Deep within the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, divine rainbows and portals connected heaven and earth. Ancient warships and chariots hovered in all directions. Over the past few days, many figures exuding terrifying auras had descended, stepping onto the Great Dao rules as they arrived.
The elders and disciples of the Imperial Immortal Palace were almost overwhelmed with the task of receiving everyone, so they could only direct the crowd to wait in the various palaces.
For the Prime-Origin Civilization, the signing of the Prime-Origin Covenant was an event significant enough to be recorded in history, a milestone.
From Dao Realm existences to ordinary cultivators, everyone was paying attention, their eyes fixed on this moment.
The divine trees swayed, their leaves rustling, and the cascading star rivers resembled holy light.
Within the grand palaces, the crowd was bustling, filled with cultivators and beings of all kinds.
Both the younger generation and the older generation were eager to see the contents of the covenant.
The leaders of various clans had gathered here. Many who already knew the contents of the covenant were whispering to inform others, while also observing the situation.
As of now, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had yet to appear, which made many clans and factions uneasy. Without the covenant being signed, no one knew what the outcome would be.
This uncertainty made everyone anxious, fearing unexpected complications.
However, some clans and factions remained calm, believing that since Gu Changge had publicly agreed to sign the Prime-Origin Covenant in front of many clans and traditions, he would not go back on his word.
Although the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was powerful, it did not have the ability to oppose the entire Prime-Origin Civilization, and doing so would bring no benefit to the alliance.
"It seems the Heaven-Slaying Alliance has quite the attitude, making so many clans wait here."
Shang Chongming, an ancient existence from Jiekong Ridge, took a sip of wine from a cup handed to him by a servant. He looked at the scene before him with an amused expression.
The other ancient existences present were wary and respectful of him, not daring to refute his words.
However, the fact that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had yet to show up made many people frown, feeling that the alliance was deliberately toying with them. Such a significant event had been announced to the entire Prime-Origin Civilization.
Even small clans from distant cosmic regions had rushed here, fearing they might miss the event.
Yet, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance seemed to treat this matter with disdain and indifference. Over the past few days, there had been no sign of the alliance, nor any of its forces.
Whether it was the Demon Court, the Jing Clan, or Purple Mist Mountain, there had been no movement at all.
"The Heaven-Slaying Alliance will come. Everyone, please remain calm," Ling Yuling said softly, her words meant to reassure everyone.
She understood Gu Changge's style. Even if he had other plans or intentions, he would not miss such an occasion.
"We are not in a hurry, but the longer this drags on, the more likely complications will arise. After all, a long night is fraught with dreams," a sect master said softly, looking beyond the Mountain of Myriad Wonders with some concern.
Shortly after Ling Yuling's words, cultivators sensed ripples of movement coming from a region billions of miles away from the Mountain of Myriad Wonders.
The commotion was immense, as if an army of thousands was charging through the cosmos. The sky in that region was shaking, and the sound carried across infinite distances. Radiant light filled the heavens, churning the depths of space and obscuring vast stretches of the universe.
Within the rolling chaos mist, a war banner of unknown material fluttered, bearing the three ancient characters: "Heaven-Slaying Alliance."
The characters were bold and powerful, their strokes exuding a force that made the heavens rumble and celestial music resound. The light of the Dao suppressed the cosmos.
It was a scene that made hearts tremble and souls shudder.
Within the vast mist, ancient ferocious beasts could be glimpsed: Azure Dragons, Green Phoenixes, Pixius, Zhengs, and Zhu Yans, all clad in armor, their scales and feathers glinting.
Terrifying figures sat atop these ancient beasts, their auras so oppressive it felt as if the heavens might collapse.
Each of these ancient beasts was so massive it seemed to fill the starry sky, their strength immense. A single swipe of their claws could destroy a starry region.
Behind these ancient beasts were rows upon rows of war chariots, rumbling through the void and leaving behind visible rifts in space.
Each chariot carried numerous figures wielding heavenly blades and halberds, their killing intent overwhelming, as if they had just emerged from a sea of blood and corpses.
This scene caused the faces of many beings and cultivators in the Mountain of Myriad Wonders to pale.
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance had brought so many powerful individuals this time. Without even counting, one could sense the auras of numerous terrifying existences.
In terms of the number of Dao Realm existences alone, it surpassed the combined total of many immortal traditions.
"Did the Heaven-Slaying Alliance just return from another region? It seems like they've just come from a battle, their killing intent still fresh."
"Regardless, we must be cautious. However, with so many peak forces of the Prime-Origin Civilization gathered here, we can sweep away any enemy. No matter how bold the Heaven-Slaying Alliance is, they wouldn't dare to act recklessly."
Deep within the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, the leaders and sect masters of various clans exchanged whispers, their expressions slightly changed.
However, they soon looked around at their peers and ancient existences, their hearts settling.
"The Mountain of Myriad Wonders has special rules that suppress even Dao Realm existences. The Heaven-Slaying Alliance wouldn't dare to act recklessly," an ancestral elder of the Imperial Immortal Palace said softly.
"But it seems like the Heaven-Slaying Alliance has been fighting in other regions? As if they've just returned from there?"
"Yet the Prime-Origin Civilization hasn't received any news about this."
"Could it be somewhere in the vast expanse?"
An ancient existence frowned, noticing the murderous aura of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's army stationed outside the Mountain of Myriad Wonders.
Although this army posed no threat to them, it was enough to prove that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had not been idle during this time. They had been expanding their territory.
Moreover, their target seemed to be the vast expanse, not just the Prime-Origin Civilization.
But with the affairs of the Prime-Origin Civilization unresolved, how could the Heaven-Slaying Alliance spare the effort to expand into the vast expanse?
"This shows that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance doesn't take the Prime-Origin Civilization seriously. This Prime-Origin Covenant seems to be something we've overthought."
"They never really cared about it."
A Dao Realm existence from the Temple of Light and Darkness laughed self-deprecatingly.
His words resonated with many, but others grew even more worried, feeling that this was not a good sign.
The more the Heaven-Slaying Alliance disregarded the Prime-Origin Civilization, the more it showed their confidence in easily controlling it.
Many cultivators and beings began to discuss this.
The vast, surging chaos mist came to a halt outside the heavens. The ancient ferocious beasts and war chariots also stopped, not entering the area of the Mountain of Myriad Wonders.
Then, divine rainbows pierced through the cosmos, and golden pathways extended, descending towards this place. Numerous figures stood on them, shrouded in radiant light, their forms hazy.
"Senior Brother Gu…"
Ling Yuxian, standing beside Ling Yuling, murmured.
Including Shang Chongming, the second-in-command of Jiekong Ridge, many ancient existences also focused their gazes, looking over.
Outside the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, a young man led the Heaven-Slaying Alliance forward.
The golden pathway extended to the base of the divine trees. His steps were not fast, but as they landed in the starry sky, they seemed to resonate with the rhythm of the Great Dao, harmonizing with the cosmos.
Many cultivators and beings were seeing the true appearance of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's master for the first time, and they couldn't help but stare in awe. Some young men and women even found it hard to believe.
"He looks too young and perfect…"
"He doesn't seem like a real being, more like something from a dream," someone whispered.
His words were met with agreement. Regardless of their stance, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's master was undeniably peerless in appearance, flawless and radiant.
His beauty was enough to make all women envious. His body was crystalline, his figure tall and straight, shrouded in immortal mist and radiant light, with divine glow flowing through his hair.
However, for the many Dao Realm existences, appearances were illusory. They had long since stopped caring about such things, as changing one's appearance was a trivial matter.
Now that Gu Changge, the master of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, had finally arrived, the hearts of the clan leaders and sect masters tightened.
The previously lively atmosphere became subtly tense.
"Alliance Master."
On the branches of the divine trees, Mu Yan, Mo Tong, White Bone Ancestor King, and others, who had been waiting here for a long time, stepped forward to greet him.
"You've worked hard these past few days," Gu Changge nodded slightly.
Beside him were Jing Tianyun, Zi Wanhe, Di Kun, Chu Heng, Zhuo Fengxie, Hun Guangjun, and several other Ancestral Dao Realm existences he had recently subdued.
In the distance, the clan leaders and sect masters frowned as they stepped out from the depths of the Mountain of Myriad Wonders. Some wanted to approach, but seeing the figures accompanying Gu Changge, they hesitated.
This was a terrifying force that could make any immortal tradition pale with fear.
At a glance, there were no fewer than ten Ancestral Dao Realm existences, surpassing even the scale of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
In a typical immortal tradition, there were usually only two or three Ancestral Dao Realm existences.
A single Ancestral Dao Realm existence was enough to suppress the fortune of an era and could easily destroy an Ancient True World.
Not to mention the Dao Realm existences among them, each one was formidable.
"There are more Ancestral Dao Realm existences than what we saw at the Imperial Immortal Palace. It seems the Heaven-Slaying Alliance has subdued many more powerful individuals during this time," an ancient existence sighed.
The current strength of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance was even more fearsome and intimidating. Even an ancient existence like Eternal Illumination Dao Lord frowned and paused in his steps.
"It seems Young Master Gu has been quite busy these past few days. The scale of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance has grown significantly compared to before."
A radiant Great Dao light extended, accompanied by a soft voice.
Ling Yuling stepped out from the depths of the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, accompanied by the elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace, to personally welcome Gu Changge.
Her expression remained gentle and graceful, her eyes shimmering like water.
"Many True Worlds and nations beyond the vast expanse wish to join the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, seeking protection in the coming Tribulation Reckoning."
"Because of this, I've been quite busy these past few days."
"If Miss Yuling is willing to share some of the burden, it would certainly ease my workload," Gu Changge said with a faint smile.
"Young Master Gu jests. I lack the ability to assist you in such matters," Ling Yuling replied with a smile, gesturing for Gu Changge to follow her into the depths of the Mountain of Myriad Wonders.
Among the mountains and forests, the divine trees swayed like pillars holding up the heavens, their branches reaching into the sky, supporting the sun, moon, and stars, blocking out the sky.
Although this was the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, the mountain itself was largely obscured by the divine trees. Only the gaps between the branches allowed cultivators to pass through.
"The Prime-Origin Covenant has been finalized and agreed upon."
"However, Miss Yuling chose this place to sign the covenant, which shows you still have some reservations about the Heaven-Slaying Alliance."
Gu Changge, leading the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, followed Ling Yuling. He surveyed the terrain of the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, his gaze carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Young Master Gu overestimates me. I chose this place after careful consideration."
"The signing of the Prime-Origin Covenant is a matter of great importance to the entire Prime-Origin Civilization. We cannot afford to be careless. If someone were to disrupt the signing, it would cause unnecessary complications," Ling Yuling replied with a smile.
Deep within the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, the clan leaders and sect masters had been waiting for a long time. Many stood outside the grand palace, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Gu Changge and his entourage.
Seeing Ling Yuling, the ancestor of the Imperial Immortal Palace, personally leading Gu Changge and the others, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Once the Prime-Origin Covenant is signed, everything will proceed smoothly."
Inside the grand palace, an ancient existence murmured. Until the covenant was signed, their hearts remained unsettled.
This grand, ancient palace was reserved for Dao Realm existences, where they could discuss and finalize the covenant.
Clans and factions without Dao Realm existences could only watch from outside the Mountain of Myriad Wonders, waiting for the final outcome.
For the entire Prime-Origin Civilization, such clans without Dao Realm existences were not even considered true clans, as they could vanish at any moment due to unforeseen disasters.
Gu Changge, leading the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, slowly entered the grand palace, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, taking in everything.
The signing of the Prime-Origin Covenant had gathered almost all the top traditions and factions of the Prime-Origin Civilization. For him, this was the perfect opportunity to capture them all in one fell swoop.
In a way, he should thank Ling Yuling for saving him a lot of trouble.
"This is the content of the Prime-Origin Covenant, Young Master Gu. Please take a look."
Once inside the grand palace, Ling Yuling did not waste time.
As she spoke, her slender jade hand extended, and a golden light appeared, expanding in her palm before spreading out, instantly growing to an immense size, obscuring the sky.
This was a golden book, though it resembled a dense scripture more than a book.
It radiated brilliant golden light, its characters ancient and imbued with supreme rules and laws. Each character was more dazzling and massive than a star.
The golden book, made of an unknown material resembling Eternal Sacred Gold, glowed with an immortal aura. It emerged within this boundless palace, instantly connecting heaven and earth.
It floated in the depths of the cosmos, illuminating the dark void, its light piercing and making distant regions as bright as day, capable of illuminating the past, present, and future.
Each character that appeared was radiant and dazzling, suppressing the heavens and causing the Great Dao itself to tremble.
The vast cosmic regions were also bathed in its light, extending billions of miles in an instant, spanning the heavens and the netherworld, connecting the past and the future.
For ordinary cultivators and beings, this was an immortal miracle. Countless beings knelt in various regions of the cosmos, kowtowing and praying to the divine light that illuminated the heavens, their faces filled with reverence.
"The Covenant Golden Book…"
The ancient existences who had jointly crafted this golden book had subtle changes in their expressions, and many even smiled.
This Covenant Golden Book was the fruit of their labor, and they had paid a significant price for it. The materials consumed were beyond imagination.
However, seeing the divine success of the Covenant Golden Book, they felt somewhat comforted. Their efforts had not been in vain.
All the cultivators and beings in the Mountain of Myriad Wonders were equally awestruck by this sight…