Chapter 744

Deep within the Miao Yan Palace of Dongji.

Zhang Jian saw the Dongji Qinghua Emperor, who was cultivating in the palace, also the Taibai Jiu Ku Tianzun.

This Tianzun was not wearing ceremonial robes but a Daoist robe, refining pills in the elixir chamber.

The temperature inside the elixir chamber was extraordinarily high; upon entering, Zhang Jian felt as if his eyebrows were about to be ignited.

At this moment, his foundation was profound, his cultivation astonishing, his Dao-Sovereign body tempered through countless refinements, and it was in no way inferior to those who specialized in body cultivation among the innate gods and demons.

Yet at this time, he felt that beneath those strands of flame, there was an additional sensation like walking on thin ice.

After a slight bow, before the elixir furnace, the Dongji Qinghua Emperor smiled slightly and said.

"Zhang Xiaoyou, please wait a moment; let this poor Daoist finish refining this furnace of pills!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian waited at the side.

But he did not wait long; as the Dongji Qinghua Emperor activated the true fire of the elixir furnace, moments later, it seemed that within the depths of the furnace, the Dao rhythm of the boundless heavens and earth flowed out, and instantly seven or eight thick strands of innate golden light sprayed forth.

Within the golden light, it seemed as if seven or eight Dao fruits flowed out.

Upon closer inspection, their true forms were each a golden elixir, radiant with golden light and rich in Dao rhythm.

On each golden elixir were nine substantial Dao patterns, ninefold condensed and refined, as if undergoing nine transformations in the depths of the void, making each golden elixir increasingly captivating and bright.

"Nine-Revolution Golden Elixir?"

Zhang Jian's pupils flickered, with a hint of subtlety in his eyes.

In the heavenly court, the master of the Tushita Palace, the Supreme Dao Ancestor, is exceptionally skilled in alchemy.

Among his pills is one called the Nine-Revolution Golden Elixir.

It is said that consuming one pill allows one to directly achieve the Dao-Sovereign body without any hidden dangers.

This is one of the highest-grade pills in the myriad voids.

Once this pill appears, it becomes the source of the Dao of Alchemy.

Any cultivator who enters the Dao of Alchemy, whether immortal or god, takes this as their goal and pursues it.

However, observing the various omens in the void above, Zhang Jian felt that the omen accompanying the emergence of the pill before him differed from that of the Nine-Revolution Golden Elixir.

The emergence of such a pill as the Nine-Revolution Golden Elixir would indeed invite the apocalyptic calamity of the myriad voids, to destroy this kind of great Dao golden elixir.

But this pill, upon formation, instead emitted waves of fragrant aroma; above the firmament appeared numerous immortal medicines containing dense innate essence and qi, as well as illusory forms of spirit beasts, as if heaven itself were presenting auspicious signs.

The Dongji Qinghua Emperor casually took the eight golden elixirs into his hand; six were stored in a gourd, and the other two were placed in a jade box. He seemed to notice the doubt in Zhang Jian's eyes and thus smiled.

"These are Nine-Revolution Soul-Returning Pills; they contain a portion of soul Dao fruit, capable of repairing the soul's origin, restoring life to the dead and flesh to white bones; even if the primordial spirit is shattered, there is a certain chance to call it back!"

"But they still differ somewhat from the Nine-Revolution Golden Elixir!"

"As for now, in the world, the only one capable of refining Nine-Revolution Golden Elixir is the Supreme Dao Ancestor alone!"

The Dongji Qinghua Emperor sighed slightly.

Immediately, he handed the jade box before him to Zhang Jian and said.

"These eight Nine-Revolution Soul-Returning Pills are yours due to your accomplishments; these two Nine-Revolution Soul-Returning Pills are precisely what you deserve!"

Zhang Jian gazed at the jade box before him, his eyes showing some surprise.

His pupils shifted, he thought for a moment, and then put it away.

"Your Majesty's gift, I, the junior, would not dare to refuse; I thank the Dongji Majesty!"

Zhang Jian bowed slightly.

Zhang Jian felt a subtle heaviness in his heart.

It seemed that the Dongji Emperor, of such stature, would not bestow such a precious treasure as the Nine-Revolution Soul-Returning Pill without reason; he worried that the Dongji Qinghua Emperor had another intention, so he simply accepted it.

Moreover, in the Tianling Realm and the Jinyuan Heavenly Realm, he had paid so many 'patent fees'; receiving two Nine-Revolution Soul-Returning Pills was not excessive.

Zhang Jian swiftly took the pills in his hand.

Following this, the Dongji Qinghua Emperor rose; Zhang Jian closely followed, and the two crossed the gate of the elixir chamber. Along the way, the jade halls and cloud corridors of the immortal palace stretched as if to the end of the heavenly realm; within the sea of clouds, it seemed to contain scenes of various mortal realms, as if the sea of suffering were boundless, filled entirely with the birth, aging, sickness, and death of mortals, the vast red dust.

Zhang Jian's gaze swept over, and he slightly furrowed his brow.

Beside him, the Dongji Qinghua Emperor gently waved his horsetail whisk, sweeping away some of the red-dust cloud vapors from the cloud corridor; his tranquil smile came forth.

"Zhang Xiaoyou, regarding the affairs of the Tianling Realm and the Jinyuan Heavenly Realm, this poor Daoist is already aware; you harbor a great compassionate heart, and your various deeds can be said to be boundless merit!"

"One's power can be said to surpass that of countless immortals and gods; saving the boundless, aiding the boundless multitude of beings!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian spoke.

"I feel ashamed; Zhang Jian harbors much selfishness; although granted the authority of redemption by the Emperor, I still cannot forget my private thoughts, thus failing to live up to the Dongji Majesty's kindness!"

Upon hearing this, the Dongji Qinghua Emperor laughed and said.

"This is human nature; in this matter, judge by deeds, not by heart!"

"Whoever performs good deeds can indeed be called good; and Zhang Xiaoyou, you possess a compassionate heart—this is great love!"

The Dongji Qinghua Emperor led Zhang Jian into a courtyard; beside it, immortal plum blossoms bloomed, their fragrance assailing the senses; moreover, clusters of verdant immortal grasses dotted the plum garden, adding a touch of unworldly elegance to the simplicity.

After a few cups of light drink, the Dongji Qinghua Emperor then said.

"Zhang Xiaoyou, in the matter of redemption, you have considerable insight; would you be willing to remain in the Dongji Emperor's mansion? I have always been lax; the affairs of the Dongji Qinghua Emperor's mansion have always been entrusted to the senior officials nearby; although he is shrewd, his thoughts are scattered, making omissions inevitable; if someone like you, such virtuous talent, were to enter the palace, you could ensure everything is flawless!"

"This is also the blessing of all beings and the immortals!"

This was directly extending an olive branch to Zhang Jian.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian slightly moved.

He had not expected the Dongji Qinghua Emperor to recruit him at this time.

Zhang Jian pondered for a moment and indeed felt somewhat stirred.

His current official position is the Ling-Imperial Emperor of the Three Realms and Nine Netherworlds, and among the Ten Great Netherworld Emperors of the Netherworld Earthly Prison, he is the Nether Moon Emperor.

Although both positions are high-ranking and powerful, compared to Zhang Jian's current status, they seem somewhat mismatched no matter how one looks at it.

Both of these positions are Dao-Sovereign ranks, although they are third-revolution Dao-Sovereign ranks.

There is real authority.

It's just that it doesn't match his sequence very well.

Zhang Jian is now in the Three Emperors Celestial Realm; the Central Celestial Realm is all Sequence Thirteen.

Sequence Thirteen belongs to the Emperor position among the Top Three Sequences.

Receiving the Daoist Monarch position of the Three Transformations with the Emperor position is truly a waste of talent.

Especially as his cultivation and Dao achievements grow.

He originally wondered if he could wait for news from the Pingxin Dao Palace, see if he could exert influence from there, and obtain an Emperor position with real authority comparable to Sequence Thirteen.

Or perhaps wait for good news from the Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Venerable!

But the Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Venerable seems to have the idea of avoidance.

The Pingxin Dao Palace has remained completely silent.

Zhang Jian estimates that even the Hou Tu Niangniang cannot exert influence from there.

After all, Hou Tu Niangniang's current position is also quite awkward.

Last time, due to the partial return of the primordial spirits of the Twelve Ancestral Gods, he had already offended the assembly of immortals and gods, and is now under close watch, unable to appear.

Therefore, Zhang Jian feels that following this Eastern Extreme Great Elder is also not impossible.

This Eastern Extreme Great Elder had just spoken very clearly.

He usually pays little attention to the affairs of the Eastern Extreme Emperor's mansion, completely leaving them to be handled by his subordinate immortals and gods.

If it were him in the past, he would very likely have become the second-in-command of the Eastern Extreme Emperor's mansion.

It would be equivalent to having the opportunity to take control of the Eastern Extreme authority.

Such temptation also causes Zhang Jian's Dao heart to waver.

Don't look at how the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor usually keeps a low profile in the Heavenly Court, but as one of the Six Chariot Emperors, his influence is not low.

It is likely that the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor saw the awkward position of the Pingxin Palace and thus extended an olive branch.

But what is most important to him now is to break through to the Dao Venerable realm.

Not to bind himself to a divine position.

He currently has the Nine Nether Refining Spirit Emperor, the Nether Moon Emperor, and even the Celestial Court Emperor position temporarily set aside.

After thinking it over, Zhang Jian then spoke to politely decline.

At this moment, the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor smiled and said.

"Zhang Xiaoyou, you need not rush to reply; the Eastern Extreme Emperor's mansion has long kept its gate open for you. Whenever you come to your senses, the Eastern Extreme Emperor's mansion will all welcome you!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian's eyes twitched slightly, and he then said.

"Your Majesty, Eastern Extreme, your kindness to this junior is truly great; this junior feels ashamed!"

After a slight pause, he continued.

"But this junior's cultivation is shallow, and I fear I would disappoint Your Majesty!"

The Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor smiled and said.

"This poor Daoist believes that if you were to lead the affairs of the Eastern Extreme Emperor's mansion, the salvation of heaven and earth would surely increase, and the living beings who overcome calamity would certainly be more numerous!"

Zhang Jian immediately raised the wine cup in his hand, offering a slight toast to this Eastern Extreme Emperor.

He is also extremely skilled at livening up the atmosphere.

Even though their identities differ greatly, he can still keep the courtyard's atmosphere warm and pleasant at all times.

Beside them, several celestial youths were serving; seeing this scene, they also wore smiles on their faces.

This young Emperor of the Earth Emperor left a deep impression on them.

Of course, the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor is not a deity known for dignity; he is more characterized by compassion and benevolence.

He can be considered a relatively approachable Emperor.

But no matter how approachable the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor is, he is still the Emperor by rank!

……

Having been received by the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor in the Eastern Immortal Domain, Zhang Jian then made a trip through the Three Emperors Celestial Realm to probe the thoughts of the many human powerhouses in the Three Emperors and Five Elders Assembly.

He knows that with the return of Taiyi and Xihe, the many human powerhouses will certainly not be without ideas.

Especially the many ancient human sages who survived until the end of the ancient era, including the Three Ancestors of the Human Race and some ancient human powerhouses.

The hatred of the human race from the great slaughter will not end as the human race grows.

The fall of these core powerhouses of the Yao Court, Taiyi and Xihe, is something the human race can only choose to let go of.

But now that they have returned, will the human race forget the harm these two arch-criminals brought upon the human race?

Back then, if it weren't for the many great divine beings silently protecting the vast wilderness of heaven and earth, and with the ancient demon god war approaching, the entire human race would likely have been exterminated.

Zhang Jian met with several human elders whose Dao lineage was extremely close to that of the Tongshan Dao Tradition, as well as the Human Sacred Emperor, and subtly gathered some information.

Recently, the human race has already held several elder assemblies.

Within the human race, there are now several voices.

One of them is directly for eliminating the Yao race.

Just as the ancient Yao Court once slaughtered the human race.

The human race would fiercely retaliate, simultaneously severing the Yao race's foundation, preventing the Yao race from making a comeback under Taiyi's leadership and threatening human hegemony.

This voice is not insignificant.

Another voice is against indiscriminate punishment, large-scale strikes.

This voice holds that doing so is no different from what the ancient Yao Court did back then.

But this group of powerhouses is not seeking reconciliation with Taiyi and Xihe; rather, they artificially seek to conduct a righteous hunt against a portion of the remaining ancient Yao Court's heavenly demons and demon sages.

These ancient heavenly demons and valley demon sages are the staunch supporters of the ancient Yao Court.

To kill them is both revenge and cutting off the possibility of the ancient demon court rising again.

Even if Xi He of the Taiyi clan is strong, it is impossible for him to rely on two bare commanders to contend with the human race.

No matter what kind of sound, they all share a common point.

Then direct action is indispensable.

Especially when facing the strong ones of the ancient demon court, it is inevitable that the human elders will take the lead.

"Truly a troublesome autumn!"

"However, I have already completed my quota task in the Yan Ji, so I don't need to take on any other tasks next. Now that I am about to attack the demon race, I will also have more choices!"

Walking out from behind a magnificent temple, Zhang Jian muttered inwardly.

As a newly promoted elder of the human race, his label in the impressions of the elders in the Three Sovereigns' Heavenly Realm should be Three Revolutions Dao Lord, possessing the authority of the Heavenly Emperor, and possibly being slightly stronger than an ordinary Three Revolutions Great Divine Ability user, etc.

There should be no impression of being stronger than an ordinary Dao Venerable.

Even if he is sent on a mission, the difficulty will certainly not be great at first.

Zhang Jian pondered various scenarios once war broke out.

He knew that, similar to him, human geniuses like him are more likely to be protected before achieving Dao Venerable.

But the time left for him is certainly not much.

The Three Sovereigns and Five Elders will protect him, while the demon race will inevitably try every means to attack and eliminate them.

Among them, there is also the Six Great Demon Realms fishing in troubled waters, and the Ten Great Panmen Dao Palaces.

Although the human forces are strong, Zhang Jian is not very optimistic.

"Fuxi Sheng Huang reminded beforehand that preparations must be completed within thirty elemental meetings!

Within thirty elemental meetings, we must first execute the Slaying of the Obsidian Self, and see if we can break through to the realm of the strongest!"

Zhang Jian muttered inwardly.

If he could achieve Dao Venerable before that and enter the realm of the strongest, he would inevitably be among the strong even among the human elders, possessing more initiative.

Even in this great battle that determines the fate of the human race, he would no longer be a pawn.

On the contrary, he would be the decision-maker dividing the cake.

Of course, Zhang Jian also knows that he actually has a way out.

When Dongji Qinghua Dijun extended an olive branch to him, he had actually already found a very formal retreat for him, one that even the Three Sovereigns and Five Elders Council could not interfere with.

Becoming the Vice Lord of the Dongji Emperor's Mansion!

But that path is not what Zhang Jian currently wants to take.

He does not want to be considered a deserter!

……

Carrying various thoughts, Zhang Jian returned to the Celestial Court Heavenly Realm at extreme speed.

Within the Celestial Court Heavenly Realm, as Zhang Jian returned, the boundless heavenly dao origin of the entire Celestial Court began to boil, and countless heavenly earth spiritual mechanisms naturally transformed into a torrent rushing into the figure that stepped into the Celestial Court Void Law Realm, vast purple qi appearing in the heavens, spreading across thirty million li.

At this moment, Zhang Jian naturally felt that he had become the embodiment of the Celestial Court Heavenly Dao.

That is the authority of the Celestial Court Heavenly Emperor.

At the instant of his return, the Celestial Court Heavenly Emperor authority naturally returned.

Peerless majestic heavenly emperor power burst forth from his surroundings, mighty and vast, permeating the majestic Celestial Court Heavenly Realm.

At this time he felt that he seemed omnipotent.

The layers of immortal light bursting from his surroundings seemed capable of casually refining water, fire, wind, and earth, and establishing the three thousand great dao principles.

Zhang Jian's dao heart also involuntarily calmed down, enjoying this swelling sense of strength.

"Still, it's reassuring to be on one's own turf!"

Zhang Jian smiled, and at this moment he saw the gods of the Celestial Court manifesting their true forms in the void, already coming to welcome him, this Celestial Court Supreme.