âImmortal cultivation?â
âHow absurd!â
âMoon Goddess, surely youâve been deceived!â
The Yin-Yang Clanâs elites murmured among themselves, incredulous at the Moon Goddessâs revelation. To them, the very idea of immortal cultivation was impossible.
âThis is no error!â the Moon Goddess snapped, her tone resolute. âThe information came directly from Zhao Gao, and the price I paid for it was steep!â
Despite the reluctance of the Yin-Yang Clan to believe her, the Moon Goddess remained steadfast. Zhao Gao, after much persuasion and a promise of immense rewards, revealed that Ying Zheng was pursuing the path of immortality.
âEven soâ¦â
Doubt lingered in the room, though the growing unease hinted that some already suspected the truth.
âEnough!â
Donghuang Taiyiâs commanding voice silenced the murmurs. Rising to his feet, his imposing figure cast a shadow over the room.
âWhether true or not, I will ascertain the facts myself. If Ying Zheng has indeed discovered the path to immortality, I will obtain itâat any cost,â he declared.
âYour Majesty,â Zhao Gao reported with urgency, bowing low before Ying Zheng. âDonghuang Taiyi has left the Yin-Yang Clan and is headed toward Xianyang.â
âHe is not merely coming,â Ying Zheng said, his voice calm but laced with icy authority. âHe has already arrived.â
Startled, Zhao Gao looked up, his expression questioning.
âPrepare yourself,â Ying Zheng continued as he rose. âAfter all, a funeral for a Land Immortal should not be a hasty affair.â
Donghuang Taiyi paused in the streets of Xianyang, his keen senses detecting the faint yet deliberate energy locking onto him from the direction of the imperial palace.
âInteresting,â he mused. âIt seems heâs noticed me.â
The force was potent but not on par with a Land Immortalâs mastery of divine energy.
âSo, the Moon Goddessâs words were true,â he concluded. âImmortal cultivationâpower beneath the heavens yet beyond mortal comprehension.â
Despite his recognition of Ying Zhengâs newfound strength, Donghuang Taiyi felt no fear. He was a Land Immortal, an existence unparalleled in its might. If Ying Zheng had indeed set a trap, he resolved to claim the secrets of immortality for himselfâeven if it meant killing the emperor.
âDonghuang Taiyi!â
A voice rang out across Xianyang, clear and filled with imperial authority.
âYou have come at last!â
Ying Zhengâs figure appeared in the sky, his posture commanding, his presence awe-inspiring.
âThe Yin-Yang Clan has defied the throne. As its leader, do you admit your guilt?â
In the streets below, officials and citizens alike dropped to their knees.
âLong live the Emperor!â
Although Ying Zhengâs youthful appearance had already stirred rumours, seeing him floating in mid-air solidified the belief that their emperor had transcended mortal limits.
âCan it be true?â
âHas His Majesty truly become a Land Immortal?â
Their awe and reverence grew as Ying Zhengâs voice echoed through the city, unyielding and regal.
Donghuang Taiyi smirked. âYou accuse me of treason?â he muttered, his tone dripping with contempt. âYing Zheng, youâve mastered some tricks, but let us see if they can match true immortality.â
With that, Donghuang Taiyi began channelling his vast energy, preparing to confront the emperor in what would surely be a battle to define the ages.