Chapter 1002

Regarding the safety of his senior brother, Xu Qing felt there was no need for him to worry.

On this journey, he had hardly ever seen his senior brother suffer a loss; basically, it was others who suffered losses.

Among these victims were divine beings within the Forbidden Sea, as well as the Three Souls of Heaven, Earth, and Man; as for the powerful ones… there was Chi Mu, and even the remnants of Shang Huang were gnawed on several times by Er Niu.

Thus, in Xu Qing's view, such a frenzied senior brother could not possibly encounter any accident within the Immortal Arts Palace of the Moyu Holy Land.

After all, this time his senior brother had proactively gone to the Immortal Arts Palace, and before departing, he appeared utterly confident.

Therefore, for Xu Qing, this arrival of the Tenth Sovereign represented, on one hand, a witness, and on the other, mostly just watching the spectacle.

Knowing that previously, he had always acted alongside his senior brother, while this time observing the other's performance from a higher status was something he had never experienced before.

"However, one must also strive to control the situation."

Since the Empress had demanded it, Xu Qing believed he had necessary to ensure his senior brother's side did not cause too great a disturbance.

However, upon thinking of his senior brother's lack of prudence, Xu Qing also had little confidence in this.

"Let's try advising him."

Thinking this through, Xu Qing felt at ease, and his speed increased as he flew across the firmament.

He raced forward without pause.

Two hours later, from his position in the sky, he saw in the distance the city where he and his senior brother had once parted ways.

And the location of the Eastern Moyu Immortal Arts Palace lay a thousand li north of this city.

Xu Qing swept his gaze across, his figure showing no hesitation whatsoever; with a long cry, he leapt over this city, quickly crossing a thousand li, and beheld a vast white lake!

Just like the Immortal Arts Palace of Western Moyu, it was built upon a lake, except that the lake of the Eastern Moyu Immortal Arts Palace was black, while that of the Western Moyu Immortal Arts Palace was white.

Its name is Wangsheng Lake.

At the center of the lake stood a palace resembling a temple, entirely pitch-black, as if forged from black jade.

Contrasted with the White Lake, it formed a clear distinction.

As for the lake itself, unlike the myriad enlightened masters Xu Qing had seen in Western Moyu, perhaps due to the desolate atmosphere, or perhaps because today was a ceremonial observation, there were no masters meditating—just an empty expanse.

Even that black Immortal Arts Palace retained some traces of damage, appearing not as if it had existed for long, but rather as if recently formed by the ripple of some technique.

Gazing upon these, Xu Qing pondered slightly; his figure crossed the lake and appeared in midair before the Immortal Arts Palace, where he paused, hands behind his back, and spoke lightly.

"The Immortal Master in charge of this place, come out and see me."

These words were like Lei Ting, exploding in all directions, causing the void to twist and distort, the lake below to ripple, and waves to surge.

Seven or eight figures immediately flew out from within the Immortal Arts Palace, rushing straight toward Xu Qing.

Leading them was a middle-aged Immortal Master; upon seeing Xu Qing clearly, his pupils contracted, his expression becoming even more respectful than before, he hurried forward, clasped his fists at a distance of several zhang, and bowed deeply.

"I pay my respects, Daoist Blood Dust."

"Welcome, Daoist; earlier we received and guided the preceding guests, and any negligence on our part, please do not take offense, Daoist."

The middle-aged Immortal Master's expression was sincere, and those behind him were likewise each solemn, bowing low in succession.

The reason for this was that, during this period, the great name of Blood Dust had risen throughout the Moyu Holy Land.

His challenge in Western Moyu, and ultimately his battle with the Western Moyu Child, was known to all.

Thus, his fame here in Eastern Moyu was even more resounding.

Furthermore, with the Tenth Sovereign behind him, the now-declined Immortal Arts Palace dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Xu Qing remained expressionless, giving a slight nod.

"Daoist Blood Dust, please!"

Seeing Xu Qing show no concern, the middle-aged Immortal Master breathed a sigh of relief in his heart; he had heard that this Blood Dust figure had a violent temperament, possessed bloody divine abilities, and especially enjoyed slaughter.

Now exercising twelvefold caution, he was about to guide Xu Qing in.

But just then, Xu Qing in midair turned his head to gaze toward the horizon.

The middle-aged Immortal Master stared for a moment, then looked in that direction, when laughter came from afar, arriving first.

"Is that Daoist Blood Dust ahead?"

As the laughter echoed, a burly man approached from the horizon.

This man was tall and muscular, wearing a blue robe, his eyes like lightning, bright and piercing; now treading through the void, wherever he passed, the aura of his cultivation of the Nine Realms of the Divine Form formed immense pressure, affecting heaven and earth.

The middle-aged Immortal Master hurriedly lowered his head in greeting.

"I pay my respects, World-Honored One!"

Xu Qing's expression remained normal; in the memories of Blood Dust, he had an image of this person, knowing him to be the eldest son of the Fifth Sovereign, named Lin Kun.

But the two were not acquainted; indeed, one could say that before Xu Qing's arrival, this person likely had only a vague memory of Blood Dust, not worth noting.

But now, clearly, things were different.

Xu Qing merely gave a slight clasped-hand salute; this Lin Kun, who had come from the firmament, laughed even more loudly.

"Daoist Blood Dust, no need for such formality; between us, there's no need to stand on ceremony; your feats in Western Moyu, I have long admired and cheered for many times."

Lin Kun laughed heartily; the sincerity in his eyes could not be discerned as true or false, his expression and words both carrying a sense of closeness.

"Seeing you today, indeed you are a hero."

However, human nature dictates that one cannot judge good from evil by appearance alone, so Xu Qing naturally would not develop favor from just a few words; thus, he shook his head.

"It is only due to the Sovereign's majestic protection that I follow beside the Sovereign; this journey, I have merely fortuitously gained some fame; if Daoist Lin were to go there, he would surely bring even greater glory to Eastern Moyu."

Seeing Xu Qing speak earnestly, Lin Kun's smile widened, and so he exchanged a few more pleasantries, subtly inserting some probing words into the conversation.

Xu Qing, having endured so many trials in such dialogue, responded with ease—not only flawlessly, but also cleverly elevating the other party somewhat.

Thus, on the surface, the two were very harmonious, and moreover, under the guidance of that middle-aged Immortal Master, they walked together toward the Immortal Arts Palace.

Along the way, gazing at the technique traces within the Immortal Arts Palace, Lin Kun smiled and looked toward Xu Qing.

"Blood Dust brother, during your time in Western Moyu, several major events have occurred within this palace."

"The disciple of the former Grand Immortal Master, Yue Dong, has returned, seeking to contend for the position of Grand Immortal Master, but was obstructed by multiple elders of the Immortal Arts Palace, resulting in repeated friction."

Miss Yuedong also has her means, and even more charm, not only winning over some immortal masters to support her, but also bringing in external aid at a critical moment, dragging the eldest grandson of the Yun family into this generation, and having him kill several elders for her.

Originally, the situation should have developed with Miss Yuedong winning and ultimately ascending to Grand Immortal Master, but unexpectedly, at the final moment, the Grand Elder of the Immortal Arts Palace, who had been in seclusion for many years, emerged, exerted strong force, suppressed all directions, captured Miss Yuedong alive, and established the cosmic order.

Lin Kun walked forward while speaking, simultaneously observing Xu Qing's expression.

Upon hearing the name Miss Yuedong, Xu Qing's eyes flashed with cold intent.

Lin Kun chuckled lightly.

"I have also heard of the grudge between you, Brother Blood Dust Child, and this Miss Yuedong; this time, although I did not act personally, being able to witness her demise firsthand would also allow you, fellow Daoist, to gain some clarity."

Xu Qing shook his head.

"I actually hope this Miss Yuedong wins, so that I may later have the opportunity to personally slay her, relying on others' strength, which ultimately does not align with my heart."

Lin Kun nodded, understanding Xu Qing's words; if it were him, he would think the same.

For such an enemy, if one lacks the power to take revenge, it is acceptable, but when one possesses the power for revenge, naturally, personally slaying her is more satisfying.

As they spoke, under the guidance of the middle-aged immortal master ahead, they traversed a long corridor within the Immortal Arts Palace, and upon emerging, found themselves in a vast circular plaza.

The plaza was constructed with magnificent grandeur, its surroundings carved with countless ancient strange beasts, and also depicting various ethnic heroes who had achieved merit through immortal arts during the era of Emperor Xuanyou.

In midair, six iron chains hung in a large-character shape, suspending a person.

It was Miss Yuedong.

She hung with disheveled hair, motionless, her entire body covered in bloodstains, utterly miserable.

Judging by her appearance, it seemed as if all her blood were about to drain out.

Her breath appeared faint, as if nearly gone.

As for the surroundings, ten massive chairs floated in the air.

Each was crafted from immortal jade, facing forward as spirit treasures, flashing with brilliant light, like ten suns, extremely luxurious.

At this moment, six of them were occupied by cultivators.

Among them, there were men and women, each cultivation level clearly at the Nine Realms of the Hidden God, with formidable auras.

They represented different Dominant Mountains.

When Xu Qing and Lin Kun appeared, the gazes of these six instantly converged, the focus……being Xu Qing.

As for their inner thoughts, only they themselves know; as for what is outwardly shown, unless intentionally revealed for some purpose, otherwise it would either remain as usual or be indicated by a nod.

Xu Qing was no different; after being noticed by these six, he rose together with Lin Kun and landed on the seats.

Xu Qing's seat was the tenth.

The moment he sat down, his gaze turned toward midair, toward the suspended Miss Yuedong.

Just one glance, and Xu Qing knew Chen Erniu was unharmed.

Because in his impression, Chen Erniu's blood was inexhaustible.

How could it possibly be in this state where blood seemed about to drain out?

"Is Senior Brother feigning weakness to deceive the enemy, doing so intentionally?"

"Or is he borrowing strength?"

"Regardless, in such a situation, his purpose should be to accomplish a reversal at the most critical moment."

"The prerequisite for achieving this is to make the Grand Elder of the Immortal Arts Palace fully believe in his own judgment, thinking that Senior Brother here has no possibility of turning the tide."

"Unfortunately, I do not know the details, nor do I know how Senior Brother achieved this."

As Xu Qing pondered, Miss Yuedong's body twitched slightly, as if sensing something, attempting to awaken from unconsciousness, but obviously her injuries were so severe that she currently lacked even the strength to open her eyes.

As time passed bit by bit, when the last two representatives of the Dominant Mountains arrived and took their seats, the host of this ceremony emerged from the void above the plaza, step by step.

This was an old man wearing a black robe, his head full of white hair, his entire body withered, appearing like a skeleton.

Strangely, behind him were multiple illusory images, respectively his middle-aged, youthful, and younger self.

As for his true form, he held a massive staff, his entire body radiating astonishing aura, giving Xu Qing the feeling of vastness like the sea.

Unlike all the Hidden Gods Xu Qing had encountered, this old man exuded strong immortal arts fluctuations.

His arrival caused the great hall to fall silent instantly, including Xu Qing and all others, who lifted their heads and gazed intently.

"Following the ancient covenant, the emergence of each generation's Grand Immortal Master of the Immortal Arts Palace must be witnessed by all Dominant Mountains."

"Therefore, today's invitation has been extended."

This black-robed old man spoke with a hoarse voice, and after finishing, he waved the staff in his hand, pointing toward Miss Yuedong suspended in midair.

"Miss Yuedong, having betrayed the Way of Immortal Arts, I invite all parties here not only to witness the emergence of the Grand Immortal Master, but also to jointly observe the refinement of her Six Traitor Immortal Seals.

I also ask all Dominant Mountains to produce their tokens, granting my Immortal Arts Palace permission to commence the Immortal Refinement Ceremony!"