I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 560: Great Fortune Bearers Gather, Entering the Immortal Palace
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Chapter 560: Great Fortune Bearers Gather, Entering the Immortal Palace
The first rays of dawn were just beginning to touch North Jade Mountain.
Ascending the stone stairs toward the Immortal Palace, the brothers Nie Xiuyuan and Wang Baole moved in unison with the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son, the Heartless Palace Saintess, and the Crown Prince of North Abyss. Trailing a short distance behind them were several other cultivators hailing from various sacred grounds.
Currently, the leaders of the group were a mere ten steps away from the entrance of the Immortal Palace.
Despite the short distance, every individual was soaked in perspiration, trapped within unique and personal illusions.
Before the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son, a boundless purgatory manifested, teeming with a limitless horde of demons and foul creatures.
He gazed upon the monsters, then shut his eyes and began to intone scriptures, advancing one steady step at a time.
As the holy monk approached, the demonic entities lunged, savagely ripping at his skin and muscle.
Undeterred, the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son maintained his chanting. Within just a few paces, the monsters had stripped every bit of flesh from his frame.
Though only his soul remained, the demons showed no mercy, continuing their relentless feast upon his spirit.
For a time, the only sounds within that mental realm were the rhythmic chanting and the wet noises of consumption.
In another vision, the Crown Prince of North Abyss faced a limitless tide of foes, standing amidst the fallen corpses of his North Abyss Sacred Dynasty soldiers.
"Kill, kill, kill!"
With a furious roar, the Crown Prince of North Abyss gripped a shattered blade and threw himself into the heart of the enemy ranks.
The Heartless Palace Saintess was confronted by a multitude of men. Among them were celestial immortals, strikingly handsome figures of the demon race, and even the man who had first stirred her heart in her youth.
As these figures approached her, the Saintess remained cold and detached, her heart completely unmoved as she continued her forward march.
Meanwhile, Nie Xiuyuan found himself in a tranquil paradise. Here, he could live without a care, feasting on meat and drinking deep draughts of wine.
Mounted on a white steed, Nie Xiuyuan wandered through this idyllic world, his mind occupied only by the desire to witness the vastness of the lands.
Wang Baole’s vision was filled with an unending spread of gourmet food. He sampled every delicacy as he walked, driven by the firm conviction that an even greater feast awaited him further ahead.
The seconds ticked away.
On those final ten steps, the ranking of the five was finally decided.
Wang Baole and Nie Xiuyuan were the first to shatter their illusions, stepping onto the level ground before the Immortal Palace.
The duo looked at the structure before them, faint smiles touching their lips. Just as they prepared to head inside, a familiar voice drifted from behind.
"Amitabha. This little monk assumed Patron Nie would be the first to conquer this heavenly ladder, yet I did not realize Wendao Academy held another master like Friend Wang."
"You aren't half-bad yourself, Great Monk. You might be covered in sweat, but you still outpaced those other two," Wang Baole replied with a grin.
The Golden Cicada Buddhist Son smiled back, asking, "I appreciate the praise, Friend. Shall we wait for our two companions, or should we enter now?"
Nie Xiuyuan took a swing of wine. "They say meeting is fate. Let's wait for them. Besides, my brother and I are feeling a bit hungry."
While he had no desire to share the rewards, the monk’s words had reminded him that the Immortal Palace was likely fraught with peril. Having more experts to share the risk would provide a safety net.
He shot a meaningful glance at Wang Baole.
Understanding the hint, Wang Baole produced his carefully prepared delicacies along with a table and seating, arranging them right in front of the Immortal Palace gates. He then gestured to the monk. "Great Monk, come join us."
Tempted by the savory scent of the dishes, the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son smiled. "Since you have offered so kindly, Patron, it would be churlish to decline. My thanks."
"Great Monk, drop the flowery talk. Even my Junior Brother Xu, who is a scholar, isn't as formal as you. Catch," Nie Xiuyuan said, pulling a wine jug from his storage ring and tossing it.
The Golden Cicada Buddhist Son caught the gourd without hesitation and walked over.
The three sat together, sharing drinks and engaging in a discussion of the Dao.
An hour passed.
When Leng Qingqiu finally cleared the heavenly ladder trial, she was stunned to find the three of them casually eating and drinking.
Sensing her arrival, the three turned their heads. It was the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son who spoke first.
"Heartless Palace Saintess, the Crown Prince has yet to arrive. Why not join us and discuss the Dao?"
"There is no need," Leng Qingqiu answered instantly, choosing a spot nearby to sit cross-legged in meditation.
Though she was puzzled by their delay, she understood that rushing into the Immortal Palace alone was unwise. She didn't want to risk her life only to pave the way for those behind her.
Hoo, hoo, hoo...
The sound of ragged breathing drew their gaze back to the stairs.
The Crown Prince of North Abyss appeared, looking bedraggled and worn, as if he had just survived a thousand bloody battles.
Seeing the trio enjoying themselves, a wave of irritation washed over him.
"You all seem remarkably relaxed, feasting and drinking at the very doorstep of the Immortal Palace."
Nie Xiuyuan chuckled. "Are we not simply waiting for Your Highness so we may enter together?"
"Oh?" the Crown Prince sneered. "Or is it that you are all too terrified to step inside?"
Before the conversation could continue, the massive, sealed gates of the Immortal Palace swung open. A deep, ancient voice resonated from the depths.
"The great fortune bearers have gathered. The Immortal Palace is now open. Those outside may receive their blessings."
Nie Xiuyuan took another sip of wine. "It seems that senior has provided the answer, Your Highness. Do you wish to keep arguing?"
"Hmph!"
The Crown Prince of North Abyss went silent, but his internal guard rose. The entity within the palace knew that all five of them were possessors of great fortune and had waited for his arrival. Was the intent to steal their providence?
Nie Xiuyuan stopped his teasing. He lifted his wine gourd and nodded to Wang Baole and the monk. "Friends, now that the group is complete, let us go in together."
"I have no objections," the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son replied. He had his own suspicions, but having come this far, he would not turn back now.
After packing away the table and food, the three walked toward the entrance. After a moment of hesitation, the Crown Prince followed. The Heartless Palace Saintess remained silent, trailing at the back of the group.
Reaching the threshold, the group paused to look at one another.
"I wonder," the Golden Cicada Buddhist Son mused, "which of us would like to lead the way?"
"We cross the threshold at the same time," Nie Xiuyuan stated firmly.
"Agreed."
"Fine."
Each cultivator harbored their own schemes. They were wary of the hidden traps, yet equally afraid that someone else might snatch the treasures first. Entering as one was the only acceptable compromise.