Chapter 412

Duan De has four reincarnation seals within his body, symbolizing four lifetimes of reincarnation. The confirmed ones are: the first lifetime as the Tribulation-Crossing Yuanshi Yuanshi Tianzun in the early years of the Mythological Era, and the second as the Underworld Emperor in the late Mythological Era.

That Heaven-Swallowing Demon Jar proves he has karma with the Heaven-Swallowing Empress. Duan De appeared over two hundred thousand years ago, which was his fourth lifetime.

From the end of the Mythological Era to the era of the Ruthless Empress, there was a vast span of millions of years; it is impossible that Duan De did not manifest for a lifetime. Furthermore, the Primordial Ancient Mine is a gathering place for Primordial Emperors, and they almost only recognize the Ancient Emperor Token.

"One million eight hundred thousand years ago, before the Primordial Immortal Road opened, when the Sun Holy Emperor attained the Dao, the Green Tripod should not have been shattered yet at that time."

"It should be the Ancient Emperor Token of the third lifetime."

Lin Xian examined this token and said thoughtfully, "The Underworld Emperor, or the Source Emperor?"

The Underworld Emperor? The Source Emperor!

The few individuals from the Primordial Imperial Clans were shocked. Even in the Primordial Era, the Underworld was an extremely terrifying organization. "At the end of reincarnation, the Underworld is the final destination for all living beings"—this sentence influenced generation after generation, and to this day, there are beings who firmly believe that the Underworld's path is the correct one.

Generally speaking, after death, everything becomes empty. The so-called reincarnation and two-lifetime bodies only involve the physical body remaining unchanged; the Primordial Spirit has long since withered, and when the sparks of spiritual sense bloom again, it already belongs to another being.

Even if a reincarnation seal is formed, it can only be considered the spiritual awakening of an Emperor's corpse.

However, the Supremes of the Underworld believe that everything is illusory. Only the physical body is immortal, guarding the "True Self" from being extinguished. One day, when all reincarnation marks are connected and fused together, the "True Self" will sooner or later reappear. At that time, one will be an Immortal; the past, present, and future will be unified, and thus one will achieve eternal life.

This has led the people of the Underworld to value the physical body immensely. Even if their souls are scattered, they must bury their own bodies, which has led to countless disasters.

Even in the Primordial Era, there were corpse calamities.

Of course, compared to the chaotic dancing of demons in the Mythological Era, it was much milder. Relative to the mythological corpse transformation that exhausted a Spirit Treasure Huang Tiandi to death, it was simply a minor matter, at most wiping out a few dozen Primordial Royal Clans and causing one or two Imperial Clans to go extinct.

"Isn't this Daoist Duan De from the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land? Why is he involved with the Underworld?"

Princess Shen Can raised an eyebrow and re-examined Duan De, who had claimed to be a Forbidden Land disciple at the Yaochi Myriad Clans Assembly. She felt a bit uneasy in her heart, always feeling that something was not quite right.

The Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land is a forbidden land established after the Primordial Era. The Primordial Myriad Clans speculate that there might be human Supremes inside, or perhaps the Demon Emperor Wan Qing.

If Duan De had a Great Emperor Token or a Demon Emperor Token, it would still be understandable.

How could he have an Ancient Emperor Token?

"The human world does not meet my heart's desire, the Dao is unfulfilled and tears fall in sorrow; sitting before the courtyard with a light drink, rising to find a million years have passed outside the window."

Duan De put on a profound and mysterious appearance, not knowing if he had truly awakened a portion of his memories or was just putting on an act to fool people. He simply said indifferently, "This poor Daoist attained the Dao during the Primordial years, slept for a million years, and the Desolate Ancient Abyss was also my place of Dao enlightenment; I am just staying there temporarily."

"I am going to the Primordial Ancient Mine to discuss the Dao with a few old friends."

In an instant, the three Primordial Imperial Clansmen felt their scalps go numb. They actually had a tacit understanding with Great Sage Huntuo—Duan De was not a Forbidden Land disciple; could it be that he was a manifestation of a Forbidden Land Master?

"Stop putting on an act!" The big black dog roared and lunged to bite, saying, "Having an Ancient Emperor Token makes you an Ancient Emperor? This Emperor has a Huang Tiandi Token, and I am the Undying Huang Tiandi!"

"Dead dog, you actually dare to use force against this Yuanshi Yuanshi Tianzun." Duan De shouted and sacrificed the Heaven-Swallowing Demon Jar, "Today, this poor Daoist will act on behalf of Heaven and take in you, this dog demon."

Before the words fell, the man and the dog were wrestling together again, making the Holy Prince's mouth twitch: "Doesn't look like an Ancient Emperor re-cultivating."

The conduct of this man and dog really did not look like that of any senior expert.

"But both have huge backgrounds." Lin Xian suddenly smiled and said, "What kind of powerhouse is Emperor Wu Shi? Would he take in a stray dog for no reason in his later years? And use Emperor blood and Undying Medicine to build his foundation?"

"Even the most compassionate Buddhist Great Emperor could not do this."

The Heavenly Prince and the Holy Prince suddenly realized, and looking at the fight between Duan De and the Black Emperor again, it seemed comical and ridiculous, but between every move and style, it was actually no weaker than a battle between Emperor's sons.

"Is that Daoist Duan truly an ancient existence from the Forbidden Land?"

Princess Shen Can gasped, feeling as if she were in a dream. It was said that the Heavenly Court had a deep foundation, but she never expected that the Heavenly Court would actually put its foundation out in the open, and yet no one had noticed.

"The Shen Can Clan is willing to lend the Ancient Emperor Token, which shows their sincerity; the Heavenly Court naturally will not hide anything."

"The Great Thousand Universe is full of wonders, and every Supreme has their own exploration of eternal life in order to become an Immortal."

Lin Xian mentioned the little divine silkworm he had cut out in the Holy City and said meaningfully, "Not to mention others, the Shen Can Clan alone is extraordinary. They go through nine transformations, and every transformation is a new life, equivalent to a Nirvana."

"Not only does the body change, but even the memories will be erased, which is considered a new life, like a heart of an innocent child, unstained by the red dust, so they are close to Immortals."

The Empress of the Desolate Ancient Holy Land obtained the Nine Wonders Undying Medicine and created the Indestructible Heavenly Art; it is hard to say that she was not influenced by the Shen Can Clan.

The path walked by generation after generation is the Immortal Road. Why is the Empress invincible? It is because she stood on the shoulders of the Underworld Emperor and the Huang Tiandi, referenced the methods of eternal life, and walked out of her own Red Dust Immortal Road to the extreme.

A true Shen Can Imperial Clan member lives a lifetime in one transformation. Princess Shen Can inferred from herself, her gaze changed instantly, and she said in a deep voice, "A newly born Supreme, extraordinary. The Heavenly Court is worthy of being the Heavenly Court."

"It's just that Daoist Duan's new life is different from Di Que living out a second lifetime."

The battle record between the Fighting Holy Emperor and Di Que at the end of the Primordial Era shocked the universe. The Primordial Myriad Clans were no strangers to the concept of living out a second lifetime. Many Ancestor Kings wanted to try it to extend their lifespan, but they were completely blind and knew nothing about the specific details.

Even if a lucky Ancestor King went to ask Di Que for advice in person, they could not find the method.

This is related to each person's state of mind; each person's method of eternal life is similar yet different.

"Nine transformations of the divine silkworm, heart of an innocent child, unstained by the red dust, living out a second lifetime, three thousand Great Daos, different paths leading to the same destination. When the methods of eternal life in the human world reach the end, they will all intersect."

Lin Xian smiled, a meaningful smile, and said, "The Supreme of the Heavenly Court has been reborn. Has the ancestor of the Shen Can Clan truly passed away?"

Princess Shen Can was stunned for a long time, her eyes narrowed, her red lips trembled, and she said in a tone of disbelief, "What does Saint Master Lin mean!"

The Ancient Emperor of the Shen Can Clan was personally sent into the depths of the universe by the clan's eldest prince, who was also Princess Shen Can's direct ancestor. Imperial history records that the divine ancient coffin shone with nine colors into the heavens, condensed the Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang, and was buried above the nine heavens.

The Heavenly Prince was shocked but remained silent. The Holy Prince did not have such patience; his eyes were extremely bright, and he asked impatiently, "Saint Master, are you saying that the Huang Tiandi is not dead?"

"The Fighting Holy Emperor should understand this point."

Lin Xian said meaningfully, "The Holy Emperor only arranged the engagement for your uncle and aunt after overturning the Zishan Daoist Temple, right?"

Once these words were spoken, the Heavenly Prince, the Holy Prince, and Princess Shen Can, the three related Primordial Imperial Clansmen, immediately became solemn.

"The Supreme of the Heavenly Court is immortal; my sinful father naturally would not die easily. He has traversed the ages, ambushed I don't know how many Emperors, and is currently clashing with Emperor Wu Shi on the Immortal Road."

The Heavenly Prince revealed the truth and spoke of many secrets. He abandoned darkness for light and devoted himself to the Heavenly Court. Many secrets of the Heavenly Court, such as those about the Empress, the Underworld Emperor, Wu Shi, and the Demon Emperor, were not hidden from him.

The Holy Prince was on good terms with the Tianxuan Holy Land and had some guesses about some truths, but he had not obtained empirical evidence.

Because it was the clan leader, the Fighting Victorious Buddha, who dealt with the Heavenly Court, not him, the prince.

As for the Shen Can Imperial Clan, they were an Ancient Imperial Clan recently wooed by the Heavenly Court and only had a half-understanding of the Heavenly Court's foundation.

It was only after this opportunity to clash with the Primordial Ancient Mine that they were gradually accepted by the Heavenly Court.

The three major Imperial Clans joined hands to deduce the heavenly secrets and sort out history; it was not difficult to find some clues.

Behind what seemed like an ordinary marriage alliance was actually a clash between three Emperors.

The Huang Tiandi did not die. After the Fighting Holy Emperor fought a great battle with him, although he saved his life, he could not destroy the Huang Tiandi. He felt he needed to find an ally, so he sought out the Shen Can Clan.

What qualifications did the Shen Can Clan have that were worth a Holy Emperor wooing them?

It was definitely not some Imperial Array or Imperial Weapon; those things were trash in the eyes of the Undying Huang Tiandi.

"Other races die, and that's it, but the Shen Can Clan is prone to corpse fraud."

Lin Xian said unhurriedly, giving an example, "Princess, you were fixed to death at the end of the Primordial Era, yet you stubbornly lived on. And how long has that little divine silkworm lived? I'm afraid the Shen Can Clan itself doesn't know."

"Xiao Guai?" Princess Shen Can's eyes were solemn, and she said in a deep voice, "He is indeed of the Shen Can Imperial Clan, and I have known him since the Primordial Era. At most, he has had two or three new lives."

"Then who are the parents of that little divine silkworm? Does anyone in the current Shen Can Imperial Clan know?"

Lin Xian smiled like he was smiling but not, "Princess might as well ask your own old clan leader, as well as the foundation within the divine source."

"What if it's not two or three times, but twelve or thirteen times."

Once these words were spoken, it was like a bolt from the blue. Unlike ordinary ancient tribes, which had tens of thousands of clansmen and hundreds of thousands of disciples.

Shen Can Ridge, although it had many powerhouses, most were golden silkworms, silver silkworms, jade silkworms, etc. Very few truly had Imperial blood, and throughout the ages, the number had never exceeded fifteen.

What kind of concept is this? This is a genuine family. They see each other every day. They are all the most direct bloodline. If they are not uncles, they are nephews. The furthest are nephews and cousins.

Princess Shen Can woke up as if from a dream, her expression extremely serious. That's right, even if she hadn't seen the little divine silkworm's parents herself, the grandfather generation should have known. Why had she never heard anyone in the Imperial Clan mention it?

"Where is Xiao Guai now?"

Princess Shen Can acted immediately, "I will go and ask the clan leader and the prince to come and verify it in person."

"The divine silkworm and Little Nan Nan have been staying together. There is no need to invite the clan leader; just invite the God Prince."

Lin Xian smiled slightly, "Exactly, I also have some things I want to talk to the God Prince about in private."

A thunderclap in a silent place, everyone looked up together. Even the Black Emperor and Duan De, who were biting each other, stopped, feeling a bit horrified.

What to talk about with a prince? Talk about whether his father is dead or not?!

Invincible in nine transformations, looking down on the past and present in ten transformations, will there be a heaven-defying eleventh transformation?

"Does my father have hope?"

The Holy Prince suddenly spoke, his eyes full of expectation, looking at Lin Xian.

The Underworld Emperor Duan De was reborn, the Huang Tiandi and Emperor Wu Shi were confronting each other, the Empress was a homebody in the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land, the Demon Emperor was reborn inside the Desolate Pagoda. One Great Emperor and Ancient Emperor after another were rumored to have died, but one by one they were not dead yet, all containing a glimmer of life.

On the scene, among the Imperial Clans and Emperor lineages, whose Ancient Emperor was truly dead? Lin Xian felt a bit awkward, coughed, and said, "This question, the Holy Prince might be able to discuss with the Primordial Lake."

The first iron-headed one after the Desolate Ancient Era was undoubtedly the Demon Emperor, but the first iron-headed one of the Primordial Era had to be decided between the Source Emperor and the Fighting Holy Emperor. The latter clearly won by many votes.

Becoming a Fighting Immortal in the Dharma-Ending Age, the Fighting Holy Emperor's pit-digging level was no less than the Demon Emperor's.

The Holy Prince's expression turned pale, the original unyielding momentum of fighting heaven and earth dissipated, and his shoulders lowered slightly.

"The dead end of the human Dao might have a turning point in the Immortal Dao."

Lin Xian pointed to Duan De and comforted the Holy Prince, "Reincarnation may not be empty; the Underworld is diligently exploring this path."

"Reincarnation, becoming an Immortal?"

"After becoming an Immortal, everything might be different."

The Holy Prince's eyes sparked with divine light, regaining his invincible confidence. He cupped his hands in a salute and said with extreme firmness, "Thank you, Saint Master, for clearing up my confusion. I understand."

Understand? You evil obstacle, what did you understand?!

Duan De sensed the monkey's gaze and was immediately terrified. The Fighting Holy Ape wouldn't be planning to break into the reincarnation path and forcibly erase the Life and Death Book after attaining the Dao and becoming an Immortal, right?

"This physical reincarnation of the Underworld is not the same thing as the reincarnation of Buddhism."

Duan De earnestly advised, "Holy Prince, why don't you go and learn from your uncle?"

"Buddhism, huh." The Holy Prince pondered for a long time, nodded, and said, "The Underworld focuses on the physical body, while Buddhism focuses on spiritual sense. If the two paths walk side by side, there might be gains."

Princess Shen Can sighed softly, turned into a golden light, crossed the void, and entered Shen Can Ridge.

Then, on a mountain peak, she found a slovenly Daoist, who was none other than Shen Can Zi. He was drinking heavily with Ji Zi and Yuan Gu. In this Golden Age, three Emperor-son-level figures had actually become drinking buddies. One had to sigh at the mysterious nature of fate.

After apologizing, Princess Shen Can pulled Shen Can Daoist away to see the little divine silkworm and investigate its roots.

If that little divine silkworm was truly some ancient ancestor, then it made no sense for the even more heaven-defying Huang Tiandi to have passed away.

"Visit the Demon Emperor, seek the Huang Tiandi, see the Empress... all are old, weak, sick, and disabled. If I had one perfect Huang Tiandi backing me, I would turn the Primordial Ancient Mine upside down without any issues, go straight in and act as a tyrant."

"Prisoner Ye also needs more than two thousand years to become a Huang Tiandi. Should I consider the Innate Holy Body Dao Fetus and cooperate with the Black Emperor?"

Lin Xian pondered secretly, then asked the Black Emperor where he had taken Little Nan Nan.

In the days when everyone was away, it was the Black Emperor who was babysitting in the Heavenly Court. Of course, it could not be ruled out that the Black Emperor was acting like a dog relying on its master's power.

"Little Nan Nan is in the Village of Heaven."

The Black Emperor said carelessly. Compared to the Northern Region's Zishan, Tianxuan Holy Land, the Great Wilderness Kunlun, and the Ziwei Divine Sect, these forces on the Heavenly Court's surface, the assassin divine dynasty Heavenly Court was the Black Emperor's direct line.

In recent years, the Black Emperor held the Quasi-Emperor Scepter and stepped on the Xing Zi Mi, which could be called the Shadow Huang Tiandi and the Master of the Dark Heavenly Court.

(End of chapter)