Chapter 54: Celestial Forces

Inside was a vast space, capable of holding countless items, rivaling a small chaotic world.

After entering, they settled down in a special herb garden, quietly awaiting news from the outside.

At this moment, Wang Heng was struggling to catch his breath, feeling as if a massive, invisible weight was pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Yet there was nothing tangible there, absolutely nothing.

"What on earth is this?"

he wondered.

He activated the Supreme Soul Seed, unleashing an astounding force of soul energy to resist this oppressive feeling.□Fortunately, it offered some relief, and Wang Heng immediately retraced his steps to leave without delay.

Although he wasn't sure where this ominous sensation originated from, he distinctly understood it was a bad omen, a sign of impending catastrophe.□The best course of action now was to quickly reach the Chaos Immortal Vine, whom he could trust completely.

With its unparalleled cultivation and formidable power, the vine would surely assist him.

Stumbling out of the Immortal King's herb garden, Wang Heng nearly collapsed to the ground.

Seeing this, Wang Mian, waiting outside, was shocked and hurried forward to support him.

"Young Master, what's wrong? What happened?"

Wang Mian asked, confused.✷The herb garden contained only a few spiritual herbs without cultivation, so theoretically, they shouldn't pose any threat to Wang Heng. Moreover, they were loyal to the Immortal King and could not possibly harbor ill intent towards Wang Heng.

"Elder, please take me to the Chaos Immortal Vine immediately," Wang Heng said, his face pale and voice urgent.

"Understood."

True Immortal Wang Mian nodded, grasping Wang Heng's arm, and they vanished from sight.

As a True Immortal, his speed was boundless, arriving at the enigmatic and chaotic region within mere breaths.

If not for the restrictions surrounding the Wang family estate, he could have traveled even faster.

Upon arrival, they saw a broad path stretching ahead — the very same stone walkway from before.

The Immortal Vine had already opened the way, awaiting their approach.

Wang Mian did not hesitate, leading Wang Heng directly along the path. In the blink of an eye, they stood beneath the Immortal Vine.

Its immense form was rooted deeply in the solid ground, encircled by chaotic energy — every leaf capable of upholding the universe.

Yet now, the vine resembled an elder past its prime, its former vitality waning.

Once vibrant, verdant leaves had turned withered and yellow, some having fallen, resting idly on the earth.

Previously strong and lively roots now appeared cracked, permeated with the aura of decay.

No matter how one looked at it, this Immortal Vine seemed gravely ill, its demise imminent.

"What happened?"

Not long ago, the indomitable Chaos Immortal Vine had incredibly seized an Immortal Spring Eye from a prospective Immortal King, yet now it seemed on the verge of death. To say that it was one step away from withering was no exaggeration.

"What exactly caused this?"

This was the sudden question that arose in both Wang Mian's and Wang Heng's hearts.

"Lord Immortal Vine, how could you end up like this? Could it be that an external enemy has invaded?" Wang Mian asked loudly.

Even as he spoke, another dry, yellow leaf broke off, drifting to the ground and stirring up a cloud of dust, mixed with countless fragments of leaves.

Sorrow and regret were Wang Heng's first feelings.

Having once tread into the realm of Immortal Kings, standing proudly in an era, rooted in the immortal dao, it should have been undying and eternal, living as long as the sun and moon. Yet now it was frail and nearing the road to the netherworld.

To him, the Immortal Vine was absolutely trustworthy, and the death of such an elder was undoubtedly a tremendous loss.

The Immortal Vine spoke softly, its tone unusually calm, like an elder who already knew their fate and was quietly awaiting the arrival of death.

"There is no external enemy; how could it become like this?" Wang Mian questioned, an ominous premonition rising in his heart.

"Fate cannot be defied. My decline is destiny, predestined and unchangeable."

"But you are a prospective Immortal King; how could you succumb to something as so-called fate or destiny?"

"I have cut through a million years of prosperity, inviting this heavenly tribulation. This is the moment I am closest to the decree of fate and the will of heaven.

For this reason, I cast a divination under the name of primordial chaos to foresee the destiny of the Wang Family.

As you can see, its realization falls upon my body." The Chaos Immortal Vine spoke calmly.

"The Wang Family, like the setting sun in the west, is about to reach its twilight. Withering roots and a deathly aura signify the collapsing pillars of the Wang Family. Falling leaves portend the passing of vibrant lives. Such is the will of heaven, and human strength is insufficient to defy it."

"Do not be saddened, do not be disheartened. I was born from chaos, and after death, I will return to chaos. From chaos I came, to chaos I shall go. It is all but a cycle."

Though the fortune of the Wang Family seems sealed, I have discovered a glimmer of hope." As he spoke, a branch of the Chaos Immortal Vine reached out, stopping in front of Wang Heng's chest.

Hanging from it was a fully ripened gourd, engraved with mysterious patterns, and holding astonishing power.

"This is..."

"This is the fruit of my life's dao, my strongest weapon against foes. Originally, it held a sword capable of splitting heaven and collapsing earth with its emergence."

However, after I divined that fate, it became uncertain, shrouded by the vast mystery of destiny. Even I no longer know what lies inside — it may change according to one's will.

I am giving it to you."

Wang Heng was momentarily stunned; a quasi-Immortal King's life's work, the most potent form of attack, was given to him just like that?

"Accept it. You are that glimmer of hope for the Wang Family."

"Me? A glimmer of hope?" Wang Heng was puzzled. Could the Wang Family mansion, so far from the border, also be facing calamity? Impossible, right?

"Quickly take it; I can already sense a force from the void coming to devour all." The voice of the Immortal Vine suddenly became urgent.

Without further hesitation, Wang Heng swiftly stored the gourd within the ancient ring.

"This ring is too conspicuous; let me refine it into your body," the Immortal Vine exerted its last effort, pointing a finger. The ancient ring on Wang Heng's finger vanished in response, becoming a mark etched into his finger bone.

After everything was done, a terrifying force descended, manifesting as dark symbols. They began at the root of the Immortal Vine and slowly crawled upwards, devouring everything in their path, leaving destruction in their wake.

At the same time, a strange change occurred on Wang Heng's body, where those eerie and frightening symbols similarly appeared.