The Eternal God Emperor and the Demon Ancestor

Chapter 19 The Secular Powerhouses of the Heavenly Court

Inside the Mingde Temple, the sacred aura of Confucianism and Taoism lingers, and the Confucian and Taoist inscriptions engraved on the temple walls shine brightly under the divine light, exuding an ancient and unchanging weight and solemnity.

The Confucian scholar sat upright in the main seat of the hall, his gaze calmly falling on Yin Yuting, who was bowing with his head down. He slowly raised his hand, his voice as gentle as the clinking of jade: "Yuting, there's no need for formalities. Sit down and let's talk."

Yin Yuting respectfully thanked the emperor and took his seat, but his fingertips unconsciously curled up a little, clearly indicating that he was burdened with a heavy matter on his mind.

Seeing this, Ling Che didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "How is your mother, Princess Shenba, doing now? Is she... still imprisoned by your father in that desolate place called the Ghost Sea?"

Upon hearing this, Yin Yuting's body trembled violently. His previously calm face instantly turned pale with intense grief, his eyes reddened slightly, and his voice choked with emotion: "Just as Uncle Mingde said, Mother Goddess... is still imprisoned in the Sea of ​​Ghosts by Father God, never seeing the light of day. Over the years, I have repeatedly knelt outside the temple of Heaven, pleading with Father God to release Mother Goddess, but all I have received in return is his merciless and harsh rebukes, and even... even severe injuries from him, which often take years to barely recover from."

Upon hearing this, Ling Che's gaze darkened slightly, and a wave of pity rose in his heart.

Xuan Yi is selfish and cold-hearted to the core, ruthless and merciless in his actions, treating family ties like dirt. He even imprisoned and severely injured his own wife and children, his cruelty is appalling. Yet, this despicable person could actually give birth to a son as pure and kind as Yin Yuting.

This truly exemplifies the old saying, "A cotton ball pops out of the gutter," which is utterly unbelievable.

He sighed softly, his tone carrying a hint of praise and a touch of helplessness: "Your filial piety is truly admirable. I am also quite angry to hear about Princess Shenba's plight, but... this matter is ultimately a family affair of your Yin family, and as an outsider, it is really not appropriate for me to interfere."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the last glimmer of hope in Yin Yuting's heart.

The color drained from his face instantly. He gave a bitter laugh, slowly lowered his head, and concealed the disappointment and resentment in his eyes. Yes, in the end, this was ultimately his family matter. No matter how much outsiders sympathized, what could they do?

After a moment of silence, Yin Yuting straightened his back, cupped his hands in a respectful bow to Ling Che, and his voice regained some of its calmness: "Uncle Mingde is right, it was I who overstepped my bounds. I have come here today not only to congratulate you on your breakthrough, but also on the orders of the Father God. In three years, our Heavenly Realm will hold its once-in-ten-thousand-years Victory Assembly. At that time, all the major worlds of the Western Universe will send deities to attend the banquet and celebration. The Father God hopes that you, Uncle, can grace our realm with your presence and attend the assembly."

"Oh?" Ling Che raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised, then laughed heartily, his tone cheerful, "Since it is Fellow Daoist Xuanyi who invited me, how could I refuse? Nephew, rest assured, go back and tell your father that I will personally go to the Heavenly Realm for the banquet three years from now."

As soon as he finished speaking, his mind raced. He thought to himself, "Damn Xuan Yi, isn't this victory banquet a trap?" Shang Da Hu Zi and Ke Luo left me, an 89th-level Spiritual Power God, with plenty of room for them to make a move. But they're not good enough to keep me here. It seems I'll have to teach them a lesson and give them something to do, so they won't keep eyeing me. With his current cultivation, Ru Shen Ling Che was confident that even if Hao Tian made a move, he could escape.

Yin Yuting had no idea what Ling Che was planning. Upon hearing this, he felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and a genuine joy finally appeared on his face.

If he fails to invite Ling Che this time, he will inevitably be severely punished by his father when he returns, and his father will probably not show him any mercy.

He quickly stood up, cupped his hands in farewell again, and said, "In that case, thank you very much, Uncle! You have just broken through to the next realm, and there must be many gods coming to pay their respects and offer their congratulations outside the hall. I will not disturb you any longer and will take my leave now."

"Nephew, don't be hasty." Ling Che raised his hand to stop him, then flicked his finger, and a stream of light flew out from his sleeve and landed steadily in front of Yin Yuting.

It was an ancient and unadorned book, the "Classic of Filial Piety" written by Ling Che. Its appearance was no different from ordinary books, and it did not emit any divine power fluctuations. It was completely unremarkable.

But as soon as Yin Yuting's fingertips touched the book, a gentle and mellow Confucian and Taoist divine power flowed into his body like a clear spring, instantly soothing the depression and sorrow that had accumulated in his heart for many years, making his mind clear and even calming his soul.

His heart skipped a beat, and he instantly knew this was a priceless treasure. He immediately knelt down and respectfully kowtowed to Ling Che, his voice filled with undisguised gratitude: "Thank you so much, Uncle, for bestowing this treasure upon me! I... I am deeply grateful!"

Ling Che waved his hand, his expression calm and his tone even: "This 'Classic of Filial Piety' was personally written by me, nurtured by my own Confucian and Taoist wisdom for a hundred years. Perhaps at some crucial moment in the future, it can help you avert a calamity. You may go now."

Yin Yuting bowed in thanks again, then carefully held the scroll and quickly left the Mingde Temple.

Xiniu Hezhou, the Realm of Truth

A fierce wind, carrying vast holy energy, surged beneath the sky of the Realm of Truth.

The duel between Heaven and Hell had already spread throughout the myriad realms. The news that the Temple of Bright Virtue and the Temple of Truth were jointly selecting warriors for the battle was like a thunderclap—those who were selected would receive a personal opportunity bestowed by the God of Bright Virtue.

That was a divine opportunity!

It is enough to allow a Saint Realm cultivator to ascend to the heavens in one step and defy fate with unparalleled good fortune.

In an instant, Great Saint-level powerhouses from all realms of the Heavenly Court surged towards the Realm of Truth like a swarm of locusts crossing a river. The old monsters who had once secluded themselves in seclusion, and the renowned prodigies of heaven, all gathered here. The majestic holy might soared into the sky, causing the void of the Heavenly Capital Holy City to tremble slightly.

The great sages of the four realms of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting had already gotten wind of the news and were now gathered at the Spring River Flower Moon Pavilion in the Heavenly Capital Holy City, which was the painting world's headquarters in the Realm of Truth.

The aroma of tea wafted through the pavilion, yet it couldn't dispel the heavy atmosphere that permeated the air.

Zhao Mengfu, the great master of painting, dressed in a long ink robe, his fingertips still damp with ink, swept his gaze over everyone present and said in a deep voice: "You should all know that the Divine Venerable Mingde has made a bet with the powerful figures of the Underworld. The outcome of twelve battles between cultivators below the divine level will determine the life and death of the twelve Gods of Fate!"

These words made the atmosphere in the pavilion even more oppressive.

"The rules drawn up by the gods stipulate seven rounds for the Great Saint Realm, three rounds for the Saint King Realm, and two rounds for the Saint Realm." Zhao Meng paused, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes. "Currently, our four realms have no extraordinary talents at the Saint King or Saint Realm levels. Even at the Great Saint Realm, only I and Brother Han have barely reached the peak of the demigod realm. This battle will likely have to rely on the secular talents of other powerful realms."

Han Li, a renowned scholar in the literary world, frowned upon hearing this.

The four arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were once renowned. Tens of thousands of years ago, backed by the colossal Kunlun Realm, the four realms were famous far and wide, ranking among the most powerful realms in the Heavenly Court Realm. But times have changed, the Kunlun Realm has fallen into obscurity, and the four realms have declined as well, now unable to even squeeze into the top 500 of the Myriad Realms Merit Ranking.

His and Zhao Mengfu's current level of achievement is entirely due to the foundation left by their ancestors.

The situation is even worse in the world of music and chess. In this era, not even a single genius at the peak of demigod level can emerge. Only a few ancient relics who have lived for tens of thousands of years remain, barely clinging to life.

Even more critically, this selection process has strict age limits—Great Sages must not be older than three thousand years old, Saint Kings must not be older than one thousand years old, and Saints must not be older than three hundred years old.

This age is the golden age when a cultivator's vital energy and blood are at their peak, and their potential is limitless.

For tens of thousands of years, the Hell Realm has been waging wars in all directions, destroying thousands of great worlds under the Heavenly Court Realm, plundering resources that pile up like mountains, and cultivating geniuses that are stronger with each generation. On the other hand, the Heavenly Court Realm has been living in peace for too long, and the average level of its new generation has long been far behind that of the Hell Realm.

Zhao Meng and Han Li exchanged a glance, both seeing deep worry in each other's eyes.

Among the Great Saints of the Hell Realm, three are representative figures of the Yuanhui era, representing the most astonishing generation since the eras of Blood Desolation and Desolate Heaven. In the Heavenly Court Realm, only the Myriad Ruins Realm's Myriad Ruins War Emperor possesses some semblance of the aura of a Yuanhui representative. The rest are merely on par with these two.

"This battle is a fight to the death!" Han Li clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "We absolutely cannot let the God Lord down!"

With their cultivation level, facing a top-tier Great Saint from the Hell Realm, only by risking their lives could they have a sliver of hope.

While the atmosphere inside the Spring River Flower Moon Pavilion was somber, the Heavenly Capital Holy City outside the pavilion was already packed with people and filled with deafening noise.

Great Saints, rarely seen on ordinary days, were now a common sight. The powerful Saintly might clashed, producing thunderous roars that terrified countless cultivators, who retreated in fear.

"Look! That's the Heavenly Crocodile King from the Demon God Realm! A ruthless character ranked in the top twenty of the Mortal World's Peerless Ranking!"

Someone exclaimed, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

A burly figure appeared, clad in scales, with eyes gleaming like lightning, surrounded by overwhelming demonic energy. It was none other than the infamous Heavenly Crocodile King of the Demon God Realm.

Opposite him stood a group riding white dragons, equally imposing. Their leader, clad in golden robes and with an arrogant expression, was none other than Shang Luo, the divine son of Shangqiu in the Heavenly Realm.

"The name of the Divine Child of Shangfu is renowned throughout the Western Universe. He is a peerless sage ranked among the top three on the list of peerless masters in the mortal world. It is said that he once fought a battle with Yue Xin, the Divine Child of the Temple of Destiny, to a draw!"

"This Shang Luo Divine Son is the younger brother of Shang Fu Divine Son. He usually thinks highly of himself and claims to be no less than his brother!"

Discussions rose and fell.

The two groups met right in the center of the city, and the tension in the air instantly intensified.

Ascending atop the four-headed white dragon, Shang Luo looked down at the Heavenly Crocodile King with disdain: "Heavenly Crocodile, where is your Demon Dragon King of the Demon God Realm? You think you're worthy to represent the secular power of the Demon God Realm?"

Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Crocodile King's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he sneered, "Shang Lao Jiu, don't you know where the Demon Dragon Emperor is? And what about your good brother, Shang Lao San? Where is he? Didn't you always boast that you were on par with him? Why are you here today, joining the fun of this selection like us?"

Upon hearing this, a low chuckle immediately broke out from the surrounding crowd.

Everyone knows that the most outstanding Great Saints in the mortal realm of the Heavenly Court have already been invited to the True Shadow Palace by the Temple of Truth, and are personally led by the True Shadow God to cultivate in the secret realm within the Sea of ​​Truth. They have no need to come here to participate in the selection.

Those who are selected in advance are the true chosen ones.

These people are just backup options.

Shang Luo's face stiffened. He naturally knew about this matter. He had only said those words to take the opportunity to belittle the Demon God Realm, but he did not expect to be outmaneuvered by the Heavenly Crocodile Emperor.

He hated being compared to Shang Fu more than anything, and now that he had been exposed in public, he was furious and embarrassed, but unwilling to lose face, he could only stubbornly argue, "Of course I also received an invitation! But I disdain such underhanded methods! If you're going to fight, you should compete on the same stage with cultivators from all realms and win the spot honorably—that's what a true man does!"

These words are utterly shameless.

The Heavenly Crocodile King was stunned for a moment, speechless. The demon race was simple-minded and had never seen anyone so blatantly lying.

Just then, a hearty laugh rang out.

"Hahaha! Crocodile King, don't listen to his nonsense!"

A group of people clad in dragon-scale armor came flying through the air. The leader was handsome with a hint of arrogance in his eyes. He was Ao Dongfeng from the Heavenly Dragon Realm—the twenty-seventh son of the Five Dragon God Emperor, also known as the Twenty-Seventh Prince.

Ao Dongfeng declared loudly, "My elder brother, Ao Dongyun, was also among those invited. The messenger was a divine envoy under the command of the Mingde Divine Lord, whose strength is unfathomable. Only those who can withstand thirty moves from the divine envoy are qualified to enter the Sea Eye Secret Realm of the Sea of ​​Truth. My brother fought with all his might, but only lasted a few dozen rounds. Shang Luo, with your meager skills, you dare to say you've received an invitation?"

A single sentence reveals the secret!

Shang Luo's face instantly turned ashen.

He wasn't just looking down on it; he was clearly unqualified!

The surrounding laughter was now deafening.

Shang Luo felt utterly humiliated and wished he could disappear into the ground. He glared at Ao Dongfeng, a venomous glint in his eyes, and gritted his teeth, uttering a harsh threat: "Ao Dongfeng! You just wait!"

Before he finished speaking, he activated the four white dragons, which transformed into a golden light and slunk away.

Meanwhile, Zhao Meng and Han Li, along with cultivators from the four realms, also left the Spring River Flower Moon Pavilion and arrived in the Holy City.

Watching Shang Luo's disheveled retreating figure, Han Li couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Twenty-seventh Prince, from today onwards, Shang Luo will probably have to walk with his head down whenever he sees you!"

Ao Dongfeng threw his head back and laughed loudly, his voice shaking the heavens: "These unruly brats, relying on their parents' power, usually act arrogantly and domineeringly. Today, I'm just giving them a slight punishment to let them know that there are always higher powers!"

Laughter echoed in the sky above Tiandu Holy City, attracting the attention of countless cultivators.

Above the heavens, two vast divine thoughts were silently watching all of this.