Chapter 74

Soon, the atmosphere of the birthday banquet reached its peak after Duan Xingming's stunning performance dazzled the entire hall; the mellow fragrance of the immortal brew intertwined with the guests' praise, while the graceful poses of the dancing girls complemented the brilliant rosy light, presenting a scene of prosperous splendor where host and guest alike reveled in joy.

However, just as everyone was exchanging cups and chatting merrily, Duan Qingcang, the Sovereign of the Zhen Tian Immortal Dynasty seated upon the supreme throne, slowly lowered the nine‑dragon jade cup in his hand.

He spoke no words, yet this simple gesture released an invisible yet majestic imperial aura that spread naturally, like a silent tide, instantly calming all the clamor within the hall.

The immortal music faded, the dancing girls withdrew with bowed bodies, and everyone's gaze involuntarily refocused on the throne.

The old sovereign's visage remained shrouded in dragon mist, but his deep, sea‑like eyes revealed an unprecedented solemnity and gravity.

"Esteemed ones."

Those two plain words rang like a great bell, resonating clearly in each guest's ears and deep within their souls.

"Today is an auspicious day, with all worthy ones gathered; my heart is greatly pleased."

Duan Qingcang's voice was steady and powerful, carrying a composed command of the situation: "Taking advantage of this grand gathering, I have a matter I wish to share with you all, and I also require your assistance."

Within the hall, even a dropped pin could be heard; everyone held their breath, sensing that a world‑shaking announcement was imminent.

Duan Qingcang paused briefly, as if organizing his thoughts, then spoke slowly:

"Recently, I and the veteran officials of the court sensed the heavenly secrets and discovered that, at the far eastern edge of the Huangji Star Domain within our Zhen Tian Immortal Dynasty's domain, lies an ancient secret realm that has lain dormant for countless myriad ages; its outer seals are rapidly weakening and will soon be fully opened."

"An ancient secret realm?"

A low gasp immediately rose from below.

"Any 'ancient secret realm' deemed worthy of such solemn mention by the Sovereign of the Zhen Tian Immortal Dynasty is certainly no ordinary hidden ground!"

"After my preliminary deduction and investigation," Duan Qingcang's voice grew heavier, tinged with an uncontainable fervor, "this place… is highly likely to conceal a heaven‑shaking, defiant opportunity! Its core treasure might… be enough to enable one to break through the bottleneck beyond the Immortal realm and even glimpse the method to reach higher levels of the Dao!"

"What?!"

"Break through the Immortal King's bottleneck?!"

"How… how is this possible?!"

"Higher levels? Beyond Immortal?!"

Boom!!!

In an instant, the entire Zhen Tian Hall exploded into an uproar!

Everyone lost their composure; even the perpetually aloof Xuan Wuzhi of the Dao Heaven Immortal Pavilion had his eyes flare with shocking brilliance!

Elder Ye Lingyun of the Undying Ye Family, whose face had always been as still as an ancient well, also showed intense agitation!

Jun Zhan Shan of the Jun family became so excited his breathing grew heavy!

The Immortal King is already a top‑tier mighty one in the legends of the Nine Heavens Ten Lands, each a pillar that holds up the heavens.

Breaking through the Immortal King realm's bottleneck?

What does that mean?

It means there could be a birth of a super existence surpassing the Immortal King!

It would bring an unimaginably huge impact to the power that possesses it!

Such an opportunity is enough to move any faction's heart!

Ye Wuque's heart also leapt violently!

Breaking through the Immortal King's bottleneck?

Such a heaven‑shaking opportunity might, for him, signify the true chance to condense the hundredth divine spring!

A sharp gleam flashed in the depths of his eyes and then vanished.

Duan Qingcang took in everyone's reactions, then continued in a deep voice:

"However, fortune harbors danger. Such a defiant opportunity's land will inevitably be accompanied by extreme peril. Though I have not entered it myself, I have sensed that its seals are ancient and formidable, its killing intent stark and brutal, far beyond imagination! To enter is surely a nine‑deaths‑one‑life gamble!"

Many prominent figures' faces shifted slightly, clearly understanding what that implied.

"I speak frankly," Duan Qingcang said with utmost sincerity, "relying solely on the strength of my Zhen Tian Immortal Dynasty, even if we could explore this place, we would inevitably pay an unbearable price, possibly toiling in vain and suffering harm. Heavenly opportunities are not for a single person or clan to monopolize."

His gaze swept over all the faction representatives below, his voice resounding: "Therefore, I wish to open this gate and sincerely invite the heroes present to gather three months hence at the edge of the Huangji Star Domain to jointly explore this ancient secret realm! The opportunities within will be obtained according to each one's ability and fortune! I do not know what you all think."

After a brief silence, came a volcanic eruption of response!

"Our Jun imperial clan is willing to explore this secret together with the Zhen Tian Immortal Dynasty!" Jun Zhan Shan was the first to rise, his voice loud, his excitement evident.

"The Heavenly Mechanism Sacred Mountain is willing to contribute its modest strength to glimpse a bit of the heavenly mechanism." The Heavenly Mechanism Elder stroked his beard and spoke softly, but the eagerness in his eyes could not be concealed.

"The Ten Thousand Swords Imperial Palace, we will go!"

"The Yin‑Yang Sect, we will go!"

"The Profound Heaven Holy Sect, we will go!"

"The Myriad Star Manor also feels interest in such a grand affair."