After the banquet ended, the Weiyang Emperor never mentioned anything related to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance or the Alliance of Righteous Unity, nor did he indicate which side he might join.
This left the envoy from the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom feeling helpless, but he dared not overstep or probe the thoughts of this wise and mighty emperor.
Subsequently, the envoy from the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom took his leave with his entourage, intending to report the events of the night back to the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom.
If the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom were to form a marriage alliance with the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, even without joining the Alliance of Righteous Unity, they would not need to worry about losing their footing in the coming chaos.
With the combined strength and heritage of the two powers, resisting the onslaught of the Dark Beings should be more than sufficient.
After the banquet, the ministers also left with their descendants, not lingering any longer.
They knew that the chances of their descendants marrying into the royal family were slim, especially now that the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom had also entered the fray.
Once other civilizations learned of this, they would surely not miss the opportunity to form a marriage alliance with the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.
The competition would undoubtedly become even more intense.
However, they still couldn't fathom the Weiyang Emperor's intentions.
Why would he suddenly make such a decision?
The emperor's heart is inscrutable.
"Daughter takes her leave." Jiang Weiyang then rose from her seat, gave a slight bow, and, supported by her maids, left the hall.
The Weiyang Emperor poured himself another drink, his face shrouded in chaotic mist, showing little emotion.
After a long while, he rubbed his temples wearily and let out an almost imperceptible sigh. How could he not sense the distance and resentment in his daughter's demeanor?
"Weiyang, you must understand your father's good intentions. You are so intelligent; you will soon understand."
He murmured, but soon, wisps of black mist began to flicker across his face.
Despite his efforts to suppress it, the black mist continued to writhe, as if alive, threatening to engulf his entire body.
---
Unsurprisingly, the news of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty's princess seeking a husband quickly caused a massive uproar among the various civilizations.
The princess, hailed as the treasure of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty and the only child of the Weiyang Emperor, was peerlessly beautiful and of unparalleled nobility.
Even those who had lived for several epochs, or even longer, were stirred by the news, eager to become the princess's consort.
If the Weiyang Emperor didn't mind the age of the suitors, countless ancient beings would surely be unable to resist.
For the younger generation of this era, the news was even more sensational.
Countless young talents were filled with fervor and excitement.
After all, the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty was one of the few top-tier powers in the vast expanse, standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid.
In terms of heritage and strength, few could rival it.
Becoming the princess's consort meant soaring to great heights, reaching the peak of life in one fell swoop, and becoming a figure who could overlook all worlds.
For the various civilizations, forming a marriage alliance with the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty and gaining its support would provide a solid foundation, even as the vast expanse grew increasingly turbulent.
The news spread like wildfire, causing a sensation akin to a meteor crashing into the deep sea.
No young talent could remain indifferent.
Even middle-aged and older experts were eager to try their luck, hoping to win the princess's favor.
What if, by some stroke of luck, they managed to catch the princess's eye?
Meanwhile, many civilizations and True Worlds immediately sent envoys to verify the news.
Upon confirming its authenticity, the various factions could no longer sit still. They quickly recalled their most outstanding young talents and sent elders and clan leaders to escort them to the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, unwilling to miss this golden opportunity.
The vast expanse was once again thrown into turmoil.
---
"Given my understanding of the Weiyang Emperor's love for his daughter, his sudden announcement that he is seeking a husband for her is somewhat suspicious."
In the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, a tall, imposing man wearing a crown couldn't help but smile faintly. "Back when I tried to arrange a match between his daughter and Little Nine, he outright rejected me. I never expected he would one day seek a husband for her."
Behind him stood an ancient screen, its surface shimmering with light and intertwined with Dao patterns, like a mirror reflecting images.
In the image, a middle-aged man with a scholarly demeanor, dressed in a wide-sleeved robe and tall hat, stood respectfully. He was the envoy who had gone to the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.
"Your Majesty, when I first heard this news, I was also quite shocked. However, during the banquet, the Weiyang Emperor did not explain his reasons. When I mentioned the Ninth Prince, the Weiyang Emperor seemed somewhat interested."
"Haha, regardless of the Weiyang Emperor's intentions, since he wants to choose a husband, you should inform Little Nine to take my decree, select the finest treasures, and go bring back the Weiyang Princess."
"The treasure of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty is destined to marry into our Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom."
The tall man laughed heartily, waving his hand as he issued the order, his words brimming with the arrogance of one who overlooks all living beings.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The scholarly man bowed and retreated.
---
"Grandfather, my feelings for the Weiyang Princess are as true as the sun and moon. Back when I was at the Yan Dao Academy, I swore that I would marry no one but her."
"Now that such a great opportunity is before me, how can you ask me to give up? How can I bear it?"
In the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, as the evening sun dipped below the horizon, a young man in brocade robes, with a handsome face, stood in a grand mansion complex, his fists clenched in frustration.
His eyes shimmered with chaotic divine light, accompanied by multicolored mist, giving him an otherworldly aura.
Upon closer inspection, one could see that one of his pupils was split, forming a pair of double pupils, a sign of extraordinary talent.
When his eyes opened and closed, terrifying scenes of chaos and the birth of universes seemed to flash within them.
The middle-aged man sitting on a stone bench had a stern face, his features sharp as if carved by a knife. His deep eyes carried the iron will of one who had weathered countless storms. He was the Divine Martial General of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, Zhu Cangning, and also the grandfather of the young man before him.
The young man, Zhu Fuyi, was the top talent of the Zhu family's younger generation and the most likely to reach the Dao Realm before the age of ten thousand.
In the current Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, Zhu Fuyi was unrivaled among his peers, a symbol of youthful myth.
In terms of bloodline, talent, background, and fortune, he was among the very best.
To ordinary young talents, he was like an unapproachable sun, casting a shadow of despair over everyone.
"Fuyi, there's no need to be so agitated. Grandfather is asking you to give up for your own good."
"With your talent, surpassing the younger generation of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty is not difficult. If the Emperor were only choosing a husband for the princess from among the younger generation, your chances would indeed be high..."
"But..."
Zhu Cangning sat calmly on the stone bench, his expression naturally commanding, his tone unhurried.
Unlike his demeanor as a subject before the Weiyang Emperor, in the outside world, he was a powerful figure who held significant authority in the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty. A single stomp from him could make an entire True World tremble.
Ordinary people wouldn't dare to breathe too loudly in his presence.
If not for his high regard for Zhu Fuyi, a mere descendant would never have the privilege of being summoned by him.
"Grandfather, what do you mean? Are you worried that I can't compete with the young talents from other True Worlds?"
"If that's the case, you can rest assured. To marry the Weiyang Princess, I will use every resource at my disposal to crush all competitors."
"No matter how astonishing the Ninth Prince of the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom's talent and strength may be, I have defeated many like him in the past. I've just always been low-key and disliked fame."
Zhu Fuyi remained unwilling, his eyes burning with determination, his tone firm and confident.
Zhu Cangning shook his head, not particularly comforted by his descendant's confident words.
He stared intently at Zhu Fuyi, his gaze lingering on the double pupils for a few moments.
"Grandfather knows you have great fortune, and those double pupils are a testament to that. But don't underestimate the heroes of the world. Others may have fortunes no less impressive than yours."
"Moreover, besides the younger generation, how do you know that other beings won't interfere in the Emperor's selection of a husband for the princess? Those who have already stepped into the Dao Realm, with profound and unfathomable cultivation, would surely be tempted by such an opportunity."
"Setting aside the factor of age, you have no advantage in my eyes." His tone remained calm and authoritative.
Zhu Fuyi was momentarily speechless. While he was confident against his peers, those who had already entered the Dao Realm were beyond his current capabilities.
"Besides, I fought alongside the Emperor to establish this dynasty. I followed him in conquering various sects and clans. I know him well. If nothing major had happened, he would never have decided to choose a husband for his treasured daughter..."
"I fear that something has happened to the Emperor, and he is making preparations in advance."
Zhu Cangning ignored Zhu Fuyi's silence, his tone still carrying a hint of iron will.
Zhu Fuyi was shocked, his face showing disbelief.
Could that immortal, god-like figure truly be facing some issue?
However, he quickly realized the gravity of the situation and immediately erased the memory of their conversation, also masking the fluctuations of his divine sense.
Unless he possessed cultivation as profound as his grandfather's, he dared not speak or even think about matters related to the Weiyang Emperor.
Doing so would alert the Emperor, and the consequences would be unimaginable.
Zhu Cangning was not surprised by Zhu Fuyi's actions, and a trace of worry appeared on his face as he let out a long sigh.
"I hope my fears are unfounded. With the Black Calamity descending, the situation may seem stable on the surface, but that is merely an illusion. The Black Calamity is not so simple. I even fear that many clans and factions within the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty have already been corrupted and infiltrated."
"If even the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty is like this, what about the other civilizations and True Worlds?"
Hearing this, Zhu Fuyi's expression changed again, a shadow falling over his heart.
It seemed the situation was far more chaotic and terrifying than he had imagined.
Although the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty appeared peaceful and stable, beneath the surface, turbulent undercurrents were likely at play. Without the Weiyang Emperor holding the reins, chaos would surely erupt.
"While these are just my speculations, it's best to prepare for the worst. The Emperor wouldn't simply marry off the princess; this might just be a bait."
"However, I can try to help you. As the saying goes, 'the moon is closest to the water tower.' If you can indeed marry the princess in the future, it would be a great thing."
Zhu Cangning's eyes were deep as he gazed out of the pavilion, his voice solemn.
Zhu Fuyi, who had been weighed down by the conversation, suddenly brightened at these words.
---
"Kill them!"
"Fight the Dark Beings to the death!"
This was a land filled with blood and sorrow. The heavens and earth had been torn apart, and massive blood-red hands swept across the cosmos, shaking time and space. Endless blood rain and bone fragments fell like a downpour.
Everywhere, there was slaughter and shouting, the stench of blood permeating the air. A crimson deluge, like a waterfall, enveloped the land.
Thick black mist, so dense it seemed almost liquid, fell from the shattered sky, crashing down onto starfields, lands, cities, rivers, lakes, and mountains. The earth churned and exploded, turning into a black, muddy substance.
The once-intact sky now resembled a broken mirror.
Fragments of light, mixed with flames, fell like meteors, and endless Dark Beings surged out like a tide, charging in all directions.
All the beings and cultivators of this world were fighting desperately. The strongest among them battled high-ranking Dark Beings in the depths of the sky, but it didn't last long before their weapons shattered.
Half of the weapons fell to the ground, while the other half remained intact, radiating boundless light and emitting mournful wails.
Finally, a burst of blood mist exploded, illuminating the dark cosmos with a crimson glow.
All the beings of the universe felt a deep, overwhelming sorrow.
"Futile resistance, only to become nourishment for the grand sacrifice..."
A cold voice echoed from the depths of the darkness at the edge of the sky.
A beautiful woman in white stood there, her figure tall and graceful, her gauzy dress like mist, her hair like clouds.
With a gentle wave of her hand, the cosmos before her was engulfed in dense black flames. Endless divine substances rose like glowing particles, converging toward a blood-red altar before her.
All the Dark Beings prostrated themselves before her, even the most powerful ones who had just shattered the cosmos. They showed her utmost reverence.
"Envoy Liuyun, what a masterful move. Another world harvested."
Suddenly, a light cough echoed from the depths of the darkness, accompanied by ripples in time and space. A figure emerged and walked forward.
It was an old man, dressed in ancient attire, his hands clasped behind his back. His body appeared frail, his eyes dim, and he exuded an aura of decay, as if afflicted by the Heavenly Decline Tribulation.
As he walked, the surrounding space began to collapse, and fragments of time swirled around him, accompanied by strange and terrifying visions.
The woman in white coldly watched the old man approach, her expression unchanging, as if devoid of any emotion.
"Who are you?" she asked coldly.
"Once the most beautiful and radiant Fairy Liuyun, now reduced to serving the Dark Beings. How tragic."
The old man seemed to know the woman's identity, shaking his head with a tone of emotion and nostalgia.
"Fairy Liuyun is dead. Now, there is only Envoy Liuyun."
The woman's eyes flickered slightly at the name but quickly returned to their cold, emotionless state.
"Once, you were revered by all worlds, worshipped by all living beings, your brilliance illuminating history and etching itself into the hearts of countless races. Who could have imagined you would fall into darkness and become an envoy serving the Heavenly Sacrifice?"
The old man continued to shake his head, as if intimately familiar with the woman's past, recounting it in detail.
The woman's expression remained unchanged, her voice cold. "Who are you?"
"I am from the Heavenly Decline Faction, one of the Eight Tribes. We share the same origins as the Heavenly Faction you serve."
The old man smiled. "Of course, you need not worry. I mean no harm and have no intention of stopping you from harvesting sacrifices. My purpose here is simply to relay a message to the Sacrificial Master you serve."
The woman's eyes flickered slightly, then she asked coldly, "What message?"
"The time may have come. We can wait no longer. If we do not act soon, we will face reckoning, and neither she nor we will be spared."
"Perhaps that one has already opened their eyes and is now coldly watching us."
The old man's smile gradually faded, replaced by a heavy expression as he spoke.