Volume One: Lich Cataclysm Chapter 122: Geng Ning Leaves Seclusion and Sets Out for the Celestial Court

After the messenger of the Blue Bird Clan departed, Zhu Rong stepped forward, his face full of indignation.

“Elder brother, why did you let that little bird go?”

“Zhu Rong, no matter what, they are only errand runners for the demon clan. Why do you harbor such hatred toward them? All of the Great Desolation was created by Father God; is there any race that does not carry a trace of his bloodline?”

Seeing Zhu Rong’s attitude, Emperor Jiang could only remind him patiently.

“Though there are many hateful beings among the demons, we must heed our uncle’s warning: don’t judge all by the actions of a few. Learn to discern and contemplate. If you cannot change this temper of yours, then best you stay away from the divine hall for a while. Go and spend a hundred eras in seclusion; if you still cannot change, then continue to stay away.”

Hearing this, Zhu Rong’s expression fell, looking at Emperor Jiang in disbelief.

“No, brother, that’s far too long! Can’t it be less? Are you trying to drive me mad?”

But Emperor Jiang’s face remained unmoved.

Just as Zhu Rong thought there was no hope, Emperor Jiang’s tone softened.

“However, if you truly amend your ways, it’s not impossible to return sooner. Go, weigh the matter yourself: whether you wish to stay or to leave depends on you.”

With that, Emperor Jiang paid him no further heed.

“Brother, you should have done this long ago!” Gong Gong stepped forward in high spirits and said to Emperor Jiang.

“That’s enough, you as well. We are all brothers. Though you cultivate the Dao of Water and Zhu Rong the Dao of Fire, remember his example.”

Then, Emperor Jiang turned to the others.

“Brother, may I ask who you intend to send to the Celestial Court’s celebration?”

At that moment, Qiang Liang and Shi Jiuyin approached to inquire.

“Houtu and Jumang are both away, and many matters in the clan need tending. Ruxiu and Xuanming have their respective duties, and Zhu Rong is unsuitable. Since you two have asked, why not go yourselves?”

Emperor Jiang looked at Qiang Liang and Shi Jiuyin, pondering for a moment before addressing the two ancestral witches.

“You may bring some others from the clan as well. It’s time the Witch Clan made its presence known in the Great Desolation!”

“As for suitable candidates, Kuafu, who just arrived, seems quite fitting. His strength today is unmatched by most in the land.”

The rest Emperor Jiang left to their discretion.

“Very well, since you say so, brother, Shi Jiuyin and I will obey.”

In the end, Qiang Liang also included his sister, Grand Witch Jiufeng, whose strength now rivaled Kuafu’s, both at the level of Hunyuan Golden Immortal. Others selected were a circle of grand witches and warriors who had reached the peak of Da Luo Golden Immortal. Among them were Rain Master and Wind Earl.

With the delegation settled, the day of the Celestial Court celebration arrived.

Meanwhile, at Mount Buzhou, within the Azure Lotus Dao Institute.

Qingkong was observing Gengning, who had just emerged from seclusion. Previously, Qingxuan had sent him out into the Great Desolation to experience the world, and he had faced many trials. Upon his return, he was no longer as rash as before, but much more composed.

The greatest fruit of his tempering was that Gengning, upon returning, immediately requested to enter closed-door cultivation.

“Not bad—your mana is profound, and you have gained insight into the laws of metal. Pity you achieved your breakthrough somewhat late; how far you go from here will depend on you.”

Looking at Gengning, now at the initial stage of Hunyuan Golden Immortal, perhaps thanks to following Qingxuan, he had seen and heard much, and with sufficient accumulation, his strength, though newly achieved, was not to be underestimated.

“It is all due to your wise guidance, master.” Hearing Qingkong’s praise, Gengning did not grow arrogant, but replied with proper courtesy.

“Indeed, it seems your journey was worthwhile and did not disappoint my expectations. Since you have emerged at just the right time, you should accompany Ao Qing on this trip.”

“Take Xue Mei and the others with you, too. They have followed me for many years and have rarely left this minor world; it’s time they broadened their horizons.”

Qingkong then turned to Ao Qing, handing him the invitation brought by Bai Ze.

“Ao Qing thanks master for his generosity on their behalf.”

“Enough with the flattery! These pills will serve as our gift—let no one say that Mount Buzhou fails in courtesy.”

With a wave of Qingkong’s hand, several jade bottles appeared before Ao Qing.

Ao Qing was deeply impressed by his master’s magnanimity; he himself had only received a single Dao Pill before, yet here were four at once.

“Don’t think you’ve been left out. In the past, I withheld them so as not to hinder your cultivation. Now, they are suitable for you both—take them.”

Qingkong tossed a jade bottle to each of them; a quick glance revealed several Dao Pills inside.

“Thank you, master, for your generous gift!”

Both immediately expressed their gratitude.

Ao Qing then gathered Xue Mei and the other four, and they set off for the Celestial Court.

As they reached the Southern Celestial Gate, they chanced upon Zhen Yuanzi and another.

Zhen Yuanzi moved to greet Ao Qing, but he heard him say,

“Senior brother, there’s no need for such formality. I am but a servant to master. You have already found your path and are now master’s personal disciple. Allow me to congratulate you!”

With that, Ao Qing produced some of the Dao Pills he had just received and handed them to Zhen Yuanzi. With a meaningful glance at Gengning, who immediately took the hint—indeed, experience was valuable.

“Senior brother, a small token—please accept it without disdain.”

“If it comes from you, I shall gladly accept it.”

But when Zhen Yuanzi’s spiritual sense scanned the contents of the bottle, he was stunned—he knew at once these came from Qingxuan himself.

“Junior brother, this…”

“Please, do not refuse. I will have need of your help in the future.”

He knew well the difference in their positions; though he had long followed Qingxuan, the master had never before taken disciples. Now, Zhen Yuanzi was about to become his direct disciple—a distinction not to be compared.

“You are here representing our teacher, aren’t you? Then let us go together.”

Thus, they proceeded as one group.

Within the Celestial Court’s Hall of Supreme Harmony, the atmosphere was exceptionally lively, with many mighty figures of the Great Desolation in attendance.

“From Mount Kunlun, Taiqing Laozi presents a gourd of Nine Revolutions Golden Pills.”

“From Mount Kunlun, Yuqing Yuanshi offers a mid-grade innate spiritual treasure and several top-grade acquired spiritual treasures.”

“From Mount Kunlun, Shangqing Tongtian presents a mid-grade and a low-grade innate spiritual treasure, and countless acquired spiritual treasures.”