The Grand Empyrean said nothing, his eyes fixed intently on the direction of Dao Mountain.
The aura emanating from that place made even him feel a chill.
As the spiritforce of heaven and earth reversed and the tremors of the earth gradually calmed, a giant beast lifted the entire Dao Mountain into the air.
Below the peak, mist shrouded the scene, making it impossible to see inside.
A voice came from within, “Why have you summoned me?”
“God Beast, our sect is in danger. Please, lend us your aid,” Lin Beisheng quickly said.
He could feel the immense pressure of the God Beast’s aura and lowered himself in supplication without hesitation.
This was the only hope left for the Nine Heavens Sect, and he had no other choice now.
Hearing Lin Beisheng’s words, the God Beast Chimera beneath Dao Mountain slowly turned its head, its gaze piercing through layers of mist to lock onto the Grand Empyrean in the sky.
It shouted, “Leave.”
Just a single word, yet it thundered like an explosion, bursting eardrums, splitting the air, and echoing in the sky long after it was spoken.
“I’m familiar with all the powers in the Southern Region. May I ask your name?” The Grand Empyrean’s aura surged as he stepped off the Fire Phoenix into the air, facing Dao Mountain.
“The Southern Region means nothing. Even the Eternal Lands are but a drop in the Infinite Void. You are not qualified to know my name,” Chimera replied indifferently.
As it finished speaking, a massive beast claw emerged from the mist, tearing through the void with destructive power.
The Grand Empyrean frowned and summoned a whisk.
The white whisk swept across the air, forming a giant spiritual hand that reached out to block the beast claw.
With a loud boom, the claw, black and yellow, its talons dozens of centimeters long, swept across the sky and shredded the end of the whisk into pieces.
The Grand Empyrean’s expression changed, and he was sent flying backward.
He retreated over ten meters before stabilizing himself, his face solemn as he stared toward the base of Dao Mountain.
“If you force me to strike again, no matter where you flee, I will kill you today and destroy your Empyrean Sect,” Chimera’s voice rumbled from beneath the peak.
The Grand Empyrean’s face grew even more grim. Since becoming a Grand Empyrean, it had been countless years since anyone dared speak to him like this.
It was no exaggeration to say that in the Southern Region, he was one of the people at the very apex.
“My apologies for disturbing you, Senior,” the Grand Empyrean finally lowered his posture with a slight bow.
He could tell, he was no match for this beast. At their level, clashing over pride was no longer worth it.
However, the appearance of this God Beast might completely reshape the balance of power in the Southern Region.
Why had the long-faded Nine Heavens Sect gained such a beast? There were many things worth investigating here.
Until the situation became clearer, the Grand Empyrean decided to wait and watch, not act rashly.
He believed other sects in the Southern Region would also be very interested in this development.
“If I am disturbed again, no matter who it is, I will kill them,” Chimera said in a deep voice.
As his voice faded, the stormy spiritforce in the sky slowly calmed.
Chimera lay back beneath the peak, and Dao Mountain settled down again. The surrounding mist dispersed, and peace returned.
“This... this God Beast...” The disciples below broke into noisy whispers.
“I never knew our Nine Heavens Sect had a God Beast protector. Stronger than a Grand Empyrean! Who would we fear now?”
“Seems like our new sect master was hiding something big.”
Hearing the growing noise, Lin Beisheng frowned slightly and gestured downward. “Silence.”
The scene fell quiet instantly.
The autumn wind circled in the sky, then returned.
In the sky, North Sky chuckled and said, “Sect Master Lin, this has all been a misunderstanding. Qin Hansheng deserved his fate. Our two sects share the same roots, no need for this kind of discord.”
“Old fox...” Lin Beisheng cursed inwardly.
The man’s change in attitude was swift and shameless. The world moves for benefit; everyone fights for gain.
A moment ago he wanted him dead, now it was just a ‘misunderstanding.’
But Lin Beisheng didn’t press too hard. The God Beast only guarded the sect and wouldn’t intervene in other matters.
“Elder Qin’s death, Sect Master Bei, I hope you won’t take it too personally,” Lin Beisheng replied with a smile.
“Of course not. Our two sects should maintain close contact in the future,” North Sky said.
Lin Beisheng nodded slightly. “Today we’re holding a full sect assembly, so forgive me for not being a better host. Sect Master North Sky, please make yourself at home.”
“In that case, I’ll take my leave. Another day, Brother Lin, we’ll meet again,” North Sky said with a smile.
Seeing Lin Beisheng say no more, North Sky and the Grand Empyrean mounted the Fire Phoenix and left.
It wasn’t until they had flown out of the Nine Heavens Sect that North Sky’s face turned dark.
“When has our Empyrean Sect ever suffered such humiliation? That bastard Lin is just bullying us with that beast.”
“The Nine Heavens Sect can’t be touched right now,” the Grand Empyrean said calmly.
“Ancestor, did you see his attitude?” North Sky said angrily.
“He’s just relying on a beast. You’re a Grand Empyrean, and he didn’t show you the slightest respect.”
“We’ve already torn off the facade, what respect is left to talk about?” the Grand Empyrean replied.
“But the appearance of this God Beast is too strange. We must investigate thoroughly.”
“So what do we do next?” North Sky asked. “Do you think the Nine Heavens Sect might try to retaliate?”
“Unless that beast acts, they’re still a loose collection of factions. They won’t amount to much,” the Grand Empyrean said.
“Spread the word. I believe the World Sovereign Empyrean Sect and the Eternal God Sect will be more nervous than us.”
“That’s all we can do for now. It’s a shame though, without the Nine Heavens Sect, our strength will weaken,” North Sky sighed.
Then he turned his sharp gaze toward the Grand Empyrean. “Ancestor, your path to Godly Monarch?”
“Far beyond reach,” the Grand Empyrean shook his head.
Looking into the far distance, he sighed. “I don’t even know if I’ll reach that supreme realm in this lifetime.”
...
At the peak of Grand Heaven Mountain, a cold wind blew.
Lin Beisheng stood there quietly alone.
Along the mountain path, Lin Juemie walked up with a cheerful smile. “Beisheng, you have a fine son.”
“Father, do you really think he’s my son?” Lin Beisheng asked. “Qiu’er grew up with us. You know what kind of person he is better than anyone.”
“Life is about knowing when not to know too much. Being too clear about things can do more harm than good,” Lin Juemie said, shaking his head slightly.
“I understand,” Lin Beisheng nodded.
“The nine mountains are united. The sect is about to set sail again. In the new era that we leave for future generations, I’m planning to put you in the first chapter, as the first sect master of the new Nine Heavens,” Lin Juemie said.
“No need. Write it the way I told you,” Lin Beisheng shook his head.
“That day, a man swept across the Nine Heavens, suppressed the Empyrean Sect, and then stepped into the void to seek a higher realm of the Dao. He will be recorded as the first true Godly Monarch of the Nine Heavens Sect. His title, Supreme!”