Chapter 288: Bai Mai Conference (I)

Chapter 288: Bai Mai Conference (I)



East 3 Huang Star.

With the Bai Mai Conference drawing near, the conflicts among the various factions of the Union temporarily subsided, no matter how intense they had been.

Everyone was curious to know what level Ji Jingqiu had reached after months of silence. Had he stabilized his footing in the Xin Xiang Realm, or was he still boldly advancing in the Xin Xiang Realm as other Tian Ren had predicted?

In addition, many of Ji Jingqiu's old friends also arrived at East 3 Huang Star.

"It's been a while, everyone!"

"Hey, didn't that old woman, Yue Yourong, come back?"

"No, she's still in the West."

"Wushuang, you've also returned from the West. Didn't Lei Zi come with you?"

"The Ancestral Tree had some urgent matters and returned to the Lei Family. He said it had something to do with his ancestors."

"Oh, did Lei Zi's ancestors rise from the dead?" Diao Xingyun asked in surprise.

Everyone: "..."

Diao Xingyun chuckled, "I was just joking. I heard that it's related to their ancestors' apprenticeship in the 3000 Yan Fu Ti many years ago."

"A prestigious family," Bian Rong smiled, "Our Tian Shen Shrine can't compare. We only rose to prominence over two thousand years ago."

The group walked side by side out of the spaceport and suddenly stopped, looking into the distance at the majestic building towering in the sky.

"Wait..." Diao Xingyun said in surprise, "What's that? A palace in the clouds? They're really going all out!"

"I didn't see this palace when we were on the spaceship," Bian Rong muttered.

A majestic Dao Palace stood in the clouds, as if a giant mirage dragon was coiled up, spewing out billowing clouds that condensed into a large area of palace buildings of various heights. In the sunlight, the palace shone with golden radiance, surrounding the most important Dao Palace, truly resembling the grandeur of an immortal's mansion.

"That's Master Ji's Dao Palace," someone mysteriously appeared behind them and smiled, "Are you all Diao Xingyun, Yin Wushuang, and Bian Rong? Please follow me this way."

"Who might you be?" Yin Wushuang asked politely.

All three of them could sense that the other party's strength surpassed their own, seemingly a warrior in the Xin Xiang Realm.

"I am Qinghuan, from the Nine Palaces, and I currently serve under Master Ji," he introduced himself.

"Is that a mirage dragon?" Yin Wushuang asked, gazing at the sky bridge suspended high above.

He recognized this legendary mythical creature, named after the mirage in the sea, capable of spitting mirage mist and creating mirage landscapes, deceiving and captivating minds.

"That's a young mirage dragon, borrowed specifically from the Da Shen Heavenly Palace," Qinghuan said with a slightly embarrassed expression, "Master Ji gave us a very tight schedule, so we only had time to build the central Dao Palace. The other buildings can only be temporarily supplemented by this mirage dragon."

Yin Wushuang was speechless. A mirage dragon was even more powerful than a mirage, being the most elite among mythical creatures.

In the handwritten travel notes left by the Ancestral Master, it was recorded that during his spiritual journey, he once witnessed a mirage dragon spouting mirage mist, creating a mirage landscape, and even simulating an entire new world with living creatures possessing spiritual intelligence. Such a feat was beyond mere illusion and approached the realm of reality.

Unexpectedly, the Nine Palaces were raising one.

Qinghuan gazed into the clouds, where the dragon's body was faintly visible, and sighed:

"This guy is the apple of Da Shen Heavenly Palace's eye. Borrowing it took quite a bit of persuasion from several Ancestral Masters."

"This way, everyone."

As Qinghuan led the group towards the Dao Palace above, several men and women with cold expressions, exceptional demeanor, and distinct attire from the others emerged from behind.

No extra words were exchanged.

Almost instinctively, the group's Qi mechanisms intertwined.

Even with Qinghuan's assistance, their side still faced an overwhelming situation.

They were still in the Jiasuo Realm, while their opponents were all top-notch warriors in the Xin Xiang Realm.

It wasn't until a sword intent, similar to Yin Wushuang's, sliced through the battlefield and joined Yin Wushuang's camp that they formed a stalemate.

Qinghuan said calmly, "Everyone, on this planet, remember to be cautious in your words and actions."

The group confronting them glanced at him with a shift in their gaze, giving him a deep look without saying a word, and then walked past them without a second glance.

Yin Wushuang turned and saw the newcomer, his face breaking into a smile, "Senior Jiang!"

The newcomer was Jiang Lan, a Dao child from two generations ago of the Tian Jian Shrine. He had appeared at the Ke Family gathering, where he was praised by the Ke Family's Tian Ren as being on the verge of forming a Sword Embryo.

Jiang Lan smiled and nodded at Wushuang and the others, then looked at the silhouettes of the previous group, narrowing his eyes, and said:

"Recently, the Union has seen many unwelcome guests with impressive strength. They are all at the peak of the Xin Xiang Realm. You all should be careful."

Diao Xingyun furrowed his brows and suddenly asked, "Is this related to the ambush that Li Chengfeng encountered?"

Not long ago, more than ten young people of their generation had been attacked by unidentified individuals, including Li Chengfeng, who was fortunate to escape but suffered severe injuries.

This incident caused a huge stir within the Union.

"The timing doesn't match," Jiang Lan shook his head, "These people appeared later, but it's also possible that some of them entered the Grand Universe earlier."

Jiang Lan paused, "Outside East 3 Huang Star, you should be careful. Among these people, some act without restraint. You haven't grown to the level where you can confront them yet."

"Have you fought them before?" Bian Rong asked.

Jiang Lan nodded, "Yes, either they challenged us, or we took the initiative. I've fought a few of them, with a record of two wins and one loss. But in reality, I should have lost all three, as I'm at least a year older than my opponents."

Yin Wushuang said gravely, "Senior Jiang, with your Sword Embryo about to be formed, you still lost a match?"

The Tian Jian Shrine was famous for nurturing Sword Embryos. The day the Sword Embryo was perfected was when they would break through the Tian Ren Barrier.

Jiang Lan, at the Ke Family gathering months ago, was already on the verge of forming a Sword Embryo, only needing the final polishing. His chances of breaking into the Tian Ren realm were extremely high, yet he still lost a match.

"In terms of martial arts inheritance, our Tian Jian Shrine won't lose to them. It was my personal defeat," Jiang Lan sighed, "Moreover, my ability to perfect the Sword Embryo was also thanks to the unexpected gain you brought from the ancient road, Wushuang. At the same level, I believe you can do even better than me."

Yin Wushuang nodded solemnly. His greatest gain on the Tian Road was witnessing the true "Heavenly Sword," which, in addition to the Sword Heart, also required a "Divine Sword" rooted in Shen Xing.

Currently, through his journey in the West, Ji Jingqiu tempered his Sword Heart and Divine Nature, and this "Divine Sword" had already taken shape. With the Sword Heart as its tip and Divine Nature as its body, it lacked a hilt.

"Are they here to cause trouble?" Diao Xingyun frowned.

"It shouldn't be that bad." Jiang Lan shook his head, "This time, there are already dozens of Heaven People here. Who would be so reckless?"

...

In a corner of the city, a white-haired man and a dragon-horned youth met, neither willing to yield, their gazes filled with killing intent.

With each breath, the white-haired man exhaled a flow of energy resembling Zhen Jin, like a cascading waterfall. Behind him, a vague and unstable divine image appeared.

The dragon-horned youth's eyes were calm and serene. He raised his hand and extended his sleeve, revealing a small thunder seal in his palm, as small as a mustard seed, yet it emitted a brilliant heavenly sound, its might not inferior to that of heavenly thunder.

Just as the two were about to engage in battle, with their energies intertwined and ready to strike...

Both of them changed their expressions, as if they had seen something terrifying, and suddenly retreated a hundred meters.

The dragon-horned youth dispersed his thunder technique, retracted his hand, and returned his sleeve. The two stood still for a moment before slowly relaxing.

Just a moment ago, they both had a feeling that if they took action, it would bring about "Heaven and Earth Collapse."

It was the literal meaning of Heaven and Earth Collapse! The two were clear that the warning just now came from a certain place. They glanced at each other and coldly hummed, each going their separate ways.

Not only the Union people entered the East 3 Huang Star, but also the pioneers from various forces, trying to get closer to the Divine Prohibition of the Grand Universe.

Ni Yu, who had already coveted the Union, and others had also entered the East 3 Huang Star to investigate the truth and decide on the next steps.

For some core disciples from major forces, in their eyes, the importance of the East 3 Huang Star was greater than that of a Divine Prohibition! What troubled them was why Ji Jingqiu insisted on staying in the East 3 Huang Star.

After a long search, they finally found the location of the ancient Ascension Platform, but at that moment, they had no idea where to start.

"Mirage Dragon? Hehe, worthy of a Divine Prohibition, such a grand scene."

"This planet... Did you feel it? Everywhere is filled with a mysterious qi, somewhat similar to the characteristics of a Heavenly King's Master. Could he have already understood the location of Li Dao?"

"There are no false scholars under a great reputation. To break through the Divine Prohibition in the 'receding tide' environment of the Grand Universe, this person is truly extraordinary!"

"This Union... Hey, their luck is endless!"

"The current plan is to break through the Heaven People and continue."

"Why not directly go and clarify the gains and losses? Even if he is a Divine Prohibition, he should also consider the future. He can only be rampant for a year or two. If he doesn't want to die after a year or two, he will still have to rely on various forces, right?"

"It's not easy. According to the investigation, that person seems humble, but in reality, he is extremely arrogant, ruthless, and merciless. Even if you go and speak sincerely, if he thinks you're threatening him, then... Hey, if he kills, he kills. What can be done? Life belongs to oneself."

"Heaven People! We must first break through the Heaven People and grasp the capital to retreat intact!"

"Hmm, there are already many martial artists who have tried to break through first. I wonder how it's going. I wonder if it will appear at this Hundred Veins Assembly."

...

Jian Shiqi asked in confusion, "Senior Sister, you've been here for several days. Why haven't you gone to see that person?"

Miaodie looked up, her gaze piercing through the void, as if seeing the figure sitting deep in the Dao Palace, connected to heaven and earth. She shook her head and said,

"That person's mind has sunk into the Fa Realm, comprehending the true rhyme of the Dao. I can't confirm if it's his first time. If it is, disturbing him abruptly will ruin his opportunity."

"Fa Realm?!" Jian Shiqi's pupils contracted, "Has that person already established the Dao?"

Miaodie didn't answer but instead sensed the unique charm subtly contained on this planet. She murmured,

"Is this his doing or the peculiarity of the ancient Ascension Platform itself?"

Suddenly.

Miaodie looked to her right, and at some point, a white-haired youth stood beside them with his hands in his sleeves, smiling.

Miaodie spoke with a hint of respect, "May I ask if you are a powerful figure from the Nine Palaces?"

Lu Tong replied with interest, "What's your name?"

"My name is Miaodie, from the Azure Heaven Palace."

"Miaodie..." Lu Tong murmured, then smiled, "Are you interested in participating in the Hundred Veins Assembly?"

...

"Master Luo, the Great Era is approaching, and heaven and earth will change. Only we can provide protection for your Jin Gang Lineage. As long as you are willing to exchange the Dao Lineage inheritance, Qingyu Sect can guarantee the continuation of your lineage."

Ni Yu spoke sincerely, trying to convince Luo Wuji, the master of the Jin Gang Lineage, in front of her.

They had limited time and collected limited information. According to the information, Luo Wuji's Jin Gang Lineage was one of the more prominent declining lineages among the Hundred Veins.

The master in front of them, Luo Wuji, had just entered the Xin Xiang Realm but possessed the inheritance of a lineage's Master. Moreover, he was among the top tier...

His good fortune was almost unbelievable!

Luo Wuji shook his head slightly, "How can the inheritance of the sect be taken lightly? The inheritance of the Jin Gang Lineage cannot be lost from my hands. Please do not bring up this matter again."

Don't miss the next chapter!

Ni Yu still tried to persuade him, but Luo Wuji had already stood up to see them off.

"Everyone, the Hundred Veins Assembly is about to begin. I also need to prepare, so please excuse me for not seeing you off."

Ni Yu looked deeply at this person who had just entered the Xin Xiang Realm, yet dared to refuse her proposal...

If this place wasn't the East 3 Huang Star, she would have made this person willingly pass on the inheritance!

"This is our contact information. Master Luo, please consider it again. If there's any change of heart, you can contact us." Ni Yu smiled slightly.

After that, she and her companions left the place.

"The Hundred Veins are all here. Why don't we take this opportunity to infiltrate the depths of the Hundred Veins Shrine to search for the core inheritance?" The others asked through spiritual transmission.

"It's not easy to alert the snake by trampling the grass. This kind of core inheritance is only known to important figures like the Dao Lineage master. And this time, most of them have gathered here."

Ni Yu looked at the Dao Palace above her head. Even though she knew that dozens of Heaven People had gathered here, she was still unafraid. Instead, her eyes shone brightly, and in her heart, she silently recited the phrase 'wealth and honor are sought in danger.'

As long as they could 'intimidate' the other party with the power of their backing forces, they wouldn't worry about not being able to seize the Dao Lineage inheritance...

This force, which only had Heaven People left, didn't have much lifespan remaining. They were just waiting for the further fusion of the realms, and then the various forces would have a large number of Heaven People, and even Heavenly Kings, breaking through to enter.

At that time... no matter how big a piece of fat the Union is, there won't be any chance for these juniors to share in the spoils.

Not long after everyone left, a man of similar age to them appeared before them with a smile.

"Gentlemen, Uncle Master Ji has invited you to observe the Bai Mai Conference."

The group was startled. Ji Jingqiu had invited them to the Bai Mai Conference?!

Ni Yu felt her scalp go numb. Could it be that the previous situation had already been discovered by that person? She gritted her teeth and finally agreed, "Let's go! Let's take a look!"

...

...

In the celestial palace above.

Someone silently snuck deep into the palace, evading the senses of the Tian Ren, and ventured further in.

Here, a young man with a majestic aura sat cross-legged.

Streams of morning light burst forth from every pore of his body, flowing gently. With each breath, the surrounding heaven and earth transformed, adding a mighty river or a towering mountain, making him seem like a god walking among mortals.

He slowly opened his eyes, and the earth seemed to resonate with his divine awareness. The entire East 3 Huang Star trembled slightly and then returned to calm.

A figure appeared and smiled, "Ji Jingqiu, why don't you give yourself a chance and give us one as well?"

Ji Jingqiu's expression remained calm, and with a flick of his finger, he unleashed a powerful attack.

The attacker, initially unconcerned, suddenly changed his expression. He stopped concealing his figure and fought with all his might, revealing himself to be a Tian Ren who had just broken through not long ago.

He tried to connect with the heavens and earth through his Sacred Embryo, but there was no response. The surrounding environment became more solidified, like a quagmire, making it impossible for him to escape.

This single finger strike was as solid as diamond, capable of severing all laws.

The attacker's expression turned grim, and he summoned his ultimate and most powerful trump card. Behind him, a projection of a Great Cauldron materialized, filled with the aura of the Dao, exuding dominance and arrogance, suppressing the heavens and earth and all the myriad paths!

A projection of a Dao Zu Grade Divine Weapon! In the current grand universe, there was no room for anyone above the Heavenly King, but the projection of the divine weapon was not affected by this limitation. Although its power did not surpass the Tian Ren level, it was enough to assert dominance at that level.

However, communicating with the projection of the divine weapon came at a great cost for those who were not direct core members of the lineage. The attacker's face turned as dark as water, and he was not only defending but also attempting to counterattack.

Ji Jingqiu did not hesitate to take action, forcing the attacker to use his ultimate move. However, simply defending was not enough to satisfy him.

In the next moment, the attacker saw a blue lamp floating above Ji Jingqiu's head, emitting Liu Li Light that bathed the attacker. The Dao's rhythm and Zen intent were long-lasting, challenging the Great Cauldron, and then suppressing it!

"You..."

The attacker didn't have time to say more. He pointed a finger, and a blood hole appeared on his forehead, causing him to fall backward.

A Sacred Embryo tried to escape but was absorbed into the Liu Li Light.

Ji Jingqiu's expression remained calm.

If he couldn't even withstand a single finger strike, what else was there to say?

Soon after, a man hurriedly entered and dragged away the Tian Ren's body, which was now just an empty shell.

Another person slowly walked in and respectfully said, "Uncle Master, the time is almost here."

Ji Jingqiu nodded and stood up.

...

...

"Bai Lu!" A burly man laughed and quickly walked in from outside the hall.

Bai Lu Dao Ren smiled and greeted him. The man was his peer, and they had once competed together before both ascending to the Tian Ren realm.

The Bai Mai Conference, which had captured the attention of various factions in the Union, was being held tonight.

Dozens of Tian Ren were seated, and everyone was engaged in lively conversations, eagerly awaiting the final moment.

On the other side, over twenty people were scattered, all of them relatively young in appearance. However, their unique aura, a result of Mind-Body Integration, proclaimed their status as powerful cultivators at the pinnacle of the Xin Xiang Realm.

"People from various realms?"

"Hehe, they should be. Oh, someone from the Lei family has arrived. I heard that Lei Ze, who had joined a sect in his early years, also sent a representative."

Someone looked over and saw a stranger standing next to the head of the Lei family.

"The other families' inheritances are probably the same. It's easier to settle a grudge than to repay the debt of a master's kindness."

"Don't always think negatively. It might not be a disaster."

The crowd whispered among themselves.

As the time drew near, all the discussions gradually ceased.

Everyone returned to their designated places, their gazes fixed on the door deep within the hall.

As the clock struck the hour, a young man with a majestic aura entered the hall.

In that instant,

The world seemed to turn upside down.

This young man exuded sharpness and dominance with every step, as if he could cut open the heavens and earth with his sheer presence.

His youthful face was overly intense, filled with dignity and killing intent. It was as if a young man had emerged with a vivid painting, standing before the majestic palace, surrounded by ambitious and spirited men.

The crowd was momentarily stunned, as if they had witnessed the sudden rise of a great sun from the East Sea, standing tall in the mortal realm.

Just the aura that emanated from his appearance was enough to make everyone's breath catch in their throats.

However, no one expressed dissatisfaction.

Even the martial artists from various realms, invited to sit in the guest seats, couldn't help but be impressed, their eyes lighting up and their breaths quickening.

In the 3000 Yan Fu Ti, a grand force of at least the Ten Directions Sect level would only invite fellow cultivators for a feast under two circumstances.

One, when someone from their sect was about to attain the Tian Zun Position.

Two, when a Divine Prohibition was about to emerge from their sect.

As Ji Jingqiu entered the hall, his eyes were as deep and dark as an abyss, and his aura began to change.

From being sharp and domineering, he transformed into a force akin to an abyssal sea, resembling the boundless starry sky, with the bottomless confidence to include and accommodate everything.

The hall fell silent, and everyone's gaze burned with intensity, fixed on the young man in front.

Only such might and invincible aura...

Deserved the honor of occupying the main seat and hosting the feast for the various factions tonight!

Ji Jingqiu walked to his designated main seat, scanned the crowd, and calmly announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I will soon break through to the Tian Ren realm."

The announcement sent shockwaves through the assembly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end