Everyone had thought that when the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord approached, there would be a confrontation with Xiyin, or at least some sarcastic remarks.
But his calm and indifferent attitude toward the past, as if it no longer mattered, was somewhat unexpected and surprising.
However, this also showed the broad-mindedness and free-spirited nature of the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord's state of mind.
He had truly let go of past grievances and conflicts, and his natural attitude was truly admirable.
The Saintess of Xiyuan was also quite surprised. She didn't have a deep impression of the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord.
If there was one impression, it was his unyielding perseverance and determination, which allowed him to achieve things that many others could not.
Back when she traveled the world, countless admirers pursued her, and the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord was just one of those who persisted relentlessly.
The Saintess of Xiyuan had traveled through the myriad worlds, observed the vast seas, and experienced the mortal world, but she had never paid attention to those suitors, treating them like passing clouds, forgotten in an instant.
In fact, if the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord hadn't brought it up today, she would have almost forgotten that he was once among her suitors.
Compared to those Ancestral Dao Realm existences, she was indeed young, but compared to her peers from the past, her age could be described as ancient.
Her former peers had long since entered the cycle of reincarnation, turned to dust, and almost none had been able to keep up with her footsteps.
"Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, there's no need to be modest. Many arrogant and proud geniuses, who looked down on the past and present, have fallen on this path, perishing halfway."
"You've reached this point, which truly exceeded the expectations of all of us back then."
"My senior sister's words back then were also for my sake. If the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord still holds a grudge, I sincerely apologize to you here," the Saintess of Xiyuan said.
She was aware of the past conflicts between her senior sister Xiyin and the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord.
At that time, Xiyin simply didn't want the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord and others to disturb her cultivation.
After all, since ancient times, there had never been a case where a Saintess of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall had formed a Dao companion with anyone.
No matter how fervently her suitors pursued her, there could never be any result.
Rather than wasting time like this, it was better to focus on one's own cultivation.
Xiyin's assertion that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord could never break through to the Dao Realm was made under such circumstances.
Because at that time, the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord was indeed the least talented and weakest among the Saintess of Xiyuan's suitors.
Xiyin's expression remained calm and unreadable.
Although the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord spoke with ease and even bowed respectfully to her, she felt that there was an underlying hint of mockery in his words.
Especially since he deliberately brought this up in front of everyone.
She didn't believe that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord wasn't doing this on purpose.
But now that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord's cultivation had surpassed hers, she naturally couldn't say anything more, lest she humiliate herself.
"Where there's a will, there's a way. The difference between what's expected and what's unexpected sometimes lies in a bit of perseverance."
"There's no need for the Saintess of Xiyuan to apologize. My earlier words were sincere. I hold no grudge against Senior Xiyin. After all, if Senior Xiyin had truly wanted to stop me back then, she could have easily struck me down with a single palm. When you think about it, her declaration was also a form of tempering and encouragement for me, wasn't it?"
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord nodded with a smile, his expression natural. Although his appearance was ordinary, he exuded a transcendent aura and demeanor.
"I've learned much from your words."
The Saintess of Xiyuan also nodded slightly upon hearing this.
The current Eternal Illumination Dao Lord indeed gave her a different feeling. His natural confidence and composure, as well as his ability to treat the past as fleeting clouds, made him seem like a truly transcendent being.
Hearing the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord's words, everyone present felt a sense of admiration.
Many people pondered his words and felt that there was truth in them, even a hint of the simplicity of the Great Dao.
Only Xiyin's expression remained unnatural. The way the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord spoke only made her seem more narrow-minded and petty.
She had already noticed many cultivators looking at her, as if waiting to see how she would respond.
Even several ancient existences not far away showed playful and teasing expressions, as if they were enjoying the drama.
"Haha, well said—where there's a will, there's a way."
"Today has truly opened my eyes."
Suddenly, just as Xiyin was about to speak, a hearty and powerful laugh rang out from afar.
A scholarly-looking old man with a long beard and a refined appearance strode across the stars, laughing as he approached.
Beside him were many cultivators with astonishing auras, including several Dao Realm existences.
Hearing this voice, many cultivators and beings present turned their heads in surprise.
Several elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace were also startled and quickly transformed into rainbows to go and welcome him, clearly showing respect.
"Jing Tianyun, the ancestor of the Jing Clan! I didn't expect him to come as well."
Someone recognized the identity of the laughing old man approaching, and their hearts were shaken.
The leaders of the various immortal-level sects and forces also looked on with awe, showing great respect and attention.
The ancestor of the Jing Clan was a figure of special seniority and status, and for the current Prime-Origin Civilization, his presence carried significant weight.
Moreover, there were many rumors outside that the ancestor of the Jing Clan had deep ties with the Imperial Immortal Palace, dating back to the era before the Imperial Immortal Palace's ancestor founded the sect.
"What a lively gathering! So many great figures have come."
Jing Xiao and Jing Xiang, the siblings, were also among the Jing Clan members following Jing Tianyun.
They were excited by the rare gathering at the Imperial Immortal Palace.
Jing Xiao immediately noticed her master, Elder Jiulin, who was standing beside several ancient existences shrouded in chaotic energy, conversing with them.
Today, deep within the Imperial Immortal Palace, countless Dao Realm existences had gathered, making it the most lively day in the Prime-Origin Civilization since ancient times.
Dao Realm existences, who were rarely seen in the past, were now everywhere, as common as cabbages in a market.
Even the maids and attendants serving wine and tea at the banquet were at least at the Immortal King level.
"Greetings, Senior Jing."
Jing Tianyun's arrival deeply shook all the guests present, and they quickly stepped forward to greet him.
Even the Saintess of Xiyuan was no exception. Among those who had rescued her from the Immortal Chu Dynasty was this ancestor of the Jing Clan.
However, many others wore uneasy expressions.
Although Jing Tianyun's status was special, he had now joined the Heaven-Slaying Alliance and become one of its members.
"This junior, Eternal Illumination, greets Senior Jing."
Although the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord had overcome the Eighth Heavenly Decline Tribulation, he still showed full respect to a senior like Jing Tianyun, clasping his hands and bowing.
"Our cultivation levels are similar. There's no need to call yourself a junior. Your earlier words resonated deeply with me. Cultivation is like rowing against the current—if you don't advance, you fall back. Only with a strong will can one achieve success. Only by firming one's Dao heart can we break through adversity and transcend the path."
Jing Tianyun laughed heartily, gesturing for the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord to stand at ease.
At the same time, his face was filled with admiration as he said, "I'm sure the Alliance Leader would also greatly admire a talent like you when he arrives. If Brother Eternal Illumination were to join the Heaven-Slaying Alliance in the future, you would surely earn his trust and favor."
The leaders of the various sects and forces who had been walking toward Jing Tianyun to greet him suddenly froze upon hearing these words, their steps halting involuntarily.
They had come to the Imperial Immortal Palace to discuss how to deal with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, but the ancestor of the Jing Clan spoke so naturally, even suggesting that the Eternal Illumination Dao Lord join the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
The smiles on their faces instantly disappeared, replaced by uncertain expressions.
Moreover, what did Jing Tianyun mean by his last remark?
Would the leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance also arrive later?
Gu Changge, who had disappeared for thousands of years, would also come to the Imperial Immortal Palace today?
"Senior Jing, you flatter me. I've grown accustomed to a carefree life and dislike the feeling of being constrained."
"I appreciate your kindness, but I must decline."
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord clearly hadn't expected Jing Tianyun to immediately try to recruit him into the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
This caused his expression to stiffen slightly, but he quickly recovered and clasped his hands in response.
Although he wasn't in the Prime-Origin Civilization, he had heard about the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
And this time, upon returning to the Prime-Origin Civilization, he had no intention of getting involved in these matters.
"Haha, Brother Eternal Illumination, don't be so quick to refuse. The Heaven-Slaying Alliance was established to uphold humanity, governed by various wise individuals. It's not a sect or force, nor does it restrict your freedom. You can rest assured."
Jing Tianyun waved his hand and laughed.
Hearing this, the expressions of those present changed. Some were surprised, some were shaken, some sneered, and others simply didn't care.
Behind her veil, the Saintess of Xiyuan's expression remained calm, as if she had anticipated Jing Tianyun's words.
"The leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance…" Xiyin whispered.
A thousand years ago, when she and others had joined forces to destroy the Immortal Chu Dynasty, Gu Changge had fought alongside her. But afterward, he had vanished without a trace, as if he had evaporated from the world.
Later, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance quickly took root and expanded, occupying the territory of the former Immortal Chu Dynasty and beginning to annex surrounding sects, forces, and nations, becoming a tumor that everyone feared and worried about.
"Given his personality, he will definitely come. After all, this is a high-stakes gamble for the Imperial Immortal Palace. The future of the Prime-Origin Civilization depends on today," the Saintess of Xiyuan said softly.
Xiyin showed a hint of confusion, not understanding what her junior sister meant.
"A high-stakes gamble? The fate of the Prime-Origin Civilization? Junior sister, what exactly did you see in the Mirror of Reincarnation?" Xiyin couldn't help but ask.
"I saw countless possibilities and choices, but none of them offered a solution. I also saw futures that had been altered, only to return to their original paths."
The Saintess of Xiyuan let out an almost imperceptible sigh.
Jing Tianyun's arrival made many of the guests present feel slightly uneasy.
Many even felt that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance wouldn't sit idly by while the Imperial Immortal Palace's ancestor made a proclamation to the world. Jing Tianyun's arrival was proof enough.
Then, a surge of demonic energy rose into the sky, vast and overwhelming. Purple demonic mist blotted out the heavens, and stars collided, producing thunderous cracking sounds.
Among the mist stood terrifying ancient demons, their scales and feathers glistening, their colorful armor interwoven, making people tremble.
Di Kun, the current Demon Emperor of the Demon Court, had arrived in person, leading many powerful demons to the Imperial Immortal Palace.
"How could the Demon Court miss the emergence of the Imperial Immortal Palace's ancestor? I've long heard of the ancestor's divine might and vast power. If I can witness it today, this trip will not be in vain."
Di Kun laughed heartily, draped in a dark golden cloak, his gaze sweeping across the crowd like a wolf or tiger, daring anyone to meet his eyes.
In the years since becoming the Demon Emperor, he had led the Demon Court's armies in countless battles, and countless lives had been lost at his hands.
Now, his eyes were filled with killing intent, as if they had turned into bloody suns and moons, depicting mountains of corpses and seas of blood, enough to terrify ordinary cultivators.
The elders and disciples of the Imperial Immortal Palace were visibly displeased by Di Kun's arrogant and domineering attitude.
To speak so disrespectfully of the Imperial Immortal Palace's ancestor on their own territory, in front of so many guests, was nothing short of a provocation.
The leaders of the Temple of Light and Darkness, the Divine Ascension Cavern, and other sects and forces also frowned.
It was common knowledge that the Demon Court had joined the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. Once a weakened force that couldn't even conquer the Immortal Chu Dynasty, how could they now dare to speak so boldly in the depths of the Imperial Immortal Palace, in front of everyone?
This was likely because they had powerful backing, which gave them the confidence to act so arrogantly.
"Hmph, Di Kun, what do you mean by such reckless words on the territory of the Imperial Immortal Palace?"
Ripples appeared in the void as a terrifying pressure descended.
An elder of the Imperial Immortal Palace appeared, his eyes like two blazing suns, filled with anger.
Faced with the pressure of an Ancestral Dao Realm existence, Di Kun remained unfazed, not showing the slightest restraint. He laughed and said, "Is this how the Imperial Immortal Palace treats its guests?"
As he spoke, demonic clouds churned behind him, and many great demons revealed themselves within the mist, confronting the elder of the Imperial Immortal Palace.
Seeing this, Jing Tianyun stepped forward and intervened, "Let's all calm down. Harmony is precious. Brother Di Kun has always had this temperament. He means no offense. I hope the Imperial Immortal Palace can be more accommodating."
With Jing Tianyun stepping in, the elder of the Imperial Immortal Palace could only let out a cold snort and back down.
After all, Jing Tianyun and the Jing Clan had been instrumental in rescuing the Imperial Immortal Palace's ancestor, so he couldn't afford to disrespect Jing Tianyun.
But to everyone else, this scene carried a completely different meaning.
The Jing Clan and the Demon Court had no prior connections or ties. For the distant ancestor of the Jing Clan to speak up for the Demon Court like this was undoubtedly because the Demon Court had joined the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
"Esteemed guests, if there are any shortcomings in our hospitality, we hope you will forgive us."
"My sister is currently refining a secret treasure and will soon emerge to meet everyone."
A clear and calm voice rang out.
A golden path extended through the starry sky, and a woman with flowing hair, a tall and graceful figure, and an ethereal beauty walked out, accompanied by several elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace.
"Ling Yuxian."
Jing Xiao, who was following the Jing Clan members, showed a complicated expression as she recognized the woman walking toward them.
It was her former friend, Ling Yuxian.
It had been a thousand years since they last met after parting ways in the Jing Clan.
Although their past misunderstandings had been resolved, their cultivation levels and statuses were now worlds apart.
"Greetings, Little Ancestor."
Ling Yuxian's appearance prompted respectful bows from the elders and disciples of the Imperial Immortal Palace.
Ling Yuxian's status in the Imperial Immortal Palace was no secret. Everyone knew she was the younger sister of the ancestor, reincarnated through the cycle of life and death.
Most of the guests present were aware of this, though a few uninformed cultivators showed surprise, which was quickly explained by others.
After Ling Yuxian arrived, she took on the role of host, instructing the elders and disciples to entertain the guests.
Even Di Kun, who had been so arrogant earlier, was treated with the same courtesy.
The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated with Ling Yuxian's arrival. She made no mention of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance or the purpose behind her sister Ling Yuling's proclamation to the world.
The guests could only drink and chat while waiting.
"During my recent breakthrough, I realized that my state of mind is lacking. Today, I came to the Imperial Immortal Palace to wait for the Saintess…"
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord pondered for a moment and decided to take this opportunity to discuss something with the Saintess of Xiyuan.
However, before he could finish, a vast and surging wave of space-time fluctuations suddenly came from afar, causing the rotating stars to momentarily freeze.
The expressions of the guests and ancient existences, who had been chatting and laughing, suddenly changed, and they all turned their gazes toward the Imperial Immortal Palace.
"The leader of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance… he's here…"
A cultivator whispered, feeling an unprecedented sense of oppression, as if a terrifying mountain of calamity had descended upon them.
In that direction, space-time seemed to have been torn open, and a terrifying rift appeared. The end of heaven and earth shattered, chaotic energy spilled out, and several terrifying figures shrouded in divine light descended and walked out.
At their head was a blurry figure in white robes…