Shrouding the Heavens: Starting by joining the Holy Land of Yao Guang

Chapter 162 Invitation

"I see. But why can the Wushi Bell awaken on its own? Could it be that the Great Emperor Wushi is still alive?" All four of them had their own guesses.

"Perhaps it's because the Great Emperor Wushi went too far, and the Wushi Bell is a continuation of his life, thus different from ordinary imperial weapons." In the hall, Li Yao interrupted their speculations and then dismissed them:
"Alright, now everything is clear. You have no more doubts. Step down and don't go to your deaths."

Yang Xun and his two companions were ashamed and clasped their hands in apology. Now that they knew the secret of the ages, even the most stubborn among them knew that they definitely could not go to Zishan.

An imperial weapon that is still in the process of revival and no one is in control of it—what a terrifying existence that is!

Even if one could withstand the extreme power of the Boundless Bell, there would be no gain; it would be a complete waste of effort.

"I'm afraid the holy lands will suffer another defeat this time, and may even suffer heavy losses." Yang Xun and the other two sighed, feeling sweaty as they thought of the Holy Lord's words.

Inside the main hall, Li Yao sat cross-legged on the Chaos Stone, closed his eyes again, and let his mind wander in the realm of the Great Dao.

He didn't pay much attention to the matter of Zishan, because he already knew that this time it would definitely end in failure again.

Li Yao had no intention of watching the spectacle. Compared to this event that had alarmed the Eastern Wilderness, he wanted to seize every opportunity to cultivate and comprehend the Great Dao.

His goals have changed. Initially, he wanted to catch up with, and even surpass, the top young talents in Beidou, and now he has achieved that.

Now, no one among the younger generation of Beidou can rival him, so his goals have naturally changed.

He no longer took the younger generation of Beidou seriously, but instead began to look up at the starry sky.

But then again, the young geniuses of Beidou's generation are already the strongest. If even they are no match for him, then in the starry sky, does he have any rivals?

Li Yao didn't know either, but it didn't matter. He could just use it as motivation to have a goal when he was cultivating.

To be honest, if he hadn't known the plot and the dark turmoil two hundred years later, he probably wouldn't have pushed himself like this.

He has been practicing Taoism for more than twelve years now, and upon reflection, it seems that he has devoted all his time to cultivation.

Working tirelessly day and night, braving ice and snow, he persevered for twelve years, finally achieving his current success.

Therefore, sometimes having a goal can really push you to work harder and even harder.

Of course, the Heavenly Book also played a part in this, because its existence kept him aware that he was making progress. If he hadn't received a reward after his efforts, anyone would have been discouraged.

The Holy Lord's Temple returned to calm. In the center of the spacious and majestic hall, a chaotic stone floated, and the young man was shrouded in chaotic mist. The two opposing holy powers of Yin and Yang gathered in his body, making him look like a god or a demon.

Time flies like an arrow.

In the past few days, the Northern Region has been very turbulent, with various holy lands and aristocratic families making great moves, all preparing for a second attack on Purple Mountain.

However, at this moment, Yaochi announced to the public that they were withdrawing from the attack on Zishan.

Since the Yao Guang Holy Land, another extreme power has refused to participate in the attack on Zi Shan, which has caused a great stir.

Li Yao was not surprised when he heard about this.

The first time they attacked Zishan, Yaochi didn't know it was her own imperial son's training ground. Once she found out, she definitely wouldn't go there again.

In fact, very few people in the world know that Wushi originated from Yaochi, and even within Yaochi itself, very few people know about this.

Only those who have preserved the secrets can know the whole picture; even the contemporary Queen Mother of the West only has a superficial understanding.

In the original novel, the Holy Maiden of Yaochi revealed to Ye Fan during their conversation that even she only confirmed this matter from the source of Yaochi's secrets after they were revealed to the world.

That was on the eve of the Dark Turmoil. The Holy Maiden of Yaochi was already the new Queen Mother of the West. Although her cultivation level was not explicitly stated, she should have already entered the realm of the Fourth Immortal Saint.

Just like the Yao Guang Holy Land, only the Holy Lords and those with deep roots know about the Ruthless People's lineage. Others, even the lineage leaders, are completely unaware of it.

Of course, the holy lands are not fools. After learning about the physique of the Great Emperor Wushi, they will definitely think of the Western Emperor and the Great Accomplishment Holy Body.

But just like the idea that the Chaotic Ancient Emperor was the fourth incarnation of a ruthless person, it's only speculation, without any evidence.

Not long after Yaochi announced its withdrawal from the attack on Zishan, no one paid attention anymore, as all attention was drawn to the second attack on Zishan by the various holy land families.

"when……"

The distant chimes echoed throughout the heavens and earth, and the terrifying divine power of the supreme path swept across the land. Even though everyone was mentally prepared, they still felt a tremor in their hearts when the chimes rang out.

Zishan Mountain, where the Great Emperor Wushi left behind a large bell, has recently stirred up a storm throughout the land, becoming the most talked-about place.

The second attack on Zishan also ended in failure, with the Holy Land suffering heavy losses and returning home, shaking the Eastern Wilderness.

Soon, news spread that the three Holy Lords were seriously injured, and many elders were reduced to dust by the Boundless Bell, their bodies and souls annihilated.

"hiss……"

Upon learning of this result, all the cultivators in the Eastern Wilderness gasped in shock.

This time, the major holy lands reached an agreement with the thirteen bandits of the Northern Region, hoping to enter Purple Mountain with the help of the Devouring Demon Jar, but they failed again.

If it weren't for the ancient Devouring Heaven Jar blocking the Boundless Bell Wave at the critical moment, even the Holy Lord would have been in danger.

Yaochi withdrew, and the Sun God Furnace and the Void Ancient Mirror were used to suppress the hidden power. This time, they were still not used. In the end, half of the ultimate weapon could not stop the Wushi Bell.

Within just a few days, the news had spread throughout the land.

The world was astonished. What exactly did the Great Emperor Wushi leave behind? A bell, uncontrolled, yet possessing such power, was truly terrifying.

Inside the Yao Guang Holy Land, Yang Xun and the others felt a chill run down their spines. Fortunately, Yao Guang did not go to Zi Shan; otherwise, Yao Guang would have been part of the massive losses.

“The Holy Lord is right. The Beginningless Bell is special. Its deity may always be awake. Let alone half a Supreme Emperor Weapon, even a complete Emperor Weapon would probably not be enough.”

"To withstand the Boundless Bell, one would need at least several Imperial Weapons."

Yang Xun and the other two were somewhat relieved. If this had happened in the past, Yao Guang would never have been absent, and heavy losses would have been inevitable.

In an instant, the three men's reverence for the Holy Lord reached a new level, no longer just because of his great strength and extraordinary talent, but also because of their admiration for his leadership.

What? You're saying the Holy Lord is a hands-off manager who doesn't usually get involved?

But so what? A sacred place that has existed for hundreds of thousands of years has long had a mature set of operating rules. Even if no one is in charge, as long as there is no internal strife, it can still operate very well.

On the contrary, this ability to make the right decisions in major events and prevent the light from deviating from the correct path is what a holy place needs most.

Putting aside everything else, Yao Guang avoided a great deal of loss in these two Zishan operations alone.

Look at the various holy land families. They attacked Zishan twice and didn't get anything, but each family lost at least a dozen Supreme Elders, a large number of Dragon Transformation Elders, and the Four Extremes Masters.

These are all powerful figures capable of ruling over a region. Even in a sacred land, it would take hundreds of years for a disciple with decent talent to reach the Immortal Platform Secret Realm. So many have perished; who wouldn't feel heartbroken?

"I suspect that the Holy Lands will definitely have to use their ultimate weapons next time. Half a Devouring Heaven Jar won't be enough to stop Zhong Bo."

"The Great Emperor Wushi's achievements are comparable to the creation itself. No one is not envious of the legacy he left behind. The holy lands will definitely use the ultimate imperial weapons."

"The holy lands are really having a rough time. More people have died this time than last time. Rumor has it that even a holy lord is seriously injured and on the verge of death. This is truly a momentous event."

In the Eastern Wilderness, everyone is now discussing the Purple Mountain matter, and the five regions are not at peace.

Unexpectedly, after suffering two heavy blows, the noble families of the holy lands did not rush to launch a third attack, but instead fell silent.

The two attacks have shown everyone that Zishan is not so easy to take, and that thorough preparation is necessary.

At the very least, you need several supreme imperial weapons; otherwise, you'll just be easy prey.

However, although there are many holy lands and families and hundreds of great sects in the Eastern Wilderness, there are only four complete ultimate weapons: the Jiang family's Hengyu Furnace, the Ji family's Void Mirror, the Yaochi Western Emperor Pagoda, and the Yaoguang Dragon Pattern Cauldron.

If all four families were to bring out their imperial weapons, the conditions would be met. However, since Yao Guang is not participating and Yao Chi has withdrawn, the number of imperial weapons will be far from sufficient.

Faced with such an overwhelming disparity, even the ancient aristocratic families had to temporarily halt their attack and refrain from immediately launching a third assault.

……

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye.

That day, Vivi came to the Holy Lord's Temple and reported something to him.

The Holy Lord of the Jiang family has arrived at the Yao Guang Holy Land! Helpless, with the arrival of a Holy Lord who governs an ancient clan, Li Yao had no choice but to leave seclusion and go to receive him.

Yaoguang Hall is one of the most magnificent and solemn halls in the Holy Land. It is made entirely of golden crystal and red copper, with countless profound Dao patterns engraved on it, interwoven with the laws of heaven and earth. Only the most powerful people in the Eastern Wilderness are qualified to set foot here.

The Holy Master of the Jiang Family, a middle-aged man who looks to be only in his thirties, is a man of great talent and ambition, full of vigor and vitality, with his black hair flowing down and his eyes like lightning.

After Li Yao entered the main hall, he stood up, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed slightly.

Although the other party was less than a fraction of his age, as the master of the Yao Guang faction, they were equals.

He came here to ask for a favor, and he adopted a rather humble attitude.

Li Yao was the kind of person who would repay kindness tenfold. Even though the Holy Lord of the Jiang family was so polite, he was not arrogant and returned the courtesy. Then the two sat facing each other.

Soon, a female disciple carried tea into the main hall, filled a cup of tea for each of them, and then left the hall.

"Does Holy Lord Jiang have any important business in mind when he visits Yaoguang?" Li Yao picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then asked curiously.

Across from him, the Holy Master of the Jiang family also took a sip of tea and said, "The reason for this visit to the Yao Guang Holy Land is to invite them to join us in sending imperial weapons to attack Zi Shan."

Without any unnecessary pleasantries, they went straight to the point: they were there for the matter of Zishan.

"Regarding the Purple Mountain matter, the attitude of the Yao Guang Holy Land has been very clear from beginning to end: they will not participate. This time, I'm afraid they will disappoint Holy Lord Jiang." Li Yao refused without hesitation, indicating that he had no intention of getting involved.

There are many benefits in Zishan, but unfortunately none of them can be taken away. After all the hard work, nothing is gained. Li Yao has always kept his distance from such thankless tasks.

"Does the Holy Lord Yaoguang not want the opportunity in Purple Mountain?" the Holy Lord of the Jiang family asked curiously.

He was indeed very curious about this. Who in the world wouldn't be crazy about the inheritance of the Great Emperor Wushi? Yet, he couldn't see the slightest interest in this young man who was only in his early twenties.

"Before coming to Yaoguang, did Holy Lord Jiang visit the Yaochi Holy Land?" Li Yao did not answer the other party's question, but instead asked in return.

"I've been there, and Yaochi has indicated they won't participate," the Holy Master of the Jiang family said without hiding anything.

“Similarly, Yaoguang will not participate,” Li Yao said, his attitude very firm.

After a moment of contemplation, the Holy Lord of the Jiang family spoke: "To be honest, the Jiang family has received a secret message that a powerful figure in our clan is trapped in Purple Mountain. If the Yao Guang Holy Land is willing to lend a helping hand, the Jiang family is willing to pay a certain price to repay the Yao Guang Holy Land's kindness."

Li Yao was slightly taken aback, and analyzed a lot of things from the other party's words.

"It seems Ye Fan has informed the Jiang family about Jiang Taixu being trapped in Zishan," he thought to himself.

"I wonder what kind of reward Lord Jiang is referring to?" Li Yao asked curiously.

If the other party brings out something that interests him, he might consider making a purchase.

With the Dragon Pattern Cauldron protecting him, the trip to Zishan was not too dangerous.

To put it bluntly, the two times the Wushi Bell unleashed its bell waves were merely passive bursts, with no intention of killing anyone. If it had truly gone all out, let alone these people, even a Supreme Being would have to think twice before attacking.

If the Holy Lord of the Jiang family really offers benefits that tempt him, then why not make a move once? If he can't get the benefits from Purple Mountain, then he can make up for it from other places.

"If Yaoguang can bring out the Dragon Pattern Cauldron, the Jiang family is willing to give up a source vein outside the Primordial Ancient Mine and allocate it to the Yaoguang Holy Land." The Holy Master of the Jiang family offered the reward.

This is a very generous reward. A single mineral vein can yield a large quantity of pure minerals, conservatively estimated to be several million kilograms.

This amount would be an enormous sum of money for a typical holy site.

Millions of kilograms of resources; some holy sites estimate that their total annual income doesn't even reach that much.

But Li Yao shook his head and smiled, "Does Saint Lord Jiang think my Origin Technique is lacking?"

To this day, Li Yao's mastery of Origin Techniques is absolutely earth-shattering. Although he has not yet reached the level of Origin Celestial Master, he has entered the ranks of Origin Earth Master.

With such mastery of source techniques, the Holy City was simply a treasure trove of sources that he could obtain at will.

When the Holy Lord of the Jiang family realized what was happening, he smiled bitterly. What Li Yao was showing to the world was an exaggeratedly terrifying talent for cultivation and a powerful level of cultivation. So much so that he had forgotten that Li Yao was an unparalleled grandmaster in the field of Origin Techniques.

It could be said that the source was the least important thing to the other party.

"What does Yao Guang want?" The Holy Master of the Jiang family wanted to hear Li Yao's conditions.

"I want immortal gold and divine medicine, anything goes," Li Yao demanded.

He had only spoken casually, but after listening, the Holy Master of the Jiang family fell silent, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Seeing this, Li Yao was stunned. The other party did not refuse immediately, which meant that they were seriously considering it.

A moment later, to Li Yao's astonishment, the Holy Master of the Jiang family took out two stones the size of walnuts.

"Crack!"

As the Holy Master of the Jiang family exerted a little force with his fingers, a crack appeared in the two walnut-sized stones, and a blood-red light burst out, dazzling and brilliant.

“Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold!” Li Yao exclaimed in surprise.

He was all too familiar with this celestial light; it was none other than the glow emanating from Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold, a sacred relic exclusive to ancient emperors. Although they were not large, they were incredibly precious.

"Lord Jiang is really willing to use immortal gold as payment!" Li Yao asked incredulously.

In fact, these two pieces of immortal gold may not necessarily be more valuable than millions of catties of source, after all, they are too small. But immortal gold is something that few people would measure in terms of source.

"In that case, could you ask Yao Guang to bring out the Dragon Pattern Cauldron?" asked the Holy Master of the Jiang family.

"Of course." Without hesitation, Li Yao nodded directly. He was currently in dire need of immortal gold. Although the four-colored immortal furnace was not too thin, it was still far from meeting his standards.

Moreover, the Holy Lord of the Jiang family possesses Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold, which is undoubtedly more tempting to him than other immortal golds. Only Dragon Pattern Black Gold can compare to it.

If these two pieces of immortal gold are integrated into the four-colored immortal furnace, the proportion of Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold can be increased, which will enhance both the activity of the immortal furnace and the Nirvana Profound Meaning of the Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold.

"Then I'll trouble Yao Guang to bring out the Dragon Pattern Cauldron." The Holy Master of the Jiang family handed over the two pieces of immortal gold in his hand.

"The exact time?" Li Yao asked after taking the two pieces of immortal gold.

"I don't know the exact time. I need to invite more people to join. Once everything is ready, I will inform Yaoguang."

"Then we shall await good news from Lord Jiang."

After bidding farewell to the Holy Lord of the Jiang family, Li Yao crushed the stone completely, and a crimson light radiated outwards, illuminating the main hall with a magnificent and dreamlike glow.

As the celestial light rose, the four-colored celestial furnace flew out from between Li Yao's eyebrows and appeared in the main hall, transforming into a small furnace the size of a fist that floated in Li Yao's palm.

The celestial furnace was incomparably magnificent and dreamlike, radiating four kinds of dazzling light.

"boom!"

The furnace lid was opened, and endless auspicious colors burst forth from the furnace opening, instantly making the hall sweltering with an intense heat.

Inside the furnace, flames boiled and never went out, carrying terrifying temperatures that caused the void around the furnace opening to collapse.

Furnace-shaped weapons, after being intertwined with the laws of heaven and earth, will give birth to terrifying flames, such as the Li Huo Divine Furnace and the Heng Yu Furnace.

Of course, this is not the only type of weapon; for example, lamp-shaped weapons, after intertwining with heaven and earth, will also give birth to flames.

The strength of the flame depends mainly on the materials and how they are prepared.

For example, he has been imprinting nine imperial characters from the Sun Scripture onto the Four-Colored Immortal Furnace recently, which has greatly increased the flames inside the furnace.

Furthermore, the Phoenix Blood Crimson Gold greatly enhances the laws of fire, which also greatly helps the flames in the furnace.

Li Yao threw the two pieces of immortal gold into the immortal furnace, letting the flames inside temper them. Once the heat was sufficient, they melted into the furnace on their own.

"It's time to undergo the tribulation."

He had already digested most of the profound insights he gained from studying the Taiyin and Taiyang True Scriptures, and his cultivation was now completely stable. His cultivation was so high that it was ready to trigger a heavenly tribulation to break through to a higher realm.

(End of this chapter)