Every Mid-Autumn, there is always a misty rain.

After the grand ceremony of the Divine Dynasty, sweet dew descends from the heavens, seemingly washing away the sorrow of this world.

Zhang Kui stood with his hands behind his back before the observation platform of the Central Extreme Hall, gazing at the city below the mountain, where brick walls and gray tiles stretched on, and pavilions and towers stood in great numbers, with strands of Spiritual Qi faintly rising amidst the misty rain.

The Divine Dynasty was established amidst chaos, gathering the collective strength of the Divine Continent, and in a short time, it already appeared prosperous, with joyful laughter and sounds often coming from the bustling streets.

Such a splendid scene should be a cause for joy, yet there was a hint of concern in Zhang Kui’s heart.

A voice came from within the Ancient Bronze Mirror, mentioning the “Immortal Dynasty,” seemingly transmitted from the distant stars.

Immortal Dynasty, what Immortal Dynasty?

It appeared during the Ancient Wars, opposing the Infinite Immortal Dynasty; could there be another Immortal Dynasty?

The power of the Infinite Immortal Dynasty came from the Immortal King Cave Heaven, extending through the Immortal Banner to govern the Star Realm.

The power of the Starry Sky Evil God came from stolen Laws, using altars as its tentacles, to wreak havoc in the cosmos.

This Ancient Bronze Mirror seems to belong to another system, though still unclear, it similarly invades other realms through the bronze mirror.

The Great Path is in chaos, yet it also becomes an era of great contention; what direction will this present prosperity take in the future?

Just then, a Star Official at the door of the Central Extreme Hall spoke: “Sect Leader, the Huo Continent envoy has arrived.”

Zhang Kui turned around and calmly said: “Invite them in!”

Soon, three individuals from Huo Continent appeared at the entrance; as they saw the spacious great hall, their eyes slightly narrowed, and they walked in slowly.

Rumble!

The doors of the great hall slowly closed; seeing the expressionless Zhang Kui, the three immediately felt a chill on their scalps.

It’s said that Sect Leader Zhang has a murderous nature; could it be he’s going to act against us?

Zhang Kui looked at the three, his gaze pausing on the Cyan Flood Dragon Scholar, and he slowly said: “No need to be tense, I know why you have come. The Divine Dynasty has formal etiquette, but we cultivators need not be ceremonious; with the doors closed, speak plainly.”

The three glanced at each other, the Cyan Flood Dragon Scholar’s eyes flickered, and he stepped forward to salute, saying: “Greetings, Sect Leader Zhang. I am the head of the Celestial Craft Pavilion, Wu Xingdou. Let me introduce, this is the City Lord of Water Heaven City in Huo Continent, Jin Yulin, and this is the City Lord of Ancient Heaven City, Ji Wanwu.”

So this mysterious organization is called Celestial Craft Pavilion…

Zhang Kui nodded and waved his hand, and instantly tables, chairs, soft couches, wine, and tea appeared within the previously empty great hall.

Transportation Skill…

The three’s eyes slightly narrowed. They could perform such techniques, usually employing ghostly entities accompanied by gusts of yin wind, yet Zhang Kui used it with such elegance, it was imperceptible to detect any Spiritual Qi fluctuations, clearly far superior to them.

After the three sat, Zhang Kui casually asked: “In ancient times, Huo Continent was known as Southern Continent, wasn’t it? What is the current situation, could you enlighten me?”

The middle-aged man in a golden robe, City Lord Jin, originally a Golden Carp Demon, seeing that Zhang Kui bore no intent to kill, relaxed his guard and said with a smile: “Sect Leader Zhang may not know, but this head of Celestial Craft Pavilion, Mr. Wu, is learned and erudite, and the pavilion’s branches extend across the Celestial Essence Star, understanding the current situation best.”

“City Lord Jin overpraises…”

The Cyan Flood Dragon’s eyes remained calm, he slightly bowed, saying: “Since Sect Leader Zhang is asking, I dare not conceal anything.”

“As the Sect Leader must know, after the Ancient Wars, the Infinite Immortal Dynasty fell, the Immortal Path was severed, leaving the Celestial Essence Star in chaos. The residual beings of each continent rose from the ruins.”

“The former Southern Continent saw its mountains and lands torn apart, gradually forming ten forces similar to Eastern Continent’s Forbidden Land, known as the Ten Cities of Tongtian.”

“The former Northern Continent is now called the Barbarian Continent, covered in ice and snow since the Ancient Wars, with a harsh environment. Nonetheless, ancient races gather in tribes, riding Desolate Beasts, with formidable strength, though they do not favor outsiders much.”

“The Great Ocean Sea Race occupies the deep sea, unlike the coastal Sea Race under the Sect Leader; they are more domineering, venerating the Dragon Race, entrenched in the ocean, blocking navigation routes.”

“As for Western Continent…”

The Cyan Flood Dragon took a deep breath, “They were originally a branch of the Ancient Race and established a vast You Dynasty. They rose even earlier than the Human Race in Eastern Continent but have fallen as Star God minions, performing blood sacrifices to wreak havoc on the Celestial Essence Star.”

“While the Sea Race is indeed domineering, in blocking ocean routes, they also impede the advance of the You Dynasty. Both sides have been engaged in a bloody war in the Mortal World and the Underworld for thousands of years; if not for them, the Celestial Essence Star might have…”

“However, now the Great Ocean Sea Race is feeling increasingly strained, thus sending envoys, contacting Huo Continent and Barbarian Continent, to open routes and jointly resist the You Dynasty. If they learn of the rise of the Kaiyuan Divine Dynasty in Eastern Continent, they might also send envoys.”

“I see…”

Zhang Kui nodded slightly, the situation largely aligning with what he knew; since the Great Ocean Sea Race is opening routes, intercontinental interactions are likely to grow more frequent.

However, from the words, it seems this Cyan Flood Dragon portrays itself merely as a source of intelligence, likely concealing much from Huo Continent as well.

Thinking of this, Zhang Kui glanced at the three, his eyelids slightly lifting, “You once sent spies to infiltrate the Divine Continent, aiming to seize the Starship crafting skill, and this time, you’re here for the same purpose, aren’t you?”

“Forgive us, Sect Leader Zhang.”

City Lord Jin of the Golden Carp looked embarrassed, “The Ten Cities of Tongtian are but a loose alliance; some are unaware of the Sect Leader’s divine might…”

“Less nonsense.”

Zhang Kui’s lips curled slightly into a smile, “You want a Starship? What would you offer in exchange?”

“What?”

The three were stunned, their eyes full of disbelief. They had thought it would be difficult, planning various means, yet did not expect Zhang Kui to agree so straightforwardly.

The Cyan Flood Dragon suddenly stood up, “As long as Sect Leader Zhang states the conditions, anything can be negotiated.”

Zhang Kui, of course, didn’t mind revealing it; the Starship’s core requires his Yin Yang True Fire to drive, which he can control with a wave of his hand. However, he coldly laughed and said: “Sounds good, I wish to thoroughly sweep the Underworld; could Huo Continent send troops?”

The three looked at each other, the great hall fell into silence momentarily.

The Cyan Flood Dragon sighed, “Sect Leader Zhang, to tell you the truth, the Ten Cities of Huo Continent are not harmonious. The strange Black Tide in the Underworld is perilous; maintaining the stability of each Underworld passage is already difficult, without the ambition and tactics of the Sect Leader.”

“The ability to form an alliance and refrain from attacking each other is all due to a common desire to enter the Immortal Sect of the Moon Palace. We hope Sect Leader will forgive us.”

As he spoke, a glint flashed in his eyes, “The Starship crafted by the Sect Leader, we have seen it during the grand ceremony of the Divine Dynasty. I’m afraid it can’t fly out of the Celestial Essence Star. We happen to have the blueprint for a Starship. Might we exchange it?”

“Hmm…”

This time it was Zhang Kui’s turn to be surprised, but suspicion soon followed, “Since you have the blueprint, why come to me?”

“The core of the Starship!”

The Cyan Flood Dragon let out a long sigh, “The Celestial Essence Star lacks core Divine Materials, and it requires an Immortal to refine it. The Sect Leader’s ability to recreate the core truly impresses us.”

“There’s no need for admiration.”

Zhang Kui suddenly smiled, “However, the core of the Starship requires my personal intervention. The method of refining is a secret of the Divine Dynasty and won’t be transmitted. If you want it, aside from the blueprint, you’ll have to trade it with this item.”

With that, he opened his palm, and the three of them saw a bizarre Crystal Stone hovering in mid-air, emitting a peculiar Domain.

City Lord Jin furrowed his brows, “This item… seems familiar?”

The Cyan Flood Dragon’s expression changed, and he suddenly stood up, “Cave Heaven Divine Crystal!”

The Ancient Race elder, Ji Wanwu, narrowed his eyes slightly, “Mr. Wu, if I remember correctly, the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain discovered many of these, and you took them all, right?”

City Lord Jin gave a faint smile, “Oh… no wonder it looks so familiar, so it’s called Cave Heaven Divine Crystal.”

Their words had already shown some dissatisfaction. If not for Zhang Kui, they wouldn’t have known the value of this item.

It turned out that what they thought was a significant gain at the time actually saw the most crucial parts taken entirely by Cyan Flood Dragon Mr. Wu.

Zhang Kui found it amusing and silently took a sip of tea.

Seeing their expressions, the Cyan Flood Dragon hesitated for a moment and sighed, “The Cave Heaven Divine Crystal, a product after the Immortal King opens a Grotto Heaven. I originally intended to use it to investigate the fall of the Infinite Immortal Court, but found nothing. I didn’t expect Sect Leader Zhang to need this item, so I will no longer keep it private.”

“Mr. Wu is generous.”

City Lord Jin and the Ancient Race elder cupped their hands in unison, “The Ten City Alliance is willing to compensate Mr. Wu for his loss.”

The Cyan Flood Dragon nodded slightly without speaking, clearly not in a good mood.

Zhang Kui found the situation interesting. These people had come together due to interest, appearing harmonious on the surface but actually filled with schemes.

Even if they agreed to sweep the Underworld with him, they would possibly just go through the motions.

However, they had the blueprint for a Starship. He recalled that the Cyan Flood Dragon once mentioned that a Starship from the Huo Continent had set off for the Moon Palace years ago, presumably as a backup at that time.

After negotiating the terms, the atmosphere in the grand hall suddenly became harmonious. The Cyan Flood Dragon stopped hiding and suddenly produced a piece of Black Crystal, “Sect Leader Zhang, the Starship blueprint is within this. If the Sect Leader can restore it, I will immediately deliver the Cave Heaven Divine Crystal.”

Zhang Kui accepted the Black Crystal slate. He had something similar, obtained from Yunmeng Water Mansion. After scanning it with his Divine Sense, his brows immediately furrowed.

“This blueprint… has issues!”

Within the Crystal Stone, it was indeed the blueprint of a Starship, exactly the same as what he had dug up beneath the East Sea Water Mansion. However, although it depicted various Arrays, many parts were incomplete.

The Cyan Flood Dragon shook his head slightly, “Sect Leader Zhang is insightful. Huo Continent also contains an Ancient Battlefield site called Ten Thousand Demon Mountain. After I contacted the Ten City Alliance and breached it, we discovered an Ancient Secret Realm here that contained an intact Starship. However, some places were so mystical that we didn’t dare to dismantle and damage it, so the records are not detailed.”

“Four years ago, the Starship carried hundreds of cultivators to fly away, originally intending to go to the Moon Palace and then return to pick up others. Who knew it would never return, leaving flaws in the blueprint.”

“Never return?”

Zhang Kui looked at the few of them, “The Great Path is in chaos. It seems the Moon Palace is also unstable. Do you still want to go?”

The Cyan Flood Dragon’s eyes were very steadfast, “We hope the Sect Leader will do his best.”

“Of course.”

Zhang Kui nodded, “I will study it for some time. If I can restore the Starship, I will notify you immediately.”

“Thank you, Sect Leader Zhang.”

All three of them immediately showed faces full of joy.

…

After staying for another two days, the Huo Continent delegation signed agreements with the Divine Dynasty for non-aggression and the establishment of embassies, then promptly took their leave.

Zhang Kui did not see them off.

To be honest, these people were intent on going to the Moon Palace, looking as if they were in a rush to escape. They probably didn’t even want to bring many people, likely already aware of something, and definitely wouldn’t become true allies.

However, he also met the Cyan Flood Dragon separately and directly pointed out his identity.

Reluctantly, the Cyan Flood Dragon revealed some things, like the Celestial Essence Star had long been targeted by the Starry Sky Evil God and was beyond saving, which was why they were fleeing.

As for the details about the Starry Sky Evil God and matters of Reincarnation, the other party knew nothing at all.

Zhang Kui recalled the shadow in Reincarnation, the Starship lost after flying into the Moon Palace, and the “Immortal Dynasty” within the Ancient Bronze Mirror, involuntarily looking up at the starry sky.

“To flee, but where to run?”

The blueprint, despite its defects, had given him some clues. The idea was similar to what he did with the Divine Land Array; it was just imitating the conflict between earthly energy and starlight, transforming into a miniature Grotto Heaven.

Unfortunately, with the current minimal original power of his Yin Yang True Fire, he was probably unable to achieve it.

The road is hard; there’s truly a wolf in front and a tiger behind, life and death hanging like sharp swords over one’s heart. Only by becoming an Immortal can one carve out a bloody path.

But how to achieve it?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep