Immortal of the Ages

Chapter 618: Empress Dowager's Divine Peach Banquet

"And does he realize that his ultimate fate, after being so developed, is merely to enrich someone else?" Yun Xiao pressed on.

"How should I know? Likely, the Chaos Soul is deceiving him," Blue Star speculated, his tone growing cynical. "Perhaps it disguises itself, morphing into some sort of mechanized, conscious entity that merely assists, easing his vigilance. The Chaos Soul consciously guides its host to undertake tasks, rewarding him thereafter, making him complacent throughout this strategic process, slowly accrediting all gains to itself. It positions itself as the destined protagonist, taking all heavenly fortunes for granted."

Blue Star smirked, continuing, "I've seen this before. They tend to call the Chaos Soul a System, as if cultivation were merely a game—a path of defiance against the heavens, culminating in the host becoming the System, and the wandering soul turning into the Chaos Soul. When the System bares its fangs, everything comes to an end."

"That's possible?"

Hearing such an outlandish scheme for the first time, Yun Xiao was visibly stunned.

"Think about it," Blue Star argued. "Where in this universe does a so-called System, superior to the cosmos itself, exist? And if such a System does exist, what caliber must its creator be? So, those who become hosts will never reach true supremacy, because a host is merely a player, not the one who crafts the game. Only the game maker can originate from the great Dao!"

At this point, Red Moon interjected, "These Chaos Souls are keen on crafting a fantastical life for mundane souls from other worlds, much like pig farming. When the farmer disguises himself as a mindless automaton, the pig swells with delusions of grandeur, believing itself to be the universe's greatest destiny—until the day it's fat enough for slaughter. Then, the farmer, with a sly grin, pulls out the butcher’s knife."

"The disguise as an automaton is crucial," Blue Star added with a chuckle. "Stoking fear too soon makes the pig unhappy, unable to fatten up—perhaps even despairing to the point of defiance against the Chaos Soul. Only the most inflated heart yields the most succulent meat."

"Oh..." Yun Xiao could only muster this in reply.

Cosmic Immortals and Chaos Souls… Anything really was possible!

Yun Xiao mused in cold reflection, "So, it seems that Lu Fan is merely a pig from another world, using the body of Lu Bufan, together fostering a truly terrifying Chaos Soul."

"Indeed."

"What if he becomes my enemy? Is he easy to deal with?" Yun Xiao asked.

It was only natural to think that a mere pig would be easy to deal with.

"Not easy at all. Very difficult," Blue Star suddenly declared. It was the first time the little black beast had spoken with such caution. In the past, he was all for reckless slaughter.

"Why?" Yun Xiao asked.

"The main issue is the Chaos Soul. I don't know its depths, and it's a complete sovereign of souls, surely hiding numerous tactics. Most importantly, this Lu Fan has been bonded with the Chaos Soul for a long while. His capabilities are fully developed, far surpassing those like Ye Xingchen and Ling Chen, who were just starting on their rises. In terms of potential and current combat ability, he's much higher! He's undoubtedly the toughest opponent you've encountered in your cultivation journey," Blue Star said earnestly.

Yun Xiao understood then! Ye Xingchen and Ling Chen, they were classified as geniuses. But Lu Fan was of a higher echelon, not just a young genius, but the Celestial Court's Greatest War God, blessed for over a decade!

"No," Yun Xiao chuckled, "Lu Fan is almost considered part of my family. How could we be adversaries? I came to the Celestial Court seeking alliances, and should he take a liking to me, my ascent is assured."

"See if he will favor you, but it doesn't depend on the mundane soul Lu Fan, but on the Chaos Soul. If it perceives you as a threat and assigns you as a mission, or else has Lu Fan self-destruct, you're doomed," Blue Star remarked with a sneer.

"That's simple, I'll just shout at Lu Fan, 'You've been deceived!' and reveal the truth to him," Yun Xiao proposed.

"Naive," Blue Star rolled his eyes. "The System resides within him; what he hears and sees is controlled by the Chaos Soul. It's disguised in this manner precisely for the final slaughter. You think you can tell a deluded pig it's being fattened up for the kill?"

Yun Xiao was left speechless...

"In summary, do not regard them separately. You must see the Chaos Soul and that mundane soul as one entity. This combined adversary poses a formidable threat to you, one that necessitates extreme caution!" Blue Star earnestly cautioned.

Blue Star had issued this warning many times, and Yun Xiao was not one to take such matters lightly; he understood the gravity.

Previously, against Ye Xingchen and Ling Chen, his talent had easily dominated because they were neither strong nor influential.

But Lu Fan was a different story; he had it all!

"You're right," Yun Xiao agreed, "the Greatest War God of the Celestial Court isn't just Lu Fan, but a union of Lu Fan, the Chaos Soul, and Lu Bufan—all in one!"

If this combined force were to become his opponent, it would spell a temporary disaster.

So, a final doubt emerged in Yun Xiao's mind. He mused deeply, "It remains to be seen, in this decaying Celestial Court, whether Lu Fan, this scion of fate, will exacerbate the crisis or genuinely enact grand plans to revolutionize the Great Dao Celestial Realm."

Weighed down by these thoughts, Yun Xiao followed the members of the Thunder Department to their quarters near the Divine Gateway, settling into the Divine Heaven Pavilion.

Divine Dawn and Lu Fan had entered the game!

But for now, Yun Xiao's focus remained on the Immortal Tournament.

Nine Arbiters from the Thunder Department, along with seven honorary Arbiters from various factions, vied for the title of Champion of the Celestial Court.

"Rest here and await further instructions!" Yun Yin announced before departing.

As the final stage approached, the combatants, tense with anticipation, spoke little and continued their preparations, tuning themselves to peak condition.

The tumult caused by Divine Dawn's confrontation with the Great Horned Immortals seemed to slowly subside as well.

The Celestial Court regained its usual peace and reverence.

With time on his hands, Yun Xiao continued to delve into the Ten Great Dao Heaven Arts of the Thunder Department.

Little did he expect that, not even a quarter hour after settling into the Divine Heaven Pavilion, visitors would arrive outside.

The visitor was a female Sword Immortal garbed in a silver robe—the Moon Sword Goddess herself!

Yun Yin stepped forward to greet her personally, while the others from the Thunder Department came out to meet this Rank 2 Heavenly Officer of the Celestial Court.

"We pay our respects to the Moon Sword Goddess,"

The group greeted her one after the other.

When it was Yun Xiao's turn, the young man looked calmly at the Moon Sword Goddess and addressed her, "Master!"

This greeting drew puzzled looks from the crowd.

Yet, the Moon Sword Goddess did not deny his claim—at least not yet. After all, everyone was awaiting the revelation of Yun Xiao's identity—the son of the Chaos Sovereign!

She dared not close off her own avenues of retreat.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, the Moon Sword Goddess spoke up, "Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager, has invited all the Immortals of the Celestial Court to a banquet of divine peaches at the Western Kunlun Palace. After hearing word of your arrival, I was specifically instructed to invite you young Arbiter talents of the Thunder Department. Please, join us at the palace."

This announcement sparked excitement among the members of the Thunder Department.

A banquet of divine peaches!

This was the highest honor in the Celestial Court, a once-in-a-lifetime accolade.

A personal invitation from the Western Kunlun Palace. Everyone there was a powerhouse of the Celestial Court!

Yun Yin quickly responded, "We are deeply honored by the Empress Dowager's gracious invitation."

The Moon Sword Goddess smiled. "The celestial lords hold the young talents of the Thunder Department in high regard, and seven Arbiter prodigies have already taken their seats at the feast. After the banquet, the Immortal Tournament will commence, providing you a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with your opponents."

This was more than just mingling with adversaries; it was a chance for the young Immortals to showcase themselves before the divine leaders of the Great Dao Celestial Realm—an opportunity of immense significance!

Even Nine Kites, the Empress Dowager's prospective daughter-in-law had never attended a divine peach banquet.

"Let us go, and not keep Her Majesty waiting any longer," the Moon Sword Goddess urged softly.

Yun Yin waved his hand, "Follow the Moon Sword Goddess."

JustLivingJL's Thoughts

At this point, Red Moon interjected, "These Chaos Souls are keen on crafting a fantastical life for mundane souls from other worlds, much like pig farming. When the farmer disguises himself as a mindless automaton, the pig swells with delusions of grandeur, believing itself to be the universe's greatest destiny—until the day it's fat enough for slaughter. Then, the farmer, with a sly grin, pulls out the butcher’s knife."