Chapter 229: The Heavenly Phoenix Great Sage

Chapter 229: The Heavenly Phoenix Great Sage

October 12, 2024

Gu Qingfeng listened to Fu He's words with a calm expression, revealing no emotion.

After a moment, he smiled faintly and said, "Thank you, Daoist Brother Fu, for this information. I am deeply grateful!"

Then, he changed the subject.

"Given the recent celestial phenomena outside Tianxiong Pass, a mystical realm is likely to open soon. Since you are here, why not stay at the Prefectural Office and wait for the right moment?"

"Thank you, Daoist Brother Gu!"

Fu He did not refuse. His purpose in coming was to see if the emerging mystical realm offered any opportunities for him to break through to the Dao Palace realm.

Subsequently, Gu Qingfeng had his people arrange for Fu He to stay at the Prefectural Office.

Over the next few days, the celestial phenomena grew more intense. Not only could they be seen in the Nine Provinces and the Ancient Beast Mountains, but even many cultivators in the Eastern Domain felt the disturbance.

For a time, Guangyang Prefecture was filled with powerful cultivators. Most of them had entered Tianxiong Pass to wait for the right moment.

Three days later, Gu Yang arrived with his army. However, this time, he did not bring a large force, only the Tian Gang Army.

After all, the Tian Gang Army was the most elite force of the Divine Martial Dynasty. During this period, Gu Yang had Shi Zhen reorganize the Tian Gang Army, ensuring that all 36,000 soldiers were at least at the Bone Washing Realm, with some even reaching the Grandmaster Realm.

With Shi Zhen, a top Grandmaster, leading them, the Tian Gang Divine Killing Formation could easily handle even a Divine Transformation Realm cultivator.

Thus, when Gu Yang led the Tian Gang Army into the area, it immediately drew the attention of many.

"This army is quite impressive. Although their cultivation levels are not the highest, the Aura of Slaughter they exude can only be honed on the battlefield!"

"I've heard that the Divine Martial Dynasty was only established a year ago, and before that, cultivation in the Nine Provinces had declined, with even Grandmasters being rare. For Emperor Gu to have amassed such power in such a short time is indeed remarkable."

Many cultivators nodded in approval at the Tian Gang Army, admiring its elite status. Of course, this was merely admiration. In the Eastern Domain, such an army would not be considered elite, but in the Nine Provinces, it was certainly noteworthy.

"Ha, the Nine Provinces are not as simple as they seem. Don't forget how the Blood Cloud Patriarch met his end!"

One cultivator sneered, and upon hearing this, the others were taken aback, their expressions turning serious.

At that moment, they realized that the Nine Provinces were not weak. Even if their martial arts seemed weak on the surface, there were top-tier Dao Palace Realm cultivators in the shadows.

Even those who arrived later learned from other cultivators that the Nine Provinces had top-tier Dao Palace Realm cultivators who had defeated the Blood Cloud Patriarch in just two moves.

Another cultivator sneered, "I've heard that a prince of the Guiyuan Imperial Dynasty was killed here. Ji Meng has already led a hundred thousand Divine Emperor Army soldiers into the Ancient Beast Mountains, carrying a half-Saint artifact to break through the mountains. Once the Guiyuan Imperial Dynasty arrives, things will get interesting!"

The Guiyuan Imperial Dynasty! A half-Saint artifact!

Upon hearing this, the other cultivators couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath. In an era where Saints were absent, the Guiyuan Imperial Dynasty was one of the top major forces, and Ji Meng was a renowned Seventh Stage Dao Palace Realm cultivator.

"Eight hundred years ago, the Guiyuan Imperial Dynasty had a conflict with an ancient holy land. Ji Meng led a hundred thousand Divine Emperor Army soldiers to besiege and kill a Ninth Stage Dao Palace Realm cultivator. After that battle, the Divine Emperor Army gained a great reputation. Who would have thought they would mobilize the Divine Emperor Army for just a prince?"

"Hmph, I doubt revenge is the real reason. It's more likely they are after the Sage legacy from the former Sun Yang Holy Land."

Regardless of the Guiyuan Imperial Dynasty's true intentions, the news that Ji Meng was leading a hundred thousand Divine Emperor Army soldiers, equipped with a half-Saint artifact, to break through the Ancient Beast Mountains, caused many cultivators to feel a deep sense of unease.

However, some cultivators were secretly excited. When two tigers fight, one will surely be injured. Although the Divine Martial Dynasty was a new dynasty, it had top-tier Dao Palace Realm cultivators. But the Guiyuan Imperial Dynasty's strength was not to be underestimated. A conflict between the two might provide them with an opportunity to benefit.

...

At that moment, Gu Yang had already led his army into Xing'an County.

He had long heard about the Blood Cloud Patriarch. When he learned that Gu Qingfeng had slain the Blood Cloud Patriarch, he was initially shocked but quickly recovered.

Here is the rewritten chapter with non-English characters replaced with their English equivalents or transliterations:

Chapter Rewrite

Austin Yang had a good understanding of Austin Qingfeng's strength, so while the news of him subduing a Third Stage Dao Palace realm expert was shocking, it quickly became acceptable.

Inside the government compound.

Austin Yang looked at Austin Yi and said, "Have the Dark Guards closely monitor all activities in Bright Sunshine Prefecture, and be sure not to expose yourselves."

The Dark Guards were a sharp blade in his hand, but their overall strength wasn't too formidable. If they encountered powerful outsiders, it would be difficult for them to escape unscathed.

"Understood, sir!"

Austin Yi saluted and withdrew.

Afterward.

Austin Yang summoned Austin Xuan, and the two of them had a long, heartfelt conversation.

From Austin Xuan, Austin Yang learned what had happened during his absence.

After all, when Austin Xuan disappeared in the Ancient Beast Mountains, Austin Yang had secretly sent people to search for him. Unfortunately, few of the Dark Guards who entered the Ancient Beast Mountains managed to return.

Even those who barely survived didn't bring back any useful information.

With that in mind.

Austin Yang had to abandon the idea of continuing the search.

"You joining the Great Void Holy Land is a good thing. Speaking of which, your third brother has also ventured into the outside world."

Austin Xuan was taken aback by this. "Third Brother has also gone to the outside world?"

He hadn't expected that.

While he had returned, Austin Xi had left.

Austin Yang nodded. "Father once said that Third Brother has a great opportunity. Leaving the Nine Provinces isn't a bad thing. Perhaps the next time we meet, he will have become a powerful figure!"

To be honest.

Austin Yang wasn't worried about Austin Xi.

After all, if Austin Qingfeng had agreed, it meant there was no problem.

Austin Xuan's expression flickered, but he didn't press further.

"Alright, since you've come back, stay for a few more days."

"Understood!"

---

In the blink of an eye.

Three more days passed.

Over these three days.

The celestial phenomena grew more intense, and more and more powerful figures arrived.

At this moment.

A surge of malevolent energy pierced the sky.

Many cultivators were startled by this energy and looked in one direction. Leading the way was a middle-aged cultivator in battle armor, tall and robust with a determined expression.

Behind him marched an army of a hundred thousand golden-armored soldiers.

A closer look revealed that the golden-armored soldiers were all stained with fresh blood, clearly having just emerged from a fierce battle.

Now.

The appearance of the hundred thousand golden-armored soldiers brought an eerie silence. The Invisible Aura of Mortal Danger made all the cultivators who sensed the army's arrival feel a chill down their spines.

"The Return Origin Empire has arrived!"

"Ji Meng actually led a hundred thousand Divine Emperor soldiers through the Ancient Beast Mountains!"

Any cultivator who knew the dangers of the Ancient Beast Mountains took a deep breath at this moment.

As one of the most ancient mountains in the Primordial World, the Ancient Beast Mountains were home to many powerful beasts, some of which had reached the Divine Transformation realm or even the Dao Palace realm. While they weren't as common as one might think, there were still quite a few.

There was even a rumor.

In the deepest part of the Ancient Beast Mountains, a powerful beast as strong as a Sage was said to be slumbering.

While this rumor was unverified, it was enough to illustrate the terror of the Ancient Beast Mountains.

Even for Dao Palace realm cultivators, crossing the Ancient Beast Mountains required utmost caution. Encountering a powerful beast could easily lead to a disastrous outcome.

An army as large as a hundred thousand Divine Emperor soldiers entering the Ancient Beast Mountains would inevitably draw the attention of numerous beasts. The blood on the soldiers' armor clearly showed the intensity of the battles they had faced.

Despite this.

A hundred thousand soldiers had appeared here.

This demonstrated the formidable nature of the Divine Emperor soldiers.

On the city walls of Star Peace County, Austin Yang looked in the direction of the Divine Emperor soldiers, his eyes filled with both solemnity and a hint of excitement.

"The Return Origin Empire truly lives up to its reputation as a top-tier force in the Eastern Domain. The hundred thousand Divine Emperor soldiers are indeed the cream of the crop!"

Austin Yang mused to himself.

He could see that the weakest of the hundred thousand Divine Emperor soldiers who had arrived was at the Grandmaster level.

Indeed.

Grandmaster level.

In the past, Grandmasters were among the top-tier experts in the Nine Provinces. Even now, the number of cultivators who could reach the Grandmaster realm was few and far between.

However.

In the Divine Emperor soldiers.

Grandmasters were just the ordinary foot soldiers.

Even if all the Divine Emperor soldiers were Grandmasters, that would still be a hundred thousand Grandmasters. But as the elite force of the Return Origin Empire, how could the Divine Emperor soldiers be limited to just the Grandmaster level?

At this moment.

Ji Meng took a step into the air, and a terrifying aura erupted from him, causing the heavens and the earth to change, and the sky and the void to tremble.

"My sixth prince of the Return Origin Empire has fallen here. The Divine Martial Dynasty must give an explanation!"

Before arriving in the Nine Provinces, Ji Meng had received some information, learning that Han An and the others had entered the capital and were subsequently subdued by the powerful figures of the Divine Martial Dynasty.

There was no doubt about it.

Han An's downfall was undoubtedly linked to the Divine Martial Dynasty.

Therefore.

Ji Meng now appeared entirely like someone coming to demand an explanation.

As his voice echoed, the terrifying aura of a Dao Palace Realm cultivator began to crush down on Xing'an County.

All the cultivators of the Divine Martial Dynasty immediately changed their expressions, feeling their own insignificance under such overwhelming pressure.

Buzz!

Suddenly, a sound of a blade resounded, and then a heavenly sword formed from the essence of heaven and earth abruptly slashed down. The overwhelming aura was instantly scattered, and the remaining momentum of the heavenly sword continued to cut toward Ji Meng.

His face slightly changed, and he punched out with his right hand, colliding with the heavenly sword.

Boom!

The heavenly sword shattered, and Ji Meng, standing in mid-air, took a step back. His fist showed signs of cracking, but it quickly healed, unnoticed by the others.

"Peak Dao Palace Realm!"

Ji Meng's face turned grave. In that exchange, he had already been defeated.

Anyone who could defeat him with a single strike from a distance must be a top-tier Ninth Rank Dao Palace Realm cultivator.

However.

Ji Meng was not afraid.

After all, he was not alone on this mission; he had the support of ten thousand Divine Emperor Army soldiers.

If it came to an all-out battle, even a peak Dao Palace Realm cultivator could be subdued.

At this moment.

Gu Yang stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Ji Meng with a cold gaze: "The Return to Origin Empire dared to attack the imperial city, inviting their own destruction. I haven't even demanded an explanation from the Return to Origin Empire, and you dare to come here first to make accusations!"

"A mere Great Master, do you think you have the right to speak so boldly in front of me?"

Ji Meng's face turned cold, and he raised his hand to crush Gu Yang on the spot.

To this, Gu Yang remained unfazed.

With Gu Qingfeng backing him, he was not afraid of Ji Meng.

Just as both sides were about to erupt into conflict, the void trembled, and a divine light shot into the sky, forming a majestic figure that stood tall. The ancient aura that permeated the heavens made all the cultivators instinctively look up.

"This aura!"

Gu Qingfeng, who was drinking tea in the government office, paused, then looked in a specific direction, his eyes piercing through all obstacles to see the majestic figure.

"An Exalted Sage!"

"Or perhaps a Great Exalted Sage!"

Gu Qingfeng's expression shifted.

Such an ancient and terrifying aura made his divine soul and blood tremble, as if he were under immense pressure.

Even a peak Dao Palace Realm cultivator standing before him would not give him this feeling, given his current cultivation level.

The mere presence of this shadow was enough to cause such a stir, indicating how terrifying the figure must have been in their prime.

Now.

The majestic figure slowly spoke, his authoritative voice reaching every cultivator.

"I am the Great Exalted Sage Tianfeng. I am leaving behind a secret realm legacy here, open to all below the Dao Palace Realm!"

As his words faded, the Great Exalted Sage's shadow disappeared, and a terrifying force transformed into a bronze gate, appearing outside Tianxiong Pass.

In an instant.

All the powerful cultivators were stirred, their faces filled with greed and shock as they looked at the bronze gate.

"The Great Exalted Sage Tianfeng, could this be the Tianfeng from five hundred thousand years ago?!"

"It's said that this person was a peak Great Exalted Sage, a dominant figure in the ancient world five hundred thousand years ago. I never thought this person would leave a legacy in the Nine Provinces!"

"In ancient times, the Nine Provinces were at their peak, and a supreme force emerged to suppress the ancient world. Later, that supreme force suddenly disappeared, and many powerful figures from the Five Regions entered this place to seek the legacy left behind by that force. The Great Exalted Sage Tianfeng's presence here is likely related to this!"

No matter what.

The legacy left behind by a peak Great Exalted Sage was enough to make all cultivators' hearts race.

While the legacy of a Sage that the Divine Sun Sacred Land had once obtained only drew the attention of a few powerful forces, many ancient and influential forces had not paid much attention to it.

But now, with the legacy of the Great Exalted Sage Tianfeng appearing, the situation was completely different.

One was a Sage legacy!

The other was a Great Exalted Sage legacy!

And the Great Exalted Sage Tianfeng was a peak among Great Exalted Sages, reaching the Ninth Rank of Great Exalted Sage, with cultivation that transcended the heavens. Obtaining his legacy would undoubtedly propel one to new heights.

Even many forces that had once produced Great Exalted Sages, or even those above, would not be able to sit idly by if they learned of the Great Exalted Sage Tianfeng's legacy.

After all, the benefits of obtaining a Great Exalted Sage's legacy were self-evident.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end