Chapter 123: Chen Zhangsheng's Cultivation Exposed……

The longevity opportunity is right before our eyes! Could it be in the underground palace?

Chen Zhangsheng secretly thought, now in the imperial palace there are only two opportunities: one is the Martial Dao Great Emperor's inheritance, the other is the Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall.

This ancient Martial Dao Great Emperor cultivates martial dao, and only a remnant soul remains; obviously it has nothing to do with longevity.

The only possibility is the Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall!

The Bronze Ancient Hall is an ancient supreme artifact; it very likely contains the opportunity for longevity!

Chen Zhangsheng began to plan; after entering the imperial palace, he naturally would not go fight for the Martial Dao Great Emperor's inheritance.

Martial dao is good, but it is not his "Dao"!

He will rush straight to the Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall!

Chen Zhangsheng immediately sat cross-legged, his hand seals shifting, and began to restore strength to those wooden puppet automatons.

At that time, he will naturally stay far away; when the time comes to vie for the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance, these wooden puppet automatons will be put to work.

Thinking of this.

Chen Zhangsheng extended his divine sense outward to the periphery of the underground palace.

Ten li!

One hundred li!

……

Several hundred li!

At this moment, Chen Zhangsheng revealed part of his strength and began to scout the entire secret realm's situation.

In an instant, everything in the secret realm—heaven and earth, every blade of grass and tree—was fully within his view.

He saw many white bones sitting cross-legged, and countless empty shells of dead Yin soldiers' armor.

Chen Zhangsheng let out a faint sigh: "On the path to longevity, withered bones abound; the river of ages flows eastward, waves wash away giants. The sun and moon of Nan Huang shine over the rivers and mountains, yet I see no familiar faces of the past!"

He had seen such scenes far too many times, far too many.

However, Chen Zhangsheng's obsession with "longevity" has not weakened; on the contrary, it has grown ever stronger!

On the path of longevity, there are only the living and the dead.

No matter how strong one is, if they perish, it will be meaningless.

Thinking of this, Chen Zhangsheng continued to expand his divine sense.

He saw in the void, atop many spirit boats, divine radiance surging as they flew toward the imperial palace.

The Supreme Profound Sect, Ancient Medicine Clan, Azure Wood Academy, and other forces—almost all the monsters rushed over!

He saw Lu Xuan crossing the void toward him.

As he gazed at Lu Xuan, Lu Xuan suddenly noticed his presence.

Chen Zhangsheng slightly furrowed his brows.

This blue-clad young man is undoubtedly a formidable rival!

When the time comes to contend for the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance, there will inevitably be a battle between them!

Soon, he will continue to extend his gaze outward to investigate.

Chen Zhangsheng discovered Qin Wang hiding in a concealed spot, performing an indecent act…

Qin Wang's arm veins bulged, and he muttered repeatedly, "White snow, white snow, white snow, ah…"

After several breaths, Qin Wang felt lost and dejected, "Just now, was it my elder brother's obsession acting up again?"

Chen Zhangsheng averted his gaze, his face twitched, "This Qin Wang is far inferior to Qin Xiao."

Saying that, he turned his gaze toward the genius monsters of other major forces.

On the Medicine Clan's spirit boat, Yao Huanhuan said, "The underground palace inheritance of the ancient great emperor has appeared, and moreover the Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall is within the underground palace; it seems the competition will inevitably be fierce!"

Other Medicine Clan disciples said, "Yes! But for those like Ye Chen who cultivate martial dao themselves, the advantage is great!"

Yao Huanhuan revealed a faint smile, "Not bad. After seeing Ye Chen at the Great Dao Sect last time, I haven't seen him since. I've had some doubts about alchemy lately; this is a good chance to ask Ye Chen for advice."

Medicine Clan disciples asked, "Ah? Senior Sister! Then after we enter the underground palace later, will we still compete with Ye Chen for the great emperor's opportunity?"

Yao Huanhuan said, "Of course not! What would we Medicine Clan want with the Martial Dao Great Emperor's opportunity? But we still want to seize that strand of the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance!"

All the Medicine Clan disciples nodded.

Yao Huanhuan added softly, "At that time, if the Heaven Blade Sect, Heaven Net Palace, Supreme Profound Sect, and those of the Ancient Qin Clan bully the Ye Clan, we will secretly lend a hand."

Medicine Clan disciples hesitated and asked, "Senior Sister, but our clan's elder ancestor said we should stay away from the turmoil of these forces!"

Yao Huanhuan pursed her lips, "Silly! As long as they don't notice us, it's fine."

Many disciples nodded, "Oh. I see."

Seeing this, Chen Zhangsheng averted his gaze and turned toward the Supreme Profound Sect direction.

Here there are other Divine Son candidates, such as Lin Lei and others; they have already rendezvoused while piloting their spirit boats.

Lin Lei furrowed his brows, holding a sound-transmitting jade slip, constantly urging, "Huh? Why hasn't Qin Xiao replied?"

Another Divine Son candidate, Chu Yuan, lowered his voice and said, "Could it be that he… is already dead?"

Upon hearing this, many disciples of the Supreme Profound Sect slightly startled on their faces.

Lin Lei's mouth corner slightly rose, "Forget it; since there's no reply, I won't contact him either. If he's dead, it's better for us."

Chu Yuan's eyes flashed with sharp light, and he gave a faint smile.

After a moment.

Chen Zhangsheng's gaze lingered no longer; he swept a glance at the Azure Wood Academy, Cinnabar Fragrance Sect, and other forces, then his divine sense returned to his body.

He began to consider how to act when the time comes.

Although he has many puppets, he still needs to be more cautious.

And at this moment, near the imperial palace.

Ye Chen sat cross-legged, his hand seal shifting, gazing at the dazzling imperial palace, restraining his aura.

Boom!

Radiant divine light surged over him, the martial forge condensed a faint phantom that rose behind Ye Chen, as if the Grand Dao's chant echoed, profoundly mysterious.

An aura of Dao and Resonance spread outward, the martial will fierce and unyielding, like an overturning sea, making Liu Xuan, Fang Yan, etc., feel immensely shocked.

Liu Xuan's eyes flowed, charming and alluring, her red lips parting, "Ye Chen's martial will is terrifying! It's nothing a second‑tier Martial Sovereign could possess!"

Fang Yan sighed, "Master Mu said, Ye Chen's martial inheritance is terrifying—even Master Mu can't help but admire it!"

Suddenly.

Luo Lingkong, who had stayed silent for days, suddenly opened his eyes and slowly said, "I've comprehended it!"

Hearing that, Liu Xuan and the others all turned to look at Luo Lingkong.

Luo Lingkong's body suddenly manifested an icy sword intent, even more terrifying than before.

His sword intent rose another level!

Hiss!

Luo Lingkong's spirit sword shot forth, continuously spiraling above the Void, its sword intent vast, that lethal sword qi even more terrifying!

Liu Xuan's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, "Another comprehension?"

Over these past months, Luo Lingkong has comprehended many times.

After each failure, he grew stronger.

But after growing stronger, he failed again.

Thinking of this, Liu Xuan gave a light smile and muttered, "He won't fail again so soon, will he…"

Fang Yan gave a hehe laugh, looked at Luo Lingkong, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Just then.

Ye Chen suddenly frowned slightly.

The ancient yet warm voice of the Martial Forge Emperor entered his mind, "Excellent! Excellent! Surveying this small world, only you are worthy to receive my martial inheritance! I am the master of this small world, the Martial Forge Emperor, little one, what is your name?"

Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes and looked around.

That ancient voice chuckled, "Little one, don't seek me; I now remain only a wisp of obsession, trapped by that wisp of the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance."

Ye Chen said, "Senior, I am Ye Chen."

A gleam flashed in the Martial Forge Emperor's eyes, "Not bad, I am the Martial Forge Emperor! Your martial talent is the strongest I have ever seen! My successor shall be none other than you!"

Ye Chen asked, "Senior, what exactly happened in this secret realm?"

The Martial Forge Emperor sighed leisurely, telling Ye Chen everything about how he had opened this small world and awaited the appearance of the Supreme Path.

Ye Chen blinked slightly.

With the passage of time, even as strong as the Martial Forge Emperor, only a wisp of obsession remains!

The Martial Forge Emperor forced a bitter laugh, "I never expected that, as my obsession was about to fade, the Bronze Ancient Hall swept through this small world, leaving behind a wisp of Dao Resonance. What a trick of fate! What a trick of fate!"

Ye Chen asked, "Senior, have you sealed that wisp of the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance?"

The Martial Forge Emperor nodded, "More or less. I forcibly activated my imperial armament, the Martial Forge Tower; fortunately, many emperors have already placed seals on that wisp of Dao Resonance, allowing me to retain it. My obsession is about to dissipate, and I have already opened the martial inheritance! When the Martial Forge Stairway evolves, come receive my inheritance!"

"That wisp of the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance lies at the summit of the Martial Forge Tower! Now that wisp of Dao Resonance and the tower's power are in a delicate balance; my strength is nearly exhausted, I can no longer act!"

Ye Chen said, "Good!"

Soon after.

Boom!

A tremendously terrifying aura surged from the underground palace, dazzling imperial Dao patterns like a galaxy pouring forth, violent martial will turning into a storm that swept the mountains and rivers; momentarily, the peaks trembled, the waters surged, the momentum was overwhelming!

At this moment, the place of the underground palace was like a giant sun sinking here, radiating brilliant light.

Ye Chen looked at Liu Xuan and the others, "The underground palace is about to open; that wisp of the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance is atop the Martial Forge Tower—let's get ready to act!"

Liu Xuan's eyes flowed, "Good!"

Just then.

Boom boom boom!

Not far away, the Void trembled; several spirit ships carved a divine rainbow, shooting forth.

The arrivals were none other than the genius monsters of the supreme powers—Tai Shang Xuan Sect, the Yao family, Cangmu Academy, etc.

Tai Shang Xuan Sect's Lin Lei shouted loudly, "That Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall belongs to our Tai Shang Xuan Sect!"

The voice fell!

Numerous disciples of the Tai Shang Xuan Sect, led by Lin Lei and Chu Yuan, charged forward directly.

On the other side, geniuses from Cangmu Academy, the Yao family, Danxiang Sect, etc., also leapt through the air one after another.

"That Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall belongs to our Danxiang Sect!"

"That Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall belongs to our Cangmu Academy!"

At the underground palace, more and more genius monsters surged forward with overwhelming momentum.

Boom boom boom!

A terrifying ripple spread outward, like an overturning sea, divine might surging, erupting in a deafening boom like thunder that shakes the ears.

The Void twisted!

Space tore apart!

The earth where the underground palace lay was being torn apart, a tremendously massive entity breaking through the ground, surging with brilliant imperial Dao patterns, martial will vast as smoke seas, immensely mighty.

Imperial armament, Martial Forge Tower!

That wisp of the Bronze Ancient Hall's Dao Resonance coiled above the Martial Forge Tower, like a galaxy entwined, complementing the imperial Dao patterns on the tower, the two forces constantly opposing, emitting continual crackling sounds.

Soon.

Martial Forge Tower revealed its full form amidst these mountains and rivers, shooting up from the earth, causing the rivers to cease flowing, destroying endless mountain peaks, becoming the sole existence in this realm of heaven and earth!

It reaches nearly ten thousand zhang high, plunging into the depths of the void!

Martial Forge Tower evolved tens of thousands of Heaven-Reaching Long Steps; each step formed from the evolution of martial will, emanating a terrifying aura of pressure, resplendent divine radiance entwining every step, appearing extraordinarily magnificent, leading directly into the depths of the illusory void!

"Hum!"

"Hum!"

Martial Forge Tower emitted an overbearing, peerless martial roar, as if an ancient grand bell beside it were vibrating; the sound of martial dao surged into everyone's ears, causing their blood to churn!

Seeing this, many disciples felt somewhat shocked.

This Martial Forge Tower is not simple!

It is obvious that only by stepping onto these tens of thousands of steps and reaching the peak of the Martial Forge Tower can one seize that wisp of Dao Resonance from the Bronze Ancient Hall!

The Ancient Jade Slips in the hands of many disciples sensed the Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall, faintly flashing with light.

In a hidden place, Chen Zhangsheng moved his thoughts, and dozens of Profound Saint Puppets rushed out, some taking the form of plain-built maidens, some taking the form of ordinary-looking youths; quickly, these figures suppressed their cultivation and hid among the many cultivators.

Chen Zhangsheng then performed another deduction.

The divination showed that his opportunity lay right before his eyes!

Obviously, it is the Dao Resonance of the Bronze Ancient Hall!

He desires to take it!

At this moment.

Liu Xuan glanced at Ye Chen and said, "Ye Chen junior brother, let us first step onto the Heaven-Reaching Steps to seize the initiative!"

Ye Chen nodded, "Good."

In an instant, Liu Xuan, Luo Lingkong, Ye Chen and others leapt into the air, rushing toward the Heaven-Reaching Long Steps of the Martial Forge Tower.

Seeing this, many evildoers' faces turned extremely grim.

They prepared to act against Ye Chen, Liu Xuan and others, to halt their advance!

The many disciples of the Medicine Clan looked to Yao Huanhuan and said, "Senior Sister, should we also act against Ye Chen and them?"

Yao Huanhuan said angrily, "Let's not act first! Don't you see so many people preparing to deal a deadly blow to Ye Chen and them? Let's just follow along for now!"

The Medicine Clan disciple nodded, "All right. Follow the Senior Sister's lead!"

Yao Huanhuan glanced around and let out a soft "Eh?" "The other Divine Son candidates of the Supreme Profound Sect have all appeared, so why don't we see Qin Xiao? Oh well, never mind. We'll also prepare to charge the Heaven-Reaching Steps!"

The Medicine Clan disciple said, "All right, Senior Sister!"

The voice fell silent!

The many disciples of the Medicine Clan followed Yao Huanhuan as they charged out!

And at this moment.

Ye Chen, Liu Xuan and others had already stepped onto dozens of steps!

Seeing this, the many genius evildoers behind Ye Chen coldly said, "How could we let you seize the initiative!"

Lin Lei of the Supreme Profound Sect shouted violently, directly brandishing a spear and stabbing toward the backs of Ye Chen and others, "Die!"

……