Chapter 1021: Future Constellations (Bonus Chapter for Subscriptions)
Chapter 1021: Future Constellations (Bonus Chapter for Subscriptions)
Upon the altar.
The void trembled, and suddenly, dragon roars echoed.
Nine purple dragon shadows coiled, then merged into the array formation.
"Dragons?"
"In previous ceremonies, there seemed to be no such scene?"
The gathered Immortals were instantly startled.
Those capable of cultivating to the Immortal realm were all clear-minded individuals, absolutely impossible to deceive.
Coupled with the North Star Palace Master's unusual demeanor earlier, some Immortals immediately stirred with light around them, preparing to withdraw.
"Silence!"
Feng Huang, Meng Fei, Ao An, and other Star-guards shouted loudly, striking the ground with their bronze ancient ge-halberds.
Each of these star-Guards was an ascending immortal, truly a chosen elite of their time; working together, they caused the movements of many other Immortals to slow by half a beat.
Amidst a series of tremors, the nine purple dragon shadows descended with a rumble.
The Immortals present dared not be negligent; various magical arts surged wildly around their bodies.
Not only that, streaks of primordial spirit radiance also flickered.
Behind Fang Xi's head, a primordial spirit emerged, like a full moon disc, with a massive earthen-yellow mountain soaring skyward within it.
The purple dragon shadow transformed into a current of air, surprisingly pulverized by the divine mountain, then swept around the primordial spirit.
It was like a wisp of purple breeze, passing by him and then vanishing without a trace. . .
‘Not an attack. . . but a probing spell, investigating our foundations? ’
Fang Xi withdrew his primordial spirit, his eyes gleaming with sharp light.
Beside him, Yu Xiu and the others also had rather unpleasant expressions.
"Fellow Immortals, do not panic. . ."
The North Star Palace Master spoke then: "This was merely our Palace's formation master attempting to adjust the altar's setup earlier. . . If there was any disturbance, please do not take offense."
He offered an excuse, and had previously promised to release three drops of Astral Liquid.
The Immortals present twitched their faces, then forced out smiles: "So that was it. . . we were truly overreacting."
One by one, they rose and departed.
The star-Guards remained unmoving, watching the many Immortals depart. . .
"Master!"
On the plaza, Little Fang Xian saw Fang Xi arrive and immediately bowed in salute.
"No need. . ."
Fang Xi waved his hand, then couldn't help but ruffle Little Fang Xian's small head: "You little rascal, your luck is truly excellent. . ."
He faintly had a guess about today's events.
But no matter what, since he hadn't revealed himself, it counted as having passed unnoticed.
...
"None at all?"
In the high sky, Purple Majesty Dao Child gazed at the shattered Nine Dragons Jade Pendant in his hand and couldn't help but sigh: "Very well. . . After the grand auction concludes, I'll make a trip to the Vast Sea Immortal Domain. Besides that, compile a list of all those who ascended but did not attend this time, and investigate them. . ."
"As you command."
Ten Thousand Beast Venerable and the dejected scholar both bowed.
They both knew that the one they sought to trace was an Immortal from the Withered Glory Immortal Palace who had recently advanced, so they naturally hadn't thought there would also be a Mahayana cultivator of the Withered Glory Chant.
At that time, Purple Majesty Dao Child was primarily focused on investigating the primordial spirits of the many Immortals on the altar; he never anticipated that there was still a fish that slipped through the net on the plaza.
...
Profound Ice Palace.
Fang Xi looked at Little Fang Xian, pondered for a moment, and said: "You should stay within the Profound Ice Palace for now, and don't venture outside. . ."
After speaking, he swept his hand.
A void imprint flashed on Little Fang Xian's forehead, then vanished again.
With Fang Xi's current mastery of the 'Void Dao Seed Prototype', leaving such a coordinate was naturally effortless.
Not only that!
He could even use this coordinate to transmit a portion of his true body's power.
‘That probing force earlier. . . even if it had detected Little Fang Xian, if I had used the All-Heavens Precious Mirror to overlay the concealing ability of the Illusory World Mirror, it still wouldn't have been much of an issue. . . he wouldn't have been seen through. ’
‘But to be safe, it's best to have Little Fang Xian stay put for now. ’
Fang Xi, too, had lost much interest in the market within the North Star Palace, remaining in the Profound Ice Palace daily.
However, the matters he wished to know about gradually began to take shape.
As the supreme overlord of this Immortal Domain, the North Star Immortal Palace had long since compiled certain information into volumes; there was no need to specifically inquire about it.
"In the history of the North Star Immortal Palace, there were indeed instances of'star and Guards' defecting. . . but as internal scandals, the details were vague. All that's known is that the North Star Immortal Palace once vigorously pursued a cultivator with the Daoist title 'Azure Cloud'. . . and the bounty hasn't been rescinded even now."
"That heaven-defying genius in human history also seemed to have used the Daoist title 'Azure Cloud'. . . Did he fight his way out? That Immortal Cleansing Pool indeed has a major problem. . ."
Fang Xi put down the ancient book in his hand and sighed softly.
It was still a bit regrettable that he hadn't met that heaven-defying genius of the human race.
"Master. . ."
At this moment, Little Fang Xian reported from outside: "The day of the grand auction has arrived."
"Mm, you stay here and watch the house; your master will be back shortly."
Fang Xi's heart stirred.
The grand auction, held at the end of the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering each year, was considered a staple event; not attending would seem abnormal.
Moreover, the North Star Immortal Palace, to appease the multitude of Immortals this time, had specifically released two additional drops of Astral Liquid, which would surely lead to an intense competition.
"Setting aside everything else, that Yu Xiu probably has some designs. . ."
"After all, the Fengyuan Chamber of Commerce's strength isn't weak, and with a generous amount of Astral Liquid available, securing one drop shouldn't be too difficult. . ."
He exited his cave dwelling and saw Xu Qing and Zhang Dan Shi, along with other Immortals.
"Daoist Brother Yu has already reserved a private room under the name of the Fengyuan Chamber of Commerce. . . If Daoist Friend Fang wishes to bid alone, you may proceed independently."
Xu Qing Xian Ren chuckled.
"Aside from a single Primordial Spirit Pill, I have no particular needs, so I will naturally accompany you all."
Fang Xi smiled faintly and, together with the Immortals from the Fengyuan Chamber of Commerce, arrived at the North Star Palace.
By this time, the hall had become remarkably different, imbued with numerous restrictive spells; guarding the entrance, of course, were still the star of the Guards.
Upon entering, numerous branching paths immediately appeared, like a labyrinth.
Fortunately, Yu Xiu held a token in his hand, bearing a corresponding route map.
Before long, the group arrived at a private room.
This private room was resplendent with gold and jade, adorned with vermilion lacquer and jade pillars; there was no need to say more.
Even more extraordinary, looking out, the area below was not an auction stage, but a brilliant silver river.
"I've long heard that the North Star Immortal Palace's 'Future Constellation Treasured Radiance Grand Array' is formidable; today, I finally get to see its true appearance. . ."
Upon seeing this silver river, Xu Qing Xian Ren was immediately moved: "Alas, I do not cultivate star-attribute laws. . . otherwise, observing this grand array should yield some gains."
Fang Xi gazed at the brilliant silver river, and within his eyes, a nebula seemed to appear.
He smiled slightly, knowing that although he hadn't comprehended star-attribute laws, his involvement was too comprehensive.
Now, by merely drawing parallels, his understanding of star-attribute laws had greatly improved, and coupled with his identity as an Immortal Formation Master, he could discern many of the array's secrets.
"This Immortal array possesses another layer of profound mystery; it can determine the value of treasures using the radiance of the stars. . ."
Yu Xiu introduced: "Ordinary Immortal talismans and Immortal artifacts only emit one or two streaks of starlight, but a single drop of 'Astral Liquid' produces a thousand streaks, each ten thousand zhang long. . ."
"So that's how it is."
Fang Xi looked out, observing as one Immortal after another entered, and one star after another was lit up.
‘For this auction, perhaps even the North Star Immortal Palace's Dao Monarch will attend? ’
His heart stirred, but he quickly dismissed it.
Although a Dao Monarch's power was terrifyingly immense, relying on treasures like the All-Heavens Precious Mirror and the Illusory World Mirror, his escape wouldn't be much of an issue.
...
Inside a private room.
Purple Majesty Dao Child sat cross-legged, seemingly unperturbed by anything in the world.
"How many good things can an auction in a small domain like this possibly have? For Dao Child to show favor, it is truly a blessing for the North Star Immortal Palace. . ."
Ten Thousand Beast Venerable, standing nearby, laughed heartily.
"That's not entirely true. A Dao Monarch, no matter where in the Immortal Realm, is an absolute grand figure. Even if I were to go to the Tongtian Palace, I would have to treat them with respect. . . Since the North Star Immortal Palace has a Dao Monarch overseeing it, we must show some courtesy."
Purple Majesty Dao Child offered no comment.
The disparity between a Dao Monarch and an Immortal was indeed like that between clouds and mud.
"Dao Child has long since traversed the three steps to Dao Monarch-hood, forged his Jade Platform, and passed through the Taiyi Seven Declines. . . Now, only the final step of 'Slaying the Dao' remains before he can achieve Dao Monarch status in a single stride. In truth, he is already a Half-Step Dao Monarch."
The dejected scholar beside him said: "Sooner or later, Dao Child will surely succeed in Slaying the Dao!"
"Slaying the Dao to enlighten oneself. . . how immensely difficult is that?"
Purple Majesty Dao Child, however, sighed.
With the profound foundation of Tongtian Palace, the elixirs that enhance an Immortal's Dao cultivation were naturally countless. As long as they wished to cultivate someone, they could nurture an Immortal to the peak of True Immortal, taking the first step towards becoming a Dao Monarch.
Even for the second step, the Jade Platform, and the third step, the Sitting in Oblivion, there were corresponding elixirs, treasures, and secret arts to assist.
However, by the fourth step, 'Slaying the Dao', external aids become entirely useless, even turning into obstacles instead.
To break through, one could only rely on oneself.
Furthermore, because this step was extremely difficult, Dao Child was unwilling to attempt it without absolute certainty.
Otherwise, if he were to fail, he could very likely perish completely, or even transform into a Dao-corrupted monster like the Thousand Falcons Star Crane.
...
Several hours later.
Tens of thousands of stars each emitted different radiance.
Within the 'Future Constellation Treasured Radiance Grand Array', a streak of starlight descended, transforming into the North Star Palace Master's figure.
He surveyed the surroundings, a smile gracing his face: "Thank you, fellow Immortals, for attending this grand auction. . ."
As the North Star Immortal Palace Master, with him presiding over the grand auction, naturally no one would object.
He flicked his sleeve, and over ten streaks of light flew out.
Fang Xi's divine consciousness swept over them, and he saw that within the light were crystal-like elixirs.
Upon the elixirs, not only did Dao Charm pervade, but they also seemed to give birth to a full moon.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The 'Future Constellation Treasured Radiance Grand Array' stirred, and dozens of streaks of starlight descended, locking onto an elixir, slowly blooming like Netherworld Night-blooming Cereus, binding the elixir at its stamen.
"Primordial Spirit Pills!"
With just a glance, Fang Xi confirmed that these elixirs were precisely the 'Primordial Spirit Pills' that many Mahayana cultivators sought in vain!
"There are thirteen Primordial Spirit Pills available. You may exchange them with Immortal Jade, or items of equivalent value."
The North Star Palace Master smiled faintly: "With the array spirit of the 'Future Constellation Treasured Radiance Grand Array' confirming their value, it should be more trustworthy than any treasure appraiser. . ."
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Instantly, treasures flew out from each of the stars, attracting numerous streaks of starlight.
Some of the 'Netherworld Night-blooming Cereus' remained unmoving, while others swayed for a bit before flying towards the stars, clearly indicating a reserved price.
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