We are but wandering hermits, passing through the Prime-Origin Civilization by chance. Hearing the news of the Imperial Immortal Palace's ancestor's emergence, we came here to pay our respects.
The old Taoist was unfazed by the Saintess of Xiyuan's scrutinizing gaze. He made a gesture of respect with his hands and spoke with a smile.
However, paired with his current appearance, it felt somewhat out of place.
Old Man Cold Crow remained silent. An extremely cold aura emanated from him, as if the surrounding space-time and Great Dao had been frozen, making people uncomfortable.
Neither the Saintess of Xiyuan nor Xiyin paid him much attention.
"That fellow Daoist's cultivation is unfathomable. He must not be an ordinary person," Xiyin thought to herself, feeling slightly surprised as she withdrew her gaze from the old Taoist.
She had seen many extraordinary individuals, but someone like the old Taoist before her was a first.
However, she didn't ask further, thinking that this might simply be the old Taoist's way of cultivation. There was no need to pry and risk offending him.
The Saintess of Xiyuan nodded slightly and did not question the origins of the two.
"Since we are all heading to the Imperial Immortal Palace to pay respects to that venerable senior, it's convenient to travel together."
She then turned and returned to the front of the flying vessel, closing her eyes and meditating, ignoring everything outside.
Seeing this, the old Taoist showed a kind smile and bowed respectfully, saying, "Then we'll trouble the Saintess of Xiyuan to lead the way."
His terrifying appearance still easily caused misunderstandings. Several female disciples of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall were frightened, their eyes filled with fear.
Cultivators from other sects and forces along the way were also startled, but they relaxed upon recognizing the flying vessel of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall.
The emergence of the Imperial Immortal Palace's ancestor had stirred up immense waves.
All kinds of ancient existences had emerged one after another, so it wasn't surprising that some of them had strange or frightening appearances.
Along the way, other sects and forces also came to greet them, as the Xiyuan Sacred Hall was highly respected.
The arrival of the Saintess of Xiyuan was not unexpected to everyone. Many knew of the close relationship between the Xiyuan Sacred Hall and the Imperial Immortal Palace, as both had once joined forces to resist the Black Calamity.
The founding sage of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, Sage Xi, could even be said to be from the same era as the ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace. They might have even fought side by side in the past.
Soon, disciples and elders from the Imperial Immortal Palace came to welcome the Saintess of Xiyuan and her companions. When they saw the old Taoist in tattered clothes, with hollow eyes and bloodstains, they were also startled.
Several Dao Realm elders were unsure of the old Taoist and Old Man Cold Crow's origins, but since they had arrived with the Saintess of Xiyuan, they didn't dare to slight them and respectfully led them inside.
Within the vast and majestic palace, mist swirled, ancient mountains and peaks stood tall, and immortal islands were arrayed. It didn't look like a simple palace but rather a great world artificially created. Waterfalls cascaded down, a vast expanse of white.
All kinds of astonishing mythical beasts and auspicious birds flew past, and ancient trees over tens of millions of years old rose from the ground, their branches and leaves seemingly capable of supporting galaxies.
Around the leaves, stars orbited, and rivers of stars flowed like sand, radiating dazzling light.
In the deeper regions, the sounds of creation echoed, and chaotic energy splashed. Ancient palace complexes stretched out like true immortal dwellings from ancient times.
The jade pillars, forged from immortal jade, bore the weight of the universe's four seasons. Transformed flood dragons coiled around the pillars, their whiskers entwined with chaotic energy, exuding an awe-inspiring presence.
Auspicious clouds rose into the sky, swirling among the mountains and peaks. Graceful palace maidens danced amidst the immortal mist, and peerless beauties played enchanting melodies in the forests, attracting countless birds to sing.
Such a scene was unimaginable. Reaching out to pluck the moon seemed within arm's reach. Numerous distinguished guests mingled and conversed, gathered here in a harmonious atmosphere.
"I've heard that deep within the Imperial Immortal Palace lies a chaotic sea of space-time, a battlefield relic from a great war of the past. To prevent the terrifying beings within the chaotic sea from entering the Prime-Origin Civilization and causing havoc, the ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace personally built the palace here and forged nine Dragon-Pinning Pillars to prevent the tides of the sea from sweeping in and destroying everything."
"The rumbling sounds must be the tidal waves from the chaotic sea of space-time. The ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace is truly benevolent and virtuous. Without the Imperial Immortal Palace standing guard here, the Prime-Origin Civilization would have suffered countless impacts over the long epochs."
Many distinguished guests were visiting the depths of the Imperial Immortal Palace for the first time. They couldn't help but feel their hearts swayed by such a magnificent and vast scene, filled with admiration and praise.
This was the true profound foundation of an immortal-level sect, far beyond what a force like the Immortal Chu Dynasty could compare to.
It required vast and lengthy epochs of accumulation.
"The Saintess of Xiyuan has also arrived…"
At this moment, many noticed the Saintess of Xiyuan being led in by several elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace. Surprised, they stepped forward to greet her.
They were high-ranking figures or leaders of various sects and forces, individuals of great status who were rarely seen. Their gathering here today was an extremely rare sight.
Back when the Immortal Chu Dynasty had not yet fallen, during Chu Gucheng's birthday banquet, they had invited guests from various civilizations, forces, and races.
However, not many sect masters, family heads, or Dao masters had attended. Instead, they sent representatives of considerable status, bearing gifts to show their sincerity.
Today, these figures had gathered here to discuss major matters, showing their seriousness and urgency.
The Saintess of Xiyuan also greeted everyone. She rarely left the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, but this did not diminish her transcendent status.
Last time, in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, she had been schemed against by Chu Gucheng and Old Jin, which had been beyond her expectations.
Otherwise, with her strength, few in the Prime-Origin Civilization could pose a threat to her.
Her presence at the Imperial Immortal Palace today was not surprising to anyone. As she conversed with others, they also discussed the recent state of the Prime-Origin Civilization.
The Saintess of Xiyuan had an extraordinary appearance, with a graceful and tall figure, like a moon goddess descending to the mortal world. She was elegant and ethereal, wearing a veil that made her seem enveloped in moonlight and mist, hazy and indistinct.
She smiled as she spoke with the leaders of various sects and forces, her demeanor as gentle as a spring breeze.
Leaders of immortal-level sects like the Tathagata Buddha Kingdom and the Temple of Light and Darkness all held her in high regard. This respect was not only due to her status but also her strength and accomplishments.
The Saintess of Xiyuan was one of the few recognized figures in the Prime-Origin Civilization to have overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation.
Moreover, she was the youngest among these existences, with the potential to reach even greater heights in the future.
Many of the ancient existences who had just emerged also came over to greet her.
The old Taoist and Old Man Cold Crow, who had arrived with the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, also drew particular attention.
Many people tried to probe their cultivation levels and strength, but they all failed, suffering some backlash and warnings, which left them trembling with fear.
The Saintess of Xiyuan did not explain the origins of the old Taoist and Old Man Cold Crow, only saying that they had met along the way and decided to travel together.
"These two fellow Daoists are also here to pay their respects to the ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace."
After the Saintess of Xiyuan's explanation, everyone understood and didn't press further.
The old Taoist and Old Man Cold Crow found a corner to sit in, enjoying the delicacies and immortal wine, ignoring the curious glances around them.
"Do you think we'll have a chance to see that person's true appearance this time?"
Old Man Cold Crow gulped down a mouthful of wine and whispered in a low voice.
The old Taoist tore off a piece of meat from an ancient immortal beast, drinking as he replied with a smile, "Today's Imperial Immortal Palace is far more lively than the Immortal Chu Dynasty back then. But I feel there's still a big show to come…"
"Let's just wait and see. Hehe, I'd actually like to visit the Heaven-Slaying Alliance myself. Maybe that'll give us more clarity."
The two spoke without any attempt to conceal their conversation, and many cultivators nearby overheard, their faces filled with confusion and bewilderment.
Some also showed strange expressions but continued to drink and eat without drawing attention.
"It's been a while since we last met, but the Saintess of Xiyuan's grace has only grown more radiant, and her strength has become even more unfathomable."
Suddenly, a man of medium height, dressed in a gray robe, walked over. His face was ordinary, but his eyes were extremely striking, as if they contained the stars of the myriad worlds, deep and profound.
"The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord…"
Everyone who had been chatting with the Saintess of Xiyuan was momentarily stunned, their expressions turning somewhat strange.
The man approaching was none other than the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, who had already drawn much attention earlier.
There were many rumors about the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord in the Prime-Origin Civilization. He was considered a man of unimaginable perseverance, having paid a heavy price to overcome tribulations and break through.
Of course, his perseverance and temperament had earned him the admiration of countless people, and many cultivators saw him as a role model.
Now that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord was walking over and actively greeting the Saintess of Xiyuan, the atmosphere around them became somewhat peculiar, and many people felt a strange tension.
This was because the ancient existence who had once bluntly stated that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord could never break through to the Dao Realm was none other than Xiyin, the senior sister of the Saintess of Xiyuan and a revered figure in the Xiyuan Sacred Hall.
Seeing the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord approach, Xiyin, who had been conversing with an ancient existence, was slightly taken aback, her expression becoming somewhat unnatural.
After all, she had once declared that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord would never break through to the Dao Realm in this lifetime, advising him to give up and not struggle in vain.
The Dao Realm was not the Immortal Realm. Even with great perseverance, without talent and opportunity, it was impossible to reach.
Of course, the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord not only broke through to the Dao Realm but also overcame several Heavenly Decline Tribulations, eventually becoming an Ancestral Dao Realm existence.
Xiyin's face had been thoroughly slapped, and it was during that time that she chose to seclude herself in the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, avoiding external affairs.
Because whenever this matter was brought up, even she felt deeply embarrassed.
"If the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord has truly overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation, does that mean he has reached the same level as the Saintess of Xiyuan?"
"However, no matter what, the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord is an Ancestral Dao Realm existence. Regardless of his current cultivation level, he is not someone to be trifled with."
"That incident happened countless years ago. The parties involved probably just laugh about it now…"
Everyone speculated and discussed, believing that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord's approach was unlikely to be about seeking redress for the past.
"Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, you've truly broken through. Congratulations."
The Saintess of Xiyuan looked at the approaching Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
She had long since overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation, so she could tell at a glance that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord was different from ordinary Ancestral Dao Realm existences.
However, he must have only recently broken through, as the Ancestral Dao Realm essence within him had not yet fully transformed to the next level.
"It was just a stroke of luck," the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord nodded slightly and smiled. "On the other hand, your cultivation has become even more unfathomable. Even though I've overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation, I still can't gauge your depth."
Hearing the conversation between the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord and the Saintess of Xiyuan, everyone around them was shocked. What had been mere speculation before was now confirmed.
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord had truly overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation.
After reaching the Ancestral Dao Realm, every subsequent threshold became extremely difficult, far surpassing previous challenges, often resulting in the destruction of both body and soul.
Many Ancestral Dao Realm existences had struggled for countless years before these thresholds, only to eventually exhaust themselves and perish.
"Even he has overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation…"
Xiyin's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable. She too had been stuck before that threshold, unable to make any progress.
A junior she had once looked down upon had now surpassed her.
This feeling was utterly absurd and unbelievable, even causing her to feel a sense of imbalance in her state of mind.
"Senior Xiyin, it's been a while. Looking back, the past is quite laughable, but it's been countless years since then. Now, it's just something to smile about."
"Back then, when the Saintess of Xiyuan traveled the myriad worlds, her admirers were as numerous as the clouds. Yet, I was the only one Senior Xiyin deemed overambitious, declaring that I would never surpass the Dao Realm in this lifetime."
"In a way, if it weren't for Senior Xiyin's words back then, I wouldn't have been so deeply motivated to develop the perseverance to disregard life and death. My achievements today are partly thanks to Senior Xiyin."
As the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord spoke, he noticed the discomfort on Xiyin's face.
He then clasped his hands and smiled, performing a respectful bow. His tone was open and frank, without any trace of resentment.
For someone of his current stature, the past was like smoke and clouds, nothing worth holding onto.
Now, he sought only the Great Dao of Heaven.