nyslfriends Chapter 1848 The Unreasonable Request of True Monarch Mingxiang!
Chapter 1848 The Unreasonable Request of True Monarch Mingxiang!
"Watch out for the steps, senior!"
"···"
The few semi-saint level elders who reacted the fastest immediately stepped forward, slightly turning aside to lead the way, their attitude extremely respectful.
It even carried a hint of cautious flattery.
The other Nascent Soul elders immediately swarmed around him, surrounding Cheng Buzheng like stars around the moon, and headed towards the magnificent main hall called "Zhenhai Hall".
Along the way...
All the Zhenhai Alliance disciples had already been dispersed or knelt down by the roadside, not even daring to look up.
The Zhenhai Palace, over a hundred feet tall, is entirely forged from "Zhenhai Xuanjing," a crystal capable of isolating divine consciousness.
Above the palace gate, three ancient runic characters, "Zhenhai Palace," emanate a ghostly light, their color remaining unchanged despite tens of thousands of years of wind and rain.
This is the place where the Zhenhai Alliance holds discussions, makes decisions, and conducts its highest ceremonies.
It is a symbol of power and glory.
The crowd escorted Cheng Buzheng as he entered the main hall.
The interior space is extremely spacious, with a floor so smooth it reflects light like a mirror. Seventy-two golden pillars with coiled dragons support a dome painted with the stars of the heavens and the waves of the four seas.
At the deepest point, there was a nine-tiered jade staircase, upon which sat a large, ancient, and dark-colored throne carved with images of mythical beasts capable of overturning rivers and seas.
—The position of Alliance Leader.
Normally, even when half-elders hold meetings, no one dares to sit in that position easily.
however!
Cheng Buzheng, however, seemed oblivious to the implicit rules and symbols, continuing his ascent up the jade steps without stopping.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he sat calmly on the throne that symbolized the supreme power of the Zhenhai Alliance.
He sat there with perfect ease, as if it were his natural place.
This scene caused many Nascent Soul cultivators below to twitch slightly, but no one dared to utter a sound.
No one dared to show the slightest dissatisfaction.
Strength is the ultimate rule.
Before a Nascent Soul Venerable, all the old rules and conventions of the Zhenhai Alliance can be broken.
Cheng Buzheng, looking down at the assembled cultivators below, spoke calmly:
"Take a seat."
"Yes!"
"I will obey the instructions of my predecessors!"
The cultivators responded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall.
Then, according to their cultivation level and seniority, everyone took their seats on the chairs arranged on both sides below the jade steps.
Several semi-elder statesmen naturally sat in the front row, followed by Nascent Soul cultivators such as True Monarch Mingxiang and True Monarch Mingfu.
The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive!
All eyes were focused on the figure on the throne, waiting for him to reveal the true purpose of his arrival.
The first seat on the left was occupied by a man in a black robe, his face gaunt, but his eyes deep and unfathomable.
His gaze shifted slightly as he glanced at Mingfu Zhenjun, who was sitting a little further back.
The True Lord of the Dark Underworld understood perfectly.
He is one of the main people in charge of the Zhenhai Alliance's external affairs, so it is most appropriate for him to be the first to ask questions.
Taking a deep breath, Mingfu Zhenjun stood up, took two steps forward, and bowed again towards the throne, his posture extremely low, his voice respectful and clear:
"The arrival of your esteemed presence brings great honor to our Zhenhai Alliance."
This junior dares to ask, senior, what are your instructions for visiting our alliance?
"But having received this order, the entire Zhenhai Alliance will do its utmost to serve our predecessors."
Upon hearing this, the entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
All the cultivators, including the few half-saints, held their breath and stared intently at Cheng Buzheng.
The intentions of this mysterious Nascent Soul cultivator will directly determine the future fate of the Zhenhai Alliance.
It also concerns the vital interests of each of them.
On the throne, Cheng Buzheng's face revealed a complex expression at the right moment, a mixture of emotion, helplessness, and a touch of desolation.
He sighed softly, his voice carrying a sense of vicissitude:
"My lifespan is nearing its end."
The first sentence made the hearts of the cultivators below tighten.
"If it weren't for this, I wouldn't have awakened from my slumber on my own, preparing to step into the forbidden sea, to make that final gamble, to try to ascend to the spirit realm, and to seek a glimmer of hope."
Cheng Buzheng spoke slowly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the dome of the main hall, looking towards the vast and unknown heavens.
"However, the moment I was born, I sensed that the energy of heaven and earth was in disarray, people were filled with anxiety, and the cultivation world was in turmoil."
This is quite different from the orderly state it presented before it fell asleep.
He paused, then looked down at the crowd below with a hint of inquiry:
"After making inquiries from various sources, I finally learned..."
The words were unspoken, but the meaning was clear.
Everyone was shocked:
really!
This senior has come for the changes in the Forbidden Sea, for those Nascent Soul cultivators who have fallen!
Was he trying to find out the inside story?
Or are you looking for travel companions?
Or perhaps... there's something else going on?
Mingfu Zhenjun's mind raced, and he caught the detail in Cheng Buzheng's words: "I found out through inquiry."
He immediately realized that this senior colleague might not have a deep understanding of the specific inside story.
Then, True Lord Mingfu immediately stepped forward and replied in an even more respectful tone:
"Senior, you are wise. You have been asleep for many years, and the outside world has indeed undergone earth-shattering changes."
He organized his thoughts and began to describe in detail.
"Many years ago, our human cultivation world and the demon race reached a rare consensus to join forces to attack the 'Purgatory Clan' that occupied the Forbidden Sea and threatened the survival of both races."
to this end!
The Immortal Alliance, the Demon Sect, my Zhenhai Alliance, and various tribes of the Demon Clan have almost awakened all the sleeping Nascent Soul Ancestors and Demon Venerable Seniors, forming an allied force to invade the Forbidden Sea…
The True Lord of the Underworld possessed remarkable eloquence, recounting the earth-shattering forbidden sea war that determined the fate of both races...
From its origins, preparations, formation of the allied forces, and initial victories, to the later unexpected changes and brutal battles,
The story recounts the eventual collapse of the allied forces and the capture of most of the Nascent Soul cultivators and demon lords, presenting the key points clearly and logically.
It also mentions how Venerable Zongbao and others from the Zhenhai Alliance resolutely joined the war, only to disappear without a trace in the end.
His account naturally differs from Cheng Buzheng's (the Peach Blossom Venerable) personal experience in many details and with different emphases.
It is mostly pieced together from the perspective of the Zhenhai Alliance and information that circulated after the war.
But for those who are unaware of the inside story, it is already shocking and detailed enough.
Cheng Buzheng sat calmly on his throne, his expression serene, as if he were listening intently.
After the True Lord of the Underworld finished speaking...
A solemn and heavy atmosphere permeated the main hall.
Many cultivators participated in the battle that year.
At this moment, their faces all showed signs of sadness.
Mingfu Zhenjun took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, and looked up at Cheng Buzheng with a cautious probing in his eyes, asking the question that all the Zhenhai Alliance cultivators were most concerned about at this moment:
"Please forgive my intrusion, senior..."
Judging from what you just said, it seems you are not from either the Immortal or Demonic sects.
Could it be that... the senior did not participate in this battle back then?
When he asked that question, Mingfu Zhenjun's heart involuntarily quickened.
Not only him, but all the cultivators below, including those few half-saint old monsters, couldn't help but reveal a strong light of hope in their eyes!
Not the patriarch of either the Immortal or Demonic sects!
what does this mean?
This means that this Nascent Soul cultivator...
It is highly likely that he is a powerful rogue cultivator who survived from ancient times!
This means that he may not have any deep-rooted ties with the top forces in the current cultivation world!
This means... the Zhenhai Alliance has a chance to recruit him!
Even if he doesn't have much time left to live?
Even if he aspires to ascension, as long as he is willing to register his name in the Zhenhai Alliance and stay there for a period of time before ascension, he can still achieve his goal.
Even just an occasional piece of advice would be enough to stabilize the Zhenhai Alliance's current precarious situation.
There's even a chance to rise to the next level!
As for the Nascent Soul and Half-Saint cultivators present...
To receive guidance from a Nascent Soul cultivator is an incredibly rare and precious opportunity!
Under the watchful eyes of countless expectant gazes, Cheng Buzheng on the throne slowly shook his head.
"Of course not."
His voice remained calm, yet it soothed the hearts of all the cultivators like gentle rain.
"I am but a rogue cultivator."
By a twist of fate, I was fortunate enough to break through the barrier to becoming a deity.
Later, due to a life-or-death battle, he and a powerful enemy were both severely injured. Forced to use an ancient secret technique, he fell into a deep slumber to slowly heal his injuries.
"This sleep lasted for countless years."
Only recently, after his injuries had fully healed, did he truly awaken.
A perfectly measured expression of感慨 and vicissitude appeared on Cheng Buzheng's face.
Who would have thought that the world has changed so much, and things have changed beyond recognition?
Those old friends from years past must have long since turned to dust.
Fortunately, that secret technique was quite profound, capable of significantly slowing down the loss of lifespan; otherwise…
"I fear I will unknowingly exhaust my remaining lifespan and fall into eternal slumber."
He sighed softly, a sigh that contained an eternal loneliness and an urgent sense of urgency:
Even so, the lifespan I have left after waking up is already very short.
Only then did he decide to take the risk and venture into the Forbidden Sea, seeking the path to the Spirit Realm for a final struggle.
Cheng Buzheng's explanation was reasonable and almost flawless.
It explained its origins (ancient rogue cultivator), the reason for its slumber (healing from severe injuries), the reason for its rebirth at this time (recovery from injuries and the end of its lifespan), and its purpose (ascension to the spirit realm).
More importantly, he explicitly distanced himself from any connection with the current immortal and demonic sects!
"A rogue cultivator!"
"He really is a rogue cultivator!"
"May God bless our Zhenhai Alliance!"
In an instant,
Almost all the cultivators in the hall felt an overwhelming surge of excitement and elation!
Even the seemingly calm eyes of several semi-saintly old monsters suddenly blazed with intense light.
It has always been a tradition of the Zhenhai Alliance to recruit a rogue cultivator who has no sect or affiliation!
Moreover, the price paid by the Zhenhai Alliance...
It's completely within acceptable limits!
Suppressing his excitement, Mingfu Zhenjun bowed deeply once more:
"I see!
We, the younger generation, are ignorant and foolish; we are very grateful to the senior for clarifying our doubts!
However, just as the atmosphere was about to turn fervent—
"senior!"
A clear and firm female voice rang out, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.
Suddenly, True Monarch Mingxiang stood up and stepped forward, leaving everyone in awe...
She walked straight to the center of the hall, faced the throne, and knelt down without hesitation!
"Junior sister! No!"
Mingfu Zhenjun's expression changed, and he hurriedly spoke up to stop them, while casting pleading glances at the other half-venerables.
At this time, it is far too risky to make a request to a Nascent Soul cultivator in such a coercive manner!
Cheng Buzheng's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and before Mingxiang Zhenjun could fully kneel down, he lightly flicked his sleeve.
A gentle yet irresistible invisible force arose out of nowhere, steadily supporting Mingxiang Zhenjun's body and gently lifting her up.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't kneel down anymore.
"Young friend, there is no need for such a grand gesture."
Cheng Buzheng's voice remained calm, yet it seemed to have gained a subtle, almost imperceptible gentleness.
"Get up and speak."
Mingxiang Zhenjun felt a tremor in her heart as she sensed that vast, yet gentle, power, but the determination in her eyes remained undiminished.
She straightened up and looked up at the figure on the throne, her pretty face full of determination and pleading:
"senior!
"I have a presumptuous request, and I hope you will grant me this favor!"
“My master, Venerable Zongbao, has been missing ever since the battle at the Forbidden Sea. His fate is unknown!”
As a disciple, I am consumed by worry day and night, wishing I could personally venture into the Forbidden Sea to search for it!
Her voice rose slightly with excitement.
"As I know, the ancient teleportation array connecting the Sealed Boundary City to the Forbidden Sea has inexplicably malfunctioned and is no longer passable."
But our predecessor possesses extraordinary abilities and aspires to ascension; surely he will find a way to re-enter the Forbidden Sea!
She bowed deeply again, almost bending her body at a right angle, her voice choked with sobs and filled with a desperate resolve:
"If...if senior can truly find a way to the Forbidden Sea, please...allow this junior to accompany you!"
As long as I can find my master, or even just confirm his whereabouts, I am willing to pay any price!
Even if it meant serving as a slave or maid, attending to one's elders, I would not hesitate!
Every word was written in blood, every sentence filled with emotion.
The main hall was silent; everyone was deeply moved by Mingxiang Zhenjun's filial piety and resolute determination.
At the same time, I was also a little worried about her boldness.
How can others be allowed to interfere with or arrange the actions of a Venerable One of Transformation?
Let alone carrying a "burden" into such a perilous place?
The True Lord of the Underworld had a complex expression, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Finally it turned into a helpless sigh.
On the throne, Cheng Buzheng remained silent for a moment.
He gazed at the pretty face below, a face filled with stubbornness and sorrow, and a ripple of emotion stirred within him once more.
Venerable Zongbao...
He knew this, of course; he had long since perished in the Forbidden Sea.
As for the teleportation array in the Sealed Ancient City failing?
The root cause lies in the disappearance of the teleportation array within the Forbidden Sea that was connected to it.
It is highly likely that the High Priest of the Purgatory Clan, or the fallen ancestor of the Purgatory Clan, was behind this.
Think of this.
He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of admonition:
"Your filial piety is commendable, and I can understand it."
"but,"
He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious.
"As far as I know, although the Forbidden Sea is vast, there are very few truly dangerous places that can threaten Nascent Soul cultivators, apart from the deepest 'Thunder Abyss'."
however.
According to what you have said, there were dozens of Nascent Soul cultivators who entered the Forbidden Sea back then. Even if they encountered powerful enemies or accidentally entered dangerous places, it was absolutely impossible for them all to be wiped out and lost contact.
His gaze deepened:
"There must be something extremely strange about this. It is forbidden within the country, and there may have been some earth-shattering event that we are unaware of."
If that's really the case...
"..." (End of this chapter)