Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 452: Chapter 457: Facing the Undying Mountain

The round plate cast from Green Gold had a diameter of a thousand feet, exuding a chilling metallic sheen as it descended onto the Wangkong Platform, like an ancient Fierce Beast lying dormant.

The crowd gathered from all directions, yet no one dared to make another move. The light emitted by this massive metal plate could obliterate space, and it had caused severe casualties among the cultivators just moments ago.

“I’ve never seen such a colossal Outer Heaven object; it must be beyond the reach of anyone below the Sect Leader Level.”

“This is a precious treasure, but unfortunately, we can only look at it. We can’t step forward and collect it, which is truly frustrating.”

Many cultivators debated fervently but dared not act recklessly. The bloody lesson was right before their eyes, and no one dared to risk their lives.

“What is this thing that fell from the Starry Sky, not burning into ashes? Could it be an ancient saint’s weapon?” the Black Emperor wondered.

Ye Fan and Pang Bo spoke in hushed tones, discussing for a while before simultaneously using their divine sense to probe the Green Gold Round Plate, attempting to communicate with the beings inside through divine scan.

In their view, this was very likely an extraterrestrial civilization. If they could establish a good relationship with them, they might be able to use this opportunity to traverse the starry sky and return to the other side of the cosmos.

POP!

Unfortunately, their divine scan could not penetrate inside. Gentle radiance enveloped the outside of the Green Gold Round Plate, blocking everything and isolating both of their divine sense.

It was a mysterious energy barrier, impenetrable by the power of the Dao and divine sense, protecting what was inside. This made them frown.

“Quick, send out the news! Whichever Peacock King arrives first, this treasure is theirs!”

“Quickly notify the family! Have the Clan Master come to collect the divine object!”

Many reacted quickly, and news spread in all directions in an instant, causing Wangkong Ancient City to boil.

Suddenly, robes fluttered, and an elderly figure appeared on the distant horizon. He arrived gracefully, with crane-like hair but youthful features, resembling an Immortal.

“The sovereign of the Immortal Crane Clan has arrived!”

Many human cultivators sensed trouble. The Immortal Crane lineage of the demon clan resided in this city. Now, with them having such a prime advantage, a Saint Master Level figure had appeared. How could others compete?

After the dark turmoil ended over one hundred thousand years ago, ten thousand demon clan powerhouses secluded themselves in the Central Eastern Desolate. The Immortal Crane Clan was among the elites, reportedly led by a Clan Master who was an ancient sage, dominating the Eastern Wastelands.

He chose one of the ten Ancient Cities as his dwelling, and no one dared to oppose him. Thus, the Immortal Crane Clan was virtually the master of this city.

“All of you step aside. Let this old man see what this truly is.” The sovereign of the Immortal Crane Clan shot glimmering lights from his eyes, nodding repeatedly.

The Green Gold Round Plate seemed to possess intelligence. It sensed the threatening Qi Mechanism, and the white brilliance surrounding it grew more intense, erecting a massive light curtain.

“Let me take a look at this Outer Domain divine object and see what makes it special!” The old Clan Master of the Immortal Crane lineage extended his hand, which seemed to cover the sky, as he directly reached for the round plate.

“Clan Master, be careful! It can obliterate the void!” Many from the Immortal Crane Clan had witnessed the terrifying scene earlier and urgently warned him.

BOOM!

The Green Gold Round Plate trembled, emitting a blinding light that cleaved a massive ravine across the void, extending towards the sky.

The old Clan Master of the Immortal Crane lineage stood firm, unmoved amidst the collapsing void, like a Holy Spirit. He was unharmed, though he did furrow his brow.

BUZZ!

The Green Gold Round Plate shivered, its emitted light growing even more intense. It continuously obliterated the void, fiercely resisting the descending hand.

Though possessing overwhelming magical power, the old Clan Master of the Immortal Crane lineage dared not forcibly grasp it amidst the horrifying scene. Instead, he sealed the high heavens with startling power of the Dao. A colossal Immortal Crane took form, shaping a dazzling celestial curtain that cascaded downwards, intending to enclose the Green Gold Round Plate beneath it.

BOOM!

As the void shattered, the mysterious Outer Domain divine object surged skyward. It refused to be sealed below; anticipating danger, it attempted to soar away.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

The old Clan Master of the Immortal Crane lineage chided lightly as a Dao Light rushed from his mouth, quickly striking forward. It collided with the Green Gold Round Plate with a POP, causing it to sway vigorously, nearly falling as its light curtain dimmed.

“Old friend, let me assist you!” A long shout rang out. The newcomer was moving with incredible speed, far exceeding the speed of sound by countless times.

This was a towering and mighty elder, his whole being blazing with Gold light, like burning flames, tearing through the sky. His Gold hair fluttered wildly, and his skin also flowed with a Gold luster; he resembled a god.

It was the renowned Golden-winged Old Roc King, a peerless master of the demon clan and an illustrious figure in the Central Territory, powerful enough to overlook the world.

BANG!

He extended his hand, attempting to seize the Green Gold Round Plate, but was thwarted by the old Clan Master of the Immortal Crane lineage.

“Old Roc King, are you helping me, or are you trying to take it for yourself?”

“Come now, old brother, why draw lines between us? Let me have the first look, and I’ll return it shortly!” The Old Roc King laughed heartily, his whole being glittering as if cast from Gold.

“Perhaps it’s better if I show it to you later,” the Immortal Crane Clan Master said, shaking his head.

BOOM!

The Green Gold Round Plate emitted its most intense glow, pulverizing the void and annihilating all tangible matter. Even the Golden-winged Old Roc King was startled; his large Gold hand failed to dodge in time and was struck directly.

PUFF!

A brilliant light flashed, and dozens of Blood Beads sprinkled down from high above. The Golden-winged Old Roc King furrowed his brow; a small cut had appeared on his palm. He sighed lightly, “I don’t know how many years it’s been since anyone has harmed me. Today, it actually managed to draw blood.”

Everyone was speechless. That was the kind of power that could obliterate space, yet it had merely left a small wound on his palm. It was terrifying.

Just how powerful was this old Celestial Roc? It was truly astonishing, sending chills down one’s spine. Such was the terrifying might of a Saint Master Level figure, capable of overlooking the vast earth.

Even Ye Fan and Pang Bo exchanged glances, feeling overwhelmed. These supreme Sect Leader Level figures were truly unfathomable, and a chill ran through their hearts.

Although the flesh of the Celestial Roc Clan was terrifying, it wasn’t absolutely immortal. The Old Roc King had just used his overwhelming magical power and his understanding of the Great Dao to block that peerless strike.

“Old friends, let me assist you!” Another figure arrived. He appeared to be a middle-aged man, full of might, with hair like a cascading waterfall, deep-set eyes, and an imposing presence. He was the Wind Clan Peacock King.

“Let me take a look at this object as well.” Another elder crossed the void to appear. His white hair was like snow, his eyes shone with divine sparks, and he was spirited and vigorous. Someone recognized him as the Wanchu Peacock King, over two thousand years old and nearing the end of his lifespan, with unfathomable strength.

These great figures spoke calmly without much animosity, but when it came to action, none yielded. They all reached for the Green Gold Round Plate, countering each other.

Could this really be a divine object refined by ancient sages? many wondered, alarmed. Otherwise, why would several Saint Master Level figures be so invested?

Even Ye Fan and Pang Bo grew suspicious. It doesn’t look that much like a flying saucer, they thought. Perhaps it really is a precious treasure. After all, how could an extraterrestrial civilization be encountered so easily?

The great figures contended, vying for the Green Gold Round Plate. None gave way as they exchanged blows in the void.

SWISH!

Suddenly, the Green Gold Round Plate pierced through the void, creating a black hole. It plunged inside and swiftly vanished.

“A treasure capable of traversing the void by itself! Such things are rare in the world. Could it truly be related to ancient sages?!”

Many people were shocked by this scene. Even if the Weapons of Saint Master Level figures birthed their own “gods,” they wouldn’t be this spiritual. This was most likely a sage’s treasure.

“Chase!”

The Old Roc King was the first to rush into the black hole, following the existing Domain Gate, clearly not wanting to let it escape. The other Peacock Kings and Clan Masters did the same, disappearing in a flash as they followed.

“Should we go take a look?” Tu Fei asked, somewhat restless.

“Let’s go see. It’s most likely the treasure of ancient sages. Especially because it comes from the Outer Domain, it has extraordinary significance,” Black Emperor Road.

“Can you determine where it flew?” Pang Bo asked, as the Domain Gate had already closed.

“Who do you think this Emperor is? With all the Dao Glyphs for opening Domain Gates, there’s nothing that can puzzle me! This Emperor is perfectly capable of determining its location and distance,” the big black dog boasted shamelessly.

“The cute doggy is bragging,” the pitiful little girl said innocently as she sat on his back.

Everyone laughed, and Li Heishui said, “Not long ago, you were off by six million miles. Even the pitiful little girl doesn’t believe you anymore.”

“I guarantee there won’t be any mistakes this time!” The big black dog quickly began inscribing Dao Glyphs.

Simultaneously, many Domain Gates opened in Wangkong Ancient City. Many experts proficient in Array Patterns had also determined the direction in which the Green Gold Round Plate had flown.

“Go!”

Ye Fan and the others crossed the void in an instant and disappeared.

When they emerged, they found themselves in a Great Wilderness. Endless Primitive Forests filled the land, with Ancient Wood reaching for the sky. It was impossible to know how many millennia had passed since anyone had last been there.

In the distance, mountains were collapsing and rocks pierced the clouds. The battle among the Peacock Kings created a terrifying scene. The Green Gold Round Plate also shot out endless Divine Radiance, sweeping away all tangible matter.

“This really doesn’t seem like a flying saucer. The power is too great!” Pang Bo muttered. “If it is, then that Outer Domain civilization is far too advanced.”

“If it truly is a Cosmic Spaceship, I think the people inside would be even more shocked. In their eyes, several Saint Master Level figures would undoubtedly be like undying gods and demons,” Ye Fan laughed.

“What’s a Cosmic Spaceship?” the pitiful little girl asked, blinking her big eyes.

“It’s a divine artifact that only ancient sages could refine, an unparalleled treasure,” the Black Emperor interjected, causing Ye Fan to nervously wipe a bead of sweat from his brow.

Many people appeared in this region; they had all followed, and were now observing from afar.

BOOM!

The Green Gold Round Plate pierced through the void once again, vanishing from its place, with the powerful figures in close pursuit.

In this manner, after dozens of void crossings, with battles and pauses intermixed, daylight had long since broken. The red sun had risen high, and no one knew how far they had traveled.

In the Central Territory of the Eastern Wastelands, many Great Sects received the news. Ancient lineages of the demon clan all mobilized, and powerful figures from the Purple Mansion Sacred Land and Dao Yi Sacred Land also rushed to the scene.

“Something’s not right. The aura of this place is too terrifying! Where have we ended up?” The Black Emperor was uncertain and suspicious.

After their final void crossing, everyone sensed that something was amiss; they all felt startled and uneasy.

This was a Primitive Territory, the wilderness boundless. Many Ancient Trees reached high into the sky like small mountains, and numerous Ancient Vines had completely buried entire mountains beneath them.

It was far too primitive. Who knew how many years these vines and trees had been growing? They should have evolved into Heavenly Demons long ago, but unfortunately, they remained in their original forms, without Spirit Communication.

Occasionally, they would spot strange and powerful beasts, all of which were unheard of and unseen before. Each one was bizarre and terrifying, filled with a dangerous aura; all were Ancient Beasts that had achieved Spirit Communication.

“Go around them! Those strange and powerful beasts are unbelievably strong. They’re the descendants of various Barbarian Beast Kings from before the Ancient Desolation. Do not provoke them!” the Black Emperor warned.

Within the demon clan, some beings were innately powerful and incredibly proud. They never chose to transform into human form throughout their lives, unwilling to integrate into a world primarily structured for the human race.

Such fearsome beings constantly evolved in the form of beast kings, walking a completely different path from those demons who took human form. They were alien to humanity, and if angered, could easily create mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

Ahead, the Peacock Kings battled, shattering several Great Mountains. This provoked an extraordinarily powerful Barbarian Beast King. It was a Dragon Horse, as gigantic as a mountain, with a dragon’s head, a horse’s body, and qilin-like legs. Its entire body was crimson like blood, seeming to burn like flames.

It roared skyward, its power not weaker than any of the Peacock Kings. It charged into the fray, shattering a Great Mountain with its roar.

“What is this place?” Many who had crossed the void to follow here looked puzzled.

As everyone pursued the Green Gold Round Plate and the Peacock Kings for another hundred miles or so, the sense of danger became even more intense, chilling them to the bone.

Even the battling Peacock Kings became wary, and the Ancient Desolation Barbarian Beast King stopped roaring, falling silent despite the ongoing battle.

Ahead, that is… Ye Fan’s heart pounded.

“A black mountain range… it looks very peculiar,” Pang Bo also said, feeling suspicious.

“To think we’ve arrived here…” The big black dog couldn’t help but wipe away cold sweat. “Thankfully, there was no deviation this time. Otherwise, if we had fallen into that mountain range, none of us would have survived.”

With each step forward, the terrifying aura intensified, causing unease in their Heart Spirit, as if they were slowly approaching an ultimate, fearsome existence.

The mountain range was majestic and towering, as if it had stood there since the beginning of the Universe. Each peak was worthy of being called a King of Mountains and a Sovereign of Peaks, imposing and grandiose.

They were covered in lush Ancient Trees, vibrant with life, with some lakes nestled in the mountain valleys. Yet, this greenery could not conceal the fundamental color of the terrain—pitch black.

“What exactly is this place?” Tu Fei asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

“The Undying Mountain!” The Black Emperor’s expression was solemn.

“What? We’ve arrived outside the Undying Mountain? We actually reached here?!” Li Heishui exclaimed in utter shock.

They all secretly rejoiced and looked towards the big black dog. Fortunately, it had been somewhat reliable this time and hadn’t steered them too far off course; otherwise, they really could have died.

“Don’t look at me like that! What sort of being do you think this Emperor is? I wouldn’t get myself killed!” the big black dog muttered, though he sounded a little guilty.

The Peacock Kings fought their way to the outskirts of the Undying Mountain. All were highly cautious, suppressing their boundless magical power, not daring to act recklessly for fear that some peerless existence might emerge from within.

Too many terrifying legends surrounded the Undying Mountain. Beings from within had once wreaked havoc upon the earth, causing rivers of human blood and mountains of bones, ushering in the most dreadful dark ages.

If not for a Great Success Holy Body and ancient Great Emperors emerging consecutively, who fought with all their might across two eras to suppress these beings, the history of the Eastern Wastelands human race might have been rewritten.

Nearing the black Undying Mountain, with its kings of mountains and sovereigns of peaks standing tall and imposing, the terrifying Qi Mechanism emanating from it made everyone’s heart tremble with dread.

Ye Fan wanted to place the pitiful little girl into his pure jade bottle, fearing she would be frightened. However, he was surprised to find she was completely fine, the only one unaffected. Her small face was rosy as she sat on the Black Emperor’s back, blinking her big eyes and curiously looking into the mountains.

“You don’t need to worry about her. In a little while, this little darling could probably enter the Undying Mountain to pluck Enlightenment Tea without any problem,” the big black dog muttered.

“What are you talking about?!” Ye Fan scolded.

“I’m not joking. In today’s world, perhaps only she can safely enter the Undying Mountain,” the big black dog said thus.

BOOM!

Suddenly, the Green Gold Round Plate flashed with light and rushed into the Undying Mountain.