Volume One: The Cataclysm of the Lich Chapter 116: Hongjun Appears, Confronting the Heavenly Way
With the name of the Unrivaled Mountain now confirmed, both the Five Aggregates and the mountain itself underwent earth-shattering transformations in that very instant.
As the initiator of these changes, Five Aggregates was acutely aware that Unrivaled Mountain had finally broken the shackles that had long bound it. Though Five Aggregates was but an avatar of Azure Mystery, the true master of Unrivaled Mountain, it was his hand that executed Azure Mystery’s designs, and so he received the mountain’s direct feedback. From this moment forth, his title as Lord of Unrivaled Mountain was irrefutably established.
Just as Five Aggregates was preparing his next move, the figure of Hongjun suddenly appeared before him. Hongjun’s aura was fierce and oppressive, his eyes cold as he stared at Five Aggregates, then glanced warily at the Primordial Heaven Measuring Rod clutched in Five Aggregates’ hand.
“Azure Mystery, what is it you truly seek?” came a voice resonating with the power of the primordial soul, echoing in Five Aggregates’ mind.
“Heavenly Dao, you ask what I want? Shouldn’t I be questioning you about your motives? If I hadn’t labored tirelessly to scheme for the wilderness, strengthening its source, would you have what you possess today? You even dared to covet my power, yet you forget that I’ve long since sent away the body of the Creation Green Lotus, already transformed anew.”
“You! If not for you, the anomaly, the wilderness would never have become like this!”
“Oh? What state do you refer to? Speak, let me hear.”
“It has come to the point where innate spiritual energy is severed, cultivators cannot progress, and even the methods of cultivation are but fragments you passed on through Hongjun’s mouth.”
“So, you, the anomaly, do know quite a lot!”
“We’re alike in that regard.”
At that very moment, Hongjun swiftly summoned the Creation Jade Disc, unleashing countless streams of Dao force intent on obliterating Five Aggregates. But Five Aggregates’ brow flashed with golden light, which enveloped him in an endless radiance.
“I’ve been waiting for you!”
With those words, he poured innumerable Dao rhythms and powers into the Primordial Heaven Measuring Rod. Behind him, a massive blue lotus pedestal materialized, limitless creative Dao harmonies flowing in, condensing into a radiant wheel of the Dao.
Then, Five Aggregates struck fiercely with the rod at the Creation Jade Disc hovering above Hongjun’s head. The instant rod met disc, the disc’s spiritual resonance was drained away, countless Dao forces and rhythms flooding into the rod. In front of Five Aggregates, an innate restriction began to take shape.
Yet as the restriction was about to fully manifest, Hongjun withdrew the Creation Jade Disc. Five Aggregates sighed inwardly at the lost opportunity.
“How did you know…”
“You really think your tricks could fool me? Did you expect I wouldn’t be prepared?”
Five Aggregates watched as Hongjun’s complexion paled, and a furious mental roar echoed from his spirit.
“Damn anomaly! Why are you recognized by heaven and earth? Why are you allowed to wield the authority of the cosmos?”
Seeing Hongjun’s bewildered expression, Five Aggregates had no patience for nostalgia. Instead, he grasped the phantom of the green lotus, his body suffused with concentrated spatial Dao power. Raising his hands towards the core of the Celestial Court, he shouted,
“Rise!”
Swiftly, he sent it soaring into the thirty-three heavens.
“Alas, the heavens are incomplete; this will have to suffice for now.”
Exerting his full strength, Five Aggregates swung the Primordial Heaven Measuring Rod three times at the thirty-third heaven.
“Open!”
As three illusory spaces appeared, Five Aggregates returned the Celestial Court to its rightful place. Instantly, the thirty-three heavens were encompassed by this newly born Celestial Court, forming a fresh domain connected to the entire wilderness. The spiritual energy flowed ceaselessly into the court, both space and aura surpassing what had been before.
Having finished, Five Aggregates gazed at the new Celestial Court, sighing in exhaustion.
“At last, it is done. Truly arduous, but thankfully I was well prepared.”
He then returned to Unrivaled Mountain, finding Hongjun’s presence already vanished, and thought little of it. Instead, he looked to the many demon clan members scattered around the mountain, now utterly stunned.
During the clash between Five Aggregates and Heavenly Dao, they had been completely isolated. Yet, with the Celestial Court and Five Aggregates now absent, they had still glimpsed Hongjun’s pale face. They knew not what had transpired, but speculation abounded, only deepening the mystery.
Now, witnessing Five Aggregates appearing as though nothing had happened, they were unable to react before Fuxi hurried to Emperor Jun’s side.
“Your Majesty, the Celestial Court is closely tied to our demon clan. We must secure its control!”
“Oh? I didn’t expect Emperor Fuxi to have such foresight.”
Emperor Jun was well aware of Fuxi’s formidable divining abilities, which was why he had worked so hard to win Fuxi’s allegiance, even lending his own innate treasure as an incentive.
“Your Majesty, the Celestial Court is vital to the rule of the wilderness. If our demon clan wishes to rise above all living beings, we must strive for it,” Fuxi explained, seeing Emperor Jun’s enigmatic smile.
“The court represents legitimacy. With it, our actions will be justified, and we can elevate our demon clan to the summit.”
As strategist and wise advisor, White Marsh quickly stepped forward to urge Emperor Jun as well.
“Well, since both strategist and Emperor Fuxi advocate for this, I agree. I refuse to believe that, united, our demon clan cannot contend with any who oppose us.”
With these bold words, Emperor Jun radiated immense confidence, his determination immediately inspiring countless demon clan members.
“Demon clan invincible, sovereign of the world!”
“Demon clan invincible, sovereign of the world!”
…
“Let us go and see the Celestial Court for ourselves!”
With a grand gesture, Emperor Jun led Fuxi and the gathered demon clan straight to the thirty-three heavens.
Arriving, they found four grand gates blocking their path and, within the thirty-three heavens, the majestic halls of the Celestial Court. Many were either elated or awestruck, gazing at the dazzling, resplendent Celestial Court.
“So this is the Celestial Court? Truly magnificent! This is our court’s new stronghold.”
At that moment, many demon clan members were overcome with excitement. Were it not for Emperor Jun and his companions holding back, they would surely have surged forward.
“Your Majesty, delay breeds change. We should inspect the court immediately!” Fuxi urged, seeing Emperor Jun marvel at the sight.
Compared to this Celestial Court, their own demon court seemed petty and insignificant.
Reminded by Fuxi, Emperor Jun returned to himself, leading them through the South Heaven Gate and towards the myriad palaces atop the thirty-three heavens.
Along the way, they beheld countless grand halls, magnificent and imposing, filling them with fervor. Only upon reaching the final Hall of Supreme Ascension did Fuxi and the others feel a weight lift from their hearts.