Chapter 301: Chapter 301: Emperor Tian’s Beautiful Wish
The overcast sky, much like Chen Pingping’s heart, felt heavy, oppressive, and guilt-ridden...
In all his past years, he had never experienced such a feeling.
The sensation was unbearable, suffocating him.
An ancient town in a remote area, isolated from the rest of the world, had been like an earthly paradise. Its inhabitants lived a secluded, carefree life until his arrival brought slaughter.
After burying the plump aunt, Chen Pingping stood there, silent for a long time.
The Dean and Lan Xiuzhi behind him were also very quiet.
After a long while, he spoke, "A young man from the Purple Gold Divine Clan was here. His Dharma was majestic and his features handsome, enveloped as he was in golden Divine Brilliance. Beneath him, he rode a mount that was also magnificent, likely a Spiritual Beast."
Upon hearing these words, the old Dean’s heart trembled, and he said with hurried breath, "There have long been rumors that a young genius with a Returning Ancestor Bloodline has emerged within the Purple Gold Divine Clan. It had to be him; there was no mistake. This young genius has been kept hidden for over twenty years and has finally appeared in the world."
Returning Ancestor Bloodline. It was a terrifying term—in a way, even more so than a constitution.
This was because the origins of the Purple Gold Divine Clan itself were immensely significant.
Facing the breeze, Chen Pingping stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze remained fixed on the grave, his back to the Dean and Lan Xiuzhi, as he whispered, "What is his name?"
He had a premonition: his formidable enemy had appeared.
As for the mount, Chen Pingping wondered if it was part of the system’s quest.
He had been investigating this matter for some time. Regarding the Emperor’s Pet War Spirit, all clues he had gathered eventually pointed to the Purple Gold Divine Clan.
It felt like an inescapable destiny, as if someone was deliberately guiding him towards the Purple Gold Divine Clan.
"Emperor Tian," the Dean said gravely, uttering only those two words.
It was a domineering name.
Lan Xiuzhi couldn’t help but speak up, "Pingping, if things truly don’t work out, let’s find a place to focus on our training first!" She was a bit panicked, her heart uneasy.
This young genius from the Purple Gold Divine Clan—judging by his name alone—sounded incredibly powerful. He was definitely not someone to be trifled with.
"Yuexin is still in his hands," Chen Pingping murmured. "He is deliberately provoking me. That’s why he slaughtered everyone in the ancient town and abducted Lin Yuexin, all to force my hand."
The only thing that perplexed him was that Emperor Tian seemed very powerful. Why not act directly? Why resort to such methods?
He fell into deep thought.
「Before a Life Prohibited Zone.」
The Saintess had spent a month preparing to enter the Life Prohibited Zone for training, intending to improve herself.
But just then, a stream of golden Divine Brilliance descended, accompanied by a magnificent-looking Spiritual Beast. With a single roar, it severely injured her.
"Taoist Body," Emperor Tian said indifferently. He extended a finger, which pierced her chest like a sharp sword. "You are too weak."
Yes! She was too weak. Even though she possessed a Taoist Body, she had not yet entered the realm of the emperor.
It wasn’t really her fault. The Taoist Body was uniquely blessed, carrying Heavenly Dao Fate Energy. It was originally destined to contend with many geniuses; just a few opportunities could have allowed her to soar. But with the appearance of Chen Pingping, she was repeatedly crushed by him while competing for opportunities in the Central Continent. Now, having entered the Spirit Realm and seeking the Undying Furnace, that chance too was ruined because of Chen Pingping. She was incredibly frustrated. Now, she had been preparing to enter the Life Prohibited Zone, seeking a breakthrough and an opportunity of her own. Unexpectedly, she was captured by Emperor Tian to be used as a bargaining chip—all because of Chen Pingping.
Now, hearing Emperor Tian’s words, she spat out a mouthful of blood, truly consumed by a raging hatred!
Fortunately, Chen Pingping wasn’t here, or else she would have definitely cursed up a storm: "What the hell, do I owe you money?"
"I have no grievance or enmity with the Purple Gold Divine Clan. Why would you attack me?" the Saintess gritted her teeth. The moment Emperor Tian had made his move, she had understood the reason.
But she was unwilling to accept it!
Emperor Tian responded, "You are the same as Chen Pingping."
As expected... The Saintess said nothing more, her face ashen.
Before long, another expert from the Divine Clan arrived and said respectfully, "Young Master, Chen Pingping has been guarding the ancient town for several days now, without any sign of taking action."
"Just let him keep watch!" Emperor Tian said indifferently. "The bargaining chips I hold are still not enough. Even if Chen Pingping comes to attack, he won’t use his full strength."
He had investigated all of Chen Pingping’s battle records.
From the Heavenly Phoenix Imperial Dynasty to the Endless Ocean, Heaven Capital, the Southern Land, and even the recent slaughter before the Heavenly Phoenix Imperial City—Chen Pingping had never truly used his full strength. He always held something back. He was concealed very deeply. Dealing with such a person was extremely dangerous.
Therefore, Emperor Tian intended to capture everyone connected to Chen Pingping, using them as bargaining chips to force him to act.
He didn’t want Chen Pingping to hide his true abilities from him; that would be boring. He wanted to see the real Chen Pingping. Only then would he, Emperor Tian, deem him a worthy opponent.
The mere thought was exhilarating! Hidden away for twenty years, now finally making his debut—this was to be his first battle, and he wanted to take it seriously.
"Is there any movement up ahead at the Mo River?" Emperor Tian asked.
"None!" the man answered. "The Heaven Tao Divine Weapon of the Heavenly Phoenix Imperial Dynasty has lost its God and can no longer break the Spatial Barrier. The Heaven Tao Divine Weapon of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty is still suppressing a great evil and cannot be deployed. The Heaven Tao Divine Weapon of the Ancient Dynasty... reportedly, has encountered problems. Furthermore, considering some words from our clan’s predecessors and the loss of the Undying Furnace, the invasion of Nan Zhanbu Province is likely to be put on hold for now."
The Heavenly Phoenix Imperial Dynasty is still in turmoil, unlikely to end anytime soon. Relying on just the other two great dynasties to break the Spatial Barrier will be very difficult!
Considering these various factors, the matter was naturally postponed.
Emperor Tian glanced at the mount beneath him, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly as he chuckled, "I’ve heard Chen Pingping comes from Nan Zhanbu Province. He must have many friends and relatives there, right?"
Hehe! The Saintess laughed internally upon hearing these words.
Yes, yes! All of Chen Pingping’s connections are in Nan Zhanbu Province, Nan Zhanbu Province, and the Wuji Sect! Go on, hurry! Capture them as bargaining chips to force Chen Pingping to act!
She was fantasizing, while cursing in her head, "Idiot, moron."
Capturing her doesn’t mean much. Chen Pingping wouldn’t be enraged because of her. Likewise, you, Emperor Tian, would get to live a little longer. But if you were to enter Nan Zhanbu Province and capture people—like his two delicate little junior martial sisters, hehe... She could almost perfectly imagine Emperor Tian’s fate, and that of the Purple Gold Divine Clan behind him.
In the Spirit Realm, no one understood Chen Pingping better than she did. This guy would never allow himself to suffer a loss. This fellow always rose to the occasion; the stronger his enemy, the stronger he became.
The Saintess firmly believed this.
"You’re laughing?" Emperor Tian noticed her smile, furrowed his brow, and asked, "What are you laughing about?"
"You’re truly clever," the Saintess said with a smirk. "All of Chen Pingping’s connections are indeed in Nan Zhanbu Province. If you go there now and capture his friends and relatives, Chen Pingping will undoubtedly be furious. He’ll come seething with murderous intent to seek revenge. Then, your wish for a true battle with him will also be fulfilled. Don’t you agree?"
The reasoning was sound.
Yet, Emperor Tian sensed something hidden within her words. The key was that her smile was natural, the panic in her eyes had vanished, and... there was even a hint of anticipation? This woman was not normal.
Emperor Tian pondered for a moment, then said, "The Emperor Spirit possesses Cross-Realm Ability. It should be able to open the Spatial Barrier."