Chapter 84: The Gathering Storm: Lord of Inextinguished submits

During this entire time among the loose cultivators below the eight stage, a distinct sense of detachment prevailed. They continued their solitary pursuits, wandering the vast lands and cultivating their arts with a serene nonchalance. Oblivious to the grand plans and intricate webs of power being woven, they remained immersed in their personal quests for enlightenment and cultivation breakthroughs. To them, the Heavenly Court's declaration may have seemed but a distant rumor, a tale whispered in the wind, as they carried on with their lives as if nothing had changed.

On the other hand, the sects, with their structured hierarchies and centralized leadership, felt the weight of the decisions more acutely. They sensed the impending storm and deemed it necessary to recall their disciples, gathering them within the safety of their sects' confines. It was a time of preparation, a time to strengthen their defenses and brace themselves for the tumultuous events that lay ahead.

Amidst this backdrop of shifting tides, within the Nine Provinces (1) Group, a remarkable transformation took place. White ascended to the realm of Eight Stage Profound Sage. Beside him, the Seventh Cultivator of True Virtue also reached the Eighth Stage Profound Sage realm. And amidst this convergence of power, Song Shuhang, once again ascended to new heights, achieving the Fifth Stage Spirit Sovereign, while holding another sermon.

As Zenith Heaven Emperor reviewed the developments that unfolded before him, a sense of wistful amusement tugged at his consciousness. His gaze fell upon the ascending figures of White and the Seventh Cultivator of True Virtue, their sermon manifesting as Eight Stage Profound Saints. While their achievements were undoubtedly impressive, a subtle smile graced the lips of the Heavenly Emperor as a thought danced through his mind.

While watching the sermons, he also watches a third one. This third sermon was held by nobody else than Song Shuhang. "Too bad for you, my disciple," Zenith Heaven Emperor mused silently, his thoughts a private whisper amidst the cosmic tapestry. "Ascending too swiftly can blind you to the opportunities that lie in the spaces between realms. Sometimes, it is in the moments of patient cultivation that the greatest treasures are uncovered."

With a flicker of his powers over space, Zenith Heaven Emperor crafted a technique scroll infused with profound wisdom. Its pages gleamed with esoteric symbols, bearing the title 'Death Scripture'. The Heavenly Emperor knew that his disciple, Song Shuhang, possessed a unique connection with the concept of death, a bond that fate had intricately woven into his path.

"Since you are fated to dance with death," Zenith Heaven Emperor murmured to himself, his voice tinged with both intrigue and amusement, "why not embrace it fully? Cultivate the essence of death itself, unlock its secrets, and wield its power with unparalleled mastery."

Guided by his unwavering intuition, Zenith Heaven Emperor entrusted the Death Scripture to the currents of space and time, allowing it to traverse All Heavens and Myriad Realms until it reached its intended recipient. The scroll would serve as a catalyst, a key to unlocking the dormant potential within Song Shuhang, enabling him to explore the depths of the Death Path and embrace his unique destiny.

As the day drew to a close, the weight of destiny guiding his every step, Zenith Heaven Emperor embarked on a clandestine journey. His path led him to the realm where the slumbering Lord of Inextinguished lay, bound by the eternal chains of an unyielding sleep. Lord of Inextinguished had fallen into this profound slumber in times immemorial, a consequence of his fateful encounter with the enigmatic Imperishable principle.

With slow steps, Zenith Heaven Emperor approached the slumbering Super Eternal Life Being.

Upon being next to him, Zenith Heaven Emperor extended his hand, invoking the Way of Eternal Life's Visionary Pathway. Through this mystical conduit, he sought to breach the boundaries of the Lord of Inextinguished's dream and engage in a conversation that could alter the course of Lord of Inextinguished's fate.

As the vision unfolded within the realm of dreams, Zenith Heaven Emperor's voice resonated with an otherworldly clarity, gently permeating the consciousness of the slumbering Super Eternal Life Being.

"Lord of Inextinguished," Zenith Heaven Emperor spoke, his voice resonating through the realm of dreams. "I offer you a choice, a chance to awaken from your eternal slumber. But in exchange, I ask for your unwavering loyalty, your undying devotion to the Heavenly Court."

The Lord of Inextinguished stirred, his consciousness flickering within the realm of dreams. His eyes, veiled by the mists of slumber, opened slowly, revealing an unfathomable depth. A voice echoed from the depths of his being, carrying the weight of forbidden knowledge and profound understanding.

"Who are you?" Lord of Inextinguished questioned, his words carrying a hint of caution.

Zenith Heaven Emperor, standing tall and resplendent, introduced himself with a regal air befitting his station. "I am Zenith Heaven Emperor, the Heavenly Emperor of the Heavenly Court," he proclaimed, his voice carrying an otherworldly authority.

"What is it that you desire of me, O Heavenly Emperor?" Lord of Inextinguished queried, his words infused with a sense of both curiosity and caution. "What path do you ask me to tread upon, and what purpose shall I serve in your grand design?"

Zenith Heaven Emperor's expression remained serene, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I seek a guardian, an impenetrable last line of defense for the Heavenly Court," he explained. "I want you to serve as the Great Guardian of the Heavenly Court, standing resolute against any threat that may seek to unravel the harmony we strive to achieve."

The Lord of Inextinguished hesitated, his mind grappling with the weight of the proposition. "But how can you awaken me from this eternal slumber?" he inquired, his tone laced with doubt.

A knowing smile curved upon Zenith Heaven Emperor's lips. "I possess the Authority of Heaven," he replied. "Trust in me, and I shall awaken you from your eternal slumber"

The Lord of Inextinguished, weary of may await him if he accepts, contemplated the Heavenly Emperor's words. To serve another, even with the uncertainty that lay ahead, was preferable to the eternal sleep he had known for countless eons.

"Very well," the Lord of Inextinguished acquiesced, his voice filled with a newfound resolve. "I shall accept your proposition. Awaken me from this timeless slumber, and I shall stand as the Great Guardian of the Heavenly Court, a shield against any threat that dares to defy our aspirations."

And so Zenith Heaven Emperor emerged from the depths of the Lord of Inextinguished's dream, with a profound sense of purpose filled his being. Utilizing his Way of Eternal Life's Visionary Pathway and enhancing it with Heavenly Way Authority, to envision the Lord of Inextinguished to awaken.

Meanwhile, as the Lord of Inextinguished began to stir from his ageless sleep, an inner turmoil gripped his being. He contemplated breaking the vow he had made to serve Zenith Heaven Emperor. But before he could act upon his wavering resolve, Zenith Heaven Emperor, utilizing the immense power granted to him by his Way of the Mysteries, unleashed his Path of Anarchy. With a deft manipulation of cosmic forces, he rewrote the very fabric of the world, binding the Lord of Inextinguished to the Heavenly Court. The rules were rewritten and established an unbreakable connection between them.

Faced with the undeniable reality of his predicament, the Lord of Inextinguished reluctantly acquiesced. There was no choice but to follow Zenith Heaven Emperor's lead, to journey to the Heavenly Court as its Great Guardian. Resigned to his fate, he embraced the weighty responsibility that awaited him. Bound by their profound connection, he pledged his loyalty to the Heavenly Emperor.