Chapter 242 - 239: Grand Imperial Sages
While an unprecedented feat was being accomplished, in the Myriad Monarch Sect, at the eighth level of the Extreme Monarch Mountain was a singular sky palace. In this sky palace, five figures of exceptional status and cultivation had gathered. They were the five Grand Imperial Sages.
They stood in a perfect circle, their auras concealed and controlled. Tuo Bihan wore his dull grey robes, seeming like an ordinary old man with a lazy glint within his eyes. However, those familiar with him would understand from his expression that his mind was occupied with exceptional thoughts. As the Grand Imperial Sage of the Extreme Creation Mountain, a revered cultivator at the Sixth Stage of the Astral Core Realm, and Alchemic Emperor, he was definitely the most prominent member here.
In terms of status, ability, and seniority, he reigned supreme over the others without exception. Despite that, his relative low-key involvement in the sect’s affairs was well-known. Unfortunately, his lazy days of lounging about had to be placed on pause.
"Is it true?" A voice filled with power and dark violence rumbled. It originated from a three-meter tall giant. He had curved black spikes protruding from his elbows and knees, his eyes were simply filled with violet flames, and his bald head was particularly smooth. His violet-skinned figure had an endless presence with his dominating musculature, covered by impressive jet-black armor.
This was Yao Zhen, the newest Grand Imperial Sage, and the reason for the Extreme Demon Mountain’s existence. He was undoubtedly the youngest amongst the five, an indicator of his outstanding talent and potential. On his expression was an imposing frown that seemed terrifying without a hint of anger.
"It is," a feminine voice responded. It was harmonious like music, and it could cause the bones of men and women alike to turn soft. Despite its quality, it caused those of a strong will to immediately become vigilant as if facing a great enemy. A tall, slender female elf that stood at over six feet tall, dressed in pure white robes with nine-colored mist shrouding her face. Despite her concealment, not a single one of these elite figures called her on her actions.
However, one could tell she was an exceptional beauty of the ages. Those experienced would notice the faint pure yin aura emitting from her body, an unintentional and uncontrollable side-effect of Primal Yin nourished for hundreds of years untouched. This aura was capable of causing weak-willed men to fall prey to their basest desires.
Fortunately, none of these figures today lacked a hint of will. Their paths were littered with corpses, schemes, and conquered trials. If they lacked will, reaching their heights would’ve been impossible.
She was Qin Rui, the Grand Imperial Sage of the Extreme Origin Mountain.
Yao Zhen coldly growled. The entire sky palace rumbled. Even the Sky Layer beneath them quivered.
Another interjected at this moment, "According to Heavenly King Wei’s report, the attempt failed and Qi Lang, the continental Guardian, has apprehended Jiang Lanlan. The attack wasn’t a deliberate act of war." This statement diffused some of the tension, but Yao Zhen’s violet flames started burning even fiercer than before. One could tell that he cultivated a fierce Ocular Cultivation Method, and his emotions were leaking through.
"They attacked a continent under our control, causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands. This obviously violates the Tri-Peace Accords!" Yao Zhen spoke, and while it was low, it was intense that wind seemed to be birthed within the room. The robes of everyone fluttered.
"Haaa..." The one who sighed was a valiant-looking middle-aged man with sword-like eyebrows and canine-type piercing eyes. He had a tail sporting from his back that seemed like an independent lifeform and his ears were ears of a canine, an indicator of his beastman lineage. His aura effused a sharp aura, but this intent was two-fold, as if one was boundlessly tyrannical and the other endlessly majestic. He was the one who tried to diffuse the tension. "It’s not that simple, Grand Sage Yao."
The Tri-Peace Accords was established two hundred years ago by the San Clan, the current ruler of the Tri-Vision Starfield. It was settled after a devastating conflict had erupted, and the Sacred Light Palace, Demonic Abyss Mountain, and Elemental Heaven Pavilion clashed with the Myriad Monarch Sect. This conflict was intense, and at the time, the Myriad Monarch Sect was the strongest force.
This war lasted for thirty years, and the Myriad Monarch Sect had to reveal some devastating trump cards from the previous eras and unleashed hell. However, the losses sustained by the Myriad Monarch Sect might’ve been lesser than the three other forces, but they sustained the most damage individually.
The San Clan intervened when the Myriad Monarch Sect was about to release their strongest trump card and take down the other three forces with them in a final effort. If they hadn’t, the entire starfield might’ve been left in shambles. Not one of these Hegemons were to be underestimated, especially the Myriad Monarch Sect who ruled over the entire starfield once before, a feat the other three forces hadn’t accomplished.
In an attempt to establish peace, the Tri-Peace Accords were deliberated, agreed upon, and signed. The San Clan would act as mediators and deal punishments against those who broke the agreement. It was only this intervention that allowed a peaceful era to begin. Unfortunately, the Myriad Monarch Sect’s all-inclusive and authority-based system with clear rewards and punishments couldn’t eclipse the nepotism and favored systems of the other forces.
The room became quiet.
"We demand compensation," Ji Changkong stated. This was his bottom-line. If they didn’t agree, he steeled his heart to personally kill Jiang Lanlan at this very moment, traveling to the Bloodforge Continent to do so. Unbeknownst to him, Yao Zhen and Qin Rui had similarly made this oath in their hearts.
"Of course," Tuo Bihan nodded.
"..." Zen swept her gaze around and shook her head slightly. They were all prideful and unyielding individuals. In the end, this was the least they would accept.
Tuo Bihan didn’t continue on this subject, "That little lass is stuck on the Bloodforge Continent." These words caused everyone to frown. Wei Wuyin’s four years in the Myriad Monarch Continent was an absolute godsend. Others might not know this but Wei Wuyin was providing a steady supply of Astral Dipper Fountain Pills.
It wasn’t just in the hundreds but the tens of thousands. While it was merely a low-tier seventh-grade pill, it was immensely beneficial to Qi Condensation Realm experts at the Infused Spirituality Phase. It allowed them to build up their Mortal States, allowing the creation of more experts.
With his current situation, that supply was severed. And due to constraints, this would likely last decades.
Yao Zhen frowned. While the others might not know, he had specifically accepted...an exchange...No to be frank, it was a bribe. For ten Astral Sea Pills and Demon Sea Pills, he turned the other cheek and allowed Wei Wuyin to leave the Myriad Monarch Sect. This was supposed to be a private matter and his identity was meant to be concealed.
No one was supposed to know he had left.
Ji Changkong frowned. While the others might not know, he had specifically accepted...an exchange...No to be frank, it was a bribe. For ten Astral Sea Pills and Blood Star Refinement Pills, he looked the other way and allowed Wei Wuyin to leave the Myriad Monarch Sect. This was supposed to be a private matter and his identity was meant to be concealed.
No one was supposed to know he had left.
Qin Rui frowned. While the others might not know, she had specifically accepted...an exchange...No to be frank, it was a bribe. For ten Astral Sea Pills and Nine Element Infusion Pills, she closed her eyes and allowed Wei Wuyin to leave the Myriad Monarch Sect. This was supposed to be a private matter and his identity was meant to be concealed.
No one was supposed to know he had left.
Zen frowned. While the others might not know, she had specifically accepted...an exchange...No to be frank, it was a bribe. For ten Astral Sea Pills and Aquatic Blessing Pills, she let him use the Void Gate and allowed Wei Wuyin to leave the Myriad Monarch Sect. This was supposed to be a private matter and his identity was meant to be concealed.
No one was supposed to know he had left.
Tuo Bihan saw the simultaneous changes in everyone’s expressions. They were all given agreements to not permit Wei Wuyin to leave without an escort, yet...somehow, he escaped beneath their noses. He felt somewhat displeased at their negligence.
"...Our number one priority is developing a replacement Void Gate to bring Heavenly King Wei back." Zen added.
"Agreed." Ji Changkong, Qin Rui, and Yao Zhen echoed without hesitation.
"..." Tuo Bihan felt something wasn’t right.