Chapter 543: Present a treasure |
This world, from ancient times to the present, has endured numerous calamities: the chaos of creation, the struggle for the Dao, the dragon-phoenix catastrophe, the war between witches and demons, the chaos of the Blood Ancestor, the rise of humanity, the conflict between immortals and demons, and so on.
In these repeated conflicts, many powerful races have been lost to the river of history, gradually forming a structure where the Dao Ancestor remains aloof, the Immortal Emperor governs the three realms, the human emperor manages the mortal world, the Underworld Emperor rules the underworld, and the Demon Emperor oversees the demons.
The celestial realm was established during the conflict between immortals and demons, led by the Immortal Emperor and supported by the Dao Ancestor, and has existed for millions of years.
The important positions in the celestial court are held by veterans from the great war between immortals and demons.
However, over millions of years, many human prodigies have also ascended to the celestial realm, occupying significant positions in the celestial court under the arrangement of the Immortal Emperor.
The Ten Directions Heavenly Lords, the Three Officials Emperors, various marshals, the thirty-six spiritual officers, the seventy-two celestial generals, the nine divisions and three provinces, various Star Lords...
Countless titles and positions exist, with power struggles and checks and balances, sometimes resulting in multiple direct superiors for a single deity...
The Celestial Master's Mansion is a new political force, initially fostered by the Immortal Emperor to balance the old powers.
However, due to a lack of foundation, the Celestial Master's Mansion was suppressed by the various powerful Heavenly Lords and marginalized before it could rise, and now even the Immortal Emperor pays little attention to the Celestial Masters.
...
Lou Zhen rambled on about many things.
From his chaotic gossip, Du Ge analyzed much of the true situation in the celestial court and concluded that the celestial court is now bloated, with unclear responsibilities and people idling around...
This situation is likely due to the long period of peace.
Without large-scale calamities to consume the long-lived immortals in the celestial court, such extreme power bloating has occurred.
The Immortal Emperor has probably lost control over the celestial court or is simply too lazy to manage it.
The precise governance system for the Alien Star warriors that Du Ge envisioned is merely the result of the celestial court's normal operation.
It might also be that the Alien Star warriors, having suddenly gained wealth, were too conspicuous in this world, bringing disaster upon themselves.
In any case.
The celestial court is not as united as he imagined; otherwise, it should have been the Southern Emperor investigating Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
Instead, it was people from Dragon and Tiger Mountain, likely a covert exchange of favors...
However, for Du Ge, this was a good thing, as the pressure from the celestial court was not as overwhelming.
...
Du Ge also obtained the cultivation technique for immortals from Lou Zhen.
Lou Zhen's technique came from the Celestial Master's Mansion, still part of the Dragon and Tiger Mountain's cultivation system, an upgraded version of the "Returning to Origin Dao Technique," prepared for the immortal body after ascension.
With Du Ge's current level, he couldn't cultivate it yet.
In fact.
The cultivation technique operating within Du Ge's body had little to do with Dragon and Tiger Mountain anymore; the route he created by integrating several techniques far surpassed Lou Zhen's upgraded version of the "Returning to Origin Dao Technique."
Du Ge believed that his current technique could continue to be used in the celestial court.
Like the problem Du Ge currently faced, it was very difficult for immortals who descended to the mortal world to restore their powers.
Unless relying on elixirs, the efficiency of converting mortal spiritual power into immortal spiritual power was too low; in this regard, the celestial realm's techniques were even inferior to Du Ge's self-created technique.
It's worth noting that Du Ge's speed of absorbing spiritual power was not slow.
He only refrained from cultivating because, during his practice, he would drain all the spiritual power of Dragon and Tiger Mountain for his own use, preventing others from cultivating...
Moreover, even after draining Dragon and Tiger Mountain's spiritual power, his strength didn't improve much, only slightly faster than basking in the sun or staying in the dark.
In comparison, Du Ge's divine body and divine power should be comparable to, if not surpass, the immortal body and immortal spiritual power after overcoming the tribulation.
After all, Lou Zhen and others didn't cultivate, so their powers didn't grow.
Immortals rarely descend to the mortal world for this reason; the spiritual power in the lower realm is too scarce to ensure their growth.
Of course, the abilities of immortals are too powerful for the mortal world, so the conditions for descending are very stringent, and they can't come down whenever they want.
There are too many immortals.
After so many years of development, the resources in the celestial realm are no longer abundant, and most cultivators who ascend without a background can only slowly absorb spiritual power to increase their cultivation level.
Divine items like elixirs, peaches of immortality, and celestial nectar, which rapidly increase power, have nothing to do with them.
After ascending to immortality, further advancement requires these divine items to assist in breaking through realms.
Relying on oneself to upgrade from True Immortal to Heavenly Immortal, to Golden Immortal, or even Great Golden Immortal, is virtually impossible without exceptional insight and resources.
Because of this, most people may be trapped in the True Immortal realm for a lifetime after ascending.
Master Xu, due to the resonance of the Dao, quickly broke through from True Immortal to Heavenly Immortal after ascending, attracting the attention of the Immortal Emperor, who made an exception to appoint him as a Celestial Master. The so-called subduing demons and accumulating merit in the mortal world was just a facade.
Even so, the Dao resonance that Xu Wen'an and others comprehended back then was only enough to support him to the Heavenly Immortal level, and he had been stuck in that realm for decades.
Indeed, decades.
In this world, the time flow in the celestial court and the mortal world is different.
Although it's not as exaggerated as a day in the celestial realm being a year on earth, a day in the celestial court is roughly equivalent to over a hundred days on earth.
According to celestial court time, the Celestial Master's Mansion has not even existed for a hundred years.
...
In the celestial realm, the True Immortal realm is the lowest tier.
Tasks like planting spiritual herbs, feeding celestial birds, and mining spiritual ores are common, and being a celestial soldier is already a good position, as it involves fewer chores and comes with a salary from the celestial court.
After ascending, Lou Zhen was assigned to the Celestial Master's Mansion, and because he wasn't a direct disciple of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, he worked as a servant there.
This descent to the mortal world was also a temporary assignment...
...
A one-to-a-hundred time ratio, if utilized well, can also be a loophole to exploit.
From the time the Night Touring Ghost reported back to the Southern Emperor to Xu Jinghui descending to Dragon and Tiger Mountain, it only took two days, which was already a quick response. If it involved mobilizing an army to conquer the mortal world, there would be at least a ten-day to several-month delay.
At this point, Du Ge finally understood why there were Five Sacred Emperors stationed in the mortal world and why the Eastern Emperor would personally descend to handle demonic affairs.
The celestial court was likely worried that they wouldn't react in time and the Alien Star warriors would destroy the mortal world!
...
Even Dragon and Tiger Mountain had a Mountain Protection Array left by Master Xu, and with the Southern Emperor permanently stationed in the mortal world, the defense of his domain would only be stronger than Dragon and Tiger Mountain, not weaker.
In theory, Du Ge should proceed slowly, first honing his skills in the mortal world, causing chaos to lure out the Southern Emperor, which would be the safest approach.
But now, there were only nine days left until the end-of-month ranking announcement, and Du Ge was running out of time.
Moreover, he was also worried that if he caused trouble in the mortal world, it might not be the Southern Emperor who would come, making the situation even harder to manage.
In the previous Alien Star Battlefield, Du Ge won amidst chaos because he had enough control and self-preservation abilities, but in this world, it's more suitable to tackle opponents one by one.
...
Xuan Mountain of the Southern Emperor.
Du Ge and Xu Jinghui stood outside the Southern Emperor's domain, waiting for his summons.
"Ancestor, isn't this too risky?" Xu Jinghui licked his lips and transmitted his voice to Du Ge, "What if we can't convince the Southern Emperor, we..."
"I'm not panicking, so why are you?" Du Ge gave him a sidelong glance and replied, "Just stick to the plan. Seeds are blooming across the five continents, and we can't fall behind here. Otherwise, if we mess up the master's grand plan, no one can bear the responsibility. If you seek wealth and honor, you must take some risks."
"..." Xu Jinghui swallowed, saying nothing more.
"Relax, you're here to seek fortune, not to die." Du Ge looked at the two behind him, frowning slightly, "The more relaxed you are, the less likely you are to die. The Southern Emperor has been managing the mortal world for years; with your current demeanor, it's obvious you have something to hide."
"Ancestor, I can't help it!" Xu Jinghui said with a mournful face.
"Didn't you rehearse well at Dragon and Tiger Mountain?" Du Ge glared at him, "You've overcome the tribulation, and you've endured the humiliation at Dragon and Tiger Mountain. What pain or suffering could be worse than those two?
If you can't suppress your fear, think of the pain and humiliation of being pierced by ten thousand swords. You've already been pushed into the depths; if you don't seize the chance to rise, what are you waiting for, to live like mud for the rest of your life?"
Strangely enough.
As soon as Du Ge said this, the tension in Xu Jinghui and the others vanished in an instant.
Before long.
The mist outside Xuan Mountain dispersed, and two Night Touring Ghosts approached Xu Jinghui, glanced at Du Ge wrapped in a black robe, and said respectfully, "Two immortals, the Emperor invites you."
"Thank you, Messenger of God, for leading the way." Xu Jinghui smiled and gestured.
The Night Touring Ghosts turned and led the three straight into the Southern Emperor's domain.
The Southern Emperor's domain, like Dragon and Tiger Mountain, was also picturesque, with several peaks floating in the air, shrouded in clouds and mist.
But unlike Dragon and Tiger Mountain, the spiritual power here was exceptionally dense, at least three times that of Dragon and Tiger Mountain.
Moreover, besides the disciples cultivating on each peak, there were also Night Touring Ghosts, Night Touring Ghosts, and various other yin spirits and soldiers guarding the place.
The Southern Emperor's palace was on the highest peak, with yin soldiers lined up on both sides, flags fluttering, and a flagpole standing straight in front of the main hall, inscribed with the words "Southern Emperor."
The Night Touring Ghosts led Xu Jinghui to the main hall, where a courteous young man took over. This young man, clad in white armor, exuded an ethereal aura, and like Xu Jinghui, he was also at the True Immortal level.
There were at least a dozen similar True Immortals outside the Southern Emperor's hall.
Seeing these True Immortals, Du Ge sighed inwardly, thankful that he hadn't followed the Night Touring Ghosts to force his way into the Southern Emperor's domain; otherwise, it would have been akin to courting death!
Dragon and Tiger Mountain was merely Master Xu's domain in the mortal world, while the Southern Emperor truly operated here...
"Emperor, Xu Jinghui from the Celestial Master's Mansion and another have arrived." The young man directly led Xu Jinghui into the hall and reported with cupped fists.
Du Ge looked up, and in the center of the hall, on a golden chair, sat a middle-aged man in a blue robe with a long beard reaching his chest. He was reviewing some memorials from various places, occasionally marking them with a pen, his actions swift and focused. Upon hearing the young man's report, he raised his eyes to look at Xu Jinghui and the other.
Xu Jinghui and the other quickly saluted, "Xu Jinghui (Lou Zhen) greets the Emperor."
"Rise." The Southern Emperor glanced at them indifferently, his gaze falling on Du Ge, "Is the matter at Dragon and Tiger Mountain resolved?"
"Emperor, I have come precisely for this matter," Xu Jinghui replied.
"Oh?" The Southern Emperor smiled, setting down the memorials in his hand, "Is that child the demon causing trouble at Dragon and Tiger Mountain? You can handle this matter yourselves; there's no need to bring him to me."
"Emperor, the one causing trouble at Dragon and Tiger Mountain is not a demon." Xu Jinghui said with difficulty, "This matter is of great importance; I ask the Emperor to dismiss the others."
The Southern Emperor glanced at them, "Speak freely."
Xu Jinghui gritted his teeth, knelt on one knee, and pulled off the black robe covering Du Ge, pushing him forward, "Emperor, I have come to present a treasure."
"A treasure?"
The Southern Emperor looked at Du Ge again.
Du Ge winked at him, his eyes spinning mischievously like a playful child.
"An immortal body?" The Southern Emperor ignored Du Ge's smile, frowning as a golden light flashed in his eyes, "No, not an immortal body, but rather an Innate Immaculate Body.
An Innate Immaculate Body, if cultivated successfully, will surely reach the Golden Immortal level, indeed a treasure. Are you offering him to me as a disciple?"
"Emperor, could you please dismiss the others?" Xu Jinghui asked again.
The Southern Emperor waved his hand, and all the maids and guards in the hall withdrew. He looked at Xu Jinghui, "Now that the hall is empty, you may speak your requests!"
"Young one, the Southern Emperor's cultivation is no weaker than the Celestial Master's, and his status is only higher. I'll lift the restriction for you; whether you can seize this opportunity is up to you." Xu Jinghui looked at Du Ge, pretending to point at his back.
"Emperor, can you be my master?" Du Ge, as if freed from a restriction, looked at the Southern Emperor above, his eyes lively.
A child's body has many limitations, but sometimes, it can have unexpected effects.
"Of course." The Southern Emperor smiled and nodded, thinking he had seen through Du Ge's potential and was naturally happy to accept such a powerful disciple to pass on his legacy.
"Good." Du Ge nodded, his body shifting into a transparent water flow form, while the previously hidden Dao resonance was also released.
At the sight of the Dao resonance, the Southern Emperor's smile froze on his face, and the next moment, he appeared before Du Ge, observing the Dao resonance on him in astonishment, "Innate Water Spirit Body, Innate Dao Resonance?"
"What do you think? Now you see how amazing I am! Being able to take me as a disciple, you don't know how many lifetimes of fortune you've accumulated!" Du Ge boasted with a childish pride.
The Southern Emperor stood there dumbfounded, looking at Du Ge, speechless.
"Emperor, when I discovered his Innate Water Spirit identity and Dao resonance at Dragon and Tiger Mountain, I dared not make a decision on my own, so I brought him to you." Xu Jinghui continued according to Du Ge's script, seeing the Southern Emperor's dazed expression, "Only the Emperor can make the most of him."
"Why bring him to me and not take him back to the Celestial Master's Mansion?" The Southern Emperor suppressed his excitement, withdrawing his gaze from Du Ge and looking at Xu Jinghui and the other, asking in a deep voice, "An Innate Water Spirit, along with this Dao resonance, if nurtured well, could elevate the Celestial Master's Mansion further."
"Emperor, the Celestial Master's Mansion cannot protect this opportunity in the celestial court." Xu Jinghui hesitated for a moment, gritting his teeth, "Moreover, if I take him back to the Celestial Master's Mansion, he will no longer be connected to me, but if I bring him to you, I can exchange him for wealth and honor from the Emperor."
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