Chapter 440: Matchmaker (4K) (Happy Little New Year)

Purple Micro Hall

Emperor's sleeping quarters.

At this moment, Zhang Jian held a cluster of nine-colored divine light in his palm, sensing the message emerging from the depths of his mind, his eyes filled with brightness.

Heart of Dimension: A celestial treasure, formed from a fragment of the Heavenly Dao's origin combined with world shards after the nirvana of the extraterritorial celestial realm, containing the myriad changes of dimensions, nurturing a point of primordial life force, capable of being refined into a cave heaven world, or assisting in cultivation of world-class great immortal arts.

Second, it can be swallowed and merged into the Dao body, strengthening the foundation and altering fate.

Third, the Heart of Dimension contains an imprint of the cyclical formation, destruction, and emptiness of an extraterritorial celestial realm; wearing it often grants a certain chance to comprehend the constants of Heavenly Dao's operation.

Fourth, this object contains the imprint of heavenly and earthly laws; consuming it can strengthen Qiankun, purity and turbidity, Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, time and space, and other fundamental divine authorities.

Fifth, the spatiotemporal Great Dao origin contained in this treasure far surpasses other origins; refining it can form an innate Dao body of the spatiotemporal type.

Sixth, refining this object carries a certain chance to randomly achieve an innate divine body.

……

Zhang Jian browsed through a series of messages, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

This Heart of Dimension can truly be called the Heart of the World.

Treasures of this grade can be said to be the best among all the treasures he has obtained.

Even the Nine-Color Mother Soil may not necessarily be comparable to treasures of this grade.

After all, it is the essence derived from the transformation of a heavenly realm.

As for its use, Zhang Jian already has a draft in mind.

Such a supreme treasure naturally belongs fused into the Map of Mountains, Rivers, and the State.

If his Map of Mountains, Rivers, and the State were fused with the Heart of Dimension, it could truly simulate the evolution and change of a dimensional world with greater perfection.

This would also save the vast majority of resources needed for the Map of Mountains, Rivers, and the State to advance.

What treasure could be more precious than the Heart of Dimension?

More importantly, he wants to evolve the Map of Mountains, Rivers, and the State into a Dimension Dao Map; with the Heart of Dimension, he truly possesses the possibility.

Otherwise, according to Zhang Jian's own plan.

To evolve the Map of Mountains, Rivers, and the State into a Dimension Dao Map, he would likely need to achieve the Sage King's Great Dao, stand alone in Heaven and Earth, and have the power of the Great Xia Dynasty envelop this great realm, so that the Dimension Dao Map could possess a Dao foundation.

A hint of excitement flickered in Zhang Jian's eyes.

Moreover, it is rare that his Map of Mountains, Rivers, and the State is the foundation of his State Emperor's primordial spirit; if the map achieves perfect fusion and advancement, his State Emperor's authority will naturally benefit.

Gazing at this nine-colored divine light, his eyes filled with joy.

After so many sacrifices, he finally has a favorable turn in his Dao path.

It is no small feat.

This also greatly encourages Zhang Jian's enthusiasm for "shearing wool."

The ancestral shrine must be visited often!

Zhang Jian pondered, then extended his hand; a scroll of nine-colored Dao map flew out, slowly swallowing the dense, illusory nine-colored light deep in his palm.

Visible to the naked eye, within the nine-colored divine light lies a massive nine-colored crystal.

It is not flat, resembling a multifaceted crystal deep in a diamond vein, yet the light it emits is like the descent of the Great Dao.

The Map of Mountains, Rivers, and the State slowly swallowed it, and Zhang Jian immediately entered seclusion, fully devoted to comprehending its mysteries.

However, before seclusion, Zhang Jian still left words for Qi Yuhua, Bai Liying, and Zhang Zhao.

……

Si Family Ancestral Land

The Si Family Ancestral Land is located in Guyi Prefecture.

Unlike other immortal cultivation families, the Si Family, as practitioners of the Sage King's Great Dao, naturally needs to control vast territories to gather the power of the myriad people and achieve the great undertaking of the Sage King's court.

Besides Guyi Prefecture, the surrounding two hundred prefectures are all under the Si Family's control, or are dynasties established by the Si Family, or are the Si Family's vassals!

This region has likewise given rise to the Divine Dao, though all are under Si Family control.

Such a vast gathering of dragon energy, suffocating in its intensity, the Si Family Ancestral Land resembles an endless convergence of dragon energy; in the pure land, a mighty aura permeates, the fierceness of the dragon energy seemingly capable of striking down high-level cultivators from afar.

The dynasty established by the Si Family is now primarily the Great Yu Dynasty.

At this moment, in the ancestral land, Zhenjun Qingyun is in a great hall meeting with several Si Family elders.

These Si Family elders are both strong members of the Si Family and vassals of the Great Yu Dynasty.

At this moment, the Si Family elders surround one person like stars around the moon; that person is the Ninth Prince of the Great Yu Dynasty, Si Zhengqing.

He is a figure wearing a dark gold ceremonial robe, surrounded by nine dragons yet possessing only four claws, his form gaunt, with a faint beard on his chin; though middle-aged, he exudes immense imperial dignity.

The Si Family patriarch, being under the Yu Emperor, has more than ten sons, many of whom have already grown independent, each ruling a prefecture abroad; most of these sons are enfeoffed as crown princes.

Among the many crown princes, the Ninth Prince Si Zhengqing stands out as an exceptionally formidable figure, his cultivation also not weak.

Having cultivated for thousands of years, he has long stepped onto the peak of the Harmony Dao level.

At this moment, he and Zhenjun Qingyun are conversing happily.

But after this scene fell behind the screen, a beautiful maiden's eyes were filled with worry.

At this moment, laughter came from within the main hall; Si Zhengqing said.

"Since Daoist Qingyun is acting as matchmaker, I naturally approve, yet I still wish to hear my father's opinion; my father has been in seclusion lately, so we may need to wait a while—I do not know whether the Lord of Dongzhou minds this delay..."

Zhenjun Qingyun replied with a smile.

"Daoist Si, this matter should pose no problem; we cultivators have long lives, and time is what we lack least—we need not fear doing a good deed a few years later!"

Upon hearing this, one of the Si Family elders laughed.

"This is a case of two children destined for each other, able to cross thousands of miles of mountains and rivers to become joined as one; whether it is my Si Family or the Dongzhou Zhang Family, both originate from the Tongshan Dao lineage; our marriage alliance is doubly joyous!"

A hint of smile appeared on Zhenjun Qingyun's jade-like countenance.

"This can also be considered a union of the strong and strong!"

"If we join forces, we will surely achieve great accomplishments!"

The leader, Yi Zhengqing, also had a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Qingyun Zhenjun nodded slightly.

Qingyun Zhenjun then mentioned the Eastern Continent Prince Zhang Zhao, and naturally did not lack praise in his words.

Not long after, Qingyun Zhenjun took his leave from the hall.

In the hall, several Yi clan elders exchanged a few words, but then one of the Yi clan elders said.

"Although the Great Xia Dynasty has just been established and its national strength may not be strong, yet being valued by the Tongshan Dao lineage makes it a rather good marriage prospect!"

One of the female elders glanced at the screen and then said to the several elders.

"I just don't know if our little princess is willing; our little princess has very high standards and may not necessarily take a liking to this Eastern Continent Prince!"

Yi Zhengqing let out a light snort.

"The Yi clan is not at a time when the younger generation can make their own decisions!"

The other several Yi clan elders, upon hearing this, exchanged glances and all gave a slight smile.

They naturally knew there was someone else behind the screen, and at that moment each took their leave.

After the many Yi clan elders had left, Yi Lier stepped out from behind the screen, walked gracefully to Yi Zhengqing's front, and after a moment spoke in a deep voice.

"Father, I do not understand something!"

"What is it that you do not understand?"

Yi Zhengqing glanced at Yi Lier's face, which showed no joy or anger, and there was some ripple in his eyes.

"I do not understand why Father is preparing to marry me to a 'mortal' from an upstart family; no matter from which aspect it is considered, it does not conform to our Yi clan's interests!"

Although Yi Lier's face remained calm, as she spoke to the end, a hint of color finally appeared in the depths of her eyes as she spoke.

"Would Father really bear to bury my Dao path like this?"

Yi Zhengqing gave a light smile and glanced at Yi Lier.

"Lier, it seems you still cannot suppress the changes in your state of mind!"

Yi Lier said calmly: "My cultivation is our Yi clan's Still Water Heart, not the Heart of Extinction!"

Yi Zhengqing detected the resentment in Yi Lier's words.

He neither hurried nor delayed, gestured for Yi Lier to sit down first, and then patiently explained.

"You do not know, although this Eastern Continent Prince Zhang Zhao is obscure, his father is a notable figure; it is said that he single-handedly shattered the celestial demon holy fetus that descended with the demon star!"

Yi Lier glanced sideways, furrowed her willow brows, and said.

"True Immortal combat power? Father, although True Immortal-level experts are precious, we are one of the Holy King clans; our ancestors were ancient Holy Kings, existences that could independently decide heaven and earth!

Our Yi clan dominates the Two Realms region, our influence even extends beyond the heavens; although a True Immortal-level expert carries sufficient weight, what is he really?"

She was still unwilling; possessing a Dao body, she is likewise a true seed of the Yi clan, with a vast future ahead, and achieving True Immortal status is also within hope.

Yi Lier did not understand why the Yi clan would sacrifice her, a true seed of exceptional talent, to marry into an obscure power she had never even heard of.

Although the Lord of Dongzhou possesses Dongzhou, that region, compared to the entire Dongxuan Divine Prefecture, is only a corner.

Moreover, the Zhang clan has no foundation whatsoever beyond the borders and cannot help the current Yi clan.

"If you knew how long the Lord of Dongzhou has been cultivating, you would not think this way!"

Yi Zhengqing curled the corner of his mouth into a faint smile, meeting Yi Lier's gaze, and said.

"Do you know, the Great Xia Emperor cultivated for less than a hundred years; have you ever seen a cultivator whose Dao reaches this level in a hundred years?"

Yi Lier's eyes widened slightly, her expression also somewhat shocked.

Cultivating for less than a hundred years and reaching True Immortal-level Dao, possessing True Immortal-level combat power—this exists only in ancient mythology; in recent ancient times, no such heaven's favorite has ever been heard of.

Even heaven's favorite is no more than this.

At this moment, Yi Lier's pent-up resentment gradually dissipated.

If this is so, then it is worth the Yi clan sacrificing a legitimate daughter.

Seeing Yi Lier silent, Yi Zhengqing immediately spoke softly.

"Lier, since letting you marry into the Zhang family, we naturally have our plans; you see, when has Father's judgment ever erred? Moreover, your grandfather also tacitly approves of this matter!"

Yi Lier immediately lifted her head, her eyes showing something unusual.

"Father, you said Grandfather is in closed-door cultivation?"

Yi Zhengqing said lightly.

"Indeed he is in closed-door cultivation, but that does not mean he cannot come out!"

Upon hearing this, Yi Lier was speechless.

However, she also sensed that Yi Zhengqing had his own concerns, which inevitably stirred her emotions and gave rise to a hint of hope in her heart.

……

Yang Huang Hall

Not long after, Yi Zhengqing entered this place; this is the Great Yu secret realm, where he saw the Great Yu Emperor, also the Yi clan chief, Yu Huang, in his place of closed-door cultivation.

At this moment, on the throne, Yu Huang's body flowed with intense imperial aura, dragon aura, seated upon the Yu family throne, his expression aged and solemn.

He resembled the elder of an ordinary wealthy and noble clan!

Yet his body bore a grand immortal Dao law radiance, and also a divine Dao light flowing.

He is not merely a True Immortal-level expert; he also seems to wield extremely strong divine Dao authority, his imperial might overwhelming.

Yu Huang's gaze fell upon Yi Zhengqing, and there was a light snort in his eyes.

"Zhengqing, why do you not follow my edict, directly accept this marriage, but instead come again to this Yang Huang Hall, disturbing my cultivation? Do you also intend to defy the edict?!"

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhengqing immediately knelt, his eyes heavy with sorrow.

"Father Emperor, it is not that I, the child minister, defy Father Emperor, but that I have doubts in my heart!"

Yu Huang let out a cold snort.

"What doubts do you have? You're just spoiling that little girl, which is why you've hung your head from your belt—do you even know I can strip you of your crown prince title at any moment?"

Yi Zhengqing immediately kowtowed and said.

"My cultivation and attainments are all due to Father Emperor's teachings; if Father Emperor wishes to punish me, your subject dares not utter a single complaint!"

Yu Huang's eyes held a cold smile as he glanced down at the kneeling Yi Zhengqing.

"You won't have any complaints, but you're dissatisfied—you truly are my good son!"

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhengqing's heart trembled; he drew a deep breath, his eyes shifting slightly, then spoke.

"Your subject dares not bear resentment toward Father Emperor; Father Emperor's wisdom far exceeds what ordinary men can fathom. Your subject is but a common mortal, narrow in vision, and dares not question Father Emperor's decisions!"

Upon the throne, Yu Huang's expression eased somewhat, though he merely glanced faintly at Yi Zhengqing.

He knew it was likely not just Yi Zhengqing—perhaps the entire Yi clan, elders and all, harbored doubts at this moment.

He let out a soft sigh and said.

"I know you still harbor doubts in your hearts, but in truth, this is the Ancestor's decree, and moreover, the Ancestor's personal edict!"

"The Ancestor?"

Yi Zhengqing's eyes widened instantly; he lifted his head, then quickly lowered his gaze again—though his eyes betrayed shock.

He knew this Ancestor referred not to the Holy King's primordial ancestor in the depths of the heavens, but to the Second Ancestor.

Among the Twelve Second-Generation Patriarchs of the Tongshan Dao Lineage, one is the Second Ancestor of the Yi family.

The Second Ancestor is also a son of the Holy King.

Yu Huang nodded slightly; his eyes held a calm depth, yet also rippled with inner waves.

"The Second Ancestor has revealed the truth to us!"

Yi Zhengqing's expression shifted instantly; he couldn't help but prick up his ears.

Seeing this, Yu Huang smiled and said.

"The Second Ancestor said the Lord of Dongzhou possesses a rare Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart, innate with great accomplishment!"

Yi Zhengqing's form shifted slightly, yet his Dao heart shuddered violently within.

"Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart? Isn't that a physique from myth and legend?"

Yi Zhengqing had heard of this rare constitution before—it is said only ancient sages possessed it.

One who bears the Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart is born close to the Dao, with talent rivaling ancient gods and demons; future achievements naturally will not fall short.

Yu Huang also sighed somewhat.

"Thus, a true immortal is hardly his limit; besides, the Lord of Dongzhou harbors other secrets, though the Second Ancestor sealed his lips thrice—merely commanding us to agree to the marriage alliance!"

After a brief pause, Yu Huang continued.

"The Second Ancestor's will, we naturally cannot defy; of course, we must select a suitable immortal seed to match, lest we spoil his good intentions."

"Naturally, this also aligns with the Tongshan Dao Lineage, to unify Dongxuan Shenzhou; in the Tongshan Dao Lineage's secret plots, not only is my Yi family vital, but the Dongzhou Zhang clan is equally crucial—the Zhang clan's rise is now, so why not extend a favor? Hence I have chosen Li'er, and also give you an opportunity!"