Shameless!

Within the Phoenix Palace, Great Venerable Moli lay reclined upon a couch, a teasing smile flickering in her eyes. "The two of them clashed so quickly. Truly impatient." Great Venerable Moli breathed like orchids. The clash between the Blood-Robed Sword God and Great Venerable Wujun had indeed been part of her calculations. What surprised her was that this day had arrived so soon. In the ancient mirror before her, the back of a man in dark cyan robes faced away from Great Venerable Moli as his voice echoed. "Who do you think will emerge victorious in this battle?" "Is there even a need to think? Great Venerable Wujun, of course." Great Venerable Moli brushed back her silky hair with her slender fingers. Great Venerable Wujun was a supreme expert at the peak of the fourth step of Sky Treading. In the Canglan Realm, the Blood-Robed Sword God was at most at the fourth step of Sky Treading; he was no match for Great Venerable Wujun. "My view differs from yours," the low voice of the figure in the ancient mirror said. "Oh? Could the Blood-Robed Sword God actually win?" Great Venerable Moli chuckled softly. "If he could win, I might truly fall head over heels for him. What harm would there be in becoming a pair of doomed mandarin ducks with him for a day?" The figure in the ancient mirror seemed not to hear her words and merely continued, "He was the one who challenged Great Venerable Wujun. "I have always maintained that whoever issues the challenge is the one who wins." In his eyes, how could the Blood-Robed Sword God have challenged Great Venerable Wujun without absolute confidence? After all, having reached such a realm, how could anyone act without certainty? It was the same principle behind why Great Venerable Moli had held the Mythological Secret Vault for so many years; countless experts coveted it in secret, yet not one had dared to seize it openly. "Had I never met the Blood-Robed Sword God, I might have believed your words. "Yet that man... cannot be judged by common sense." Great Venerable Moli recalled her meeting with the Blood-Robed Sword God. When ordinary Great Venerables met, their conversations were polite and refined, as lofty as high mountains and flowing waters. Who among them was like him, blathering at every turn about how, since she loved him so much, why not just give him the Mythological Secret Vault? Whenever he spoke, he never left himself a path of retreat. "Then let us wait and see." With that, the figure in the ancient mirror fell silent once more. Great Venerable Moli stood up, draping a multicolored robe over her exquisitely proportioned figure. Her exposed calves were clad in gossamer silk stockings, faintly revealing hickey-like marks that resembled tattoos. "This mistress shall go to the Dao Seeking Palace to watch the excitement." At that moment, throughout the Fengtian Domain, every Yin God not far from the Dao Seeking Palace hastened toward it. They regretted not being able to witness this duel firsthand, yet they wished to arrive on the scene to see the outcome the moment it concluded. In a battle between Great Venerables, the slightest misstep could easily decide life and death. Naturally, they wanted to join the commotion. A life-or-death battle between Great Venerables was a rare spectacle unseen in ten thousand years. Before long, terrifying auras descended upon the Dao Seeking Palace one after another. A full six Yin Gods arrived. These Yin Gods were led by Great Venerable Moli and Old Man Qishang. With six Yin Gods descending at once, the Purple Mansion cultivators of the Dao Seeking Palace trembled in sheer terror. When in their entire lives had they ever seen so many Yin Gods in a single gathering? "What a pity this divine war erupted so abruptly; we were denied the chance to witness it." Old Man Qishang was a Great Venerable from the Demon Monster Domain whose true form was a monster beast, though no one knew what kind. Now, he had settled in the Fengtian Domain. Chuckling, he stood beside Great Venerable Moli. Great Venerable Moli cast a flirtatious glance. "I wonder if there will still be a chance to see that amusing man again." She was referring to the Blood-Robed Sword God. When Great Venerables clashed, it was entirely possible for a Yin God to perish. Li Yaxian stood to the side with her granddaughter, both looking utterly lost. Today's events were so exaggerated and absurd that the two still felt as though they were in a dream. Hearing Great Venerable Moli's words, both of their faces turned pale. If the Blood-Robed Sword God... were to fall, what would become of them? Their hearts were in total disarray, though none of the cultivators present paid them any mind. Meanwhile, within the Void Realm. A vast Divine Domain, as colossal as a celestial body, permeated with the purest, most pristine aura of gold. Qi Yuan looked calmly at Great Venerable Wujun before him. "Now do you understand... just how small your Divine Domain is?" Great Venerable Wujun swallowed hard with great difficulty. The moment that terrifying figure unleashed his Divine Domain, Wujun's own Divine Domain had crumbled almost instantly. Both utilized metal, yet between him and the terrifying figure before him, they were simply not in the same league. How could such a Divine Domain exist in this world? "What is this?" Great Venerable Wujun could no longer keep his composure. His former pride, self-confidence, and fighting spirit had all been shattered the moment Star Lord Taibai Taihao of Gold Virtue appeared. "Is something wrong with your eyes?" Qi Yuan shot Great Venerable Wujun a sideways glare. "Such a huge Divine Infant, and you can't recognize it? This is my Divine Infant." Qi Yuan spoke truthfully, with a faint touch of showing off. Great Venerable Wujun was left speechless. At first, the Blood-Robed Sword God had indeed summoned a Divine Infant. Yet the moment that Divine Infant said "By your decree," it transformed into an imposing... Mythological expert. Even though this Mythological expert's condition appeared rather unusual and his Divine Domain was outrageously large. "Senior Blood-Robed Sword God... must be joking." Great Venerable Wujun lowered his head. A tumult of complex emotions welled up within him. A legendary Mythological expert, a pinnacle figure standing at the apex of the Canglan Realm, had actually challenged him. To bully a newcomer Great Venerable like him at the fourth step of Sky Treading—where was the justice in that? "In this battle, I admit defeat!" Great Venerable Wujun bowed his head, directly conceding. How could this fight continue? The disparity in realms was far too vast; admitting defeat directly was the only sensible choice. His heart was thoroughly conflicted. He desperately wanted to tell Qi Yuan: if you are a Mythological expert, just say so outright! Why did you have to challenge me? "Admit defeat?" Qi Yuan's eyes lit up. "Hand over the cultivation arts." Before the duel, the two had made a wager. If Qi Yuan won, he would obtain all the cultivation arts Great Venerable Wujun practiced. If Qi Yuan lost, he would stay far away from Great Venerable Moli forever and never covet the Mythological Secret Vault. Without the slightest hesitation, Great Venerable Wujun handed a jade slip to Qi Yuan and said respectfully, "These are all the cultivation arts I practice." His mind was overwhelmed with mixed feelings. Today's events were too surreal, making one feel as though they were living in a dream. "Since that's the case, let us head back. I'm in a hurry; I have other urgent matters to attend to," Qi Yuan said earnestly, not bothering to waste words here. "Very well," Great Venerable Wujun agreed hurriedly. In that instant, both of their figures vanished from the Void Realm. Roughly ten breaths later, a rust-red mechanical bird appeared within the Void Realm. The mechanical bird appeared to be forged entirely of refined iron, but perhaps because too much time had passed, it was covered in rust from top to bottom. It had only a single eye, its other eyeball shattered. A mechanical voice rang out at that moment. "Target: Blood-Robed Sword God. Trump card: unknown Mythological expert. This Mythological expert's state is anomalous; suspected to only unleash the peak strength of the sixth step of Sky Treading." The rust-red mechanical bird analyzed the information and transmitted it to the Four Generals of the Lei Family. ... At the Dao Seeking Palace, a sudden ripple stirred through space. The Yin Gods present all turned their gazes toward it, curiosity flickering in their eyes. They wanted to see who would emerge, and how many would walk out. Yet before anyone even stepped forth, a voice rang out in the minds of all the Yin Gods. "So many Yin Gods gathered here? What day is it today, New Year's? Are they serving a feast?" Following this voice, Qi Yuan appeared in his blood-red robes. Clad in blood armor, Great Venerable Wujun stood behind Qi Yuan like a humble attendant. This scene left all the Yin Gods present utterly dumbfounded. Great Venerable Wujun's posture and demeanor had already made the outcome of the battle abundantly clear. He... had lost! The Purple Mansion cultivators of the Dao Seeking Palace wore looks of absolute disbelief. Great Venerable Wujun, the supreme master behind their Dao Seeking Palace and the ruler behind the scenes of three domains, had actually lost to the Blood-Robed Sword God. They stared at Great Venerable Wujun as though unable to accept the result, desperate to hear him confirm it with his own lips. "I... have lost," Great Venerable Wujun spoke, admitting it outright without any hesitation. Hearing this, the expressions of the Yin Gods present shifted slightly, and the way they looked at Qi Yuan underwent a complete transformation. Especially Great Venerable Moli and Old Man Qishang. If previously they had merely treated the Blood-Robed Sword God as a junior with a bit of strength, they now regarded him as an equal. "The Blood-Robed Sword God's Dao methods are astonishing. This old man is filled with admiration." Old Man Qishang also expressed goodwill toward Qi Yuan. Great Venerable Moli cast a coquettish wink at Qi Yuan. "When will you come to the Phoenix Palace to sit and discuss the Dao with this mistress?" The other Yin God Venerables introduced themselves one after another, congratulating Qi Yuan on his victory. Great Venerable Wujun stood silently behind Qi Yuan, keeping his peace. After greeting Old Man Qishang, Qi Yuan turned his gaze toward Great Venerable Moli. "Didn't you claim to like me? "Seeing me defeat Great Venerable Wujun today, wasn't I formidable? Don't I reek of manly charm?" As Qi Yuan spoke, he raised an arm. Pity was, having become an immortal cultivator, he no longer sweated, leaving no scent whatsoever. Great Venerable Moli narrowed her eyes. Hearing Qi Yuan's words, an ominous premonition stirred in her heart. Sure enough, she heard Qi Yuan continue. "You must love me even more now, right? Shouldn't you seize this opportunity to confess your feelings to me? As long as you gift me the Mythological Secret Vault as a present, I might reluctantly agree to be your boyfriend for a day." Hearing this, the surrounding Yin Gods couldn't help but stifle their chuckles. This Blood-Robed Sword God was truly an eccentric character, just as the rumors claimed. The smile on Great Venerable Moli's face froze. She offered an awkward laugh. "Aren't you being a bit too... hasty? This mistress would feel shy." "A high-quality man like me would be fiercely sought after on the matchmaking market. "If you don't hurry up, you won't have the chance to get this close to me in the future," Qi Yuan said in all seriousness. Right now, he was still willing to give Great Venerable Moli a chance. Who knew, after playing another game, he might become someone she couldn't even dream of reaching. Great Venerable Moli offered an alluring smile, yet gave no direct answer. Qi Yuan didn't bother pressing further. Shrugging, he suddenly looked toward the Purple Mansion cultivators who had previously surrounded him. With forceful conviction, he said to Great Venerable Wujun, "I challenged you and won. Now it's my turn to challenge these old monsters, right?" He looked toward those Purple Mansion cultivators, his battle intent soaring. A month ago, these old fellows would have been his most cherished white moonlights. However, times had changed. These old fellows were aging and withered; their allure had drastically faded. Qi Yuan's words left the Yin Gods completely baffled. The Purple Mansion cultivators exchanged bewildered glances. Are you out of your mind?! You just defeated a Great Venerable, and now you turn around to challenge Purple Mansions? Pity was, these Purple Mansion cultivators were trembling in terror. Facing Qi Yuan, they dared not utter a single word. This Blood-Robed Sword God was bullying them in their frail old age! The Blood-Robed Sword God slaughtered without blinking. If their answer displeased him and he wiped them out with a single sword strike, they would truly be dead, and not a single soul would avenge them. Great Venerable Wujun felt thoroughly depressed inside, utterly incapable of grasping Qi Yuan's train of thought. He said in a deep voice, "On behalf of the Dao Seeking Palace's Purple Mansions... I concede." "Great Venerable Wujun, how can you muzzle these fellow Daoists of the Dao Seeking Palace? "They haven't even voiced their opinions, yet you speak for them. "What if they don't want to surrender and wish to fight me in an honorable battle?" Looking utterly puzzled, Qi Yuan turned to the Purple Mansion cultivators. "Do any of you dare to accept my challenge?" Great Venerable Wujun was left completely speechless. Among the crowd of Purple Mansion cultivators, the Slovenly Daoist stepped forward with trembling legs, his tone exceedingly respectful. "Senior Blood-Robed Sword God, this junior admits defeat and is willing to offer my cultivation arts to Senior!" Seeing this, the remaining Purple Mansion cultivators hurriedly spoke with utmost deference. "We concede and are willing to offer our cultivation arts to Senior!" Dozens of Purple Mansion experts conceded simultaneously, their expressions exceptionally reverent. Accepting the challenge? Even if given ten thousand times the courage, none of them would dare. At this moment, what else could they do aside from surrendering and offering up their cultivation arts? Qi Yuan beamed with joy and looked back at Great Venerable Wujun. "See that? This is where the hearts of the people lie. Conquered by my personal charisma, they voluntarily admitted defeat." Qi Yuan sighed emotionally in his heart. So that was what it meant by 'he who has just cause finds much support, while he who lacks it finds little.' Great Venerable Wujun dared not reply at all, terrified that he might blurt out that they were being coerced. "I accept your surrender, and I shall take your cultivation arts. There's no need to be so enthusiastic; it's quite embarrassing." Qi Yuan accepted the cultivation arts, feeling immensely pleased with himself. If only the old fellows from the Palace of Light had been this sensible. Had they been so accommodating and offered their arts to him, they wouldn't have ended up without even their bones left behind. However, recalling something, Qi Yuan continued, "What about the remaining Purple Mansions? When will they return to the Dao Seeking Palace so I can challenge them one by one?" Great Venerable Wujun answered expressionlessly, "All the Purple Mansions will return within the day." This time, he had learned his lesson and did not say he would have them come to surrender. "Good." Qi Yuan nodded. "Now that I have defeated everyone in your Dao Seeking Palace, according to our agreement, shouldn't your Dao Seeking Palace work for me?" According to the original agreement, Qi Yuan was to beat Great Venerable Wujun and all the Purple Mansions into submission. The Dao Seeking Palace would then hand over all their cultivation arts and work for his Origin God Sharing Society. Great Venerable Wujun remained silent for a moment before saying in a low, solemn voice, "One who wagers must accept defeat. Henceforth, the Dao Seeking Palace is at Senior's beck and call!" The moment these words fell, the expressions of the Yin Gods present shifted slightly. Great Venerable Moli and Old Man Qishang also revealed intrigued looks. Great Venerable Wujun's defeat at the hands of the Blood-Robed Sword God had been beyond their expectations, yet it was still within the realm of what they could accept. However, taking such a stance was tantamount to pledging direct allegiance. This demonstrated that Great Venerable Wujun had not merely lost, but had suffered a crushing, devastating defeat. Otherwise, why would he say he was 'at his beck and call'? In their minds, their appraisal of the Blood-Robed Sword God rose to yet another tier. At this moment, having barely beaten the Dao Seeking Palace into submission, Qi Yuan turned his gaze toward the six Yin Gods present. He spoke slowly, "It just so happens that more than half of the Fengtian Domain's Yin Gods are here today, and I happen to have an announcement for you all. "Since you are all present, I'll inform you now. "I have founded an Origin God Sharing Society. Hmm... to contend with the Great Tribulation, I hope you all will offer some support."