"Senior, forgive my boldness," Yelu Fengzhi said, his voice tinged with hesitation. "Not long ago, the Yunxiao Dynasty was utterly destroyed. Rumors have it that, just before their downfall, a Golden Dragon Rider was sent into the Feihua Mountains, reportedly in pursuit of someone connected to the Xian family. Could this be true?"
The fall of the Yunxiao Dynasty had remained an unresolved mystery. The mere mention of the Xian family from Feihua City triggered a realization in Yelu Fengzhi's mind, linking the dots to this enigmatic event.
Xian Yue's expression shifted to a faint smile, his tone casual yet cutting as he replied, "The Yunxiao Dynasty, you say? Yes, indeed. Its destruction was orchestrated by none other than my father."
His words struck like lightning. The members of the Yu family and He Tianwu felt a chill run down their spines, their faces pale with shock. Could it be true that the perpetrators hailed from Feihua City?
"We warned them not to meddle in the affairs of the Xian family," Xian Yue continued, his voice steady but cold. "But they refused to heed our warnings and instead courted their demise. To end their incessant harassment, we dealt with them decisively. One must eliminate weeds from the root, wouldn't you agree?"
His gaze fell upon Yelu Fengzhi, who shivered under its weight. "I trust," Xian Yue said, a faint smile playing on his lips, "that you won't make the same mistake. If you aim to challenge the Xian family, you best ensure your strength is sufficient. Otherwise, I'd suggest you abandon such thoughts altogether."
"I wouldn't dare! Truly, I wouldn't dare!" Yelu Fengzhi hurriedly responded, his voice trembling. "I, Yelu Fengzhi, swear to the heavens: if I ever seek vengeance against the Xian family, may my entire sect, the Extreme Profundities Sect, perish!"
It was a solemn oath, binding not just him but his entire sect.
Xian Yue nodded slightly, his demeanor calm yet authoritative. "Your sincerity is noted. I shall let today's events rest here," he said before turning to Xian Wu. "Father, shall we proceed to the sinkhole?"
"Indeed," Xian Wu replied with a nod. Their initial plans for a celebratory visit, laden with treasures like celestial peaches, Emperor-grade elixirs, and high-grade spiritual artifacts, now seemed unnecessary. The events had already taken a decisive turn.
Xian Yue turned back briefly, his gaze landing on Yu Cheng. "Remember your words today," he said, his tone sharp. "When external forces descend upon this place, I trust you'll remain as defiant as you are now. And do not think of coming to the Xian family for aid."
"External forces? Senior, what do you mean?" Yelu Fengzhi asked, his curiosity piqued and his tone reverent. He bowed deeply, and the other elders followed suit, eager to glean insights from someone of Xian Yue's evident stature.
With a faint smile, Xian Yue replied, "It's no secret. Soon, all major forces from the universe will converge upon the Absolute Beginning Star Domain. In time, this planet will witness a surge of power unimaginable to you. Supremes will walk among us like ordinary men, and saints will pale in comparison."
"Major forces? From the universe?" Yelu Fengzhi murmured, his voice trembling. The concept of forces from beyond the stars was entirely foreign to him, bound as he was to the limitations of his Body Integration Realm.
"Of course," Xian Yue said with an air of nonchalance. "The Absolute Beginning Star Domain is but one of countless domains across the cosmos. And I'll let you in on a little secret: a Great Emperor has already arrived on this very plain."
"A... Great Emperor?"
Shock rippled through the crowd. Even the mere mention of such a being caused their bodies to tremble with fear and awe.
"Yes," Xian Yue confirmed, his smile unwavering. "A Great Emperor. So, my advice to you? Tread carefully. Not everyone you meet will have the patience or temperament that I do."
"Thank you, Senior, for your guidance!" Yelu Fengzhi said hurriedly, bowing deeply once more. "Might I ask... is there a path for survival for sects like ours amidst such changes?"
"For small forces like yours, three paths remain," Xian Yue replied thoughtfully. "First, seek allegiance with a greater power. Second, retreat into obscurity, training in seclusion to nurture a Supreme or Quasi-Emperor within your ranks. Third, leave this planet and seek refuge on another within the Absolute Beginning Star Domain, where the competition may be less fierce."
"Senior, does this mean that cultivation to the Supreme or Quasi-Emperor level is possible here?" Yelu Fengzhi asked hesitantly, doubt flickering in his voice.
"Indeed. The influx of powerful forces will bring with them spiritual veins, enriching the planet's aura. With sufficient talent and fortune, breaking through to such heights will no longer be impossible," Xian Yue replied.
Yelu Fengzhi's resolve hardened. He silently vowed to prepare a grand gift and visit the Xian family personally to solidify ties.
After their departure from the imperial city, the members of the Extreme Profundities Sect hurried back to their sect, their minds racing with plans for the future. Although they had suffered losses, including the deaths of two elders, the knowledge they had gained was invaluable.
Meanwhile, He Tianwu returned to the City Lord's Mansion, his dreams of ascension shattered. He had no choice but to accept his position as a mere City Lord.
The Yu family's birthday banquet resumed, but the once-celebratory atmosphere was weighed down by the grim realization of their missteps. Yu Cheng and his son, Yu Shuo, bore the brunt of this. Their severing of ties with Yu Zhen, a decision rooted in pragmatism, now seemed shortsighted and foolish.
"Son," Yu Zhen said softly as they approached the sinkhole, "should things escalate to the level you just described, promise me you'll protect them. After all, they're your grandfather and uncle."
Xian Yue's expression softened. "Don't worry, Mother. I won't let them die."
"Not just that," Yu Zhen continued, her voice firm. "They must suffer the consequences of their actions. Only through hardship will they learn."
Xian Yue chuckled. "Oh, they'll suffer. With their opportunistic nature, they'll surely latch onto anyone they can. Whether they succeed or not is another matter entirely."
"Madam," Xian Wu interjected, his voice calm, "rest assured. Xian Yue has always acted with precision."
Their conversation shifted as they turned their attention to the sinkhole, a vast, circular chasm that seemed to stretch endlessly into the earth. A hazy light emanated from its depths, accompanied by an icy chill that coated the surrounding area with frost.
"Strange," Xian Wu remarked, his brow furrowed. "The last time I came here, it was filled with an intense heat. How has it turned so cold?"
Xian Yue's gaze sharpened as he peered into the abyss. "It's an Immortal Weapon," he said suddenly.
"An Immortal Weapon?" Xian Wu repeated, his surprise evident. "You mean this light is coming from such a treasure?"
Xian Yue nodded. "Indeed. Its presence has altered the very nature of this place. Let's proceed carefully."