"Since that kid is following the template of the Wild Sky Emperor, even if it's the lowest-tier version, it shouldn't be that easy for him to perish. Back then, if I hadn't intervened, he might not have died and could have been saved by some top-tier expert. Of course, that's assuming I'm not his savior. If fate arranged for me to be his savior, then we'd be in trouble."
Wang Ping shook his head slightly and sighed.
Afterward, Wang Ping didn't dwell on Tianyan's matter any longer and continued to gaze at the screen.
On your side, you didn't take the words of the Heavenwood Clan's young master to heart. After all, you and he were ultimately enemies. Even in this life, your main goal was to quietly investigate the truth, uncover the goals of Gu Xuan and the Gu family. Before achieving that, you didn't want to get involved in other matters or deal with other enemies.
You continued to explore the Immortal City. Although you faced many challenges and invitations to battle from various young talents, especially the rising stars who wanted to prove themselves by defeating you and gain more resources, you chose to decline all of them.
Your rejection earned you the disdain of these young talents who believed that you were too afraid to fight and didn't deserve to be called a young genius. Some even went to the extent of considering your past appearance on the Saint King Ranking as a disgrace that lowered the ranking's prestige.
Listening to the taunts and provocations from these young talents, you remained indifferent. However, your disciple, Wan Yu, and Lin Qinghe were quite displeased. Wan Yu, in particular, had become even more ruthless and domineering in temperament since awakening the Abyssal Demon Body. He was eager to take up the challenge and engage in battle with these individuals.
You calmly restrained his actions, explaining that there was no need to contend with these reckless individuals. Your words further irritated the young talents, and they continued to mock you.
Just as the tension was rising, Yudao Hong appeared, coming to your aid and dispersing the other young talents. Faced with Yudao Hong, these individuals didn't dare to provoke him and chose to leave after another round of mockery directed at you.
As for Yudao Hong, he looked at you with some helplessness, unable to understand your mindset. He couldn't fathom why someone with such formidable strength among the younger generation would keep such a low profile.
You didn't say much, just chuckled and suggested that since you had met, you could go shopping together. Yudao Hong didn't refuse your invitation and agreed. You then walked together, and Yudao Hong shared information about the current state of the Immortal City, including the various forces and young talents that had arrived.
Yudao Hong mentioned some forces that operated covertly and some prodigies who hadn't made it onto the Three Saints Ranking but possessed the strength to contend for a place.
He pointed out a few exceptional talents who, like you, came from different realms and were nurtured as successors in the Upper Realm. These included the Prince of the Slaughter Paradise, Xiao Sha, the Beast of the Abyssal Depths, Yuan E, and the Nine Stars Reserve Disciple of the Nine Stars Pavilion. The Nine Stars Pavilion was a unique force with nine members, each possessing battle power comparable to that of an Emperor, making them incredibly formidable.
However, due to the diverse backgrounds of the Nine Stars Pavilion members, they weren't truly united. While they were one of the strongest forces with double-digit Emperor-level combatants, their internal divisions made other forces not particularly wary of them.
Nevertheless, with the Immortal Mansion about to open, no one knew whether the Nine Stars Pavilion's nine members and their reserve disciples would unite to compete for the Immortal Fortune or continue to act individually.
If they joined forces, even the top-ranked prodigies on the Three Saints Ranking might find it difficult to contend with them, and they could be easily overwhelmed.
As you listened to Yudao Hong's explanations, you found it intriguing and appreciated Yudao Hong's extensive knowledge. You also became more interested in the Nine Stars Pavilion. You had heard of the Nine Stars Pavilion in previous simulations but didn't have much information about it.
Now, with a clearer understanding of their strength, you couldn't help but acknowledge their formidable presence. The Nine Stars Reserve Disciples were all top-tier talents, and their combined power was truly terrifying.
Afterwards, your thoughts turned to the Slaughter Paradise. It had a strong reputation in this world, specializing in assassination techniques that terrified many cultivators. However, since you and the Slaughter Paradise were archenemies, you had your eyes set on the head of the Slaughter Paradise, Xie Sha.
While you and Yudao Hong were discussing various matters, you encountered two familiar individuals – Ji Bingyan and Ji Ziqing.
Ji Bingyan's current cultivation level surprised you; she had reached the level of a Saint King, and her foundation seemed solid, not something artificially boosted. Moreover, you could sense a chilling aura from her, indicating that she possessed
a potent ice attribute physique.
As for Ji Ziqing, your impression of him had been that he was Ji Bingyan's younger brother, a seemingly insignificant individual who had harbored some resentment towards you. However, Ji Ziqing had undergone a remarkable transformation. He exuded a profound aura, and his cultivation had reached the level of a Saint King. His rapid growth was astonishing, and it gave you the sense that he might be another disciple with extraordinary potential.
Seeing Ji Bingyan and Ji Ziqing, you couldn't help but scrutinize them. You had initially thought little of Ji Ziqing, but now, your assessment of him had risen.
After all, Ji Bingyan's position as the head of a major family had allowed her to become a Saint King, even if she was relatively average in this world. However, for Ji Ziqing to surpass her in such a short time was impressive.
Of course, you still didn't place too much importance on him. Unless you knew the secret behind his rapid growth and could gain some advantage from him in future simulations, you didn't see a pressing need to establish a closer relationship.
Apart from that, if you were to maximize your benefits, it would likely require you to break through to the level of a Supreme before taking on disciples.
As for your current attempt to recruit disciples through your Seven-Colored Talent, you believed that to reach Supreme-level power and break through to the Emperor-level, you needed to have at least one disciple in the top ten of the Three Saints Ranking.
Chapter 231: Opening of the Immortal Mansion! A Radiant Grand World
"Even if I were to recruit a genius from the top ten of the Three Saints Ranking, it might not guarantee a stable breakthrough. The Seven-Colored Talent · Disciple Recruitment primarily enhances cultivation rather than enlightenment. Achieving the Supreme Realm, where you turn Dao patterns into Dao fruits and gain recognition from the Heavenly Dao, clearly requires enlightenment. In this regard, enlightenment plays a significant role."
"Therefore, I have doubts about whether I can achieve the Supreme Realm solely through the Seven-Colored Talent · Disciple Recruitment. I believe it's safer to attempt to gain enlightenment and break through to the Supreme Realm on my own before recruiting disciples to enhance my cultivation."
"With this in mind, Ji Ziqing's value to me has diminished in the short term. There's no need to take care of him. I must say; you are quite practical."
"Next, after a pleasant conversation with Ji Bingyan, I told her that if she encountered any difficulties when entering the Immortal Mansion, I would assist her. She was appreciative and pleased by this offer."
"However, this statement only fueled Ji Ziqing's displeasure. He snorted, claiming that Ji Bingyan didn't need my protection and that he alone was sufficient."
"This blatant insult made me furrow my brows. Lin Qinghe and Wan Yu also showed their disapproval, thinking that Ji Ziqing was too arrogant. Ji Bingyan felt embarrassed and quickly apologized to me."
"However, Ji Ziqing remained unapologetic, giving me a cold, indifferent glare before leaving. I found his behavior quite perplexing, but I had no interest in confronting such an arrogant individual, so I continued to chat with Ji Bingyan."
"As Ji Ziqing distanced himself from me, he became increasingly agitated, feeling annoyed by his subconscious attraction to Ji Bingyan. If not for this, he wouldn't be so emotional."
"Ji Ziqing believed that to completely resolve this issue, he might need to win Ji Bingyan's favor, become Dao companions with her, or eliminate all the men close to her."
"Considering this, he made a decision to find a way to pursue Ji Bingyan and eliminate me."
"Hmm?"
Wang Ping looked at the suddenly shifting perspective in the text simulation, appearing rather surprised.
He hadn't expected Ji Ziqing to be a victim of body possession rather than a lucky individual who had risen from obscurity due to his destiny.
"So, Ji Ziqing is just an unfortunate victim of body possession?"
Wang Ping furrowed his brow slightly, murmuring to himself.
However, the fact that this guy had appeared by Ji Bingyan's side was still not a good sign. If their relationship continued to develop, trouble was bound to arise sooner or later.
And it was clear that this guy intended to kill me.
"In that case, it's better to strike first, eliminate a potential threat. I have no interest in being constantly targeted and waiting for someone to set up a scheme to kill me."
With that, Wang Ping's eyes revealed a fierce glint, and he harbored a murderous intent towards Ji Ziqing.
However, the Ji family had produced Emperors in the past, and their Emperor's scripture was related to reincarnation and rebirth. Among all the Emperor's scriptures, it was quite unique. Unless an exceptionally long Last Era occurred, their family lineage would never be severed. If one were to split their soul ruthlessly, their cultivation speed would even surpass cultivators of the same realm, albeit with a clear weakness in combat capabilities compared to other Emperor's scriptures.
For someone like Ji Ziqing to be possessed was undoubtedly an exceptional circumstance.
"If I look at it based on the typical plotlines I've read in novels, this would be considered a 'reincarnation body possession' type, which is an unusual situation, and it seems like the Heavenly Dao is at play."
Wang Ping mused, various thoughts flashing through his mind.
Indeed, it could only be the Heavenly Dao's intervention that allowed Ji Ziqing to bypass the Ji family's safeguards.
"I wonder what realm this guy who possessed Ji Ziqing was in during his previous life. If he had a high cultivation level and possessed complete memories, it would be a real problem to deal with him in this simulation."
Wang Ping's gaze flickered, and his expression became slightly more serious.
In this kind of reincarnation body possession scenario, the most classic example was an Immortal Emperor's reincarnation.
In this fantasy world, if someone of the Immortal Emperor level were to reincarnate, they would be an overwhelmingly dominant presence among the younger generation. Their insights into the Dao, their mastery of Emperor's scripture, and their various techniques would be crushing to the younger generation.
"However, it's unlikely to be an Immortal Emperor. Immortal Emperors shouldn't have such an impulsive mentality. It's probably a reincarnation of a Supreme."
Wang Ping sighed in relief and made his judgment.
Even if an Emperor were to be reborn, they couldn't possibly be influenced by the subconscious of a mere ordinary waste child. If an Emperor were this weak, they wouldn't deserve to be called an Emperor, it would be too embarrassing.
Even a Quasi-Emperor wouldn't be like this. Only Supremes, especially ordinary Supremes, would be so greatly affected.
Other than that, it would only be Ji Ziqing, who was possessed and reborn by an ordinary Supreme, that wouldn't pose a threat to the younger generation and would allow for fair competition. Otherwise, the young generation would become supporting actors in Ji Ziqing's show.
Afterward, Wang Ping calmed his thoughts and entered the immersive simulation mode again. After conveying this information to the simulated Wang Ping, he exited the immersive simulation mode and returned to the text-based simulation.
[Having learned about Ji Ziqing's situation, you harbored a desire to eliminate him, thinking about how to do so without anyone noticing.]
[After some thought, you decided to involve Yu Daohong. After parting ways with Ji Bingyan, you hoped that Yu Daohong would do you a favor.]
[Your sudden request made Yu Daohong instantly alert, thinking that you had ulterior motives. The last time, you had him engage in a fake battle with you. Now, he was certain you were up to something again.]
[Seeing Yu Daohong's caution, you maintained a friendly demeanor and assured him that if he helped you, he would be assisting the Taiyi Emperor's Palace and aiding the Great Heavenly Feather Emperor. After all, the Taiyi Emperor's Palace's mission of promoting the Ascension Doctrine still required his contribution. Could Yu Daohong justify turning down the Taiyi Emperor's Palace's investment in him?]
[This remark made Yu Daohong's face darken, feeling uncomfortable with your moral entanglement. In the end, he reluctantly agreed, stating that this would be the last time. No matter what you asked of him in the future, he would not agree.]
[Hearing this, you smirked and said it was definitely the last billion times. With Yu Daohong's agreement, you didn't waste time and immediately told him what you wanted him to do.]
[You didn't beat around the bush and asked Yu Daohong to investigate Ji Ziqing's background discreetly. If possible, you wanted to hire an assassin from the Slaughter Paradise to eliminate him.]
[Your request made Yu Daohong furrow his brow deeply and give you a deep, puzzled look, not understanding why you wanted to kill Ji Ziqing. Clearly, you had a good relationship with that Ji family girl, so it didn't make sense for you to take such actions. Even if Ji Ziqing was impolite, it didn't warrant his death.]
[However, Yu Daohong had no interest in questioning your motives. Since you were the legitimate First Prince of the Taiyi Emperor's Palace, the hope of the Taiyi Emperor's Palace's Ascension Doctrine, he wouldn't inquire about your reasons for killing someone. What he wanted to do was assist you in seizing the opportunity for Ascension while helping you remove obstacles.]
[Next, Yu Daohong left directly to carry out the assigned task, while you continued to stroll through the Immortal City with Lin Qinghe and others, gathering information and preparing for the opening of the Immortal Mansion.]
[In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. During these three days, Immortal City became more lively, and the sound of Immortal music filled the air. The Immortal Mansion would open tomorrow, and all the young talents were urged to prepare for the trials. Only those who passed the trials could enter the Immortal Mansion.]
[Many upper realm talents were filled with enthusiasm and adjusted their states to perform at their best, hoping to shine tomorrow. As for those on the Three Saints Ranking and Quasi-Three Saints Ranking, they practiced with indifference, without any pressure. If they couldn't pass the Immortal Mansion trials, it would be hard for anyone else to do so.]
[Today, Yu Daohong returned with some information. After his investigation, it was clear that Ji Ziqing was not ordinary. He had concealed his cultivation level, and his true strength was at the level of a Grand Saint.]
[Moreover, Yu Daohong mentioned that Ji Ziqing possessed terrifying combat abilities. He was not only proficient in various formations but also seemed to have mastery in alchemy. He had also comprehended Dao patterns. Even Yu Daohong admitted that he was no match for Ji Ziqing and had almost been severely injured. If not for his protector intervening, he might have been exposed.]
[At the end of his report, Yu Daohong looked quite solemn, stating that Ji Ziqing had been able to comprehend Dao patterns when entering the Grand Saint level, which was extremely rare. Almost no one had accomplished such a feat. He believed that Ji Ziqing might become a formidable opponent for you.]
[Listening to Yu Daohong's words, you contemplated. Ji Ziqing indeed seemed to be a Supreme in the reincarnation and body possession category, perhaps even a Master of Formations and an Alchemy Grandmaster in his previous life. That's why Ji Ziqing had become so powerful in such a short time and had helped Ji Bingyan improve her cultivation.]
[In the upper realms, there were not many Alchemy Grandmasters, especially powerful ones. Alchemy was closely related to one's cultivation level. To refine Supreme-grade pills, one needed to have a Supreme-level cultivation or possess a terrifying flame.]
[Due to these strict conditions, there were very few Supreme Alchemy Grandmasters in the upper realms, and even major powers had only a few. If one faction had a Supreme Alchemy Grandmaster, it would significantly facilitate their disciples' cultivation.]
[After all, while it was difficult to find heavenly treasures that could help cultivators improve their cultivation and refine their bodies and aid in enlightenment, high-quality alchemical pills could turn ordinary treasures into valuable resources for cultivation.]
[However, most high-level Alchemy Grandmasters were monopolized by the Alchemy Tower. The influence of the Alchemy Tower was formidable throughout the upper realms, surpassing most factions.]
[If Ji Ziqing had been a Supreme Alchemy Grandmaster in his previous life and combined with the Ji family's special techniques, he could likely consume large quantities of pills to rapidly advance his cultivation, refine his body, and help with enlightenment.]
[In the past, the Ji family hadn't possessed high-level Alchemy Grandmasters. If they had, they could have easily supplied low-side-effect precious pills, and their situation wouldn't have deteriorated to this extent.]
[Seeing you lost in thought, Yu Daohong assured you not to worry. He had taken precautions to conceal his identity and hadn't been exposed. However, the Ji family's Supremes had started to protect Ji Ziqing comprehensively, making it difficult to make any further moves.]
[You chuckled and said you didn't mind; you already had enough information. You then asked Yu Daohong if he had registered a bounty for Ji Ziqing's head at the Slaughter Paradise.]
[Upon hearing this, Yu Daohong's face darkened. He had suffered injuries while doing you a favor, nearly exposing his identity, and you didn't care
about him at all. You didn't even offer healing medicine or rewards; you immediately asked about a bounty. It was heartless.]
[Subsequently, Yu Daohong, with a hint of annoyance, stated that he didn't have the money to post a bounty; if you provided the funds, he would arrange it. If not, he wouldn't take care of it.]
[Seeing Yu Daohong getting angry, you cleared your throat and explained that you were also tight on funds at the moment. You asked Yu Daohong to handle it first, and you would pay him back later.]
[This made Yu Daohong's face twitch, and he wished he could quit the job right then. However, he ultimately stared at you with determination, saying that this was truly the last time; otherwise, he would kill you.]
[You chuckled and said it was definitely the last billion times. As a fellow prince of the Taiyi Emperor's Palace, you regarded him as a brotherly figure. How could you keep tricking him forever?]
[Feather Dao Hong's face darkened, and he uttered the word "roll" before leaving. Seeing this, Cai Yonglong's gaze turned strange, marveling at how you lived up to your reputation.]
[In the blink of an eye, another day passed. The Immortal Mansion was about to open, and countless individuals turned into divine rainbows, flying toward the mansion. Meanwhile, the prominent figures on the Transcendent Immortal Continent gazed in the direction of the Immortal Mansion with profound expressions, their thoughts hidden.]
[Among them, some emperors contemplated making a move to test if the Immortal Mansion could still dominate the scene as it did in ancient times. However, they ultimately suppressed their intentions. The Immortal Mansion was too mysterious and powerful. If its foundations were intact, even emperors could perish if they acted against it.]
[Therefore, unless all the emperors acted together or someone discerned the secrets of the Immortal Mansion, attempting to forcibly confront it would be an act of self-destruction, not worth the risk. It was better to let the successors enter the Immortal Mansion, contend for the Immortal Luck, and investigate the mansion's secrets.]
[As the thoughts of various parties swirled, you led your group to the entrance of the Immortal Mansion. There, you saw a barrier, radiant like divine light, enveloping the mansion's gate.]
[At this moment, the Immortal Mansion transmitted an announcement: "To enter the Immortal Mansion, the first threshold is age. Only those who are still young qualify, while those who have undergone reincarnation, body possession, or are too old are not allowed entry."]
[Hearing this, some cultivators felt the age threshold was too low and began flying inside. You, Cai Yonglong, and others easily entered without any hindrance. Most of the young talents also encountered no obstacles.]
[However, what astonished you was the sight of numerous exceptional talents blocked from entering. Above the heads of those who exceeded the age limit, words like "overage" appeared, while those who had undergone reincarnation or body possession were similarly labeled. The radiance was truly mysterious.]
[This unexpected discovery left you intrigued. You hadn't anticipated so many reincarnators and possessors attempting to enter the Immortal Mansion with hopes of luck. Their audacity was indeed remarkable.]
[In this era, no matter the faction, the management of reincarnators and possessors was strict. They were not allowed to compete with the genuine young talents, as it would be unfair and could stifle the true prodigies.]
[While you pondered this, forces related to those individuals noticed problems within their ranks. Their expressions darkened instantly as they arrested the reincarnators and possessors, waiting for them to face their inevitable consequences.]
[You observed this scene and glanced in the direction of Ji Ziqing, noting his somewhat anxious expression. It seemed he hadn't anticipated the peculiar nature of the radiance but quickly displayed relief, as it appeared he had a unique situation and wouldn't need to worry anymore.]
[Seeing this, you narrowed your eyes, thinking that Ji Ziqing was indeed a lucky fellow, truly a child of fate with his reincarnation and possession lineage.]
[As you contemplated this, a surge of immense demonic energy emanated from outside the Immortal Mansion. This attracted the attention of many cultivators, who turned to look. Soon, someone exclaimed that the Demonic Emperor had arrived.]
[You were surprised, not expecting the Demonic Emperor to personally come after the arrival of the Demonic Child. This situation was undoubtedly unique.]
[Shortly after, you understood the reason. Beside the Demonic Emperor, there was a young man shrouded in demonic energy, bearing an emblem on his forehead with intertwined gold and dark colors.]
[This emblem seemed familiar. You had seen a similar mark on the forehead of a natural saint in a different universe. It appeared to be a symbol of natural saints.]
[However, the emblem you now saw had changed, interweaving gold and dark colors, likely due to the natural saint having fallen into the demonic sect and becoming a disciple of the Demonic Emperor.]
[It seemed that in the decisive battle of the quasi-emperors back then, the Demonic Child of the Demonic Sect, the Bone-Choice quasi-emperor, had emerged victorious, defeating another quasi-emperor and taking the natural saint with him.]
[In your thoughts, you estimated the current cultivation and strength of this natural saint. Although he might have been sealed or had less cultivation time than talents like Lin Qinghe and Wan Yu, his power was undoubtedly terrifying.]
[You believed that this natural saint's cultivation was at least at the half-step emperor level. As for his combat prowess, you weren't entirely certain. Nevertheless, being valued and personally escorted by the Demonic Emperor spoke volumes. He likely had the potential to rank within the top twenty or even top ten.]
[While you contemplated this, the natural saint swiftly crossed the radiance barrier and entered the Immortal Mansion.]
[Then, the Demonic Emperor gazed profoundly in the direction of the Immortal Mansion and transformed into black mist, vanishing. This spectacle astonished the other cultivators, who hadn't expected to witness the legendary Demonic Emperor. Simultaneously, their curiosity about the natural saint brought forth strong interest.]
[Amid your group's focus on the natural saint, Gu Xuan merely glanced at him before turning his gaze toward Lin Qinghe, his eyes deep with meaning.]
[End of this chapter.]