Back when his avatar manifested as the Sacred Emperor, before its true nature was fully understood, Mao Bao had displayed three heaven-defying abilities: item duplication, lifeform simulation, and physique refinement.
Even Li Fan, now the veritable creator of an Immortal Domain, couldn't easily replicate these feats.
And Mao Bao was merely a harbinger. The power of the force behind it was unimaginable.
Crucially, Li Fan now possessed a comprehensive understanding of the Shuo Star Sea's power structure, yet he hadn't found a single trace related to Mao Bao.
Therefore, the force behind Mao Bao either originated from a distant star region,
Or…
Perhaps from another possibility altogether!
If it were the former, it wouldn't be too concerning. But if it were the latter… then he might need to re-examine the Fishing Pond hidden within the Xuanhuang World.
Currently, only one location within the Great Wall remained outside Li Fan's control: the Fishing Pond.
Within the Fishing Pond, countless treasures shimmered like starlight, all captured from various sources. But the withering star regions of the [Primordial] possibilities couldn't possibly sustain the existence of so many treasures.
The treasures within the Fishing Pond possessed distinct characteristics, each seemingly originating from a unique civilization. The [Primordial] possibilities, ravaged by the Dao Obliteration Calamity and with even the Immortal Realm shattered, could no longer birth such diverse cultivation civilizations.
The Fishing Pond might be connected to the true myriad worlds.
This was the primary reason Li Fan hadn't touched the Fishing Pond, despite possessing the power to easily subdue Unnamed True Immortals.
As long as he didn't provoke it, the Fishing Pond remained tranquil, like a genuine pond. Li Fan was unwilling to risk interfering.
In the past, he had needed the treasures within the Fishing Pond to aid his cultivation. Now…
Having comprehended the [Transformations of Truth and Illusion], apart from the True Return, there was nothing in the world that Li Fan couldn't bear to part with.
Setting aside the Fishing Pond and Mao Bao for the moment, the Shuo Star Sea True Immortals were already on their way to offer congratulations after Li Fan unfurled the scroll.
Not wanting them to discover the Great Wall, Li Fan instructed Li Buren and three celestial scars to wait outside.
Soon, led by [Chaos], the Shuo Star Sea True Immortals exited the Dao Net's coverage and arrived at the Obliterated Lands.
Compared to before, after Li Fan's deliberate absorption of the Shuo Star Sea's abundant Dao, the Obliterated Lands near the Great Wall showed signs of renewed vitality. However, the areas damaged by the Dao Obliteration Calamity remained irreparable. The terrain was still narrow and elongated.
The moment they set foot in the area, the True Immortals sensed the Dao pathway manifested by Li Buren.
"Interesting."
"Isn't this another form of the [Dao Net]?"
"It's a pity the Immortal Hunters aren't here. Their expressions upon seeing this pathway would be quite amusing." A voice emanated from the indistinct figure leading the group.
The other True Immortals, walking upon the [pathway], wore various expressions.
Having fought against the Shuo Star Sea for so long, they were quite familiar with its Dao Net. The pathway beneath their feet seemed no less impressive.
The question was, how?
The Shuo Star Sea's Dao Net was built upon the foundation of several Unnamed Ones, supported by numerous True Immortals. And then there was the one who had imprinted the Dao Net with a single hand…
It was the combined efforts of many that had created this marvel, allowing mortals to contend with True Immortals.
What supported this pathway before them?
Was it solely the work of the Hidden Emperor?
If so, his power was likely even greater than they had anticipated.
A flicker of concern crossed the Immortals' eyes.
After a short while, their attention was drawn to a stone pillar standing in the void ahead. The large character [静 - Stillness/Silence] inscribed upon it made their hearts skip a beat.
They had all heard of Immortal Hunter Elder Wei's suppression and transformation into a pillar, but witnessing it firsthand sent a chill down their spines.
"He didn't become the [Hidden Emperor] for nothing," they thought to themselves.
Although they sympathized with Elder Wei, no one suggested rescuing him.
Beyond the stone pillar, Li Buren and the celestial scars Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen awaited them.
"We meet again," Thirteen grinned, its voice chilling.
Eleven and Twelve eyed the True Immortals like predators sizing up their prey.
Having witnessed the power of the Infinite Sea emanating from Thirteen before, and now seeing two others equally powerful beside it, the True Immortals couldn't help but feel tense and uneasy.
Only [Chaos] remained focused solely on Li Buren.
Seemingly sensing the residual aura of the Infinite Sea clinging to Li Buren from his recent return, Chaos's demeanor subtly shifted.
Li Buren manifested a seven-colored pathway, guiding the True Immortals forward.
As they stepped onto the path, they were enveloped in a myriad of shimmering lights, their vision and hearing obscured.
They seemed to be hurtling forward, crossing vast distances in an instant.
When the seven-colored light dissipated, the magnificent and sacred Primordial Immortal Realm suddenly appeared before them.
Even Chaos, an Unnamed One, froze in astonishment.
Witnessing through a scroll and experiencing firsthand were two entirely different concepts.
What they had sensed from the scroll was less than a thousandth of the reality.
The vast expanse of heaven and earth stretched endlessly before them. Mirror-like lakes, cloud-shrouded mountain peaks, and towering celestial palaces…
Teeming with life and brimming with infinite possibilities.
What truly captivated the True Immortals, evoking a sense of returning to their homeland in the Immortal Realm, was the boundless Immortal Power permeating this realm.
They couldn't remember the last time they had experienced such comfort.
Although upon achieving True Immortalhood, their own power also possessed the property of infinity, they still yearned for this atmosphere saturated with [infinity].
In the lower realms, their power protected them from substantial harm, yet they still felt out of place. Like wading through a muddy swamp, although they could still walk, the splashing mud made them uncomfortable.
Now, stepping into this Primordial Immortal Realm, they felt like fish in water, birds in the sky.
Like they had finally come home.
Several True Immortals wept openly. Having fought for so long in the harsh environment of the lower realms, they never thought they would see the Immortal Realm again.
Even if it was just a single Immortal Domain, it was enough.
…
As the True Immortals reeled in awe, the Primordial Immortal Realm suddenly fell silent.
All living beings looked up towards the sky in unison, holding their breath.
Then, they slowly prostrated themselves.
The True Immortals followed their gaze.
In the sky, the thirteen celestial scars were arranged in order. And beyond them, five palaces, wreathed in purple qi, shimmered in and out of existence.
"Those are…" The True Immortals vaguely perceived god-like gazes emanating from those structures, looking down upon them.
They felt a sudden sense of déjà vu, as if they were once again standing before the ruling Immortal Emperor.
Infinite Immortal Power swirled around them like a凛冽wind. Under the pressure of this unique environment, several True Immortals felt their resolve waver, almost bowing to the five figures.
But Chaos stopped them.
"World consciousnesses."
"One divided into five."
Worthy of being an Unnamed One, Chaos instantly discerned the true nature of the five figures in the sky. As the five world consciousnesses naturally born from the Primordial Immortal Realm, their power surpassed even the thirteen celestial scars.
Chaos was confident in facing the thirteen celestial scars.
But against these five masters of the Primordial Immortal Realm…
"Without resorting to my ultimate measures, it would be a difficult fight," Chaos assessed silently.
"I never imagined this Immortal Domain would harbor so many powerful primordial beings."
This was completely unexpected.
Even in the vast Immortal Realm of the past, primordial beings were rare. And primordial beings capable of connecting to the Infinite Sea were even scarcer.
Yet here, in this single Immortal Domain, they had gathered!
"Just what is that Hidden Emperor…"
Chaos's heart sank. He searched, trying to find the Hidden Emperor who had created this Immortal Domain.
But his search yielded nothing.
He didn't need to search any longer.
Amidst the absolute silence of all living beings, Li Fan finally spoke.
His voice didn't come from the heavens or the earth.
It arose spontaneously from every corner of the Primordial Immortal Realm.
Omnipresent.
"After many years, the Immortal Domain is rebuilt. An enduring achievement, now complete."
"Today, the Immortal Realm is established, and the Immortal Court opens."
"I bestow the title: Grand Emperor of Boundless, Central鈞Heaven."
"I bestow the title: Grand Emperor of Azure, Eastern蒼Heaven."
"I bestow the title: Grand Emperor of Jade, Western昊Heaven."
"I bestow the title: Grand Emperor of Nether, Southern黃Heaven."
"I bestow the title: Grand Emperor of Eternal Life, Northern玄Heaven."
…
With each pronouncement, the majestic figures seated within the five celestial palaces transformed, their appearances and attire shifting.
Whereas before they were indistinct, like flowers in the mist, now their imperial robes and crowns were clearly visible.
The moment the five world consciousnesses received Li Fan's decree, natural barriers appeared in the sky and across the land below.
The Primordial Immortal Realm was divided into five domains by Li Fan's resounding words: Central鈞Heaven, Eastern蒼Heaven, Western昊Heaven, Southern黃Heaven, and Northern玄Heaven.
And the five Grand Emperors sat upon their celestial thrones.
Different environments began to evolve within each domain.
For example, in Northern玄Heaven, all things possessed eternal life, its vitality noticeably richer than the other domains. In Eastern蒼Heaven, an air of nobility permeated the land. The beings within this domain naturally ascended to higher life forms simply by existing within its boundaries. This manifested as a gradual increase in the amount of Immortal Power they could draw from the Infinite Sea.
Central鈞Heaven was balanced and harmonious. Like an uncrowned king, it didn't strive for dominance, yet it always prevailed.
…
The investiture of the five Grand Emperors felt like five mountains pressing down upon the True Immortals. This was the pressure of the entire Primordial Immortal Realm, a force they couldn't resist.
Thus, even though they were unwilling, they were forced to lower their heads before the five Grand Emperors.
Even Chaos, an Unnamed One, was no exception.
"These five world consciousnesses have grown stronger," Chaos thought in astonishment.
"That voice echoing throughout heaven and earth, bestowing the titles, must be the Hidden Emperor."
"Because of his decree, the world consciousnesses have gained the recognition of this realm, allowing them to control its various aspects…"
Chaos's thoughts raced.
Even the former ruling Immortal Emperor hadn't possessed such absolute authority in the Immortal Realm. After all, the Immortal Realm was created by the joint efforts of several Saint Monarchs.
"Comparatively, the ruling Immortal Emperor and these newly appointed Grand Emperors are of equal standing."
"Could it be…"
A bold conjecture struck Chaos, shaking him to his core.
"Has the Hidden Emperor already walked the path of Saint Monarch ascension?"
"Otherwise, how else can we explain his actions?"
Chaos could no longer remain calm.
Although the Immortal Realm had seen many Immortal Emperors, the Four Saint Monarchs had always remained constant. For an unknown length of time, no fifth Saint Monarch had emerged.
"Could it be that with the shattering of the Immortal Realm, the Fifth Saint Monarch is about to appear?"
Chaos lowered his head, trying to find a trace of the Hidden Emperor.
However, the Hidden Emperor seemed to have forgotten about the True Immortals who had come to witness the ceremony.
After decreeing the Grand Emperors, he proceeded to bestow titles upon the thirteen celestial scars.
Their status was slightly below the world consciousnesses.
They received the title of "Venerable."
The formless celestial scars instantly solidified and took shape upon receiving their titles. Some resembled primordial beasts, others towering mountains, and still others ordinary mortals.
Their forms were diverse.
After the thirteen Venerables were appointed, the grand voice slowly faded.
The five Grand Emperors and thirteen Venerables each selected their generals, officers, and soldiers from among the realm's inhabitants.
The Primordial Immortal Realm bustled with activity.
The True Immortals from the Shuo Star Sea, who had come to offer congratulations, were completely ignored.
By the time the commotion subsided, a hundred days had passed.
And throughout this entire period, Li Fan hadn't appeared before them.
On this day, Thirteen, dressed in magnificent robes, appeared before the True Immortals.
"Greetings, Venerable."
Chaos led the other True Immortals in bowing.
After being bestowed the title of Venerable, Thirteen's demeanor was no longer as frivolous.
"By order of the Great Lord, the observation ceremony is concluded. It is time for you to leave."
The True Immortals were stunned.
"But we haven't met…"
"Hmm?" Thirteen's expression hardened, its disdain evident.
It almost uttered the words, "And you think you're worthy?"
"This Venerable Thirteen has also grown much stronger," Chaos mused before finally bowing again.
Then, he led the True Immortals back along the reappearing seven-colored pathway, leaving the Primordial Immortal Realm.
"Ugh…"
Perhaps because they had lingered too long in the environment saturated with infinite Immortal Power, the True Immortals felt a wave of discomfort upon returning to the Shuo Star Sea.
The stark contrast made them look back towards the Primordial Immortal Realm.
Unfortunately, with the seven-colored pathway closed, they could no longer return.
It took the True Immortals a long time to readjust to the harsh environment of the Shuo Star Sea. They wore various expressions, lost in their own thoughts.
Chaos had fulfilled his duty, safely returning the True Immortals. The information they brought back was crucial, especially the speculation regarding the Hidden Emperor's power, forcing the Shuo Star Sea to re-evaluate its strategy.
As for Chaos, he remained distracted ever since his return.
(End of chapter)