r18novel Chapter 18: The Contemporary Gai Jiuyou Visits the Divine Land
Chapter 18: The Contemporary Gai Jiuyou Visits the Divine Land
In the eyes of the Great Emperor of China, that branch of the peach tree was undergoing some kind of change.
The process was not complicated. A wisp of extremely fine black and white energy flowed from Yu Dao's fingertips, wrapping around the branch. Under this gentle tempering, the branch gradually changed its shape. The wood contracted and condensed, and the light pink luster on the surface slowly receded, eventually transforming into a talisman that was neither gold nor wood.
The talisman was no more than two fingers wide, its entire surface a dark grayish-brown. There were no traces of runes carved on its surface, only naturally formed patterns, like miniature tree rings imprinted on it. Its aura was extremely restrained; if one did not see it with their own eyes, even a supreme being would find it difficult to associate it with the Immortal Peach Elixir if they scanned it with their divine sense.
"Every cultivator has their own path to follow." Yu Dao placed the talisman on the stone platform and said, "Since this young friend Jiu You has already decided to challenge the suppression of the Azure Emperor's Great Dao, the persuasion of others will be ineffective."
As he spoke, illusory shadows appeared around him. These were the remaining traces of the Dao in the world that he had connected with through his divine sense, from which he sensed some images related to Gai Jiuyou, which now manifested one by one in front of the two of them.
There are images of his enlightenment, and his most difficult battle against a powerful enemy in the past...
"I was merely expressing my gratitude, hoping to offer him a glimmer of hope amidst the calamities of heaven and earth," Yu Dao said calmly, turning his gaze away from the dissipating specks of light.
"Once he sees that the road ahead is blocked, we may lead him into Huntian Ridge and forge a bond between us."
In the original novel of "Covering the Sky," Gai Jiuyou barely survived the tribulation of attaining Dao, but the Dao injuries he suffered were extremely severe, almost equivalent to a drop in his cultivation level. Eight thousand years later, even the Great Saints of the ancient clans were not too afraid of him, only speculating that he only had the strength for one last peak battle to forcefully replenish his Qi and blood.
And indeed, that was the case. He ultimately burned himself out, taking with him a supreme being who had reached the pinnacle of enlightenment, a being who had spent his life striving and undergoing tribulations.
"Brother Dao, what do you mean...?" Upon hearing this, the Great Emperor of Shenzhou seemed to have a premonition.
To forge a bond. Gai Jiuyou's only wish in this life is to attain enlightenment. Could it be that only…
In the past, the Great Emperor of Shenzhou would have found this idea absurd. The inability to become an emperor under the suppression of the Great Dao was an ironclad rule, without exception throughout the ages. However, the shock he had received at Huntian Ridge during this period was far too great. The concepts of True Immortal, Immortal King, and the Immortal Path in the Mortal World—those deeply ingrained for hundreds of thousands of years—had been completely overturned. What others couldn't do, this ancient venerable from the Celestial Court of Immortals might not be without means. Since he had spoken of it, he naturally already possessed some confidence.
"I still need your help with this matter, Brother Dao." Yu Dao did not answer directly, but it seemed as if he had already given the answer.
The Great Emperor of Shenzhou understood immediately and smiled, "It's just a small matter, Brother Dao, don't worry."
…………
The Big Dipper, Central Plains, the Divine Dynasty.
A valiant middle-aged man descended from beyond the realm. With each step he took, countless Dao patterns flashed beneath his feet. He traversed star fields before his physical form landed in front of the main gate of the Divine Continent Dynasty's imperial palace.
He immediately concealed his Dao, his aura completely disappearing, and transformed into the appearance of an ordinary person.
His appearance was not outstanding, but his sharp and charismatic aura could not be hidden. Even when he was wearing the most ordinary robe, he stood in front of the palace like a vast universe.
"Nine Netherworlds, you've arrived."
The old emperor of the Divine Continent Dynasty personally came out to greet them.
This is an ancient sage who has lived for over five thousand years, with white hair and beard, and his face etched with the lines of time. He is the strongest being in the Divine Continent Dynasty at this time. Although his realm is far inferior to that of Gai Jiuyou, the two share a special connection.
"Senior Wujiu," Gai Jiuyou said politely, bowing with his hands clasped.
His cultivation level was far superior to the other party's, making him an existence that needed to be looked up to in the cultivation world. Yet, he still treated this old emperor with the respect due to a junior.
He hailed from Zhongzhou, and the old emperor of the Shenzhou Dynasty had helped him when he first embarked on his cultivation journey. Though not exactly a master and disciple, they shared a bond of guidance. Gai Jiuyou was not an ungrateful person, and naturally, he wouldn't put on airs in front of his old friend just because he had reached a higher cultivation level.
Greeted by the old emperor, the two passed through numerous palaces and entered an inconspicuous ancient hall deep within the imperial palace. The hall was not luxuriously furnished; a few paintings and calligraphies hung on the walls, and a bronze incense burner sat on a table, its smoke curling upwards and wafting between the beams and pillars. The two sat down opposite each other, and a servant quietly withdrew after serving them tea.
"Nine Netherworlds, what brings you to my Divine Continent Dynasty this time? If there's anything you can help with, just say so."
After a few brief pleasantries, the old emperor took the initiative to steer the conversation to the main topic.
Although the Divine Continent Dynasty is one of the four great dynasties of the Central Continent, with a profound foundation, it can only offer limited assistance to a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of the ninth level of the Quasi-Emperor realm. With the ancient supreme beings slumbering in the forbidden zones of life no longer emerging, Gai Jiuyou is the most powerful being of his time. The Divine Continent Dynasty can only handle trivial matters for him.
"Nothing much, just wanted to catch up with Senior Wujiu." Gai Jiuyou picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly.
"Catch up?"
The old emperor suddenly stopped. The teacup tilted slightly in his hand, and the emerald green tea almost spilled.
Gai Jiuyou was in his prime, his vital energy as vast as the ocean. Unless there was some special reason, why would he suddenly think of reminiscing with an old friend? A quasi-emperor at the ninth level of the Heavenly Realm, about to attain enlightenment, has no shortage of time, yet time is also his greatest weakness. If he spends his time reminiscing, there is only one explanation: he is saying goodbye.
"Nine Netherworlds, have you truly decided to take that path? Never before has anyone succeeded!"
There was a subtle, almost imperceptible fluctuation in his voice. Gai Jiuyou noticed it, but didn't take it to heart. In fact, he had already visited several old acquaintances beforehand, and anyone who knew his decision would be unable to remain calm.
"Roads are made by walking." Gai Jiuyou put down his teacup, his tone still calm, but his will as unwavering as divine metal. "How can you know the outcome if you don't try?"
"This... sigh..."
The old emperor wanted to persuade them further, but Gai Jiuyou didn't give him a chance to speak. He picked up the teapot and personally filled their cups, changing the subject: "Senior Wujiu, I know my own affairs, there's no need to say anything more. Here, let me toast you."
He offered tea instead of wine, raising his cup in a gesture of respect.
The old emperor's lips moved several times, but he couldn't bring himself to utter the words of advice. He knew the man before him. He was well aware of Gai Jiuyou's temper; he appeared gentle, but was actually more stubborn than anyone else. Once he decided on a path, not even a nine-headed dragon could pull him back. He could only raise his cup and drink, swallowing his worries along with the warm tea.
Afterwards, the old emperor tried several times to steer the conversation back to that extremely dangerous road, but Gai Jiuyou evaded the question with ease. He talked about old stories, the major and minor events that had occurred in Zhongzhou over the years, and the jokes made by a deceased friend. The two talked for almost a day, going through three pots of tea and refilling two incense burners.
As the sun began to set and the afterglow shone through the gauze curtains of the palace windows onto the bluestone floor tiles, Gai Jiuyou finally rose to prepare to take his leave.
However, the old emperor of Shenzhou suddenly spoke.
"Nine Netherworlds, please wait a moment."
His aged voice held a subtle, almost imperceptible unease: "There is something hidden within the foundation of my Divine Continent Dynasty that might be of assistance on your journey..."