Only when Han Xuanji's aura had completely dissipated did Emperor Yunmiao slowly breathe a sigh of relief. His body softened slightly as he leaned back against the jade chair in the hall, letting out a long breath. A look of being between laughter and tears appeared on his face as he murmured to himself:
"This child, every time I speak with him, the pressure is so immense. That pressure originating from the disparity in strength is truly difficult to bear."
He raised his hand to rub the space between his brows, his heart filled with emotion.
"The outside world says I have a Wisdom Eye for talent and have nurtured a Supreme Celestial Venerable, but only I know that I actually taught you nothing."
"Your Aptitude back then was already Heaven-Defying, and your cultivation speed was even more phenomenal. All I could do was give you a place to stay. I am truly unworthy of the title of 'Master'."
Despite saying this, Emperor Yunmiao's face was full of gratification. He looked out at the cloud-shrouded Lingxu Heavenly Palace and felt infinite emotion in his heart:
"Regardless, for Lingxu Heavenly Palace to have its status today is entirely thanks to your protection. Over the years, Lingxu Heavenly Palace has received countless favors from you."
"Looking back at everything in the past, it truly feels like a lifetime ago. That slightly green young Cultivator who had just undergone Ascension from the Spirit Realm has now grown into an invincible Supreme Celestial Venerable who deters the heavens."
After a long time, Emperor Yunmiao finally rose slowly, his expression becoming solemn again. He made a secret determination in his heart: he must rectify the Sect's atmosphere, protect Lingxu Heavenly Palace well, and also look after Han Yun and Han Shou, so as not to fail the trust of Han Xuanji.
...
Time passed like a white horse crossing a gap; a thousand years vanished in the blink of an eye.
During these thousand years, the Immortal Realm became increasingly prosperous. Prodigies emerged in large numbers across the various immortal domains, and Sects stood in great numbers, creating a scene of flourishing growth.
As a top-tier great Sect of the Immortal Realm, Lingxu Heavenly Palace still firmly held its position as the leader. Relying on Han Xuanji's protection and Emperor Yunmiao's meticulous management, the Sect's power grew stronger by the day, with Disciples spread across all Realms, making it a Holy Land of cultivation in the hearts of countless Cultivators.
On this day, Lingxu Heavenly Palace was bustling with noise, and Immortal Qi swirled as the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition was held as scheduled.
On the Martial Arena in the center of the Heavenly Palace, banners fluttered, and countless Disciples gathered together, their expressions excited and their eyes full of desire for glory—the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition was not only the Trial Grounds for the Disciples of Lingxu Heavenly Palace, but also a shortcut to the Xuantian Dao Palace. Only those who stood out could obtain the qualification to go to the Xuantian Dao Palace and follow the Supreme Great Heavenly Venerate in cultivation.
On the stands of the Martial Arena, Emperor Yunmiao sat in the main seat with a majestic expression, with the Ten Great Chief Seats lined up beside him, their gazes heavily watching the matches in the field.
Han Yun and Han Shou stood side by side on one side of the stands, their surrounding auras steady, looking like completely different people compared to a thousand years ago.
Through a thousand years of cultivation, Han Shou had relied on the top-tier Physical Body bestowed by Han Xuanji, combined with his own deep Divine Soul foundation, to have already reached a Breakthrough to the Golden Immortal Realm. His aura was thick and condensed, and his every movement displayed great stability.
Han Yun was exceptionally gifted, and with the Supreme Cultivation Technique bestowed by Han Xuanji, his cultivation speed was phenomenal. Now, he had similarly entered the Golden Immortal Realm, becoming a standout among the younger generation of Disciples in Lingxu Heavenly Palace. His posture was tall and straight, his gaze sharp, and a faint immortal light swirled around him, fully displaying the high-spiritedness of a Prodigy.
The matches in the field were in full swing, as the Prodigies each displayed their Divine Abilities. Immortal arts crossed and Spiritual Qi surged, drawing bursts of exclamations from the stands.
Han Yun's gaze fell on a familiar figure in the field—it was Li Nantian.
A thousand years had passed, and Li Nantian had also reached the Peak of the Golden Immortal Realm. His strength had improved significantly compared to back then, his Moves were sharp, and his style was orderly. He defeated one opponent after another, but in the end, in the match for the Top 328, he was no match for a Prodigy from Chaos and regrettably came to a halt.
After the match ended, Li Nantian walked off the Martial Arena looking slightly dejected. Seeing Han Yun and Han Shou from afar, he cupped his hands and walked over, his tone carrying a bit of self-deprecation:
"Fellow Daoist Han Yun, Fellow Daoist Han Shou, the cultivation of you two has improved to such an extent; it is truly admirable."
"As for me, I still haven't been able to realize my dream from back then; I couldn't even enter the top hundred."
Han Shou smiled and returned the gesture with cupped hands:
"Brother Li, there is no need to be discouraged. Prodigies are as numerous as clouds in Lingxu Heavenly Palace; being in the Top 328 is already a top-tier level."
"If a thousand years isn't enough, then cultivate for another thousand. One day, you will surely fulfill your wish and enter the Xuantian Dao Palace."
Han Yun also nodded in agreement, his eyes full of sincerity:
"Brother Li's talent is remarkable; it's just that you lack a bit of Opportunity. In time, you will surely stand out."
Li Nantian gave a bitter smile and shook his head:
"Forget it, it cannot be forced. On the other hand, you two will surely take the top spot in the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition in the future and go to the Xuantian Dao Palace. Perhaps you really will be able to see the Supreme Great Heavenly Venerate."
After saying that, he bowed in farewell and turned to leave. Although there was dejection in his figure, it still carried a bit of unwillingness and determination—he had not given up. A thousand years of cultivation had already smoothed away his impetuousness, but it could not wear away the obsession in his heart.
Watching Li Nantian's back, Han Yun felt quite emotional, and the words he originally wanted to say were held back.
Han Shou lightly patted his shoulder and said softly:
"In a thousand years of time, we have finally understood everything."
Han Yun nodded slowly, his eyes carrying a bit of a daze. During these thousand years, he and Han Shou had never stopped inquiring about news of Han Xuanji. They searched everywhere for the older generation of Disciples of Lingxu Heavenly Palace and consulted the Sect's ancient records, finally piecing together the complete truth—Emperor Yunmiao had taken countless Disciples in his life, but there was only one Disciple surnamed Han, and that Supreme Great Heavenly Venerate who traversed Chaos and deterred the heavens was indeed surnamed Han.
No more words were needed; the two understood in their hearts that Xuanji Old Ancestor was that legendary Supreme Great Heavenly Venerate, the legend of Lingxu Heavenly Palace, and the faith of the entire Immortal Realm.
"So, I have actually become the biggest 'Immortal Scion' in the Immortal Realm."
Han Yun murmured to himself, his heart full of complex feelings: there was shock, there was joy, and even more of a daze.
He had never thought that he, a common Cultivator who had undergone Ascension from the Lower Realm, would actually have such a terrifying ancestor.
However, a thousand years had passed, and they had never seen Han Xuanji again; not even a single Incarnation had ever appeared.
Han Yun could not help but feel a little lost in his heart.
Han Shou saw through his thoughts and comforted him softly:
"There is no need to feel lost; Master surely has more important things to do."
"What we can do now is to cultivate with total concentration and strive to improve our own strength. When you take the top spot in the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition in the future and enter the Xuantian Dao Palace, you will naturally have the chance to see him."
Han Yun took a deep breath, the loss in his eyes gradually dissipating, replaced by a firm light:
"Grandpa Shou, you're right. I will definitely cultivate hard and strive to take the top spot in the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition as soon as possible, enter the Xuantian Dao Palace, see the Old Ancestor, and repay his kindness!"
Han Shou nodded with gratification. The two looked at each other, both having a common goal in their hearts.
...
On the other side, Han Xuanji sent out a strand of his mind to take a look at the Hundred Meridians Grand Competition of Lingxu Heavenly Palace and felt it was a bit uninteresting.
It was at this time that a crisp and capable voice rang out, breaking the tranquility.