Zhao Xing, of course, knew that throughout history, the Reincarnation Divine Palace had lost more than one Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablet. If Qing Yuzi managed to get his hands on one, it wouldn't be surprising at all.
After all, back in his previous life when he was just a player, they had done the same thing.
As for why the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablet was frequently stolen?
This had to do with the core doctrine of the Reincarnation Divine Palace.
Their fundamental belief was: Maintain cosmic balance.
From this principle, another rule emerged: Prohibit the strong from reviving others at will.
The active reincarnation of those in the Reincarnation Realm wasn't included in this restriction. Since reincarnation required the cultivator to disperse their own cultivation, it was essentially returning their spiritual energy to its source, making it part of the natural cycle of life and death.
There were some exceptions where reviving others was permitted, but the key issue for the Reincarnation Divine Palace was unrestricted resurrection.
However, over time, this doctrine of maintaining cosmic balance led to internal disagreements within the palace, splitting them into three ideological factions.
The First: Primitivism.
The Primitivists believed that the Reincarnation Divine Palace should not interfere in the disputes of ancient kingdoms nor meddle in the affairs of cultivator factions. They sought to maintain purity and neutrality.
This was currently the dominant school of thought within the palace, and they did not completely oppose the cultivation of the Reincarnation Realm.
The Second: Proactive Salvationism.
The Salvationists believed that the increasing desolation of star domains was actively disrupting cosmic balance. They advocated for entering the mortal world, unifying all power, and using force if necessary to maintain balance. This approach, naturally, required expanding the military forces of the Reincarnation Divine Palace.
The Third: Extreme Equilibrium Doctrine.
The Extremists believed that any form of revival should be forbidden, including the Reincarnation Realm's voluntary reincarnation. To them, only by completely prohibiting resurrection could the universe be saved from its decline.
When it came to military strength, both the Salvationists and the Extremists agreed: enforcing their ideology would require armed suppression.
But abandoning neutrality and purity would inevitably draw hostility from other major factions—who would tolerate such an overreaching authority above them?
Thus, the Primitivists remained dominant, but the other two factions never truly disappeared.
And this ongoing internal struggle was the root cause of the frequent thefts of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablet.
The greatest fortresses always fell from within.
In the future Palace Conflict Update, the Reincarnation Divine Palace would undergo a massive schism, and the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablets would reappear in great numbers.
But in truth, they had already been stolen multiple times before.
This was precisely why solving the issue of Zhao Xing's Three Divinities Destiny Palace required such an enormous cost.
Some tablets had been recovered, while others remained lost.
"If Qing Yuzi stole one in a past life and refined it into his lifebound reincarnation Dao soldier using a special reincarnation secret art, then he wouldn't need a large supply of materials."
"With the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablet, cultivating the Three Divinities Destiny Palace would be significantly easier, and preparing a Reincarnation Altar would be far less demanding."
As Zhao Xing watched Qing Yuzi's hand reach into the void, realization dawned on him.
No wonder he dared to hitch a ride. No wonder he dared to exploit the Dongyan Ancient Clan.
If Qing Yuzi had covered his tracks well when he stole it, then he could even turn crime into merit later on.
"I was just returning the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablet!"
"…Wait, does this mean Qing Yuzi has ties to the Reincarnation Divine Palace?"
"If everything goes according to his plan, once he revives, not only would he disrupt the Dongyan Ancient Clan's revival attempt, but he would also 'retrieve' the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablet and strengthen himself further."
"He might even gain greater authority within the Reincarnation Divine Palace…"
Zhao Xing eyed Qing Yuzi warily and hesitantly asked, "Old… senior, your background, could it be related to the Reincarn—"
Qing Yuzi gave no response, playing dead.
"…I misspoke."
But playing dead was just another form of tacit admission.
At this moment, Zhao Xing finally understood where Qing Yuzi got his confidence.
As for what other hidden schemes were at play? Zhao Xing didn't want to know.
Knowing too much would do him no good.
Qing Yuzi dodged the question, but text continued flashing in front of Zhao Xing's eyes: [The Dongyan Ancient Clan's karmic contract is bound to me, not you.]
"So, you're saying I can report them without consequences now?" Zhao Xing asked, startled.
[Theoretically, yes. The Dongyan Ancient Clan could still bypass the contract to kill you, but you are no longer directly bound by it.]
[However, don't overstep your bounds. Revealing too much will still bring you karmic backlash.]
The wording was convoluted, but Zhao Xing understood the message.
Since he had technically died once, the question of who killed him was obvious—it had to be the Dongyan Ancient Clan.
And in doing so, they had violated their own contract.
Meanwhile, Qing Yuzi had shifted the burden of the karmic contract onto himself, much like how Grand Scholar Zhuo En had transferred an illusion curse onto Du Yun in the past.
In reality, Zhao Xing had been violating the contract all along.
Both sides had been pretending the contract was still in effect, deceiving each other while secretly working in the shadows.
Of course, aside from this one incident, Zhao Xing hadn't actually done anything—he had just called for backup.
It was the Dongyan Ancient Clan that had been making moves against him. He had originally planned to leave as soon as he gathered enough funds.
"You're all big shots, but what does this have to do with me? I was just here to deliver something." Zhao Xing sighed, feeling helpless.
If this situation were a card game, then right now, he was holding the weakest hand.
He didn't even know how many players were at the table, and every card drawn by the others was stronger than his.
Qing Yuzi's flames shifted, forming new words: [Don't act pitiful. Since I've shared this information with you, I consider you an equal.]
There was a pause before the text changed again: [I owe you a favor. When this is over, you will be greatly rewarded. If I break this promise, may I fall into eternal reincarnation.]
The moment Zhao Xing saw this, his troubled expression disappeared, replaced by a bright smile. "That's more like it."
Feigning weakness had its purpose.
Leaving aside the Dongyan Ancient Clan… wasn't it Qing Yuzi's fault that he ended up in this mess?
Zhao Xing had been trying to convey exactly that, and now Qing Yuzi had finally given him a solid promise.
"What do you need me to do now?" Zhao Xing asked.
[All major powers in the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom have a special passage leading directly to the imperial star system, allowing the monarch to summon them in times of emergency.]
"A dedicated passage for royal summons?" Zhao Xing immediately understood.
[You could put it that way. When the Heavenly Mechanism manifests, all routes leading to the imperial star system will be sealed.]
"Then how am I supposed to get you inside?" Zhao Xing asked, puzzled.
[Find the location of the altar, stay in that general area, and you'll be able to send me inside.]
Zhao Xing's mind raced as he tried to follow Qing Yuzi's logic.
So, Qing Yuzi couldn't enter the imperial star system yet. He needed to wait for the right opportunity.
In other words, he wanted Zhao Xing to go first and act as a beacon?
"You're not placing all your bets on me, are you?" Zhao Xing asked. Who had Qing Yuzi originally planned for this role?
Qing Yuzi played dead again.
"Alright, I won't ask," Zhao Xing shrugged.
[The moment the contract dissipates, you will find 'Emperor Yuan Ding' in the imperial capital.]
Zhao Xing mentally recalled the list of attendees at the gathering.
Emperor Yuan Ding was a Reincarnation Emissary! He was here for the gathering, but he was also the designated investigator for the Reincarnation Divine Palace's search for the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Tablets.
In other words, if Zhao Xing hadn't paid that astronomical sum of five trillion, Emperor Yuan Ding would have been the one leading the effort to strip him of his Three Divinities Destiny Palace.
Of course, Zhao Xing wasn't the only one in danger—many others who had cultivated it would be on the chopping block as well.
"So, on the surface, Emperor Yuan Ding is here to do the dirty work. In reality… he's still doing the dirty work."
"Qing Yuzi really is a Reincarnation Divine Palace insider," Zhao Xing mused. "No… if he pulls this off, he becomes a palace insider. If he fails, he's just a thief."
After a brief pause, Zhao Xing asked, "Once I meet Emperor Yuan Ding, what should I say?"
Surely, there had to be a secret phrase or a token of some kind?
[Just say what you always say.]
"What I always say… oh…" Zhao Xing was momentarily stunned, then felt a little embarrassed.
My teacher is Qing Yuzi!
That phrase, which he had used countless times to shift blame, was now genuinely coming in handy.
Since Qing Yuzi gave no additional instructions, Zhao Xing prepared to leave.
Just as he was about to step into the void passage, he suddenly paused and tilted his head. "Senior, does Du Yun have any involvement in this?"
[No.]
That meant the Origin Heaven Palace had no part in this.
Zhao Xing nodded slightly. "I will dedicate myself to assisting you, even if it costs me my life."
—
Stepping into the passage, Zhao Xing returned to the boundary ark.
Getting into the imperial star system was simple, but entering the gathering site was much more complicated.
At this moment, Zhao Xing had three options to secure entry: Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, or Lu Yuehan.
Rather than choosing one, he used all three.
He sent word to Du Yun, as well as Yun Tiandao and Lu Yuehan.
This way, by the time he reached the imperial capital, he would have all three of them by his side.
"If I die, then there's nothing to say."
"But if I live, then all those by my side will live too."
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Xing pulled out his Star Realm Communicator and sent a few more messages before finally activating the boundary ark.
In the year Beginning of Renewal 1785, another two individuals boarded the boundary ark headed for the imperial star system.
Cen Qionghua and Fairy Leyao.
"Brother Zhao!" Hua Zi beamed as he rushed forward excitedly upon seeing Zhao Xing.
"Stop, stop, stop," Zhao Xing quickly pushed him away. "What are you doing, trying to eat me alive?"
"Hahaha!" Hua Zi laughed and simply patted Zhao Xing's shoulder enthusiastically.
"You—"
Before Zhao Xing could finish speaking, Cen Qionghua suddenly staggered and was immediately shoved aside, crashing into the wall.
A fragrant breeze swept past as Fairy Leyao lunged forward and hugged Zhao Xing.
Cen Qionghua rubbed the back of his head and glared at her. "Betraying friendship for beauty, you shameless scoundrel!"
"How can you compare to Fairy Leyao?" Zhao Xing chuckled, gently pushing her away. It was merely a fleeting embrace, nothing more.
He was certain that Fairy Leyao only saw him as a friend, so he didn't mind this kind of excited gesture.
"This is all your fault! If it weren't for you, Hua Zi and I wouldn't have been detained!" Fairy Leyao began punching and kicking Hua Zi in a flurry of strikes.
Cen Qionghua could only smile bitterly and accept his punishment.
"Alright, don't blame Hua Zi," Zhao Xing interjected.
Fairy Leyao and Cen Qionghua had been detained purely because of Hua Zi's big mouth—he had offended a noble scion while bidding on a furnace cauldron at an auction.
Hua Zi had stubbornly driven the price up to an absurd level.
The nobleman had won in the end, but the grudge was formed.
Since both Fairy Leyao and Cen Qionghua came from influential families, their business dealings inevitably had some gray areas.
The nobleman's family had some influence, and they found an excuse to detain the two, then went looking for evidence afterward.
Essentially, they had shot the arrow before drawing the target, only releasing them today.
"Brother Zhao, how did you get that bastard Xing Hao to release us?" Fairy Leyao asked after catching her breath.
"Yeah," Hua Zi chimed in. "Did you ask Du Yun for help?"
"For something this minor? Why would I need to bother Du Yun?" Zhao Xing said indifferently. "I'm the Marquis of Wuling. A single word from me, and they had to let you go."
"You're bluffing, aren't you?" Fairy Leyao eyed him suspiciously, while Cen Qionghua shook his head in disbelief.
"Hahaha, I can't fool you guys," Zhao Xing laughed. "Actually, I bought up some of the Xing Clan's debts."
"Even though my title doesn't come with real power, I am rich."
After handling his previous affairs with Du Yun, Zhao Xing still had quite a bit of wealth left—nearly two hundred billion Red Star Coins.
Adding in what Yun Tiandao had left for him, he still had over two hundred and fifty billion.
Bailing out Fairy Leyao and Cen Qionghua was just a minor expense.
"Marquis of Wuling, truly impressive!" Cen Qionghua exclaimed.
"Zhao Xing, thank you," Fairy Leyao said sincerely.
"It was nothing," Zhao Xing replied. "So, what are your plans now?"
"No concrete plans at the moment."
"I have a suggestion," Zhao Xing said. "Do you remember how Yu Tianqing told you guys to visit his hometown?"
"But didn't he leave for the Red Star Empire?" Fairy Leyao asked.
"Well, you're free now, so why not go for a visit? He'll be back soon enough."
"It's not impossible," Fairy Leyao said.
"I was planning to attend the gathering and see the commotion…" Cen Qionghua hesitated.
"You? Attending the gathering?" Fairy Leyao glared at him. "There are so many big shots there. If you offend even one of them, you're dead."
Cen Qionghua was speechless.
In the end, both Fairy Leyao and Cen Qionghua were persuaded and decided to visit the Pangze Dynasty.
In the year Beginning of Renewal 1803, Zhao Xing received news that the two had left Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom and safely arrived at Pangze Dynasty.
"As expected, Cen Qionghua and Fairy Leyao are just 'side characters.' Them leaving Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom wasn't a problem at all," Zhao Xing thought to himself.
The Dongyan Ancient Clan's sacrificial plans weren't indiscriminate. They didn't need just anyone.
With the grand gathering taking place in Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, there were plenty of people coming and going, which made travel relatively normal.
If they had scrutinized everything too closely, it would have actually been more suspicious.
As for Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, and Lu Yuehan, Zhao Xing had no way to send them away.
After handling Cen Qionghua and Fairy Leyao's situation, Zhao Xing only arrived at the Yuanhai Star System in the year Beginning of Renewal 1845.
By this time, the spiritual energy index of the cosmic void had reached an astonishing 300, and cultivators were flying everywhere.
"With the gathering in session, the concentration of experts is insane," Ji Si couldn't help but exclaim. "I just randomly glanced around, and everyone is at least Third Realm."
"There are even more on Yuanhai Boundary Star," Zhao Xing remarked. "During the gathering, the spiritual energy index at the venue will be maintained at 1000. Just listening to the Dao lectures is an enormous opportunity."
"Without a connection, forget entering Yuanhai Boundary Star—you can't even get close to the surrounding satellites."
Ji Si nodded. "Should we find Yun Tiandao first, or Miss Lu?"
"No need. We'll meet Yun Tiandao at Yuanhai Boundary Star. Let's find Lu Yuehan first—it's more convenient."
Zhao Xing distractedly reached out to contact Lu Yuehan.
"Grand Shennong, you don't seem very enthusiastic," Ji Si observed.
"That obvious?" Zhao Xing looked up.
Ji Si nodded.
"I guess I am feeling a little off, but it's not because of Lu Yuehan," Zhao Xing rubbed his face.
After entering Yuanhai Boundary Star, he suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion.
It wasn't physical—it was mental.
Strangely, even when he used his willpower divine ability, it had no effect.
His entire being felt sluggish, unwilling to cultivate, longing only for leisure and comfort.
Zhao Xing suspected he had been caught in some kind of large-scale subtle spell, but he couldn't identify the source.
"Ji Si, you need to keep me in check. Supervise me," Zhao Xing forced himself to be more alert. "Don't let me develop complacency."
Ji Si raised an eyebrow. "How exactly should I supervise you?"
Zhao Xing waved a hand. "Forget it—wait, what are you doing?!"
He turned his head in shock, only to see Ji Si holding a disciplinary whip.
The whip was black and white, seemingly woven from paper and ink.
"I created a spell—Whip of Knowledge. It stimulates the mind. When struck by it, knowledge is transmitted as well…"
"You're literally whipping me into shape?!" Zhao Xing forced a laugh.
"Grand Shennong, you're rarely sluggish. I suspect something is wrong," Ji Si said solemnly.
Having used Time Pages himself, Ji Si was well aware that Zhao Xing was undertaking a major endeavor. He was even more vigilant than Zhao Xing.
"I've wanted to use the Whip of Knowledge for a while now," Ji Si admitted. "I just never dared to offend you before…"
"Historical Insight, Vast Understanding, Memory Eternal, Imprints Through Time…" Zhao Xing found himself reciting the mantra appearing in his mind. "What is this?"
"This incantation allows historians to immediately memorize historical data and events upon contact, ensuring precise and comprehensive records," Ji Si explained. "It enables them to grasp ancient and modern knowledge fluently."
"My goal was to pursue epiphany and keep the mind in a perpetual state of Dao comprehension, but the effect isn't perfect," Ji Si sighed.
"Alright, I get it—PAH!" Zhao Xing suddenly jolted. "What the hell was that?!"
Ji Si remained silent and whipped him again.
"Ink Spirit Awakens, Truth of History, Memory Unfading, Path of the Future…" Zhao Xing muttered unconsciously.
"Enough, Ji Si, stop!"
PAH!
"Reversal of Heaven and Earth, Fate Can Be Altered. Borrow the Five Elements, Adjust the Four Pillars. Pour in Spiritual Power, Reverse the Flow of Time— Damn it, I said stop! Ji Si, if you hit me again, I swear I'll fight you!!"
Right now, Ji Si was an expert in both historical techniques and fate techniques, proficient in ten minor divine abilities.
If he wanted to hit Zhao Xing, Zhao Xing really couldn't avoid it.
"My apologies, Grand Shennong," Ji Si said after landing three strikes. Seeing that Zhao Xing was now rejuvenated, he cupped his hands.
"I observed that your spirit was unnaturally tense. The Three Awakening Strikes will only last for about a month. If needed, I will administer them again in the future." Ji Si stated firmly.
"Ugh…" Zhao Xing sighed in resignation. He should've never made that suggestion in the first place.
But at the same time, he realized the terrifying nature of the Dongyan Ancient Clan.
If the only way to stay alert was through an ally enforcing such a method, how could anyone trapped inside their influence ever escape complacency?
Zhao Xing wasn't even sure if his laziness was induced. Perhaps it was just his paranoia acting up.
"Whatever. Just keep hitting me in the future," Zhao Xing exhaled.
Even if it wasn't necessary, he'd rather be overcautious than risk falling into their schemes.
"Yes," Ji Si nodded, putting away the whip.
—
Zhao Xing waited at the outer region of the star system for about half a month before Lu Yuehan sent her people to pick him up.
She dispatched Fate Master Wang Yun and Mechanist Zeng Zhuo.
In the Spring of Beginning of Renewal 1856, even with an escort, Zhao Xing still had to go through extensive procedures and inspections before entering Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's imperial capital.
By this point, there was less than a century left before the gathering officially began.
In the year Beginning of Renewal 1901, at Yuanhai Boundary Star, within a Lu Family estate…
"What do you think you're doing? You can't enter!"
"Miss Lu is entertaining guests! Who dares to barge in?"
"Stop him!"
BOOM!
Ji Si stormed into the hall with an expression of absolute fury.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xing was reclining on a chair, his gaze unfocused as he lazily watched the dancers.
As Ji Si stepped in, holding his whip, Lu Yuehan, Hong Qi, Zeng Zhuo, and Wang Yun all froze.
"Mr. Ji, what are you doing?" Wang Yun frowned.
"I need to discuss something important with the Young Lord," Ji Si cupped his hands. "If I have offended Miss Lu in any way, I ask for her forgiveness."
Lu Yuehan felt somewhat displeased. This man was always forcing Zhao Xing to be diligent, even resorting to physical discipline at times, which was rather inappropriate.
However, she could only maintain her composure and feign generosity. "It's nothing. Since it is an urgent matter, we will take our leave first."
Lu Yuehan led her esteemed guests away. After all, this was Zhao Xing's residence, not hers.
"Hey, hey, what's going on?" Zhao Xing raised a wine jug, his eyes hazy with intoxication. "Why is everyone leaving?"
"Zhao Xing!" Ji Si stormed forward, cracking his whip down without hesitation.
Zhao Xing winced in pain, his face contorted in rage. Yet, almost instinctively, he recited an incantation, "The mandate of heaven is evident. Order and chaos are dictated by the heart, and all fates return to their destined course… Damn it, Ji Si, you're getting out of line!"
Ji Si remained silent. Seeing that the first whip had been grabbed, he simply switched to another and continued striking.
"You've really lost your mind!" Zhao Xing barely managed to dodge a lash, shouting angrily.
"Zhao Xing, wake up!" Ji Si pressed forward step by step. "Have you forgotten why we are here? We did not come to indulge in pleasure!"
"What I do is none of your business!" Zhao Xing hurled the wine jug at Ji Si. "This place is filled with tens of thousands of powerful cultivators—it's the safest location in the world!"
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
The whip moved so fast it became a blur, lashing Zhao Xing repeatedly, making him cry out in pain.
For a full half an hour, Ji Si relentlessly struck Zhao Xing.
At first, Zhao Xing cursed and shouted. Then, his expression grew contemplative. Eventually, he fell completely silent, no longer avoiding the strikes.
After half an hour, Zhao Xing suddenly lifted his head as if awakening from a dream. "Master Ji, that's enough."
Ji Si immediately knelt on one knee. "Grand Shennong, I had no other choice. For the past few decades, you've been growing increasingly lazy. You constantly use socializing as an excuse to spend time with the Lu family, but in truth, all you've been doing is indulging in leisure…"
Zhao Xing did not interrupt. As Ji Si spoke, Zhao Xing recalled everything that had happened since he arrived at Yuanhai Boundary Star.
"This is absolutely absurd…" Zhao Xing sighed deeply. "Compared to before, I feel like a completely different person."
"This kind of gradual transformation is so insidious… I never even noticed it happening."
Ji Si immediately stopped talking. "Grand Shennong, please pull yourself together. There are now less than fifty years before the gathering begins."
"What? Less than fifty years?" Zhao Xing was shocked.
Immersed in that ridiculous, hedonistic state, he had completely lost track of time.
He had arrived at Yuanhai Star System in Beginning of Renewal 1845. Now, it was already Beginning of Renewal 2055.
"I made a karmic vow with the Dongyan Ancient Clan in Beginning of Renewal 1060. It was a thousand-year contract, and the gathering is scheduled 1045 years later."
"Now it's 2055. That means only five years remain before the contract's deadline, and only fifty years before the gathering officially begins."
"I arrived in 1845. That means I've wasted a full two hundred years, doing absolutely nothing?" Zhao Xing murmured in disbelief.
"Not nothing," Ji Si corrected. "You drank with Du Yun and Zhan Ze four times, had drinking sessions with Yun Tiandao sixteen times, and spent time with Lu Yuehan and various guest cultivators drinking, watching performances, and gambling a total of 4521 times."
Zhao Xing: "…"
Shut up!
"Stop talking. Arrange a meeting with Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, and Lu Yuehan for me immediately!" Zhao Xing ordered.
"Where?" Ji Si asked.
"At Shanhai Pavilion, under the pretense of discussing the gathering."
"Understood."
Ji Si swiftly left.
Zhao Xing surveyed the wreckage of his hall, breaking into a cold sweat.
If he hadn't instructed Ji Si to watch over him, he might have continued drifting in blissful ignorance.
Once the gathering began, he would have been utterly doomed.
"This is absolutely insane… What kind of sinister spell could have caused this?" Zhao Xing hurriedly left the mansion.
—
Shanhai Pavilion only admitted Reincarnation Realm cultivators and above.
However, both Yun Tiandao and Lu Yuehan had strong Reincarnation Realm cultivators backing them, and Du Yun also had connections.
Through them, Zhao Xing easily secured a private room in Shanhai Pavilion.
After all, even powerful cultivators had family and associates. It was unrealistic to limit access strictly to those at the Reincarnation Realm.
Zhao Xing quickly arrived at Shanhai Pavilion, a massive tower-like structure with over a million entrances per floor.
Upon entering, he saw that the circular tower walls were covered in rows of doorways, each leading to a private space.
The doors varied in size—the higher the floor, the larger the doors, signifying greater spiritual energy density and better amenities.
Conversely, the lower floors had smaller, plainer doors. While the doors higher up were magnificent and golden, the lowest dozens of floors had only simple, unadorned wooden doors.
At the tower's center, a massive, sky-reaching light gate allowed Reincarnation Realm cultivators to enter the Eastern Dao Discussion Platform.
Many of the Reincarnation Realm experts present were there to debate the Dao.
"Zhao Xing." Yun Tiandao waved from the 15th floor's entrance.
"I'm here."
At that moment, Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, and Zhan Ze stood together.
"I have a prime Dao-seeking platform. Why did you book a room on the 15th floor?" Du Yun asked curiously.
Yun Tiandao remained silent, simply listening.
"Let's go inside first," Zhao Xing said.
He retrieved a special access token, then led the three of them to a modest-looking wooden door on the 15th floor.
"Time House?" Zhan Ze chuckled. "Brother Zhao, you sure picked an interesting name."
Zhao Xing waved his hand. The massive wooden door, over a hundred meters tall, creaked open, releasing a gentle glow. Behind it, a pale blue vortex swirled.
"Shua~"
The four of them stepped into the isolated space.
Seven days later, Lu Yuehan also arrived at the Time House.
Once inside, Zhao Xing casually engaged the group in lighthearted conversation.
Gradually, Zhan Ze grew restless. "Zhao, there's nothing here—no music, no dancing, just food and drinks. Isn't this a bit dull?"
"Brother Zhan, be patient," Zhao Xing said calmly. "I promise you'll witness quite the spectacle."
"Oh? You're expecting more guests?" Lu Yuehan asked.
"Yes."
"Who else did you invite?" Du Yun inquired.
"You'll find out soon."
Zhao Xing's "a while" turned out to be five years later, in Beginning of Renewal 2060.
"…Speaking of which, Brother Yun was once part of Purple Divine Mansion. It's a pity that our mansion couldn't retain such talent," Du Yun said while sipping his wine.
"To be valued by King Taiyue and accepted as a disciple by Lord Ruohai, Brother Yun is indeed an extraordinary genius." Zhan Ze raised his cup. "A toast to you, Brother Yun."
"You flatter me." Yun Tiandao raised his cup modestly.
"Drink." Lu Yuehan also smiled.
However, Zhao Xing seemed distracted.
Seeing this, the others couldn't help but ask, "Brother Zhao, why do you keep staring at the door?"
At that moment, they were drinking on a floating platform. The space contained seventeen floating platforms, each upheld by mist, with two golden arch bridges circling them.
Zhao Xing sat at the main seat, facing the wooden door suspended in midair.
"I…"
Just then, Zhao Xing's eyes narrowed.
The four followed his gaze, only to see the wooden door open on its own.
Shua~
A brilliant ray of light poured in, illuminating the entire small world like sunlight piercing into a hidden realm.
Chi chi chi~ The entire space distorted under the overwhelming golden aura, pulling everyone's gaze into it.
The newcomer was none other than Meng Wu of the Red Star Empire!
"This kind of presence…" Du Yun's pupils contracted. "Reincarnation Realm?"
"Zhao Xing actually has a Reincarnation Realm guest?" Zhan Ze and Lu Yuehan were utterly stunned.
Only Yun Tiandao, though surprised, remained calm.
At present, he had already reached the Grand Divine Ability Realm, yet Zhao Xing still seemed unfathomable to him.
"General Meng, please take a seat!" Zhao Xing stood up and gestured.
"Oh?" Meng Wu scanned the five figures on the floating platform and chuckled. "So, you are the Emperor of Tianning?"
"That's right." Zhao Xing remained composed. "Please, take a seat first."
Yun Tiandao's expression turned odd upon hearing this title.
Emperor of Tianning?
This guy… Is he borrowing Liu Tianning's name?
What exactly is he up to?
Du Yun, however, didn't make the same connection, as he had no impression of Liu Tianning. Instead, upon hearing Zhao Xing introduce himself as Emperor of Tianning, his expression shifted to one of sheer disbelief.
Does Zhao Xing have such an enormous background?
Could he be an emperor undergoing reincarnation?
Lu Yuehan and Zhan Ze's minds completely froze, unable to process the situation.
They didn't even register when Meng Wu took his seat.
"Seventeen seats, and now six are taken," Meng Wu glanced around. "It seems Emperor of Tianning's 'old friends' include more than just me."
He deliberately emphasized the phrase old friends.
After all, Zhao Xing had tricked him into coming under that very pretense.
"General, be patient." Zhao Xing spoke calmly. "I will soon clarify everything for you."
Meng Wu nodded, saying no more. He simply took a sip of the provided wine.
After tasting it, he found the quality mediocre and switched to his own supply.
Meanwhile, the remaining four—Du Yun, Yun Tiandao, Lu Yuehan, and Zhan Ze—had completely shut their mouths, afraid to utter a single word or even move unnecessarily.
Meng Wu of the Red Star Empire!
A Reincarnation Realm Emperor!
And he was actually sitting at Zhao Xing's table?
Just as they were still reeling from this shock, the wooden door opened again.
Shua~
A towering figure stepped inside, like a moving mountain squeezing through the entrance.
He was clad in a black robe, its hem embroidered with silver star patterns. His chest bore the image of a mighty mountain, atop which hovered a radiant sun.
"Hongshan Emperor?!" Du Yun couldn't help but exclaim.
He had once met Hongshan Emperor—the master of Huanfeng's ancestor—and had only caught a fleeting glimpse of him!
"Eh? Du boy, you're here too?" Hongshan Emperor was wearing a deep blue jade belt, the fine jade smooth and naturally radiant, with an embedded translucent spirit crystal that occasionally flickered with primordial lightning, as if it contained an ancient thunderstorm.
Golden rings of light surrounded him, each engraved with ancient and mysterious runes, shimmering like a constellation of stars.
Boom!
As soon as Hongshan Emperor stepped inside, his mere presence caused all seventeen floating platforms to tremble and shift slightly forward.
Clang~
At that moment, Meng Wu deliberately placed his wine cup down, and the pressure that rippled through the floating platforms was immediately suppressed.
Hongshan Emperor looked over and raised an eyebrow. "Meng Wu? You're here too?"
"Hongshan," Meng Wu nodded slightly.
"You wouldn't happen to be Emperor of Tianning, would you?" Hongshan asked, assuming the title referred to the only other Reincarnation Realm expert present.
"It's not me." Meng Wu shook his head.
"Hongshan Emperor, please take a seat," Zhao Xing gestured.
Hongshan Emperor paused, noticing that Zhao Xing was seated at the main seat.
However, seeing that even Meng Wu was calmly seated, he didn't question it further and sat down beside Meng Wu.
After all, Ancient Hill Domain and Red Star Empire were friendly factions with a long history of cooperation.
"Du… Du Yun… this Brother Zhao… just who is he?" Zhan Ze's voice trembled with shock.
First came Meng Wu, an Emperor, and now Hongshan Emperor.
Two Emperor-level powerhouses had arrived one after another!
The floating platforms were growing more oppressive with each passing moment.
Lu Yuehan had long stopped drinking, and her previously casual demeanor had vanished. She had initially thought that no matter how mysterious Zhao Xing was, he couldn't be too far above her in status.
Yet now?
Two Reincarnation Realm Emperors were sitting beside him, treating him as a host.
Her mind struggled to process this.
What kind of connections did Zhao Xing have?
Even Yun Tiandao, who had once suspected that Zhao Xing's background was beyond ordinary, felt his preconceptions shattered.
Meng Wu alone was already surprising, but then came Hongshan Emperor?
And from the way they acted, this wasn't the end of it.
Even Hongshan himself noted that more were coming.
The wooden door creaked open once again.
This time, the one who entered carried the aura of boundless darkness, as if the void itself had materialized into human form.
His body seemed to merge with the shadows, while his footsteps carried the weight of an entire realm.
His arrival extinguished the radiance that had filled the small world earlier, replacing it with a deep, oppressive stillness.
"Tianji Emperor?!"
Lu Yuehan, Du Yun, and Zhan Ze all inhaled sharply.
Tianji Emperor—Lord of the Tianji Hall, one of the greatest Fate Masters of this era.
He rarely appeared in public, but his every movement dictated the fate of entire star domains.
And now, he was stepping into Zhao Xing's Time House.
The pressure in the room intensified.
Meng Wu, Hongshan, and Tianji Emperor sat at the same table, their expressions unreadable.
Zhao Xing sat at the head seat, tapping his fingers lightly against the armrest.
It was clear more were still coming.
The gathering of Emperors had only just begun.
Zhan Ze had previously complained that the banquet lacked prestige and entertainment.
Now that the prestige was too high, it had scared him instead.
"You're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?" Du Yun was just as confused.
He couldn't help but recall Zoren's prophecy, and a sense of unease crept into his heart.
Yet, he couldn't pinpoint where this unease stemmed from.
After all, this was the Spiritual Domain Assembly—apart from the headquarters of the superpowers in the Xuanling Star Domain, was there anywhere safer?
Lu Yuehan felt even more uneasy because even her family's ancestor was only an Elite Reincarnation Realm cultivator, while these two were Emperors!
"Emperor of Tianning? No wonder he refused to take me as his Dao companion…" At this moment, Lu Yuehan's thoughts unexpectedly wandered in that direction again.
"Zhao Xing, you still have eight seats left. Don't tell me all the remaining guests are Reincarnation Realm experts?" Yun Tiandao finally couldn't hold back and sent a transmission.
This house was one he had rented for Zhao Xing. At the time, when he asked what Zhao Xing needed it for, the only answer he received was to host some guests.
He had assumed they were just old friends Zhao Xing had made over the past thousand years.
Never did he expect the guests to be Reincarnation Realm cultivators!
"Not necessarily all of them will come," Zhao Xing transmitted back, "but those who do… are all Reincarnation Realm."
"…" Yun Tiandao was speechless.
He had fought tooth and nail in the Beast Battlefield beyond the border, barely survived countless hardships, and had finally become a Grand Divine Ability cultivator, earning the right to apprentice under an Elite Reincarnation Realm master.
Yet Zhao Xing's guests were all Reincarnation Realm cultivators.
How did he even convince them to come?
"Just what kind of grand scheme are you plotting?" Yun Tiandao felt a chill.
It wasn't fear of death but the possibility of dying here before he could rescue his Dao companion and Emperor Xia.
"I can't tell you yet," Zhao Xing said.
—
One month after Emperor Hongshan had entered, the wooden door opened again.
A throne expanded into view.
"Emperor Lingyuan?" Du Yun and Zhan Ze felt their scalps tingle.
Lu Yuehan and Yun Tiandao didn't recognize him, but judging from the shocked expressions on Du Yun and Zhan Ze's faces, this had to be another towering powerhouse.
Even Yin-Yang Dao Domain cultivators were overwhelming threats to them, and Life-and-Death Dao Domain cultivators could crush them effortlessly.
But now, there were three people here who could casually wipe out Life-and-Death Dao Domain experts.
Aside from Zhao Xing, the other four were almost suffocating.
"Who here is Emperor of Tianning?" Lingyuan didn't fly in but remained seated on his throne, his voice cold.
"Emperor Lingyuan, I am the Emperor of Tianning. Please take a seat." Zhao Xing gestured toward a seat.
However, Emperor Lingyuan merely glanced at Zhao Xing and immediately attacked.
"A mere Origin Realm cultivator pretending to be an Emperor and mocking me? Die!"
He completely ignored the presence of Meng Wu and Emperor Hongshan, launching a lethal strike against Zhao Xing in an instant.
Meng Wu made no move to interfere.
If Zhao Xing died, the treasures on his body would explode, and at this distance, Meng Wu was confident he'd grab them first.
Emperor Hongshan intended to act, but it was too late.
Zhao Xing was simply too weak. He wouldn't even survive a glance from Lingyuan, let alone an attack.
Unless Hongshan had preemptively moved to protect him, there was nothing he could do now.
Buzz!
A white light surged forth.
The Time House reversed back two months.
Meng Wu and Emperor Hongshan's expressions twisted in shock.
They could feel time rewinding on their very bodies!
The two locked eyes and saw the same deep shock reflected in each other.
Then, their gazes turned to Zhao Xing.
He remained standing with his hands behind his back, completely unshaken.
Creak!
The wooden door opened again.
Emperor Lingyuan stepped inside, his expression complex.
"Lingyuan, I have invited you once. I will not invite you a second time." Zhao Xing spoke calmly.
Lingyuan's face darkened.
The moment he attacked before, he had been blinded by a flash of white light—and suddenly, he found himself standing outside the Time House again, right in front of the wooden door.
"Time House… what a terrifying technique."
Lingyuan's voice was like an icy gust, yet he no longer cared about Zhao Xing's attitude.
Instead, he felt a thrill.
"Emperor of Tianning? I believe it now."
He cupped his hands in a slight bow, offering an apology, before taking a seat across from Meng Wu, right next to Zhan Ze.
Zhao Xing glanced at Lingyuan but said nothing.
As Emperor-level powerhouses, they could feel the reversal of the Dao of Time acting on their bodies.
In other words, they retained their memories.
And yet, the world outside the Time House remained completely unaffected.
Now, after two hundred years of Ji Che's 'whipping', Zhao Xing's mastery over the Time Page had become flawless.
The scope of its influence was so subtle and controlled that no one outside would even notice.
Unless one was a direct witness inside the Time House or a Divine Realm observer who happened to be watching, its effects were completely imperceptible.
However, Du Yun, Zhan Ze, Yun Tiandao, and Lu Yuehan were incapable of retaining any memory of the reversal.
They had no idea what had just transpired.
Still, Zhan Ze felt something was off.
His last memory was that Lingyuan had entered and that Zhao Xing had maintained his cold attitude.
"My god, Du Yun… He—he actually dared to speak to Emperor Lingyuan like that. This—this is just…"