The gradual return of the Forbidden Divine Mountains attracted the attention of many powerful figures, but no one dared to recklessly enter the mountains anymore.
Previously, when so many ventured into the Forbidden Divine Mountains, it was because Xuanhuang Heaven was in a state of chaos.
The older generation was absent, and the younger ones were causing a ruckus out of ignorance, which could be excused. The giants wouldn't have cared about it.
But now, with all the major forces fully awakened, and the elders of the past revived, brazenly entering the Forbidden Divine Mountains to reap benefits at this time would no longer be tolerated.
It's like stealing fruit from a neighbor's farm.
If your child steals some fruit, the neighbor might overlook it. They may even stop you from disciplining your child too harshly, saying it's just a few fruits, not a big deal.
But if you, as an adult, were caught stealing with a basket in hand, the relationship between the two families would be as good as ruined.
Thus.
Now that the Forbidden Divine Mountains had returned, everyone could only gaze from afar, filled with reverence.
"Boom!"
An ice-blue Forbidden Divine Mountain crashed down, causing the ground below to collapse into an abyss, shaking heaven and earth.
"Whoosh!"
The rippling air currents lifted the white dress of a young woman standing nearby, as ethereal as a celestial descending to the mortal world, standing aloof from everything.
Her hands were clenched before her chest, and her clear, cold eyes looked expectantly toward the endless abyss. Her long, dark hair streamed behind her like clouds.
In her cold, serene gaze, there was both hope and nervousness.
"Buzz!"
Finally, the Forbidden Divine Mountain that had plunged into the abyss began to rise, and atop the mountain, a blue light gathered, forming the figure of an elegant middle-aged man.
"Boom!"
As soon as he appeared, the sky filled with lightning and thunder, a sea of purple light stretching for thirty thousand miles, resplendent and brilliant.
The power of the heavens and earth surged toward him as if, with a single thought, he could control the fate of the world and the lives of all beings.
His very presence commanded awe!
"Father!!"
The young woman shouted excitedly, like a swift dragon, rushing into the arms of the elegant middle-aged man.
"Xue Ning."
The middle-aged man smiled lovingly, opening his arms to embrace his daughter.
At that moment, the entire world seemed to become more beautiful. Golden clouds swirled like mist, surrounding the father and daughter, and golden lotuses bloomed from the dark abyss, glowing brilliantly.
Father and daughter embraced in silence, a moment of wordless emotion.
Meanwhile, many Divine King experts of Xuanhuang Heaven quietly watched this scene from a distance, not daring to breathe too loudly.
The Ice Lord had returned!
After a long while, Princess Xue Ning released her father and began to recount all that had happened over the years.
She didn't leave out a single detail.
Finally, she mentioned Qin Zi.
"Outrageous! How dare this person commit such absurd acts? How could I tolerate this nonsense?"
The Ice Lord's brows furrowed with a hint of anger, and immediately, the surrounding world responded to his mood. Dark clouds gathered, and crimson lightning tore through the sky, a terrifying and ominous sight.
"Father, calm your anger."
Princess Xue Ning reminded him, "This person is the Heaven Master of Xuanhuang, appointed by Xuanhuang Mountain, and it's said he has even been recognized by King Chu…"
"Hmph! A mere Heavenly God who doesn't deserve his position. If he remained humble, it would be one thing, but such arrogance—how can I allow him to go unpunished?"
The Ice Lord snorted coldly and said:
"As for King Chu, his recognition is his own affair. What does it have to do with me? Even if I must knock this brat down to the mortal realm, what can King Chu do about it?"
A giant like him wouldn't be intimidated by anyone.
Especially in front of his daughter, his aura had to remain dominant. Regardless of who it was, he would not back down!
"Father, have you recovered your full strength?" Princess Xue Ning asked with concern as she looked at her father.
"Not yet, but when I sensed you were outside, I came out of seclusion early," the Ice Lord said, shaking his head. Then, with a domineering expression, he added, "However, at my level, it hardly matters whether my strength is fully restored. It's only a matter of time before I recover fully, and no one can kill me."
"Besides... this is Xuanhuang Heaven. Here, my will is the will of the heavens. Who dares defy me?"
He was filled with confidence.
And with his status, such confidence was justified. Every giant was an existence that commanded reverence across the heavens.
"Then... shall we go teach that guy a lesson?" Princess Xue Ning hesitated for a moment, then clenched her fists and suggested.
"Let's go."
The Ice Lord nodded calmly.
Inwardly, though, he was sneering.
A lesson?
Would that be all? The price for insulting his daughter wouldn't be that simple!
Of course, he wouldn't say that aloud.
A father doesn't need to speak harsh words in front of his daughter—actions speak louder than words.
...
In Xuanhuang Heaven Palace.
Qin Zi had just memorized the lines his father had taught him when he suddenly felt an overwhelming pressure descend from the sky.
"What is…?"
"Thump, thump, thump!"
The palace maids and servants in the Heavenly Palace exclaimed in panic, falling to their knees, unable to move under the immense pressure.
Even Qin Zi nearly buckled, but as the Heaven Master of Xuanhuang, a mysterious power seemed to support him, preventing him from collapsing. This power emanated from the vastness of Xuanhuang Heaven itself.
"Qin Zi, come out and face me!"
A majestic, middle-aged voice echoed through the heavens, and instantly, the temperature in the sky plummeted. The structures of the Heavenly Palace began to freeze over!
"Ice? Could it be the Ice Lord?"
Qin Zi's expression changed slightly. He had already learned that Princess Xue Ning's father was the Ice Lord.
A giant had come knocking, and the pressure he brought was immense, as if the world itself were shaking.
But, trusting in his father, Qin Zi took a deep breath, pushing down his fear.
"Thump, thump, thump…"
Step by step, he walked toward the outside, each step leaving a cracked footprint on the ground under the immense pressure.
Finally, he reached the palace entrance.
Looking up, he saw two figures hovering in the sky above the square in front of Xuanhuang Heaven Palace.
One was Princess Xue Ning.
The other was an elegant middle-aged man, who appeared unremarkable yet radiated an aura of immense authority. He stood there as though he were the center of the universe. Golden clouds swirled around him, and waves of purple energy surged from the east like a tidal wave. The laws of the universe seemed like mere decorations before him.
In Qin Zi's eyes, the figure appeared somewhat blurred, transforming into a colossal giant of light, towering over the world and gazing down upon the stars.
The pressure from a giant was indeed terrifying.
But Qin Zi took a deep breath, his expression becoming solemn, and in a firm, resounding voice, he recited:
"When faced with an emperor, do not bow. Your true fate is already lost. Your name is engraved upon the Tablet of Reincarnation! Step by step, kneel, and on the path to the afterlife, your sins shall be halved, protecting your true soul!"
Whoosh!
As soon as these words were spoken, the wind and clouds in the heavens seemed to freeze for a moment. The Ice Lord and his daughter were stunned, the servants of Xuanhuang Heaven Palace were stunned, and even the Divine Kings who were observing from afar were left in shock.
"This… this…"
"So arrogant, so incredibly arrogant! To say such outrageous words in front of the Ice Lord—unbelievable!"
"Throughout the ages, who has dared speak like this?"
"This is the path to destruction!!"
From all directions, countless experts exclaimed in disbelief. Those who harbored grudges against Qin Zi were secretly rejoicing.
And in the next moment.
The Ice Lord was indeed furious!
"Impudent!!"
A thunderous shout rang out as dark clouds gathered from all directions. Crimson lightning crackled through the sky, black clouds covering the heavens like a flood, blotting out the sun!
A tremendous heavenly pressure descended like a waterfall, and the entire Xuanhuang Heaven Palace began to crumble!
"Heaven Master!!"
Eight Divine Kings of Xuanhuang Heaven appeared, shielding Qin Zi and struggling to withstand the immense pressure.
"You dare to assist him in defying me? Do you seek death as well?!"
The Ice Lord looked down coldly at the eight Divine Kings, his gaze carrying the power of utter destruction.
The eight of them gritted their teeth and lowered their heads without a word. They had already tied their fate to Qin Zi, a massive gamble indeed.
The greater the risk, the greater the reward!
Qin Zi, however, raised his head, unafraid, and declared, "Ice Lord, I am the Heaven Master of Xuanhuang, appointed by Xuanhuang Mountain. My status is no less than yours. Who gave you the right to act superior in front of me?"
He was going all out.
Even though his legs trembled slightly, this was what his father had taught him. How could his father possibly deceive him?
With his father's support, what was there to fear?!