Chapter 331: The Great Thousand Palace
"However, Liu Changkong brought the Tianluo Hall to pledge allegiance to Lord Tiance. If I dared to scheme against him now, you'd probably break every bone in my body," Wansui said with a wry smile.
Inside Xiao Tiance's chamber in Luoshui City, Wansui's self awareness made Xiao Tiance chuckle. Indeed, if Wansui had betrayed Liu Changkong, Xiao Tiance wouldn't have let it slide. Liu Changkong was already one of his people, and with Xiao Tiance's "support those loyal to me" attitude, he'd certainly have made Wansui pay for such betrayal.
A Recommendation for Wansui
"Alright, since you understand the stakes, I'll help you as I promised," Xiao Tiance said with a faint smile. "However, you might not be able to rely on Liu Changkong he seems to have his own hands full.
"If you need help, though, I can recommend someone to assist you. How about it?"
Wansui's eyes lit up as he eagerly asked, "Who would this person be, Lord Tiance?"
Xiao Tiance smiled subtly and replied, "You'll find out tomorrow. Don't worry. If you only need someone at the Ninth Grade Supreme level, I'll arrange it.
"However, don't forget the condition you agreed upon. When the time comes for you to fulfill your promise to me, I expect no excuses or delays."
Xiao Tiance's penetrating gaze made Wansui feel a chill down his spine. He quickly nodded, knowing he had no choice but to comply.
"Rest assured, Lord Tiance. I would never dare break my word."
"Good." Xiao Tiance nodded, smiling faintly. "I trust you."
After Wansui left, Xiao Tiance received another visitor Luo Tianshen, the patriarch of the Luo God Clan.
A Visit from Luo Tianshen
Pouring a cup of Wan Sheng Tian Ling tea for Luo Tianshen, Xiao Tiance asked, "What brings you here, Patriarch?"
Luo Tianshen smiled and said, "I just wanted to chat with you, Lord Tiance. Tomorrow marks the opening of the Ancient Secret Realm, and I'll be entering it as well.
"If you need help while inside, you can use this jade slip to contact me."
He handed over a jade slip infused with a miniature spirit array and a trace of his soul essence.
"Thank you, Patriarch." Xiao Tiance accepted the jade slip with a smile.
"There's no need for such formality, Lord Tiance. With your strength, you likely won't require my assistance.
"However, I must repeat my earlier warning: beware of the Winter Elder. He's a cunning strategist, skilled at setting traps. Coupled with his formidable strength and the Western Sky Battle Hall's familiarity with the Ancient Secret Realm, a single misstep could lead to disaster."
Luo Tianshen's tone was solemn. He knew Winter Elder's reputation too well. As a loyal confidant of the Western Sky Battle King, Winter Elder had played a key role in the Hall's rise, often dealing ruthlessly with dissenting factions. His hands were stained with more blood than even the Western Sky Battle King himself.
Xiao Tiance smiled reassuringly. "Thank you for the warning, Patriarch. But you needn't worry. I'm no saint either. If Winter Elder oversteps his bounds, the Ancient Secret Realm will be his burial ground."
Luo Tianshen saw Xiao Tiance's confidence and nodded. "Since you're so prepared, I won't say more."
As he prepared to leave, Xiao Tiance stopped him. "Patriarch, have you heard of the Ghost Sect or the Heavenly Dao Sect?"
The Ghost Sect and Heavenly Dao Sect
"Ghost Sect and Heavenly Dao Sect?" Luo Tianshen asked, frowning in thought.
"Yes, those names," Xiao Tiance confirmed.
"The Ghost Sect is the most powerful faction on the Soulfallen Continent. Its leader, Liu Ming, is a pinnacle Upper Earth Supreme. His bizarre attack methods and elusive movements make even most Earth Supreme Perfection experts reluctant to engage him.
"Three centuries ago, when Liu Ming had just reached the Upper Earth Supreme level, two other Upper Earth Supremes joined forces to challenge him. The battle lasted three days and nights, ending with one of them dead and the other gravely injured.
"Since then, the Ghost Sect solidified its status as the Soulfallen Continent's top power, unrivaled by any other faction.
"As for the Heavenly Dao Sect Lord Tiance, where did you hear that name?" Luo Tianshen asked, puzzled.
"Don't worry about where I heard it. If you know anything, please share," Xiao Tiance replied casually.
Luo Tianshen hesitated briefly before continuing.
"Very well. I don't know how you came across that name, but the Heavenly Dao Sect is a sore spot for everyone on the Western Sky Continent.
"Thousands of years ago, the Heavenly Dao Sect was renowned across not only the Western Sky Continent but the entire Great Thousand World. Even the most powerful ancient clans treated the Heavenly Dao Sect with reverence.
"At its peak, the sect was home to numerous Heaven Supreme experts, including several Celestial grade Heaven Supremes. It also possessed countless sacred artifacts, many of which ranked among the highest in the Great Thousand World.
"However, the sect mysteriously vanished overnight, leaving behind only rumors and fragments of its former glory.
"The Ancient Secret Realm you're about to enter is said to have once been the core territory of the Heavenly Dao Sect.
"Some believe the sect's ultimate treasure is hidden within the realm, waiting for someone worthy to claim it. But over the centuries, countless powerful figures have entered the Secret Realm, and none have ever found this supposed treasure."
Xiao Tiance's Thoughts
Listening to Luo Tianshen's explanation, Xiao Tiance's eyes gleamed with interest.
"So, the Heavenly Dao Sect was once a beacon of power in the Great Thousand World," he mused.
"Indeed," Luo Tianshen replied. "If the rumors are true, anyone who inherits the Heavenly Dao Sect's legacy could potentially reshape the Great Thousand World's balance of power."
"Well, that makes tomorrow's exploration even more intriguing," Xiao Tiance said with a faint smile.
"If anyone can uncover the truth of the Heavenly Dao Sect, it's you, Lord Tiance," Luo Tianshen said earnestly before excusing himself.
As the room fell silent, Xiao Tiance pondered the secrets of the Heavenly Dao Sect and the challenges awaiting him in the Ancient Secret Realm.
"Let me put it this way, Lord Tiance," Luo Tianshen began, his tone solemn.
"At its peak, the Heavenly Dao Sect boasted seven Heaven Supremes, including two at the Saint Heaven Supreme level, three at the Celestial Heaven Supreme level, and two at the Spirit Heaven Supreme level. In addition, they had more than twenty Earth Supremes and hundreds of Supreme Realm experts. Back then, the Heavenly Dao Sect was undoubtedly one of the most dominant forces in the entire Great Thousand World.
"Unfortunately, when the Extraterrestrial Evil Tribe invaded, the Heavenly Dao Sect was situated precisely at the entry point of the invasion. The resulting battle was catastrophic every member of the Heavenly Dao Sect, from its highest ranking elders to its lowest disciples, perished.
"However, their fierce resistance dealt a devastating blow to the Evil Tribe, resulting in twice as many casualties for the invaders as the sect suffered.
"Now, after so many years, the name 'Heavenly Dao Sect' has become unfamiliar, a relic of the past. On the Western Sky Continent, it's as if the Heavenly Dao Sect's glory never existed."
Luo Tianshen's expression was filled with melancholy.
A Shocking Revelation
Xiao Tiance was shocked. Seven Heaven Supremes, more than twenty Earth Supremes, and countless Supreme Realm experts it was difficult to imagine the sheer power of the Heavenly Dao Sect at its zenith.
But for a sect bold enough to include "Heavenly Dao" in its name, anything less would have been unworthy of such a title.
"So that's how it was. Senior, do you know if any disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect survived?" Xiao Tiance asked.
"Perhaps some did, and perhaps not," Luo Tianshen replied with a bitter smile.
"Though the Heavenly Dao Sect was annihilated, some low ranking outer disciples managed to escape, and a few inner disciples survived by sheer luck because they were out on missions at the time of the calamity.
"After the sect's fall, rumors of Heavenly Dao Sect disciples attempting to revive the sect occasionally surfaced across the Western Sky Continent and neighboring regions.
"However, the Blood God Clan, the Bone God Clan, and the Strength God Clan strictly forbade any mention of the sect's name.
"As for us of the Luo God Clan, our centuries long feud with the Blood God Clan stems from that very event. When the Blood God Clan was hunting down the surviving disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect, our clan intervened to protect them.
"The God Maiden of that era even killed several high ranking members of the Blood God Clan in battle. That event set off a chain of enmity that continues to this day," Luo Tianshen said with a rueful laugh.
If he could go back, Luo Tianshen wondered if he might have made a different choice as the clan leader. The feud with the Blood God Clan had sapped much of the Luo God Clan's strength over the centuries.
Yet, on a moral level, the actions of the God Maiden were unquestionably just.
The Heavenly Dao Sect's Legacy
Xiao Tiance bowed slightly. "I never expected the Luo God Clan to have such a connection to the Heavenly Dao Sect. Thank you for enlightening me, Senior."
Luo Tianshen shook his head. "Lord Tiance, there's no need for such formality. However, I must ask that you keep this knowledge to yourself.
"Although the four God Clans stood by during the Heavenly Dao Sect's fall, it was not out of malice. Even if all four clans had joined the fight, the outcome would not have changed.
"Had it not been for the intervention of the Great Thousand Palace, the entire Western Sky Continent might have become a lifeless wasteland."
Xiao Tiance nodded, understanding the delicacy of the matter. But the mention of the Great Thousand Palace piqued his curiosity.
"Senior, can you tell me more about the Great Thousand Palace?" he asked.
The Great Thousand Palace
Luo Tianshen's eyes brightened with reverence.
"The Great Thousand Palace is the most powerful organization in the entire Great Thousand World. Its influence spans every continent, and its sole purpose is to resist the Extraterrestrial Evil Tribe.
"Because the threat posed by the Evil Tribe transcends all other concerns, the Great Thousand Palace serves as a unifying force, consolidating the world's strongest experts to combat this existential threat.
"Most Heaven Supremes are registered with the palace and can become guest elders if they pass the screening process. Saint Heaven Supremes typically serve as elders, while Celestial Heaven Supremes hold even higher ranks.
"However, the Great Thousand Palace only becomes fully active during times of crisis. In peaceful times, its members are not obligated to contribute.
"Despite this, its authority is unparalleled. Even the Five Ancient God Clans hold the palace in awe.
"In essence, the Great Thousand Palace is the most vital bastion against the Extraterrestrial Evil Tribe. Without it, the Great Thousand World would likely have fallen long ago."
Xiao Tiance's Thoughts
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but admire the scope of the Great Thousand Palace. He had some knowledge of it from the original story but had forgotten many details. Luo Tianshen's explanation rekindled his interest.
The palace's ranking system guest elders, slayers, and even Demon Slayer Kings was a testament to its rigorous structure and prestige. Those who achieved the title of Demon Slayer King held authority rivaling the heads of ancient clans.
And the treasures offered in exchange for accumulated Demon Slayer Points, including ultimate divine techniques, only added to the palace's allure.
"Senior, thank you for the valuable information. Without your guidance, I would have remained ignorant of these details," Xiao Tiance said sincerely.
Luo Tianshen waved a hand. "Lord Tiance, this is but a small matter. When you ascend to the Heaven Supreme realm, the Great Thousand Palace will likely approach you directly.
"My only regret in life is that I never managed to record my name in the Demon Slayer Registry. Unfortunately, I lack the talent to break through to the Heaven Supreme level."
Seeing Luo Tianshen's melancholy, Xiao Tiance chuckled and said, "Senior, there's no need to despair. If the opportunity arises, I'll bring back a few heads of the Extraterrestrial Evil Tribe for you to admire."
Luo Tianshen froze for a moment before laughing heartily. "Then I'll have to thank Lord Tiance in advance!"
(End of Chapter)
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