Chapter 37: And so it begins!

On Spirit Butterfly Island, the wind whispers secrets that have been buried for ages. The waves crash against the shore as if trying to reveal the mysteries hidden beneath the surface. The sky is filled with an eerie darkness that makes even the bravest of souls shudder in fear. All these are signs that something is about to happen, something that will change the course of the world forever.

As the wind howls louder, a man's voice can be heard cursing in the distance. His words are filled with anger and frustration, as if he is blaming someone for all the troubles in the world. His voice echoes across the island, sending shivers down the spines of those who hear it. But who is this man, and why is he cursing?

As the sound grows louder, it becomes clear that the man is none other than Venerable Spirit Butterfly, one of the most powerful beings on the island. He is known for his wisdom, his strength, and his love for his daughter. But today, he is consumed by anger, and his curses are directed towards someone who has caused him great pain.

"Zenith Heaven Emperor!" he roars, his voice booming across the island. "How dare you take my daughter from me? How dare you drag her into your foolish plans? You will pay for your crimes, mark my words!"

As the echoes of his voice fade away, a door in the center of the island suddenly opens. It is a door that has been closed for decades, a door that leads to a place no one has ever dared to enter. But now, it seems that the time has come for it to be opened once again.

Venerable Spirit Butterfly is surprised by the sudden appearance of the door, but his attention is quickly drawn away by a figure that emerges from it. It is his wife, who has been in seclusion for over 20 years. He approaches her eagerly, wanting to inform her of what has happened, but before he can even say a word, she speaks.

"And so it begins!" she says, her voice filled with an eerie calmness. "The plan is in motion, and there is no turning back now."

Venerable Spirit Butterfly is taken aback by his wife's words. He knows that she is a top-tier Eternal Life Being, with knowledge and power beyond his own. If she says that the plan is in motion, then it must be true. But what plan is she talking about? And what does it mean for the island, and for the world beyond?

As the two stand there in silence, the wind grows stronger, and the darkness in the sky deepens. It is as if the island itself is preparing for something, something that has been foretold since ancient times. The tension is palpable, and Venerable Spirit Butterfly can feel his heart racing with anticipation and fear.

"What is happening?" he asks his wife, his voice barely above a whisper.

His wife looks at him with a gaze that is both mysterious and all-knowing. "The time has come, Zenith Heaven Emperor has sent the signal" she says, her words sending chills down his spine. "The time for the ultimate battle between 'good and evil', between 'light and darkness'. The time for the fate of the world to be decided."

---

The world is on the brink of chaos. Just after Zenith Heaven Emperor made his announcement, which many interpreted as a declaration of war, many forces began with their deep schemes. There is an air of tension that permeates every corner of the world. The people are anxious, and the leaders are on high alert. It seems as though everyone is preparing for the worst. Yet, Zenith Heaven Emperor looks relaxed and carefree, as if he hasn't just declared war on the whole world.

Soft Feather can't help but feel bewildered. How can he be so carefree after making such an ominous announcement? She watches as Zenith Heaven Emperor walks around the place, seemingly without a care in the world. She follows him, and finally, she can't take it any longer.

"How can you still be so carefree after declaring war on the entire world?" Soft Feather asks, her voice laced with concern.

Zenith Heaven Emperor turns to her with a small smile. "My dear Soft Feather, this was not a declaration of war. It was a secret message only meant for the strongest to understand."

Soft Feather raises an eyebrow, not quite understanding what Zenith Heaven Emperor is trying to say. "What do you mean?"

"The plan is already in motion," Zenith Heaven Emperor says mysteriously. "Those that know about it will soon begin to move. But for now, I have some months of free time remaining, and I intend to enjoy them to the fullest. This can be said to be the calm before the storm."

Soft Feather is left standing there, trying to piece together what Zenith Heaven Emperor meant by his cryptic words. She watches as he continues to walk away, a small smirk on his lips. There's something about him that she can't quite put her finger on. She knows that there's more to him than meets the eye.

Then suddenly, Zenith Heaven Emperor takes out his phone and reads through the comments of the Nine Provinces (1) Group. Many are shocked by his declaration, and some even question if it's true. Others are surprised by his background, as the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Court.

"Is this really true?" asks True Monarch Yellow Mountain, his words laced with skepticism.

"It certainly seems like a bold claim," adds Northern River's Loose Cultivator.

"But if it is true, then it could have huge implications for the world of cultivation," says Seventh Cultivator of True Virtue.

The other members of the group chime in, each sharing their thoughts and opinions on the matter. Some express their disbelief, while others are more willing to entertain the possibility.

"Even if it is true, what does it mean for us?" asks Scholar Drunken Moon. "Are we supposed to bow down to the Heavenly Court now?"

The group falls silent as they wait for an answer from Zenith Heaven Emperor. However, after a few moments of hesitation, the Emperor doesn't respond. Instead, the chat continues without him.

"I agree with Scholar Drunken Moon," says White Crane. "We can't just blindly follow the Heavenly Court without knowing their intentions."

"But we also can't just ignore them," adds True Monarch Yellow Mountain. "If the Heavenly Court is truly back, then we need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

Northern River's Loose Cultivator nods in agreement. "We need to gather more information. Maybe we can send some scouts to investigate the situation?"

"I volunteer to go," says Thrice Reckless Mad Saber, grinning. "I've always wanted to visit the Heavenly Court and see what they're really like."

The other members of the group exchange uneasy glances. Thrice Reckless Mad Saber's reputation for causing chaos and destruction is well-known, and the idea of sending him on a diplomatic mission is a risky proposition.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea," says Scholar Drunken Moon. "Maybe we should send someone more... diplomatic?"

"I agree," says White Crane. "We need to approach this situation with caution and not make any rash decisions."

The chat falls silent again, the members lost in thought. It's clear that the revelation of Zenith Heaven Emperor's identity has thrown them all for a loop, and they're not quite sure what to do next.

Finally, True Monarch Yellow Mountain speaks up. "I think the best course of action for now is to wait and see. We need to gather more information and assess the situation before we make any decisions."

The other members of the group nod in agreement, and the chat comes to a close. However, the weight of the Emperor's revelation still hangs heavy in the air, and it's clear that the Nine Provinces (1) Group is in for some major changes in the near future.

Suddenly, Zenith Heaven Emperor comes online and sends a message into the group, shocking them once again.