Chapter 560: This is the Family Ancestor (4K)

At the gate of the Yaochi Holy Land, many immortals were gathered to welcome.

Leading them was a noble female immortal wearing silver-white cloud robes, her hair tied high and bound with a lustrous white jade hairpin, tall in stature, with a heroic bearing.

This is a Dao Lord.

The Tai Su Dao Lord.

Zhang Jian had seen her once before at the immortal banquet in the Pure Yang Hall of the Donghua Heavenly Realm.

This Yaochi Dao Lord possesses extraordinary cultivation; Zhang Jian had heard many immortals and gods speak of her—during the immortal-demon war in the Donghua Realm, many powerful beings of the extradimensional demon god clans had fallen by her hand.

Besides her, there were several other noble female cultivators, mostly high-ranking female immortals serving the Yaochi Holy Mother, most of them Dao Lords, forming the pillars of Yaochi.

Among them were the Fuying Immortal Lord, the Tian Yue Dao Lord, the Tai Yan Dao Lord, and a rare male immortal, known as the Tai Ming Dao Lord.

These were all Dao Lords Zhang Jian had never heard of before.

The five Dao Lords stood together at the gate, their presence illuminating the entrance.

Zhang Jian's gaze swept across the void, and among the immortals he saw many powerful immortals and gods who rarely appeared.

For example, the Barefoot Great Immortal, the Hundred Beasts Immortal Lord, the Hundred Birds Immortal Lord, the Hundred Scales Immortal Lord, the Dongyue Emperor Lord, the Bao Sheng Emperor Lord, the Gou Chen Emperor Lord, the Zhenwu Subdues Demons Heavenly Venerable, and so on.

The immortals had come, but most of them carried gifts in their hands.

It turned out the Yaochi gathering was also the Queen Mother's birthday.

The immortals and gods either brought overseas immortal treasures, or a gourd of heaven-and-earth divine elixirs, or heaven-and-earth divine fire, or at the very least auspicious timber and grain—something had to be offered.

Some immortals and gods were unlike the others, bringing spirit beasts and spirit birds that made the surroundings of Yaochi chaotic and foul.

This sight drew sideways glances from the immortals.

"These few great immortals are indeed unlike the other immortals and gods in their grandeur!"

Standing in the crowd, Zhang Jian heard the Earth Official Emperor Lord show a strange expression.

The Heaven Official Emperor Lord, upon hearing this, spoke.

"Worthy younger brother, these few great immortals come from ancient origins, their cultivation profound—it is not for us to judge!"

Yet he slightly shook his head toward the Earth Official Emperor Lord.

At that moment, the three ancient immortals, after leaving behind a batch of divine beasts, laughed heartily and then strode into the Yaochi Holy Land.

At this moment, however, several streams of immortal light appeared from the void, drifting over a small area faintly reeking of stench, foul odor, and pungency, with some disdain visible in their eyes.

One figure let out a displeased cold snort.

"After all, you are merely fur-clad and horned barbarians, ignorant of sage teachings—such conduct hardly qualifies you to stand alongside us!"

"Dao Friend Wu Xuan, what a grand air you have—being fur-clad and horned, what of it? Did you kill your whole family?"

At this moment, a cold laugh echoed from the void.

The one called Wu Xuan Dao Lord's face darkened, yet from the depths of the void, vast starlight flowed forth, as stars converged and within them appeared numerous star gods of diverse forms.

Leading them was a noble lady wearing splendid robes, her head adorned with a silver-white star crown.

As for the speaker, it was a female immortal beside her dressed in fiery red robes, wearing a gold霞 crown, her eyes flashing with a sharp glare; behind the two goddesses, many star lords manifested, each with unpleasant expressions.

The one called Wu Xuan immortal coldly laughed.

"Huo Ling, do not show off before me—at least we immortals and gods have never turned this majestic holy land into chaos and filth; I am ashamed to be grouped with such demonic barbarians!"

The one called Huo Ling immortal, of fiery temper, immediately coldly laughed.

"Wu Xuan, you are nothing but boasting with your tongue—though we are fur-clad and horned, we have never uttered evil words; this is cultivation!

While you, claiming to be disciples of the sages, yet upon meeting spew evil speech—this is the way of sage teachings; I see you, this little Daoist boy, are not even comparable to them!"

"You..."

Upon hearing this, Wu Xuan Dao Lord's face flushed with anger, about to erupt.

Yet before the Yaochi gate, the five Dao Lords had already stepped forward, separating the two sides.

Tai Su Dao Lord now approached the noble female immortal and smiled.

"It turns out you are the Kan Palace Xuan Ling Dou Mother Heavenly Venerable honoring Yaochi with your presence—please, exalted one, enter Yaochi and take the upper seat!"

Tai Ming Dao Lord then stepped in front of Wu Xuan Dao Lord and smiled.

"Dao Friend Wu Xuan, Dao Friend Huo Ling, you are both guests of Yaochi today—might you grant us fellow Daoists a thin favor? Please proceed to the banquet first; your grudges can be settled later!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Xuan Dao Lord's face eased slightly, though he still kept a cold expression, yet he still manifested his true form from the immortal light.

"At the same time, hand over the jade box in your possession to Tai Ming Dao Lord.

"A small token, not worthy of respect—please pass it on to the Mother!"

Tai Ming Dao Lord nodded, took it, and then handed the jade box to the nearby immortal official for registration into storage.

He said no more, merely gave a cold glance to all the star lords, then strode straight toward the main path of the Yaochi Holy Land.

The Xuan Ling Dou Mother Heavenly Venerable maintained a dignified demeanor throughout, then likewise presented her gift alongside the myriad stars, leading the star host into the great path amid the gazes of immortals and gods.

Zhang Jian and the Heaven Official and Earth Official Emperor Lords stood to one side.

The one called Wu Xuan Dao Lord he did not recognize, merely hearing from nearby immortals and gods that he hailed from the Kunlun Heavenly Realm, where he held a special status.

As for Xuan Ling Dou Mother Heavenly Venerable, he knew her—she was a great elder of the heavenly dao of the heavenly court, having inherited the authority of the Mother of Stars, her rank exalted.

Huo Ling, meanwhile, was the Fire Mansion Star Lord, also a powerful star god, who attained Dao Lord status through divine achievement, commanding the three thousand divine fires, extraordinarily formidable.

Afterwards, Zhang Jian saw that above the firmament, in the Northern Dipper Palace, a flood of rosy light suddenly appeared, and in an instant, several streams of immortal light flew out from within, led by a graceful beauty approaching, who was also a star lord in form, yet adorned with the beauty of flowers and moon, dressed like the Kui Star.

Behind her were several others from the Northern Dipper stars.

Tai Su Dao Lord, after seeing off the Kan Palace star host, likewise stepped forward and bowed.

"It turns out the Kui Star Lady has arrived—Yaochi gains much radiance!"

The Kui Star Lady pursed her lips and smiled faintly.

"It is rare that the Holy Mother hosts the Peach Banquet—naturally I must come to join the festivities!"

"Since the Kui Star Lady is able to come, the Holy Mother must indeed be extremely pleased!"

The corner of the Great Primordial Dao Lord's mouth curled into a smile.

At this moment, the Earth Official Emperor beside him transmitted a sound to Zhang Jian and the Heavenly Official Emperor.

"I never expected that this Peach Banquet would actually be the arrival of the Lady of the Kui Star before her seclusion!"

Zhang Jian was still hearing the name of the Lady of the Kui Star for the first time; his expression changed slightly, and he then addressed the two Emperors, the Heavenly Official and the Earth Official, beside him.

"Your Majesties, I never expected that the Kui Star would also have a Dao companion?"

The Kui Star generally refers to the Emperor of the Literary Star.

And is also the current Emperor of Literature.

Hearing this, the Heavenly Official Emperor laughed and said.

"Although the Kui Star is a deity of the divine path, not the immortal path, it does not necessarily mean he has no Dao companion. Moreover, the divine path is ever-changing and unfathomable, making it difficult to ascertain its details; or perhaps there is an omen in heaven and earth, and this star's manifestation is uncertain!"

He said the last part, his words carrying a hint of teasing.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian's expression froze—can immortals and deities really play like this?

The Earth Official Emperor then said.

"In recent years, the literary flourishing of the mortal realm has been prosperous; the Kui Star Palace has been splendid and soaring these past years—indeed, it is very lively!"

Zhang Jian's eyes flickered slightly; as the divine couple governing the literary affairs of the mortal realm, the Emperor of the Literary Star and his consort naturally possess cultivation that advances a thousand miles a day, making it difficult for ordinary immortals and deities to catch up.

After passing through the various Dao Lords and Upper Gods,

Zhang Jian entered the Jade Pool Holy Land together with the Three Emperors, mingling among the multitude of immortals.

However, before entering the Jade Pool, he also left behind the gift he had prepared.

He had not prepared any other gift; coincidentally, the Bodhi Precious Tree had borne some Bodhi seeds, which he directly picked and used as a congratulatory offering.

The three immortals followed the Heaven-Reaching Great Road all the way forward, as if entering an independent universe of heaven and earth.

Around them, celestial pavilions and jade abodes were numerous, hidden within countless clouds and mists; within, faint immortal lights and magical restrictions could be seen flowing through those jade towers and jade halls.

Zhang Jian knew this might be entering the Jade Pool Heavenly Realm.

The Holy Mother of the Jade Pool has spent most of her time in recent years managing affairs in the Jade Pool Heavenly Realm.

Zhang Jian's eyes swept over the magnificent scenery revealed between the clouds, and he could not help but adopt a solemn expression.

Part of the magnificent scenery between the clouds had already surpassed the limits that ordinary immortals and deities could appreciate; within, it seemed to contain the origins of many heavenly and earthly Great Dao laws, allowing one to see many heavenly and earthly wonders.

Within each wonder, it seemed to contain the source transformations of various heavenly and earthly Dao qi; if one's cultivation is low and they recklessly peer into it, they might directly fall into Dao transformation.

Zhang Jian even sensed from within a series of profound and terrifying powers.

Indescribable, ineffable—direct gaze will inevitably be eroded by the Great Dao.

The transformations within surpassed mere Dao qi, involving the changes of primordial qi.

Zhang Jian knew that this must involve a profound and unfathomable heavenly and earthly mystery.

He gathered his mind and spirit, no longer recklessly probing, lest he invite great disaster.

A voice came from beside him—the Heavenly Official Emperor.

"Young Friend Zhang, this is your first time participating in the Jade Pool Banquet; you may not yet understand some things deeply, but fellow Daoist, remember: later, just eat and drink—eat more, drink more, speak less!"

"After you attend the Jade Pool Banquet several more times, you will surely comprehend its mysteries!"

"Thank you, Heavenly Official Majesty, for your guidance!"

Zhang Jian replied in affirmation.

After traversing layer upon layer of clouds and seas, passing through tier upon tier of jade steps and jade paving, the view before him gradually opened up—yet he saw many jade maidens and mighty warriors drawing fine wine from various strange and beautiful wine wells along the way, while numerous beautiful female immortals shuttled along the cloud paths, transporting various spiritual fruits and immortality elixirs toward the depths of the rainbow bridge.

Dozens of rainbow bridges resembled two realms of heaven.

Zhang Jian, together with the Heavenly Official and Earth Official Emperors, stepped onto one of the rainbow bridges from the middle side, and then saw a vast heavenly pool before him—its water clear and pure, containing golden light, countless immortal lotuses blooming in splendid colors, so beautiful as to be beyond description.

Around him, countless heavenly lights formed in the depths of the void, creating billions of auspicious clouds.

In the center, three major roads ran through the heart of the Jade Pool, winding and connecting with each other; within, numerous immortal seats were arranged.

Beneath the auspicious clouds, the immortal seats extended from the front courtyard of the Jade Pool all the way through, then entered the vast halls of light within.

The upper, middle, and lower seats—where exactly they are—is immediately clear.

The upper seat must be within the Hall of Light; the middle seat is located at the upper reaches of the Jade Pool; the lower seat lies in the depths of the Jade Pool.

The scenery on both sides is naturally harmonious, so there is no sense of neglect.

At this moment, by the Jade Pool, Zhang Jian saw a familiar figure.

"Fellow immortals, after entering the Jade Pool, you may take your seats directly; later, the Lady will personally entertain you!"

In the distance, the voice of the Dao Lord of Azure Clouds came through.

Then, a rough voice sounded—yet it was the laughter of the Barefoot Immortal.

"Immortal maiden, rest assured—we are thoroughly familiar with this Jade Pool; no need for greetings!"

Many immortals were smiling.

Zhang Jian stood in the crowd; the Dao Lord of Azure Clouds spotted him at a glance and, without hesitation, pulled him aside.

Upon seeing this, the immortals expressed surprise; beside the Dao Lord of Azure Clouds, several female immortals immediately laughed and stepped forward to greet him.

"Do you know the rules of the Jade Pool Banquet?"

Seeing the solemn expression of the Dao Lord of Azure Clouds, Zhang Jian could only reply.

"Eat more, drink more, speak less!"

The Dao Lord of Azure Clouds tightened her face; her lively eyes gazed solemnly at Zhang Jian as she said.

"Knowing that is enough!"

"And one more thing: do not touch unknown objects within the Jade Pool!"

After a slight pause, she added: "Also, do not stare recklessly at the female immortals and goddesses of the Jade Pool!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian felt a flush of embarrassment.

He is not some lecherous immortal.

After the admonition, Qingxiao Daoist Monarch seemed to recall something and suddenly smiled.

"But the Empress might trouble others, yet she should not trouble you!"

Zhang Jian was startled by the words, wanting to ask why, but Qingxiao Daoist Monarch dismissed him.

Zhang Jian felt strange in his heart.

Having walked only a short distance, he heard a voice coming from behind.

"A Yu?"

Yet he saw the sound of ornaments chiming behind him, and Qingqiu Empress approached in splendid attire, accompanied by several female immortals, some beautiful, some noble.

Zhang Jian wore a smile and hurriedly paid his respects.

However, Zhang Jian did not see the Yu King Ancestral Master beside Qingqiu Empress; it seemed the Yu King Ancestral Master had not come this time, only sending Qingqiu Empress on this journey.

"The Ancestral Master must be detained by some matter, or perhaps he simply does not care about this Peach Banquet?"

Zhang Jian secretly mused, knowing that the rank of the Yaochi Banquet has long fluctuated in the celestial voids, occasionally gathering many exalted immortals, but sometimes only a few minor immortals appear, with only a portion of upper-tier deities coming willingly, while these Daoist Monarchs may not necessarily attend.

Moreover, it is worth noting that although heavenly banquets of the Yaochi's scale are not numerous, a careful count shows they are not few either.

For example, the Jade Emperor's birthday, or the Three Sovereigns' Banquet, the Great Luo Banquet of the Taiqing Heaven, the Jade Capital Celebration of Kunlun Heaven, and the Ullambana Festival of the Western Pure Land of Bliss, etc.

Only the peaches of the Yaochi Banquet are so distinctive in feature that they are widely known.

This Yaochi Banquet should be of the livelier kind; earlier, Zhang Jian had already seen many immortals of considerable status arrive.

After a brief conversation, Qingqiu Empress also introduced to Zhang Jian the several female immortals and goddesses beside her.

Most of these female immortals and goddesses are consorts of the Holy Emperors, such as one of the Dao companions of the Agricultural Emperor, Ting Wo; likewise, the principal consort of the Xuanyuan Holy Emperor, Luo Zu; and another is the Nine Spirit Heavenly Empress of the Fox Clan.

At this moment, the Nine Spirit Heavenly Empress fixed her curious gaze upon Zhang Jian, and then she lightly laughed.

She also followed Qingqiu Empress in her address.

"A Yu, I just saw you and the Qingxiao Immortal Maiden beneath the Holy Mother Empress seem unusually familiar, your relationship not ordinary? I dare to ask, have you long known each other?"

Zhang Jian hesitated slightly in his eyes, then after a moment spoke.

"That is my 'Family Ancestor'!"

"Family Ancestor?"

This news left the female immortals and goddesses stunned.

This answer truly surprised several female immortals.

According to their knowledge, Qingxiao Daoist Monarch had no descendants in the mundane world; she had always attained the Dao by slaying the Red Dragon as an unmarried Yun Ying.

Several goddesses felt strange in their hearts, yet did not press further, merely glanced at Zhang Jian twice more before entering the Bright Hall Pavilion.