“What’s going on?” Zu An looked downward and saw giants swinging their axes against the sacred tree. They appeared to be shaman warriors, and they were likely intending to cut down the sacred tree to stop the Celestial Court from dispatching further reinforcements.
“Don’t worry. Jianmu was born alongside heaven and earth; it can’t be cut down that easily. You should be worried about them instead,” Xihe sneered.
Profound ancient runes lit up around the sacred tree. These weren’t divine runes, but something superior. These characters were born alongside heaven and earth, and they harnessed the dao of the world. The giants didn’t even have any time to scream before they were reduced to ashes.
Zu An was taken aback. Those runes are incredible. What a pity I can’t remember and copy them. It must be because my cultivation isn’t high enough.
A light suddenly appeared in front of Zu An. Before they knew it, they had already emerged from the other end of the sacred tree. The first thing he noticed was that they were standing on top of clouds. He was initially worried about falling through the clouds, but he soon realized that it was no different from walking on the ground, except for it being softer. It must be a huge formation to sustain this effect throughout the Celestial Court. I wouldn’t be able to do thiswith my current abilities.
He raised his head and saw a towering celestial gate with curved eaves and interlocking wooden brackets. It looked narrow, but he knew that was just a visual effect. Even the largest being in this world could pass through it easily. Behind the celestial gate was a bunch of palaces built amid foggy mountains. Immortal birds flew freely in the clouds, making the place look ethereal.
“Is this the Celestial Court?”
This was Zu An’s first time visiting the legendary Celestial Court, but he wasn't in the mood to enjoy the scenery. He'd thought that given the huge number of celestial guards that descended earlier to clash with the Shaman races, there wouldn’t be many celestials left in the Celestial Court. And yet, there was still a platoon of celestial guards guarding the celestial gate.
Their leader was a giant built like a metal tower. He held a massive axe while vigilantly eyeing the surroundings. He would have noticed Zu An and the others if they hadn’t concealed themselves beforehand.
“That is General Zhao Lingguan of the South Celestial Gate. He’s known as the number one slaughterer of the South Celestial Gate. I didn’t expect him to not participate in the battle and instead remain here. This complicates things,” Xihe said worriedly.
“Is he powerful?” Zu An asked.
“Very. I’m not sure I could defeat him even if I weren’t injured,” Xihe replied grimly. “But if we wish to enter the Celestial Court, there is no way to circumvent this gate.”
The Goddess of Wu Mountain suggested, “I’ll distract him so you can slip through in the meantime. I am the Crimson Emperor’s daughter, after all. He won’t make things difficult for me even if I’m captured.” Now that she couldn’t fight anymore, this was all she could do for Zu An.
Zu An chuckled. “There’s no need for that. Is Zhao Lingguan Emperor Jun’s subordinate?”
“Yes, he is Jun’s close aide. Jun wouldn’t have placed him here otherwise.” Xihe nodded.
“That makes things easy,” Zu An said. Zhuanxu is a failure of a Celestial Emperor. How could he let his successor usurp his power to such an extent when he hasn’t even stepped down yet?
Zu An suddenly transformed into Emperor Jun. Xihe and the Goddess of Wu Mountain instinctively darted aside, as if scalded by hot water.
“Don’t worry, it’s me,” Zu An said in his original voice.
The two goddesses remained in disbelief. Zu An could only tell them about the Lord of Myriad Transformations, and the two of them finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“This ability of yours can’t be used for anything good,” Xihe remarked.
Before Zu An could explain anything, Zhao Lingguan sensed their presence and shouted, “Who’s there?” The metal tower-like figure instantly appeared before them.
Zu An naturally held Xihe in his arms. Xihe’s face reddened, but she didn’t struggle because she knew that he was doing this to convince Zhao Lingguan of his disguise.
Zhao Lingguan was taken aback to see Zu An. “Emperor Jun, what are you doing here?”
“Xihe is injured. I’m sending her back so that she can be healed,” Zu An calmly replied.
Zhao Lingguan was perplexed, knowing that Emperor Jun and Xihe had been estranged for many years now. Have they patched things up?
Zu An wasn’t about to give him time to think. “How are things on Zhuanxu’s side?”
That drew Zhao Lingguan’s attention elsewhere. “Rest assured, Emperor Jun. Zhuanxu has been suppressed by the Great Constellation Formation. He won’t be able to do anything.”
Zu An was shocked, but he didn’t let it show. “Good. Continue guarding this place well; don’t allow anyone to enter or leave the Celestial Court. The future of our Fiend races depends on this.”
Zhao Lingguan was about to ask Emperor Jun if his departure from the battlefield would affect their plans when he heard those words. He solemnly replied, “Rest assured, Emperor Jun. No one will cross the South Celestial Gate as long as I’m here!”
Zu An nodded in approval.
Zhao Lingguan could hardly suppress his grin. This contribution should at least raise my position by three ranks, right?
Just like that, Zu An strutted into the Celestial Court with Xihe and the Goddess of Wu Mountain.
Xihe and the Goddess of Wu Mountain glanced at Zhao Lingguan, who was waving goodbye with a smile. They couldn’t believe that a hurdle they had thought to be impossible would be overcome so easily.
This man is unbelievable.
Zu An looked at a brilliant congregation of stars and planets in the distance. That must be where Zhuanxu is imprisoned.
The most effective way to change the tide of the battlefield would be to rescue Zhuanxu, but Zu An didn’t hesitate to make his way to Emperor Jun’s residence. To him, the outcome of the war between the Shamans and the Fiends was nowhere as important as saving Xiaoxi.
Under Xihe’s guidance, the three of them soon arrived at Emperor Jun’s residence. The place was protected by countless defensive formations, but Xihe breached them easily.
As soon as they entered his main hall, they felt like they had been transported into another world. The world outside looked ethereal, and a faint fragrance lingered in the air. However, the world inside the main hall was eerie and sinister.
A pitch-black Myriad Souls Banner floated in the middle of the hall. Tortured screams and miserable cries emanated from the banner. Just listening to those voices could shake one’s psyche. Countless warped specters flew forth from the banner, but no matter how far they flew, they were unable to break free of the Myriad Souls Banner’s restraint.
A fragile woman lay atop an altar in the middle of the hall. She was unconscious, and her skin was so pale that it looked transparent. It felt as if she could vanish at any moment.
“Xiaoxi!” Zu An was horrified. Emperor Jun was indeed using her to forge the Myriad Souls Banner!
Xiaoxi’s eyelids fluttered, but she didn’t regain consciousness. A tear flowed down the corner of her eye. As soon as the tear fell on the ground, it transformed into a black aura and was absorbed by the Myriad Souls Banner.