Chapter 135: Discourse

Thus, they surrounded the vicinity, much like stars encircling the moon, occasionally chiming in to lighten the atmosphere, aiming to blend into the gathering.

Only now does this area exhibit the grandeur a gathering of elites should have.

With the absence of the Ao family's successors and their followers, Wang Heng thrived here, effortlessly navigating among the scions of various Immortal King factions, sometimes raising a glass in celebration, at others savoring the exquisite peaches and divine elixirs, engaging in lively conversation.

Seeing the eased tensions, these heirs began to seek Wang Heng's counsel on the art of creating and evolving the Celestial Domain, for he was the pioneer, the pathfinder. Obtaining valuable insights from him would greatly ease their journey in rebuilding creation and expanding into the Celestial Domain.

Wang Heng did not refuse. Throughout history, every entity that led evolution in a new direction shared their innovations for the prosperity of all beings. This was a trend, an unstoppable current.

Upon hearing Wang Heng was about to elucidate on the Celestial Domain, the Immortal Realm's young prodigies immediately grew spirited. Someone brought out a tall Dao platform, inviting Wang Heng to take the seat of honor and deliver his teachings, while they returned to their seats, attentively listening.

Placing the speaker on a high pedestal is a form of silent respect. Wang Heng understood and obliged, ascending the platform and sitting cross-legged to begin revealing the mysteries of the Celestial Domain.

Though he had already embarked on the path of evolving the Celestial Domain, and the world knew of this path, without a guide, traversing this seemingly elusive realm remained an arduous task for others.

It was rare for Wang Heng to attend the Peach Blossom Festival; the opportunity was not to be missed.

Quickly, news spread throughout the festival that the originator of the Celestial Domain, Wang Heng, son of an ancient Immortal King from the Primeval World, would be expounding on the manifold mysteries of the Celestial Domain in a section dedicated to realms of creation.

It caused an instant uproar.

The Celestial Domain, a concept that had captivated many for a long time. Everyone had tried to delve into it to varying extents, yet without exception, they all failed.

But now, if the architect of this realm could share his journey and insights, the chances of others successfully establishing their own Celestial Domains would greatly increase.

Thus, the prodigies of the Immortal Realm could no longer sit still, whether they were from lower bloodline territories or higher tier regions of Soul Stealing, Dao Patterns, or Grand Arrays—all converged here, among them scions and descendants of Immortal Kings, every one renowned.

Even those of the Supreme Realm were drawn by the news, arriving in this very vicinity.

For many, it was their first encounter with Wang Heng. Initially harboring animosity, this sentiment slowly dissipated as they saw him willingly share the secrets of the Celestial Domain without expecting anything in return.

On the Dao platform, Wang Heng sat upright, slightly astonished by the vast assembly, particularly noting the presence of several immensely powerful Supremes. Nonetheless, such moments were not unsettling for him.

"The human body should not be limited to inner treasures but should extend outward. The Celestial Domain is about creating a pure land, a divine kingdom in the void beyond one's body, connecting with the great universe and then channeling its creations within, refining oneself…" He expounded on the distinctions between the Celestial Domain and the Realm of Creation, then proceeded to detail the process of establishing a Celestial Domain and aspects to heed.

This sermon delved into a new realm of cultivation, naturally touching upon the great truths of the universe, and consequently, phenomena began to manifest, appearing sacred and transcendent.

The beings below the platform listened intently, entranced, each discovering the reasons for their repeated failures, eager to try again immediately. However, this setting was clearly inappropriate for such attempts, so they had to suppress the urge.

Deep within the palace of Pan Wang, the crafting of the Cosmic Mountain and River Seal reached its most crucial stage. Several Immortal Kings sat cross-legged, surrounded by chaotic energy, engraving the most powerful dao into the seal with their supreme might.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the crafting of this Immortal King-grade weapon, which combined offense and defense, was finally completed. The entire residence was now surrounded by stars and majestic landscapes, exuding an incredibly dense Immortal King's dao. Whether for attack or defense, it stood among the finest of its kind.

With this Immortal King-grade weapon, Pan Wang could confront multiple formidable enemies without defeat.

Additionally, with the formidable strength of the Immortal Domain and the unity of the Immortal Kings standing together against external threats, even the most fearsome historical dark turmoil would not shake Pan Wang's confidence in his survival.

He smiled warmly, expressing his gratitude to the helping Immortal Kings, acknowledging that he couldn't have completed the crafting of the Cosmic Mountain and River Seal by himself.

In the end, Pan Wang ensured that those who helped did not go empty-handed. Each Immortal King received what they needed—some treasures coveted by Immortal Kings, others secrets buried by time. Having lived long enough, Pan Wang knew secrets even other top Immortal Kings did not.

For those Immortal Kings who needed neither, Pan Wang owed a personal favor, which was invariably bound by karma and would have to be repaid in the future.

"Thank you, fellow Daoists, for your assistance. Without you, who knows how long it would have taken for this Cosmic Mountain and River Seal to see the light of day," Pan Wang sighed with emotion and thanked them once again.

"Dao Brother, there's still one last step," an Immortal King spoke.

Saying this, he pointed to a vacant spot in Pan Wang's residence.

"Boom!"

Stately chaotic stone steles emerged towering, boundlessly tall, resembling chaos itself.

The speaking Immortal King ignored the others, striding toward the steles and, using his finger as a blade, carved words into them. The script was ancient and profound, embodying the supreme dao he practiced.

In the future, should descendants meditate under this stele, they might comprehend the dao of the carving Immortal King, embarking on an extraordinary path.

The other Immortal Kings also took action, each inscribing their words on a different chaotic stone stele, all leaving behind the resonance of the Immortal Kings' dao.

Wu Zhong also sought out a stone stele and engraved the Dao of Time upon it. Compared to others, this stele is the most mysterious and extraordinary among those left by the Immortal Kings. After all, he is a giant, transcending the pinnacle.

Upon inscribing the stele, he sealed it at the key node of the Cosmic Mountain and River Seal. Instantly, the mansion was filled with the roaring of Dao and myriad phenomena.

Thus, the crafting of the Cosmic Mountain and River Seal was finally complete.

Pan Wang extended an invitation to converse in the cavern residence.

With such graciousness, the Immortal Kings naturally could not refuse Pan Wang's goodwill, although the atmosphere was somewhat tense.

Wu Zhong, Ao Sheng, Taishi, and others were already aware of what transpired in the Peach Garden while they were crafting the Immortal King artifact.

The former felt gratified and was quite pleased with Wang Heng's performance, while the latter's gaze was cold, betraying neither joy nor sorrow, yet failing to achieve their goal left Ao Sheng and the others in a poor mood.

In the past, the will of the Immortal Kings was not to be contradicted; their words were law.

But now, a powerful giant stood in their way, making it difficult for them to realize their ambitions.

"And so a being of the Creation Realm actually opens a forum to expound on the Dao, and Supreme beings gather to listen. It is truly extraordinary and reminds me of my younger self." Taishi Immortal King spoke, superficially praising Wang Heng, comparing him to his own past, yet hinting at the threat Wang Heng posed.

The implication was that Wang Heng had the potential to challenge the ranks of the Immortal Kings.

"Haha, though gifted beyond measure, he is ultimately a child of the Immortal Kings, shackled by the Dao of his forebears, making it difficult to enter our realm. Brother Dao, you need not worry," Pan Wang said with a light laugh.

It is rare for a human Dao being to be repeatedly mentioned by several Immortal Kings.

Perhaps, before the Peach Festival began, their intention was merely to target the Immortal King behind Wang Heng. But now, having learned about Wang Heng's performance at the Peach Garden, they began to take this young lifeform seriously.

His history was indeed too extraordinary to overlook, even earning the favor of the Hun Yuan Immortal King. As peers at the pinnacle of Immortal Kings, they naturally understood the insight of such a figure, which could not possibly be lacking.

Wu Zhong sat silently, comprehending that Ao Sheng and others were probing his stance with their words.

After a brief exchange, the atmosphere grew increasingly stiff. Ultimately, Ao Sheng and his peers ceased to dissemble and spoke directly with Wu Zhong.

Regrettably, Wu Zhong's response left them disappointed; he firmly stated his intention to protect Wang Heng.

The Immortal Kings within Ao Sheng's faction sensed his unwavering resolve and hesitated, temporarily shelving the matter concerning Wang Heng.

...

Within the Peach Garden, Wang Heng finished his discourse. All beings below benefited tremendously, expressing gratitude to Wang Heng with clasped hands from afar, including the mighty Supremes.

"The realm of the Cave Heaven is boundless and profound. Brother Wang's establishment of this realm is enough to earn him eternal fame," remarked a descendant of a Fortune Realm Immortal King.

Wang Heng not only elaborated on the creation of the Cave Heaven but also divulged various mysteries of this realm—how the Cave Heaven nurtures spirits, how it possesses its own deity—leaving the Immortal Region's prodigies astounded and full of praise.

Thereafter, the Pan Family's prodigy commanded jade tables to be brought forth, placing one before each prodigy. Spiritual apes approached to pour immortal wine, while cranes spread their wings, carrying jade trays brimming with immortal fruits.

What began as separate gatherings between realms evolved into a grand collective assembly. Wang Heng became the highlight of the gathering, forging connections with the beings from various major powers within the Immortal Region.

This held great significance for him.

He had transformed from someone universally condemned in the Immortal Region to a social butterfly with remarkable connections, essentially achieving a complete turnaround in reputation.

However, these are but secondary gains. The foremost benefit is the widespread propagation and recognition of the Cave Heaven realm. As its pioneer, Wang Heng stands to gain intangible benefits.

As the gathering came to a close and participants departed satisfied, they bade Wang Heng farewell, eager to attempt creating their own Cave Heaven after drawing much from the discourse.

Before long, the place was deserted, the bustling activity now faded like autumn leaves swept away, evoking a melancholy that made the earlier grandeur seem like a dream.

Wang Heng wandered amid the empty jade tables, filled with boundless emotions. Who could have foreseen that what initially seemed a trap would conclude with both a discourse and a revelry?

Suddenly, a shadowy figure lunged forward, confronting Wang Heng—it was the Black King, who had ventured into the Peach Garden's section designated for beings of Xian Tao.

"Boy, your deeds have reached my ears. Suppressing heirs of the Immortal King families unscathed, and subsequently hosting a discourse that drew the Supremes to listen. All I can say is, nicely done."

"Thank you, senior, for your praise. However, I'm worried those Immortal Kings haven't achieved their aims…"

"Heh, this concern isn't without basis. The will of an Immortal King is usually unyielding, yet you became an exception; naturally, they won't readily let it go.

But, you needn't worry excessively. Lord Wu Zhong is not one to leave matters unfinished or let them harm you," the Black King reassured.

Wang Heng nodded, about to continue speaking, when the voice of Lord Wu Zhong reached his ears, informing him of the events within the Pan Wang's cave mansion.

"Pan Wang's Universe Mountains and Rivers Seal has been completed, the Peach Banquet is drawing to a close, and it is time for us to leave.

Though I have expressed my intention to protect you, this is the Immortal Domain, not the Ancient Primordial World. There is no guarantee that nothing unexpected will happen, so it is best to depart soon," Wu Zhong said calmly.

He was not afraid of Ao Sheng and his followers; even if a group of kings attacked, Wu Zhong could fight his way out, nothing could stop him.

But protecting a fragile mortal during a fierce battle is no simple task—it would be limiting.

For safety, it was better to leave early.

"Yes, Lord Wu Zhong."

Wang Heng nodded.

"Leaving already? What a pity, I haven't had the chance to collect a pet yet!" The Black King remarked bitterly.

Soon, Immortal King Wu Zhong arrived, emerging from the Pan Wang's cave mansion, appearing beside Wang Heng and the Black King. Without a word, he enveloped them in a beam of light and vanished from Pan Wang City.

The two felt time fly by like flowing water, as if they were traveling along the river of time, heading to the distant past to witness an ancient history.

Inside Pan Wang's mansion, Ao Sheng, Taishi, and other supreme Immortal Kings sat cross-legged amidst the chaos, their gazes indifferent, devoid of emotion.

"They've left. The tumultuous ages have drowned everything, making it impossible to discern where they've gone," Taishi murmured to himself.

"Ultimately, he's a formidable figure. You could say that mortal was lucky to escape disaster," Yuan Chu spoke coldly.

"It doesn't matter. I don't believe a giant will always shelter a mortal. There will be a day when their paths diverge," Ao Sheng's eyes remained indifferent, chaos roiling within as scenes of universal destruction unfolded.

"Aren't you all overthinking? He's just a mere mortal, why bother?" Pan Wang probed cautiously.

"Destined to be an enemy, the future is uncertain and unpredictable. If that's the case, might as well kill him to nip future trouble in the bud," Ao Sheng responded.

I don't know exactly how much more will be added tomorrow, but I'll be writing all day.