Chapter 389: Ancient Palace Opens

With the battle at Void Abyss concluded, the conflicts between the Source Ancestor and the God Clan factions had temporarily ceased.

Within that void rift, no one, except the Source Ancestor's second disciple, Heaven Origin Saint, knew what had occurred. But it was clear they had reached a truce agreement.

As the day of the Ancient Palace's opening drew near, the Saints surmised that the God King would undoubtedly not miss this opportunity, alongside the Source Ancestor.

Various rumors about the Ancient Palace circulated among the Saints, and many Semi-Saints were also discussing it. After all, the preceding, years-long Supreme Heavenly Pride battle aimed precisely to stimulate geniuses and cultivate monstrous talents capable of grasping the Sixth Boundary.

Now that such individuals had emerged, the immortal and divine legends that moved the heavens were about to be revealed.

Many Saints who had reincarnated for cultivation, upon awakening their memories, chose to return early to inherit their past lives' power.

The situation within the Ancient Palace remained unknown. If it were a smooth path forward, that would be ideal. But if the slots were limited, fierce battles would be inevitable, requiring advance preparation.

It was precisely because of the Ancient Palace that the various Sacred Grounds had refrained from intervening in the previous clashes between the Source Ancestor and the God King, at most being forced to take sides.

In the Qiankun Realm, within the Hun Tian Sacred Ground.

"Master, is there truly a path to immortals and gods within that Ancient Palace? Perhaps immortals and gods are merely legends. Master, you have already reached the pinnacle of cultivation."

A Saint with seven-colored wings softly spoke. He possessed a refined and gentle demeanor, and striking good looks, though he had peacock feathers at his forehead, styled upwards, and naturally green eye shadow.

"Your cultivation years are too shallow. Immortals and gods are definitely not legends. The reason the Source Ancestor is so obsessed with immortals and gods is because he witnessed them with his own eyes in the ancient era. He might even have received guidance from immortals and gods."

The Hun Tian Saint, with a towering physique and a black horn atop his head piercing the firmament, calmly said, "Traces of immortals and gods can be found everywhere. The stars above the heavens, except for the God Sun, are all illusions created by immortal and divine power. You say the world was always like this? How is that possible? The artificial traces are too obvious!"

"Indeed, the Heavenly Tablet in the Heavens Battlefield, it is said to be a treasure left behind by ancient immortals and gods. Its specific function seems to be for immortals and gods to select disciples."

The old tree in front of the Hun Tian Saint also slowly added, "It's just that immortals and gods vanished, and that Heavenly Tablet gradually became something used to assess the worth of heavenly prides. But if you think carefully, how could nature possibly nurture such a bizarre and strange tablet?"

"Immortals and gods used the Heavenly Tablet to select disciples?"

The Peacock Saint was stunned. After considering it carefully, he realized it indeed made sense.

"It's unknown what the situation is within that Ancient Palace. Will the Source Ancestor and God King join forces? If they truly open up a path to immortals and gods then, no one will be able to compete against their combined power, right?" The Peacock Saint expressed some concern.

"No, when that time comes, the Source Ancestor will surely invite us to first deal with the God King."

The Hun Tian Saint calmly said, "The Source Ancestor's actions against the God King back then, to put it bluntly, stemmed from deep-seated jealousy and fear of the other party. That God King… he can be considered an unparalleled prodigy of all ages, but unfortunately, his brilliance was too overwhelming, and he was too trusting of others."

The Peacock Saint was taken aback, somewhat bewildered. The Source Ancestor, afraid and jealous of others?

"Time is almost here. Let's head to the Small Realm in advance to meet up with that kid. This kid is the key to the Ancient Palace, and not all Saints wish for the Ancient Palace to be opened now. We can't let this key be destroyed."

The Hun Tian Saint narrowed his eyes, his aura contained, shrinking from his massive, ten-thousand-foot original form back to his usual Saintly appearance.

Hearing his words, the Peacock Saint's heart tightened. Not wishing for it to open early?

Indeed, the Ancient Palace wasn't going anywhere. For some Saints, an early opening might not be advantageous.

…

"Outside the Small Realm, there have seemed to be traces of Saints recently, but we haven't found anyone."

Within the small courtyard of the Thief Heaven Sacred Ground, Feng Boping said to Li Hao as he ate and drank,

"The Source Ancestor was right. There are indeed people who don't want me to open the Ancient Palace. Perhaps there's even a Supreme Saint among them."

Li Hao, capable of glimpsing the Will of Heaven and predicting fortune and misfortune, sensed the danger lurking outside the Small Realm, and it was certainly not benevolent.

Though he hadn't mentioned it to Old Feng, Feng Boping still maintained his previous state, working with Lie Heaven Saint to seal off the Small Realm, also sealing the Sacred Ground. This greatly increased the difficulty for other Saints to sneak in.

"After all, the timing of your appearance might not be the most opportune for some people. The Ancient Palace is always there. Without your key, some people want to cultivate the Sixth Boundary themselves to grasp more opportunities."

Feng Boping had long seen through the intentions of some Saints. Even though the God Clan and the Source Ancestor were no longer at war, he still sealed the realm and the mountain, solely to protect Li Hao.

Even if a Supreme Saint were to make a move, it would be difficult to kill Li Hao silently. If the commotion were too large, it would be tantamount to offending the collective anger.

"Elder Feng, are you really not going to the Ancient Palace this time?"

Li Hao picked up the wine gourd beside him, took two swigs, and asked Elder Feng.

Saints from all heavens were secretly accumulating power, preparing to go to the Ancient Palace. The scale of this event even surpassed the Saints Dao Discussion Assembly. No one was unmoved, but Elder Feng was an exception.

"Becoming an immortal and god is merely living longer, existing as long as天地 (heaven and earth/nature). Living long is not remarkable; living unhappily is truly dreadful."

Feng Boping tilted his head back and gulped down a mouthful of wine, smiling faintly, "I cannot accompany you this time. You must take care of yourself. I await the day you take that step."

Li Hao gazed at Elder Feng for a moment, faintly sensing that the other party seemed to be concealing something from him. But if Feng Boping didn't intend to say it, even giving up the chance for immortality, it must be something extremely important.

"If there truly is a path to immortals and gods, I will come back to fetch you."

Li Hao said.

Upon hearing this, Feng Boping couldn't help but burst into laughter, saying, "Then I will wait for you."

Li Hao also smiled. Neither of them was being sentimental. They clinked wine gourds together, enjoying the food and drink, feeling only contentment.

As the time for the Ancient Palace drew nearer, many acquaintances sent messages of concern to Li Hao.

Zhan Tan from the Flower Wandering Society, Yao Chi from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground, as well as Night Ancestor, Green Ancestor, Qing Jiu, and others. They had no opportunity to go to the Ancient Palace, but they knew this trip was extremely perilous.

"I will wait for your return."

Lin Qingying sent a message to Li Hao through the Saint decree.

Li Hao glanced at it. This journey was fraught with both fortune and peril; he dared not take it lightly.

Without replying, Li Hao put away the decree. It was not until the Source Ancestor sent a message, summoning them to gather and head to the Ancient Palace, that Li Hao began to move.

"Outside the Small Realm, the Source Ancestor's avatar seems to have come to pick you up personally."

"Besides the Source Ancestor, there are other Supreme Saints. They have come here in person."

Feng Boping came to Li Hao's courtyard, sighing with emotion, and laughing, "It seems that before you open the Ancient Palace, they are cherishing you greatly. You will be fine for now, but you must be careful afterward."

"Mm."

Li Hao nodded and bid farewell to Elder Feng.

Lie Heaven Saint also came to the Thief Heaven Sacred Ground's exterior. Li Hao invited her to travel together, but Lie Heaven Saint shook her head, "There are too many eyes on you. Go by yourself. I will travel separately."

Feng Boping, who had come to see them off, rolled his eyes at her. He knew she had no intention of going, and was saying this to deceive Li Hao.

Li Hao was somewhat puzzled, giving them a strange look, but he didn't ask further, only saying, "Alright, then I'll go scout the path first."

After bidding farewell to the two, Li Hao flew out of the Small Realm.

He saw that in the silent void outside the Small Realm, numerous Saintly auras suddenly manifested. Among them, the most dazzling and eye-catching were the Hun Tian Saint, the Medicine Saint, the Law Saint, and other Supreme Saints.

Saints from all heavens seemed to have gathered outside this Small Realm, waiting here.

"Supreme Saints have also come?"

"It seems everyone highly values this Ancient Palace, fearing unforeseen events."

"Who asked him to be the only one who has grasped the Sixth Boundary? Without him, who knows how many more years we would have to wait."

Many Saints' gazes were solemn. This matter concerned all heavens. If a path to immortals and gods were truly opened, it would touch upon a broader world.

"Are you ready?"

The Source Ancestor's avatar came before Li Hao, his expression still carrying a gentle smile.

Li Hao nodded.

His gaze swept across, seeing Sword Saint and Sword Master in the crowd. Additionally, there was also the Literary Saint.

"Let's go."

Law Saint glanced at the time and coldly stated.

Then, he took the lead and left.

Hun Tian Saint glanced at Li Hao, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned. He could sense that the fragrance of this human elixir was becoming richer.

Although he could sense that Li Hao had not undergone the Earth Tribulation and was still a First Calamity Saint, he was fragrant enough.

"Be careful of Hun Tian."

Medicine Saint's voice transmission reached Li Hao's mind. Immediately after, he saw Medicine Saint glance at him before turning and leaving, seemingly unfamiliar with each other.

Li Hao's expression remained calm. That Hun Tian Saint had made many moves against him, but now he had some confidence in protecting his life even in the hands of a Supreme Saint.

With the Supreme Saints leading the way, the throng of Saints followed mightily. Li Hao, like the moon surrounded by stars, was enveloped in the center. After successively traversing spatial rifts, they soon arrived at Tianyuan Realm of the Upper Three Realms.

Here, some Saints were waiting, not having gone to wait for Li Hao outside the Small Realm.

When they saw the many Supreme Saints escorting Li Hao, they couldn't help but slightly narrow their eyes. Such a formation and pomp, unique in all heavens.

But they knew that these Supreme Saints were worried that this key might encounter misfortune.

Li Hao saw that not far from the Source Ancestor's true body sat a figure adorned in crimson gold, armor magnificent and imposing. It was the God King.

The place where he sat emanated phenomena like volcanic magma, carrying terrifying power.

Beside the God King were Ying Xiaoxiao and several God Clan Saints.

Previously, Li Hao had taken Ying Xiaoxiao away. Upon returning to the Small Realm, they had parted. Now, Ying Xiaoxiao, as a God Clan Saint, had naturally also come to participate in the Ancient Palace event.

When Li Hao arrived, Ying Xiaoxiao's gaze fell upon him, her eyes carrying worry.

"Be careful of the First Ancestor."

Ying Xiaoxiao's voice transmission echoed in Li Hao's mind.

He slightly paused, looking towards this woman, seeing a faint sadness and anxiety in her bright eyes.

Li Hao's expression remained unchanged, not asking further, directly going before the Source Ancestor's true body.

At this moment, Li Hao sensed a familiar, concealed aura. Turning his head to look, he saw at the edge of the crowd, the figure of Star Saint seated there, staring at him with a gloomy expression.

Li Hao slightly raised an eyebrow, not expecting Star Saint to be still alive. As expected of someone second only to Supreme Saints, possessing unknown life-saving measures.

"Since everyone is here, let's go then."

God King directly spoke, seeming unwilling to wait even for a moment longer.

Source Ancestor slightly nodded, standing up and saying, "Let's go."

He raised his hand and tore open a rift. This rift was torn along a spatial rift and could traverse an extremely distant distance.

He glanced at Li Hao, then took the lead and entered.

Following him were several Saints from the Source Ancestor Sacred Ground, all following him in.

Xiao Tianyu, passing by Li Hao, glanced at him, then also lowered his head and entered.

Law Saint followed closely behind, with Qiu Tianlu beside him, now a Saint. He glanced at Li Hao, his expression somewhat silent.

Like Xiao Tianyu, although his previous life was a Saint, the memories of this life also merged into his main body. Competing in the same generation as Li Hao had left too deep an impression.

As everyone successively passed through the rift, Li Hao also ignored Star Saint and stepped into the rift. Upon stepping out again, he saw before him a starry sky.

In this starry sky, suspended was an Ancient Palace wreathed in thunder and fire.

The exterior of this Ancient Palace seemed to be a forbidden zone. Li Hao's divine sense, upon nearing it, was annihilated by a mysterious force, like touching an abyss, silently shattering.

Li Hao's gaze focused. He had long heard of this Ancient Palace, and now he finally saw it.

"Legend has it, this was once the residence of immortals and gods. Everyone, please do not touch things carelessly, lest you trigger some uncontrolled mechanisms."

Ink Saint Supreme Saint said.

Source Ancestor said nothing, arriving before the Ancient Palace, where there was a starlit stairway constructed by laws.

He walked up, and instantly, thunderbolts emerged around him, but quickly dissipated.

He quickly walked forward, soon flying to the outside of the Ancient Palace's gate.

"This little problem shouldn't be difficult for you, right."

Law Saint glanced at Li Hao. He had heard about Li Hao killing Star Saint, but Star Saint was not dead, merely weakened, barely escaping with his life.

As he spoke, Law Saint also rapidly flew towards the Ancient Palace.

Li Hao noticed that the starlit stairway leading to the Ancient Palace was not easy to traverse, but for him, it wouldn't pose any issue.

After the Supreme Saints successively passed, Li Hao also stepped onto the stairway. Instantly, law forces swept over, containing powerful Dao energy, seemingly like Saints attacking with Dao techniques.

However, this force, upon touching his body, silently transformed into a gust of wind, evading him.

His physical body was like a towering wooden stake, blocking the laws continuously surging from the stairway.

Li Hao knew that this was the power inherent in the Boundary of Hearing the Dao, 万道不侵 (ten thousand Daos cannot invade).

Seeing Li Hao, like the Supreme Saints, traversing the Ancient Palace stairway without any trouble, many Saints' expressions became much more serious.

Soon, other Saints also successively stepped onto the stairway. Immediately, numerous laws surged like a storm, various phenomena appearing on the stairway.

Sword Saint drew his sword and cleaved open a sea of fire, arriving before the Ancient Palace. Sword Master had a sword domain enveloping him, also protecting his surroundings, safely arriving.

Other Saints also used their respective means to cross the stairway, while some ordinary First Calamity Saints inside were progressing with difficulty, unleashing a large amount of incense power to barely traverse it.

At this time, some Saints realized that although they were all First Calamity Saints, that youth was truly too monstrous.

While other Saints were still hurrying on the stairway, Source Ancestor and the other Supreme Saints did not linger. After Li Hao arrived, they pushed open the Ancient Palace. Before their eyes, it seemed they had pushed open a brand new world.

The sky within the Ancient Palace actually contained another starry sky, brilliant like the Milky Way.

Source Ancestor and the others had explored here before and seemed familiar with the route, leading the way in front.

Within the Ancient Palace was an extremely long passage. The end of the passage was a broken, cracked high platform.

(End of Chapter)