established. The transformations of emptiness and nonexistence, void generating nature—the upper qi is named Shi, the middle qi is named Yuan, and the lower qi is named Xuan.
"What Xuan Qi generates emerges from emptiness; what Yuan Qi generates emerges from the cavern; what Shi Qi generates emerges from nonexistence. Thus One generates Two, Two generates Three, and the three transform and bring forth all up to the Ninefold Profound; returning from Nine back to One, one enters the true Dao."
Having reached this point, Imperial Son Mingxi concluded, "This single line of true transmission conceals Grand Dao Lord Taiyi's esoteric secret. It is the very foundation of uniting with the Dao."
Xu Ying's expression turned solemn. This line of true transmission from Imperial Son Mingxi was priceless beyond measure; it illuminated for him the subtle mystery of how to integrate various Great Daos!
His expression shifted between light and dark, his heart torn by hesitation and struggle. After a moment, he finally reached a decision.
"You were injured by Holy Venerable Yuan Yu, so you want to trade this line of transmission for the method to crack his Dao arts, don't you?"
Xu Ying sneered, "Do you look down on me so much that you thought I would betray him? I, Xu Ying, am an upstanding, eight-foot-tall man... Fine, I will tell you the flaws in the Holy Venerable's cultivation method."
Chapter 693