Chapter 455: Yi Clan Falls, Zhang Clan Feasts (4K)

Ancient Yi Prefecture

Great Yu Ancient Capital

Not long after the fall of the Great Yin Dynasty, the Si family also learned of the Yi family's misfortune.

After all, the entire vast Divine Capital City had been relocated; it would be difficult not to know.

At this time, the idle Hundred Streams Residence stood before them.

Two figures gazed at this tranquil courtyard from afar.

Si Zhengqing was filled with emotion; upon hearing the news of the Yi family, the entire Si household felt some disbelief.

After all, the Yi family was one of the Eight Great Holy King lineages, once even ranked above the Si family, and now it had been destroyed.

Moreover, it had been destroyed at the hands of the Eastern Continent Emperor.

"Who would have thought the Yi family would just perish like this?!"

Si Zhengqing sighed somewhat.

Before him, the Yu Emperor wore bright yellow robes, donned a dragon robe, wore an imperial crown, his entire body radiating imperial aura, dragon energy vast and majestic.

"The Yi family ultimately suffered from poor fortune, and coupled with the fierce internal strife of these years, the family's elite were lost without cause; this time, though destroyed by external foes, though surprising, it was not without trace!"

The Yu Emperor's face bore a light sigh.

"Our Holy King lineages claim to be immortal families, with eternal inheritance, but where in heaven and earth is there an eternal inheritance? Even a Holy King Supreme cannot withstand formation and decay, emptiness, the ruin of heaven and earth—how much more so for us Holy King lineages? Unless one attains the body of a Dao Sovereign, or can endure destruction and transcend heaven and earth!"

Si Zhengqing beside him was speechless; even attaining the Dao and becoming an immortal had already blocked countless cultivators and sages of heaven and earth, let alone one who stands aloft in the ten thousand heavens like a Dao Sovereign, suppressing the boundless heavenly Dao.

"The Yi family's fortune was too poor, provoking a calamitous star; but whenever heaven and earth change, some ancient powers will be shattered to dust, while some emerging powers will rise in the opportunity!"

Si Zhengqing's face showed emotion; without doubt, in his view, the Eastern Continent Zhang family was precisely such an emerging power.

The Yu Emperor's expression remained unchanged, unlike Si Zhengqing; as the head of the Si family, he had received more comprehensive information, synthesizing the recent multiple actions of the Eastern Continent Emperor Zhang Jian, many Si family elders having undergone 'professional' tactical drills, offering much feedback and possibility.

Among these many possibilities, even the Yu Emperor felt shocked.

The greatest possibilities put forward by the Si family elders were respectively a Divine Path Emperor, the Eastern Continent Emperor mastering third-tier immortal arts, or perhaps surpassing third-tier immortal treasures; the divine golden light and divine authority observed by Si family powerhouses investigating Zhang Jian, who had displayed them multiple times.

The possibility of a Divine Path Emperor was extremely high.

Besides that, it was at least mastering one third-tier immortal art and multiple second-tier immortal arts.

Although the model data from this simulation was merely a reference, the possibility was extremely high.

How could such power not shock the Yu Emperor's heart?

Even some renowned cultivators who had painstakingly trained for countless years in the Heavenly Immortal realm might not possess this strength.

How long has that Eastern Continent Emperor been cultivating?

Fortunately, this powerful being is an ally of the Si family, and now even more so, a relative by marriage.

Before this great heavenly upheaval arrives, being able to find such a powerful ally for the Si family in advance is also a fortunate matter.

The Yu Emperor pondered for a moment, then smiled and said:

"This time, those old fogies of the Ji family probably won't be able to sleep!"

Si Zhengqing's eyes rippled slightly, and he followed with:

"That is also what they deserve; my Si family marrying off a daughter, they dare to interfere—this is breaking the rules, and all consequences naturally fall on them to bear themselves!"

Si Zhengqing's expression held a faint smile.

Recently, the Ji family has frequently run to the Great Yu Ancient Capital, wanting the Si family to step in and mediate.

But the Yu Emperor, citing secluded cultivation, has consistently avoided them.

In Si Zhengqing's view, the Ji family's intervention in mediation is acceptable, but such matters require a proper timing; intervening too early or too late could leave one caught between two stools.

Si Zhengqing naturally does not wish to bear this blame.

Father and son talked for a moment, then the Yu Emperor's gaze fell again upon the Hundred Streams Residence, and he sighed.

"Has there been any family letter returned from Li'er lately?"

Si Zhengqing was stunned, the smile on his face fading.

He slightly shook his head.

"No, but I, as son, believe that with Li'er's wisdom, she should be able to earn the favor of the Eastern Continent Zhang family!"

He also felt some reluctance in his heart.

He has many descendants, but only one innate Dao body.

From childhood, he has raised this daughter as if she were his heir.

It is truly unimaginable that this daughter would ultimately marry out.

The Yu Emperor also felt some emotion in his heart.

Similar to this innate Dao body as a true seed, the Si family's inheritance over countless years has not produced many.

Each of these talents is the future of the Si family.

Most of the Si family's true immortals are born from among them.

The probability of an innate Dao body attaining immortality via the Dao is still higher than that of other clansmen.

Si Zhengqing's gaze fluctuated as he said:

"How exactly has the Eastern Continent Zhang family risen so recently? Their inheritance certainly cannot match that of the clan, and I also do not know whether Li'er's Dao path will be affected!"

The Yu Emperor smiled faintly and said:

"How is this not an opportunity in itself!"

His expression softened into a smile.

The Eastern Continent Zhang family rose not long ago; precisely for this reason, internal competition is correspondingly weaker.

If the Si family elders' simulations are correct, and there is no error, then rather than being mistaken, it is Li'er's fortune.

After all, the family patriarch is a Divine Path Emperor; with the potential of a Divine Path Emperor, the future upper limit is likely far beyond that of other immortals.

One who attains the Dao, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.

Perhaps the Si family could also give birth to a powerhouse above the level of a celestial immortal.

"The Second Ancestor is indeed far-sighted and deeply thoughtful!"

Emperor Yu silently mused in his heart.

His eyes flickered slightly.

He remembered that the Emperor of Dongzhou had more than just Zhang Zhao as an offspring.

And the Si family has no shortage of exceptionally talented female cultivators.

A divine-path Emperor is worth the Si family investing more resources to win over.

……

Meanwhile, on another side, in the Southern Divine Continent, Guqiu Prefecture, the ancestral land of the Ji family.

The Southern Divine Prefecture, like the Eastern Suspended Divine Prefecture, is one of the ancient divine prefectures!

As one of the Eight Holy King Clans, the Ji family occupies most of the fertile land in this region.

The ancestral land of the Ji family is called Taocheng.

This divine city stands at the center of myriad immortal cities, magnificent and vast.

Numerous cities lie prostrate upon the earth, resembling a soaring giant dragon coiled between heaven and earth, immortal light flowing and turning, surrounded by guards of formidable aura, countless deities.

Compared to the You family's setting sun west of the mountains, the Ji family is like the sun at high noon.

After enduring several great calamities' rises and falls, the Ji family has maintained a lasting flourishing trend since the Middle Ancient War.

In the ancient lands, there are many powerful beings.

However, unlike other Holy King Clans, the Ji family has never focused its efforts on this great realm, but has shifted its focus beyond the realm.

Thus, its influence is not as strong as before!

Yinglong Hall

At this time, many elders of the Ji family were also discussing the affairs of the You family.

The Ji family celestial immortal Ji Ning, who had previously confronted the Qingyuan Old Ancestor, was seated in the second position on the left.

The seat of honor was occupied by Ji Canglan, the current head of the Ji family.

The first position on the left was a tall old man wearing a earth-yellow long robe, tall hat and wide belt, with grayish-white long hair simply bound by a radiant ancient pine hairpin; his aura was like an abyss and a prison, extraordinarily magnificent.

Most of the elders of the Holy King Clans present bore varying degrees of imperial aura and dragon aura, possessing the bearing of overlords and sovereigns.

But he bore only purity and loftiness, resembling a distant, ethereal immortal.

This is Ji Tianyun.

A powerful immortal who attained the Dao in ancient times, his origins can likewise be traced back to the era of the twelve second-generation ancestral masters of the Tongshan Dao lineage.

At this moment, a powerful Ji family member in the hall could not help but speak.

"That Dongzhou brat is simply too lawless and rebellious; the You family, after all, are descendants of Holy Kings, heirs of ancient sages—he actually dared to extinguish the incense of the ancient Holy King, so utterly vicious and wicked—if left unchecked, it surely would not be a blessing for all beings under heaven!"

Upon hearing this, many Ji family elders' eyes flickered; a young sovereign with a proud bearing seated in the third position on the right spoke calmly.

"Sixth Elder, you and the You family are connected by marriage, your feelings are understandable, but a divine-path Emperor is not so easily overthrown?"

Hearing this, the middle-aged sovereign in purple robes, with a cold and stern expression, spoke indifferently.

"What of a divine-path Emperor? If my Ji family's ancestors were willing to descend to the lower realm, they could not possibly fail to eliminate him……?"

Many Ji family elders watched this scene with cold eyes, their depths showing some strangeness.

"What of a divine-path Emperor?"

This arrogance is too great!

If a divine-path Emperor were easy to deal with, would they need to be so tense in planning a response?

Ancestors are ancestors, they are they!

Leaving aside whether one can casually descend to the lower realm, that divine-path Emperor's background is also not without foundation, not without source!

That Water Official Great Emperor is not easy to provoke, let alone mention the Holy King's founding ancestor behind him!

Would the other side simply stand by while their geniuses on this side are plotted against by the Ji family?

That would likely provoke a great power bloodbath!

Ji Ning sat in his seat, his face unseen, at this moment he spoke in a deep voice.

"What is there to argue about? For now, let us first focus on redeeming Ji Ke and the other five; the envoy of the Tongshan Dao lineage is already on the road—we need to unify our stance!"

Upon hearing this, many Ji family cultivators turned their gazes toward the upper seat, where Ji Lan had remained silent all along.

Ji Lan met the gazes of the crowd, at this moment he spoke calmly.

"Since the Second Elder has confirmed that the Eastern Zhou Emperor is indeed a divine-path Emperor, our Ji family shall first proceed with negotiation as the main approach!

Grievances should be resolved, not deepened—especially at this time—but our Ji family is also not the You family; the tactic of 'striking the mountain to startle the tiger' is of no use to us!"

As his words fell, Ji Lan's gaze turned to Ji Tianyun, speaking solemnly.

"Great Elder, what do you think of my idea?"

Ji Tianyun's face remained calm.

"The parties in a negotiation are usually equal in strength, or there are mutual taboos—how can unequal parties negotiate?!"

His eyes flickered, yet his words carried another meaning.

After only a brief moment of thought, this Ji family Great Elder still said.

"However, making initial contact is also no problem!"

As his words fell, his figure vanished from the spot.

On the upper seat, Ji Lan's eyes flickered slightly—he had understood: this Great Elder held no hope for negotiation, and rather hoped to resort to force!

But many Ji family elders present were quite in agreement with Ji Lan's idea.

After all, if there were no choice, who would want to face the malice of a Divine Path Emperor?

……

Dongzhou, Haojing City, Hall of Containing the Origin

After Zhang Jian took over the You family, he did not rush to trouble the Ji family, but instead followed the advice of the Tongshan Dao Tong.

After killing the chicken to scare the monkeys, the Tongshan Dao Tong first stepped in to help mediate, initiating negotiations to see if the Ji family was willing to offer compensation and compromise.

Etiquette before force.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Dongzhou Zhang clan and their allies from the Zhanmo Peak can devour the You family completely.

Getting hold of good things is one thing; whether they can be digested is the key.

Zhang Jian prepared to first refine the You family's Divine Capital City.

The Divine Capital City is a formed second-rank immortal treasure, containing not only most of the You family's inheritance within, but also many secret spaces similar to the original ancestral land, combining defense and cultivation.

This second-rank immortal treasure has been tempered by the You family for countless years, its power already approaching that of a third-rank immortal treasure.

If the Zhang clan makes good use of it, it can serve as a trump card.

Zhang Jian prepared to refine it into an immortal city, to serve as a secondary capital to Haojing City, and also as a city for cultivators, providing residence for many high-level cultivators of the Great Xia Dynasty, thereby separating immortals from mortals.

While refining this immortal city, Zhang Jian also waited for the final good news.

In the southeastern provinces, negotiations between the Great Xia Dynasty and the Xuantian Sect are also underway.

Given the circumstances, many cultivators of the Xuantian Sect can no longer bear the pressure and have voluntarily sent sect strongmen to negotiate with the Great Xia Dynasty.

Since the Xuantian Sect has shown intent to submit, the Great Xia Dynasty is also pleased to see it come to pass.

Warfare is brutal and dangerous; once fighting begins, casualties and hidden dangers are inevitable.

Being able to accept the last region of the two hundred southeastern provinces without spending a single soldier is naturally the most understandable situation.

Zhang Jian thus appointed Crown Prince Zhang Zhao as envoy, with the Ancestor of the Dongshen Teaching as deputy envoy, to fully handle this matter.

Zhang Zhao had handled the acceptance of the Five Elements Immortal Sect and the Shangqing Sword School by the Ancestor of the Dongshen Teaching extremely well, and Zhang Jian felt very reassured about this.

While Zhang Zhao's side is not mentioned, the Ancestor of the Dongshen Teaching is unusually enthusiastic about this matter.

The Dongshen Teaching, to a certain extent, perished at the hands of the Three Great Immortal Sects: the Five Elements Immortal Sect, the Shangqing Sword School, and the Xuantian Sect.

Now, however, he enters the Xuantian Sect openly and properly as the deputy envoy of the Great Xia Dynasty, presiding over the reform of the Three Great Immortal Sects.

How is this not a kind of alternative revenge and retribution?

The Ancestor of the Dongshen Teaching is very pleased about this.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jian also prepares to wait until the two hundred southeastern provinces are fully incorporated into the Great Xia Dynasty, then conduct another ancestral sacrifice.

After the ancestral sacrifice, he will then deal with the dispute with the Ji family.

……

Two years passed in a flash.

The rapid expansion of the Great Xia Dynasty is evident to all the various immortal sects and Dao traditions inside and outside the two hundred southeastern provinces.

The Great Xia Dynasty is gradually digesting the foundations inside and outside the two hundred southeastern provinces, using them as the basis for its expansion.

Now, immortal cities and market towns are increasing in number within and outside the Great Xia Dynasty.

The Great Xia Dynasty's nine-rank twelve-level sect system is also gradually taking root in people's minds.

What also shocks many cultivators is the spreading and expanding speed of the Nine Cauldrons Boundary.

The Dragon Qi Law Ban permeates most of the southeastern region.

The Dragon Vein Qi of the Great Xia Dynasty is as heavy as a mountain, sealing heaven and earth; cultivators without court-issued diplomas find it hard to stir up trouble within it.

The magnificent capital of the Great Xia Dynasty, Haojing City, is becoming increasingly magnificent.

Its Dragon Qi is heavy, as if it were the dwelling place of the Ancestral Dragon deep within the two hundred southeastern provinces.

Especially one year ago, the descent of the secondary capital, Divine Capital City, made it gradually become a prosperous place in the eyes of many cultivators of the two hundred southeastern provinces.

This day, in Haojing City, within the Hall of Containing the Origin

As Zhang Jian was handling state affairs, his heart stirred, and he faintly felt that the resistance to the westward expansion of the Dragon Qi Law Ban had instantly vanished; the magnificent Dragon Qi surged like formless ripples into the remaining fifty provinces, his body filled with magnificent Dragon Qi and imperial aura, and the divine light of the Emperor's authority behind him condensed into substance.

He immediately understood: it must be that Zhang Zhao's negotiations with the Xuantian Sect have finally been completed.

The Xuantian Sect has finally decided to submit to the Great Xia Dynasty.

"The good day for ancestral sacrifice has come again!"