According to newly received news, the Thirteenth Elder and Allen had discovered traces of the Innate Dao Body in the Sword Sect.

They prepared to seize her but were blocked by the Sword Sect Master.

Not only were the Thirteenth Elder and Allen severely injured, but the several accompanying Mortal Supremes had all perished.

The Lord of Silver Willow knew that the Sword Sect Master had stepped into the Proving the Dao realm and that his strength must be far greater than before.

However, the Thirteenth Elder came from the Ancient Ash Clan, an entity dozens of times stronger than Silver Willow Dynasty, and the profound methods he cultivated were even more exquisite than the Thirteen Heaven-Shattering Swords.

Yet he never expected the Thirteenth Elder would be severely injured by a single sword strike from the Sword Sect Master and nearly lose his life, making it utterly impossible to snatch the Innate Dao Body from the Sword Sect.

The Lord of Silver Willow roared furiously, "Lucian! Over a hundred years ago, you severely injured me, trapping me in this Ancient Dragon-Nurturing Bed, living a life neither human nor ghost!"

"Now, I finally found a method to extend my lifespan, only to be thwarted by you again! If there comes a day when I break free from this Ancient Dragon-Nurturing Bed, I will definitely annihilate your Sword Sect’s orthodox lineage!"

His furious roar sounded like the howl of an evil spirit, the ruthlessness laced through his words sent shivers down one’s spine.

Eunuch Maldric and Eunuch Aldyn, standing nearby, hastily knelt. "Your Majesty, please quell your anger."

"Quell my anger?! If we cannot help the Thirteenth Elder seize the Innate Dao Body, why would the Ancient Ash Clan give us the Eternal Pine Pill to extend my lifespan?!"

"Now that the matter is botched, how do you expect me to quell my anger?!"

Being berated, Eunuch Aldyn fell silent and quietly backed away. Eunuch Maldric, however, had his eyes darting around and leaned forward.

"Your Majesty, the Heaven and Earth Upheaval began yesterday, and most of the Imperial Ancestors in the forbidden grounds have awakened. Why not ask a few Imperial Ancestors to go to the Sword Sect and assist the Ash Clan’s Elder in seizing the Innate Dao Body?"

"No matter how capable that Sword Sect Master is, he might not be a match for several Imperial Ancestors."

The Lord of Silver Willow’s expression froze before he suddenly burst into loud laughter. "Minister Maldric! If it weren’t for your reminder, I would have forgotten that the Imperial Ancestors have awakened!"

"I remember that among the past Imperial Ancestors, several have reached the Proving the Dao realm. They are not necessarily weaker than the Sword Sect Master."

Just as he finished speaking, his laughter abruptly stopped. His gaze flickered, a trace of joy appeared on his face, and a laugh even heartier than before burst from his mouth.

"Hahahaha! My luck truly rivals the heavens right now! That Veil family girl is currently leaving the capital with a Grandmaster. It must be for that secret realm that appeared a thousand years ago!"

"The two of you, quickly follow my instructions and go snatch the opportunities within that secret realm."

Eunuch Maldric and Eunuch Aldyn accepted the order. Just as they were about to rise and leave, a tall, highly imposing old man walked in. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Old Emperor, you have awakened!"

Seeing the newcomer was the Old Emperor, both eunuchs immediately knelt to pay their respects.

"So it’s Maldric and Aldyn! I didn’t expect that both of you would have already become Mortal Supremes by now!"

After nodding in acknowledgment, Aether walked past them and arrived before the Ancient Dragon-Nurturing Bed. Seeing Skyler’s miserable state, he could not help but fly into a thunderous rage.

"Who injured my son to such an extent that he has to rely on the Imperial Family’s secret treasure just to hang onto a sliver of life?!"

"Old Emperor, it was the Sword Sect Master."

Eunuch Aldyn stepped forward and explained the entire sequence of events to Aether.

Two hundred years ago, knowing his aptitude was insufficient and his Dao path had reached its end, Aether hastily abdicated the throne to Skyler, who was merely seven years old at the time, and sealed himself within Source Stone.

Having just awakened, he came looking for Skyler. Seeing his Imperial Son in such a miserable state filled his heart with intense guilt, hearing the culprit was the Sword Sect Master, deep killing intent burst from his eyes.

"A mere Sword Sect Master dared to hurt my Imperial Son so grievously! I will absolutely annihilate his orthodox lineage."

"Imperial Father, that Sword Sect Master is no ordinary figure. He has now stepped into the Proving the Dao realm, and his strength is not the slightest bit weaker than the Sword Sect’s founding ancestor."

He truly never expected this minor Sword Sect would produce such an extraordinary figure. A trace of shock rippled through Aether’s heart.

"Old Emperor, the most important thing now is to find a method to extend His Majesty’s lifespan."

Seeing that Aether was blinded by hatred, Eunuch Aldyn stepped forward to counsel him, fully recounting the current events and the opportunities that had arisen.

After hearing the full explanation, Aether calmed down and immediately ordered, "Aldyn, Maldric, we will split our forces into two."

"You two go and snatch the opportunities in that secret realm, find the immortal herbs inside."

"I will beseech a few Imperial Ancestors to join forces with me. We will fight our way into the Sword Sect, seize that Innate Dao Body, and exchange her with the Ancient Ash Clan for the Eternal Pine Pill."

"Rest assured, Imperial Son. Even if that Sword Sect Master has heaven-reaching abilities, I will definitely snatch that Innate Dao Body back."

After saying this, he hurriedly left the Purple Gold Pavilion to seek out the Imperial Ancestors in the forbidden grounds.

...

Verdant Sun Territory, Phoenix-Roost Mountain.

Phoenix-Roost Mountain was the highest mountain in Verdant Sun Territory. The mountain body was crimson red, covered in jagged, chaotic rocks, and blisteringly hot all year round. It was completely desolate, without a single trace of greenery.

Legend had it that tens of thousands of years ago, Phoenix-Roost Mountain was also covered in verdant ancient pines and teeming with ancient beasts, brimming with vitality.