Chapter 455: The Stirring of the Heavens! The Celestial Path Appears

Chapter 455: The Stirring of the Heavens! The Celestial Path Appears

For over a billion years, the Ancestral Realm Battle, which occurs once every five hundred years, has become a well-known grand event in this realm.

As each Ancestral Realm Battle approaches, even some secluded Demi-Gods who are unaware of the existence of the 'Ancestral Realm Token' will gradually hear about the battle's exploits.

It's as if an invisible force is shrouding the heavens and secretly guiding them, aiming to lead more Demi-Gods to participate in the battle.

With just ten days remaining until the next Ancestral Realm Battle, the situation is tense and the upper echelons of various major powers are paying close attention.

At the heart of the Eastern Abyss Sacred Land lies its most core area, the 'Eastern Abyss Holy Realm'.

A river hundreds of kilometers wide and millions of kilometers long, this is the most renowned river in the Holy Realm, the 'Eastern Abyss River', with a history spanning a million years, and many mysteries within its waters.

"Boom~" In one area, a huge vortex suddenly appeared in the river, followed by turbulent waves, and a young man with a bare upper body flew out, his body radiating golden light.

"Roar~" As the golden light enveloped him, countless intricate golden patterns emerged on his body.

These patterns released their auras, intersecting with each other, and behind the young man, an ancient phantom of a beast faintly appeared, exuding an ancient and surging aura.

The beast phantom almost enveloped the young man, emitting a shocking killing intent that made others tremble in fear.

"Hmm!"

A figure in a green robe silently appeared in the void, his aura ethereal, like an exiled immortal, smiling as he watched the golden youth, "Lian Yun, you've finally reached the pinnacle and cultivated this ultimate combat technique to the True God level."

"Master," the golden youth, upon seeing the visitor, immediately restrained his aura and respectfully bowed, "All thanks to Master's guidance, not only for the long-term pointers, but also for the Law True River and numerous precious treasures. Only with Master's help could I have achieved what I have today and taken this crucial step."

The green-robed figure was none other than the supreme leader of the Eastern Abyss Sacred Land, the Eastern Apex Ethereal Divine.

"External objects are merely supplementary."

"Your success ultimately depends on your own abilities." The Eastern Apex Brother spoke, "I've done my best to assist you, even allowing you to cultivate for five hundred years, all for the 'Ancestral Realm Battle'. With only ten days left until the next battle, I hope you won't disappoint the Sacred Land or yourself."

"Yes, Master," Lian Yun, the Demi-God, replied solemnly, "I will strive to claim the first place."

He had absolute confidence.

As an Eight Star Vein Demi-God who had comprehended True God-level techniques for decades, his overall strength had become extremely formidable.

However, after many years of seclusion, he hadn't shown himself, not even participating in the ranking battles of the Eastern Abyss Sacred Land, and very few in the entire world knew of his existence.

"Claiming the first place?"

"It won't be easy," the Eastern Apex Brother shook his head, "This Ancestral Realm Battle is different from the one you participated in five hundred years ago. You've been in seclusion for too long... Here's some recent intelligence gathered by the Sacred Land; take a look."

"Hmm!" The Eastern Apex Brother waved his hand, and a vast amount of information entered Lian Yun's mind.

A flood of messages filled his thoughts.

"Jing Kui from Perception Star City? Xu Yuan? Dong Ji?"

"Celestial Serpent Ancient City, and the emergence of the Holy Blood Sky Serpent?"

"Evergreen Ancient City..." Lian Yun's eyes flashed with surprise, "Master, why are there so many formidable figures in this battle?"

Among the intelligence gathered by the Eastern Apex Brother, there were over a hundred Demi-Gods from the world, most of whom were likely inferior to Lian Yun, but none could be underestimated.

The top few were even on par with him.

With such strength, they would have a good chance of claiming the first place in most Ancestral Realm Battles.

"The world is changing."

"The world has already undergone major changes, and the turmoil is increasing," the Eastern Apex Brother shook his head.

Lian Yun, the Demi-God, listened with bated breath.

The Eastern Apex Brother stood at the pinnacle of the world, and yet he spoke of changes in the world?

Could it be that something significant was about to happen in the world?

"You only need to know a thing or two for now; it's not related to you for the time being," the Eastern Apex Brother turned to Lian Yun and spoke softly, "In the future, if you can achieve the level of a Heavenly God, you'll understand. I don't expect you to win the first place in the Ancestral Realm Battle; just obtaining the Ancestral Realm Token will be considered a success."

"Yes, Master," Lian Yun agreed.

After seeing the intelligence on the geniuses of various major powers, although he believed himself to be the strongest and had the ambition to claim the first place, he didn't dare to make any bold claims.

He knew that his master disliked boasting.

But obtaining the Ancestral Realm Token? Lian Yun believed he had an absolute chance.

"Xu Yuan? The one with powerful soul attacks? I've taken note," Lian Yun said, "The 'Nine Transformations of Trembling Gold' includes soul techniques, and with my soul willpower honed for hundreds of years, blocking his soul attacks shouldn't be difficult."

"His physical attacks should be insignificant," Lian Yun added.

In his opinion, how much could Xu Yuan have improved in just a few years?

"Master?"

Lian Yun asked in confusion, "Although Xu Yuan has monstrous talent, he's still just a Demi-God. Why does Master specifically mention him?"

"Don't ask too much, just follow my instructions," the Eastern Apex Brother frowned.

Lian Yun's words stirred up unpleasant memories for the Eastern Apex Brother.

The death of the True God, Black Blade, was a disgrace to him and the entire Eastern Abyss Sacred Land.

The Heavenly God greatly values his reputation.

To personally deal with Xu Yuan? Dong Jun wouldn't deign to do so, as it would also trigger a war between the two major forces.

However, if Lian Yun, the Demigod, openly kills Xu Yuan in the Ancestral Realm Battle, that would be a real blow to their reputation.

At that time, Jiang Yuan, the True God, wouldn't be able to say anything.

"Yes, Master."

...

The three major Starry Skies Ancient Cities are the rulers of this realm, but the Celestial Serpent Ancient City is far away in the heavens, rarely involving itself in the continent's affairs. Thus, the Perception Star Continent is essentially dominated by two powers.

Aside from the Perception Star City, there's also the Evergreen Ancient City, and the two forces have been secretly clashing for a long time.

The Evergreen Realm is the core of the Evergreen Ancient City, located deep within an estate in the ancient city.

This estate is quite vast, with a perpetual spring-like atmosphere throughout the four seasons.

A white-robed man is intently studying a complex artifact before him.

His eyes are bloodshot, his hair is disheveled, his face is slightly pale, but his hands don't stop for a moment, continuously carving intricate lines, and a large number of complex threads are constantly born, falling onto a jade plate, which emits waves of Law fluctuations.

Suddenly—

"Boom!" The jade plate in front of him suddenly glows brighter, and a surging aura spreads out, an aura that would make an ordinary Demigod feel threatened. But the white-robed man is unconcerned.

"Haha, it's finally done!" The white-robed man, like a madman, reveals a satisfied smile. "It's done."

But this smile only lasts for two seconds.

Suddenly, the white-robed man frowns.

"Boom!" He extends his hand, releasing a glow that falls onto the jade plate, causing it to shatter, and the surging aura dissipates.

"The ninth formation diagram? Mu Zhong, aren't you satisfied?" A gentle voice sounds from behind him.

An elderly man in a white robe appears behind him.

"Teacher," the white-robed man turns and bows slightly. "How did you get here?"

"I've been here for a while," the white-robed elder smiles. "Seeing you so focused on carving the formation diagram, I didn't want to disturb you. This formation diagram is already quite perfect. Why did you destroy it?"

"It's not enough."

"The formation I want to create can be strong enough, but it can't have any flaws," the white-robed man says.

The white-robed elder nods slightly. His disciple is good in every way, but he's too demanding.

"The Ancestral Realm Battle is about to begin. You know about it, right?" the white-robed elder asks.

"The Ancestral Realm Battle?" The white-robed man frowns. "Master, I don't like killing. You know that."

"Haha, entering the Ancestral Realm doesn't necessarily mean you have to kill the enemy," the white-robed elder laughs. "The Ancestral Realm is vast, and there are many treasures and scriptures left behind by the Ancestral Realm's founder... I can't teach you anymore."

"I'm a Heavenly God of the Evergreen Ancient City, and there aren't many who have achieved this through research in formations..." The white-robed elder strokes his long beard. "You should go to the Ancestral Realm to seek opportunities for further progress."

"Okay."

"Since Master has spoken, I'll give it a try," the white-robed man nods.

...

In the boundless starry skies beyond the Perception Star Continent, the Divine Dragon Clan's domain.

This place is not far from the Celestial Serpent Ancient City.

The Divine Dragon Clan is the second-ranked Divine Beast Clan among the nine Divine Beast Clans in the Celestial Serpent Ancient City, second only to the Sky Serpent Clan.

Today, in the Divine Dragon Temple, there are many figures, each maintaining a dragon form, though they are all smaller in size.

At the highest point, a pitch-black dragon with a vast and fierce aura sits, its aura as vast as the universe's abyss, causing the group of Demigod-level Divine Dragons below to fall into a state of fanaticism and reverence.

"Saint Ancestor."

"Saint Ancestor." This group of Demigod-level Divine Dragons knows that this black dragon is the highest existence of the Divine Dragon Clan—the Ink Sea God.

"The Ancestral Realm Battle is about to begin."

"You are the top talents of the younger generation of the Divine Dragon Clan," the Ink Sea God says, looking down at the group of Demigod-level Divine Dragons with their various colors.

In fact, these Demigod-level dragons are not all pure-blooded Divine Dragons; many are of mixed blood.

But every Divine Beast Clan is the same; as long as they have a certain concentration of bloodline, they are recognized as clan members. If they show extraordinary talent, they will be cultivated to their full potential.

After all, if the bloodline requirements are too strict, every Divine Beast Clan would have a pitifully small population.

"I have only three requirements for you."

"First, seize as many opportunities as possible in the Ancestral Realm," the Ink Sea God says slowly. "Second, obtain the Ancestral Realm Token."

All the Demigod-level Divine Dragons listen intently.

"Third, do everything you can to defeat the Sky Serpent Clan's Liu Bing," the Ink Sea God says in a deep voice. "Remember, the Holy Blood Sky Serpent is strong, but it's not a Heavenly God, and it can be defeated."

"Yes!"

The dozens of Demigod-level Divine Dragons below respond with fervor.

The internal strife between the Sky Serpent Clan and the Divine Dragon Clan has been a long-standing tradition in the Starry Skies Ancient City.

...

Inside the Celestial Serpent Ancient City.

"Bing'er." A beautiful young woman with a few green scales on her face and wearing a green silk dress smiles. "I know you're not from this realm."

"Master," says Liu Bing, who is in the form of a green snake, her heart filled with shock.

Human-shaped beings are the favorites of the heavens.

Therefore, the various races in their cultivation often deliberately transform in the direction of the Human Race.

But the stronger the divine beast, the more difficult it is to transform into a human form... Pure-blooded divine beasts generally require reaching the Demigod rank to transform into human shapes. Of course, if they engage in combat, they would mostly revert to their original forms.

"Don't be surprised."

"As your teacher, I am a Heaven God, and I also hold the inheritance of a True Divine Artifact. Many things cannot be hidden from me." Azure Rainbow Heaven God smiled and said, "However, it's true that you are of the Holy Blood Sky Serpent lineage, and that's why I didn't expose you earlier. You should be from the 'Sky Serpent Clan' in the Divine Realm."

"Our two clans were once connected, but during the great changes in the heavens and earth, our branch was isolated from the Divine Realm, and we have been separated ever since." Azure Rainbow Heaven God explained, "Since you came from the Divine Realm... it should be related to the Ancestral Realm Battle, right?"

"Yes." Liu Bing nodded honestly.

"Hmm, this isn't the first time such a thing has happened." Azure Rainbow Heaven God nodded, "Let me ask you, how is the Sky Serpent Clan in the Divine Realm?"

"It has been annihilated." Liu Bing didn't hide the truth.

"Annihilated?" Azure Rainbow Heaven God was stunned, as this was beyond her expectations.

"What about you?" Azure Rainbow Heaven God hesitated.

"Disciple dares not hide from Master. Tens of thousands of years ago, when our clan was annihilated, I was sent away by the elders of the clan, who protected me with their lives." Liu Bing quickly explained, "Later, I was able to join the Chaos Divine Court, and this time, my arrival in this world was also arranged by the Chaos Divine Court."

"The Chaos Divine Court?" A hint of surprise flashed in Azure Rainbow Heaven God's eyes, "That's one of the top-tier powers in the Divine Realm. No wonder you were able to come to this world."

Liu Bing heaved a sigh of relief in her heart.

In fact, this explanation was decided upon after a discussion between Liu Bing and Li Yuan.

After their soul communication, Li Yuan had proposed a possibility. Since the higher-ups of Perception Star Ancient City could sense the abnormality of her origin, there was no reason for the Sky Serpent Clan leaders, who were also in control of Starry Skies Ancient City, to be unaware of it.

"That's good."

"You came from the Divine Realm, and you will eventually return there. But if the bloodline of the Sky Serpent Clan can be preserved here, that would be a good thing." Azure Rainbow Heaven God smiled and said, "In this Ancestral Realm Battle, you must do your best and strive to obtain the Ancestral Realm Token."

"Perhaps it will help you awaken your Nine Star Pulse in the future."

"In the future, if you become a Heaven God, perhaps we will have a chance to meet again as master and disciple."

"Master." Liu Bing felt grateful in her heart.

Over the years, Azure Rainbow Heaven God had treated her extremely well.

In Liu Bing's heart, if she were to rank her loved ones, Li Yuan would be the first, someone she could trust completely.

And Azure Rainbow Heaven God would be the third.

...

In a state on the Perception Star Continent, within a city in a province of an ordinary Divine Kingdom.

"Come, let's drink some wine."

In a luxurious tavern, a young man was drinking with a group of new friends he had just met.

"Old Ning, Old Fox."

"Have you heard? It's said that the Ancestral Realm Battle is about to arrive. At that time, the heavens and earth will be filled with radiant light, and countless 'Celestial Paths' will emerge from the legendary Ancestral Realm." An excited man with a beard said, "All Demigods can receive invitations and have a chance to step onto the Celestial Path."

"Celestial Path?"

"The legendary Celestial Path? I only just learned about it." These Demigods were all curious, as most of them were young and had never seen it before.

"But the Celestial Path is dangerous." The slightly drunk young man shook his head and laughed, "Brother Niu, with our strength... I think it's better not to try it."

"Isn't drinking and having fun enough?" The young man raised his head and drank more wine.

"Old Ning, aren't you curious at all?" The bearded man couldn't help but ask, "This Ancestral Realm Battle only happens once every five hundred years. If we miss this chance, we might not encounter it again in our lifetime."

"Haha."

"In this lifetime, there are many things we won't experience." The slightly tipsy young man laughed, "Should we try everything? That would be too tiring."

Suddenly, a formless message reached the tipsy young man's mind: "Ning Chi, are you ready? I've contacted the Demigod geniuses who came with me, and they are all prepared."

"Understood." The tipsy young man replied directly, "The Ancestral Realm Battle... This world is comparable to a Star Realm. If it weren't for the fact that the Ancestral Realm was opened by that great existence in the history of the Divine Court, and there's a chance to obtain the Insight Star Pill, I wouldn't even bother coming here."

"Don't be too careless."

"Among the Demigod geniuses who came with us, in addition to the Golden Robe members of the Chaos Divine Court, seven 'Thousand Star Members' of the Ten Thousand Dao Divine Court have also arrived... If we lose to them, it would be embarrassing." The mysterious messenger said.

"I understand."

...

On the other side of the Perception Star Continent, in the border region of the Azure Mist Sacred Land, within a small city at the edge of the territory.

A girl wearing ragged clothes, covered in dirt, holding a broken sword, was leisurely watching two children playing chess on the side of the road.

"This Mystical Snake Chess, the rules are indeed interesting." The dirty girl revealed a mouthful of white teeth.

"Although this Perception Star Continent has no technology, the number of living beings here is no less than that of a Star Realm. No wonder the Divine Court is willing to pay such a high price to trade with the Chaos Divine Court." The dirty girl thought to herself, "They even sent us here specifically."

"Ancestral Realm Token?"

"I don't know either. How many powerful Demigods are there among the natives of the Perception Star Continent?" The dirty girl took a step forward, and her figure blurred as she flew out hundreds of kilometers.

If Li Yuan were here, he would be able to judge from the subtleties of the spatial fluctuations that the dirty girl had already condensed the True Intent of Space.

In the pavilion within Li Yuan's mansion in the Divine Fire Palace of Perception Star City, he leisurely sips tea with several close friends.

"You've advanced several ranks in the Flying Heaven Rankings this time."

Li Yuan smiles, "Xuan, your progress is remarkable. Given time, you might even surpass your older brother."

"Hmm," Jingxuan's eyes sparkle with excitement.

Recalling the trial battle over six years ago, she had successfully passed the test and entered the Divine Fire Palace. After years of cultivation, her strength has improved significantly.

With the Demi-Gods about to participate in the Ancestral Realm Battle, the Divine Fire Palace had not held a Demi-God ranking battle, only the Flying Heaven Rankings.

"Brother Xu, you must be cautious in this Ancestral Realm Battle," Jingxuan says, "I've heard that the Ancestral Realm has a falling danger, and many members of the Divine Fire Palace have perished within over the generations."

"I'll be careful," Li Yuan assures her with a smile.

"Your brother has been ranked 11th among Demi-God Sons for many years," Jiangshan says helplessly from the side, "I was only ranked in the thousands last time. You worry about him but not me; I wonder who's the real relative here."

The group of Demi-Gods in the mansion can't help but laugh.

Suddenly, a series of ancient and melodious bell chimes resonate in the void above the mansion, seemingly descending from the Celestial Path.

This sound carries a special power, reverberating instantly throughout the Perception Star Realm, even piercing through the array formations of Starry Skies City. It echoes directly within the small worlds inside the ancient city.

From the Heaven Gods above...

To the countless Void Deities, Demi-Gods, and Flying Heavens below, whether they were eating, socializing, or cultivating in seclusion, all heard this ancient sound as if it resonated directly within their hearts.

Instantly, the group of Demi-Gods and Flying Heavens in Li Yuan's mansion fell silent.

"The Celestial Sound," they murmured.

"The Nine Celestial Ringtones! It enters the soul, unavoidable," Li Yuan and Yue Shan's group of Demi-Gods instantly understood the reason.

As the last bell chime faded...

A whoosh sounded above Perception Star City as the clouds covering the city dispersed, revealing a brilliant ten-thousand-foot-high glow.

The void cracked, and several stone paths resembling heavenly ladders appeared in the sky, exuding endless ancient auras.

Nine stone pathways emerged throughout the Perception Star Realm.

"The Celestial Path has appeared," they exclaimed.

"The Ancestral Realm Battle is finally beginning," the group of Demi-Gods rose, looking at each other.

At that moment...

"Quickly gather at the Divine Fire Grand Hall," a deep voice resonated throughout the Divine Fire Palace.

"Let's go."

"To the Divine Fire Grand Hall," led by Li Yuan and Yue Shan, the group of Demi-God geniuses immediately flew out of Li Yuan's mansion in a grand display.

...

Not just Perception Star City, but at the same time, in every Divine Kingdom and grand city across the Perception Star Continent... In the wilderness, lakes, continuous mountain ranges, ancient abysses, and countless islands in the vast seas...

On the life-bearing planets in the heavens...

In relatively enclosed worlds like the Dragon Blood Realm and Solitary Cloud World...

It was as if the origin power of this world was unleashing its might, causing the mysterious Celestial Path to appear in every corner of this world.

All Demi-Gods could step onto the Celestial Path to explore... Generally, as long as they had Demi-God limit-breaking strength, they could pass through the Starry Skies Nine Gates and enter the Ancestral Realm. (405)



The Ancestral Realm Battle treats all beings of the world equally. No force can stop a Demi-God from entering the Ancestral Realm."

"The rules, you already know," Crimson Sun True God overlooked everyone, "No divine artifacts are allowed. Even external objects like puppets and law treasures are prohibited. You will receive a reminder after entering the Ancestral Realm."

"I know many of you have been Demi-Gods for centuries, waiting for this battle."

"So, give it your all and seize the opportunity!"

"Seize the Ancestral Realm Token!" Crimson Sun True God's voice deepened, "Lay the strongest foundation for your True God and even Heaven God paths."

"Depart, step onto the Celestial Path, and enter the Ancestral Realm!"

With a thunderous roar, the Divine Fire Palace's gates opened.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Thousands of Demi-Gods transformed into streaks of light, flying out of Perception Star City and swiftly towards the Celestial Paths in the void.

Not only was Crimson Sun True God watching, but at this moment, in the mansions and worlds of Perception Star City, numerous powerful beings were also witnessing this scene.

Inside the Law Enforcement Divine Palace...

"It's about to begin," Jiang Yuan True God's eyes were distant, "I wonder if my little junior brother will succeed."

"He's entered the Celestial Path."

Jiang Yuan True God's gaze pierced through the layers of architecture, focusing on the figure at the end of the void.

Li Yuan, along with Jing Kui, Dong Pan, and others, had already disappeared onto a Celestial Path.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end