Chapter 776: Guarding Against the Unforeseen, Station Defense Concluded (4K)

Zhang Jian directed his gaze toward the Longevity Dao Venerable at this moment, his eyes holding something subtle.

Can the Longevity Dao Venerable summon the Three Emperors to descend?

Zhang Jian instantly suppressed this thought in his heart.

If the Longevity Dao Venerable had reached some agreement with the Three Emperors' Holy Court, it would be impossible for him to stagnate in the Longevity True Realm for over ten derivation epochs without any progress.

It seems that after his arrival, the Longevity Dao Venerable gained some leverage, enabling him to negotiate with the Three Emperors' Holy Court.

However, the person who brought this about is likely someone the Longevity Dao Venerable cannot manage.

At this moment, a figure flashed through Zhang Jian's mind.

The Great Heavenly Venerable?

Zhang Jian's eyes flickered—this is entirely possible.

The Ancestor Panwang is hailed as the most promising figure among the heterodox paths to become the fifth Heterodox Ancestor, an unparalleled powerhouse.

He was likely already targeted by the Three Emperors' Holy Court and the Heavenly Court long ago.

If we can seize the opportunity to set a trap and resolve it—even if only severely injuring Ancestor Panwang—it would still be beneficial.

Whether for humanity or for the Heavenly Court, which claims to govern the order of the myriad heavens' void.

Zhang Jian's gaze fell upon the Earth Emperor's Crucible in his hand, his eyes letting out a faint sigh.

This feeling of being kept in the dark, only realizing things afterward, dispelled the joy in his heart.

Yet he felt no discouragement.

Within a single derivation epoch, he has been able to engage in the strategic game involving the Three Emperors and the Heavenly Emperor—this alone demonstrates his growth.

Moreover, Zhang Jian believes he can achieve far more than this.

Especially after discovering the true purpose of the azure sacrificial fire.

He will surely grow rapidly in the shortest time, enter the Third Transformation Dao Venerable realm, and become one of the chess players among the myriad heavens and worlds.

At this moment, the Longevity Dao Venerable also noticed Zhang Jian within the Taiji Yin-Yang Grand Formation, and he smiled, saying:

"Don't worry about it—this matter doesn't concern you greatly!"

"This is a scheme orchestrated by the Great Heavenly Venerable and another powerful being, targeting the Panwang Dao Palace of the heterodox paths, and it also serves as a preemptive strike against an enemy for both the Heavenly Court and humanity!"

At this point, the situation is settled, and he sees no need to conceal anything.

Furthermore, given Zhang Jian's status, position, demonstrated potential, and cultivation, he is qualified to know such secrets.

Being direct now will greatly benefit our future interactions!

Zhang Jian nodded slightly.

"If we succeed in capturing Ancestor Panwang, it will indeed be a fortunate event!"

Zhang Jian has not forgotten the matter of the Youyuan Dao Jun from the Panwang Dao Palace back then.

His foundation in the Zhou Shan Realm nearly met its end at the hands of this heterodox Dao Jun.

As various thoughts arose in his mind, Zhang Jian exerted force with his hands, accelerating the refinement of the Heart Ancestor.

That Primordial Heart Ancestor also sensed in the illusory void that the terrifying divine power connecting her had suddenly been severed.

This severance caused a hint of despair, along with madness, to appear in the depths of her ten eyes; the residual source Dao fruits on her body suddenly began to swell, and strands of Great Dao divine patterns flowed forth, intertwining to form a unique Great Dao totem.

But in an instant, a dense radiance of divine light descended from the illusory void, the vast luminous power transforming into blazing flames that scorched her primordial spirit, directly breaking her forbidden technique.

Countless Great Dao totems collapsed; within the Earth Emperor's Crucible, countless source Dao patterns began to flow and rotate. The Primordial Heart Ancestor burned with intense azure flames and was instantly absorbed into the cyclical wheel of rebirth formed by the Earth Emperor's Crucible.

Layer upon layer of source divine power merged for the Earth Emperor's source Dao fruit, forming a terrifying refining divine power.

Dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth.

During this process, the Primordial Heart Ancestor only felt her primordial spirit and Dao heart dazed and heavy, while her immortal, indestructible Evil Emperor true form's origin was continuously worn down and refined.

Furthermore, the sacrificial burning of the azure sacrificial fire intensified.

Her terrifying true form, which once filled the cosmos, is now rapidly being eroded.

At times, her primordial spirit will briefly regain clarity, struggling with all her might.

But each time she regains clarity, she is met with the suppression of the Nine Transformations Haoran Golden Lamp, a top-tier innate spiritual treasure.

Her primordial spirit Dao heart is veiled by the concepts of 【Light】 and 【Haoran】, unable to generate any resistance, nor does she know whom to strike.

At this moment, Zhang Jian can sense a continuous influx of heavenly and earthly origin flowing into the depths of the thirty-six leaves of the innate azure lotus, faintly condensing into a second innate immortal divine prohibition.

This heavenly and earthly origin is vast and mighty.

Fifteen thousand years passed silently.

At this moment, the Longevity Dao Venerable sat cross-legged upon a cloud terrace, his body radiating intense heavenly Dao divine light, while a magnificent heavenly Dao treasure wheel manifested behind him, signifying that he had fully mastered the Longevity True Realm.

Above the void, boundless auspiciousness now appeared.

The Daoist immortal sounds were ethereal, spreading from this place across most of the Longevity True Realm.

Majestic divine power emanated from the origin space, drawing the attention of countless immortals and deities of the Longevity Divine Court.

The Eastern Yang Emperor within the Longevity Divine Court could also sense the changes in the Longevity Heavenly Dao in the dark.

A hint of shock appeared in his eyes.

At this moment, he could clearly sense that the origin of the Longevity True Realm, once intimately connected with him, seemed to have been suddenly severed in large part, leaving only a small portion to sustain his position as Heavenly Emperor of the Longevity Divine Court.

Moreover, even more fatal is the depths of the Heavenly World Divine Tree beneath the Longevity Divine Court, where it seems a sudden surge of boundless divine power has erupted from within.

It appears to have become the embodiment of the Longevity True Realm's heavenly Dao, even more intimate with it than he, this Heavenly Emperor.

What this signifies, the Eastern Yang Emperor understands better than anyone.

This means that in the struggle between the Longevity Dao Venerable and the Longevity True Realm's heavenly Dao, the Longevity Dao Venerable has emerged victorious.

From now on, the Longevity Divine Court can no longer suppress the Longevity Dao Venerable, the Wood Spirit Immortal Dao.

On the contrary, it must now look to him for favor—indeed, he can at any time threaten the lives of the gods of the Longevity Divine Court.

The Eastern Yang Emperor's expression grew somewhat grim.

Deep within the Heavenly Realm Divine Tree.

The Longevity Dao Sovereign felt the heavenly and earthly divine power of the entire Longevity True Realm gathering under his control, and a faint smile appeared at the corners of his eyes.

This benevolent corpse incarnation of his had finally succeeded in breaking free.

He also controlled the Heavenly Dao of the Longevity True Realm.

Although, according to the agreement with the Three Emperors Holy Court, the Longevity True Realm still belonged to the Three Emperors Holy Court, it did not affect his authority.

He still possessed everything that a Realm Lord should have.

"That Pan Wang Old Ancestor is truly a good person; if it were someone else, they might not necessarily be able to threaten the Heavenly Dao of the Longevity True Realm, nor be able to force the Heavenly Dao of the Longevity True Realm to abandon balance and turn toward support!"

The Longevity Dao Sovereign had a hint of a smile in his eyes.

At this moment, he suddenly moved, his gaze falling into the depths of the Taiji Yin-Yang Grand Formation, staring intently for a moment before chuckling softly.

"It seems today is double joy, not only did the benevolent corpse successfully gain control of the Longevity True Realm, but we can also completely eliminate a major hidden threat!"

Boom—

Only seen, in the depths of the boundless void, a magnificent radiance of merit condensed from the depths of the myriad heavens' void, suddenly piercing through the Longevity True Realm, and in an instant falling into the Taiji Yin-Yang Grand Formation.

Within the Taiji Yin-Yang Grand Formation, moreover, celestial sounds echoed faintly, strange fragrances wafted, and countless auspicious clouds and omens arose from the formation.

Subsequently, a tall figure clad in boundless divine holy radiance walked out from the formation's space, his entire being enveloped in boundless light, his sacred bearing unhidden, as if a sovereign who wields boundless authority had strode forth proudly from within.

Behind his head, a circle of merit golden wheel shone especially brightly.

Seeing this, the Longevity Dao Sovereign rose and directly stepped before Zhang Jian.

"Zhang Jian, just now this Sovereign saw the merit from beyond the heavens descending; it seems you have thoroughly refined that wretch, the Heart Ancestor, and thus have also relieved the myriad gods of the myriad heavens' void of a major hidden threat—truly delightful and worthy of congratulations!"

Zhang Jian glanced at the various heavenly Dao auspicious signs and omens still lingering between heaven and earth, and then said.

"Second Ancestor, it is only right that we share this joy!"

The Longevity Dao Sovereign laughed heartily and immediately nodded.

"Indeed, we share this joy!"

"I have prepared a small banquet in the Longevity Palace on the Ninth Heaven of the Heavenly Realm; how about we share a cup?"

Zhang Jian did not wish to dampen the Longevity Dao Sovereign's enthusiasm, so he immediately nodded slightly.

Moreover, the Longevity Dao Sovereign's reward has not yet been paid!

…

Not long after, Zhang Jian returned to the Patrol Holy Realm.

Upon returning to the Patrol Holy Realm, Zhang Jian had gained an additional title.

Lord of the Earth and the Nine Netherworlds of the Longevity True Realm.

Upon the great Heavenly Sovereign's throne, Zhang Jian's body flowed with layers of divine radiance; at this moment, his vast will of the other shore subtly replaced the earthly will of the Longevity True Realm, and vast divine energy filled the boundless and vast netherworld of the Longevity True Realm.

The Longevity Dao Sovereign had already transferred authority to him.

At this moment, he could, with a single thought, alter the rules of the netherworld and the earth above, including restricting the authority of the gods.

But he had no intention of changing the structure of the Longevity True Realm at this time.

After he returned to the Patrol Holy Realm, the Dongyang Emperor, upon hearing the news, arrived bearing generous gifts.

In the Patrol Divine Hall, Zhang Jian received audience with the Dongyang Emperor.

The Dongyang Emperor's purpose for coming, Zhang Jian understood clearly.

The Longevity Dao Sovereign has regained control of the Longevity True Realm, and may not refrain from settling accounts with the immortals and gods of the Longevity Divine Court.

After all, these years the Longevity Divine Court has firmly stood on the side of the Heavenly Dao, squeezing the Longevity Dao Sovereign.

If the Longevity Dao Sovereign bears a grudge.

The Longevity Divine Court, from top to bottom, will have nothing to eat and will be forced to wander.

Zhang Jian gazed at the Dongyang Emperor, yet did not accept his generous gifts, merely saying.

"Dongyang Daoist, to untie the bell, one must find the one who tied it; this matter you must personally discuss with the Longevity Dao Sovereign; I fear I cannot help you!"

With a wave of his hand, he sent all the generous gifts the Dongyang Emperor had brought straight back to before the Dongyang Emperor.

The Dongyang Emperor's face bore a smile, yet he pushed the gifts back toward Zhang Jian and said.

"Heavenly Sovereign, you are too modest; I have personally experienced your methods and have also heard of them!"

He gazed earnestly at Zhang Jian with his eyes and said.

"I have heard that these years you have also remained in the primordial space, refining the Heart Ancestor; for a Daoist to accomplish this feat, your cultivation must be earth-shattering!"

Without waiting for Zhang Jian to speak, he continued.

"I also know this matter is difficult; I only ask the Emperor to act as a intermediary, to recommend me, for I merely wish for an opportunity to meet the Dao Sovereign and state my case!"

At this moment, he lowered himself greatly.

Zhang Jian glanced at the Dongyang Emperor, his expression unchanged.

This Dongyang Emperor is indeed capable of both yielding and standing firm.

Previously, this Emperor had suffered a considerable loss at his hands, yet now he can still thicken his skin and come to the door seeking an audience, even lowering himself.

This deity is indeed suitable to sit upon the throne of the Heavenly Emperor.

Zhang Jian fell into slight contemplation.

He and the Dongyang Emperor are neither kin nor old acquaintances; the Dongyang Emperor even once dug a corner from his wall, and both publicly and privately, he should not assist this deity.

However, the other party, at the critical moment of foreign invasion, was able to yield the main position and wholeheartedly assist him; this broad perspective still stirred something deep in his Dao heart.

To all beings of the Longevity True Realm, the Dongyang Emperor has both merit and toil.

He is still a qualified Heavenly Emperor.

Upholding the idea of gaining one more Daoist companion to leave an additional path of survival for the descendants of the Zhang clan, Zhang Jian finally nodded and said.

"This Sovereign will find an opportunity to ask the Longevity Ancestor for you; if the Longevity Ancestor is unwilling to see you, then this Seat is also unable to help!"

The Eastern Yang Emperor heard the words, and his eyes flickered with a slight joy.

"As long as we ask just one sentence, if the Dao Venerable is unwilling to see us, then it is simply our insufficient fortune, and naturally we will not blame fellow Daoists!"

Saying this, he rose and performed the salute once more.

Zhang Jian gave a slight nod, and after the Eastern Yang Emperor departed, he sent a message entering the Hall of Longevity within.

Afterwards, Zhang Jian did not continue to pay attention.

……

After the invasion of the Ink God Army was hastily concluded, the entire Longevity True Realm indeed returned to stability.

Everything was exactly as before.

The myriad immortals and gods possess long lifespans and excellent memories, but as time flows, they ultimately still gradually forget the tension brought by the invasion; after a period, the immortals and gods seem to have restored their previous rhythm.

Zhang Jian then focused all his attention upon that azure flame.

With his research, he gradually comprehended part of the sacrificial mystery.

He realized that the method of burning others to nourish oneself is indeed feasible.

Because when the azure flame burns other immortals, gods, demons, and monsters, it thoroughly erases their marks from the depths of the myriad heavens' void—meaning there is no karmic connection whatsoever; it is a complete sacrifice, nourishing as the primordial source of heaven and earth.

This azure sacrificial fire is quite unique; even karma, fortune, and even the primordial spirit's imprint can be thoroughly refined.

However, if this is done for too long, it is likely unavoidable to fall into heterodox practices.

Wantonly refining the myriad beings to supplement one's own foundation—this behavior is hardly different from the demonic path.

Therefore, over nearly thirty yuanhui, Zhang Jian has merely sought out those utterly wicked demonic chieftains, evil gods, extraterritorial heavenly demons, or powerful demons for experimentation.

However, Zhang Jian did not prepare to shelve this ability.

This ability is almost inherently prepared for war.

And now, as the myriad heavens' void gradually falls into turmoil, there is indeed a place for the azure flame's use.

Especially when used against extraterritorial demon gods and ancient primordial demon clan powerhouses, it is naturally excellent.

Not only can it slay great enemies, but it can also augment one's own cultivation, assist the growth of the Earth Emperor's true form—surely this is a double blessing.

……

Inspecting the Holy Realm, the Venerable's Temple—with the completion of thirty yuanhui, Zhang Jian also prepared to depart the Longevity True Realm.

Not long ago, Zhang Jian had already received the transfer order from the Three Sovereigns' Holy Court; he needs to return to the Three Sovereigns' Holy Court and await the new appointment from the Three Sovereigns and Five Elders' Council.

However, before his departure, Zhang Jian still summoned the Four Inspection Envoys, the Hidden Appearance Dao Lord, the Flowing Light Dao Lord, the Controlling Waves Dao Lord, and the Swallow Horn Dao Lord, made arrangements, and gave some instructions.

Zhang Jian did not even consider wanting to learn from the incumbent Inspection Venerable, directly seizing the Inspection Hall's power for himself, and taking it away outright.

But since the Four Inspection Envoys have worked alongside him for a time, he still wishes to leave them a bit of fortune.

For example, helping the Swallow Horn Dao Lord recover from hidden injuries.

This Dao Lord sincerely and earnestly served him for thirty yuanhui; he has seen it all, and naturally wishes to gladly bestow upon the other a bit of opportunity, incidentally fulfilling the other's obsession.

However, in the end, the Hidden Appearance Dao Lord hesitated slightly, then suddenly said:

"Venerable, this humble god wishes to be your attendant deity; I wonder if the Venerable may consent?"