Chapter 391: Boundless Sea - Old Acquaintances and the Waves Dying on the Shore

Chapter 391: Boundless Sea - Old Acquaintances and the Waves Dying on the Shore

Ji Tianxing smiled, ignoring his fellow Daoist’s jest, and spoke calmly:

“Fellow Daoist Taiyi, is there a way to stop the Great Dao ripples from spreading further?”

“At this point, it’s unnecessary,” Taiyi shook his head. “Moreover, while Path Openers to the Heavens are rare, the vast Boundless Sea has never lacked for exceptional talents.”

“Oh?”

Taiyi replied with a calm demeanor, “Opening a path isn’t much. The true skill lies in spreading one’s Great Dao to cover boundless realms.”

“Is this the difference between true and false transcenders that you mentioned before?”

Ji Tianxing retracted his gaze and looked into the distance, where a pair of blood-red, bloodthirsty eyes could be faintly seen, glaring at them from behind a hazy curtain.

“So the main player has noticed us,” Ji Tianxing muttered. “Invading a realm is indeed as difficult as ascending to the heavens. No wonder even with Daoist Taiyi’s unique authority, you still need to rely on the Misty Sea’s power.”

“The Misty Sea’s power isn’t easy to borrow; it depends on its will,” Taiyi said. “We can’t change the Misty Sea’s course. We are mere passengers, drifting wherever it goes. Now, it won’t even let us board.”

“Is this why you abandoned the Misty Sea?”

“Partly, but not entirely,” Taiyi shook his head. “The Misty Sea is far vaster and more terrifying than you can imagine. Your previous understanding only scratches the surface.”

At this, Taiyi stepped out of the shadows, looking back the way they came, and narrowed his eyes:

“I’ve been thinking about something. Who is who’s disguise among the four of us and the Misty Sea? To prove this, I let Wuzhou take Heila’s divine throne.”

“Theoretically, their Great Dao authorities complement each other, but even after Wuzhou ascended to Heila’s throne, he still couldn’t harmonize with the Misty Sea.”

Taiyi sighed, “Of course, Wuzhou probably still thinks it’s his own fault, not an external factor. As an observer, I’m truly anxious, wishing I could step in myself.”

Ji Tianxing said calmly, “If I were to fall into the same ‘illusion’ as Wuzhou, Fellow Daoist Taiyi, don’t just stand by and watch.”

“You’re joking.”

Taiyi, completely ignoring the rising terrifying aura in the distance, laughed and said, “If Fellow Daoist Ji were as ‘obstinate’ as Wuzhou, wouldn’t I have to find another companion? Speaking of which, your successor, who shares the same surname but different characters, has a connection with you.”

Ji Tianxing smiled.

Today’s Fellow Daoist Taiyi is as always, leaving no room for error.

He looked forward with interest.

The two were standing on a vast, boundless sea, with no visible boundaries.

Each wave contained a world, rising and falling with the tides. On their journey, they had seen countless immortal skeletons floating in the sea, including many saint corpses.

In just twenty years, they had seen more than they had in their entire lives.

At that moment.

In the distance, a realm’s shadow appeared above the Boundless Sea, burning brightly and illuminating everything, like a lighthouse in the vast ocean.

This astonishing sight immediately drew the attention of beings like Ji Tianxing and Taiyi.

One by one, ancient figures emerged from the waves, standing on the crest, looking in that direction.

In an instant, a coordinated expedition began.

Supreme powers began to force their way across the sea.

In a fleeting glance, Ji Tianxing saw a forbidden being stepping on a shattered realm, crossing the waves, passing them by closely.

They exchanged glances, and the other, upon seeing Taiyi beside Ji Tianxing, asked:

“This is…?”

Ji Tianxing looked at the deity encyclopedia that had accompanied him on this journey and humbly inquired.

Taiyi didn’t respond but stared in that direction for a long time, then clapped and laughed:

“Fellow Daoist Tianxing, you have great fortune. In just twenty years, you’ve encountered someone transcending. Let’s go. If we’re late, we won’t even get the leftovers.”

Seeing Taiyi’s high spirits, Ji Tianxing raised an eyebrow:

“Someone is transcending, and you’re rushing to send yourself to your death?”

Taiyi had already set off, turning into a shadow and flowing with the waves. He laughed loudly:

“You’re joking. If transcending were that easy, wouldn’t the Boundless Sea be full of transcenders? Even the ‘Realm Lord’ path, which we look down upon, is rare in the Boundless Sea, with only a few in a thousand realms!”

“In my opinion, this unknown fellow is destined to fail in his transcendence, exposing his realm to the vast Boundless Sea and becoming prey for many ‘fellow Daoists.’”

At this, Taiyi tsked:

“Now you understand why I said that person blocking He Donghuang’s path actually saved his life and your entire realm!”

...

...

In the boundless Boundless Sea.

In a vast, endless expanse.

Thunder rumbled through the cloud sea, echoing ominously.

A divine being sat high in the clouds, his pure golden eyes coldly surveying the land.

Just by sitting there, he influenced the land, creating a symbiosis.

Not that he was being assimilated by the land, but rather, the land was being captured and passively consumed by his Inner World.

“Wu Yazhou, hand over Ji Linyuan, and this matter ends here! Otherwise, it won’t end today!”

His stern voice reverberated like thunder, stirring the vast cloud sea.

Around him, hundreds of figures with varying auras glared coldly at the floating immortal mountain ahead, their eyes filled with anger.

On the immortal mountain, an elderly man with a refined demeanor sneered and unleashed a power that could change the heavens, summoning a towering, snow-white figure with flowing sleeves, standing tall and matching the divine being.

“Boat, I think you’re dreaming too much!”

The divine being said coldly, “Your disciple Ji Linyuan, who has only been a disciple for a few decades, acted so ruthlessly, even daring to kill the direct-line disciples of the Daoist hall. With such heavy malevolence, not killing him to set an example, how can we explain this to the palace?”

The immortal figure sneered, “Right and wrong, justice is in the hearts of the people! Those few brought it upon themselves by betraying their fellow disciples in battle. After being found out, they even dared to try and ambush Lin Yuan. Such disciples deserve to die!”

“Hmph!” the divine being said coldly, “Even if they had ulterior motives, it’s not up to Ji Linyuan, a mere Celestial King, to decide! What’s the point of the palace’s Enforcement Hall if everyone can kill disciples at will? We’d be no different from the demon sects! This would be chaos!”

Even the immortal figure couldn’t refute this point and remained silent, shaking his head.

The divine being sneered, “If you can’t give a reasonable explanation and refuse to follow the rules, do you plan to rebel against the palace?”

The immortal figure’s face changed, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

Not just the two of them, but the disciples of both factions below were also on edge.

As the two elders faced off, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, swords drawn and ready to clash.

But no one was willing to start the battle. Not only would it violate the rules, but the consequences of such a conflict would be far-reaching, a price neither side was willing to pay.

Suddenly.

A majestic sword light descended from the sky.

The entire world shook violently.

Everyone’s gaze turned to a red-robed woman standing between the divine being and the immortal figure, her expression unchanged as she surveyed the crowd.

“The Ancestor has a command, listen up.”

At that moment.

A long bell rang, echoing through the void, its sound lingering for miles.

The red-robed woman’s eyes flickered, surprised that it was so fast.

The disciples below began to murmur.

“Is that… the Daoist Ascension Ladder? Someone is attempting it?”

“Can the sound of the bell carry so far and so long?”

“Could it be… Ji Linyuan?!”

The red-robed woman regained her composure and called out, “The Ancestor has ordered that if Ji Linyuan can climb the Heavenly Ladder, all punishments will be waived according to the rules, as long as he doesn’t rebel. If he fails, he will be assigned to guard the Heart of the Earth for three hundred years as a warning.”

At this, both sides changed color, each with their own concerns.

One side was worried that Ji Linyuan might actually succeed, and the palace rules would force them to waive his punishments, which was secondary to the concern.

The other side was worried that Ji Linyuan would fail and be sent to guard the Heart of the Earth.

Even a Heavenly Venerable would suffer continuous damage to their Dao and foundation in that place.

For a Celestial King, three hundred years would be unbearable, let alone thirty!

Unable to contain their excitement, the disciples began to fly away, heading towards the source of the bell.

Before long.

A seemingly endless stairway to the heavens appeared before their eyes.

In the distance, they could see a young man in a loose Daoist robe, tall and slender, stepping up the stairs.

Many sect’s powerful figures were already gathered around.

“The Daoist Ascension Ladder hasn’t been seen for decades.”

“This was left by the Ancestor before he transcended. Anyone below the Eighth Realm can attempt it, with the difficulty adjusting to their level. I wonder how far this one will go.”

“Haha, he needs to reach at least the Ninth Level, or he’ll be sent to the Heart of the Earth.”

“Oh, it’s Junior Brother Ji—”

Some people examined him closely. He was a young man in his prime, with a polite smile that seemed to look down on everyone, making others uncomfortable.

At that moment.

The second bell rang.

On the stairs, the man had already passed the second level.

He kept his hands in his sleeves, allowing the endless sword intent to rush towards him, narrowing his eyes, not even bothering to take his hands out.

The overwhelming sword intent surged like a mighty river, his robes fluttering, and the air seemed to tear slightly.

He stood firm like a pillar in the middle of the river, simply walking forward, causing the river of sword intent to flow around him, his body unmoved.

This seemingly effortless feat was glaringly unbearable to the eyes of the divine beings' faction.

As the chimes began to ring one by one.

The many Martial Practitioners who had been speculating about how many levels he could clear fell silent, their gazes burning with intensity.

The faces of the powerful figures from the divine beings' faction grew increasingly grim.

Could this fellow disciple, who had only been in the sect for a few decades, truly clear the Daoist Ascension Ladder?

“I don’t recall incorrectly, the probability of a Celestial King clearing the Daoist Ascension Ladder and eventually ascending to True Emperor is… forty percent?”

“A hundred years ago, our ancestor ascended to True Emperor, and the probability was already fifty percent.”

There was low murmuring.

Until the final ninth chime.

Everyone held their breath and watched.

At this moment, the sword intent on the heavenly ladder had reached its peak, pressing the young man’s knees to bend slightly, and a creaking sound came from within his body.

Seeing this, some finally heaved a slight sigh of relief.

Just when everyone thought he would be blocked at this level and struggle to move forward—

The man, who refused to kneel or bow, his face fierce, slowly straightened his body.

His boundless and supreme boxing intent surged like a waterfall, drawing everyone’s attention.

He lifted his right foot.

With a sudden stomp!

In an instant.

The heavens and earth.

Centering on him.

The void, the laws of the Great Dao, all cracked outward in countless fissures!

A reckless, domineering boxing intent shot skyward, stirring the clouds and filling the azure heavens!

Even the Heavenly Venerable Dao Ancestor, who was one realm higher, found this figure blindingly bright and had to squint to look.

With a resounding boom!

The ninth chime echoed through the sky!

All factions fell silent.

After a long while, someone finally spoke up. “The crime of injuring a fellow disciple, I think, has room for discussion. Collaborating with outsiders to assassinate one’s own, isn’t Ji Lin yuan’s action considered justifiable self-defense? Even by the palace’s rules, those individuals deserved their fate!”

“Although Ji Lin yuan’s methods were ruthless, they were understandable…”

“Understandable? The dead aren’t your disciples!”

“Ha, my disciples aren’t the kind who collude with outsiders to ambush and kill their own, only to be killed in return.”

“You…”

“Enough. He has cleared the nine levels of the Daoist Ascension Ladder. As long as he doesn’t betray the sect or disrespect his master, all other sins are but fleeting clouds.”

Hearing the discussion turn in his favor, the divine being who had led the group to demand an explanation left with a cold face, leaving a threat behind.

“Wu Yazhou, take good care of your disciple. This is a fifty percent chance at a future True Emperor. If he falls along the way, be prepared for the palace master’s wrath.”

Wu Yazhou paid no attention, personally welcoming Ji Lin yuan back after he cleared the Daoist Ascension Ladder.

“Master Wu.”

Ji Lin yuan walked back calmly, nodding slightly as a form of greeting.

After his trip through the heavenly ladder, his Daoist robe remained unharmed, and his aura had not diminished but grown stronger.

Wu Yazhou, ignoring the formalities, felt a mixture of satisfaction and relief.

In as little as tens of thousands of years, or as long as a million years, their lineage would likely have a third True Emperor!

“You must follow your Heavenly Venerable senior brothers and uncles if you plan to head to the Boundless Sea battlefield.”

Thinking of something, Wu Yazhou warned solemnly.

Ji Lin yuan countered with a question instead of a response. “Has Senior An, who was responsible for visiting our world, returned?”

Wu Yazhou shook his head, understanding that the young man wasn’t paying attention.

“News has come back, but he hasn’t returned yet.”

Wu Yazhou chose to communicate telepathically, indicating the matter’s confidentiality.

“The news from the envoy is ‘complex.’ Your world is not simple. There’s no need to worry; the palace will likely not choose to wage war…”

Recalling the recent news, Wu Yazhou sighed.

Some of the information had shaken the palace to its core.

That world was truly bizarre. Apart from lacking a true Transcender, the number of True Emperors was on par with any Transcender sect.

It was hard to imagine a world without a Transcender having a foundation so rich that it could support so many beings at the pinnacle of the Dao.

“What about the Yanhuang Federation?” Ji Lin yuan asked.

Wu Yazhou’s expression became complex, and he whispered, “What’s your relationship with Ji Jingqiu?”

“Master Wu, what’s wrong?”

Wu Yazhou looked at Ji Lin yuan with a mix of admiration and nostalgia.

Linyuan’s talent and aptitude were among the best in the Mayfly Palace in recent generations, but compared to that young man, he still fell short.

And such an outstanding talent came from the same place.

Not the same world, but the same civilization!

And the gap was less than a hundred years!

“The latest report says that Ji Jingqiu recently Path Opened the Heavens, becoming a Celestial King and a Great Dao Ancestor, with extraordinary phenomena preceding his ascension that need further exploration…”

Ji Lin yuan murmured, “A Great Dao Ancestor? Already a Celestial King?”

Wu Yazhou sighed, “His talent and aptitude rival the palace master’s in his prime, surpassing even the young ancestor. If you can bring him into the palace…”

Ji Lin yuan ignored the rest of the words.

His expression was unusually serious and deep.

That kid had already become a Celestial King.

And a Great Dao Ancestor?

He immediately accessed the Mayfly Palace’s mental intranet, delved into the vast library, and found the meaning of a Great Dao Ancestor.

His eyebrows twitched.

Setting aside the path to Dao Ancestor, the ability to accelerate the accumulation of Dao and power alone would allow that kid to far surpass other Celestial Kings.

Ji Lin yuan’s expression grew even more serious.

He had been closely following the developments in the Yanhuang Federation for years but had been unable to establish contact.

For some reason, the Mayfly Palace had not allowed them to return.

He never imagined that in just a few decades, the child who was once so inexperienced in the Martial Path, whom he could easily bully, had almost reached the same level as him.

In those few decades, Ji Lin yuan, who had become a Celestial King and considered himself a prodigy, felt the same sense of pressure that the old predecessors had felt over the years.

Would there be a reversal of fortunes when they met in the future?

Thinking of this, Ji Lin yuan lost the momentum he had after clearing the heavenly ladder. After bidding farewell to Master Wu, he hurriedly left to find the Daoist brothers of the Ke family.

Both to inform them that he had cleared the Daoist Ascension Ladder and to share the news about his grandson surpassing the previous generations.

Beside Wu Yazhou, a woman in a Daoist robe remarked, somewhat surprised, “Why does Brother Linyuan seem so rushed? That’s not like him. He usually remains unperturbed, no matter what happens.”

Wu Yazhou stroked his beard, smiling, “Perhaps today’s Linyuan is what you were like when you looked at him in the past.”

The woman was taken aback, then reminded him, “Master, you forgot to mention the upcoming ‘Daoist Strife’ to Brother Linyuan.”

Wu Yazhou shook his head, “Not yet. Let Linyuan mature a bit more. I don’t feel comfortable with him participating in the Daoist Strife before he’s two hundred years old.”

The woman shook her head, “If the world Brother Linyuan belongs to participates in this battle, the Great Dao Ancestor will definitely join. In terms of age, he’s just a fraction of Brother Linyuan’s.”

Wu Yazhou was speechless.

…

…

In an unnamed world.

“Brother Mu.”

A young and trendy man entered an ancient temple.

The temple was old but not dilapidated, its gates open. An old man sat deep within the temple, accompanied by a green lamp and a wooden fish gong.

The old man opened his eyes, revealing himself to be Mu Chantian, the old patriarch of the Mu family and a former Supreme Grandmaster.

Twenty years had passed, and his aura had surpassed that of a Celestial King, reaching the realm of a Heavenly Venerable.

“Brother Mu.” Mu Chantian nodded, “What brings you here today?”

The young man before him, though looking young, was a supreme being who frequently traveled the Boundless Sea.

Twenty years ago, it was he who had taken them from the hands of another Transcender sect and brought them to his own Daoist court.

According to him, his master had once met the old patriarch of the Mu family and found him quite agreeable, which led to the order to bring them here to avoid a karmic calamity.

Mu Jiuzhou marveled, “I remember you mentioned that the current World Venerable is named Ji Jingqiu?”

Hearing that this matter involved Ji Jingqiu, Mu Chantian’s expression immediately turned serious.

“Yes, Brother Mu. Has something happened?”

Mu Jiuzhou, intrigued, said, “I received news that about a month ago, Ji Jingqiu Path Opened the Heavens and established his Celestial King foundation as a Great Dao Ancestor!”

Mu Chantian didn’t understand the concept of a Great Dao Ancestor but grasped the last four words.

After a moment of stunned silence, Mu Chantian asked skeptically, “How many years has it been? Has this kid already become a Celestial King? Is his foundation solid?”

“Solid? Too damn solid.” Mu Jiuzhou squatted on the temple threshold, sighing, “Throughout the Boundless Sea, he’s among the most solid, almost impossible to find anyone more solid than him!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end