Chapter 524

Fengqiao Town.

After Zhang Jian had just finished setting up the great protective formation for the Zhang family, he received a message from the Three Yuan Spirit Officials' Hall.

Tomorrow at noon, the Heavenly Palace will hold a small-scale feudal lords' grand audience in the Lingxiao Hall, at which time some emperors above Sequence Ten, ancient immortals, and even various immortal venerables from all directions will participate in the council, and Zhang Jian, as one of the Great Emperors of the Three Yuan Spirit Officials' Hall, must accompany the Water Official Emperor to attend the grand audience.

Not only him, but the other two emperors of the Three Yuan Spirit Officials' Hall, the Blessing Emperor and the Three Laws Emperor, will also participate in the regular meeting, exercising authority and recording proceedings.

Upon receiving the news in the ancestral hall, Zhang Jian immediately informed his two wives, Qi Yuhua and Bai Liying, asking them to oversee the construction and planning of the Zhang family in Fengqiao Town.

Fortunately, the grand audience is the day after tomorrow, so Zhang Jian does not need to return immediately; otherwise, it would be inconvenient to wait here for feedback.

The new moon was like a hook; after the Yang Nine Emperor departed riding the sun star, the light of the Yin star spread across the central heavenly realm.

"I never expected the moonlight of the central heavenly realm to be so strange!"

At this moment, in the great residence of Fengqiao Town, the immortals gathered together, gazing upward with eyes filled with astonishment.

Yesterday, when they first arrived, they had stayed in the residence of the Lingyuan Emperor, and in the Heavenly Court, they felt no particularly obvious alternation of day and night; the surrounding celestial lights of the Heavenly Court were always present, illuminating it like eternal day.

But only upon setting foot on the earth of the central heavenly realm did they realize how unique its sun and moon truly are.

At night, twelve moons are distributed across the heavens, illuminating the earth.

Although it is night, the twelve moons bathe the land in a silver-white glow like frost and snow.

Above the town, commoners are numerous, yet it is also prosperous and populous, with doors left unbarred at night.

Under the night sky, many children with topknots play in the night wind, their laughter carrying far on the breeze.

In the distance beyond the town lies a small bridge over flowing water.

The small river flows quietly under the night moon, with rows of maple trees releasing a unique woody fragrance in the night air.

The immortals fell silent for a moment, quietly enjoying this unique tranquility.

Zhang Yi and his wife also showed expressions of delight.

Even in Dongxuan Shenzhou, the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty probably does not have such tranquility.

"It's a pity that my concubines and children cannot enter the heavenly realm to share such carefree bliss..."

Zhang Yi couldn't help but sigh aloud, then abruptly stopped, only to see Qi Ruolan glare at him fiercely.

Zhang Yi instantly felt embarrassed, raising the teacup in his hand to try to conceal his expression.

Seeing this, Zhang Jian was somewhat amused and laughed silently.

Rarely having such a night and scenery, Zhang Jian then proposed that the immortals go on a night tour of the town together.

Zhang Jian also felt that his time spent accompanying the Qi, Bai, You, and Meng families had been too short, so he accompanied the women as they walked along the river under the night sky.

Under the bright moon, the five of them could not help but recall their mortal years.

The women seemed to have endless words to say; mentioning these past events, they also felt some emotion.

Never did they expect that they could actually ascend to the heavenly gates.

Especially Qi Yuhua.

At the same time, the four women also mentioned some interesting experiences they had undergone over twenty thousand years in the Bronze Furnace Mansion.

Over twenty thousand years of time has truly been a long period for them, even for Bai, You, and Meng, who also feel it lengthy, let alone Qi.

However, after transforming into celestial-human bodies or immortal forms, the women seemed to have their Dao hearts completely awakened.

They did not feel bored; instead, they felt that every moment brought new insights.

After achieving longevity, as long as one maintains an active Dao heart, every moment will bring new realizations.

Zhang Jian is a good listener; these interesting things are also a fine adjustment to his life.

In his eyes, the four women have different natures, each vibrant and lively.

Only Qi and Bai have followed him longer, so they naturally tend to be favored.

Before reaching a platform, Zhang Jian had the four women gather firewood on the spot and took out various fresh ingredients to prepare a meal right there.

Within his mountains and rivers space, there are no shortage of heavenly and earthly spiritual materials, even materials from the bodies of spiritual beasts and divine beasts.

Soon by the river, there was the aroma of meat, the fresh fragrance of ingredients spreading out, also attracting many young Zhang children and village kids, and Zhang Jian was not stingy.

For a moment, this stretch of riverbank became an ocean of joy.

Even some true immortals of the Zhang family were drawn over.

"If entering the central heavenly realm remains always this peaceful and free, then future cultivation years will surely be most fulfilling!"

In the distance, young Zhang descendants were chatting with close relatives about the future.

Under a maple tree, two figures gazed afar at this scene, where one exquisite maiden softly laughed.

"Are you also this optimistic?"

Her face is exquisitely beautiful, faintly resembling that of the Noble Consort Ji of the Ji clan.

Speaking of appearance, the maiden ranks among the top in looks among the Zhang women, even more beautiful than Anping Gongzhu Chang'an or Nanyang Gongzhu Qiao, as if she were the finest creation of heaven.

She is Zhang Yujing.

She is also the legitimate granddaughter of Zhang Jian and Ji, inheriting the Zhang family's innate divine blood and Ji's special innate Dao body and fate, born with deep blessings.

Zhang Nan shook his head.

"The honor and disgrace of the entire Zhang family depend entirely on the forefather's prospects; temporary peace cannot mask the inner cruelty, relying solely on the forefather to support the family business is too difficult and dangerous!"

Zhang Yujing slightly nodded.

"Not bad; we must grow up quickly and gradually stand on our own, so that the Zhang family can truly establish itself in the central heavenly realm!"

Zhang Yujing sighed softly with her eyes.

Unfortunately, currently there are almost no members of the Zhang family who can assist the family head.

The gap between the people and the clan leader is very large.

However, the Zhang family is indeed still very young.

Fortunately, the Zhang family has good family traditions and rules, always able to maintain a united approach, unlike some newly risen clans that, before rising for even a few years, have already begun internal strife.

At that moment, Zhang Yujing's expression stirred, and in an instant he saw a vast azure divine light flowing through the depths of the void, as if drifting from above the bright moon; wherever it passed, heaven and earth froze, the swaying tree shadows, the flowing river surface, the scattered moonlight, and the joyous immortals beneath the moonlight all froze in place.

By the fire, Zhang Jian raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings; the smiles of the women seemed frozen on their jade-like faces, and his eyes suddenly turned toward the moonlight above.

Yet in the moonlight, a green-clad female immortal drifted down slowly from the moonlit haze, her form hazy, yet the Dao resonance emanating from her body possessed the power to overturn heaven and earth, her radiance like piercing through time and space, engulfing all things in heaven and earth.

This figure appeared and landed, still striking deep into Zhang Jian's Dao-heart like a vast, shocking thunderclap.

It further shook his primordial spirit and Dao-heart profoundly.

Cannot be gazed upon, cannot be probed, cannot be grasped!

Dao Lord!

Zhang Jian's Dao-heart trembled, yet this aura gave him a familiar feeling, and the other party bore him no ill will whatsoever.

"Descendant of the Zhang clan, Zhang Jian, pays respects to the Dao Lord 'Ancestor'!"

Zhang Jian first performed a bow.

He had already recognized this ancestor whom he had sacrificed to countless times...

Though they had never met face to face, this aura matched the divine power emanating from the golden incense statues in the ancestral shrine, and since the other party made no effort to conceal it, Zhang Jian could easily discern the truth.

In the void, the 'Qingxia Dao Lord' cast her gaze around; wherever her eyes reached, this region of void seemed to have been completely severed from the spacetime of Fengqiao Town.

A faint smile played at the corner of her mouth.

"'Ancestor'? That title is quite novel, but my palace indeed shares deep ties with your Zhang clan; your Zhang immortal clan owes me a debt of enlightenment and Dao attainment!"

Enlightenment, Dao attainment?

Zhang Jian's heart stirred.

Such enlightenment and Dao-bestowal are not something ordinary beings can wield; usually only a high-ranking immortal can enlighten others.

Yet he had never heard of any immortal ancestor in the Fengxi Zhang clan, nor even any cultivator among their forebears!

Before Zhang Jian could speak, she laughed and said:

"Actually, we have met before—second time, in fact—and you should already know my divine name!"

Zhang Jian nodded.

He naturally retained an impression.

And it was a deep impression.

Within the Sunset Moon Cave Heaven, that female immortal of the Sunset Moon Cave Heaven uttered the divine name 'Qingxia,' and suddenly her body and spirit were annihilated.

This 'Ancestor' of ours should be the renowned Dao Lord of the Yaochi Holy Land once mentioned by the Water Official Emperor.

Qingxia Dao Lord!

Zhang Jian at once replied:

"Thank you, 'Ancestor,' for your care over these many years; disciple shall henceforth diligently perform sacrifices to fulfill filial duty!"

Upon hearing this, the 'Qingxia Dao Lord's' eyes flickered; it seemed the other party still did not grasp the true nature of this sacrifice!

The 'Qingxia Dao Lord' secretly shook her head, yet even so, she dared not take advantage of the other party.

For this is not a lasting way.

Beings like her clearly understand that Zhang Jian's nature is so unique, his rise must surpass imagination.

Rather than wait for him to attain Dao on his own in the future, it is better to be open and clear, to treat each other equally from beginning to end, so that future exchanges may proceed smoothly.

They may also be considered a kind of unique 'Dao Partner' relationship.

United in purpose, mutually complementary and fulfilling!

But for now, she will not let Zhang Jian understand this, lest this brat get ahead of himself.

She straightened her bearing, and deep in her eyes flashed a fierce Dao Lord pressure, as if directly pressing down on Zhang Jian's heart.

"My palace has come merely to let you personally witness one or two aspects of a Dao Lord's power, so you may learn to adapt to the rhythm of the Central Heavenly Realm; the Central Heavenly Realm has none of the beauty and ease you imagine!"

"If you are fond of so-called beauty and ease, you will soon pay the price for it!"

Hearing this, Zhang Jian's heart trembled, and he immediately replied in a low voice, "Yes."

The Dao Lord's might surpassed imagination; under such terrifying divine power, even his Earth Emperor primordial spirit felt a terrifying threat.

It seemed he might be demoted at any moment!

Seeing Zhang Jian's state, the 'Qingxia Dao Lord' secretly felt satisfied, and with a wave of her hand, a azure stream of light suddenly emerged from her palm, shooting straight toward Zhang Jian and appearing before him.

"This object is the gift my palace bestows upon you this time; it should be of use to you!"

With a wave of her hand, the azure stream of light instantly sank into the depths of Zhang Jian's brow.

Zhang Jian sensed a layer of intense Fate Grand Dao law aura.

At the same time, the origin of this special heaven-and-earth treasure surfaced in his mind.

Star of Fate: Heaven-and-Earth Treasure, at the dawn of the heavenly realm's creation, a segment of Fate Grand Dao law combined with the primordial source of heaven and earth condensed into a star, containing intense Fate Grand Dao law primordial source, a primordial heaven-and-earth object, its value not inferior to any innate spiritual treasure!

Note: Can be directly refined and contemplated to internalize the traces of heaven-and-earth Grand Dao, thereby obtaining Fate Grand Dao authority!

II: This treasure can be integrated into any Fate-side immortal treasure or immortal technique, greatly enhancing the power of Fate-side authority (capable of elevating Dao Lord level, even to the might of Dao Venerable immortal arts).

III: This treasure is a supreme heaven-and-earth treasure of the Fate type, tradable with immortals who cultivate the Fate Grand Dao.

Zhang Jian naturally overlooked the third point.

This second point is precisely where this treasure's greatest value lies.

Being able to elevate Dao Lord-level immortal treasures, or immortal technique power, such heaven-and-earth treasures must be few in number.

Not to mention the Dao Venerable beyond.

Upon hearing it, one knows this is an existence standing near the forefront of the Central Heavenly Realm hierarchy.

For example, similar to those Heavenly Emperor elders, Buddhist Buddhas, Demonic Realm Demonic Ancestors, and so on.

Zhang Jian was about to speak again in thanks, but saw the 'Qingxia Dao Lord' in the depths of the void wave her hand to stop him.

"Between us, no thanks are needed!"

Zhang Jian's expression froze for a moment, and he silently thought that this 'ancestor' was still quite easy to talk to.

'Kind and approachable' 'Cold face, warm heart'!

Many words popped up from his mind.

'Qingxia Daoist' looked at Zhang Jian, and then spoke again.

"The celestial realm is full of traps; before you attain the Dao, it's best to observe more and speak less, fulfill your own duties properly, and do not rely on strength or show off, lest you fall into other great immortals' traps!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian's heart skipped a beat.

It seems the central celestial realm is just as competitive!

He immediately clasped his hands in agreement!

In the void, 'Qingxia Daoist' saw this and nodded satisfiedly; her gaze fell upon Zhang Jian.

As his 'Dao companion' with a special connection, she does not wish for the coming days to be spent busy wiping his backside.

With a wave of her hand, she instantly transformed into a streak of azure light and vanished into the void.

The spacetime before him seemed to instantly return to its place.

The smiles of the Qi, Bai, Meng, and Ying clans nearby remained joyful, as if the moonlight had once again washed down from the heavens.

The small river continued to flow quietly, as if it had never ceased.

Laughter and cheer filled the ears once more.

Everyone seemed not to notice any abnormality, nor did they perceive the passage of time.

It seemed the strange feeling had been completely erased from the depths of their primordial spirits.

Even the celestial immortals were no exception.

At this moment, the Princess of Anping advocated for Chang'an, while the Princess of Nanyang advocated for Qiu, and as they strolled, they arrived beside Qiu Yuhua, both women's eyes also carrying smiles.

The time of reunion was very brief.

Before dawn, Zhang Jian had already returned to the heavenly palace complex deep within the heavenly court's core.

He did not directly refine the Star of Fate, but first stored it deep within the Seal of Mountains and Rivers, to be refined after the great court assembly, these celestial and terrestrial treasures!

In this way, to perfect the fateful Dao laws within the Seal of Mountains and Rivers!

……

The heavenly palace is located above Mount Buzhou, at the core of the cloud path.

Precisely speaking, it is at the core of the ninth upper level.

Around the heavenly palace, the residences of the celestial officials and emperors consist of thirty-three levels: nine lower, nine middle, and nine upper.

And the six levels of the Sagely Heaven.

The nine lower and nine middle levels are all the old lands of Mount Buzhou below the celestial dome.

The nine upper levels are above the celestial dome.

The heavenly palace is likewise located at the core of this cloud path.

This is a land of light, filled with the wondrous mystery of the boundless origin of the Dao.

The official residence of the Three Yuan Spirit Officials Hall is not far from the Hall of Lingxiao; Zhang Jian first entered there and met with the Emperor of Blessings and the Three Laws Emperor.

After all, they all need to enter the Hall of Lingxiao to participate in the great court assembly, so naturally they should greet each other.

In fact, yesterday, upon his first entry into the central celestial realm, Zhang Jian had already gone to pay respects to the Emperor of Blessings, his nominal superior.

This Emperor of Blessings wore robes of blessings, dressed in red and purple, very dignified; he had a beard and flowing sleeves, much like many ancient immortals.

As for the Three Laws Emperor, he is a black-faced deity, his divine power vast and boundless, unsmiling, with a cold demeanor; this 'colleague' looks hard to provoke.

Indeed, this is the case; this Three Laws Emperor oversees the punishments and pardons of the Three Yuan Spirit Officials Hall, and is known for his impartiality like an iron face.

The authority he wields is still above that of Zhang Jian.

However, the three emperors of the Three Yuan Spirit Officials Hall currently have no conflicts of authority, so the atmosphere is still decent.

And as the myriad immortals' bell before the Hall of Lingxiao rang, Zhang Jian began his first journey to the great court assembly in the central celestial realm.

Moreover, it is a great court assembly of the emperor-level tier!