Chapter 405: Chapter 336: 8 Great Direct Disciples, 8 Great Vassal Kings, 8 Inheritors

A total of eight figures appeared. While each of them exuded a different aura, every single one had reached the Sixth Realm, with faint traces of Dao Rhyme flowing around them.

Among them, Xu Qing recognized three familiar figures: Zhang Ling, the Direct Disciple of the Kunlun Daoist Monarch; Xu Lili, the Direct Disciple of Qing Wu; and Ran Deng, the Direct Disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha.

As for the other five figures, Xu Qing was not familiar with them. However, based on the identities and origins of Zhang Ling and the others, he could roughly deduce who they were.

"This..."

An expression of astonishment crossed Zhang Ling’s face as his gaze fell upon Xu Qing. "The Infinite Fengdu Array has been destroyed."

"It seems Master Xu is truly worthy of being the Direct Disciple of the Sect Leader of Shushan. With your strength, you didn’t need our help at all."

Ran Deng placed his palms together and said in a calm tone.

"..."

Xu Lili sized up Xu Qing for a few moments.

Obviously, Zhang Ling and his companions were the Direct Disciples from the other Eight Great Sacred Lands. Their cultivation was profound, as all of them had reached the Sixth Realm. Their Cultivation and Realm had already surpassed Xu Qing’s.

Chen Wangu had mentioned before that for this mission, not only would Xu Qing be participating, but the other Eight Great Sacred Lands would also send their Direct Disciples.

Furthermore, Zhang Ling and his group had arrived in the Supreme Dynasty a month before Xu Qing. They had learned that Xu Qing’s party would be ambushed, so they had rushed to their aid.

In the end, however, Xu Qing’s combat prowess was simply too immense. Even though his Cultivation and Realm were only at the Initial Entry of the Absolute Transcendence Realm, he had slain numerous powerful foes and didn’t need help from Zhang Ling’s group in the slightest.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang."

Xu Qing recognized Zhang Ling and the others, letting out a small sigh of relief. ’If another eight powerful enemies who had entered the Sixth Realm had shown up, I really would’ve had to flee.’

"Good, good."

A smile appeared on Zhang Ling’s face.

Next, Xu Qing’s gaze swept over the Direct Disciples of the Eight Great Sacred Lands. Aside from Ran Deng and Xu Lili, he had never met the other five and didn’t recognize them.

Soon, Zhang Ling and the others made brief introductions, and Xu Qing finally became acquainted with the Direct Disciples from the five other Sacred Lands.

The Direct Disciple from the Jasper Pool Sacred Land was none other than the Nine Heavens Profound Lady. The Queen Mother of the West, the head of the Jasper Pool Sacred Land, had not originally accepted a Direct Disciple. However, the Nine Heavens Profound Lady had risen above the numerous True Disciples, passed a series of grueling trials set by the Queen Mother, and ultimately earned her recognition, becoming her Direct Disciple.

"Master Xu."

The beauty of the Nine Heavens Profound Lady was indescribable, like the most perfect work of art in the world. Xu Qing only glanced at her once, yet the sight was deeply etched into his memory.

"Nine Heavens Profound Lady."

Xu Qing replied, cupping his fist.

Then there were the four remaining Great Sacred Lands. Xu Qing had, of course, heard of them before, but he had never actually met anyone from them. Now, however, he was meeting their Direct Disciples.

These Four Great Sacred Lands were: the Saint Palace, the Celestial Court, the Nine Nether Demon Suppression Sacred Land, and the Eternal Sacred Land.

"Zhao Gongming, Direct Disciple of the Saint Palace, greets Master Xu."

Zhao Gongming was a coarse-featured, middle-aged man mounted on a fierce tiger. Cupping his fist in salute to Xu Qing, he said, "I have long heard that the Sect Leader of Shushan took on a Direct Disciple. Now that I’ve met you, you truly live up to your reputation. Your strength is immense, to have slain such powerful foes."

"Master Zhao, you flatter me."

Xu Qing just smiled.

Afterward, Xu Qing met the Golden Crow Crown Prince from the Celestial Court, the Demon Suppression Emperor, who was the Direct Disciple of the Nine Nether Demon Suppression Sacred Land, and finally, Hengcha Zhi, the Direct Disciple of the Eternal Sacred Land.

"Greetings, everyone."

Xu Qing cupped his fist in salute.

「One day later.」

Xu Qing and the others arrived at the Supreme Emperor Capital.

「Supreme Emperor Capital.」

"We’ve arrived."

In the Void, Zhang Ling and the others stood with their hands clasped behind their backs, their gazes calm as they stared straight ahead. Before them was an incomparably majestic city, suspended in the expanse.

"The Supreme Emperor Capital."

Xu Qing murmured the name. The Imperial Capital before him was magnificent, its grandeur difficult to put into words. While it couldn’t compare to the Imperial Capital of the Central Tang Dynasty, it possessed a splendor all its own.

SWISH! SWISH!

In the next moment, two streaks of light shot through the sky. They were none other than the Supreme Dynasty’s National Guardian Grand Marshal, Jiang Taiya, and its Chief Eunuch, Cao Zhengchun.

The two were trusted confidants of Liu Bang, the Emperor of the Supreme Dynasty. Given their deep trust from the Emperor and their high-ranking positions, they were the ideal people to welcome Xu Qing and the others.

"Esteemed Masters."

Cao Zhengchun’s skin was fair, with a hint of baby fat to his face. His hair was streaked with white, and his voice was somewhat reedy. He cupped his fist in salute and said, "His Majesty ordered us to await you here. We have been expecting you for some time."

"Mm."

Jiang Taiya, whose hair was mostly white, gave a slight nod. Standing before Xu Qing and the others, he said, "Esteemed Masters, please follow me into the Imperial Palace."

"Alright."

"Very well."

"Please lead the way."

"..."

Zhang Ling and the others nodded and gestured for him to proceed.

Xu Qing and his companions took a deep breath and exchanged glances. After sizing up the Supreme Imperial Palace one last time, Xu Qing followed Zhang Ling’s group into the Supreme Emperor Capital without a word.

Half an hour later, Xu Qing and the others followed Cao Zhengchun and Jiang Taiya to the Supreme Imperial Palace. The palace was magnificent and splendid, like a Celestial Palace. Though it couldn’t quite compare to the Great Tang Imperial Palace, it wasn’t far off.