Chapter 809: Mandala's Ascension
On the plaza of the Heavenly Emperor's Mausoleum, the Heavenly Emperor looked at Mandala, deep in thought. Xiao Ze's proposal seemed plausible.
Mandala's true form was the ancient Mandala Flower, a divine artifact of nature with extraordinary innate talent. Furthermore, Mandala held a special place in the Heavenly Emperor's heart. Long ago, the Heavenly Emperor had personally planted Mandala and treated her like a daughter, having no children of his own. During a great calamity in ancient times, the Heavenly Emperor had sealed Mandala to protect her, ensuring she would survive the disaster.
When the Heavenly Emperor first considered passing on the One Qi Transforming into Three Purities technique, Xiao Ze was his initial choice for two reasons.
First, Xiao Ze's unparalleled strength and talent. Possessing two ultimate divine abilities was proof enough of his potential. Even more impressive was how Xiao Ze, despite only being at the Spiritual Heavenly Sovereign level, had defeated the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor, albeit in a weakened state. Xiao Ze's mastery of One Qi Transforming into Three Purities would make him an even greater threat to the demonic forces.
Second, the Heavenly Emperor had a private concern. He knew the immense responsibility that came with the technique. If Mandala were to inherit it, she might face a similar fate to his, battling the powerful demon emperors from the outer realms.
However, Xiao Ze had declined due to his unique cultivation path. After deliberating further, the Heavenly Emperor turned to Mandala.
"Mandala, are you willing to inherit the One Qi Transforming into Three Purities?" he asked.
"If you do, you will gain immense power. But it also means you must shoulder heavier responsibilities. Though I see you as my own daughter, I cannot allow this technique to be wasted. With great power comes the duty to protect the Great Thousand World, even against the most terrifying foes. Will you accept this path?"
Mandala took a deep breath, her golden eyes reflecting unwavering resolve.
"I am willing," she said firmly.
The Heavenly Emperor smiled with deep satisfaction. Mandala had far exceeded his expectations, proving herself much worthier than his ancient Blood Jiao mount. He silently hoped that Mandala would not disappoint him in the future.
"In that case, prepare to receive the One Qi Transforming into Three Purities."
"Wait a moment, Heavenly Emperor," Xiao Ze interjected, raising a hand. "I believe Mandala should first be restored to her full strength."
The Heavenly Emperor frowned slightly and carefully reexamined Mandala. Only then did he notice that she was not in her optimal state.
"What happened, Mandala?" he asked.
Mandala hesitated, glancing at Xiao Ze. Seeing that he had no intention of speaking, she quietly recounted her conflict with Lu Heng, the ancient Blood Jiao.
Upon hearing her story, the Heavenly Emperor's face darkened with anger.
"Serves him right! Cowardice in the face of battle is one thing, but to collude with the outer realm demons and harm the Great Thousand World is utterly unforgivable!"
The Heavenly Emperor had little patience for those who betrayed their own, and his fury was evident. However, he turned to Xiao Ze with a hint of shame.
"I did not expect such a disgrace to emerge from my ancient Heavenly Palace. Thank you, Xiao Ze, for helping to deal with this matter."
"There's no need to thank me," Xiao Ze replied with a smile. "Traitors who align with the outer realm demons deserve destruction. Otherwise, it would dishearten those who sacrifice everything for the Great Thousand World."
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Ze summoned a mysterious and ethereal ancient Mandala Flower, its petals glowing faintly in the dark. Mandala's eyes lit up with excitement as she looked at the divine flower. She turned to the Heavenly Emperor, who smiled and patted her head.
"Go, reclaim your power."
Mandala nodded and approached the ancient Mandala Flower. As her hand touched the flower, the glow intensified, and the intricate dark patterns on its surface became more pronounced. After a brief glance at Xiao Ze and the Heavenly Emperor, she stepped into the flower's heart to begin reintegrating with her true form.
Xiao Ze observed the flower with a thoughtful expression. He recalled the tremendous gains from the recent alchemical auction, where he had acquired many treasures, including a Heavenly Sovereign level ancient Mandala Flower skeleton. If Mandala succeeded in merging with her true form and reached the threshold of the Heavenly Sovereign realm, perhaps this additional flower remnant could help her achieve a true breakthrough.
"If Mandala reaches the Heavenly Sovereign level," Xiao Ze said to the Heavenly Emperor, "I have a skeleton of an ancient Mandala Flower at that tier. She could use it to try advancing further."
"A Heavenly Sovereign body would make inheriting One Qi Transforming into Three Purities easier, and her avatars would be significantly stronger as well."
The Heavenly Emperor was taken aback but quickly nodded in delight.
"That would be excellent!"
"However," Xiao Ze added, "this process may take some time. How long can your spiritual remnant last, Heavenly Emperor?"
The Heavenly Emperor laughed heartily.
"Don't worry. Even if it comes to that, I can use my true spirit to ensure the inheritance of One Qi Transforming into Three Purities. My remnant won't fade so easily."
Xiao Ze nodded and continued discussing ancient figures of the Great Thousand World with the Heavenly Emperor, clearly intrigued by their stories. Meanwhile, Mandala's integration process took longer than expected. Unlike in the original tale, where circumstances demanded speed, Mandala now aimed to push her limits and touch the Heavenly Sovereign realm, prolonging the process.
At last, the energy within the ancient Mandala Flower erupted like a volcano, forming a dark pillar of light. Within it, the flower expanded to an enormous size, towering tens of thousands of feet. Its presence radiated a profound, mysterious connection to the heavens and earth.
Xiao Ze and the Heavenly Emperor exchanged smiles. Mandala had successfully reached the threshold of the Heavenly Sovereign realm.
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