A Fortuitous Encounter Belonging Solely to Jiang Chen—Could He Really Own the Offspring of a Celestial Beast?

Meanwhile, as Gu Changge followed the path Jiang Chen had left behind into the Purple Mountains, on the other side, Jiang Chen finally laid eyes on the great fortuitous encounter he had been waiting for all this time.

The Artifact Spirit of the Celestial Boat of Creation was quite confident in... its own methods.

After helping clear away the numerous Array Patterns before them, the stone wall suddenly split open, parting down the middle as if a wide, unobstructed path had formed on its own.

Beyond it stood an ancient bridge.

Its other end connected to an indescribably magnificent palace, resplendent in gold and jade, radiating an ancient and majestic aura.

“It really is the Palace of World Domination!”

The excited voice of the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit rang out.

Only then did Jiang Chen notice the three gilded characters above the grand palace. They were ancient and weathered, faintly exuding a domineering presence that seemed capable of suppressing all the heavens.

Those three characters were unimaginably old—no one knew who had left them behind—yet from them one could still glimpse a trace of that person’s peerless elegance.

“What exactly is the relationship between the Palace of World Domination and the Tower of World Domination?”

Jiang Chen murmured softly to himself as he stepped onto the stairs and walked toward the great hall ahead.

Soon, he arrived before the palace gates. After glancing left and right, he pushed them open—there was no obstruction, no pressure at all.

In an instant—

A tide of purple mist surged toward him, so dense it seemed about to liquefy, enough to submerge a person up to their knees.

As Jiang Chen walked inside, dazzling radiance immediately blossomed before him, forcing him to instinctively shut his eyes.

“This is...”

The next moment, Jiang Chen froze, his eyes widening.

Origin Stones the size of washbasins were scattered everywhere, crystal clear and translucent, wreathed in seven-colored hues, as if this were a sacred land of immortals.

Within some of the Origin Stones, Jiang Chen even saw strange sealed creatures, as well as weapons, Jade Tablets, jade jars, and other items.

His heart trembled at the sight.

As far as the eye could see, the Origin Stones were simply uncountable. All the purple mist here had formed from liquefied Origin Stones.

The wealth of this place was truly staggering. No wonder the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit had said this was a fortuitous encounter prepared specifically for him.

Moreover, he caught a rich fragrance of medicinal pills permeating the air.

It was enough to make every pore in his body relax, as though he could ascend as a Flying Immortal on the spot.

A little farther away, there were also medicinal fields suffused with spiritual energy and swirling mist.

Within them, radiant light burst forth, immortal lingzhi carpeted the ground, celestial flowers glittered brilliantly, colorful clouds flowed, and thin mist curled about.

“There are so many fortuitous encounters here—spiritual herbs, Origin Stones, Jade Tablets, cultivation techniques, weapons... everything one could want. There are even some sealed medicinal pills.”

Jiang Chen’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. His breathing quickened, his heart surging with excitement. This was the first time he had ever seen so many cultivation resources.

Even if he never joined any sect after leaving this place, these resources would be enough to sustain his cultivation for a very long time.

He instinctively moved to sweep everything up and take it all away.

“Don’t get excited. These... are all just ordinary stuff. The really good things are still further ahead.”

“All these things are yours. No one can snatch them from you.”

However, the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit spoke up to interrupt him. Its voice also carried a trace of excitement and pride, though it still forced itself to remain composed in front of Jiang Chen.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen nodded and forced himself to calm down as well.

He knew the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit wouldn’t lie to him. Since it said these... were merely ordinary, that meant the truly impressive things definitely lay further ahead.

With that thought in mind, he continued walking deeper inside...

“The creatures along the way haven’t ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠attacked Jiang Chen. It seems it’s because of the special nature of his constitution...”

“The reincarnation of the Celestial Boat of Creation... I just wonder what kind of surprise he’ll be able to give me in the end. What a pity—he’s still too green right now...”

Gu Changge strolled leisurely through the Purple Mountains with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression relaxed and casual, as if he were out for a walk. No one followed behind him, and no creature dared approach his side.

Because every creature that had drawn near him had been reduced to ash, body and soul utterly annihilated.

“Master.”

Not far ahead, the figure of the Elderly Man in Black Robes emerged, bowing respectfully to Gu Changge.

“He hasn’t noticed anything unusual?”

Gu Changge asked casually.

“No. Jiang Chen trusts this subordinate completely and has done everything exactly as Master instructed. He hasn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.”

“During this time, he has come to trust this subordinate... more and more.”

The Elderly Man in Black Robes answered respectfully.

“Good.”

Gu Changge smiled. “It seems Jiang Chen is quite satisfied with the guardian I arranged for him.”

“Master, when should we dispose of Jiang Chen?”

The Elderly Man in Black Robes asked.

“No rush. His value is far greater than just this. At the very least, he needs to help me ripen the Dao Fruit.”

Gu Changge’s gaze turned toward the stone cave ahead as he walked over slowly. Now that he was here, he could feel even more clearly the sensation of that immense pressure looming overhead.

He sensed Jiang Chen’s current location.

The distance wasn’t far.

Still, Gu Changge planned to send the Demonic Puppets over first. After all, nominally speaking, the Elderly Man in Black Robes was Jiang Chen’s guardian.

If anything unusual happened over there, Gu Changge would know in advance.

Of course, there was another plan waiting for Jiang Chen in a little while.

The palace was vast, ancient, and magnificent. Aside from... a few collapsed pillars, there was nothing else out of the ordinary.

The grand hall was majestic and weighty, as if it formed a world of its own. Mist curled through it like a realm of immortals.

As Jiang Chen walked deeper in, he occasionally saw enormous pillars standing within the hall, as though they were propping up the very sky.

Suddenly, a faint, indistinct sound came from somewhere in the distance.

It was like a tall tower trembling softly, or a giant bell being struck—soul-shaking and deafening.

“What is this?”

Jiang Chen’s expression shifted slightly. His head felt as though it had been abruptly pierced by a spike, the pain draining all color from his face in an instant.

Weng!! He felt as if a giant bell had slammed into his mind, roaring and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠leaving it completely blank.

Faintly, he actually sensed a small golden tower surging with light standing within the great hall, floating high in the air, with boundless Chaos Energy cascading down from it.

“A golden tower...”

Jiang Chen stared in astonishment, his eyes wide.

The pain came quickly and vanished just as quickly. He found that he could once again hear the sound clearly.

“This is the Tower of World Domination calling out to you. It has sensed your existence.”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit said excitedly. “Follow this sound, and you’ll be able to find it.”

Hearing this, Jiang Chen snapped back to his senses, excitement showing on his face.

Didn’t that mean the Tower of World Domination—the very thing Gu Changge had been searching for all along—would soon fall into his hands?

And Gu Changge, after all his busy scheming, would end up with nothing. Who knew if he’d be hopping mad with frustration? At the thought, Jiang Chen grew even more excited. Without slowing his steps, he hurried toward the source of the sound.

Hong!!! The Dao sound was ancient and far-reaching, as if it came from beyond the Nine Heavens.

The deeper he went, the more Jiang Chen felt the sound grow grand and deafening. He couldn’t help but wonder whether it would pierce through the palace and resound beyond the Purple Mountains.

In a trance, he seemed to see a colossal tower wreathed in golden divine light roaring all around him, the profound truths of all the heavens flowing across its surface—mysterious beyond words.

“I will have the Tower of World Domination. I won’t let it fall into Gu Changge’s hands.”

Jiang Chen’s gaze was resolute, his fists clenched tight as he strode toward the source of the sound.

Though the palace was enormous, the path was unobstructed, so it didn’t take long. Deep within the palace, he finally saw the great tower.

It had nine levels in total, its entire body golden, as if forged from Immortal Divine Gold. It floated high in the air like a small mountain.

Beneath it stood a Platform.

That... Platform seemed carved from celestial jade, ancient and natural, with crimson glow, golden light, and colorful mist interweaving and swirling around it.

The golden giant tower rumbled, runes flickering as it hovered above the Platform, enveloping everything, as if it could suppress all existence.

Within the Platform, there seemed to be something placed inside.

Jiang Chen felt that thing calling to him, drawing him in.

However, his attention was entirely fixed on the Tower of World Domination. After observing it carefully all around, he confirmed that the sound that had rung through his mind earlier... had indeed come from it.

“This is the Tower of World Domination.”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit cried out excitedly. “Find a way to take it with you.”

“But I haven’t even begun cultivating. How am I supposed to take the Tower of World Domination...”

Jiang Chen paced around beneath it, his brow furrowing.

Cultivators could refine their own weapons and store them within their Spiritual Sea, ready to be summoned for battle at any time.

But he hadn’t even opened his Spiritual Sea yet. Even if he obtained the Tower of World Domination, there was no way he could take it with him.

Before this, he had never imagined the Tower of World Domination would be so enormous—like an actual towering structure—rather than something... that could be held in the palm of one’s hand.

“The Tower of World Domination is the artifact among the Seven Tools of World Domination responsible for suppressing the foundation. It possesses world-suppressing might. No demon or monster, no matter how cunning, can escape its vast destructive power...”

“Little Chenzi, you can definitely subdue it. It was calling out to you just now, which means it acknowledges you.”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit said with confidence.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen’s expression grew serious, and he began circling beneath the Tower of World Domination, trying every method he could think of.

But no matter what... method he chose next, no matter what he said, the Tower of World Domination remained towering and unmoved, standing there as if it would never budge an inch.

This made him wonder whether he had misunderstood the sound he’d heard earlier—perhaps the Tower of World Domination hadn’t been calling out to him at all.

Otherwise, why would it show not the slightest reaction now?

“Could there be some kind of trial? Will it only acknowledge me after I pass its test?”

Jiang Chen’s gaze was full of doubt.

“That shouldn’t be the case. You’re the reincarnation of the Celestial Boat of Creation. By all reason, the Tower of World Domination shouldn’t fail to recognize you...”

At this point, the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit also grew puzzled.

Moreover, it noticed that the aura of the old acquaintance it had sensed earlier had grown... even fainter after arriving here.

This left it both helpless and anxious. After all, its memories were incomplete, and it couldn’t recall many things clearly—otherwise, it should have been able to identify which old acquaintance it was.

“Let’s first take a look at what’s on that... Platform.”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit sighed.

Jiang Chen nodded and walked toward the Celestia Jade Platform beneath the Tower of World Domination.

But before he could even get close, he felt the Tower of World Domination tremble slightly. Radiance cascaded down, and ripples spread through the void.

With a hong!! A vast and heavy pressure surged from ahead. In an instant, it felt as though a force of millions of jun pressed down on his body, making it impossible to take another step forward.

“What’s going on? Why is the Tower of World Domination stopping me from going further?”

Jiang Chen’s eyes widened. Unable to accept this, he gritted his teeth, his face paling as cold sweat seeped from his forehead.

Yet no matter how hard he exerted himself, he couldn’t take another step forward.

It was as if an invisible, thick wall stood before him, blocking his way.

The Celestia Jade Platform was clearly only a few steps away, yet those few steps felt as distant as the ends of the earth.

“Why is this happening?”

Jiang Chen’s teeth were clenched tight, the veins on his forehead bulging. He was clearly exerting every ounce of his strength.

He refused to accept it. He had already come this close—so why couldn’t he cross over? “This shouldn’t be happening. By all reason, these... should all belong to you. So why is it like this?”

Seeing this scene, the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit was also stunned, completely unable to make sense of it.

The Tower of World Domination had shown no reaction at all just moments ago, yet now it was actually... stopping Jiang Chen from approaching that Platform. What was the reason for this? Weng!! The next moment, light flickered through the void, and then the phantom of a bronze celestial boat emerged from between Jiang Chen’s brows.

“Tower of World Domination, why are you stopping us?”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit manifested itself, an angry yet childish voice ringing out from within as it demanded an answer.

At this point, Jiang Chen also took a deep breath and stopped, ceasing his futile efforts.

He understood that the Tower of World Domination was blocking him. Without its acknowledgment, he could not approach that Platform.

Though resentment and unwillingness filled his heart, he calmed down, preparing to see how the Tower of World Domination would respond.

According to what the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit had said before, the Tower of World Domination was originally an artifact of the Immortal Palace used to suppress the foundation of an entire realm. Like the Celestial Boat of Creation, it was a possession of the Immortal Palace.

That was why they could sense each other’s existence.

When he had entered the Purple Mountains earlier, the reason those creatures had paid him no mind and allowed him to reach the depths of the mountains was because he carried the aura of the Immortal Palace.

Otherwise, things could never have gone so smoothly.

Yet now, the Tower of World Domination was actually trying to stop him. What was this for? And as the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit shouted its question, the golden giant tower high above seemed to respond.

It trembled lightly, rumbling through the void.

The next moment, a blurry figure appeared within it, wreathed in golden light, impossible to see clearly—like an ancient deity.

“Tower of World Domination, you’ve finally shown yourself.”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit spoke, somewhat delighted.

Clearly, this golden figure that had appeared was the Artifact Spirit of the Tower of World Domination.

For the Tower of World Domination was different from the other Tools of World Domination.

When the beings who forged it back then decided to make it the artifact for suppressing the foundation, they deliberately chose different materials and forging methods, so that an Artifact Spirit deity would be nurtured within it.

And now, this golden figure was the Tower of World Domination’s Artifact Spirit! “Why are you stopping us?”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit demanded, completely unable to comprehend it.

By all reason, they should be on the same side. It was one thing for the Tower of World Domination not to help Jiang Chen—but why did it have to obstruct him? “Wang Yue is dead.”

However, to the astonishment of both Jiang Chen and the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit, upon hearing this demand, the Tower of World Domination’s Artifact Spirit spoke—and what it said was something else entirely.

“Wang Yue?”

Jiang Chen frowned, somewhat puzzled.

“Wang Yue is dead? This... well... the Immortal Palace itself has collapsed. No matter how long Wang Yue’s lifespan was, there would always come a day of death from old age.”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit was stunned for a moment, then its voice grew somewhat low, as if it had recalled something.

Seeing Jiang Chen’s confusion, it explained to him.

Wang Yue was the Celestial ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Beast responsible for carrying the Tower of World Domination on her back. Her body was enormous, her lifespan as long as an Astral River.

There were even legends saying that Wang Yue was formed from the fallen God of the Moon from beyond the Nine Heavens.

So although Wang Yue was not humanoid, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Coupled with her incredibly long lifespan, she had once been called a living fossil that walked the world.

When it came to the secrets of the world, few knew more than she did.

“So that’s what the Tower of World Domination’s Artifact Spirit was talking about. But what does that have to do with it stopping me from approaching that Platform?”

Jiang Chen guessed that the deceased Wang Yue and the Tower of World Domination had accompanied each other for a long time and likely shared a deep bond, which was why it found her death so hard to accept.

But he still couldn’t figure out why the Tower of World Domination was stopping him.

“Although I know this isn’t much comfort, even the immortal Immortal Palace had its day of collapse, so naturally Wang Yue would have her day of dying from old age.”

“You have to accept this fact. Besides, this isn’t a reason for you to stop us. Also, what exactly is inside that... Platform?”

“Right now, the responsibility of restoring the Immortal Palace to its former glory rests on Jiang Chen’s shoulders. Tower of World Domination, for the sake of the fact that you were once an artifact of the Immortal Palace, I hope you won’t make things difficult for him.”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit couldn’t help but speak up in persuasion.

In its view, since the Palace of World Domination contained so many Origin Stones, spiritual herbs, and other cultivation resources, the Platform was bound to hold something even better.

After all, back in the days of the Immortal Palace, this Palace of World Domination had been the place responsible for storing the many treasures of the foundation, with the Tower of World Domination suppressing it.

How could the good things here amount to only this much? At a moment like this, it wasn’t Jiang Chen’s place to interject.

But hearing the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit put it this way, he also felt that all the cultivation resources here seemed to have been left behind for him.

“There is nothing else within the Platform—only the offspring Wang Yue left behind. I promised her that I would raise her offspring to maturity.”

Hearing these words, the Tower of World Domination’s Artifact Spirit fell silent for a while.

Then it spoke again, saying something that shocked both Jiang Chen and the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit.

“What did you say?”

“Inside the Platform is Wang Yue’s offspring?”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit couldn’t help but loudly ask back.

Its voice concealed an irrepressible excitement.

Although Jiang Chen didn’t know just how powerful Wang Yue had been,

from the slightly trembling voice of the Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit, he could still tell.

The value of the thing sealed within the Platform was simply immeasurable! After all, anything connected to the word “celestial” was never simple. So his heart couldn’t help but fill with anticipation and excitement.

If Little Wang Yue grew up, wouldn’t that make her a genuine Celestial Beast? If he had a Celestial Beast, wouldn’t he be able to roam the Beyond unchecked, with no one able to stop him?

Even taking revenge on Gu Changge would be effortless. “In that case, all the more reason you should hand Little Wang Yue over to us. Jiang Chen is the reincarnation of the Celestial Boat of Creation...”

“And you should know very well what the Celestial Boat of Creation is. Entrusting Little Wang Yue to him is the most suitable choice.”

“Besides, if you leave this place together with us, you can still watch over Little Wang Yue as she grows up. Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit continued its persuasion, its words urgent, hoping to talk the Tower of World Domination into handing Little Wang Yue over to them and leaving together with them.

A fervent heat also rose in Jiang Chen’s heart, though he still didn’t speak, keeping his expression calm.

“He won’t do. I promised Wang Yue that I would raise her offspring to maturity, and he is too weak. He cannot protect Wang Yue’s offspring.”

“Nor does he have enough resources to ensure Wang Yue’s offspring grows up smoothly.”

However, upon hearing these words, the Tower of World Domination’s Artifact Spirit’s voice remained utterly without fluctuation or change.

It wasn’t looking down ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠on Jiang Chen—it was simply stating a fact. To it right now, it didn’t matter whose reincarnation Jiang Chen was.

What mattered was whether Jiang Chen had the conditions to let Little Wang Yue grow up smoothly.

If he couldn’t even manage that, why should it hand Little Wang Yue over to him? “Jiang Chen may not have these resources right now, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have them in the future. His potential is enormous. Besides, aren’t there still plenty of resources within the Palace of World Domination?”

The Celestial Boat of Creation’s Artifact Spirit couldn’t help but argue in his defense, unwilling to let such a rare opportunity slip away.

Whether... for itself or for Jiang Chen, possessing a Little Wang Yue would bring benefits beyond imagination.