All the Hidden Experts Emerge, Not One of Them Is Innocent
All the Hidden Experts Emerge, Not One of Them Is Innocent
Within Divine City, winds and clouds converged as the Hidden Experts of numerous Cults of Immortality and Daoist lineages emerged into the world one after another.
It triggered enormous waves.
The appearance of the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being was like a signal.
In an instant, every Daoist lineage and force across the Beyond grew tense, compelled to bring forth their own Hidden Experts capable of holding down the fort, all to display the depth of their own foundations.
Many of the younger generation found their radiance completely eclipsed at this time.
Because those Hidden Experts, in their own youth, had been just as dazzling and eye-catching as them.
Perhaps even more so.
Even after the passage of endless ages, many legends of them still circulated throughout the world.
Divine City was incomparably lively and bustling. On every street, Cultivators and beings of all races could be seen coming and going.
Every palace and pavilion was filled with figures, all discussing the many great events that had occurred in the Beyond these past days.
From time to time, the rumbling of Ancient Battleships crushing through the sky could be heard above the heavenly palaces.
Great figures of various races arrived riding divine lights, auspicious beasts crying out as they descended toward the depths of Divine City.
By the sides of these great figures, giants of the younger generation such as the King of Six Crowns and Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, accompanied them in utmost quiet, their usual sharpness and arrogance nowhere to be seen.
Among the group of monks from Buddhist Mountain, one kindly-looking White-Browed Elderly Monk drew particular attention.
He wore an extremely old and worn kasaya, and the prayer beads in his hand were dull and lusterless.
Yet his entire being seemed to flow with astonishing Buddha-nature; even the ordinary Cultivators around him were affected, their expressions turning peaceful and serene.
Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, followed quietly behind him. Even someone like him held this White-Browed Elderly Monk before him in the utmost reverence.
“Ancient Buddha Sha Na... he’s actually still in this world? Wasn’t it said that he passed into nirvana sixty million years ago?”
The moment the old-timers of the other forces saw this elderly monk, their expressions changed drastically, seemingly unable to believe it.
Ancient Buddha Sha Na—that was how they addressed this elderly monk.
Even within Buddhist Mountain, there were few existences worthy of the venerable title of “Buddha.”
Let alone this White-Browed Elderly Monk before them.
His comprehension and mastery of the Karmic Technique, one of the Six Techniques of the Buddhist Mountain, had reached an inconceivable level.
What was the Karmic Technique?
It was the ability to know the destinies of oneself and all beings of the three realms and six paths across hundreds of thousands of lifetimes, along with all their deeds.
In other words, this White-Browed Elderly Monk needed only a single glance to know everything any Cultivator or living being had done, and could even potentially perceive their destinies across past and future lives. It could truly be called unfathomably mysterious, beyond imagination.
Of course, such an act surely came at a tremendous price, though the price varied from person to person.
“I never expected even Ancient Buddha Sha Na to emerge. With his great divine powers and mastery, I’m afraid no one here can hide any secrets anymore.”
“Perhaps the true Successor of Demonic Arts can really be found. Those Young Prodigies here had better watch themselves—don’t let anything slip.”
“This gathering in Divine City is truly a convergence of winds and clouds. Who knows what other figures will appear in a while.”
Many Cultivators discussed animatedly, their eyes filled with amazement and disbelief as they conversed without pause.
Of course, many were also keeping an eye on the members of the Longevity Gu Family, wanting to learn of Gu Changge’s whereabouts.
After all, this invitation to Divine City had been initiated by Gu Changge himself, yet the man had yet to show his face.
This left everyone speculating endlessly. The Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being hadn’t appeared either, so whether the matter was real or fake remained a mystery for now.
Gu Changge’s persistent refusal to show himself—did he have some other plan or scheme in mind?
But just then, in the due east of Divine City...
Rolling demonic clouds suddenly appeared, like a vast fog sweeping over to blot out the sky.
Within them, numerous terrifying figures loomed faintly, feathered wings shaking the air, colorful light flowing, as if ancient beings were among them.
Among them, one beardless demon was the most peculiar. He looked to be in his thirties, tall in stature, dressed in the ancient garments of the Human race. His eyes were a sheet of greyish-white, seemingly containing endless vicissitudes, and atop his head, a pair of pitch-black horns stood out prominently.
He arrived wreathed in rolling demonic clouds, appearing outside Divine City like a peerless Demon King reigning supreme over the world.
Terrifying pressure and aura swept down like a torrent, causing countless Cultivators and beings within Divine City to tremble with palpitations, nearly bowing down and prostrating themselves in that direction.
The White-Browed Elderly Monk who had just entered the city—Ancient Buddha Sha Na—suddenly opened his eyes, which had been gently closed. A trace of surprise seemed to flash through them as he turned to look beyond Divine City.
“That fellow has shown himself too?”
He spoke with a smile, as if he were an old acquaintance of that peerless Demon King outside the city.
“Ancient Buddha, you know that person?”
Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, asked with some confusion at Ancient Buddha Sha Na’s side.
Ancient Buddha Sha Na still smiled as he answered, “Naturally, I know him. He is the renowned Heavenly Ox Demon King. You must not underestimate him.”
“One of his Ancestors was a figure of the Forbidden Epoch.”
“A figure of the Forbidden Epoch...”
Jin Chan’s expression grew solemn. People and matters connected to the Forbidden Epoch were not things one could casually speculate about or discuss.
If the Heavenly Ox Demon King before Divine City had an Ancestor connected to the Forbidden Epoch, then his descent upon Divine City this time was very likely related to Devil Mountain.
After all, the current master of Devil Mountain, the demoness in red, was the one who had escaped from the Demon-Burying Abyss—she was a genuine figure of the Forbidden Epoch.
Even now, Jin Chan still suspected that the demoness in red’s escape from the Demon-Burying Abyss had actually been orchestrated by Gu Changge.
Yet in the end, that black pot had been dumped on Buddhist Mountain’s head.
During that siege of the demoness in red, the various Daoist lineages of the Beyond had suffered heavy losses.
In the end, it was Buddhist Mountain that paid out a great many things to finally pacify the masses.
Later, Jin Chan had thought it over carefully: between Gu Changge and the demoness in red, there was absolutely some unspeakable connection.
When the Divine Rock Conference was held in Kunwu City, the demoness in red had also appeared there and spoken many words of strange significance with Gu Changge.
“Amitabha. Just what secrets is Gu Changge hiding...”
“Ancient Buddha, if you meet that Gu Changge in a while, could you perceive him through and through? I keep feeling that he will bring endless calamity upon the Beyond.”
Jin Chan pressed his palms together and sighed.
Hearing this, Ancient Buddha Sha Na did not answer. Only his kindly gaze suddenly grew much deeper.
The arrival of Devil Mountain left many Cultivators within Divine City somewhat uneasy.
After all, the figures within those rolling demonic clouds were all renowned great demons and slaughter-hardened leaders.
The Heavenly Ox Demon King was a great Demon King who had once slaughtered his way through various immortal Daoist lineages until all trembled in fear.
Many had believed he had long since passed away in this world, yet unexpectedly, during this period, he had pledged allegiance to Devil Mountain, coming to represent Devil Mountain at this Divine Mountain invitation.
Soon, three days passed, and Divine City grew even more boisterous and lively.
In an area dotted with pavilions and palaces, the courtyards were secluded and elegant, silver waterfalls cascaded down, and the surroundings were refined. Many spiritual flowers and herbs were planted there, streams murmured, and dense spiritual mist wafted through the air.
A large group of Young Prodigies was holding a small gathering here, the fragrance of wine wafting through the air.
Many spiritual fruits also gleamed with lustrous light, incomparably enticing.
The environment here was truly extraordinary, located deep within Divine City. The Young Prodigies able to enter this place all held no simple status—at the very least, they had to be Successor disciples or heirs of a Cult of Immortality.
At the entrance of the courtyard crouched many mounts and attendants with astonishing vitality, their cultivations far surpassing the younger generation outside.
“Fellow Daoists, will we really get to see the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being this time? It couldn’t just be an empty show of momentum, could it?”
At the banquet, a somewhat frivolous-looking young man holding a folding fan asked with a chuckle as he gently fanned himself.
His name was Wang Shun, the Young Alliance Leader of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance.
Though he looked quite flippant, his talent in the way of commerce was astonishing; among his peers, basically no one possessed wealth comparable to his.
So even though his cultivation was quite ordinary, no one dared underestimate him. No one knew how many artifacts and life-saving means he possessed.
Some had even given him the nickname “Heavenly Lord of Ten Thousand Treasures.”
“Since Young Master Changge dared to send out such news, it shouldn’t be false.”
“Unless he truly dares to deceive everyone.”
“The consequences of that would presumably be more than even he could bear.”
“I believe the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being should still be in this world, merely waiting now for the various Daoist lineages to come pay their respects.”
Hearing this, one Young Prodigy shook his head gently, seeing through the matter quite clearly.
“What you say makes sense, Fellow Daoist. I think so too.”
At that moment, a gentle and indifferent voice sounded from outside the courtyard.
A man in blue robes walked in, his appearance exceedingly refined and scholarly, his whole being carrying a transcendent bearing that caused many of the heaven’s proud daughters present to turn and look.
The newcomer was none other than Lan Yifei, the Chosen One of the Immortal Dao Alliance. He too had come to Divine City, beginning to walk the world on behalf of the Immortal Dao Alliance.
“Greetings, Chosen One.”
Seeing Lan Yifei appear, many of the Young Prodigies present stood up, their expressions becoming considerably more respectful.
After all, Lan Yifei was a well-deserved giant among the younger generation, comparable to the likes of the King of Six Crowns, the Gifted Lady, and Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk.
And after Lan Yifei appeared here, the King of Six Crowns, the Phoenix Lady, and the others subsequently arrived one after another, as if they had long arranged to gather at this place.
As a result, the other Young Prodigies could only yield their seats to them, shifting toward the edges.
Instead, it was Wang Shun, the one called the Heavenly Lord of Ten Thousand Treasures, who curiously scooted closer, seemingly wanting to know what the King of Six Crowns and the others were discussing.
The Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance was one of the top merchant alliances of the Beyond; no matter the force or lineage, all would give it some face.
“I hear the Successor of Demonic Arts is among you.”
But just as Lan Yifei, the King of Six Crowns, and the others were conversing merrily...
A clear, cold, and proud voice rang out.
Outside the courtyard, resplendent golden light emerged, as if a brilliant great sun were approaching in radiance, too dazzling to look at directly.
A breathtakingly beautiful woman walked over, clad in golden armor and battle dress, her figure tall and graceful. Her golden hair cascaded like a waterfall, flowing with radiance. Upon her snow-white, delicate features was a cold and proud expression, giving off an air of nobility beyond reach.
It was none other than Jiang Luoshen, the princess of the Godly Illusion Clan.
Having received the news, she too had appeared and come to this place. Her gaze seemed to carry some strange Force of Law as it swept over the many Young Prodigies before her, seeking to find the true Successor of Demonic Arts.
When Jiang Luoshen appeared, the place instantly fell silent, and the other Young Prodigies all looked over with shocked faces.
“It’s merely a rumor. Princess Luoshen, don’t tell me you think so too?”
At this moment, it was the King of Six Crowns who smiled faintly, breaking the silence first.
Jiang Luoshen’s golden eyes fell upon his face as she said coldly, “Whether it’s a rumor or not...”
Her attitude was extremely forceful and domineering, seemingly carrying a certain hostility.
“If Princess Luoshen doubts us, then by all means, feel free to make a move and test us.”
The King of Six Crowns’ tone was flat, maintaining his lukewarm attitude.
Jiang Luoshen’s beautiful eyes abruptly narrowed, fixing upon him at once.
However, Divine City was now full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, with many Hidden Experts having arrived. Even Jiang Luoshen dared not act recklessly, and in the end merely gave a cold snort.
“I heard Princess Luoshen once shared a certain history with Young Master Changge. Could it be you’ve come this time to seek justice for him?”
“But it seems you’ve found the wrong people. The true Successor of Demonic Arts absolutely cannot be among us.”
At this moment, the Gifted Lady also revealed a faint smile, seemingly having seen through Jiang Luoshen’s purpose.
To this, Jiang Luoshen was noncommittal, her expression remaining as cold and proud as ever.
Although she had been taught a lesson by Gu Changge for a time...
Based on her understanding of Gu Changge, he had nothing whatsoever to do with the Successor of Demonic Arts.
The rumors that had recently sprung up claiming Gu Changge was the Successor of Demonic Arts seemed to her more like someone deliberately pinning the black pot on his head from the shadows.
The fall of Jin Yun, the ancient monstrosity of Purple Cloud Valley, had only indirectly proven her view.
“After paying respects to the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being, this little monk will naturally ask Ancient Buddha Sha Na to perceive everything. At that time, whoever the true Successor of Demonic Arts is will naturally be revealed with a single probe.”
“Princess Luoshen, don’t tell me you can’t even wait these few days?”
Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, shook his head slightly, simply stating the matter openly before everyone, no longer concealing it.
The power and mystery of Ancient Buddha Sha Na went without saying. Since he was stepping in, this matter could naturally be resolved smoothly.
Unless the Successor of Demonic Arts was truly powerful to the point that even Ancient Buddha Sha Na could not perceive him.
Hearing these words, the many Young Prodigies in the courtyard were all stunned, somewhat slow to react.
Ancient Buddha Sha Na?
Instead, it was Lan Yifei whose eyes seemed to light up slightly, suddenly thinking of something.
If Ancient Buddha Sha Na could truly see through Gu Changge’s real identity, then naturally he could also see that he himself was acting against his will.
In the unseen workings of fate, there seemed to be a path to survival guiding him.
“Ancient Buddha Sha Na? Jin Chan, you Chosen Monk, do you think that with him backing you, I would fear you?”
“No matter which of you is the Successor of Demonic Arts, all I know is that some time ago, you were all among them.”
Jiang Luoshen didn’t much care about this. Coldness flashed through her golden eyes, and her voice was icy.
Her Godly Illusion Clan had also brought forth Hidden Experts in descending upon Divine City this time, so naturally she had no need to fear that Ancient Buddha.
In her eyes, who the Successor of Demonic Arts was didn’t actually matter.
What mattered was that some time ago, Gu Changge had suffered many injustices and slanders.
And among the crowd of Young Prodigies before her, not a single one was innocent.
But that imposing manner already made the King of Six Crowns and the others frown, sensing she would be a formidable foe.
Soon, the two clashed within the courtyard, runes flickering, dazzling beyond compare.
Violent fluctuations surged through the place like raging waves. Divine weapons were sacrificed forth one after another.
But they were quickly shattered by Gu Xianer, blasted into fragments that scattered everywhere.
Wang Shun’s expression was exceedingly ugly. He truly hadn’t expected that he wouldn’t even be a match for this little girl.
If not for the fact that he relied on his multitude of artifacts, he probably couldn’t have withstood even a single palm strike from her.
The next moment, brilliant runes suddenly condensed behind Gu Xianer, purple-gold radiance interweaving, transforming into a sea of thunder that came crashing down with crackling booms.
She raised her slender hand, and the boundless sea of thunder descended, as if she commanded the Heavenly Tribulation itself, carrying an aura of destruction.
It was truly terrifying beyond measure.
The expressions of the many Young Prodigies present all changed. Even the likes of the King of Six Crowns had their pupils contract.
“That’s the long-lost Orthodox Lightning Technique.” Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, spoke with a grave expression.
Seeing this scene, Wang Shun’s expression changed drastically. It was too late to react; he could only sacrifice a silver battle suit in an attempt to resist.
But the sea of thunder fell, shrinking to concentrate on the area where he stood. The damage and power it brought were dreadful, directly causing his battle suit to rupture and explode. His entire body was sent flying backward like a husk, vomiting blood, his whole body charred black.
“So strong...”
“Worthy of being the little princess of the Longevity Gu Family. This elegance already carries a shadow of Young Master Changge back in the day.”
“I feel she’s already enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of the King of Six Crowns.”
This scene left everyone present trembling in amazement, full of sighs and admiration, utterly shocked.
Before this, they had only known that Gu Xianer’s status was extraordinary and that Gu Changge doted on her immensely.
They had never seen her truly make a move.