CHAPTER 856: CHAPTER 853: THE EVE

"Therefore, I believe it is possible for us to lose this battle,"

Gu Qianqiu said calmly.

These remarks plunged the Floating Divine Palace into a strange atmosphere.

"Great Elder, your words seem to be somewhat inappropriate," said the hot-tempered Fifth Elder, Mo Yu. Frowning after hearing Gu Qianqiu’s words, he continued, "By your meaning, should we tarnish my disciple Fu Yunfei’s reputation to atone for past matters? What kind of reasoning is that?"

Gu Qianqiu closed his eyes slightly and said unhurriedly, "I am merely expressing my thoughts to the Sect Leader. As for whether to act accordingly, it is entirely up to the Sect Leader’s discretion."

"Sect Leader," Mo Yu quickly turned to Zuo Yangming, bowing, "You also know, not long ago, my disciple Yunfei gained fame for our Heaven Suppressing Ancient Sect and has contributed significantly. Now many eyes are upon us from Central Earth, and even though this settling battle is largely symbolic, if we truly lose, who knows what narratives those people might concoct to damage the dignity of our Heaven Suppressing Ancient Sect. Therefore, I believe we must win this battle."

"Enough," Zuo Yangming raised his hand slightly, saying, "The outcome should be determined by the combatants themselves. There’s no need for us to interfere too much. The reason I have gathered you here today is not for this matter."

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions turned solemn.

They knew the real business was about to begin.

"The Dao Chu Ancient Land, missing for ninety thousand years, has reappeared in Central Earth," Zuo Yangming said with a grave expression.

"Indeed..."

Hearing Zuo Yangming’s words, everyone was taken aback.

They had heard whispers, and now Zuo Yangming’s words confirmed the matter completely.

"Recently, the Supreme Pavilion announced their emergence, likely related to this," Ouyang Hongbo gently stroked his long beard and spoke softly.

Supreme Pavilion, one of the oldest forces in Central Earth’s Divine Continent, enduring through the ages.

Yet, the Supreme Pavilion had retired for many years, only announcing their return recently.

Such a force suddenly declaring its return must be due to significant events.

And Zuo Yangming’s words affirmed it.

Dao Chu Ancient Land!

What kind of existence is it?

The most terrifying Forbidden Land in Daozhou Land!

Known as one of the Nine Forbidden Lands of the Xuanhuang Great World!

Even the Hengduan Mountain of the East Desolate cannot compare!

However, after the Double Emperors ascended the pinnacle, the Dao Chu Ancient Land mysteriously disappeared.

This disappearance lasted a full ninety thousand years.

Now it has reemerged on Central Earth’s Divine Continent.

"More and more ancient forces will emerge, although our Heaven Suppressing Ancient Sect now holds a leading position in Daoist traditions, this is but a façade. The Sect Leader hopes everyone will act cautiously."

Zuo Yangming said with rare solemnity.

"We will heed the Sect Leader’s decree," everyone responded in unison.

Zuo Yangming, with a stern expression, said, "With the Dao Chu Ancient Land resurfacing, it won’t be long before chaos erupts in Central Earth’s Divine Continent, and not only there, but the entire Daozhou Land will descend into turmoil."

"Recently, Floating Mountain has also started to act swiftly. After this settling battle concludes, select one person from Lv Tong, Shi Zhiping, or Fu Yunfei to enter Floating Mountain."

"Once the world enters chaos, only Floating Mountain can be considered a Sacred Land."

...

This discussion, concerning the world’s power structure, lasted a full day and night.

After the discussion ended, Zuo Yangming’s physical body reappeared in the courtyard of his great-grandfather, Zuo Yishan.

"What is it? Encountering some trouble again?"

The white-bearded elder Zuo Yishan lay in a rocking chair, gently fanning himself, speaking leisurely.

Zuo Yangming’s body was that of a youth, looking handsome and captivating. He respectfully bowed, saying, "Great-grandfather, indeed, there is an issue I don’t know how to handle."

"Speak," Zuo Yishan said.

Zuo Yangming pondered for a moment and then spoke, "The Second Elder and Fourth Elder, whom the Double Emperors placed in our sect, will soon return from Double Emperor Mountain, claiming they wish to personally observe the settling battle."

The fan in Zuo Yishan’s hand stopped moving. He glanced at Zuo Yangming, saying slowly, "This is the issue?"

Zuo Yangming nodded slightly.

Zuo Yishan tossed the fan directly at Zuo Yangming, scolding, "You ungrateful brat! You’re the Sect Leader of the Heaven Suppressing Ancient Sect, and for this matter, you come asking me?"

Zuo Yangming did not dare dodge, responding respectfully, "I hope great-grandfather can guide me."

Zuo Yishan snorted, "In bygone days, the Double Emperors coercively demanded our Heaven Suppressing Ancient Sect to act in such a way, afterward giving us the so-called title of Double Emperor’s Sect while secretly placing their people within us—I’ve long been unhappy about it. Now the Double Emperors are no longer in this realm, and what those two elders rely on is merely Double Emperor Mountain. If they dare act excessively, deal with it as you see fit."

Zuo Yangming squinted slightly, bowing, "Yangming understands."

Zuo Yishan waved his hand, "Go then."

"Yes, great-grandfather," Zuo Yangming turned and left.

"Hey, wait a moment," Zuo Yishan called after Zuo Yangming.

Zuo Yangming turned back, puzzled, "What is it, great-grandfather?"

"How long until the settling battle?" Zuo Yishan asked.

Zuo Yangming paused for a moment, then said, "The day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow..." Zuo Yishan muttered, seemingly contemplating something, then said, "After the settling battle is over, have Ye Xuan come to see me."

Zuo Yangming was about to comply when Zuo Yishan dismissed it with a wave, "Never mind, never mind, I’ll personally come down to meet him the day after tomorrow, lest that fellow decides not to come again."

Zuo Yangming couldn’t help but smile wryly.

"Alright, off you go," Zuo Yishan waved him away.

"Yes, great-grandfather," Zuo Yangming left respectfully.

After Zuo Yangming departed, Zuo Yishan looked exceedingly serious, feeling particularly uneasy inside.

"Emperor Ye, could it truly be you..."

Zuo Yishan muttered to himself.

For over half a year, he had been pondering this matter.

Previously he hadn’t thought much of it, nor had he connected it to Emperor Ye.

Until he discreetly discovered the matter of the Revenge Talisman, and with Qiao Xinyu staying by Ye Xuan’s side, he couldn’t help but think in that direction.

Ye Xuan, Emperor Ye.

This indeed seemed to suggest a certain connection.

"Enough, the day after tomorrow will reveal all, and this concerns the future of our Heaven Suppressing Ancient Sect,"

Zuo Yishan said to himself as he picked up the fan again.

The settling battle, just two days away.

It will arrive soon enough.

Meanwhile, at the Emperor Immortal Sect, Ye Xuan and Zhou Youwei were also not idle.

Ye Xuan personally instructed Zhou Youwei in swordsmanship, guiding her to gradually master the Daluo Sword Embryo.

Noteworthy was that Zhou Youwei’s Sword Dao cultivation had also reached the Fourth Floor.

Sword Dao Master!

Furthermore, Ye Xuan taught Zhou Youwei several Divine Communication Skills, mostly from the "Mystic Ice Saint Technique" and "Heavenly God Fierce Fire Scripture" that Zhou Youwei practiced.

Among them were even Great Emperor’s Divine Powers...