Volume One: The Lich Cataclysm Chapter 157: Undercurrents in the Starry Skies, the Temptation of Ascendancy

After Xi He walked out of Chang Xi’s palace, she turned around, her teeth clenched with fury as she glared at the palace behind her and spat out a curse.

“Such ingratitude! One day you’ll come begging me for help! I’ll see then if you can remain as arrogant as you were today!”

With that, Xi He no longer lingered and swept her sleeves as she left.

Inside, after Xi He departed, Chang Xi watched her retreating figure, her gaze filled with pity.

She could never bring herself to harm Xi He, but that was all she could offer.

She had long since noticed that Xi He had been scheming something. She could have pretended ignorance, but she never imagined Xi He would eventually turn her sights on her.

In the end, Chang Xi could only leave behind a sigh in her palace, taking no further action.

Xi He did not realize that the last vestige of sisterly affection Chang Xi held for her was buried by her own hands.

Had this been the Chang Xi of old, perhaps she would have truly feared Xi He. But Xi He was unaware that Chang Xi’s cultivation had already surpassed her.

Perhaps out of arrogance, or perhaps because she would never believe that by choosing to remain on the Lunar Star, Chang Xi could outpace her in strength.

After leaving Chang Xi’s palace, Xi He did not return to her own chambers but instead departed the Lunar Star entirely, heading elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the Twelve Star Lords had all gathered together.

“Big Brother, I hear that Taiyi has already advanced to the Quasi-Saint realm. I suspect Di Jun isn’t far behind!”

“Yes, I know. But ever since the grand teaching, we’ve had no word from them at all. It’s only natural I worry.”

Tian Gang Star Lord’s voice betrayed his frustration as he replied to the others.

“So, Big Brother, are we just supposed to wait here? Could it be that they're deliberately ignoring us?”

“I doubt it. Our joining them can only be to their benefit. Given their nature, they’d be foolish to overlook this chance. I don’t think they’ll let it slip by.”

Yet, despite his words, Tian Gang Star Lord felt a twinge of uncertainty in his heart.

“Big Brother, I’ve heard that the Eastern King of the East Sea, after returning from the grand teaching, immediately established something called the Celestial Court and has been recruiting countless mighty beings from the wilderness.”

Tian Gang Star Lord was intrigued by this news.

“Oh? Is that true?”

“Certainly. And since he was appointed by a Sage as the Head of the Male Immortals, he’s gained the favor of many powerful figures.”

“Yes, and as for Di Jun, who knows how many are laughing at him now? Founding the demon race was one thing, but to seize the Heavenly Court and proclaim himself Emperor of Heaven—he never imagined the Sage would pass him over entirely and instead appoint a Head of the Male and Female Immortals.”

“It’s said that after the grand teaching, they began expanding demon territory, trying to recruit most of the wilderness’ races. Yet this has only driven many great powers and living beings into the opposing Celestial Court. Big Brother, should we consider—”

He hadn’t finished before Tian Gang Star Lord cut him off.

“You may think such things, but don’t let me catch you acting on them.”

What he didn’t say aloud was that, in the past, he might have considered it himself.

But this time, Hongjun had personally taken the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa as his disciples. Not to mention, he had bestowed upon them the Primordial Purple Qi—the opportunity for sainthood!

Who in the wilderness doesn’t covet such a thing? But they all know that to try for it would only incur the Sage’s wrath.

And who could say what consequences that would bring?

Thus, all hopes turned to the last chance for sainthood—the thread of Primordial Purple Qi in Hong Yun’s possession.

Of course, countless others had the same idea.

“Now that Nuwa is both of the demon race and the Demon Emperor of the Heavenly Court, what does it matter if the Eastern King is the Head of Male Immortals by a Sage’s decree? Could he possibly compare with a Sage’s disciple?”

“But Big Brother, if that’s the case, why should we get involved in this mess?”

“Don’t you see? From now on, the wilderness will belong to the Sages. If we don’t prepare…”

Hearing Tian Gang Star Lord’s words, the others fell silent, unable to share his resolve.

Though Qingxuan had once said that as long as the stars did not actively involve themselves, they would be untouched by karma or disaster, none of them truly believed so naively.

They saw no one in the ancient starry sky who stood a chance of reaching that legendary step. In these turbulent times, progress was already difficult—how could anyone dream of becoming a Hunyuan Da Luo?

At this time, in the Heavenly Court, Di Jun was basking in the surge of power within him.

“Quasi-Saint—so this is what it feels like? At last, I have taken this step!”

His gaze grew strange as he looked toward Buzhou Mountain, wild ambition and a bloodthirsty light flashing in his eyes.

But before Di Jun could delight in his breakthrough, he sensed someone approaching his quarters.

‘Strange. Everyone in the Heavenly Court knows I am in seclusion. Who would be so bold as to come straight to my private chambers?’

Puzzled, Di Jun relaxed as he recognized the visitor.

“Brother, congratulations on reaching the Quasi-Saint realm. From now on, countless will tremble at the very thought of us!”

Taiyi was all smiles, but his words carried a chilling edge.

“Brother, what brings you here? Has something happened with the Heavenly Court or the demon race?”

Di Jun quickly masked his joy, his face turning somber as he questioned Taiyi.

“Brother, your insight is unmatched. Indeed, as you suspect, our expansion of the Heavenly Court and the demon race has met with opposition!”

“Oh? Who dares stand against the demon race and the Heavenly Court? Don’t tell me the Wu Clan is once again causing trouble!”

Perhaps it was the confidence brought by his new strength, but Di Jun now spoke with a boldness he once lacked, as if he believed no one in the wilderness could stand in his way.

“Brother, it’s the Celestial Court.”

Di Jun’s eyes narrowed in confusion.

“The Celestial Court? What is that?”

Seeing his brother’s puzzlement, Taiyi explained swiftly.

“Brother, you’ve been in seclusion and may not know. The Celestial Court was established by the one the Sage appointed as Head of the Male Immortals. In a short time, many have flocked to his banner.”

“Oh, so it’s that Eastern King? It seems we need to move up our plans regarding him.”

With that, Di Jun began tapping his index and middle fingers on the table before him, a dull rhythm filling the air as he spoke in a low voice.