I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 553: Gathering of Powerhouses

Chapter 553: Gathering of Powerhouses

"Senior Brother Nie, the gates to North Jade Mountain have swung open; it is time for our departure," Elder Huang remarked, his eyes fixed on the distant peaks.

Taking a leisurely pull from his wine flask, Nie Xiuyuan replied calmly, "There is no need for haste. Let us observe which masters have arrived at North Jade Mountain first."

The nearby disciples of the Institute of Inquiry looked upon this obscure Nie Shishu with newfound admiration, their curiosity piqued regarding the true extent of his Cultivation.

With the opening of North Jade Mountain, practitioners from various factions congregated at the mouth of the pass. However, not a single cultivator moved to enter immediately.

While North Jade Mountain was renowned as an immortal peak, it was also riddled with lethal traps. Being the pioneer to step inside was not always an advantage. Furthermore, in the presence of so many heavyweight Sects, the first to move would inevitably become a target for the rest.

Suddenly, the air resonated with a Buddhist chant. Every gaze turned toward the west, where a shimmering golden radiance drifted through the sky.

The crowd broke into fervent whispers as they watched the light approach.

"That is the Buddhist golden light. The monks of the Great Thunder Sound Temple have arrived. I wonder who is spearheading their delegation this time?"

As the glow intensified, a heavy, tangible pressure descended from the heavens. Many cultivators, moved by the aura, clasped their hands in prayer with expressions of deep reverence.

"Look! It is Bodhisattva Jinchan of the Great Thunder Sound Temple."

"To think they would send Bodhisattva Jinchan. Do they truly intend to challenge the Northern Abyss Sacred Dynasty for supremacy here?"

Nie Xiuyuan, Wang Baole, and their companions turned their attention toward the Buddhist group. They saw a youth seated upon a lotus throne atop a white elephant, radiating a divine presence with every breath.

"Senior Brother, what can you tell me about this Buddha Son Jinchan?" Wang Baole asked with interest.

Nie Xiuyuan explained slowly, "He belongs to my generation. Rumor has it he was raised within a temple from infancy and was born possessing a Buddha Heart. He holds the record as the youngest Buddha Son in the Great Thunder Sound Temple's history, having attained the Half Saint Realm in a mere century.

Though he was granted the right to cultivate within the Great Thunder Sound Temple's inner Buddha Kingdom, he chose to remain a Buddha Son in the mortal realm to provide salvation to sentient beings."

Wang Baole nodded, commenting, "That monk definitely has some real skill."

By the time they finished speaking, the Great Thunder Sound Temple party had already hovered above the immortal mountain.

Before the monks could descend, the thunderous roar of carriage wheels echoed from the eastern horizon. The spectators turned toward the sound, seeing the sky swallowed by dark, heavy clouds.

As the shadows loomed closer, the crowd realized these weren't clouds at all, but a formidable, unstoppable legion. This army wore armor etched with black dragons, and their fluttering banners bore the same draconic crest.

The sheer killing intent and malevolent Qi radiating from them were enough to freeze the blood of anyone nearby.

"The Black Dragon Army!"

"That is the personal guard of the Northern Abyss Sacred Dynasty's Crown Prince!"

"Since the Black Dragon Army is here, the Crown Prince must be leading them. This is going to be quite a spectacle."

Amidst the awe, many people glanced toward the members of the Institute of Inquiry. No one had forgotten the violent encounter between the Institute and the Northern Abyss Sacred Dynasty just a few days prior.

Path Union Cultivators serve as the pillars of any great power. Since the Institute of Inquiry had slain a Path Union expert from the Northern Abyss, it was highly unlikely the Sacred Dynasty would let the grudge fade.

With the arrival of the Black Dragon Army, a suffocating atmosphere of impending slaughter filled the air.

"Halt!"

A booming command rang out from the ranks, and the entire army stopped in perfect unison. The tension was thick, and many cultivators held their breath, waiting to see how the Institute of Inquiry would react.

Just as everyone expected the Northern Abyss Crown Prince to strike at the Institute, the sound of ethereal immortal music wafted from the distance. The melody instantly washed away the anxiety and dread felt by the crowd, leaving them in a state of enchantment.

As the music grew louder, a shower of flower petals began to drift from the sky.

Experienced older cultivators recognized the signs immediately, whispering, "The fairies of the Heart-Severance Palace have arrived."

Hearing this, many snapped out of their daze, their faces lighting up with excitement. Although the disciples of the Heart-Severance Palace must eventually embrace a heartless Dao, they first choose a Dao companion to share an emotional bond with before severing it.

The women of the Heart-Severance Palace were famed for being as stunning as goddesses and possessing immense wealth. To be chosen by one meant a cultivator could bypass decades of hardship.

Wang Baole looked up and saw numerous female cultivators standing atop vibrant clouds, escorting a magnificent chariot pulled by a Qing Luan. Each woman wore a veil, hiding her face, yet their graceful temperaments were undeniably captivating.

"A Qing Luan Chariot... that signifies the Saintess of the Heart-Severance Palace has arrived in person," Nie Xiuyuan noted quietly.

Wang Baole inquired, "Senior Brother, do you know anything of her background?"

Nie Xiuyuan shook his head. "The current Saintess is a total enigma. Her face remains unseen, and the timing of her emotional severance is unknown. Sixty years ago, during a drinking session, I heard her name mentioned: Leng Qingqiu. Even back then, she was already a Half Saint."

The surrounding disciples of the Institute gasped in shock at his words.

Wang Baole simply shrugged. "It looks like this meeting of powers won't be boring after all."

Nie Xiuyuan smiled. "Quite true. I wonder if any other hidden experts will show themselves?"

Hardly had he spoken when a soft voice emerged from the Great Thunder Sound Temple group. "Patron Long, Patron Leng, this humble monk offers his greetings."

"Master, Crown Prince Long, greetings to you both," a crystal-clear, celestial voice replied from within the Qing Luan Chariot. That single voice was enough to spark the imaginations of thousands, making them wonder what sort of beauty possessed such a tone.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists," the Northern Abyss Crown Prince replied levelly. He continued, "I see that the majority of our peers have arrived. We should proceed into the immortal mountain to begin our exploration."

Buddha Son Jinchan replied, "This monk was of the same mind."

"I agree," Leng Qingqiu added.

"Which of you wishes to go first?" the Northern Abyss Crown Prince asked, showing no desire to fight for the lead.

The Buddha Son smiled. "This region sits on the border of our two territories, making us the hosts. Why don't we allow the ladies of the Heart-Severance Palace the honor of entering first?"

"Agreed," the Crown Prince stated.

Leng Qingqiu did not decline. "Since both of you have suggested it, it would be rude for me to refuse. Let us move!"

With her command, the Heart-Severance Palace was the first to vanish into North Jade Mountain. Every eye remained glued to the entrance, waiting to see if any hidden dangers would be triggered by their entry.