Chapter 19: The Immortal Dao Palace and the Hidden Path
With his newfound bloodline awakened, the promise of his mother's rescue burning in his heart, and the weight of the arranged marriage pressing upon him, Wei Xian finally set out on his journey to the Immortal Dao Palace—the greatest bastion of cultivation in the Upper Realm.
Guardian Yunshan, ever watchful, accompanied him through the shimmering skies and celestial gates that separated the sanctuary of the Primodel Family from the outside world. As they soared through the clouds on a celestial flying beast, Wei Xian's mind churned with questions about his mother, his betrothed, and the vast powers that lay hidden within him.
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Arrival at the Immortal Dao Palace
The Immortal Dao Palace stood atop the Nine Heavenly Peaks, where entire worlds floated amidst the clouds. Its grand gates were carved from celestial jade, and the palace walls shimmered with ancient runes that suppressed even the most powerful energies. Thousands of cultivators gathered within—geniuses from all corners of the Upper Realm, each vying to ascend the immortal path.
As Wei Xian approached the gates, a deep, commanding voice echoed from the palace's highest tower.
"So... the son of the Primodel Family finally arrives."
Descending from the heavens was a figure draped in golden robes. His aura was boundless, making the very air tremble beneath his presence. His long silver hair flowed like a river of light, and his piercing eyes seemed to see through the very soul.
This was Palace Master Ling Tian, the ruler of the Immortal Dao Palace—and Wei Xian's father's sworn brother.
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A Forgotten Promise
Wei Xian stepped forward and cupped his fists.
"Junior Wei Xian greets the Palace Master."
Ling Tian's gaze lingered on him, a flicker of emotion crossing his timeless features.
"You resemble your father... but your eyes—those are hers."
Wei Xian's heart clenched. He knew the palace master referred to his mother.
Ling Tian's voice softened, barely above a whisper.
"Your father entrusted me with your safety long ago. I had hoped such measures would never be necessary... yet fate rarely yields to hope."
The palace master turned, his robes billowing behind him.
"Come. Your path will not be an easy one, young Xian. The Immortal Dao Palace will test every part of you—your body, your mind, and your heart. But if you endure... you may just shatter the heavens themselves."
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A Silent Agreement
Wei Xian followed Ling Tian through the palace's winding corridors. The walls pulsed with spiritual energy, and ancient murals depicted countless heroes who had ascended to immortality.
As they walked, Ling Tian's voice echoed in his mind through a secret sound transmission.
"Your father told me everything... about your mother... about your Shadow Vein... and the forbidden arts you wield."
Wei Xian's steps faltered, but the palace master continued without turning.
"From now on, you must conceal your dark arts. There are many eyes here—some loyal to the Wang Family... others loyal to forces even more dangerous."
Wei Xian clenched his fists.
"I understand."
Ling Tian glanced at him, his golden eyes flashing.
"I doubt that... but you will learn."
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The Young Lady Tang Yuechan
As the tour ended, Ling Tian led him to a secluded courtyard where the outer disciples resided. But before Wei Xian could take his leave, the palace master spoke one final warning.
"There is someone waiting for you... your fiancée, Tang Yuechan. She arrived three days ago. The Tang Family made sure everyone here knows who she is. Do not underestimate her, Wei Xian."
Wei Xian's heart quickened. The woman bound to him by ancient promises was already here. He wondered what kind of person she was—whether she was truly a puppet of her family or a soul bound by fate, like himself.
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A New Beginning
That night, Wei Xian stood alone beneath the moonlit sky, the cold wind whispering through the courtyard.
He vowed silently to himself:
"I will awaken my full bloodline. I will master the immortal path. And I will bring my mother back... no matter the cost."
Far beyond the palace walls, hidden in the shadows, unseen forces stirred. The Wang Family watched from afar. The puppet army within him lay dormant, waiting for the day its master would rise once more.
But for now, the Dark Shadow King would walk in the light—his forbidden power veiled beneath layers of secrecy—until the day he would tear the heavens apart and reshape his fate.