Yuzhou, in the southern part of the Qingyao Continent.

Unlike the other Yuzhou, where countless factions endlessly vied for supremacy, over seventy percent of Yuzhou’s vast territory, spanning trillions of li, was already under the rule of the Da Xia Divine Dynasty.

The remaining thirty percent of the territory was divided among several powerful Sects, Noble Families, and Clans, which, at least in name, were also vassals of the Da Xia Divine Dynasty.

Generations of ambitious and brilliant Emperors of the Divine Dynasty had governed with great vigor. They not only harbored the grand ambition of unifying Yuzhou, but had even begun to set their sights on several major neighboring prefectures.

Of course, the top-tier powers controlling the neighboring prefectures harbored similar ambitions toward the Da Xia Divine Dynasty. They were constantly plotting to annex one another to achieve their own glorious deeds.

At this very moment, within a mysterious and unfathomable Pocket World located inside the Divine Palace of the Da Xia Divine Dynasty’s Capital City—a palace so magnificent it resembled a celestial citadel—boundless, resplendent light shone brilliantly. Dense Essence of Spiritual Qi billowed like mist, and the air was saturated with a profound Dao Rhyme.

A dozen or so hazy, god-like, and imposing figures sat silently upon tall, magnificent, and majestic thrones, communicating wordlessly through Divine Thought.

"...I hear the Child of Destiny of this world has been born?"

"Yes. Our informants in Yuzhou have sent word back. The Child of Destiny made a brief appearance but has since vanished without a trace."

"I heard the factions in Yuzhou tried to abduct them. The Outer Heaven Dragon Race and some other mysterious organizations also had a hand in it. Unfortunately for them, the Child of Destiny possessed some special abilities that foiled all their schemes."

"As I understand it, following a major shift in the Celestial Secret several decades ago, it wasn’t just the Child of Destiny who appeared. It’s highly likely that an unknown number of Innate Divine Spirits have also been born, as well as Ancient Star Mysteries reincarnated as humans."

"And I’ve heard that certain Primordial Treasures, long lost to the depths of the River of Time, and even some renowned Immortal Dao Treasures may also reappear in the world!"

"Mm. The changes in the Celestial Secret are murky and unpredictable. I fear this world is truly about to face an unprecedented upheaval."

"...The major Sects and Noble Families of our Yaozhou have already decided to join forces. We will find these Reincarnated Great Powers—especially the Child of Destiny—and bring them back to our sects to be taught and nurtured. This is how we will face the coming Heavy Tribulation."

"Heh! Teach? Nurture? Since when did your Primordial Demon Palace turn into the Kaisan Hall? Your usual method is to capture them, refine and devour them, and strip them of all their Qi Fortune and opportunities, is it not?"

One of the majestic, imposing figures sneered in disdain.

"Hmph! And you talk about us? You so-called Xuanmen Orthodox Sects look righteous on the surface, but you’re all rotten to the core. You force your Disciples to ’volunteer’ for sacrifice. Your sordid secrets are no fewer than ours, are they?"

"So what if we are? The Sect’s interests are paramount. There is no right or wrong in the contest for the Great Dao! Only by having the Child of Destiny and the many Reincarnated Great Powers belong to our orthodox factions can the Immortal Dao of this world avoid a calamitous slaughter and enjoy eternal peace and prosperity!"

"Oh, save it! There’s no good or evil in this. The opportunity belongs to whoever finds it. We’ll each rely on our own skills!"

"Of course. Our people have already begun their investigations, both overt and covert, in Yuzhou and several neighboring prefectures. I trust we’ll have good news soon."

"Hmph. I certainly hope your operation goes smoothly. In any case, our own forces have been on the move for some time now."

The great figures traded barbs, none willing to be outdone in the verbal sparring. A matter of this magnitude concerned the very survival of their respective legacies; there was absolutely no room for compromise or concession.

Whoever could find and secure the Child of Destiny would gain the upper hand in the coming Immortal Dao Heavy Tribulation, placing themselves in an unassailable position.

Suddenly, a clear, gentle voice spoke up. "All of you are thinking about finding the Child of Destiny and these Reincarnated Great Powers, only to refine and devour them and seize their Qi Fortune. But do you truly believe they will be so easy to refine?"

"A single misstep could trigger a backlash from the Celestial Secret Qi Number. At best, your Cultivation will be damaged. At worst, you will die on the spot."

A hush fell over them. Then, a voice immediately spoke. "I believe the Child of Destiny’s Cultivation is still too low. They don’t yet have the ability to conceal the signs of their destiny, so we absolutely have an opportunity."

"Indeed. If the reports from Yuzhou are accurate, the Child of Destiny has merely reached Foundation Establishment Cultivation. With our methods, we can certainly refine them, stripping them of their Root Bone, aptitude, Qi Fortune, and other opportunities!"

"As for a backlash? The shifts in the Celestial Secret are currently obscure and unclear. We can surely find ways to circumvent any curses or karmic retribution and maximize our own gains."

"Foundation Establishment Cultivation is truly nothing. It would be more troublesome if they were at Golden Core Cultivation, but of course, it would only be a bit more troublesome."

"If they had already reached the Nascent Soul True Monarch Realm, their Qi Fortune would be incredibly difficult to strip away. At that point, we could do nothing to them but offer generous gifts and seek cooperation."

"Rest assured. It has only been a few years. No matter how fast the Child of Destiny grows, it’s impossible for them to have achieved a high level of Cultivation."

"Let’s hope so..."

These great figures continued their silent exchange. In truth, they no longer concerned themselves with the daily affairs of their factions, merely controlling the grand scheme of things from behind the scenes.

As powerful beings who had surpassed the Peak of Divinity Transformation, they might not make an appearance for decades or even centuries. Yet, a mere fragment of their words, should it leak out, was enough to profoundly influence the entire world.