CHAPTER 358: CHAPTER 328: YOU’RE GOING TO DIE

"If the ’Nine Deaths Immortal Heavenly Skill’ could truly achieve the cycle of Nine Deaths Reincarnation, theoretically, it could indeed reach the state of immortality where one is untouched by any catastrophe. But the difficulty of this has become so exaggerated that it’s somewhat bizarre. It’s not something human strength can accomplish."

Having personally cultivated the ’Nine Deaths Immortal Heavenly Skill,’ Gao Tianxiong knew very well the difficulty of practicing this great tome. He had only managed to resurrect once, and it had cost the sacrifice of fourteen Outer Realm Evil Gods and countless Demonic Evil Cultivators throughout the province. With each resurrection, the ’Nine Deaths Immortal Heavenly Skill’ requires double the power. The power needed for the ninth resurrection would probably not be enough even if all beings in this Home Realm were sacrificed.

If that person had indeed relied on the ’Nine Deaths Immortal Heavenly Skill’ to live until now, there must have been a tremendous catastrophe that affected the whole world in history. But in reality, such an event had never occurred.

"The means of that person are difficult to estimate. Perhaps, apart from the ’Nine Deaths Immortal Heavenly Skill,’ he had other methods for extending his life. No matter what, this matter should be noted. It’s always good to be more cautious in the future."

After briefly discussing, Zhu Shanhe and Li Huangliang nodded to Gao Tianxiong, then transformed into divine beams of light that shot into the sky, and in the blink of an eye, they departed.

「」

In the year 1757 of the Great Xuan Calendar, during the Rainwater solar term.

After decades, the monumental catastrophe caused by Demons and evil cultivators was brought to an end by the combined efforts of three Directives Enforcers and various sects and noble families of Dianchuan Province.

After this calamity, Dianchuan Province was left with nine out of ten homes empty. The province’s population plummeted to one ten-thousandth of what it was before the calamity, greatly diminishing its vitality and leaving a dense atmosphere of desolation throughout the province. This was compounded by the major Sect Aristocracies that had previously evacuated or fled the province. Eventually, Dianchuan Province nearly became an empty province. Sometimes, within thousands of miles, not a single sign of human habitation could be seen.

However, facing such a dire situation, the County Yamen, having welcomed back its Holder of authority, showed no signs of panic. The military forces, which had a very low profile during the entire demonic catastrophe, suddenly emerged from seemingly nowhere, gathering the disaster victims and rebuilding the towns. At the same time, Xiangchu and Nanyue provinces also began to actively relocate a portion of their population to settle in Dianchuan Province.

Through the combined efforts of these various parties, the scarred and desolate Dianchuan Province gradually began to show signs of life once more.

At the same time, Gao Tianxiong, having reclaimed his position as the Dianchuan Festival Envoy, issued his first edict since his reinstatement.

The Wu Family of Dianchuan, by colluding with the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, triggered the monstrous demonic calamity, causing severe damage to the province. With heaven enraged and the people resentful, their crimes warranted execution. Now, they shall be branded as a traitorous clan, and three generations of their kin shall suffer the consequences!

With this single edict, the Wu Family, who were on the verge of becoming the new rulers of Dianchuan, instantly fell from heaven into hell.

Originally, based on the Wu Family’s contributions during the demonic catastrophe—actively saving lives and providing disaster relief—even if Gao Tianxiong had wanted to brand them as traitors, it would have sparked immense public outrage. But now, the population of Dianchuan Province was reduced to a mere handful of survivors. Those survivors, still immersed in the unspeakable horror of their experiences, hardly had the leisure or energy to protest on behalf of the Wu Family.

Instantly, without even a chance to argue their case, the Wu Family became known as a traitorous clan and began to be hunted by the entire County Yamen. All their previously, painstakingly earned achievements were dismissively erased by a few casual words from that Dianchuan Festival Envoy.

「」

Meanwhile, in Shangjing City, the capital of Great Xuan.

There, towering atop the prime Dragon Vein of the land, stood an immense Imperial City, like a brilliant pearl. In its center was an imposing palace exuding supreme imperial Dao authority.

In the ancient halls of the Imperial Court, time seemed frozen; darkness enveloped every corner, swallowing the splendid gold and jade magnificence into invisibility. Only through the sparse grilles of doors and windows did a few weak streams of light penetrate, like intermittent candles flickering in the endless gloom. These faint lights danced between stone pillars and decorated beams, casting long shadows and creating an oppressive, mystical atmosphere.

In the very center, seated high upon the throne, a majestic figure sat quietly, wearing a glittering crown, its pearls and jewels twinkling with a cold light in the dim illumination. Even though his face could not be seen, the authority emanating from the figure was so intense that even the air seemed to become heavy. It was a soul-deep intimidation that made one dare not look directly, as if any attempt at scrutiny would invoke the wrath of thunder.

This figure sat on the Dragon Throne without a word. Yet, the aura he emitted was powerful enough to make the heavens and earth lose their color and the sun and moon sink. All of Qiankun and its myriad things would have to prostrate themselves at his feet, kowtowing in submission.

Below in the vast, cold hall, another figure knelt respectfully, dressed in a dark green, high-nobility python robe, which gleamed faintly as the light swept over it.

Time ticked by, second by second, minute by minute. The atmosphere in the hall was so heavy it felt suffocating.

"Qian."

After an unknown amount of time, the being on the Dragon Throne slowly spoke. His simple call caused the kneeling man to involuntarily shiver.

"Your son is present."

The Crown Prince of Great Xuan, once so lofty and influential in Dianchuan Province, stirring up chaos and even masterminding the demonic invasion, now humbled himself as if willing to sink into the very earth. Even his response was controlled with utmost precision, terrified of provoking the Supreme Venerable above him.

"Regarding the matter of Dianchuan, do you have anything to say?"

From beneath the shadowed crown, two heavy and majestic gazes slowly descended upon Yang Qian, like two towering mountains pressing him firmly against the ground. Instantly, beads of sweat appeared on the tip of the Crown Prince of Great Xuan’s nose and forehead. He forcibly suppressed the panic and nervousness in his heart and spoke, word by word, "The matter of Dianchuan... it was due to your son’s incompetence, foolishness, and shortsightedness. I failed to discover Gao Tianxiong’s feigned death in time, thereby ruining Father Emperor’s plans. Please, Father Emperor, deliver your judgment!"

Knowing full well that his Father Emperor despised nothing more than failures who made excuses, Yang Qian took a deep breath. He offered no further explanations, instead straightforwardly admitting his fault and requesting punishment.

Hearing the answer, the person on the Dragon Throne did not immediately speak. The imposing gaze only grew heavier, pressuring Yang Qian as if his entire body were being filled with countless streams of molten iron, about to be crushed to death.

"Gao Tianxiong is cunning by nature and full of tricks; among the Twelve Directives Enforcers, his mind is the sharpest. It has long been rumored that he and Zhu Shanhe are at odds, constantly targeting each other. But this time, Zhu Shanhe personally acted to assist him, as did that old fox, Li Huangliang. This shows their scheme was not planned overnight. Your defeat at their hands is, to some extent, understandable."

As the heavy gaze lifted from him, Yang Qian inwardly sighed in relief upon hearing that his Father Emperor did not intend to blame him.

"Father Emperor, then Dianchuan..."

"Set it aside for now. Although Gao Tianxiong has stabilized the situation in Dianchuan, the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains suffered a huge loss this time and will not let it go easily. Chaotic days lie ahead. That place has already become a land of contention. Even if we took it, it would be too hot to handle. It’s better to leave it in Gao Tianxiong’s hands to cool off for a while."

Hearing that his Father Emperor intended to temporarily give up on Dianchuan, a hint of reluctance surfaced deep in Yang Qian’s eyes. He had invested a great deal of effort to regain control of Dianchuan Province. Now that the fruit had finally ripened, it had been snatched away by the supposedly dead Gao Tianxiong. How could he not be resentful?

"The matter of Dianchuan is settled. No more need be said."

Noticing the hesitation in Yang Qian’s heart, the Lord of the Imperial Court’s tone grew slightly heavier. In an instant, the entire palace seemed to shake as majestic imperial might surged forth, countless grand and supreme visions materializing in the void.

Feeling the change in his Father Emperor’s tone, Yang Qian quickly bowed his head in assent, hastily reining in even the thoughts in his heart.

"Half a year ago, an uprising began in the Northwest. I ordered Guo Chun, the Minister of War, to dispatch five armies for its suppression, with King Wu as the commander-in-chief. But just ten days ago, Guo Chun reported that my five armies were routed by those northwestern barbarians, losing twenty-four cities. They have now retreated to Thousand Geese Pass. Qian, I now appoint you as Imperial Commissioner with full powers. Carry the imperial decree and proceed to the Northwest immediately to investigate this suppression campaign. You are granted the authority to act at your discretion; you may execute first and report later."

Upon hearing his Father Emperor’s words, Yang Qian’s expression shifted slightly, then he immediately bowed to accept the order.

Having left the Central Palace Hall, Yang Qian tilted his head slightly, gazing up at the bright sun in the Sky Dome.

"This sky... why has it grown so much colder..."

「」

In Dianchuan Province, within the Shenxiao Sect Gate.

The great catastrophe had ended, and the dust was settling. Everything was gradually returning to normal. As if due to some entanglement of interests, ever since the day Gao Tianxiong successfully resurrected, Dongfang Qing had immersed himself in the affairs of the County Yamen. Only after two months did he return to the Shenxiao Sect, a satisfied smile on his face.

The first thing he did upon his return was to summon Qi Xiu, who had just awakened on Yunti Peak after sleeping for two long months.

"I hear you’ve been asleep for two months?"

Within a boundless Immortal Realm, filled with brilliant Golden Lotuses and soaring cranes, Dongfang Qing surveyed with great interest the Sect Member before him, who seemed to hold countless secrets.

According to what he knew, during the battle at Ten Thousand Caves Mountain, this junior, with his gentle and scholarly appearance, had played a pivotal role. First, he fought one against seven, slaying seven Vine Demons at the Blood-Stained Peak stage. Then he suppressed the Four Desires Vine King, a being formed from the Seven Vines Union and possessing half the power of the Dao Body Realm. Finally, using some unknown method, he even managed to kill a Spirit of Night Travel.

Such a battle record had surprised even Dongfang Qing when he learned of it. After all, if Qi Xiu hadn’t eliminated that Spirit of Night Travel, the simultaneous descent of sixteen Spirits of Night Travel could have plunged the entire Dianchuan Province into an Eternal Night, leaving no chance of survival. In that case, even if Gao Tianxiong’s plan could have ultimately succeeded, it likely wouldn’t have been so smooth, and the price paid would certainly not have been small.

"Mm, I just kept feeling very tired. It’s only been a bit better these past few days."

Qi Xiu nodded in affirmation. Free of burdens since returning to Yunti Peak after the incident, he had felt an indescribable fatigue. The weariness was so profound it made him wish he could just keep sleeping. Only in the last few days had this drowsiness begun to subside somewhat.

Dongfang Qing’s gaze shifted slightly. Seeming to understand, he nodded subtly and stated calmly, "No wonder you could sleep so much. You’re not tired; you’re about to die."

"Ah?"