Chapter 383: The Vast Void Sanctuary Submits

Chapter 383: The Vast Void Sanctuary Submits

“I did not know that Emperor Gu was visiting, I failed to greet you properly!”

Inside the grand hall of the Vast Void Sanctuary, Grand Daoist Taixuan’s face was filled with a warm smile, showing no trace of the dignity of a senior. He looked at Gu Yang as if he were a fellow cultivator of the same generation.

This was quite natural.

Not only had Gu Yang already attained the Dao of the Sage, placing him on the same level as Grand Daoist Taixuan in some respects, but his status as the emperor of the Divine Martial Empire was also enough to command respect from Grand Daoist Taixuan.

If the two were to join forces, even Grand Daoist Taixuan would have to be cautious.

As for Yan Lingyun, the current Saint Lord of the Vast Void Sanctuary, he sat quietly to the side, not intending to interject.

There was no way around it.

Even though Yan Lingyun was the Saint Lord of the Vast Void Sanctuary and had reached the Semi-Sage realm, he had not yet truly attained the Dao of the Sage. In terms of strength, he was on a different level from the other two. And in terms of status, his title of Saint Lord was insignificant compared to the grandeur of Grand Daoist Taixuan and the authority of Emperor Gu Yang.

However—

Yan Lingyun was also a bit puzzled.

Gu Yang’s visit at this time gave him an uneasy feeling.

Thinking about it, Yan Lingyun silently observed the emperor of the Divine Martial Empire.

From his expression, one could see many similarities to Gu Xuan. However, this man was now the emperor of a mighty empire and had attained sainthood in the Era of Decline, setting a precedent. With the Divine Martial Empire’s conquests and growing influence, even Yan Lingyun felt immense pressure in his presence.

At that moment, Grand Daoist Taixuan got straight to the point.

“Emperor Gu, what brings you to the Vast Void Sanctuary today?”

“I have come to the Vast Void Sanctuary with one purpose: to ask Grand Daoist Taixuan and Saint Lord Yan for their thoughts on the current situation in the Primeval Realm.”

“Thoughts...”

Grand Daoist Taixuan furrowed his brow slightly.

“Emperor Gu, please be more specific!”

Seeing this, Gu Yang’s expression turned serious as he changed the subject.

“In ancient times, there was a divine dynasty called the Taiyi Divine Dynasty, which dominated the Primeval Realm. Later, the Taiyi Divine Dynasty vanished without a trace overnight. Some say the entire dynasty ascended, while others claim it was destroyed by a mysterious power. Grand Daoist Taixuan, what do you know about this?”

“The Taiyi Divine Dynasty... I have heard of what Emperor Gu mentioned. The Taiyi Divine Dynasty once suppressed the entire Primeval Realm, even emperors had to bow to its might. Given the strength of the Taiyi Divine Dynasty, it is unlikely that anyone could have destroyed it. While the idea of the entire dynasty ascending is shocking, it is not entirely impossible. Unfortunately, the ancient era is so distant that much of what happened is shrouded in the mists of time. I truly know very little about it.”

Hearing the words “Taiyi Divine Dynasty,” Grand Daoist Taixuan shook his head. He knew little about this ancient power.

However, in his view, the possibility of the Taiyi Divine Dynasty ascending was more credible than it being destroyed.

Given the might of the Taiyi Divine Dynasty, it was hard to imagine what force could have brought about its downfall.

Gu Yang said, “I have some knowledge about the Taiyi Divine Dynasty. In the ancient era, the Taiyi Divine Dynasty dominated the Primeval Realm and was the supreme ruler of humanity. The divine emperor, unwilling to remain idle, sought to ascend the entire dynasty. However, after opening the Heavenly Gate, what greeted the Taiyi Divine Dynasty was not the light of ascension but an endless horde of evil spirits from the upper realms. These spirits clashed with the Taiyi Divine Dynasty in a fierce battle. In the end, the Taiyi Divine Dynasty exhausted all its strength to seal these evil spirits, but it was ultimately consumed by the passage of time.”

“This is the origin of the Ancient Cataclysm!”

“However, with the downfall of the Taiyi Divine Dynasty, many details were lost to history, leading to the widespread belief that the Taiyi Divine Dynasty vanished overnight, with some even claiming it had ascended en masse.”

Gu Yang’s words caused Grand Daoist Taixuan and Yan Lingyun to change expressions.

Clearly, these were secrets to them.

After a pause, Gu Yang continued, “After countless years, the evil spirits that were sealed by the Taiyi Divine Dynasty have begun to re-emerge. Additionally, demons from the other side of the universe have invaded.

For now, the human race can still hold its ground.

But this is only because the Evil Spirits have not fully emerged. If all the sealed Evil Spirits were to break free, it would undoubtedly be the end of the human race!

"After all, the current Primeval Realm is far from what it was in the ancient era. Even the mighty Taiyi Divine Dynasty was destroyed in the Great Cataclysm of the Evil Spirits. Do you think the current Primeval Realm can match the Taiyi Divine Dynasty of old?"

At these words, Grand Daoist Taixuan fell silent.

After a long moment, he shook his head.

"If what Emperor Gu says is true, the current Primeval Realm cannot compare to the Taiyi Divine Dynasty!"

The ancient era, which suppressed the entire Primeval Realm and even dominated the chaos, was not something to be taken lightly. The Primeval Realm has faced multiple great calamities and has entered the Era of Decline, making it the weakest it has ever been. It naturally cannot be compared to the Taiyi Divine Dynasty.

With this thought, Grand Daoist Taixuan looked at Gu Yang, understanding his intentions but still asked,

"Emperor Gu, if you have a purpose, why not speak plainly instead of beating around the bush!"

"My goal is simple. The Primeval Realm is a fragmented mess. When the great calamity arrives, it will be the end of the human race. The only way to resist the calamity is to unite the entire Primeval Realm's strength.

The Divine Martial Empire has been established for less than a hundred years, and while its foundations are somewhat lacking, I believe that with time, it will reach the heights of the Taiyi Divine Dynasty!"

"For the Divine Martial Empire, the most important thing right now is to advance to the rank of a divine dynasty!"

"The Eastern Domain has one hundred and eight provinces, which can help the Divine Martial Empire ascend!"

"The Vast Void Sanctuary is an ally of the Divine Martial Empire, and my second brother, Gu Xuan, is also a Sage of the Vast Void Sanctuary. So I naturally do not wish to see the Vast Void Sanctuary and the Divine Martial Empire at odds!"

"I have come to ask Senior Taixuan to lead the Vast Void Sanctuary to join the Divine Martial Empire. I promise that if the Divine Martial Empire unifies the Eastern Domain, the Vast Void Sanctuary will be granted a province and a Marquis title, which will be hereditary for all its disciples!"

When Gu Yang finished speaking, the entire hall fell into an eerie silence.

Both Grand Daoist Taixuan and Yan Lingyun's expressions were uncertain.

Gu Yang's words were smooth, but the true meaning was clear: he wanted the Vast Void Sanctuary to submit to the Divine Martial Empire and pay homage.

If another force had said this, Grand Daoist Taixuan would have scoffed and even suppressed them directly.

But the one who said this was Gu Yang.

The Divine Martial Empire is at its peak, and he has broken the shackles of the Era of Decline to achieve Sainthood.

However, what truly made Grand Daoist Taixuan wary was the Gu family behind the Divine Martial Empire and its patriarch.

Anyone with clear eyes could see that Gu Qingfeng becoming an Emperor was only a matter of time.

When this great era arrives, he will undoubtedly be the Emperor of the human race.

With the Vast Void Sanctuary's strength, it cannot possibly contend with a force led by an Emperor, let alone the current Divine Martial Empire, which the Vast Void Sanctuary cannot afford to offend.

More importantly, the Vast Void Sanctuary was originally an ally of the Divine Martial Empire, and their relationship was good.

Combined with Gu Yang's promise, Grand Daoist Taixuan was indeed somewhat tempted.

Seeing the changing expressions of the two, Gu Yang did not urge them but waited patiently for their response.

After a long while, Grand Daoist Taixuan took a deep breath and asked Gu Yang, "If I refuse, how will Emperor Gu treat the Vast Void Sanctuary?"

"All under heaven is the Emperor's land. Although the Vast Void Sanctuary is an ally of the Divine Martial Empire, nothing can stop the Divine Martial Empire from ascending to the rank of a divine dynasty!"

Gu Yang shook his head, his expression resolute.

He did not directly answer the question, but everyone understood the meaning.

Refuse to submit!

And face destruction!

Even as allies, the outcome would be the same.

Grand Daoist Taixuan was not surprised by this answer.

After all, who among those who have truly reached this point would show mercy.

On the contrary, Gu Yang's firm response made Grand Daoist Taixuan see the qualities of a true hegemon in him.

Such a person leading the Divine Martial Empire held great promise.

Moreover, the Divine Martial Empire has the Gu family's support, and it is only a matter of time before it ascends to the rank of a divine dynasty.

As for whether the Divine Martial Empire can reach the heights of the Taiyi Divine Dynasty, Grand Daoist Taixuan could not be certain, but the Divine Martial Empire's ascension to a divine dynasty is not a difficult task.

With this thought, Grand Daoist Taixuan bowed and said, "The Vast Void Sanctuary is willing to join the Divine Martial Empire!"

As soon as the words were spoken, Gu Yang's face lit up with a smile.

"Very well, I am certain that Senior will not regret today's decision. From this day forward, I hereby confer upon you the title of Marquis of Cloudsea!"

With that, Gu Yang immediately wrote out the imperial decree and stamped it with the imperial seal before handing it to Grand Daoist Taixuan.

The latter accepted the decree with both hands and respectfully said,

"Your subject thanks Your Majesty!"

At these words, the entire Vast Void Sanctuary trembled. A formidable aura, invisible to ordinary eyes, now surged toward the Divine Martial Empire, connecting the fortunes of both entities.

Should the Divine Martial Empire suffer a setback in the future, the Vast Void Sanctuary would inevitably face a backlash of fortune. However, if the Vast Void Sanctuary were to suffer a severe blow, it would have little impact on the Divine Martial Empire.

This was because the fusion of their fortunes was dominated by the Divine Martial Empire.

Noticing the change in the empire's fortune, Gu Yang's smile grew even more satisfied.

With this step completed, the Vast Void Sanctuary was truly under the control of the Divine Martial Empire.

More importantly, the Vast Void Sanctuary's voluntary submission sent a clear message to the outside world. If the Divine Martial Empire were to wage war in the Eastern Domain, it would likely face less resistance.

Of course, the most crucial reason was that Gu Yang did not want to break ties with the Vast Void Sanctuary. If the Vast Void Sanctuary could submit decisively, it would benefit everyone. However, if they refused, Gu Yang would have no choice but to destroy them.

Even though they were once allies of the Divine Martial Empire, Gu Yang believed that any entity unwilling to submit had no place in existence. For the Divine Martial Empire to ascend to a divine dynasty, it was destined to unify the entire Eastern Domain. Any dissenting voice would undermine the Divine Martial Empire's rule.

If one hesitates, chaos ensues.

If the Vast Void Sanctuary truly decided to resist, Gu Yang, despite his reluctance, would have to take drastic action.

Fortunately, Grand Daoist Taixuan was sensible, saving Gu Yang a lot of trouble.

With the matter resolved, Gu Yang did not linger in the Vast Void Sanctuary for long and soon left. Grand Daoist Taixuan and Yan Lingyun escorted him out, only returning to the main hall after seeing him off.

Opening the imperial decree left by Gu Yang, Grand Daoist Taixuan smiled faintly.

"Marquis of Cloudsea... that title is quite fitting!"

The region where the Vast Void Sanctuary was located was known as Cloudsea Province. By granting a title named after Cloudsea, the meaning was clear.

Although Gu Yang had made promises before, the title of Marquis of Cloudsea undoubtedly provided greater reassurance.

On the other side, Yan Lingyun frowned deeply.

"Ancestor, the Vast Void Sanctuary has stood for many years without bowing to any power. Isn't it too hasty to submit to the Divine Martial Empire so easily?"

"Hasty?"

Grand Daoist Taixuan sneered.

"Do you think that if I refused, the next moment, three million Divine Martial Guards would not raze the entire Vast Void Sanctuary?"

"The Vast Void Sanctuary is an ally of the Divine Martial Empire, and Gu Xuan is the Vast Void Sanctuary's holy son. Gu Yang wouldn't act so rashly, would he?"

Yan Lingyun's expression changed, but he still thought the possibility was low.

Grand Daoist Taixuan shook his head slightly. "You don't understand. That man's ruthlessness is beyond your imagination. He is a true tyrant, one who spares those who submit and destroys those who resist. The Vast Void Sanctuary's past friendship with the Divine Martial Empire means nothing to him. The most ruthless are the imperial families; this is not just an empty saying.

"In the past, the Vast Void Sanctuary could ally with the Divine Martial Empire because the empire needed us, and we had mutual interests. But now, the Vast Void Sanctuary stands in the way of the Divine Martial Empire. How could he tolerate our existence?"

If they did not submit, they would only face destruction!

Grand Daoist Taixuan could see the underlying meaning in Gu Yang's words. If the Vast Void Sanctuary submitted, they could save face and gain the title of Marquis. In the future, when the Divine Martial Empire ascends to a divine dynasty, they might even become the paramount power of a province.

But if they refused, the Vast Void Sanctuary would have no future.

The choice was clear.

Yan Lingyun took a deep breath. "So, I underestimated him!"

"A ruler of a nation is never a simple person. Moreover, for him to elevate a newly established dynasty to an imperial level in less than a century, he must have absolute means. Without such methods, it would be impossible to achieve this.

"However, the Vast Void Sanctuary's submission may not be a bad thing. Perhaps this opportunity will allow us to reach unprecedented heights in the future!"

Grand Daoist Taixuan's eyes were filled with subtle thoughts, as if he could glimpse a corner of the future. (End of Chapter)

Chapter end